Jonathan's achievement in 2013 unprecedented - Presidency

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62046

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

PDP, APC in war of 100 passengers 9 words over Fashola's escape death as plane performance loses tyre on landing 10

Jonathan's achievement in 2013 unprecedented — Presidency

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH & CHARLES KUMOLU

•Presidency feeding the nation with lies—APC A •Says indices of failure abound nationwide

BUJA—THE Presidency, yesterday, reviewed its performance in the outgoing year and gave itself a pass mark, saying that it recorded unprecedented feat despite distractions from the opposition.

However, the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) poohpoohed the Presidency’s claims, saying the Continues on Page 5

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COLUMNISTS:

LES LEBA —P.40

Mr & Mrs

ANENIH @ 80—

From left: Vice President Namadi Sambo, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih and his wives, Dame Patricia E. Anenih and Hon. Justice Maryann E. Anenih at the Thanksgiving Mass for the 80th Birthday of Chief Anenih at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cathedral, Uromi, Edo State, at the weekend.

Tukur fights to hang on, rules out court 47

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POCKET CARTOON

AWARD—Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right), presenting the Most Loyal Deputy Governor in Nigeria and Good Ambassador of Osogbo Award to his deputy, Mrs Titi LaoyeTomori (left), at the Osogbo Oroki Honours and Awards 2013 in Osogbo, weekend.

Jonathan's achievement in 2013 unprecedented — Presidency Continues from page 1 citizenry are worse off on account of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party's alleged bad rule.

Dismissing the Presidency ’s claim, Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, said all the indices of a failed state are

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

One author writes: ‘When I treat people as obstacles, or a means to getting things done, I become a smaller man. With each brusque comment...dismissive glance...curt reply I lose a little more of myself...my relationship with God suffers.’

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

W

E are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be —Kurt Vonnegut As you go through your daily activities, here are some nuggets of truth that might help you through the day. Open your eyes. Look for learning opportunities in everything that crosses your path.

If you’re open to learning, you’ll find teachers literally everywhere you look. Even in the most unlikely places.

Never miss an opportunity to express appreciation or gratitude. When life gets busy, we tend to deal with problems and obstacles first. We often don’t take the time to acknowledge what is going right.

It’s all too easy to think that you’ll say “thank you”or “I appreciate you”tomorrow, when there’s more time. You don’t have an infinite amount of tomorrows coming to you, so do it now. your gratitude on your sleeve.

When you reach a goal you’ve set for yourself, take a moment to enjoy your victory – but whatever you do, don’t stop and get comfortable. Set a new goal that will keep you motivated and moving forward. Keep growing and evolving.

Fortitude, fortitude, fortitude. The ability to stay on the path when things get rough is one of the best qualities you can develop in yourself. So many people quit way too soon. The sad thing is that they often wind up quitting just when they were about to have a breakthrough.

When you encounter massive resistance, consider that it might very well mean that you’re very close to achieving something great. Press on.

present in Nigeria.

The presidency boasted that during the year, major policies were made and key projects executed for the good of Nigerians.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, gave the presidential score card in a statement made available to Vanguard last night in Abuja.

Okupe noted that contrary to impressions being created by vocal leaders of the opposition, Nigeria, under President Goodluck Jonathan has moved significantly forward in many sectors than it was in 2011.

He said that the transformation which had taken place in the economy, transportation, agriculture, power and other critical sectors were the routes which all developed nations had taken before now but which unfortunately had not been taken by Nigeria before now.

According to Dr Okupe: “It is an incontrovertible fact that Nigeria under Jonathan has reduced its food imports by about 40 per cent and increased its local production of rice, cassava, sorghum, cotton and cocoa in percentages ranging from 25 to 56 in the last two years.

“For the first time since

independence, the Nigerian agricultural sector is attracting unprecedented Foreign Direct Investment. Over the past two years, the sector has attracted $ 4 billion in private sector executed letters of commitment to invest in agricultural value chains, from food crops, to export crops, fisheries and livestock.

“The number of private sector seed companies grew from 10 to 70 within one year. Over $ 7 billion of investments from Nigerian businesses have been made to develop new fertilizer manufacturing plants, which will make Nigeria the largest producer and exporter of fertilizer in Africa. It is also noteworthy that agricultural lending as a share of total bank lending has risen from two per cent to six per cent in two years.

“On the power sector reforms initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010, Okupe explained that the major component of the reform which is the privatization of the generation and distribution power infrastructure was successfully accomplished in 2013 thus putting Nigeria on a sure path of steady power supply in a no distant future."

Okupe explained that with the completion of this process and the 10 NIPP projects, Nigeria would for the first time

in history move away from vertically integrated state-owned and very poorly managed electricity industry to a modern private sectorled fully regulated market with the right incentives capable of attracting accelerated new investments to kick start the re-industrialization of Nigeria.

He also said that the Jonathan administration brought about the recovery of the Nigerian stock exchange, which he said was made possible by a combination of sound fiscal and monetary policies as well as a transparent conduct of state affairs in a manner which has rekindled investors’ confidence in the Nigerian market.

Okupe said those who always seek to use the security challenges in some parts of Northern Nigeria as the only barometer to measure President Jonathan’s performance were not being fair to the President, considering the fact that the war on insurgency and terrorism had never been a quick fix anywhere in the world.

While reminding the public that bombings and killings by insurgents happened in Kano, Kogi, Niger,Yobe, Borno,Sokoto, Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory in 2011 and 2012, the Presidential aide noted that the activities of the terrorists had been largely contained and restricted to one or two states in 2013.

“Yes, we are not where we hope to be but it will be sheer mischief to insist that we are where we were or as some wickedly say, we are worse than we were.

Definitely, their position is not based on facts and so should be ignored by Nigerians” he stated.

Okupe reiterated the determination of President Jonathan to remain steadfast in his pursuit of accelerated economic growth and stability, peace and development

of all parts of Nigeria.

He also promised that the Federal Government would consolidate on the growth recorded in the outgoing year by completing all ongoing projects as well as initiating new programmes and projects especially in sectors capable of creating jobs for Nigerians.

Okupe feeding the nation with lies—APC

*Jonathan not in charge

Igbokwe said: "What do you expect Okupe to say? You should not have expected them to score themselves low or to have agreed that they have failed. There is nobody in the presidency who will have the courage to say that the Peoples Democratic Partyled Federal Government is not doing well. I am not surprised. There is no need wasting time on Okupe’s claims. He is just earning a living, that is why he feeds the nation with lies.

"The fact is that the President is not in charge. All the indices of a failed state are present in the country at the moment. Our economy is not doing well, the hospitals are still mere consulting clinics, security is a luxury, while oil theft is on the rise. I was reading an article on Sahara Reporters and the author of the article listed all the contracts that have been awarded by the present administration and there is nothing to show for it.

He specifically mentioned the Benin/Ore Highway which is still dilapidated and they award the contract yearly. Maybe they are claiming the glory of Lagos because the state is doing well. Same applies to all APC states.

Maybe they are claiming the glories of the APC states."

6—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

Traders petition Lagos A-G over planned demolition of Alayabiagba market

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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AGOS— NO fewer than 10,000 traders of old Alaba Market (new Alayabiagba market) have petitioned the Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye, over alleged threat by the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area, LCDA, to demolish the market.

The traders urged the state government to caution the council boss not to resort to act of self help since the matter was already in court.

Counsel to the traders, Mr. Lekan Alabi, in the petition, alleged that the chairman of the LCDA, had already transferred the market to a private developer, adding that as lawabiding citizens and to avert unlawful demolition of their market, they approached the Lagos High Court for an interim injunction restraining the council and the private developer from carrying out their threat.

The traders added that despite being in procession of court processes, the chairman of the LCDA allegedly boasted that he would demolish the market.

“Our prayer is to implore you to caution the chairman of Ifelodun council to join issues with our client in courts rather than engage in act that will result in head on collusion with the court,” they said.

New Regent of Akure installed zSays she’s ready for the big task ahead zAs Olori Bolanle's family wants deposed Oba's reinstatement

BY DAYO JOHNSON

AKURE — A NEW regent, Princes Adetutu Adesida Ojei was yesterday installed to fill the stool of the Deji of Akure which became vacant on December 1, this year.

Princes Ojei, after the installation, assured all sons and daughters of Akure that she was ready for the big task ahead with God on her side.

Meanwhile, the family of the battered wife of the deposed Oba, Prince Oluwadare Adesina, Olori Bolanle, who is now late, has appealed to the state government and the council of chiefs in Akure to consider his reinstatement appeal.

The battering of late Bolanle by the deposed monarch on May 30, 2010, lead to his removal and banishment on June 10, 2010 by the state government.

However, the occupier of the stool that was vacant on December 1, the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida, joined his ancestors after reigning for three years and three months.

Princes Ojei, a pharmacist based in the United Kingdom, is the first female

child of the late Oba Adesida.

Speaking with newsmen after her installation, the regent said it was a privilege to step into her father’s shoes.

She, however, promised to continue where her father stopped in his effort to bring development to the town.

The regent said it was an open secret that the development witnessed during her father short reign is unprecedented in the history of the town.

Development to Akureland

She said: “I promise that during my short reign I will bring further development to Akureland. We are all witnesses to what happened during my father's reign.

"Akureland witnessed unprecedented development and I will, by the special grace of God, do more.

She pleaded with the kingmakers to seek the face of God in their selection of a new oba for the town.

Princes Ojei added that they should hasten the selection process to enable her continue with her life after the selection and installation of another oba.

Bolanle's family wants deposed

The new regent, Princes Adetutu Adesida Ojei

Oba's reinstatement

Meantime, the deposed Oba, Prince Adesina last week wrote a letter to the state government and Akure Council of Chiefs pleading for reinstatement.

But the family of High Chief Ojumu Fadeyi of Owo, from where the late Olori Bolanle came from, in a statement said both families have since reconciled and viewed the incident of 2010 as blown out of proportion.

According to the statement, signed by the Head of the family, Chief Akinola Fadeyi and its Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Fadeyi, the family said it was aware of the letter written to the state government by Adesina and agreed with the

content of the letter pleading for his reinstatement as the Deji of Akure.

It said: “We have read the said letter from the print media and we have also heard the comments on the letter from the public domain, particularly media discourse on same.

“We are particularly touched by the frank, honest and humble content of the said letter.

“We are more touched by the gestures of forgiveness, godliness and love extended to our daughter even in her death and the dignity with which her memory has been treated by her husband.

“Our family has considered all the issues that ensued before, during and after the deposition and banishment of our in-law, Oba Oluwadare Adepoju Adesina, and we, by this forum (as we had done on many occasions before), appeal to Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the good people of Akure to please consider the appeal of our in-law."

“We have since reconciled our differences and it is our belief that rescinding the orders of deposition and banishments would be more in tandem with the wishes of our late daughter – Olori Bolanle Adesina nee Fadeyi – who practically went about pleading with all that mattered for her husband’s reinstatement before her death."

One dead, 18 injured in Ebonyi auto crash

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BY PETER OKUTU

BAKALIKI — A uni dentified woman was, weekend, feared dead while at least 18 other passengers sustained injuries following an auto crash involving a commuter bus near Akpoha bridge

along Abakaliki-Afikpo expressway.

When Vanguard visited the scene of the accident, it was gathered that the vehicle which was on high speed somersaulted three times before it crashed into a nearby bush. This led to the

Edo police kill 2, arrest 6 kidnappers

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY—MEN of the Edo State Police command said in Benin City, yesterday, that two kidnap gang members were killed during exchange of gun fire.

Six of the suspects were also arrested while a cache of arms including three pump action guns were recovered from them.

The incident was said to have occurred around Ugbowo area after a 70-year-old man who was jogging was abducted by the suspects.

The victim was forced into the trunk of the abductors’ car and

driven to their hideout before the police went after them.

The Edo State Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo, who confirmed the incident to Vanguard, said it occurred at about 6 a.m. and that his men went to rescue the man following a tip-off.

According to the CP, “Early today (yesterday) at about 6a.m, hoodlums came with Audi vehicle and abducted this 70-year-old man around Ugbowo. They put him in the trunk of the car and drove off.

"Information got to me, so I quickly directed our anti kidnapping team to carry out a

raid in that area. Our vehicle was parked far away from the hide out and our men trekked to the scene.

“One of them must have observed that it could be policemen and shouted. So they started firing at us and we responded. Two of them were shot dead while six were arrested. None of our men sustained any injury and we thank God for that.

“We observed that the old man was tortured when they were forcing him to inform them where to get ransom from. Like I said earlier, we will continue to go after them.”

Scene of the crash death of the woman. According to reports, her corpse and the 18 injured passengers were rushed to a nearby hospital.

The accident attracted sympathizers who made efforts to bring out the accident victims from the bus wreckage as well as provide alternative transportation for them.

It was also learnt that the vehicle which took off at the popular Hosanna park along Afikpo road, Abakaliki was bound for Arochukwu in Abia State before

the crash.

