Policeman runs amok, kills wife, 5 others, self •CP orders forensic investigation

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...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 621010

IBADAN HOUSE OF HORROR:

IG vows to track down perpetrators 7

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

FG boosts states' allocations with $1bn 9

From left, Deputy Gov of Akwa Ibom State, Valerie Ebe; Housing Minister, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi and President, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors, Mr. Emeka Eleh at the 44th AGM of Estate Surveyors and Valuers at Uyo

Policeman runs amok, kills wife, 5 others, self •CP orders forensic investigation GAS EXPLOSION ROCKS ABUJA

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA—PAN DEMONIUM broke out in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital yesterday, when a police corporal, Sunkanmi Ogunbiyi, went berserk, shot dead his wife, a landlady, two year-old

Continues on page 5

COLUMNIST: •P.17

Mr & Mrs

GAS EXPLOSION IN ABUJA. Firemen putting out fire froma gas explosion at Shagari Plaza, opposite Area 1 shopping complex in Abuja, yesterday. INSET. One of the burnt vehicles. Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan/NAN

I take responsibility for Immigration tragedy — MORO •P.8

Court rules tolling on Lekki-Ikoyi bridge illegal

•P.10

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POCKET CARTOON

SEMINAR: From left, Mr. Ledum Mitee, Chairman, NEITI and Member Presidential Committee on Crude Oil Theft; Prince Haruna Momoh, Managing Director, Products and Pipeline Marketing Company a subsidiary of NNPC; Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor Of Delta State; Mr. Niyi Ayoola-Daniels, President, International Institute for Petroleum, Energy Law & Policy with Dr. Philip Mshelbilia, General Manager, Communication, Shell Petrolum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and Inemo Samiama, Country Director, Stakeholder Democracy Network at the 2014 Nigeria Oil and Gas Finance Seminar in Abuja.Photo: Akeem Salau

Policeman runs amok, kills wife, 5 others, self Continues from page 1 girl and three others before killing himself.

After killing his estranged wife who was also a policewoman, Corporal Oluwatosin Faremi, attached to the Obantoko Police Division, the rampaging police corporal reportedly shot dead a commercial motorcycle rider, and five members of a family, before shooting himself dead immediately.

The tragic incident which occurred at Akingbala area of Eleweran, Abeokuta, at 7:02 am reportedly forced some policemen to abscond from their duty posts.

Also, residents of the area fled the place to avoid being caught in the mayhem.

It was gathered that in the process, three other persons sustained gunshot injuries

and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, IdiAba for treatment.

Vanguard gathered that the killer policeman had in the past issued several warnings to the landlady, popularly called Iya Basira, to desist from harbouring his wife and children in her house whenever they had any misunderstanding and she moved out of his house.

But the landlady who lived at 67, Ifelodun Street, Akingbala area, was said to have turned deaf ears to the warnings, preferring to shelter the policeman's wife and two children.

An eye witness who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that the furious policeman stormed the landlady’s place at about 7:02 am and immediately

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

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

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

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

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

Ella Randle

shot his wife, the commercial motorcycle rider simply identified as Kunle and other four members of the family including a two-year-old girl, who was sleeping, to death.

Ogunbiyi, according to findings, who had laid ambush for his victims in a nearby bush was said to have emerged from nowhere with his rifle, killing the commercial motorcycle rider who was about to pick the wife, already dressed for work, and their two children who were said to be in their school uniforms, in front of the house.

CP visits scene; orders forensic investigation

He then reportedly proceeded to the landlady’s six-room uncompleted building where he also killed the woman who was said to be sleeping.

Vanguard gathered that Ogunbiyi also shot dead a daughter of the landlady, Basira, and her two-yearold daughter, Jesutofunmi as well as the landlady’s two sons, Taofeek, a Senior Secondary School II student of Nawar-u-Deen Grammar School, Obantoko and his elder brother, Sikiru.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, was said to have visited the scene of the shooting incident to assess the situation.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement said that Ogunbiyi and his wife had been having domestic conflicts before the shooting incident .

Adejobi, however, said the command had already commenced a thorough forensic investigation into the deaths, adding that the

command would also ensure justice is done in the matter.

He said, “the Ogun State Police Command has deemed it necessary to react to the killing of six persons by a police Corporal, Sunkanmi Ogunbiyi, attached to the Ogun State Police Command.

“The unfortunate incident occurred this morning, Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 0758hrs when the said corporal, who had been having domestic conflicts with his wife, shot and killed six persons, with his rifle, including his wife, Woman Corporal Oluwatosin Faremi, the landlady, a twoyear-old baby girl and two males and one female, while another three persons sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta. The said corporal, having killed these persons, shot himself dead immediately.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, CP Ike-

mefuna Okoye, has described the incident as unfortunate, and has visited the scene with other senior police officers in the command to assess the situation and sympathize with relations of the deceased and members of the Akingbala Ifelodun Estate, Eleweran Area, Abeokuta, where the incident took place.

“The command has, therefore, commenced thorough forensic investigation into the killing and prom-

ised to make sure justice is done in the matter. The Commissioner of Police, however, appeals to the general public to perceive the incident as one of the unfortunate social mishaps and not to judge the Police with the incident, as the Police is committed to protection of lives and property and will not tolerate any act capable of trampling on fundamental human rights of the citizens of Ogun State.”

Why insurgency is growing in Nigeria, by Kukah

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU—CATHO LIC Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rt. Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah, yesterday, blamed the increasing wave of insurgency in the country on what he described as conspiracy of silence and break down of societal surveillance.

He said that any society that was not sensitive to social and security threats in its environment was bound to experience manifestations of insurgency such as Boko Haram terrorism in parts of the North.

Kukah made this known in Nsukka while delivering the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, 43rd pre-convocation lecture entitled “After the Insurgency: Some Thoughts on National Cohesion.”

The cleric said that if Nigerians were sensitive to their environment Boko Haram would have been detected early before they become terrorists. He also said that if members of the immediate community where the Boko Haram started had detected their activities early enough, the insecurity plaguing the nation today could have been averted.

Kukah said, “The first mistake that people made was to see them as illiterate people and over

looked them. Nigerians should be sensitive to their environment. We must stop this idea of ‘it does not concern me,’ whereas when that evil grows fully everybody will suffer from it.”

He pointed out that the intention of insurgency in any part of the world was to weaken and subvert any nation where they operate in order to take absolute control, noting, “security operatives should use more of intelligence in finding the solution of Boko Haram. Every Nigerian must assist the security operatives by providing them with useful information that would help in finding lasting solution to the menace.

Security information

“Security agencies should perform their duties in a way to earn trust from Nigerians so that citizens will feel free to provide security information to them.”

Expressing deep concern over the worsening state of affairs in the country, Kukah said, “There is need to try to understand why things have not worked out for us in Nigeria, why the project for national integration and development have been stalled and why the cumulative impact of all

these has created such a fractious, angry and seemingly frustrated society.

“We must seek to explore how we ended up with so many years of retarded development, how we became such a severely fractured country and what can be done to rebuild it again. Boko Haram has tested our wills, but we also have many lessons to learn especially regarding the real history of our country, the levels of injury, grievances and wounds that our communities carry. We also need to learn the importance of proper and correct diagnosis.”

In a remark, vice chancellor of the university, Prof Bartho Okolo, said as he was about to step aside, he was very proud of achievements of his administration, stressing, “UNN under my watch has regained lost ground as it can compete with other universities in the globe.” Okolo said that pre-convocation lecturers were chosen from those who distinguished themselves in their field of endeavours.

Earlier Sen Ken Nnamani, former Senate President, who was chairman of the occasion, said that he was satisfied with level of transformation UNN had recorded recently.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

COUNTER-TERRORISM

Suspected terrorists arrested while attempting to escape into Cameroon through Taraba and Gumti, Adamawa State.

The suspects were said to have come out of hiding in the forest due to hunger in their make shift camps. Those that were apprehended led troops to other hideouts.

Seven terrorists died, while a large number of Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, and rifles were recovered including over 70 motorcycles. Similar encounter in Gombi also led to the death of four other terrorists.

8 docked over Apostolic Church vigil robbery

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS— THE eight suspected armed robbers, who invaded a Christ Apostolic Church vigil at OkeAlafIa, February 22, were yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court over theft of N2 million.

The defendants are Agozie Ordu, 32; Adeole Taiwo, 31; Amidu Shittu, 26; David Bojuwola, 21; Ismail Mufutau, 25; Ahmed Akinola, 25; Moruf Bello, 32 and Mutiu Adeosun 20.

They were arraigned before Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe and are facing an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and armed robbery, preferred against them by the police.

The police prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Iranus Nnamonu, told the court that the defendants conspired together to commit the alleged offence.

He said the defendants robbed at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Alafia Yusuf Drive, Alagbado area of Ojokoro, during a vigil.

Nnamonu alleged that the defendants robbed

worshippers of various types of cell phones, laptops, palm-tops and N421,105 cash.

The total value of property and cash stolen was put at N2 million, belonging to one pastor Julius Odewale and the members of the church.

On rampage

He also said the defendants, and others at large, on March 10, between 2am and 2:15am, at Adura area of Ojokoro, also robbed one cell phone and N14,000, property of one Akinlolu Segun.

The prosecutor claimed that the defendants on the same day at 2:30am at Adura, robbed two Blackberry phones valued N300,000 and N20,000 cash, all belonging to one Lukman Sulaiman.

The eight were also alleged to have robbed three phones valued N49,000 and N15,000 belonging to one Oriyomi Imisioluwa on March 10, at 2:45am.

They were also accused of robbing one Jaiyesimi

Adegoke of his wedding ring valued N29,000 and one Nokia X2 phone valued N32,000 on the same day, at 3am. They also took N15,000, one Blackberry Curve 2 phone valued N20,000 from other victims.

The defendants were accused of also robbing a female, one Titilope Alatunde, of her iTel phone,

valued N10,000, one Blackberry valued N20,000 on the same day at 3:30am at Adura.

According to the prosecutor, the offences are contrary to Sections 297, 294 and 295 of the criminal laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

It is also punishable under Section 244 of the criminal

laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

However, the accused were granted bail in the sum of N100,000 each, with two responsible sureties in like sum each after they had pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

The Magistrate adjourned the matter to June 5 for mention.

Man, 44, pleads guilty to theft, fraud

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

A

N Ojo Magistrate’s Court in Lagos will on March 28 sentence 44-year-old Bala Danjuma, who, yesterday, pleaded guilty to N34,800 fraud and theft.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Taslimi Shomade, fixed the judgment date after the accused pleaded guilty to a two-count charge.

Shomade remanded the accused at the Kirikiri Prisons until the adjourned date for sentencing.

Police prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent Police,

Godwin Eze, said the accused, whose address was not known, committed the offences sometime in January at Iyana-Iba Bus Stop, Ojo, Lagos.

Eze said the accused obtained N4,800 from one Mr. Emmanuel Nwofe and John Okorie, under the

pretext of giving them a job at Julius Berger Company.

“The accused also stole Nwofe’s phone valued at N30, 000, totaling N34,800,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2011.

Residents abandon Ibadan com

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN—ABOUT 200 residents of Ayegun Olomi Aba Daran in Ibadan,

Oyo State, have fled their community and relocated to mosques and churches, following alleged invasion and harassment by men of

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 —7

ATTEMPTED MURDER: Court aquits Osun lawmakers 7 years after arraignment

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO— AN Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo, yesterday, discharged and acquitted two lawmakers of the state, Mr. Fafowora Folarin and Mr. Timothy Owoeye, who have been standing trial for alleged attempted murder and other offences since 2007.

The lawmakers were standing trial before Justice

Olayinka Afolabi on a 13count charge of arson, conspiracy, malicious damage, public disorderliness, among others.

At the resumed sitting, the trial judge upheld the prayer of the prosecution to withdraw charges five, six, seven, eight, 10 and 11.

On the remaining charges, Justice Afolabi said the issue for determination was whether the prosecution has

proved the charge against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.

On the issue of conspiracy, the trial judge disclosed that the prosecution failed in all ramifications to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the duo conspired to attempt murder and thereby acquitted them of the charge.

On the count charge of attempted murder, Justice

Afolabi said the prosecution must be able to prove the issue of intent, saying after careful consideration of the prosecution witnesses and that of the defence counsel, he opined that no evidence linked the accused persons to the crime and acquitted the duo on the charge.

The duo commended the judgment, saying it was proof of their innocence in the case that took over seven years.

PIPELINE EXPLOSION: Injured vandals nabbed at healer's home

BY EVELYN USMAN

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PERATIVES of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force, Anti-Pipeline Vandalism Unit, have arrested two suspected vandals believed to be responsible for last Thursday's explosion that led to fire outbreak at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, pipeline in Ilare/ Imagbon area of Ikorodu, Lagos, which left some of the vandals dead.

The suspects, identified as Rotanna Ifeanyi and Soji Omomoyesan, were arrested in a herbalist's home while receiving treatment from the burns sustained in the fire outbreak.

Trouble, as gathered, started for the duo after residents of the community, initially indicted in the pipeline vandalism saga, besieged the herbalist home and attacked the suspects, when they got wind of their presence.

They reportedly tied them up until the arrival of the policemen.

I thought I was dead— SUSPECT

Explaining how the fire was ignited, one of the suspects, Ondo State-born Soji, 40, said it was caused by a lit cigarette.

According to him, “Jide threw the cigarette during an argument over who would first siphon petroleum product from the burst pipeline. Before we knew what was happening, there was an explosion followed by a wild fire.

“We could not escape as we

were engulfed by the fire. I do not know the fate of others.

“I thought I was dead until I opened my eyes and found myself at the herbalist's home.

I was told I was dumped there by one of us who managed to escape.

“I was lured into this business because I was jobless.

I was informed by a friend that they were going to siphon fuel along that route.

“He said the services of an engineer, boat paddlers and carriers were needed. I opted for boat paddler because I cannot lift two 50-litre jerry cans of petrol at once.

“We got to the place by 2am and immediately the engineers burst a portion for us to siphon, an argument ensued.

“But for the timely arrival of policemen at the herbalist’s place, the community would have finished what the fire could not.

“They tied my hands and legs and were at the verge of setting me ablaze when the policemen arrived.”

Police report

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Task Force, Friday Ibadin, said; “The vandals absconded when they realised that their

game was up. But some of them were roasted to death.

“I must sincerely appreciate members of Imagabon community, who assisted the police in tracking down these suspects from where they had gone for treatment.

“I encourage other communities to do same in order to bring a permanent end to pipeline vandalisation.”

He informed that the police had taken the suspects to an undisclosed hospital, where they were currently undergoing treatment, adding that they would be arraigned in court as soon as their health stabilise.

‘I was promised N200 per 50-litre jerry can’

Rotanna, 22, said he was lured by his best friend whose name he gave as Tony Olabanji, to join in the shady deal.

He said: “He told me all I needed to do was to assist the vandals and assured me that security men had not visited the area in recent times because they thought vandals were no longer operating there.

“The mission would have been accomplished had the argument not ensued. This was

mmunity over OPC harassment Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC. Some of them said keys to their residences have been changed, making it

because on getting there, there were so many people; both the old and young, men and women were struggling to have their turn.

“I was to be paid N200 for each filled 50-litre jerry can moved from the point of filling to the car. I had already taken seven jerry cans into the vehicle and was about to lift the eighth when the fire started.”

impossible for them to enter their homes.

They called on Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba

The suspects, Rotanna Ifeanyi and Soji Omomoyesan.

Samuel Odulana, to come to The Osi Olubadan of their rescue.

Ibadanland, High Chief They staged a protest in Lekan Balogun, commended Ibadan displaying placards the peaceful protest. with various inscriptions, He promised to deliver such as “Governor Ajimobi, their message to the Olubadan save our Souls,” Olubadan of Ibadanland, “Ajimobi: Don’t allow others adding that their case would to deny us our rights.” be looked into.

IBADAN HORROR:

IG vows to get perpetrators

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN—THE Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has vowed to do a thorough investigation into the crimes committed by suspected kidnappers at Soka in Ibadan, where hundreds of victims had been tortured or killed.

The kidnappers’ den was discovered last Saturday by a group of c o m m e r c i a l motorcyclists, popularly called Okada riders, while they were searching for two of their colleagues who were missing.

Also, eight suspects have been arrested so far over the incident.

Since the incident happened, the den has become a tourist centre for thousands of people who either wanted to witness the horror or look for their missing relatives.

The police boss made the promise while on an assessment visit to the den, yesterday.

The IG, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 11, Mr. Femi Omolaja, said anybody involved in the heinous crime would be apprehended in due course.

Omojola, who is in charge of Oyo, Osun and Ondo, said he came on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.

He said: “Thorough investigation is ongoing and we don’t want to disclose any identity of those arrested in order not to hinder our investigation.”

Omolaja advised the people in the state to be sensitive of their environment and report any suspicious movement to the security agents.

Apparently reacting to jungle justice being carried out by youths, he warned that nobody must not that take the laws into his or her hands.

He said any suspect, mad or not, should be reported to law enforcement agents.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

I take responsibility for NIS recruitment tragedy—Moro

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

A

BUJA—MINISTER of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro yesterday claimed responsibility of the tragic deaths of about 16 applicants, including four pregnant women, who died in the recent recruitment exercise by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS. The Minister said he was still pained and saddened by the circumstances surrounding the loss of lives in the recruitment exercise during the public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Interior.

But the Comptroller General of Immigration, CGI, David Paradang said that the service which by law was supposed to handle recruitment exercise was completely ignored.

A member of the Board of Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prison Services, Mustapha Zakariya alleged that the signature in the agreement where the Interior Ministry and the Board agreed to engage the services of the Consultant, Drezel Technology Nigeria Ltd was forged.

Paradang told the committee that the service that ordinarily conducts the recruitment exercise was sidelined and that when the decision was taken to conduct the exercise, he was not carried along.

Recruitment exercise He said, “On the 9th of September, 2013, the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prison Services Board placed advertisements in some national dailies for appointments into the Superintendent, Inspectorate and Immigration Assistant cadre signed by the then Board Secretary, Dr. Attahiru.

“I immediately placed a call to the Secretary that I am not aware that the Board met on this issue.

I immediately placed a call to the Permanent Secretary too whether there was any decision of the Board to place an advert in the paper.

“I also placed a call to the two Commissioners that are seated before you here whether they were aware that the Board met and agreed for a publication to be made to recruit in the Service, but they all answered in the negative.

“I immediately wrote a letter to the then Secretary in which I expressed my dismay that as a stakeholder, as the head of a Service that is supposed to recruit, I was not aware of this exercise. He pleaded with me that I should understand with him that he was under immense pressure to put that advert up.

“He said I should not write the letter but I said no, this is an official matter it is not an issue to do with Mr. David Parradang but with the Nigerian Immigration

Service. So I wrote him a letter that I was not given any benefit of a reply till way back in October 2013 when he had been removed from the Ministry.

“Along the line we were asked to look for funding and I had to look for funding for this exercise from the office of the Director General of Budget. I wrote him a letter that we have waiver from the Federal Civil Service Commission to recruit 4,556 operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service.

“He told me categorically that Government was very conscious of overheads and there would be no money made available for it. I thought he was just being reluctant. So I kept pressurising him every day for the whole of that week and subsequent weeks.

“The last concession I got from him is that I should wait that maybe it would be captured in the 2014 budget. So along the line, the Committee of the Board met, we discussed this issue of Drexel being the service provider and I said look, I am not in support of anybody collecting money for recruitment.

“I remember very clearly during that meeting where the CGs and the two Commissioners were in attendance, I told them that I read in the papers two days ago that in Niger State there was a recruitment like that and people were meant to pay and there was a lot of outcry in that state and the Governor had to step in and cancelled it.

“I told him that it is advisable for us to stagger the exercise and to go by states of origin. But when we appeared before this Committee of the Senate in one of the committee rooms here, we were all seated here and we got to know that we will be conducting recruitment exams on the 15th of March, 2013.

“That was the first day I heard

that. I did not hear from any board; there was no board meeting to that effect. As a uniform organisation, you follow the last order. Initially when people asked me when is Immigration recruitment, I used to tell them that I don’t know but subsequently anybody that asked me I will reply that the Minister has declared categorically that we will recruit on the 15th of March and that is what we are going to stick to. ''Then I sent the DCG Human Resources to attend all subsequent meetings and when it came to the issue of funding he told me that they have made a budget of N212m to be used for that exercise. I asked him where the money was going to come from, you know that Immigration does not have such money.

“He said it is expected that the company should pay for it. I said okay, go and take representatives of the Service Provider to the Minister of Interior maybe he

would have funding for the exercise. He told me there was none till about on 13th of March when N45million was made available for him to carry out that exercise.

“We were left with the option of having to mobilise all our officers in the State Commands to attend to the recruitment exercise. We sent bulk SMS to all of them saying look gentlemen this is the day we have to work with.

“All of them kept calling me to ask how they were going to get money to do this exercise? I told them if any money is given to me, I will make it available to you. No money was made available to the Nigerian Immigration Service and the exercise was supposed to be conducted.

“If you notice too there was no advertisement giving clear guidelines on how to go about it until the 14th of March that people were asked to go the various centres for the tests.”

Number of casualties Giving the number of death that was recorded during the exercise, Parradang said, “I will like to state that on a state by state basis, the Nigeria Immigration Service is deeply pained of the events that led to loss of lives of 16 people.

“I want the figures to be corrected. We had seven people that died in the Federal Capital Territory. We had five that died in Rivers State. We had two that died in Niger State. We had one in Bauchi. We had one in Edo. Those are the exact figures.”

Why NIS did not stop the exercise Parradang further explained that though the NIS was not carried along in the planning of the recruitment exercise, there was no way it would have stopped it because the service was not the driver of the recruitment.

MEETING: President Goodluck Jonathan exchanging pleasantries with the United Nations, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Jan Eliasson during the UN envoy's visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday.

Soldiers kill 11 insurgents, apprehend others attempting to escape to Cameroon nationalities of Chad and said they sleep with their two eyes

BY UMAR YUSUF

A

BUJA—THE military said yesterday that 11 terrorists were killed when the troops engaged the terrorists in a gun duel while some of them were apprehended as they attempted to escape to Cameroon through Taraba and Adamawa borders.

The Director, Defence Information and Coordinator of Joint Information Centre, Counter terrorism Campaign Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday said the insurgents were attacked by troops on patrol of the areas in the ongoing counterterrorism campaign.

According to him, “the terrorists were trapped following the ongoing offensive launched by troops along the borders. Some of them could no longer bear the hunger in their make-shift camps at the forest. Those apprehended led the troops to some hideouts where fierce fighting ensued and seven terrorists died, while Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, rifles and 70 motorcycles were recovered.”

The director said “a similar encounter in Gumbi also led to the death of four other terrorists.”

He added that sustained patrols and searches by the Joint Task Force had led to the arrest of more insurgents, including a heavily armed suspect, who claimed dual

Burkina-Faso. Olukolade said the suspect was arrested with different calibre of arms along the Chad border.

The defence spokesman said members of the task force were patrolling areas around the Lake Chad, including Kwatan, Kanwa, Kwatan Yobe and other areas to apprehend more of the insurgents.

In a related development, fear has gripped Yola, the Adamawa State Capital following the discovery of 102 live ammunitions and two guns tucked in the perimeter fence of Damare Secondary School in Damere Ward of Yola, South Local Government Adamawa State.

The development has created anxiety among residents who

open following the intensification of armed robbery in Yola and environs in recent times despite the state of emergency and curfew imposed in the town.

The weapons were discovered by children who were playing around the area according to eyewitnesses.

“Some children who were playing around the area spotted the ammunitions tucked deeply inside the block holes and quickly raised alarm”, a resident stated.

According to him, “When residents observed that they were live ammunitions, they called the police who came and demolished the fence leading to the discovery of large number of live ammunitions and guns,” the source said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014—9

FG boosts states'allocation with $1bn ...States in the dark over source of money ...Why FG summoned NEC meeting

BY SONI DANIEL

A

BUJA—FRESH facts emerged yesterday on why the Presidency called for a meeting of the National Economic Council meeting, NEC, which was held in Abuja yesterday after shying away from holding the meeting for nine months.

The NEC meeting, which is being chaired by the Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo, is a forum where all the 36 governors and the members of the Economic management team meet regularly to deliberate on the nation’s economy.

Surprisingly, the Presidency has not summoned the meeting in the last nine months despite renewed agitations by aggrieved governors.

Just at the same time when the meeting of the NEC was put in abeyance, the sweeping allegations of missing $20 billion oil money cropped up, forcing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, which generates much of the money into the Federation Account, to explain that no money was missing.

But the period witnessed a steady reduction in the monthly allocations to states, forcing most states to scale down on their projects and services.

But Vanguard learnt from authoritative sources that the Federal Government, which has been finding it difficult to justify the suspension of NEC for about a year, made a deliberate effort

to appease the governorS by putting the sum of $1billion into the Excess Crude Account and immediately called a meeting of the council with a view to sharing it to the states.

A governor, who attended the NEC meeting, told Vanguard that they were shocked to discover that the Federal Government had boosted the ECA with $1billion without indicating where the money came from.

“We were surprised to see the $1billion credited to the ECA, which has accordingly boosted our monthly allocations but the source of the money has not been indicated.

“We decided to attend the NEC meeting so as to know how the money came about and to know why our monthly revenue has been declining steadily over a period of nine months.

Another governor said: “Whatever happens we are happy that our monthly revenue allocations has been slightly raised even though the Federal Government has not bothered to tell us why our allocations were slashed for nine months and where it is suddenly raising money to beef up our allocations.

At the meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja last month, the governors chided the Federal Government for not

calling the NEC meeting for many months and for suspending Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as the CBN governor, alleging that the action was to distract attention from the ‘missing $20 billion’, which the sacked governor had accused the NNPC of not remitting to the national coffers.

One governor confirmed yesterday that the allocations to his state, which had been slashed by billions of Naira in the last eight months, has now been restored by the federal authorities.

“If they claim money is not being kept away from the federation account, where did they suddenly get the $1billion into the ECA; we just want an answer’” the source said.

PRESS BRIEFING: Supervising Minister for Niger Delta Development, Mr. Darius Ishyaku flanked by the Permanent Secretary Niger Delta Development, Alhaji Mohammed Bashar (right) and the Special Assistant to the Minister, Mr. Gbade Alle, joins to peruse a document during a press briefing at the Minister's Conference Room, Federal Secretariat, Abuja, yesterday . Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

CAN opposes establishment of grazing reserves

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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MBRELLA body of Christians in the country, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has rejected the proposal to establish grazing reserves across the country as a means of resolving the protracted fracas between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in various parts of the country which has resulted in thousands of deaths and destruction of farmlands.

Reacting to a news report that the Federal Government had approved the constitution of a committee to work out the modalities for establishing grazing reserves across the country, the National President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor said such proposal was absolutely unacceptable to the Christian community which has been at the receiving end of a grand plan to Islamise the nation.

The CAN president said the

proposal, which emerged at the end of National Economic Council meeting presided over

by Vice President Namadi Sambo is another grand design to Islamise the nation.

He said Fulani herdsmen is another chapter of Boko Haram, warning that if President Goodluck Jonathan accepts the proposal he should be ready for the consequences.

According to Pastor Oritsejafor, Christians in the country will not fold their arms while the Federal Government unilaterally hand over their farmlands to Fulani herdsmen for grazing reserves, which will in a few years be converted to Hausa-Fulani emirates with emirs across the nation.

“Is there any other tribe in this country that can do these things for three years running now and get away with it? This culture of impunity must stop. The best way to tackle clashes between Fulani

herdsmen and farmers head on is for the Federal Government to first and foremost investigate the source of arms supply to the herdsmen before the clashes grow out of control.

“Two, we must establish grazing reserves for them in their own locale where the government can establish modern facilities, including schools, hospitals and such facilities that will make life conducive for them and their families bearing in mind that in other nations of the world, cows are not on parade on highways as we have here,” he lamented.

According to the CAN president, it is regrettable that certain leaders of the same tribe could hold a press conference where they accused the government of Benue State of masterminding the mayhem that has left hundreds of people dead in that state, noting “and Police did not arrest them. They were

actually admitting that they sent these people and yet Police let them go.

“Except somebody is being economical with the truth, there is no where in the civilized world where cattle rearers walk long distances with cows on the streets. All across Europe and America, cow owners have permanent settlements, where they graze and slaughter their cows while refrigerated vehicles take the meat to different parts of the country for distribution,” he stated.

The fiery cleric urged President Jonathan to find out why nobody had been prosecuted despite the huge number of casualties recorded in clashes in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Delta, Edo, Ondo and several parts of the country, insisting that you don’t solve a hydra-headed monster like Fulani herdsmen by ordering the takeover of people land across

‘Court did not wrest power from FRSC to produce new number plates’

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BUJA—THE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has said that the Federal High Court in Lagos did not wrest its power to design and produce new vehicle number plates.

The agency made the claim in a statement, issued

by Mr Jonas Agwu, FRSC Public Education Officer, in Abuja on Thursday in reaction to the Wednesday court verdict on the matter.

The court, presided over

by Justice James Tsoho, had declared that the new number plates introduced by the commission were unconstitutional and as such could not be imposed on vehicle owners.

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

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

Agwu, however, said that the court only ruled that the commission lacked statutory authority to fix a deadline for the enforcement of the use of the new number plate.

“Justice Tsoho ruled that the FRSC has powers to design and produce the number plate as a national policy.

“The judge cautioned that the statutory powers of the FRSC does not cover setting deadlines for conversion to the newly designed plates,” the statement quoted Agwu as saying.

The statement said that the commission would appeal against the verdict.

It said FRSC did not set the deadline for the use of the new number plate but the states, through their Joint Tax Board, fixed the deadline.

