PDP, APC at war over OBJ, Jonathan feud by Vanguard Media Limited

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62045

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

Blackout mars We are winning war against terror Christmas celebration 9 8 in parts of Lagos — Jonathan

PDP, APC at war over OBJ, Jonathan feud BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

•Jonathan desecreting office of president — APC •Christmas is not season for politics — PDP L

AGOS—THE All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP were, yesterday, engaged in a war of words over the propriety of President Goodluck Jonathan exchanging words with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the state of the nation. While the APC flayed Continues on page 5

Controversy trails death of APC chieftain's aide's wife 7 Mr & Mrs

CALABAR CARNIVAL—A member of the Seagull Band and another from the Passion 4 Band (below right) during the Children's Parade at the 2013 Calabar Carnival, yesterday, in Cross Rivers State. Photos: Nwankpa Chijioke. More pictures on Page 16.

BPP to spend N159m on travels in 2014 8&52

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 , 2013

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POCKET CARTOON

From right: President Goodluck Jonathan; First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Mother of the President, Mrs Eunice Jonathan and the president's children during Christmas Day special church service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja, yesterday.

PDP, APC at war over Obasanjo, Jonathan feud Continues from page 1 President Jonathan for supposedly diminishing the Presidency through what it claimed as his unrestrained attack on his one-time benefactor, called on the president to make peace with him.

The PDP accused the opposition party of being insensitive to the holiday mood of Nigerians. The PDP said it would not join the fray as it was devoted to making good sense of the purpose and essence of Christmas in giving to the poor and

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

The first step towards success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you find yourself – Mark Caine.

TAKE HEART BY ELLA RANDLE

Hold in mind the long-term vision, whilst operating completely in the present moment, and you can’t help but become a powerful force for good — Mary Jaksch.

PERSON needs to think in long time scales to be more effective. Yet the only power you have is in the present moment. We dilute our effectiveness as soon as we come out of the moment. Because we worry about the past, we project about the future. This is the paradox. You need to be perfectly poised in the moment, and pull back your awareness and energy from everything else. Then you need to use the long-term plans to direct and guide that energy and manifest your goals into your reality. In essence, if you want real success and a sense of accomplishment in your activities, then learn to hold in mind the big picture at the same time as the day-to-day tasks. If you want to lead and contribute on a larger scale, then have a vision for outcomes that last longer than the next few months. Stretch yourself to imagine what you’d like to be building over the next 10, 20 years. Keep this enormous time scale in mind and heart, whilst remaining in the present moment, and you can’t help but become a powerful influence for the good of the whole.

the less privileged people in society. Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak equally did not respond to the issue despite an SMS question sent to him. The APC in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed further expressed the party’s reservation that the president used the platform of the church on Christmas Day to hit at his critics including the former president.

APC flays Jonathan's reply to Obasanjo The APC noted that the decision of the president to go personal in his reaction to the letter from President Obasanjo crossed the threshold of decency and put the country in disrepute. It said: “In other climes, the President would have simply issued a terse response to such a letter denying the allegations that border on national security, if any; as well as saying the former President’s observations have been noted, and that the government would study them and then engage with the former President in private, while assuring that the ship of

state is on course. “Instead, the President’s response read like the stuff of gossip magazines, and the exchange of words felt like what one would have expected in a beer parlour. At the end of the day, the Presidency allowed Obasanjo to take the higher moral ground by simply insisting on the allegations he made in his letter and saying he would not respond to the presidency’s reply "The President, who accused Obasanjo of doing him a great injustice, has himself done a great injustice to the Presidency, which is an institution in which he is only a tenant. In the end, the President of Africa’s most populous nation, the leader of the foremost black nation on earth and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria simply desecrated his own presidency and allowed those who can only be likened to gravy train passengers, rascals and knaves to seize the initiative from him. “This is what happens when a President is surrounded by self-serving, sycophants, at the expense of seasoned technocrats and veteran policymakers, who would have reminded the President that while critics can afford to fire all sorts of darts at him, as the custodian of the presidency at this point in time, he cannot afford to respond in kind be-

cause, in doing so, he would be debasing the presidency as an institution," APC said. Noting that the president’s response may have shut the door of peace between both men, the APC said: “However, he quickly jettisoned such reluctance and, in an unfortunate debasement of the tone and quality of statecraft, went full blast, calling the former President a liar, a conflict instigator and an unreliable ally, among other inferred derogatory labels that may have now shut the window to reconciliation between him and his political God-father, in addition to portraying Nigerian leaders as delinquents. “To worsen matters, President Jonathan could not restrain himself from using even the revered and ecclesial platform provided by his appearance at a Church service on Christmas day to further lambast his critics and spew out hot words. This, surely, is not what is expected of a President, a leader and anyone who wants to be a nation builder. It is time to call a truce!” the APC advised.

PDP hits back Responding to the as-

sertion, the PDP through its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said it would not be dragged into what it claimed as the propaganda schemes of the APC as it was devoted to making good sense of the Christmas celebration. Asserting that it would get back to the APC after the holiday season, the PDP said: “On the 23rd of December the PDP National Working Committee declared that this Christmas period is a period to give back to the less privileged, orphans, the widows and to pray for peace and the unity of this country. “We stand by it and this is not a season for politics. PDP, APC and all the parties in Nigeria will remain after this Christmas season and there is a time for politicking, this is not the time. “We are ready, we will face them after this period. But for now, it is said 'give to Caesar what is Caesar’s'. We are giving to Christmas what Christmas deserves in this period. This period does not deserve bickering, name calling, antagonisms and propaganda. This is a season that demands peace and praying for the unity of the country.”

CAN declares fasting, prayers today BY SAM EYOBOKA

AGOS—UM BRELLA body of Christians in the country, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has declared today a day of fasting and prayers for the security of Nigeria as citizens prepare for the new year. Making the declaration yesterday, National President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor said the prayer had become necessary because it was

obvious certain forces were determined to truncate the destiny of the nation. The cleric explained that in the life of the nation, there are evil forces raging and threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria. He urged Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or ethnic differences to fast and pray for God to destroy all those who are bent on truncating the destiny of Nigeria.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

Pastor arraigned for N20m fraud

SABA — THE Delta State Police Command said it has arr a i g n e d o n e Vi c t o r Osakwe, a pastor, at the Asaba Magistrate Court for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting victims of over N20 million. Charles Muka, DSP, the command’s acting Public Relations Officer, PPRO, disclosed t h i s , We d n e s d a y, i n Asaba, the state capital. He said the pastor duped more than 20 people of both money and property. The PPRO also alleged that Osakwe was a fake pastor at the Holly Hill Zion Prophetic and Solution Ministr y, Akwu Ofu, Asaba. According to him, “Osakwe has been arraigned on a 20-count charge for frequently defrauding over 20 persons of a total of N20 million. “The Pastor ’s mode of operation is to raise false alarm on death and imminent calamity on his unsuspecting victims to make them part with their cars and monies.” He had been remanded in the prison custody and listed items recovered from him to include two SUVs, two saloon cars, among other items.

Inmates jubilating after a Christmas Day church service at the Onitsha Prisons Chapel. Photo: NAN.

Deposed Deji of Akure seeks comeback zSays: ‘I have learnt my lessons’ zDenies pouring ashes on his late wife BY DAYO JOHNSON

KURE — THREE years af ter his deposition and banishment, former Deji of Akure, Prince Oluwadare Adesina, yesterday, appealed to the Ondo State government to vacate the order. His appeal is coming following the demise of the immediate past Deji, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, who joined his ancestors on December 1 this year. Adesida reigned three years and three months. In an emotional letter, he declared: "I tasted the good side of life. I now taste the bad side of life. I had fame. I later had shame. I knew glory. I later knew fury. I knew and tasted honour. I have also been brought down to

4 suspected inter-state kidnappers killed in Delta BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA — FOUR suspected kidnappers operating in Lagos, Ondo, Edo and Delta State have met their waterloo in Delta State during a crossfire between police and members of the gang. Acting Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Charles Muka, in a statement in Asaba said the kidnappers were recruited by two natives of Oghara community to kidnap a prominent son of the community. He gave their names as Ebi Ngboroko, John Lahuru, Emmanuel Omorege and Rufus Tamaraini. He said: “Sequel to the information, detectives were mobilised to the scene and arrested four inter-state kidnappers who operated in Lagos, Ondo, Edo and

Delta states. “The suspects were later transferred to special anti-kidnapping squad, Asaba for further investigation where they confessed and volunteered to lead operatives to their criminal camp at Ologbo in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State for more arrest. “However, the operatives ran into an ambush near the camp laid by the suspects’ cohorts and in the ensuing gun battle, the suspects sustained gun wounds and were rushed to the hospital for treatment where they were confirmed dead." He said two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines, one Rover with registration NE 157 KJA, eight GSM handsets and charms were recovered.

gation that he beat his wife and pour acid on her was not true, saying he was reported to have gone to the scene with hot ashes in a nylon bag, a development he said was impossible. He said: “I also read it in the papers that I poured hot ashes which I brought in nylon bag on her. Sir, is it not strange that hot ashes was brought in a nylon bag? Why did the nylon not melt? “Besides, is it not elementary traditional science that if you pour ashes, it will undoubtedly be blown towards you (the Deposed Deji of Akure, Prince pourer). “That is why it is said in Yoruba Oluwadare Adesina land that: Eni deeru ni eeru n to. Why was I not affected by the earth. I fell from grace to grass. I ashes myself since I was the one have cried many times." that allegedly poured it? Why Prince Adesina said he had was any other person not affected learnt his lessons and was more since, by the media accounts, the prepared to return to the throne environment was rowdy and full of his fore fathers since it was the of people?” turn of his ruling house to present the next Deji. Denies collecting The letter by his counsel, Mr royalty on land Sola Oke, dated December 19 The Prince also debunked the was addressed to the State Exallegation that he was collecting ecutive Council. royalty on land in the town, exIn it, the deposed Deji said plaining that the only person many of the allegations levelled caught using his name to colagainst him that led to his depolect royalty was reported to the sition were as a result of bad compolice at the ‘A’ Division of the munication and poor information command and the police remanagement. fused to prosecute him. According to him, “many of the According to him, the allegathings he was said to have done tion that he picked quarrels with never happened." the council of chiefs and the He, therefore, urged Governor king-makers was also untrue as Olusegun Mimiko and other there was no step he took withmembers of the state executive out their contributions, includcouncil to kindly rescind the deing the removal of the former cision on his deposition and banLisa of the town, High Chief ishment. Folorunso Davis. “Consequent upon the above, I did not pour ashes on I do honestly plead with your my wife good self and the other memPrince Adesina said the allebers of your executive council to

kindly rescind your decision on my deposition and banishment and reinstate me to my position as Deji of Akure.”

On disagreement between chiefs

On the disagreement between the chiefs and the Palace, Adesina said: “To begin with, I never had any disagreement with either the Akure Council of Chiefs as a whole or the King-makers. The seeming disagreement I had with the chiefs was on the payment of ‘Igbanujo’. “Your Excellency, Igbanujo is the money I was obliged to give the chiefs as a whole for their entertainment upon my emergence as an Oba-elect. “Sir, due to obvious financial constraints, as a result of the various expenses I incurred at the time of contesting the throne and thereafter, I could not immediately raise N5 million meant for the Igbanujo. However, I later paid the money after I ascended the throne.” According to him, “since I was removed by the executive council and not by any court of law, it was possible for the same executive council to reinstate me and I am ready to withdraw the suit instituted to challenge my deposition. “I do not claim to be a lawyer. I do not also claim that I was a saint. I am human. What I, however, assure you, Sir, is that I am a new and improved person. “I have told myself that even though most of the things I did were good, well-intended and with the support of my chiefs. “I have also known that whatever happened to me, I do not put the blame on anyone. I do accept that there are always better ways to do even the good things I did.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013—7

Controversy trails death of APC chieftain aide’s wife in Lagos zShe committed suicide —Widower’s family zNo, we suspect foul play —Deceased’s family BY EVELYN USMAN

AGOS — CONTROVERSY is currently trailing the death of wife of the Personal Assistant to a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Sanni Ajibola Yusuf. The woman's lifeless body was found, Monday, in her apartment in Ikorodu area of Lagos. This arose from indications that the mother of two, Mrs Ibironke Sanni, may have been strangled to death, against claims that she committed suicide. But Policemen at Igbogbo division in Ikorodu were, yesterday, yet to ascertain the exact cause of the death of the 31-year-old woman. The deceased’s father, according to information at Vanguard’s disposal, received a call at about 7.30 am , Monday, that his daughter had died, after allegedly taking a drink of Sniper, a brand of insecticide. But a member of the deceased's family who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity said the claim was untrue. According to the family member, “This is because we feel there is more to her death than what we were told. 'We were informed that our daughter was rushed to the Ikorodu General Hospital where she was certified dead on Monday. "Her in-laws were advised by doctors at the hospital to go and report the incident at the nearest police station. Rather than heed the advice, they took the body back home, locked the door and left. “We visited our late daughter’s home at Beach Close, Ita Elewa in Ikorodu, where we met the father-in-law, our daughter’s husband, Sanni Ajibola Yusuf and other members of his family. We asked what steps they had taken only to be informed that they had contacted the Area Commander on phone. "Our family pointed out that the issue at hand was more than mere calling the police on phone. That was when the fatherin-law and some members of our family went to Igbogbo division to report the incident.

Deceased’s family raises suspicion

At the police station, father-inlaw to the deceased, Alhaji M.K Sanni, who is chairman, Neighborhood Watch, was said to have requested the Police to issue a report that would enable them bury her daughter-in-law. But the deceased’s family was said to have kicked against it, noting: “We insisted that an au-

topsy be carried out on her to ascertain the cause of her death before she could be buried. "These are our reasons: first, we found out that there were finger marks around the late Ibironke’s neck and suspected she could have been strangled to death. "Secondly, the Sniper insecticide container her husband’s people said she took was found inside the trash bin in the kitchen while her body was found in the bed room. If indeed she took it, she would have left it close to where her body was found. There was also no drop of it around where her body was found. "Thirdly, we were made to understand that the late Ibironke sent her husband a text message. But

neither of her two phones were found when the police conducted a search round the house. "Even when we suggested that the case be properly investigated by the Police, her in-laws kicked against it, threatening that we would regret our action, since we decided to bring such a disgraceful action to the public knowledge." Policemen from Igbogbo division were reportedly drafted to Abike Jokogbola Sholebo estate in Oga, Ikorodu, Tuesday, from where the corpse was removed and deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue. Police sources hinted that the deceased’s telephones were later brought by her father-in-law. Although Police sources could not

BY SUZAN EDEH

state categorically whether it was a case of suicide or assassination but assured that it would be ascertained at the end of investigation. “We have taken some extracts which will help us in our investigation,” Police sources hinted, adding, however, that they were awaiting response from the deceased’s family as to whether or not to carry on with the investigation. Meanwhile, Vanguard reliably gathered that before her death, the late Ibironke who hailed from Agbowa Ikosi Local Council Development Area, LCDA, of Lagos, informed her family that her husband had put another woman in a family way who recently put to bed in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

People entertaining themselves during Christmas at Ketti in Abuja, Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN.

Kidnappers kill victim after collecting N1.5m ransom BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

ENIN — A 43-year-old nurse, Bridget Osawaru, abducted on December 10, 2013, was said to have been allegedly killed by her abductors after collecting N1.5 million ransom from her relatives. Vanguard gathered that she was abducted at her residence along Sapele Road in Benin City and was kept in captivity until she was found dead. Her abductors were alleged to have collected N1.5 million ransom three days after her kidnapping but refused to release her. Late Bridget’s body was found near Okhuahe hill in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.

Police sources said injuries were found on her body which indicated that she might have been stabbed. The sources said that the homicide section at the state Police

Command was investigating to ascertain if she was a victim of assassination or not. Police spokesman, DSP Moses Eguaveon could not be reached for comments.

Fires guts 6 houses in Jos on Christmas day

OS — A Christmas day fire outbreak has destroyed six houses at the Nigeria Police Force, ‘A’ Division Barracks, Jos. The fire started at about 9.00 p.m. from the top floor of the twostorey building. “Only two of the eight flats on the block survived the inferno after neighbours and men of the

Police recover 3,174 ammunition in Bauchi

Nigeria Fire Service put out the fire,” one of the victims, a lady who declined to give her name, said. Mr Dominic Esin, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Plateau Police Command, who confirmed the incident, said the cause of the fire had not been determined.

AUCHI — THE Bauchi Police Command said it recovered a total of 3,174 live ammunition from January to December this year. Mr. Mohammed Ladan, the state Commissioner for Police, while briefing newsmen on the achievement recorded by the command said the police raided all identified black spots and flash points as part of the command’s effort to effectively reduce the rate of crime in the state. He listed some of the arms recovered to include 23 AK-47 rifles, 36 fabricated guns, 13 locally made pistols, one fabricated rocket launcher, one K2 rifle, one revolver pistol, one SMG rifle, two unserviceable pistols, 21 brand new single barrel guns and one Barreta pistol. The recovered ammunition are 128 rounds of live long ammunition of 7.62mm, 2,258 live ammunition of 7.62mm of AK 47 rifle, 214 Lar ammunition, 59 live ammunition of K2 rifle of 5.59mm, 16 rounds of live ammunition for revolver pistol, one 9 mm live ammunition, 293 live cartridges and four live cartridges of fabricated rocket launchers. According to him, “the command also recovered Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, five undetonated IEDs and five tins of unexploded IEDs.“ Ladan further disclosed that 18 vehicles which include Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Nissan, 505 Station Wagon, Toyota Starlet, Toyota High Lander SUV, Opel Vectra, J5 Bus, Toyota Prado SUV and unregistered Golf 3 saloon car. The police boss said the command, the year under review, within the state smashed a syndicate of cattle rustlers and recovered 204 cattle, 50 sheep and 31 goats and that five suspects were arrested and charged to court. He said: “In a related development, the command arrested over 200 suspects comprising demonic Sara Suka cattle rustlers, robbers and the suspects have volunteered very useful information to the Police regarding their notorious activities

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

Justice Kawu dies at 85, buried in Ilorin BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI & ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

LORIN — THE body of late retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Sa’idu Kawu, 85, was buried yesterday in Ilorin according to Islamic injunctions. Kawu passed, Wednesday evening, in Ilorin. He was buried at his residence, Ikokoro compound off Niger Road, Ilorin at 10.45 a.m. The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammed Basiru, who led the jana’iza (funeral) prayer. Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, and members from the bar and bench, were among thousands of dignitaries who witnessed the burial. The eldest son of the deceased, Justice Suleiman Kawu described his father as an incorruptible, firm, thorough and meticulous judge who was God fearing during his life time. The late jurist was appointed the Chief Judge of Kwara State in 1975 and later became a Supreme Court Judge in 1984. The Ilorin-born judge headed the National Constitutional Conference Commission, NCCC, and other high-profile commissions. Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State described Kawu as a painful loss to the state and the country. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, the governor said:”The death of Justice Kawu marked the close of a chapter in the annals of the country’s judiciary. “As a Chief Judge in Kwara State and at the Supreme Court, he left indelible marks in the sand of time.”

CHRISTMAS: President Goodluck Jonathan (4th right); First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan (3rd right); Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh (middle) and others at the Christmas day special church service at The Cathedral Church of the Advent Life Camp, Gwarinpa Abuja, Wednesday.

BPP to spend N159m on travels BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

BUJA— MORE allocations for frivolous items of expenditure have continued to emerge from the details of the 2014 budget awaiting the approval of the National Assembly. The budget document, which was examined by Vanguard, revealed that most of the items appropriated by the government would not have any direct or indirect benefit for the citizenry. The budget, if passed as it is, would free N159 million for the officials of the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, to travel within and outside the country and also make available N38 million for fuelling the cars in its fleet. Similarly, the budget makes a generous provision of N78 million for the Ministry of Police Affairs to monitor and evaluate the 2014 capital projects and the defence of the budget before lawmakers. The budget details also showed that the same ministry plans to spend N30.7 million for fuelling its vehicles, while N4.3 million has been earmarked for meals and refreshments. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, will get N283.6 million to be able to hire lawyers for its anti-graft cases nationwide. The document showed that EFCC might not be able to complete its ambitious highrise building in Abuja, which has virtually been abandoned due to paucity of funds. Hope of getting a large envelope for the project waned last night, as it was discovered that N1.4 billion

z Police Affairs Ministry gets N109m for budget monitoring z EFCC gets N284m for legal fees; BPE, N28m was earmarked for the commission’s capital projects nationwide. The headquarters project still requires a large chunk of resources to complete and furnish to enable the agency to move its offices scattered all over the FCT to one location for proper coordination and control. That notwithstanding, the commission still got a

generous vote of N27 million for meals and honorarium for the year. The Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE, was allocated N28 million for sitting allowances, meals and refreshments. The National Assembly is expected to begin the budget consideration on January 14, 2014, when they resumed from Christmas break.

This passage of the current budget did not come easy due to irreconcilable differences between the lawmakers and the Presidency over oil benchmark and the controversial constituency projects management. At the end, the management of constituency projects has been taken away from the lawmakers and given to the Ministry of Special Duties.

We're winning war against terrorism — PRESIDENCY BY BEN AGANDE

BUJA— PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan said, yesterday, that the war against terror can be won and that the government was winning the war. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, in a statement to debunk media reports on the President’s speech at a church service on the fight against terror said “the Federal Government, the Armed Forces and national security agencies will continue to build on the successes they have achieved so far against terrorists, insurgents and their sponsors.” Abati said reports in the media suggesting that the President had given up on the fight against terror was a misrepresentation of what the President said at the church service. He said: “Reports in a section

of the media today (yesterday), which quoted President Goodluck Jonathan as saying at a Christmas church service on Wednesday in Abuja that terrorism has come to stay in Nigeria are completely untrue and a mischievous misrepresentation of the President’s remarks. “President Jonathan’s verifiable remarks at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp Abuja were to the effect that in comparison with some other countries, which have experienced the scourge of terrorism, Nigeria had made remarkable progress in dealing with the security challenges posed by terrorism and insurgency. “Headlines such as Terrorism Has Come to Stay and Insurgency Far From Over – Jonathan are, therefore, most incongruous with the thrust of the President’s remarks and amount to taking extreme

editorial liberties with his comments at the church service. “While speaking at the Church where he worshipped, with members of his family, his aides and some ministers, President Jonathan only pointed out that whereas terrorism remains a global challenge and a source of continuing concern in some countries, Nigeria had done comparatively better in reducing the incidence of terrorist attacks within its borders to a 'reasonable level'. “Interpreting those remarks, which are clearly in tandem with facts available to all objective observers of Nigeria’s war against terrorism as an expression of defeat or helplessness, amounts to reckless scaremongering which can only serve the purpose of needlessly instigating fear among the populace and bolstering the confidence of criminals and unpatriotic elements.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013—9

Blackout mars Christmas celebration in Lagos BY SEBASTINE OBASI & MICHAEL EBOH, with agency report

ANY residents of Lagos State, especially in the Mainland, had their Christmas celebration without electricity. Vanguard gathered that most of the areas affected were Ojota, Ketu, Mile 12, Palmgrove, Onipanu, Maryland, Bariga, Oshodi/ Isolo, Mushin and Iyana Oworo, where residents said they have been having blackout since December 25. Some of the residents expressed their displeasure at the new distribution companies' inability to supply regular power supply to the metropolis

and its environs. Mr. Adeyinka Ayo, who resides at Mushin, said the privatisation of the power sector had not been beneficial to the citizens in spite of government’s efforts to make things work. He said: “We have not seen in this manner before. There was light on December 24, although it was on and off till 7a.m. on Christmas day. “Since then, up till this morning (yesterday), we have not seen light in any part of this area.”

Ketu, Island

Similarly, Mr. Sunday Olarewaju, a resident of Ketu, said that the

management of Ikeja DISCO had not given any explanation for the blackout. According to him, “we do not know if electricity workers are on strike or not. In our usual way, we have checked the transformers and moved around but there is no sign that a major fault was responsible for the blackout.” Olarewaju said the residents' representatives were planning to go to the nearest DISCO office to demand an explanation for the blackout. Mr. Adeloju Shokoya, a resident of Lagos Island, expressed regret that he and his family had a “harrowing experience celebrating Christmas without electricity.

“If there is light, you will not meet most of us outside. We would have been somewhere else watching films or football matches. “I have been on generator since Christmas day with the hope that the Eko Distribution Company would soon restore electricity supply. Up till this morning (yesterday), we have not seen even the normal flashing they give us at times.” Another Lagos Island resident, Mr. Adetola Williams, however, said that the people would continue to enjoy themselves, whether there was light or not. He said: “PHCN or no PHCN; man must enjoy himself. Yesterday (Wednesday), we were outside drinking and we used generators to power our musical sets to enjoy ourselves. “From the look of things, we may do the same again today (yesterday) because l don't understand this PHCN palaver anymore. “You know they do what they like, but they cannot spoil our enjoyment and merriment in this Christmas period.”