One of the victims, Miss Okoronkwo Nnenaya Rita who spoke to Vanguard expressed shock at the incident, saying apart from the over speeding by the driver, the accident occurred when one of the tyres of the vehicle blew out.

She said: “We were going to Arochukwu in Abia State from Abakaliki when the accident occurred; the driver was on high speed when the tyre blew out; the vehicle then somersaulted."

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013—7

‘Ebonyi in support of nat'l confab'

BY PETER OKUTU

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SERVICE: President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), Minister of Police Affairs, Captain Caleb Olubolade (2nd right) and leaders of Apostolic Faith Church, during the last Sunday of the year service at Apostolic Faith Church, Regional Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, yesterday.

NEMA, NIPPS to spend N547m on travels, meals, electricity z Budget Office sets aside N39.7m for honorarium, sitting allowance

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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BUJA— TWO federal parastatals, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the National Institute for Policy

and Strategic Studies, NIPPS, in Kuru, Jos, are to spend N547 million on travels, meals and electricity charges next year.

The breakdown of the expenditure, which has already been captured in

the 2014 budget now before the National Assembly, shows that NIPPS will spend the larger chunk of N342 million on travels and transport, N72 million on food supplies and N39 million on electricity charges within the year.

Igbo needs quality representation— UMEH

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA— NATIONAL Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, has said the Igbo nation needed quality representation at all level to be able to achieve the people’s objectives.

Speaking after receiving another chieftaincy title of Enyimba (the people’s Elephant) conferred on him by the traditional ruler of Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, Umeh said without adequate representation, the people

would continue to lose out in the scheme of things.

He said: “I want Igbo to be reckoned with in Nigeria and the only way this can be achieved is through adequate and quality representation at any forum.

“As an integral part of Nigeria, it is important that the Igbo nation always presents her best whenever the need arises because that is best way to get their rights among the tribes that make up the country.”

Umeh expressed his preparedness to continue to work for the Igbo race,

adding that he would always serve in any capacity the people found him worthy.

According to him, the numerous titles bestowed on him by many traditional rulers were sources of encouragement for him to work harder for the people.

He said: “When these titles come, one is encouraged and challenged to work harder. It means that our people appreciate our contributions.

“This season alone, I have four more titles coming from many traditional rulers, which are indications that they like the things we do.”

Sokoto earmarks N7.6bn for water schemes

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OKOTO— SOKOTO State government has earmarked about N7.6 billion for the expansion and rehabilitation of some water schemes in the Sokoto metropolis and its environs in the 2014 budget.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Shehu

Dalhatu, said in Sokoto yesterday that the projects included the expansion of the existing 20-million gallons of water per day Asare Water Project.

Dalhatu said the expansion was aimed at doubling its capacity to 40 million gallons of water per day.

He said: “The project entails the sinking of eight ground boreholes, with all the accessories, including overhead tanks and reticulation.”

Dalhatu added that the contracts for the projects would soon be awarded by the state government.

Similarly, NEMA, which handles emergency challenges, plans to dole out N60.6 million for trips, N14.8 for meals and refreshments, and N12 million for electricity charges.

The budget office, which prepares the fiscal documents for the Presidency, has put aside N39.7 million for honorarium and sitting allowances for those handling some assignments for the office within the year.

An examination of the budget document shows further that most of the items listed for implementation of the 2014 budget do not have any direct bearing or benefit for the citizenry.

Members of the National Assembly are expected to swing into action on the budget as soon as they resume from their Christmas and New Year vacation on January 14, next year.

There were fears last night that the recent defection of 37 Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers to All Progressives Congress, APC, would alter the tempo of debate on the budget and make it more difficult for an early agreement to be reached on the fiscal document.

The lawmakers are likely to ask the executive to give a detailed account of the outgoing year before agreeing to pass the next budget into law.

BAKALIKI— EBONYI State government, weekend, debunked reports and insinuations that it was not in support of the Federal Government’s proposed national dialogue scheduled to commence in 2014.

At a briefing in Abakaliki, tagged The Fact About Elechi’s Comments on the National Conference, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Onyekachi Eni, said: “We are aware that the opposition is determined to fight dirty and that blackmail and misinformation are key to its strategy in the current battle for the soul of the nation.

“But we wish to assure them that the government and people of Ebonyi State will never give in to blackmail nor ever waiver in their support of the Federal Government.

“The governor stressed that at a time when there is subsisting and elected National Assembly, it is absurd for anybody to canvass the idea that the proceedings of the conference will automatically metamorphose into a new national constitution.”

Uduaghan blasts defaulting contractors

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O V E R N O R E m m a n u e l Uduaghan of Delta State, yesterday in Warri, warned that his administration would no longer tolerate a situation where contractors abandoned projects.

Uduaghan gave the warning at the annual thanksgiving service of the Iwere Kingdom at the Foursquare Gospel Church in the palace of the Olu of Warri.

He described contractors, who failed to execute government projects within the specified time, as “wrong messengers of government who do not want the people to benefit from the dividends of democracy.”

8—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

ANAMBRA: PDP backs Nwoye

Kuku cautions amnesty beneficiaries against ‘desperate politicians’

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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HE subtle political romance between Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, appears to have collapsed as PDP, yesterday, gave support to its candidate in the November 16 Anambra governorship poll, Tony Nwoye, to challenge the outcome of the election won by APGA candidate, Chief Willy Obiano.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said it was in total support of Nwoye’s suit, challenging the result of the election.

The party described the suit filed by Nwoye as a “step in the right direction” and an acceptance of the directive of the National Working Committee, NWC, earlier communicated to him to pursue the mandate in accordance with established democratic procedures and rules.

Ekweremadu assures constituents on projects

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU— THE Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has assured the people of Ugbo and the entire Enugu West senatorial district that he would continue to sustain the good relationship that existed between them.

He also promised to work harder to attract more developmental projects to his senatorial district in 2014.

He made the statement at his country home at Mpu, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, when the people of Ugbo paid him a Christmas visit.

Ekweremadu also assured the people that nobody could distract him from his wellfocused agenda of improving the lives of his constituents and Nigerians at large, adding that his aim in politics was to take his people to a higher level.

PECIAL Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, has advised beneficiaries of the amnesty programme to continue to ensure sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.

Kuku, who gave the admonition in his end-ofyear message to the beneficiaries, said by keeping faith with the amnesty deal, the former agitators in the region had contributed immensely to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

He said the Federal Government, on its part, had remained committed to the educational, vocational and capacity development of the beneficiaries as a guarantee for a better future for them and the region.

Kuku said: “The President Goodluck Jonathan administration has not wavered in its commitment to ensuring the success of the amnesty programme.

“So far, no fewer than 19,000 Niger Delta youths have been trained or are in training in Nigeria and in almost 20 countries in various fields.

“In 2014, we plan to surpass our target in formal education and vocational training of the beneficiaries.”

The Presidential Adviser, however, cautioned youths of the region to shun overtures from desperate and disgruntled politicians bent on reversing the gains of the amnesty programme.

He said such politicians

were enemies of the Niger Delta and on a mission to discredit President Jonathan.

He said: “We are already aware of a plot by a governor of an opposition party in the region to engage nonbeneficiaries and some aggrieved beneficiaries of the amnesty programme to foment trouble and discredit

President Jonathan.

“Some of the former leaders of the agitators have been contacted in a bid to heighten tension in the region as we move toward the 2015 elections.

“I urge youths in the region not to fall to the ploy of such desperate politicians.

“They must not allow the

Niger Delta regress into violence again or allow themselves to be used by politicians, who will later dump them to their fate.

“The present administration has succeeded in giving hope to a lot of the youths through the amnesty programme after they were used and dumped by politicians in the past.”

CHARITY: Gombe State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Samuel Bulus (right), presenting a firewood cooking stove to Mrs Bintu Kombo during the 8th Pissi Tangle Cultural Festival at Billiri Local Government Area of the state, Saturday.

2015: PDP 'll spring surprises in S-West, says Adeyanju

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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ATIONAL auditor of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adewole Adeyanju, has said the party will spring surprises in the South-West, despite the fact that the area was perceived to be the stronghold of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. Adeyanju, who made the assertion while addressing journalists in Abuja, dismissed claims by a former member of the party, Chief Alani Akinde, that PDP was already dead in the zone and that the alternative to it was the Labour Party.

Adeyanju said that the claim was not only false but

also misleading and capable of sending the wrong message to the teeming supporters of the party across the zone and Nigeria.

Adeyanju said: “I think he (Akinde) made the statement

out of ignorance. That was exactly what they did in 2011 when they rushed out of the PDP to float Peoples Party Nigeria, PPN, along with their master and they failed woefully and later returned to

PDP. “This time around, they are embarking on the same venture; they have gone to the Labour Party with their master but soon we shall see them coming back to beg us in PDP.”

APC wins Yobe 17 LGAs, as PDP boycotts polls

BY SONI DANIEL & BALA AJIYA

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AMATRU— YOBE State Government, Saturday, went ahead with the conduct of election into the 17 local government areas of the state despite an objection by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The result of the election, which was released by the

Chairman of the Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Jauro, showed that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state cleared all the seats.

The main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had boycotted the election on grounds that it would not be free and fair, apparently aligning itself with INEC,

which cited security concerns as the reasons for asking for the suspension of the local polls.

However, APC got support from five other parties, which participated in the election and described it as free, fair and credible.

Vanguard learnt that of the state’s registered voter population of 1.2 million, APC swept the polls with 999,750 votes.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013—9

TESCOM honours Mrs. Amosun, others

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H I RT Y -T W O TEACHERS and non-teaching staff of the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, have been honoured in recognition of their dedication and commitment to duty.

The award categories at the second edition of the TESCOM Award Night, in Abeokuta, include Best Principal, Best Teacher (Senior and Junior Schools), Over-all Best School, Best Student in Mathematics, Best TESCOM Staff, Educational Support Individual, Worthy Ambassadors for some of the teachers who took up political appointments and Most Educational Supporting Corporate Organisation.

Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, wife of the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun was also honoured with the Distinguished Award of Excellence in appreciation of her contribution to the uplift of education in the public secondary schools through her ‘’Uplift” programme.

Among the other awardees are Chief Sesan Fagbayi, Mr. Ochonogor Friday, Mrs. Lokulo Sodipe, Mrs. Afolabi Funke, Mrs. Odewale Kehinde and Mrs. Anwojue Mufuliat.

APC chieftain denies disrupting PDP, LP meetings A CHIEFTAIN of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area, Chief Musiliu Akinsanya has denied accusation leveled against him by the PDP and LP in the area.

The PDP and LP had accused Musiliu Akinsanya of disrupting their meetings.

In a reaction, Akinsanya said PDP and LP have no bases in Oshodi, that they only want to cause confusion and disturb the peace of Oshodi residents.

He said, there is no iota of truth in the statement, adding the residents would not fold their hands and watch some disgruntled elements try to derail the peace and security the residents have been enjoying.

PERFORMANCE: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (3rd left); writer and Executive Producer, Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN (2nd right), during the performance of award winning hit musical, Kakadu, with the theme, 'Lagos in a time of infinite possibilities…!,' in Lagos.

Aero Contractors' passenger plane loses tyre on landing

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

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AGOS — A Boeing 737 plane with over 100 passengers belonging to Aero Contractors had a tyre blow-out, yesterday, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos.

The aircraft, which departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, NAA, Abuja around 9a.m. had the blow-out on landing at the Lagos Airport.

One of the over 100 passengers on board the plane was the former Minister, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai who tweeted that, “Upon landing in Lagos, our Aero aircraft lost a tyre. The pilot did a great job of breaking to a halt. My phones flew under seats.”

Reacting to the incident, Mr. Yakubu Dati, coordinating spokesman, Aviation Parastatals said: “An aircraft - Boeing 737500 with Registration No. 5NBLC, operated by Aero Contractors landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, following loss of pressure in one of the tyres, today ( yesterday) December 29, 2013.”

“The aircraft which landed at 10.50a.m. had a total of 104 pas-

sengers and crew members on board.

The aircraft has since been towed to the apron, and Accident Investigation Prevention Bureau, AIPB has commenced investigation into the incident.

“We wish to assure all air travellers of their safety and caution against magnifying a manageable incident out of proportion.”

One of the directors of the air-

line who does not want his name mentioned, was quoted to have confirmed the incident. But he added that the burst tyre had been replaced immediately by the engineers of the airline.

He explained that the airline was currently waiting for the approval of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, for the aircraft to return to operations, but insisted that it was a minor inci-

dent, which is normal in aircraft operations.

It will be recalled that there has been speculation that the Federal government is considering making Aero Contractors a national carrier. The Federal Government, through AMCON, owns 60 per cent shares of the airline. The name of the airline is to be changed to Nigerian Eagle.

Tenancy law: Fashola identifies cultural beliefs as challenge

BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state has identified cultural beliefs as a challenge to the effectiveness of the 2012 tenancy law in the state.

He also attributed the hiccup encountered by some Lagosians in the ongoing residents' registration exercises to uneven utilisation of registration centres “Of the over 200 registration centres provided for data cap-

turing, some of the centres under-utilised while others are overstretched,” he said.