CORRIGENDUM Two-time Ghanaian Presidential Candidate, and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was wrongly described as twotime vice president of Ghana in our story, “Leadership failure, bane of Africa’s development- exGhanaian leader” of Tuesday, March 25. The error is regretted –Editor

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014—10

Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge: No law backs tolling, says court zLagos was not barred—AG

BY INNOCENT ANABA & ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, held that there was no existing law in Lagos State, permitting the collection of toll on the newly constructed Lekki-Ikoyi Suspension Bridge in Lagos.

Trial judge, Justice Saliu Saidu, in his judgment in the suit by rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Ebun- Olu Adegboruwa, said that the Lagos State Government could only make a law to that effect, before it could collect tolling on the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge.

It will be recalled that the state government started tolling the bridge on May 29, 2013 and charges N300 per car.

LASG to appeal judgment

Meantime, the state government, yesterday, said it would appeal the judgment and sought for it to be stayed, arguing that no declarations were made by the court.

At a briefing by the State Attorney-General, AG, and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, the government said the court did not specifically address many questions raised by the applicant, or did it grant any of the declarations sought.

Adegboruwa in the suit filed on November 26, 2012 against the Lagos State Government, joined the Attorney General of the Federation, the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA and Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr Adeola Ipaye as respondents and had sought a declaration that the LASG had no authority to erect a bridge, on the Lagos Lagoon, which is categorized by law as federal navigable waterways.

He had also prayed the court to determine whether there existed any law in Nigeria, authorising the collection of such tolls, tax or fee, from citizens and further prayed the court to declare that the imposition of such tariff on road users, is an illegal form of taxation and is inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Saidu in the judgment, said it would consider the case on its merit rather than delving into technical issues raised in the addresses of counsels.

The court's position

The court said: “The further

counter affidavit of the third and fourth respondents, and the response of the first and second respondents, have answered most of the questions before this court.

The second respondent, NIWA, is the only Federal Agency to form and regulate Navigable Waterway in the country, in line with the NIWA Act. “The applicant did not contest this issue, but only goes further to raise the issue of collection of toll from the subject matter. The third respondent tried to justify the collection of such toll in paragraph 26 of their counter affidavit, by stating that when the bridge is erected, its proceeds will be applied to the consolidated revenue fund of the LASG. “The question now is, has the LASG made the

appropriate law to enable her collect such toll on the bridge? The third respondent only cited sections 27, 28, and 29 of the Lagos State Public Private Partnership Law 2011 as making provision for the collection of revenue. There is nothing before me to show that the subject matter in this case was as a result of any Public Private Partnership law, to enable the law of 2011 be extended.

“The fact before this court is that the bridge was built with the third respondents money. I agree and uphold the construction of the bridge, and the power of the LASG to generate revenue there from, but the existing laws does not cover it. I therefore, hold that the third respondent can only make a law to that effect, before it can collect tolling on the Lekki-Ikoyi

bridge” the court held.

Lagos AG reacts

Meanwhile, Lagos AG, Ipaye in his reaction to the judgment, said the state will appeal against same.

He said: “From what we heard, no consequential orders were made. No declarations were made by the court. This is an ambiguity that is being exploited already. The court did not make any pronouncement that tolling should be stopped on the bridge.

“The judgment did not specifically address many questions raised by the applicant, neither did it grant any of the declarations sought. However, the pronouncements referred to above are capable of being interpreted as court orders, hence our decision to appeal and seek a stay of execution immediately,” Ipaye added.

HEARING: From left: Mr. Tunde Lemo, former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, deputy governor and other CBN officials, during the invitation to hearing in the ongoing investigation of the CBN, by Financial Reporting Council investigation, at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Recruitment tragedy: Civil society groups paralyse activities in Ikeja

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BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

AGOS—COMMERCIAL and other activities in Alausa Secretariat and Ikeja axis were yesterday crippled by members of civil society groups coordinated by the Joint Action Front, JAF, protesting the recent death of job seekers at the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS recruitment exercise across the country and the high rate of unemployment.

This came barely 48 hours after another protests rocked

the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja over the stampede at NIS recruitment centre which led to the death of over 20 job seekers on March 15, 2014.

Among the groups that participated were National Association of Unemployed Graduates, Association of Nigerian, Graduates Against Unemployment, Human Rights Defender Networks and others.

The protesters gathered at the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Ashabi Cole road,

Alausa, Ikeja at about 9:00 am, where the protest kickedoff before it was terminated at Ikeja.

The protesters, who were armed with several placards, also chanted several antigovernment songs to describe the suffering of graduates in the country.

Some of the placards read: “It isn’t a crime to be a graduate; Joblessness: 250 Okada riders killed by Fashola, FG work on Ajaokuta Steel now, We can work, provide employment and others.”

Lagos shuts WEMCO road junction till April 9

BY MONSUR OLOOWOPEJO

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AGOS—LAGOS State Government, through Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, will about midnight today close Lateef Jakande Road by WEMCO Road junction to traffic to allow for the completion of ongoing underground drainage channel work in the area.

The closure of the road said to have reached 90 per cent completion is slated to commence today, March 28th, to end on Wednesday, April 9th, 2014.

LAMATA, while appealing to motorists to bear with state government on the attendant consequences the work might cause during the period, assured residents that works on the 1.8 kilometer road which commenced two years ago, would be completed on scheduled as it had reached 90 percent completion.

Mobereola, speaking at a stakeholder’s forum held at Ashton Gardens, Agege, on the ongoing expansion of theWempcoRoad,Agidingbiaxis into a dual carriage way, said “the road will be closed to vehicular movement, beginning from the midnightofMarch28th,2014and willbeopenedonApril9th,2014.”

Lawyers, judges pay last respect to former NBA scribe

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

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AGOS—LAGOS lawyers and judges yesterday filed out to give their last respect to the General Secretary of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Lagos Branch, Mr. Babatola Eyitayomi Apata, Apata, who was born on May 6, 1973 to the family of late Pa & Ma Isaac Olorunmota of the Iminagbede Quarters of the Idimito Compound, Ondo State, died in a motor accident while going to Ado Ekiti, to attend the NBA meeting.

In a valedictory service at the Foyer, Lagos High Court in Igbosere, the former NBA Lagos branch chairman, Mr. Taiwo Taiwo, described late Apata as a man who lived a very goodlife.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014—11

Fayemi, Bamidele flag off Ekiti guber campaigns zI'm running on record—Fayemi zHalf of Fayemi's cabinet support me—Bamidele

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BY GBENGAARIBYI

DO EKITI—GOVERNOR Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and the Labour Party, LP, candidate and member of the House of Representatives, Opeyemi Bamidele at different locations in the state yesterday flagged off their gubernatorial campaigns.

Fayemi’s declaration of intention for a second term, in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, was witnessed by several dignitaries including fellow governors from the All Progressives Congress, APC, states including Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); AbdulAziz Yari Abubakar (Zamfara); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), who was represented by his deputy, Peter Kishra.

Bamidele was, however, at Ido Ekiti where he kick-started his gubernatorial campaign, boasting to unseat Fayemi in the June 21 governorship election.

He claimed that half of the

Amosun’s wife distributes ceramic pots to rural dwellers

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BEOKUTA—IN her quest to assist the people living in rural communities to address water-borne diseases, the Wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun yesterday began state-wide distribution of ceramic water filter pots otherwise called “Omilero Pots” to people living in the rural areas free of charge.

Speaking at a programme tagged Uplifting Rural Dwellers to flag off the distribution at Apojola and Olodo communities in Odeda Local Government Area, Mrs. Amosun said the ceramic pots were part of government’s initiative to curb the outbreak of cholera, typhoid, dysentery and other water-borne diseases often experienced among the rural people.

She urged the beneficiaries to make use of the pots in their different homes as a way of preventing water-borne diseases in their communities, advising them to always keep their environment clean.

members of Fayemi’s cabinet were not only supporting him ,but were assisting him financially.

Bamidele said he remained more acceptable to APC members in the state based on how he had built the party and assisted many others while still member of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN that metamorphosed into APC. He equally faulted governor Fayemi for allegedly reneging on his promise that the campaign for the election would be issue based.

According to him; “I heard them on radio calling me names and doing the same for the people in the PDP. For us we are not going to do that. We are going to tell the people what we have in store for them. Our mission is to rescue the state from bad governance and to unite all. Basic necessities of life will be provided and a new dawn will begin in the state.”

Among LP leaders present at the rally were the Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, the State Chairman , Akin Omole and Prince Akin Olayisade.

Rolling out his achievements in infrastructure, social welfare, education, among others, Fayemi, at a rally at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, also pledged to work harder to better the lives of Ekiti people

Leader, Sharon Ikeazor, Senator Ajayi Boroffice and Iyaloja General, Mrs. Folashade TinubuOjo. “The advantage I have is that I am running on record and there are people who will promise heaven and earth but I can tell you what I have done in education and how I have banished poverty among our elderly,” the governor said.

FLAG OFF: From left: Former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Governor Kayode Fayemi, of Ekiti State, his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi,; the Deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Yemi Adaramodu, at the flag off of the Governor's re-election campaign, at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti.

3 families claim relationship with Ibadan kidnappers’ survivor

BY OLAAJAYI BADAN—A knotty issue has cropped up on one of the survivors of the Soka kidnappers’ den, Mr. Wale Ola as three women are claiming him as their son.

One of the women, Mrs. Sufiatu Ola said her son identified his sister immediately he saw her.

She was sobbing uncontrollably, saying “this is my son.”

According to her, Wale Ola had been missing for the past 13 years.

She said: “I am the mother of this man. He left home 13 years ago. My problem is that another person came here claiming my son.”

The survivor, Wale who is recuperating, moved closer to the window to see a photograph that the woman brought.

But the picture which was blurred could not get to him because of the mosquito net on the window.

He said during his ordeal, he was kept in a dungeon for many years.

I

and ensure a better transformation of the state if reelected in the June 21 governorship election.

Other guests who appeared at the rally to drum support for Fayemi are former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, former Ekiti state governor and APC National Vice Chairman, South West, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, APC National Women

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

Appointment saga: NJC suspends Rivers CJ

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA — THE National Judicial Council, NJC, yesterday, suspended the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice P. N. C. Agumagu, from office, and directed that he should, within four days, explain in writing why he should not be sacked as a judicial officer.

The Council, which took the decision at the end of an emergency meeting in Abuja, said it suspended the Rivers CJ over his failure to abide by the Oath of Office he took to uphold the Constitution and Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A press statement by the Acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, read: “At its 10th Emergency Meeting, which was held on March 26, 2014, the National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Muktar (GCON), considered the purported appointment, confirmation and swearing-in of Hon. Justice P. N. C. Agumagu as the substantive Chief Judge of Rivers State on March 18, 2014. ”In the course of deliberations on the matter, Council noted as follows: That it is expressly provided in Section 271 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) that:-The Appointment of a person to the Office of the Chief Judge of a state

shall be made by the governor of the state on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, subject to the confirmation of the appointment by the House of Assembly of the state. ”That the National Judicial Council did not at any time make any recommendation to the governor of Rivers State that Justice Agumagu, President, Customary Court of Appeal, be appointed the substantive Chief Judge of Rivers State. ”Council, therefore, resolved as follows: That the National Judi-

cial Council does not, and will not recognise Justice Agumagu as the Chief Judge of Rivers State. ”That the general public and all concerned in the matter, particularly the governor of Rivers State, the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Judiciary in Rivers State, be notified and informed that the National Judicial Council will not deal with Justice Agumagu as the Chief Judge of Rivers State; ”That a query be issued to

Justice Agumagu to explain in writing within four (4) days, why he should not be removed from office as a judicial officer for his failure to abide by his oath of office to uphold the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ”In the meantime, Council in exercise of its powers under Paragraph 21 (d) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution has suspended Justice Agumagu from office as a judicial officer with immediate effect.”

UNITY MEETING: Elders and key leaders from warring factions in crisis-torn Ugborodo Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, after a Unity Meeting in Warri.

Dangote lauds Monye over decongestion of ports

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA—PRESIDENT of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said that the country’s Economic Team will remain grateful to the Special Adviser to the President on Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Prof. Sylvester Monye, for the effective role he played in the decongestion of the nation’s ports.

Dangote, in Onicha-Ugbo, Delta State, at the commissioning of Africa Institute for Public Policy, built by Professor Monye, said: “This is a commendable initiative, coming at a time that Nigeria needs the right policy formulation backed by effective implementation to launch our nation to the next level of greatness. Therefore, this momentous event could not have come at a better time than this.”

He eulogised Monye's qualities, noting that such a laudable idea was in tandem with the nation’s quest towards achieving economic transformation.

“We are witnessing a silent economic revolution in Nigeria driven by the transformation agenda of the current administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. We need the right policies to sustanin this growth.

"We also need to ensure that these policies are properly monitored and evaluated and above all, we need the right caliber of

persons to drive these policies and ensure that we are right on track. You know that good policies without the right people will achieve nothing.

“I am delighted to note that my dear friend and brother, Professor Monye, who is a Special Adviser to the President on Performance Mon-

itoring and Evaluation has performed creditably well in his role."

Police, vigilance group kill three suspected bandits in Delta

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—POLICE in Delta State and a vigilance group, Wednesday night, shot dead three suspected bandits, members of three separate armed robbery gangs in Warri and Isiokolo areas of the state.

One of the suspects was shot dead by the police in an encounter in Isiokolo, Ethiope East Local Government Area after his gang snatched a Pathfinder Jeep and killed the owner on Jakpa Road, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, earlier in the day.

The second bandit was killed by the police while fleeing from a business

centre, owned by Ejiro Eyefia on the Okere-Ugborikoko Road, Warri, where his gang was operating at 8.55 pm.

The third was shot dead by a vigilance group at Igbudu Market, Warri.

Three members of the first gang were arrested at the end of a fierce gun battle with the police in Isiokolo.

Police Area Commander in Warri, Mr Hussaini Rabiu, who confirmed the killings, said police sent information to all Divisional Police Officers in the area as soon as the jeep with registration number, AW 774 WWR was snatched.

Students pass vote of no confidence on Rep

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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ATIONAL Union of Andoni Students, NUAS, has passed a vote of no confidence on a member of the House of Representatives, Mr Dakuku Peterside, over what it described as misrepresentation of Andoni nation in the House.

It noted that machinery had been put in place for his recall, saying that his alleged inability to sponsor any bill had affected the people of Andoni.

NUAS, in a communique at the end of its 45th annual convention, alleged that Peterside unilaterally changed the name of his federal constituency from Andoni/ Opobo-Nkoro to Opobo/ Nkoro in favour of his Opobo ethnic nationality.

The communique by the President and General Secretary respectively of NUAS, Timi Mbaba and Etetegwung Secondus, said “Peterside continues to turn a deaf ear to the issues concerning the constituency till date."

Public Notice

Loss of Contact

Notice is hereby given that I, Mr. Ipevnor Terhemen Isaiah bought a piece of land behind Commissioners quarters GRA Makurdi, with R of O no. BNA1305 issued by Benue State government from Mrs. Ene Ogbenjuwa then resident at 44 off Iorkyaa Street, Makurdi, who promised to hand over the Letter of Administration in her custody to me for proper transfer of all necessary documents at the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Makurdi.All efforts to locate her after she relocated from her last known address have proved abortive. Whoever knows her where-about should contact Tel No. 08134676754 Signed: Mr. Ipevnor T. Isaiah

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014—13

Court restrains EFCC, ICPC, others from arresting Olotu

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Abuja, has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, the Inspector-General of Police and Department of State Services, DSS, from arresting a retired judge of the court, Justice Gladys Olotu.

Trial judge, Justice A. Ademola, who granted an exparte application by the applicant, directed the respondents to stay all actions on mat-

ters relating to or connected with the facts of the case before the court, particularly inviting, interrogating, harassing, arresting or detaining her, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application.

Olutu, in the suit, is praying the court to declare that threat of victimisation, harassment, intimidation, arrest and detention by the respondents, using the machineries of all or any of the other respondents, is vindictive, malicious, unwarranted, unreasonable and a gross violation of her fundamental rights as protected under Section 35 of the 1999 constitution.

Respondents in the suit are the EFCC; ICPC; IG; DSS; Code of Conduct Bureau; Centre for NetWork Against Corruption; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice; National Judicial Council; Justice Alfer Belgore and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

Others are Ponticelli Nig. Ltd, Stolt Offshore Services S.A, The Vessel M.V. THEO, the owners of the vessel, M.V.THEO. ELF Nig. Petroleum Nig. Ltd. ABC Maritime AG, The Vessel MV LARA and the Vessel MV Krysia.

She is also claiming the

sum of N5 billion as exemplary damages against the respondents.

Olutu, through her counsel, Chief Okey Obikeze, also wants the court to declare that her arrest, interrogation and detention by EFCC in Abuja, from about 10 a.m., to 4p.m., on March 18, 2014, was unreasonable, unwarranted, vindictive, arbitrary and amounted to a flagrant infringement of her fundamental right to liberty, as enshrined under Section 35 of the 1999 constitution.

She also wants the court to declare that the resort to the use of the offices of the

EFCC, ICPC, DSS, IG or any other agencies/agents of the Federal Government to pursue, intimidate, harass, victimise, arrest and or detain her, on account of her seeking redress at the Federal High Court, Abuja, by way of the prerogative orders of Certiorari and prohibition against the said AGF, NJC and four others in suit No, FHC/ABJ/ C5/169/2014, for the reasons contained in the said action, is wrongful, illegal, unconstitutional and a breach of her rights to fair hearing under Section 36 of the 1999 constitution, as amended.

Ewu chieftaincy dispute: Embattled monarch heads to Supreme Court

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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E N I N — E M B ATTLED Onogie of Ewu, HRH Zaiki Ojeifo III, in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, who was recently sacked by the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, has gone to the Supreme Court, praying the apex court to upturn the judgment of the lower court.

The lower court had, in its judgment, declared Prince Jafaru Ojiefoh as the legitimate traditional ruler of the community, deposing the incumbent, who had occupied the throne for 17 years.

Defendants in the appeal are HRH Jafaru Isesele I (Onojie of Ewu), Permanent Secretary (Directorate of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Robert Omosun, Ehigimentor Aiseninkan and Iyangbe Ihimenkpen.

The appellant, through his counsel, Mr. Dan Okoh, SAN, wants the apex court to set aside the judgment of the appellate court delivered on February 14, 2014 being dissatisfied with same.

He is contending that the lower court erred in law when, the learned Justices held that the successor to the throne by primogeniture was not challenged.

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

FRC suspends further hearing on Sanusi's financial accounts

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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ANNIVERSARY: From left, President of Digital Bridge Institute, Professor Raymond Akwule; Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Commissioner, Dr. Michael Onyia; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management of NCC, Mr. Okechukwu Itanyi; Director, Spectrum Administration of Ministry of Communication Technology, Engr. Festus Daudu; Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Engr. Eugene Juwah, and Director, Consumer Affairs of NCC, Mrs. Maryam Bayi, cutting the 10th anniversary cake of Telecom Consumer Parliament, in Lagos.

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HE INVESTIGATIVE Panel of the Financial Reporting Council, that is probing financial accounts of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, between 2011 and 2012, has suspended further hearing in the matter following an order by a Federal High Court Lagos stopping the panel.

Suspended Governor of the apex bank, Mallam Lamido Sansui had filed a suit before the court challenging his suspension from office by President Goodluck Jonathan and

also prayed the court for an interlocutory injunction restraining the investigative panel from summoning him to appear before it.

The Council had invited Sanusi alongside the Acting Governor of CBN, Dr. (Mrs.) Sarah Alade, immediate past Deputy Governor, Operations, Mr. Tunde Lemo, Deputy Governor, Operations, CBN, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu; Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, CBN, Alhaji Suleiman Barau and the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Bank of Industry, Mrs. Evelyn Oputu to appear before it yesterday for questioning in line with investigation into the financial accounts of the CBN for 2011 and 2012.

Sanusi and Alade did not honour the invitation of the Council. But Lemo, Barau, Moghalu and Oputu honoured the invitation and made explanations to clarify some of the issues raised by the FRC report on the 2011 and 2012 accounts.

The panel commenced sitting in the morning with focus on donations made by the apex bank, the N500 billion real sector intervention fund, professional fees paid by the CBN, and noncompliance with the International Financial Reporting Standard, IFRS. But during the break, lawyers representing Sanusi emerged with advanced copy of application for interlocutory injunction against his invitation to the panel. This compelled the Chief Executive Officer of FRC, Mr. Jim Obazee to suspend the proceedings.

In a letter announcing the suspension of the proceedings, Obazee said, “kindly find under cover of this letter, an advanced copy of the processes filed in the aforesaid suit on 26th March 2014, which is pending before Federal High Court Lagos.

“In view of the pending application, for interlocutory injunction dated 26th March 2014, we advise that in line with the position of the law, where there is a pending action before a court of competent jurisdiction, and application for an injunction that status quo be maintained pending the interpretation of the injunction, further proceeding is hereby suspended.

"We shall continue the investigation process at the CBN office, which is an administrative procedure of the FRC. But because of the documentations that have been sent, we will wait for the court papers and study

the court papers before we invite as appropriate.

"On that note, we would like to end this session until we read through and come out with definite position.”

It will be recalled that Sanusi had filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging his suspension from office by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Consequently, his invitation to the FRC panel was considered subjudice.

Meanwhile, prior to the suspension of the proceedings of the FRC panel, Lemo, Oputu and the CBN Deputy Governors made spirited efforts to respond to the queries raised by the Council with respect to the 2011 and 2012 accounts of the apex bank. The following exchanges took between Obazee and the quartet.

On the N500 billion Intervention Fund investments in BOI, Obazee said, “We couldn’t find management approval for this and we did not understand the debenture certificate. The reason we didn’t understand the debenture certificate is because we did not believe there was a debenture issued.

"We also want the Bol to confirm whether they are in custody of the N500 billion because we can still see monies coming out from the CBN." But CBN in its defence said that it is the BOI that should give account for the money.

The managing director of BOI, Ms Evelyn Oputu explained that the “fund had flown to where it should be,” that it had been disbursed to the benefiting Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

Obazee also wondered why the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, should be the beneficiary of the fund having received N26 billion.

He insisted that the book of BoI should reflect the N500 billion if it actually received that amount from the CBN and also show how the money was disbursed to the beneficiaries.

On the issue of CBN donations and interventions, and the alleged N10 billion spent on the renovation of five royal palace, Barau Barau said the palace is not true. I am speaking for the board of the CBN. Lemo said the N10 billion for five palaces can never be interventions.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014—15

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16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

We handed over Alam’s loot to Bayelsa govt in 2010 — EFCC

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

T

HE ECONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission, yesterday, washed off its hands over renewed claims that it was holding onto the assets recovered from deposed Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

At a media briefing in Abuja, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, asserted that the commission had since July 10, 2010, handed over all the property and funds recovered from the former governor to the state government at an open ceremony performed by Farida Waziri, the immediate past chairman of the commission.

Wilson said the assets recovered from Alameyeseigha were handed over to then Governor Timipre Sylva, adding that there was nothing still left with the commission in that regard.

Wilson said: “I am sure some of you were witnesses in 2010,

precisely July 10, 2010, when the assets recovered from Alamiyeseigha were handed over to the Bayelsa State government. ” Timipre Sylva, then governor of the state was on hand to receive the assets, which included Chelsea Hotel, Abuja from former chairman of EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri.

“If there are issues arising from

the handling of the case, or any other case(s) for that matter, the Commission as a responsible corporate organization is willing to entertain such issues.”

The commission, however, warned that it would not succumb to any form of blackmail from any quarters over the Alam’s loot and expressed delight that Bayelsa State government had distanced

itself from spurious attempts by individuals to blackmail it over the matter.

On the pension scam, which it has been investigating, the commission boasted that it had succeeded in forfeiting to the federal government the proceeds of fraud committed by the suspects.

Among the property seized and forfeited to the government is one

linked to Shuaibu Teidi, former director, Pension Accounts, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, who is facing a 22-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy to commit fraud and concealing the origin of stolen pension funds to the tune of N18.3 billion.

NIS tragedy: Delta group urges Jonathan to sanction culpable persons

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—DELTA Congress for Youth Empowerment Support, DECONYES, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to bring to book anyone found wanting, especially the Minister of Interior Affairs, Mr. Abba Moro, in the deaths of young Nigerians seeking legitimate means of livelihood in the Ni-

gerian Immigration Service, NIS, recruitment exercise, at which about 20 died.

The group also called on Jonathan to declare his intention to run for a second term in office in the 2015 general elections without further delay, describing him as one of the best Presidents Nigeria ever had.

The group, in a statement by its President, Mr. Vincent Odogbor, said: “We call on the

President to take every necessary action to bring to justice anyone found wanting, especially the Minister of Interior Affairs, Moro, over the deaths of young Nigerians, seeking legitimate means of livelihood.

No one must be spared, no matter how highly placed.

“It is expedient that government facilitates compensation to families of the dead youths and order a refund of the proceeds made from the sale of

forms, vests and others and at least refund such monies to the youths for accountability sake and a display of remorse.”

The group also reaffirmed its support for the Jonathan Presidency, saying: “Without prejudice, we commend his leadership style, which has earned him the best performing President of the Nigerian state, whose solid achievements are unprecedented.

MICHAEL/CECILIA FOUNDATION SCHOOL CELEBRATES FOUNDATION DAY

Grade I and II pupils of Michael/Cecilia Foundation DemonstrationSchool, MCFDS, in a song presentation, during the school's Foundation Day celebration. Photos: AkDr. Cecilia Ibru (2nd left), Professor Onigu Otete (right), Olorogun pokona Omafuaire Macauley Ovwagbedia (2nd right, and another guest.

Dr. Cecilia Ibru welcomes HRM. Richard Ebelle, Okorefe I, The Ovie of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom.

Dr. Cecilia Ibru, Mr. Festus Utuama, and Mr. Kenneth Ibru.

Dr. Cecilia Ibru and Mrs. Pagia George, Grade I pupils of MCFDS in a song presentation Principal, MCFDS. C M Y K

Prof. Onigu Otete and Olorogun Macauley Ovwagbedia, Otota of Olomu Kingdom

Vanguard, FRIDAY,MARCH 28, 2014 —17

O

•Odein Ajumogobia

He is so right!

But I feel very strongly that at least half of the discussants should be youths who are ITsavvy and are totally in tune with the twenty-first century and are likely to be around for a few more decades and did not cause the terrible rot that their parents and grandparents have inflicted on this country.

Computer literacy Even my generation – which is computer literate and has a fairly modern mindset and has not yet reached retirement age – is part of the problem.

I am 54 and several of my peers have been - or still are – Ministers, Governors, Permanent Secretaries, captains of industry, judges and so on.

And I think it is fair to say that while some of these powerful

Young Nigerians... Give them a chance C M Y K

decision makers in my age group have been impressive role models, far too many have been huge disappointments who have prevented Nigeria from fulfilling its potential. A friend who is deeply aggrieved about the dysfunctions - incompetence, corruption, tribalism, etc - that have scarred our history and are casting a dark shadow over our current existences - has bitterly expressed the view that the preponderance of older folks at the National Conference makes sense “because those who messed things up should clear up the mess before they die.”

I guess that there is some merit in this viewpoint – though some might say that leopards don’t, as a general rule, change their spots and that those who messed things up are neither capable of nor genuinely will-

•Justice Idris Kutigi, Conference Chairman ing to clear up their mess.

Sure, there is no guarantee that junior citizens will wind up being any better than those who have gone before them.

Some are already crooks or lazy or inefficient. But they have relatively clean hands compared to those who are on higher rungs of life’s ladder.

,

DEIN Ajumogobia, SAN, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, has pointed out that since 75 per cent of Nigeria’s population is aged between 18 and 35, young people are underrepresented within the context of the National Conference.

Ajumogobia said, in a Channels TV interview, that while experienced elders can undoubtedly make valuable contributions, more youngsters should have been invited to participate because the debate is about the nation’s future, because “this is a technological age” and because “we need their passion and energy.”

It’s as if Ajumogobia read my mind!

For weeks, I have been telling friends and work colleagues that I don’t understand why the delegate list is so heavily dominated by older people.

Like Ajumogobia, I am not saying that seniors shouldn’t be involved at all or that they won’t bring any useful insights to the table. Many of them are supersmart and some are decent and well-intentioned; and we can learn a lot from those who have shaped our collective past and from those who are still part of the system. Even elders who have misbehaved can teach us something.

their sons and daughters! They are extremely reluctant to graciously accept their limitations and to take back seats or to at least share power more equitably.

And given that many are stinking rich, it is not as if they all need the money.

When I am in the UK, I don’t see people who were Big Men

Ajumogobia is no baby spring chicken himself; and I salute him for being refreshingly honest and objective and unselfish enough to highlight the fact that it is time to start handing over the baton to our children

,

And most of them are more flex- and Women Of Substance in the ible, more open to fresh ideas 1950s or ’60s elbowing their ways and more comfortable with new- into everything.

When I am talking to foreignfangled methods and tools.

Our younger ones also hap- ers of my age, they tell me about pen to be in peak physical/ their retirement plans and say mental shape. They don’t wake that they can’t wait to permaup in the morning – as I do! - nently jettison employment stress with aching muscles and stiff after years of being embroiled in joints. They aren’t as forgetful the hustle and bustle of the maras some of my older family ketplace.

When I am talking to Nigerimembers have become.

They also tend to be less cyni- ans of my age, they carry on as if cal and world-weary. They tend they have no retirement plans. to have higher hopes and more Some even describe themselves faith in humanity than we who as “young”!

Ajumogobia is no baby spring have seen and done it all before.

So why don’t we allow them to chicken himself; and I salute him play a central role when conver- for being refreshingly honest and sations about the management of objective and unselfish enough their inheritances and tomorrows to highlight the fact that it is time to start handing over the baton to are taking place?