Surulere

SERVICE: From left — Revd. Stephen Adesoye, Justice Babasola Ogunade, Chancellor Diocese Lagos West, Rt. Revd. James Odedeji, and Chief Bambo Adesanya, Registrar, Diocese of Lagos West, during the Christmas service at Archbioshop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

In some parts of Surulere, specifically around Sanya and Aguda areas, the blackout attained a worrisome dimension as residents complained that Eko DISCO had adopted a frustrating tactic. According to the residents, the distribution company brings the light and switch it off almost immediately, saying

Nyako blasts Gulak, Okupe; says defection is final BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

OVERNOR Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State said, yesterday, that his defection to All Progressives Congress, APC, was final and that there was nothing the Presidency could do to truncate it. The governor, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Ahmad Sajoh, accused two aides of President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak and Doyin Okupe of making inflammatory statements against him and warned them to steer clear the affairs of his state. The two aides of the President were said to have warned the governor of the consequences of defecting to APC and threatened to use the courts to ensure that Nyako was dealt with. But Nyako said both men displayed a high level of ignorance about the political situation in his state and that it

tended to cast aspersion on the highest office in the land because of their unbridled tongues. Nyako said: “The good thing about Gulak’s statement is that he displayed so much ignorance about Adamawa State in the paucity of his knowledge. When you have an ignorant opponent, you are as good as having no opponent at all. “How could a person like Gulak, who was mentioning ethnic groups in Adamawa State, claim that Gella my home town and Pakka Wilberforce, Juta’s home town are also ethnic groups in Adamawa State? “How could such an illinformed person pose any threat politically? He does not even know the terrain or the people he is talking of. “The comfort of his political exile in Abuja and the spoils of his office made it difficult for him to appreciate the ethnic

composition of his home state. How then does he intend to mobilise them for Jonathan’s 2015 project? Well, we wait to see. “It is only by the misfortune of a captive Presidency that a man who lost dismally in an election in the FCT, and scored only two votes in the nomination process in his home state will emerge the nation’s adviser on politics. “What politics does he know if he cannot advise himself to make any political impact? “Gulak cannot win even his unit in Gulak, Madagali Local Government Area. Yet he is the one planning how a President will emerge in 2015. “And if he does not know the ethnic configuration of Adamawa his home state, how will he work out the political configuration of Nigeria as a nation?” On Okupe, Nyako said it was unfortunate for Jonathan to engage him as one of his media advisers, since he is not in touch

with the current realities in Adamawa and Nigeria. The governor said: “Okupe is as empty as his boastful words, totally devoid of any substance or values. It is unfortunate that people like Doyin Okupe could be brought to Abuja from Lagos, where they have lost all relevance, for the sole purpose of insulting others who are seen as enemies of a Presidency that has been blinded from the realities on the political landscape. “One could easily see the negative impact of the likes of Gulak and Okupe at the corridors of power in Nigeria. In the past they were playing the role of court jesters, who were amusing the President. “Today, they are playing a more negative and dangerous role of ‘hate mongers’, raining insults on real or imagined enemies, and masking all truth and reality from the President, turning the Presidency into an instrument of tyranny.”

this goes on consistently throughout the whole day. A resident of Airways Street, Ijeshatedo, Surulere, who gave his name as Mr. Wale Abiodun, said: “For example, the DISCO will restore power and take it back three minutes later. “The annoying thing here is that this goes on almost every 30 minutes. When they bring the light, before you finish switching on your electrical appliances, they will plunge one back into darkness. “This has been going on since the Federal Government announced that they have handed over PHCN to new investors. Another resident, who corroborated the epileptic power situation, said residents of the area are planning to adopt drastic measures to check the excesses of the new owners. According to the resident who refused to give out his name, “since the new owner has chosen to resort to wickedness, we have agreed to deal with their officials who bring those outrageous bills to our doorstep. “Most of our home appliances have been damaged by the erratic power situation. They literally play with the light, switching it on and off at will.

Eko DISCO

However, an official of the Eko DISCO, Orile sub-station, who spoke to Vanguard under condition of anonymity, blamed the erratic power situation on the new investors. He said the new investors lack the experience to manage the power situation confronting the country. The official blamed the blackout on the investors’ decision to install a relay on the supply grid, allegedly to forestall a system collapse. He said: “We have told them to come and remove the relay so that power will stabilise and it will not ruin the machineries of businesses within our area of coverage. “The relay cut off power supply to residents whenever there is a surge in power consumption. “The problem with the investors is that they fail to understand that what obtains in other part of the world may not work in Nigeria. They should consider the peculiar situation of Nigeria.” At some DISCO offices in Ketu, Lagos Island and Fadeyi, only security men were on duty. However, it was gathered from the security men that the workers were not on strike, but they were not certain if a major fault had been responsible for the blackout.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

NPA lays meteorological buoys for improved data BY GODWIN ORITSE

HE NIGERIAN Ports Authority, NPA, has laid meteorological buoys for improved data gathering on the marine environment. Mr. Olumide Omotoso, Assistant General Manager, Hydrography and Dredging department in NPA, disclosed this in Lagos. A meteorological buoy is a facility that captures weather information and ocean characteristics including the readings of the depth, the wind, the wave and the current to aid navigation. Omotoso, who is also the Vice- Chair man, International Hydro Organisation Capacity Building Sub-Committee, said that installation of the weather buoy was important to capture accurate data for better predictions. He said that achieving a good depth for the purpose of vessel safety was not enough because other elements of weather played vital roles in ensuring complete safety.

Boxing Day: Archbishop fellowships with prisoners BY OLAYINKA LATONA

HE ARCH-BISHOP of Metropolitan See of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Martins, yesterday, spent Boxing Day with the inmates and guards at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Lagos to share with them the message of love, peace and joy that comes with the yuletide. The Archbishop who held a mass service with inmates at the St. Stephen Catholic Church Kirikiri Maximum Prison, explained the essence of Christ's birth, which, he said, was to free mankind from the bondage of sin and to grant eternal salvation to all that believe in Him. In his message to the inmates, the cleric advised them to put their total trust in God and be law-abiding while serving their various jail terms. He added that the inmates should BE determined to live a new life, saying their attitude to life should be positive, reminding them that God did not abandon them in their various situations.

Children having fun at Bar Beach in Lagos on the Boxing Day. Photo:Akeem Salau

Ikuforiji lauds Police over rescue of ex-Anglican primate BY EBUN SESSOU

AGOS — THE Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji has commended the officers of

the Nigerian Police force, Ogun State Command for the prompt rescue of the former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Dr. Peter Akinola who was kidnapped on the Abeokuta-Lagos

expressway, on Tuesday. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, Ikuforiji said: “The news of the kidnap of the erstwhile Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican (Anglican

SMS, emails,phone calls replace greeting cards L AGOS — THE popular Christmas greeting cards have been replaced with Short Message Service, SMS, and telephone calls by most residents of Lagos, according to reports. According to the reports, some places known for the sale of greeting cards in Lagos, including Ojuelegba, CMC, Ojota, Boundary, Lawanson, Ikorodu Round-about, among others, were either displaying few cards or none. Mr. Festus Okechukwu, a greeting card seller at Ojuelegba, said the business was no longer lucrative. “At Ojuelegba here, we are not up to four persons selling cards at this open place, unlike before. Many people are no longer buying cards again. Between December 1 and now, I have not sold up to N10,000 worth of cards. “When the business was moving, there were cards I sold for between N800 and N1,500 each. Today, I can't ask anybody to pay so much for a card, so that I will not scare them away. I have to sell few cards because there is little patronage," Okechukwu said. Another seller at Ojuelegba, who simply identified himself as Fred, said that the regular seizure of their goods by officials of Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, also discouraged many sellers from going into the business.

“The selling of greeting cards is a seasonal business. In the past, many students made quick money through the selling of cards, but that has changed due to declining patronage,"Fred said. A correspondent of NAN, who visited Ikorodu, Ojota, CMC and Lawanson, reports that no seller of greeting cards was seen in the open areas, unlike it used to be at Christmas. Few people who wanted greeting cards had to go to supermarkets to get the cards of their choices. Some Lagosians, however, said that greeting cards was no longer in vogue since the introduction

of the GSM to Nigeria. Mr. Ebuka Ogboanugo, a university student, said that he stopped sending cards to people in 2010, stressing that he now sends text messages to family and friends. “Before now, I didn't like sending text messages to people, but now I do. I don't have to waste my money on cards," he said. For Ms Opeyemi Adepoju, a lab-scientist, she usually didn't send cards, but did receive from people in the past. Adepoju said, however, that she had not been receiving cards for about two years running, but had been getting a lot of SMS.

Communion) was received with shock and sadness. “For a man of God to have been kidnapped in broad daylight on the eve of Christmas was very sad indeed. It was even more worrisome, that the kidnap itself was said to have been carried out by heavily armed youths.” According to him: “It was, however, a great relief when the news of Dr. Akinola ‘s successful rescue by men of the Ogun State Police command was a most welcome development. “With the successful rescue of the former Primate of the Anglican Church, this yuletide season, we all cannot thank God enough for making it possible.” "We must, however, not lose sight of the fact that it has become very necessary for us as a nation to strengthen our security system now, more than ever before. "While we must properly equip the federal police, the time has now come to also approve the take- off of state police. That is the way to go now with the worsening state of security in several parts of the country,” Ikuforiji said.

Bridge Street re-named Oba Eshinlokun Street BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

AGOS — LAGOS State government has renamed old Bridge Street, in Lagos Island Local Government, as Oba Eshinlokun Street, two centuries after the reign of Oba Eshinlokun of Lagos who called the shots for 39 years between 1780 and 1819. Unveiling the new street, at an event marking the 13th Eshinlokun Day, held to commemorate the reign of the late king and to offer prayers for the repose of his soul, the Chairman

of the Lagos Island Local Government, Mr. Wasiu Eshinlokun noted that the home of the late Oba was demolished to give way for the construction of the Carter Bridge. The new street extends from the Idumota-Ita Onikoyi end of the Old Bridge Street, Idunmota to the Dosunmu end of it. Eshinlokun, justifying the delay in immortalising the Oba said: "During his reign, the act of immortalising kings through naming of streets or public facilities was not in vogue. It was a century after his reign that such started.

"Though it is late, it is not too late. Even if a street is not named after him, that cannot obliterate the history of this state." Also speaking, the Olori Ebi of Eshinlokun royal family, Mr. Ibrahim Balogun said that the family has been clamouring for the immortalisation of the late king. According to him: "Today, history has been made. What we have been expecting for years has been achieved today. This is where the late Oba comes from and we will in future seek the naming of other public infrastructure after him."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013—11

I'll beat Fayemi in any election, boasts Opeyemi BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

DO EKITI — A member of the House of Representatives and Labour Party, LP, governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele has boasted that he has strong political structure and goodwill in the state to defeat the incumbent governor, Kayode Fayemi in any election Opeyemi declared that the image and popularity of his new party was increasing on daily basis despite its newness in the state. The lawmaker, who recently decamped from All Progressives Congress, APC, to LP to pursue his governorship ambition, also told his political detractors to refrain from harassment, saying no amount of threats or killings would make him back down on his governorship ambition. Bamidele, who is representing Ado/Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, made the statement in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, during tahe grand finale of his tour of the 16 local government areas. The lawmaker stated that the tentacles of LP have spread across the length and breadth of the state, advising those referring to the party as under-dog to have a rethink. Donating 200 wheel-chairs to the physically challenged across the council areas, Bamidele pledged that certain percentage of employment would be ceded to the group for them to actualise

their potentials if he is given the mandate to govern the state. He said: "This is a mission we must actualise. A race I must pursue to the end to put an end to the era of inconsistent policies and programmes in Ekiti. Ekiti needs serious interventions at this critical time and God has given

us the scientific understanding of what the people's needs are and how to solve them. "LP is a broad-based coalition of determined people who are ready to bring the needed change to Ekiti. This is not a matter of political parties, but efforts to rescue Ekiti from doldrums."

Bamidele advised the APC and other interested parties in the impending governorship election to embrace issue-based campaign and disengage from any habit that could bring disrepute to the highly scholastic and respectable people of the state.

PROGRAMME: Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (left), and Special Assistant on Women Affairs, Alhaja Toyosi Anifowoshe, arriving the venue of N20 million Empowerment programme for members of Mission to Rebuild Ogun State, MITROS, across the 20 local governments of the state, at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, in Abeokuta, yesterday.

No automatic ticket for Amosun, others — Kaka BY DAUD OLATUNJI

BEOKUTA — A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and a serving Senator at the National Assembly, Gbenga Kaka, has said that there

will not be automatic ticket for the incumbent governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun or any other aspirant seeking elective office on the platform of the party in 2015. Kaka, a former deputy governor, however, described those who

propagate the second term ambition for the governor and other politicians as enemy of progress and development, saying the focus should rather be on how to make the party firm. Addressing members of the

Ogun residents divided over essence of Dec 26

BEOKUTA — SOME res idents of Ogun, yesterday, in Abeokuta, expressed divergent views on the essence of December 26 as a public holiday, according to News Agency of Nigeria. In separate interviews, some expressed the belief that December 26, known as the Boxing Day, was just a public holiday to sleep off the "hang-over" from the Christmas enjoyment. But others saw Boxing Day as a day to stay around their families and also re-unite with friends and families. Some also said the true essence of December 26 was that it "is a day to share gifts and show love to people around."

In one of the interviews, Mr. Wale Titus, a businessman, said the meaning of Boxing Day was not known to him, adding that it was just a public holiday to him. “I really do not know the significance of December 26. All I know is that the day helps to give me time to visit the friends I have not seen for a long period of time. “The day for me is just to party with friends and enjoy myself,” he said. Also speaking on the significance of the day, Mrs. Tinuke Reynolds, a housewife, said it was a day to attend church programmes. “My church organises a programme called ‘Let’s go a-Fishing which begins from December 24

and ends on December 26. “This is what I do year in year out. So, I don’t have time for any other activity, apart from this,” Reynolds said. She, however, enjoined all citizens to pray for a better Nigeria in the forthcoming year. However, Mr. Dapo Amosan, a pastor, said Boxing Day was a day to share gifts amongfamily and, most especially, the less privileged. “The Holy Bible says we should love our neighbours as ourselves and also help the needy,” he said. Amosan, however, advised Nigerians to adopt the attitude of sharing and helping the less privileged for a better nation.

party in Isara-Remo during the grand finale of his tour of the local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial district, which he represents, yesterday, he maintained that the leaders of the party were yet to stabilise the party. "It is disheartening to hear some people jostling for second term, when we are yet to properly establish the party. We are yet to complete the foundation, people have started picking their rooms. The idea is crazy as it indicates a high level of misplaced priority," Kaka said. He stressed that all the candidates, including the governor, senators, others, would have to queue and seek the mandate of the electorate before they can have their second term ticket. He maintained that all members of the party "have legitimate right to aspire to any position in the coming elections," adding that the party was yet to have substantive chairmen in the state and the country. He warned those parading themselves as the chairmen of the party to desist forthwith, saying that the harmonisation committee of the party is yet to be inaugurated.

Neither me nor my father 'll leave PDP — AKINJIDE BY OLA AJAYI

BADAN — OLOYE Jumoke Akinjide, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory has denied claims that she was planning to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Oloye Akinjide, who also spoke on behalf of her father, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), said none of them was contemplating leaving the party as being rumoured. The rumour that Oloye Akinjide was dumping her party for the All Progressives Congress, APC, was strong in Oyo State. But, the minister in a statement, dismissed it as the handiwork of her political rivals. She said in the letter, that “I will never leave the PDP. The Akinjide family dynasty is loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda and the success of the party in the 2015 elections. “My father is a founding member of the PDP and I am the arrow head of the PDP in Oyo state as the minister in an opposition state.”

US coast guard visits Nigeria again BY GODWIN ORITSE

FFICIALS OF the United Sates Coast Guard again visited Nigeria to monitor the implementation of the International Ships and Ports Facility Security, ISPS, code. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Maritime Matters, Mr. Leke Oyewole told Vanguard that the visit of the United States coast guard officials is a followup to the two previous visits. The officials, according to Oyewole, are to visit some facilities in the Eastern port particularly in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. Vanguard also gathered that the coast guard team will also review the checklist and processes of implementing the guidelines of the code with a view to correcting any anormaly should any one arises.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

Delta settles 1,325 marital disputes

SABA—A TOTAL of 1,325 marital disputes were settled by Delta State Ministry for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development between January and October, 2013, an official, has said. Commissioner in charge of the ministry, Chief Betty Efekodha, told News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Asaba that the cases were out of the 1,342 it received during the period. She said apart from resolving the disputes, the ministry

had also rendered guidance and counselling services to 62 other families. Efekodha also said the state government had established 50 ‘family courts’ across the state to serve as alternative dispute resolution centres. She said one of the courts, located in Sapele Local Government Area, had been fully equipped to entertain cases under the Child Rights Law. The commissioner disclosed that the government was making plans to equip the remaining 49 family courts.

SWEARING-IN: From right: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, during the swearing-in of 25 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in Delta State Civil Service, by the governor, in Asaba.

Rivers factional Speaker denies plot to impeach Amaechi BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

ORT HARCOURT—FACTIONAL Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, RVHA, Evans Bipi, has denied reports of plot by him to impeach the state governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi. Echoes of the planned impeachment became louder this week, following media reports that the visit of the First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, to the state, was to intensify the impeachment process. In a reaction in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Bipi said he had no reason to instigate impeachment procedingss against the governor.

He said: “What has the governor done that would prompt me to plan his impeachment? The only thing I want is for the governor to recognise me as the duly elected Speaker of the House. ”If he recognises that, I will also recognise him as my governor and both of us can continue to work together to move the state to enviable heights.” He explain that Dame Jonathan had the right to visit her home state, adding that “it is a disservice to the First Lady for anybody to associate her with impeachment of the governor when in reality there is nothing like that.” Bipi, who leads the anti-Amaechi minority in the House, further said he was yet to be served any invitation by Police Com-

mand in Rivers State to sign any undertaking to be of good conduct as the ProAmaechi lawmakers had done. He contended that it was important for the House Speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree’s camp to sign the peace agreement because “they are the real trouble makers. “Whenever they serve me, I will go with my group and sign the papers for them. I have

2013: JTF killed 82 sea pirates, nabbed 1,857 crude oil thieves in N-Delta —COMMANDER ...lost six personnel BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

ENAGOA—THE Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, codenamed Operation Pulo Shield, said yesterday it killed 82 sea pirates and robbers, lost three of its operatives in active service in 2013 to sea pirates, while three others got drowned. The task force also said its operatives killed 23 kidnappers and conducted 1,025 anti-illegal oil bunkering patrols leading to the destruction of 1,951 illegal refinery camps in the region and arrest of 1,857 crude oil thieves. Also, over 1,117 Contonu boats, 82 tanker trucks, 81 barges and 1,873 surface tanks were destroyed during the 2013 operational year. Commander of JTF, Major-General Bata Debiro,

stated this in Yenagoa while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command in the last one year in the region. Major-General Debiro said the mandate of the task force was to stop illegal bunkering activities in the upstream sector, protect oil and gas facilities and installations, secure the environment and other lawful activities in the region. According to the JTF commander, three of its soldiers were killed by sea pirates at Andoni, Rivers State, while three others drowned in a river near Akassa in Bayelsa State. His words: “In the year under review, JTF successfully conducted several land, maritime and air opera-

tions against illegal oil bunkering and refining activities, pipeline vandalism, armed robbery and sea robbery. The task force also conducted anti-kidnapping operations, cordon and search, destruction of re-emerging militant camps and provided security to oil and gas companies in the past twelve months. ”Over 42 armed robbers were killed and a total of 183 suspects were arrested, 40 sea pirates were also killed, 41 arrested and all manners of assorted arms and ammunition recovered from January to date.” On acts of kidnapping, the JTF Commander said though the menace seems to be on the increase, its operatives command killed over 23 kidnappers, arrested 236 suspects and recovered several weapons from the hoodlums.

not been served. Maybe the Police know those who are the real trouble makers.” On the court order barring him from parading himself as Speaker, Bipi argued that the Ahoada court from where the order was obtained, did not have any jurisdiction over the

Assembly, adding that he had also not been served with the said order. He hoped that when every security matter was settled and the pro-Amaechi lawmakers were ready to abide by the rules of the House, the House would be reconvened.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 , 2013 — 13

14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

Ekweremadu calls for protection of constituency projects

Probe of agencies, others, not a witch-hunt —ORJI

MUAHIA—ABIA State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has assured that the panels of inquiry set up by his administration were not targeted at witch-hunting any body but to ensure that state institutions were run effectively and efficiently. Orji also said the decision to set up the various panels of inquiry was in respect of pressures from the people who gave him their mandate, urging him to look into how some of the state’s organisations were managed. The governor spoke in Umuahia when he received the report of the panel that probed the running of Abia State Printing and Publishing Company, publishers of Ambassador Newspapers. Receiving the report from Justice Amaobi Agbara-led panel, Governor Orji commended the committee for a diligent job, despite constraints it faced, including a legal battle by those who were not comfortable with the panel’s job. He said: “Like I have always said, our inquiries are not to

NUGU—DEPUTY Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has urged his constituents to protect the numerous projects he attracted to them. He said he was happy that ninety nine per cent of the projects he attracted to his Enugu West Constituency were going on well. Ekweremadu, who spoke in Enugu during his annual Christmas Interaction Session with stakeholders in his constituency, including the members of committee he inaugurated to monitor the projects, urged them to report anybody who destroyed any of the projects to the police, so the law could take its course, The deputy senate president said he had no problem with anybody in the state, insisting that Enugu State deserved peace for progress and development to take place. He said he was interested in peace, pointing that crisis would lead to nowhere but insisted that nobody had the right to stop or destroy any ongoing project in his constituency. Ekweremadu charged members of the monitoring committee to work towards the actualisation of equitable distribution of projects as well as to make sure that contractors do not do their work half-hazardly. Ekweremadu, who is also the speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, said as a parliamentarian, I didn’t handle money for projects, stating that all he did was to attract projects and ensure they were awarded to contractors. According to him, money for constituency projects is not given to politicians but to contractors. He added that legislators didn’t even select contractors, noting that what they did was only to pursue the projects. He told the stakeholders that his aim was to provide quality representation for his people, saying he was ready to entertain advice as well as commendations wherever he performed well for his people.

BY ANAYOOKOLI

victimise anybody. They are in response to requests and pressure from those who voted me and who want to know how the state institutions are being managed. “If I reject the pressure, it will look like I am covering up something. So we are not targeting anybody. “For the Abia Printing and Publishing Corporation, you and I know what has been

going on. “There is this allegation that machines and equipment meant for this Corporation were diverted to set up one national paper. To clear this, people now put pressure on me to find out the truth. “With this report, we are now adequately and properly armed; individuals are also adequately and

properly armed to know the truth. “This is a legal document with which any interested Abian can work with. We have others. When I go, any person coming may be under pressure to do what I did. Let him go ahead to probe but I will make sure that I leave a clean slate. “What we are guiding against is misuse of public funds. This document will guide us well.”

DANCE: From left: Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, Oba Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Elegushi and his wife, Olori Aramide Elegushi, during the Island Club’s Christmas Eve Dance, at the Peacock Hall, Island Club, Onikan, Lagos.

‘Abia needs an airport to boost economy’ BY ANAYO OKOLI MUAHIA—FORMER Chief Press Secretary to Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, Mr. Ugochukwu Emezue, has commended the state government’s decision to build an airport in the state. He said the proposed airport would boost investment and provide job for the people of the state. According to Emezue, those criticising the decision to build an airport are ignorant of the immense economic benefits attached to an airport and the owners. Already, a site has been located in communities in Umuahia South and Ikwuano

Local Government councils for the proposed airport. Emezue also lauded Governor Theodore Orji for the political will to relocate Umuahia Main Market, which hitherto was located at the heart of the capital city, thereby defacing the beauty

of the capital city. Now relocated to Ubani, the idea to remove the market from the city centre, according to him, has been mooted since 1935 during the colonial regime. He noted that till Orji’s administration, none of the

past governments had been able to muster the political will to relocate it. He hoped that the new project, being planned for the old site of the market, would add to both economic and aesthetic values of the city and the state in general.