The governor, who was represented by the Attorney-general and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, made this known recently at a stakeholders' forum organised to mark 2, 400 days of the present administration, said that the state government "is working hard to ensure that the tenancy law becomes effective in the state."

According to him: “Despite

the effort put in place by the government, the challenge still facing the law is the cultural beliefs. At present, we are trying to inculcate the right ethics, culture and conduct on the estate managers/agents across the state.

“This is causing a difficult situation for the government. For instance, when the tenant and his landlord are signing their contract, this is done in private.

Since this is done in private, the government will not be invited to monitor it.”

Envoy says 4,000 Nigerians are studying in Canada

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AGOS — THE Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Perry Calderwood, yesterday, described the number of Nigerians studying in Canada as ‘impressive.’

Calderwood told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that at least 4,000 young Nigerians were studying in different public and private Canadian universities and colleges.

He said his home government planned to provide more

opportunities for Nigerians to study in Canadian higher institutions in 2014.

“Educational development is one very important area of our collaboration with Nigeria.

“We are delighted that many young Nigerians are today interested in studying in Canada.

“We currently have about 4,000 young Nigerians studying technical and professional courses in our higher institutions.

“In 2014, many more Nigeri-

ans will be given opportunities to study in Canada on scholarships and self-sponsorship,” the High Commissioner said.

The envoy also said there was a “growing number of contacts” between Canadian and Nigerian institutions of higher learning.

He expressed optimism that the relationship would promote transfer of knowledge between both countries.

Calderwood said that there were colleges for technical training in Canada waiting to be explored by young Nigerians.

The High Commissioner disclosed that the Canadian government planned to hold an Education Fair in Lagos and Abuja in January 2014.

He said no fewer than 50 Canadian universities and colleges would participate in the fair.

10— Vanguard , MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

Mimiko presents 2014 budget tomorrow

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE — GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State will tomorrow present the 2014 budget to the State House of Assembly.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, in Akure, yesterday, urged members of the State Executive Council, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government and other invited members of the public to attend punctually.

PDP, APC in war of words over Fashola’s performance

BY EMMANUELAZIKEN, Political Editor & BY DAPO AKINREFON

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AGOS — SENATOR Musiliu Obanikoro has deflated public adulations of the performance of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, saying that mounting debts and class discriminations make the government a failure.

The Interim Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress,

APC, in Lagos State in a sharp rebuttal dismissed the insinuations, saying that Obanikoro lacked the moral and intellectual capacity to speak.

Citing the past stints of the former senator as local government chairman and then commissioner, he said Obanikoro’s antecedents disqualified him from speaking.

Speaking in a media interaction in Lagos, weekend, Senator Obanikoro who was the Peoples

Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in the 2007 election flayed the Lagos administration for failing in the basic tenets of transparency in financial matters.

Senator Obanikoro, who is now the Chairman of the Industrial Trust Fund, ITF, flayed the administration in the state for failing in the three critical sectors of education, health and environment, as he claimed that everyone that "can afford it seeks private school

We've fixed South-West roads — FERMA

L

AGOS — MR. Oladipo Fagbamila, South-West Zonal Coordinator II, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, said yesterday, that all roads in the zone had been rehabilitated to ensure safe motoring during the festive season.

Fagbamila told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that all potholes and various road failures in the South-West Zone II had also been taken care of, to stem road mishaps.

He, however, appealed to road users to avoid reckless driving and speeding, due to the smoothness of the roads, so as to stay alive.

Don’t demonise Yoruba deities — Gani Adams

BY DAPO AKINREFON

T

HE NATIONAL coor dinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams has advised Yoruba sons and daughters to desist from labeling deities of the race as evil.

The OPC chief, who spoke during the 2013 edition of Ogun Ajobo/ Elegbera Festival, which took place in Ikorodu, said “Ogun plays a very important role in the lives of human beings. Almost all our activities revolve around this important deity. The car we drive, the air planes, we travel in, the spoon we eat with, the cutlass we use and other things are symbol of Ogun."

WEDDING: From left, Femi Thomas,Toyin Tejuoso,Ogun State governor,Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Osile Oke-Ona Egba,Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; Ogun State Commissioner for Youths & Sports,Dr. Lanre Tejuoso, at the traditional wedding ceremony of Femi Thomas and Toyin Tejuoso, in Abeokuta,weekend. Photo: Wumi Akinola

Banks owe Osun govt over N1bn taxes

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO — COMMERCIAL banks operating in Osun State are said to be owing the state government over N1bilion, being taxes deducted from their staff, withholding taxes and other forms of taxes and rates due to the state government.

The acting chairman, Osun State Internal Revenue Service IRS, Mr. Dayo Oyebanji disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen in Osogbo, weekend.

He declared that the state government had therefore directed the affected banks that all outstanding taxes, withholding taxes and others must be paid into the coffers of the state government on

or before December 31,2013, failure to which they would be sanctioned and de-listed as agents for collection of taxes in the state.

The state government also directed all banks collecting money and taxes on its behalf to within the same period, December 31, 2013, integrate into the new epayment system and ensure that all monies and taxes are promptly paid into the state government accounts for automatic revenue receipts to payers.

It frowned at delay in the sweeping or remittance of money collected on behalf of the government by banks, saying that the delay in posting revenue collected on behalf of the government through e-payment system into the general revenue account impedes flow of income.

Oyebanji, who did not mention names of the affected banks, declared that the government had resolved that non-compliant banks over integration on e-payment application shall be de-listed from revenue collection agents of the state government.

The state Internal Revenue Service, IRS, in a warning letter written to banks entitled: “Demand Notices on Liabilities from Backduty Investigation on PAYE, Withholding and Development Levy for the PAYE (Amended Liability 2012),” by Dayo Oyebanji dated December 13, 2013 reads in part: “Please, be informed that our board would be left with no other option than to disdain your bank provided you failed to settle your backduty liabilities mainly on PAYE and withholding taxes for the year 2012.

Amosun deserves second term — Obasanjo’s aide

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — THE new media aide of former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye, has said that, the party would not deny Ogun State governor, Senator

Ibikunle Amosun the second term ticket.

Oladunjoye, who was the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2011 governorship election in the state, described Amosun as an achiever, who, according to him, would boost the chance of the party in the state.

Oladunjoye, in an interview

with newsmen in Abeokuta, yesterday, affirmed that the sterling performance of the governor so far, has placed him in the best position for re-election on the platform of APC. He said: “Some elected public officers may not be able to showcase what they have done for the people. That is not the case with Governor Amosun.

education for their children.

“I'll not sit down here and tell you that we don’t have few things to celebrate in the state, but by and large, there are still many holes to fill up,” Obanikoro said even as he added that, “the overall decision I will take in terms of performance of Lagos government in the last 15 years is slightly below average,” Obanikoro said.

“People may be saying they have done some new roads, they have done this, they have done that; one, we must look at the costs of these roads and then, note that the state's debt profile is about N1 trillion as we speak today.

“I schooled in the USA, the biggest investment that country made that is still working for them is in education. We have not done such in Lagos State despite all the noise they have been making.

"As we speak today, people of Lagos are not interested and they will not voluntarily send their children to public schools in the state.

"So, how one governor can just stand up and beat his chest that he has performed still marvels me.”

“Today, our hospitals in the state are mere consulting centres. Even the consultation is minimal in the true sense of it. Everybody that is somebody now goes overseas for ordinary medical check –up.” ”Their leader and ex-governor of the state had a medical challenge recently and he was flown abroad to take care of ordinary knee injury. ”In the area of health, Lagos government has equally failed,” he said.

"They are still struggling in the area of refuse management.

“Looking at the Olusosun dumpsite at Ojota and the level of pollution that is injected to the atmosphere on daily basis says a lot about the state government that has been in power since 1999.

Where have you seen such big dumpsite operating in a metropolis anywhere in the world?”

Commenting on the allegations made by Senator Obanikoro, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, former publicity secretary, defunct Lagos State Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, now APC chieftain, said: “You are taking that Obanikoro seriously?

What does he know about simple economics or leadership? What does he know about leadership?

He does not understand the intricacies of leadership and accounting system. He was once with us and we know what he did.”

Continuing, Igbokwe alleged: “Was it not the same Obanikoro that was the chairman of Lagos Island Local Government? What does he know about accountability? Please, stop wasting your time with this kind of people.” ”What he is saying is not worth wasting energy and ink to write on. His history is very well known and he does not have the capacity to speak. He does not have the intellectual capacity to speak about economics and leadership,” the APC spokesman said.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013—11

Why I dumped PDP —AMAECHI

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME airport is that we are vocal. They Federal Government could money expended on federal don’t like us. ground helicopters it gave projects in the state, adding ORT HARCOURT— “They took Soku oil wells and approval for the state to ac- “We did Ikwerre Road fly GOVERNOR Rotimi 41 oil wells from Etche to Abia quire to intensify the anti-oil over, Interchange at Obikwere, Port Harcourt Owerri Amaechi of Rivers State has State. Should I remain in that theft crusade.

“That I am still alive func- Road, Ada George Road. All linked what he termed the kind of party? Virtually everywarm attitude of Nigerians to- thing that was coming to Rivers tioning as governor of Riv- these are federal projects we wards corruption, to one of the State had been taken to Bayelsa ers State is by the grace of have done for which the monplagues militating against the State. World Bank confirmed to Almighty God. They can ey had not been refunded.” me that they have confirmed the keep their federal might. I On the financial status of progress of the country.

Amaechi, weekend, in Port loan for water. You deny Rivers hear they say by the time the state, he said Rivers State Harcourt, on why he dumped people opportunity to have wa- they finish with Amaechi, he was not broke but facing Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ter in their homes just because will know there is federal some financial difficulties traced to diversion. for All Progressives Congress, they are quarreling with Amae- mighty,” he added.

He said the Federal Gov“We are under pressure but APC, said that Nigerians cel- chi,” he said.

He said it was shocking that the ernment was yet to refund not broke,” he said. ebrate corruption.

“We celebrate corruption.

That is part of the problems of this country.”

He explained that his fight was about promoting accountability, transparency in government and good governance, adding that the quality of leadership was part of the reasons he left PDP. He said he also left PDP when it became clear to him that the President had no development programme for Rivers State.

He said: “The South-South president is the man who feeds me. I had to fight for the work on the East-West Road.

The South-South president should have voted money for the road in 2011. Instead of Niger Delta benefiting from his government, we are losing. IWERE KINGDOM ANNUAL THANKSGIVING: From left: Governor Emmanuel UduaWhat has the President done ghan; Prince Tsola Emiko Atuwatse; His Majesty, Atuwatse II, Olu of Warri and Her Majesty for Rivers State? Our sin for Olori Atuwatse, Queen of Warri Kingdom, during the Iwere Kingdom annual Thanksgiving, the delay of the international yesterday at the Olu Palace. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

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We'll ensure normalcy returns to Kokori, says Delta A-G D

ELTA State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Charles Ajuyah, SAN, weekend, said that the state government was committed to ensuring that normalcy returned to Kokori town in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state in no distant time.

Ajuyah, who was reacting to a recent media publication, said that the government was on top of the situation in Kokori Town.

Ajuyah, who spoke to newsmen in Warri, said that the state government was closely monitoring the activities of security agents drafted to Kokori by the Federal Government. He condemned the call by some members of Kokori Progress Union, Lagos, for the withdrawal of security agents from Kokori, noting that such call was not only misinformed but premature.

He also condemned the actions of some indigenes of the community, who staged a protest at an Abuja High Court, calling for the release of an alleged kidnap kingpin, when he was being legitimately

tried before a court of law.

The presence of the military personnel, he said, was yielding good results as arms and ammunition were being recovered, while some suspects had been arrested.

He said: “It must be stressed that the presence of security personnel is still essential and only those who have things to hide

that should be worried. I wish to add that the security agencies will not rest on their oars, adopting acceptable rules of engagements until the last of the remnants of the trouble makers are arrested.

“I appeal to members of Kokori community to give useful information to the security agencies and not to shy

away from condemning the deviant behaviour of persons, who go about supporting crimes and criminality. ‘ Innocent indigenes and persons living or working in Kokori are advised to go about their normal activities without fear as the government is concerned about their well-being.”

2015: Onuesoke berates Northern elders region, it belongs to all of us over Jonathan and President Jonathan has

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—FORMER Delta State governorship aspirant, Mr Sunny Onuesoke, yesterday, described as mischievous, comments credited to Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and Northern Elders Forum, NEF, asking President Goodluck Jonathan to stand down for a northern president in 2015.

Speaking to newsmen in his Agbarha-Otor country home, while playing host to over 2,000 youths of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Onuesoke warned Northern leaders against comments that could worsen the seeming friction

between the South and North.

Noting that southerners had always supported Northern Presidency in the political history of the country, he stressed the need for northerners to support President Jonathan in 2015, adding that “Jonathan means well for Nigerians. He is a detribalised leader who is determined to move the country forward.