The National Conference is not our children. the only example of the Nito: gerians elders’ habit of re- Responses fusing to sufficiently ac- donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 knowledge the impor- 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT tance, needs and rights of UNLESS YOU REQUEST the 75 per cent majority. ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS Naija geriatrics are al- MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR ways lobbying for posi- NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS tions that should go to ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 NIGERIA cannot survive on half implemented policies. The foresights on which the planning of the country were based at independence have been jettisoned for measures that sustain impressions that the country does not have a future. A simple example is the infrastructure used in distributing fuel, when it is available.

The railways distributed fuel for more than 15 years after independence. The facilities for fuel distribution are evident at the ports where the rails criss-crossed into the fuel depots, whether they were imported or blended locally. The same rail system runs through most of the industrial estates that the regional governments established. At Ikeja Industrial Estate, disused rail lines are still visible in the compounds of most of the industries. The same applied to industrial estates elsewhere.

Most of the manufacturing hubs were located by the rails for easy movements of their finished goods to the markets and transportation of raw materials from the ports.

The madness that goes on in Lagos, in the name of fuel tankers loading from facilities in Apapa, is a manifestation of blindness to planning. How does anyone expect that tanks bear-

We Need More Ports, Rails ing 33,000 litres of products would cover the country, especially now that professional pipeline breakers have defeated that once economic means of moving products around?

Everyday the tankers block the ApapaOshodi Expressway, Nigeria’s main access to her busiest ports, waiting for their turn to load products. Where there is product scarcity, the lines of trucks, heading to the ports, and tankers waiting petroleum products can stretch for kilometres.

The situation exacerbates security issues on the route. Additionally, the pressure from the heavy presence of these huge trucks is already

damaging the road that is under re-construction. The bridges on the route are at greater risks. Most of them have become the parking lots of these heavy vehicles. The dangers the practice pose to the health of the bridges are merely discussed.

If the rails worked, they would have been evacuating goods from the ports and the fuel terminals with greater ease. There is also need to improve ports outside Lagos.

Congestions at the Lagos ports make it imperative for government to hasten the re-development of the ports in Calabar, Port Harcourt, and Warri. The neglect visited on them hugely accounts for the chaos at the Lagos ports.

Some experts have argued that if the other ports were working, the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Benin-Shagamu Expressway, which frequently decay from the weight of the imports from Lagos ports, would have longer life spans. The saving could be enormous and invested on other infrastructure.

Without the rails and more ports, governments would keep wasting resources on overburdened roads.

OPINION

BY KAYODE OJO

I

DO not need to recount the recent Immigration Service recruitment fiasco here. The horrors are still fresh, the insensitivity of the Interior Minister—selfstyled ‘Comrade’ Abba Moro—continues to rankle; so does the indecent attempt by the opposition to build political capital out of the unfortunate affair. However, what President Goodluck Jonathan has done in the aftermath of that avoidable debacle is another matter entirely.

That the President expressed visible anger over the disastrous exercise was in order. For too long, many individuals in the higher echelons of public service have conducted themselves with impunity in the face of grievous failings. Now, it would be good to see presidential wrath unleashed with despatch on such individuals.

Meanwhile, considering President Jonathan’s easy-going nature, it is conceivable that the post-mortem offer of jobs to families of the deceased, and some of the injured, stemmed from kind intentions. But such a policy stands on a slippery slope. For birthing a course of action ostensibly from a position of goodwill after unsavoury events such as the Immigration recruitment deaths invites the discerning to put on their thinking caps.

To be clear, if commendation of any sort should be offered for any ameliorating presidential deeds in this matter, the major question that readily presents itself is: Why should condemnation not follow the C M Y K

Jonathan, Abba Moro and the NIS recruitment fiasco non-dismissal of those responsible for the tragedy in the first place?

Moreover, is Mr President aware of the palpable anger in the land? Are his advisers relaying to him the nature of discontent across the country? Is anybody with close access to the President strategising on what sort of legacy he will point to as his first term in office enters its final stretch? These are more questions that readily spring to mind.

Sometimes it appears as if those who work with the President either as ministers or aides are hell-bent on retiring him prematurely from public service. If they are not engaging in alarming shenanigans, they are rocking the cradle of statecraft in less than comforting ways.

And the President gives liberalism and leniency too much room when he should be cracking the big whip. The result is that everybody now has a theory or two about Mr President’s body language— none of which is complimentary.

The President’s body language towards the indefensible Abba Moro has been linked in virtually all circles to Senate President, David Mark. If indeed Mark is the guard standing at the door of Moro’s dismissal from the federal cabinet, then Mark should be told to advise the President

to show Moro the door, for Moro’s culpability in the Immigration recruitment disaster is the sort of ingredient that sours the soup and leads to the whole pot being thrown away.

A straightforward fact that every discerning individual in this country can readily attest to is that the reign of President Jonathan has ushered in an unrestrained air of liberal public engagement and even outright antagonism without fear of repercussions. Some have argued that this air of almost unbridled freedom soars beyond physical evidences of work done—whether roads, reconstructed airports, or empowered farmers—as Jonathan’s greatest achievement. This may be so, but there might be a downside.

It is one thing for individuals, including governors, to take on the President in often very combative language. Perhaps it is even necessary that we never again allow any president to become a demi-god in this land by constantly reminding him that what voters give, voters can take away. But it is another thing for those in government, who should be working with Mr President, to turn around and embarrass him through their words, actions or inactions. For the sake of the institution of the presidency,

that is a situation that must never be tolerated.

For the avoidance of doubt, those who have been appointed to serve at the President’s pleasure should either do so by furthering his programmess, or the President should show them the way out of his government. This is the standard across the globe and President Jonathan has no reason to deviate from this timehonoured practice.

As such, it is disheartening that more than a week after the Immigration recruitment disaster, Abba Moro is still in office. Whatever Jonathan’s reasons maybe for not kicking Moro to the curb— whether out of some sort of appeasement to Mark or not—he needs to remember that, as President, the buck stops at his table and if he does not take decisive action, the cost to him may be exactly what he ought to have done to Moro.

The time to act has since elapsed. What the President can do now is to sack Moro straightaway, have his involvement in the Immigration recruitment sham investigated, and allow the laws of the land to follow swiftly. Otherwise, come 2015, President Jonathan may find that this one issue is enough for voters, especially the teeming youth population, to take away from him what they gave him so massively in 2011. I pray it does not get to that, Mr President. *Mr. Ojo, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014— —19

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HE future of any nation is decided largely by the premium it places on the quality and life of its youths. The youths are the major part of the Nigerian population as shown by statistics and records, which conforms to the globally accepted view that the youths of today are the nation of tomorrow.

While other saner climes invest so much in the protection and development of the life content of their youths, the case in Nigeria seems to be in reverse since the last 12 years. The poor and shabby handling of the welfare of our youths account for their reaction which often leads to violence against society. The Bible declares that if we teach a child the way of righteousness, he will not depart from it when he grows. It is what we put in the child that produces the youth that we will get as it grows. In a situation where the leaders and politicians allow our youth to engage freely in cultism and negative radicalism, with the sole aim of using them as political thugs for rigging elections and silencing their opponents during electioneering campaigns, it will be foolhardy to expect anything less than violence from such youth. They usually develop

twisted philosophy of life, and obtuse appetite for wealth which drives them into robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, and other crimes in society.

The Nigerian youths spend more time in the university than any other youths in Africa due to frequent strike actions. They study without adequate library and other necessary facilities, often taught by teachers who cannot make a correct sentence in English language, while some teachers cannot even spell their own names, and this is the situation in almost all the states of Nigeria.

The university system which is supposed to be a place for turning out peaceful and useful youths for the society now yields a contrary result because of the aggregate poor quality of our system. Higher institutions of learning have become breeding grounds for social misfits and deviants in the name of cultists.

The value of the life of our youth seems to mean little to our leaders. Since 2013, over 700 youths have been killed in terrorist, religious and ethnic violence across the nation. The Yobe and Maiduguri killings, Port Harcourt ALU 4, Bayelsa March killing of Godgift Atama, and

In order to eradicate violence in Nigeria, the society needs to invest more in the areas that will benefit and develop Nigerian youths

,

many others culminate in the increasing fall in the value of the life of our youths. Two youths get killed on the average every day!

Unemployment remains one of the dark clouds threatening the future of our youths, thereby creating youths restiveness. The death recently of about 18 applicants for jobs with Immigration Service, due largely to negligent handling, and the fact that the Minister in charge blames the applicants, show the low value our leaders attach to the life of our youths. overnors seem to think that handing over of vehicles, like buses, tricycles, motorcycles etc, for commercial transportation translates to job creation for the youths.

The way children are handled by these men tell you the premium they place on lives. Children are

G

Boko Haram and our common enemies

BY IJELE AGHA-IBEKA

W

E choose selective amnesia whenever it is our desire to score cheap political points. When the intention is to corner political power, our unflattering past is covered with the ageless toga of “progressives”. When the idea is to deflect investigation from our direction, we turn emergency whistle blowers. The ploy is not new; it says baldly: the problem is not on my side, it is on that other side! We have seen the manifestation of the bestiality called Boko Haram. All sorts of commentators have been abroad with their views, most of them placing the blame of the Boko Haram blight on the doorsteps of President Jonathan.

I know for certain that the President has a collective of spokespersons paid to make his pitch, to defend his every position, to propagate his policies and programmes.

However, I also believe that, as Nigerians, we must tell home truths to each other. There comes a time when the voice of employed people is simply not enough to do the job.

Such a time is now.

It is a matter of public record that a certain Chief Olusegun Obasanjo – saint of the latter-day variety – was in power as the President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007. It was during 2002, while Obasanjo was very much in power, that Boko Haram was created in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

The antecedents of Mohammed Yusuf, the late Boko Haram leader, especially as someone drunk and fixated on the propulsion of Jihad, could not have possibly escaped the attention of General Obasanjo and his army of intelligence and military strategists. Yet his administration did nothing tangible or sustainable to staunch the Boko Haram bleeding well before it

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turned into a veritable hemorrhage.

In Borno at the inception of Boko Haram was Ali Modu Sherrif – the Governor who presided over the state’s affairs for eight straight years, at the same period that elements of the Boko Haram turned the entire place into an inferno. Modu Sherrif will have us believe that President Jonathan should simply wave a magic wand to halt and reverse the impunity of this murderous sect. Yet, there is precious little evidence of what he did to fight Boko Haram, even though he pocketed security votes that ran into hundreds of millions for every of the 96 months he was in office and power.

People expected Sherrif to remain in Borno State and stew in the juice created by his negligence, if not outright connivance.

Instead he relocated to the safety of Abuja, using it as a base for his broadsides against those who are doing something tangible to destroy Boko Haram. It is left for Nigerians to decide whether or not it is wonderful for elites to bask in the comfort and safety provided by government in some parts of the country while employing their incendiary comments for purposes other than national stability.

If you put Sherrif aside and considered Kashim Shettima, the incumbent Governor of Borno State, you will find that neither their banter nor their actions tally with known tenets of progressive ideology.

Kashim Shettima announced that Boko Haram was better armed and better motivated than the Nigerian Army. He did not say that the murderous sect appeared to be better armed and better motivated. On what did he peg his certainty? Who has been motivating the terrorists and who has been arming them? It is obvious that Shettima and Sheriff are of one side of the dubious coin now buying negatively into efforts to rid the country of terrorists!

,

BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

,

Youth violence and the falling value of life

often gathered for one programme or the other by these politicians, kept for hours in the scorching sun with no provisions for them, while organisers’ tables are littered with bottled water and assorted drinks for themselves. When the children become restless, you find some of their handlers callously flogging them to comport themselves. The effect is that some of these children often grow up with a belligerent mind set against society. It is high time we enacted laws that will govern the handling of groups of children during public and private functions.

Youths increasing involvement in acts of murder, religious uprisings, party clashes, cult clashes, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, theft, burglary, rape, rioting especially against government policies, vandalism, militancy and so on, give a reflection of what will become of Nigeria tomorrow if something is not done now.

Youths constitute the bulk of ethnic militias in the society. For instance, the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, is believed to be a youth militant arm of NADECO/ Afenifere fighting for the Yoruba mandate. The Bakassi Boys were made up of youths who abstained from women and certain foods while fighting evil in the South East.Egbesu Boys of Africa represents the militant wing of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, that have engaged in series of hostage-taking of oil workers, oil bunkering and cult clashes in the Niger Delta region. The Boko Haram and the

Our common enemies are the sectional and partisan politicians who appreciate the score but push it aside in order that they will continue to rail at the President – simply to score cheap political points; shame on them!

,

Another fellow in their camp is Lai Mohammed, the mouthpiece of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who claimed that his party would stop Boko Haram in one month if it won the 2015 presidential ballot! This means that the magic wand Sherriff wants the President to wave is actually in the hands of the APC! It raises questions that have to do with patriotism. If the APC knows how to stop Boko Haram in one month, why doesn’t the party let the Jonathan administration into the secret?

Why must it allow Nigerians, including students and nursing mothers, to continue to suffer death, injury and material destruction for another 12 months before applying the solution?

T

he surprises are not over yet. Senator Zanna Ahmed Khalifa from Bornu State was on Al Jezeera on March 6, 2014. There he told his interviewer that the Nigerian Military should accept defeat and seek other methods of ending the Boko Haram insurgency! He didn’t suggest the “other methods” to try. But he claimed knowledge of the modus operandi of the insurgents. He said, among other things, that Boko Haram members operate under the cover of the indigenes. Why didn’t the distinguished senator pass the details of the relevant

so-called “herdsmen” with their AK 47 rifles, are youths representing various controverting interests in the North.

There is no disputing the fact that the phenomenon of youth violence scares away investors and retards all ramifications of development in the country.

Nigerian governments have major roles to play, but this is an issue of responsibility of each and every citizen, to make the society violence free, that we may inherit a better legacy for the future.

Youth welfare/development is one of the major important issues that should concern any nation for a better tomorrow. Each and every youth has an inbuilt unique potential, which should be developed and exploited one way or the other, for the growth of the nation.

In order to eradicate violence in Nigeria, the society needs to invest more in the areas that will benefit and develop Nigerian youths. This includes training from the home to the school, the development of skills, provision of good education and social welfare, development of programmes for self-employment and encouragement of youths to start their own businesses through workshops and availability of cheap loans and grants for those who wish to become selfemployed. All these should be the key targets of responsible leadership in Nigeria.

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

indigenes to the security agencies?

Statements of this kind, and their implied or expressed consequences, from a grassroots politician as highly placed as a senator questions our collective faith in the country called Nigeria. If a man knows what’s wrong with the entity, but refuses to reveal same, while incessantly criticizing those in authority, the sensible conclusion to draw is that we are in dire straits.

One perceptive sports writer once observed that Nigeria was a country of 170 million soccer coaches. Every Nigerian knows what Stephen Keshi must do for us to win the 2014 World Cup! Everyone, apparently, knows how to wipe out Boko Haram, save President Jonathan.

Characters who have never been in the military, who have never bothered to read up anything on ballistics, who have no inkling pertaining to specific challenges tied to fighting terrorism are on air, in newspapers, in the social media, attacking the President on a daily basis. Those in this category may be forgiven. Their problem is ignorance. Our common enemies are the sectional and partisan politicians who appreciate the score but push it aside in order that they will continue to rail at the President – simply to score cheap political points.

Shame on them!

President Jonathan is a considerate leader, a compassionate President. Without any infrastructure on the ground for fighting terrorism, the country has, under his leadership, been combatting a deranged sect who insists he must convert to Islam in order for them to put away the guns and bombs they have been using to kill and maim their innocent countrymen and women.

Those politicians hoping that Jonathan will not win re-election because of the Boko Haram debacle will be tragically disappointed because the masses know those fueling the insurgency, just as they know that the Jonathan administration is doing its utmost to crush the terrorists who, although they appropriate religious toga, do not represent the Islam.

*Mr. Agha-Ibeka, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Enugu.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

FACTIONAL FACE-OFF:

One community, two royal fathers

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO, Onitsha

T

HE chieftaincy tussle which is currently rocking Atani community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, the country home of Prof. Ben Nwabueze, a constitutional lawyer, appears to have climaxed with the presentation of two Ezes-elect by two factional groups.

The first group known as Group ‘B’ had early this year, selected and presented one Mr. Anthony Ngodi of Umudaike Village, Atani to the local government officials for onward transmission to the state government for recognition as the new Igwe-elect of the community, a develop-

ment which attracted mass protest from a factional group known as Atani Group ‘A’.

Barely a month after their peaceful demonstration at the local government secretariat, Group ‘A’ selected one Chief Ferdinand Nnamdi Azaka from Umuekeke Village, Atani as their own Eze-elect and also presented him to the local government authorities for onward transmission to the state government for recognition as the royal father of the community.

Although the presentation ceremony was done off camera, as directed by the council authorities, the chairman of the local government, Chief Victor Nwachukwu Agolue, who granted them audience at the

Chief Amachukwu Okeluwa, Deputy PG, Atani community presenting Chief Nnamdi Azaka (in red cap) as Igwe-elect for Atani before newsmen at LG HQ, Atani. traditional rulers council hall, located within the local government secretariat, promised to take their application to the state government for necessary

action.

Agolue, however, urged them to endeavour to live in peaceful co-existence in the community because, according to him,

Spirit of Lagos unveils plans to restore Lagos

A

N octogenarian Pa Sam uel Sode, a former policeman, has for long been nostalgic of the period when peace and security were easily taken for granted in Lagos. Thus, he would always tell whoever cares to listen that in those days Lagos was usually referred to as home away from home. ‘’I lived in Dopemu with my wives and 15 children and we never had any cause to cry over insecurity.

In those days, there was no influx of people and residents lived peacefully with one another. Also, I usually trekked from Dopemu to the airport with members of my family and there was never a time any of us was hit by a vehicle.

“Also, going to the market was never a problem as there was a high level of discipline; the markets were well-structured, while traders were unwilling to play smart on the buyers. At various bus-stops, there was nothing like somebody picking your pocket or robbing you as residents were contended while the government was out to serve the citizenry,” he recalled.

High level of discipline Shaking his head in dismay at what has become of Lagos over the years to the present, Pa Sode said: ‘’Residents lived in harmony with one another and there was a high level of discipline, especially in homes, schools, offices and churches. Nowadays, the reverse is the case: indiscipline has gradually set in and Lagos has almost lost its special features as evil thrives daily in various homes. A place which was hitherto referred to as a ‘Small London’ has more C M Y K

or less become a no-man’s land with various atrocities thriving in every sector !’’

The octogenarian did not stop there as he lamented thus: ‘’Now that I am close to the grave, I wish I can rewind the clock and turn the State to what it used to be.

I want to enjoy peace like before, a neat environment, road free from traffic gridlock and a high sense of discipline in every sector.”

But relief seems to have come the way of Pa Sode and all who share his sentiment as some concerned residents of the State have taken it upon themselves to restore the lost glory of the State.

,

BY BOSE ADELAJA

signed a better way to make things work for them, one of which was to make people understand the need to be part of the new development. ‘’ There was a time in Lagos when everybody understood the need to be part of the development. That is why we joined organisations like Boys Scout, Boys Brigade, and voluntary organisations did some things because we realised we had a role to play. This time around, people do not care about what goes wrong in their environment but we believe things will work out fine,’’ he said.

Olaniyi enjoined people to cultivate the spirit of togetherness which “is no longer in existence”, adding, “In those days

The name Lagos came out of water and we hope to bring back what Lagos truly represented

The concerned citizens, through an initiative called ‘’The Spirit of Lagos’’, have introduced various programmes packaged for this purpose. One of the programmes was launched recently with Ebute-Ero, Makoko and Oworonshoki as take-off points.

The concerned citizens arrived each venue with canoes flying their banners on the lagoon, while the project coordinator, Mr Olaniyi Omotosho, took time to address residents on attitudinal changes in the State, saying we all have responsibilities to restore the lost glory of Lagos.

Olaniyi said the sudden change in the citizenry’s behaviour was as a result of population explosion through migration from different parts of the country. ‘’The unique values that were present in Lagos are getting eroded gradually. However, we want to bring back those values and present them to Lagosians,’’ he said.

According to him, the group has de-

,

people were interested in their neighbours and looked after their children.

This time around, nobody cares about this and people now go their separate ways. Also, we need to understand the laws of the land. We are introducing the whole idea about the Spirit of Lagos; the initiative is a long term plan’’.

On why the choice of some coastal communities, he said ’’the name Lagos came out of water and we hope to bring back what Lagos truly represented’’.

Also, a member of the group Solaboludele Simoyan, said residents have the responsibility to contribute their own quota towards the development of a new Lagos. ‘’Being a part of the society, we must contribute our quota and think of what to do to help Lagos to grow. If you want Lagos to be clean, learn to dispose refuse properly, use the pedestrian bridge and obey traffic lights; there are so many things we can do to make Lagos great,’’ she added.

development eludes any community that is not at peace.

During a brief presentation ceremony, the Deputy President of Atani Town Union, Chief Amamchukwu Okeluwa, noted that they were presenting Nnamdi Azaka because it is the turn of Group ‘A’ to ascend the royal throne since Group ‘B’ had had its own turn with the reign of the late Igwe Ezike who reigned for years and joined his ancestors Also speaking, Chiefs Benjamin Ukodei, the Omu of Atani and Obiwulu Ezekude, the Adua of Atani, advised the state government not to recognise any of the two candidates so far presented until a peaceful deal is struck in the area, or else recognising any of the selected candidates could lead to a catastrophy.

Ascending the throne Meanwhile, Chief Sam Idowu Uzor, a retired banker from Group ‘B’ is also laying claims to the royal throne as, according to him, he had long been selected by the Atani king makers.

Uzor who spoke to newsmen in his office in Onitsha, said he was selected few years ago to ascend the throne because it is the turn of his own kindred to occupy the throne, adding that while he is still making some efforts to reconcile all the factions and maintain peace in the area and at the same time taking other chieftaincy titles in preparation for ascending the throne, Group ‘B’ now claimed to have disqualified him and selected Ngodi who is not even based in Nigeria.

He disclosed that he was already on his way to the court to reclaim his mandate.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 — 21

Nigeria consumed 250,000 tonnes of LPG in 2013 — PPMC

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

N

IGERIANS consumed a paltry 30 per cent or 250,000 tonnes, out of the whopping 850,000 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) reserved for domestic use last year.

According to the Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Prince Haruna Momoh, this translates to a meager consumption figure of

1.8kg per capita, compared to the West African regional average of 3.5kg.

Momoh, who made the disclosure while speaking on “Stimulating Consumption of LPG in Nigeria,” at the justconcluded NALPGAM Inaugural Conference in Lagos, said that the figure had placed Nigeria among the lowest LPG consuming nations in Africa.

“There is an urgent need to reverse this trend and join the

rest of the world in maximizing the benefits of this abundant resource,” he stated.

The PPMC chief said there was urgent need for action, to stimulate LPG use, suggesting that Nigeria could adopt the “Indonesian Model” to popularize LPG. He said that billions of revenue could be saved by Nigeria if the populace embraced LPG, rather than relying on wood and kerosene for cooking.

Momoh noted that resources spent on kerosene subsidy, could be put into more productive areas, such as infrastructure development, education, health and agriculture for the welfare of citizens.

He lamented, however, that some problems, including high cost of cylinders and accessory start up kits, low public awareness, poor infrastructure, kerosene subsidy and a lack of investment in the value-chain had continued to make many Nigerians not to embrace LPG.

From left : Chief Executive Officer, Bestman Games, Mrs Nimi Akinkugbe, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh, Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services, SEC, Mr Garuba Zakawanu and the Executive Commissioner, Legal and Enforcement, SEC, Sa’Adatu Bello during a presentation of the Nigeria Centenary Edition of the Monopoly Game at the Capital Market Committee Meeting in Lagos.

Kenya signs $870m financing agreements to boost power T

HE Lake Turkana Wind Power Project meant to add an existing 300MW of reliable, low cost wind energy to the national grid of Kenya reached a critical milestone following the signing of the financial agreements in Nairobi, Kenya.

The signing of the over US $870m financing agreements represents a major breakthrough to actualizing the biggest clean power energy project in Africa, spanning years of negotiations and fundraising, says Tshepo Mahloele, CEO of Harith

General Partners The project will be financed with a mixture of equity, mezzanine debt and senior debt.

The Lake Turkana Wind Power project is the first of its kind in East Africa and will be the largest wind project on the continent to date, says Mahloele. The Project will benefit Kenya, and specifically the Turkana area where unemployment is high, with jobs, economic development and, most importantly, electricity which is a vital element in any economy.

LTWP has signed a 20 year Power Purchase Agreement with the government of Kenya through its electricity entity, Kenya Power.

The parties at the signing ceremony were represented by lead developer and independent power producer, Aldwych, which is majority owned by the Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund (PAIDF). LTWP is primarily responsible for the financing, construction and operation of the wind farm and comprise a grouping of investors and lenders with

extensive financial and technical capabilities and experience on the African continent. They include FMO, Vestas, Finnfund, IFU and a strong local sponsor KP&P on the equity side. The syndicate of banks is led by the African Development Bank and comprises Standard Bank, Nedbank, EIB, DEG and Proparco.

The project will be located on one of the best sites for a wind farm in the world. Not only are the wind speeds exceptionally high but the wind is only from one direction, is not seasonal, and is low in turbulence.

The managing director, therefore, called on stakeholders in the downstream to join forces with government to pursue the vision of deepening the use of LPG. Similarly, the Techno Oil boss, Mrs Nkechi Obi, while presenting her paper titled ‘Enhancing Liquefied Petroleum Gas Growth in the Nigerian Market’ during the inaugural NALGAM conference, argued that the way out was for government to engage a graduated removal of kerosene subsidy over a period of five years to compel Nigerians to use LPG. She suggested that government should discount equivalent of 20% of the value of the kerosene subsidy for every year and channel same to LPG support. She lamented that subsidizing the consumption of kerosene was increasingly becoming harmful to Nigeria’s economy.

Obi, who is the Executive Vice-Chair of Techno Oil Ltd, said that the savings on the subsidy could be spent on the acquisition of gas cylinders to promote utilisation of LPG. She also said for sustainability, government should invite entrepreneurs to invest in the LPG infrastructural development the same way fuel depot infrastructural development was executed assuring investors return on investments “With all sincerity, government subsidizing kerosene is not sustainable and it is also not healthy because the world has moved on and Nigeria also has to move. She was of the opinion that government should install an agreed programme that would ensure that the subsidy removal would not create more problems nor hurt the citizenry unduly.

175.65

+0.44

2,930.00

-27.00

16.80

-0.03

107.20 99.90

+0.75 +0.44

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

154.74 255.1663 212.9687 174.5319 1.5098 0.3057 238.1654 24.9729 41.2507 28.5288 239.0733

155.24 255.9908 213.6568 175.0959 1.5147 0.3157 238.9349 25.054 41.394 28.6209 239.8458

155.74 256.8153 214.345 175.6598 1.5196 0.3257 239.7045 25.1352 41.5273 28.7131 240.6183

CBN Exchange rate as at 27/03/2014

22— Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

SEC targets 100% market capitalisation contribution to GDP

By PETER EGWUATU & NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

a consultant to look at our cost of transaction and benchmark it with other countries,” he observed.

He affirmed that more products would be introduced in order to drive the objective.

Also speaking at the event, Sa’adem Bello, Executive Commissioner, Legal Services, SEC, and Head, Capital Market Literacy Committee, said the Commission also targets to grow the number of local participation in the Nigerian capital market to 40 million.

She noted that findings undertaken in the course of the committee’s job revealed that paltry 3.5 million Nigerians participate in the market as at today, even as she attributed the low level of participation to little knowledge about the capital market.

“So, the committee is working as seeing that the number of local investors that participate actively in the market increases from what it is presently ,” she said.

Responding to questions on listings on the NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo, Executive Director of the Exchange said “Listing of companies on the exchange remains a key priority to the NSE and SEC and the NSE will also ensure that listed companies are retained.”

He said there have been a lot of significant changes that the management of the Exchange has brought into the capital market in the last two years.

he Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, said it plans to grow the contribution of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, market capitalisation to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, by over 100 percent in the next 10 years from 27 percent it presently contributes.

Mounir Gwarzo, Executive Commissioner, Operations, SEC and sponsor, Capital Market Master Plan Committee, made the assertion at the Centenary Capital Market Committee Meeting in Lagos.

He noted that the objective is achievable based on available numbers, adding that countries like South Africa, Malaysia and India have achieved the feat.

He stated that within the same period, the Commission would ensure that the Nigerian capital market ranked among the top 20 markets in the world.

“We want to see that in the next 10 years, our market capitalisation should be over and above our GDP,” he affirmed.

To achieve the objective, Gwarzo explained that the SEC would seek to strengthen its regulation, while eliminating areas that have overlapping functions.

Additionally, he said that the issue of high cost of transaction would be addressed within the period to reflect what is obtainable in other climes.

“It is always said that the From left: Executive Director, Finance, Standard Chartered Bank, Yemi Owolabi; cost of transaction in the Executive Director, Client Coverage, Standard Chartered Bank, Remi Oni; Managing Nigerian capital market is Director/CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Bola Adesola; Chief Executive Officer, high compared to other Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Diana Layfield and Head, Consumer Banking, markets. We have engaged West Africa, Carol Oyedeji; at the Nigeria Summit 2014.

Sterling Bank’s profit rises to N9.3bn, declares 25k dividend

BY PETER EGWUATU

S

terling Bank Plc has recorded an impressive performance in the financial year, 2013 with net profit rising 24 per cent to N9.3 billion from N7.5 billion in 201.

The bank also declared a dividend of 25 kobo per share for the financial year under review .

Audited report and accounts of Sterling Bank for the year ended December 31, 2013 released at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed robust growths in incomes and profitability as well as improvements in assets quality and returns.