Emodi fetes widows, motherless babies @ Xmas BY VINCENT UJUMADU

WKA—FORMER Presidential Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Joy Emodi, has feted about

150 widows and motherless babies in Anambra State, as part of her annual Christmas celebration with the less privileged. The event, which is implemented yearly by Joy Emodi Foundation, JEF, saw the beneficiaries receive food items, including bags of rice, noodles, biscuits, toiletries, wrappers and cash to enable the women start small scale businesses. The beneficiaries were the Nigeria Red Cross Motherless Babies Home and the Onitsha South Local Government Motherless Babies Home, both in the heart of Onitsha, as well as widows that were drawn from all the local government areas that make up Anambra North senatorial zone. Emodi said she established the Foundation many years

ago to assist those who do not have people to help them at this period of Christmas and promised to continue with the programme. She urged wealthy Nigerians to come to the aid of the less privileged in the society, noting that government alone cannot cater for their needs all the time. She said: “There are many people in Anambra State who are richer than the government and such people should always remember those who are in need. “These widows have nobody to take care of their needs, especially at periods like Christmas and the only way they can be made happy is through our collective efforts by providing them with clothes, food and means of sustaining themselves.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013 — 15

2015: Jonathan posters flood Abuja again zWe are not involved—Presidency BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL

EDITOR, NORTH

BUJA—AS Nigerians celebrate Christmas, campaigners for President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection in 2015 have invaded Abuja with campaign posters, drumming support for the President. Findings by Vanguard revealed that the posters with the picture of President Jonathan beaming with broad smile and saluting Nigerians, were planted in strategic places in the FCT on Christmas Eve. Most residents woke up and saw the posters on their walls and malls not knowing who placed them there and why. Unlike the previous posters of the President, which were placed in the high brow areas of Asokoro and Maitama, the ones that hit the capital city on Christmas Day were mostly concentrated at Garki and the the suburbs of Abuja. One of the posters read: “Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year” and signed by an unknown group called ‘The Nigeria Mandate 2015.’ Reacting to the development, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, told Vanguard that President Jonathan had not mandated any individual or group to place the posters on his behalf. Abati pointed out that since the

President had not publicly announced his political decision for 2015, it would be improper for him to begin to post his posters for 2015. “The President does not know anything about the posters, which are being displayed in the cities,”Abati said. “Someone had earlier called from Port Harcourt to enquire about those who placed them and I told them the truth that the

publicity materials did not emanate from the Presidency. We don’t know anything about them,” the presidential spokesman said. President Jonathan had repeatedly said that it was too early in the life of the administration to begin to campaign for re-election in 2015. He maintained that it was better for him to concentrate on the provision of service to

Nigerians rather than dissipate energy on an election that is still far away. The president, who is facing stiff opposition from the north over a second term, is expected to unfold his re-election programme early next year. Niger State governor, Babangida Aliyu, has challenged Jonathan to respect an agreement he reached with Northern political leaders to run for a term but he has not been able to produce a copy of the agreement till date.

XMAS: Families enjoying the Boxing Day holiday, at the Maitama Amusement Park, Maitama District, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

FG receives second batch of 113 deportees from Saudi Arabia BY LAIDEAKINBOADE

BUJA—THE second batch of 113 Nigerians were yesterday repatriated from Saudi Arabia aboard an Ethiopian Airline aircraft which landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about midday. Speaking on the incident to Vanguard, a senior information officer attached to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mr. Sani Datti, said those repatriated were mostly vulnerable women and children. A breakdown of the number of deportees revealed that 28 of them hailed from Kano, 21 from Borno, while 15 were from Jigawa. A further breakdown of the figure showed that nine were from Yobe, eight each from Kaduna, Katsina , and Plateau, seven from Bauchi, four each from Kwara and Oyo, while only one hailed from Adamawa. It would be recalled that the Federal Government approved

the repatriation of the deportees who have been residing illegally in Saudi Arabia, after they voluntarily agreed to return to home. This followed a November

deadline earlier given by the Saudi government for all illegal residents to leave the country. About 951 Nigerians have been arrested in that country and are being held in a camp.

So far the Federal Government has received 193 Nigerians deported from Saudi Arabia and NEMA said more deportees were expected to return.

MDGs: Kwankwaso to sign pact with Wales BY SONI DANIEL ANO—IN a bid to accelerate efforts towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, in his state, the governor of Kano State, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Welsh government under the Wales for Africa Health Link. The Wales for Africa programme is the framework for international sustainable development initiated by the government of Wales in assisting African communities to develop and achieve the MDGs. The project presents invaluable

assistance and opportunities for African communities to advance particularly in the area of health. Despite the inherent benefits and empowerment the Welsh initiative offers to African societies who are in dire need of it, not many African leaders have tapped into the scheme until now. The partnership, being midwifed by a notable UK-based organisation, Africa Diaspora Agenda, ADA, would have Kano State access both technical and material support from the Welsh government

through the Welsh for Africa Health Link and have significant impact on the steps already taken by Governor Kwankwaso in achieving the MDGs, especially on health come 2015. The official partnership declaration and signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Kano State government and the Wales for Africa Health Link will be conducted at a summit themed: Building Global Partnership for Development: An Overview of Kano State, which will be held in Cardiff, Wales in January 2014.

Kaduna Gov spends Xmas with clerics, monarchs KADUNA—KADUNA State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, spent his three-day Christmas holiday with Christian clerics and traditional rulers in the Southern part of the state. The governor embarked on a tour to first class chiefs on Christmas day and retired to the Kafanchan Governor ’s Lodge late night. Yesterday, the governor held discussions with different groups of Christian clerics, including the Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan, Bishop Joseph Bagobiri, before addressing political groups in a programme his security men manning the gate barred some journalists from the coverage. While addressing the youth and women, Yero said he was in the Southern part of the state to celebrate Christmas. “All of us in Kaduna are one where ever the part one comes from and there is the need for all of us to unite and work for peace,” Gov Yero, said adding, “we have to shun our differences and work against things that divide us.”

Maku advises politicians against inciting comments

KWA N GA — T H E Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, yesterday, advised political leaders to refrain from making unguarded comments capable of destabilising the polity. The minister, who gave the advice at a Christmas carnival at his village, Wakama, near Akwanga, Nasarawa State, advised the politicians to pursue peace and development of the country. He said that comments credited to some notable Nigerians about the 2015 elections were unnecessary and against the interest of the masses. Maku, who decried the negative campaigns against the present administration, said that the collective interest of Nigerians should supercede the ambition of any individual.

16â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

ON-GOING 2013 CALABAR CARNIVAL

CARNIVAL: Children, who participated in the on-going 2013 Calabar Carnival, yesterday, in Cross Rivers State, dazzled Nigerians and foreigners with different attires and dancing. Photos: Nwankpa Chijioke

A cross-section of foreign observers

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 , 2013 — 17

C M Y K

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013 CHIEF Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Mukhtar has been praised for the changes she is making in the judiciary. She has less than a year more in office, yet the matters she had set as her agenda when she took office in 2012, are still there. She has more work to do before she leaves in ensuring that justice is speedily dispensed. “It is common knowledge that our security agencieAs usually rush to the courts with suspects, before looking for evidence to prosecute them. The persistent use of the “holden charge” by these agencies to detain awaiting trial suspects is a major contributor to the high number of cases pending in our courts,” she said as she inaugurated new Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN. Justice Mukhtar suggested that the inadequate attention that security agencies paid to surveillance on crime suspects was a major reason for poor prosecution. Elsewhere, she said, surveillance could sometimes last for years, to get enough evidence for prosecution. “But in Nigeria, suspects are promptly arrested and oftentimes arraigned in court,

Challenges Before CJN even when no evidence for prosecution has been gathered. The backlash from such failure of proper investigation by our security agencies is the resultant hike in the number of cases pending in the courts,” she said. The consequences of poor investigations of cases include the high number of suspects awaiting trial. Some spend more than 10 years awaiting trial, some die. Without adequate evidence against them and the constant transfer of police personnel, some cases are abandoned, condemning suspects to years in jail, sometimes exceeding their punishment if they had been convicted.

What justice can a man get if he is released after 20 years in detention without compensation? What compensation can pay for a man’s years in illegal confinement? She captured the finality of the denial of justice more succinctly. “To exhaust complete remedy in a case, that is from trial court to Supreme Court, could take up to 20 years with the original litigants dead and substituted and in some cases the substitutes also dead and substituted”. We agree with her. She is in podium position to see the judiciary change in our generation. Time is running out, but she can seek out organisations and review institutions that can facilitate quicker dispensation of justice even after she is gone. Justice Mukhtar should remain different. Sanitisation of the judiciary is incomplete without overhaul of the laws, the police and the prisons. Justice Mukhtar should in her remaining time commence processes to achieve delivery of justice in the wholesome manner she anticipates. She has profound concerns on the matter and should not allow any challenges to stall her attention.

OPINION BY YUSHAU SHUAIB

"Mandela was filled with humility, forgiving spirit and the ability to unite people, sharply contrasted with the utterances of some politicians who speak as if 'Nigeria is their bedroom' from where they make proclamation and intimidate others." Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria.

HEN President Goodluck Jonathan made the above praises after the demise of Nelson Mandela, the weight of the message was not realised until after a leakage of a letter addressed to him from former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Meanwhile in his tribute Chief Olusegun Obasanjo stated that “ we all have the opportunity to act nobly in whatever position we find ourselves. When we teach our children the lessons for tomorrow, let us be reminded of the lessons Mandela gave the world in forgiveness and forbearance.” Those who read between the lines, considering the rapid turn of events within the period, would realise by now that beneath the tributes are political grandstanding and Public Relations (PR) strategies by leaders in their deliberate effort to be relevant and be so recognised. President Barak Obama of America seemed to outshine others in his tribute and actions during the memorial on Mandela in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was an embodiment of great public relations: charming, charismatic, eloquent and convincing in his approaches. While protecting the

Mandela: An embodiment of Public Relations interest of his people, he was harassed and jailed for 27 years before his eventual freedom and election as President of his nation. He was a great communicator who used his power of oratory and conviction to mobilise and move his people to action. He dignified himself in and outside the office, such that he eased the task of reputation managers. Ironically, in other climes such reputation managers who go with such titles of spokespersons or media advisers deserved to be managed from wrecking havocs on the image of their principals. Going by the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) code of Conduct, the anti-Apartheid icon, who died at the age of 96, exemplified all the attributes of PR person. The IPRA Code is an affirmation of professional and ethical conduct for communicators. The new Code which was adopted in 2011 consolidates the 1961 Code of Venice, the 1965 Code of Athens and the 2007 Code of Brussels. The code urges communicators to observe the principles of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and act with honesty and integrity at all times so as to secure and retain the confidence of their people. During his life time, Nelson Mandela insisted on the human dignity and respect for human right which engineered his struggle for the emancipation of his people from

colonialism. While PR communicators are enjoined to establish the moral, cultural and intellectual conditions for dialogue, and recognise the rights of all parties involved to state their case and express their views, Mandela garnered more friends as he embraced his adversaries wholeheartedly. It was indeed ironic that all those who had fought him and called him terrorist were among those singing his praises while he was alive and after his death. While IPRA urges its members to be open and transparent, and to avoid any professional conflicts of interest, Mandela's reluctancy to seek extension tenure was one of the indicators that he had no hidden agenda. In some countries, especially in Africa leaders perpetuate themselves in office for immunity from prosecution for their misconducts. He was a selfless leader, who rather than making money for himself as a lawyer and politician, he was busy counselling the world on the necessity of living peaceful. The IPRA code of conduct strongly admonishes communicators to honour confidential information provided to them. As a former President of South Africa, Mandela must have had the privilege of accessing information on those involved in his incarceration and the killing of blacks during the war against apartheid and colonialism. He never allowed those privilege information to influence his sense

of judgement as a leader who was neither petty nor vindictive. Deception and misleading information for political patronages are attributes of propagandists who lead their followers and communities astray, Nelson Mandela was a sincere and honesty communicator who bare his mind openly without any aura of arrogance and intellectual supremacy. Mandela avoided unnecessary controversies as a man of peace. He was very mindful of his utterances, actions and the kind of friends and allies he related with during his sojourn on earth. As a global role model, every word he uttered was loaded with lessons and power to mobilise people to good causes. He is being celebrated not only for being a freedom fighter but for his spirit of public relations and communication skills. We can obtain any qualification in Law, Accounting, Medicine, Engineering, Journalism, Architecture, Politics among others, but we may need to imbibe elements and principles of Public Relations like Nelson Mandela to communicate truthfully and convincingly to win the supports of our targets. Indeed Mandela, the pride of African and black race was truly a PR Man of the Century. *Mr. Shuaib, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013— —19

HE christmas season, is a season of forgiveness, love, rejoicing, and thanks giving to God, for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, who died on the cross, that the whole world may be saved,with the salvation of their Souls. In Igbo land, there are two major religions, the traditional African religion, which involves the worship of gods, ancestral spirits, and idols, and Christianity. Most communities in the South East like other African communities,practised the worship of a specie of the python, known as Python Regius.A harmless and beautiful snake, which used to roam about the villages. Now in this part of the world, Pastors and indigenes biker whether to kill or not to kill the snake, due largely to the Biafran war, when people ate the snake without repercautions. Unfortunately,this reptile must be facing extintion in the South East today. Christianity,is the next major religion of the Igbo land, as introduced by early missionaries, mostly the Catholic Church, the Church Mission Service (CMS), protestants as they were called in those good old days.The Catholic

church is of serious prevailence in Igbo Land. Most adults have at one time or the other served mass in the Catholic church, or worked in the CMS, until now when we have pentecostals too. In those days, most christian Igbo families,as early as the month of August of the year, the tailor would be invited to take measurements for christmas clothes, shoes will be bought, the small hand guns for the boys, and assorted christmas gifts, arranged and kept away by September. The girls would form a group, and one Auntie will be rehearsing one kind of dance or the other for christmas. We all would continue to live with high expectations for the Christmas rice, clothes, shoes and dances. From 15th December, we would be moved to the village, to remain there till about 15th January, when schools would reopen. It was a lot of fun, for us as kids.We met with all our relations, played, went to the river, swam, went into the bushes around to hunt small creatures, doing what young kids do. We would arrange how to spread our breakfast from one house to the other. It still happens today, Christmas is beyond going to church, exchange of goods, and gifts, for the Igbo man. It goes beyond sewing clothes, buying new cars and property. It offers

opportunity for reunion, marriages, friendship, resolution of family matters, community meetings, town hall meetings, conferment of titles, development plans for the people, and their society.

t is also a time for conscious, and serious assessment of an idividual's life achievements in the year, enabling people to plan for the new year.When you meet your mates and age grades, you see for yourself, and know if you need to catch up some where in your affairs.

Leader ties without Leaderss and political par parties Ideologies BY HAMILTON ODUNZE

DOES anyone else share my view that neither Nigerian leaders nor Nigerian political parties have a clearly articulated ideology regarding the country’s political direction? I say this because of the frequency with which Nigerian leaders switch political parties and party loyalty. Recently, five of the so-called aggrieved governors (G-7) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) joined the All People’s Congress, APC. In a multi-party democratic system like Nigeria’s, frequent party switching is either an indication that the parties have no underlying ideology, or that the political goals of party members are merely selfserving. Whichever the case, it isn’t good for Nigeria, and it undermines the democratic process. Political parties without underlying ideologies, like the ones we have in Nigeria, do not give rational voters the tools they need to make informed political decisions. Since the ancient Greeks started practicing democracy, there was a fundamental concern that rational voters should make informed decisions. That was why Pericles won enduring majorities within the citizens' assembly. His political ideology was that lower class citizens should be included in the political process. Pericles believed that getting the masses involved in the political process was the best way to achieve the common good. That was the principle behind his political movement. His steadfast principle endeared him to the masses. Since Pericles, modern democratic societies have organised political parties C M Y K

by bringing together people with common underlying ideologies about how society should be organised in order to achieve the common good. Consider the United States’ Republican Party. The underlying ideology has been for smaller government and conservative stands on issues. They believe the federal government should play a minor role in people’s lives. The majority of them favour lower taxes and less government spending on social programmes. They also believe in less government intervention in business and the economy. From Abraham Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt, from William H. Taft to Gerald R. Ford, and from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush, the Republican ideology has remained steadfast. It served as the guiding political principle that bound these presidents together. Consider also the United States’ Democratic Party. The party’s underlying ideology has been for bigger government and liberal stands on issues. Unlike Republicans, Democrats believe that the federal government should play a bigger roles in people’s lives. Most Democrats favour higher taxes for big corporations and more government spending on social programmes. They also believe in more government regulations in business and the economy. From Andrew Jackson to John F. Kennedy, and from Lyndon B. Johnson to Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, the Democratic ideology has served to shape many of the policy choices that defined their presidencies. Here is the achy comparison to the political situation in Nigeria. George W. Bush was the governor of Texas from 1995

This is why the Igbo man must pay special attention to the condition of roads, airports, because they will constitute the majority of commutters from all parts of the country to the Igbo land during christmas, given our presence all over Nigeria. Year in year out for the past 20 years, I have seen huge traffic gridlocks on all roads towards the South East during this period.Benin Ore road, has remained a source of pain,danger and anguish, for travelling Easterners during Christmas for the past over 20 years. If the past Federal Governments have failed to address this perrenial problem, should the South East Governments not do something about it? I think the South South and South East Governors should create a Task Force, empowered and equiped to augument the efforts of the FRSC and the Police to keep the roads free and safe during the months of December and January every year. The Task Force should have Giant Hiabs and Tow vehicles located at strategic locations along Benin-Ore Road, BeninOnitsha Road, Helicopters, and Patrol vehicles to cover the road during this period.The Major Road Transport Companies, like, ABC, De Young, Ifesinachi,Ekene,GUO, God is Good, Agofure, Edegbe, Peace Mass, ITC, Tracas, Entraco,Abia Teansport, and many more should be made to partner with government in funding the Task Force. The idea is to ensure that 2014 December does not visit us with same hardships again. Our transporters must as a matter of dignity, and honour,

BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

Christmas and the Igbo man in Nigeria

But many of our leaders, senators, members of Houses, political office holders and their cronies are having house warming parties, launching new cars, with many thanks giving services. That is the country we are ending up with; Their own Nigeria, and Our own Nigeria

In the absence of clearly articulated ideological beliefs about how to make society better, political parties become a group of cabals seeking opportunities to loot, just as they now appear to be doing in Nigeria

to 2000. He was the 43rd President of the United States from 2001 to 2009. He is a Republican. His father, George H. Bush, the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993, is also a Republican. Before becoming President, he was the Vice President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Bill Clinton was the Governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1992; he served two five year terms as Governor of Arkansas. He became the 42nd President of the United States and served from 1993 to 2001. He is a Democrat. Barack Obama is currently serving as the 44th President of the United States. Before becoming President in 2004, Barack Obama was a Senator from Illinois.

nterestingly, there are no constitutional or legal barriers preventing these politicians from switching political parties. The reason they did not switch is because there is an underlying ideology that ties them to their political parties. It is an ideology they believe in. That is not to say that these

stop the exploitation of their own, during the Christmas period. While it is true, that airfares increase during christmas and peak travel seasons in other countries, those airlines have christmas packages for their patrons/customers. In Igbo land, nothing special is offered to commuters during, in and out of the seasons. All we get is arbitrary change in fares during Christmas, except ABC that maintains a dignified constant fare in and out of seasons. The, ABC is a great team, a winning team, and should be emulated by others in keeping the discipline of stable fare during Christamas, and other festive seasons. This year's Christmass appears likely to be less boisterious and humble, generally, beause of sheer economic hardship. The rate of poverty has increased in the last 10 years. Some say it is a period of sacrifice for a better tomorow, but many of our leaders, senators, members of Houses, political office holders and their cronies are having house warming parties, launching news cars, with many thanks giving services. That is the country we are ending up with; Their own Nigeria, and Our own Nigeria.God help the common man in Nigeria, especially the Igbo Man. Ndigbo should begin to delevelop solutions, and structures to address their own perculiar problems, and challenges in this great nation.

*Mr. Udegbe, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

political parties are not invulnerable to internal party disagreements. When John McCain lost to Barack Obama, the Republican Party went through a period of internal conflict. Now imagine that the politicians I mentioned switched parties at some point in their careers. It would have been a career ending move. Even a mere switch in social issues prompts the anger of American voters. When Mitt Romney changed his position on abortion, Americans saw him as a flip-flopper, and it was one of the reasons why he lost the election. Besides collective party ideology, great leaders are known to have profound ideas regarding how society can be organised for the common good. Take Nelson Mandela as an example; he believes that South Africa’s greatness can only be achieved when South African comes together regardless of colour or creed. That is his ideology. In advocating for this ideology he said, “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” It is troubling that even in this time of constitutional and economic crisis, Nigerian leaders are unable to articulate ideas that will give Nigerians hope for a better nation. In the absence of clearly articulated ideological beliefs about how to make society better, political parties become a group of cabals seeking opportunities to loot, just as they now appear to be doing in Nigeria.

*Mr. Odunze, a political analyst, wrote from Boston, MA, USA.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY,

DECEMBER 27 , 2013

By BOSE ADELAJA

ARELY one year ago, the popular Jankara market in the Central Lagos Business District, CBD was gutted by fire arising from a blast which rocked a multi-storey building located on 45, Ojogiwa street, in Idumota. The building which was used as a warehouse for different types of fireworks exploded into flames on December 26, 2012 when a small boy allegedly ignited a firecracker popularly called knockout near building. The firecracker which hit the unsold stock in the building sparked off the fire which consumed over eight multi-storey buildings, cars and scores of people wounded. Irked by the incident, the Lagos State government swiftly moved into action. A three-man panel was set up to investigate the cause(s) of the inferno and fish out the culprit behind the dastardly act. Also, the use, buying and selling of firecrackers were banned in in all parts of the city, although the ban has been observed more in breach. Vanguard Metro VM observed that although some of the victims are trying to put the past behind them, scores are still struggling to make ends meet, claiming the incident has crippled their sources of livelihood. Worse still, one of them, 52year old Michael Siyanbola died in a tragic circumstance on Tuesday August 20, 2013 after the day’s work. When Vanguard Metros visited Jankara market Jankara market last Thursday, it was lamentation galore among the traders. They accused the State Government of not fulfilling its promises to them and failure to bring the brain behind the inferno to book. According to traders, the State government through the Lagos State Emergency Manlonger attract attention as cus- lowed to do their legitimate agement Authority LASEMA, tomers are often distracted by business. Also, the Local Govhad assured that they (the tradthe vehicles,’’ he alleged. ernment officials come here to ers) will receive adequate com- other hand, things have not structures is being used for brisk According to him, the asso- lock up the sheds for no good pensation from the govern- been easy as we look unto God business by street urchins. For ciation had on many occasions reasons. We have employed the ment, but nothing has been for survival everyday,’’ he said instance, vehicle owners who registered its plight with ap- services of eight sweepers but done in this direction. Asked how the traders cope patronise the market are forced propriate authorities without the officials still harass us over VM observed that some of with the makeshift structures he to pay a sum ranging between any positive response. ‘’We alleged sanitation offences,’’ he the affected buildings have retorted ‘’imagine somebody N300 and N1,500 or face the have registered our plight with further claimed. been demolished by the gov- who occupied befitting struc- wrath of the area boys who are the Ward leader in person of Concluding, he called on the ernment while the traders have tures in the past now strug- well supported by the big wigs Chief Odutola who simply told State Government to come to erected make-shift structures to gling under a shed, my sister, in the area. Also, our goods no us the area boys should be al- their aid. “The State Governcontinue their business. it is not easy at all. First of all, ment sent enumerators from One of the trader at Ojogiwa the makeshift is not conducive LASEMA and promised to asstreet, Mr. Badmus Anyanele either in the rainy season or dry sist us but nothing was done. said he lost N12 million which period. We have to pack the We have visited LASEMA on he paid to the landlord for the goods after the close of work. two occasions but we yet to retwo shops he used before the Can you imagine the rigours?’’ ceive any form of compensafire incident. ‘’I lost two shops Mr. Nnadiukwu decried the tion. Government should help and a store to the incident. I harassment by street urchins, us, our people are dying of also lost the sum of N12million popularly called area boys and hunger and we don’t want to being five years rent I paid Local Government officials. be forced out of business,’’ he upfront to my landlord. I had ‘’The frontage of the make shift added. spent only six months there before the incident occurred,’’ he lamented. Another trader who pleaded anonymity said he now lives from hand to mouth because his Dr Peter E. Ekpendu, admonished the from dependents to providers. When these By FREDRICK OKOPIE wife, a petty trader at the Unigraduands to be obedient in order to im- goals are achieved, then, we all can versity of Lagos, UNILAG now proudly beat our chests and declare that RADUATES of the fourth Deputy Su prove themselves. stays at home as a result of the we have touched lives positively and our “I encourage you to continue to be perintendent of Prisons, DSP, Develprolonged ASUU strike. lives can only have meaning if we impact obedient, patient and loyal so that you can opment Course held at the Prisons Train‘’All my life’s earnings were learn more and improve yourselves in the positively on those under and around us,” ing College Kirikiri, Lagos, have been lost to the inferno while my wife warned against engaging in activities ca- service. You are lucky to have joined the he said.. who took over the payment of The Commandant of Prisons Training pable of tarnishing the image of the Nige- Nigerian Prisons Service when a lot of our children’s school fees, now College Kirikiri, PTCK, Mrs. Pat Omene, goodies are being packaged for the servrian Prisons Service. stays at home as a result of the told Vanguard Metro, that her Command ice. I therefore advise you not engage in The 226 officer who passed through the ASUU strike. In fact feeding is was faced with a lot of challenges includillegal acts that will lead you into trouble three-month course were randomly senow very difficult for our faming paucity of funds. She said the Conand put your career in jeopardy ,”he adlected from various Prison Commands ily of five,’’ he said. troller General has however approved the vised. across the county with the final approval The President of Okoya/ Dr. Ekpendu told the the newly promoted payment of course allowances to all those from the office of the Controller General of Ojogiwa Traders Association, officers that as agent of change, they should who attended course. Nigerian Prisons Service in FCT Abuja. Mr. Cletus Nnadiukwu said the “The Prisons is not well funded, for exSpeaking at the event, the Controller think and live positively,. “You are thereincident has dealt a blow on the ample, states are making use of our facilifore expected to teach the prisons’ inmates General of Nigerian Prisons Service, Mr. entire association, ‘’From the ties but most them don’t contribute to supunder your care and transform them from Zakari Ohinoyi Ibrahim who was repreangle of my Christian faith, life port it,” she lamented. being liabilities to vanguard of security; sented by the Deputy Controller General, has been so good but on the

ONE YEAR AFTER FIREWORKS EXPLOSION:

Jankara traders recount ordeal

...Seek state govt’s assistance

The frontage of the make-shift structures is being used for brisk business by street urchins

Nigerian Prisons Service prepares officers for challenges

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013 — 21

19,439 benefits from FG’s staff housing loan scheme By GODFREY BIVBERE

From left: Mrs. Nkechi Obi, Executive Vice-Chairman, Techno Oil Ltd; Mr. Don Ubani, Commissioner of Petroleum and Material Resources; Mr. Tony Onyeama, Managing Director of Techno Oil Ltd and His Royal Majesty, Eze Kingsley Emekobun, the Okpu of Okpu Isingwu Autonomous Community during the commissioning of CT centre and classrooms in Umuahia, Abia State.

