Suntai unfit to rule — Taraba lawmakers

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61958

**

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

YOUNG SHALL GROW BOSS:

•P.7

Police recover assailants' mobile phones

IG orders tight security at PDP convention •P.9

Suntai unfit to rule — Taraba lawmakers •Say he couldn't have written resumption letter •Insist Umar remains Acting Gov till further notice •Acting Governor reverses sack of cabinet •Asks banks to honour only cheques signed by him and the Gov

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH, INNOCENT ANABA & JOHN MKOM

A

BUJA—SIXTEEN out of the 24 members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, yesterday, barred ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai, from resuming work, on account of his feeble state of health.

This came as the Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, yesterday, reversed the sack of the state Executive Council as ordered by Suntai.

Meantime, the Taraba State caucus in the

Continues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS:

DONU KOGBARA •P.17

ADISA ADELEYE •P.47

Mr & Mrs SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT

—Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko jubilating with his supporters shortly after the Supreme Court judgment in his favour in Abuja, yesterday. Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Special Report: Elder Bolaji Akpan Anani @ 60: An avowed supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan ....See Pages A1-A32 C M Y K

ANAMBRA: PDP suspends Andy Uba, Chris Uba, 44 associates

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 — 3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

HEALTH—From left: Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State; Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health and Chief host; Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Guest of honour; Dr. Andrew Mbewe, Representative of World Health Organization and Suru Avoseh, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health Services, during the 56th National Council on Health meeting held at the Civic Centre, Victoria, Island, Lagos yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Suntai unfit to rule, say Taraba lawmakers Continues from page 1 House of Representatives will, today, deliberate on the Suntai resumption saga.

The decision of the lawmakers followed a prolonged meeting with the

governor last night, during which, they came to grips with the true state of his health.

In a statement released to journalists, the 16 lawmakers insisted that Suntai was unfit to resume and that they

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

It is wisdom to fear God; it is wisdom to flee from sin. It is wisdom to avoid what can easily make you to compromise your faith. It is wisdom to follow the right path.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Remember that your prosperity and success will benefit others, and that no one lacks abundance because you’ve opted for it— Wayne Dyers

W

HEN you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. When you see the world as abundant and friendly, your intentions are genuine possibilities. They will, in fact, become a certainty, because your world will be experienced from the higher frequencies. In this first step, you’re receptive to a world that provides rather than restricts. You’ll see a world that wants you to be successful and abundant, rather than one that conspires against you. This puts you into vibratory harmony with your Source. Your goal is to eliminate any distance between what you desire and that from which you pull it into your life. Abundance and success aren’t out there waiting to show up for you.

You are already it, and the Source can only provide you with what it is, and, consequently, what you are already.

The supply is unlimited. The more you partake of the universal generosity, the more you’ll have to share with others. Dyer captured the essence of living abundantly in his writings the “Power of Intention”. He wrote: “as generous to the world with your abundance as the field of intention is to you. Don’t stop the flow of abundant energy by hoarding or owning what you receive. Keep it moving. Use your prosperity in the service of others, and for causes greater than your ego.” The more you practice detachment, the more you’ll stay in vibratory harmony with the all-giving Source of everything.

doubted the author of the letter, which was sent to the House of Assembly on Monday.

Based on their assessment of Suntai, the lawmakers authorised Garba Umar, his deputy, who has been acting as the governor of the state in the last 10 months, to continue to hold fort until Suntai was fit to steer the ship of state.

The 16 lawmakers opposed to Suntai’s resumption of work, are led by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Haruna Tsokwa, who had on Tuesday warned that Suntai could not resume unless he addressed them.

The Speaker, who is believed to be loyal to the acting governor, was also at the ‘meeting’ with Suntai on Wednesday night.

In the letter dated August 29, 2013, and jointly signed by the Speaker and 15 other lawmakers, they noted that Suntai could not have written the resumption of work letter, given his failing health.

Part of the letter read: “It is no longer news that the Governor of Taraba State Pharmacist Danbaba Danfulani Suntai was involved in a plane crash on October 25, 2012, whereof, he was flown to Germany for treatment in a condition that made him incapable

of transmitting a letter to the Taraba State House of Assembly informing it of his absence in office.

“The House invoked the provisions of section 190(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and transmitted power to his deputy to act in the office of the governor of Taraba State.

We are all living witnesses to the way and manner the Governor was brought into the state on Sunday, August 25, 2013.

“The leadership of the

Taraba State House of Assembly made several efforts to see him since his arrival, until yesterday (Wednesday) August 28, 2013 when they were allowed access to the ailing governor and their visit revealed that he spoke in a manner that brought more doubt to his authorship of the letter purportedly transmitted to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

“In view of the above, we are convinced that Suntai could not have authored the purported letter transmitted to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

“Be that as it may, we the undersigned members of the State House of Assembly have unanimously resolved in our meeting that the Deputy Governor upon whom power was earlier transmitted to by the State House of Assembly still remains the Acting Governor of Taraba State and he will continue to act in that regard until such a time the Governor is capable of administering the state”.

Those who moved

against the governor were, Haruna Tsokwa, Speaker; Tanko Adamyu, Deputy Speaker; Mohammed Gwampo, Chief Whip; Josiah Kente, Deputy Majority Leader and Mohammed Umar, Deputy Chief Whip.

Others were, Ibrahim Adam Imam, Minority Leader; Yahaya Abduraman, Minority Whip; Iratsi Daki, Rasida Abdullahi, Aminu Jalingo, Emmanuel Dame, John Bonzema, A.A. Jugulde, Hamandama Abdullahi, Abdulkarim Mohammed and Edward Baraya.

Some natives of the state expressed fears that it was apparent that the lawmakers, who had garnered two-thirds of the members of the House of Assembly, could easily impeach the ailing governor, should he continue to move against their interest.

However, a former member of the dissolved cabinet said, yesterday, that Suntai would come out of the present predicament and take over the affairs of the state.

Umar reverses sack of Taraba cabinet

M

EANWHILE, buoyed by the support he is getting from majority of the members of the state House of Assembly, Taraba Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, yesterday, countered Governor Danbaba Suntai’s decision to dissolve the State Executive Council.

Umar, issued a statement asking the people of the state to ignore the purported dissolution of the Exco by Suntai, pointing out that the action was masterminded by a cabal bent on hijacking the ‘administration of the day’.

According to a statement by the Acting Governor ’s Press Secretary, Sule Kefas, the claimed dissolution of the state Executive Council was illegal, null and void and of no effect.

In the same vein, the acting governor ordered all banks in the state where the state government maintains accounts, not to honour any instrument of transaction that does not emanate from him or his authorised agents.

The governor said that the move was to prevent the looting of the state by unauthorised persons, who want to exploit the

situation in the state for their selfish interest.

The statement said: “To this end, the bankers of the Taraba State Government are reminded to note that all financial instruments relating to the State Government’s accounts should be honoured only if they are in tandem with the provisions of the law, in which case, must contain: Verifiable signature of the Executive Governor of Taraba State, his Excellency Governor Danbaba Suntai or verifiable signature of the Acting Governor of Taraba State, his Excellency, Alhaji Garba Continues on page 13

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

2 church guards docked for stealing

BY ONOZURE DANIA

L

AGOS — TWO security guards of Daystar Christian Centre were, yesterday, docked before an Ikeja Magistrate's court for allegedly stealing 100 litres of diesel worth N20,000.

The suspects are Felix Richard (26) and Lucky Ikiedemhe (26), who were arraigned before Magistrate Abimbola Makanju-Oshodi.

The security guards who reside at 35, Oyinlola Street, Ipaja and 16, Adeniyi Jones, Ogba respectively, were brought to court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Samson Ekikere, said the defendants committed the alleged crime on August 24, 2013, at about 10:35pm, at Oregun, Ikeja.

He said the defendants, while inside the church premises, conspired to steal 100 litres of diesel belonging to Daystar Christian Centre.

My wife is dirty, man tells court

I

LORIN — MR Emmanuel Kayode of Maraba Area, Ilorin, yesterday, told an Ilorin Area Court that his wife, Omolade Emmanuel, was dirty.

The 35-year-old man prayed the court to dissolve his threeyear-old marriage to Omolade, for being dirty.

He said: “My wife hardly sweeps our surroundings and bedroom, and that makes our environment irritating and unconducive.”

According to him, their marriage was contracted in 2010 and has produced one female child, Morufat.

He prayed the court to dissolve the marriage, saying that he is tired of his wife’s dirty habit.

The defendant objected to the divorce prayer on ground that she was still interested in the marriage.

She said: “My lord, I promise to keep my home and environment clean, and carry out my domestic chores as expected of me.”

She prayed the court to give them another day for her to make a reconciliatory step.

The presiding officer, Mr Ibrahim Abdulquadri, adjourned the case to October 3, to enable the parties resolve their differences amicably or continue hearing of the case.

9-month-old baby burnt to death in Sapele

BY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE — A NINEMONTH-OLD baby locked up in a house by her parents has been reported burnt to death.

The girl’s mother was said to have gone to the market to earn a living by plaiting peoples’ hairs at Sapele yam ga-

rage while the father was also at work.

The incident occurred at about 7.00pm, Wednesday.

The whole building was brought to ruins as neighbours could not put out the fire while men of Sapele Fire Fighting Service arrived late.

It was reported that the

grand-father of the infant who was alerted of the incident was later involved in salvaging other parts of the building without knowing that his grand child had been consumed by the fire.

When Vanguard visited the scene, neighbours and sympathizers where seen wailing

over the loss of the baby just as household items littered the place.

At press time, the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained, but source at the Sapele Fire Fighting department, who preferred anonymity, confirmed that it was due to electrical spark from power fluctuation.

Man, 22, docked over attempt to rape 80-yr-old blind woman

G An accident which involved two articulated vehicles, after Oba junction on Onitsha-Owerri road, wednesday. Photo: NAN.

Firms paid N6m ransom without police's knowledge — CP

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA — THE police in Bayelsa State, yesterday, said the dredging firms whose workers were abducted last Friday by gunmen in the creek of Opuama in Southern Ijaw council area of the state paid N6 million ransom to the kidnappers without alerting them.

The state Commissioner of Police, Hilary Okpara, who expressed dismay at the action of the firms said his men had fine-tuned strategies to storm the hoodlums' hideout

and effect the release of the workers, when the companies, Beks Nigerian Limited and Sidom Limited, went ahead to pay the ransom.

Okpara disclosed this in Yenagoa while parading 20 suspects among them the alleged kidnappers, pipeline vandals and some of the killers of the 11 policemen in the creek of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

The commissioner noted that the police had examined the intelligence information at their disposal and studied the map and terrain of where the

A cross section of the suspects as paraded by police in Yenagoa, yesterday.

kidnappers were hiding before storming the place, leading to arrest of three of them.

He also said efforts were on to track down the leader of the gang identified as Inemo Worikuma-Lemec, a surveillance contractor with the Nigeria Agip Oil Company, NAOC. Exhibits recovered from the kidnappers, according to the commissioner, include one freezer, one LG television, one generator and about N1.45 million in 29 wraps of N50,000 notes.

He said: “For the fact that the police arrested these kidnappers where they did not believe we will have access to because of its very difficult terrain is a warning to potential kidnappers and illegal oil bunkerers who carry out their criminal activities in the creeks.”

The commissioner said with the encouragement from the Inspector-General of Police and the support of the state government, the command would leave no stone unturned in its resolve to stem the menace of organised and sophisticated armed gangs in the state.

He said the police operatives who nabbed the suspects exhibited utmost professionalism during the raid as they did not fire a single shot in the area.

OMBE — OFFICIALS of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have arrested 22year-old Mohammed Inuwa of Herwagana quarters, Gombe for attempting to rape an 80-year-old blind woman, Malama Hannutu Baba.

The Gombe State Commander of NSCDC, Mr Joel Khestossen said, Tuesday, that the suspect was arrested on August 23.

Khestossen said the suspect was charged to Kasuwan Shanu Magistrates’ court and later remanded in prison custody on the orders of the magistrate.

According to him, the suspect gained entry into the blind woman’s house under the pretext of looking for one Kabiru Sani, a student of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe.

He said: “When he entered the house, there was nobody, as everybody had gone to the mosque except the blind woman.

“When she heard his footsteps, she asked who the person was and the suspect did not talk but quietly went and grabbed the woman.

“He started struggling with her as he tried to force her to have sex with him.

“Unfortunately for him, the woman’s grandson, Malam Mohammed Baba, returned from the mosque and discovered what was going on. He raised an alarm which attracted people to the house.”

He said the people overpowered the suspect and handed him over to NSCDC. He appealed to the public to always report such cases to the appropriate security authorities for necessary action.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—7

Police recover assailants’ mobile phones

YOUNG SHALL GROW MOTORS' BOSS:

BY EVELYN USMAN

L

AGOS — THE Lagos State Police Command, yesterday, said it hadrecovered two mobile telephones belonging to the gunmen that attacked the Chief Executive Officer of Young Shall Grow Motors, Chief Vincent Obianodo, Tuesday night, in FESTAC Town.

This came as Vanguard gathered that there was an attempt to kidnap Obianodo few months ago.

Meantime, Obianodo is recuperating after a surgery to extract the bullet lodged in his left arm at an undisclosed hospital.

Police sources told Vanguard that the telephones were recovered inside a drainage close to the scene of gun battle between the assailants and policemen.

Sources said immediately three members of the five-man assailant fled in their operational Highlander Sports Utility Vehicle, a search was conducted around the vicinity, during which the telephones were found.

According to our sources, “one of the phones was damaged while the other was intact. It will

be improper and unprofessional to give details of our findings.

"All I have to say is that investigation is on-going. At the end of which we hope to get the gun-

men. So far, there is progress in our investigation.“ Contacted, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed that in-

vestigation had commenced, expressing optimism that the fleeing gunmen would be arrested soon. She said Obianodo was responding to treatment.

L

AGOS — A Customs officer on his way to office at the Seme border post was, yesterday, killed while his car was burnt by a mob in revenge of the alleged shooting of a smuggler by another officer at the border post, earlier in the day.

The deceased officer was said to have been accosted by the mob shortly after the shooting of the smuggler in front of Operation Two Area at the border.

The smuggler, Vanguard gathered, attempted to bring bags of rice into the country from Benin Republic.

The development was confirmed by the Seme Customs Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ernest Olottah, in a statement.

According to him, the dead Customs officer was brought out of his car and beaten to death while his car was set ablaze.The suspected smuggler identified simply as Saturday, was said to have been shot during an argument between him and another Customs officer.

Saturday, is an indigene of one of the communities at the border area. He is said to be recovering at an undisclosed hospital.

Olottah’s statement read in part: “The deceased Customs officer while in his uniform unarmed and driving to the command’s headquarters for a routine meeting was accosted by a mob who forced him out of his vehicle. Buoyed by

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L

Chairman, Transition Committee, Malumfashi Local Government Area, Alhaji Mansur Rabi'u-banki (left), measuring grains sold at half the market price to less privileged families in the area,yesterday. Right is the District Head of Malumfashi and former President, Court of Appeal, Justice Mamman Nasir.

Customs officer killed as mob avenges shooting of smuggler

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

Generator fume kills 25-yr-old tea seller in Lagos

an identified chief of the community, the officer was murdered in cold blood and his vehicle set

ablaze.”

He added that the attack may not be unconnected with the hard

stance of the command to smuggling.

3 docked for alleged kidnap, raping of undergraduate ...pasting her nude pictures on internet

BY ONOZURE DANIA

L

AGOS — THREE persons were, yesterday, docked before Tinubu Magistrate's court, for alleged kidnap, raping and posting a female student of University of Lagos, Akokas nude photographs on the internet.

The female undergraduate (names withheld) told Vanguard that she was kidnapped and raped for turning down love advances from one Babatunde Bashorun three months ago,at 1, Ajose Street, Enu-Owa area of Lagos Island.

Babajide and two others, Aje Olumayowa, 20, and Babajide Ajayi, 21, were yesterday charged before the Lagos Magistrate Court, sitting at Tinubu Square, for alleged kidnap and rape.

The suspects who are facing an eight-count charge of conspiracy, kidnap, rape, assault, taking of nude photographs and pasting same on the internet and attempted murder, were docked before Magistrate S. K. Matepo.

The police prosecutor, Supol Orji, told the court that the defendants committed the alleged crime on April 28, 2013 at about

7:30pm, at 1, Ajose Street, Lagos Island.

He also alleged that the defendants took turns to have carnal knowledge of the victim without her consent.

He said the accused indecently assaulted the victim by exposing her nude pictures which they took while they were taking turns to rape her, to the public.

According to the prosecutor, the defendants threatened her, that if she reveals how she was raped, that she would be killed.

The prosecutor said the offence was punishable under sections 409, 269, 144 (1), 258, 135 (2) 150 (1) (2), 228 and 56 (a) of the criminal laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

However, when the charges were read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Matepo granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100,000, with two suerites each in like sum.

She further adjourned the case to October 2, 2013.

The suspects: Aje Olumayowa and Babatunde Bashorun.

AGOS — TRAGEDY struck in Egbeda area of Lagos State, in the early hours of yesterday, when a man, simply identified as Mutairu, an indigene of Sokoto State, was found dead in his makeshift apartment.

Mutairu, a petty trader, who specialized in selling noodles and tea at 83, Egbeda-Idimu Road, was said to have been killed by fume from a generating set he put in his room while sleeping.

The incident was reported to the police at the Area “M” Command, Idimu.

According to an eyewitness and a close friend of the deceased, simply identified as Kabiru, Mutairu was killed by fume from his generating set which he left running in his room till dawn.

Kabiru said: “Mutairu is a native of Sokoto, in Ilela Town. He has been doing Maishai business (tea seller) for many years here.

A lot of people knew him as a dutiful fellow who related well with everyone irrespective of class, religion or ethnic background.

“We were surprised to find him dead this morning (yesterday). Somebody just called to inform me that I should run down to Mutairu’s house as he could not be found around which was unusual.

“When I got there, we knocked repeatedly on his door without response but we could hear the sound of a generator working inside.

“After a while, we decided to climb the roof of the makeshift building because the three doors leading to his room were locked.

“We broke into the room and right before us was the lifeless body of Mutairu on the bed. We quickly put off the generator as the entire room had been saturated with the fume.

“We could not apply any first aid to revive him because he was already dead. It is so painful. Probably, he was unaware of the inherent danger in keeping generator working inside a house.”

The remains of the deceased was later taken to his home town in Sokoto State.

8—Vanguard , FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

PSCs.

Brent Crude falls over Syria

YORUBA UNITY FORUM: From left— Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu; Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi; Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, and Sir Akinfenwa Mojisoluwa, during a meeting of Yoruba Unity Forum at Awolowo House, Ikenne, Ogun State. PHOTO: Shola Oyelese.

Only one of 77 oil blocs producing, says DPR zAs Brent crude falls to $116

BY MICHAEL EBOH

T

HE Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, yesterday, disclosed that of the more than 77 oil blocs awarded between 2005 and 2007, only one was producing, a situation that called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government.

This is even as price of Brent crude oil dropped below $116 a barrel, yesterday, in anticipation of a possible delay in a military strike on Syria. This helped calm concerns over Middle East oil supplies.

Speaking at a forum on the 2005 to 2007 licensing round in Lagos, Mr. George Osahon of DPR, also declared that the rest of the non-producing oil blocs were presently at less than 30 percent development.

He said: “Only one bloc is currently producing, while less than 30 percent of blocs are actively worked; several Production Sharing Contracts, PSC, are yet to be signed.

“Bank guarantees are yet to be put in place, work obligations are not respected and downstream obligations not performed.”

It is widely believed that bloc owners merely acquire such assets for status-ship, as most simply go bloc-hawking, when they acquire the licences.

While it may have been easy to fling such blocs away to the first bidder, stringent measures introduced have made it impossible for Nigerian oil blocs to be sold so easily in the open market.

PIB excuse

He lamented the fact that majority of the operators were using the delay in the passage of

the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, as an excuse not to develop their fields, adding that this was improper and a ploy to blame the government for their lack of seriousness.

According to him, in the last three to four years, nothing was happening in Nigeria’s upstream sector, while in the marginal fields sector; only eight oil blocs were producing out of the 24 awarded to 31 successful companies.

Giving a breakdown of the oil blocks awarded since 2005, Osahon revealed that in 2005, the Federal Government awarded 44 oil blocks across the country; 16 were awarded in 2006, and 17 in 2007.

Development challenges

Osahon identified partnership and partner relations issues, and lack of access to financing as major challenges affecting the development of the oil blocs.

Other challenges, according to him, were technical challenges and unavailability of data, insecurity, limited capacity and issues of packaging.

He said Federal Government was concerned about the inability of operators to meet industry targets for reserves and production capacity, limited activities in the oil and gas industry and implications for the industry vitality and social challenges.

Other concerns of the government, he said, were “inability to establish national competitive advantage in the global energy scene; wrong impression about investment climate with PIB being touted as the reason for limited industry activities and limited attraction for investors.

Solution

On the way forward, he said: “Awardees and operators should take advantage of forums presented by DPR to build relationship with prospective investors and financial institutions.

“Awardees are encouraged to build synergies where possible, as in contiguous blocks for data acquisition or conjugate development.

“DPR will commence entertaining concern of awardees from Tuesday to Thursday each week for the next three weeks, where specific challenges such as evacuation and downstream project obligation and other issues or obstacles to operations will be addressed.”

He advised companies to, henceforth, undertake in-depth studies on prospective blocs before bidding and acquiring such blocs, warning that the oil and gas business was expensive and highly risky.

Insecurity's bigger factor

However, Managing Director,

Oando Exploration and Production Limited, Mr. Pade Durotoye, identified insecurity as one of the biggest challenges confronting oil blocs development.

He said the challenge had made it impossible to get seismic crew to work on the acreage, which is compounded by the demand for performance bond and 100 percent cash collateral required for the performance bonds, among others.

He called for the removal of the performance bond so that such funds could be used for blocks development, while an effective platform should be provided to negotiate minimum work commitment in line with current realities.

He further called for the detachment of downstream commitment from the PSCs obligations, organic buy-out terms for local content vehicles that have no funding and which requires carrying and also develop a clear force majeure procedure with

Brent crude for October delivery hit a low of $114.94 a barrel, down $1.67, before recovering to trade around $116.00 by 1350 GMT. It jumped over five percent in the previous two sessions, posting its strongest two-day gain since January 2012.

October U.S. crude fell $1.50 to a low of $108.60 a barrel before rallying to around $109.40, following a near four percent gain over the past two days.

Eugen Weinberg, global head of commodities at Germany’s Commerzbank, said: “The market is reassessing the supply implications of the conflict in Syria, “Our view is military action will not destabilise the whole Middle East, which means the risk premium is being overstated. If the conflict is contained in Syria, prices are too high.”

Oil has jumped this week to multi-month highs on fears that the potential strike on Syria could spread unrest to major oil producers in the Middle East and disrupt supply.

Even without disruption to supplies from key oil producers such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq, the oil market already has a host of supply issues to worry about.

In Libya, Iraq too

Libya’s crude output has fallen to around 250,000 barrels per day, bpd, from pre-war levels of 1.6 million bpd as workers’ strikes crippled exports, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said on Wednesday.

Iraqi oil production has fallen by around 500,000 bpd due to maintenance and problems with local pipelines, while output has also been restricted from the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Black Sea and Nigeria.

Analysts say between two million and three million bpd of oil has been removed over the last few months, tightening a market that otherwise would have been well supplied.

Brent’s premium over U.S. crude futures has risen to more than $6 a barrel, the widest since June, on expectations of increasing supply at the U.S. contract’s delivery point in Cushing, Oklahoma.

Nigeria, US sign MoU on cross-border fraud

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

A

BUJA—THE United States Federal Trade Commission, US-FTC, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, for an increased cooperation and communication to curb cross-border fraud.

In the MoU, signed Wednesday, there would be a Joint Implementation Committee to identify concrete areas of collaboration and also establish joint training programmes and provide assistance regarding specific cases and investigations.

The United States was represented by FTC Chairwoman, Edith Ramirez, while the Director General of the Consumers Protection Council, Dupe Atoki and Chairman of EFCC,

Ibrahim Lamorde, signed on behalf of Nigeria.

Speaking at the occasion, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Professor Adebowale Adefuye, said it was the first of its kind to include a foreign criminal enforcement authority in the fight against cross-border crimes.

Lamorde said the partnership would “build on our existing collaboration with FTC and with U. S. criminal enforcement authorities.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—9

IG orders tight security as PDP convention holds

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, HENRY UMORU & JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

A

LL is set for tomorrow’s Special Convention of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, assured Nigerians and participants that Police would provide water-tight security for the exercise holding at the Eagle Square, Central Area, Abuja.

The Professor Jerry Gana-led convention committee, which suspended the election for the national secretary because of a pending court case, also announced its readiness to midwife a credible and rancour-free exercise and rallied support for the PDP. The committee also restated the party’s stand on zoning of the vacant slots to states that held them before the occupiers were asked to step down recently.

All the candidates will face the Senator Ndoma Egba-led screening panel today and those

with grievances are expected to take their appeal to the Governor Theodore Orji-led appeal panel tomorrow before the convention will kick-off.

This is coming as an aspirant to the national publicity secretary post dragged PDP; its National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; and immediate past publicity scribe, Chief Olisa Metuh, to court over the zoning of the post to Anambra.

Tight security, traffic diversion To ensure adequate security, safe and conducive atmosphere for the convention, the IGP has issued an Operational Order directing the Commissioner of Police, FCT, Mr. Femi Ogunbayode, to ensure a tactical and wellcoordinated deployment of personnel and other operational equipment.

The IG, in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba, also directed the deployment of personnel of the Police Mobile Force, PMF, Counter-Terrorist Unit, CTU, Anti-Bomb Squad and

the Police Air Wing for aerial patrol.

It said: “In addition, personnel of the Canine section and special operatives of the FIB are to be deployed for the operation.

“The AIG Zone 7 has been directed to personally take charge of the entire operation, to guarantee a seamless command and control of the exercise.”

Meanwhile, the Police informed motorists in Abuja that all routes leading to Eagle Square would be barricaded and traffic diverted with effect from 4.00pm today. Traffic will be diverted to the following routes: Ahmed Bello Way Fly-over, Benue Plaza Road, Ministry of Finance Junction, Bullet Junction, Bayelsa House Junction and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Flyover.

It said: “In view of this development, all commuters, motorists and the general public are strongly advised to utilise alternate routes, during the duration of the convention. “Affected routes will be re-opened to traffic and the public as soon as the convention activities are over.”

Abubakar solicited the understanding and cooperation of the general public in assisting the Police and o t h e r security agencies in ensuring a peaceful, safe and secure convention, as part of conscious efforts by all citizens to nurture democracy and national growth.

H e advised people, who are not part of the convention, to avoid the venue of the exercise as “Police operatives have been instructed to restrain all intruders or trespassers,

irrespective of status or placement.”

Zoning stands Ahead of the convention, Professor Gana said, yesterday, that election of National Secretary would remain suspended until the determination of a subsisting court case on the matter.

According to Gana, the party would conduct election into the office of National Secretary as soon as the case was concluded in line with the directives of the court judgment, adding that aspirants that purchased forms to contest for the office will have their purchase fees refunded accordingly.

Addressing journalists yesterday on the readiness of the party to hold the convention tomorrow, Professor Gana said 14 sub-committees on security, accommodation, transport and logistics, among others, were set up to ensure a seamless exercise.

Ekweremadu said that the zoning arrangement where the states had the positions prior to the resignation, remains, adding that the party had earlier fixed the positions for geo-political zones and subsequently zoned them to states and that the status quo stands.

Raises appeal panel Meanwhile, Deputy Senate President and Secretary of the committee, Senator Ike Ekweremadu said, yesterday, that an appeal committee for those that might be disqualified today by the Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba screening committee will have the opportunity of appealing tomorrow to the Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji -led Appeal Panel. The panel has Minister of State, FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide and Tafidan as members. The appeals, if any, would be entertained before the convention begins.

Also, yesterday, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the publicity sub-committee of the national convention of PDP, Emeka Ihedioha, expressed optimism that tomorrow’s convention would be very successful and called on all stakeholders, officials and members of PDP to rally round one another to give the party full support and ensure a hitch-free convention.

A chieftain of PDP in Anambra State, Chief Akwugo Iloanya, has prayed an Anambra High Court to restrain Metuh from contesting the position of publicity secretary at tomorrow’s convention.

Also joined in the suit as defendants are Bamanga Tukur, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd.) and the SouthEast Zonal Executive of the party, Jerry Gana and PDP. Iloanya and Victor Ishiwu, in the

originating summons, are seeking a declaration of the court that the post of National Publicity Secretary of PDP is zoned to Anambra State to the exclusion of any other state.

They said this was by virtue of the zoning arrangement ratified by the National Executive Committee, NEC, and the zonal executive committee (South-East) of the party, which was allegedly acknowledged by the report of the 2012 National Congress and Convention planning committee.

They are also seeking a declaration that by an agreement between the executive and members of PDP in Anambra State, the post of National Publicity Secretary of the party is zoned to Anambra North and Central Senatorial districts to the exclusion of Anambra South senatorial district.

The plaintiffs are further seeking for a declaration that the 3rd defendant (Olisa Metuh), who is from Anambra South senatorial district, is not qualified to contest the post of National Publicity Secretary of PDP in tomorrow's special national convention in Abuja or any other applicable day. ... against Metuh In their prayers, the plaintiffs are seeking an order of the court restraining Olisa Metuh from presenting, contesting or putting himself forward as a candidate for the post of National Publicity Secretary of PDP at the special convention.

They are praying for an order of the court restraining the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th defendants (PDP, Bamanga Tukur, Austin Akobundu and Jerry Gana, respectively) from accepting the nomination of Metuh to be fielded as a candidate for the post of the National Publicity Secretary of PDP at the convention.

In a 25-point affidavit in support of the originating summons, Chief Iloanya, who is one of the aspirants for the post of National Publicity Secretary, said: “In the spirit and letters of zoning principles as contained in Peoples Democratic Party constitution and guidelines and in order to ensure fair play and equity in the distribution of party posts, members of Peoples Democratic Party in Anambra State agreed that the post of National Publicity Secretary to be contested at the national convention of the party be zoned to Anambra North and Central districts to the exclusion of Anambra South Senatorial district.

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Stowaway: FAAN introduces new security measures

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETEGHE AGOS—THE Federal Air port Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, yesterday introduced new security measures in all the nation’s airports to prevent a re-occurrence of runway incursion, especially those without perimeter fences.

It will be recalled that a 13-year old boy, Daniel Ohikena beat security checks at the Benin Airport and subsequently sneaked into the main wheel of an Arik aircraft from Benin airport to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA2, Lagos.

At a briefing in Lagos, General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, said henceforth, a security vehicle would be deployed to a point within full view of the aircraft as it taxies out to take-off at the airports aimed at maintaining visual scrutiny until every departing aircraft was safely airborne.

Mr. Dati pointed out that the second measure was to ensure that all bushes at the airports across the country were cleared to ensure full view of the perimeter fence, to allow the control tower, FAAN Fire and Rescue observation posts and aviation security patrol teams sweeping view of the entire perimeter of an airport from their duty posts.

According to him, “again, static observation posts will be erected at strategic locations within the perimeter fence of all airports to forestall premeditated and inadvertent unauthorized access to the airside. This will be complemented by motorized and foot patrols. The absence of perimeter fences at most of our airports has always posed a challenge to FAAN because of the huge capital outlay required in constructing perimeter fences, some of which are as long as 40 kilometres, across the 22 network of airports across the country.”

The FAAN GM, noted that most of the projects would commence in 2014 while the remaining ones would be executed in 2015, in line with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in the aviation industry.

He added that “It will be recalled that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has taken the issue of security at our airports more seriously in recent times, as shown in the dismantling and removal of abandoned aircraft at all our airports and the relocation of petrol tankers from the access road of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos – feats that has been difficult to accomplish for many years.”

L

Meanwhile Vanguard gathered that the stowaway teenager at the time of this report, was still been held in the custody of the Department of State Security, DSS, five days after he was arrested at MMA, Lagos.

Already, a committee set up on Tuesday by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to investigate the stowaway incident for possible professional negligence sat up to yesterday.

A source who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the panel was set up to probe the issue of professional misconduct especially when it was confirmed that some passengers onboard alerted the cabin crew of spotting a strange element who passed under the aircraft, but who was not seen coming out of the belly of the plane.

Besides, it was confirmed that the cabin crew informed the pilot of the development and rather than handle the issue professionally, he ignored the information even though he contacted the control tower on the issue.

The source alleged that it was already established that the pilot was in a hurry to airlift the passengers to Lagos and airlifts another passengers to Abuja Airport same day.

According to the source, “The committee is trying to establish if the pilot handled the issue professionally because as a professional who was informed of such danger, the onus lies on him to abort the flight and ensure total screening of the aircraft.

Rather, he wanted to beat the time and pick up passengers in Lagos.

If he is found wanting, NCAA will deal with him according to the law in the sector. We need to establish what really happened.

That was why the committee was inaugurated by the Director-General.”

However, at the time of this report, it was not clear the outcome of yesterday’s meeting as members were still meeting.

Also, it was not clear when the boy would be released from the DSS custody as the authority was still investigating the incident.

PCRC SEMINAR: From left: Assistant Commissioner of Police, A. A Muhammed, Area B Apapa; M. Imitimi, Guest Speaker and DCP Femi Oyeleye, during a seminar on Addressing Nigeria’s Security Challenges Through Community Policing, by the Police Community Relations Committee, Lagos State Police Command, at the Natioal Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

Lagos ranked 4th world’s worst City

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU AGOS—LAGOS is the fourth worst city in the world, Economist Intelligence Unit, EIU, an independent forecasting and advisory business within the Economist Group has said.