And subject to the approval of its shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), the bank stated that it would be rewarding shareholders with a dividend of 25 kobo per share. This translates to some 25 per cent increase over the 20 kobo declared in the previous year.

Gross earnings rode on the back of a

24 per cent and 31 per cent growth in non-interest income and interest income respectively to N91.6 billion.

Non-interest income, which rose to N21.7 billion as against N15.3 billion in 2012 was largely due to a 139 per cent increase in trading income in addition to a 46 per cent increase in fees and commission; while Interest income rose to N70.0billion compared with N53.5 billion in 2012, driven by a 39 per cent increase in gross loans and advances to N328.7 billion.

As a demonstration of confidence in the bank, customer deposits rose from 23 per cent to N570.5 billion as against N466.8 billion. This, according to the Bank, also reflects progress in the execution of its retail strategy.

Sterling Bank’s total assets including contingent liabilities increased by 28 per cent to N909.4 billion compared with N708.2 billion in 2012, while Shareholders’ funds grew by 36.1 per cent to N63.5 billion

as against N46.6billion due to profit accretion and net proceeds of N12.1 billion from the Rights Issue.

In the same breadth, asset quality improved significantly with non-performing loan ratio down to 2.1per cent from 3.8per cent in 2012 notwithstanding a 40per cent growth in loans and advances.

Speaking on the results, Managing Director/CEO, Sterling Bank, Mr. Yemi Adeola, said: “Our performance for the 2013 financial year highlights our underlying institutional strength, with top-line revenues increasing by 33 per cent to N91.6 billion, despite the pressure on earnings arising from regulatory policy changes during the year. Operating income increased 41 percent resulting in an Improvement in cost-to-income ratio to 69 per cent from 81 per cent in 2012.

Fidelity SME Forum urges business owners to follow their passion

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

P

assion has been identified as a key critical success factor for aspiring business people. Lady Kehinde Kamson, founder of Sweet Sensation, made the disclosure while sharing her success secret in a highly competitive industry on the Fidelity SME Forum, a weekly radio programme organized by Fidelity Bank Plc as a deliberate attempt to resuscitate the Small and Medium – scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create a new generation of entrepreneurs with the “I can do” spirit in Nigeria.

Kamson said that she had always had the passion for cooking, baking and food service generally. “I like to try out recipes and I had a mother who taught me same and she was a good example.

So, the business had to be food because that was what I had a passion for and that’s another point I would like to share with aspiring business people. It’s good to look out for money, but it’s also good to satisfy your passion.”

On why it took long to open an outlet of Sweet Sensation, she said that every good thing has to start with some degree of experience, stressing that one must necessarily struggle because if one does not struggle, then he or she can’t understand the business effectively and success may be short lived. ”There is a learning process that you cannot compromise and it comes with every territory and if you then patiently struggle through the process, then you will come out victorious.”

Kamson maintained that there is no right time to go into business rather it depends on the type of maturity the business choice requires. Some business, she says, may require extreme maturity which one cannot really cope with except they are able to learn from a skill acquisition centre.

2013 RESULTS: Dangote Cement sells 13.3m tones, pays N7 dividend

D

angote Cement Plc has recorded an upsurge in its sales volume to the tune of 13.3million tonnes leading to a 40.6 percent increase in profit before tax over the previous year.

The company declared a profit before tax of N190.8 billion for the year.

The audited results of the company announced in Lagos indicated that the pre-tax profit is 40.6 per cent higher than that of the previous year while consolidated revenue grew up to N386.2bn, representing an increase of 29.4 percent.

While the results celebrated the increase in the company’s sales volume, it showed further that total Nigerian cement market grows by 15.6percent to nearly 21.2 million tonnes.

Dangote cement attributed the increased sales volume to its direct-tocustomer deliveries strategy and described it as proving highly successful accounting for more than 50 percent of sales, with its Obajana plant sales volumes up 37.2 percent and Ibese up by 40.4 per cent.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 — 23

NASC to weed out fake agro —DEALERS

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

A

BUJA— THE National Agricultural Seed Council, NASC has said the council was strategising to weed out fake agro dealers distributing seeds to farmers under the government’s Growth Enhancement Support scheme.

The Acting Director-General, NASC, Reverend Anthony Olatokun, made the disclosure at the council’s maiden press briefing on National Seed System. He also maintained that most seed companies and agro-dealers were not genuine but were out to rib off farmers.

Olatunkun said: “On the issue of fake seed companies or agro-dealers who are not qualified to be in the business. We are strategising, because we have identified that some of them are not genuine, and this year we will weed them out as we are also not sleeping but working hard to address the menace of fake agro-dealers, who sell fake farm inputs to farmers. Their activities are Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, showing samples of rotten frozen fish to journalists becoming rampant and they abound in the seed during the week at the premises of a cold room on Old Ojo Road, Agboju, Lagos. trade. “This wet season farmers will pay 10 per cent for the seeds bought this is through adequate publicity in equipment in the laboratory because of what we are hearing, seed marketing network by seed right time, where the farmers order to improve seed uptake and being used by his officers in seed that farmers wash and eat these companies, leading to inability need the seeds to plant. adoption as most of them do not testing was obsolete. seeds because they got it free of seed companies to move Olatokun urged government to He said part of the challenges know where to get improved from government under the increase sensitisation of farmers seeds to the rural areas at the seeds. faced by the council include poor Growth Enhancement Support, and we do not want this continue.

Meanwhile, hybrid seeds are purely commercial and we encourage seed companies to go and state govern-ments pay 25 Under the initiative, farmers into it.

2012, such as the poor mobile

BY SALIMAT GARBA per cent each. access inputs through an “With the repositioning of the network coverage that One of the requirements for electronic distribution channel National Agricultural System and hindered farmers from HE International Centre the scheme is the national known as the e-Wallet. the Seeds Council to meet the participating in the scheme. for Soil Fertility and farmers’ registration exercise, The condition of the e-Wallet challenges of the time, the He said that GES TAP Agricultural Development where farmers’ data are scheme stipulates that a farmer Federal Government is set to technology is an improvement (IFDC) has launched the GES captured into the ministry’s registered under the scheme implement the predictable, on the methodology used to Touch and Pay (TAP) project central data bank. pays 50 percent of the cost of reliable user friendly and collect farmer’s data as well as which would target 500,000 farm inputs while the federal affordable regulatory transact business between the farmers in the FCT and environment for flourishing and farmer and agro-dealer.

Sokoto state and had rewarding seed industry to “It is an offline technology employed 250 youths who ensure that farmers have access that captures the data of have been deployed to the six to high quality seed at the right farmers along with their area councils of the FCT. time, place, quantity and photographs, after This is contained in a press affordable price.” registration, a TAP card will statement issued by Mrs painful decision of taking over be issued to registered HE Ogun State Feyikemi Adurogbangba, the the farmlands because it was Fake agro farmers, which will be used Government today made Communications Coordinator, extremely necessary, saying at dealers to redeem subsidised inputs good its promise of paying IFDC, in Abuja on Tuesday. the end of the day, the housing at designated redemption compensations to farmers According to the statement, scheme would help open up centres.”

Olatokun further stated that whose crops had to give way the project was funded by the the area and attract more This feat, however, the council partners with security to some of its infrastructural Department for International people that would enhance underscored why Mrs. agents like the Nigeria Security developments as about N20m Development (DFID) with the their socio-economic status.

Ibukun Odusote, the and Civil Defence Corps, was paid to 151 farmers in Itoku aim of addressing the “We are very much aware Permanent Secretary, NSCDC, and the Nigeria Police Elewe Irepodun Community in challenges that had emerged that your crops are important Federal Ministry of to monitor the distribution of Kobape, Obafemi Owode Local in the implementation of the to you, and we know that Agriculture and Rural seeds and also to arrest fake agro Government Area of the State.

Federal Government’s GES farming is your major source Development and other dealers who had not complied The farmland of the scheme, therefore reaching out of income, as matter of fact, delegates from the Ministry with the council’s regulations. beneficiaries was affected by a to more farmers. agricultural development for paid a courtesy visit to Olatokun said that the council new housing scheme to be It quoted the Country food production and Consult Hyperion, a London under the GES had released 45, located in the area.

Coordinator of IFDC, Mr. Scott industrialisation remains one based information 000 metric tonnes of rice and 47, Presenting the cheques to Wallace as saying that “the of our five cardinal technology firm, which is 000 metric tonnes of maize farmers in the first 50 hectare technology would help bolster programmes, but we also need partnering with IFDC to seedlings to farmers for 2014 wet land acquired, Commissioner the long awaited green the land to pursue another implement this project. seasoning farming. He added for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke revolution under the cardinal programme, housing.

The GES scheme is a that 150, 000 metric tonnes of Sokefun reaffirmed that the Agricultural Transformation At the end of the day, it would Federal Government seeds came from 128, 000 Senator Ibikunle Amosun led Agenda”. be a win-win situation as the initiative under the hectares of seed land. administration was passionate Wallace stressed that it is an housing scheme would bring Agricultural Transformation Olatokun also decried the about agricultural development approach to address the in people, engender further Agenda, aimed at dearth of seed technologists, and would have ordinarily not challenges that had been development and ultimately, subsidising the cost of major analyst, breeders and technicians tampered with their crops. experienced in the enhance socio-economic agricultural inputs, such as in the agricultural sector that She however said implementation of the GES status”, Sokefun remarked. fertilisers and seeds. would have enhanced high food government had to take the scheme since its inception in production. He said most of the

GES TAP targets 500,000 farmers in FCT, Sokoto state T

HOUSING ESTATES: Ogun state pays N20m crop compensation to farmers

T

C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

BY JIMOH BABATUNDE

Makasutu Culture Forest is located about 5 km to the north east of Brikama.It is a private eco-tourist reserve which is open to the public for full or half-day cultural guided eco-tours of the forest. Within the reserve there is the 5 star luxury eco-tourist lodge called Mandina Lodges which is right on the tributary within lush bush mangroves.

S

ince 1965 when a party of 300 Swedish tourists visited the Gambia, the tourism industry has grown tremendously making the sector a major income earner, but this is still a far cry from what the government wants to achieve.

The Permanent Secretary of the country ’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Mr. Momodu Joof, said the plan of the government is to make the country an all year round destination as it is presently a seasonal destination.

Speaking with some Nigerian journalists on a FAM trip of the nation, he said majority of the tourists visiting the country are from Britain and Scandinavian countries, “these tourists come during winter as they see the Gambia as a destination they can enjoy sun, sand and beaches as well as also experience the excitement of a real African holiday.”

Joof noted that this seasonality is not good for the industry as most hotels close down during the off season leading to lay off of Gambians who are employed in the hotels.

While noting that this is not good for the country ’s economy, the Permanent secretary of the tourism Ministry said they are looking forward to having Nigerians fill the gap as Nigerians are high travellers.

“Nigeria can help solve the seasonality of the Gambia tourism market and this is why we are intensifying our marketing and promotion in Nigeria by engaging a reputable advertising firm to handle that for us.

“Nigeria and the Gambia share close affinity; we have

Our plan is to make Gambia year round destination — JOOF had Nigerians having weddings, conferences and religious programs here in the past. They know that the Gambia is safe.”

He promised that Nigerians will have lots to see in Gambia as the country boost of mix of high quality facilities catering to the needs of all categories of visitors.

Joof said the Gambia has quality of hotels that are competitive in the African

market, “ what else does Nigerians need for holidays?”

He asked.

Speaking earlier the Director General, Gambia Tourism Board, Benjamin Roberts, said that the country is rich in natural water ways that extend the entire length of the country, providing excellent opportunities for water sports, fishing and inland cruising.

“The Gambia’s ecosystem also provides a sanctuary for

over 50 species of birds, making the country a favourite for birdwatchers from all over the world. Along the country’s 80km coastal stretch, tourists can experience forest parks, bird reserves, dolphin sightings and sky driving.”

Roberts disclosed that the country will be leveraging on the 80km coastal stretch by organising water base sporting competition that will attract tourists to the country soon.

He added that the Gambia remains an attractive destination for visitors, primarily because of its safety, “our people are known for their hospitality and smiles.

On air connectivity, Roberts said marketing a destination is important but accessibility to the destination is more important, disclosing that the government is making efforts to have more airlines fly into the country.

DOMESTIC TOURISM: Mexico promises to work with NTDC

T

he Mexico’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Marco Blanco has disclosed that his country is ready to partner

The Director General , Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation , (NTDC) Mrs. Sally Mbanefo (middle), Senior Manager,Government Relations, Corporate Services Division, MTN Nigeria Communication Limited, Mr. Austin Iyashere (left) and member representing Okigwe South in National Assembly, Hon. (Prof) Chudi P. Uwazurike (right) during a courtesy visit to NTDC Corporate headquarters in Abuja recently.

with Nigeria to fast-track the development of tourism in the country.

Blanco speaking at a breakfast meeting with the Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Sally Mbanefo said Mexico will help Nigeria to take advantage of the fact that it is an emerging tourism destination in the world.

While noting that tourism is the best way to move, he said “Tourism is the best way to create and strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Mexico” He added.

“Mexico has continued to be a destination of choice for many people around the world and currently ranked 10 th globally in the international visitor arrivals”, he said.

The ambassador who lauded the Director General, NTDC for her achievements within a

short time in office as DG said, “We have been monitoring Nigeria for some time now and we are proud of what you are doing to sell Nigeria to other countries. We applaud the commitment, innovation and passion brought by NTDC and this is our ground for partnering with NTDC”.

While thanking the ambassador, the DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, (NTDC) Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, said the partnership will assist in developing tourism in Nigeria.

“I am pleased to partner with the Mexican representatives, I am happy that they reached out to us.

“The partnership is also a sign of better things to come and Nigeria recognizes the importance of tourism to the economy”, she said.

Mbanefo said that the

promotion of domestic tourism is to encourage Nigerians to travel within Nigeria, believing it will create unity and peaceful harmony.

She stated that the corporation would sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mexico for a proper tourism exchange programmes between the two countries.

This will develop and strengthen the relationship, friendship and bilateral cooperation between the two countries and also promote the concept of tourism value chain.

Also speaking at the meeting, President, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, FTAN, Mr. Tomi Akingbogun urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for tourism to thrive.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014—25

I N S I D E

Governors who left PDP will come back— Umar, Ag Governor of Taraba State

PAGE 26

We would soon test might with APC members in the House — Asadu PAGE 28

NASARAWA LG polls: Litmus test for 2015 PAGE 27

POLITICS OF COMPETENCE:

Oshiomhole’s difficult options AS a labour leader, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led popular actions against different governments.

Now, the teachers’ union in Edo State are up in arms against a plan by his administration to verify their competence for the job they do

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

G

OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole had at different fora expressed his determination to lift the level of education in the state. It even became more pressing on him after he visited a primary school and met a teacher who could not read well. So the need of verifying the competence of the teachers in the school system became a pressing matter for the state administration.

Governor Oshiomhole was backed by some strategic stakeholders in his pursuit.

Speakers at a stakeholders’ meeting which took place at Imaguero College Hall gave the governor the go ahead to organize the test for the teachers, and this was what gave birth to the Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor Committee that was saddled with the task of organizing the Competency test.

The test was, however, strongly opposed by some other stakeholders, mostly the teachers

administration and the warring teachers.

But after all the negotiations last week, the teachers stuck to their guns. Speaking with newsmen soon after one of the meetings held at the famous Teachers House, State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Mike Ununmwangho said the teachers would not write the competency test as he described the exercise as vindictive adding that the teachers do not trust the State Government.

The state administration, however, rejected the claims.

“The test is not to sack or witchhunt any teacher but to ascertain those who might need assistance and level of training or retraining required as part of the determination of the Adams Oshiomhole administration to deliver an all-round quality education for the Edo child”, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Loius Odion said while denying the receipt of a court order restraining the government from going ahead with the test.

,

The test is not to sack or witch-hunt any teacher but to ascertain those who might need assistance and level of training or retraining required as part of the determination of the Adams Oshiomhole administration to deliver

who were involved.

A meeting between some civil society groups and the leadership of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers [NUT] to find a common ground over the objection of the teachers to the competency test ended in deadlock on Wednesday.

Concerned members of the civil society in the state also met privately with Governor Oshiomhole towards reaching a common ground between the

,

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State on its part while opposing the competency test berated the state government for “using every means possible, including the proposed conduct of competency test for teachers in the state to generate revenue.”

The party stated that the state government was using “the competency test, along with some other policies including repressive tax policies to shore

•Oshiomhole: Insists on competent teachers up the state’s depleted vault.”

State chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, who in a statement before the exercise said, “using competency test as a yardstick for retrenchment means using teachers as scapegoat for the dire financial crisis the state governments has plunged the state into.” ” We condemn in very strong term the decision to conduct the competency test. It is discriminatory and unacceptable.

For it to be justified, the state government should first of all subject everyone to competency test, starting from the Government House. We sympathize with teachers at this time because we know they are being made the sacrificial lamb.

“As we have repeatedly stated, the proper thing is to organize in-house training for teachers as done by the administration of the late Ambrose Alli. Teachers who were found lacking then were not discarded as being planned but trained to become useful for themselves and their families. We say Governor Oshiomhole should not turn people who are bread winners in their families to bread seekers.

The PDP’s assertion was tackled by the All Progressives Congress, APC which threw its weight behind the test.

The APC state organizing secretary, Mr. Thomas Okosun in his own reaction said: “I want to state clearly that I am in total support of the competency test organised for teachers. You cannot be a teacher when you don’t know what to teach neither do you entrust the future of your children into such people’s hands.

Support of the party You have ASCON in Lagos where civil servants undergo training and test in order to get promotion, so also in states and federal ministries.”

“The party is in support, I am in total support because this is the best that can happen to our educational system.”

On the eve of the competency test last Saturday, another dimension emerged following the call on teachers by the National Coordinator of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS),

Mr. Charles Faluyi to shun the test on the ground that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja had restrained the government and the Committee it set up to conduct the test from doing so pending the hearing and determination of suit brought before it by the teachers.

He therefore directed all secondary schools teachers in the state to disregard whatever threat by government aimed at coercing them to writing the test, just as he expressed disappointment over alleged recruitment of touts, paid agents to pose as teachers, technical school teachers and principals in the examination centres in order to deceive the teachers and the public that the competency test was taking place.

Earlier, the National Industrial Court, presided over by Justice B. A. Adejumo, had granted an interim injunction restraining the government from going ahead with the test. The state PDP chairman, Chief Orbih was quick to welcome the judgment even as he called on Comrade Oshiomhole to heed the Continues on page 26

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

Governors who left PDP will come back — Umar, Ag Governor of Taraba State THE acting governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar spoke to select journalists at the end of a facility tour of the state initiated by the Jonah Jang led faction of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF Excerpts:

BY HENRY UMORU

H

OW do you rate the chances of PDP in 2015?

The chances of PDP in my state are very bright and I think in the whole North this is the only state you can find Mr. President’s posters by now.

That shows you that Taraba is for PDP and PDP is for Taraba.

We are in a season where we have crisis, particularly in the North, but in Taraba this is not the case.

What has been the driving force for the peace that prevails in Taraba State?

In actual fact we were able to involve dialogue. Stakeholders were really involved, the Emirs and Chiefs.

Recently we had a little problem- the Tiv/Fulani conflict that was on last week. Some of the Tivs were driven down to Taraba from Benue State by the Fulanis but luckily enough we

making efforts to improve on this. While I was in Saudi Arabia, I was able to have a chat with the Saudi/German hospital and they have assured me that as soon as the project is on stream they are going to site a 200-bed hospital here. So for Nigerians to go to Saudi Arabia for medical care will be a thing of the past by the time this hospital is on stream.

What do think Adamu Muazu needs to do to bring lasting peace back to PDP. Also, are you contesting in 2015?

Ahmed Muazu is a young man and he is really moving.

The PDP governors are solidly behind Ahmed. I believe that even those friends of ours that decided to defect he is making efforts to make sure they come back because this (PDP) is their home anyway.

You cannot leave your home and go elsewhere because you are going to meet a new man

,

I believe that even those friends of ours that decided to defect he is making efforts to make sure they come back because this (PDP) is their home were able to sit with the Fulanis and the Tivs and they were able to understand themselves.

That shows that in Taraba we need peace and we are living in peace and everyone is involved really.

What are you doing to attract more tourists to the state?

Just of recent the Nigeria Economic Summit approved a project in Taraba, that is the Mambila hydro which has a capacity for 10,000 megawatts of electricity. We intend to generate 350 megawatts for a start. It is a package that involves the hydro project, a five-star hotel on Mambila plateau and an international airport and road leading to Mambila plateau.

What I did was ask them to allow me do the road before the other projects come on stream.

I got the approval and, of course, right now the road is 40 percent completed. I believe within the next one year if these projects are completed Taraba will be a different thing all together and I believe that people from within and outside Nigeria will be here because the attraction will be there for them to enjoy themselves.

Apart from that we have been

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there. What hope do they even have there? Even our neighbours there are now finding it difficult. At the end of the day I believe Ahmed will do his best and I believe even if all of them do not come back some of them will come back to their home.

On the issue of whether I am contesting I will leave that to the masses of Taraba. Tarabans will have to tell me whether they want me to contest or not.

I believe at the end of it all you people will be able to see it yourselves.

The Taraba airport has been dormant for long time. What efforts are you making to make the airport viable and functional?

I don’t know whether you are aware that we have been able to procure two aircraft, each of them is 50-seater and we are trying to put these aircraft to use. Very soon they will start operating. Our problem has been that we have a 2.4 kilometre runway and these are jets that require 3.5 kilometres runway.

Airport runway I have started extending the airport runway and we are making arrangements with Overland Airline that is operating in Bauchi and hopefully by April they will start operating from here. By the time we are able to finish the runway our own aircraft will be ready.

The PDP has a policy of involving more women in governance and this is one of the reasons President Jonathan gave women more than 30 percent of the slots in his government. What are you

•Umar: Taraba is moving on doing to involve more women in the administration of the state?

We have already involved more women. Let me tell you that even my Chief Judge is a woman. I have a woman Chief Judge and a police commissioner that is a woman and I am in the middle.

Presently I have three women advisers, so we are doing everything to see that women are also part of this regime.

Can you throw more light on the SURE-P programme in Taraba state?

Last year I was able to empower 8,600 youths and women. This year we have gone to the rural areas, we are doing the local governments and we intend to do 10,000 at the local government level to empower them. Presently we are doing 5,000 this month and

in the next two months we will do another 5,000.

This is a continuous programme and I believe before the end of the year we should be able to do 30,000 or even more to empower the youths and women and I think that will also bring down the restiveness of the youths in the state.

The national conference has just taken off. What are your expectations from the conference?

My expectation from them is to ensure that Nigeria remains one. People should ensure that at least we should embrace ourselves, we should ensure that we remain one and, of course, allow Mr. President to continue with his laudable programmes so that at the end of the day we will see light at the end of the tunnel.

Politics of Competence: Oshiomhole’s difficult options Continues from page 25 injunction. This public-spirited courage is in tune with democratic principles and has the propensity of ensuring that members of the teachers’ union are not mistreated, oppressed and persecuted under any guise.”

Mr. Odion, the commissioner for information, however, denied knowledge of any such injunction.

“We have received media enquiries over rumour of an injunction purportedly granted by a court restraining Edo State Government from going ahead with the teachers’ assessment exercise scheduled to hold today, Saturday, March 22. Therefore, this is to reassure teachers of primary and secondary schools

•Orbih: Backs teachers and the general public that the assessment exercise scheduled for today, Saturday, March 22 will still hold.”

“Anyone who fails to write the test will be deemed as constituting a clog in the wheel of our progress and, consequently, will have his or her name deleted from the payroll”.

The state commissioner for Basic Education, Washington Osifo who accompanied the chairman of the assessment test committee, Prof. Agbonlahor to the accreditation hall, said the state government was not aware of any court injunction stopping the state government from conducting the test.

“Government is set to conduct the assessment test. Nobody will force anybody to do what is right.

The test is in the interest of the teachers and Edo children. We are not aware of any restraining

order stopping the test. An attempt to get an order does not in itself translates to an order stopping the conduct of the test,” Osifo said.

Remarkably, turnout at the three centres earmarked for the test was paltry as only about 73 teachers out of the thousands of teachers in the public school system turned out.

Meanwhile, counsel to the teachers, Afolabi Olayiwola has indicated that the state government will sued for contempt of court for going ahead to conduct the test.

The state government on its part has declared the exercise as very successful saying that it was waiting for the Report of the Prof.

Agbonlahor Committee before knowing want to do next.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014—27

NASARAWA LG polls: Litmus test for 2015 THE outcome of last Saturday’s local government elections was shocking in the Nigerian context. In an unprecedented show of strength, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was able to muscle four chairmanship seats out of the ten declared. The underlining factors pose great omen for the incumbent administration

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BY ABEL DANIEL

AST Saturday ’s local government election in Nasarawa State was the second time the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC had to face an electoral challenge in the state.

The first was the party ’s primaries which took two weeks before the results were announced. At the end of the local government elections last weekend, the APC was declared victorious in six local government chairmanship contests, t The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP victorious in 4 while the results in three were ruled to have been inconclusive.

LG unexpected hitches: The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) had postponed the council elections thrice due to insecurity in the state. So, when the contest eventually took place last weekend, it was expected to be free from any form of hitches on the side of the commission. However, the opposite was the case as electoral materials could not leave the commission office until 1.00 pm even though voting was to begin at 8.00 am.

No explanation was given by the commission for this late distribution of electoral materials.

Gov versus deputy: The local government election was also the first time that the governor

•Al-Makura, Luka: Governor and deputy in opposite camps was comfortable with the delay in the last start of the election, he excused NASIEC saying it was due to the commission’s effort to ensure everything was right. Most of the polling units had shortage of result sheets.

In places like Akwanga where Senator Ewuga cast his vote, he lamented the absence of result sheets for councilors, saying that the people in his ward said they will not vote until those materials were on ground. The election was

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The local government election was also the first time that the governor and his deputy, Damishi Barua Luka, who recently decamped from the APC to the PDP had an opportunity to square up against each other and his deputy, Damishi Barua Luka, who recently decamped from the APC to the PDP had an opportunity to square up against each other. The showdown was much expected because a number of AlMakura’s political appointees defected with the deputy to the PDP. Mr. Luka, reacting to information that the APC had planned to rig the election, warned sternly that any attempt by the Governor and APC to rig the election would be vehemently resisted by the PDP insisting that the game must be played according to the rules in order to avoid further crisis in the state.

Late polling: Elections in most of the local governments started at the about 4.00pm.

Governor Almakura cast his vote at exactly 3.30pm in Lafia.

Asked by news men whether he

,

eventually declared inconclusive on the ground that there were no elections in four wards with total votes of about 300,000.

The state electoral umpire earlier hinted journalists at a press conference on election eve that elections would not be conducted in areas affected by crisis in Awe local government that was deserted particularly

by Tiv farmers on account of conflict with Fulani herdsmen.

The APC was declared winner in the local government.

Asked why election was eventually held in Awe, the chairman said “anybody who is not satisfied with the confirmation may go to court”.

House summons NASIEC boss: Last Monday, the first working day after the election, the House of Assembly summoned the NASIEC chairman to clear some of the

the NASIEC chairman.

Responding to Ibaku, Abdullahi said the same situation prevailed in Obi and Akwanga, stressing that security threat to returning officers was what happened in Nasarawa local government hence the declaration of the election as inconclusive. He urged those aggrieved to take their complaints to the tribunal.

Map of Nasarawa controversial issues bothering on announcement and interpretation of the actions of some returning officers.

Appearing before the house on Tuesday, the lawmakers questioned the authority of the NASIEC chairman to announce results contrary to the provisions of the electoral law that stops the chairman from announcing election results.

Returning officers Results, according to the law are only to be announced by the presiding officers, then the returning officers at the ward level and local government only. On why Akwanga, Obi and Nasarawa local governments were declared inconclusive while result of the elections from the various ward and local governments were declared by the presiding and returning officers in those tree local governments, the chairman said he was under pressure from some forces which compelled him to declare the results in those local governments inconclusive. He pleaded

before the House that he erred by doing that as the NASIEC chairman.

Another member, Baba Ibaku representing Odeghe Nasarawa constituency while alleging that elections took place in his constituency, and results collated but at the point of declaration of the results, the returning officer disappeared after taking excuse to observe the Muslim prayer.

“We were there with the DPO, SSS, and Civil Defense till 10 pm. We met you and told you all that happened. You called the DPO in our presence and he told you that they were still waiting for the returning officer, and you said you already have some results of Nasarawa with you already.

The DPO told you who brought the results because the results are still here while the returning officer said he wanted to go and pray but disappeared” Ibaku testified.

Ibaku added that the results are still in the custody of the police in Nasarawa local government, and warned that if anything happened in Nasarawa local government the first person to be questioned is

Issue of conscience Blaming some of the returning officers, Modibo said “while recruiting a person into a job you would not know who he is until he starts the job.

Some of the professors acted like small babies, it’s an issue of conscience. Some professors are without conscience”.

At the end of his testimony, Modibo was asked by the House to go and declare the results that were pending.

Meanwhile, as the house came to a close on Tuesday another drama ensued as the Attorney general of the state, Barr. Innocent Laggi out of desperation to submit a court order stopping the NASIEC chairman from appearing before the Assembly, jumped the fence of the state House of Assembly when he discovered that the gate was locked against him.

The attorney general after jumping the fence was rushing to submit the court order when on another whim, decided to retrace his step but was held and quizzed by the SSS and locked up at the assembly guard room.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

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FTER the bloody army coup of 1966, General Yakubu Gowon, as the Head of the Military Government was reported to have said that “in a press conference on 8th October, 1966, I therefore put before you the following forms of government for consideration:- (a) Federal system with a strong central government (b) Federal system with a weak central government (c) Confederation and (d) an entirely new arrangement which will be peculiar to Nigeria and which has not yet found its way into any political dictionary” .