“Since 1960 when Nigeria gained independence, this is the first time that a Niger Deltan is governing us. Our Northern leaders should watch their comments. Nigeria as a country does not belong to one

the right to contest the 2015 elections.

“No section of the country has the monopoly to govern Nigeria. It is painful that a region that is blessed with oil is not being allowed to preside over the affairs of a country whose resources are being used to develop it.

“We the people of Niger Delta are resolute on Jonathan's reelection in 2015 and the likes of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his Northern cohorts cannot make good Nigerians, who are in majority change their support base for Jonathan.”

Rights groups seek Obasanjo's prosecution over Odi massacre

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA— CIVIL Liberties Organisation, CLO, and civil societies from the six geo-political zones of the country, have concluded plans to form a new coalition and intensify campaign for the prosecution of former President Olusegun Obasanjo over the 1999 military invasion and destruction of Odi community in Bayelsa State.

The proposed coalition, according to the CLO, is expected to put machinery in motion to effect the prosecution of former President Obasanjo and his collaborators at the International Court of Justice, ICJ. In a paper presented at the 13th anniversary of Odi military invasion, the CLO Chairman, Bayelsa State chapter, Chief Nengi James, said that though the people of Odi community had done the needful and instituted a lawsuit against the Federal Government before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and secured fair judgment, the proposed coalition will not rest until the former President was prosecuted and indicted.

Onokpite buried amidst tears

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ITIZENS Peoples Party, CPP, candidate in the 2011 governorship election in Delta State, Chief Ogbe Onokpite, was weekend, buried amidst tears at his home town, UgoloOkpe, in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.

The officiating minister, Apostle Henry Ofuoye, in his message, advised sympathizers present to always speak the truth, as it was the only thing that would save them on the last day.

According to him, “it was the truth and outright refusal of oppression that led to Onokpite's death. It is better to die as a hero of truth than to die as a deceiver and corrupt person.”

It will be recalled that Onokpite was killed November 26, 2011 at Orhuwhorun, in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State by some policemen over alleged gun running.

12— Vanguard , MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

Rights groups flay detention of journalists in Bayelsa

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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sick.

According to the group, armed men invaded Okio's Abuja home on October 26, 2013 and whisked him away on the accusation that he published a rumour on the social media platform, insinuating that a serving South-South governor was arrested in the United States in connection with financial crime involving $5 million.

He alleged that “Mr. Okio was abducted from his Abuja residence by agents of Bayelsa State

governor. He is in prison where he is being subjected to deliberately harsh and dehumanising conditions. Currently, due to the kind of food Okio has been fed with, he is weak, malnourished and may die unless urgent action was taken to save this Nigerian citizen. We insist that he should be released now. Tomorrow may be too late.

“The victim, Okio, spent Christmas in detention with

hardened criminals, denied access to his family. He will spend the new year in prison where he has been detained. As we stand before you today (yesterday), in freedom, a fellow Nigerian is suffering unimaginable political persecution.”

The second journalist, Mr. Esinte, according to them was arrested on two occasions for his facebook postings.

WO rights groups, yesterday, lamented the continued detention of two journalists in Bayelsa State, despite their deteriorating health conditions.

The groups, Journalists For Democratic Rights, JODER and Nigerian Human Rights Community, NHRC, at a joint press briefing on alleged increase in human rights violations in the state, said that as the new year celebration approaches, some Nigerians, including the journalists, will spend their holiday behind bars on the order of the state government.

The groups, in a statement read by Samuel Olorunwa, alleged that the journalists, Tonye Okio, a social media practitioner and Melford Esinte, were arrested at different times. He said that Okio was arrested in his Abuja home and had to spend the Christmas in detention on the directive of the state government.

He said that Okio was abducted from his residence and was detained under harsh and dehumanising conditions, adding that the experience he IWERE KINGDOM ANNUAL THANKSGIVING: Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, CAN President went through made him to fall (right) and Dr. Mark Erumi, Chaplain of Warri Kingdom, during the Iwere Kingdom annual thanksgiving, yesterday at the Olu Palace. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Omoigui-Okauru advocates credible tax collection institutions

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—FORMER Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okaru, weekend, said that government must build credible institutions that are saddled with the responsibility of collecting taxes from citizens.

According to her, building of organised institutions that are efficient and reliable, would motivate individuals to pay their taxes without coercion.

She spoke at a stakeholders sensitisation workshop and 2day management retreat, organised by Edo State Board of internal Revenue.

Stressing the need for Nigerians to pay their taxes to government, she noted that government must provide basic amenities for the people so as to convince them that their taxes were not going into private pockets.

She said: “The revenue service needs to change and be a more organised entity that will give the public the confidence to voluntarily paying taxes and do it in a manner that is efficient and convenient to the

tax payer. Our revenue services need to change in several directions, need to be more automated, have more quality staff, better structure and need to communicate better to tax payers in a transparent manner. So they are

not just told what tax to pay, but they know how the taxes are computed.

“It is the responsibility of government to demonstrate to tax payers the benefit of the taxes they are paying, not

in a general sense such as in roads or schools, but in a more immediate sense such as in the area where the tax payer is based, so that the taxpayer can feel the benefit of the tax he is paying in his/ her own community.”

Uduaghan blames govt failure on cronies

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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ARRI—EMINENT sons and daughters of Itsekiri nation, yesterday, held their annual thanksgiving service at the Olu of Warri Palace, which afforded Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, an opportunity to defend his stewardship since he assumed office in 2007.

Responding to a charge by the National Presbyter of Church of God Mission, Rev. Eruebi Friday, who preached the only sermon of the day, Uduaghan, accompanied by his wife, Roli, his deputy, Prof.

Amos Utuama and wife, the three senators representing the state and many other politicians from the state, said that politicians often send good messages, but messengers often deliver bad products.

According to him, when he

came on board in 2007, “one of the things I tried to do was to reopen schools that were affected by the crisis, the deputy governor was the chairman. And there was a particular community school that was given to an Itsekiri contractor, what did he do?

He sold the contract to a man, made his profit, but the money left for the man was not enough to execute the contract.

“And this is our own community. What messenger can be worse than that? So, when the preacher was talking about message and messengers and all that, we come across many messengers who do not carry the right messages.

“Just three days ago, we launched some buses, 30 big

ones, 100 small ones, the total buses now is about 800.

Two days ago, I was watching television and saw some of these buses that the state government is paying half of the bus fare. The bus fare is subsidised by 50 per cent by the state government.

“That is if you are supposed to pay N100 for Delta State buses, the passenger should pay N50 and the state government pays N50. And we are giving these subsidy to the people we gave the buses to, but what are they doing? I saw on television that some of the operators are forcing bus drivers to bring a minimum amount, which means that the passengers have to pay more than the 50 per cent they are supposed to pay."

Group demands appointment of Provost for Delta College

BY FESTUS AHON

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G H E L L I — CONCERNED Staff of College of Physical Education, Mosogar, COPEM, has called on Delta State Government to appoint a substantive provost for the institution.

The body, in a statement

by Mr. Godfrey Barn, said the call became necessary due to the urgent need to reposition the institution for greater academic performance.

Noting that Acting Provost, Mr. Omayui Moses, had done his best, the group said that the appointment of a substantive provost would pave way for speedy development of the only sports institution in the state.

The statement read: “We believe Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan meant well for the college by constituting its Governing Council.

“The Governing Council has interviewed and shortlisted three persons for the position of a substantive provost since May 21, 2013, but till date, none of these persons shortlisted had been approved by the governor.

“The college staff, hereby, call on the governor to appoint a substantive provost for the college. "

Uduaghan eulogises Iwerebor

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—DELTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has expressed grief over the death of elder statesman and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain, Chief Humphrey Iwerebor, who passed away on Boxing Day, noting that the late political icon played a stabilising role during and after former Governor James Ibori's era.

Uduaghan, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sunny Ogefere, described the death of Iwerebor as a big loss, not only to his immediate family and the Ika nation, but to the PDP and the entire people of the state.

“The death of Chief Iwerebor is coming at a time that we would have needed his wise counsel and directions in the affairs of our state and party in the build-up to 2015 elections."

13 Vanguard , MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

Confab very critical, says Gov Obi

BY VINCENTUJUMADU

A

WKA—GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State has said that the proposed national dialogue was very critical at the present stage of Nigeria’s development.

Obi was reacting to a statement credited to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi, that the national dialogue would amount to a futile exercise.

But speaking after a church service at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Umudioka, to mark the centenary celebration of the advent of Catholic Church in the area, Obi said President Jonathan should even be commended for his courage and statesmanship in trying to organize the national dialogue.

Obi said: “Chief Martin Elechi is a father to us governors in the South-East. I have not spoken with him on the comments credited to him. I believe very honestly that the comments were sensationalised.

“He is a man of wisdom who chooses his words before uttering them. I cannot comment on what he said or did not say until I speak with him to know the context in which he spoke.

“To me, communication gap is one of the factors that trigger crisis in the country and it is about time we told ourselves the truth.

“There are many things in the country that need clarification, definition and agreement. It is

better we resolve these things through the meeting of minds, rather than arbitrariness of strife and dissension.”

He stressed the need for Nigerians to give total support to the initiative, insisting that the

best way to move forward is for Nigerians to sit down and deliberate on the future of the country in order to chart a new course for enduring peace, stability and progress.

INSTALLATION: Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State (right), receiving a pleque after his cheiftaincy installation as "Okpohuru Mba 1 of Asaland" from the chairman of Ukwa West council of traditional rulers, HRM, Eze Goddy Ukanna, during a civic reception organised in honour of the governor by Asaland in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.

Ex-Imo CJ worries over poor state of LGs

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BY CHIDINKWOPARA

WERRI—THE immediate past Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Paul Onumajulu, has decried the comatose state of local government councils in the state.

According to him, local government administration ought to be the hub of development in the state.

Justice Onumajulu, who spoke in Owerri at a seminar organised by the Public Complaints Commission, PCC, said: “If those that determine the affairs of this country, the states and local governments and officers that serve under such governments are not constantly reminded of the wrongs they commit in the course

of their administration, this country would be heading for the precipice.”

He noted that occasionally, organs of government such as PCC should organize seminars at which their responsibilities, duties and functions should be brought

O

Matters Act. “What you think, say or do may be wrong in their various applications and if they are wrong, it behoves members of the public to run to the Commission to lay their complaint,” Onumajulu said.

I’m preparing to leave office —ORJI

BY ANAYOOKOLI MUAHIA—WITH over one year and five months left to end his tenure, Abia State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, said he had started preparing to leave office.

He said that explained the

U

Nigerians urged to support FG on national dialogue

BY CHIDINKWOPARA WERRI—NIGERIANS have been urged to cooperate with the federal government in ensuring that the proposed national conference was held successfully.

The South East Zonal Coordinator, University of Jos Alumni Association, UJAA, Sir Ned Ulelu, made the appeal while welcoming participants to the quarterly meeting of the Association.

“There is no doubt that there is urgent need for Nigerians to come together in a conference by

to the knowledge of the common man.

“The law that established this institution spread its dragnet so wide that it covers all tiers of government. It extends to companies incorporated under the Companies and Allied

whatever name, sovereign or not, to address the contentious issues and challenges that have been threatening the unity of our dear nation, Nigeria,” Ulelu said.

While commending President Goodluck Jonathan for his bold decision to hold the conference and for promptly appointing the Presidential Advisory Committee to chart the course, Ulelu also called for full implementation of decisions reached.

“It is our wish and desire that decisions reached at the National Conference should be sincerely and faithfully implemented,” he said.

reason he was setting up some solid projects in the state to serve as the legacies he will be remembered for.

The governor said the first day he became governor, he knew his tenure would end one day, and started planning his exit from the first day, with a promise to himself to leave behind solid legacies for the people.

Governor Orji, who spoke during an end of year interactive session with journalists in the state, expressed joy that his administration had done well.

According to Orji, his major aim in governance was to touch the life of the people positively, which he has accomplished considerably.

“Our days are drawing near.

The first day I came here I started preparing knowing that the tenure will one day end.

“But I promised myself that I will be very much fulfilled to leave positive legacies behind in the state to show my

presence. That has been my primary concern.

“We had our initial constraints which every person can have but when we overcame it things turned around for good. We are fighting for the good of every person.

“We are working to touch the life of the people that is what democracy is all about, to touch the people positively.

“It is not easy. Nobody can touch the life of everybody but the life of majority,” Governor Orji said.

On the performance of his administration, Orji gave himself a pass mark, and assured that he would not relent till his tenure finally ended.

“Nobody can say that this government is not performing.

Any person who writes against the true situation of things on ground you, will defend me because you are here and the projects are real and there for people to see. I have performed so you can defend me,” he said

Minister lauds Jonathan over health sector devt

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BY TONYEDIKE

NUGU—MINISTER of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, has declared that the nation’s health sector has witnessed tremendous improvement under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, saying some Nigerians who still travel abroad for medical attention might well be doing that for the fun of it.

He specifically noted the feat achieved by the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Enugu and University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan in Open Heart Surgery.