And its top worst cities, are scattered around Africa and Asia. Lagos, the fourth on the list, shares its 137 position with Port Moresby, in Papua New Guinea on 38.9 per cent.

The report made available yesterday described it as the secondfastest growing city in Africa and the fourth worst city on earth.

“Rapid growth is not always a good thing because Lagos is now a magnet for two perpetual threats to peace: pirates and Islamist warriors.

Boko Haram have a problem with cities

L

like Lagos and also lots of weaponry. Pirates threaten trade and use kidnapping as a method of funding. Islamist terrorist groups such as Boko Haram (“Education is forbidden”) want to create their own version of heaven on earth by destroying cities such as Lagos and imposing strict sharia law. Lagos has enormous poten-

tial but as yet little to show for it hence its poor ranking,” the report said.

EIU in its 2013 annual survey of the world’s 140 major metropolises, said Lagos has a long way to go politically, socially and economically before it joins the emerging market club.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—11

Ondo guber poll: Mimiko floors Oke, Akeredolu at S-Court ...Judiciary's come of age— NGF

BY KECHUKWU NNOCHIRI & HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA—THE Supreme Court, yesterday, declined to order the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct fresh governorship election in Ondo State.

In their unanimous judgment, a seven-man panel of justices of the apex court, affirmed Governor Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party as the bonafide winner of the gubernatorial election held in the state on October 20, 2012.

Following the ruling, Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum, NGF, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi, congratulated Governor Mimiko on his victory, saying the judiciary had come of age.

The Supreme Court dismissed as lacking in merit, two separate appeals filed before it by Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and Chief Olusola Oke of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Whereas the lead judgment in the appeal entered against Mimiko by Akeredolu was delivered by Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, that of the PDP candidate, Oke, was delivered

by Justice Mary Peter Odili.

Both Akeredolu and Oke had, in their substantive appeals, urged the apex court to sack Mimiko from office on grounds that the Ondo gubernatorial poll was fraught with manifest irregularities and that there was substantial non-compliance to the Electoral Act which, they said, rendered the election invalid.

While urging the court to sack Mimiko from office, Oke and PDP alleged that there was infusion of over 100, 000 ghost names in the voters' register used to conduct the election.

Oke further relied on the case of Agbaso vs Ohakim to argue that the inability of INEC to display the voters' register, prior to the election as prescribed in

section 19 of the Electoral Act, rendered the outcome of the poll invalid, adding that the lower court erred and miscarried justice against him when it held that issues bordering on voters' register was a pre-election matter.

On the other hand, Akeredolu, in his 13 grounds of appeal, urged the apex court to set aside the judgments of both the Election Petition Tribunal that sat in the state and the Court of Appeal, Akure, contending that the lower courts failed to evaluate the evidence of two of his principal witnesses, PW-34 and PW-35, who, he said, exposed how ballot boxes were stuffed in favour of Governor Mimiko.

He equally prayed the Supreme Court to determine whether the appellate justices, having found that the voters' register did not comply with the Electoral Act, ought not to have nullified the election and whether the lower court was right to have held that he was

unable to prove allegations of malpractice and that the injection of names into the voters' register affected the outcome of the election.

While dismissing the appeals, the Supreme Court held that the allegation of injection of names in the voters' register was not proved by the appellant, noting that allegation of “compilation or usage of an illegal voters' register for an election is a criminal offence that must be proved beyond every reasonable doubt.

“This allegation was not proved by the appellant, even on the balance of probability,” the court added.

More so, the court maintained that even if it was proved that the votes of the entire alleged 100, 000 ghost voters were added to the appellants', the 1st respondent, Mimiko, would still have won the election, having secured the highest number of validly cast votes.

Describing the evidence of the PW-34 as “hearsay”, the court

said it was convinced that the witness was a mercenary ready to render his services for a fee.

“The court has a duty to treat such evidence with the disdain it deserves,” the Supreme Court held.

Other Justices that concurred with the lead judgments yesterday were Justices Walter Onnoghen, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Christopher Chukwuma-Eneh, John Afolabi Fabiyi and S.S Alagua.

Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State-led Nigeria Governors’ Forum said, yesterday, that with the Supreme Court’s upholding of the election of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, the nation’s judiciary had come of age.

In a statement signed by NGF’s Director-General, Asishana Okauru, read: “The Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, congratulates Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State on the Supreme Court ruling which upheld his election."

INTERACTIVE SESSION: Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State acknowledging cheers from students, during an interactive session with leaders of Indigenous Students Association, in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

PUBLIC NOTICE END-TIME PROJECT CHARISMATIC CHURCH This is to inform the general public that the above named religious organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act Cap C20 LPN 2004.

The Trustees are: 1.

Pastor Israel Nwachineke 2.

Mrs. Ngozi Nwachineke 3.

Mr. Luke Ogbodo 4.

Mr. Sunday Mbah Chukwu The Aims and Objectives A. To preach the gospel of the kingdom of God B. To bring back light to those who are in darkness C. To preach about the resurrection and the second coming of Jesus Christ.

D. To raise end-time army for Christ E. To raise hope for the hopeless Any objection thereto should be addressed to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Pastor Israel Nwachineke

Why I sent Osun medical students to Ukraine —Aregbesola

T

HE governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has said that the decision to send stranded medical students of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, to a foreign university to complete their medical studies was borne out of the conviction of his administration that no sacrifice would be too much to secure better future for the students.

The governor stated this while receiving the report of the Committee on Transfer of UNIOSUN medical students to Ukraine.

Last year, Aregbesola’s government sponsored 87 medical students of UNIOSUN to V.N Karazin Kharkvin National University in Ukraine, to complete their medical programme.

The students' programme was stalled due to non-availability of a Teaching Hospital for the state university.

Aregbesola said his government facilitated the transfer of the students because it believed that a responsible government must fulfill its part of a pact entered into with the people irrespective of which person or party in power signed the agreement, since governance is a continuum.

He said: “I feel fulfilled that the students, who would have had their dreams aborted, will now realise their ambition of becoming full-fledged medical doctors.

“We have kept faith with these students, their parents and guardians towards realising their life time ambition."

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

NDDC gives computer sets to polytechnics, colleges of education, others

T

HE NIGER Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has donated over 200 computer sets and 120 accessories to each of the polytechnics and colleges of education in the Niger Delta.

Acting Managing Director/CEO of the commission, Dr. Christy Atako, dislcosed this when she paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Hillary Odo, yesterday.

She said 19 prototype students hostel blocks were also being constructed by the NDDC across the region Dr. Atako said: “We have always believed that education is the bedrock of any development, there is no economy that can develop without the education sector, that is why the Commission has been relentless in its intervention.”

Rivers senators, 10 reps, Amaechi delegates boycott PDP convention

BY EFUGE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT — RIVERS State delegates loyal to Governor Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday, declared a boycott of Peoples Democratic Party’s mini-convention which holds in Abuja tomorrow.

Leader of the Rivers State Caucus in the National Assembly, Asita Asita, who declared the boycott at a gathering of the league of pro-Amaechi’s delegates at Government House, Port Harcourt, said the action was to protest national PDP leadership’s indifference to the crisis rocking the state PDP and illegal suspension of Governor Amaechi by the party.

The boycotting delegates, who constitute majority of the automatic delegates to the last PDP National Convention, include two serving senators and 10 House of Representatives members and all commissioners, particularly those not expelled by the Felix Obuah-led state leadership of the party.

Others are the 27 proAmaechi Rivers State House Assembly members, suspended by the state leadership of the party, chairmen of all 23 local governments in the state and

those of the party local government area chairmen instituted by the deposed Wilson Akeled state executive of the party.

Asita said: “The leadership of the party at the centre has refused to bring under control the rascality with which activities of the party are being run by the illegal administration of the PDP in the state. We are not satisfied with the illegal suspension of Governor Amaechi who is the known leader of the party in the state.

“We are aware of the miniconvention and were hoping the party at the centre would

take appropriate steps over the disrepute the party is suffering.

Because the party at the centre has failed to do what it is supposed to do, we have decided to boycott the convention.

“Those qualified at the last convention are those who are still qualified to attend this coming convention according to INEC. So anyone claiming to represent Rivers at the convention is not qualified to do so.”

The member representing Gokana Constituency, Innocent Barikor, said “in support of the leaders from the Rivers NASS caucus, 27 of us from the Riv-

ers State Assembly are also in support of the boycott in solidarity with the governor.”

Tammy Danagogo, Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development, also presented the unanimous consent of Rivers State commissioners, especially those not declared expelled by the party leadership, to the boycott of the convention, while Mayor of Port Harcourt City Council, Chibuiko Akarolo, said the 23 council chairmen had also met and decided to boycott the convention in solidarity with the governor

Why we’ve not resumed sitting — Delta House zSays trip overseas costs far less than N1.5bn

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

T

HE LEADERSHIP of Delta State House of Assembly, yesterday, said its resumption of sitting, after members’ overseas’ training session, was caused by the digitalisation of the hallowed chamber and Peoples Democratic Party ’s congress in Calabar, which members were attending.

Fielding questions from

newsmen in his office in Asaba, House Committee Chairman on Information, Mr. Johnson Erijo, however, assured Deltans that the House would resume in two weeks to enable construction work aimed at digitalising the entire hallowed chambers to be completed.

The State Assembly had gone on recess since July 18 and was expected to resume on August 6, but members proceeded on public policy and leadership

training at the University of California, United States of America, to avoid idling away.

On the allegation that the House spent a whopping sum of N1.5 billion, he said the amount was far below the figure being touted and called on media practitioners and the public to take advantage of the Fiscal Responsibility and the Freedom of Information laws to verify the authenticity of the claim.

Vanguar FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 —13

Petroleum Minister laments insecurity in Gulf of Guinea zSays kidnappers, pirates, oil thieves threat to oil and gas operations

BY EVELYN USMAN

T

HE MINISTER of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, yesterday, bemoaned the rising cases of insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, resulting in ceaseless cases of hijacking, unau-

thorised vessel boarding and kidnapping in the region.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke stated this at the First Nigerian Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel, OPV, Africa Conference in Lagos.

Describing the situation as unacceptable, the Petroleum Resources Minister, who was

represented by the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Engr. Andrew Yakubu, noted that crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in the Gulf of Guinea had become a major source of concern to the Federal Government.

Umar reverses sack of Taraba cabinet Continues from page 5 Umar, Acting for the Executive Governor.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard yesterday’s (Wednesday) announcement of the purported dissolution of the State Executive Council and the appointment of a new SSG as well as the Chief of Staff.

“The announcement is a mere attempt by a cabal to hijack the machinery of governance in the State and not a directive that was given by the Executive Governor, his Excellency Danbaba Suntai.

“The Acting Governor of Taraba state Garba Umar is reassuring the good people of Taraba State that substantial progress has been made in the ongoing discussions to resolve the misunderstandings of the past few days, since the return of our leader, his Excellency, Gov Danbaba Suntai from the

United States.

“His Excellency the Acting Governor is happy to note the high sense of patriotism and the brotherly manner with which Tarabans have been viewing and handling the developments, urging us all to sustain this in the coming days and weeks.

“His Excellency, the Acting Governor, however, wishes to remind all Tarabans that a moment like this calls for greater restraint and vigilance."

It will be recalled that on Wednesday the governor had announced through one of his media aides, Mr. Sylvanus Giwa, that the Exco had been dissolved and that all the appointees should hand over to their permanent secretaries with immediate effect.

NBA challenges Suntai to address lawmakers

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, yesterday, challenged Suntai to address the House of Assembly in person, if he was indeed healthy enough to function as governor of Taraba State.

Reacting to concerns raised by members at the ongoing Annual General Conference of the association in Calabar, Cross River State capital, over what was playing out at Taraba State House of Assembly, NBA President, Mr Okey Wali said: “The governor should address the House of Assembly. If he does not address the House, then it means he is not there.”

Members had argued that the controversy over the governor’s health status was capable of creating constitutional and political crisis in the state.

“According to the US Naval Intelligence Report, the region in the first half of 2013 witnessed nine hijacking incidents, in addition to 55 incidents of unauthorised vessel boarding, vessels fired at and kidnappings this year,” AlisonMadueke revealed.

She emphasised that maritime security was not only essential to maintaining the flow of revenue from oil and gas but also impacted greatly on the region’s economic development.

She added that maritime resources, such as fish, aquaculture and an intact ecosystem directly contributed to the livelihood of many Africans.

Providing a breakdown of oil and gas operations in the region, Mrs. Alison-Madueke noted that the Gulf of Guinea consisted of 15 countries with oil production exceeding 5.4 million barrels per day in 2012.

She stressed that oil supply from the Gulf of Guinea in 2011 was equivalent to 27 per cent of EU consumption and 29 per cent of total US petroleum consumption in the same year.

The Minister stated that Nigeria and Angola accounted for 47 per cent and 34 per cent of total Gulf of Guinea oil supply respectively.

Alison-Madueke said it was

extremely important that Gulf of Guinea countries and their allies collaborated to police the sea lanes of the Gulf of Guinea, noting that disruptions in crude oil supply not only affected countries such as Nigeria but ultimately had an impact on the global economy.

While calling for increased domestic efforts in addressing the menace, the Petroleum Resources Minister said that addressing illegal crude oil bunkering was multi-dimensional and required multi-lateralism.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke added that resurrecting the Gulf of Guinea security protocol and collaboration with Nigeria and other Gulf of Guinea countries would go a long way in addressing the maritime security issues.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion Rear Admiral Alison Madueke (rtd), said the increasing spate of maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea had led to the loss of several billions of dollars in revenue to the national economy.

The three-day conference with the theme: ‘Delivering Maritime Security to Africa,’ was attended by Navy formations from the Gulf of Guinea countries with presentations from local and international resource persons.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Chime decries poor telecom services in Enugu

Imo Assembly receives knocks over passage of abortion law

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, yesterday, expressed dissatisfaction with poor telecom service networks at Government House, Enugu and some communities in the state, with a call on the operators to address the lapses.

The governor said it was disheartening for the seat of government and its environs to continue to experience network failure always without any good explanation from the service providers.

Chime, who spoke through his Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, at a one-day Corporate Communications Forum organised by Nigerian Communications Commission in Enugu, said that there were some dark areas in terms of telecom services in the state.

He said: “We have observed some dark areas in Enugu State that are yet to be covered by GSM service providers and urge that services be extended to such areas without further delay."

UNIZIK gets N4.19bn for infrastructure

BY VINCENT UJUMADU WKA—THE on-going strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has turned to a kind of an advantage for the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, as the institution has been given N4.19 billion for improvement of infrastructure and payment of staff allowances.

The letter conveying the allocation was read to the university by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Boniface Egboka.

While N3.05 billion is for the upgrading of infrastructure, N1.14 billion will be for payment of earned staff allowances.

Only federal universities, however, received the money for the payment of allowances, while all the federal and state-owned universities shared the money for infrastructural development.

A

O

WERRI—SPEAKER, Imo State House of Assembly, Mr. Benjamin Uwajumogu, and his colleagues in the House, have come under fierce criticism over the obnoxious abortion law recently enacted and signed by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Uwajumogu, who in a bid to douse the growing tension over the controversial abortion law, denied that the lawmakers did not approve such a law.

He spoke when the lawmakers resumed legislative activities, yesterday, but carefully avoided mentioning the offensive aspect of the law.

Sub-Section (i) of the law particularly states: “Every woman shall have the right to enjoy reproductive rights, including the right to medical abortion in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest and where the continued pregnancy endangers the life or the physical, mental, psychological or emotional health of the mother”.

However, the speaker said the law only provided for the reproductive health right of every woman to eliminate violence in private or public life of a female.

A legal practitioner in the service of the state government, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, said from the manner the law was coined, a woman could ask for abortion, if at any point within the nine months of pregnancy, she complained of simple physical, emotional, mental or psychological health.

“Abortion is abortion and this is hitting a people that clamp tenaciously to their religious beliefs and norms. I foresee a fiercer protest in the future,” the lawyer said.

Reacting also to the speaker’s denial, the Chairman, Catholic Medical Practitioners Association, Imo State Chapter, Dr. Phillip Njemanze, insisted that the lawmakers legalized abortion.

Njemanze said: “Who said they did not enact the abortion law? Did they not understand what they passed into law? Don’t they understand simple English? The speaker simply wants to confuse the citizenry.”

He explained that with the law in place, there was no restriction for a woman to abort a foetus, even at the ninth month of pregnancy.

While calling for the resignation of the speaker and his colleagues, the medical doctor said “the section which gives every woman the right to take decisions about her health needs and requirements, implies that abortion is operational in the state, irrespective of the circumstances that led to it.”

A Pentecostal pastor, Rev. Jamike Eze, said the issue surrounding the prevailing abortion law in the state

was not and should no be a fight for Catholics alone.

Rev Eze said: “This is a fight

for all Christians in the state. I am not too sure that the lawmakers and the governor

fully understood what they dabbled into when they coined the obnoxious law.”

MEETING—From left: Govs Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano; Sule Lamido of Jigawa; Seidu Dakingari of Kebbi; Ibrahim Shema of Katsina and Vice President Namadi Sambo, during a meeting of North West PDP governors at Aguda House, Abuja, yesterday.

Burglars break into NUJ office in Ebonyi, cart away N1.5m worth of ICT items

BY PETER OKUTU

A

B A K A L I K I — SUSPECTED burglars, yesterday, carted away Information and Communication Technology, ICT, equipment worth over N1.5 million from the office of Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ, Ebonyi State chapter.

Briefing members of the union on the ugly incident, NUJ state chairman, Mrs. Veronica Osim, who was visibly shocked and depressed as a result of the incident, wondered how the hoodlums were able to gain entry into the premises of the union.

It would be recalled that Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State had during a courtesy call by the leadership of the union approved the equipping and upgrading of the union secretariat with modern Information and Communication Technology equipment.

Vanguard learned that the items carted away by the hoodlums were among those installed by the contractor handling the project.

The items include central processing unit, monitors, uninterrupted power supply unit UPS, air conditioner, chairs, television set and a big generating set belonging to the union.

She said: “On getting to the

secretariat, I observed that some of the newly installed facilities and other items were missing and I immediately alerted

members of the union.

Members immediately gathered and headed to the State Police Headquarters to inform the police.

PDM opts out of Anambra guber zSays party not formed to actualize Atiku's presidential ambition

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

T

HE Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, has ruled itself out from participating in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

The decision was taken at a National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the party presided over by the National Chairman, Mallam Bashir Yusuf who rebuffed insinuations in the media that the party was a platform for the actualization of the presidential aspiration of former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar.

The decision not to participate in the Anambra election, according to the statement issued by Yusuf, is to allow the new party focus on registration of new members, a statement issued by Alaba Yusuf.

Quoting the chairman’s explanation for not participating in the Anambra governorship election, Alaba Yusuf said: “The Chairman allayed fears that the

PDM cannot afford to do hushhush things. The party has to follow due process and adhere strictly to the provisions of her constitution.

He said: "The party needs time to grow and that there is enough time to contest in future elections.

He also said he is sure that the PDM not participating in the Anambra election would not put the state in jeopardy.”

He said some existing political parties had approached the new party for merger but that the “PDM would not subsume its identity to any party, rather relate as equals.

He reiterated that PDM will not merge with any other party but there could be room for future alliances.”

On whether the PDM was formed to actualise the presidential aspiration of Atiku Abubakar, the chairman dismissed the assertions as “untrue and a mere rumour.

However, he said PDM belongs to all eligible Nigerians and they are welcome to join the party of light, security, equity and unity.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—15

Rep asks ASUU to go back to negotiating table

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

A

THE PATRIOTS: From left— Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Professor Ben Nwabueze, leader of The Patriots; Vice President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan; Chief Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, former Chairman, UBA Plc; and Chief Solomon Asemota, during a courtesy visit by The Patriots to the President in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

Nwabueze to Jonathan: Be a national hero, don't contest 2015 election zWe 're not opposed to Nigerians coming together to discuss—Jonathan

BY BEN AGANDE BUJA—ELDER statesman and leader of the Patriot, Professor Ben Nwabueze, yesterday reiterated his call on President Goodluck Jonathan not to contest the 2015 presidential election, saying he should concentrate on transforming the country to make it more united and stronger through a conference of ethnic nationalities.

But President Jonathan said his administration had no objection to Nigerians coming together to discuss how they will continue to live together in peace and unity.

Speaking with newsmen after leading members of the Patriot to a meeting with President Jonathan, Professor Nwabueze said though the President was eligible to contest, he should sacrifice ambition for the greater good of the nation and become an instant hero.

He said: “I still believe that the problem of this country is national transformation. You cannot combine national transformation with contesting election.

“The two are so different, because once you get involved in the election campaigns you undermined your authority to lead the nation for national transformation and I said if I were the President of Nigeria that I would restrict myself to serving the nation; to transforming this country; to creating a new Nigeria, creating a new society. that would be my concern and I would go down in history as a hero.

"So if Mr President does that he would become an instant hero in this country, but it is for him to

A

chose. If I were him, I would choose to become a hero, to lead the country into transformation and abandon the ambition of a second term, that is what I said and I still stand by it and that is what I would do if I were the President of the country, but unfortunately, I’m not.

Speaking on the mission of the patriots to the President, Professor Nwabueze said the group was in the Villa to submit its position on the the need for the convening of a conference of ethnic nationalities to tackle the multi-farious problems of the country.

He said: "Briefly, we talked about the transformation of this country, what we said is that this country, the situation in which we have found ourselves today is in dire need of transformation. It’s entire economy, the polity and the society would need to be transformed. We believe that the way to achieve that objective is through a National Conference, a National Conference of ethnic nationalities in this country.

Sovereign National Conference "We have done our own research and we came up with the fact that we have in this country 389 ethnic nationalities. We need to bring these nationalities around a conference table to discuss how we are going to live together as one country in peace, stability and security as one country with the aim of achieving national unity.

Asked how such a conference would be held when there is a National Assembly in place, Professor Nwabueze said the power granted the National Assembly by the constitution is to

alter the constitution and not to change it or write a new one.

He said: "It is important that the National Assembly is putting forward that their powers under Sections 8&9 is to alter the constitution. Power to alter is not as important as power to abolish what you are altering and replace it completely, and we said no, this country, we need the people’s constitution whose source of authority derives directly from the people. Forget about the contents, we will talk about the contents later.

“Though important, but they are not as important as the source. Where does this supreme law derives its authorities? It must be directly from the people and that is the position of at least 85 percent of the countries of the world.

So we examined this and we said this is a bogey, there is no problem, don’t confine yourselves to Sections 8&9, because the 1999 constitution is a schedule to Decree 24. If you read Section 1(1) of the Decree there are preambles to that Decree and the 1999 constitution that you are talking about is a schedule to Decree 24.

“Repeal the Decree and the constitution will disappear and you enact a brand new constitution which would derive its authorities from the people.

"That was what was done in 1963, when we adopted the Republican Constitution to replace the Independent Constitution. That 1960 Constitution was also a

schedule to British Order-In Council just as the 1999 Constitution is a schedule to the Decree 24. In 1963, we abolished the schedule under Section 2 of the Order-inCouncil and made a new constitution called the Republican constitution."

Other members of the delegation were Professor.

Kimse Koko, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Mrs Bola Kuforiji-Olubi.

Meanwhile, President Jonathan has said his administration had no objection to Nigerians coming together to discuss how they will continue to live together in peace and unity.

The President, who spoke after receiving a memorandum from the Patriots, said ordinarily, the issue of Nigerians coming together to discuss their future should not be out of place.

According to the President, there has been constant discussion within government on how to create an acceptable and workable platform for a national dialogue that will reinforce the ties that bind the country ’s many ethnic nationalities and ensure that Nigeria’s immense diversity continues to be a source of strength and greatness.

President Jonathan said: “The limitation we have is that the constitution appears to have given that responsibility to the National Assembly. I have also been discussing the matter with the leadership of the National Assembly. We want a situation where everyone will key into the process and agree on the way forward.”

BUJA—FORMER Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Education, Farouk Lawal, yesterday, appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to return to the negotiating table with the Federal Government to bring an end to the lingering strike.

Lawal, who spoke during a chat with newsmen, also charged the Federal Government not to always cave in to pressure to sign an agreement if it knew the terms were stringent.

He recalled that similar incident had occurred in the past when government bowed to pressure and later backslid, stressing that dialogue remained the best way out of the present ASUU/FG impasse.

He said: “I think, in the first place, that the best way of resolving any crisis is through dialogue and it is on this note that I am appealing to ASUU to resume negotiation with the government. “ I am appealing to both sides to resume negotiations because, it is only through dialogue, it is only through consultations, that the issues can be resolved."

Our party 'll be different from others — PDM

BY JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA—INTERIM national chairman of the newly registered Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, Mallam Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, has said that unlike other existing opposition parties that believe in attacking personalities and governments as a way of expressing their views, his party would embark on its campaigns based purely on issues.

This was even as he explained that the derailment from the original ideas and manifestoes of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by its main handlers led to the formation of his new party.

16—Vanguard , FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

NYCN endorses Jonathan for 2015

BY EMMA ELEBEKE

A

BUJA—National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, has passed a vote of confidence on President Goodluck Jonathan and endorsed him for 2015 elections.

President of the group, Comrade Yakubu Shendam who made their position known in Abuja, said that the group had assessed the mid-term performance of the President and found him worthy to seek a second term in office.

He said: “As the President of National Youth Council of Nigeria, with a population of over 80 million, we felt that President Jonathan has done well for this nation and we should give him support and commendation.

“As we prepare for 2015, the Nigerian youths know who to cast their votes for. So far, he has performed very well and we stand by him.”

Boko Haram killings satanic —Borno Gov

BY NDAHIMARAMA AIDUGURI—GOVERNOR Kashim Shettima of Borno State yesterday described the killings and violent attacks on innocent Nigerians by Boko Haram sect as satanic and against the teaching of Islam, lamenting that the increasing attacks on villagers was the height of cruelty.

Shettima, while condoling victims of last week Damboa attack promised that his government would not relent in its effort at restoring peace to the state.

It would be recalled that, armed group suspected to be Boko Haram members last week laid siege to Damboa Local government Area, about 95km away from Maiduguri, the state capital, leading to loss of several lives, while vehicles, shops and residential houses were set ablaze.

Addressing the people of the council, the governor said government was very concern with the plight of its people and assured that everything would be done to provide adequate security to protect lives and property in the state.

He appealed to the people to unite and cooperate for the development of the area in particular, and the state in general.

He commended the people for

M

not fleeing their homes because of the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents.

He also commended the courage of the civilian Joint Task

AGBAKWURU

A

BUJA—THE Ni geria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday promised to wade into the crisis between the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, following the threat by ASUU to to withdraw

from the ongoing negotiation on how to resolve the crisis.

President of NLC Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar while addressing journalists in Abuja said that that the education sector was facing a serious situation and that the National Executive Council decided to broker peace to ensure that negotiations contin-

A

BUJA—NIGERIA has se lected three foreign financial firms, Goldman Sachs, UBS and Credit Suisse as asset managers of 20 percent of its $1 billion Sovereign Wealth Fund, SWF. The fund that is meant to cushion against oil price shocks, it said.

While Goldman Sachs is a US firm, UBS and Credit Suisse are based in Switzerland.

The sovereign wealth fund seeks to help Nigeria better manage its oil windfall, with a threefold aim of putting money aside for infrastructure investment, providing a savings pot for future generations and lastly protecting against commodity price shocks-the so-called

ued.

He said: “We are aware that ASUU has issued a statement to withdraw from negotiation as a result of the Federal Government’s unseriousness in the negotiation. It is a very serious situation we are facing today. We cannot allow our children and teachers to continue to stay at home.”

FG approves implementation of regulation on lifts, others Minister of Labour and regulation on Lifts, EscaBY VICTOR AHIUMA-

YOUNG BUJA—THE Fed eral Government has approved the official commencement of implementation of the Regulation on Lifts, Escalators and Conveyors, LEC, in Nigeria, for use in all work places in the country.

A

Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, announced this yesterday in Abuja, during the formal presentation of the newly approved Regulation on LEC to be used in all workplaces in the country.

A statement by Samuel Olowookere, Head of Press/Public Relations, said: “The need to issue a

lators and Conveyors, LEC, arose from a noticeable gap in our effort to protect all Nigerians at work in places where lifts, escalators and conveyors are put to use. This gap has manifested in the form of increasing frequency of accidents, injuries and deaths associated with lifts, escalators and conveyors.”

Renovation: Warri Club debunks using DESOPADEC fund renovated with funds

BY EMMAARUBI

W

ARRI—THE au thorities of Nigeria’s oldest recreation club have debunked allegations that the renovation of Warri Club was executed through funds meant for the development of Itsekiri oil producing communities by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission,

DESOPADEC. President of the Club, Mr. Peter Arubi and Sports Secretary, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan, at a briefing in Warri, said the allegation was made in bad faith and intended to tarnish the image of the club and incite Itsekiris against the board and management of DESOPADEC. The club founded in 1924 was alleged to have been

opportunities for the youths to enable them earn a living after the restoration of peace, law and order in the state.”

Nigeria picks US, Swiss firms to manage SWF

NLC to wade into FG, ASUU rift

BY JOHNBOSCO

Force, JTF, in the area for confronting the Boko Haram terrorists face to face during the attack.

He said: “Government is working out modalities to create job

meant for the development of Itsekiriland.

Mr. Uduaghan who appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the oldest recreation facility in the oil city, maintained that there was nothing wrong if the government assisted it to revitalise the club, but emphasised that the SIG should have carried out a thorough investigation before making any allegation against the club.

stabilisation fund.

Africa’s top oil producer pumps around 2 million barrels of oil a day, but much of that money is wasted on corruption and a bloated, inefficient bureaucracy, economists say.

In May the Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA, said it would allocate 32.5 per cent of the fund to infrastructure, the same amount to the savings pot and 20 per cent to the stabilisation fund, with the remaining 15 per cent unallocated.

“The fund’s assets will be invested conservatively, with capital preservation in nominal terms being of primary importance,” NSIA special advisor, Obinna Ihedioha said.

He added in a statement that UBS would manage the U.S. Treasury bond portfolio and Goldman and Credit Suisse would manage U.S. corporate grade bonds.

The fund started with only $1 billion owing to opposition from Nigeria’s powerful state governors, who want oil savings to be distributed for spending, arguing that it is unconstitutional for the Federal Government to hoard money that belongs to all three tiers of governmentfederal, state and local.

The Excess Crude Account, which the SWF was originally supposed to replace, is easily raided for spending. It had $9 billion in it in December last year, but distribution to governors and spending had shrunk it closer to $5 billion by last month, according to state data.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 — 17

G

OVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State and his indigenous supporters and opponents - take delight in upsetting each other, regularly engage in vitriolic wars of words and use every tool they have at their disposals – including public funds, the compromised Nigerian legal system and their influential non-Rivers cronies - to inflict various humiliations and annoyances on each other.

Last week, Amaechi went looking for his critics’ trouble and gave them something to shout about - when he appointed Justice Peter Agumagu, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal (who is said to be his staunch ally), as the Acting Chief Judge.

Shortly after this appointment was announced, Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, Esq, a lawyer who comes from Port Harcourt and has been a leading light of the Nigerian Bar Association for many years, distributed a written statement in which he angrily accused Amaechi of acting illegally and pointed out that:

Justice Peter Agumagu, Acting Chief Judge, Rivers State and Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Playground politics!

Government and the Attorney General.

Their “crime”? They failed to appear before The Committee on Performance Assessment of Political Office Holders, which sounds like a kangaroo court to me but is regarded by some as valid because it was set up

by Felix Obuah, the Rivers PDP Chairman, who has not made

or his colleagues from the PDP…and that his boss was not trying to stop the convention and would not waste time on “a fight of fools”.

Such toxic tit-for-tat games and heated verbal exchanges have dominated newspaper headlines for several months, not least because the President and First Lady have been

,

Though some of the antagonists on both sides are friends and relatives whom I would rather not offend, it is my job as a journalist to be objective; and I HAVE to say that the seriousness of the situation does not change my view that some of the main players are behaving like children

“Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution makes it absolutely clear that when the office of the Chief Judge is for any reason vacant…the Governor shall appoint the most senior Judge of the High Court as the acting Chief Judge.

This week, anti-Amaechi individuals who recently seized control of the Rivers State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, hit back by expelling 18 senior Amaechi loyalists – including the Governor’s Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the State C M Y K

any secret of his interest in making life as uncomfortable as possible for Amaechi and his closest associates.

Obuah’s team also claims to have uncovered a dastardly “subterranean plot” by Amaechi and the Acting Chief Judge, to sabotage the upcoming PDP subConvention via a court injunction.

The Chief of Staff, Chief Tony Okocha, responded robustly to this allegation and the expulsions by insisting that Obuah’s faction does not possess the power to expel him

,

accused of secretly participating in the conflict.

And many Rivers people, this columnist included, are sick and tired of a drama (which is a farce as well as a tragedy) that is undermining our state’s image, demoralising those of us who prefer harmony to conflict and distracting Amaechi (who has hitherto been an impressive performer) from his

duties.

The issues at stake and terrible things that have happened within the context of this battle for supremacy should not to be taken lightly.

If major stakeholders and their Governor are at loggerheads, it’s a big deal. If elected local council officials are ejected from their seats, it’s a big deal.

If a legislator invades the State House of Assembly with a bunch of dubious-looking followers, in a bid to unlawfully impeach the Speaker, it’s a big deal.

If the House Leader is provoked and is then filmed assaulting a fellow member, it’s a big deal. If visiting Governors have stones thrown at them by thugs who have been hired to embarrass the host Governor, it’s a big deal.

But, even though some of the antagonists on both sides are friends and relatives whom I would rather not offend, it is my job as a journalist to be objective; and I HAVE to say that the seriousness of the situation does not change my view that some of the main

players are behaving like children.