Unfortunately because of the peculiar state of Nigeria at the time, Gowon`s advice fell on rocky ground and the nation drifted into an unnecessary but costly civil war (1967-1970).

Though the civil war ended more than forty years ago, many Nigerians feel that the country had learnt nothing, and fared worse from the consequences of the war.

In fact, political stability and unity seem to appear as elusive ghosts in a country ravaged and devastated by a costly war.

The drift towards dis-integration and political anarchy would perhaps be one of those reasons that have influenced President Jonathan, in his wisdom to convey the present National Conference in Abuja.

There is no doubt that many of the older delegates (called the Elders) would be having at the back of their minds the wise words of advice by the former Head of State, retired General Gowon when he called for an arrangement which is peculiar to the Nigerian political situation – a plural society with entrenched ethnic and religious interests. I believe that the present National Conference is in the best position to try a new experiment.

In the past political history of Nigeria since 1960 (year of Independence), various forms of government have been tried without any resounding success.

The 8-point Programme of Northern Leaders in 1953 and the Biafran Aburi Declaration – all forms of Confederation – were regrettably rejected. Some analysts still hold the view that some aspects of confederal system should have been

In search for stability:Try swiss democracy seriously considered before outright rejection, the outcome of which still stalls process of developmental goals.

Perhaps it is time to try our hands on something new but not too revolutionary or radical, to upset the fearful conservatives and doubting traditionalists. Nigeria has tried the British parliamentary system of government under the Independence Constitution; it failed, ending in a civil war, the American system practiced under 1979 Constitution led to the army coups of 1983 and subsequent counter-coups by ambitious politicians in army uniforms.

The present Constitution has given no respite to the people who are confused as to whether we are operating a unitary or federal Constitution.

The beautiful country of Switzerland with a very high standard of living is a multi-nation state. It is a confederation of 26 Cantons, with each Canton enjoying “quite some autonomy”. Switzerland is a home to the Germans, the French and Italians – all living in peace and prosperity. The political atmosphere is stable over a long period, under a multiparty system. Like Nigeria, it had gone through a civil war in 1847, but the new structure in 1848 had put Switzerland on a sound footing and its special `democracy` is responsible for political

stability which often leads to economic prosperity.

Fortunately, Nigeria shares the same political characteristics with Switzerland.

Nigeria operates a federal system of government, Federal, State and Local Government – this is where similarity ends. In Switzerland, the Cantons which form the federal government are autonomous and have their own separate Constitutions (like we had under the Federal Constitution of the First Republic). The Federal Government is limited to federal responsibilities of Defence; Currency; Communications; Transportation; External Affairs; while the Cantons (States) deal with police, education and other day-to-day affairs without the overbearing operational measures of the federal might.

However, the beauty of ‘Swiss Democracy‘ does not lie only on its elegant structure but also in the enjoyment of democratic principle – participating fully by the citizens in governance. Nigerians elect and pay heavily for their legislators whose main responsibility is to make laws.

As it is noted in a publication, “Both Chambers of Switzerland National Parliament meet several times annually to sessions during several weeks and between them to preparing meetings in numerous commissions, but being a member of

We would soon test might with APC members in the House — Asadu REP. Pat Asadu, a medical doctor, represents Enugu, Igboeze, Nsukka federal constituency in the House of Representatives. One of the leading lights of the National Unity Group(NUG), he posits that the group would soon draw a dividing line with opposition All Progressives Congress, APC in the House.Excerpts.

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

H

OW do you react to assertions by APC lawmakers that your group is unserious?

For me it is not wrong if APC think we are seeking relevance because relevance is about preserving the peace, keeping Nigeria united, protecting our democracy and making sure that as those who have opportunity at this time to be in government, that we leave Nigeria better than we met it.

We want to be relevant as long as the national discourse is involved. Rather than allow the politics of a particular moment derail us from looking at bigger the picture, we want to continue to do the right thing.

The bigger picture I am talking about is that I come from a section of the country where the civil war we fought has taught me that we do not

need to go the way of dividing ourselves again. I have had to bury some people from my constituency killed by Boko Haram. Burying them I had to think of what is there for me as a legislator if I can just sit down and pretend that nothing is going on in the country.

If relevance is making sure that we preserve the unity of this country by belonging to the National Unity Group then I will tell you that I have no regret. We want to ensure that anarchy does not reign in Nigeria. The group is not just coming up, we have been there.

Your group is seen as a front for President Goodluck Jonathan•fs political ambitions.

Our National Unity Group is only interested in the peace of the country. We didn’t come into being because of the APC challenge. Overtime, we had

•Tambuwal situations where some people tried to overheat the polity, we stood up to challenge such situations. There were a number of times when some members pushed one another over some issues, we intervened in those occasions.

Why is the PDP caucus in the House seeking a working

parliament is not a full time job in Switzerland contrary to most other countries today. This means that members of parliament have to practice an ordinary profession to earn their living – thereby, they are closer to everyday life of their electorate.

The Federal government is a coalition of many parties and it represents all the Cantons. The President is the first among seven others who are heads of department. It is noted also that ‘Switzerland`s government is a team consisting of seven members with equal rights. Each member of the government acts as head of a department of the federal administration, but all major government decisions are taken in weekly government conferences either by consensus or by majority voting of all seven members. The members of Switzerland federal government are usually (re-elected every four years in December after the parliamentary elections by both chambers of the federal parliament meeting together as the Federal Assembly. There is no legal limit to the total term in office; some federal councilors have been in office for over 20 years’.

A distinguishing feature of Switzerland‘s federal government is that it is based on coalition of parties and not on domination by a single party like what we have in Nigeria. It is believed that honours shared are preferable to honour denied to others which can lead to divisive tendencies.

Swiss democracy lies in direct participation in government through referendum and also in Initiative whereby a citizen can affect changes in the Constitution if he has enough supporters (100,000 votes in 3,500,000,000 votes), therefore, referendum and its uses to settle controversial policies and laws are very fundamental to democratic processes.

It may be necessary for Nigerians to examine the concept of referendum and part-time legislative work as cardinal principles for political stability in a plural and poor society.

relationship with lawmakers from APGA , Labour and Accord if it is sure that it has enough members to challenge APC members in the chamber?

We are not luring them. In 2011 when President Goodluck Jonathan was elected, APGA did not have a presidential candidate and the party adopted the PDP candidate as its own candidate. Labour party and Accord did similar things.

These parties have been working with PDP. What has happened is that, instead of allowing this country to disintegrate those parties have decided to join forces with PDP. The alliance is not new, we had common presidential candidate in 2011. After the election, the parties resolved to work together to ensure that the government does not collapse.

What do you make of APC lawmakers’ boast that they will use robust intellectual argument to block any aspect of the budget that they do not want?

I agree that PDP members in the House have been so relaxed for so long, what is happening in the chamber is serving as a wake up call on the PDP to know that we have

to act. I don’t think APC is wrong in what it has been doing because it is an opposition party. The only problem I have with them is that sometime they do not know where to draw the line.

They should be able to consider the delicate balance of this country.

On the issue of budget, they have raised our alertness. I think we are going to match them intellectually. I am not going to comment on their claims that PDP members are intellectually inferior to them because that is totally out of the way.

All the members of the House were voted because of the popularity his or her people had confidence in him or her. If the election is free and fair and your people elect you, definitely you are qualified to be in the House. I just hope that they were misquoted on the claim of intellectual superiority. We will test our strength when it comes to voting. Both the recurrent and capital components of the budget will be passed. I don’t know how our hospitals, security, education etc will look like if we do not pass the budget.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 — 29

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30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28 , 2014 — 31 ifychimexs@yahoo.com

Vol 02

No. 21 MARCH, 2014

www.vanguardngr.com

We have 3, 843 unutilized PAAR still on the system — NCS •No port congestion—APMT

BY IFEYINWA OBI

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L T H O U G H criticised by disgruntled elements, importers through the Nigerian Ports have thrown their weight behind the new import guidelines, procedures and documentation requirements recently introduced by the Nigerian Customs,to facilitate trade, generate more revenue to the coffers of government and enhance synergies with stakeholders.

Speaking to CustomsWatch, the Chairman, Technical Committee on PAAR, ANALCA,

John Oforbike, described PAAR as a welcome development in the Nigerian clearing process, adding that the new development has given Nigeria Customs the sole responsibility of Destination Inspection.

He said that there has been tremendous leap in the number of Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports, PAAR, generated.

“As a proof, statistics have shown that by the 13th week into PAAR implementation 1276 PAARs were issued on a single day. This cannot be compared to 800 Risk Assessment Report, RAR, which was the highest number ever issued during the era of service

FOU Zone C impounds 5,085 bags of rice A

S part of its antismuggling activities in the country, the Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has impounded eight trucks containing 5,085 bags of illegally imported parboiled rice valued at N140m.

The consumables craftily loaded in officially approved bags of rice to deceive eagle eyed security operatives and customs men manning the nation’s highways , it was learnt were confiscated at the Agbor, Okpanam roads,

Onitsha/Asaba road and Benin/Asaba road respectively.

The area controller of the FOU zone C, Mr. Dimka Victor who disclosed this at the premises of the Imo/Abia Area Command said that was the latest seizures made by the unit.

According to him, the five suspects arrested in connection with the deal were now in various detentions in Benin, Enugu and Calabar, adding that they were helping

Continues on page 34

providers.

“This shows that with the Customs now in charge of Destination Inspection, importing and exporting into the country and doing business generally in Nigeria is sure getting easier” he explained.

For Donates Agupusi, also an importer and a freight forwarder, who expressed similar opinion with Oforbike, was of the view that NCS should be commended.

While acknowledging the fact that PAAR may have its teething challenges, he urged freight forwarders to exercise patience, and rightly declare their cargo to reduce delay in cargo clearance at the port.

“So, sincerely speaking is it not a kudos to the CGC, is it not a kudos to the Nigerian Customs Service, is it not a kudos to the transformation by Mr. President?” he said.

Hitches in PAAR While explaining the hitches in PAAR, Deputy Comptroller Yusuf Ibrahim, Area Project Manager, APM, Apapa Port, said that there is no issue with PAAR as long as clearing processes are concerned.

“When an importer genuinely processes his provisional documentation (form M and the proforma invoice), before the loading of his cargo, he will quickly send his bill of lading “Then with that, you can now submit your declaration and your cargo will start sailing. Even if it takes three weeks to come, your document has already arrived.

“So, people should understand

,

CGC DIKKO

what is known as Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR. This means assessing your documentation before the arrival of your cargo, not after.”

He noted that the people shouting are the people whose cargo are already on the ground, adding that it will now take them some time to open form M, and thereafter send it to the banks, without a provisional and value documentation, all at the same time.

“It is already known that the transactions at the PAAR have three places of scrutinisation. We have the expo seat, we have the verification seat and the scrutiny seat before the final seat.

“So, it has to go through these seats. If you do not give us time to finish one process before the

refused to come and use.

“Most people had earlier been given a provisional release and when their cargo comes in, and they find out that there is difference between the value, they run away. They don’t want to come and take it.

“Some of them, make applications, when this thing comes back and they found out that the value has been omitted, they refuse to come and make a declaration, looking for a way out for another provisional release.

No way, gone are the days.”

He added, “We designed provisional release as a temporary measure for trade facilitation. Now, the temporary measure is over, people have to go and queue up to process their cargo in the most acceptable

The work now belongs to the professionals. If you were taking ‘awoof’ before it’s no longer so.

Because we go as far as knowing the Customs declaration abroad; knowing how much per unit you bought your goods abroad

other and you want all processes to be done at the same time, definitely it will take this process because the cargo is already on the ground.

“I must tell you that I have the documentation of people who genuinely present their documentation and they get their cargo cleared within 24 hours in this port.

Accusing the agents and the importers of being dishonest, Ibrahim who raised the issue of utilized PAAR said that importers who had earlier applied for PAAR have refused to come in order to evade duty. “ Now, the issue I want to clarify is that in February 2014, we have 3, 843 utilized PAAR that is still on the system that people

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Customs designed clearance procedure.

“Secondly, some importers make an application and later find out that the value and the duty is high. Instead of paying, they now go to pay money to other people to come and mediate so that they can go back to provisional release.”

Ibrahim advised importers to comply with PAAR as no amount of shouting will bring back provisional release ,“It is a mistake to think provisional release will ever come back.

Provisional release is a temporary measures, whoever it is that thinks that we will still go back to the same thing is making a huge mistake. It is better for

Continues on page 34

32 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28 , 2014

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FTER engaging in antis m u g g l i n g activities geared towards maintaining its role as a flagship Command, the Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja, Lagos in its antismuggling activities for the year ended January to December, 2013 has disclosed that it has made a total seizure of about 3,553 assorted prohibited goods valued at N1,294,211,018 with a payable duty of N227, 073, 983 and a Duty Paid Value DPV of N1,521,285,001.

The Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja, Comptroller Nuhu I.M, who disclosed this in an interaction recently explained that this figure represents a significant improvement from the report of the preceding year (2012).

Comparatively, the figure accounted for over 50% in terms of the Duty Paid Value and other variables.

He said,“it is important to state that consequent upon the ban on Rice importation through the land borders, the command beamed its searchlight on some volatile areas, particularly along the waterways, which have been identified as flashpoints with a view to blocking all loopholes and supply chains.

“The same strategy was also adopted in the case of foreign frozen poultry products and all of these strategies provided the unit the necessary impetus to raise the standard of our anti-smuggling activities over the period.

Proactive measure “Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria in its wisdom placed this ban on foreign frozen poultry as a proactive measure to protect the investments of our local farmers who have invested heavily on poultry farming and other agro-allied industries.

“Also the issue of job creation for our teeming youths made it more imperative for the Service to enforce the ban. Beyond this, also is the need to safeguard the Health of the nation in view of the understanding that these imported foreign frozen Poultry Products contain chemical substances

FOU Zone A seizes 3,553 goods valued at N1.2bn management, cargo profiling, and selectivity in our attempt to align with latest and acceptable standards in modern Customs operation. Our operatives have also benefitted very immensely from the capacity building programme of the present Customs administration under our indefatigable CGC Dr. Abdullahi Dikko Inde CFR and his management team.

We have also intensified efforts toward effective collaboration and synergy with members of the host communities where we operate. This strategy has helped in winning the confidence of the host communities who hitherto were very

I must warn all those who engage in the unpatriotic act of smuggling to desist forthwith as the unit is even more propelled to deal ruthlessly with these enemies of our dear country

,

that are injurious and detrimental to health.”

Operational strategy: The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, according to Nuhu, employs strategic planning in all areas and spheres of its operation.

However, the Unit, he said takes serious cognizance of the six point’s agenda of the CGC and this has the issue of capacity building, welfare, ICT, collaboration with stakeholders, coordination and integrity, he said are all essential ingredients which we carefully integrate, adding that these factors into operational strategies have led to increased and remarkable successes.

“We also engage the concept of risk C M Y K

•CAC FOU ZONE A Lagos Isa Nuhu and his PRO Uche Ezesi during a press brief

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unaccommodating and sometimes exhibited violent characteristics which hindered our operations.

“The hostile tendencies were doused through continuous dialogue and interface with the host communities where they were sensitized on the dangers of smuggling to their lives and the nation’s economy. Periodically we embark on enlightenment campaign aimed at educating the public on the dangers of smuggling” he explained further.

Summary of activities: In the light of the renewed vigour of the Unit to take up the ante in antismuggling activities by maintaining its role as a flagship Command, the Unit, he said in the report embarked on,

aggressive patrol activities along the border areas and sea ports.

This, he said was intended to complement the efforts of other Customs Command in terms of ensuring maximal revenue generation.

Future strategies: According to him, the Unit has restrategized its operational modalities to ensure remarkable results for 2014 in order to justify the confidence which the Customs management reposed on the unit.

“We have, therefore, put all necessary measures in place for effective synergy with critical stakeholders including the host communities where we operate and other relevant security agencies for the actualization of our operational goals and objectives.

“We have in fact started reaping the result already, with the spectacular seizure of 3,997 (three thousand, nine hundred and ninety seven) cartons of suspected fake pharmaceutical drugs with six drums of fake multivitamins valued at N5,850,000 (five million, eight hundred and fifty thousand naira only) with a Duty of N1,170,000 (One million, one hundred and seventy thousand naira only) and a DPV of N7,020,000 (Seven million and twenty thousand naira only) at the beginning of the year 2014.

He commended the support and cooperation of the Comptroller General of Customs and his management team in terms of staff motivation/ remuneration, training and retraining, enhanced welfare, provision of functional patrol vehicles etc.

Message to smugglers: Nuhu warned the smugglers to avoid any act or conduct that will have a

devastating effect on the Nigerian economy, saying that the Nigeria Customs Service was fully determined to aggressively tackle smuggling to its logical conclusion.

“I must warn all those who engage in the unpatriotic act of smuggling to desist forthwith as the unit is even more propelled to deal ruthlessly with these enemies of our dear country. I assure you that we will not rest one bit until we bring down smuggling to its barest minimum” he said.

Facilitating legitimate trade The Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja-Lagos is an arm of the Nigeria Customs Service, charged with the responsibility of suppressing smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade within the confines of its area of jurisdiction.

Beyond this, the Unit is also involved with the provision of security escorts to visiting VIPs in the Zone. This responsibility entails providing water tight security and other services that will guarantee the safety of visiting VIPs and other very senior officers of the Service.

The FOU A by its strategic importance is seen as a flagship command in anti-smuggling activities and this crucial role has resulted in several monumental achievements, which lend credence to the necessity of existence of the Unit.

It is instructive to note that assignments of this nature required a pragmatic and practical approach, and this therefore makes it a more herculean task.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 — 33

IT has strengthened operational efficiency in clearing— Ukaigwe HE ACG, Zonal Coordinator, the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone D, Headquarters, Bauchi, Ukaigwe P.C has said that the introduction of Information Communication Technology in the Nigerian Customs activities has strengthened efficiency in clearing.

Ukaigwe who dropped this hint in his presentation to the Nigerian Shippers Council seminar with the theme, ‘Facilitation of international trade through ICT” said that the ComptrollerGeneral of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, has risen to the challenge of integrity in the service and was moving from the orthodox method to a modern environment of internet business and investment which will in return bring about national development.

T

an increasingly important role in modern time, he said, “Customs administrations, the priorities, expectations, and experiences prompted Customs to recognize the significant advantages of using technology-based solution to improve its operational efficiency.

“It designed and developed its own ICT systems, tailored to meet national and international best trade practices and standards.

This precipitated the adoption of e-services by the Nigeria Customs Service for efficient service delivery.”

Role of internet in documentation

Concept of PAAR

Speaking on the role of the internet in documentation and clearing of cargo, he told the gathering that the application of internet in documentation and clearance of cargo was pivotal in socio-economic development of Nigeria.

The ASYCUDA or Information and Communication Technology, ICT, involvement to facilitate trade, according to him has been identified as powerful tool in promoting the exchange of goods across borders.

Admitting that the implementation of the system may be costly both for government and businesses in developing countries like Nigeria, he said that past experience has shown

•ACG Ukaigwe

that over time the financial benefits in many cases have exceeded cost.

While it is evident that ICT is assuming

The concept of PAAR, he said is based on Prearrival assessment of Goods which is the direction most Customs administrations all over the world are going.

Explaining the whole idea behind PAAR, he explained that a lot of interventions could be done before the goods arrive Nigeria.

This, he noted, allows less time and cost spent in clearing the cargo when it eventually arrives.

The interventions, according to him, include the fact that Customs wants to ascertain the country of origin, the value of goods etc and based on these parameters, Customs will arrive at what level of risk the cargo presents and this will inform the level of intervention whether to subject it to full physical examination or to scan.

“This is the best practice that other Customs Administrations are using in line with the provisions of the revised Kyoto convention on facilitation of trade.

“The real time issuance of PAAR is however, dependent on the integrity and honesty of importers. There will be delay if documents filed by them do not conform with all fiscal policies and guidelines.

“For example, it takes only six hours for the completion of processing of imported cargo documents for issuance of PAAR provided importers make genuine declaration and have resolved all issues they may have with other agencies of government involved in one way or the other in the cargo clearance’ he further explained.

According to him, ICT in NCS is currently provided by the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS).

This system, he said is made up of the ASYCUDA and Risk Management System and a number of modules developed by the NCS and a Service provider- the Webb Fontaine, which are collectively known as Trade World Manager (TWM), which at present includes modules for risk assessment.

SEME COMMAND: We have raised anti-smuggling tempo — Egbudin

Willy Egbudin CAC Seme

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N its relentless effort to battle rice smuggling, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, Comptroller Willy Egbudin, has disclosed that the command has raised the anti smuggling tempo by increasing the existing patrols and fortifying the approved check points with the deployment of very vigilant officers.

Egbudin was reacting to inquiries about the Command’s anti smuggling campaign particularly with reference to rice which has since been banned from being imported into the country through the land borders.

According to him , about 32,796 bags of C M Y K

rice were seized between January and December 2013, adding that this forms part of the N949,427,160.00 duty paid value of rice seized by the customs nationwide.

“This figure could not have been achieved without our sustained enforcement drive and support of the Comptroller General of Customs, whose zero tolerance for smuggling has been our watchword” he explained.

To ensure full participation of all officers in the yuletide operations when rice smuggling was on the increase, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Ernest Olota in a statement said that the

Controller canceled all holidays of the officers. This paid off as we made single seizures of rice worth N12.5million and N7.5million at various times.

“Our close watch also beams on travelers who bring in bags of rice in what can be described as trickles under the pretext that they are meant for personal consumption.

Intelligence reveals that such small quantities ranging between 25kg and 50kg per trip are stored in commercial quantity for onward shipment into markets.

Transborder travellers and traders “We are defying this antic by seizing such small quantities from persons coming into the country with them. This relentless drive has made us unpopular among many trans border travellers and traders.

But our primary interest which is service to the Nigerian state is paramount to our entire workforce.

“Our anti smuggling drive now stretches to various swampy areas where vehicles could not access. In addition to the visible vehicular patrols and proper manning of our approved checkpoints, we have increased foot patrol along the bush paths and raised our level of intelligence gathering for preventing,interdicting and uncompromising arrests of smuggling suspects.

“The Controller has set in motion a system that makes the fight against smuggling more inclusive. By meeting with traditional rulers,community chiefs, youth leaders, sister government organizations and all stakeholders in the border project,smugglers will in no distant time have no hiding place.

“This drive got the blessing of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu who joined in the campaign by urging other traditional rulers to key into this patriotic drive by dissuading their community members from smuggling and any other unlawful activities.

34 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28 , 2014

Tin Can Island command generates N43.5bn revenue T

HE Tin Can Island Command said it has generated N43,230,628,110 revenue between January and February 2014.

According to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Jibrin Zakari, the command was given a target of N264 billion, which translates to N22 billion per month.

Details of the revenue figures released by the command, shows that N20,550 billion was collected in January, while N21,355billion was collected in the month of February 2014.

The statement added that in January, N12,462 billion was collected into the Federation account which is made up of import duty and fees while N3,112 billion was collected into non federation account which included 7 per cent CAC Tincan JIBRIN ZAKARI levy, NAC,1per cent CSS, ETL, sugar,rice, wheat flour,wheat grain, iron, cigarette and cement. officers of the command who have not In FebruaryN13,299billion was raked given up in the discharge of their into Federation Account made up of constitutional functions and tasks. import duty and fees, also He credited the increase in revenue by N3,337billion was raked into the Non the command to the existing leadership Federation Account which included 7 in the Customs Headquarters, Abuja. The per cent levy,NAC,1 per cent, CISS, Customs chief further asserted that the ETL, sugar, rice, brown rice, wheat support and good motivation by the flour, wheat grain, iron, cigarette and Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji cement. Jibril maintained that the Inde Dikko Abdullahi have made increase in revenue was made possible everybody to work very hard in revenue through the commitment of men and generation.

FOU Zone C impounds 5,085 bags of rice

Victor Dimka CAC FOU ZONE C Continues from page 31 his men in their investigations,.

He informed that those already granted bail would soon appear in court pending when their cases would come up.

Appealing for cooperation from members of the public to enable the Nigeria Customs Service to rid the nation of the scourge of smuggling, he said that the service had entered into partnership with security agencies including the Directorate of State Services, DSS, and the police to strengthen its dragnet on smuggling.

Dimka expressed sadness that rice smugglers had resorted to using officially approved empty bags of rice to re-bag imported rice and ferry them to various parts of the country in order to remain afloat in business.

He however warned such fraudsters to desist from their obnoxious business as the NCS now boasts of properly trained C M Y K

intelligence unit well educated and mobilized to deal with them. Additionally, the FOU Zone C area Controller said that the NCS had established a harmonious working relationship with major genuine rice importers to checkmate the criminal activities of unauthorized rice importers who re-bag imported rice in officially approved bags to make money.

Dimka further warned that once arrested, both the owner of the vehicle carrying the contraband goods and the driver including his conductor would go in for it as prescribed by the law stressing that ignorance of such vehicles and drivers being involved in the business would not be tolerated.

“The story behind our success is round the clock support we receive from the Comptroller General of Customs Abdullahi Dikko Inde and the management and we have been trained and re-trained and our intelligence unit is at its best to meet our challenges,” he explained.

We have 3, 843 unutilized PAAR still on the system — NCS Continues from page 31 you to process accordingly.

“The work now belongs to the professionals. If you were taking ‘awoof’ before it’s no longer so. Because we go as far as knowing the Customs declaration abroad; knowing how much per unit you bought your goods abroad.

Whether you tell us or you don’t, we are the owners of our work now, so why are you trying to hide? You can’t hide now and nobody will help you out if you don’t play your genuine role. Let me tell you that people who come here genuinely have easy and fast trade facilitation.

The Apapa area project manager, pointed out efforts of the Service to make PAAR a success story. “ He said,”Let me tell you something, it has been a miracle, I say this because from day one, we started this file from 250 per day, but it has grown up to 600 per day, when we created two shifts.

“The CG said no and created three shifts, so that we’re now working morning, evening and night, and we are making up to 800 today. To God be the glory, we are making up to 1250 per day.

“These are the people that applied for PAAR and these are the PAAR that we generated and transmitted out.

And this is the reason why this PAAR is still underutilized in the system.

“If a banker says, your PAAR did not come, go back to him and ask why, let them give you reasons , because we have put up a platform that once you apply, it will sent through an SMS. “And also I want to tell members of the public that gone are the days when one would just sit at home and tell an agent to go and open a form M for you, and the agent will open the form M with his name and every other details. When you bring in the cargo eventually, the disparity between your first and second documentations will reject that PAAR completely. Because you are not the one that opened the first documentation, but the second is bearing your name. How come you got that. So this is how to understand these issues.

Digitalisation of the system

So, when people are saying they don’t get their PAAR, I will challenge them to give me their form M number and I will find out there and then, what is actually the problem.

Frowning at the complaints of some importers , the Customs chief said: “We digitalized the system by 3.0 ASYCUDA, people complained.

When we came to e-payment people still thought it is not possible.”

In his opinion the Public Relation officer Tincan Island custom command, Mr. Chis Osunkwo stated that for PAAR to work well there must be honesty.

He said, “Customs High Command has been preaching about honest declaration and presentation of quality documents,

CGC DIKKO good documentation. You don’t falsify documents right, left, center and present it. Let me warn , once you submit a falsified document you must from that moment start having problems from the system.

When the documents are captured, definitely, there is no way they can pass the test. They are sent back to you, then you start afresh, and you will start counting all those days caused by you and not the Nigerian Customs Service” He blamed the banks for most of the issues associated to PAAR, noting, “in all honesty, the banks are the number one suspect in fabricating these documents.

“How can a bank customer get to the bank to find the state of his document and the bank will say, no, that they have to transmitt everything to the Customs. That is why I am of the opinion that the management of our Service should start deploying knowledgeable officers to the banks handling documents for PAAR.

No congestion at the ports

“They should start deploying them to banks, just like they deployed Customs officers for foreign military service because some of these banks lack effective and efficient staff to handle the process. I know what I pass through here, I am a public relations man.”

On congestion, DC Ibrahim said that there was no congestion looming in the ports He noted.

“What I am trying to say here is that, we have no issue with PAAR as far as this command is concerned.

Let us be practical. The Terminal Manager of APMT just left my office and he confirmed to me that there is no congestion. It beats me where people get their rumours from, if there is no congestion in the terminal, how is it possible that non of the port operators raised it? he queried Also Mr. Osunkwo said they have no congestion in any of the terminals at Tincan Island port, “There is no congestion. You see the only problem associated with PAAR is still the same thing that the Customs management has been preaching about honest declaration” When contacted, Public Relations Officer of APMTerminals, Mr. Bolaji Akola confirmed that there is no congestion looming at the terminals as touted. “There is no congestion in the port. I do not foresee any congestion looming in the port. At least to my knowledge,” he added.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 — 35

I want to be the richest comedian — Hon. D-One

Aderombi Adedayo Martins who is popularly known by fans as Honourable De-One is a fast-rising comedian who started his comedy career in 2011.

Honorable De-one is a graduate of architecture from Covenant University in 2011, and he became popular after emerging winner as the ‘Best Comedy Artiste’ at Amstel Malta talent show competition in the same year.

In this chat with WG, De-One lets us into his journey as an upcoming comedian, viz-a-viz, other sundry issues.Excerpts:

By IYABO AINA and KEHINDE AJOSE

H

•De-One

I didn’t understand piracy until I became producer — Desmond Elliot C M Y K

ow was the experience at the Amstel Malta talent show?

It was good, because we had a lot of artistes there, Dare Art Alade, Wizkid, and Psquare, amongst others. So the experience was great.