Phone dealers beg CPC, vow to remove fake handsets policemen stormed computer village, Ikeja, Lagos state to HONES and Allied Prod seize and to apprehend the ucts Association of Nigerdealers in fake handsets. ia have appealed to the ConTreasurer of the Association, sumer Protection Council, Mr. Ifeanyi Akubue, pleadCPC, for more time to withed on behalf of their memdraw fake phones from the bers, saying the issue of fake market before January 20thnphones is embarrassing to the ext year. Association, adding that reThe appeal was made when cently, they just signed a a team of CPC officials led by document with the Standards Tam Tamunokonbia, Head, Organisation of Nigeria, Lagos Office of CPC, and 30 SON, to remove such phones from the market. “Our chairman and the Director-General of SON, Odumodu, have signed 0.2 116.15 a written document to this effect. That was 2,783.00 +13.00 the topic of the meeting we had this morn15.99 0.1 ing and that was why members are worried that the CPC is conducting such raid 109.60 -0.03 “The truth of the mat97.79 -0.01 ter is that we the market leaderships are not comfortable with this CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING kind of harassment and embarrassment in the DOLLAR 154.7 155.2 155.7 POUNDS 253.0892 253.9072 254.7252 market, so we are EURO 212.7589 213.4466 214.1342 working within ourFRANC 174.0549 174.6175 175.18 selves to stop it. What YEN 1.5019 1.5068 1.5117 took us to China is no CFA 0.3053 0.3153 0.3253 small matter because WAUA 237.4773 238.2449 239.0124 RENMINBI 25.4754 25.5582 25.641 we are not comfortable RIYA 41.2445 41.3778 41.5111 with it. We visited 47 KRONA 28.5067 28.5988 28.6909 factories and we told SDR 238.3308 239.1011 239.8714 the manufacturers CBN Exchange rate as at 18/12/2013 what Nigerians want; By FRANKLIN ALLI

we told them we want to stop this thing from the country of origin. Engineer Bede Obayi and another officer of SON traveled with us. We had signed an undertaken which expires January 20, 2014. “So please sir, I am begging you to follow this understanding with the SON for us to get rid of these things because we are not comfortable with it. That is the truth. We will come to your office on Monday and put it in writing with the CPC; after January 20, we are pleading, if you come back and you find fake phones in the market, anybody that is caught selling them, the union has no hand in it and won’t defend the person,” he said. In his response, Tamunokonbia, told the leadership of the Association that claims by the leaders to purge the market of fake phones is bereft of tangible results, rather, “What we have seen in the market is that there is still prevalence instead of a reduction. These products are flooding the market more than ever. So, with due respect to whatever you have done, it has not helped the consumers and it seems to be worsening every day.” “ As for SON, our mandates are different; while SON focuses on the quality of production and sets the standards for the quality and all that, when it comes to redressing complaint of one person, two persons or a group, the whole consumers buying from you, the whole Nigerians- it is our duty; that is our mandate, and that is why we say, come along with us and see these things by yourselves or could it be that you are deliberately stockpiling just to wait for the January 20th deadline you talked about? So many Nigerians would have bought these fake phones, M.Horse, branded as Samsung. We all are on the same page if you want to stop this thing internally. Any of you can brand your phones as Ikechukwu or Nwosu; that is what we encouraging you to do instead of pass-off because by the time you subject it to laboratory test, it will fall short of quality requirements. It is not a good practice,” he said.

INTENN thousand, four hundred and thirty nine federal civil servants have benefited from the staff housing loan scheme by the Federal Government to solve housing deficit in the country. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, Engr. Nebolisa Emodi, who made this known in Enugu at the an interactive session with state based federal civil servants in Akwa, Anambra State, said the scheme was part of the welfare package intended by government to motivate the federal civil servants to increase productivity and efficiency in service delivery. Emodi, who was represented by head of civil service of the federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji Goni, disclosed that staff housing estates have also been commissioned to accommodate more civil servants. He pointed out that President Jonathan has approved the procurement of 30 new staff buses to cushion the hardship faced by civil servants as a result of the new transport policy in the Abuja, adding that other challenges confronting civil servants are being addressed. A statement signed by Deputy Director in charge of Public Relation in the ministry of transport, Yetunde Sonaike, the permanent secretary stated that the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation is reformed to focus attention more on general welfare, capacity building, mentoring and succession planning. The permanent secretary pointed out that government is determined to reposition the civil service to enable it deliver on its mandate. He listed some of the reforms initiated by the present administration to include :the establishment of Pension Transitional Arrangement Department (PTAD), appointment of new Director-General who reports to the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) and upgrading of the National Record Centre, Karu, Abuja to ensure proper record management in the Civil Service. He also informed the gathering that Human Resource Component of Intergrated Payroll Personel Information System (IPPIS) has been relocated from the office of the Accountant General of Federation to the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. He highlighted some of the government’s achievements in the Agricultural, Transport, Health, Power, Aviation as well as Education Sectors. He urged the civil servants in the country to reciprocate government’s gesture by ensuring that they are punctual to work, there is zero tolerance to corruption and strictly work within the ambit of Public Service Rules (PSR), Financial Regulations, Procurement Act and Freedom of Information Act amongst others, stressing the need for them to be dependable so that they can perform their duties efficiently and effectively.

22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

Briefs

Equities up, aided by U.S. manufacturing data

S shares edged higher into record territory on Tuesday, backed by strongerthan-expected manufacturing data that in turn spurred U.S. Treasury yields to 2-1/2 year highs on a belief the economy is on a sustained path of recovery. In thin pre-Christmas holiday trading, the positive economic data contributed to gains for the U.S. dollar against its major trading partners such as the euro zone and Japan. An errant trade sent copper prices to their highest level since April in New York COMEX trade, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. Prices were adjusted down after the discovery of the error, the source said. U.S. share prices posted modest gains. The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI rose 62.94 points or 0.39 percent, to close at a record 16,357.55. The S&P 500 .SPX gained 5.33 points or 0.29 percent, to hit a record 1,833.32. The Nasdaq Composite .IXIC added 6.513 points or 0.16 percent, to finish at 4,155.417 “Investors have taken their positions for the year, so what we’re seeing is a market pause to digest the very strong rally we’ve had,” said Adam Sarhan, chief executive of Sarhan Capital in New York.

Iranians pile into stocks as nuclear deal spurs 133% gain hile daily trading equals only about 22 seconds W worth of stock transactions in

the U.S., Iran’s market has been booming. The benchmark index soared 133 percent this year through Dec. 24 to a record, beating returns posted by the 93 major global equity gauges tracked by Bloomberg. Most of the rally followed the June election of 65-year-old Rouhani, who delivered an initial accord with global powers just five months into office. One morning last week, a 23year-old college graduate named Samira was standing with hundreds of others inside the bourse in downtown Tehran, preparing to plunk down $600 in her first investment in the market. As stock prices flashed on screens one flight above the trading floor, Samira said she was excited to buy her first shares, something she never would have considered under Rouhani’s predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. “I like the feel of this — it has a buzz,” said Samira, who declined to give her surname for fear of reprisals for talking to foreign media reporters. “Anyone you speak to these days will tell you the stock exchange is the best place to invest right now.”

Access Bank signs $150m deal with FHN 26 By PETER EGWUATU & NKIRUKA NNOROM

CCESS Bank has granted a $150million Senior Secured Term Loan to FHN 26, a wholly indigenous

affiliate of the Afren Group whose core business is focused on exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources.

The deal signed at the Access Bank’s ultra-modern head office building in Lagos, is a testament to the Bank’s contribution to the

From left: Dr Femi Olugbile, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health; Professor Nicolas Zech, Managing Director, IVF Zech International, Austria, and Dr Richardson Ajayi, Managing Director, the Bridge Clinic during the formal opening of the Bridge Clinic at Oduduwa Way, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

CSR: Courteville provides free access to breast, cervical cancers screening By NKIRUKA NNOROM

s part of its corporate so cial responsibility programme, Courteville Business Solution, CBS, an e-solution company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, has provided free access to breast and cervical cancers screening for women in its community. The initiative was channeled towards early detection of these cancerous tissues in order to reduce mortality and morbidity. The screening, which held on 7th – 8th December and 14th – 15th of December, 2013 respectively at No. 90, Olonode Street, Alagomeji, Yaba was done for women between the ages of 15 to 70 years. ”The number of cases and deaths from breast and cervi-

cal cancers are rising in most countries, especially in developing countries. Many reports have shown that breast and cervix cancers are the two most common cancers that affect women and that is why we at Courteville have taken it upon ourselves to provide the free screening,” said Mr. Adebola Akindele, the Managing Director of the company. ”Cancer is usually unpredictable and unexpected, but the good news is that cancer detected in its earliest stages has the best chance for successful treatment. The best way to detect it early is through early screening,” he added. Courteville Business Solutions Plc is a publicly quoted company with its operations and management systems cer-

tified to be compliant with International Standards under the ISO 9001:2008 approved standards. Courteville’s primary business has been the provision of e-business solutions to government and a select spectrum of corporate and individual clients. It employs the best people, processes and technology to offer these services. Courteville recognised and seized the opportunities that existed for the Motor Vehicle Administration Documentation (MVAD) and developed AutoReg – a web based business solution, and many other e-business solutions such as Egole (an online shopping mall), P-SEAMS (Parents to School Education Administration & Monitoring System), Property Revenue Manager, etc.

development of the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector as well as its commitment to empowerment of stakeholders in critical sectors of the economy. M r. A h o n s i U n u i g b e , Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, FHN 26, expressed delight at the success of the deal, noting that it came on the heels of increasing appetite of indigenous companies for asset portfolios expansion through anticipated DPR Marginal Fields bid rounds and the ongoing Shell onshore asset divestments. He also remarked on the speed and flexibility shown by Access Bank in arranging the Financing & hoped that more Nigerian banks would emulate Access Bank in order to further accelerate development in the country’s fast growing indigenous upstream oil sector. Mr. Femi Bajomo, also an Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the company on his part noted that with this financing, the company had additional capacity to fund it’s capital expenditure obligations in the coming years, particularly with respect to the drilling of new wells, which would result in a significant increase in it’s production capacity over the next eighteen months. Similarly, Herbert Wigwe, Access Bank’s Group Deputy Managing Director who described the deal as another laudable contribution by the Bank to funding acquisition of Oil and Gas assets in line with the local content aspirations of the federal government, commended the management of FHN 26 Ltd for their performance over the past 3 years and reaffirmed the Bank’s resolve to providing the required funding for economic transformation initiatives. Speaking on the capacity of Nigerian banks to fund big ticket transactions, Wigwe said that Nigerian banks are better positioned to facilitate and execute large deals required for mineral rights acquisition which hitherto were the exclusive right of foreign Banks. He also enjoined players in the Oil and Gas sector to tow the path of sustainable growth through enhanced technical capacity to ensure the industry remains credible enough to continue to attract significant level of funding required to support growth.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013—23

IITA researchers grow yam in the air

BY JIMOH BABATUNDE with agency reports

ESEARCHERS at the Inter national Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have come up with soilless yam propagation as they have successfully grown seed yams in the air using aeroponics technology. The fete is raising hopes and more options for the propagation of virus- and disease-free planting materials. In preliminary trials, Dr Norbert Maroya, Project Manager for the Yam Improvement for Incomes and Food Security in West Africa (YIIFSWA) project at IITA, together with a team of scientists successfully propagated yam by directly planting vine cuttings in Aeroponics System (AS) boxes to produce mini-tubers in the air. Aeroponics System is the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium. The technology is widely used by commercial potato seed producers in eastern Africa like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Southern Africa like Mozambique, Malawi - but successfully growing yam on aeroponics is a novelty for rapidly multiplying the much needed clean seed yam tubers in large quantities. “With this approach we are optimistic that farmers will begin to have clean seed yams for better harvest,” Dr Maroya said Preliminary results showed that vine rooting in Aeroponics System had at least 95% success rate compared to vine rooting in carbonized rice husk with a maximum rate of 70%. Rooting

Seed yam in the air time was much shorter in aeroponics. Aeroponics is coming at an opportune time for African farmers. Traditionally, seed yam production is expensive and inefficient. Farmers save about 25 to 30% of their harvest for planting the same area in the following season, meaning less mon-

Switzerland funds $2.7m project on food losses

he UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have launched a joint project to tackle the global problem of food losses. Around one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted each year, amounting to 1.3 billion tonnes - or enough food to feed 2 billion people. The three UN agencies will work together on the $2.7 million project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation to target food losses in

AGRA releases three lowland rice varieties in Nigeria

developing countries, which can occur during harvesting, processing, transportation and storage as a result of inadequate infrastructure or lack of skills and technology. In particular, the threeyear project will focus on reducing losses of grains and pulses such as maize, rice, beans and cow peas staple foods that play a significant role in global food security and have a major impact on the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.

ey in their pockets. Moreover, these saved seeds are often infested with pathogens that significantly reduce farmers’ yield year after year. However with an established Aeroponics System for seed yam propagation at the premises of an interested private investor, seed company or humanitarian nongovernmental organization; yam producers can have access to clean seed yams. The soilless yam propagation system will increase the productivity of seed and ware yam and effectively reduce diseases and pests incidence and severity (no soilborne or vector-transmitted pests and diseases during the vegetative phase). Dr Robert Asiedu, IITA Director for Western Africa described the results as “impressive.” “Yam is an important crop in Africa and addressing the seeds’ constraint will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of farmers who depend on the crop for their livelihood,” he added. In conducting the aeroponics trial, a special structure was built in an existing screen house with Dixon shelf frames using perforated styrofoam box, as support for plant vines, while the developing roots of the plants in the air were enclosed in conditions of total darkness to simulate the situation of soil to the roots. For the plant and tuber to develop, an automated power house system was established for atomizing periodically nutrient enriched water solution in the form of mist to feed the plants.

hree lowland rice varieties – UPIA1, UPIA2, and UPIA3 – have been released by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt. The new varieties of lowland rice are long grains of grade A, high-yielding, and resistant to some economic abiotic stresses such as iron toxicity and drought. The new varieties are also distinctive, uniform, and stable across all tested locations, and possess good agronomic traits such as resistance to lodging, early and medium maturity period, and acceptable heights, making them easy to integrate into the Nigerian farming system. They also meet the cooking quality requirements of Nigerian consumers. Rice continues to grow in importance as a major staple across Africa, with rising consumer demand confirming this. However, its productivity is impeded by climate change as well as lack of ecological adaptation; spurring stakeholders such as AGRA to develop, register and release improved varieties to combat these challenges. Dr. Toure Aboubacar, AGRA’s Program Officer for Crop Improvement and Variety Adoption said: “AGRA’s strategy to meet the needs of smallholder farmers across Africa is yielding great results. We are very happy that our support to national research institutions to develop, register and release improved varieties of staple crops such as rice is paying off as exemplified by the release of these three new rice varieties. Our work is aligned with the Nigerian government’s policy on rice value chain development.” The UPIA varieties, which originated from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice), have various advantages, apart from being adaptable to lowland ecologies. For instance UPIA1, has a maturity period of 90 -105 days with a potential yield of 6.6 t/ha and pest-disease tolerance to gall midge and neck blast, which are common rice diseases. UPIA2, which has an outstanding characteristic of high yield and tolerance to iron toxicity and African rice gall midge, matures between 110 – 120 days with a potential yield of 8.0 t/ha. The third variety, UPIA3, matures in 90 – 100 days and has the capacity to yield 7.0 t/ha. The release of these varieties has been made possible through AGRA’s grant to the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and the hard work of Dr. Andrew A. Efisue, who managed a team of professional breeders. It took six years of intensive research work to develop, register and release the varieties. Having achieved this major milestone, AGRA will now engage in demonstration and awareness creation activities to prepare for a major commercialization of these new varieties which are expected to transform the farming lives of millions of rice farmers, not only in Nigeria, but across West Africa and beyond.

24—Vanguard , FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

RECISELY a year and two weeks ago, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance announced intension to cancel payment of Value Added Tax, VAT, and stamp duty from secondary market transactions following outcry from investors, but the directive is yet to be implemented. NKIRUKA NNOROM in this report writes that delayed implementation is undermining progress in the capital market. Over a year after the announcement by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, that Value Added Tax and stamp duty would be removed from transactions in the secondary segment of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, nothing has been done. Investors, especially the retail investors, who jubilantly welcome the announcement are still waiting as usual, hoping that the Federal Government would reconsider its silence and go ahead with the implementation. As a result of the delayed implementation, those that patronise the secondary market are still groaning under the weight of over-taxation, which the current scheme of things subjected them to. Presently, investors that sell and buy shares from the stock exchange are made to pay certain percentage of money to the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS, and the stockbroker, who is the middle man, the volume of transaction not withstanding. Precisely, the SEC takes 0.3 percent commission of total value of shares an investor sells; the NSE takes the same percentage (0.3 percent) of total value of shares bought; CSCS takes its own percentage both on buying and selling side, while that of stockbroking firms

President Goodluck Jonathan

Nigeria stock market, investors and burden of over-taxation trading activities, and until it is addressed, complete confidence and local patronage would continue to elude the market.

Investors hope raised

While making the announcement last year, Okonjo-Iweala, had said that the decision to waive the levies was part of the second measure taken to support the capital market. She had stated that at 12 percent charges on VAT and stamp duty, transaction fees on NSE was much higher than those in other jurisdictions, stressing that ‘these constitute major disincentive to invest in the Nigerian capital market.’ “I will like to announce that the Federal Government has consented to waive the 0.075 percent stamp duties payable on stock exchange transaction fees; and to exempt from VAT, commissions: (a) earned on traded values of shares, (b) payable to SEC, and (c) payable to the NSE and the CSCS; by including these commissions in the SEC,

SEC, NSE await FG’s approval Meanwhile, the NSE Chief Executive, Mr. Oscar Onyema, and the SEC DG, Arunma Oteh, had at different fora indicated that non-implementation of the cancellation was due to Federal Government’s delay in gazetting the directive, saying that until it is gazetted and approved, the change would not be effected. According to them, the policy needed the consent of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS. Specifically, Oteh said, “We are at the gazetting process and we hope that it

would be completed soon to ensure its implementation.” What has become worrisome is why it is taking the Federal Government so long to give a final go ahead for the implementation.list of VAT-exempt goods and services,” she had said.

Stakeholders’ worry

Stakeholders that spoke with Vanguard agreed that the delay

is graduated to between 0.75 percent and 1.3 percent depending on the volume either bought or sold. . As a result, commission on secondary market transactions, most times, runs into huge sum depending on the volume of purchases or sells made. Besides, investors are also made to pay VAT and stamp duty as part of the commission. For now, total taxes as a percentage of transaction fees are currently as high as 12 percent; seven percent in VAT and five percent in stamp duties, causing high frictional costs on transactions. It was, therefore, a welcome relief when the announcement for VAT and stamp duty removal was made last year. For those investors, it was supposed to mark an end to what they term over-taxation, which they have severally raised their voices against. It is therefore, an understandable scenario when some shareholders’ associations once again renewed agitation for quick implementation of the policy. For some, the delay is a reflection of little importance the Federal Government attaches to activities in the capital market, while some believe that it smacks of little knowledge those at the helm of affairs in the country, including people in the House Committee on Capital Market have on issues pertaining to the market and the important role it plays in economic development of any nation. For those of them that have insistently called for removal of such taxes, they argued that share sold and bought on the NSE are not consumer goods and should not be subjected to any form of taxation. According to them, over-taxation of investments in the market is disincentive to investment. It is a general believe that the intended removal would unarguably reduce the total cost of transactions within the domestic secondary market and also drive

Dr. Ngozi-Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance

It is necessary to bridge the yawning gap between policy pronouncement and implementation in Nigeria

is not in the best interest of the market as it is capable of eroding investors’ confidence and discourage foreign portfolio investment. According to Abayomi Obabolujo, President, Association of Avid Shareholders, AAS, continued delay is unfair to investment and investors, while it also shows that the Federal Government cannot be trusted to keep to its words. “When you make pronouncement, it is only fair that you follow it up with action,” he said, adding that “This will indirectly be jeopardising foreign portfolio investment and even foreign direct investment into the country as foreign investors will begin to see the government as not being sincere. By this, the government is not only discouraging investment in the capital market, but also destroying investors’

confidence.” “Now, if the NSE said they are targeting $1trillion market capitalisation by 2016, the least the government should do is to support it by fulfilling its promises, starting with the implementation of VAT and stamp duty removal,” he added. “It is pertinent that those things – VAT, stamp duty are removed now that we are moving into 2014, because it amounts to double taxation to pay for VAT and stamp duty after paying commission. “As a matter of fact, the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, should begin to look at charging commissions on secondary market transaction based on ‘per transaction’ instead of charging on percentages. In other climes, commissions are charged per transaction regardless of volume of transaction; SEC should think of replicating this in Nigeria. It makes equity investment attractive,” he enthused. “For stock market to be attractive and grow, charges must be low. Now, if investors sell shares, they are charged commission based on percentage of shares sold, whether they make losses or not; this is disincentive to investment. But if the commission they are removing is negligible, an investor can still take the loss and sell the shares,” he stressed. Speaking in the same vein, Ambassador Olufemi Timothy of Renaissance Shareholders' Association of Nigeria, said the Federal Government is not being honest, adding that they hardly keep to their promises. He said, “It is bad; we have been talking about huge charges at the exchange. When an investor is purchasing, he should not be charged SEC, CSCS, NSE and stockbrokers commission. That is

why retail investors’ confidence is not coming back to the market.” “A situation where local investors are not coming back to the market is a dangerous trend, because if any thing happens to the market as it did in 2008, the foreign investors will take their money and flee the market. I think that while they are wooing foreign investors, they should not totally ignore the local investors. We will continue to plead with the Federal Government to change their attitude and policy direction towards retail investors,” he noted. For David Adonri, Managing Director/CEO, Lambeth Trust and Investment Limited, non-implementation of the directive one year after the minister’s pronouncement is a worrisome development. He stated that as a result, double taxation, which is a major disincentive to investment in the capital market remains, even as he said that the market has so far not enjoyed the benefit of the policy change. He further stated that, “It is necessary to bridge the yawning gap between policy pronouncement and implementation in Nigeria so that well intended measures can expeditiously serve their purpose.” he said. For Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, Managing Director, Maxifund Investment and Securities Limited, bureaucracy and lack of political will by the government could be the reason for non-implementation of the policy. While urging the SEC to collaborate with FIRS to jointly facilitate the removal of VAT and stamp duties, he averred that stockbrokers are usually harassed by investors over non-implementation whenever they have transactions.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013 — 25

BY JULIET EBIRIM

usan Peters is a multiple award-winning Nollywood star with over 50 movies to her credits. As cool, easy-going and humble as she is, the actress has never found herself too far from controversies. In this encounter with WG, the Benue State-born actress opens up on her many controversies and what she has up her sleeve. Excerpts: Talk about yourself? My name is Susan Peters, I’m a Nollywood actress from Benue State. I’m down–toearth, easy going,very humble. I love God a lot and I love my friends too. When did you start acting? I started acting in 2002.