At the risk of sounding as if I am trivializing the status quo and insulting the protagonists, I must tell you that when I watch them landing hefty physical, psychological and political blows on each other at regular intervals, I shake my head sadly and wonder why they can’t stop carrying on like kindergarten kids who are squabbling in a school playground over a toy that can easily be shared.

Pride of the Niger Delta Most of them used to be the best of pals and should grow up, put their egos on hold and patch up their quarrel – which is totally soluble, if you ask me.

As a former senator said to me the other day: If they truly care about our state and want it to become the pride of the Niger Delta – and to be on a par with vibrant oil producing regions in foreign countries (Texas, for example) - they will calm down, quit tearing it apart and learn how to work together.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 or 081 1675 9752 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 WHERE is the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, heading? It is doubtful if the PDP, any side of it, knows. The matters are complicated, so complicated that the intentions of its members are unknown. In analysing the confusion that PDP is throwing into the polity, it is important that we consider the size of PDP and its pervading influences.

It is equally important that we note that the insistence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, that the PDP follows the provisions of the party in electing its national executives, is responsible for most of the recent slide that hit PDP. Other interests have fed on this to unleash anger at the party leadership.

Hardly any PDP leadership has gone through the challenges Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as chairman has faced. Members oppose him. Back home in Adamawa State, the party is fractious. The State chapter could be among those that would be in Abuja with different delegates for the party’s special convention.

Tomorrow’s convention, would attend to the circuitous crisis that imposition of

PDP TTak ak es Another akes Chance

candidates has bred. Should PDP not be moving away from such undemocratic practices that exclude the ambitions of other party members? Why would a democratic party shun internal democracy in its operations?

Imposition of candidates under whatever guise is undemocratic. PDP is not the only party involved in this practice, but with its stature as the leading party its examples are important.

After several failed attempts to have the convention to fill vacancies in the executive, there are still fears that the affair may not proceed smoothly. The stakes are heightened by the fast approaching 2015 elections. The contentions are for vital

positions from which to influence party decisions.

The public’s concern in these matters is the distraction that the tussles in PDP provide.

They affect non-party members too. With the number of States PDP controls, and its dominance at the centre, resources, including time, the importance of which is often undervalued, are expended in resolving one party issue or the other.

State governors have spent too much time in Abuja this year attending to endless party crises or the other. Governance is suffering.

Those who expect that the wrangling would tear PDP apart do not appreciate the allure of power which PDP holds for most contestants for office. PDP would not break up from its disagreements. The central interest in PDP is access to power. It is an aspiration too important for such interests to leave the party.

Internal party democracy is important to growth of democracy. INEC should be commended for insisting on it with PDP. It should extend the requirement to the shrouded operations of the other political parties.

OPINION

BY OKECHUKWU ANARADO OLITICAL observers would be wondering at the relative calm that pervades Anambra State in the face of electioneering for the local government and gubernatorial elections billed for October 5, 2013 and November 16, 2013, respectively.

What could pass for the traditional vile politics of Anambra State is surely in short supply considering the proximity of the local government and gubernatorial polls vis-a-vis the relative tranquil ambience that is dominant in political circles in the state. Ordinarily, in this critical electoral season, Anambra would have turned wild with all manners of recklessness and lawlessness. Candidates for election, in league with their benefactors and hangers-on, would have held the state hostage in their loudly uncouth presence; and neither the conviviality of the vivacious cities nor the candour of the serene rural communities would have been saved from the discomfort of unruly political activities and a parallel increase in criminalities.

At its first taste of democracy in 1999, Anambra was served a vapid brand with the failure of the Peoples Democratic Party’s governor, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, to attend to even the basic demands of the people. Hardly was there any infrastructural uplift; workers were more at home than at work consequent upon non-payment of salaries and other sundry industrial disagreements. Mbadinuju’s government merely served the whims and caprices of his henchmen who cared less what became of the state. Realising Mbadinuju’s gross failure, the Peoples Democratic Party (2003), in a gross misapplication of federal might, foisted another of theirs, Dr. Chris

P

C M Y K

Anambra 2013 and a new political culture Ngige, on the state; against all rational moral persuasions. This development changed the dominant feature of governance in Anambra from Mbadinuju’s lacklustre pose to the awry battle fright emanating from Ngige and his godfathers who masterminded the fraud that installed him as the governor. Given all the turbulence, Anambra State was easily dismissed as a political jungle of brutes, where the gladiators terrorized the weak masses as they (the gladiators) gnawed at one another in the unwavering struggles for political influences and for a grip of the common wealth of the state. For over a decade and a half, the state sunk under the stigma of hurtful administration and awkward political culture.

Today, however, all these are consigned to history. A new political culture has dawned in Anambra State. Without prejudice to the noble heritage that Ndi-Anambra glory in, Governor Obi has yet given current vent to the monumental contributions of great sons and daughters of Anambra who have taken a bow to eternity. By Mr. Obi’s achievements in government, not even his sworn political rivals can deny him the privilege of a sterling reckoning in the evolution of a viable state; a state widely acknowledged today as the symbol of the risen sun. When Governor Obi’s tenure is up by March 17, 2014, his administration will definitely remain a reference point for good governance in Nigeria.

Following the dawn of what has stuck as Obi’s era, notable people and organisations with secular as well as religious biases strive to make contributions to the entrenchment of sanity in

the people’s worldview. The residents of the state now readily compliment or condemn acts and situations in tandem with civilized indices.

The past seven years of Governor Obi’s administration has greatly impacted on majority of the state residents who admire the exemplary modesty of their Governor. They see Mr. Obi as truly representing the value reorientation that his administration is championing. Ndi-Anambra reason that the Governor ’s strength derives from his captivating fiscal discipline and modesty which enable him critically appraise the peculiarities of the state and prudently deploy resources evenly in accordance with the scheme of the Anambra Integrated Development Strategy, ANIDS.

T

his explains the monumental development Anambra State has witnessed in the past seven years of this administration. True to the synopsis of ANIDS, ‘developing all the sectors simultaneously,’ the education, health, judiciary, works and indeed all the sectors have been revolutionised.

Anambra State in 2013 presents a persuasive story of an evolving civilization against the haphazard inclinations that bedeviled the old order.

Barring the impressions of intrigues and undercurrent allegiances characteristic in the play of politics globally, which are currently identifiable in Anambra politics, the state looks safe and ready for incident-free polls. This is because the politicians and their supporters are conscious of the ethics of fair political

engagement and the ethos of communality.

This has greatly reduced thuggery and encouraged fluid participation in the politics of the state. The implication is that aggrieved politicians rarely resort to self-help in registering discontent; they rather opt for legitimate means of seeking redress. Mr. Obi spearheaded this persuasion when he legally pursued his stolen mandate case against the PDP and Dr. Ngige which dragged for three years. Again, he used the court to reclaim the same mandate from Andy Ubah (2007) who fitted into the PDP’s repeated plot to abuse democracy and destabilize Anambra State.

The build-ups to the 2013 Anambra elections are not without their thrills, frills and surprises.

The ward, local government and state congresses of the political parties would have thrown up some misgivings; so would have the results of the parties’ verification panels empowered to present the candidates for primary elections. From the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, which is the ruling party in the state through the PDP to the All Progressive Congress, APC, complaints and agitation resonate from aspirants who are not comfortable with the measures they received.

But in keeping with the spirit of this era, these aggrieved fellows act within the confines of the law, and the state remains in one piece.

In summary, there seems to be a dominant passion among the electorate on the appropriateness of looking northwards in seeking Governor Obi’s replacement. * Mr. Anarado, a commentator on national issues, wrote from AdaziNnukwu, Anambra State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013— —19

N

EXT month,Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo, will mark his first birth day in life, because life begins at 50. It will perhaps be a good time for him to assess the situation, make sober reflections, seek the face and will of God, to plot the way for the years ahead, knowing that it is only his actions now, that will determine whether he remains relevant or not in the political scheme of things, in Imo, Nigeria, and the whole world, in the future.

The purpose here is to point out to His Excellency, that any wrong step now, will sink this special boat of hope of the many Imolites who firmly believe that he is the opportunity the State has, to launch a solid foundation for a proper take off in agriculture, industrialisation, health, education, security and infrastructure provision for the state. I am writing because, first, that is my state; second, he is Pentecostal and lives according to the Biblical standards of life, and I am a pastor; third, he is from Orlu my LGA, voted into power by our people’s protest of his predecessor ’s style and methods. I will, therefore, speak, and whether he listens or not,

remains a different matter.

When democracy was restored in 1999, Owelle Okorocha competed in the primaries to be PDP governorship candidate for Imo State, but lost to Chief Achike Udenwa. He moved to the ANPP, and was an unsuccessful candidate for President on the ANPP platform in 2003.He returned to the PDP, and President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as Special Adviser on InterParty affairs. In 2005, he formed the Action Alliance with the intention of becoming the party's presidential candidate for the 2007 election. But, again, he returned to the PDP, and in September 2007, he showed interest to become the PDP National Chairman. He later, like his predecessor who dumped the PPA for PDP, decamped from the PDP to APGA, ran as APGA candidate for Imo State governorship in April 2011. He subsequently defeated the incumbent, Chief Ikedi Ohakim.

It should always be remembered therefore, that an incumbent Governor can always be defeated, especially if he decamped from the party through which he got into the State House.

In two years at the saddle of

,

power in Imo State, Owelle Okorocha, has introduced many new policies and initiated several programmes and projects, most of which are yet to be completed, to effect the full delivery of electoral promises.

God, our creator, who elevates one into an office, and brings down another, is a finisher of all He starts. He completes everything, and His work is always marvelous in the eyes of the righteous.

T

o start a thing without completing it, therefore, is not godly, especially if it is within our powers to do so. Imo has many things yet uncompleted, and Owelle Okorocha cannot afford to leave them now. In the 27 local government areas, there are health centre buildings or hospitals under construction,

Bayelsa: Gift to Nigeria

BY DANIEL IWORISO-MARKSON

I

AM certain that the title of this piece will ‘unsettle’ some people. They know themselves and I don’t intend to get in their way! And by way of assuring them, this piece has nothing to do with 2015. Trust me.

I also do know for a fact that quite a huge number of our people will take keen interest in the title of this piece and many of them are people like us - the silent majority who by means of geography and ethnicity are regarded as Nigeria’s minority tribes.

Even in the comity of minority groupings in Nigeria, Bayelsa can be considered as the least of them all! Whereas we are the only homogenous Ijaw state - the home base of all Ijaw people and the epicenter of Ijaw civilization and culture, yet we are the least in terms of land mass and population!

The entire state only measures up to 21,110 km2 (8,150 sq mi). That is the total area measurement, which includes land, vegetation, creeks, rivers and ocean. The population, going by the last census, is put at 1,998,349. So give or take, with increase in population since the last census in 2005, our population as at today should beslightly above two million.Of course, it is important to note that the state was formed in 1996 out of the old Rivers State and is thus one of the newest states of the Nigerian federation.

Interestingly, this is the state where crude oil was first discovered in Nigeria in commercial quantity. In fact, it is on record that Bayelsa has one of the largest crude oil and natural gas deposits in the whole country. Aside from its natural endowments, Bayelsa also enjoys the rare privilege of producing the first President to emerge from a minority ethnic group - the very first minority President from the least of allthe minority ethnic groups. Can you beat that?

God is sure awesome!It is indeed amazing!

So amazing to the extent that the C M Y K

discovery of oil in Oloibiri in 1956, according to Wikipedia, ended almost 50 years of unsuccessful oil exploration in the country by various companies. Indeed, the discovery launched Nigeria into global reckoning as a major oil-producing nation, considering the fact that over 5,000 barrels were pumped per day from the swampy oilfield of OML 29, measuring about 13.75 square kilometres.

No doubt, the enormous wealth that came from the discovery of oil, ultimately accounted for the substantial investment in infrastructure by the then Federal Government in building cities like Lagos and Abuja. It is, however, sad to note that the developments were done at the expense of the land from whose womb the wealth was gotten or perhaps, ill-gotten. The oil wells in Oloibiri have since dried up. The land and its inhabitants lie desolate. The community is a shadow of itself, stripped of all its virtues and today it has become a clear metaphor. What a shame!

In shame we have forged on as a people, carrying with us the deep scars of injustice, neglect and deprivation even as we take solace in the divine intervention that miraculously brought about the emergence of a President from among us.

We also take solace in the contributions of our heroes to the Nigerian state, sons of the soil, whose giant strides have brought great honour and pride to our nation at different times and space. Today we pay glowing tributes to men like Prof. Lawrence B. Ekpebu, born May 2, 1936 inOkoloba, a once picturesque village in present day Bayelsa, now ravaged by the harsh consequence of exploitation of oil in the Niger Delta. From a destitute background where there was hardly opportunity to graduate from primary school, he went on to become the first African to bag a Havard degree, graduating with Honours in Government with specialisation in

,

BY CLEMENT UDEGBE

,

Will Owelle Okorocha listen for the sake of Imo?

We want the best for Imo State, and for now, he is the best that we have; if he will consolidate in the next six years, Imo will be better for it, while his chances at the centre will be greatly enhanced

and from the sizes of these structures, they will offer very big relief to the people if well equipped, staffed, and operated.

These require time, and money to be completed. Building structures and not making them fully functional will leave the state in worse condition because of the attendant waste and such projects subjected to party politics, individual and zonal idiosyncrasies that may cause them to be abandoned.

There are demolitions for expansion of roads in Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe senatorial zones. These roads are at different stages of construction; being a weather-dependent activity, construction of roads take a long time. These demolitions attract and will attract compensation claims, all types of disputes concerning landed property which should be resolved in order to keep government's integrity and ensure peace. The completion of these huge road projects cannot possibly be achieved in just four years, they require time and consistently focused actions. To leave them at any stage, or hand them over to another, carries the risk of needless and avoidable chaos for the people of Imo because people change.

Imo is experiencing an experiment in community centered government which people call the fourth tier of governance. This is a novelty that needs to be properly bedded in the State to bring governance closer to the people and operated by the people. As good as the new community government may be, time is required for Imolites to

We have forged on as a people, carrying with us the deep scars of injustice, neglect and deprivation even as we take solace in the divine intervention that miraculously brought about the emergence of a president from among us

,

International Law and Relations. He won one of Havard’s most coveted prizes for graduating seniors, the Francis H. Burr (1909) Prize Scholarship and broke an alltime record as the only Black person to ever achieve this feat in the history of Havard till date. Indeed, his achievement convinced America of the brilliance of Black People, prompting the institution to grant scholarships to not just Nigerians but across Africa and even the Caribbean. As a result, the scheme produced additional 200 professors from Nigeria alone and several others across the African continent. Among these are Prof. BolajiAkinyemi, Kalu Idika Kalu and His Excellency, President Quattara of Cote Ivoire. Prof. Ekpebu went on to bag Masters from Princeton University and later PhD from Havard.

T

here is also Ernest SisseiIkoli of blessed memory (1893-1960), a nationalist and pioneering journalist, who is a native of Sangana, Akassa, in Brass Local Government Area of present day Bayelsa State. Ernest Ikoliwas very prominent in pre-Independence Nigerian politics and remains the first man from present day Bayelsa State to have made as

clearly understand this concept.

The free education programme, the first of its kind in our state, needs to be acculturated to stay. If he leaves now, in pursuit of any unsure office at the center, the programme may overwhelm his successors-in-office, and would jeopardize the entire thing. The agricultural and industrial programmes are at various stages of rooting, and it will be counterproductive to leave these at this stage to gamble for any posts at the centre.

The opposition party, the PDP, and the politically unfriendly friends are not resting, and his failure will be their laughter. We just want the best for Imo State, and for now, he is the best that we have. If he will listen and consolidate in the next six years, Imo will be better for it, while his chances at the centre will be greatly enhanced. It is no longer like it was in the beginning, when he could move in and out of the PDP. Now, any wrong move will have dire consequences, especially as there is no properly entrenched platform yet. With the works on ground, embedding principles and concepts, and agape love for our state, Owelle Okorocha, will easily win the 2015 election, no matter the political party he may join, be it APC or APGA. One important fact is that he must consolidate Imo to be able to move upwards, so that his works will speak for him, and that cannot be achieved in just one term as Governor. We have spoken. *Mr. Udegbe, a lawyer, wrote from Lagos.

much significant foray into national politics. But, as a journalist, he was the first editor of the famous Daily Times newspaper in Lagos in its formative era in 1926 and as a politician, he was the President of the Nigerian Youth Movement. In 1942, Ikoli even represented Lagos in the Legislative Council. Another significant first by all standards in the history of Nigerian politics!

Many will remember Melford Obiene Okilo( November 30, 1933 - July 5, 2008), a proud Ijaw politician of Ogbia extraction from Emakalakala in Bayelsa State. He had a long and distinguished career as a politician from pre-Independence Nigeria, but his career as a politician gained tremendous prominence in postindependence times until his untimely demise in 2008. He was a member of parliament from 1956 to 1964 and a Minister in the Nigerian First Republic. He was Governor of old Rivers State between 1979 and 1983 during the Second Republic and a Senator representing Bayelsa East between 1999 and 2003.

Only recently, the nation had cause to mourn the painful demise of General Andrew OwoyeAzazi, who died in an illfated helicopter crash last year. He had a distinguished military career and was arguably one of the finest in the history of the Nigerian Military, who rose to the pinnacle of the force. A Chief of Army Staff and later Chief of Defence Staff, Azazi, a native of Peretorugbene in Ekeremor LGA, Bayelsa State, had for some time had one of the fastest growing military careers in the history of present day democratic Nigeria, between May, 2006 and June, 2007. The General had worn the ranks of Major General, Lieutenant General and General.

General Azazi, who had retired on the 20th of August, 2008, was appointed National Security Adviser by President Goodluck Jonathan on October 4, 2010 and died on the 15th of December, 2012.

To be continued

*Mr. Iworiso-Markson, is CPS to the Bayelsa State governor.

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

up on hearing shouts coming from the building, and when we got there, the entire house was on fire. We made efforts to rescue the victims but our effort was in futility because the entire house was protected with burglary proof which made it difficult for anyone to gain access into the house. “And the most painful part of it all was the failure of men of the State Fire Service to respond quickly to the distress call we put to them which perhaps accounted for the high level of devastation.”

When Vanguard Metro, VM, visited Saint Theresa Hospital, it was gathered that the remains of Mr. Makaar have been deposited at the hospital’s morgue, while the charred remains of his late wife and daughter had been taken away for immediate burial. His only surviving son Aondugu was being treated at no cost by the hospital. VM gathered from the nurse in-charge of the ward, Oche Mathew, that the lad was brought to the hospital at the early hours of the morning by neighbours.

*Aondugu Makaar...on his hospital bed

MYSTERY FIRE TRAGEDY:

Nine-year-old contemplates life without parents, sibling

By PETER DURU, Makurdi

T

HE Makaar family once lived in a peaceful home that resonated with sounds of joy and laughter much to the envy of neighbours and visitors alike. But a mysterious inferno has since put paid to that, dealing a devastating blow on nine-year-old Aondugu Makaar who is the only survivor as both his parents and a four-year-old sibling perished in the fire.

In fact, it took the special grace

rented by his father, Mr. Terhemba Makaar, a senior official of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in the state.

Lying helplessly at the popular Saint Theresa Hospital in Makurdi, where he is currently receiving treatment for first degree burns, young Aondugu, which means “God is good”, must be wondering why his good God didn’t save him this agony and what the future holds for him after the tragic incident.

Vanguard Metro gathered from

,

The flame and smoke were too much and the house has only one entry door with burglary proof supporting the windows and doors; so it was very difficult for anyone to go in and rescue them

of God and the timely intervention of neighbours to rescue the young lad but his parents and sister were not that lucky as they were all roasted by the strange fire that engulfed the only home he knew.

The house which was located at the ever-busy Katsina-Ala Street, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, was four months ago C M Y K

,

an eyewitness that the victims, Terhemba Makaar, his wife and daughter were roasted in the unfortunate inferno before help could reach them.

According to the witness, Mrs. Terwase Ornye, who is a neighbour of the victims: “The fire started at about 2am when everyone had gone to bed. We were suddenly jolted awake by shouts of

Hospital management *The Makaar family house after it was gutted by fire fire, fire, coming from the house.

We heard someone screaming: ‘help me, help me’. The flame and smoke were too much and the house has only one entry door with burglary proof supporting the windows and doors; so it was very difficult for anyone to go in and rescue them.

“While some of us were busy pouring water on the building in order to put out the fire, others struggled hard to break a portion of the house while the fire was still raging. Unfortunately when youths in the area succeeded in breaking into the house, Mrs. Makaar and her four-yearold daughter had already been burnt beyond recognition, while their father who though suffered little burns had already been choked to death. Fortunately, their only son, nine year old Aondugu Makaar, was rescued alive and immediately rushed to Saint

Theresa Hospital Makurdi where he is currently receiving treatment and in stable condition.” On the cause of the strange fire, the witness said: “It could be as a result of power surge because it was barely 30 minutes after the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, restored electricity to the area when the fire started”.

She lamented that the victims would have been rescued “if officials of the State Fire Service had arrived the scene on time, because we tried severally to reach them only to discover that they had another incident to take care of in the north bank area of the town; before they arrived the scene, the entire house had been completely engulfed by inferno and the victims roasted.”

Corroborating the story, another witness and journalist, Mr. Uche Nnorom said: “We all woke

He disclosed that “the hospital’s management has directed that Aondugu should be treated and fed at no cost pending when public spirited Nigerian would rise up to render assistance to the little boy. “At the moment he is responding to treatment but he is still in shock, his life is not in danger, but he needs help” One of the visitors who thronged the hospital in tears to catch a glimpse of the orphaned boy enjoined “good spirited Nigerians to emulate the hospital’s gesture by extending some form of help to this brilliant young boy; please we must not allow his dreams die with the bizarre death of his parents”.

VM also gathered that late Mr. Terhemba Makaar had not too long ago also lost his first wife.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent Daniel Ezeala said the police had commenced investigations into the matter.

Tough times for oil thieves, vandals

T

By BOSE ADELAJA

HE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Lagos State Command, has at last moved to put an end to the operation oil thieves and pipeline vandals at Ishawo in the Ikorodu area of Lagos. This followed the sealing of two trans-loading stations in the area which has for long been notorious for activities associated with these criminals. The trans loading station was situated in a compounded where the illegal operation was shielded from prying eyes. But luck ran out on them when the Corps operatives received a tip-off of the operation of suspected vandals in the area.

The State Commandant, Adesuyi Clement, had promptly mobilised his team which the compound whose owners fled the scene before the arrival of the operatives. The compound was immediately sealed off with 111 kegs of 50 litres of petroleum products impounded by the officials.

Parading the products at the Command, Adesuyi said this will serve as a deterrent to others as the Command will no longer tolerate any act of vandalism no matter how connected the suspects may be.

Also, he urged the community leaders and well- meaning Nigerians to help the Corps in the fight against vandalism and oil theft by giving useful information at their disposal.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 — 21

Fast food contributes N200bn to economy annually – AFFCON

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

T

he Association of Fast Food and Confectioners of Nigeria, AFFCON, an umbrella body of Quick Service Restaurants, QSR in Nigeria, said it has contributed an annual revenue of N200 billion into the growth of the economy.

AFFCON among other things said its members have also paid over N1billion to various tiers of government in taxes and levies.

The President of the body, Mrs. Bose Ayeni, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on the forthcoming inaugural National Conference of the association with theme: ‘The Role of Fast Food Business in the Global Economy,’ which is scheduled to hold in Lagos, by September 4, 2013.

Speaking on the role the fast food industry plays in Nigeria, Ayeni said that the industry employs over 500,000 workers at processing and retailing levels, in addition to paying over one billion naira to the various tiers of government in taxes and levies.

Stressing the prime position food occupies in human existence, Ayeni said: “Food is at the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. That buttresses the primacy of food in human existence. Life is not sustainable without food. With AFFCON, food becomes an experience to anticipate, enjoy and cherish, presented always in a cosy and hygienic environment.”

From left: Mr. Seni Adetu, Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc presenting a plaque to Dame Joy Igwe, 2nd runner up, Best Overall Distributor (National) category and Managing Director, Ifeoma Chukwuka Nigeria Ltd during Guinness Nigeria’s Distributors Conference tagged ‘Celebrating Great Partnerships‘, in Lagos.

Indonesia’s non-oil trade with Nigeria hits $448m *

Targets 12% increase with Trade Expo 2013

By YINKA KOLAWOLE

T

otal volume of non-oil and gas trade between Indonesia and Nigeria in 2012 is valued at $448.6 million, with a target to increase the figure by 12 percent in 2013.

CBN to test-run movable collaterals October next year

By NAOMI UZOR

F

OLLOWING the challenges of access to funds for the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has targeted October 2014 to test-run the registry of movable collaterals.

The Director, Development Finance Department, CBN, Mr. Paul Nduka Eluhaiwe, disclosed this at the general meeting of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) while presenting a paper tagged “Access to Low Interest Funds for MSMEs Development- CBN Intervention Schemes and Programmes.” He said access to cheap and long-term finance poses a major challenge to SME development in Nigeria and that Nigeria experiences a huge SME financing gap with successive decline since the 1990s show consistent decline, adding that the CBN has targeted

October 2014 to test-run the registry of movable collaterals in the country.

On CBN’s FSS 2020 mandate of developing market infrastructure and access to finance by MSME sector, he explained that the objective is to attempt to solve the problem of access to finance by MSME sector due largely to lack of collateral security. “ MSME to access finance through movable collateral items such as: jewelleries, collectibles, stock of goods, plant/ machinery, etc and the CBN has a target date of October 2014 to testrun the registry” he said.

He urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the CBN entrepreneurship development programmes going on in the six geopolitical zones in the country as CBN is intervening in the sector to unlock the financing challenge through a number of programmes and that the Nigerian entrepreneurs can take advantage of the programmes to set up their respective businesses .

Director, Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC), Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Lagos, Mr. Pontas Tobing, disclosed this at a press briefing in Lagos to herald the 28thTrade Expo Indonesia billed for October 16 – 20 in Jakarta. He noted that overall trade balance between the countries is currently tilted in favour of Nigeria because Indonesia imports oil and gas from Nigeria.

The trade expo attracted more than 5.000 buyers from over 90 countries last year, and generated in total trade transactions valued at over $1 billion, while targeting transactions amounting to $2 billion this year. He noted that last year, Nigeria recorded the highest attendance at TEI 2012, with over 200 businessmen and women in attendance, representing 27.27 percent of total attendance, adding that the target this year is 500 selected business participants from Nigeria. He said there are presently more than 12 Indonesian companies that have invested in Nigeria, with majority of the staff Nigerian citizens.

Tobing said that the Trade Expo is a good avenue to improve trade relations between Indonesia and Nigeria.

According to him, with a population of 250 million, active workforce of about 150 million, a landmass five times the size of Nigeria, and GDP of $5,000, Indonesia offers great business opportunities for discerning Nigerian entrepreneurs.

“Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) is an annual B to B export product exhibition organised by the Ministry of Trade of the

Republic of Indonesia in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board to encourage business and trading activities in a variety of products and services, expanding business networks and exchange the unexploited and untapped business potentials that exist in the Republic of Indonesia,” he stated.

-0.20

11.30

2,426.00

+6.00

16.44

+0.16

109.92

-0.23

104.65

-0.46

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

154.76 155.26 240.8994 241.6777 206.9141 207.5826 167.4892 168.0303 1.5689 1.574 0.2953 0.3053 234.2687 235.0256 25.2776 25.3597 41.2638 41.3971 27.7382 27.8279 235.2971 236.0573

SELLING 155.76 242.456 208.2511 168.5714 1.5791 0.3153 235.7825 25.4418 41.5305 27.9175 236.8175

CBN Exchange rate as at 29/08/2013

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

NYIF, CIS enter strategic alliance on human capital devt

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

From left: Former President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, Mr. Michael Itegboje; Registrar, New York Institute of Finance (NYIF), Currie Marcia; Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Ade Bajomo; MD/CEO, NYIF, Mr. Patrick Fitzgerald and President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, Mr. Arinyo Olunsekun during a courtesy visit to the NSE.

Transcorp N13bn rights issue 32.08% oversubscribed

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

ransnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) has disclosed that its N13 billion rights issue to the existing shareholders of the company was 132.08 subscribed, indicating 32.08 percent oversubscription.

The company said in a statement that the issue has since been listed on the official list of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, NSE. Transcorp had set out to raise N12.91 billion through offering of 12.91 billion ordinary shares to the existing shareholders at N1.00 per share to finance its power projects. The offer opened on May 03, 2013 and closed on Friday June 13th, 2013.

The company had said that the rights issue option was decided on by the board and approved by the shareholders because of the importance of equity funding as major catalyst towards achieving rapid growth in its business model.

According to Mr. Obinna Ufudo, President/CEO, Transcorp Plc, the subscription was a confirmation of the unflinching support and trust reposed in the current Board and Management of the company by its shareholders, even as he said that all excess monies have been returned to the subscribers He said, “We thank our shareholders for this C M Y K

significant show of support of our turnaround initiatives.

The funds raised further strengthen our ability to conclude existing transactions and initiate new investments in line with our vision. The future just got brighter for the company and our 300,000 shareholders.”

He noted that with the listing of the additional shares on the NSE, the market capitalisation of the company has increased by about 54 percent from N35.4 billion to N54.6 billion, further restating the company as one of the most capitalised stocks on the NSE. He added that in line with the rights circular, the funds raised would be used mainly

to refinance the company’s investments in the acquisition of Ughelli Power Plc and deepening its play in the Hospitality and Oil and Gas sectors.

Transcorp, through its subsidiary, Transcorp Ughelli Power Limited, owns the $300million Ughelli Power Plant acquired under the privatisation of the Nigerian power assets by the federal government. The company is also embarking on new hospitality projects in Lagos while refurbishing and expanding the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The Chairman, Transcorp, Mr. Tony Elumelu, had recently said that apart from the

power project, the conglomerate has started the execution of its expansion plans to fully utilise the massive unutilised land on its Transcorp Hilton Abuja site and roll out new hotels across major economic centres in Nigeria, such as Lagos and Port Harcourt.

According to him, the conglomerate has taken several significant steps in its key sectors, namely, agri-business, energy and hospitality that would see Transcorp taking its rightful place as a key player in the economic development and transformation of Nigeria.

Dangote Flour records half-year after tax loss of N1bn

D

angote Flour Mills, DFM, Plc has recorded a pre-tax and after tax losses of N2 billion and N1 billion respectively for the half year period ended June 30, 2013.

According to FBN Capital, the market sentiment for the result is likely to be negative, even as the company’s sales up by nine percent on quarteron-quarter basis.

According to analysis from FBN Capital, “Although Dangote Flour’s half year (Q2) sales of N15.3billion were up marginally by 3.3 percent Year-

on-Year (y/y), a gross margin contraction of 1,118 basis points (bps) to 7.2 percent resulted in gross profit declining 60 percent Year-onYear (y/y).

A tax credit of N1.2billion reduced DFM’s net loss after tax to N1.0billion. On a sequential basis, sales were up by nine percent quarter-onquarter (q/q). With this set of results, DFM has now reported six consecutive quarters of losses. Relative to our unrevised estimates, sales were 19 percent below our

N18.9 billion forecast; we were also looking for a profit after tax of N267million.”

Furthermore, FBN Capital noted that a combination of factors, including Operating Expenses (opex) growth of 49 percent y/y, a 96 percent y/y increase in net interest expense and an impairment charge of N293 million all weighed on the bottom line and resulted in a pre-tax loss of N2.0billion.

he Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and the New York Institute of Finance, NYIF, are on the verge of entering into a strategic partnership to upscale human capital development in the Nigerian capital market.

Memorandum of Understanding will soon be signed to this effect, according to Patrick Fitzgerald, Managing Director/CEO, NYIF. Speaking while on a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Fitzgerald explained that series of meetings have been held by both institutes to fashion out a working relationship.

“In the 92 years of NYIF, we have built a global learning institute where working professionals come together to study, work and exchange ideas and information regarding financial products and also to discuss legal and regulatory issues affecting the global financial market.

“The Nigerian Stock Exchange has a long history of success and New York Institute of Finance look forward to partner with the institute of chartered stockbrokers,” he stated.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ariyo M. Olushekun, President, CIS, said that the relationship between CIS and NYIF has been on as far back as 2009 during the reactivation of the bond market in Nigeria, adding that 27 Nigeria stockbrokers were on tour of New York Institute of Finance for fixed income and alternative investment training.

“However, due to the market melt down in 2009/2010, the relationship was suspended, but with the market recovery, the two institutes have reached an understanding that CIS and NYIF will partner whereby the CIS will be the outpost for NYIF, not just in Nigeria but also in Africa,” he stressed.

Alhaji. RasheedYussuff, the doyen of the stockbrokers, whie welcoming the team of NYIF, commended them for being instrumental for training of financial gurus in the New York, saying, “We are aware that if New York sneezes, the whole of America catches cold. It is our expectation that your coming here and working with our institute will result to a similar situation that when Lagos Exchange sneezes, the rest of Africa will catch cold.”

Yussuff said that the collaboration is expected to boost the Nigerian capital market performance.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 — 23

C M Y K

24— Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

T

HE Federal Government has asked the Board of the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) to support Nigeria in maintaining its leading position as the powerhouse in regional trade in West Africa.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, said at the inauguration of the reconstituted board of the bank in Abuja that with Nigeria's economy accounting for about 55 per cent of the regional trade, NEXIM must help build the capacity of private sector entrepreneurs to expand trade in the region and beyond.

The minister, who acknowledged NEXIM as a very important part of government's finance structure, said the bank, which was set up to support the country's import and export trade, has so far proven its worth through the performance of its functions and delivering on its mandate.