I will say that the Amstel Malta show launched me into the industry, in the sense that when people see me they were like, ‘oh, you are the guy that performed at the Amstel talent show, can I have your number’? So, with that I’ve been able to get more contacts and fame as well.

Why comedy?

It’s because I’m so passionate about comedy.

Anybody who knows me or have been close to me will tell you I am naturally funny. So comedy for me, as a profession is a natural thing. It is like bringing my natural self to life and trying to earn a living by it.

Who are the people you look up to in the trade?

There are so many of them. People like Omobaba, Ali baba, Julius Agwu and others lead the pack but I don’t only look up to them they are also my mentors. And there is an international comedian that I look up to too, his name is Jerry Seinfeld. I like him a lot

Frank Artus goes nude in new movie

because he is very talented and he is the richest comedian in the world. He is very unique in the way he cracks jokes. Apart from his jokes, I also wish to be as rich as he is because I believe that for him to be the richest it takes more than his jokes, there must be something extraordinary about him.

I think for him to be the richest it means he’s very intelligent. I also wish to be the richest comedian someday.

Considering that you are a graduate, didn’t your parents have any objection to your career choice?

Actually, my parents are fully in support of it. Though at first, they were skeptical of my decision and they weren’t so sure I am funny enough to take it up as a profession.

They were just not convinced about it. But after the Amstel show, they gave me their total consent. Right now, my parents are very happy with what I’m doing.

As an upcoming comedian, what will make you unique from others?

Hmm, first, I will say what people say is unique about me, and that is the fact that I use good, polished English most times instead of pidgin. I try not to crack joke like other people. When I crack jokes, I just look for areas that most comedians Continues on page 36

Facebook hits 1B mobile users

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

I want to be the richest comedian someday Continues from page 35 have not really touched. Like music and dance aspect of comedy.

Again, I think I have the looks, unlike most comedians who are seen by people as ugly. In fact, there is a belief that most comedians are ugly but I am not. This may be another added advantage for me.

So, what have you been able to achieve since 2011?

Yeah, I’ve worked on myself over the years and it’s not easy. I’ve been able to create a good relationship with most of the senior colleagues and they know me. Soon, I’m doing Gbenga Adeyinka’s show by next month in Ibadan, that is, ‘Laffmattz’ and I also do a club comedy every Wednesday with Omobaba at GRA, Ikeja. That was where Gbenga Adeyinka saw me and said he would like to invite me to his show.

Most people believe that there is no money in comedy compared to music and movie industry; are you into it for the money?

Actually there is money in the comedy industry. Maybe the reason why people think there is no money is because comedy is still young compared to movie or music industry. For example, people like Ali baba are the ones who started comedy a few years back while music and movie have been there for a very long time. But as young as the comedy industry is, we have so many rich comedians, with some of them even richer than some music or movie stars. Arguably, it is the fastest growing industry. At first, I was into it for the passion but presently I am into it for the money, because I can see the business part.

When did you realise the talent?

I realized the talent when I was a teenager, but my parents realized it long before I did.

Back then, they used to say I wasn’t serious about anything, that I saw everything as a joke.

And my first show was while I was still in secondary school; we used to do a variety night, it’s like a social gathering where we used to do all kinds of shows. It was there I first performed as a comedian. Then I

did another one while I was in the Covenant University. But my first big comedy show was three years ago and I was able to make Seventy thousand naira.

What are the challenges as an upcoming comedian?

The main challenge is becoming popular or being recognised. There is also the challenge of connecting with the people. This is very important because the moment people think you are not so funny then you are as good as out of the business. People really love comedy in this country but very few can afford it. There is also the problem of people owing comedians after agreeing to pay some certain fee.

Is there any secret to make clients pay promptly?

Yes, through recommendations.

The client gets to pay money on trust, that the comedian is that good. Anchoring events is very lucrative nowadays.

What’s the largest amount of money you’ve been paid for a show and which is your biggest show/ performance?

The highest amount I’ve been paid so far now is two hundred and fifty thousand naira, and my biggest show to date is a show I did in London “Crack Your Ribs” in 2011. I also did a show with Omo Baba at Abeokuta on the 26th of December that paid off very well too.

What was your first time on stage like?

It was good. It wasn’t professional, but I was actually funny. Being a professional entails the ability to move from one joke to another. Joking and making it look like you are having a chat with the audience.

What project are you working on?

I am currently working on a comedy project with a friend on Thursdays at Lilac Place in Isolo. I have also been running a project with Omo Baba every Wednesday at Ikeja for almost a year now. The project is quite good, as people come around, we get more exposure.

Why do comedians usually copy jokes?

It’s not good and there is nothing you can do about it. I have materials that are unique to me, so I crack jokes that are quite stale to discourage those who purposely come to shows to jot down my materials and use somewhere else. Omo Baba once told me that you can’t stop people from cracking your jokes, so you just have to work on them the more and invent new ones.

•2face

•Sound Sultan

BlackREALvolution Movement for launch today ... Sound Sultan, Bovi, DJ Xclusive, others show support

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HE suspense and anticipation surrounding the #BlackREALvolution will be laid to rest on Friday, March 28, when the movement will be formally launched.

Popular musicians, Femi AnikulapoKuti, Nigeria’s king of afro-beat and 2Face Idibia, afro hip-hop exponent, have shown their support for the Movement.

There has been an upsurge in support of the #BlackREALvolution from other celebrities. Music acts such as Sound Sultan and Chuddy K, comedians Bovi and Gordons and superstar disc jockey, DJ Xclusive, have also thrown their weight behind the Movement.

Popular Nigerian musician, Sound Sultan, described the birth of the Movement as timely. He said: “I support peace and unity; I support any cause that fights against injustice and oppression. I advocate creativity, honesty and hard-work among the Nigerian youths. I support making Nigeria a better place. I will be at the launch of this Movement.”

Rotimi Alakija, popularly known as DJ Xclusive, has also thrown his weight behind the #BlackRealvolution Movement. The superstar DJ said his decision to support the Movement was borne out of his love for Nigeria and the need for change in the society.

He remarked that the: “BlackRealvolution is a movement of hardworking Nigerians who are open to change. We are innovative and funloving. We are a talented and creative bunch.”

Renowned comedian, Gordons, has also pitched tent with the Movement. The veteran comedian stated that his decision to join the Movement was borne out of the spirit of patriotism and his love for change in the society.

Gordons said: “As a comedian, my primary duty is to put laughter on the faces of Nigerians; and I have done so successfully over the years. I get stopped on the road, several times and people thank me for a job well done. My alliance with

•Bovi the #BlackRealvolution movement is one of my ways of giving back to society. This selfless cause will be revealed in due course. While the #Blackrealvolution is a fun movement, I can say that it is not a funny affair.”

Another comedian, Bovi, said his support for the #Blackrealvolution stems from his spirit of patriotism. “I support positivity, I support moving Nigeria forward. I support the #Blackrealvolution.”

Nigerian singing sensation, Chuddy K, has expressed willingness to be part of the #BlackREALvolution Movement. The gifted musician, whose hit tracks include Brazilian Hair, Slow slow and Gaga Crazy said: “When I was told about the values of the #BlackREALvolution and how the Movement is advocating a better society, I knew I had to be a part of it. The movement preaches love, peace and unity, courage and creativity and the ability to freely express oneself; and these are values which I also hold dear.”

Chuddy K urged Nigerians to register on www.blackrealvolution.com.

The #BlackREALvolution will be formally launched on Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Eko Atlantic.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 — 37

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40 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

Creativity is fuelled by passion — Enuma Chigbo

By Morenike taire

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numa Chigbo has worn many caps, not least of which is that of the stunned nominee who co-produced the winning documentary at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards earlier this month. She has worn that of journalist, and currently, that of writer. She is also one of the Creative Directors of the Carnival Calabar Queen Pageant, which holds in the Cross Rivers state capital every year; as well as a consultant to the Cross Rivers’ state government.

Deadwood, the AMVCA award winning documentary, is the tale of the Nigerian pensioner or old folk, and society’s growing indifference to the daily odds they face: immobility, loneliness, health issues, poverty- even when they had spent their lives in the service of the motherland.

Describing herself elsewhere as “a keen observer of humanity and the media”, the Pan African University alumnus shares her excitement at the recognition of her work, and her hopes that finally, someone will listen.

•Enuma Chigbo

In what way?

When you are passionate about something the creative juices flow thereafter. To narrow this down to specifics, I am quite passionate about bringing out the best in people; showcasing their talents and this subsequently gives birth to unique ideas and how to achieve results How did that play out in your production of Deadwood?

The Deadwood originally came from my father. It’s a celebration of the “Almost forgotten.” It talks about the plight of the elderly people and looking back now, I see that the neglect of the elderly had been like burden for my father. He wrote an article about it, which I helped publish in the Vanguard newspapers and I guess that was when it became my passion. From that article and the stories he told me, I was determined to amplify their sound.

How easy was it to recruit your actors?

Fairly easy. Number one ‘actor ’ was my father. My producer Grace Edwin-Okon felt he would naturally fall into place as the narrator. The only thing he said to us back then when we approached him in his home in Enugu, “You are

,

W

hat role does passion have to play in your creativity?

A whole lot. Creativity is fueled by passion

When you are passionate about something the creative juices flow thereafter

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lucky I do not have heart problems otherwise I would have collapsed.” I guess that was his way of saying yes.

The other main actor, Lady Grace Ezi-Ashi said, who incidentally is the mother of Obioma Liyel-Imoke, Wife of the Cross River State Governor said “I’m okay with acting as long as I am told what to do”.

Wow! and you had no problems with them at all?

Would they like to act again?

We could tell she was excited about it. For the minor actors and extras, I am blessed to have a wonderful production crew in Calabar, where the documentary was shot. The recruitment process was seamless. If you are talking about the main actors, I’m sure they would if their health issues do not get in the way.

They have been challenged in that area in recent times.

Lucky for you . Some would argue that documentary is a dying science while some would say it’s still underdeveloped. What’s your own take?

I do not agree to documentaries being a dying science. I guess the way they are presented also matters.

There are still so many stories out there to be showcased in this manner. More people go down the docu drama route to authenticate their stories and make them more interesting and this I most definitely subscribe to I was going to come to that.

I was going to ask you about the acting- some really dramatic scenes. Was that necessary?

Yes it was. It’s one thing to talk about drawing attention to the public about the plight of the elderly. When you talk about it, some may listen but there is a greater chance that they’ve forgotten the message minutes after, but when you back it up with drama, it creates a vivid picture which stays much longer in the minds of people Do you have any evidence of that? I mean is it not dependent on the individual?

My evidence is based on reactions and how much longer they talk about it and how often they watch it. You find that people tend to watch drama over and over again.

Though I do not have statistics to prove this, from feelers here and there more people are

inclined to watching drama over and over than they would documentaries.

Why do you think you won?

Honestly? I have no clue! I can only say it was something the Almighty God Himself orchestrated And why do you think He orchestrated it?

Hard to say but I think I will go down memory lane on this one. I recall the very first time my father talked about the

issue of the elderly was sometime in October 2001. I’m not sure I paid that much attention back then. But with time, I noticed his perseverance. He then wrote the article which I helped publish in 2010 - nine years later, having also experienced the travails of pensioners himself.

However in more recent times, my attention was drawn to something he said about his father in 1946 - way before my time. His father retired as a railway staff and was not

By More

If you have not g then it’s about tim Mothers’ Day is and it’s not a tim usual; but the da great woman who nurtured you to toady. Remembe who are given bir being called mot yours. Also, rem have lost their o those who do no

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

— 41

paid his pension for two years.

According to my father, he had nine children to feed and I can only imagine what they went through at the time. Where I can go by events and dates told to me, there certainly was someone way bigger than me who perhaps knew and understood the situation far better then anyone of us. His name is Jesus.

They are terrible, are they not?

So, now that the word is out, what do you wish to see happen?

I truly wish that Government and all stakeholders would do the needful and be more sensitive to the plight of the elderly and be a whole lot more selfless. Can you imagine that The Deadwood was a name a sitting Governor called our Senior Citizens - people who had contributed son much to society?

The Governor actually said that if the elderly did not have children to look after them they should go home and die. We really need to shift from this ugly mindset. It would be nice to see more facilities for the elderly places where they can congregate, reminisce and not feel so old.

Was it a financially rewarding project?

Not yet but I truly hope it will and soon How are documentaries financially rewarding?

You know, I need to really think about this. I don’t believe I have a ready answer for you What next?

There are a couple of projects in the offing; it’s too soon to talk about them in detail at the moment. One of them interestingly is a feature length film based on an article I wrote and published in the Vanguard in 2009. So I guess it’s a case of good History repeating itself

Empowering youths through contemporary art

BY ANINO AGANBI

M

EDINA Dugger works for the A f r i c a n Artist Foundation as a chief curator and organizer. The initiative is meant to empower the youths with art and we want to teach artistic skills, life skills, just give them tools to empower themselves in life.

We bring in guest facilitators, to come and speak and also we have daily classes.

Her concept on people thinking art is feminine for a male was a stereotype which she was not really aware of. She was more aware of the stereotype that you can’t really produce a living by being an artist.

She says that she does not agree with that.

It’s actually very important that people understand the true story that Nigeria portrays both here and abroad. Media

What will you get your mother on Mothers’ Day?

nike Taire

given it a thought me you did, because around the corner me for business as y to celebrate that o gave you life and be what you are er, not all persons rth can lay claim to thers, so celebrate member those who own children and ot have biological

children, but do nurture others.

If you live across the country or overseas, and can’t celebrate with Mom, be sure to send a sweet card and give her a phone call. Perhaps include a gift certificate with the card, or send a small gift. You could even order flowers from one of the many websites that offer those services. But overall, a phone call is a must. Your voice is a wonderful gift to a mother whose baby is far away.

Devise a plan for the day, depending on what your mother likes to do, and how much money you can spend.

One choice is to spend the day relaxing at home—make her a

C M Y K

healthy breakfast, run her a bubble bath, watch some movies and reminisce about the past. Or you can take her out to a museum, a water park, or the movies. Another option is to give her a break and send her off for a day alone, perhaps at the spa for a manicure, pedicure, and haircut. Meet her for lunch and give her your gift. Whatever you decide, make sure you focus on Mom today.

Remember to discuss the day with your other family members as you don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. The more information you have, the better a decision you can come to.

Multiple heads are always better than one. Also discus gift ideas:

represents this in a holistic way. You hear about the bad things happening but nothing about the good things that is happening. Art is a medium that is trying to tell these stories to the world.

We have had many exhibitions here but we try to take many of our works abroad so people can understand the good things that are happening here.

Hopefully, people will see the positive things coming from art.

She went further to state that the programme is just for secondary school for the moment and they chose students from SS1 and SS 2.

Guest facilitator As Vanguard media held an interview with the guest facilitator; she sheds more light into her life as an artist.

How long have you been into art?

I have been into art pretty much all my life in many different ways. But I have been into arts professionally for about 6 years.

What intrigued you about Art as a child?

I think I was really born with a sense of curiosity and I loved to create and to communicate, I think those ingredients make an artist. You are curious about the world around you, you want to communicate your observations and also want to create things which depict what it is you observed. I have just been intrigued by life since I was a child and that molded me into expressing myself through art.

What have been your accomplishments so far?

Winning the national arts competition last year, starting out Africa heritage group, starting up an investment plan which promotes Africa and my books as well. I am very passionate about what it is I do. I use every means available to tell stories about what I think is not told enough and these are stories about our

culture, our history, our ancestor and essentially who we are. So I use whatever means at my disposal to tell their stories and am very passionate about that.

How well have you enjoyed working with the students in this class?

I love these children. It is very clichéd to say that children are the future but interacting with these children, seeing that hope in their eyes, seeing the expectation of receiving wisdom has really inspired me. And I am inspired to do more to engage young people, to express themselves, to dream more, to believe in themselves and to understand more about who they are, where they are coming from, their heritage. Working with them has been fantastic.

Do you think there is hope for Nigeria?

I think that yes, there really is hope for Nigeria. My lesson today was about the amalgamation of Nigeria. I was teaching them about history. A lot of them had no idea about history. A country that does not know where it’s coming from, I think that one of the way to galvanize Nigerians feature paradoxically is to look at our past and to tell stories about our past.

That’s when our traditions and our culture, the things which bind us would really come forth. Speaking to them now, they are so receptive right now. The student have come from not knowing anything, they are actually creating a story which tells something about what they think their ancestors were through different points of views.. Our ancestors were ancestors were great people and we should stop glorifying other people’s ancestors and forgetting our own.

Do you have a word of advice for youths out there?

For children, I basically think they should believe in themselves, don’t let anything, any circumstance or any one make you think you cant be what you have to be. You have to be focused, determined and work hard.

42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

Facebook hits 1B mobile users R

EMEMBER when you could only access facebook with your desktop or laptop computer? Those were the days when all your mobile phone could do was make calls and receive messages. The story is totally different how. With the rise of the smart phone, you can now do practically anything with your mobile device.

Companies like Facebook learned this lesson quite early and are now reaping the rewards of the gigantic mobile movement.

Facebook now has more than one billion people accessing its services on mobile devices, with 20 per cent of time spent in mobile apps globally devoted to use of Facebook services.

Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, said recently in a public statement: “We’ve made a lot of progress in mobile. As of last week, there are now more than one billion people actively using our mobile apps alone.”

Zuckerberg also revealed that photo sharing app Instagram, which Facebook bought for $1 billion two years ago, now has more than 200 million active users. It

had just 20 million users when it was acquired.

Instagram was an “initial test case” according to the Facebook CEO, as the social network had no previous experience in acquiring a company and letting it operate independently.

“Our thesis when we agreed to acquire Instagram was that one day we thought it could reach 100 million people or more, and within the first two years of working with them, we’re already at 200 million,” he said. Just last month, Facebook announced it had agreed to acquire mobile messaging app maker

WhatsApp for $19 billion, as it looks to further bolster its mobile capabilities.

While Zuckerberg said there is still “a lot of work to do on mobile”, the $2 billion deal to acquire Oculus VR — which is developing a virtual reality platform and wearable device — will see the company “start focusing on building the next major computing platform that will come after mobile.

Today’s acquisition is a long term bet on the future of computing. I believe Oculus can be one of the platforms of the future.”

Oculus and Facebook plan to initially focus on immersive gaming before using the platform for other experiences. “This is really a new social platform,” Zuckerberg added.

Facebook has offered $400 million in cash and 23.1 million Facebook shares to acquire Oculus, with an additional $300 million earn out to be paid in cash and stock of the acquired company achieves certain milestones.

The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014.

Smart phone apps parents should watch out for A

CCORDING to a recent Pew Internet study, 3 out of every 4 teenagers own their own cell phone. That’s incredible, considering that only a few years ago pagers were all the rage! With the explosion of cell phone use, smartphone applications, or “apps” have also taken off.

Whether it’s Apple or Google, every cell phone provider has an online store, where you can peruse thousands upon thousands of applications that can be downloaded right onto your phone. These handy icons on your phone allow you to do everything from edit photos, to order a pizza, to turning your phone into a flashlight!

Some novelty apps are free. Other more powerful apps can cost you quite a bit of money.

You might feel a little lost navigating a digital world, where everyday hundreds of new apps are available for download.

However, parents must immerse themselves in this digital world and be aware of what’s out there,

because some seemingly harmless apps have the potential to be dangerous.

Let me highlight a few new ones.

SNAPCHAT This app allows users to send photos and videos from their phone that disappear after 10 seconds once they are received. No longer are images and information living on in perpetuity. The idea is that once the intended receiver gets your photo, it’s gone in a flash. However,

this has made many young people feel safe sending inappropriate photos and videos, believing that what they are forwarding won’t live in the cyber world.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Even when you use Snapchat, material can be saved. If you see this app on your teens phone, let them know that everything they send can be monitored.

KIK Kik is an instant messaging service that allows users to send messages and photos with relative anonymity. Because it’s a third-party service, contacts and messages are not recorded by your phone’s provider like they would be if you were using the regular IM service. Kik is a popular messaging service with tweens and teens, with over 80 million users. But the danger is that this app allows people to chat with your teen anonymously, and messages go unrecorded. So talk to your son or daughter about the dangers of anonymous chats, and explain what subjects and topics are inappropriate to talk about with others.

Set boundaries for this type of social media, and explain the risks involved with using an app like Kik. (To be continued...)

Culled from www.heartministries.com

Grey dangers for Apple customers at Grey market Core group Africa, Apple’s official value added distributors for subSaharan Africa, has advised Nigerian consumers to avoid buying grey Apple products from unauthorized resellers, as these products do not honour warranty agreements and deny consumers of the full buyer’s benefits.

Mr. Rutger-Jan van Spaandonk, Chairman, Core Group Africa, who made this appeal while addressing press men in Lagos recently, noted that countless technology consumers and buyers of Apple products in Nigeria who fail to purchase the devices through official channels like the Apple iStore, Ikeja City Mall and other authorized resellers are deniedthe full Apple experience like outright product replacement in cases of factory fault, authentic two-year warranty, after sales support, access to well trained personnel, device set-up training and others.

He stated that Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad and MacBook are the most desired in emerging markets especially in the smartphones segment because Apple has revolutionized the mobile computing industry and delivers the most amazing experience consumers have ever had with technology.

‘For our customer, Apple devices are investments and we always striving to ensure they get great value for money. Because we understand this, we want Apple customers to purchase our devices with guaranteed peace of mind and access technology that truly impacts lives,” Spaandonk noted.

He explained further that, grey products are a rampant situation in which marketers smuggle non-counterfeit but mostly refurbished products into the country without the permission of the intellectual property owners or paying all necessary taxes and customs duties. Though a grey product tends to be cheaper, it is not in the customer’s best interest. It is usually not the standard version, has no record with manufacturer’s exports, neither are there provisions for warranty, spare parts, consumer education, product set-up and after sales support. The sellers do not pay custom duties or make false declarations at entry point.

‘Though the combination of economy strapped consumers seeking very low prices and unauthorized traders eager for huge profits present this compound problem to both brands owners and the government at large, the undiscerning consumers are the worst hit.’

“We are constantly looking for innovative ways to ensure our customers get the most out of their Apple products and experience. They are also excited about the fact that Apple iOS device offers free system upgrade annually to the latest operating system. That is like getting a new phone every year. This is why consumers who use genuine Apple products do not try anything else.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014—43

TREBLE CHANCE South'pton Stoke Swansea West Brom Birmingham Burnley Yeovil Bristol R. Dagenham

v Newcastle v Hull v Norwich v Cardiff v Bournemouth v Leicester v Barnsley v Morecambe v Oxford

Guest Forecaster BAYO AKINWAMIDE BET ON – 5, 11, 49 Or 5, 15, 24

FOUR HOMES

RECORD, KEEP-IT! <> HIBERNIAN – 49 – AWAY [B]: Scotland and HIBERNIAN 2013/2015, guaranteed perfection for 4-times. That by the multiplication of 4,3,2,1 used respectively. By simple appearance of Hibernian on away game Coupon No.49, made Jackpot. Simply have the 2nd letter by left –angle and 3rd letter by right-angle subtracted, as fraction made multiplied, and that multiplication made subtracted “49” for a distinctive draw automatically. Research and presentation by Bayo Akinwamide. 08035317164.

WEEK06-2013/2014 – Fixtures Saturday August24,2013 appeared Hibernian at an away game Coupon No.49 with Kilmarnock as match. That’s I-O =9-15=6x4=24-49=25banker.

[Void though, Colchester (1) Carlisle (1)] WEEK35-2013/2014 – Fixtures Saturday March15,2014 appeared Hibernian at an away game Coupon No.49 with Partick as match. That’s A-I =1-9=8x3=24-49=25banker. Checked for Week35 matches played Saturday March15,2014, Napped-25.

WEEK36-2013/2014 – Fixtures Saturday March22,2014 appeared Hibernian at an away game Coupon No.49 with Saint Johnstone as match. That’s A-O =1-15=14x2=28-49=21banker.

Checked for Week36 matches played Saturday March22,2014, NAPPED-21.

TORQUAY UNITED 41 AWAY [A] English Football and The GULLS, 2013/2015 @3. Torquay on away game Coupon No.41 made sensational draws. CODENUMBER be multiplied ‘4’, and multiplication made subtracted “41” for a distinctive draw automatically. Research and modification by Bayo Akinwamide.

08035317164.Facebook: bayodusports@yahoo.com WEEK09-2013/2014 – Fixtures Saturday September14,2013 appeared Torquay at an away game Coupon No.41 tie Rochdale as match. And Coded-Number being-11. Therefore, 11x4=44-41=3banker. Checked for Week09 matches played Saturday September14,2013, Napped-3.

WEEK37-2013/2014 – Fixtures Saturday March29,2014 appeared Torquay at an away game Coupon No.41 tie Southend as match. And Coded-Number being-9. Therefore, LATE 9x4=36-41=5banker. Checked for Week37 matches TIPS to be played Saturday March29,2014 to NAP-5.

TIPS

5X13X 15 X17 FOUR AWAYS PAIR 21 2 X 3 X 12X X 23 PERMUTATION 22 6X 7X9X 10 X AVOID 11 X 14 23 TIPS RISKY 30X33X 34 24 CREDIT Alloa St.Johnston Milton KD Oldham Stevenage Bristol R. Dagenham Mansfield

EXCELLENT 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3

South'pton Stoke Swansea West Brom Birmingham Burnley Sheff Wed Yeovil

7 7 7 5 5 5 5 5

Meanwhile, it’s compensation galore this week, be compensated. And comprehensive, outright draws, Saturday March29,2014 are Birmingham vs Bournemouth, Yeovil vs Barnsley, Dagenham&Redbridge vs Oxford United. TIPS > > NAP:3,5,23. NAP:2,22,24. NAP: 5,11,39,49.

NAP:5,15,24. NAP:11,22,34. NAP: \5,35,37.

TORQUAY UNITED 41 AWAY [B] English Football and The GULLS, 2013/2015 @3.

Torquay on away game Coupon No.41 made sensational draws. CODE-NUMBER be multiplied ‘4’, and multiplication made subtracted the DateMatches-Played, and that fraction made subtracted “41” for a distinctive draw automatically.

Research and modification by Bayo Akinwamide.

0 8 0 3 5 3 1 7 1 6 4 . F a c e b o o k : bayodusports@yahoo.com WEEK09-2013/2014 – Fixtures Saturday September14,2013 appeared Torquay at an away game Coupon No.41 tie Rochdale as match. And CodedNumber being-11. Therefore, 11x4=44-14=3041=11banker. Checked for Week09 matches played Saturday September14,2013, Napped-11.

WEEK37-2013/2014 – Fixtures Saturday March29,2014 appeared Torquay at an away game Coupon No.41 tie Southend as match. And CodedNumber being-9. Therefore, 9x4=36-29=741=34banker. Checked for Week37 matches to be played Saturday March29,2014 to NAP-34.

X-RAY OF THE DRAWS WEEK 3 7 37 Barclays Premier League 1 Arsenal 2 Crystal C. 3 Fulham 4 Liverpool 5 Man Utd. 6 South'pton 7 Stoke 8 Sunderland 9 Swansea 10 West Brom

.

v Man City 1X v Chelsea 2 v Everton 2 v Tottenham X1 v Aston V. 1 v Newcastle XX v Hull XX v West Ham X1 v Norwich XX v Cardiff XX

Sky Bet Championship 11Birmingham 12 Bolton 13 Brighton 14 Burnley 15 Derby 16 Ipswich 17 Leeds 18 Millwall 19 Q.P.R. 20 Reading 21 Sheff Wed 22 Yeovil

v Bournemouth XX v Wigan 2 v Middlesbro 1 v Leicester XX v Charlton 1 v Nottm For X2 v Doncaster 1 v Blackburn 2X v Blackpool 1 v Huddersfield 1 v Watford X2 v Barnsley XX

Sky Bet League One

23 Crewe 24 Leyton O. 25 Milton KD 26 Notts Co. 27 Oldham 28 Preston 29 Rotherham 30 Stevenage 31 Tranmere 32 Walsall

v Coventry 2 v Bradford C 1 v Wolves 2X v Colchester 2 v Brentford 2X v Crawley 1 v Bristol C. 1 v Port Vale 2X v Carlisle X1 v Shrewsbury 1

Sky Bet League TTw wo

33 Bristol R. v Morecambe XX 34 Dagenham v Oxford XX 35 Exeter v Accrington S X1 36 Hartlepool v Cheltenham 1X 37 Mansfield v AFC Wimbl'dn X2 38 Newport Co v Portsmouth X1 39 North'pton v Bury 2 40 Scunthorpe v Wycombe 1 41 Southend v Torquay 1 42 York v Burton A. 2

Scottish Premier 43 Aberdeen v Dundee Utd. X1 44 Celtic v Ross County 1 45 Hearts v Hibernian 2 46 Inverness CT v St. Mirren 1 47Motherwell v Kilmarnock 1 48 St. J'stone v Partick 1X 49 Alloa v Raith XX

Revised Pairs 6 x 9, 11 x14 22 x 33,34 x 49

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

2015: Igbinedion mobilises for Jonathan

MEND attacks Shell’s Forcados pipeline again

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY—AS the battle for the 2015 general elections hots up in Edo State, former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, who registered afresh with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state last week, is mobilising his supporters in the party ahead of the forthcoming polls.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole has warned appointees of the state government to stop following aspirants on campaigns in local government areas, saying that whoever wants to commence campaigns for 2015 should resign.

Igbinedion and his loyalists worked against PDP in 2007 following his quarrel with the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih over the control of the party in the state.

The crisis led to the ousting of the PDP in the state and the emergence of Oshiomhole.

However, Vanguard learnt that the former governor had decided to participate in the politics of PDP in the state after

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

A R R I — MOVEMENT for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, yesterday, claimed it attacked the Forcados SubC pipeline, operated by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, in Delta State.