I was never disgraced in Aso Rock – Susan Peters

Why did you choose acting? I think I stumbled into it. It wasn’t what I planned to do. I wanted to be an air-hostess, but it didn’t work out. I opened a store, a salon and a boutique in Kaduna. And then some people came to shoot some series in my eatery because I have an eatery outside, so they came to use the place to shoot and then the director was like, “Susan, help us fill in the gaps” and that was it. When the series came out, the director came and said, “Have you taught of acting?” and I said “No”. And he said,” Why not go for the course?”. So I went to TV and Film School in Kaduna and I graduated with a distinction. I then came for excursion in Lagos and here I am. Can you mention some of the movies you’ve done? ‘Sound of Poverty’, ‘Nollywood Hustlers’, ‘Wasted Effort’,’Godmother’, ‘Behind the Plot’,’Sacred Lies’, ‘Songs of Sorrow’, ‘Firebrand’ and so on. What challenges have you encountered in the industry? The competition is high because I’m a female and there are lots of other good females in the industry and there is a lot of competition with the females. For the males, I don’t think there is that much competition, the females now are so many,

I N S I DE: Monalisa, heart-throb, others dragged to court

C M Y K

Continues on page 26

Trailer Review: Tunde Kelani’s Dazzling Mirage

What’s in a smar V ? smartt TTV

26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

I was never disgraced in Aso Rock Continues from page 26 so you need to up your game, you have to be good at everything you do to be able to stand out anytime you go out. Do you have any regret joining the industry? It was a better option for me to have joined because I love the fame even though the money is not much for now. I love the fame, the recognition, the awards I’ve gotten in the U.S, U.K and Nigeria. It opens doors for me in places I don’t expect, so I think I am happy. What has fame robbed you of? Certain things I would like to do like riding a bike or going to a ‘Buka’ to eat a local food. There are things I can’t do, like waking up in the morning and just wearing slippers and walking on the road. Sometimes you don’t want to wear wig and all that,but when you think about it, there might be a mugshot somewhere so you have to put yourself in order. What is your most cherished physical attribute? I would say it is my heart because each time I meet anyone, they are usually like, ‘OMG!This actress is so humble and so nice’. So it isn’t the physical appearance, it is the person inside you. You might be pretty outside and be very ugly inside. What’s the worst rumour you’ve heard about yourself? They said I’m a lesbian which is not true. I’m not a lesbian and I have never practiced lesbianism in my life. The other one is the story that I don’t have a home, I have a house. My family also have their own house, so it isn’t true. The other one is being disgraced in Aso Rock which is not true. I was coming to that, what actually happened? I was invited for an event, I was even honoured at the event, so it’s only natural for some haters to just make up stories that are not true. They said a whole lot of things which I wouldn’t even want to go into because it’s past. I will just leave it at that. You mean it was all lies? None of it is true. You earlier mentioned that you’ve been called a lesbian, have you ever encountered lesbianism in Nollywood, has anyone ever come to you for that? I’ve not experienced it and nobody has come to me. Even people close to me know I’m straight, I’m not bi-sexual. The people practising it, I don’t know who they are. If they are there, they are there for themselves. I know only myself and I’m not a lesbian. There is this trend in the industry- actresses giving their body for roles.....? Well, I’ve heard about that, but I’ve not practised that. I can boldly stand and say, I’ve not sold my body, I have not bribed anybody to get any role. My roles have been based on merit, recommendations,auditions, tablecast and that’s what has worked for me till now. You are having an upcoming event soon, what is it about?

With Isabella Akinseye Susan Peters and the Entourage. It is an event to raise money for the children in the slum, for children with no uniforms, foot wears, stationery or furniture. Susan Peters Foundation is working with a group of teenagers who are called the ‘Entourage’ from the UK, but they are Nigerians, so we are trying to raise money for the kids in some of the schools in the slums. What motivated you into organising this event? The kids were the ones that brought up the idea, but I’m just supporting them with my own higher idea to bring the event to pass. What are you hoping to achieve with this event? We are trying to raise fifty million naira. Hopefully, we’ll achieve this goal. Which top actors do you enjoy working with? The ones I’ve worked with I love all of them: Ramsey Noah, Rita Dominic, Genevieve, Jim Iyke, Eucharia Anunobi, Mike Ezuruonye, Yemi Blag, Kate Henshaw and so on. Who are your role models in the industry? Before I joined Nollywood, I used to look up to Ramsey and Genevieve. But now that I’m in the industry, I look higher and outside. Outside Nigeria, I look up to Angelina Jolie. What advise do you have for aspiring stars who want to be like you? That’s a lot of work . If you want to be like Susan Peters, you have to go the extra mile, because I’m multi-tasked – I can do ten things at the same time. I’m very hardworking, determined and humble. I’m a people’s person and I love God. You have to put all these together to become me. How daring can you be when it comes to acting, can you act nude? I can’t do that, it’s not in my culture. Once you do it, the stigma is there. The most daring I can go is maybe to the level of bra, backing the camera and taking off my blouse. I think that is as far as I can go. What are other things you do besides acting? I do contracts, I do interiors. I have a salon and a boutique. I do make-overs. I do everything about hair, make-up and all. I love cooking, so I do cook for close friends, so they can call me even outside Nigeria, when I travel, I do it. It’s a part of me that people don’t know. What would you have been if you weren’t an actress? I would have been an air hostess or a beautician. Define your style? Do I really have a style? I think I go with the weather. Some days, I want to be all glam, sometimes, I just want to be cool. I’m not a definite person when it comes to style. The day you expect me to dress properly, I might not even dress. That’s the kind of person I am. What would you not be caught wearing? Traditional attire. I only do traditional when I’m forced to go for weddings, Asoebi and all. Ordinarily, I’m not a traditional person.

Trailer Review: Tunde Kelanis’s Dazzling Mirage

hope you enjoyed the Christmas break and are looking forward to a wonderful 2014. One of the movies I can’t wait to see next year is Tunde Kelani’s Dazzling Mirage. The team have taken time to do the film and engage fans and investors alike. It has been interesting watching new developments and getting glimpses of the work in progress and finally, the highly anticipated trailer was released recently. As expected, the response has been overwhelming (positively, of course). Enjoy! When you have big names such as Tunde Kelani and Kunle Afolayan at the helm of things, you can only expect the best. These filmmakers over the years have distinguished themselves not only in producing award winning features but in constantly improving their craft. So I was not surprised when I saw what you could term as one of the best Nollywood trailers in a long while – Dazzling Mirage. From the pening scene, you know these guys mean serious business – sickle cell. We are not bombarded with talking heads trying to be significant by shouting, kissing and being dramatic which is usually the case with most Nollywood trailers. No! It is about hard hitting facts about sickle cell. Until I watched this trailer, I didn’t know that the number of people born with sickle clell in Nigeria is that high – a w h o p p i n g 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 children. As if that is not bad enough, we are told through text on a black bacjground that many don’t live up to 5 years. Then we see Funmiwo (Kemi Lala Akindoju) who despite having sickle cell refuses to accept societal stigmatisation. She refuses pity or to accept that society sees sicklers as “ walking time bombs”. She refuses to hope for nothing but the best in life. We see shots of her when she is happy, celebrating, contemplating, arguing and fighting for her life. The carefully selected dialogue really helps to drive the issues around sickle cell. One line sticks out in particular “You’ve known me for 6 years and never thought of medical incompatibility?” This for me points out the very scary fact that awareness opf sickle cell is still very low. The saddest part is that sickle cell is preventable. I can just imagine how many people that will make life changing decisions as a result of watching this film. Beyond, its powerful message, we get to see top shot actors such as Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Yomi Fash Lanso, Bimbo Manueland Carol King. Funmiwo walking into the lagoon and vanishes into the sunset.. If the trailer is to go by, definitely a movie with a lot of good shots… Kemi Lala Akindoju, The trailer starts with a message…The background music is subtle but conveys emotion almost forcing you to be more introspective. Verdict – You would enjoy watching Lagos Cougars you want some ‘Naija’ drama, a good laugh with the girls and a lot of hot eye candy. Calling on all Nollywood filmmakers who want their trailers reviewed. Send a link of your trailer to me on isabella.akinseye@live.com Isabella Akinseye is the founder of www.nollysilverscreen.com – one stop shop for all lovers of Nigeria’s cinematic industry. We feature trailers, reviews, interviews, cinema listings, articles, videos and red carpet fashion.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2013 — 27

Synopsis

By AYO ONIKOYI

hile ‘Finding Mercy’ and ‘Lagos Cougars’ are making a tour of cinemas across the country, there are other Nollwood mustwatch movies making waves in the movie market. A visit to Idunmota on a Monday morning will tell you why Nollywood is rated second, only behind Bollywood, in the number of movies made on weekly basis. As it is with any market you are bound to see the good, the bad and the ugly and surely there are so many that will pass as outstanding even if the budget would not knock over an elephant .

Tunde Kelani’s Dazzling Mirage

he egghead at Mainframe Productions, Tunde Kelani, has done too many quality films to think anything less than perfection could come out of his stable. His recent work which may be released before the end of the year is ‘Dazzling Mirage’. Mr. Kelani shared the message on his Facebook last week that they are about wrapping up the final scene of the movie which involves a traditional marriage. Dazzling Mirage is a movie about a young woman battling with the sickle cell. Despite the stigma the society pushes her way, she struggled to achieve her goals. The Cast includes Kemi (Lala) Akindoju, Kunle Afolayan, Yomi FashLanso, Seun Akindele, Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Bimbo Manuel, Carol King, Khabirat Kafidipe, Bukola Awoyemi among others.

White Angels Vs Pinging Girls

Chioma Okoye’s The World’s Riches amily Richestt FFamily

ike Desmond Elliot, Chioma Okoye is beginning to fall in love with a double life, that is, a life behind and in front of the cameras. Like Denziot Productions, Chioma Okoye’s Purple Ribbon Entertainment has kept busy throughout this year, producing nothing less than seven movies. Her latest works include two Igbo films titled Onye Ga Anu m and Anu Go M’di. But the one really raising the roof is ‘World’s Richest Family which parades array of stars like Sunny .W. Mac Don, Ebele Okaro, Maureen Ihua, Ndidi Obi, Leo Mezie, Nze Christopher O. Cyprian, Adaora Ukoh, Andy Ike, Chinyere Nwabueze, Uche Crystal Ogbodo,Chioma Okoye,Kevin Uvo, Chidinma Aneke,Uche Nwaezeapu, Chidiebere Aneke,Nkem Ike, Daniel Lloyd. “The world’s richest man” and is married to three wives and has four legal children from two of the wives, with the exception of the first barren wife who after the man’s death, starts to control and orchestrate a move to possess a major part of the man’s vast wealth, even planting a girl and a guy to mate and produce a child in her name! Things got ugly when one of her co-wives finds out about the secret girl, but it got uglier when the man’s concubines and illegal children are invited to the man’s estate. The dvd for the part one and two is releasing on December 27th.

ctually, there has been so much noise about this movie that you would not expect it to do anything but leave a good impression. The cast is as good as you could crop up in Nollywood these days but it is the storyline that will deliver the killer blow. The movie is about six students who compete with each other for supremacy: three White Angels (Queen Nwokoye, Ejiro Okurame and Rachael Okonkwo) compete with the Pinging Girls ( Eve Esin, Uche Elendu and Nkechi Nnaji). The two groups try to outsmart each other in everything: men, cloths, cars, parties, etc. It is a story of greed, jealousy and hatred. It is directed by Afam Okereke, produced by Omalicha from the stable of Grace World Production. It was released during the week and selling fast.

The movie A madea Christmas and Bad Grandpa are releasing on Friday, attached are the art work.

Synopsis for A Madea Christmas

adea dispenses her unique form of holiday spirit on rural town when she’s coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise visit in the country for Christmas.Starring:Tyler Perry,Chad Michael Murray.

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK LAGOS COUGARS REDEMPTION CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALL 2 CAPTAIN PHILLIPS PURGE

Exhibition Schedule from DEC, 13 — DEC, 19 2013 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND A Madea Christmas : 2:40pm Lagos Cougars ; 11:45am,6:15pm Redemption : 6:50pm,8:50pm Cloudy a with a chance of meatballs 2 : 12:00pm,2:10pm Captain Philips : 4:10pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA A Madea Christmas : 4:45pm,9:00pm Bad Grandpa : 10:30am,5:10pm Lagos Cougars : 12:50pm,6:55pm Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2 : 10:50am,2:50pm Redemption 11:00am,6:45pm Captain Philips : 1:20pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC Ram-Leela : 8:00pm Lagos Cougars : 1:25pm,5:10pm,7:10pm Cloudy with a chance : 11:50am,1:50pm,6:20pm Redemption : 12:40pm,2:40pm,4:40pm,6:40pm,8:40pm About Time : 11:30am Captain Philips : 3:50pm,8:20pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Lagos Cougars : 2:10pm,6:30pm,8:50pm Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2 : 11:00am,12:50pm,2:45pm4:40pm Captain Philips : 6:35pm,9:10pm Battle of the year : 12:00pm,4:20pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Lagos Cougars : 2:10pm,6:25pm,8:30pm Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2 : 12:20pm,2:20pm,4:20pm Findind Mercy : 2:50pm,6:50pm,8:40pm Captain phillips : 11:15am,1:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Krrish 3 : 3:00pm,6:00pm Lagos Cougars : 11:55am,2:10pm,4:30pm,6:40pm Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2 : 12:10pm,2:25pm,4:45pm Redemption : 12:15pm,2:30pm,4:40pm,7:00pm Finding Mercy : 11:45pm,1:35pm,3:25pm,5:30pm,7:20pm Battle of the year : 6:55pm The Big Wedding : 12:50pm 2 Guns : 11:50am,2:05pm,4:25pm,6:50pm OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS A Madea Christmas :2:45pm,7:00pm Bad Grandpa : 8:15pm Lagos Cougars : 10:00am Redemption : 6:20pm The purge : 10:05am Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2 : 11:05am GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, LAGOS A Madea Christmas : 10:10am,4:50pm Lagos Cougars : 12:50pm Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2 : 10:15am,2:25pm, Captain Philips : 2:10pm,8:15pm,11:00pm GENESIS CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Lagos Cougars : 11:40am,6:30pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU Lagos Cougars : 11:00am,2:55pm,7:00pm Cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2 : 10:10am,1:55pm Insidious Chapter 2 : 12:15pm,4:35pm,8:20pm Captain Philips : 5:50pm

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013 Stories by Ayo Onikoyi

Monalisa Chinda, heart-throb, others dragged to court A court action has been filed against top-rated Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda, her heartthrob, Lanre Nzeribe, his company, Lantana International Ltd., the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State and two police officers by a Lagos lawyer over maltreatment of an editor, Kelvin Keshi, reportedly employed by Monalisa and Lanre Nzeribe to start off a magazine known as Monalisa. According to reports, Monalisa and Lanre Nzeribe prised Keshi from Genevieve magazine to be the editor of their proposed magazine while also overseeing the foundational work including recruitment of staff and general editorial framework but it was said that Lanre Nzeribe as the Managing Director of Lantana International Limited, the publisher of the magazine started to show sign of reneging on his agreement with Keshi when he changed the agreed negotiation to Assistant Editor. He was also said to have delayed the appointment letter until Kelvin had started work to reduce the chances of rejection of the offer. Things went from bad to worse, when in the second month, Lantana International, publishers of Monalisa magazine reportedly started owing salary and announced to workers that the magazine was suspending its

editorial unit. According to Keshi’s lawyer Two months’ salary was owed as at this time. No termination was made. Kelvin demanded for his salary arrears and the company made payment of July salary with a promise that August salary will be paid later. Monalisa and Lanre then cut off communication which led to Keshi publishing the story online. This, according to the lawyer, angered Monalisa and Nzeribe, who wrote a letter to the Lagos State Police Command, alleging that Kelvin stole the company’s identity card, flash drive, internet modem and laptop and had him detained, for 36 hours. As a condition for his

release and payment of his August salary arrears, the police instructed retraction of the publication, return of the company identity card, internet modem and flash drive. “All the conditions were met. But Lanre Nzeribe and Monalisa vowed that the salary will not be paid” said the lawyer, “In view of the fact that the police is delving into a pure civil matter and the failure of the police to act on our petition of 22nd October, 2013 to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, against the actions, conduct and utterances of DSP Thompson, leader of the investigating team, we went to court for the court to determine if the matter is a civil matter or a criminal matter and whether suspension is the same thing as termination. The matter comes up on the 16th of January, 2014”.

Benson Okonkwo goes gaga on social media

L-R: Bash, Funny Bone, Yoruba actress, Toyin Adegbola, Ugandan sensational comedian, Salvador and Gbenga Adeyinka The 1st at the Ibadan edition of Glo LafftaFest held on Sunday

Glo stuns Ibadan with bumper Lafftafest the audience with Ugandan and Nigerian Xmas show entertained the nuances of the people in artistes.Thereafter, the show,

badan residents could not have bargained for a more entertaining Xmas show as Globacom locked down the city with a bumper Glo Lafftafest package that paraded 17 national and international artistes in one single swoop. With Nigeria’s biggest comedy export, Basketmouth anchoring, the Ibadan edition of the show paraded stars such as Gbenga Adeyinka, Bovi, Seyi Law, Bash, Akpororo, Osama, Akapella, Odogwu, Omobaba and Ajebaba. All the acts found an object of interest peculiar to Ibadan to peg their comedy sessions while the crowd were amazed to see Warri boy, Akpororo thrilling them in flawless Yoruba. The show also featured the Ugandan sensational standup comedian, Salvador who got a standing ovation as he

his native Ugbokolo village. A comic character, Lagbeja, was again the hero of his jokes. Thought to be a dullard, Lagbeja sometimes threw punch lines that bewildered his teachers and colleagues. Salvador thanked Globacom for making 2013 the most memorable in his career by featuring him in all the Lafftafest shows. Salvador had won the silverware when Nigerians adjudged him as the best-in-class among the foreign comedians who performed at the mega Lafftafest shows. Globacom packaged the Glo Lafftafest tagged Invasion L.O.L. as part of the activities marking its 10th year anniversary. The show kicked off in Lagos with the mega edition, which also held in Abuja and featured top American, South African,

described as Africa’s biggest comedy show, was staged in other cities such as Owerri, Port Harcourt, Benin, Abakaliki, Enugu, Uyo and Asaba.

ising Nollywood actor, Benson Okonkwo is known for his no-holds-bare attitude and a knack for hitting the nail on the head but that does not include playing pranks, even if the actor has been known to be a bit volatile in nature. The Enugu-based actor recently posted a picture of a woman on his blackberry as his display picture, taking all and sundry for a ride, that he probably has a new woman in his life, at least, after his last effort at settling down failed miserably. But the picture later turned out to be Benson himself all made up and disguised to look like a woman. No doubt, the actor showed the artist in him by pulling such stunt which could have fooled anyone. Benson has b e e n accused of being gay many times too often and he hasn’t shaken off his gay role in a movie and to come looking like something out of a gay pub, Benson must have s o m e explaining to do.

Laide Bakare premieres latest movie with musical fiesta

op Yoruba actress, Laide Bakare who dazzled the movie world with release of ‘Alhaja Tio Common’ which made the box office is back again with another movie that may make her last movie anything but for the kids. The groundwork for the film ‘Money Bag’ which premières at the Niteshift Coliseum on Sunday is simply awesome. Stars like Kcee, the Limpopo master, Pasuma Wonder, T-Code, Lamboghini, Tunde of Style Plus are expected to perform as part of the day’s package to sell the movie to the public.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013— 29 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

What’s in a smart TV ? L

ome entertainment manufacturers are showing more swagg these days in a bid to catch the fancy of the next customer and probably stay far ahead of competition. This, has, for instance shown prominently on televisions which are shedding considerable weight and becoming flatter over the past few decades. However, that’s not the only innovation the TV has evolved. The history of television is littered with practical innovations which have changed the way humans watch the screen. There was the ‘rabbit ears’ television antenna, which improved reception and was credited for stoking the television boom in the United States of America in the 1950s and ’60s. Then there was also the ‘lazybones’ remote control, followed by the colour and interactive and multi-platform TV, culminating in the convergence we see today. Now, the latest development in TV technology is the Smart TV, sometimes referred to as internet TV because of its access to the World Wide Web. This trend has seen up to 60% of large screen TVs such as LED TVs having ‘Smart’ capabilities, just shows how faint the line between technology and entertainment becomes by the day. Although televisions throughout history were not invented by one single inventor, but many people working together and inventing different things made the evolution of television possible. It has been nearly 80 years since the first public demonstration of television took place in a crowded laboratory in London. Since that time television has advanced from blurry black and white pictures to stunning high-definition images with life-like depth, realism, color and resolution. How were these achievements made and how will they affect our technology? It has become a widely used telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images, either monochromatic (black and white) or colour, usually accompanied by sound. Commercially available since the late 1930s, the television set has become a common communications receiver in homes, businesses and institutions, particularly as a source of entertainment and news. Since the 1970s the availability of video cassettes, laser discs, DVDs and now Blu-ray Discs, have resulted in the television set frequently being used for viewing recorded as well as broadcast material. A visual display device which lacks a tuner is properly called a monitor, rather than a television. A television system may use different technical standards such as Digital Television (DTV) and High-Definition Television (HDTV). Television systems are also used for surveillance, industrial process control, and guiding of weapons, in places where direct observation is difficult or dangerous. To begin with content and connectivity, a smart TV offers great connectivity plus, smart features plus and an intuitive interface making the LG Smart TV king. Ultimately, this equals superb lifestyle flexibility. In other words, LG Smart TVs hand over control to the customer to watch great events whenever, and however, they want it. LG Electronics, Global Consumer Electronics giant earlier in 2013 introduced the LG Smart TV that allows owners to use the clever Time Machine feature to record live TV Programmes such as football matches and play them whenever convenient. Even better, consumers can search for movie contents online and stream them by using the voice recognition button on the Magic mo-

Spectranet, Huawei give broadband users speed

tion remote control. The in-built two tuner Picture in picture (PIP) enables LG Smart TV owners record a TV program while watching another programme simultaneously. Additionally, there’s no need to worry if the match turns into an epic five-hour battle; simply connecting an external hard drive will ensure that every minute of the heart -pounding action is recorded. Once the recording is over, additional content can be accessed through LG’s Smart Home platform. For example, users can hop on to You Tube to check out some of the highlights from other matches or post-game interviews. They can also access sports apps to read analyses and compare player statistics. Impressively, the expansive Smart Home experience can be navigated intuitively with the LG’s highly praised Magic Motion Remote control. The controller uses four distinct input options – voice, pointing, wheel and gesture – to facilitate content and connectivity management. The TVs smart share capability has changed TV viewing, enabling content sharing from Smart phones to the TV through six different ways which include; Mobile HD-Link (MHL), Miracast, Wi-Di (Wireless Display), Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), 2nd Display, and Tag-on.

AST week, Spectranet hooked Huawei on a strate gic partnership to see that Nigerian users experience amazing broadband speed in its newly launched 4G/LTE platform. The platform has been on in Lagos and Abuja and is expected to spread to other parts of the country very soon. Chief Operating Officer of Spectranet, Mr. Atul Ojha said that the launch was a very important milestone for his company just as hooking up with Huawei to sustain it. He said: “We have launched in Lagos and have also made it available in Abuja. Very soon consumers in Ibadan and other places will also hook on. So far the experience of the consumer has been so encouraging. The speed they are getting is very satisfactory and impressive. We chose Huawei because they have been there for us in the past when we were on WIMAX platform and now that we have moved from WiMAX to LTE we also felt they should continue to be our partner. Our migration to LTE is to give customers excellent services” He said the partnership would see Huawei deploy the network services, maintain produce the devices Spectranet will use for the LTE services. Meanwhile, MD Huawei West Africa, Tony Liang expressed satisfaction with the partnership, saying it was a partnership between two giants. For him, We are a very big ICT group and can provide several operators different services at the same time without having any problems. We have a strong network solutions, backend network and service centers across the world. The device we are going to manufacture for Spectranet can cover three hundred meters on wifi. It has a battery backup that can last the user for two hours since Africa is known for unsteady power generation. The device can contain 32 devices at the same time.

How to have a Techy-Merry Christmas BY LAJU ARENYEKA

o-ho-ho! Christmas time is here. You’re most likely old enough to know that Santa doesn’t exist. But with technology, you just might be able to give yourself and your loved ones, the Christmas you deserve. Here’s how:Promote goodwill: Remember the quote, “Peace on earth and goodwill to all men.” It’s associated with the Christmas season. So, on your social media platforms, campaign for needy children, old people and other causes. Take advantage of your online banking platform and donate funds to reputable organizations that promote goodwill. There are also free online games, and surveys you can partake of and help someone in need without parting with a t i m e . Online shopping: You know the myth that the roads are freer during the holidays? Well that is just what it is-a myth. Traffic in most major cities is terrible this

time of the year. To catch up on late Christmas shopping, switch to the online platform. Get easy delivery from the comfort of your home. Gifts: It could be quite difficult to find gold, frankincense and myrrh today, but there are some tech-savvy gifts that could make the space beneath your Christmas tree look like a miracle. These gadgets don’t even have to be expensive, contact your service provider to find affordable deal. Messages: Let’s face it, people don’t value Christmas cards as much as they used to. That’s a good sign that you can now spend less by investing in bulk text messaging and emails to send your glad tidings. Advertise your skills online: Nearly every skill is in high demand this season. People want their homes

refurbished, and the kids want to get out of the house. People need drivers to take them on excursions, and firms to plan the excursions. The list goes on and on. And because of the holidays, people have more free time to spend on the internet. This means more exposure to goods and services that are available on the internet. Be smart. Take advantage of the opportunity. Get the 5D experience: 5D movies have been around for a while, but if you still haven’t seen, felt and heard one, you should.