"There are a lot of expectations from the government, which is embarking on a path of transformation of the economy by working with private sector to expand trade in the country and the West African region and beyond. NEXIM is critical to this process, if Nigeria is going to play its role as the power house with-

Manufacturers disagree over new trade terms

N

TRAINING: From left: Solutions Consultant, Dell, Ololade Olotu; Service Sales Manager Dell, Olu Adekunle; Client Product Marketing Manager, Dell, Annie Odo-Effiong and Market Development Manager, Intel Corporation, Femi Babajide, at the Dell/Intel Capacity Building Training in Lagos.

Nigeria seeks NEXIM’s support on ECOWAS trade in the West African sub-region and Africa," the minister said.

She said though government was proud of the achievement of the management, a lot was expected from the new board members such as ensuring that NEXIM plays the role it

Saro Agrosciences gets N900bn facility from IFC

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

I

NTERNATIONAL Fi nance Corporation, IFC has announced that it is investing N900 billion in Saro AgroSciences Ltd., a distributor of herbicides and insecticides in Nigeria.

In a statement made available to Vanguard, the firm said, the investment will support the expansion of the company ’s distribution capacity and increase access to agrochemicals for over 500,000 smallholder farmers within the next three years.

“IFC’s loan will help Saro AgroSciences increase its distribution network from 82 to 300 outlets across Nigeria, and widen its technical assistance program for farmers so they can increase their yields. The Project cost is estimated at $12.2 million, which will be financed with IFC’s loan and $6.2 million equity from Saro AgroSciences,” the statement said.

Reacting to the gesture, Managing Director, Saro AgroSciences Ltd, Oluwole Adeyegbe said, his company, remains committed to developing agriculture in Ni-

geria and in other countries in West and Central Africa by providing safe and reliable crop protection and products for farmers.

According to him, “IFC’s support will enable us to fulfill our commitment. Saro AgroSciences, as a leader, will therefore further be strengthened and positioned to help more farmers increase crop productivity, enhance food security, and boost economic developm e n t . ” On his part, IFC’s Vice President, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Jean Philippe Prosper said, “Supporting agribusiness is a key priority for IFC in Africa as it generates employment and promotes economic development. IFC will help Saro AgroSciences, implement environmental and social standards in the crop protection sector and reduce the country ’s food import bill, which is one of the highest in Africa”.

“Herbicides and insecticides are essential for improving agricultural productivity by managing pests, fungi, weeds, and diseases that destroy crops,” he added.

should within the region, pointing out that there are a lot of entrepreneurs in the private sector that need the services of NEXIM to boost their businesses.

The Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama, who also spoke at the event, hailed the management for turning around the fortune of the bank in the last three years.

He said that, prior to their tenure; NEXIM was running at a loss with lots of bad debts as a result of "a very bad credit culture."

Mr. Ngama said last year

was the third time in a row that the bank was posting profit on its balance sheet and declaring dividends to its shareholders; a development that has put the bank on a path of sustained profitability.

He said the management has also taken steps to clean up the balance sheet through the establishment of Debt Recovery Task Force which recovers bad debts and write off irrecoverable legacy loan, adding that efforts have been made to improve the credit culture through training and enforcement of strict credit evaluation processes.

Restrict freight forwarders from port premises — AMIWERO

BY DANIEL GUMM

N

ATIONAL President of Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (CMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero, has raised concerns about the large number of people including the freight forwarders as a result of the impostion by Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), of the Council for the Regulation of of Freight Forwarders permit as condition for the issuance of port pass as illegal.

Amiwero in a letter dated August 16, 2013 to NPA Managing Director, Engineer Omar Suleiman, he stated that Freight Forwarding by Section 30 of Act 16 of 2007, is “who arranges the carriage or the movement of goods and associated formalities on behalf of an importer or exporter along international boundaries of ports.”

He added that are restricted to only one major function — arrange the carriage or move-

ment of goods, which is (transportation) and clearly restrict them from entering the Nigerian ports as they are to operate long international boundaries of sea ports.

He urged the authorities to urgently intervene in the nomly since Licensed CUSTOMS Agents have lost billions of naira due to the restriction imposed by NPA on them.

Amiwero noted that Licensed Customs Agents could traced to the conditions and requirements for licensing nd the reform process on DTI introduced

by ASYCUDA 3.0 by Destination Inspection Regime.

“The (CRFFN) issues permit to individual who might not be traced to any agency, without complying with the provision of their Act, which is to Train and Build Capacity for Carriage and movement and to operate along international boundary and not like the Licensed Customs Agent that are required by Law to operate in Ports,” he stated.

IGERIAN manufacturers have disagreed with the trade terms of the European Union, describing them as capable of hindering the nation’s industrial growth The new trade agreements, Common External Tariff (CET), Community Levy and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which are still being negotiated, are designed to become operational in respect of business relationship between EU and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries.

MAN explained that the CET could compromise the needed protectionist profile required to safeguard the interest of the nation’s industrialists.

The association’s Director-General, Rasheed Adegbenro, expressed the hope that a consensus that would favour Nigerian industries would become feasible in the new CET regime.

The CET is a precursor to a regional customs union, which is predicated on the harmonisation and convergence of national fiscal, monetary and trade policies of member states for the attainment of economic integration by the 15-nation economic community with a combined population of more than 300 million people.

At the March meeting in Praia, Cape Verde, regional ministers of finance had endorsed a new five-band tariff regime for West Africa, after 10 years of internal negotiations, driven by the technical committee of the Commissions of the ECOWAS and the eight member West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), following the 2006 decision by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

The new tariff regime covers 5899-tariff lines with the rate ranging between zero and 35 per cent for the 130 tariff lines that fall into the category of specific goods that contribute to the promotion of the region’s economic development.

Under the new regime, five per cent duty is applicable for 2146 tariff lines under the basic raw materials and capital goods category 10 per cent for the 1373 tariff lines that qualify as intermediate products category; while 20 per cent duty is reserved for the 2165 tariff lines under final consumer products.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 —25

Food security: Lagos grants N16m loan to farmers … distributes farming tools

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

T

HE Lagos State Government has presented N16 million loan facility to five farmers’ cooperative societies and distributed various farming tools to over 200 farming households in Lagos, aimed at boosting food production in the state.

Speaking at the event organized by the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, LASDA, under the auspices of the National Programme for Food Security, NPFS, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, said that 20 cooperative societies of about 200 farming households would benefit from the distribution of farming tools.

The cheques and tools were presented to the beneficiaries at the weekend, during the celebration of this year’s Farmers Field Day, held at Fun Factory Centre, Itamaga, Ikorodu area of Lagos.

Some of the farming tools presented to the farmers were knapsack sprayer, compost plus, water pumps, wheel bar-

rows, cutlasses, JK file, rain boots, big hoes, drums, manual movable scale, digital movable scales and big plastic bowls.

Ashafa, who was represented by the ex-Chairman, Kosofe Local Government, Mr. Tunde Braimoh said: “Five cooperative societies, under the NPFS sites that performed creditably well in their loan repayment efforts would receive N16 million as loan for the expansion of their farming activities.

“The main thrust of the NPFS was to give loans in grant to farmers in some selected sites in the state, saying that this revolving loan is to be used by farmers for a period of time and then repay to the apex account of farmers group.

“1,000 farmers had benefited from the expanded phase of the programme. And over N64 million had been given out to beneficiaries in the nine sites with the aim of increasing their productivity to bridge the demand and supply gap.”

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal stated that the LSADA, is saddled with the mandate of

generating and disseminating improved farming technology and practices to farmers in the state, but lamented that farmers and fisher folks in the state were peasant and found it dif-

ficult to raise the needed fund to procure and adopt some of the technologies being disseminated.

Gbolahan said: “It was against this backdrop that the government came up with the

idea of procuring and distributing various farm inputs to farmer groups to further assist them in expanding their farm and improving food production in the state.”

FAO: ITPS appoints Prof Chude as member

P

rofessor Victor Chude, the President of Soil Science Society of Nigeria and a consultant with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has been appointed as an expert member of the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS) by the first plenary Assembly on Global Soil Partnership (GSP), held at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Headquarters.

Chude, who is one of the 27 soil experts representing all the regions of the world, will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the world body.

The main function of the ITPS, according to a release by the body, is to provide scientific and technical advice on global soil issues, primarily to the GSP, and in relation to specific requests submitted by global or regional institutions.

•Prof. Victor Chude Chude holds doctoral and Master of Science degrees in Soil Science from the University of Ibadan, and a B.Sc in Plant/Soil Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

He specialises in soil fertility and plant nutrition with a strong affinity for integrated

soil fertility management of tropical soils having attended several short courses and training in that field.

He has diverse working experience having served as a Senior Research Fellow in Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Professor at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Consultant to National Programme for Food Security (NPFS)/FAO over the last 35 years.

He has also impacted on research outputs with several completed research projects with local and international research collaborators like IFDC, IITA. He has also served as consultant to governments, private sector and international organisations (World Bank, FAO) in a number of soil fertility, fertiliser formulation and fertiliser testing projects.

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

T

HE Mambilla plateau is a high grassland pla teau with an average elevation of about 1,524 metres (5,000 ft) above sea level, making it the highest plateau in Nigeria. The plateau which has an undulating landscape free of insects, also has temperate climate within a tropical region.

Located in the highland region of Taraba State of Nigeria, Mambilla plateau houses Chappal Waddi mountain considered as the highest point in Nigeria and probably in West Africa with an average height of about 2,419 metres (7,936 ft) above sea level.

As soon as one reaches the top of the mountain, the hot weather witnessed at the foot of the mountain disappears and you will be greeted by fresh and very chilled breeze blowing across the plateau.

Mambilla people of Nigeria and Cameroon live on the Mambila Plateau (in Taraba State in Nigeria) and on the Tikar Plain in Cameroon as well as in several small villages further north towards the town of Banyo. These people regard themselves as a group with a common identity.

At an altitude of some 700 m these villages live in a different ecological zone where oil palms grow and gallery forest is found. The Mambila language is a congeries of dialects and related languages.

•Mambilla Plateau

Mambilla Plateau: Nature’s gift to Nigeria Mambila plateau features unique physical and climatic conditions for human settlement and cattle breeding.

The plateau which developed on basement complex rocks, measures about 96km along its curved length and

40km wide, and bounded by an escarpment which is about 900m high in some places.

The Mambilla Plateau forms the watershed from which the major drainage systems in Taraba State take their source.

Rivers Benue, Donga and Taraba (from which the state

derives its name) are the dominant drainage systems which flow across the Muri plains to drain the entire state Mambila plateau offers attractive settings, well worth a visit. It has cattle ranches, tea plantations and rolling, grassy hills. It is home to some rare

Chinese tourists spend more than German travellers T

HE second annual Chi nese International Travel Monitor released by Hotels.com reveals insights into the changing behaviours of Chinese travellers and how the global hotel industry is adapting.

China has overtaken Germany and the USA as the world’s biggest spenders on travel with Chinese travellers spending $102 billion on international travel in 2012, an increase of over 40 per cent on 2011.

Surveying more than 3,000 Chinese international travellers and more than 1,500 hoteliers around the world, theHotels.com report found 75 per cent of hoteliers globally say Chinese travellers now account for up to 5 per cent of their business and 45 per cent say they have experienced an increase in Chinese guests over last year, with the greatest increases coming in APAC (61 per cent).

Hoteliers see China as a positive growth market over the next three years with one in 10 expecting to see an increase of more than 50 per cent and almost half (47 per cent) anticipating an 11-50 per cent rise.

C M Y K

According to the Hotels.com report the majority of overseas Chinese travel (96 per cent) has been for leisure purposes, while just over half (52 per cent) have also visited other countries for

business or education. In a growing trend, nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of Chinese travellers say they prefer to travel independently and not as part of a group.

This development has been

confirmed by the hoteliers surveyed, who say 70 per cent of Chinese guests now travel independently, compared with a much more even split in 2012.

species of birds and animals, especially at the GashakaGumti National Park.

When to visit

Mambila plateau has some of the coolest climatic condition in Nigeria with daytime temperatures sometimes reaching around 40C. The driest months are from December to January with relative humidity dropping to about 15 percent while the wet season usually starts from August till September.

Mambila plateau has mean annual rainfall that varies between 1058mm in the north around Jalingo and Zing, to over 1300mm in the South around Serti and Takum.

Because of the remote location of the plateau and lack of properly tarred roads which are still under construction, utility vehicles are recommended and visitors should make sure that essentials camping equipment and food are included in their journey.

2013: International tourism demand exceeds expectations

I

NTERNATIONAL tourist arrivals grew by 5% during the first half of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012,

reaching almost 500 million, according to data just released by UNWTO. Growth was above the projec-

From Left: Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, Director–General (NTDC), receiving some of the bank’s published books from Mr. Ifie Sekibo, Managing Director/CEO of Heritage Bank during the pledge for partnership between both organisations, in Lagos.

tion made at the beginning of the year (+3% to +4%) and is also exceeding the trend of the UNWTO long-term outlook Tourism Towards 2030 (+3.8% a year).

Destinations around the world welcomed an estimated 494 million overnight visitors in the first six months of 2013, according to the Advance Edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer released on the occasion of the UNWTO 20th General Assembly. This represents an increase of 5% or an additional 25 million international tourists compared to the same period of 2012. Growth was stronger in emerging economy destinations (+6%) than in advanced economies (+4%), a trend which has marked the sector for many years now.

“The fact that international tourism grew above expectations confirms that travelling is now part of consumer patterns for an increasing number of people in both emerging and advanced economies” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “This underlines the need to rightly place tourism as one of the key pillars of socioeconomic development, being a leading contributor to economic growth, exports and jobs.”

In a still uneven global economic environment, results were positive in all regions and subregions, though the overall picture was mixed. Europe (+5%) performed surprisingly stronger than expected, driven

by Central and Eastern Europe (+10%) and Southern and Mediterranean Europe (+6%).

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—27

Countering illegal migration

Why National Assembly should pass PIB

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

T

BY ABIYE MEMBERE

PIB offers a clear set EGIONALLY and globally, of solutions: the of Map of the Niger Delta the petroleum market is dissolution becoming increasingly unkind to c o n f i d e n t i a l i t y Nigeria. At the national level, of clauses so that companies and slow-down in the Chinese course, we have problems too - the public are aware of the true economy threaten to reduce that bunkering, or theft, as well as a market value of oil blocks under country’s industrial demand for lack of transparency both create auction. It is a regulatory system oil, gas and oil-based products commercial difficulties for that emphasises production there over the coming years. The companies operating in the volume instead of profit, and Chinese problem is particularly Niger Delta and off the country’s smaller oil blocs with “drill or acute for Nigeria: because China southern coast. These domestic drop” provisions to ensure that consumes much of Angola’s gas, issues are threatening our companies that are eager to a reduction in Chinese demand competitiveness, and we’re extract won’t lose out to would leave Angola seeking new working to deal with them. The companies seeking to buy and markets for its output. If Nigeria finds itself competing locally with Petroleum Industry Bill - a hold their blocks idle. both a rising Ghana and a remammoth piece of sector reform orienting Angola, it may discover Global that’s being considered by the that its oil blocs sell for far less National Assembly promises developments than they do today. several solutions to these and Naturally, these are not forces But the regional pressure is not other problems. we can control from Abuja, or the only force affecting us from The separate class of problems, at the regional and international beyond our borders. There is also from anywhere else. They are part levels, is related to these another change affecting oil of the global turmoil that has domestic concerns. As regional producers worldwide, namely wracked Europe and America and global competition become the growing power of consumers since 2008, and that has largely stiffer, issues like transparency over suppliers. During much of passed Nigeria by. We should not and bunkering become more the post-colonial period, oil be surprised to find ourselves important, as they reduce producers have had the upper impacted by the downwind of Nigeria’s competitiveness. The hand over oil consumers: the this financial and economic reasons to pass the PIB, in other establishment of the Organisation hurricane. words, are gathering and of Petroleum Exporting growing every day. At the Countries, OPEC in 1961 allowed Feasible regional level, we’re facing stiffer suppliers to coordinate their sales programme competition. Across sub-Saharan to strengthen their bargaining But we should be surprised if, Africa, other countries are position collectively; and the discovering oil and working inescapable need for oil in over the coming year, legislators do not understand what must be harder to bring it to The PIB offers the best and done to brace ourselves against the market. New the concomitant drop in demand. discoveries range most feasible programme for It is vital that, while the market from Sudan to the reforming Nigeria’s is still favourable to us, we work Democratic petroleum sector rapidly to make the Nigerian Republic of the Congo; closer to home, Angola America, Europe, and other fast- supplies attractive to outsiders.

The PIB is the indispensible continues to supply large growing oil-consuming states response.

Certainly, it cannot be volumes of oil to the Asian means that even as prices rise, the only response: continuing to market (it is by far our closest demand has stayed steady. Even handle security is vital, too. But competitor in sub-Saharan Africa the oil shock of 1973, and the the PIB offers the best and most in terms of production volume). modern environmental feasible programme for reforming Meanwhile, Ghana has also movement, did not lessen the Nigeria’s petroleum sector. And brought on stream its own, large West’s thirst for oil. it appears, from recent news that reserves during the past three Today, though, the balance of this is being understood: the years. power is tilting in favour of the As these countries begin to consumer. It’s changing due to Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) supports the bill, expand their output, seeking to shifts in supply and demand. and the Senate has accorded it a gain the foreign currency inflows As regards supply, there are that come from oil and gas sales, now more oil producers high priority during its latest competition will increase, internationally: states are now session, which began on June 25.

If this bill were to be rejected, creating pressure on our own extracting at a pace never seen Nigeria would have reason to be market offer. Nearby competitors before, and shale-based seriously concerned for the future will work to demonstrate to extraction is now possible due to of its oil industry.

If it passes, we international oil companies - advances in technology, meaning will be in a position to continue IOCs - that they, too, can play that new supplies are now winning business even as the host to large multinationals. expected to come online in international environment Ghana may demonstrate too, that Europe and North America becomes more cut-throat. We will other West African countries can during the coming decade. always need to continue also do transparency and As regards demand, the competition properly - potentially financial crisis of 2008 continues improving regulation and leading IOCs westwards away to exert its negative influence responding to new, unforeseen from Nigeria and into other well- upon global oil needs. Europe’s challenges – but this is normal regulated oil blocs off the recovery is sluggish or yet-to-be- in any country. Passing the PIB is the only feasible foundation for Ghanaian coast. seen. America’s consumption This regional challenge is the has been affected, albeit to a lesser the industry’s future. I remain most immediate test for us. The degree. And new fears about a hopeful that the legislators will agree.

R

,

C M Y K

,

where they felt are most focused and caring government. Countries with a government that holds tight to the stated mission for its citizens.

“If the ruling bodies of these African countries have not turned threats to the future of the crème de la crème of their respective societies, why would there be a reason as strong enough to push these youth into taking decisions they know could possibly cost them their lives, particularly in situations

HE rate at which African youths embark on illegal migration and the means through which majority of them embark on such journeys to choice countries abroad, calls for urgent attention by African leaders.

Migrating illegally through several live threatening means has, regrettably, turned out to be one of the causes of despair in many African homes. This is because lives of many of such countries’ best nationals who u n d e r t o o k dangerous passages through the sea, have been lost.

Tens of thousands of these African migrants have embarked on these dangerous crossings in recent • Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru, Minister for years. They are Foreign Affairs usually packed into rickety wooden and they become or fishing boats that are often where exposed to dangerous unfortunate.”

He further decried the elements. A few weeks ago, a insatiable nature of the large number of these migrants governments of these nations, lost their lives in an attempt to enter Europe through an 18m who on the basis of corruption, have diverted funds for Italian boat.

In another breathe, the development of infrastructure decision to attempt a dangerous for a better economy, thereby passage through the sea in a exposing the youth to a startling fishing boat, and or rickety encounter. He noted that it wooden boats, no doubt calls takes sensitized and corrupt for proper sensitization of those free government to provide involved in the practice. It also quality services to its citizens, demands countering measures in order to counter illegal from all the ruling bodies of migration.

Recalling Pope Francis’ first countries whose nationals are official trip outside Rome, involved in such practices. where he presided over an open-air mass on Italy’s tiny Objective land of Lampedusa to appraisal commemorate the thousands of immigrants who have died at These ruling authorities sea in an attempt to cross over would need to have sincere, to choice countries illegally, the frank and objective appraisal of industrialist cum politician the issue and ways they would stated, “It was disheartening. provide a lasting solution.

I can imagine how they may Describing the recent Italian have struggled to survive to no ship wreck as anomalous, avail, and I also condemned Nigerian renowned the global indifference to their industrialist cum politician, who plight.” spoke on grounds of anonymity Pope Francis, whose told Consular Advisory that ancestors migrated to majority of the illegal migrants Argentina from Italy, who unfortunately lost their reportedly stood in sympathy lives in the boat mishap were with impoverished illegal male and under 30 years of age. migrants, expressing the He disclosed that they were ignorance, and or mischievous transiting from countries where acts of traffickers who exploited there is uncontrolled political migrants and took great risks turmoil, corruption and with their lives. insecurity.

The Island which is said to According to the industrialist, be one of the nearest gateways “Thousands of these African to Europe for Africans who are youths, are prompted to flee fleeing from corruption, their countries as a result of the poverty and conflicts in their many instabilities that evolve countries is also said to be around their future and as such struggling to cope with become over zealous in their thousands of illegal migrants. efforts to migrate to countries

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

When the name 'Ruggedman' is mentioned the picture that comes to mind is that of a hard-faced, tough-talking and mean gangster rap star, but the Ohafia, Abia State-born rapper is anything but that as he reveals in this telling chat with Weekend Groove.

Excerpts:

•Ruggedman

W

HAT have you been up to lately?

I have been working on the singing sensation I just signed to my label, Rugged Records label. His name is Mbryo. I believe he's the next act to blow from Nigeria. And we have been recording tracks for his album. I've also been on a promotion/introduction tour around Nigeria to introduce him to the industry and my fans.

Mbryo is multi-talented. He writes, sings, plays guitar, drums and piano.

So in order to introduce him into the industry, I released a joint album in December 2012 with him titled 'Money Making Music' which has songs like 'Push' featuring Terry G, Mbryo's 'Remote' and lots more. He's already getting heavy rotation. He has recorded songs with Olamide and Waje.

Is that why you retired from music so early so you can face production?

I didn't retire. I just slowed down a bit so I can concentrate on my record label.

The Mbryo project is the reason you haven't heard a new song from me but I already have new songs with Wizboy, 2face, Wande Coal, TM 9ja and Vector C M Y K

to mention a few. My birthday is in September so, expect a song on that day.

What about your fashion outfit? Much hasn't been heard of it lately?

My clothing line called 20th September Wear is work s in progress.

I have done fashion shows and parties to showcase it but I'm still on it.

Presently, I'm doing my research because I'm interested in putting out everyday clothing, not fashion show/ runway clothes. That's why I'm taking my time.

So are you throwing a birthday party?

Last year, I said I wasn't going to throw a party but I ended up celebrating a week-long and in five different clubs.

Cossy drops two videos same day

So I can't say yes or no yet. But I will always thank God for an additional year on the date.

Which song do you intend dropping on that day?

I haven’t decided which one I will be releasing yet. I'm even still going to hit the studio before then so, it just might be the newest one with 'Reminisce'.

So your label intends to work with just rap acts like you?

My label isn't just for rap artistes.

Mbryo is an R n B singing sensation.

He is the first to get officially signed to

Continues on pg 29

I N S I D E:

Wizkid is Nigeria’s king of the twitter

Top embarrassing moments for Nigeria

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—29

Synopsis

I feel lonely sometimes Continues from page 28 Rugged Records Most of your posts on Twitter reflect activism. Are you also an activist?

I have always been a critic. Remember the Ehen part 1 that I featured Nomorloss? It was the song that changed the face of Nigerian music and it was a constructive criticism which paid off in the long run because the outcome of that movie is what a lot of new age artistes are enjoying now. I am ever ready to lend my voice anywhere it will have a positive impact.

How do you explain your love for soccer too?

I can't just explain the kind of passion I have for football.

But all I know is that I have loved soccer for so long as I can remember. As a kid, I remember watching Big League Soccer and reading hot shot Hamish comics. I have also been a Manchester United fan since 1986.

Why Man U? I think it was love at first sight between Manchester United and I just clicked.

Does that mean you don't have anyone in your life?

Right now I don't have anybody in my life. It's been my work and me for a while now. Although it feels somehow sometimes, especially when I see couples out and about . But I find solace with the thought that the right person is out there for me.

So it means wedding bells isn't ringing any time soon?

I guess so but I'm very happy it's ringing for others and I pray their union stands the test of time.

tus.

But is it so hard to find the right woman?

I guess it is sometimes especially now that vanity rules. You find it hard knowing she is with you for you or your sta-

It's like you've really had hard times with ladies.

Not at all, the ladies love me and I love them right back. It's getting the right one for me that's the issue.

A while ago, Bisi IbidapoObe looked at me and said “Rugged, it's not a curse but before you find a babe for you, it will be difficult.”

She said I'm a fine man, successful artiste and so, women will come and it will be hard to know who is who. Now I understand what she meant but God is in control.

You seem not to be the romantic type?

Says who? I am very romantic when I'm with the right woman. Just like love and marriage, romance isn't Why did you fire Mode 9 something I throw to 'Go get another job', have around. you any axe to grind with I remember one St. him?

Valentine's day. I went I didn't say that to Mode to see my Val but I 9,bloggers put up that didn't meet her at headline from what I home. I tied a rose(a said generally real one not plastic) to about music and her door and wrote my entertainers. If you ever read my initials on a paper. story,even I said When she returned and saw it, she "when I started I knew I was the was tired of one who put it mediocrity being I don't have time for there. celebrated and I The incident left with two musical beef. I can do a was that made me put options: either to track if it is needed to fight for the music my romance in check happened I love or to get anclear a wrong years ago too on other job. And I deperception of me, but to cided to fight for another St. Valentine's day. I Ehen Part start exchanging words it,hence bought loads of 1 featuring Nomowith another artist at gifts and fifteen reloss was born. cards because I That was 2002,this this stage?

No way man! don't like getting is 2013. just one. I even booked an hotel room for dinner and all. All she did was say So no beef with Mode 9? “you shouldn't have done all these!” She I don't have time for musical beef. I didn't even bring me a card. After that, can do a track if it is needed to clear a I put a leash on my romance. She has wrong perception of me, but to start to be worth it before I show her that side exchanging words with another artist at of me. this stage? No way man!

,

,

Can't imagine a girl doing that to almighty Ruggedman.

No. At that time, it was just the start of my career. I hadn't even recorded Baraje.

So how do you feel having experienced the other side of love?

I learnt that life goes on no matter what, and you need to know who you do things for.

C M Y K

What's your view of music being churned these days?

Too many wishy-washy music that do not last more than 2 months on the airwaves. Sweet? Yes. Content?

Definitely below average. But it seems they are doing it and getting away with it because the masses enjoy it. What this means is that the chances of this generation making songs that will be evergreen are very slim.

A DEA agent and a naval intelligence officer find themselves on the run after a botched attempt to infiltrate a drug cartel. While fleeing, they learn the secret of their shaky alliance: Neither knew that the other was an undercover agent. The movie Casts include Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK ELYSUIM WORLD WAR Z SMURFS 2 DEAD MAN DOWN“

Exhibition Schedule from Aug. 30 - Sept 6, 2013 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA 2 Guns: 1:45pm, 6:20pm, 8:35pm Elysium: 1:40pm, 6:20pm Dead Man Down: 1:30pm, 9:00pm World War Z: 11:25am, 4:00pm Smurfs 2: 12:25pm, 4:55pm Red Hot: 7:05pm House of Gold: 6:45pm White House Down: 1:05pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC 2 Guns: 12:50pm, 3:00pm, 5:10pm, 7:20pm, 9:30pm Red Hot: 12:15pm, 2:00pm, 6:10pm Elysium: 12:10pm, 2:20pm, 4:30pm, 6:45pm, 9:00pm World War Z : 12:00pm,2:20pm,5:40pm,7:00pm,9:25pm Dead Man Down : 1:00pm,3:20pm,5:40pm Smurfs 2 : 11:40am,1:50pm,4:00pm Despicable Me 2 : 11:30am,1:30pm White House Down : 3:30pm,8:10pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA 2 Guns : 2:30pm,4:40pm,6:50pm,9:00pm Elysium : 4:30pm,6:40pm,8:50pm Smurfs 2 : 12:20pm,2:25pm Red Hot : 11:00am,12:45pm,8:40pm S I LVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORTHAR COURT 2 Guns 12:00pm,2:10pm,4:20pm,6:30pm,8:45pm Red Hot : 2:10pm,6:20pm,8:30pm Elysium : 2:25pm,6:50pm,9:00pm World War Z : 11:20am,1:40pm,6:55pm,9:10pm Smurfs 2 : 12:20pm,2:25pm,4:35pm,6:40pm Torn : 12:10pm,4:10pm House of Gold : 2:50pm,4:50pm,6:50pm S I LVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Torn : 11:30am,1:25pm,3:20pm,5:15pm,7:10pm House of Gold : 12:15pm,2:25pm,4:35pm,6:55pm Facade : 11:45am,2:00pm Admission : 11:55pm,2:10pm,4:30pm,6:50pm After Earth : 12:20pm,2:35pm,4:40pm,7:00pm Letter to My Mother : 12:00pm,4:25pm Temptation : 2:05pm,6;45pm OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS 2 Guns : 2:45pm,4:50pm,7:00pm,9:05pm Elysium : 3:35pm,5:50pm,7:55pm World War Z : 2:20pm,6:40pm Dead Man Down : 8:55pm Smurfs 2 : 11:20am,1:25pm, Despicable Me 2 : 10:10am GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, LAGOS 2 Guns : 12:25pm, 4:40pm,7:00pm,9:20pm,11:40pm Elysium : 10:05am,2:40pm,5:00pm,7:20pm,9:40pm,11:55pm Smurfs 2 : 10:15am,2:30pm,(Screen 4,3:40pm) Dead Man Down : 10:00am,12:25pm,9:35pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT 2 Guns : 9:30am,1:55pm,6:20pm,8:30pm Elysium : 11:45am,4:05pm,7:50pm,10:40pm Smurfs 2 : 9:30am,11:35am,1:40pm,3:45pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU 2 Guns : 10:30am,12:40pm,2:50pm,5:00pm,7:10pm,9:20pm Elysium : 10:00am,12:10pm,4:55pm,9:40pm Smurfs 2 : 12:20pm,4:25pm House of Gold : 12:25pm,6:45pm Despicable Me 2 : 10:20am,2:25pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, SURULERE 2 Guns : 12:10pm,2:20pm,4:25pm,6:30pm,8:40pm Elysium : 12:15pm,6:40pm,8:50pm, Smurfs 2 : 10:05am Dead Man Down : 12:10pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, IBADAN 2 Guns : 11:50am,2:00pm,4:05pm,6:10pm,8:15pm Continues on1:00pm,5:30pm page 28 Red Hot : Elysium : 12:00pm,4:05pm,8:15pm Smurfs 2 : 10:30am House of Gold : 11:00am FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR 2 Guns : 2:20pm,4:25pm,6:30pm,8:40pm Elysium : 12:15pm,6:40pm,8:50pm Smurfs 2 : 10:00am •Laide Bakare House of Gold : 12:10pm

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Cossy drops two videos same day

•Seun Kuti and Yetunde

By AYO ONIKOYI

N

•Cossy

Xproject returns with Azuka ...fea

OLLYWOOD diva, Cossy Orjiakor stunned the entertainment world when she released her debut album ‘Nutty Queen’ last year. For those who have never taken the actress turned singer seriously, it was a bit of a slap in the face. And if the colour hasn’t returned to their faces yet, the Nutty Queen is good to slam in yet another one as she drops two videos from the album today online.

Obviously gleeful Cossy revealed to WG on phone “I am releasing two videos online on Friday (today). The two videos are songs from my album; Sexual Seduction featuring Durella and Gimmie Some More featuring Elphlex” she said.

And just to tell critics that the diva hasn’t entirely dropped acting altogether as it has been alleged in several media. Cossy said she has a movie at hand due for release. “ I have a movie ‘The Angel in Me’ to be released soon. I also have a couple of others yet to be released into the market. They are ‘One Million Boys’ and ‘Beach 24’ Unlike other actresses who went into music, Cossy hasn’t really been bashed by critics. She has released several singles and some videos over time and there hasn’t been much hullabaloo over her singing ability and her acting too even if many are of the opinion she gets a bit overboard sometimes in trying to interpret her roles.

tures Olamide, W aje, Omawumi in new album

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

S

ENSATIONAL music group, XProject is back and currently rocking the scene with a new and very hot video, Azuka. The explosive and big budget video was directed by revered cinematographer Clarence Peters.

The new direction video, in the words of Sam Kargbo, boss of SKP Productions, whose iconic label discovered and nurtured XProject to an enviable height, the “Azuka” video will be hitting airwaves in the next couple of weeks.

“We took our time in shooting the Azuka video and a few others that are still being edited. The Azuka video will change the norm, style, direction and concept of Music videos in Nigeria the moment it hits airwaves. We at

SKP are very proud and happy with the video of Azuka. XProject and all their partners really did a great job on this project of Azuka, ”Kargbo, a respected lawyer averred.

Interestingly, aside the Azuka video, XProject is also ready to drop their latest album, which will be hitting the market before the end of the year.

Although, yet to be titled, the duo featured a lot of heavy weights in the highly anticipated album.

Among the wave-making musicians that collaborated with XProject on the star-studded album were: Olamide, Waje, Omawumi, Mr. Raw Nwanne, LKT and Bigiano.

Commenting on their new offerings, Saal and Slez, the creative minds powering

Seun Kuti falls in love

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

N

OT too many would believe that son of late Afro Beat legend, Seun Kuti can ever fall in love not to talk of impregnating a lady and showing her off in public. The Afro Beat dude who recently declared that he’s an atheist, showed off the picture of his pregnant girlfriend, announcing to the world that he’ll soon become a father.