The group’s spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, in a statement, said “At 0300 hrs today (yesterday), scuba divers from MEND revisited the Shell Forcados Sub-C pipeline in the Western Delta which we had sabotaged earlier on March 1, 2014.

“We were successful in causing further damage to the on-going repair works, inflicting the heaviest toll ever on the oil industry since the commencement of ‘Hurricane Exodus.

“MEND also takes responsibility for the March 20, 2014 attack on Agip crude oil and gas pipelines in Ikarama Oil Fields located in Bayelsa State,” it said.

Omene lauds Uduaghan on security

BY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE—FORMER Deputy President General of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Chief Joseph Omene, has commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State for his peace and security programe in the state, noting that the governor ’s efforts in entrenching peace and security in the state had yielded fruits.

Omene, yesterday in his Mosogar country home, said “of the governor’s three-point agenda of peace and security, infrastructure and human

capital development, he has fared very well in peace and security.

He implored the governor to improve in the areas of infrastructure and human capital development, where he said the governor ’s performance was only favourable to a few.

“For now, Uduaghan has done well in the area of peace and security. You can now move freely in the state without the fear of kidnappers. Stealing and robbery have reduced considerably, but on the other two, that is infrastructure and human capital Ddevelopment, as it has only favoured a few.”

his registration last week. He is expected to woo his loyalists in the All Progressives Congress, APC back to the party. Also, Chief Igbinedion is said to be working seriously for the reelection of President Goodluck Jonathan.

For the APC, Vanguard gathered that some aspirants, particularly in Edo North

senatorial district, complained that government appointees, who are equally aspirants were intimidating other aspirants when they go on campaigns, adding that the impression they were giving was that they had been endorsed by the governor.

To wash his hands off the matter, Oshiomhole summoned a meeting of political

Ibru School celebrates foundation day

BY FESTUS AHON & AKPOKONA OMAFUARIE

U

GHELLI—THE Michael and Cecilia Foundation Demonstration Schools, (MCDFS) Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, has reinforced the growing standard of education in Nigeria with the celebration of its Founder’s Day. MCFDS, which is renowned for its world-class resources and personnel competes with the best schools in the world, is an educational arm of the proposed Michael and Cecilia Ibru University.

In her address, Mrs. Kehinde Oderhohwo, Chief Inspector of Education, Ministry of Education, Ughelli said that “MCFDS a is world class. The Michael/Cecilia Foundation in response to call for collective responsibility to financing education since government cannot do it alone.

“They saw the need in establishing this school to provide qualitative and quantitative education for children in this part of the country.

MCFDS has holistic approach to education in Nigeria with the state-of-the-art classroom facilities, library, music studio, computer laboratory, recreational/ playground facilities couple with a serene environment.”

On her part, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, President, MCFDS in her address, noted that the school was established to create a high

standard education in response to Nigeria's need, saying “MCFDS emerges a game changer within the nation’s educational sphere considering the vision of its president. The vision is to utilise world-class resources and personnel to offer education to pupils at nothing short of the best standards.”

She commended Mrs. Pagia George, School Principal as the brain behind the high standard and discipline set out, adding “The academy determined to alleviate poverty by providing functional education for students far and wide, with the core values of diligence, dedication, discipline, and determination.”

Edo re-awards flagship Central Hospital project last week, the state government

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY— GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has said that the contract for the 5star Central Hospital project in Benin City, which was suspended due to technical problems in 2012, had been reawarded to Messrs S & A Construction Company.

Speaking with newsmen on the project, he said it will be completed within nine months, adding that the contractor will be mobilised to site so as to commence work in the next 14 days.

The hospital had suffered a setback about two years ago, when parts of the structure collapsed after it was hit by a construction crane. A construction worker died in the accident.

Oshiomhole, while inspecting projects in Benin City, said “just

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

appointees last Tuesday and threatened to sack any of them who attend meetings in councils with aspirants.

The governor had repeatedly said he does not want to be distracted by the politics of 2015 and 2016 governorship elections in the state, so as to fulfil his electora promises to the people of the state.

decided to direct the new construction company handling the project to go back to site and resume work. Again, even before now, the work had been redesigned before it was reawarded because we know that the project, when completed will be another signature of this administration and we are doing everything possible to encourage the new contractor to meet the new deadline.

“I think from the assurance given by the contractor, hopefully by next week, they will start work and in the next nine months to one year from now, the job will be completed. Not only will the complex be competed, but it will be equipped with the state of the art facilities because government had concluded plans with foreign expatriates that will supply the equipment needed, so that patients here will have no reasons to go abroad for treatment.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (nwamad@yahoo.com)

On NIS applicants' deaths

May their gentle souls rest in peace. Our leaders should note that the life of a man does not consist in the abundance of the things that he has. Militants, kidnapping, fuel scarcity, billions of naira disappearing, Boko haram and now NIS tragedy. What is next? God is watching. Mr. Obinna Okwonna- Clergy

It serves that Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, right.

It is very important that they should account for all the money they have collected from the job seekers.

And I wish families of those who lost somebody at that recruitment exercise, a heart to bear the loss. Mr. Joseph Ubiagba- Bizman

Somebody must be held accountable for this tragedy.

4556 openings and 520,000 applicants with a fee of N1000. Are we even sure those jobs existed? For such a test to be organised in a stadium without crowd management shows that it was a fraud. Mr. Okie Darlington- Student

Nigeria Immigration Service just decided to kill those Nigerians because they have given employment letters long before the ill-fated test. Imagine, in Delta State, only mathematics questions were served.

30 questions in less than 13 minutes under the sun. Mr. Collins Inyama- Worker

I felt so disturbed when I got home and saw that one of the job seekers, with whom I did the youth service, had died, just because we want to get a good job.

We all sympathise with the dead. May their souls rest in perfect peace. Mr. Oyebamiji Emmanuel- Businessman

Nigeria is sitting on a keg of powder which may soon explode, if this number of people can be part of our jobless youths...yet $20bn cannot be traced till now.

Well, let our leaders, past and present be prepared to pay for their sin of corruption. Mr. Joshua AweFreight Forwarder

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 — 45

HOSTCOM flays alleged shoddy work

by DESOPADEC

Ekere lauds NIESV for holding conference in Uyo

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

T

HE immediate past deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere, has commended the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, for holding its national conference in the state for the first time ever in its 45-year history.

Speaking at a dinner he held for the National President and Council members of NIESV at his residence in Uyo, Ekere expressed delight that the institution’s leadership had kept the promise it made to him and Governor Godswill Akpabio, two years ago, to hold their 2014 national conference in Uyo. President of NIESV, Mr. Emeka Eleh, commended Ekere for his support to the successful hosting of the conference in Uyo and predicted that the conference will turn out to be the best ever held by the institution.

Eleh expressed confidence that with Ekere’s professional background, robust vision of governance and good intention for Akwa Ibom State, he will do well for the state as governor and lay an example for the rest of Nigeria.

Madam Emiantor for burial

M

ADAM Juliana Emiantor who died on February 17, aged 94, will be buried on April 4.

A statement by Lawrence Emiantor said there will be a requiem mass at St. Denis Catholic Church, Ugboha, followed by interment at Idumhun-Aneni Quarters, Inemen, Ugboha.

She is survived by eight children, 46 grand children and 32 great-grand children among whom is Sir Mark Ebhohimhen Emiantor (KSM).

Late Madam Emiantor C M Y K

W

NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL MEETING: From left: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State; Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State; Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State and Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, during the National Economic Council Meeting, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Dickson sacks 7 commissioners

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

E N A G OA — B AY E L S A State governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday, sacked his Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Francis Egele and six other commissioners.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the move was in line with ongoing reorganisation of government ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, for a more optimal implementation of the state government’s restoration agenda.

Other commissioners sacked include, Ayakeme Massa, Trade, Investment and Industry; Dr. Anapurere Michael Awoli, Health; Nelson Belief, Tourism Development; Gesiye Isowo, Special Duties (Federal Projects); Parkinson Macmanuel, Science, Technology and Manpower Development and Dr. Sylvanus Abila, Environment.

The statement directed the affected former commissioners to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries.

“Governor Dickson personally expressed his gratitude to them for their commitment to

service, diligence, hard work and invaluable contributions to the successes attained by the administration in the last two years.

“The governor wishes them well in all their future endeavours, as they could be called up to serve the state in other capacities in future,” the statement added.

It explained that the reorganisation of the machinery of government for improved service delivery in the execution of government programmes and policies as well as the redeployment of relevant officers will be a continuous exercise.

Court discharges Chidi Lloyd of attempted murder

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R. Chidi Lloyd, Majority Leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, was, yesterday, discharged and acquitted by a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, over a charge of attempted murder prefered against him.

Trial judge, Justice Ledan Nyordee, who delivered the judgment, said there was nothing the court could do in the matter as the police was not willing to prosecute the case.

Lloyd was arrested and charged with attempted murder of Mr. Michael Chinda, (PDP- Obio/Akpor II) in the state legislature.

Lloyd was alleged to have hit Chinda on the head with a mace during a fight between the supporters of Governor Rotimi Ameachi and antiAmaechi legislators in July 2013.

It will be recalled that the state legislative complex was closed down after the free-forall.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice had written the court to inform it that the police did not send the case file to his office.

Justice Nyordee said the

court was handicapped in the matter as the police were not willing to prosecute the case and cited the relevant section of the constitution to support the court’s decision.

The case had suffered several adjournments due to the police “inability” to make the case file available to the state Attorney-General.

A R R I — D E LTA State chapter of the Host Communities of Nigeria, HOSTCOM, Oil and Gas, has expressed concern over alleged shoddy contracts and projects abandonment by Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC. The body, at an executive meeting in Warri, urged the current board of DESOPADEC to embrace people-oriented projects, and ensure that those completed were put into use to benefit the public they were meant to serve.

In a communiqué at the end of the meeting by its Chairman, Dr. Peter Egedegbe, Delta HOSTCOM, said: “From inception, the euphoria associated with the establishment of the commission was not sustained as its pioneer board delighted in misplaced projects conception and poor execution of same to the detriment of the oil producing communities.

“At the Afiesere community skills acquisition centre, training equipment for nine different trades are wasting away after DESOPADEC has spent N85 million to furnish the centre with the defunct 13 percent Derivation Committee, which it replaced.

“Only God knows the level of wastage in OtuJeremi and other skills acquisition centres in DESOPADEC mandate areas. The sitting board should brace-up to these challenges and salvage this monumental waste and ensure that projects completed are put to maximum use.”

Odigie-Oyegun resigned, wasn't sacked as SSPA Chair —Adasen

BY EMMANUEL AMAIZE

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ARRI—CHAIRMAN of the South South People’s Assembly, SSPA, Delta State, Dr. Brown Adasen, yesterday, said that former civilian governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was not removed from office as national chairman of the group.

Adasen told Vanguard in Warri, Delta State: “Thank you for the opportunity to correct the impression that Chief Odigie-Oyegun was unceremoniously removed as SSPA chairman. He was not.

He actually resigned for personal reasons.

“He tendered his resignation letter personally to the deputy chairman of SSPA at

that time. There is no disunity in SSPA, we are speaking with one voice.”

Vanguard, however, learnt that Chief Odigie-Oyegun resigned as national chairman of the body because of his dissatisfaction with the politics being played by some leaders of the organisation, who wanted to railroad it into a particular political party.

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

NAFDAC seizes goods worth N2.5m at Akanu Ibiam Int'l Airport, Enugu

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU — THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has confiscated fake imported goods worth N2.5 million in Enugu.

Deputy Director of the agency at the Akanu-Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Mr. John Okwori, told newsmen in Enugu that the goods were imported on January 4 through Ethiopian Airlines. ”The importer of the goods ran away on sighting NAFDAC men which made us to seize the goods,” he said.

The director listed the goods to include 20 packets of Nakhla Tobacco with its pipe, 2,100 Easy White cream, empty containers with crowns and 575 So Mma bright skin formula cream with crowns.

Also in the sealed container were 24 packets of activated charcoal, and 2,457 stickers for So Mma bright skin formula cream, worth about N2.5 million.

Okwori said the cream container was imported by the suspect with the intention of filling it with fake liquids to sell in place of the original one.

Commissioner denies allocating same to self

BY ENYIM ENYIM

O

NITSHA — ANAM BRA State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Mr Okoli Akirika, yesterday denied allegations by traders in Progress Market, Onitsha, that he revoked and allocated to himself some lands allocated to them last year.

Speaking to reporters in Awka, the commissioner said the only land he acquired from Peter Obi’s government was the one the former governor gave to commissioners and other aides who served under his administration. ” I never acquired any land for myself. The only land I have is the one given to me as an EXCO member by His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi. C M Y K

Lamido of Adamawa's outburst: Nobody should threaten Nigeria — Gani Adam

BY DANIEL ETEGHE

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ATIONAL COORDINATOR of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Mr. Gani Adams, yesterday, said nobody could threaten the unity of the country.

Adams, who spoke in an interview with newsmen at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, was reacting to the statement made, Wednesday, at the National Conference by the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Mustapha, that he was ready to lead his people on a walk-out from the conference.

Adams, a delegate at the conference, said he was highly dis-

appointed that such words could come from an eminent royal father as the Lamido of Adamawa.

He said: “I was highly disappointed about his statement; an eminent royal father like the Lamido of Adamawa ought not to make such a statement. He’s one of the most respected Emirs we have in Nigeria today.

“He should be number five most recognised Emir in the country. I seize this opportunity to appeal to the royal fathers, including the emir, to watch their statements.

He noted that Nigeria was an indivisible country that nobody could threaten its corporate existence, adding that the Yoruba, unlike other ethic groups in the

North, don’t depend on the government for survival.

“Nobody should threaten the unity of Nigeria, we are all Nigerians, so we should not be threatened. We, the Yoruba people want to remain in Nigeria, but we should not be threatened.

“We didn’t have oil in 1954 to 1959, but we all know what Chief Obafemi Awolowo did for this nation through the Western Region government and when you study the Yoruba very carefully, our developments usually come from 80 per cent individuals and not government. We don’t rely on any development from government.

“It is the North that depends

on the government, they don’t need Nigeria more than us, but we all need Nigeria because we have inter-married, done businesses together and Abuja solidifies us” ”So, it is unfortunate that such a statement is coming from the emir and he’s not the only one with such mind, some of the delegates in the conference are saying that if we do not agree with them on three-quarters for a decision that they will walk out.

Nobody can threaten anybody,” he added.

Adams said he was ready to die than to betray his people, stressing that the conference was set up to solve all the numerous problems bedevilling the country.

Jonathan's aide urges institutions to emulate UNN's devt strides CALEB AYANSINA

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COMMISSIONING: Second from left, Managing Director, Trustfund Pensions Plc, Mrs. Helen Da-Souza; Chairman, Board of Directors, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme, flanked by other directors, at the commissioning of the fleet of buses acquired by Trustfund under its mobile offices scheme.

BUJA — THE Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Students Matters, Jude Imagwe, yesterday, called on institutions across the country to emulate the development strides of management of University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Imagwe, who made the call during the inauguration of the new student government executives of the university, said if students’ welfare were taken seriously, there would be no cause for friction between them and the management.

The SSA , who was conducted round several projects at the university campus by new executives, noted that Nigerian students deserved to learn under conducive atmosphere.

2015: I've not endorsed any aspirant

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA — GOVERNOR Theodore Orji of Abia State has again dismissed insinuations that he had endorsed a candidate for 2015 gov-

ernorship election in the state.

His declaration came against the backdrop of speculations that he had endorsed deputy general manager of Abia State Environ mental Protection Agency, ASEPA, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for

— Gov Orji

the slot.

Since the governor started the campaign of ceding power to Ukwa/Ngwa people in 2015, there had been speculations of his endorsing or supporting one aspirant or the other.

Broadband revolution: NCC to issue infrastructure coy licences in May

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

A

S NIGERIA approaches another threshold of revolution in the telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission, yesterday, announced that it will issue seven new infrastructure companies, InfraCos, licences before the end of 2014.

Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah, who announced this at the NCC Day at the Centenary Trade Fair in Abuja, said in the planned auction, two of the Infraco licences would be auctioned in May, while others would be auctioned before the end of the year.

EVC, Juwah represented by the Director of Public Affairs in the commission, Mr. Tony Ojobo explained that the auction became necessary to enable the commission fast-track its ubiquitous broadband plan for the country.

“As at 2001, less than 10,000 Nigerians had access to Internet but today, about 50 million Nigerians have access to Internet on a regular basis. It is also worthy on note that Nigeria today ranks number 11 in the world in Internet usage. ‘ “We are aware that we are about to witness broadband revolution, the NCC recently auctioned 2.3Mhz licence that will usher in a broadband revolution. In the

course of the year, about seven new infrastructure companies, Infracos licences that will provide additional access to broadband, ushering in a revolution, would be auctioned.

"What we have witnessed is a revolution in the area of voice, but what we are going to experience soon is revolution in the area of data. Two would be issued in May while five would be issued before the end of the year.

"We are proud to say that Nigerian Communications Commission is the agency that superintended the revolution which has put Nigeria in the global map as the fastest telecommunications market for consecutive five years," he said.

But recently, the issue of the governor’s endorsement of Ikpeazu spread like wild fire, raising agitations from other interested aspirants and stakeholders.

Not happy with the rumour which could have filtered into his ears, Governor Orji, Wednesday, made it clear that he had not endorsed any aspirant to succeed him, saying the issue of who would succeed him would be determine by his party, the PDP, and Abia stakeholders.

Orji, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ajunwa, said such rumour was “a figment of the imagination of the peddlers. ”It has come to the notice of Abia State government about the rumour within and outside the state that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Chief T. A. Orji, has endorsed a governorship candidate for 2015 election. ”Government wishes to state that the said rumour is a figment of the imagination the peddlers,” the statement said, and described the governor as a democrat who believes in “justice and equity,” he said.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 - 47

COMMISSIONING: Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson (2nd right), cutting the tape to commission the Toru-Orua internal roads as part of activities to mark the second CONFAB: From right: Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Sulu Gambari, Mrs. anniversary of his Restoration Government in the State, while his Deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah, rtd, (right), Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor Onikepo Akande and Deputy President of NLC, Comrade Isa Aremu, (left) and Amananaowei of Toru-Orua, Chief Tounarigha Felagha look on. Photo: Bayelsa at the National Conference in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Government.

LAUNCHING: From Left: Ifeayi Emetiele, Head, Anti-Fraud Unit, Access Bank, Mrs. Adedoyin Odunfa, MD/CEO, Digital Jewels Ltd, Peter Carter, British Deputy High Commissioner, Musa Jimoh, Deputy Director, CBN, and Craig Rosewarne, Director, Wolfpack Information Risk, at the 2014 Nigeria Cyber Threat Barometer launch in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

From left: Mrs. Tolulope Adejo, Recycling Manager, LAWMA, Mrs. Yanju Olomola, Head, Public Communication, NBC Ltd, Mrs. Abimbola Joho-Ogun, GM, Admin. & Specal Duties, and Mr. Lawrence Alau, Technical Services Manager, Coca Cola Nigeria Ltd, at the NBC/LAWMA Recycling Club Quiz Competition and Exhibition in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

From left: Guest speaker and Dean, Students Affairs, University of Lagos, Professor Kayode Amund, Conference Lay President Emeritus, Methodist Church, Nigeria, Sir Femi Omotoso and Diocesan Lagos Lay President, Bro. Olusegun Funke, at the 52nd annual Synod of the diocese in Mushin, Lagos.

MEETING: From left: Chief Olubunmi Olaopa, GMD, Evans Medical Plc, Mr. Adewale Oyenuga, MD, Cipla Evans Nigeria Ltd, Chief Ademola Edu, Chairman, Evans Medical Plc, Mr. Wole Abegunde, MD, Meristem Securities Ltd, and Mrs. Adesua Akintemi, Company Secretary, at the Completion Board Meeting of Evans Medical Plc, Rights Issue in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

C M Y K

COMMISSIONING: From left: Coordinator, NIIT Benin Centre, Cynthia Elamah, Chief Oseni Elamah, founder of the Institute, HRH, Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Eheneden Erediauwa, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, SSG, Edo State, and Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the commissioning of the Useni Elamah ICT Centre in Benin, yesterday.

From left: Mr. Seun Ajala, Project Manager, Vintage Gardens, Port Harcourt, Mrs. Onikepe Akinsanya, Customer Relations Manager, UACN Property Developement CompanyUPDC and Mr. Uche Madufor, Regional Sales Manager, UPDC, during the media tour of Vintage Gardens Estate, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

From left: Manager, Data Marketing, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Bankole Alao, Publisher, TW Magazine, Mrs. Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Executive Vice Chairman, Famfa Oil Limited, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, Director, Leadership & Organisation Development, Etisalat Nigeria, Mrs. Rabi Isma and Manager, Mobile Number Portability, & Organisational Development, Etisalat Nigeria, Rahila Isah, at the Etisalat sponsored Brunch with Mrs. Folorunso Alakija in Lagos.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

My projects are humanitarian — ADEYEMI

BY BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

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O K O J A — E N A T O R Smart Adeyemi, representing Kogi West senatorial district, has denied any ulterior motive for the projects initiated by him for his constituents, saying all the projects were meant to improve the living condition of the people.

Speaking while on an inspection tour of the projects, Senator Adeyemi said the projects were devoid of political undertone as has been speculated in some quarters.

He said: “I have been doing this even before I joined politics. I am doing all these with the intention of contributing my own quota to the development of my people, to compliment government efforts and improve the socioeconomic well being of the masses.

“As you can see, most of the projects are scattered around the districts; both in the cities and in the rural areas.

“The Kabba Township Stadium is ongoing, 1 , 0 0 0 - s e a t e r multipurpose hall at Koto-Karfe is nearing completion, 100 lock-up shops at Iyara and 60 shops at Egbe are completed.”

S

Warri chief shot dead, 2 arrested

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ARRI and its environs have been thrown into mourning over the killing of a prominent Igbudu, Agbarha Warriborn chief, Ovie Ekpebedafe, who was killed by gunmen along Jakpa Road, Effurun.

Ekpebedafe, a philanthropist and businessman, was a former youth chairman of Igbudu Community.

Two armed boys have been allegedly caught with late Ekpebedafe’s Highlander car at Isiokolo, while one escaped arrest.

VISIT: Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal(right) and Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State, during the Speaker's visit to the Governor in Jos, yesterday.

Kwara Assembly bans sales of handouts in tertiary institutions

BY DEMOLA AKNYEMI

I

LORIN— THE Kwara State House of Assembly, yesterday, banned the sale of courses’ handouts to students in all the tertiary institutions in the state.

The House also directed managements of all tertiary institutions in the state to adopt conference marking

to ensure sanity in the education system.

The resolution was prompted by the findings of the Committee on Education and Human Capital Development, which just returned from its oversight functions having visited all the tertiary institutions across the state over allegations of illegal sale of handout to

students, among others.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hajia Nimata Ibrahim, while presenting the report, told the House that some lecturers in most tertiary institutions in the state were cheating students through the sale of handouts in various courses.

The House, therefore, adopted the report of the

committee and announced the ban. The Deputy Speaker, Prof. Gana Yissa, presided over yesterday’s plenary.

The House also directed the management of all the tertiary institutions in the state to ensure that all lecturers comply with the directive and take disciplinary measures on erring lecturers.

‘FG insensitive to Benue killings’

BY PETER DURU

M

AKURDI— THE Benue State government has decried what it termed the insensitivity of the Federal Government to the killings and destruction of property in parts of the state by suspected Fulani mercenaries.

Special Adviser to the State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Solomon Wombo, made the position of the state government known to newsmen in Makurdi, yesterday.

Wombo said the indifference of the Federal Government and security agencies to the plight of the besieged people of the state had become a source of worry for the people of Benue State.

According to the Adviser, “ when this clashes started, we thought it was the normal misunderstanding between Benue farmers

and herders, but with the level of killings and occupation of many Tiv communities in the last few months by the invaders, we have realised that those responsible for this carnage were not normal herdsmen but terrorists.

“They have deployed sophisticated weapons in the

state and are systematically killing our people on a daily basis, sacking our villages and communities and thereafter occupy the deserted communities.

“We have cried to the authorities, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations and the General Officer Commanding, 82

Division of the Nigeria Army have been here and after that, we have not felt their presence.

“The truth is that the dimension the attacks are taking have raised many questions and the inaction and delay of the Federal government to act is not helping matters.”

Oron Maritime Academy to begin degree programmes

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HAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Zainab Kure, has said that the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, MAN, would soon be a degree-awarding institution.

She said this during an oversight visit to the academy, where he commended Joshua Okpo, the Rector, for the development stride recorded since 2012 when they last visited the academy.

Kure, who was taken round the academy with other committee members, expressed satisfaction with the increase in classrooms, improvement in the facilities in the electrical workshop, telecommunications laboratory and the 120-270 degree full simulator.

She said that with what they saw at the institution, the country would be able to compete favourably with international maritime academies.

She said: “The certificate for a degree-awarding status will be given to the academy in the next few weeks.

“Though the Senate Committee on Marine Transport pushed for upward review of the five percent statutory allocation from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety, to MAN but did not succeed, we however got N2 billion intervention fund for the academy out of which N1 billion has been released.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014—49

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V anguard anguard,, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 — 53

NEWS ON BRIEFS

Obama visits Vatican, discusses global crisis with Pope

UN Assembly declares Crimea vote illegal T HE UN General As sembly has approved a resolution affirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity and calling the referendum that led to Russia’s annexation of its Crimean peninsula illegal. The vote on the Ukraine-sponsored resolution has 100 countries in favour, 11 opposed and 58 abstentions.

The “yes” vote was higher than many diplomats had predicted, and the fact that more than half the 193 UN member states supported the resolution reflected widespread international opposition to Russia’s military intervention and takeover of the strategic Black Sea region.

Unlike the more powerful Security Council, resolutions in the General Assembly cannot be vetoed but are not legally binding.

Russia has blocked action in the Security Council where they have veto power as one of its five per-

manent members. Even so, the 15-member council has held eight meetings on Ukraine, as Western powers strive to keep up the pressure on Moscow.

Before the vote, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsia told the assembly that his country’s territorial integrity and unity had been “ruthlessly trampled” by Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council entrusted to maintain international peace and security, and in direct violation of the UN Charter.

“By voting in favor of this

•Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko resolution you vote in favor of the UN Charter while voting against or ab-

staining equals undermining it,” Deshchytsia said in urging a “yes” vote.

•••Tymoshenko for president

M

EANWHILE , the resolution came hours after former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko announced she would run again for president in an election slated for May

25. “I plan to run for election as president” and stand as ”a candidate for U k r a i n i a n unity,” Tymoshenko, who was released from jail last month after President Viktor Yanukovich was forced

by protesters to leave power, told reporters yesterday. The 53-year-old served twice as prime minister and ran for president in 2010, only to be narrowly beaten in a run-off vote by Yanukovich.

Yanukovich subsequently launched a campaign against Tymoshenko and her allies, and she was jailed in 2011 for abuse of office linked to a gas deal she brokered with Russia in 2009.

Obamacare: White House defends deadline extension

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HE White House has defended extending some enrollments for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act past a March 31 deadline, saying doing so was comparable to allowing voters who are in line when polls close to cast their ballots.

The administration late on Tuesday granted an extension until mid-April to people who say they have started to apply for coverage through the HealthCare.gov website but are unable to complete the process before the deadline.

“We expect there to be increasing numbers as the deadline approaches,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

Theadministrationexpects criticism of the extension “by those who want to deny Americansquality,affordable health insurance, and want to put insurance companies back in control,” he told reporters traveling with the president to Europe.

P

RESIDENT Barack Obama and the Vatican gave distinctly different accounts of the president’s audience with Pope Francis yesterday, with Obama stressing their common ground on poverty and inequality but Vatican officials emphasizing sharp differences over Obama’s health care law which mandates contraception coverage.

Obama described himself as “incredibly moved” by his nearly hour-long session with the popular pontiff. He said the two spent the most time discussing the plight of the poor and the marginalized as well as regions of conflict and the elusive nature of peace around the world.

The Vatican, in a statement shortly after the meeting, said discussions centered on questions of particular relevance for the church in the U.S., “such as the exercise of the rights to religious freedom, life and conscientious objection” — issues that have fueled divisions between Obama and the church.

Philippines, Muslim rebels seal peace deal

F

OLLOWING four decades of fighting that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the peace deal with President Benigno Aquino’s government at a high-profile ceremony in Manila.

“The comprehensive agreement on Bangsamoro is the crowning glory of our struggle,” MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim said at the signing ceremony, using a local term that refers to a Muslim homeland.

“With this agreement the legitimate aspirations of the Bangsamoro and the commitment of the government of the Philippines to recognise those aspirations are now sealed.”

The pact makes the MILF and the government partners in a plan to create a southern autonomous region for the Philippines’ Muslim minority with locally elected leaders by mid-2016.

Egyptians mobilise against Al Sisi

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IVAL Egyptian groups and pro-military sup porters in Egypt are calling for mass demonstrations in city squares across the country today after the country’s former military chief Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ditched his military fatigues and announced his much-anticipated plans to run for president in May. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi declared his presidential bid Wednesday after resigning from the armed forces in a procedural step required because only civilians can run for the country’s highest office.

Meanwhile, General Sedki Sobhi was sworn in as the new defence minister and army chief, and Lieutenant General Mahmoud Hegazy replaced Sobhi as army chief of staff, the presidency said. Hegazy is the father-in-law of Sisi’s son.

Ukraine claims Russian troops build up at border

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EARLY 100,000 Russian forces have massed on Ukraine’s border, a top Ukrainian defense official told an American audience Thursday, giving a number far higher than US military estimates.

“Almost 100,000 soldiers are stationed on the borders of Ukraine and in the direction ... of Kharkiv, Donetsk, “ Andriy Parubiy, chairman of Ukraine’s national security council, said via a webcast from Kiev.