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

The Unbridled bride

The one that takes the (wedding) cake must be Josephine Washima, President Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Job Creation, at the tail end of the year. As she wed Atama Attah Tundun Abiola’s ex, Josephine was a picture of what not to get married in the thick blue bridal satin fabric was of an ashen, most unbridelike hue. It looked as though it was designed and made by a sleepy carpenter and the icing on the cake was the multicolour beading detail in front of the dress. Easily the worst dess of 2013

WHO THINKS OF THESE THINGS? (Worst dresses of 2013)

Sheer Madness There is no doubt at all that a bit of sheer here and there would enable observers take just a little peek at your goodsjust enough to stir up some interest but when you leave it all to hang loose, the effect is quite the opposite. Nightie Blues Another new bride having trouble looking the part is voluptuous Yoruba actress Foluke Daramola, who has already settled too contentedly into matrimony just months into her controversial marriage to Kayode Salako. Her appearance at the 2013 AMAA awards left a lot to be desired. Not only was the dress cheap and busy, it did nothing to flatter her already deficient buxom shape. It rather appeared as though someone called her up for a pyjama party and she made a hurried appearance. To

make matters worse it had a hood, which was used by the wearer on the red carpet. Is this diva for real? Bohemian Gone Wrong And Omawumi was definitely not looking her best last November at the DSTV@20 event where she turned up on the red carpet looking like a dishevelled drunk that forgot to change her clothes before

turning up at the wrong party. Nigeria absolutely loves Omawumi’s style- the bohemian, big curls, the edgy jewellery and sexy heels, but this was rather going too far. The unfortunate outfit consisted of a badly cut suit. Not just any suit; not a trouser suit or a skirt suit but a bumper shorts suit. There is always room for innovation in fashion, but this one can only qualify as coun-

ter-innovation. Blinging Queen Also in April, delectable dancing queen Kaffy stunned the crowd at Omawumis’s album launch at Oriental, but not by her dancing skills this time. Never has the outfit of someone so beloved been hated so much as Kaffy’s in her scruffy denims that looked more like something Funke Akindele’s Jenifa would turn up with. Better style next year, Kaffy! (Next week: Best dresses of 2013)

Meals-for-All fetes children in Epe By Anino Aganbi

HE End-of-year event was held in schools 1 and 2 of Zumrattul Islammiyah Primary School, Epe, located behind General Hospital. The names of the head teachers are Mrs Agbayo and Mrs Sanusi. The school lacked infrastructures, so it was very glaring that they needed the aid of people no matter how little. The head teachers were sceptical about granting interviews to the press until they were told we didn’t want an interview but a small take on what they felt was being done in their school for the children’s end of year party. They went further to thank Mealsfor-All founder Funke Sodade for having the welfare of the children at heart. They wished other sponsors would come out to do something spectacular for the kids. The joy on each child’s face

was a sight to behold. Each was given gift packs provided by sponsors. There was lots food to go round. Parents and teachers like wise had so much fun mainly because they where not expecting such. When Vanguard asked some teachers the last time such an occurrence had taken place, they said it hadn’t happened

in close to ten years. Children from neighbouring schools also came. Some were fortunate enough to eat while others were not so lucky. There were lots of activities; games were conducted, dancing competitions were done and the winners were awarded prices. At the end of the day, the children had lots of fun.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013 —

My desire is to see Nigeria attain her greatest potential — Solade

When did this project start? The project kicked off in 2012. At first it was just a personal initiative, something I really wanted to do. I wanted to add value to the lives of people, I live in Bariga. So I began to give out food on my street. I spoke to the Shomolu Local Government Authority to give out some meals in their public primary schools so together we started doing Shomolu and Bariga Primary Schools. I also went further tell family and friends then corporate bodies. From there it just grew bigger and bigger. In the spirit of Christmas, what will be your advice to others out there? Christmas is a time when we celebrate what God gave to us. I will encourage every one to give and keep giving. Don’t just stop at Christmas. Give your time, love, Emotions. As a matter of fact, give all you can. What is your view about being an NGO? I didn’t set out to be an NGO. I have seen a need in my community and my desire is to meet that need as much as I can, God help me. So if I have to be an NGO to see that happen, then I will. How do you like to present yourself? I am simply a Nigerian who desires earnestly to see our country attain the greatness she has the potential for. What would you not do in the name of an NGO? I will not do anything that will bring shame to my God and my family, NGO or not! What have been your challenges so far since you started this project? I have been blessed to have

met genuine people who continue to support this project. The challenge really for any community project is to connect with like minded people who will provide support-financial or otherwise. Is this what you do now for a living? Not at all. I am a Physiotherapist and Health Consultant. I’m presently working towards specialisation in pre and post natal exercise prescription. Has there been any criticism since you started? Oh yes! like ‘poor people are lazy, feeding them will only reinforce their laziness ‘, ‘ you can’t make much of a difference, Nigeria has too many problems that are more important than hungry school children’, ‘It’s the government’s responsibility, let

‘

all in the next five to ten years? We will have food centres

I have seen a need in my community and my desire is to meet that need as much as I can, God help me. So if I have to be an NGO to see that happen, then I will

them be responsible’ and so much more! How do you see meals for

‘

Funke Sodade is the founder of an NGO called Plycon Nigeria which is currently running a charitable event tagged FOOD FOR ALL. In an Interview held with th her at Epe-Lagos on the 11 of December 2013.We got to know more about her and what her NGO is into.

in several LGAs across Nigeria and these centres will provide free meals and raw food rations to underserved Nige-

rians. I see us being supported by both local and international organisations. I see us partnering with similar agencies to provide nutritional support for malnourished mothers and under 5 children in rural communities. I see growth and spread. Who is your mentor? God, simply. He leads me to wonderful people who help and guide me in this project. Are you married, if no how do you combine your relationship and you profession-

alism? yes I am happily married! Each day is a roller coaster but I’m grateful for all I have. One last word for people expecting to have an NGO who are reading your story today? My advice is that you focus on doing great things like touching lives around you, adding value to Nigeria, spreading hope and living passionately! The NGO is only a name, what you do with it is what counts.

5 things you may not know about financial inclusion and gender How do women save and use financial services in the developing world? A new report compiles evidence on gender gap in access to finance. Worldwide more men (55%) than women (47%) own or co own bank accounts. The gender gap is biggest in people surviving on less than $2 a day. In the developing world women (26%) are more likely than men (20%) to say they don’t own one because a family member already has an account More women than men use informal ways to save. In Africa 53% of women tap into informal community based methods such as rotating savings and credit associations, against 43% of men.

Compared to their male counterparts, female entrepreneurs tend to pay higher interest rates or get less favourable loan terms and are more likely to shy away from seeking finances from formal sources Women fall behind men when it comes to using savings and lending instruments through formal institutions, even after considering factors such as age, education, income and residence, whether rural or urban. Courtesy Devex

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Vanguard Vanguard,, YOUR LUCK TODAY

CAPRICORN; Here is a good day when influential personalities around you will be willing to assist you but you will need to take the initiative. Take good advice. AQUARIUS; This is your day. The more ambitious you are along your career line the better for you. And friends are willing to give the needed supports; you’ll be lucky. PISCES; Your mind is truly active and if you’re more practical about it success’ll crown your efforts. Reason with your tried and trusted friends.

— 43

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

SAGITTARIUS; Lucky Jupiter makes an ingress into your positive angle today with good luck to you. Financial success is closer to you than you can imagine. Give big push.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

THOUGHT FOR TODAY By Richard Eromosele

GREAT thinker, Senera once said: “it is not because things are difficult that we do not try, it is because we do not try that thing are difficult” Did you get that? Let me illustrate: A

Why are things difficult? child said he is late home, rather than go home straight, he still stays half-way because he is afraid his father will punish him, is he not aggravating the issue?

TERROR MUDA

That is the case with those who do not try? They worsen an already bad situation. If you do not sow can you reap? If you don’t plant can you

in “Never say goodbye”

harvest? If you do not knock will you be opened for? Do something today. No matter how difficult your situation seems now, the solution to it, is doing something no matter how small.

By Lanre Kehinde

ARIES ; Coming of Lucky Jupiter into a positive angle to your Star sign is a big plus. On a day like this the more ambitious you are the better. It’s good to be loving . TAURUS; The more willing you are to listen to your partners and/or spouse the better for you today. Friends are trying to convince you that they are reliable. GEMINI; Here is a day you are not meant to ignore new ideas that come suddenly. It’s good to take matters of the heart more seriously. Listen to your spouse please. CANCER; Success is boldly printed on your cards today. The more push-full you are along your career/ business lines the better. Embrace new method at work. LEO; Lucky Jupiter is joining mighty Sun and romantic Venus bringing you to the fore for collection of well deserved honour, glory and LOVE. Certainly you’re becoming more important in many ways. Be more ambitious.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

VIRGO; Another lucky day for you is here. Although your being co-operative can enhance your scope, your personal ideas and initiative are guarantee for bigger do. LIBRA; Those of you who are more consistent will have more to gain. Good ideas on monetary issues will enhance your finances. Be more family minded. SCORPIO; Entrance of lucky Jupiter into Sagittarius is meant to enhance your finances. The more willing you are to take good advice the better. Be loving.

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,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

What is my Horoscope? Dear Joshua I am a young man willing to go higher in life. Kindly tell me everything I should know about my horoscope. Ganiyu Oshogbo.

Dear Ganiyu, Here-under are what space can take ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOROSCOPE Preponderance of fixed quality within the heavenly bodies when you were born pointed to you as a person who always find it relatively difficult to change his mind once you made up your mind on very important issues. And as ambitious Saturn was the final dispositor (that is the only planet at home) when you were born, CAREER&IMAGE always take precedence over all other things when taking important and final decision. From distance others will see you as a tough and aggressive person but with less than 50% of push-full influence in your chart you are actually not as difficult as others thought you are. Truly you are loving, caring and your sympathy can easily be aroused. Most of the time you prefer to attract what you want rather than go after such in straight aggressive way. However because you are an Aquarian nobody can take you for granted especially about your personal FREEDOM.. Placement of the Sun (the indicator of everybody’s innerself and/or conscious self) also Moon (an indictor of emotion/sub-conscious self) in AQUARIUS and SAGITTARIUS respectively are indications of your being mainly an Aquarian and partly Sagittarian. Meaning that basic characteristics of the two Star signs, are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

HOME & ABROAD Lawrence Akapa

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

Okolugbo advocates support for PDP, Uduaghan

Onokpite for burial

Ochei tasks Deltans on essence of Christmas T

HE Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, has urged the people of the state to celebrate the yuletide by reflecting on its very essence, which he said symbolically heralds the birth of Jesus Christ to reconcile mankind to the Creator. In his seasonal goodwill message to Deltans, Ochei said: “As we celebrate as Deltans, I want us to reflect on the very essence of this season and adequately appraise the relationship between Deltans, mankind and our Creator.”

IR Kenny Okolugbo, Commissioner representing Ndokwa on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas D e v e l o p m e n t C o m m i s s i o n , DESOPADEC, has charged party faithful to remain steadfast and continue to support the good works of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State. He said with what DESOPADEC had achieved under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, government, it would be unfair to give inroad to any other party. He said Governor Uduaghan had given the enabling environment, provided the needed finance that made the success story possible. Okolugbo spoke at the end of year party he hosted at the residence of Ogbuefi Eric Anigala, Delta North PDP Chairman, with over 75 faithful from across the 10 wards of Ukwuani Local Government Area in attendance.

He said there was need for the people of the state to uphold the values and virtues that “make us see one another as one indivisible people.” While wishing Deltans a

Oshiomhole has courage, integrity— IHONVBERE BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

ECRETARY to the Government of Edo State, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, yesterday, solicited prayers for

JUDEG faults Obasanjo on letter to Jonathan BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

ENIN— A group, Jubilee Democratic Emancipation Group of Nigeria, JUDEG, has warned that the contents of the letter from former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to President Goodluck Jonathan was capable of disintegrating the country. National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Dele Oluwatade, who spoke at the end of year

meeting of the association of Gospel Ministers for True Leadership in Benin recently, said the letter will either destroy Obasanjo or Jonathan. He added that Obasanjo had no locus standi and equity to point out problems to a sitting President, since he had most of the problems while in office and did nothing. He said: “At his age, Chief Obasanjo is supposed to be resting and he is supposed to keep quiet.

Group faults Tambuwal on corruption comments BY FESTUS AHON

GHELLI— A group, Niger Delta for Peaceful, Credible and Visionary Leadership, has berated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, for allegedly accusing President Goodluck Jonathan of aiding corruption

in the country. National President of the group, King Prebor (Snr), who said this while chatting with newsmen, described the comment as hypocritical and self-serving, adding that President Goodluck Jonathan was doing well in his crusade against corruption. He said: “It is the duty of

merry Christmas and a fruitful New Year, the legislator opined that observing the core essence of the season will make Delta come out as a better state.

every Nigerian to wage war against corruption and corrupt practices. The President alone cannot fight corruption. “I, therefore, urge all those in government to declare a state of emergency on corruption from the Presidency to the state down to the local government governments.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole for his courage and purposeful leadership of the state. While thanking everyone for their support for the governor thus far, Ihonvbere said Oshiomhole deserved the people’s prayers and encouragement. He said: “He (Oshiomhole) is a leader, who has that courage to stand out and say follow me and he is able to combine in him several qualities of integrity, credibility, ability to listen to people and respond accordingly. “The World Bank said that one of the problems of leadership in Nigeria is the very low capacity for visioning. “So when you find somebody like Oshiomhole whose capacity for visioning is over a 100 per cent and he is not afraid to take hard decisions then we, who are his foot soldiers, must all sit up and continue to work very hard. “Let us continue to pray for him to move higher after his stewardship here. But I think what should concern us is who comes after Oshiomhole. “If the person has just 50 per cent of Oshiomhole’s quality, we can have parties and dance. “We must be prepared to resist quacks and fake leaders who pretend to have the abilities to take us to the promise land, but have pedestal understanding of the values of democracy.”

HE body of Delta State governorship candidate of the Citizen Peoples Party, CPP, Chief Ogbe Onokpite, who was killed two years ago, will be buried tomorrow. The family, in a statement by Mr. Diemo Onokpite, said the funeral service and interment of Ogbe Onokpite, who is survived by a widow, daughter, brothers and sisters among others, will take place at at his compound in Ogbe Onokpite Villa, Ugolo, Delta State Saturday. The statement added that “Ogbe Onokpite is a detribalised Deltan, who was cleared by the Department of State Services, SSS, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. “He contested twice for the position of governor of Delta State as a candidate of the Citizens Peoples Party, CPP, in 2007 and 2011. “While urgent answer is needed for many questions, Ogbe Onokpite’s family, associates, friends and the people of Delta State wish him a peaceful rest on the bosom of the Lord.”

Chief Ogbe Onokpite.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Christmas' celebration

HIS is a time of sharing love and gifts. If you are like me, who is planning to send Christmas gifts and cards to friends and relatives, you are making the day worth the celebration because Christmas is just about giving.— Ms. Esther Adichie, Worker.

HE very essence of C h r i s t m a s celebration lies in the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of Almighty God and the saviour for Christians. This is the time Christians all over the world celebrate the day with merriment and zeal.— Mr. Ikechukwu Geoffrey, Worker.

AGIC of Christmas gives one the confidence to face all the challenges ahead. I know for sure that as a nation we must have challenges in 2014, but my prayer is for God to give our leaders the wisdom to tackle them.— Ms. Amamchinefe Okoji, Worker.

HE Lord was born to save us mankind. Let us rejoice and enjoy the birth of our King. Merry Christmas to all Nigerians. Those who will be taking their family out should do so without constituting any nuisance on the road.— Ms. Obiorah Nkechi, Student.

EAVEN and earth is ready to celebrate the King's birthday. He sacrificed Himself to save us from our sins. May his love and affection fill our soul and spread to others. Merry Christmas to Nigeria and Nigerians.— Mrs Ifeoma A y a m b u b a , Businesswoman.

HRISTMAS proclaims that God will be with us always. My wish at this Christmas is that Nigerians, whether Christians or Muslims, should live as one and love one another. Let us celebrate this happiness (Christmas) with fun.— Ms. Ilokoli Augusta, Student.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013—45

Calabar Carnival: Brand worth promoting —IMOKE

Dressmakers in Delta hail high patronage during yuletide

ALABAR—GOVERNOR Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has described Calabar Carnival as a unique brand that should be jealously protected and promoted. Imoke said this at the event’s command performance night in Calabar as part of activities for the carnival. He said the beauty of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage was expressed in the carnival. “The beauty of Nigeria is wholly expressed in the Calabar festival and the unique brand should be jealously protected and promoted by all,” the governor said. He called on governments at all levels and the private sector to ensure all hands were on deck so as to see to it that the carnival was protected. Imoke said this would serve as a way to continue attracting both local and international support for the country. “Carnival Calabar can be identified internationally and exported around the world. “It has become a brand that everyone has identified with because it is about the people. So, with or without government behind it, it has become an international brand. “After Nollywood, Carnival Calabar is the highest brand in Africa and it is unique because, unlike others, it is designed, programmed and costumed through passion and creativity,” he said. Also speaking, Ms Karen Sauza, sponsor of the Brazilian Samba team to the carnival, said another Brazilian band would be participating at the adult carnival. She said the band would showcase some popular Brazilian songs. Sauza said the continuous participation of Brazilian bands at the carnival affords both Nigeria and Brazil the opportunity for cultural exchanges. She commended Governor Imoke for promoting the carnival. The command performance featured plays from the state’s Arts and Culture Department, and the James Ben Henshaw ’s play, This is our Chance.

SWEARING-IN: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (left), his wife, Roli (middle), congratulating Dame Edith Okowa, shortly after her oath taking as a Permanent Secretary, in Asaba.

Edo to boost agric investment in 2014 —IHONVBERE BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—EDO State Govern ment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with 8 international investors who will invest heavily in the agricultural sector to create employment for youths in 2014. Secretary to Edo State Government, SSG, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who disclosed this during a chat with professors from Australia and China who were in the state to seek partnership with the state government in the agricultural sector, said it was the desire of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration to ensure the completion of all on-going projects in the state, as well as invest in the agricultural sector to create employment for youths. He said: “I believe that the focus of the 2014 budget demonstrates clearly that following the

huge investment on infrastructure, we will continue to do that as we complete ongoing projects but now want to move to all those who will use the infrastructure; the empowerment of youths, women, and community leaders. “For example, in the Ministry of Agriculture, we have 8 MoUs already signed with international investors who want to go into cassava, rice, palm produce and fruits, among others. These are not businesses that would employ less than a thousand persons. “The petro-chemical plant that is on-going now, when completed, will employ no less than 2,500 persons. It is a huge petro-chemical plant that has completed its dredging and if you go there, you

will not believe the huge investment. Another 20,000 hectare for cassava production to produce ethanol is ongoing too and this is another employment generation source but private sector driven. “The producers of Indomie noodles have come and would be producing to distribute to the South-South. We are not just going to give them land to produce, but they will go into manufacturing of various products too. “We are also carrying out revolution in the educational system. There are very few states that have tried that and that is because we have quality, capable and competent heads of ministries and also driven very hard by the commissioners and the governor himself.”

Uduaghan to grace Ndokwa biennial conference BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA—ALL is now set for the biennial general conference and N1 billion foundation stone laying ceremony and launching organised by Ndokwa National Union taking place today and tomorrow, at Utagba Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale. A statement by the Chairman, Planning Committee, General Mike Ndubisi (rtd), said: “We are set for the ground breaking ceremony to be attended by prominent sons and daughters of Ndokwa nation both home and abroad, which will be chaired by former acting military governor of defunct Midwest region, Brigadier-General Godwin Alabi-Isama. “We are also expecting our governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, as the special guest of honour."

President General of Ndokwa National Union, Mr. Paul Enebeli, had earlier at a press conference, said the biennial general assembly of Ndokwa nation would provide opportunity for Ndokwa people to appraise their position in the political firmament, especially ahead of 2015, when the incumbent administration in Delta State would complete its full term of eight years. He said: “It will offer a platform to discuss the contributions of Ndokwa nationality to national issues such as the proposed national confab. “Ndokwa provides all the solutions to the fears often expressed by other ethnic nationalities in Delta Central and South namely, the

Urhobo, Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri, in the sense that although the area is part of Delta North or Anioma, Ndokwa is also part of the old Delta Province. Ndokwa is, therefore, the only federal constituency in Delta State comprising of the Igbo (Delta North) Urhobo (Central) Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri (South), all welded into one single unit of people. “This admixture, in addition to the location of Ndokwa at the centre of the State, equidistant to Asaba and Warri, creates a bridge building phenomenon, which will in turn create confidence, trust and unity in the state, therefore removing all perceived fears of that marginalisation in the event that an Ndokwa emerges governor in 2015.”

SABA—DRESSMAKERS in Asaba, Delta State, have hailed the high patronage of their services this yuletide season, as opposed to the lull in 2012. Some of them who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Asaba said they had to engage temporary workforce to meet customers deadlines. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Alade said: “I must say we are really impressed at high patronage from our customers as compared to what we experienced in 2012 during the yuletide.” Alade, a seamstress, said in spite of complaints of hardship by some of the customers, they were still able to purchase new clothes for their children and wards. “Our business has been better this year, compared to what we experienced during last year’s yuletide. This has really made us happy,” she said. Mr. Divine Ejima, who runs a unisex dressmaking outfit, said the increase in patronage compelled him to engage the services of two other tailors to avoid disappointing his clients. “In order not to disappoint my customers this year, I stopped collecting clothes from my customers since the last week of November. “And in spite of my engaging other tailors, I still have a lot more work to do before the New Year celebration. “This has kept me busy and there is pressure, as I work late into the nights to meet up,” he added. Mr Fred Okolie, another tailor, said although this period had been impressive, his greatest challenge was meeting customers’ deadline, as some of t h e m m i g h t have quarrelled with him if their clothes were not ready on time. Meanwhile, some customers who spoke to NAN said although there was hardship in the country, they still needed to look good. Mrs Gloria Ebikeme said: “For being alive alone it is worth thanking God, and one of the ways I can appreciate my God is for me and my family to look good and be happy.”

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

‘Imo people still interested in alleged N1.5bn payment to JPROS' BY CHIDI NKWOPARA WERRI—AN Owerribased legal practitioner, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, has said Imo people were still interested in knowing what has happened to the N1.5 billion paid to a contracting firm, JPROS International, for doing no job. Chief Ahamba made his feelings known yesterday during an exclusive chat with Vanguard in Owerri. He said: “Some months back, there was an impeachment proceeding in Imo State. My interest in this issue is not about justice for the victim or those who accused him or impeached him, but justice to the citizenry who are interested in knowing where the N1.5 billion is.” While insisting that the people must not only be told where their commonwealth was, Chief Ahamba also expressed the belief that “there must be some restitutive justice in this matter to the good people of Imo, whose scarce fund has developed wings.”

....Lawmaker empowers youths BY ANAYOOKOLI

M UA H I A — T H E member representing Aba South state constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Nwogu Iheasimuo, has distributed empowerment materials to youths in the area, with a charge on them to make proper use of them to earn decent living. According to Iheasimuo, the gesture is his little way of appreciating the youths and others who worked hard to ensure that he won the election in 2011. The lawmaker said he would attend to others that did not benefit from the present scheme and urged them to be patient and remain steadfast. The items presented include six cars to be used for commercial purposes by the beneficiaries; a bus given to Aba-na-Ohazu youths, 250 other items, including sewing machines, freezers, fans, grinding machines, clippers and several pieces of wrappers for the women.

UNN alumni petition Jonathan over pro-chancellor's removal zWant VC Okolo probed BY KENNETH EHIGIATOR

SUKKA—THE University of Nigeria Alumni Association, UNAA, has petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan, over the suspension of Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Emeka Enejere, from office, asking him to institute a full scale investigation into the activities of the ViceChancellor, Prof. Bartho Okolo.

Appeal to Jonathan

The association, in the petition signed by the National President, Mr. Andrew Oru, also appealed to President Jonathan to order the immediate reinstatement of Dr. Enejere as Pro-Chancellor of the university. Oru recalled a plethora of cases where the vice chancellor awarded contracts for projects in the university without recourse to due process. He said most of the contracts awarded by the VC had yet to be completed, despite the fact that almost one hundred percent payment had been made to the contractors. In one instance, he said though N46.703 million had been paid for construction of the proposed Umunkara Street (University Secondary School Road, Nsukka, out of the N49.161 million for the project, the job was yet to be completed six months after it was to have been delivered in four weeks.

government’s due process regime and laudable transformation agenda.