According to what we gathered, the name of the lucky girl is Yetunde Ademiluyi, and she’s one of his backup singers and butt shakers.

Seun who has made it clear several times that he doesn’t believe in the marriage institution, proudly showed off Yetunde and her baby bump for the world to see.

Ejiro Okurame bags Igala chieftaincy title

By AYO ONIKOYI

T

XProject as a group, stated that the need to be different, daring and continually creative led to the birth of Azuka, its video concept as well as the fresh injections in their forthcoming album.

OP Nollywood actress, Ejiro Okurame was a toast of the whole of Igala kingdom on Saturday when the kingdom led by the Onu Igala of Lagos, the number one representative of the Attah of Igala kingdom in Lagos, Chief Sanni Yakubu Ejima, conferred on the actress the chieftaincy title of Omi Akele 1 of Igala.

According to the PRO, Igala community in the Southwest, Chief Abubakar Enemona Agene, the ‘Clinic Matters’ star became a bride for the honour as a result of her contribution to the development and advancement of the course of the Igala people. He particularly commended her effort in the establishment of Igahood, representing Igala people in the movie industry.

Wizkid is Nigeria’s king of the twitter

By AYO ONIKOYI

W

IZKID, Ayo Balogun has got every reason to beat his chest again, even going as far as calling everyone “broke” this time around with a bit of a smirk on his face as another feat has been added to his mounting heap of honours and accomplishments.

Though the 24-year-old met a lot of big guns on the scene but it appears he is out-muscling them on the popularity contest by a long stretch. •Wizkid

The twitter followers check reveals the ‘Pakurumo’ crooner has followers totalling over 720,000 while next in line to him, D’Banj, Tuface Idibia and close rival Davido are a long shot away, with the closest person with followers less than 400,000 people.

For sometime now, leading social media, twitter has been the litmus test to measure popularity, especially among entertainers the world over. Lady Gaga got so big she felt she should have a social media of her own, hence ‘Little Monsters’ was born.

•Ejiro Okurame and Abubakar Yakub

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—31 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

Top embarrassing moments for Nigeria STORIES BY LAJU ARENYEKA

B

efore Youtube became popular in Nigeria, we were restricted to one minute reports by television stations or unconfirmed stories from the grapevine. But now, you can get to see a video over and over on

Youtube. In some ways, that’s a really good thing. In some other ways, it could prove to be downright hilarious or just plain embarrassing. As a country, we’ve had some of those moments. Here are some of the most popular:

MY OGA AT THE TOP

*Obafaye, talking about his oga at the top

When former Lagos State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Shem Obafaye, showed up for an interview at Channels television few months ago, he had no idea that he would soon become a social media sensation. Obafaye’s allusions to his ‘oga at the top’, as well as the fact that he could not remember the website of his organization frankly made the video an interesting watch. The different ‘My Oga at the top’ videos on youtube, including the music video franchise of course, top our list with over 800,000 views.

*Rivers crisis

CRISIS IN RIVERS STATE

A

lthough the commotion in the Rivers state house of assembly which put some people in the hospital happened barely a month ago. Different videos of the event have garnered over 500,000 views; More than enough to make a political statement. The picture to the right sure makes you wonder: who would have thought there’d be a better ‘apaco master ’ than Terry G?

EDO TEACHER CERTIFICATION

E

*Oshiomole, teaching the teacher

3D ON HEELS?

W

do state Governor, Adams Oshiomole stars in this video, alongside Mrs. Augusta Odemwinge, a primary school teacher who could not read a sworn affidavit she purportedly tendered as part of her credentials. “If you can’t read, what do you teach the pupils, what do you write on the board?” Oshiomole asked. The video already has over 100,000 views, but you can grab your own copy and watch it for yourself on Youtube.

A

Don’t bank on it…it could be a scam!

lmost nothing gives a bounce to your step like a credit alert from your bank. Suddenly adrenaline jumps to your brain, and a budget is drawn up in your mind’s eye. Let’s face it; everybody likes to have money, and scammers know this fact all too well. That’s why they’ve upped their game to impersonate banks. You could receive an email, supposedly from a bank telling you that a particular amount has been credited to your account. You are then asked to click a link where you supply information including your ATM pin.

If you don’t have an account with that bank, you already know it’s a scam. But if you do have an account with the said bank, see how you can spot the difference.

The scammer, who sent this email impersonating Gtbank, used the right logo and contact address. It reads: “Deposit Dear Sir, Find the attached payment slip of 102,950.00 NGN credited into your account. (Download & Confirm) Please also note that the charges include 1% of the amount as commission, 18GBP as fees and 0.5% of commission as V.A.T.”

Now, what is wrong with this picture?

First of all, banks usually address their customers by their full names, so if you aren’t too carried away, you’d notice that the use of ‘Dear sir’ is an error.

Secondly, did you notice what’s wrong with the transaction details?

Well, they aren’t there. If this was really from a bank, it would contain information on who paid in the money, the date, time, document number, and at least some part of your account number.

Thirdly, what bank charges their customers for receiving cash? Did the flash light just go on in your head?

Bank scams don’t always look like the one above.

Sometimes, they could seem fairly routine; asking you to update your information so that your account doesn’t get suspended, provide your pin to confirm a transaction, or give personal details to improve your internet banking experience. When in doubt, ignore such messages, and call your bank. But here’s a message you should never ignore: the one from your bank telling you to never disclose your pin or personal information to anyone. Bear in mind that almost nothing can bring tears to your eyes like a debit alert from your bank for money a scammer took!

The 3D Scan that could rock the fashion world

here exactly do technology, fashion and health meet? There is no better answer to that than the first three dimensional (3D) scan of a female foot in high heels.

The picture on the right was taken with a new $340,000 scanner at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in North London. The PedCAT machine, the first of its kind in the UK, does a 360degree scan of the patient’s feet in just

60 seconds. Doctors can then view the resultant 3D image from every angle, spinning it around to view the foot from above, below and the side. It also takes 600 2D views of the foot.

Although the findings of the scan would make any woman think twice about wearing high heels for long periods of time, many believe that this technology is a major improvement over traditional 2D X-rays, which could lead to misdiagnoses. The scan shows the deformity caused by wearing high heels is much more complicated than

experts previously thought. With high heels, the toes are squashed inside the shoe. The more stiletto-shaped they are, the worse it is. The toes not only get squashed, but they become clawed too. The base of the big toe becomes ‘deviated outwards’, forming a bunion, while the scanner also shows how these bones can become ‘rotated and dropped’.

It must be a good thing 3D isn’t reserved for movies alone!

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

TITBITS

Blessing Okagbare won Silver in Long Jump

O

kagbare had won a silver medal in the long jump.Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare won her second medal at the ongoing IAAF World Athletics Championships in Moscow, Russia, as she won the bronze medal in the women’s 200m event on Friday evening.

Okagbare, though tied on 22.32secs with Ivory Coast’s Murielle Ahoure, was adjudged to have finished in third place while the Ivorian gets second position just as she did in spectacular fashion in the 100m final. A further break down by the IAAF shows that Ahoure posted a time of 22.313 while Okagbare came so close in 22.319; implying six thousandths of a second between silver and bronze.

Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won the 200m gold medal to complete a sprint double having previously won the 100m.

Before now, Okagbare had won silver medal in the Long jump but missed out in the 100m where she came 6th in the final.

The graduate now has one more shot at medal as she is still billed to lead Nigeria’s women 4x 100m team.

The Pretty

Dress E

very woman deserves at least that one pretty dress that incorporates everything a woman can ever want in a dress, but what are these qualities a woman wants in a dress?

FEMININITY A pretty dress must be feminine, and it must bring out your femininity the way most other dresses cannot. It is not necessarily about sexy; it’s about bringing out the woman in you BOLD It cannot be an ordinary dress. Lace, frills flowers, colours, embroideries, ribbons—all are allowed for your pretty dress, as long as they make it look prettier, not tacky.

DOWNPLAY ACCESSORIES Your dress—and of course, you—is supposed to be the centre of attention, not your purse, shoes or necklace.

Promise Ogochukwu, Iquo Eke, make NLNG Literature prize longlist T

HE Advisory Board of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, sponsor of the Nigeria Prize for L i t e r a t u r e , M o n d a y, Au g u s t 1 2 , 2 0 1 3 , announced an initial shortlist of 11 books, out of 201 books submitted, for the 2013 edition of the prize.

This year ’s edition focuses on poetry.

The list included two women: Iquo Eke and Ogochukwu Promise, already familiar names on the Nigerian and international literary scenes.

Books that made the list include; Letter Home and Biafran Nights, by Akeh Afam; Symphony of Becoming

by Eke Iquo’s; Birthcry, Nwakanma Obi; Wild Letters, Ogochukwu Promise and Globetrotter and Hitler’s Children by Ede Amatoritsero.

Others on the list are; Marsh Boy and Other Po e m s b y O g b o w e i G’ebinyo; Length of Eyes by Gomba Obari; The Sahara Testaments, Ipadeola Tade; Seven Stations Up the Stairways by

*Promise Ogochukwu

*Iquo Eke

Okinba Launko (pen name for Femi Osofisan); Through the Window of a Sandcastle by Nnadi Amu Chijioke and Sea of My Mind, Raji Remi.

Ogochukwu Promise is a fiction writer, poet, essayist, playwright and is the founder and coordinator of the Lumina Foundation which instituted the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa; she also initiated the Get Africa Reading Project and runs a mobile library.

Ogochukwu edits and publishes the literary magazine The Lumina, and the magazine Children’s Classic. An author of 16 novels, six collections of poetry, two short story collections, four plays, two essay collections, thirty children’s books, and editor of four literary collections, she has received seven Association of Nigerian Authors awards for her poetry and fiction.

Iquo Eke is also a multidisciplinary writer also writes prose, drama and poetry. Her radio plays have been produced by the African Radio Drama Association, ARDA. Best known for her poetry, Iquo Eke was, according to her, discovered by the late Ambassador Segun Olusola in 1996. Since then, her poems have been performed on numerous platforms across the country.

Chairman of the Advisory Board, Emeritus Professor, Ayo Banjo, disclosed that the final shortlist of three and subsequently the winner of the $100,000 worth cash prize will be announced in October.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 —

By EBELE ORAKPO

Y

ola, Adamawa-based American University of Nigeria (AUN), has been described as Africa’s first development university, inspired by its founder, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s vision that knowledge acquired must be applied to benefit all peoples. In this chat with Vanguard, AUN’s President, Professor Margee Ensign, speaks on why AUN, an American-style university, is called a development university and how the university has impacted the host community and environs, saying she will want to have more females students in the institution.

Excerpts:

We are preparing problem solvers – Margee Ensign

On why AUN is called a development university:

“We are in a part of the country where there are many challenges. In a big and rapidly developing country like Nigeria, with population doubling about every 30 to 35 years, the challenges of education, healthcare, infrastructure and power, are enormous. So our goal is not just to prepare students for jobs, we want to prepare young people who are problem solvers and who can lead Nigeria in the next generation.

How we operate:

“Of course our students learn everything an educated person has to learn but in AUN, that is not enough.

You must understand the problems of your country and community, so every student has to do a course in community service that focuses on one of our projects. In American-style university, you don’t just do a major, you do a general education programme. So no matter what your major is, you do history, international politics and sociology. Every honors student has to do almost two years of general education because the world is changing so rapidly.

Jatropha project Every student does a course where they work in one of our projects.

Example, the jatropha project, in which we trained 600 people in the community last year and the IT training for business women. Our students go out there to teach the classes.

“I went to one of these classes where they were supposed to be doing ITbased business literacy, it was in a room without roof with about 40 women. Our female students were teaching them.

And I asked hoe the course in business was going?

The women said; ‘No, that is not what we are doing.’ I said ‘ok, what are we doing?’ And they said; ‘we asked your students to teach us how to read so we can teach our children.’ It almost broke my heart because these women had their babies there while learning to read.

You will be amazed how these students change; they are not just rich kids in the classroom, they are out in the middle of Yola and Jimeta teaching poor women to read and older men how to get on the internet and may be, start a business. That is what a development university means. We take our projects and incorporate them in classes and

33

*Professor Margee Ensign, AUN President internships and the students get firsthand experience and exposure.

“The students wrote essays which we published and they started off by saying; ‘What are we doing? Why is the president making us go out in the communities?’ Then they answered the question; ‘I have seen first-hand the problems of poverty and now, I am going to be a doctor or a teacher or whatever. So that makes us different.

“It is not just enough to be in the classroom any more. You need to be a chemist who has gone down to Rivers State and seen the environmental problems. We believe our students have to be exposed to these problems and start thinking of how to solve them because that is their job.

“Apart from this general education, we are 24/7 wireless, we have power all the time involving a lot of generators and lots of money. It is very expensive to run a campus but we believe that it is essential especially since our campus is entirely an e-book campus.

Digital library

They don’t just see a problem and wallow in it, they figure out how they can solve it. I was an election observer for the national election in Yola and when I was going, I took the Computer Science students with me because people wait on queues for hours on end in the hot sun to register and to vote. So I asked the students; ‘ what are you going to do about this?’ One of them was taking notes. ‘I know how to computerize this, we can do this.’ So we are trying to make them start thinking now, how to apply the knowledge acquired. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge, anybody can have knowledge, it is how you apply them to solve problems. We have a very supportive founder and board.

Our researches are all focused on problem-solving."

Introducing technology in poor places:

These students are not just rich kids in the classroom; they are out in the middle of Yola and Jimeta teaching poor women to read and older men how to get on the internet and may be, start a business "Our staff, Krista Mckel started a programme using beautiful piece of technology in poor Yola schools. Our

We just won the American Library Association’s one of only three awards in the world for the best digital library.

It’s amazing!

"We have to keep everything going so students can get everything on the internet, they don’t have to go to the library, the library is on their I-pads.

We take into Yola this access to the library and knowledge. Our whole approach is a bit different from a Nigerian university. Our classes are very small, average class size is 15, maximum is 25 so the faculty know the students and can assist them individually.

Election observer:

“Technology will help these kids confront poverty and the problems.

*AUN giving hope to the less privileged, helping them confront poverty

students are writing Hausa applications, it’s just amazing! These children want to be a part of that world and to be a part, you have to read, you have to be able to access information.

We give I-pads to these children just like kids in America and Europe.

Girl-child education:

We focus on girls a lot. We have scholarships for females, 15 per cent of our tuition goes into scholarships.

We plan to tutor and mentor secondary school girls in northern Nigeria. We want to get these girls educated. I need more women in AUN. I will like to have the campuses filled with thousands of young women we can educate."

Funding:

"Funding is not a major problem for us although our budget is always tight.

AUN is a private university so we have more control of funds. When people complain we are very expensive, I tell them that the same education in the US costs four times as much. It’s about $10-12,000 (N1.8 million) but in the US, it is $40,000.

There are secondary schools in Lagos that are more expensive. Of course it is expensive for poor people but we have scholarships in each of the six geopolitical zones. We want the brightest and high performing students and whatever they need, we provide.

I can tell you that there is no one giving more to higher education in the world than our founder (former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar).

I come from America and I have been raising money all my life. What he gives every month is much. We wouldn’t make it without the founder who believes that education holds the key to unlocking the bondage of poverty and misery. Of course, we always worry about money but we generate our own money. I stay up most of the nights writing proposals.

Our board of trustees have been so generous, they know that part of their job is to contribute and find resources for us."

Leading by example:

"I drive a 20-year-old Volkswagen and it was a joke for a long time. The students were saying why don’t you drive your official car? I said why? A car just gets you from point A to point B, why do I need a big car? So we are trying to get them to switch.

Children want money, big cars etc., but we are trying to say, 'what will make your life meaningful is to make a difference in these children’s lives,' and I have seen children from very wealthy background go out to the schools with me and they come back saying; 'We’ve no idea!' So that is really what we are about, getting these students to think differently and come up with solutions.

We are small, we are not going to have a giant impact for a while but you have to start somewhere. AUN is a Google university also because we are over 50 per cent of the Google traffic in Nigeria."

34 —VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

T

HOSE who believe they are created only to seek the vanities of this world, work or otherwise steal to build houses, monuments, amass wealth for the children unborn; or those who profits in causing mischiefs on earth, bestriding like gods and trampling on the rights of others are just unconcious of the ephmeral nature of this world. Yes! if you seek the world, you'll get it but Allah has said they are only deciets that will keep you far away from the bliss of eternity.

For those who keep chasing the vanities of this world, we read in the scriptures, they will be faced with four things before death; namely: Unhappiness without limit; Restlessness unlimited; Discontentment and Poverty. No matter the wealth stored, it will end in poverty.

We have seen many whose lives and times were dotted with wealth but were consigned to the trash can of history.

What then is the end result of

Vanities of life Wealth and power are only a temporary success and a conduit for eternal ruination if one refuses to tow the path of God. Real happiness and contentment are for those who follow the path of God, albeit, not materially rich but spiritually endowed to challange all the vagaries of life.

,

Wealth and power as a purpose would be doomed to a temporary success at best and in the end it would only lead to self destruction if one refuses to toe the path of God

amassing wealth when it would not stop the desire to continually seek more wealth?

If the purpose of life is to become wealthy, there would be no purpose afterall.

Acquisition of wealth cannot in any way guarantee happiness, instead, it is only a mousetrap for destruction especially for the unbelievers. Wealth can do little or nothing to bring happiness to an unbeliever, because regardless of what he or she gains in this life, he would immersed in fear of what will happen to him at the end.

,

The question now is that what is the purpose of life?

Certainly, our Creator did not create us just for the sake of the vanities of this world. Allah did not create the jinn and mankind except that the worship Him neither does He want from them any provision, nor does He want them to care for Him. He did not create us for the fun of creation or to fill a specific number. He has created us in order that we worship Him and glorify His name every day in our lives. See Quran 51:56.

Worship of the One True Almighty God of the Universe (Allah) as a primary goal or aim in life provides a believer with everything he needs to succeed in the world and the hereafter.

The Creator expects us to obey, submit and surrender totally to His ordinances. This is what Islam is all about. To a true Muslim, the whole purpose of life is “ibadah” or worship to the only one true God, Allah the way He specified to be worshipped.

Every person will be rewarded or punished according to his deeds. None will be asked about the actions and beliefs of others, nor will anyone be asked regarding that which he was unaware of or incapable of doing.

Reward and punishment will be in direct proportion to whatever we do and Allah alone will be the final Judge.

The ‘Permanent’ or ‘Hereafter’ will either be spent in luxurious splendour or miserable punishment .

To every believer, t h e purpose of life is a standing one; Worship Allah by accepting Allah’s Will. His life here on earth although short, but totally meaningful within the complete framework of total submission. This is Islam.

In the same vein, in the hereafter, his faith, intentions, attitudes and good deeds will place him in high esteem before Allah and earn him paradise where he will dwell permanently.

He has no doubt in his mind that: he is only created by Allah; he is going to spend a period of time in this material world called “Ad-Duniyah”; he knows he will die and spend some time in the grave, whether pleasant or difficult depending on his deeds and actions; he knows he will be resurrected for giving account of his deeds, ‘Day of Judgment’; he knows he will

be judged fairly by Allah; therefore, he has to surrender, submit, obey Allah the Almighty, carrying out His orders and shunning all what He ordered to be shunned.

Believing and declaring that “There is no god worthy of worship except ALLAH, all worship is due only to HIM, alone and He has no partners or helpers nor does He share His Lordship with any of His creations; and Muhammad, (s.a.w) is the last messenger and servant of Almighty Allah; (the seal of prophet hood in man’s history, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus Christ, may Almighty Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon them all.”)

Establishing the regular five times ritualised prayer (salat) at the stated times.

Paying Zakat; about 2.5% of one’s wealth annually after all indebtedness have been settled.

Fasting for 29 or 30 days in the month of Ramadan just like we concluded some weeks back.

Pilgrimage to the Makkah, at least once in a lifetime, provided one has the ability and when there is no hindrance on the way.

MTN re wards 1 7 Muslims rew 17 with Hajj trip

L

E A D I N G telecommunication company, MTN, is set to offer 17 Muslims, the rare opportunity to complete their religious obligations to Allah by fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam, which is a trip to the Holy land to perform the hajj rites. The numbers of these lucky winners were selected at the Golden Plaza, Falomo-Ikoyi, Lagos, office of the telecoms company, recently.

Aside from being flown to Hajj, the cost of their hotel bills, feeding and travel allowances will also be borne

by MTN. The 17 winners will be hosted to a send-forth meeting

by MTN, before they fly out of the country for the pilgrimage. The meeting will include an orientation and presentation of necessary travel visas and allowances. The 17 customers were drawn from different parts of the country, NorthWest, NorthCentral, SouthWest, L agos, South-East, SouthSouth and others.

L-R: Wasiu Ibrahim, BRM, MTN, Aminu Sani, Progressive Segment Manager, MTN, Saidat Lawal-Mohammed, This is seen as Senior Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN and Shuaibu Abubakar, Manager, Pricing, MTN, at the selection one of the ways in

held in Ikoyi, Lagos, on August 21, 2013, to produce the 17 winners going to Hajj this year, courtesy of MTN.

which the company has been extending goodwill to its teeming customers who have, continued to patronise the largest telecommunications service provider in Africa.

The Chief Marketing Officer, MTN, Larry Annetts, speaking through his representative, Saidat Lawal-Mohammed, Senior Manager, Segment Marketing, MTN, said: “MTN understands that there are different aspirations of its customers, different desires, so, MTN decided to offer this as a reward to some of its customers, who subscribed to some of the Islamic ValueAdded Services during the just-ended Ramadan period.”

Aspirations of subscribers MTN believes that, as a brand, it is important to support the aspirations of its teeming subscribers. Last year, in addition to rewarding customers with the Hajj trip, MTN distributed 100,000 free MTN two-in-one (2-in-1) and single SIMs, 20,000 waist money pouches among other items to would be pilgrims in the Hajj camps across the country. The company also offered free calls, SMS and discounted roaming rates to pilgrims in the holy land.

This is the fourth year MTN is assisting pilgrims in achieving one of their spiritual aspirations. The company has, so far, assisted more than 70 Muslim faithful, on its wide network to the holy land.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—35

Don't negotiate your integrity, Justice Kekere-Ekun urges Muslim lawyers

J

Preparing H

AJJ as the last of the five pillars of Islam requires early and adequate preparation.

This is because hajj exercise involves a lot of money, time, and physical efforts. Early preparation will not only help to minimise physical discomfort, decrease financial burden, but will enable the pilgrim perform the exercise in accordance with the dictates of shariah. The writer observed during his Hajj that many of those who performed Hajj rituals from Nigeria, especially for the first time could not perform the rites correctly due to inadequate preparation.

Getting information for hajj through the officials (i.e. Hajj Board or agents) and obtaining document, medical checks etc., consume a great deal of time.

Actual date of departure Four to five months ahead of the actual date of departure is not too much for starting to prepare for Hajj.

An intending pilgrim must have met the conditions of Hajj namely (1) must be a practicing Muslim with sound ‘aqidah (doctrine, faith, believe). It must be noted here that faith is a condition of validity of the deeds and its approval in Islam. (2) Must have attained adulthood. (3)

Must be of a sound state of mind. (4) Sound health and Physical fitness to undergo the rigours of the journey and rites; Must be sure that the way to the holy land is safe and secure from any danger; Must be financially sound enough to be able to bear all of the expenses for Hajj, also to provide adequately for his dependants before leaving home.

Furthermore, an intending pilgrim must possess the following

rituals; as well as imbibing the etiquette of travelling, air transportation among others. The intending pilgrim must endeavour to pay all outstanding debts; return all articles put in his care to their owners; fulfill his promises to others; right all wrongs. He may write his will or make a written acknowledgement of the transactions, promises, and debts he entered into with other people and

,

BY HARUN RAZAQ

Hajj

for

An intending pilgrim must have a pure intention to perform the Hajj; expenses paid out of money obtained through legitimate means; show patience and be able to forgive those who have wronged him

,

among others: Pure intention to perform the Hajj; expenses paid out of money obtained through legitimate means; must show patience and be able to forgive those who have wronged him; Perform Nafila Istikhara (prayer for seeking divine guidance), consult prophetic prayer book for details e.g. Husnu Muslim (Citadel of Believers); seek knowledge of Hajj and Umrah through attending lectures, reading of books on Hajj, and get acquinted with all aspects of Hajj rites, such as, recitation of Talbiyya, duah (prayer), places of

keep it in a safety place accessible to family members; meeting all travel conditions including immunisation such as inoculation, engage a family member to look after your family; inform the necessary people; make a lot of Dua’ that has evidence in Shariah; a female pilgrim must travel in the company of her husband or a Mahram (a member of her immediate family with whom her marriage is expressly prohibited by the Shariah e.g., father, brother, son, uncle,) and above all, he must be conscious and fear Allah in his actions and speech.

ASK YOUR IMAM

Sheikh Salaudeen Omotayo, Chief Missioner, Jamata Islamiyya Muslim Society of Nigeria, JIMSN, (left) receiving gifts from the Women's wing of the society led by Amirah, Alhaja Anigilaje Titilayo, after a lecture held in Lagos, recenly.

USTICE Kudirat Kekere-Ekun of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, has admonished legal practitioners in the country to guide their integrity jealously, saying their name and character is what they posses to be great.

The justice of the apex court in a remark at a prayer session and a reception held in her honour and some newly appointed Judges of the Lagos State High Court and a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Habeeb Abiru, said, “your name is your trademark, you need to protect it.”

The event organized by the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Lagos State chapter was also held to acknowledge the appointment of some Muslim senior advocates of Nigeria.

On the honour list were; Justice Kekere-Ekun, Justice Habeeb Abiru of Court of Appeal and two other newly-appointed Lagos State High Court judges; Justice Aliu Safari and Justice Abdul Wasiu Animahun.

Also honoured were four senior silks- Muhammed Ajibola, Professor Imran Oluwole Smith, Olusina Sofola and Jelili Owonikoko.

The honourees admonished Muslim legal practitioners in the state, and by extension in the country, to be good ambassadors of Islam, the law profession and role models to the younger ones coming up in the profession.

The organisers of the programme lauded the honourees for proving their mettle in the legal profession and for their immense contributions to the growth of Islam in the country and among legal practitioners.

In his remark, Chairman of MULAN, Lagos State chapter, Barrister Musoddiq Adele Sanni noted with nostalgia the cordial relationship existing between the association and Lagos State Government, especially in the area of formulating laws that could affect Muslims and the religion of Islam.

According to him, MULAN has always been partner in progress with the

State House of Assembly as regards enactment of bills that may affect Islam or Muslims’ interest in the state.

He added that it was the robust relationship the association has with the government that brought about Section 22 (3) of Lagos State customary law which made the state to designate a court to adjudicate on Islamic law in matters of marriage, divorce and inheritance as it deem fit.

According to Sani, both parties have benefited immensely from the robust relationship existing between the government and MULAN, while it said such development has also averted many religion crises in the state.

Other dignitaries at the occasion included Justice Kazeem Alogba of the state High Court, the State Solicitor General, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, chairman of the occasion, Chief Sofola (SAN).

They all urged all the Muslim lawyers to be their brother’s keeper and contribute to the propagation of Islam through their legal practise.

NACOMYO warns youths against indecent dressing

A

lhaji Kamal’din Akintunde, the National President, National Council for Muslim Youths O r g a n i s a t i o n (NACOMYO), recently warned youths in the country against indecent dressing.

Akintunde told newsmen in Abeokuta that indecent dressing attracts negative reactions and delays divine response to requests and prayers.

He also said indecent dressing was a negation of societal values and

norms, adding that it should be discouraged.

Akintunde further said that indecent dressing contravenes the teachings of many religions, including Islam and Christianity.

He, however, condemned some religious bodies and parents for tolerating and accepting indecent dressing among youths.

“The fact is that the perpetrators of this attitude are being influenced by modernity, and thus lose religious

sensibility.

“As a panacea, I want to suggest that the current war against nudity, especially among our youths, should be enforced,” he said.

He advised youths to imbibe good morals and engage in useful ventures that would benefit them and the country.

Akintunde also urged government at all levels to partner with religious bodies in order to promote good morals.

From left: Engr. Mosood Younus, Site Manager, Arab Contractor; Alhaji Mikail Akinsanya, Chairman, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and Prince Kamorudeen Adeyemi Olutosin, Secretary of the society during the Eid-il-Fitr prayer, recently.

36—Vanguard , FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Oghara women, youths back Emerhor for Delta Central

Ochei drums support for Uduaghan's govt

T

HE Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, has urged Deltans to continually support the Governor Uduaghan administration in its commitment to the faithful implementation of the three point agenda, as such will provide the necessary impetus for further development.

He made the call during an interactive session with journalists at the end of an inter-denominational thanksgiving service commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the creation of Delta State at the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Effurun.

Ochei cited the education sector as one that had experienced transformation, considering its importance as the bedrock on which any societal development is hinged.

He equally commended the Uduaghan administration’s resolve to strengthen the human capital development agendum by way of empowering indigenous contractors, who engage available local labour at the specialists’ and other levels, thereby giving vent to the human capital development element of his three-point agenda.

He said: “Delta State Legislature will collaborate with the Executive arm in providing the dividends of democracy to Deltans through progressive legislation.”

Transition

Y

THANKSGIVING: From left— Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; his wife, Roli; his Deputy, Professor Amos Utuama; Senator James Manager; Chief Solomon Ogba; Elder Simeon Ebonka, former Deputy Governor; Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, and other worshippers at the inter-denominational thanksgiving service marking the 22nd anniversary of Delta State at the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Effurun, Delta State.

Auchi Catholic Diocese embarks on prayers over Ozekhome's kidnap

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—THE Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese in Edo State, Bishop Gabriel Dunia, has lamented the incessant kidnap of Nigerians, calling for the release of human rights activist and lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN).

The Bishop, who spoke to newsmen at the Bishop’s court Auchi, said the security situation in the country was giving the church cause to worry, regretting that rather than embarking on activities that would help the growth of the nation, some youths decided to unleash mayhem on the people.

While recalling how he received the news of Ozekhome’s kidnap, Bishop Dunia disclosed that the church had since embarked on serious prayers to secure his release.

He said: “The news came to me on Saturday, at 11:30pm, from one of the Knights of St. Mulumba, a medical doctor.

“I called some priests and the Revered Father in Ozekhome’s

town, Iyokwe in Agenebode. I told them to immediately mobilise the faithful to the church to pray and keep adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

“They will follow it up subsequently with rosary procession

with candle light in the night or without candle light in the day.

“His kidnappers should quickly repent and release him for us because whatever might have prompted them will do them no good.”

Youths protest boatman's death in Sapele

BY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE—IT was pandemonium in Sapele, Delta State, as over 500 youths, yesterday, went on rampage around Decima Road water side, setting bonfire on major roads, following the alleged killing by soldiers of one of the youths in the area.

The incident led to traders deserting the Sapele Market Square, particularly the saw mill and water side axis, even as residents fled for safety.

The protest by the youths started when the body of the boat transporter, called Babatie Gbamini-

dop, aged 32, was seen floating in the popular River Ethiope, Sapele, three days after soldiers were alleged to have embarked on a raid at Obotie water front in a bid to scare away illegal diesel dealers on the River Ethiope.

Family of the deceased, which had earlier declared him missing after the raid, is alleging that he must have been hit by bullets from the soldiers during the raid.

The deceased was declared missing last Saturday and every effort by his family to locate his whereabouts proved abortive, until his body was found afloat the river three days later.

NPC ready for 2016 census— Edo Commissioner

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B M

ADAM Comfort Adeoti Talabi, 83, is

dead.

The late Madam Talabi, who died on July 27, will be buried today, at Ebony Millennium Vaults, Atan Cemetery, after funeral service at the All Saints Anglican Church, Montgomery Road, Yaba.

A statement from the family said late Madam Talabi is survived by several children, among whom is Obunba Olumide Talabi.

ENIN—THE Commis sioner representing Edo State in the National Population Commission, NPC, Dr. Tunde Lakoju, has said the commission was determined to ensure that the 2016 census exercise met the expectations of all Nigerians.

Though controversy over the continued stay of the chairman of NPC, Felix Odimegwu, had continued to cause crisis, Lakoju told journalists in Benin, yesterday, that the proposal by NPC for the next census was in top gear, adding that it would be difficult in any part of the world to have an accurate census.

He said: “I have no doubt in

my mind that if the structural architecture that the National Population Commission has designed

is properly implemented and funded, we are going to have fantastic 2016 census.”

PR Consultants hold confab

T

HE ninth edition of the Public Relations MasterClass series, organised by the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, PRCAN, will have as a resource person the Public Relations Manager of Etisalat Nigeria, Chineze Amanfo.

Amanfo, who had agency experience before her recruitment by the telecommunications company two years ago, will join other accomplished public re-

lations professionals to share knowledge with participants at the workshop on Effective Public Relations Account Management, which holds today at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Also on board as faculty member is a human capacity development expert, Mr. Cajetan Otuekere, Senior Partner at Prizeworth Consulting Limited, which has capacity development as one of its specialities.

OUTHS and women in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, have thrown their weight behind the candidacy of Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor for the forthcoming Delta Central senatorial by-election.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial aspirant’s ambition got a boost when the supporters trooped out at a rally organised by Delta Youths Elites, DYE, last weekend.

Chairman of DYE, Mr. Obus Ayigbe, told journalists that the votes of the over 2,000 persons that participated in the rally were good enough to give Emerhor a landslide victory in Ethiope West and the entire Delta Central.

He said Emerhor’s passion and focus for the development of the Urhobo nation made him a messiah that could fill the vacuum left by late Senator Pius Ewherido.

Meanwhile, a chairmanship hopeful under the banner of APC in Ethiope West Local Government Area, Mr. Victor Unuragha, has said that Emerhor will deliver Ethiope West from the shackles of oppression.

He said with O’Tega Emerhor as APC’s candidate, the party will defeat Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the by-election.