“Russian troops are not in Crimea only, they are along all Ukrainian borders. They’re in the south, they’re in the east and in the north,” Parubiy said.

After its intervention in the Crimean peninsula, Russia is plotting to foment separatist sentiment elsewhere and Kiev fears a possible incursion in the country’s east, he told the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank.

Parubiy said any day “we might see a huge attack on the territory of continental Ukraine and we are getting ready for it.”

54—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

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O K A F O R — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Lilian Ngozi, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Lilian Ngozi Okeke.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABIODUN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abiodun Modupe Caroline, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akomolafe Modupe Caroline. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKUBADEJO—I, formerly known and addressed as Temitope Olayinka Okubadejo, now wish to be known and addressed as Temitope Adenike Olayinka Akinbola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OJARIKRE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojarikre Sandra Uremu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ebbah Sandra Uremu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AZUBUIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Azubuike Soromtochi Jane, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Soromtochi Jane Dimkpa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esin Emilia Okon, now now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emilia Nnenne Igue.

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AKWUOBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. (Miss) Akwuobi Chidimma Theresa, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs.) Chidimma Ikenna Enwelunta. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Unizik and general public please take note.

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UCHE—I, formerly known and addressed as Uche Chukwuemeka Henry or Chukwuemeka Henry, now wish to be known and addressed as Amaefula Chukwuemeka Henry.

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Troubling times for Benin Republic (2) This is the concluding part of this discourse. The first part was published last Wednesday

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BY IRETI AL-SALAAM

RESIDENT’s Crimes: Citizens of Be nin were accusing the president of nepotism, tribalism, abuse of power, corruption, dictatorship, high-handedness and personality cult, stiffing democracy and violation of human rights and fundamental freedom. Another major problem is the revised and corrected voters’ list. Further still, he was accused of constantly lying to the nation, distortion of facts (accused the bloodied unionist of red ink on themselves as blood) and frequently and openly threatening diseases and voices and the opposi-

tion.

Yayi’s several enemies: President Yayi like all budding dictators in history is becoming uncomfortable with his friends, many of whom have been accused of attempting to assassinate him or topple his government. When Dr. Yayi Boni came to power, the President and his cabinet, the supporters marched, walked for one reason or the other against corruption, floods, peace etc, all over the country.

It was legal to organize marches but today, those who tried to replicate this culture have incurred the wrath of the law. For instance, there was a bloody repression of December 27, 2013 peaceful march by unarmed citizens. There has been unexplained disappearance of citizens, attempt-

ed assassinations, arrests, detentions and dismissals of dissenting nationals.

The fear now is who next will be the victim?

Yayi’s “friends” who financed his coming to power have all “fallen out of favour” with him.

For instance, Patrice Talon a businessman, was Yayi’s friend just like Sebastian Adjavon, the importer of frozen chickens and turkey, both of them are now sworn enemies of President Yayi.

Talon was accused by the president of attempting to assassinate him. He was alleged to have colluded with the president’s niece, his personal physician, who was alleged to have been paid by Talon to switch his medication.

He was also accused of wanting to topple Yayi through a coup d’etat. Talon’s company was in charge of Benin’s money spinner (white gold). According to the president, Talon’s company was in control of the cotton industry, the cotton seeds nurturing and planting the seeds, harvesting and exporting the cotton-wool and products. His company was also in charge of the PVI (verification of goods imported into Benin).

Legal tussles Already, Yayi had gone to court to press charges against Talon, but after a long drawn-out court action, Justice Angelo Houssou, pronounced the case against Talon to be null and void. Interestingly, after delivering the judgment, Justice Housson fled the country to the United States of America.

He is an asylum seeker awaiting the US government’s granting of asylum to him. Housson was a favourite of Yayi’s government. He got rapid promotion to his last post before fleeing the country.

The French courts also refused to extradite Talon from France to Benin. His conscience, according to many, triumphed over his ambition, but cost him his freedom. Months before fleeing to the USA, he tried to cross the Seme border one night during a long weekend. He was arrested and lost his his freedom of movement.

Presently, his relative, Judge Gbaname, the State prosecutor-general is undergoing the same treatment. Until recently, he was the president’s man.

He is paying the price of his “unholy alliance and deeds” with President Yayi Boni. Gbanameto is accused of corruption.

Sebasten Adjavon is accused of cheating the Benin Treasury by not paying the right taxes and valued added taxes. The unfolding drama in Benin republic is something to be watched closely and we must be concerned about where Boni Yayi is taking Benin republic before the guns begin to boom.

56— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

Bismillahi Rahamani Raheem HE sky is cloudy, misery is casting its shadows around us as the genocide continues unabated.

Injustice flourishes on the land; poverty, hunger and unemployment exacerbated by unprecedented corruption filled the land. Yet ostentatious lifestyles and oppression become the character of those who are supposed to take us out of the shackles of selfinflicted poverty and want.

They grandstand and tell us stories. The ever irrepressible Nigerians who have never asked for too much are being killed. Children, youths women and innocent people are victims of the brutality of the insurgents and other forms of insecurity everyday. Life has become so cheap so much that it doesnt bother even an elementary pupil when he watches or listens to the whooping number of deaths everyday in the media. For average Nigerians, amenities like electricity, water and good roads are a self-sought phenomena if life must continue. In the corridors of

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Are we running out of Allah's blessings? hadiths have been left to rest in their shelves but not in their hearts. When the Glorious Quran, and the Sunnah are abandoned, because it is thought that they are insufficient, and when human opinions, analogy, discretion override the word of God, people’s natures are corrupted, their hearts become dark, their understandings become confused, and their minds become distorted.

What we all need to do even as the National dialogue goes

,

Blessings are fast reducing, good deeds are in short supply, and life has become corrupted because of the wickedness of the people

,

power, public institutions, the immediate environment, vain desires have replaced reason; wrong attitude has replaced decorum; hypocrisy has replaced devotion and injustice has replaced justice in all aspects of our lives.

The blessings of God are all around us but yet seem too far.

Good deeds are in short supply and life has become corrupted because of the wickedness of the leaders. Where did we go wrong? What did we do to deserve this? Where are we heading? And what can we do to prevent this free fall calamities?

For those of us who are Muslims, we seem to have put the Qur’an and hadiths on the backburner. We seem to have been carried away by the rumble and noise of the wicked.

In fact some so-called Muslims are accomplicies in the evils that are pervading the land merely because they only bears the name but without divine identity of submission to the will of Al-Mighty. The Quran and

on is absolute repentance.

Repentance is still available even for the wickedas offered by ever forgiving Allah. The Quran says: "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is OftForgiving, Most Merciful. Q39: 53.

The doors of forgiveness are always open, but what is more, Allah is actually happy when one of His slaves repents but the sinner must desert from his sin, feel remorse for having perpetrated it, and then make a firm resolve never to return to it.

Ibn Mas’ud narrated that the Prophet said: “Indeed, Allah is more happy with the repentance of His slave than a man who stops in a barren, desolate land; with him he has his riding animal. He then goes to sleep. When he wakes up, [he realizes that] his mount is gone. He searches for it until he is on the verge of dying. He then says, ‘I will

return to the place wherein I lost it, and I will die there.’ He went to that place, and he was then overcome by sleep. When he woke up, his mount was [standing] right beside his head: on it was his food, his drink, his provisions, and the things he needed. Allah is more happy with the repentance of his believing slave than the aforementioned man when he finds his mount and his provisions.” (Bukhari: 6308; Muslim: 2744) A man who killed 99: There was a man who had killed 99 people, he then asked to be guided to the most prolific worshipper from the inhabitants of the earth, and he was directed to a monk. He went to him and told him that he had killed 99 people, and

he asked whether it was possible for him to repent. The monk said, ‘No.’ The man killed him, thus making him the 100th victim. He then asked to be directed to the most knowledgeable of the Earth’s inhabitants, and he was guided to a scholar. He went to him and told him that he had killed 100 people, and he asked whether it was possible for him to repent. The scholar said, ‘Yes, and who will stand between you and repentance. Go to such and such land, for in it dwell a people who worship Allah, so go and worship Allah with them. And do not return to your land, for it is indeed a land of evil.’ He left, and when he reached the halfway point of his journey, he died. The angels of Mercy and the angels

of Punishment were struggling to take him looking at his case.

The angels of Mercy said, ‘He came to us repentant, advancing with his heart towards Allah.’ The angels of Punishment said, ‘Indeed, he never performed any good deeds.’ Then an angel came in the form of a human being, and both groups of angels asked him to be the judge between them. He said, ‘Measure the distance between the two lands.

Whichever land he is closer to is the land that he is closer to [in terms of being of its people].

They then measured the distance and found that he was closer to the land that he was heading towards, and so it was the angels of Mercy who then took his soul.

We obviously need the blessings of Allah and blessings come after forgiveness. Indeed, Allah has opened the door of repentance to every sinner. The Prophet said, "Oh people, repent to Allah, for indeed, I repent to Allah 100 times every day" [Muslim : 2702] Let us not postpone repentance for those who take Allah’s message Are we becoming less deserving of Allah’s blessings?

Dear Believers, follow Allah and His Messengers and remember the day of reckoning, day of gathering and day of losses and gains.

IMA honours Ajibola at 80 •As Sheikh Adam supports birthday celebration

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HE Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA) has honoured the former judge of the world court, Judge Bola Ajibola at 80.

Speaking at a special programme organized to commemorate the 80th birthday of the international jurist, the Chairman, Working Governing Council, Alhaji MW Salaudeen described Judge Ajibola as a bundle of knowledge, wisdom and humour combined.

Salaudeen praised Ajibola for mentoring many youths who also regarded him as their

father.

Speaking under the topic “ Birthday Celebration: Islamic Perspective”, Director of Markaz Arabic Institute, Agege, Sheikh Habeebullah Adam contended that to commemorate one’s birthday was not an innovation noting that Prophet Muhammad used to fast on Mondays to commemorate his birthday and thank his Creator.

Commending Judge Ajibola for his efforts on Islamic Mission for Africa and Crescent University which he founded,

Sheikh Adam said since Allah instructed man to be thankful to Him at age 40 because of the significance of the age, it was incumbent to be grateful to Allah at an advanced age of 80.

He referred to age 50 as the peak of human life after which it depreciates till the last breadth which he said had been budgeted. He however stressed that celebration of birthday should not be done in acts of sins such as drinking alcohol and other related.

Quotes from Qur'an

Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve. Q2:62

From right: Guest Lecturer, Sheikh Habeebullah Adam; Judge Bola Ajibola; Ogun Permanent Sec, Lanre Bisiriyu; Barr Segun Ajibola,(SAN); VC, Crescent University, Prof. Kehinde Okeleye and Registrar, Barr. Zakariyya Ajibola at a special lecture marking the 80th birthday of Bola Ajibola

57 Eti-Osa Council of Imams and Alfas VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 —

20 14 Hajj: NAHCON screens air carrier 201 carrierss •Promises enhanced operations

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HE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) recently screened air carrier operators for the 2014 Hajj operation.

The Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Muhammed Bello, while performing the exercise in Abuja, urged the airline operatorsnot to fail in the transportation of the pilgrims to the holy land.

Bello said that their failure would not only affect the pilgrims, but also the entire nation. “ This is a very important occasion because it affords the commission the opportunity to meet with the interested air carrier operators. “ This is the procedure we usually adopt in this country to screen those air carrier operators who are interested in transporting the intending pilgrims to the holy land,” he

said The air carriers are Kabo Air, Meridian Airlines, Max Air, Med-view Airlines, Skypower Express Airways, Air Jupiter, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Egypt Airlines.

He said the operatorswere for the state Muslims welfare boards and agencies only.

Others are West link Airlines, Azman Air Services and National Air Services for the tour operators only.

The chairman expressed confidence that at the end of the screening, the commission would come up with the best air carrier operators that would transport the pilgrims to the holy land successfully.

He also expressed delight over the support the commission got from various stakeholders, individuals, organisations and agencies.

Responding, the chairperson, House of

RepresentativesCommittee on Foreign Affairs, Rep. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, said she was delighted to attend the occasion.

Elendu-Ukeje commended the commission for the “good job it had been doing so far in conducting Hajj operations”, adding that the collaboration between the National Assembly and NAHCON had been cordial.

She advised the operators to discharge their duties with fear of God and to transport the pilgrims to the holy land and return them peacefully.

The lawmaker said that the exercise was a very transparent one, urging the commission to keep it up. She promised to assist the commission when and where necessary within her capability at all times.

Confab: Eti-Osa Imams urge delegates to fear God

From right: Imam Abdulateef Balogun, Secretary; Imam Awwal Adedeji, Fin Sec; Imam Maroof Arosofi, Jakande Phase 2; Imam Giwa Bawala, Jakande Phase 1 and Imam Yunus Temitope, Agungi during a preconferment seminar organised by Eti-Osa Council of Imams in the area recently.

From right: Alhaji Tajudeen Mogaji, Majeobaje Adini; Alhaji Ridwan adisa Aleshinloye, Osupa Adini; and Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Jagunmolu adini during a pre-conferment conference organised by Eti-Osa council of Imams recently.

•Turban 21 eminent Muslims

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HE Chairman, Eti-Osa Council of Imams and Alfas, Alhaji Abdul-Barri Yosuff Afini has called on delegates at the National Conference to have the fear of God in all their deliberations.

He stated that lack of God’s consciousness and love for one another have been major factors stultifying development in the

country, adding that the result of the on-going dialogue would only be meaningful if all issues are discussed with the fear of God and love for the downtrodden.

Afini gave the charge during a seminar organised by the council for the new Islamic title holders in Eti-Osa, Lagos, preparatory to their conferment

From right: Ustaz Abdulwasiy Sulaiman, Proprietor Momlakatul-Ilimi-l-Arobi-l-Islamii, Amukoko, Lagos, Ustaz Taofeeq Uthman, Guest lecturer and Ustaz Adbulgani Abdulazeez during walimot ulQur'an of the school recently.

slated for April 6.

The event which was held at the proposed Eti-Osa Islamic Center recently was to sensitise the new Islamic title holders of their contributions to the building of multi-million naira Islamic center project and general development of Islam in the area.

The Osupa Adini of Eti-Osa, Alhaji Ridwan Aleshinloye noted that the country would be a better place for all Nigerians if love and honesty which the Prophet was known were allowed to reign supreme in our lives.

The conferment which is scheduled to hold on Saturday April 6, will be chaired by former Governor of Lagos State and APC National leader, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while governors Babatunde Raji Fashola and Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi of Lagos and Oyo States respectively will be special guests of honour. Other eminent Muslims expected at the occasion include the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Ibrahim Garba Akinola, OON, Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf, former commissioner in Lagos State among others.

From right: Alhaja Silifat Shittu, Akinkanju Adini Alhaja Muinat Dosunmu, Alakoso Adini and Alhaja Nurat Bakare, Mogajia Adini during a preconferment conference organised by Eti-Osa council of Imams recently.

Walimot-ul-Qur'an

•Kabirat Sulaiman (m) and Mum after a recitation

58—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

Kutigi should take charge — Useni STORIES BY HENRY UMORU

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HERE do you stand on the issue of the voting benchmark?

Well, there is no argument about consensus. Everybody has accepted that. What they have said is that should in case we fail to reach a consensus, what should we use and some people are saying 75 per cent because the President in his speech made mention of 75 per cent.

But others are saying that in other parts of the world, it is 2/ 3, so that is where the division is.

What lessons are we going to learn from this conference?

We learn from our mistakes.

Like the last one 2005 where I was a member, and in fact that is where I am going to comment on this chairmanship of committees.

It is true that the chairman can use his discretion and this varies from chairman to chairman. In the 2005 conference which I was a member, the committees were allowed to choose their chairmen. I was chairman of my committee.

The reason why the recommendation of 2005 was dumped was because the voting was aimed at third term, we got to know about the third term and we rejected it and that dampened the spirit of the authority and they didn't take our suggestions seriously.

This time there is no third term, so we are going to work and we have been given recommendations of those past conferences to look at them and

see those ones that have not been implemented and that can still be revived.

What advise would you give the leadership of the conference in the handling of affairs?

Some speakers have already spoken that the leadership should take control of the conference. That if they allow everybody to speak, we would not make progress. And if a thing has been decided upon, you don't have to go back. Most of us have chaired occasions

and if for instance, once a decision has been taken, no matter how good your point is, no more going back, we move forward.

That is the only way we can take control and that is the way they will know that you are serious and you have to think fast. So this is my advice to the chairman to heed to the advice that once a decision has been taken, he should not allow anybody to speak on it again.

He should move forward.

•Useni

The Conference will be successful — Muhammed

•Haliru

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HAT are we expecting from this conference?

This conference is going to be very successful, that is one thing I want everybody to know.

Everybody here has agreed that this country should remain one and I think that is the most basic thing. It needs to be looked into and brought out, that we can live in harmony and pursue the issue of development and it looks like

we have all agreed on that.

And if you can see the friendship in the hall and outside the hall, we are all old friends.

Some of us were involved in past constitution making and we have known the problem, we have seen the problem that militated against the development of this country.

So what we expect is give and take. It has to be an all inclusive conference. It has to look at the interests of all sections of this country. I remember a quote that Chief Azikiwe made to Sarduana, Azikiwe said, Ahmadu, let us forget our differences.

The Sarduana said No, let us recognise our differences.

Because it is only when we recognise our differences that we can accommodate and tolerate each other so that we can live together as fellow Nigerians looking after each other ’s interests. So that is what we expect from this conference.

We have been having different conferences, what will make

this one a different conference?

This one is different in the sense that we have learnt our lessons from what happened in the past.

If you remember, the 2005 conference under Obasanjo regime, it was not concluded properly.

But as you can see from the President’s address, even that conference is not in vain because he sent some bills based on the findings of that conference. But now that we have learnt that divisive issues do not take any of us anywhere, we would endeavour to make sure that all those divisive issues are dispassionately discussed and resolved so that each group whether it is religion, a state, an ethnic group its interest is taken care of.

On voting benchmark?

You know a lot of people come with prejudices and fears.

Therefore everyone is thinking if we allow so and so, they will overwhelm us. But that is not the case. As we progress, you will

see that we have become more relaxed with each other. We begin to see each other as friends and colleagues rather than antagonists.

And now we are at the beginning of the process. So I dont think it matters much whether it is two-third or threequarter as long as there is goodwill and honesty of purpose, then we would look at issues that are pan Nigerian issues not as regional or partial issues. So I think we are going to come out with a decision.

People who drafted this rule of procedures must have thought very deeply before putting them forward for us to approve. I believe what they are thinking of is mainly about consensus. Let Nigerians have consensus on issues that bind us together.

So if we take three-quarter I dont see anything wrong with that. But if it is two-third as long as there is goodwill, we will go along with it.

This conference will not resolve all our problems— Ray Ekpu Ray Ekpu, one of the founders of Newswatch Magazine bares his mind on his expectations from the conference. Excerpts

BY HENRY UMORU, JOSEPH ERUNKE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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HAT is your impression about the way the confab is going?

I am not surprised at what we are seeing, in a gathering like this, we should expect situations like these. Even in the Abacha conference, somebody went and stood behind Chief Alex Ekwueme and said I am standing behind you, speak on, speak.

So, these things do happen, but at the end of the day, they try and patch up things because you are dealing with diversity of people from different parts of the country, with different backgrounds, of different interest. But I believe that at the

end of the day, the prevailing interest should be national interest, national unity.

You can see the diversity playing out here, the views of different people from different parts of the country. That is why we have this problem with the voting system, whether it should be three quarter, two-third or even a simple majority. But I am sure that the wise men that they have selected to meet might be able to find an answer to this.

Which voting system would you prefer?

Well, you see, it was actually a surprise for me to see threequarter because I have never heard any arrangement in this country or anywhere else where people talk about three-quarter.

I am familiar with two-third. If

you want to be a governor, if you want to be a president, the constitution talks about two-third and it seems a reasonable number. Two-third is 66% of the population you are dealing with.

75% is quite on the high side.

People who are pushing for 75% are quoting the president that the

president wanted consensus and that if we cannot get consensus, we should use a figure that is close to a consensus, which they think means 100 percent. I believe that the president meant well when he was talking about consensus because if you are able to arrive at some consensus, it is

good for the country. But in the absence of lack of ability to arrive at consensus, you must make do with what you can get.

This conference, I must tell you is not going to resolve all the problems of Nigeria. Far from it.

It may be able to resolve some of the problems.

Let's take this opportunity to unite — Sen Danjuma

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RE we expecting a new Nigeria from this?

I propse for a change. But dont forget whatever we deliberate here will go to the National Assembly. I hope it sails through in that place, so I dont know yet. But I hope it does. But at least the basic thing is that Nigerians will know the views and everybody has the opportunity of saying what their people want here.

Even if it is taken, made into

a law or it is approved at the end of the day, people will know your views and what people from the grassroots feel. So if you feel you have been marginalized, you have the opportunity to say so.

People have fought for Sovereign National Conferences, minority conferences and they have always wanted this, now, for a change it is happening. All they want is what they think

will make Nigeria better.

So lets hear everybody out and see the way forward and how we can work together as a nation, how we can live that is unity in diversity. How we can incorporate our multisocial, multi-ethnic, multicultural, multi-religious society. But whatever we do, the basic thing is the rule of law is what will guide us for us to succeed.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014—59

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Man United fans plan a fly-past calling for Moyes sack • Banner to carry ‘Wrong One - Moyes Out’ message • Plane due to fly over Aston Villa home game tomorrow

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AVID Moyes’s problems at Manchester United have intensified after it emerged supporters are planning to send a plane over Old Trafford during their game against Aston Villa tomorrow pulling a banner calling for him to be sacked.

Arrangements are being made for the plane to carry a message “Wrong One Moyes Out” as a response to the “Chosen One” banner that has hung inside the stadium since the former Everton manager was appointed as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor.

If it goes ahead, the stunt will be the first concerted effort by fans to remove Moyes from his position in a season that has seen the runaway champions last year slump to seventh, 18 points off the top and guaranteed their worstever return in the Premier League era.

While United maintain that they remain fully supportive of Moyes, the 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester City on Tuesday finished with isolated incidents inside the ground, including a steward having to usher one fan away from the dugout area. Ferguson, sitting in the directors’ box,

was also abused, having identified Moyes for the job, and it is clear that whatever support there was for Moyes is slowly draining away.

Supporters have clubbed together through the Red Issue website to raise almost £1,000 for the planned flyover while Moyes’s first season in charge has been so ignominious.

NFF has powers to hire and fire but.... they have the Lausanne, Switzerland.

— Okpala since power to hire and fire Okpala said he

BY PATRICK OMORODION

D

ISENGAGED Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles, Sylvanus Okpala has said he does not begrudge the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF for relieving him of his position with the senior national team

Continues from B/P

Osaze endured a testing 2013 after finding himself on the periphery at former club West Brom following the collapse of a proposed deadlineday move to QPR before a brief and unsuccessful spell at Cardiff.

However, he appears to have revived his career since joining the Potters in January, and having repaired his relationship with Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, with whom he had a very public fallout in 2012, he has not given up hope of a summer trip to Brazil.

Odemwingie told the

coaches.

He however, said that in doing so, the NFF owes any disengaged employee the obligation of paying him or her her full entitlements, failure of which the employee could seek redress like he has done by taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports in

Player revolt

•Okpala

Continues from B/P

•Moyes

Stoke Sentinel: “I had a stressful 2013, now I just take it week to week. ”I have a son who will be born in the summer and I have another already making me really happy. ”It’s how I think now after last year, that things can always be worse. Today I already have more than I wanted three months ago. ”Everything else is a bonus, but every player would love to go the World Cup. ”If things seem right for me and, most importantly, I am made to feel like I could help the team, then why not?

We will see.”

Manchester United future with squad misgivings over the manager’s tactical approach and training methods threatening to undermine the ongoing backing from the club’s owners, the Glazer family.

With United now having endured eight defeats in 17 games in 2014, the patience shown by the majority of Moyes’s players with his tactics and approach to the job is now at breaking point, as we are aware of the concern of squad members over the inability of the manager to arrest the slump.

Despite Manchester City inflicting on United a third humiliating defeat in the space of a month after a 20 Champions League humbling against Olympiakos in Athens and the 3-0 defeat against Liverpool at Old Trafford 11 days ago, senior figures at the club remained unmoved on Wednesday in their support for the 50year-old.

resorted to CAS to get the NFF pay him because the contract he has with the football house states that “any dispute arising from or related to the present contract will be submitted exclusively to Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland and resolved definitely in accordance with the Code of sports-related arbitration.”

Former CAF Media Director gets AIPS-Africa appointment

F

ORMER CAF Media Director, Suleiman Habuba has been appointed Special Adviser in charge of Education Programmes by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS)-Africa.

The continental umbrella of the global sporting media body affirmed his appointment following body’s congress held from 17-21 March in Dakar, Senegal.

A communiqué signed

by Emmanuel Gustave Samnick, Secretary General of AIPS-Africa cited the designation as one of several innovative decisions taken during the four-day event.

“Coming back to internal matters of AIPS Africa, several innovative decisions have been taken during the congress among them the appointment of Suleiman Habuba of Nigeria as Special Adviser in charge of education programmes,” the statement said.

Habuba, now a Media and Management Consultant delivered a presentation titled “Media Reporting on Major Football Events” to participants at the congress to equip participants with reporting skills and techniques towards the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

COO of Bundesliga Andrea Rettig with Delta State FA Chairman, Amaju Pinnick during a week-long football training course in Germany. The course was put together by Super Sport

NFF Continues from B/P missing a reception hosted by President Jonathan Goodluck in February.

“It is important we draw your attention to previous actions whereby you travel out of Nigeria without NFF’s express permission,” read the NFF letter to Keshi.

“Specifically, you travelled out of Nigeria before 13 February 2014, the day President Jonathan received the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) team, causing us huge embarrassment.

“Your request for leave approved by the NFF was from 15 February - 10 March 2014 but you left before 13 February and returned 26 March.

“The Technical Committee meeting on 25 March was called off because you said you had

flight hitches from USA. “As a responsible organisation, we have no other option than to issue you a query to explain how all these events unfolded.”

Despite missing the Technical Committee meeting Keshi did take part in a round table discussion with Nigerian journalists in Lagos on Tuesday.

The letter, signed by NFF’s Emmanuel Ikpeme, gave the former Nigeria captain 24 hours to respond to the questions raised.

However, the NFF has not made public what actions it could take if it is unhappy with Keshi’s explanations.

The two sides had been enjoying a more cordial relationship in recent weeks after rows over unpaid salary and speculation about the appointment of a foreign assistant for Keshi.

Keshi has had a stormy

relationship with his employers since leading an inexperienced side to victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

He decided against resigning from his post just hours after leading the Super Eagles to their first Nations Cup title since 1994, following disputes with the NFF. Four months later, the NFF president, Aminu Maigari, publicly revealed that Keshi would no longer be solely responsible for selecting the squad.

Maigari queried Keshi’s selection for the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil, which Nigeria exited at the group stage, and said he was dissatisfied with the current set-up.

And in December, the NFF paid Keshi part of the seven months’ salary he was owed, only weeks after he described the situation as “disrespectful and unacceptable”.

V anguard anguard,, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014

INSIDE TODAY'S SPORTS VANGUARD

NFF queries Keshi

Osaze begs Keshi for last chance •Says playing in Brazil will be a bonus

•Maigari

T

HE Nigeria Football Federation’s tense working relationship with coach Stephen Keshi looks set to continue.

The federation has asked Keshi to explain several incidents it is unhappy about.

Most recently Keshi did not attend Tuesday’s technical committee session with the NFF. He has also been asked to explain going on leave without permission and so

Continues on Page 63

S

•Keshi

Player revolt threatens Moyes

U

NDER pressure: David Moyes gives the air of a man with problems as fans file out of Old Trafford on

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Tuesday night David Moyes is facing a critical battle for his

Continues on Page 63

TOKE striker Osaze Odemwingie is keeping his fingers crossed for a World Cup call as he attempts to put a difficult year behind him.

The 32-year-old Continues on Page 63

•Osaze

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS: 2 Clutch (5) 7 Stock (5) 8 Brace (5) 10 Horrify (5) 12 Equipment (3) 13 Wear (5) 15 Quickly (7) 17 Guard (6) 19 Breach (3) 20 Twisted (7) 23 Pitcher (4) 25 Stupor (4) 26 Extending (7) 30 Nothing (3) 31 Kitchen (6) 34 Embraced (7) 37 Regal (5) 38 Epoch (3) 39 Soiled (5) 40 Tally (5) 41 Consumed (5) 42 Twirl (5)

DOWN: 1 Gaze (5) 2 Class (5) 3 Regret (6) 4 Tower (4) 5 Barred (7) 6 Instrument (5) 9 Free (3) 11 Insulation (7) 13 Bordered (5) 14 Tender (5) 16 Friend (3) 18 Swung (7) 21 Cleaner (5) 22 Gemstone (5) 24 Pillage (7) 28 Sock-support (6) 29 Unsoiled (5) 32 Faithful (5) 33 Keen (5) 35 Skill (3) 36 Bowl (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Pitch 7, Taxi 8, Unsure 9, Glade 11, Die 13, Gem 15, Eddy 16, Mum 18, Cane 19, Careful 20, Alto 22, Plea 23, Idiotic 25, Lend 27, Rot 28, Move 30, Tag 31, Nod 33, Snoop 36, Centre 37, Aged 38, Water.

DOWN: 1, Valid 2, Pig 3, Tea 4, Hue 5, Asp 6, Green 10, Dour 11, Default 12, Editing 13, Galleon 14, menaced 16, Major 17, Merit 18, Cup 21, Odd 24, Torn 26, Eased 29, Voter 32, Sty 33, Sew 34, Out 35, Par.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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