Wike and his lawyer

“Further shock, the same Minister on December 19, 2013, announced the appointment of one Emmanuel Akara, SAN, who is his own lawyer in Rivers State to replace the ProChancellor. “We, as responsible major stakeholders and apostles of zero tolerance for corruption in whatever form, are unable to keep to the sidelines and watch the decimation of our dreams as epitomised in the great institution which we have lived to cherish and protect. “In the light of the above and all other collateral circumstances, we here-in below examine this volatile situation with all sense of responsibility in the context of all extant rules, laws, norms of civility and respect for the visitor. “Without mincing words, it has practically been a war situation for the number of

years that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bartho Okolo, has been in charge of the university’s affairs. However, with vast resources at his disposal and his readiness to act with brute force of the military style, his challenges, be they academic staff unions or students or even the previous Governing Council, were simply not his match. “He simply plundered and roared and every lip remained awed and sealed. It was simply a culture of impunity and naked megalomania and profligacy. Nemesis, however, came calling sometime in April 2013 when Your Excellency, as visitor, and a bona-fide indigene of the academic environment, in apparent pursuit of your famous trnsformation agenda, appointed a well-groomed fresh Governing Council under the captainship of Dr. Emeka Enejere as Pro-Chancellor. “This appointment, like all other appointments to different offices within the universities of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in particular, in your capacity as the visitor.

Call for Enejere's reinstatement

“In the circumstances, we, hereby, respectfully call for the reinstatement of Dr. Emeka Enejere as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, even though we are aware, from enquiries, that he has not even been officially informed of his purported removal as required by law. “Further, we, hereby, use this medium to invite your intervention to cause the relevant security agencies to institute a full blown investigation into this dark stain placed on your administration’s posturing of good governance and probity.

Want VC Okolo suspended

“Finally sir, we respectfully call for the immediate suspension from office of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bartho Okolo, to pave way for an undiluted and unhindered investigation of the contents of the ‘offensive’ report of the Governing Council submitted to the Supervising Minister of Education by the purportedly removed ProChancellor.”

Minister accused

He accused the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, of replacing the ProChancellor with his own lawyer in Rivers State, Mr. Emmanuel Akara, SAN. Oru alleged that the ProChancellor ’s problem arose out of the report submitted to the Supervising Minister of Education by the university’s Governing Council which indicted the Vice Chancellor of monumental corruption and profligacy. The petition, dated December 20, 2013, read: “Your Excellency, as you can easily discern from the above initial narration, the action of a purported suspension of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, without reason and on no available legal authority by the Supervising Minister, runs completely at variance with the avowed adherence to your

EYE SCREENING: Doctors from LUTH examining participants at the free eye screening organised by Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Apapa, Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

Ex-Imo speaker urges respect for President's office BY CHIDI NKWOPARA WERRI—AN appeal has gone to Nigerians to respect the office of the President since it is not only the citizens’ last line of defence but also mirrors the society. The former Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Kelechi Nwagwu, who made the appeal yesterday in an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Owerri, also said it was not a virtue to disrespect the office or person occupying it. While commending President Goodluck Jonathan for “not

being rude and disrespectful to his benefactor”, Nwagwu also opined that the President had by this singular act, endeared himself to more Nigerians. His words: “I salute President Jonathan in the manner he handled his revert missive to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. “He has not only shown that he is well bred for not being rude and disrespectful to his benefactor, but has also by this singular act, endeared himself to more Nigerians for his maturity and wisdom.” He said that Obasanjo should as a

matter of statesman eschew making public his communication to the incumbent President, imploring President Jonathan to reply to germane correspondences, if not in writing, but over breakfast or dinner. “Chief Obasanjo, whether anyone likes or not, is a principality or deity, as long as Nigerian political infrastructure is concerned. “There is no village or local government area in Nigeria he does not know at least ten or 20 people by their first names," he said.

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Gambia needs more investments to attract tourists —Lombardo The miles of empty white sand beaches of the Gambia attract tourists from around the globe seeking rest and relaxation. To complement the country ’s numerous unspoiled beaches is Kairaba Beach hotel. The General Manager of the luxurious five-star hotel, Gerard Lombardo, in this interview shares his experience at Kairaba Beach hotel and what makes the hotel thick. Here is an excerpt. On how he joined the hotel industry? A friend of mine who was already working in a hotel

made it sound exciting, I gave it a try and loved it immediately after my baccalaureate in hotel management from a French school. On challenges he has faced Definitely, there are lots of daily challenges, as a hotel is similar to a small city, running 24/7 with all sort of trades being represented. Having worked here for over six years, those tremendous challenges have all become a motivation factor to always improve on our standards. On

hopes

aspirations for Kairaba hotel Being the flagship of the Gambian hotel industry, We want to see the hotel being the most recognised hotel in West Africa. The Kairaba Hotel offers a unique atmosphere of relaxation and comfort in which to rest and unwind in complete comfort. The ambiance of Kairaba oozes serenity and tranquillity. In the middle of 40 acres of lush tropical gardens and

and

Gerard Lombardo

Kairaba Beach hotel. The beach front of the luxurious five-star hotel.

miles of pristine sandy beaches, it is the perfect location to put the hectic pace of everyday life behind you and enjoy a place of peace and beauty. All our rooms offer an exceptionally high standard of comfort and overlook both the ocean and the beautiful natural landscaped gardens surrounding the crystal-clear pools. Whether tourists are here solely for pleasure or taking advantage of the hotel’s large and fully equipped conference facilities, guests will be pleased with the hospitality and friendliness of our local and international staff. On having a say in the direction of the hotel I do have a say much as the General Manager, but I always consult with my associates. An hotel in the class of Kairaba cannot be run as a one man show. On what Kairaba hotel has brought to the hospitality industry in Gambia. The Kairaba is the flagship hotel of the Gambia. It has helped in building a reputation of a world class destination to tourists but also to

international events, conferences, seminars. The confidential. Services offered to our guests are similar and sometimes superior than those offered by similar hotels around the world. People come to the Kairaba Hotel to relax and unwind. That is why our guests keep returning. Sixty percent of our clients have been here before and have come back. It not uncommon to find many of them enjoying a cocktail by the pool or strolling in the gardens before going to eat at the resort’s renowned restaurants. After sumptuous meals, long walks on the beach and many hours by the pool, many guests want an added bit of pampering. On highlights working in the hotel Many VIP stayed with us such as President of countries, ministers, artists, and other high profile personalities. We have held prestigious events, fashion show, all shown on foreign television channels. We also have had accolades and awards as the best hotel in the Gambia during the past 6 years. On where he relaxes outside the hotel At friend’s home (I reside in the hotel), on the beach, or in another hotel! On a message to the hospitality industry about Gambia Improve the standards, invest in the hotel and we will be able to attract a clientèle that will spend more.

UAC backs Calabar carnival A

s the Calabar festival climaxes today with Africa’s biggest street party, the Carnival Calabar, featuring the five senior bands - Bayside, Passion4, Masta Blaster, Seagull and Freedom, UAC Foods has thrown its weight behind it. The company has demonstrated its commitment towards uplifting the country’s cultural heritage and also demonstrated its resolve to be at the forefront of efforts aimed at making Nigeria the tourism hub of Africa and perhaps the world at large.

According to Joan Ihekwaba, General Manager Marketing, UAC Foods Limited, said the sponsorship and involvement of the organization in the Carnival was borne out of the desire to provide the needed support to the state government in preserving and projecting the country’s culture and values. This, she said, would further put the Carnival on the international pedestal as well as galvanize its potentials to generate revenue for the state and engender bonding. “We strongly believe in the ideals of Calabar Carnival.

We have watched with keen interest the passion with which the state government has continued to celebrate our people’s culture and values and so the best way to indicate an endorsement of this effort is to partner with the government in ensuring the objectives of the Carnival are fully realized,” Ihekwaba said. She further explained that the Carnival provides a platform for UAC Foods to identify with the culture of its consumers from all the geo-political zones of the country.

FROM LEFT: The President , CEPTAC, Dr. Mike Amachree; awardees, Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo; President, La Campague Tropicana, Wanle Akinboboye; and Amayanabo of Twom-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, after the presentation of the awards during the public presentation of Memories of the Niger Delta Slave Routes published by Centre for Promotion of Peace, Tourism, Arts and Culture (CEPTAC) in association with Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Port Harcourt, River State.

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Mixed marks for David’s Senate in 2013 The Senate in the outgoing year sought to position itself as the voice of moderation as compared to the more hawkish House of Representatives. But there were glaring examples of disappointments as in its support for child marriage and numbness on the armoured car scandal involving the minister of aviation.

PON resumption in 2013, shortly after the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Senate did not pretend that it was out to redouble its level of representation to the people. Within a week of getting back from the holidays, the upper legislative chamber appeared to most watchers that it was an institution with a listening ear when, following the hue and cry over some sordid developments in the labour market, it mandated its Committees on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs and Employment, Labour and Productivity to begin full-scale investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption in the employment processes in the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, in particular and ministries, departments and other agencies of government in general, with a view to bringing those involved to book. During the committees’ assignment, startling revelations were heard. Some senators including Ali Ndume, PDP, Borno South, were blunt to reveal that they were at one point or the other compelled to cough out money for relatives and constituents to get jobs. While Nigerians were busy following developments in the committees’ public hearing, another committee, the Senator Aloysius Etok led Senate Joint Committee on Public Service and Establishment and State and Local Government Administration, came smoking. Its beef was that the then Chairman of Pension Reform Task Team, PRTT, Abdulrasheed Maina, had failed consistently to ho-

nour its invitation to respond to the allegation of mismanagement of over N195 billion pension funds leveled against him. All eyes shifted to the committee, especially when the accused fired back, explaining that his action was borne out of his belief that he would not get fair hearing from the committee given his own allegation that some committee members were determined to extort him. But several attempts by the Senate President to get him appear to clarify issues proved abortive. Frustrated over this, Mark asked President Jonathan not to only dismiss Maina, but

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

• The Senate in one of its sessions in 2013

The three-day debate saw senators from the North oppose proposed powers for the Petroleum

The Senate incurred the wrath of Nigerians, especially women groups when it refused to delete sub-section 4(b) which was seen to be discriminatory in nature. The section tagged a woman to be of age if married.

issued a Warrant of Arrest on him. He was not arrested even while he remained conspicuous in the eyes of the media. The development got to a head when anger and emotion became high in the Senate after a well debated motion on Maina’s attitude and the inability of the police to act appropriately. The debate ended with a threat against the president, as the Senate asked him to choose between Maina and the Senate. The Senate which had appeared united in dealing with Maina’s issue, suddenly became polarised along regional lines, when debates on the contentions Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, cropped up not long after.

minister in the bill and provisions for host communities. They were poised to frustrate the bill from progressing but were forced to abandon their course when in his contribution, Senator Ita Enang, PDP, Akwa Ibom North East, called for the revocation of all oil blocs. He alleged that 80 percent of oil blocs in the country were owned by northerners leaving southerners with the remaining 20 percent. Meanwhile the bill has remained stuck despite passing through two public hearings. Another division was manifested in the Senate on the day it debated the State of the Nation Address Bill. But this time, the division was not on re-

gional basis. Rather, it was on party loyalty. The bill seeks to compel the president to, in July every year, appear before the joint session of the National Assembly to address it on issues of national concern. But this development became a window of opportunity for the then Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN senators to prove their existence in the chamber, as all the senators on the party’s platform who spoke, insisted that time had come for the legislature to prove that it possess the power to pass any bill into law irrespective of the president’s action. The day broke the orderliness that had been characteristic of the David Mark Senate. President Jonathan had, in a letter dated June 10 and read at Senate plenary by the Senate President, explained that he would not sign the bill into law because according to him, it was a duplication of Section 67 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) just as he protested the use of coercive powers in the event of non-compliance. Most senators considered his observation as belated given that the bill had al-

ready been passed by the two chambers. Senators Kabiru Marafa, ANPP, Zamfara Central and Paulinus Igwe, PDP, Ebonyi Central, almost exchanged blows over the issue. The Senate in the year under review considered the report of its Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, headed by the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu and voted for and against 31 amendments proposed in the report. It rejected the proposal for a six single year tenure for the president and 36 state governors, just as it refused a proposal to grant the Federal Capital Territory, FCT a mayoral status. The Senate incurred the wrath of Nigerians, especially women groups when it refused to delete sub-section 4(b) which was seen to be discriminatory in nature. The section tagged a woman to be of age if married. Section 29 deals with the right of citizens to renounce their citizenship while sub-section 4 defines the age at which a citizen could do so. SenContinues on Page 55

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Nigeria @ 100: We must set aside our differences and celebrate — Abioye •Says Nigeria ‘ll not disintegrate Public Affairs analyst and Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Richbrands Group, Lekan Abioye, in this interview, opposed suggestions that 100 years of Nigeria’s amalgamation should not be celebrated because it was a mistake. According to him, the unity of the country in spite of enormous of challenges calls for celebration. By CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

S Nigeria’s 100 years of amalgamation worth celebrating? For the fact that we are 100 years against the odds of bad leadership, insecurity, etc, is worth celebrating. For Nigeria to be together for 100yearrs; the North and South particularly coming together is worthy of celebration. It is an avenue for some of us who did not witness the real amalgamation to witness the 100 years celebration. It is something for some of us who are alive at this point to hold as landmark for the Amalgamation celebration. On comments that the amalgamation was not necessary I can’t tell you whether that view is right or wrong because every man is entitled to his opinion. However, as a positive person, I want to look at it from the benefit of us being one as a country, culture diversification under one umbrella is a plus for us. I can tell you something

BY TONY BASSEY Peterkings Ataha, is the Secretary, Board of Trustees, Union of Nigeria Delta Youth Council, UNDYC, SouthSouth representative, Directorate of Religions and Traditional Affairs (Christian) of Goodluck Support Group (GSG). In this interview with Vanguard, he bares his mind on burning national issues and the activities of the group.

HAT is UNDYC? The acronym stands for Union of Nigeria Delta Youth Council, the parent body is the Union of Niger Delta, the union has existed for 15 years, the ideological underpinning is to champion the course of Niger Delta region and fight for the rights of the youths of the region. On comments that the Union is dead There is a new horizon on the Niger Delta region nobody can castrate the struggle of UNDYC and the struggle the Union symbolizes is still alive. The Northern youths should align with citizens who adhere to non-violent discipline instead of conspiracy with rul-

about all tribes in Nigeria; Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Efik; it’s because we are one. My children learn about culture in school, it’s an advantage. In term of population strength, we have an edge. Take a cue from the old and new time world power - Soviet Union, U.S.A, China, population made them distinct. How do you want the centenary celebrated? As far as I am concerned, I want a celebration that will cut across, not a celebration just for the high and mighty in Abuja that people in the remote parts cannot be part of. The people make a nation. The celebration should involve everyone: Christian, Muslim, old, young, and every one. It should be an accessible celebration; everyone should be actively involved without any barrier. When people participate, it will leave a memory in them, they will be proud to be Nigerians. All differences must be set aside to celebrate Nigeria. Is that possible considering

Nigeria’s population and landmass? Absolutely, we have seen political campaigns where millions of people gather to celebrate a party. This time around, for the purpose of what connects us as Nigerians, we can do better. Nigerians have been seen to have lost their pride. There was a time when we did not need visa to travel to the U.K. Then, Nigerians were proud to be Nigerians but now, the pride is lost. There are things we can do during this celebration to re-ignite that true spirit of Nigeria. From our end at Richbrands Group, we have packaged a world class event which we call “Nigeria’s Call Obey” carved out from the National Anthem. Back in the days, when you recite the anthem, you feel so proud by connecting with the content and rhythm of the anthem. Nowadays, we do not even live the content of the anthem. Some people do not even know the anthem. We want to reinforce the

•Lekan Abioye: We must recreate Nigeria strength of our unity. We want to stamp the National Anthem as an iconic national pride. We want to bring Nigerians from all ethnic group and sector to sing the National Anthem together. We want to connect people home and abroad to celebrate the nation. We want to bring people who have made Nigerians proud together. We want to bring people on the street together – bringing back the spirit of Nigeria. This project is set to bring as much as 10 million people to participate – meaning that in every family, at least one person will participate. We also want to have families come together, sing the National Anthem, record the video and upload it to a dedicated You Tube channel. This will go a long way to making us proud Nigerians again. This project also is set to establish a clear cut world

record. As at today, the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD has given us the go-ahead to break a record in the category of “The Most People Singing The National Anthem Together” and with the endorsement of the Federal Government, support of private sector, and the people, we possess the technical know-how, the modality and good understanding of how to connect this to the people. We believe this event will herald the re-birth of the lost spirit of Nigeria. We are bringing 100 celebrities across sectors to lead one million people. It is a celebration of Nigeria project – leaving something behind for the unborn children. This is also a signal to the outside world – showing them that we are proud of ourselves. We are not lonely, we are one, we are not disintegrated and we are patriotic.

Jonathan’s works are everywhere — Ataha ers, who rely on the use of force of arms to govern. What about the multinationals and NDDC? The multinationals have failed to implement Federal Governments local content Acts, Employment opportunities at the very senior level are denied to hundreds of Niger Delta people through a systemic exclusion and deliberate neglect of developmental responsibilities in the region. They are using a policy of divide and rule to manipulate the election and selection of preferred candidates, which deny host communities basic infrastructural development. Major contracts and projects are ceded to non-indigenes against the local content Act The NDDC has to address the marginalization of certain communities, local government areas and states. The purpose for which NDDC was established has been defeated. There seem to be no clear cut policy for the development of the region. I call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the

•Alhaji Bamanga Tukur: PDP National Chairman National Assembly to prevail on NDDC to liaise with genuine advocacy groups to ascertain necessary measures to promote physical and socioeconomic development of the

region pursuant to the NDDC Act On assessment of President Jonathan’s administration The Goodluck Jonathan administration has gained sig-

nificant confidence of Nigerians in the power sector, he had promised Nigerians that and today the record of performance in the power sector is indicative of the justification and accuracy of this Presidential prophesy. The railway is another plus as well as the Niger Delta Bridge and a lot more. Let’s forget about sensational utterances orchestrated by the elite, who try to tie the nation’s political life to their life span. The fortunes of the ordinary people in the North or South may not improve because the elite from these zones capture power. On National Conference The national conference should not be like the proverbial market in the sky that welcomes only bird traders. It should reflect the true meaning of National Conference. It should be transparent, open, all inclusive and really participatory. As we speak, the union of Niger Delta Youth Council will take position. As those directly affected by the pressure, we must be involved.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013—55

Why I want to lead the IDU — Ovuakporie BY FESTUS AHON

OULD you say the Isoko people are been marginalised in the current political dispensation? Over 70 percent satisfactory at the State level but near zero percent at the Federal. I kept telling people that Governor Uduaghan is the most friendlygovernor that the Isoko tribe has ever had right from Mid-West Region to Bendel State and now Delta State. In the political equation of Delta State, a governor that does not love and trust an ethnic group, cannot give that group sensitive appointments like Secretary to the State Government, many Commissioner slots, Chief Security Officer. However, at the Federal level, the marginalisation has reached a crescendo especially since 1999. Why do you say Isoko people are marginalised? The marginalisation of Isoko people is eclectic at the Federal level. Isoko population world-wide is about 1.7 million people. It is bigger in terms of population than 66 countries of the world out of 222 countries in this

CHIEF Owho Ovuakporie is a community leader, who is aspiring to lead the Isoko people as President General of the Isoko Development Union, IDU. In this interview, he speaks on the IDU, the Isoko people and other national issues. Excerpts: planet earth. In Nigeria, we th occupy the 12 position in terms of population out of the about 250 ethnic nationalities. In Delta State, we are the third out of the five tribes that is Urhobo, Igbo (including Ndokwa), Isoko, Delta Ijaw andItsekiri. But sadly, the Isoko people with 18.10 percent of Delta State population have just two Local Government Council Areas which is only 8 per cent of the 25 council Areas in Delta State. Isoko people have never had a Minister since 1976, no High Commissioner or Ambassador since Nigeria came into existence, no single federal establishment apart from Police Stations and no head of any Federal parastatal. In the oil sector, the story is more bitter. Today, Isoko land contributes over 20 per cent of the total crude oil production in Delta State. Under the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Isoko marginalisation can only be said to be cruel. Isoko was

next to our Ijaw brothers during the struggle in the Niger Delta Region. Odi community in Bayelsa State that was completely razed down during the 1999 cruel invasion is 100 percent Isoko community. Yet Isoko people cannot boast of even five beneficiaries under the scheme despite our immense contributions in terms of lives and property that were lost during the struggle. How true is it that you are interested in leading the IDU? The answer is yes and no. No because it was not my original idea. And yes because a chain of events made me to accept to lead IDU. In March 2009, I launched a book entitled “Isoko Must Unite in Jesus’ Name”. It was well attended by all the Isoko big wings. After the ceremony, two prominent Isoko people asked me to lead IDU. I ignored them. In the

Mixed marks for David’s Senate in 2013 ator Ahmed Yerima, APC, Zamfara West, brought the infamy to the legislative body when he successfully stirred passions to move the Senate to insist that any woman once married was an adult regardless of age. It was seen by the public as an endorsement of child marriage by the Senate. In a swift move to assuage the public, the Senate President, David Mark assured that the Red Chamber would revisit the clause. On May 14, 2013, the president proclaimed a state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, three of the volatile states of the north rocked by the scourge of insecurity. Before the declaration, President Goodluck Jonathan had reportedly met with the PDP senate

leaders where the issue was raised. The legislators had raised issues on the sustenance or otherwise of democratic structures in the states, a development that made the president to allow the governors remain in office against the practice witnessed during similar proclamations in the Olusegun Obasanjo’s era. The alleged extra judicial killing of seven commercial tricycle operators on Friday September 20, in Apo area of the FCT, by the combined team of SSS and the military and the attendant public outcry got the attention of the Senate as it mandated its Committees on National Intelligence and Security and Judiciary and Legal Matters to carry out investigation of the matter. While submitting the report, the joint committees headed by Senator Mohammed

The senators who are said to belong to the opposition All Progressives Congress now, cannot make an open announcement on defection to the party for fear that the Senate leadership could declare their seats vacant.

•Continued from Page 53

following year, I organised the first world Isoko Day and it was well attended. The President planned to attend and scheduled his election campaign for Delta State the previous day. However, other State matters came up suddenly and the President directed Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, former Minister of State for Education to represent him. After the ceremony, some prominent Isoko traditional rulers together with some other Isoko personalities including a Benin High Chief who represented the Oba of Benin summoned me to a hotel at Oleh and pleaded with me to lead IDU. You don’t expect me to say no to them unless I am not a true Isoko man. What are your plans to unite Isoko if elected to lead the IDU? First and foremost, I will remain apolitical. Secondly, I will give our brothers, especially those in Bayelsa State and Ndokwa West and East full sense of belonging and bring them to IDU. IDU is for all Isoko. What makes us Isoko people is the natural Isoko language we speak and not the artificial Local Government Council Area we

Senate President David Mark Magoro, PDP, Kebbi South, ruled out any case of extra judicial killing. The crash of Associated Airlines on October 3, 2013 and the alleged N255 million armoured cars scandal involving Aviation Minister, Stella Odua, prompted a probe. But as it has treated previous cases, the upper chamber referred the cases to its standing committee on aviation. Odua was scheduled to appear before the Senate at plenary but the Senate later rescinded its decision. After two previous failed ap-

pointments, Oduah finally made herself available before the committee but the Senators shockingly failed to ask any question on the alleged 225 million bulletproof cars. The intra party crisis in the ruling PDP which surfaced at the party’s national convention at Eagle Square, in August when five governors, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and some party faithful walked out to form a factional group christened New PDP, played out

•Ovuakporie belong to. Most importantly, any step I take+ will be a product of wide consultation. What is your assessment of the Governor Uduaghan administration? I believe he is one of the best governors in the country today. As I said before, he is the best friend Isoko people have ever had as their governor.

in the Senate, as 22 senators quickly identified with the new group. The senators who are said to belong to the opposition All Progressives Congress now, cannot make an open announcement on defection to the party for fear that the Senate leadership could declare their seats vacant. Unlike last year when the president submitted the 2013 budget proposals early enough in September, this year, the president waited until almost the end of legislative proceedings to present the 2014 budget proposals. Even more remarkable was the failure of the president to come in person as he mandated the Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to lay the proposals in the two chambers on his behalf. His excuse was the differential between the Senate and the House of Representatives on the benchmark for oil revenue which was finally resolved at the end of the year at $77.5 per barrel.

56 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 , 2013

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S-Sudan: Fighting rages as African leaders arrive for peace talks H

•Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir , arriving for a meeting yesterday.

Egypt intensifies crackdown on Brotherhood

bomb blast wounded five people when it exploded near a Cairo bus yesterday, as Egyptian authorities began rounding up members of the Muslim Brotherhood after declaring it a terrorist group. Army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July, vowed to eliminate terrorism as he urged Egyptians to trust the military.