... as Diaspora Urhobo back Agoda

U

RHOBO in Diaspora have endorsed Halims Agoda for the forthcoming Delta Central senatorial byelection. The seat became vacant, following the death of Senator Pius Ewherido.

Canada and United States of America branches of the group made the endorsement at a recent meeting.

In a statement by Mr. Anthony Otubu, after their conference in America, the Diaspora Urhobo said: “We decided to back Agoda for the Senate job because the Urhobo in Delta Central needs someone that will give them effective representation.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—37

Society for the Blind laments discrimination against visually impaired

Child marriage bill should be jettisoned — ORU

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

T

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

T

HE Nigeria Society for the Blind, NSB, Vocational Training Centre, Oshodi, has urged members of the society to support the visually impaired and stop discrimination against them.

The organisation stated this during its 8th White Cane Day walk by members of the group and other volunteers in Surulere, Lagos.

The White Cane Safety Day is one set aside to celebrate the achievements of the visually impaired and the white cane is an important symbol known worldwide for blindness.

According to the Chairman of NSB, Mrs. Biola Agbaje, the school is a vocational training centre for the blind which runs a two-year course for visually impaired adults and adolescence in Braille reading and writing, typing, mobility, handcrafts, soap making, home economics, tie and dye and computer training.

“Once you see a person with a white cane, you should recognize him/her as being visually impaired and it is everyone’s responsibility to lend a helping hand. It is, however, a pity that in Nigeria, members of the public do not assist the visually impaired."

Port Harcourt centenary celebration begins

BRIEFING—From left: George Feyii, Secretary to Rivers State Government; Sir Owene Wonodi, Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development and Samuel Ayiba, Rivers State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, during a briefing on the Port Harcourt Centinary Celebration,, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Oyerinde: Ugolor petitions IG over non-release of property

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY—THE Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, Reverend David Ugolor, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, over unreturned properties collected from him during his detention.

Recall that Ugolor was detained by the police over the murder of Private Secretary to Edo State governor, Comrade Oyerinde Olaitan.

In the petition signed by his counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, to the IGP, Ugolor frowned at the fact that his properties were yet to be returned to him by the police, despite being discharged and

P

C M Y K

Police (D -Department) in charge of the case for the release of our client’s properties.

“Our client has been denied the use of the various properties despite the legal advice in respect of the matter in his favour. And my client willingly submitted the properties to the police to investigate him if he has any hand in the death of the principal private secretary.

“My client has written several letters to the police authority for the police investigative team who collected the items to return his properties but to no avail.

We therefore appeal to the Inspector General of Police to use your good office to prevail on your men to return my client’s properties.”

Nigerian Ropes raises alarm over falsification of test certificate

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State government will today kick off activities to celebrate 100 years of origin of its capital city, Port Harcourt.

Secretary to the State Government, SSG, George Feyi, who chairs the Port Harcourt Centenary Celebrations Committee, told newsmen yesterday, that the flag off of the ceremony at the Civic Centre, would be preceded by a marathon..

He said: “One interesting thing about Rivers is that Port Harcourt is older than Nigeria by one year. The same Lord Lugard who was instrumental in bringing about the formation called Nigeria, was also the one at the centre of naming this city Port Harcourt on August 30, 1913.”

acquitted by a Benin Magistrate Court which found him innocent.

According to the petition made available to Vanguard, some of the items include one Blackberry handset, one Samsung handset, two Nokia handsets, one ipad, UBA cheque book number 33788914, two Glo sim card packs, two MTN welcome sim packs, four sim lines, and one Airtel sim card.

The petition claimed the items were collected from him during interrogation.

The petition said: “We quite believe that the Inspector General of Police will give the appropriate directive to the Deputy Inspector General of

BY LAJA THOMAS

N

IGERIAN Ropes Plc, a leading manufacturer of ropes in Sub - Saharan Africa, yesterday raised alarm over falsification of its products by unscrupulous individuals and organisations who forged its test certificate.

Briefing newsmen at the company’s corporate headquarters in Lagos, the Managing Director, Mr Joao Pereira, said: “Nigerian Ropes Plc has observed with evidence that her products test certificate are being falsified by some ‘ropes businessmen’ to cover substandard imported wire ropes.

“Currently, about five companies based in Port Harcourt are suspected to be involved in this practice and investigation is ongoing to established the culprits who shall be prosecuted. What these people do is to fake our test certificate and claimed it is a product

of Nigerian Ropes. It is a crime and it is not acceptable. We have began legal proceedings against them.

“From August 2013, we have commenced actions to mitigate faking of our test certificate and this includes changing of the software which we used to design our existing test certificate format, creation of new seal, changing the paper colour.

“It has more security features and new password on it, which is known only to management of the company and we have open a direct lines whereby our clients can reach us to confirm the authentification of the product.

“We are worried over the risk this faking poses to the end users of our products. It can causes injuries and even death to the end users.

“We, therefore, instigate this alert for caution, and advice stakeholders in the ropes’ business using Nigerian Ropes products to always ensure that genuine Nigerian Ropes products with corresponding certification are not just assumed but confirmed.

“Our message to the fakers is ‘beware, we are going to catch you. We will prosecute you legally.

“To our client in the oil and gas, mining, fishing, construction and shipping industries, we say stop playing with the lives of your employees because if you patronize contractors supplying fake ropes (Chinese ropes), it can lead to serious injuries and even death. Shell Petroleum is a good partner because they always confirm whatever they buy from us.”

HE Delta Central senatorial district aspirant, Mr. Andrew Oru, has lent his voice to the agitation against the Child Marriage Bill recently passed by the Senate, saying it was contradictory to the provisions of the constitution and should be jettisoned.

Oru, who recently declared his interest to run for the seat held by late Senator Pius Ewherido, made this known in an interaction with newsmen.

He said: “Under the laws, any person who is not an adult is not allowed to vote in elections. But when you now under a purported marriage claim that whoever is married is an adult you are actually going beyond the provisions of the electoral act and indirectly making it a law that an infant can vote in elections.

This is highly contradictory.”

Oru, who is running on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said the decision of the Senate was a mere suggestion, adding that it should be jettisoned.

Cabinet shakeup: Jonathan advised against recycling old hands

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been advised to avoid recycling people as he prepares to rejig the Federal Executive Council, FEC. A group, Good Governance Front, GGF, stated this in a statement signed by its National Co-ordinator, Mr Akintunde Ige, yesterday, in Lagos.

It spoke against the backdrop of information that the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Capt.

Tunji Shelle (Retd) has been nominated by former Chairman, Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Chief Olabode George for a ministerial slot.

The statement said: Appointing Shelle, who has not been able to unite the PDP in Lagos since his emergence as chairman would not be in the best interest of the South West PDP”, adding, “Has he been able to deliver on his present assignment? How popular is his choice among the people? What are the criteria for his proposed elevation?”

38—Vanguard , FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

2 arraigned over alleged N4m theft

Orji orders reduction in fees at Abia dialysis centre zSays it is not for money making

BY ONOZURE DANIA

L

AGOS—A 36year-old man, Isa Adejo Yakubu, and Ali Andrew, 43, were yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing N4 million under false pretence.

The suspects, who are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing preferred against them by the police, were docked before Magistrate Eniola Fabamwo.

Police prosecutor, ASP Barth Nwaokoye, said the defendants committed the alleged offence on August 6, 2013, at Okota area of Lagos.

He said the defendants conspired with others at large to obtain N4 million from one Anthony Porbeni Fumudoh, under the pretext of supplying him petroleum products which they never did.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendants dishonestly converted the N4 million to their own use.

According to him, the offence is punishable under section 409, 312, (1a) (2) and 285 (1) of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

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

Magistarte Fabamwo, granted them bail in the sum of N 200,000, with two sureties in like sum.

She further adjourned the case to September 30, 2013, for mention.

Passage

E

LDER JONATHAN O. Ihekwereme of Uhuokwu Oriendu Ekeoba in Ohuhu Umuahia North, Abia State is dead, aged 80.

The late Elder Jonathan was a devout christian, family man, community leader and a teacher.

His remains will be laid to rest on October 7, 2013, after a funeral service at Methodist church, Ekeoba.

Late Jonathan C M Y K

BY ANAYO OKOLI MUAHIA—ABIA State governor, Chief Theodore Orji has directed that the cost of medical treatment for patients with renal problem at the state’s Dialysis Centre, Umuahia be reduced to make it affordable.

The governor gave the directive when speaking with newsmen in his office after visiting the first set of patients at the centre.

He stated that the dialysis centre remained the solution for renal problems and stressed that the centre was not meant for money making.

Governor Orji said Abia State would charge less than what was obtainable in other places, pointing out that the essence was to help the patients.

He noted that the centre had been fully equipped and was now ready to assist patients.

The governor maintained that the state government had recorded a major milestone with the installation of the machines.

While at the centre, Governor Orji paid the medical bill of the

U

first patient at the centre for four sessions of dialysis.

He used the forum to appeal

to Abians and other Nigerians with renal problem to avail themselves of the facilities at

the centre, and admonished them not to patronize quacks.

SESSION: From left: Mr. Uche Olowu, National Treasurer, CIBN; Mr. Tay Kay Luan, CEO, Institute of Bankers, Malaysia and Dr. Uju Ogubunka, Registrar/CEO, CIBN, during the breakfast interactive session with Heads of Human Resources of Banks and non-Banking Financial Institutions, organised by the Centre for Financial Services, CFS, a subsidiary of CIBN in Lagos.

Crisis brews in Abia community over autonomy

U

BY ANAYO OKOLI

MUAHIA—CRISIS is brewing at Umudike in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State over autonomy and chieftaincy tussle, as a part of the community which plays host to two major Federal Government institutions, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture National Roots and Crops Research Institute, plans to breakaway.

The breakaway group which now goes by the name Umudike Ukwu Autonomous community, has even gone ahead to elect its traditional ruler, Mazi Ogechukwu Oriaku, who they hope to present to the state government through the local government authorities for recognition.

But the other part of Umudike,

said to be in the majority, has mounted vehement opposition to autonomy being sought by its kits and kin, claiming it was only one village, Umuelele, with a very small population that opted to breakaway.

According to them, the other villages of Okwuta and Umuofor are

still intact and are resisting the attempt by Umuelele to break away.

They recalled that earlier attempt by some leaders of Umuelele to breakaway was rebuffed by Umudike and wondered why some people from the village went back to the issue.

Kanu Heart Foundation carries out 460 problems. open heart surgeries Disclosing this in Lagos

L

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

AGOS—NO fewer than 460 free open heart surgeries have been successfully carried out by Kanu Heart Foundation, KHF, since inception.

This came as the Foundation

yesterday launched a heal- aheart raffle ticket programme in partnership with Eco Bank Plc as part of efforts to raise N5 billion to build Cardiac Specialist Hospital in Abuja for patients with heart related

Ohanaeze youths to Northern leaders: Steer clear of Presidency in 2015

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

I

GBO YOUTHS have called on Northern leaders to drop the idea of the Presidency in the next general election and resolve the security challenges in their region.

Acting under the aegis of Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, the youths lamented the killing and maiming of Igbos in the North and destruction of their property in the South West, as exemplified by Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State.

Secretary, Board of Trustees of the group, Mazi Okwu Okwu, and President-General, Com-

A statement issued by Umudike Community Welfare Association said that any attempt to divide Umudike would be an aberration.

They said the three villages that compose Umudike had lived together as one entity, without land delineations.

rade Francis Orji, in a statement said: “It is surprising that Northern leaders are wasting much time and resources can-

vassing for Northern President come 2015 to fix Nigeria, while they have lost control of their region and its polity.

yesterday during the launch of the programme, Coordinator, KHF, Mr. Onyebuchi Abia, lamented the long list of Nigerians, particularly children suffering from heart related diseases.

He said: ”The rate at which children are developing heart disease is unbecoming. I think emergency should be declared in that area. Outside 460 openheart surgeries we have performed for the past 13 years, we currently have 400 cases on our awaiting list.”

We’ll tackle Igbo marginalisation —APC STALWART

BY ERIC UGBOR BA—IGBOS have been told to embrace the newly registered political party, All Progressives Congress, APC, as the only platform that would address the marginalisation and injustices suffered by the race since the nation’s independence.

National Vice Chairman, South-East of the APC, Chief Anyim Nyerere, who stated this

A

while speaking with journalists yesterday, said APC would restore the political dignity of the Igbo and place the SouthEast on the genuine path of national political mainstream that would ensure that the race actualised its political expectations in the country.

Reacting to the statement credited to the National Vice Chairman, South East of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,

Colonel Austin Akobundu (rtd) recently in one of the national dailies that APC was a regional party without prospects in the South East, Chief Nyerere described the statement as a propaganda which had not yielded any political dividends to the South East in the past fourteen years of the present political dispensation.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 —39

BANKERS' NITE: From left, Wumi Adeniyi, Group Head, Business Services; Robert Mbonu, Executive Director, Enterprise/Institutional Banking, both of Heritage Bank, and Kola Abdul, 2nd Vice Chairman, Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria, CIBN, Lagos State Branch, during Lagos Bankers' Nite, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

BRIEFING: From left, Mr. Tokunbo Adodo, Marketing Manager, Star, Goldberg and Export, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Mr. Walter Drenth, Marketing Director and Mr. Edem Vindah, Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager, during the media briefing on 'Star Win and Shine' promo, in Lagos.

Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

AWARD: Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN (right), receiving award of Best Deputy Governor, from SEMINAR: Cross-section of participants at the one-day seminar on information/intelligence Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of South South International gathering to assist security agencies, organised by the Police Assistance Committee, PAC, of Magazine, Mr. Ovie Edomi, in Asaba.

Nigeria and the Tradesmen/Artisans groups, in Abuja.

DONATION: Senator Gyang Pwajok (left), donating gifts to an orphanage, Vision Foundation, in Jos, on behalf of Cornerstone Foundation.

PRESENTATION: From left, Director, Hand Held Products, Samsung Electronics West Africa, SEWA; Emmanouil Revmatas; first, second and third prize winners of Samsung NX300 Guerrilla Photo Challenge, Joseph Olayinka Elliot, Mbiedabasi Ekpo and Ademola Ajayi, after the prize presentation ceremony at SEWA office, Lagos.

VISIT: From left, Director of Public Transport, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Engr. Gbenga Dairo; British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Carter, and Blue Rail project supervisor (OkokomaikoMarina), Engr. Olaseni Akinwunmi, during the Deputy High Commissioner’s visit to the Lagos rail project.

C M Y K

CEREMONY: Chief Information Officer, Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, Tunde Oyediran; Chief Executive Officer, SAP Africa, Pfungwa Serima, and Chief Executive Officer, AFC, Andrew Alli, at AFC office, Ikoyi, during the signing ceremony between SAP Africa and AFC, to mark the strengthening of relationship between the two organisations.

TRAINING: From left, Mr. Timothy Aregbesola, acting Registrar; Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, Executive Secretary, Tompolo Foundation; Dr. Clarkson Agagha, Director of Health, Tompolo Foundation; Chief Moses Bebenimibo and Sir Wellington Udubo, during the free training for public school science teachers, in Warri. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—40

DESOPADEC commissioner empowers youths

Kano Govt spends N120m on rehabilitation of four dams

A

SABA—THE com missioner representing Isoko ethnic nationality in the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Comm i s s i o n , DESOPADEC, Joseph Ogeh, has through his empowerment scheme, given out eight tricycles, otherwise known as keke Uduaghan to youths of his constituency.

He gave out the tricycles during the interactive session he held with the youths of Atebo community, Iyede kingdom, Delta State at Oghara Iyede.

Ogeh at the event said the Delta State government is concerned about the empowerment of the youths as a process towards achieving its peace and security agenda, and to achieve this, it decided to create the ministry of youths, with a directive to fully concentrate on youth development.

According to him; DESOPADEC has also decided to create a unit for youth development.

Global Int'l College commends students

G

LOBAL International College has congratulated its students who achieved excellent results at the recently released May/June 2013 Cambridge examinations.

According to the CEO, Mrs. Abolaji Osime “We have had 100 percent pass rates in A-levels across all subjects; 70.5 percent at AS Level and 96.7 percent pass rate at IGCSE”.

She also noted “We are very proud of the achievements of our students, many of whom have recorded truly outstanding results this year. Congratulations to our A level and IGCSE students in our Lagos and Abuja campuses. The students worked very hard during the session with enthusiasm and commitment, supported by exceptionally dedicated staff who have provided them with high quality tuition and guidance. They have also benefitted from the excellent support of their parents.

C M Y K

K

VISIT—From left: Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, Chief Kola Jamodu; Managing Director, KAM Industries Ltd, Alhaji Kamaldeen Yusuf and Chairperson, MAN, Kwara and Kogi states, Princess Omolola Olabayo, during a visit to the Governor by MAN at Government House Ilorin...Monday.

PDP alleges plot by APC to disrupt Kwara LG election

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

I

LORIN—AHEAD of Satur day re-run poll in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to disrupt the election.

After a long drawn legal battle between the then Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and PDP over the victory of Prince Saheed Popoola of ACN, the tribunal ordered rerun while the state independent electoral commission has expressed its readiness to conduct the election this weekend in offa.

But the Publicity Secretary of PDP in the state, Alh Mas’ud Adebimpe, yesterday in a statement alleged plan to disrupt the re-election, tressing that the plot was perfected during a meeting last weekend.

According to the statement, “the PDP gathered authoritatively that part of the plans was to import political thugs from neighbouring states of Osun, Oyo and Ekiti, who

would invade the area few days to the election day. As a law abiding party, we wish to alert the general public and the good people of Offa to be wary of un-invited guests and visitors who might disguise as monitoring teams and observers before and during the election.

In the same vein, we urge the security operatives in the state to a as matter of urgency, commit APC and its leadership to an undertaken on the coming Offa rerun election that should there be any breakdown of law and order, they would be held responsible”.

We, therefore, appeal to our party men and women as well as our teeming supporters to come out enmass to vote and elect the leader of their choice without any fear of molestation or intimidation from any quarters as all security agencies have been adequately informed and we believe arrangement would

be put in place for their safety. The PDP as a party and the ruling government would continue to deliver on her electioneering campaign promises to the good people of Kwara State.”

Meanwhile, the PDP Chairmanship Candidate in the forth coming October 26 elections in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, Akintoba Fatigun, has assured the people of the area of his determination to bring economic prosperity to them if elected to office.

Akintoba, made the pledge at the party ’s secretariat, Tuesday, while fielding questions from journalist shortly after his victory at the local government primaries election conducted by the party.

The former aide of Senator Bukola Saraki also noted that if voted into office, he will ensure that dividends of democracy gets to the nooks and cranny of the local government.

ANO—THE Kano State Government says it has spent N120 million on the rehabilitation of four of its 17 dams located in different parts of the state this year.

Comissioner for Water Resources, Dr Yunusa Dangwani, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano, yesterday.

He said the rehabilitation of the dams was carried out to avert possible flooding as some of the dams were in bad shape.

Dangwani identified the affected dams as Magaga, Tudun Wada, Bagauda and Guzu-guzu.

He said that the state government was able to rehabilitate three other dams last year — Kusalla, Jakara, and Tomas.

“We had a report from NEMA about the possible increase of rainfall this year and possible flooding; that was why we embarked on the rehabilitation of the bad dams.

“But even before we received NEMA’s report, we had our plans in view of what happened last year.”

According to him, before the arrival of the rainy season, the state government had sent a team of experts who assessed all the dams, with a view to taking precautionary measures.

“We shall continue to ensure that all the valves are functioning, so that when the dams are full to capacity, we can release some of the water in order not to cause any flooding in the state.”

Dangwani gave the assurance that the state government would rehabilitate the remaining dams next year.

He said the state government had carried out public enlightenment programmes to sensitise communities living around the dams on the need to report any possible danger.

Katsina, FG commence aerial spray against quelea birds

K

ATSINA—KATSINA State Government, in collaboration with the Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, yesterday, commenced aerial spray to check the menace of quelea birds in the state.

Alhaji Musa Adamu, the state’s Commissioner for

Agriculture, while receiving the spray team from the federal ministry of agriculture in Katsina, said the exercise would last for one week.

He said that already, the pest control jet had landed in Katsina for the exercise, which would cover Zobe,

Jibia, Daberan, Sabke and Ajiwa dam areas, where presence of quela birds was n o t i c e d . T h e Ccommissioner explained that the essence of the aerial spray, was to protect farm produce in the affected areas.

Adamu, who expressed the state government’s com-

mitment to the improvement of agriculture, commended the Federal Government for accepting to collaborate in the fight against the destructive birds.

In his remarks, Mr Femi Olayinka, leader of the spraying team, said that they were prepared to conduct the exercise successfully.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 — 41

C M Y K

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

War in Syria

Tension as US, Russia send warships •Obama indecisive, UK debates •Strikes exclude regime change

BY UDUMA KALU with agency report

A

S US and its allies strategise on striking Syria,Russia says it will “over the next few days” be sending an anti-submarine ship and a missile cruiser to the Mediterranean.

A high-ranking representative of the Russian Navy said its Naval changes in the region were not linked to the current tensions over Syria and called them “a planned rotation.”

Meanwhile, doubts whether US will strike Syria faded Thursday as officials said its strike is “likely to last hours not days”. The strike does not include regime change, so there is little need for waves of air or missile strikes over several days.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey has said repeatedly that “there is no military solution” for regime change in Syria.

Pentagon officials insist U.S. was “past the point of no return” on the strike - suggesting Washington was prepared to act unilaterally. But US media said with official confirmation coming from Secre-

tary of Defense Chuck Hagel on US readiness to strike, it was surely a mere matter of hours before US strikes Syria.

In the Middle East, fears of a possible against Syria’s regime rippled across the region as about 6,000 Syrians fled to neighbouring Lebanon in a 24-hour period and Israelis scrambled for gas masks in case Damascus retaliates against them.

Barack Obama Thursday argued a case for possible armed action against the Syrian regime. Obama said a ‘tailored’ response would send a strong signal to the Assad government and may help prevent terrorism, without drawing the US into a prolonged conflict like Iraq. He said there is no decision yet on launching military strikes.

UK PM David Cameron Thursday conceded that MPs would be given a second vote to approve military action to defuse a parliamentary revolt, ahead of a Commons debate on Syria on Thursday.” This could potentially back up any U.S. military involvement until Tuesday, when Presi-

dent Obama arrives in Russia for the G20 summit. NYT reports Britain has signaled it will await the results of a U.N. inquiry into their alleged use of chemical weapons before taking any action.

Ban Ki-moon has said the UN weapons inspectors investigating last week’s suspected chemical weapons attack will leave Syria on Saturday, one day ahead of schedule.

Men that will make a change in Syria: From left Putin, Cameron and Obama

India arrests ‘most wanted terrorist’ I

NDIAN authorities said Thursday they had captured an alleged founder of the organization Indian Mujahideen, which is accused of carrying out bomb attacks across India that have killed dozens of people in recent years.

Police arrested 30-yearold Yasin Bhatkal, one of the country ’s mostwanted terror suspects, near India’s border with Nepal late Wednesday night, Indian Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said. Bhatkal was being interrogated Thursday, he said.

OHAMED ElBeltagi, a senior Muslim Brotherhood official, has been arrested in Egypt by security forces, as they pressed on with a crackdown that has put most of the Islamist group’s top leaders in jail.

Supporters of Egypt’s deposed president Mohammed Morsi vowed more rallies and called for marches on today.

Elsewhere in Egypt, police arrested 28 Islamists, the official MENA news agency reported.

After arresting much of the movement’s

leadership, the police have begun rounding up mid-level operatives around the country.

Ethiopian Jews arriving in Israel

Man charged over Mugabe poster toilet paper An informant toilets,” the

A

Zimbabwean man has been charged for allegedly using President Robert Mugabe’s election campaign poster as toilet paper, local media reported.

Takura Mufumisi, 26, from the southern city of Masvingo, is said to have taken the paper with him to a bar lavatory.

Indian bomb maker with ties to Pakistani-based militant group Lashkare-Taiba. Karim is accused

by Indian authorities of masterminding attacks in several Indian cities.

Pakistan has repeatedly rejected allegations of official backing for militants.

Ethiopian Jews migration to Israel ends A

Muslim Brotherhood leader arrested

M

“Information from our intelligence agencies led to his arrest,” Shinde said.

Bhatkal is the second high-profile alleged Islamic militant detained

by India this month, coming after the arrest of Abdul Karim, an alleged

reportedly spotted him tearing up the poster with Mugabe’s image while inside the lavatory and made a citizen’s arrest.

“Public prosecutor Mukai Mutumbe told the court that on July 24 this year, Mufumisi entered Landmark bar in the city with the intention to relieve himself in the bar

reported.

paper

plane carrying 450 immigrants from Ethiopia on Wednesday marked the end of Israel’s decades-long effort to bring Jews and their descendants from the African nation to the Jewish state.

About 90,000 Ethiopians were brought to Israel in the organized immigration project that began with a dramatic airlift in 1984-85 dubbed “Operation Moses” and continued with the 36-hour “Operation Solomon” in 1991.

Left behind at that time were thousands of the

Falash Mura, the name given to the descendants of the ancient Jewish community who converted to Christianity in the 19th and 20th centuries, most often under pressure. The end of airlifts left some families divided between Ethiopia and Israel.

The Israeli government decided in 2010 to bring the rest of the Falash Mura, many of whom had waited for years in transit camps in Gondar, Ethiopia. Another 7,000 Ethiopians have arrived in the last year in the last of the organised operations, titled “Dove’s Wings.”

Rwanda condemns Congo ‘bombing’

R

WANDA has accused government forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo of deliberately shelling its territory, killing a woman and wounding her baby.

Ten bombs fell on

Rwandan territory on Thursday and the “provocation can no longer be tolerated”, said Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo.

A Congolese army spokesman denied the

allegations. UN and Congolese forces have been pounding M23 rebel positions on its side of the border since last week.

DR Congo and the UN accuse Rwanda of backing the M23, a charge it denies.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 — 43

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Candidates to pay N1m for posters

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

payment became necessary because of the mess created by the posters in public places, explaining that the state signage authorities would use the money to restore the walls the politicians

F

OR one who came to government from the field of business, it is understandable that Governor Peter Obi would explore all avenues to generate money for the state.

As it prepares to exit, the Obi administration has discovered that election is even a good way of generating internal revenue.

It is thus not surprising that the administration has recently notified candidates for the governorship election that they are to pay N1 million each for their posters being pasted in all parts of the state. This is in addition to unspecified amounts they are to pay for their bill boards.

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Joe Martins Uzodike said that the state government decided to wait for candidates to emerge so as

PPA spoils Ulasi's fun

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

S

•Obi: Boosting IGR through election not to bother those who lost at the primaries.

The charge, he said, is provided in the signage law passed by the

state House of Assembly, adding that it is done everywhere.

The commissioner said the

UGGESTIONS had been rife that London based Mrs. Blessing Ulasi had been endorsed by the PPA hierarchy as the presumptive nominee of the party in the gubernatorial election.

Mrs. Ulasi, a lawyer has been all around the state campaigning not as an

Another Port-Harcourt court orders PDP, INEC to recognize Nwoye •as PDP suspends Senator Uba, Chief Chris Uba and associates •I cannot be suspended —Chris

By EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor & HENRY UMORU

A

FEDERAL High Court has ordered the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to abide by results of the ward and state congresses supervised by the national secretariat of the party in the selection of its governorship candidate. The ward and state congresses eventually produced Comrade Tony Nwoye as the party’s flag bearer.

The court order is contrary to another interim order obtained earlier this week by the Ejike Oguebego faction of the party compelling the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to accept Senator Andy Uba as the party’s flag bearer. Both orders were issued by different justices of the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Meanwhile, the PDP in a sharp reaction to the increasingly murky legal developments, yesterday, suspended Senator Andy Uba and his younger brother, Chief Chris Uba, from the party. Also suspended were some of the leading associates of the Ubas, among whom were Chief Oguebego, chairman of the Chris Uba led faction, Mr. Benjamin Udeozor, a former chairman of the same faction, and Mrs Anthonia Nwankwu, the Southeast zonal woman leader of the party.

The suspension it was learnt is preceding a plan to expel the five from the party. But in swift reactions, Senator Andy Uba told Vanguard on telephone that he was ignorant of the action while

would have defaced after the election.

He said: “The candidates are being notified already about the payment and they are expected to pay into a designated government account. In the next two weeks, we will begin to bring down the bill boards if they fail to pay the stipulated amount.”

his junior brother, Chris asserted that the party cannot suspend him on the fact that he is presently in court.

The court order on the PDP and INEC obtained by Mr. Paul Azebo and Christopher Obijofor, purportedly delegates from the ward congresses orgnaised by the national secretariat, was got on August 16, ahead of the PDP governorship primaries conducted last Saturday.

The plaintiffs who brought the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the PDP and INEC as defendants prayed the court to compel the defendants to uphold the candidature of whosoever emerged from the governorship primaries supervised by the national secretariat as the candidate of the party.

In the order given by Justice S. A. Aliyu it was ruled that: •An Order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants from adopting, nominating, selecting, holding out, submitting or in whatever manner presenting to the 3rd Defendant any person as candidate of the POP for the Anambra State Governorship election fixed for November 2013 or any other date, except the person that emerged from the POP State Congress/gubernatorial primary election in which the Plaintiffs and other elected ward delegates of the 1st Defendant participated in, having been elected so to do, pending the determination of .the Motion on Notice, •An Order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the 3rd Defendant from accept-

ing any nomination or recognizing or howsoever dealing with any person as the governorship candidate of the PDP for the forth coming Governorship election in Anambra State, other than the person elected from the State Congress/gubernatorial primary election of the 1st Defendant conducted by the panel set up by the National Working Committee of PDP for the purpose of the said Gubernatorial primary election scheduled to hold on August 24, 2013 or any other date with the list bearing the name of the Plaintiffs and other Ward Delegates that emerged from the ward Congress held on August 12, 2013, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.”

Oguebego faction Justice H. A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt is, today, expected to hear the two sides in the case instituted by the Oguebego faction seeking to compel the PDP to present Senator Uba as the party’s governorship candidate.

Meanwhile, the PDP, yesterday, suspended the two Uba brothers, Oguebego, Uduezor and Nwankwu from the party.

The party in a letter signed by the Acting National Secretary, Dr. Charles Aderemi Akitoye, based the suspensions on the failure of the five to appear before the NWC as directed over the allegation that they conducted parallel congresses of the party against party regulations.

The letter which was addressed individually to them and dated

August 29, read: “the National Working Committee, NWC at its 353rd meeting held on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 reviewed the happenings in Anambra PDP regarding the Anambra Primary Election.

"It was noted that you organized a parallel state congress which was unauthorised by the party contrary to section 58 (1) a, b, c, f, h and j of the PDP constitution (2012 as amended). As a result of this, you were invited to meet with the NWC on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 for fair hearing, but you did not appear.

“In view of the seriousness of the issues involved, you are hereby suspended from the party and the case referred to the appropriate Disciplinary Committee for further necessary action”.

Reacting to the development, Chief Chris Uba in a session with newsmen last night said: “I came to Abuja on Wednesday evening from Enugu and I was given a letter from the PDP, and as soon as I read the letter, I knew where they were going to.

I did not do the congress and I was not a party chairman in the state.

"So, I rushed to court yesterday (Wednesday) and the court asked us to come on Friday. I was surprised to hear that I have been suspended. I want us to respect democracy and the rule of law.

We must protect the rule of law and the judiciary.

"Why the rush in suspending me and the five others? There were more than a million PDP members at the congress. They should have suspended all of us.”

aspirant, but as a candidate.

Sources say that after Mrs. Uche Ekwunife exited the party following the 2010 gubernatorial election, that Mrs. Ulasi helped to revive the fortunes of the party.

However, her unrivalled claim to the ticket came under dispute yesterday after the national chairman of the party, Chief Sam Nkire put off yesterday ’s governorship primary on the excuse that it was to enable more aspirants to pick up the party ’s gubernatorial primary forms.

He was equally firm in disputing assertions that the party had anointed anyone as its candidate for the polls describing the speculations to the evil “handwork of other political parties that are afraid of facing PPA in the election.”

The governorship primary is now to hold on September 2.

Newsstand campaign begins

T

HE emergence of the governorship candidates of the various political parties have emerged and campaigns appear to have shifted to the newspaper stands. Every morning in the major towns of Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, Ihiala, Otuocha, among others, large numbers of people, mainly youths, gather and discuss the candidates and their chances.

While some argue that the state needs an untainted person to be elected governor, others argue that experience matters in every sphere of life.

Perhaps, what attracts the most heated argument is the unfolding events in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. For instance, some of the people say that they still find it difficult to believe that the controversy over the party’s rightful candidate should be raging between Senator Andy Uba and Comrade Tony Nwoye, knowing that both worked together in the past.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 — 45

PDP special convention:

The topsy-turvy road to Eagle Square AFTER much dithering , the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is set to tomorrow, correct the avoidable mistakes that shadowed last year's national convention

BY HENRY UMORU

T

HE PDP will at tomorrow’s special convention elect officials to fill the gaps created by the resignation of some NWC members on June 20, 2013. The resignations were sequel to the stance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), that the affected PDP officers were not validly elected as stipulated by the PDP’s own regulations.

The PDP, as usual, will have to manage intrigues, maneuvering, blackmail, scheming and political tongue-lashing.

Convention planning At its June 20 National Executive Committee, NEC meeting, the party set up a Special Convention Planning Committee with former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana as chairman; Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom (deputy chairman); and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, as secretary.

But a few days after the committee was constituted, issues of lopsidedness in the composition of the team came up.

There were complaints that the three topmost members were all Christians. At the end of the day, Nigeria Ambassador to China, Ambassador Aminu Wali was brought in as co-deputy chairman and former acting National Secretary, Dr. Musa Babayo, as deputy secretary with the NWC convention fixed for July 20, and zonal congress for South-West, July 11. However, the dates were later changed with the South-West congress fixed for August 24,

Acting capacity

•Jonathan: PDP leader assignment to follow through the court process and set a new date for the congress thereafter.