He noted that the President’s tranformation agenda in the health sector had begun to yield the required dividends.

The UNTH has since March, when it resumed Open Heart (Cardiothoracic) Surgery successfully, handled over 40 cases, while the UCH also commenced similar surgery for the first time last month.

Cleric tasks Christians on Christ’s teachings

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K U R E — CHRISTIANS have been charged to inculcate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in their daily interactions and dealings .

Making this plea was Reverend Ademola Adeyi, Chaplain of the Chapel of Faith, Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, during the institution’s Carol Service which took place at the New Auditorium of FUTA. Reverend Adeyi, who gave a short homily at the service, urged Christians to follow the footsteps of the three wise men that diligently sought and found baby Jesus and became part of the historic birth.

He said it was important for individuals to be light bearers to show the goodness and mercy of Jesus to the people around them.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, said the occasion was put together for the FUTA community to key into the season of goodwill heralded by the

14—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

We’ll pass PIB in 2014, says Rep

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE B U J A — CHAIRMAN, House Committee on Petroleum Resources, downstream sector, Dakuku Peterside, has said the National Assembly would pass the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, next year.

Peterside, who made this disclosure at the weekend said ”both legislative chambers are at the top of the PIB and I’m sure we will pass it in 2014. “ He explained that “the PIB is at a stage we call the technical session where the committees involved look at the bill holistically before formal presentation for adoption.”

On the frosty relationship between the House of Representatives and the executive arm of government, the Rivers legislator simply said: “As far as the House is concerned, there is no rancour between us.

On our part we legislate and if the executive fail to execute we compel them to do so. “

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Iyetade Soyinka passes on

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HE SOYINKA family has announced the passing away of Iyetade Soyinka.

Iyetade Soyinka was born on June 6, 1965, in Ibadan. She attended Staff School and Queens School, Ibadan, before reading Medicine at the University of Ibadan.

Affable, intelligent and sometimes capricious, Iyetade struggled with her health in recent years. In spite of this, she greeted every day with a smile and doted on her two children.

She took ill quite suddenly and passed away, while being treated at UCH, Ibadan.

Iyetade leaves behind two children, both parents, numerous siblings and other relations.

COMMISSIONING: From right-Former Minister, Petroleum, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, Emperor Chris Baywood-Ibe, chairman, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Mr. Ezekiel Adeniyi, representing President Goodluck Jonathan, Empress Pat Baywood-Ibe and others, at the commissioning of the 8.5km Agbogugu-Isu-Awaa, Agbodu Road in Enugu State, yesterday.

2015: Campaigners declare President ‘wanted’

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

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B U J A — A LT H O U G H President Jonathan is yet to formally declare his interest for a second term in 2015, groups and individuals working for him, yesterday, took their campaign for his reelection to a new level with posters declaring the President ‘wanted’ in relation to the 2015 contest.

The campaign materials with Jonathan’s pictures, were posted at many locations in the Federal Capital Territory by a group, Men and Women of Action Campaign Team.

The A3-sized coloured poster showing President Jonathan in his traditional Ijaw attire with cap to match, listed several reasons the President should return to Aso Rock in 2015 and continue to rule Nigeria.

The poster had the following message embossed on it: “Wanted! Wanted!! Wanted!!!”

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCON, GCFR, if you see this man, kindly return him to Aso Villa in 2015 because he needs to complete the following: The power (electricity) sector, the road projects, railway projects, airport projects etc.

He has also brought good fortune to Nigeria-Cup of Nations, Under 17 World Cup and Brazil 2014 qualification, peace in the Niger Delta and in the North.

“Remember how he solved the fuel (energy) problems years ago. Goodluck Nigeria,” the group said.

When our correspondent

called the phone number listed as that of the group’s National Coordinator, a male voice, who identified himself as Solomon Akaya, answered and admitted placing the posters in the FCT. Akaya said the group

decided on its own to mount the re-election campaign for Jonathan even without contacting him, because of what they claimed was the president’s superb performance in office so far.

Akaya said, “We have seen

that Jonathan has done so well in office and that is what informed our decision to start campaigning for him. We did not consult anyone; not even the president before we started the campaign.”

Jonathan commissions road, classroom constructed by Enugu philantropist

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NUGU—IT was celebration at the weekend, as President Goodluck Jonathan commisioned an 8.5 kilometre road, ultra-modern classroom block and church auditorium built by Enugu State philanthropist, Emperor Chris Baywood-Ibe, President/CEO of Baywood Continental Limited.

The celebration began with a church service at the

Cathedral Church of St Mark Anglican Communion, presided over by the most Revd.

Amos Madu, Archbishop Province of Enugu and Bishop of OjiRiver Diocese. Rt Revd.

Emmanuel A. Ugwu Bishop of the Awgu/Aninri diocese delivered the sermon.

In his sermon, Rt Revd.

Ugwu advised the congregation to emulate the example of Baywood-Ibe, as

FG has succeeded in stamping out terrorism —MAKU

BY EMMANUELELEBEKE B U J A — I N F O R M AT I O N Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku, has said that the Federal Government has succeeded in containing terrorism in the North Eastern part of of the country in the last one year.

Maku stated this while reeling out the scorecard of the Federal Government in 2013 in a phonein programme on Radio Nigeria.

He said the massive deployment of men and materials through the establishment of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri was key to the

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dislodgement of insurgents in the area.

Mr. Maku who is also the Supervising Minister of Defence, said due to the huge investments required to set up an Army Division, government had prioritised the provision of funds to construct military barracks and other formations and infrastructure as well as the training of personnel and the provision of the necessary equipment to wipe out the activities of insurgents operating in the North East.

He gave an indication that the Nigerian is working to secure the support of Cameroun to halt the infiltration of the country by insurgents.

it was more blessed to give than to receive. He thanked the donor for single-handedly building the 8.5km road, which had long been abandoned by successive administrations in the state, and prayed that God continued to provide for him and his family.

The Awgu/Aninri diocese of the Anglican Communion used the occasion to honour the multimillionaire philanthropist and his wife with the titles of Father of eminence and Mother of eminence respectively.

The Awgu traditional rulers council also used the occasion to thank the donor and present him with an award to show the appreciation of the community.

Immediately after the church service, the projects were commissioned one after another, as the people celebrated.

First to be commissioned was an ultra-modern primary school block, followed by the Church Auditorium and the 8.5km Agbogugu, Isu-Awaa, Agbudu by President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by the Chairman of Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Engr Ezekiel Adeniji. While commissioning the road, Mr Adeniji stated that as a professional, he had first taken the pains to inspect the road to assess its quality.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013—15

Plateau to spend N2.6bn on security vehicles, equipment in 2014

Benue APC chieftain, supporters defect to PDP

BY PETER DURU

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BY TAYE OBATERU

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OS—THE Plateau State government plans to spend N2.6 billion on the purchase of security equipment, vehicles and assets in 2014, as part of efforts to tackle the security challenges facing the state.

The figure is almost N1 billion more that the N1.7 billion spent for the same purpose in the outgoing year during which series of attacks, mostly in local communities, were recorded.

The figures were contained in the state’s 2014 Appropriation Bill presented to the state House of Assembly by Governor Jonah Jang, totaling N228.7 billion for capital and recurrent expenditure.

He disclosed that N275 million was spent on rehabilitation of internally displaced persons and the purchase of relief materials in the outgoing year.

He said efforts would be made to improve on the performance of the 2013 budget which, according to him, achieved about 53 per cent of the approved capital expenditure for the year.

Kwara LG uncovers 339 ghost workers

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MU—ARAN, K W A R A — CHAIRMAN of Irepodun Local Government Council in Kwara State, Alhaji Luqman Owolewa, said the council discovered 339 ghost workers on its monthly pay roll.

Owolewa said at Omu-Aran, headquarters of the council, that an audit committee would soon be set up to scrutinise the council’s pay system.

He said the audit committee became necessary to fish out more “ghost workers” and correct other anomalies in the council’s pay process.

The chairman said that the result of his assessment of the workers few weeks after assumption of duty showed that out of the 839 workers on the council’s pay roll, only 500 were genuine staff members.

He added that “ when I assumed duty in November, I was surprised at the few number of workers reporting for duty and this prompted my undertaking a personal assessment to know what was wrong."

Members of the Catholic Men Organisation, CMO, of Christ The King Catholic Church, Akowonjo, Lagos, singing during the Nine Lessons and Carols of the Parish.

Criminals behind Tiv farmers, Fulani herdsmen clash — Gov Suswam ...inaugurates c'ttee to fish out masterminds of crisis

BY PETER DURU

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AKURDI—GOVERNOR Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, yesterday, said some yet to be identified criminals, under the guise of Fulani herdsmen have been attacking and killing Tiv indigenes in the state.

Recall that there were killings in Guma, Gwer West and Makurdi local government areas by men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

He also constituted a high powered committee to collaborate with security agencies to fish out the masterminds of the crisis that has in recent time claimed over 650 lives.

This was part of the decision reached at a security meeting called by Governor Suswam on the heels of the recent outbreak of fresh fighting between Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen in the state.

The meeting had in attendance, the Minister of State, Trade and Investments, Dr. Samuel Ortom, the Tor Tiv, Orchivere Akawe Torkula, other paramount rulers, the clergy and political leaders drawn from Guma, Gwer, Makurdi and Gwer West local government areas of the state, considered the hotbed of the Tiv/Fulani crisis.

Suswam told newsmen that he was compelled to call the meeting “in view of the dimension the crisis was taking and the urgent need to arrest the masterminds of the skirmishes."

Suswam said: "We believe strongly that those responsible for this crisis are certainly not Tiv farmers but criminals who are determined to frustrate genuine efforts of government to stem the fighting.

"That is why we have decided to set up this high powered committee which will be headed by a retired

Permanent Secretary, and its membership will comprise high ranking Benue indegenes who will work closely with security agencies to arrest the criminals behind the unending bloodbath."

The governor, who assured that the committee would also collaborate with Fulani herdsmen to find lasting solution to the crisis, sued for calm and peaceful coexistence

among all the ethnic groups in the state.

Vanguard recalled that few days to Christmas, fighting between native Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsman erupted at Nzorov and Gbajimba and later spilled into Agasha, Guma local government area, on Boxing Day leaving over 15 persons dead while property and farmland worth millions of Naira were also destroyed.

Obanikoro laments uncontrolled influx of expatriate workers

AKURDI—THE Chairman, Benue State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Electoral Matters and All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain representing Gboko East State Constituency, Mr. Dehiin Dzuai, weekend, defected to the ruling PDP with well over eight thousand of his followers.

Receiving the former opposition leader and his supporters into the PDP at the J.S.Tarka Square Gboko, Governor Gabriel Suswam lauded the lawmaker for dumping the opposition for mainstream politics.

Suswam maintained that “opposition parties have little or nothing to offer this country and Benue State in particular, hence your decision is a step in the right direct.”

While assuring the decampees that the party would not discriminate against them, the governor also promised to construct a road linking Gboko to Gwer Local Government Area as compensation for their decision.

"We will treat you equally and the party will never abandon you, we’re all equal joiners and members irrespective of where you are coming from, that is why the PDP is unique; I assure you that Nigeria and Benue State will continue to be under the umbrella in 2015,” he said.

2015: Youths vow to resist violent politicians

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN HAIRMAN of Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has expressed caution over the continued importation into the country of skilled labour currently available in the country.

Obanikoro in a briefing in Lagos, weekend, also expressed regrets at what he described as the shortage of funds by the fund as a result of the failure of government agencies.

While noting the strides of the fund since the advent of the new governing board, Senator Obanikoro said: “May I be quick to add at this moment that it is a sad commentary on our nation that up till this moment in our life as a nation, skilled workforce is still imported into our country from other parts of the world,

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particularly from neighbouring countries.” He promised the determination of the ITF Council to stop the development.

Noting the poor response of contributors to the fund, Senator Obanikoro called on stakeholders to make prompt payment to enable the body carry out its statutory responsibilities.

“It is also in the same breadth that I urge all employers of labour that are liable under the ITF Amended Act to meet their statutory obligation by promptly remitting their contribution.

"Although, responses to the Act have considerably improved, a greater percentage of potential contributors are still not remitting. The provision of necessary infrastructure for skills acquisition is capital intensive and a very expensive venture, which will be made easier, if everybody fulfills their obligation.”

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IGERIAN youths have vowed to resist self-serving politicians who usually use them to perpetrate electoral fraud and violence during elections.

This was the consensus by youth organisations at an event organised by the Patriotic Vanguard in Lagos.

In a communique signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Adeshina Animasaun, the youths agreed “that Nigerian youths must be involved in the Nigerian project via participation in communal and national development through programmes and actions initiated by governments; that there must be a nationwide awareness campaign on non-violence approach to issues of inter-ethnic difference by the youth across Nigeria; that Nigerian youth across ethnic lines must renew our commitment to the continued existence of Nigeria as a nation, because we believe in one indivisible Nigeria.”