The explosion shattered the windows of the red and black bus as it passed near a busy intersection in the capital’s northern neighbourhood of Nasr City. Police defused a second bomb at the site and cordoned off the area as sniffer dogs searched for more explosive devices, an AFP correspondent said. The bombing came a day after the military-installed government declared Morsi’s Muslim

Obamacare sign-up rises as deadline approaches

BOUT 20% of us are chronic procrastinators, though even more of us will delay when we really, really don’t want to do something. And signing up for health insurance—a multi-step process of completing forms and checking boxes, filled with terms we don’t understand—probably qualifies. So it’s no surprise that a flurry of customers spent Monday and Tuesday rushing to sign up for Obamacare health insurance plans that take effect on January 1, just hours ahead of a midnight deadline on Christmas Eve. And it’s not a shock, either, that the White House is again showing flexibility on when customers can sign up, subtly signaling that it will offer a “special enrollment

period” for anyone who tried to use the insurance exchanges and ran into technical problems or delays. But in recent days, the exchanges proved to be up to the challenge of dealing with huge traffic—and reported huge enrollment numbers as a result.

Brotherhood a terrorist organisation and a suicide car bomber killed 15 people at a police headquarters north of Cairo on Tuesday. The interior ministry said that attack was meant to intimidate voters ahead of a referendum next month on a new constitution, billed as the first step in a democratic transition ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections. On Thursday, Egyptian prosecutors ordered at least 18 Muslim Brotherhood members, including an ex-lawmaker, held on accusations of belonging to a terrorist group, state media reported. Police also arrested 16 suspected Muslim Brotherhood members for passing out leaflets in support of the group and “inciting the violence,” the official MENA news agency said.

EAVY fighting was raging yesterday in South Sudan’s key oil-producing north, as Kenya and Ethiopia said they have made “good progress” in effort to broker an end to the civil war. But Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn met with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir yesterday to promote peace and reconciliation. A senior government official warned that Riek Machar, the former vice president who now allegedly commands renegade forces in the states of Unity and Upper Nile, had to renounce rebellion before the government could negotiate with him. World leaders have urged the country ’s

leaders to stop the violence in which thousands are feared killed. The United States, Norway and Ethiopia are leading efforts to open peace talks between Kiir and his political rivals. Kiir said in a Christmas address that he is willing to “dialogue” with all his opponents. The United Nations is investigating reports of mass killings since violence began spreading across South Sudan af-

Canterbury raises alarm over killing of Christians M-East

HRISTIANS in the Middle East are being “attacked and massacred” and driven into exile, the leader of the world’s Anglicans said Wednesday in his first Christmas sermon. Justin Welby used his

Pope Francis marks first Christmas at Vatican

OPE Francis has ushered in his first Christmas as pontiff, likening Jesus’ birth to a burst of light on the sometimes dark moments of human history, marked by pride and ambition. The 77-year-old Francis celebrated Christmas Eve Mass late Tuesday in St. Peter’s Basilica, returning to rest in his Vatican lodgings barely 12 hours before he was due to return to the basilica. At noon (1100 GMT) Wednesday, Francis was scheduled to deliver a traditional Christmas day message meant for a worldwide audience. Tens of thousands of tourists and Romans are expected to gather in St. Peter ’s Square for his speech and blessing delivered from the central balcony of the basilica.

ter a fight among the presidential guards on Dec. 15, pitting soldiers from Kiir’s Dinka ethnic group against those from the Nuer ethnic group of Machar. South Sudan’s top U.N. humanitarian official, Toby Lanzer, said on Monday that he believes the death toll has surpassed 1,000. South Sudan gets nearly 99 percent of its government budget from oil revenues.

At the Tuesday night Christmas service, Francis drew on the humility theme of his ninemonth-old papacy as he cited Jesus’ humble beginning as a poor and vulnerable baby. “You are immense, and you made yourself small; you are rich, and you made yourself poor; you are all-powerful and you made yourself vulnerable,” Francis said of Jesus as he delivered his homily in the basilica, packed with the faithful. He noted that the first to receive news of Jesus’ birth were shepherds, who in society were considered “among the last, the outcast.” The Argentine-born pope, who has also encouraged his flock to be a joyful church, called Jesus “the light who brightens the darkness.”

first Christmas Day address as Archbishop of Canterbury to remember those suffering for their faith in the cradle of Christianity. “Today, singing of Bethlehem, we see injustices in Palestine and Israel, where land is taken or rockets are fired, and the innocent suffer,” he told the congregation at Canterbury Cathedral in southeast England. “We see injustice in the ever more seriously threatened Christian communities of the Middle East. “They are attacked and massacred, driven into exile from a region in which their presence has always been essential. “We see terrible news in South Sudan, where political ambitions have led towards ethnic conflict,” he said. Welby, the spiritual head of the Church of England, is the leader of the world’s 80 million Anglicans. He was enthroned in Canterbury in March and visited Jerusalem in June. Earlier on Christmas Day, a car bomb targeted a Baghdad church as worshippers left after mass, killing at least 14 people.

China celebrates 120yrs of Mao, admits mistakes

OMMUNIST China’s president Xi Jinping acknowledged yesterday its founding father Mao Zedong made “mistakes”, as admirers celebrated the 120th anniversary of the late leader’s birth with noodles and fireworks. Mao is the centrepiece of the ruling party’s pantheon and commands reverence among many Chinese, including some frustrated by the current state of the nation, but is also condemned by those who say his political and eco-

•Members of Chinese Peoples Army at a military parade in Beijing. nomic campaigns caused mark the occasion with a tens of millions of deaths. tricky balancing act. The combination left “Mao is a great figure authorities looking to who changed the face of

the nation and led the Chinese people to a new destiny,” Xi said in Beijing, according to the official news agency Xinhua. But he added: “Revolutionary leaders are not gods, but human beings. (We) cannot worship them like gods or refuse to allow people to point out and correct their errors just because they are great. “Neither can we totally repudiate them and erase their historical feats just because they made mistakes.”

•Justin Welby

58—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

A wake-up call to parents parents, breathe deeply and slowly. Don’t let anything they say make you nervous. No matter what they do, dont write harsh letters to them. As to the reward for doing good to our parents a Hadith

HE greatest advantage Muslim parents have over their children is the existence of Quranic verses and Prophetic hadiths that remind us of how we should treat our parents; of how they should be cared for when they grow old. Sadly, however, sometimes parents use this as the most effective way of emotionally blackmailing or manipulating their children to achieve their own desires and whims. That to a large extent is not prevailent in a real and ideal Muslim homes since Muslim parents know their responsibilities to their children and vice-versa. The Parent-child relationship is as important as the husband-wife relationship which we treated on this column some weeks ago. To maintain any social order, the relationships have to be reciprocal. Islam clearly defines the rights of parents which can be interpreted as duties of children, as well as and obligations of parents (which in other words are the rights of children. After Allah our parents deserve gratitude and obedience for the favors they had done us. That is why Quran stresses humility, kindness and gratitude to parents. “And your Lord has ordained that you shall worship none save Him and shall do good to your parents.” Goodness to parents includes obeying them, speaking softly, avoiding harsh words or harsh tone, giving them company when they are lonely, caring for their physical and psychological needs (especially when they are old), and praying to Allah that He may bless them and have mercy on them. But some parents are critical, demeaning and harsh. Islam states that you should not treat them harshly but accept the reality and learn to humble yourself, no matter what they say or do to you. You will have to be strong and independent in spirit to do that anyway. You will have to find validation of your worth within yourself by complying with the dictates of the Quran and hadiths on issues with your parents. Sometimes, it can be very hard to resist the negative labels that parents put on you. Nothing wounds like an insult from a parent. Their words have a way of permeating into our brains and their characters sometimes have a way of humiliating you especially when they are getting older, but it is very wrong, quite unIslamic to react negatively or pour invectives and vituperations on them. We must be patient with them and love them, without buying into their negativity. When you speak to your

my old mother asked me to bring a cup of milk for her. During the time I milched the goat and brought it to her she had gone to sleep. I did not think it proper to disturb her. So, I stood by her bedside for the whole night till she got up

Islam states that you should not treat them harshly but accept the reality and learn to value yourself, no matter what they say or do to you

mentions the following story: Three persons of ancient days were once travelling in a mountainous region. The rain, thunder and lightning made them take refuge in a cave. Mudslide made a stone block the opening to the cave. The persons were entrapped inside. When the storm stopped they tried to push back the heavy stone to get out of the cave but they could not. They wondered ‘what to do now’. At last seeing that their joint efforts also cannot move the stone they decided to pray to Allah sincerely. One of them suggested, ‘each one of us should relate one good thing he has done in his life and beg Allah to move the stone. One said, “One night

of the cave opened up. So the men got out. This story shows how good deed to one’s parents leads to blessings from God and rescue from troubles. As stated above, the tasks also demands the reciprocity

of the parents in doing good to their children. The children also deserve to be treated with kindness and endless love.

ere are a few tips that might help Muslim parents in raising their children. Apologize when you hurt them: Saying sorry for your mistakes will exalt your ranks, and teach your

children to do the same. For example, saying to your toddler: “I’m sorry, I did not mean to be so harsh,” would take a load off your back and make you feel better yourself. Admit it to your child when you’re wrong and they are right: Children can help their parents a lot, especially when the parents are getting old. If the parent has a humble attitude instead of a “know-it-all” one, they can pave the way for positive learning on both sides. More importantly, though, winning an argument should never be your goal just because you have rights over your children. Say “You are right” to them when they are. That way, you will be teaching them by example to give you the respect which you supposedly deserve as well. Remember every day that you will be called to account for even the slightest discrepancy left in giving them their dues. Just like all other relations in this world, children have rights upon parents, which they will be asked about. Just being conscious of this impending reality will enable parents to forego their children’s mistakes and shortcomings, and focus instead on proper upbringing of their children. Be a repentant parent: In Islam, any position of authority is a position of accountability before Allh, including parenthood. The more pious a person is, the more he fears Allh regarding the high positions he occupies in this world. That is why our pious predecessors would – literally – run away from the posts of judges and kings that were offered to them. Similarly, a Muslim parent keeps track of his shortcomings as a human being, and seeks Allh’s forgiveness for his errors. It is obvious that after having gone through the pains and strains of raising young children – naturally, parents are entitled to high rights over their children. Only a few know that if your children respect you, obey you and eventually, take care of you in your old age, they

in the morning and then I offered her the cup of milk. O God, if this act of mine was approved by You please shift this stone.” The stone slipped a little but not enough to let them get out. Similarly, the second and the third man mentioned an act of goodness and prayed to God to shift the stone. The stone slipped down A cross section of participants at the Nigeria Inter Bank Settleand the way out ment System, NIBSS, during the “Go-Cashless-Campaign” in Aba.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013—59

Ask Your Imam

About ceremonial impurity

Prophet's letter to His excellencies S

INCE it is the season of King of kings, the source of all hath sent me. I am His letters, we deemed it excellences, free from all Messenger. I invite you and necessary to dust the defects, He provides peace to your people to join the Faith archives and bring one of the all His servants and protects of the Almighty God. I letters of Prophet His creatures. I bear witness discharge my duty hereby. I Muhammad (s.a.w) to a that Jesus, son of Mary (as) was have delivered to you the number of ‘His excellencies’ a Messenger of God, who came Message of God, and made clear during his era. in fulfilment of promises made to you the meaning of this He had at a time when the to Mary by God. Mary had Message. I have done so in all Quraish became bitter consecrated her life to God. I sincerity and I trust you will enemies to Islam, when the invite you to join with me in value the sincerity which has pagans taunted and attaching ourselves to the One prompted this message. He maltreated Muslims written and Only God and in obeying who obeys the guidance of God several letters to the kings Him. I invite you also to follow becomes heir to the blessings and emperors. Those letters me and believe in the God Who of God.” could help to give us better understanding of his disposition towards rulers who were not of his faith and how called them to Islam with humility. One of these letters to Negus, King of Abyssinia, was carried by ‘Amr bin Umayya Damrira. It ran as follows: “In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the M e r c i f u l , Muhammad (saw), the Messenger of God, writes to the Negus, King of Abyssinia. O King, peace of God be upon you. I praise before you the One and Only God. None else is worthy of Prophet Muhammad's letter to Negus, King of Abyssinia worship. He is the

Question: Could you please advise when it is necessary to remove the state of ceremonial impurity immediately after one gets into it. This becomes extremely difficult in the case of newly weds or for any person who has involuntary urine discharge. Answer: The state of janabah, occurs as a result of ejaculation, whether involuntary, as in the case of a wet dream, or deliberate, or as a result of sexual intercourse. To remove it, one has to have a full bath, washing his head and every part of his body with water according to how it was prescribed. It is not necessary to use toilet soap in ghusl, what is important is that all parts of the body must be washed following the laid down rules. Again, it is not possible to offer prayers while a person is in a state of ceremonial impurity. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to remove that by taking a bath immediately. It is not good to delay it because it may result into missing an obligatory salat. There is no harm in having it having it as many times as necessary in the day especially for newly married couples. As many times as you fall into a state of impurity, you have to purify yourself. If it happens two or three times, without taking a shower in between, one shower would be required before salat to remove it. Again, suppose a person goes to sleep after he had prayed Subhi, and on waking up he discovers that he has had a wet dream. He then realizes that he must leave home immediately because he is late for work. That is appropriate, if he knows that he will come back before Zhur time and he will be able to have his shower and pray Zhur on arrival. Involuntary discharge of urine is an illness which can be treated. For the purposes of prayer, however, one should make sure that the urine does not fall on his clothes or his body. A urinal discharge does not cause ceremonial impurity but needs washing of the affected areas of the body only. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Allah knows best

Ansar-Ud-Deen women visit orphanages BY OLAYINKA AJAYI

As part of the 90th anniversary celebration of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Nigeria recently, the national women council of the society recently visited the orphanages, splashing them with various gift items. The national women Chairperson of the society, Alhaja Daodu, stated that the aim of the society is to educate every indigent Muslims nationally. According to her, “in

furtherance of the activities of the founding members of the society, we the women wing of the society has laid it on our hearts to promote the core objectives of the society which is basically to give arms and educate indigent Muslims in the society,”she stated. She further commended Muslims nationwide for their relentless contributions in empowering Muslims and non Muslims alike through Ansar-Ud-Deen educational projects since 1923.

NASFAT BOT chair sets up scholarship scheme

HE Chairman, Board of Trustees of Nasrul-lahiL-Fatih Society, NASFAT, Alhaji AbdulLateef Olasupo, has instituted scholarship scheme for brilliant but indigent students of Fountain University, Osogbo. Olasupo disclosed this to newsmen in Ilorin after the 2nd General Conference of the Society. It was gathered that Fountain University was set up by the group to provide qualitative education in the country. He appealed to all NASFAT members to support the scholarship scheme by donating generously to ensure its success.

Olasupo, who said supporting such a scheme amounted to service to God, assured potential donors of commensurate reward. The BOT boss, who described the institution as the best Islamic university in the country, solicited the continued support of NASFAT members. He also said that all the courses run by the university were fully accredited by the Nigeria University Commission (NUC). Olasupo added that NASFAT recently built a students’ hostel and lecture halls while it also equipped some labora- A cross section of members of Ansar-Ud-deen Society of Nigeria at Modupe Cole Home, presenting gift items to mark the society’s 90th anniversary celebration tories to enhance learning. in Lagos.

60 — Vanguard, FRIDAY DECEMBER 27, 2013

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CHAN: Mba doubtful ...as three Eagles exit Camp

UPER Eagles 2013 Nations Cup hero, Sunday Mba, who is one of the players being relied upon to pull the strings at the forthcoming CHAN African Nations tournament, may after all not be available for the tournament, according to Head Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. Keshi, said on Thursday, that Mba, was on his way to France to join Bastia, the French side that first indicated interest in the player after the Nations Cup triumph. Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi was to add that the player could leave camp as early as Friday, as he was not one of the players listed for the friendly game in Port Harcourt on Saturday against a Rivers selected side. “We have resigned ourselves to fate and working hard to discover those who can fill Mba’s shoes, as he seems to have nicked a deal with Bastia

•Mba and may not be part of CHAN tourney. We just to brace up and wish him the best because it’s a career thing” he said. Also on Thursday, the weeding process of the CHAN Eagles continued with three players exiting camp. Keshi who addressed the players once again told them that they

have all it takes to play for the national team but there was not time enough to fit into the system and he would continue to monitor them for future call ups. “Take heart because as I always say, many are called but few are chosen, we would soon be back knocking on your doors.

Magpies see-off nine man Potters

EWCASTLE striker Loic Remy ended his goal-drought as nine-man Stoke suffered a miserable Boxing Day trip to Tyneside. The Frenchman emerged from a five-game barren run with a double in a remarkable 5-1 win which saw Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson pick up red cards, Potters manager Mark Hughes sent to the stands, two goals and a saved penalty before the half-time whistle had sounded. Oussama Assaidi had fired the visitors into a 29thminute lead with a superb curling effort as Alan Pardew’s side failed to hit the heights until a dramatic conclusion to the first half. But Whelan departed prematurely five minutes before the break for a second bookable offence, and Wilson joined him within three minutes for hauling down Remy inside the box. The Frenchman saw his spot-kicked saved by goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, but dragged his side back into the game seconds later with a deflected effort.

•Remy However, the home side ran riot after the restart as Yoan Gouffran, with his fifth goal in as many home games, Remy, Yohan Cabaye and substitute Papiss Cisse secured a

seventh Barclays Premier League win in nine attempts for the Magpies in front of a crowd of 51,665. Newcastle’s recent success has been founded on the platform provided by midfield enforcer Cheick Tiote, who has returned to something like his best form. His absence through suspension against the Potters was a blow, but just how much they would miss him became abundantly apparent at a very early stage.

Rooney hails ‘massive’ win at Hull

AYNE Rooney praised Manchester United’s fighting qualities after they came from behind to beat Hull City 3-2 at the KC Stadium. Goals from James Chester and David Meyler had the Tigers 20 up inside 13 minutes but United quickly pulled one back through Chris Smalling. Rooney hit a brilliant volley to net his 150th Premier League goal and draw the Red Devils level, and Chester’s own goal in the second half

completed the turnaround. The win continues United’s recent resurgence under David Moyes, and their resilience in coming from behind against a welldrilled Hull outfit was of particular satisfaction to Rooney. “We didn’t start well enough today. Two-nil down we had to dig deep and show our fighting spirit. We’ve done that and this is a massive result for us,” Rooney told Sky Sports 1.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 , 2013 — 61

C M Y K

62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY DECEMBER 27, 2013

Continues from B/P in Lagos, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, with the Portuguese club sending officials to Africa with the view to completing a late swoop. The hesitation to move to the Etihad Stadium comes after the striker and his family discovered that they would not be due around

Continues from B/P for the Super Eagles in three years due to being overlooked by the coaches as well as a tough battles with injuries. “Each time I read the news that I’m not called up for games, it hurts but I want to use that as a Continues from B/P League. James Chester’s closerange strike and David Meyler’s deflected effort had Hull two-up, but a header from Chris Smalling and Wayne Rooney’s drive ensured parity at the break.

wonder kid £650,000 in bonuses and wages until the player turns 18 on October 3 next year. A £250,000 transfer fee had been agreed, with a further £300,000 for the Taye Academy in Owerri and £350,000 to Iheanacho’s father, James. However, City have dug in their heel and were reluctant to release funds

to the bonuses until early 2015. Iheanacho’s family remain keen to complete the deal, but the Nigerian - who won the Under-17 World Cup Golden Ball with six goals earlier this year - is now focused on joining Porto. The wonderkid’s father revealed in November that his son was set to join City,

Lukman motivation to give more on the pitch for my club and I hope I get another chance to prove some people wrong about my person,” Haruna told Complete Sports. “I’ve grown up from the past; I want to play for my

country. I hope I could be given a chance to prove myself that I can perform at the level required of me. “I have been following the team closely and I have been really impressed with the way they are playing. I

Argentina with Goal understanding they were also close to sealing a deal of 15-yearold Norwegian goalkeeper Kjetil Haug. The club have already snapped up Zacharias Faour, dubbed the new Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as well as Real Madrid youngster Jose Pozo and Malaga’s Brahim Abdelkader, who is just 14 years old. would like to assure coach Keshi that I could add more depth to his squad if I’m recalled.” The former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles captain also revealed that he has what it takes to win a place in the star-studded Eagles’ midfield.

Continues from B/P clashed at the world Cup. And both teams will again battle it out in the first round of the tournament in Brazil next year. But the Schalke 04 forward has told MTNFootball.com he believes the African champions could finally put an end to the dominance of the highlyrated Argentines in Brazil next year. “As a matter of fact, Argentina are built around Lionel Messi and he’s already getting tired,” Obasi told MTNFootball.com “I do have the feeling that we can really end their

dominance over us next year at the World Cup. I am not underrating them, neither do I encourage my country to underrate them, but Super Eagles have the depth to really match them this time. “Argentina are our longtime rivals at all national team levels and they have been having edge over us, but I won’t give it to them this time. This is our time to put end to that.” Obasi has won 18 caps and scored four goals for Nigeria, but he has been overlooked since the 2010 World Cup on account of injuries. He restated his resolve to fight to make the final squad to Brazil 2014.

attempted cross. Tom Huddlestone swung a delivery into the box, Alex Bruce headed the ball into the six-yard area, and Chester blasted a strike into the roof of the net. Meyler soon got the hosts’ second,

benefitting from his own attempt being fired straight back to him by Jonny Evans, with the striker ’s second effort bobbling off his opposite ankle before being diverted past David De Gea by Evans.

Man U Hull missed opportunities to go back in front before an owngoal from Chester sent United ahead, ultimately securing victory for the visitors, who had Darren Fletcher in their starting XI for the first time in over a year.

United’s Antonio Valencia was sent off in the final minute of normal time. After earlier picking up a booking for taking down Yannick Sagbo, Valencia booted the ball away in an attempt to waste time,

resulting in his dismissal. Hull broke the deadlock after less than four minutes, through a corner that should not have been awarded, as Tom Cleverley made no contact with Ahmed Elmohamady ’s

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 , 2013 — 63

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2013

Lukman dreams Brazil 2014 L

No City deal for wonder kid

UKMAN Haruna believes he can add more value to the Nigeria national team if called up by coach Stephen Keshi. The midfielder who played at the South Africa 2010 World Cup has not played

Continues on page 60

•Lukman

Man U come from behind to beat Hull

E L E C H I Iheanacho’s proposed move to Manchester City is on the verge of collapse, Goal can reveal. The 17-year-old underwent a medical in Spain a few days ago, with a deal verbally agreed, but Porto have now made a late move for his signature. Iheanacho is currently

Continues on page 60

•Iheanacho

2014 W/Cup:

Argentina will fall – Obasi

IGERIA will halt a streak of poor World Cup run against Argentina because they revolve around a “tired” Lionel Messi, Chinedu

Obasi has predicted. The Super Eagles have lost to the South Americans on all three occasions they have Continues on page 60

M A HEADY AFFAIR.... West Bromwich Albion midfielder James Morrison vies with Tottenham Hotspur's Lewis Holtby during the English Premier League match at White Heart Lane yesterday. The match ended 1-1. Photo: AFP

PUZZLE

RESULTS Hull 2 A/Villa 0 Cardiff 0 Chelsea 1 Everton 0 N/castle 5 Norwich 1 Tottenham 1 West Ham 1

Man U C/Palace S'pton Swansea S/Land Stoke Fulham W/Brom Arsenal

3 1 3 0 1 1 2 1 3

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

ANCHESTER United came from two goals down to beat Hull City 3-2 at the KC Stadium in the early St Stephen’s Day encounter in the Premier Continues on page 60

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 4 Foot-lever (5) 7 Really (6) 9 Favourite (3) 10 Twitching (3) 12 Forward (5) 13 Cradle (4) 15 Peer (5) 17 Calm (6) 19 Boulder (4) 20 View (5) 22 Faucet (3) 24 Erased (7) 27 Fellow (3) 28 Upright (5) 31 Box (4) 33 Worshipped (6) 35 Tender (5) 37 Cable (4) 38 Object (5) 39 Uncooked (3) 41 Horse (3) 42 Deplore (6) 43 Prompt (5)

DOWN 1 Entertainment (6) 2 Counsel (6) 3 Obtain (3) 4 Ring (4) 5 Anaesthetic (5) 6 Rebellious (8) 8 Eat (4) 11 Contestant (9) 14 Curve (4) 16 Defeat (4) 18 Rush (4) 21 Whole (8) 23 Nobleman (4) 25 Bread (4) 26 Sketched (4) 29 Revised (6) 30 Agreement (6) 32 Circular (5) 34 Spoken (4) 36 Conflict (4) 40 Lump (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Water 5, Tested 8, Surge 10, Grotto 11, Aver 14, Roving 15, Release 18, Wet 19, Tar 21, Deed 23, Petal 24, Iced 27, Red 29, Yap 31, Risible 32, Teemed 34, Date 35, August 38, False 39, Ticket 40, Edged.

DOWN: 2, Air 3, Esteem 4, Rut 5, Tear 6, Sieved 7, Dogged 9, Roister 12, Vow 13, Rite 16, Epic 17, Eater 20, Radical 22, Evil 24, Intact 25, Eyed 26, Damask 28, Singed 30, Pet 33, Deft 36, Use 37, Sue.

How to Play Sudoku

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number). Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row. No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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