Why the Special convention?

It became imperative for PDP

,

,

The PDP, as usual, will have to manage intrigues, maneuvering, blackmail, scheming and political tongue-lashing

which has now been postponed on account of legal intrigues and the National Convention slated for tomorrow.

The party at its 62nd NEC meeting, last week, bowed to a court injunction restraining the conduct of the South-West zonal congress in line with its disposition to upholding the rule of law and in deference to the court ruling.

The party postponed the zonal congress and gave the NWC the

declaration as to “whether by the provisions of Article 13 (6); 13 (14) and (15) and Article 27 (2) of the PDP constitution, the composition and or continuous composition of the PDP by the unqualified defendants 2nd to 6th is a nullity”.

As a result of this, the affected national officers resigned thus leaving Tukur to work with only the National Financial Secretary, Elder Bolaji Anani and the National Auditor, Adewale Adeyanju.

Those affected by the report were the then Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja; National Organizing Secretary, Abubakar Mustapha; National Youth Leader, Alhaji Garba Chiza; Deputy National Youth Leader, Dennis Alonge Niyi; Deputy National Auditor, Senator Umar Ibrahim; Deputy National Woman Leader, Hannatu Ullam and National Woman Leader, Kema Chikwe.

to hold this Special National Convention to regularize the membership of the NWC and give the leadership credibility as failure to do this may lead to subsequent elections or congresses conducted by the Tukur-led NWC being questioned in court.

Failure to regularize the NWC membership may also hand the opposition an arsenal to nail the PDP ahead of the 2015 presidential primaries.

The INEC in its report on the conduct of March 24, 2012 National Convention of the PDP criticized the processes: ”The mode of election adopted for single candidates was not in accordance with the mode of election stipulated in paragraph 6.5 (i) of the guidelines for the conduct of the year 2012 congresses and national convention and therefore not acceptable to the commission”.

The electoral umpire declared that only four NWC members were duly elected while the rest were elected outside the guidelines set for the convention.

Those who were found to have been properly elected were the National Chairman, Tukur; former National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former National Auditor, Bode Mustapha and National

Financial Secretary, Elder Bolaji Anani. Mustapha has since been replaced by Adewale Adeyanju as national auditor.

Pushing for the implementation of the INEC’s report, three PDP members, Hon. Abba Yale, Alhaji Aruwa Sule and Bashir Maidugu, through their lawyer, Barrister Joni Icheka, approached the court and prayed for a declaration that all the 18 members of the PDP-NEC affected in the suit were illegally elected, having failed to comply with the provisions of Articles 2, Articles 16 (1) and (3) and violating Sections 6.6, Section 6.0 (ii), and the contents of pages 17 of the Guidelines for the Conduct of Year 2012 ward, LGA, state, zonal congresses and National Convention of the PDP. They also asked the court for a

Also affected were then Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Okechukwu Nnadozie; Deputy National Treasurer, Claudus Inengas; National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon; National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh and Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Binta Masi-Garba.

The PDP NEC subsequently appointed the following to work with Tukur in acting capacity Chibudom Nwuche, acting deputy national chairman, Remi Akintoye (acting national secretary); Senator Emma Agboti (acting deputy national secretary); Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar (acting national organizing secretary); Tony Caesar Okeke (acting national publicity secretary)and Simon Jok (acting national legal adviser).

There were also Barrister Tanko Beji (acting national youth leader); Oyibo Nwaneri (acting national woman leader); Yau Kwadon (acting deputy national legal adviser); Peter Adefunmilayo (acting deputy national youth leader); Nasiru Ibrahim Birchi (acting deputy national auditor); Mrs. Torkwase Ajoh (acting deputy national women leader); Mohammed Dandari (acting national treasurer) and Awwalu Gwadabe, deputy national financial secretary, .

Continues on page 46

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

The topsy-turvy road to Eagle Square Continues from page 45 The rest were Onyemaechi Ikechukwu Jideofor, acting deputy national organizing secretary; Augustine Lugbenwei, acting deputy national treasurer; Calib Yahaya, acting deputy national treasurer; with Chief Akin Taiwo, Tope Ademiluyi, Chief Mike Akinfenwa and Gbenga Oduwaiye as acting exofficio members.

Positions to be contested At tomorrow’s exercise, 21 positions are up for grabs with 84 candidates in contention.

The offices are Deputy National Chairman, Deputy National Secretary, National Organizing Secretary, Deputy National Organizing Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, National Treasurer, Deputy National Treasurer, National Legal Adviser, Deputy National Legal Adviser, National Woman Leader; Deputy National Woman Leader, National Youth Leader, Deputy National Youth leader, Deputy National Youth Leader, Deputy Financial Secretary, Deputy National Auditor and four ex-officio members.

The contestants Those running for the deputy national chairmanship are past National Organising Secretary, Prince Uche Secondus; immediate past Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Jaja Sam Jaja; Opusunju Silva; Omu Stella

•Tukur: Smiling at the storms

Samuel Chidi, Ononuju Katchy .B. Onyedika, Akwaugo .A. Iloanya, Iwuanyanwu Chyna, Nwosu Caroline, Aroh Okey Muo, Anyanwu Longers Nzennata, Offodile Chudi, Nwabuona Anthony, and Madueke Obi Christian.

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary slot has Elias John Babani, Barrister Maidugu

,

The electoral umpire declared that only four NWC members were duly elected while the rest were elected outside the guidelines set for the convention

Unuezi, Isibor Dongo Peter; and High Chief Jerome A. Eke. For National Secretary are Chief Babatope Ebenezer, Owolabi Babalola Isaac, Oladipo Adewale Abiodun, Kayode Adetokunbo Adeyinka, Salis Owolabi, Sarumi Oladapo Babatunde, Adeniran Tunde, and Oke Olusola Alex.

For the position of deputy National Secretary are Onwe Solomon Onwe and Nwonu Ephraim Iyke. Those for National Organizing Secretary are: former Head of Service, Kaduna State and immediate past National Organising Secretary, Mustapha Abubakar and Sidi Ibrahim Bamalli.

Aspirants for the position of deputy national organizing secretary are Okigbo Patrick Ogechukwu; Nwangwu Innocent, Nnaedozie Okechukwu, Uchechukwu Chukwuma Ogbonna, Prof Ezeh Nicholas Chika and Engr Okolo Christopher.

For national publicity secretary are Metuh Olisa, Chidebe-

,

Bashir and Tijani Kwaji Kwaghe as contenders.

For the position of National Treasurer are Gwandu Bala Labbo and Bala Buhari.

Angling for the National Woman leader position are Kema Chikwe Nonyerem, Nosike Ann Frances, Nwabueze Nikky Nkiru, Ibeneme Heplizibah Chika, Nnadi Betty Hukaku, Orubele Ngozi Bernadette; Chukukere (Dr.) Gloria Chineze, Uchegbu Kate Ada, Ineh Lady Love Ihuoma and OnuohaIbezim Mariam.

For National youth leader are the controversial immediate past occupier of the post, Alhaji Garba Umar Chiza from Niger State, who has been alleged to be more than 60 years old, Mohammed Mariam Al-Hassan, Ugboho Ajon, Baba Wakili, Adeyemi Olabode John and Hussaini Abdullahi Maibasira.

The position of deputy national youth leader are Muham’med Abdulganiy (Gani), Ogunmilade Olubiyi Felix; Alonge Olaniyi O. Dennis and Aisida Victor

•Obasanjo: Will he be there?

Modupe while deputy national financial secretary position has Gwalabe Auwalu Abdu and Deputy national auditor Alhaji Lawal D. Anche.

For national ex-officio are Olasehinde Fumilayo Abiola, Fashola - Ikwue Margaret Kikelomo, Koshoedo Setonji Gbemen, Adebiyi Olubunmi Agbeke, Mrs. Ogunsakin Olayinka Florence, Akinfenwa Michael Akinade Oladafe, Ojo Mercy Adesewa, Olorunsogo Esther Olukerni, Yinka Ogunbiyi Tolu; Mrs. Adedeji Otiti, Teju Omotosho Olamide, Alhaji Akanbi Bashiru Adewale, Adebajo-Fraser Princess Gloria, 0lu Wale, Olowofoyeku Ayotunde, Osinroluke-Euba Olawunmi Taiwo and DakovaVauqhan David Kolawole.

Unopposed candidates: Some candidates are running unopposed. They include: Enegesi Claudius Godsave, deputy national treasurer; Kwon Victor national legal adviser, Ullam Hanatu (deputy national woman leader) and Jalo Abdullahi Ibrahim, deputy national legal adviser.

Leading candidates and their chances Prince Uche Secondus: Secondus who is from Andoni Local government Area of Rivers State, was born March 22, 1955, was a two-term chairman of Rivers State chapter of PDP and National Organising Secretary from 2008 to 2012 and he showed interest in March 2012 for the position of Deputy National Chairman he wants now.

Secondus is being favoured by the political pendulum in Rivers

with Felix Obuah now in charge.

He lost out then to Sam Sam Jaja who still wants the position because of the politics of Rivers State where Governor Chibuike Amaechi was in total control of the sacked Godspower Ake-led State Executive.

There were speculations that Amaechi was not comfortable with Uche Secondus’ rising political profile, experience and influence and ensured that he was frustrated out of the race.

Political experience Besides his political experience, Secondus understands the workings of PDP, having been a longstanding operative of the party at state and national levels. Secondus is also alleged to be the anointed candidate of the Steve Oru-led South-South Zonal Executive Committee of the party and he belongs to the Nyesom Wike group that at the moment is fighting Governor Amaechi of Rivers. Secondus was said to have been endorsed at last week’s South-South Caucus meeting of the meeting.

Monday’s suspension of Jaja by the Felix Obuah-led executive has further cleared the coast for him.

Abubakar Mustapha: Though two persons picked the form for the position of National Organising Secretary, but Abubakar Mustapha who resigned June 20 is the leading candidate. He is from Kaduna State, the state the position was zoned to by the North-West and he is believed to be an ally and a direct nominee of Vice President

Namadi Sambo. Mustapha was Head of Service during Sambo’s governorship of Kaduna State.

Solomon Onwe: Onwe Solomon Onwe is from Ebonyi State. He resigned recently as Deputy National Secretary.

Onwe may be returned to the office against the backdrop that he has a very good working relationship with Governor Martin Elechi, who was at Wadata Plaza on a solidarity visit soon after Onwe came on board.

Olisa Metuh: Metuh stands out among other contestants for the position of National Publicity Secretary. Within the short period he stayed before his resignation, Metuh overhauled the publicity unit of the PDP. He is from Anambra State that is retaining the position; he has been endorsed by stakeholders, leaders of the party from the South-East and in particular from Anambra State.

But the only challenge which is normal in politics is scheming by other aspirants from the zone and in particular from Anambra State. Metuh is also faced with intriguing schemes by some aspirants to stop him through the courts. He has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria over alleged clandestine moves of those he described as over zealous aspirants.

Kema Chikwe: Kemafo Chikwe has nine other women who are also interested in the position. But she is a leading candidate ready to use her position as member, Board of Trustees, BoT, NEC to her advantage. Last year she counted on the advantage she got from the Southeast caucus to win the position.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 — 47

M

ANY Nigerians and also friendly foreigners agree that the country is facing various problems on political stability and economic reconstruction. The major problem is that of national unity in an atmosphere of the rising profile of ethnicity and religious bigotry.

The past weeks have witnessed the registration of more political parties and the proliferation of manifestoes – all pointing to the same goal of prosperity. I must confess my profound misunderstanding or lack of appreciation of promises made by political parties which, in actual fact, are not meant to be kept.

The promises are often couched in beautiful phrases, resting on false but elegant statistical figures, but signifying little or no change. The recent statements of intent by both new (but old) parties (APC and PDM) lead to the same goal of a prosperous and safe democratic state which would be our inheritance after the expected defeat of the ruling party (PDP) in the 2015 elections.

According to some analysts, the year 2015 is still far away for many miracles (or otherwise) to happen that could affect mere political calculations or economic postulations. In the midst of political euphoria reinforced by the seemingly successful reconciliation efforts, the PDP‘s assumption of sixty years of uninterrupted rule is seriously being challenged not only by internal forces of opposition parties but also by the external fore- boding of the end of Nigeria in 2015.

There is no doubt that the soothsayers of doom are basing their facts on the difficulty or the danger of removing a sitting government and the proverbial reluctance of accepting results of elections. The Governor Jang‘s stand on his defeat in the Governor‘s Forum election and the Rivers State political melo-drama are not only examples of political immaturity.

It is easy to conclude that the manifestoes of the opposition parties, though elegant, are for the future while the reality of the moment dictates the deeper appraisal of the transformation agenda of the present administration in bringing the country to

economics has bred poverty in the midst of plenty though uncoordinated liberal fiscal policy of Dr Okonjo Iweala and antigrowth tough monetary stance of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. It looks as if President Jonathan has become a passive onlooker.

The economy

07059197616

Nigeria’s many problems and politicians dilemma the shore of peace and prosperity. It is re-assuring that the past rulers of the country like General Gowon, Chief Obasanjo and General Babangida have assured us of the continuity of the nation after 2015, even if as some believe that they were parts of the old and some unsolved problems of the country. The former Commonwealth Secretary, Chief Emeka Anyaoku who believed in the political survival of the country advised a satisfactory reconstruction to allow for political and economic stability. He prefers the Six Zone structure to the present amorphous 36 States.

In the race to build a modern and economically viable country, many analysts have expressed some serious doubts on the suitability of the present state and local governments‘ structures. The present states and local councils were carved out of the old three regions to ensure unity and bring governance and prosperity to the grassroots. With oil money in 1970s and 1980s, the creation of states and local governments became crazy and a ridiculous passion for former military dictators. Many states were created without due regard to economic viability, political integration and ethnic affinity.

It has been observed that except in South-West (Yoruba); South-East (Ibo)

states where language and culture are similar, and in some Northern States with identical religion, culture and language are the same, some of the present States harbor major tribes and restless minorities. The Delta State as an example is made up of the Ibo, Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Itsoko tribes while Benue State harbors the Tiv majority and restless minority, Idoma; some states by their composition have become fertile grounds for violence and instability.

Therefore, a country so big in size and deficiently structured, and worse of all, relying on oil as major national income and forced into unity under a strong but crafty central government needs both psychological and pathological examinations, leading to a clinical surgery called in political jargon, Restructuring.

Amidst economic anxieties and political perplexities, President Jonathan has assured the nation that by 2015, all will be well and that his political opponents would be overwhelmed by the “intimidating credentials” of his party.

Unless there are other weapons hidden in the armory, the present PDP`s political and economic credentials are neither `intimidating nor exciting, but jaded and intolerably mixed up. Its politics has recreated the ghost of ethnicism and its

It is becoming impossible to maintain macro-economic stability, full employment and price stability. Nigeria‘s macroeconomic stability has been based on low value of the Naira, high lending interest rate (over 20%) and heavy unemployment rate (0ver 30%).

The developed economies depend on low lending rate (between 2% – 3%), strong national currencies and tolerable unemployment rate (between 3% - 5%).

An unemployment rate of 8% would put the ruling party under pressure and possibility of defeat at the next election.

An economic solution to the scourge of malaria lies in its total eradication and not in pouring extra money on drugs.

Construction of new drains and constant clearing of existing ones would prevent pools of stagnant water (breeding ground of mosquitoes). Construction of new drains and maintaining and clearing of drains would tend to stimulate the economy and increase employment.

It is noticed that fake drugs like malaria are instant killers in the country and that the federal government is trying to control the distribution of drugs through the country.

My addition to this is that all drugs used in the country are manufactured locally while antibiotics and other strong drugs are manufactured locally under foreign license or imported only by registered local drug manufacturers. Import licenses for drugs should be strictly controlled in the interest of the nation.

Encouraging local drug manufacturers through incentives would stimulate the economy and increase employment. At present, both the government and the opposition parties should work together to bring peace and prosperity to the country and the people.

Ekiti 2014: Why I'm in the race — Aluko SURVEYOR Biodun Aluko, former deputy governor of Ekiti State under the regime of Mr. Ayo Fayose, in this interview, spoke on his governorship ambition, his chances and the crisis ravaging his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) among others. Excerpts:

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

O

N whether the dissolution PDP executive at national and zonal level will affect it in Ekiti 2014 and subsequent polls No. PDP is only being lawabiding. We are only obeying the rule of law. In the South-West, the PDP chose to abide by the court decision that the processes that led to the emergence of the South West executive was not according to the constitution and guidelines of the party.

The executive was set aside in obedience to the court order. In the national executive, those who left did so because the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, said that the process that led to the emergence of some of the national officers was not constitutional. The party decided to obey INEC and chose to sack those whose elections were questioned by INEC. We want to set an example for others to follow that the courts are

there to adjudicate in any dispute between two people and once the court says this is the situation of things, the parties involved should abide.

On fears that the emergence of many governorship aspirants will hurt PDP in Ekiti The emergence of so many aspirants is a good thing for the party. In a party that has no hope of winning an election, members will not come to waste their time jostling for the ticket. There are some other parties that are looking for aspirants now that cannot even get, whereas we have over 20 in PDP. That shows the viability of PDP. That shows that PDP is the party to beat in Ekiti State.

The aspirants have already agreed to the consensus arrangement that Mr. President has proposed. We will come up with a consensus candidate and everybody will join hands with whoever emerges as the consensus candidate of the party to make sure that we win the election.

•Aluko: I have what it takes On zoning controversy As far as zoning is concerned, it is legally recognized by PDP. Zoning is legally recognized by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

There is no difference between zoning and Federal Character.

As I have always said, Ekiti South Senatorial District, where I belong, is not agitating for

zoning because we do not have competent hands.

No. Take a look at all the people who are jostling for the governorship seat in Ekiti State today, who among them is better qualified educationally than those of us in the South? Nine of us from the South have shown interest in the governorship and we have met. Two are PhD holders. None of us has less than a first degree.

About five of us are Masters Degree holders.

Those from the other senatorial districts – what qualifications do they have that are better than we have?

I believe that zoning or no zoning, I, Abiodun Aluko, I am well qualified to slug it out with anybody from any senatorial district in Ekiti State.

What the nine aspirants agreed at the meeting We all agreed that the next governor should come from the

South and that all of us are going to support whoever the party picks from the nine of us.

We agreed that each person should go and sell himself to the electorate. You do not go out abusing the other person. The point remains that any of us who eventually emerges will get the support of others morally, financially, and with everything we have to ensure that one of us becomes the governor.

His assessment of Governor Kayode Fayemi I have rated Fayemi low in so many areas although he is rating himself high. What do you expect of him? It is the public that ought to rate him, but this will be shown at the polls. APC has adopted him and by the grace of God, PDP will field Abiodun Aluko and we will meet on the field, then he will know that the public is not rating him high as he has rated himself.

His preparedness for the governorship task I have what it takes to realize the dreams of the founding fathers of Ekiti. Educationally, I have two Masters Degrees, I worked in the civil service, I worked in private capacity, and I was a deputy governor. I have the experience and capacity to address the needs of Ekiti.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30,

2013

Anthony Oye Cukwurah, pioneer in law of international boundaries (1934-2013)

Limits of arbitrary power Unwana Udofia in this piece advocates a check on the growing tendency of arbitrary power in keeping with the intent and spirit of democracy

A

R

Map of Akwa Ibom State campaign director without the simple courtesy of consulting the man.

Democracy lays claims to certain values and expectations. One of the claims is that governance will be conducted in a decent manner, which shall eschew degrading treatment; and that government decision-making should bear the hallmark of democratic values which include orderly change, due process and such other practices that strengthen confidence in the democratic order. Would the treatment erode or enhance confidence in democracy? In the weeks following the storming of the office of the secretary to government in Uyo, the tenor of public discourse strongly suggests that the government action has badly hurt public

,

In other jurisdictions, the force of custom and tradition is a powerful restraint on power

it was an action calculated to intimidate. It is very sad to note that similar acts of abuse of power happen routinely across states of the nation daily.

The treatment naturally raises queries in the minds of people who care about the health of our democracy. What are the limits to arbitrariness, or personal display of power within a democratic order?

Was it consistent with democratic ethos to force what should be a routine change through the barrel of the gun?

The latest episode of whims and caprices goes to reinforce what appears to be a pattern.

Earlier in the year, there was a most thoughtless act of the governor declaring his senatorial ambition to replace a sitting senator and naming the same senator as his

BY CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU & SONI AJALA

This is the concluding part of this tribute which was first published on Wednesday

BY UNWANA UDOFIA

ECENT political developments in Akwa Ibom State have raised new questions about a perennial problem: How do we set boundaries to the use of power in a democracy like Nigeria?

Permit us to press the refresh button for readers who may not be familiar with the point of departure for this reverie of pain and anguish. On July 29, 2013, a routine operation was effected with the governor of the state, Chief Godswill Akpabio, CON, replacing the secretary to the state government.

However, what happened that day was anything but routine. In fact, it created a first in the history of Akwa Ibom State. It would be the first time, and hopefully the last, that a ranking official of government would be forced out of office. On that day, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, immediate past secretary to the state government, was removed from his job in a coup-like purge for what the state government would later say was Umana’s “declaration of gubernatorial ambition,” and the bounden duty of the governor “to protect the constitution.” Was there any legal or constitutional ground for such act of gangsterism?

No! Besides other purposes,

TRIB UTE TRIBUTE

,

sensibilities with regard to how our leaders have practised our new-found democracy.

Another line of thought provoked by the display in Uyo is, What or who will set limits to the whimsical display of power by elected leaders in the country? In other jurisdictions, the force of custom and tradition is a powerful restraint on power.

Leaders would think twice before they take a capricious step away from a customordered and traditionsanctified practice that has served their people well in the past.

Not so in this country where a leader can wake up any day and inflict his quirk of fancy on the people and damn the consequences. Well, do they actually run the risk of consequences? The people

appear to be unwilling or unable to make leaders pay for their willful eccentricities that go against the grain of what the people hold dear to their heart.

The developing story in Akwa Ibom State illustrates this point. Since 1999 the political tradition in the state has been that of an open contest for the office of governor. It was such open contest that brought the incumbent governor into office. Now the governor wants to stand that tradition on its head.

Political tradition News reports say that the governor recently called in leaders of thought in the state to inform them of his decision to hand over power to a handpicked man from Eket Senatorial District and stop all other parts of the state from running for the office of governor in 2015. Is the governor’s reported decision consistent with the political tradition in the state? Does he have the right to set aside such important political value of the people such as free contest in order to indulge his whims and caprices?

Akwa Ibom has become the pride of the nation and envy of other states in the union because the current leadership was forged on the furnace of fierce competition—Akpabio contested against a crowded field of 58 other candidates from all senatorial districts in the state. That is how the Akwa Ibom electorate got to pick the best. Why is the governor unexpectedly going against competition that brought him into office and evidently delivered the best to the state?

•Udofia, a public affairs commentator, writes from Abuja.

Consultant to the National Boundary Commission. He was similarly appointed and served as member of the subCommission on Affected Populations, one of the SubCommissions set up by the Nigeria-Cameroun Mixed Commission for the implementation of the Green Tree Agreement pursuant to judgment of the International Court of Justice.

An outstanding teacher and mentor, Oye Cukwurah has been influential in the lives of many of Nigeria’s leading lawyers, advocates and public servants. His students include former President of the NBA, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Paul Erokoro, SAN; Solomon Umoh, SAN; Paul Ananaba, SAN;

CROSS the university, he secured Senate approval for a university-wide general studies course on “Law and Society” to provide functional basic knowledge of law for future leaders of the society.

Unlike many members of his generation of teachers, Professor Cukwurah supervised many research students to completion of their Ph.D. work.

From 1974 to 1981, Oye Cukwurah served as United N a t i o n s International Boundary Law A d v i s e r / Consultant to the Kingdom of L e s o t h o , Southern Africa.

He was also at various times visiting faculty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, N i g e r i a ; Command and Staff College Jaji, N i g e r i a ; Nigerian Institute for International •Prof. Anthony Oye Cukwurah Affairs, Lagos, J.U.K. Igwe, SAN; Anyim Pius Nigeria; and the International Anyim, Secretary to the Boundary Research Unit Government of the Federation; (IBRU)- University of Durham, Emeka Wogu, Minister of England.

Labour and Productivity; Oye Cukwurah also played a former FCT Minister, Chuka prominent role as a member of Odom; Umeh Kalu, Abia State the National Committee Attorney-General; and the Against Apartheid (NACAP) present writers.

(1982-1986), which coordinated Back home in Anambra Nigeria’s strategy that State, Oye Cukwurah culminated to the dismantling promoted access to education of apartheid in South Africa. through the award of several scholarships to children in his Biographical Abatete Community. In 1997, entries he received the Anambra State Honours for exemplary His biographical entries contributions in the appeared in biographical development of the State.

He references including Men of also received the award of Achievement (1980), Africa Distinguished Boundary Who is Who (1981), and Expert in 1998. He supported Dictionary of International numerous philanthropic Biography (1984), among initiatives in his immediate others. community and through the In 1994, Oye Cukwurah was Catholic Church where he was appointed co-counsel to Grand Knight of the Order of represent Nigeria in the Case Knights of St Mulumba (KSM) Concerning Land and Nigeria, Gwagwalada SubMaritime Boundary Between Council, and since 2005 Nigeria and Cameroun with Supreme Advocate of the Equatorial Guinea Intervening Order of Knights of St. (Bakassi case) at the Mulumba in Nigeria.

International Court of Justice Professor Oye Cukwurah is (ICJ) at The Hague. survived by his wife, Louisa Professor Cukwurah was Akuekwuoha, a son, Anthony Commissioner, Inter-State Jr., and five grand children.

Boundaries at the National •Odinkalu is Chairman of Boundaries Commission the National Human Rights during his tenure as a member Commission; Dr. Ajala is of the Commission (1992Managing Consultant, 1998). Thereafter, in the 15 years Deeplaw Consulting, Abuja. until his death he was a

Vanguard Vanguard,,

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LIBRA; Full-Moon across Aries/Libra axis may bring you personality clashes base on envy from the other party. Slow down and give peace a chance at least for now.

SCORPIO; Full-Moon in Aries points to possible misunderstanding (probably) within your working arena. This is the wrong time to fan the embers of discord.

SAGITTARIUS; Although the full-Moon is generating tension, your wish is to have your good time. It’s wrong to under-rate the havoc jealousy can wreck.

CAPRICORN; Full-Moon across Aries/Libra axis will bring pressure from many fronts, the more noticeable ones are career/business and domestic related types AQUARIUS; Full-Moon in Aries warns you to watch what you sign and verbally agreed to do. If you fail to respect the law, it’ll back-fire very soon.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013 —

49

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

GUESS you are one of those criticising Nigeria for refusing to grow up?

Fine! May I ask you this – how old are you? What have you achieved? I mean what is your contribution to this enterprise called Nige-

Nigeria: Spare a thought – 2 ria? Did you say you have not achieved much? Then how do you expect Nigeria to be great? Or don’t you know the greatness and strength of

Nigeria is derived from the aggregate contribution of her people, i.e. Nigerians? Nigeria will not be great until every Nigerian thinks and

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

acts great. Nigeria will not achieve much until every Nigerian chooses to be an achiever. If we turn ourselves to be men of vipers, Nigeria will be a country of vipers. And we all know what vipers are. If I may ask you: what is the Nigeria of your dream?

By Lanre Kehinde

PISCES; Today ’s full-Moon in Aries does not encourage carelessness with money as such can actually lead to avoidable but serious troubles. Avoid jealous approach ARIES; Full-Moon in your Star sign will encourage you to under-rate many to their resentment the way you too’ll be negatively affected. Don’t ignore your spouse TAURUS; Full-Moon in Aries warns you to do away with whatever can not be placed above board. Take your health seriously today more than before GEMINI; Today’s full-Moon in Aries can tempt you to expose your love life unnecessarily. Separate your private/personal affairs and open friendship CANCER; Full-Moon will certainly affect your mood and make you aggressive but, encouragement of tension along your career line and/or within your business circle can not help your cause now. Protection of your image is important however.

LEO; Full-Moon may bring you what you’re likely to see as an insult but in reality it is not one. You only need to be on the right side of the law so that you’ll have the last laugh to the detriment of your opponents.

Discourage of jealousy within you.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic”

By Andy Akman

VIRGO; Full-Moon across Aries/Libra axis may generate tension around you but, the best way for you not to be the loser is to make sure your finances are well protected. Then green eyed monster called jealousy may make things a little bit difficult.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Basic characteristics of Pisces PISCES is 12th of the twelve Zodiac signs ruled by mysterious Neptune. It quality is mutable while it element is water. Mutable aspect of Pisces indicates that people born under it are changeable, by this I mean they change their minds often times. Being a water sign, naives of this Star have very strong intuition and can flow into anybody heart and/or mind.

Neptune as the ruler of Pisces brings compassion and ARTISTIC talent into Pisces born people’s creativity quotient. Neptune rules psychic related thing and many of things that cannot be placed above board; Neptune makes most natives of this star sign secretive, hard to understand and dreaming.

Two opposing fishes as joint symbol of Pisces oftentimes responsible for occasional confusion suffer by all natives of Pisces one time or the other. It is truly important for them to learn how to control both their emotion and mind.

Because it is easy for Pisces people to become pessimistic unnecessarily The reasons are while one of the fishes may head for optimism and day dreaming, the other ’s inclination may be of fear, despondency and timidity. Thus, confusion can creep in and that will be to the detriment of their confidence.

Cultivation of practical nature and adoption of realistic method in all you do will be of great importance. It is equally important for Pisces born people like you to take psychic related things more seriously because they can make use of psychic and/or spiritual related things.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Vanguard CLASSIFIED ALOZIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alozie Ngozi Princess, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gogo Ngozi Princess Alozie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEBIYI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebiyi Latifat Iyabowale, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hammed Latifat Iyabowale. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

IYAWA—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Ifeanyi N. Iyawa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Iyawa Nelson Ifeanyi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EMOLE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emole Chinwe Sophia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwachukwu Chinwe Sophia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IPAYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bimbo Ipaye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bimbo Ariyibi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNNOIKI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Folasade Ayodeji Ogunnoiki, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Folasade Ayodeji Adesoji. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADUM—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adum Gladys Ebere , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egemba Gladys Ebere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name I hereby state that I, Stephen Ohurhu, am the same person as Stephen Ohurhu Ejovi, and that the name Stephen Ohurhu is my name while Ohurhu Ejovi is my father's name.Thus, all documents bearing the above names belong to me and remain valid.

General public and to whom it may concern please take note.

AILEKU —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Hannah Ayedime Aileku, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hannah Ayedime Abdul. All previous documents remain valid. NBRRI and general public, please take note.

EJOVI —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Elohor Ufuoma Oteheri, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Elohor Ufuoma Ejovi.

All former documents remain valid. General public and to whom it may concern please take note.

ONU —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onu Chinweokwu Onana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ominyi Immaculata Chinweokwu Onana.

All former documents remain valid. Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, NYSC and general public please take note.

ODIDIKA —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Irene Obiageli Odidika, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Irene Obiageli Egwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGBONNA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbonna Christiana Ihuarulam, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ike Christiana Ihuarulam. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeke Ifeoma Assumpta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ngaobidi Ifeoma Assumpta. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MADUEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Madueke Chinyere Loveth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Duru Chinyere Loveth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UKAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugochi Mercy Ukah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ugochi Mercy Onwuzulike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADAMS—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Folasade Risikat Adams, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Folasade Roseanne Olawale. All former documents remain valid. United Bank for Africa PLC and general public please take note.

EKPE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekpe Amarachi Veronica, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Veronica Amarachi St. Louis. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DON-PEDRO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Constance Don-Pedro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Constance DonpedroDavies. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OJUKOKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jennifer Voke Ojukoko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jennifer Voke Ebimoghan. All former documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public please take note.

O R I A K H I — I , formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Oriakhi Mary Amieru, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Ugbiyobo Amieruniefe Olohigbe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chidube Ibe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ike Nnamdi Onyinye.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

USOH UFORT—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Unyime Usoh Ufort, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Unyime Ntaji.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABUH—I, formerly known and addressed as Scholastica Ashibebonye Abuh, now wish to be known and addressed as Scholastica Innocent Amasi. All former documents remain valid. National Identity M a n a g e m e n t Commission (NIMC) and general public please take note.

NNAMANI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnamani Charity Loveth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okolo Umeh Charity Loveth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ISOKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Isoko Collins, now wish to be known and addressed as Isoko A j o k p o g h e n e Tavwojiroma Collins. All former documents remain valid. PHCN, UNIZIK, NYSC and general public please take note.

ONYEMANNADI—We, formerly known and addressed as Ephraim Ikechukwu Onyemannadi, Happiness Chinwe Onyemannadi, Chibueze Basil Ikechi Onyemannadi, Chidozie Felix Udochi Onyemannadi and Chukwudi Noble Oluchi Onyemannadi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ephraim Ikechukwu Nwachukwu, Happiness Chinwe Nwachukwu, Chibueze Basil Ikechi Nwachukwu, Chidozie Felix Udochi Nwachukwu and Chukwudi Noble Oluchi Nwachukwu. All former documents remain valid.

Delta Steel Company PLC, Ovwian-Aladja and general public please take note.

IHEAKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iheaka Ihuoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ijegbai Ihuoma Favour. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSIMEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iyayi Esther Osimeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Iyayi Esther Omasheye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEBIYI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebiyi Latifat Iyabowale, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hammed Latifat Iyabowale. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NDUKWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluchi Scholar Ndukwu from Amucha in Njaba LGA, Imo State, Nig., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Scholastica Oluchi Ufoh.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGAZIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agazie Uche Augusta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akabua Uche Augusta.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ETUKUDO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Unwana Sunday Etukudo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Unwana Martin Ogbennia. All former documents remain valid. NIPOST and general public please take note.

EZEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Elizabeth Mgboeze Ezeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Elizabeth Mgboeze Ezeh-Bada. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NKPA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkpa Ogbeyialu Inyang, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nduka Ogbeyialu Inyang. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MEMEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Memeh John, now wish to be known and addressed as Okonkwo John Ejiofor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ASINGBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Asingbi Timipanipre, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Timipanipre-Asingbi Inimienyun lucky Victor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NTIA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eka Ita Ntia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eka Emmanuel Etia.

All former documents remain valid. Delta Afrik Eng. Ltd. and general public please take note.

OTASI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Favour Kemebaradikumo Otasi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Favour Pigha Gbefa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONODAVBEROH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onodavberoh Rosemary Esere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezeji Rosemary Esere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODEH —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odeh Faith Omorotionmwan, now wish to known and addressed as Mrs. E b u w a Omorotionmwan Faith.

All former documents remain valid. Edo State College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and general public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—51

Vanguard CLASSIFIED ALEGIEUNO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anthonia Odufa Alegieuno, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anthonia Odufa Dakpokpo. All former documents remain valid.

UniAbuja, Federal Ministry of Education and general public please take note.

NZEDUBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkiruka Nkechinyelu Nzeduba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nkiruka Nkechinyelu Abana. All former documents remain valid.

United Bank For Africa Plc and general public please take note.

ACHIMUGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Achimugwu Andrew Abodiya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emmanuel Blessing.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJIBADE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olabisi Temilade Ajibade, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Benard Olabisi A. Temilade. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, other organisations and general public please take note.

IBEJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eunice Chinonyerem Ibeji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eunice Chinonyerem Benjamin Ijaja. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AW O R E K U N — I , formerly known and addressed as Aworekun Omobolanle Abiola, now wish to be known and addressed as Omobolanle Abiola Owojori. All former documents remain valid.

Nigerian Immigration, American Embassy, UK Embassy, banks and general public please take note.

N WA D I R I L I — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwadirili Mercy Ogochukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onuigbo Mercy Ogochukwu. All former documents remain valid.

INEC and general public please take note.

O J U K W U — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojukwu Grace Nneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Ojukwu Grace Ngozi.

All former documents remain valid. Federal Ministry of Water Resources and general public please take note.

IGBOKWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igbokwe Christiana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. N k w a z e m a Christiana. All former documents remain valid.

Federal Ministry of Education and general public please take note.

CHIKENSO—I, formerly known and addressed as Master Ozorisilue Chikenso Nebeolisa, wish to be known henceforth as Master Ozoisilue Chukwukaso Micheal Nebeolisa. All former documents remain valid.

First Registrars, Guaranty Trust Bank and general public please take note.

VANGUARD'S LAGOS OFFICE YOU CAN B O O K Y O U R A D V E RT S AT OU R L A G O S I S L A N D O F FI C E — VA N G U A R D MEDIA LIMITED (LAGOS OFFICE) K I O S K 4 8 E A S T P AV I L I O N T B S , LAGOS.

ADVERT HOTLINE 01- 8737025

Fraud: EFCC declares 3 aides of ex-Gov Nnamani wanted

By SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

T

HE Economic and Fi nancial Crimes Commission, yesterday, declared three aides of the former Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, wanted in connection with the alleged stealing of the state’s funds worth N50 billion.

The three persons, a woman and two men, were declared wanted following the inability of operatives of the commission to fish them out to answer questions on the roles they allegedly played in siphoning the huge sums of money belonging to the state.

A statement made available to Vanguard in Abuja, yesterday, and signed by the Acting Head of Media of the commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, gave the names of the wanted persons as Jude Benjamin Amanze, Chinelo Nwigwe and David Nwigwe.

A Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice M. N. Yunusa, had issued the EFCC an arrest warrant in respect of the three suspects but none of them has been apprehended despite intensive search. The operatives suspect the three might have fled the country to escape arrest and prosecution.

EFCC said, yesterday, that the trio were wanted in connection with the case instituted against Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, who is alleged to have diverted public funds and embezzled billions of naira when he held sway as governor of the state from 1999 to 2007.

Amanze who was the governor’s special aide is alleged to have served as a conduit in siphoning over N514, 833,564.60 belonging to Enugu State government.

Investigation by the Commission revealed that a road construction contract awarded to one Chief Jacob Nwatu between 2002 and 2003 was not executed but the money was allegeldy paid into an account in Zenith Bank, which was traced to Chief Nwatu.

Further investigations revealed that the sum of N350 million was latter moved from this account into three Zenith Bank accounts operated solely by Jude Amanze. Amanze was also said to have warehoused other funds in the said Zenith Bank accounts.

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

TREBLE CHANCE Cardiff Liverpool Norwich West Brom West Ham Blackburn Derby Leeds Colchester Swindon

v Everton v Man Utd v South'pton v Swansea v Stoke v Bolton v Burnley v Q.P.R. v Leyton O v Crewe

SOCCER TIPS

‘Mikel going nowhere’

MIDFIELDER John Mikel Obi will not be leaving Chelsea, at least not during this transfer window, according to his agent John Shittu.

Mikel, 26, has been heavily linked with Turkish club Galatasaray throughout the summer, with Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala and Italian side Napoli also emerging as late entrants for his services.

But Shittu told KickOffNigeria that the Nigerian is going nowhere.

“He loves this club, the manager knows him and likes him and he will not be going anywhere during this transfer window,” he insists.

Shittu admits that there had been interests in the player, but all suitors have been rebuffed by Chelsea and he denies that it was ever a question of the club’s valuation not being met.

“Some clubs came in and expressed their interest but that is where it stopped. They were never allowed to get to the point where we could even begin to start talking about valuation or negotiation.”

Mikel has barely featured for the Blues this season, his only appearance being a cameo role in the last few minutes of Chelsea’s 0-0 draw against Manchester United.

Shittu explains that it is down to match fitness.

“He didn’t have a proper pre-season because he got a couple of weeks extra due to his Confederations Cup participation and then an injury so he is not fully match fit.

“When he starts playing is down to the manager, but as soon as he gets his match fitness back, he will be in contention.”

Arsenal sign. Flamini for a second time

FOUR HOMES

THE French midfielder Mathieu Flamini has rejoined Arsenal as a free agent after five years at Milan.

The Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is confident Flamini will settle quickly into life back at his old club, having spent some LATE time training at their Hertfordshire base TIPS this month.

“We’re very pleased Mathieu has agreed to rejoin us,” said Wenger. “He is a player of real quality, with a fantastic work rate and great mentality. As we know, Mathieu is a strong midfielder, but is also comfortable playing in defence too. He is a very good addition to our squad.”

Flamini will come into the squad for the derby against Tottenham on Sunday.

5 X 6 X 14 X PAIR 19 45 FOUR AWAYS X 10 X 21 X 42 46 X 47 PERMUTATION AVOID 14 8 X 9X16 X 18 X 23 X 25 RISKY 19 TIPS 32 X 39 X 40

Eto’o joins Chelsea

CHELSEA have completed the signing of Samuel Eto’o from Anzhi Makhachkala on a one-year contract worth £4m a year.

The 32-year-old striker, who played under José Mourinho at Internazionale, told the Chelsea website: “I am very happy to be here but also because I want to get playing as soon as CREDIT EXCELLENT anxious possible.

Hibernian 2 Cardiff 7 “It wasn’t a hard decision. I saw the qualities have and I was very happy with José Notts Co. 2 Liverpool 7 Chelsea Mourinho before, so when the opportunity came, Aberdeen 2 Norwich 7 I was very happy to take it.”

Eto’o became Chelsea’s preferred target after Wycombe 3 West Brom 5 their pursuit of Manchester United’s Wayne Scunthorpe 3 West Ham 5 Rooney foundered.

The Cameroun international is the second Morecambe 3 Leeds 5 player to sign from Anzhi in as many days, as Oxford 3 Colchester 5 the previously big-spending Russian club slash budget. The attacking midfielder Willian Mansfield 3 Swindon 5 their completed his move to Chelsea on Wednesday.

X-RAY OF THE DRAWS 7 07 .WEEK 0 Barclays Premier League 1 Arsenal 2 Cardiff 3 Crystal P. 4 Liverpool 5 Man City 6 Newcastle 7 Norwich 8 West Brom 9 West Ham

v Tottenham 1X v Everton XX v Sunderland 1 v Man Utd XX v Hull 1 v Fulham 1 v South'pton XX v Swansea XX v Stoke XX

Sky Bet Championship 10 Barnsley 11Birmingham 12 Blackburn 13 Blackpool 14 Brighton 15 Charlton 16 Derby 17 Doncaster 18 Leeds 19 Middlesbro 20 Wigan 21 Yeovil

v Huddersfield X2 v Ipswich X1 v Bolton XX v Watford 1X v Millwall 1 v Leicester XX v Burnley XX v BournemouthX2 v Q.P.R. XX v Sheff Wed 1 v Nottm For. 1 v Reading 2

Sky Bet League One 22 Brentford 23 Colchester 24 Gillingham 25 Notts Co. 26 Oldham 27 Peterboro 28 Port Vale 29 Sheff Utd 30 Shrewsbury 31Stevenage 32 Swindon 33 Walsall

v Carlisle 1 v Leyton O XX v Bristol C. X2 v Rotherham XX v Tranmere 1X v Crawley X1 v Wolves 1X v .Milton KD 1 v Coventry 1 v Bradford C XX v Crewe XX v Preston 1

Sky Be wo Bett League TTw 34 AFC Wimbldon 35 Accrington S 36 Bristol R 37.Bury 38 Exeter 39 Mansfield 40 Morecambe 41 Oxford 42 Portsmouth 43 Scunthorpe 44 Torquay 45 Wycombe

v Fleetwood X2 v Burton A X2 v Northh'pton 2X v Cheltenham X2 v York 1 v Dagenham XX v Plymouth XX v Rochdale XX v Chesterfield 2 v Newport Co XX v Hartlepool 1 v Southend XX

Scottish Championship 46 Aberdeen 47 Dundee Utd. 48 Hibernian 49 Inverness CT

v St. J'Stone XX v Celtic 2 v Ross CountyXX v Hearts 1

9 18 32 45 Revised Pairs 8 x 9, 32 x 39 43 x 45, 46 x 48

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013—53

Privatisation: Shiroro Power bidder pays •Enugu DISCo still undecided

N

ORTH-South Power Com pany, which only made a partial deposit for the Shiroro Power Plc, at the expiration of the deadline for payment last Wednesday, has finally completed the full payment for the power plant.

A Presidency source which confirmed the payment, told Vanguard on the telephone that North-South Power was now free to take possession of the power plant, which is one of the 15 PHCN successor companies sold off to private investors by the Bureau of Public Entreprises, BPE. The investors had earlier paid $27.913million being a quarter of the plant valued at over $111.654million, as commitment bond demanded by the Federal Government.

Recall that at the close of work

at 5pm last Wednesday, all the preferred bidders for the successor companies except those for Enugu Distribution Company, DISCO, and the Shiroro Plant could not meet the payment due

to foreign inter-bank transfer challenges.

However, while the Shiroro Plant was a smooth sail for the preferred bidder, the Enugu DISCo was enmeshed in controversies. Sources revealed that due to the funds transfer challenges,

the preferred bidder for Enugu DISCO, Interstate Electrics Limited, was cut off by the deadline.

Interstate Electrics, which won the bid earlier in the year, had paid the mandatory $31.5 million or 25 percent of the bid value. The

Swedish council lauds Nigeria's ICT programme

By PRINCE OSUAGWU in Stockholm, Sweden

A

GROUP of professionals from the Swedish Trade and Investment Council, charged with the task of executing a smooth Sweden-Sub Saharan Africa ICT programme, yesterday, lauded the efforts of the Nigerian government in opening up broadband investment as a further development strategy for the country’s economy.

The group was, however, quick to add that the efforts can only

yield desirable results if they are backed by certain known principles that have helped other countries grow technologically.

Speaking with African journalists in Stockholm, Sweden, the council’s Vice President, head of business unit, ICT, Mr Niklas Johnsson, said that Nigeria was one of the countries in Africa with great potential to grow her economy with ICT but added that the steps to achieve that must be transparent and devoid of political bias.

Johnsson recounted that though Sweden is now known world wide as number one in internet accessibility and digital economy, the feat was, however, not achieved on a platter of gold but with careful and thought out plans that accommodated the future.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria could get it right if it could domesticate the swedish model of ICT development.

Johnsson said, “there were steps and policies we adopted in licensing our broadband platform that helped this country to where we are today. First thing we did was to open the market up by deregulation. Immediately we did that, many ISPs across Europe, America and other countries of the world started coming to open up offices here.

"At this point, the government decided to build a central network facility where every operator can connect at different points. We had operators to commit to an almost 100 percent services provision, a sort of beauty contest which saw only those who agreed to deliver, get license.

Again, we also committed them to sharing infrastructure.

“But even with that, the government did not go to sleep. there were areas of the country which ordinarily were regarded as not needing capacity at the moment, the government visualised that due to hospitals, schools and other facilities, the people in those areas could need it for development, so the government built infrastructures, opened up the networks and attracted the operators to share in them to provide services in those areas. With all that, it was not long after operations kicked off, all parts of the country got really connected”

firm was meant to pay the balance of 75 percent or $94.5 million last Wednesday.

Strangely, more than a week after the conclusion of the transactions, the National Council of Privatisation, NCP, is yet to officially comment on the process or invite the reserved bidders for the companies, whose preferred bidders failed to meet the deadline.

According to the Vanguard’s source, “Shiroro was a smooth sail because there was no reserved bidder for the plant, unlike Enugu DISCO, which had a reserved bidder.”

The source noted that although the NCP has not invited the reserved bidder for the Enugu DISCO, the investors, Eastern Electric Company Limited, has been agitating to be invited. He said: “The NCP has not invited any reserved bidder to proceed to payment, but the Enugu DISCO reserved bidder has been agitating to be invited.”

On account of the imbroglio, interested parties for the various groups have been engaged in media war, with Eastern Electric declaring its preparedness to pay $126 million for the takeover of the Enugu asset, which provides power to the South Eastern part of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the NCP had been advised to invite the reserved bidder for the Enugu DISCO, as failure to do so would set a bad precedent for future privatisation programmes and for investors coming into Nigeria.

Group cautions president on Nyesom Wike

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT— A GROUP, the Rivers Peoples Forum, RPF, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to call the Minister of State for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike, to order if they want the party to win elections in the state.

President of the group, Mr Charles Bekwele, said in a statement, yesterday, that Mr. Wike was busy destroying the party in the state, stressing that urgent step should be taken to put him in check.

Bekwele said: “Nyesom Wike will destroy PDP in Rivers State.

Since that young man started nursing the ambition to take over from Rotimi Amaechi as governor of Rivers State, he has turned the party upside down in his bid to be governor. All the crisis you now see in the party and the state generally are being orchestrated, stage-managed by the junior minister.

“He will destroy the PDP in Rivers State just because he wants to be governor. Wike is the one who brought Felix Obuah(the factional chairman of PDP), a man who didn’t even buy form is now installed as the party chairman."

54—

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Mourinho: Super Cup is not about me and Pep

J

OSE Mourinho was at pains to stress that the Super Cup final against Bayern Munich wasn’t a grudge match between the two managers.

Chelsea touched down in Prague ahead of Friday’s clash with their boss adamant that the only thing he was interested in was beating the Germans, and not getting one over Pep Guardiola.

The pair had a fractious relationship when they were in charge at Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, with the usually calm Guardiola visibly riled by his rival’s media tactics.

That came to a head with an uncharacteristic 40-minute rant, complete with choice language, in the run-up to a Champions League semi-final. Madrid won the La Liga title a year later.

‘That’s not about me and Pepe. It’s about Chelsea and it’s about Bayern Munich,’ Mourinho bit back at questioning.

‘It’s about a Super Cup where the European champion is playing against the Europa League champion.

‘Pepe is not European champion and I’m not Europa League champion.

‘We just coach now the European champion and the Europa League champion. This is not

BY BEN EFE, Mauritius

T

BLUES MAN— Eto'o was unveiled yesterday by Chelsea. about us. It’s about Chelsea and Bayern.’

Mourinho was prickly but was insistent not to further damage the relationship between the two.

That is understandable - not for his own reputation, but for the simple fact he has other - much more pressing - matters to attend to. ’Pepe is not European champion and I’m not Europa League champion.

‘We just coach now the European champion and the Europa League champion. This is not about us. It’s about Chelsea and Bayern.’

to be crowned as Uefa’s Best Player in Europe The 30-year-old French international capped off a magnificent year by being presented with the prestigious award following on from the draw for the Champions League group stages.

Ribery was instrumental in Bayern’s Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League treble in 2012/13 and was voted Uefa Player of the Year by the continents football journalists.

The individual honour has been ran for the past three seasons, and was previously won by Messi in 2010/11 and club teammate Andres Iniesta the following year.

Mourinho was prickly but was insistent not to further damage the relationship between the two.

That is understandable - not for his own reputation, but for the simple fact he has other - much more pressing - matters to attend to.

One of which is the case of Juan Mata.

The Chelsea manager is unrelenting the stance that the Spanish international won’t be leaving the club before the transfer window slams shut on Monday.

The midfielder has been the source of intense speculation, fuelled only

further by his omission from the squad that drew 0-0 away at Manchester United on Monday night, and by the fact his father and agent was reported to have been in the Arsenal directors’ box during the game against Fenerbahce 24 hours later.

‘Everything is clear between me and the player. We have no problems.

‘I think he’s a very important player for us.

He wants to be a very important player for us.

‘He wants to stay. I want him to stay, the club want him to stay. There is no story.’

HE African Junior Championships began yesterday in Mauritius with 22 countries vying for honours. But Nigerian athletics officials feel threatened by the large number of South African contingent which they believe may reflect on the medals table.

Already Egyptian, Fadya El Kasaby took the first medal of the championships yesterday in the women Discus throw.

However, Nigerian athletes according to coach Maria Osifo are poised to maintain their traditional stronghold on the sprints.

“We have put our athletes in good condition after the long trip from Sapele. They are ready to dominate sprints.

“The only competition we expect here will be from South Africa. They are here with a large number of athletes. They are just a three-hour plane ride from here and they are well rested,” said Maria Osifo.

Some of the athletes spoken to expressed readiness to compete and

win medals in their events.

“I have prepared very hard for this championships and I came here with the aim of winning my event,” said sprinter Harry Chukwudike.

Also long jumper Ese Brume stated that she is aiming for three gold medals.

“I am doing the Long and sprints and by the grace of God I am targeting three gold medals.”

•Okagbare

Tunisia’s Hmam tips Toriola for men’s title, hails organizers

T

UNISIA’S sensation, Adam Hmam has tipped Nigeria’s Segun Toriola for the men singles title of the first Lagos

Ribéry Continues from BP

African Junior Championships: SA threatens Nigeria’s chances

Upon accepting the award, Ribery said, “It’s a very special moment to be standing here this evening. I want to thank all of my team-mates from FC Bayern München, my family and my kids.”

Ribery will have little time to celebrate the accolade as he’ll soon be en route to Prague, where his Bayern side are preparing to take on Chelsea for the Uefa Super Cup tomorrow night.

The former Marseille man has been at the Allianz Arena since 2007, over which time he’s collected three league titles, three German cups and last seasons Champions league trophy.

International Table Tennis Classics.

Hmam, also hailed the organizers of the tournament for putting up a good show, saying more of this tournament should be staged in Nigeria.

“I don’t see any player stopping Toriola because he has the experience and he is still in good shape despite his

age. Other players might be good but Toriola’s experience will surely count in this tournament.

Being my first time in Nigeria and the first time that such tournament will be staged in Nigeria, I want to say the organizers should be commended even as I look forward to attending more tournaments in Nigeria,” Hmam said.

Eto’o Continues from BP but also anxious because I want to get playing as soon as possible.

“It wasn’t a hard decision. I saw the qualities Chelsea have and I was very happy with José Mourinho before, so when the opportunity came, I was very happy to take it.”

Eto’o became Chelsea’s preferred target after their pursuit

of Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney foundered.

The Cameroun international is the second player to sign from Anzhi in as many days, as the previously big-spending Russian club slash their budget.

The attacking midfielder Willian completed his move to Chelsea on We d n e s d a y. A r s e n a l sign Mathieu Flamini for a second time.

He however, said the presence of Egypt’s Omar Assar and other European players has indeed added glamour to

the tournament, while the presence of fans at the venue has also made the competition more exciting.

Malawi Continues from BP on the list of the 22member squad, which has also left out experienced strikers Esau Kanyenda, Chiukepo Msowoya and first choice goalkeeper Simplex Nthala.

Kamwendo has been at loggerheads with controversial Flames ‘volunteer ’ expatriate coach Tom Saintfiet after criticising Fam for deciding to dangle US$US10,000 bonus for him leaving out the players.

He also snubbed Flames call-up to face Rwanda in an international friendly game played on August 14 in which Malawi won 1-0.

Football Association of Malawi General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda , however, said Chiukepo was left out after suffering an injury.

The Mozambican based injury-prone striker was ruled out of the Rwanda friendly on August 14 and has been replaced by in-form Harvy Mkacha.

Nyirenda said the Malawi Team delegation will be accommodated at Travel Lodge Hotel in Gaborone where by hosts nation will foot all the expenses for the Flames.

He said team are expected to fly out of Gaborone on August 4 for Nigeria

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012 — 55

I

08053068728

The spor ts lif e sports life of Glo at 10

•Chief Adenuga Globacom has tried to bring to bear in sports in Nigeria through sponsorships of events and projects. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, it may be a worthwhile venture to appraise some of its investments in Nigerian sports. As at last year, the company had spent over

,

T happened in 1998.

A black man was the main artist in the opening ceremony of the World Cup. He dazzled all. The world stood to celebrate him.

He was the pride of the black race and perhaps an icon to the rest of the world.

Interestingly, he was African. Nothing like that had happened before then. It was historic. He wrote and performed the official anthem of the World Cup with Axelle Red. Folk Roots Magazine once described him as the African Artist of the century and The New York Times described the voice of the 2005 American Grammy Award winner as an “arresting tenor, a supple weapon deployed with prophetic authority.”

I bought the CD, sang the songs at match venues and walked taller than my height in celebration of the African legend. I was not alone. Others idolized him.

Shakespeare recognised that music was the food of love and wanted it played on excessively. Music adds flavour and fire to sports. And that’s why top musicians perform in the opening and closing ceremonies of world events like World Cup, the Olympic Games, the Super Bowl etc.

Music made a lot of difference at the France ’98 World Cup. The atmosphere in the stadiums was always electric. Fans sang before, during and after games. It was a true carnival.

Behold, I couldn’t control my emotions when I saw the music symbol of France’98 World Cup here in Lagos. I didn’t believe it when they announced his name. I had followed his music long before France ’98 World Cup. I knew how popular he was in Europe, South America, Africa, Canada and other parts of the world. His music jams people up in France. A visit to most night clubs there could reveal more about him.

Who brought this man to Nigeria?

Only an international brand could have done so, a brand that entertains and renders services that satisfy people, a brand that endears itself to the people and puts them on such a plane that ecstasy becomes the way of life, a seeming mid- summer dream of pink champagne and ice, thawing you as you bubble to keep pace with the high-pitched melody of this musician. I stood to assure myself it was the same man of France ’98 World Cup that was here. Who brought him here?

I looked at the high table. Issa Hayatou, the CAF President was there. Sepp Blater, the FIFA President was there. Chief Mike Adenuga, the Globacom Chairman was there. And on the stage was Youssou N’dour to play. I said, God, what a great night. It was CAF’s 2009 Awards Night, sponsored by Globacom.

Glo had brought Youssou N’dour of Senegal to Nigeria.

What a great show of entertainment, a great investment in football and a classy service to telecommunications. I could not hold myself. I started dancing in my corner. It was an Awards night but Youssou N’dour made it more than that to me. I wished he played all night and the Awards given fewer minutes. I expressed myself in my column the following week. It felt great and special when the master of prose, Mike Awoyinwa, reacted in a text message and also informed me that he actually interviewed N’dour in Lagos and that I should look out for the interview. The interview was brilliant.

Awoyinka knew N’dour’s pedigree and appreciated the height Glo had taken the awards by inviting the legend to perform on the night. It is such class that

Behold, I couldn’t control my emotions when I saw the music symbol of France’98 World Cup here in Lagos

,

N9 billion in sports. No other company has that record.

With its renewed sponsorship of the league, Globacom has now invested more than N10 billion in our sports.

N10 billion in 10 years is a pleasant story to to tell.

And glo is still counting. Let’s begin this way.

National Teams: In continuation of its sponsorship of Nigerian National teams, Globacom in 2011 signed a sponsorship agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation worth N2 Billion Naira. This confers on the company the status of official telecommunications partner of the Nigeria Football Federation and major sponsor of the Nigerian national teams. Glo has been in this capacity for over seven years now. Ademola Olajire, the spokesman of NFF, just reminded me that Chief Mik Adenuga had been sponsoring NFF even before Glo was born. Vixen, one of his companies fuelled NFA. Glo Premier League: Globacom also committed the

De Tigers apologise, promise to come back stronger

BY PAT OMORODION, Abidjan

A

FTER failing to progress to the semi final stage of the Afrobasket holding in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, players of the senior men’s basketball national team have offered an apology to Nigerians for the disappointment.

Co-captains of the team, Olumide Oyedeji and Ike Diogu who spoke separately yesterday, expressed the disappointment of the entire players and

promised to get better and hopefully win the next edition of the competition in 2015.

“It’s really sad that we lost to Senegal after the initial progress we made, I still can’t believe we have lost , it’s like a dream to me.

It is unfortunate that we disappointed Nigerians but I hope it will get better because we have young players whose average age is 24, 25. There is future for the team and I know they will get better,” Oyedeji said.

His co-captain, Diogu

who is the second oldest in the team after Oyedeji said he too, like the whole team feel they have let Nigeria and Nigerians down after showing that they were capable of winning the competition.

“I feel disappointed that we have let our nation down after the support they gave to us. It is a learning process, we promise to get better and come back stronger,” he said, reiterating Oyedeji’s position that they still have years ahead of them.

“We started well but played some hard games against Cameroon and

Congo. In the match against Senegal, we kind of didn’t play our game and they took advantage of it.

It is really painful because we put in our best but it didn’t work out as planned,” Diogu stressed.

One of the youngest players in the team who was improving with every game, Ben Uzoh also expressed disappointment on their loss but added that since it was his first time with the national team, he hopes he will have time to make up for the disappointment.

sum of N1.9 billion in May this year to sponsor the Nigerian Premier League for the next three years.

The company had consistently sponsored the Nigerian League from 2003 to 2010 seasons before returning in 2013. Glo also sponsors the Ghanaian Premier League.

Glo-Caf Awards: Globacom is also the sponsor of the annual Glo-Caf Awards, which celebrates the best of African football. The partnership between Globacom and CAF is now in its 7th year. The company says that one of its core corporate social responsibilities is to stimulate socio-economic development of the youths in all the markets where it operates through football and sports sponsorships. The company’s involvement in the sponsorship of the awards dates back to 2005 when the contract was signed in Ritz Hotel, Paris. Glo promised then to transform the ceremonies and it has done so.

Glo-Man U Partnership: In 2010, Globacom also signed five seasons relationship with top Premier League club, Manchester United, as a result of which the two brands began a partnership on football development projects. One of the reasons why Globacom partnered with a world class football club like Manchester United is to leverage on the club’s achievements to develop the game of football in Nigeria and in Africa.

Glo Soccer Academy: As part of Glo contributions towards the development of the game, the Glo Soccer Academy, a West African Soccer TV Reality show was recently organized to discover and train football potentials in West Africa. 16 outstanding players emerged and were rewarded with mouth-watering prizes including N5million for the Most Valuable Player and N1m each for the remaining 15 finalists.

They also got G-BAM scholarships worth 750,000 each. In addition, they were rewarded with a training trip to Manchester United Schools in Carrington, U.K. Glo Golf Tour: Globacom has also extended its sports development programme to golf with the sponsorship of the Glo Golf Tour West Africa. With total prize money of over N62m, the Glo Golf Tour offers one of the biggest pro-am purses for golf in Africa.

Supporters Clubs: To enhance the performance of National teams in West Africa, Globacom took over as the sponsor of Supporters’ Clubs of both Nigeria and Ghana National teams, thus empowering them as they continue to cheer the teams.

Lagos Marathon: Globacom entered a sponsorship agreement with the AFN and sponsored the Lagos half marathon in 2009 and in 2010. The marathon drew the core of elite marathoners from Ethiopia, Kenya and other parts of the World. As cream on the cake, world legend, Gabriel Haile-Selasi made a guest appearance in the two marathons. Apart from the main marathon, there was the staff marathon, corporate fun run for company executives and media mock marathon for journalists.

Nations Cup: Glo inspired Eagles at the last Nations Cup. And when Nigeria won the cup after 19 years, Chief Mike Adenuga Jr rewarded them handsomely.

Coach Stephen Keshi received two cars, $200,000 and each member of the team got $10,000. What a sports promoter, philanthropist, sponsor and what have you.

Glo has done well for sports in the ten years of its existence. Glo is also doing same in Ghana. May it continue to soar so that it could do more for sports and for mankind. Happy 10th Anniversary.

YABATECH hosts Bishop Mike Okonkwo Cup

B

OTH Kings F.C of Ketu and title holders, Rehoboth of Obanikoro will clash in the final of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo Football Cup on Saturday, August 31 at the Yabatech Sports Complex Lagos.

Kings F.C booked their final ticket after out cklassing Radiant F.C of Egbe 3 nil in last Saturday’s semi-final game decided all the National Institute for Sports (NIS) ground, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos while Rehoboth hammered Oworo All Stars 4 – 2.

Top officials of The Redeemed Evangelical

Mission (TREM) are certain of a classy Mike Okonkwo final of the football cup that is part of activities marking the 68th anniversary of the presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo Cup, Deacon Malacky Ndubuzor said after the semi-final fixtures that the final at Yabatech would be graced by several eminent personalities, including the Bishop himself.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013

Ribéry pips Messi, Ronaldo to win UEFA best player

B

A Y E R N München midfielder Franck Ribéry has been voted the 2012/13 UEFA Best Player in Europe by a panel of leading football journalists in Monaco.

Ribery beat off competition from Lionel Messi and See story on Cristiano Ronaldo page 54 Continues on Page 54

Mourinho: Super Cup is not about me and Pep Bayern Munich Vs Chelsea — Kick-Off: 7:45 p.m.

•Mourinho

T

expected to travel to Botswana on Saturday for a friendly match scheduled for Wednesday next week

before the make or mar 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles in Calabar on September 7.

Elche

Levante

Eto’o joins Chelsea HELSEA have completed the signing of Samuel Eto’o from Anzhi Makhachkala on a oneyear contract worth £4m a year.

The 32-year-old striker, who played under José Mourinho at Internazionale, told the Chelsea website: “I am very happy to be here

A Man. United(ENG) Shakhtar Donetsk(UKR) Leverkusen(GER) Real Sociedad(ESP)

Malawi unveil final 22-man squad for Eagles

HE Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has released a list of 22 players who are

v

v

Rayo Vallecano

Continues on Page 54

•Guardiola

Tonight’s matches La Liga Almeria

C

Flames captain Joseph Kamwendo is conspicuously missing

Ribéry

10pm

10pm

Champions League Groups

B Real Madrid(ESP) Juventus(ITA) Galatasaray(TUR) København(DEN) C Benfica(POR) PSG(FRA) Olympiacos(GRE) Anderlecht(BEL) D Bayern(GER) CSKA Moskva(RUS) Man. City(ENG) Plze?(CZE)

Continues on Page 54

E Chelsea(ENG) Schalke(GER) Basel(SUI) Steaua (Rom) F Arsenal(ENG) Marseille(FRA) Dortmund(GER) Napoli (ITA G Porto(POR) Atlético(ESP) Zenit(RUS) Austria Wien (AUT) H Barcelona(ESP) Milan(ITA) Ajax(NED) Celtic (SCO)

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Restrain (5) 7 Boat (5) 8 Sketch (5) 10 Confusion (5) 12 Newt (3) 13 United (5) 15 Deceived (7) 17 Peruser (6) 19 Moose (3) 20 Slandered (7) 23 Bird (4) 25 Breed (4) 26 Determined (7) 30 Fish (3) 31 Inherent (6) 34 Declined (7) 37Element (5) 38 Vehicle (3) 39 Couch (5) 40 Irrigate (5) 41 Species (5) 42 Cap (5)

DOWN 1 Worth (5) 2 Managed (5) 3 Led (6) 4 Fashionable (4) 5 Wave (7) 6 Frequently (5) 9 Astern (3) 11 Belittle (7) 13 Flimsy (5) 14 Agreeable (5) 16 Tree (3) 18 Lived (7) 21 Liability (5) 22 Fishing-basket (5) 24 Obtained (7) 27 Lettuce (3) 28 Harm (6) 29 Rot (5) 32 Principle (5) 33 Obscure (5) 35 Obese (3) 36 Dreadful (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Halve 7, Urge 8, Avidly 9, React 11, Mar 13, Rum 15, Eden 16, Tar 18, Fete 19, Demoted 20, Iced 22, Dust 23, Dubious 25, Eked 27, Die 28, Zero 30, Did 31, Don 33, Cycle 36, Stigma 37, Noon 38, Bored.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 1, Tread 2, Her 3, Lea 4, Eat 5, Nip 6, Flout 10, Gram 11, Merited 12, Receded 13, Reduced 14, Mention 16, Tepid 17, Rogue 18, Fed 21, Dud 24, Oily 26, Kitty 29, Robot 32, Age 33, Cab 34, Cur 35, End.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K