16 Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013 WHEN 13-year-old Daniel Oikhena squeezed himself into the tyre compartment of an aircraft, with the belief that he would end up in America, his action sent a strong message of desperation migration, driven by frustration.

Government officials, who should be shame-faced, for making life in Nigeria hell, celebrated the young boy’s heroics. He could have died like other desperate persons who tried to migrate through irregular circumstances.

Migration is an essential aspect of human existence. Human beings and animals move from hostile to more life sustaining environments. Migration plays pivotal roles in the advancement of civilizations. In recent times, migration has sparked off debates especially in destination countries whose political establishments are sensitive to its socio-economic pressures and demographic consequences.

Emigration in Africa, especially in subSaharan Africa, has been tumultuous. While migration is a constant feature in the continent, the pattern has changed from forced migrations, as exemplified in slave trade, to voluntary migrations in search of the golden fleece.

Dangerous Migration, Poor Governance Political instability, lack of economic opportunities, bad governance natural disasters, escape from persecution or quest for knowledge and leisure, have over time remained as key precipitating factors for net movement of people from Africa. A new wave of migration is inspired by the desire to be part of the globalisation and promises of a better life. Desperation drives this type of immigration.

Recently, about 87 persons perished in the Sahara Desert from lack of drinking water.

More die crossing the Mediterranean in rickety boats. Dangerous as the routes have been for centuries, human trafficking syndicates exhort money from desperate young people with promises to assist them to

Europe.

Many of them have been killed and their organs become commodities in the global human organs trade. Those who moved southwards notably to Central and Southern Africa either succeeded or met with fatal fate.

It is disheartening that millions of those trapped in this desperation are young people, full of life and energy, people whose sweat and blood should build national wealth. They prefer to die in dangerous migration because life in their countries has become meaningless.

The fault lies at the doorsteps of governments. Poor leaders and the quality of governance cause desperate migration.

Even when life in their destinations may not be rosy, promises that they could find opportunities to explore, provides the impetus for the would-be immigrants. They believe the risk is worth taking.

The lessons of the Arab spring are strong and evident enough for governments to realise that their mandate is to promote the common good, through policies that make life meaningful. Where governments fail, people search for survival outside their countries; not minding the search could cost them their lives.

OPINION

BY KUNLE OYATOMI

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HE announcement last week by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun that plans are afoot to create 27 more local councils in the state adds some more momentum to the revolutionary strides we are already witnessing under this administration. The state will then have 57 local governments across its 3,572 square miles with its 4,137, 627 (2005 estimates) citizens enjoying what 21st political economists call real-time (or first-hand) development and governance.

I’m not here suggesting that the existing 30 councils and Area Office have not been savouring the magic of Ogbeni Aregbesola since he secured the people’s mandate in 2010. No, God forbid! What I’m saying is that 27 more councils will bring the dividends of democracy closer to our people at the grassroots scene. It is simply deepening the essence of the universally acceptable concept of modern democracy as aptly captured by Abraham Lincoln: government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Aregbesola was unequivocal about this strong consideration of the interest of the people in influencing the decision the government has taken. He declared: “The basis for the exercise (creation of new LGs) was the genuine desire and consent of the people of Osun.” The Governor invoked the constitutionality of his administration’s action and asserted the supremacy of the will of those who put him in power when he declared: “We are simply not ready to confront anybody or

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Osun: New perspectives on grassroot development the Federal Government but we are working on a constitution to grant the wishes of our people. Osun will be the first to constitutionally create local governments …. The difference between what we are seeking to do from others is that we have not in any way influenced this. It is the genuine desire of the people for self-government or expression of having control of their own affairs.”

And taking a cue from the Supreme Court ruling on the matter of council creation in Lagos State years back, Osun is setting up development areas and not local government councils. This is a radical stroke in line with the apex court’s verdict that such development areas “have come into legal existence once a bill to such effect is passed by the State’s House of Assembly and assented to by the Governor.” With the fulfillment of two key conditions for the new councils to come into being, the stage is set for a more rapid transformation of the state of Osun.

Indeed getting government and its goodies closer to the people is the main objective of the devolution of the paraphernalia of administration.

If all the world hailed the APC administration of Aregbesola for his massive achievements in 30 local councils, it is certain that the decibel of applause will reach more thunderous levels where such achievements touch citizens of 57 local governments.

I’m referring to such sterling

performance as the unprecedented O’YES scheme. Through it, Aregbesola employed 20,000 youths at a go during his first 100 days in office, thus enabling the Osun economy to receive hundreds of millions of naira every month through the stipends he gives to the young boys and girls. This bold initiative takes the youths from the streets and reduces crime while also taming hunger and creating wealth and work. The number is now 40,000 youths with the second batch on.

How about the Ogbeni’s Midas’s touch in education? In the preceding regime of PDP, school enrolment was depressingly low, portending a bleak future of illiterate citizens of Osun. Aregbesola has reversed the situation so significantly that today the National Bureau of Statistics (a Federal agency) rates Osun as the leader in Primary School enrolment for pupils.

How did it happen? A condusive atmosphere for learning is in phase, modern structures, grants, free daily nutritious meals, and revolutionary learning methods such as the free provision of Opon Imo (tablet of knowledge), culturalisation of school uniforms (adire) etc. etc. The school system killed by PDP in Osun is back from the grave, thanks to Aregbesola’s APC.

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ow about infrastructure? Dualised highways and roads have been expanded and modernised in each of the 30 council areas of Osun to improve the

transportation of goods and services for the emerging development envisaged by the government with an unprecedented rail project at Dagbolu. Similarly, hospitals, agricultural markets, water works and cottage industries are dotting the landscape of Osun to givethe state the reputable tag of one “huge construction site”, as one keen observer puts it. In pushing for 27 more local governments therefore Ogbeni Aregbesola is championing the pristine cause of democracy, namely taking government and all its good deliveries his administration is offering good health, sound education, empowerment, employment, welfare, security, in a word, the good life, to the doorstep of the grassroots.

In addition, 0sun's LG system will run a parliamentary mechanism,never before operated in Nigeria. It will reduce the cost of governance by 25 percent. These are the issues that should influence the citizens, the electorate and observers as the 2014 gubernatorial ballot draws close. The discerning public should not be hoodwinked by deceit and propaganda of the enemies of Osun that the creation of more local councils is to make way for jobs-for-the-boys syndrome as it was with the previous regime.

*Mr. Oyatomi, is Director publicity, Research and Strategy, APC, Osun State.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013— —41

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VERY country that strives to attain true independence must be able to feed herself. There must be industries in place to produce both agricultural-end products and spare parts that will keep the engines and tools working.

It is therefore heartwarming, that our Ministers - trade and industry, finance and agriculture have taken a critical view of our present situation of total dependence on imported items and have chosen to adopt import substitution measures. What this implies is that, the government will either ban out-rightly, or impose heavy duties on items that can be locally produced here in Nigeria. This will encourage growth for our local industries and also create opportunities for the army of youths out there, looking for employment.

Right from the days of Yakubu Gowon, as head of state of Nigeria, our policies have never lacked planning; we remember, the rolling plans of yore in the seventies and most recently vision 20:20 and the NEEDS of the Soludo era. Nigerians are in fact great planners and thinkers. When you go through these plans on paper, you cannot but, give credit to the minds that have conceived it. The question now is; why have we failed to translate all these great concepts into reality? If something has been conceived as workable - having gone through the highest ruling body in the

country - it is assumed that the processes to make it work, have been included in the planning. If all of these ones have been taken into consideration, why do our plans fail to work?

After the second world war, the United States of America introduced a Marshall plan to bring Germany and other war ravaged areas back to main stream living - through infra structural developments and other means. The execution worked according to the plans and today Germany has the strongest economy in Europe. Why do plans succeed elsewhere and fail in Nigeria?

Can we say that it is a sabotage on the part of a negligible few people,feeding fat on the system?

Is it a lack of political will on the part of people in government or a lack of proper focus and vision? Is it a testimony of our vagrant civil service, lacking in patriotism and integrity? Is it in our multi-ethnic configuration, that will not make us see anything good, apart from our ethnic leanings? Is it a conspiracy of the Super Powers to keep us dependent on their technology - comatose Ajaokuta steel and others - knowing that a giant Nigeria is a threat to their interest? Finally, is it the ineptitude of our combined uniform services - Army, Police, Navy, Air Force,Customs, Civil Defence, Immigration et al - to keep away the unwanted from our shores?

Let us attempt to find some answers, with case studies of two

A good policy doesn't need any prompting to work. Let us keep politics outside this business

of our recent policies aimed at boosting local production. I am talking about our policies as it affects rice and the " tokunboh" (fairly used imported) vehicles.

Our government increased the tariff for imported rice in January, with a view to encourage local farmers to plant and cultivate the product. In doing this, the government placed a ban on importation through the land borders. If everyone had thought that this policy will work, they were jolted by the activities of rice smugglers. All through the year, almost zero rice was imported through our official channels, yet foreign smuggled rice flood the market. Our farmers now, cannot sell their products to the rice millers at a profit, as they cannot compete with smuggled rice prices. So, local production is stalled.

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s I write, smuggled rice is still coming in droves, even at day times. Our local importers are losing revenue, our ports are losing revenue and revenue that is to accrue to the government through the Customs is lost. The

Delta: The Third FFor or ce tto o the rescue orce

BY EFEROVO IGHO

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HEN in 1999 an apparently diabolical team swarmed into government in Delta State, little did we expected that their vicious and dreadful siege on our treasury would last for 16 years.

Two to three years into their messing up the hard-earned democracy, creating and confronting us with instant Augean stable and completely rubbishing our sensibilities, some of us counted it obligatory then to stand out and fight. We knew we were out to confront a monstrous system, but that was not to matter to us.

About a year and half after our enlistment, Great Ogboru returned from exile and ‘came calling’! The opposition was quickly inclined to collapse all its structures and put them behind him, and I was ready to turn over to him and his dream my media machine which I had hitherto put behind the opposition and behind Fred Brume during the infamous Ibori-Amori resource control tomfoolery which was only meant to get more monies into the personal global accounts of the spoilers of our treasuries. At the time Ogboru joined us in the struggle, there was no doubt in our minds that Ogboru will be a change agent of some sort if he could but make it to the State House, which explains why I did scores of articles for him including few elaborate interviews I granted the press.

But for about 12 years now since we stitched together in the struggle and we readily ensconced him on the driving seat, he kept navigating wrongly anytime he gets the mandate; always getting the mandate to no end because, as it turned out, he knows nothing about the end-battle or the battle between getting ashore, which the people’s mandates have been, and walking with the mandates to the State House, the ultimate terminus. Always failing to evolve a tack but believing the same method will always

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bring different result! He has no strategy to make things difficult for buyers of INEC staff (permanent or ad hoc) and Police officers’ consciences; no strategy to stymied that; and, of course, we come to sense that his antecedents has not enthralled INEC and Police personnel enough to the point of their resisting and refusing to be bought by the spoilers of society, nothing in the past that tells them (these government personnel and ad hoc staff of INEC) that Ogboru is a friend, one of them and that in him they have a sparkling future which they must protect and fight for by not selling out their consciences (to the Ibori clan) because of a pot of porridge which translates to ruining their guaranteed future fortune. Their lenses have not seen an Oshiomhole in him. That is to say too that they, probably, see him therefore as not really being drastically different from those spoilers of society, and so are readily willing to be induced and suborned by our treasury profligates and their carrots that blinds; that blinds these receivers’ eyes to the sticks, pains and hopelessness of the past and of the future.

Consequently, these spoilers of Delta State are still there today only changing from the brute daredevil lions of yesterday to the lurking devious serpents of today, the former doing the stealing foolishly and recklessly and the latter cunningly and deviously. The result is that even with the few window dressing dotting few places today because of the challenge of Oshiomhole’s Edo, the rot is still as behemoth as ever.

So, the agent of change, and we speak of Ogboru, who could only change the voting pattern or who could only get the people’s mandate (courtesy of his hitherto popularity made more so by the media) but knows nothing about the Oshiomhole’s type of plan of action that both get the mandate and secure or consummate it against all odds is not what we need now. We need one who has such a plan of action and more than

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BY SUNNY IKHIOYA

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Many lies of import substitution policies

smugglers are happy, Customs men aiding the smugglers are smiling to the bank. The policy has backfired, for one year, our importers who are key players in the business, failed to bring in rice.

What is responsible for this? The government is not being truthful about situations on ground- too many lies. They failed to carry key players along. If they had done that,they would have discovered that our local production is not yet up there and so, would have carried out the policy in phases.

Make the marketers, distributors, millers, importers and the farmers partners and work towards a realistic time frame for implementation. With the backing of the above listed, there will be little room for external forces to sabotage the plan, as they would have taken care of all the chains in the business.

The haste to impose heavy duties and the embarrassment that comes with the policy failure would have been avoided, they would have been properly advised that, the only way to curtail smuggling activities along our borders, is to make our duties at par with neighbouring countries, that way, government will earn revenue from import duties, instead of a few unscrupulous individuals, sabotaging the economy.

The failure of the rice policy can be traced to the inept security at our borders, the exclusion of key players in the industry- who are knowledgeable in the business, and can help make it function properly - and the overzealousness of government officials, who feed wrong information and statistics to the 'ogas at the top', as compared with true pictures on ground. We cannot

Ogboru has long fell apart at the seams, and as the bells rang dead on him sometimes way back and you asked ‘who next’, you heard the whistling and humming

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that one who can roll such plan into action here in Delta. In Otive Igbuzor our hopes brightens up. With Otive, who recently made known his intention to govern the state, the people know that even a better than Oshiomhole is come. And as it is usually with Labour and the Civil Service in the country, Delta labor force and Civil Service will frustrate all attempts to buy their consciences before, during and immediately after the elections. They will guard their consciences now for they know their future and fortunes depend on it. The elections now will be won, without any recourse to the law courts; and if the Delta Mafiosi throw up any voodoo results, a legendary notoriety they have earned overtime, we will walk our ways from the shores (the people’s mandate that is) through the courts with very handy, clean, authentic and massive records and evidences to the State House, Asaba. That is the network, very permeating, being put in place.

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e want to get it all right now, get it right beyond mere mandate, and get it right in the end. In Ogboru we have been spited enough, the spoilers have mucked and ridiculed us enough just because Ogboru has failed to always get it right in the end. It was old Freidank, a German poet of the 13th century, who said in one of his verses: “Hold no man’s actions up to spite If in the end he gets it right.”

Ogboru has won the guber elections many

make progress if we do not record accurately, the true market picture.

The way it is now, all is propaganda.

Another disaster is about to take place in the motor industry, the government says, it wants to encourage local production, where are our local assembly plants? It is expected that, a country that wants to go into production in the steel sector, should begin with spare parts, how many vehicle parts are being produced in the country presently? If we have, how many of them have passed the international quality standards?

Do we have a true picture of the numbers of "tokunboh" cars coming into the country? Can our supposed local manufacturers meet the demand? Do we know that over 80percent of cars driven into the country are "tokunboh", driven by the so called "middle class"?

How affordable will our locally assembled cars be to the masses.

An advise to those in position of authority; let us first see real production going on, let us see if what we produce can service the market, let us see that, this policy will not serve as an avenue, to again increase smuggling along our borders, with all the attendant risks - so many Custom men have died, due to smugglers activities - let those in position of authority, liaise with the real players in the business - I mean the importers, both of "tokunboh" and new vehicles - the local manufacturers, the dealers et al. Let the policy be acceptable to all before implementation.

A good policy doesn't need any prompting to work. Let us keep politics outside this business.

*Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

a times, indeed, won it all the times he ever contested but he has not at anytime gotten it right in the end, and the spoilers of the state have spited us continually with his court cases because Ogboru has not been able all these many times to present evidences enough in the face of overwhelming evidences. He doesn’t know how to get it right in the end. He does not know the nature of his battle, and so has no network in place to help him get it right in the end. His battle is beyond getting the electorate to give him their mandate, which he has been getting anyway. We cannot continue like this. No! Enough of the spite! And all that is coming to an end now in Otive Igbuzor.

Ogboru has long fell apart at the seams, and as the bells rang dead on him sometimes way back and you asked ‘who next’, you heard the whistling and humming.

Though not easy to decipher at that point you can tell by their sweet faces that something newsy is around; then came the low-pitched sounds and eavesdrops, but you reasoned it was nothing to run away with yet being still shadowy; then it hits you direct, loud, clear and unmistaken before it quickly became streets chat. But will he or will he not! And how verifiable is it? So, given your background you thought you should still keep your hands akimbo. And then, the man came! An epitome of values-imbued, values emitting creature, he strode in with towering credentials, profile of record performances and clean past to present; and it was no surprise at all, therefore, that his unique, incomparable and achievable vision for Delta had a ready place in the hearts of all. Thus, he let the cat out of the bag. It was on Independence Day, the very day yours sincerely came back to the country completely unaware of the goings-on: Coincidence? No, Providence! And as this top social crusader, human right activist par excellence, leading scholar and friend of and fighter for the downtrodden strode away that day, all knew a new era, wonderful epoch is the contract this man and Deltans are in for.

*Mr. Igho, a pubic affairs commentator, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

MONDAY MONDAY,, DECEMBER 30, 2013

The men and women who will shape 2014 The year 2014, being the last year before the next round of general elections is bound to be decisive as politicians from across different political hues take position. Some Nigerians who are bound to direct the pace of political activities in the state are mentioned underneath.

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

President Goodluck Jonathan

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan will be the centre of action in the coming year. As president of the country eligible for a second term, the pace and posture of his politics would largely determine the pattern of political activities in 2014.

President Jonathan who had in the past pooh-poohed questions on whether he would seek re-election had said that he would make his plans known in 2014. With that year now at hand, the president can no longer wave aside a response to the issue.

Will he or will he not?

Though his body language has all but indicated that the president would be contesting the election, it is not impossible for him to pull back.

A decision to run would heat up the polity to a level beyond the normal level of a presidential contest. A decision not to run could also pose serious threats to national security given the passion of the president’s Ijaw kith and kin who are determined to have their son return to office in 2015.

Another possible action of the president that would affect the polity would be how he treats the Council of Ministers.

Presently the council is short of about 12 ministers following the sack of a number of ministers since last October. It is expected that the president could reshuffle the council to plug in the vacancies. The public, in the event of a reshuffle, would be watching to see how the president treats controversial members of the council, notably the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah who was indicted by the House of Representatives over her role in the purchase of two armoured vehicles.

How the president responds to some of his bitter criticis would also define the way politics will play out in the country. Besides the usual tit for tat with the opposition All

•Jonathan

•Mark

•Tambuwal

•Obasanjo

•Tinubu

•Buhari

Progressives Congress, APC, the president would also be expected to frontally confront his one time benefactor turned adversary, former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The president’s open reply to Obasanjo’s missive last week has inevitably taken their quarrel to the point of no return.

Obasanjo, as Jonathan noted has heckled all former heads of state who succeeded him in office as military head of state in 1979. However, Jonathan is not like any one of the others, given Obasanjo’s major role in the ascension of Jonathan to the presidency.

Given that this may be his last political fight, Obasanjo is expected to fight to the hilt in what is obviously now an ego fight between him and his one time surrogate.

The prospects of Obasanjo teaming up with the opposition

in 2014 appear unlikely despite the recent visit to him by national leaders of the APC.

T

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal

hough the leader of the PDP in the House of Representatives, only fools still believe that the speaker’s heart is still in the party that is now a

affect the polity in 2014, Speaker Tambuwal is expected to make the earliest move given the gravitation of a substantial number of PDP members to the APC. The question in many mouths is when and not if Speaker Tambuwal would defect to the APC. When he does, it is not likely to affect his position, but could bounce

A decision to run would heat up the polity to a level beyond the normal level of a presidential contest; a decision not to run could also pose serious threats to national security given the passion of the president’s Ijaw kith and kin

,

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42— Vanguard ,

minority in the House. Speaker Tambuwal has handled issues maturely in the House despite his relative aloofness from the presidency and the party.

Of the major figures likely to

,

on his prospects.

It would be recalled that former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida had earlier this year called on the Speaker to aspire to higher office.

Many would be looking for gesticulations from the speaker on a possible presidential contest.

Even before the call by Gen. Babangida, Tambuwal has been the focus of several political stakeholders who believe that he is best positioned to challenge President Jonathan for the presidency within or outside the PDP. His friendly disposition towards the leadership of the APC has also made him the cynosure of many eyes.

Speaker Tambuwal is definitely going to be one of the major factors that would shape the politics of the nation in 2014.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

A

s leader of the APC, Tinubu is expected to

Continues on page 43

Vanguard , MONDAY MONDAY,, DECEMBER 30, 2013 — 43

•Jonathan

•Mukhtar

•Okonjo-Iweala

Continues from page 42 play a decisive role in the politicking that is going to produce the next governments at the central and state levels.

His role is going to be overwhelming in the emergence of the next set of governors in the South-West.

How he plays politics of 2015 would, however, be another matter. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had in his open letter to President Jonathan accused him of mortgaging the interests of the PDP in the South-West through a secret deal with Tinubu in 2011.

The veracity of Obasanjo’s assertion remains an issue, but whether or not Tinubu cut a deal with Jonathan last time will bring the issue of Tinubu being a decisive factor into consideration.

However, except something goes awry, no deal would be expected in the year as the election is not expected to hold until early next year. However, Tinubu is going to be a decisive influence on the election.

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari

T

he three time presidential candidate continues to be idolized by the grassroots in the North on account of his discipline and the perceptions of his aversion to avarice.

However, his influence outside the North and among the elitist class in the North has progressively ebbed.

However, despite his negatives, Buhari has not ruled himself out of the 2015 contest and as such posing some sort of anxiety in the hearts of opposition partisans who believe Buhari is not electable.

Should Gen. Buhari decide to rule himself out from contesting for the APC ticket and decide to mobilize for a

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some sources, also become a defining personality in the inner caucus of the Jonathan presidency.

She would be a major influence in 2014.

•Alison-Madueke

•Oduah

The men and women who will shape 2014 younger and more electable person within the party such as Tambuwal, then it would be a more serious battle for the PDP and President Jonathan.

Senator David Mark

S

enator Mark may be regarded as a systems man. However, set between President Jonathan and former President Obasanjo, his body would obviously move with Jonathan but his heart would definitely be with former President Obasanjo. It is no secret among leading political stakeholders that the once very cordial relationship between Mark and Governor Gabriel Suswam in Benue State has ruptured. In an apparent bid to strengthen his hold on the local chapter of the PDP apparently for the benefit of enhancing his speculated move to the Senate and planting his successor, Governor Suswam is known to have become a strong apologist of the president and

in the process won key federal appointments that had hitherto gone the way of the Senate President.

Senator Mark on the other hand is bound by the dignity of his office as Senate President not to be seen as overtly a lackey of the presidency, a situation that has seen him lose some patronage to Governor Suswam.

However, in the battle of strategies that is bound to ensue in 2014, Senator Mark is expected to move with his heart with a patriotic zeal above party sentiments putting more distance between him and the presidency.

Jonathan’s women

T

he women around the president would in significant ways affect him and the way he operates in 2014.

First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has largely been out of gaze in recent times on

account of reports of negative political fallout of her alleged incursions in the polity especially in her native Rivers State.

Mrs. Jonathan continues to mobilize support for her husband’s presidency through every opportunity available to her.

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala would be a serious factor in the consideration of many given her hold over the nation’s purse. Her tact and thunders in the face of demands from politicians in government to loose the financial strings would be a critical issue in the year.

Mrs. Diezani AllisonMadueke, the Minister of Petroleum has become the longest serving Minister of Petroleum since the advent of the Fourth Republic. She has almost stamped her personality on the politics of the sector and according to

Ms Stella Oduah, the minister of aviation won accolades in her first year in office following the renovations of the country’s airports. However, the accolades died down as eyes focused on the processes that led to the renovations and it became an issue for her when she was indicted by the House of Representatives over her role in the purchase of two armoured cars for her use by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. Despite her indictment and the report of an internal investigation ordered by the president, Oduah has remained in her position. Her staying power is largely due to be said to be her role in mobilizing support for the president’s 2011 election. She is said to be one of the strongest women with influence in the inner caucus of the presidency and she would be a figure to watch out for in the politics of 2014.

G

Governors

overnors Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State would be significant political factors especially in their states in 2014 as they prepare for second term elections.

Also of interest in the year would be the emerging leader of the opposition in Ekiti State, Rep. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele who would stir the Ekiti polity as he battles the incumbent.

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State would also be of great interest in the polity given his recent appointment as chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum.

44—Vanguard , MONDAY MONDAY,, DECEMBER 30, 2013

2015: APC must learn from PDP’s mistakes — Sen Kaka T

HE APC appears to have taken its membership mobilisation to the state levels.

What is the update?

Nationally, the registration of members is being perfected and I am optimistic that by early January of 2014 the registration proper will start. What they are trying to do is probably to get some people from neighbouring states to oversee the registration of members in a particular place. Although, some people who are ignorant, self-centred and not ready to play the game according to the rules are already trying as much as possible to undermine the directive of the national body.

How are they doing that and does it have to do with alleged cracks in the leadership of the party in Ogun state?

I learnt that some people in Ogun State are going about saying that they are getting five people inaugurated to be registration officers in each of the wards. I believe that is ingenious and an attitude that is capable of even presenting the party negatively. I don’t know what the five people they are handpicking will do within the multitude of the people. I believe that everybody should be a registration officer in this membership registration exercise. Everybody should be a monitoring officer.

This is a party of the masses.

It is a masses’ movement and so, all hands must be on deck to ensure that the registration is perfectly done. The attempt to hoard the registration materials or to exclude some people from being adequately registered will have untold consequences on whomever attempts to undermine the registration process.

Do you think that anybody in Ogun State will attempt to undermine the party?

By the grace of God, Ogun State as a chapter, will not undermine the party's unity.

Like I have been saying all along, what is going on is a dialectical principle the late sage, Papa Obafemi Awolowo, since 1983, had said. While the good ones are coming from the PDP into the APC, I am also envisaging that bad elements within the APC, within the other political parties that are coming on board will either be rejected or they will find their way out of the party as they are coming in. You know when blacksmiths put an iron inside fire and the iron is red-hot, they keep hitting the red iron on the head trying to carve a shape out of that portion they are hitting. And they put it in the fire so that the unwanted rust will go off.

As we are moving, we know

SENATOR Sefiu Adegbenga Kaka, a former deputy governor of Ogun State, who represents Ogun East Senatorial district, in this interview,advised leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to learn from mistakes made by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He also warns of dire consequences should the PDP declare vacant the seats of its five governors and 37 legislators who defected to the APC. Excerpts:

•Sen Kaka that we have pseudo progressive people. It is those pseudo progressives that will move out and they will be replaced with other progressives who will make the APC to be robust in all the states of the federation to the extent that capturing and taking over power in 2015 will be a foregone conclusion.

A PDP senator, Smart Adeyemi said the Senate was intact and that the PDP senators were not affected by

,

BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

They are not just in problem but in serious problem. This is the first time that PDP is in this disarray and they are no longer ready to work on reconciliation in the open.

They are now going into the trenches and we are going to drive them further down into the trenches so that, they would not be seen on the surface by the time we will be taking over in 2015.

Your party called on the National Assembly to impeach

The attempt to hoard the registration materials or to exclude some people from being adequately registered will have untold consequences on whomever attempts to undermine the registration process

the wave of defection. What is the true state of the Senate regarding this?

Those who are saying that the Senate is intact should wait.

That was how they used to talk that the PDP was a family affair, that there was nothing wrong in the party and that those governors who wanted to go should go. Now that five of the PDP governors have declared for APC, Bamanga Tukur, himself, has declared that in fact, the PDP is in problem.

,

President Goodluck Jonathan, which the Presidency swiftly reacted to, describing the call as treason. What is your take on that?

The PDP is always very jittery. There is no need for them to react to the statement by the APC that impeachment be commenced against Mr. President. If they must react, if they needed to, they should wait for that time to come.

They should wait for the allegations and go and prepare

for serious questions that will be put forward and they should go and prepare answers to those questions on all the allegations against Mr. President according to the laid down rules and procedure for impeachment of the President.

That is what they should go and get themselves occupied with. Not with whether a party calls for impeachment or not!

The APC has done nothing wrong. They only re-echoed what is in the constitution, which states that whoever commits any impeachable offence should be sanctioned.

We know that they thrive in impunity but we are saying there will no longer be any form of impunity in the system.

And that is why we are putting all hands on deck to bring people together and them out.

Those who are decamping are coming voluntarily. So, if Mr. President commits any impeachable offence, he should be prepared to face the music, not to begin to destroy people’s names or threaten people with treasonable felony. So, I hope they know what treasonable felony actually means.

Definitely, calling for impeachment or even filing for an impeachment is not a treasonable offence! Because when you say you want to begin a process of impeachment, it may succeed and it may not. If the accused officer is given the right to defend himself and he is not found culpable, the impeachment process will fail.

And if they have not committed impeachable offences, then why are they afraid of calls for impeachment?

This call for impeachment came on the heels of an 18page letter by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to President Jonathan. Some people said the letter was based on falsehood.

Apart from the fact that a squad is being trained as alleged in Obasanjo’s letter and that some 1000 names are already compiled for elimination or otherwise, there is nothing new in the letter written by the former President. What he wrote there, most of them are in the public domain and that has been there for long. In fact, most of the things that we have complained about are the perpetration of impunity.

Except that it is coming, now, from a man that is within, who saw everything and who was

even the architect of the entire men that are doing all these, there is nothing new in the letter.

If PDP succeeds in its current effort at impeaching any of the defected officers, what do you think will happen?

If they remove one governor, because they cannot do it through legal means, let’s take for example, if they just attempt to use five lawmakers in Rivers State to remove Governor Rotimi Amaechi, you can be rest assured that we will push up at Mr. President himself.

The battle-line is being drawn. Already you have seen that two incredible alternatives to the mien the PDP has foisted on the country are beginning to take over in earnest. The people are going to have a very clear choice between two alternatives. If today the PDP is messing up and the people realize that there is hope in the APC, they will go to the APC and install it at the end of the day come 2015.

If the APC too fails to learn the lesson of what happened to PDP, they (PDP) may have the opportunity of coming back. And if we have within ourselves people of principle and integrity, with our leaders that are well known for their outstanding character, I can assure you that it is not only 2015 that is a foregone conclusion, we are also going to rule for as many years as the people want.

What is your advice to the leadership of your party?

My advice is that the leadership must realize that when they look back and they don’t see anybody behind them, they are leading themselves. Whatever they do or refuse to do must at all time be in the interest of, not only the followers but also, of the generality of Nigerians. For the followers, yes, we should be good followers that will not be described as sheep without shepherd. Because the moment they don’t respect their elders and they don’t follow the laid down path of their leaders, then they will be like sheep without shepherd.

So, we don’t want that.

Beyond that, for the leadership, it is essential that they must learn to bring everybody together. Not that they will say, “Yes, these are my own,” within a group and then you start discriminating among members of the same party.

That will definitely lead us to where the PDP is today. Those who have those tendencies to discriminate, to segregate, to actually promote division within the APC as a party, should be warned. They should learn that divided we fall, united we stand.

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013— —45

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46—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

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Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013—47

Tukur fights to hang on, says I’ll not go to court

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

L

AGOS — THE National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, was last night in distress as he dissociated himself from reports linking him with a plan to stop his removal by the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC. Tukur’s position, nonetheless, party strategists were proceeding with plans for his removal.

The gang up against Tukur which had increased to include most of the governors, it was learnt, was upon persuasions that

the party could collapse within months if Tukur remains in office.

His action came on the heels of indications that President Goodluck Jonathan, who has been a major bulwark for Tukur, may have succumbed to persuasions by the PDP Governors Forum and the party’s Board of Trustees.

A national newspaper, yesterday, published the story of the alleged plans by Tukur to frustrate the move against him using the courts.

In his denial, Tukur said he remained a faithful party man.

The planned removal, it was learnt, could happen as early as January in a NEC meeting that

is yet to be summoned.

A member of the NEC, speaking on the development, told Vanguard yesterday: “You should know our position and there is a massive loss of confidence and everybody is tired.”

Reminded of how past actions against the national chairman had allegedly been stopped by President Jonathan, the source said: “Yes, that is why they are moving against him now because very soon there may be no more party for anyone again.”

Denying plans for a court action against the party, Tukur in a statement by his media aide, Prince Oliver Okpala said: “The

attention of the national chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Tukur, has been drawn to a wrong insinuation published in one of the national dailies today (yesterday) that he was filing a legal action to prevent the NEC of the party from removing him as chairman of the party.

“Alhaji Tukur clearly condemns and disassociates himself from such a story as it was a complete falsehood of an idea that is un-

Four die, scores injured in Ogun multiple auto crashes

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

Bachama traditional dancers in Adamawa State performing during the 8th Pissi Tangle cultural festival in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, weekend. PHOTO: NAN.

BEOKUTA — FOUR per sons lost their lives while several others were critically injured in two separate accidents in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital and Ilaro in Yewa South Local Government Area of the state.

The first accident, yesterday afternoon, involved members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jammat, who were returning to Abeokuta after their three-day annual congress in Ilaro.

Vanguard gathered that one of the rear tyres of the bus conveying members of the religious sect burst while on high speed, which caused the driver to lose control

Oshiomhole should act fast on IGR behind it. But the Governor’s reDear Sir,

I

T is a known fact that Gover nor Oshiomhole has done well in almost all spheres in the developments of Edo State since his ascension as the Governor.

In as much as we congratulate him on this feats bearing in mind the indifferent dispositions of his predecessors, suffice it to say certain aspects of his shortcomings must be pointed out.

Besides the monthly allocations from the Federation Accounts, the Internally Generated Revenue,

fusal to sign these documents on time after payments have been made, is worrisome. Evidences abound of the process of obtaining these documents spanning over a year without the Governor appending his signature even though requisite payments have been made.

Applicants now feel discouraged to make application and the State is the worst for it. There is no reason under the sun why this process should take more than two weeks to be perfected even though the Comrade Governor had at different fora promised

I want to ask ex-President Obasanjo a question: Why did he not write open letters to ex-Generals Babangida and Sani Abacha when the ship of the Nigerian nation was adrift and about to capsize, on account of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, won

by Bashorun MKO Abiola?

,

IGR of the state augments this dwindling allocation. This internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is the make up of monies paid by citizens for various services for which they should get value. My focus here is the activities of the Ministry of Lands and Surveys.

The Services rendered by this Ministry to the citizens require prompt attention.

For every application made for Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) consents letters etc. has a purpose

,

this.

This piece should serve as a wake up call to the State Governor to sign those documents in his office before the end of the year and make a definite effort to fast track this process and boost people’s confidence rather than discouraging people about this and thereby further dwindling the revenue drive of this “lucrative” Ministry.

Joseph Okhuoya Lagos

No to privatisation of refineries

T

HE effect of the recent sale of the power sector is salutary. Barely seven weeks, the handover exercise was concluded, people have apparently started getting bored with steady light. This is unheard of in the history of this country, especially, since the inception of the second republic. This move taken by the government has no doubt underscored the belief that privatising our industries and other government establishments, even the ministries would produce tremendous results.

Much as Nigerians are celebrating this phenomenon as companies and industries have started operating at near full capacity, artisans who took to Okada riding business are now going back to their abandoned workshops and many households have begun to enjoy their air-conditioning gadgets, selling our refineries with the belief that a similar result that would be beneficial to the masses will be realised, is very much in doubt.

Oil, is the heartbeat of the nation hence selling the refinery

thinkable and unimaginable.

“He wondered how he could initiate such an action against a body he is part of and an organ of the party that has the highest say as the policy making body in the party.

“How can somebody destroy his own house, the intended legal action only exists in the minds of the writers of the false story.

“I am a member of the PDP NEC and I respect the body and all the members of NEC.”

that refines the crude oil is tantamount to mortgaging the future of this country. If the government can privatise the oil sector, it means that the seat of government at Aso Rock can also be privatised. Government should rather resuscitate the old refineries at Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna as well as build more new ones.

I suspect double dealing in this refinery privatisation saga.

I have an eerie feeling that some political bigwigs are behind this proposed venture and they are very much interested in the business. Any attempt to sell these refineries to them is likely to produce a negative result which may be very difficult fathom.

The resultant effect of this proposed venture is unpredictable.

Presently, the price of petrol is N97 per litre. The masses apparently accepted this rate almost under duress, but if the deal is done, the price would jump. This scenario is equivalent to other fuel products like diesel and kerosene. If the government insists on this move, it therefore means an indirect

of the bus. The bus, it was gathered, somersaulted three times, killing the driver on the spot.

When our correspondent visited the state hospital in Ijaye, where the injured were being treated, one of the injured said the incident occurred shortly after the vehicle had left Ibese.

At press time, the exact causality figure remained uncertain, as the dead and the injured were still being conveyed to the hospital.

Vanguard observed that officials of the hospitals hid the identity of the victims from their relatives who besieged the hospital to ascertain the state of health of their loved ones.

way of removing the oil subsidy completely.

President Goodluck Jonathan should not take this advice hook, line and sinker as succumbing to the advice would not augur well for the country.

Rather it would likely put the country in danger. He should forge ahead with his reformation of other sectors of the economy in the interest of the masses.

Nkemakolam Gabriel Port Harcourt 08072257360 gabchiz56@gmail.com

OBJ and letter writing

I

WANT to ask ex-President Obasanjo a question; Why did he not write open letters to ex-Generals Babangida and Sani Abacha when the ship of the Nigerian nation was adrift and about to capsize, on account of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, won by Bashorun MKO Abiola?

Okay, or is it now that he has really mastered the art of letter writing?

An Igbo proverb says; if an elder decides to make himself/ herself, edible like rice, children will scramble for him/her( literal translation).

A word is enough for the wise!

CHUKWUMA J. DIOKA. 07054911808.

48—V anguard 48—Vanguard anguard,, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

BRIEFS

Israel to release 26 Palestinians today

S/Sudan army threatens to attack militia S

OUTH Sudan’s army has clashed with the “White Army” ethnic militia, a spokesman has said, accusing rebels of mobilising the force despite the offer of a truce to end the conflict in the country.

The White Army - made up largely of Nuer youths who dust their bodies with ash to protect themselves against insects clashed with government troops near the town of Bor five days after rebels were driven out, army spokesman Philip Aguer said yesterday.

The army used helicopter gunships against the militia advance near Bor, Aguer said.

“They then dispersed and returned back,” he added.

The fighting which started earlier this month is pitting mainly Nuer rebels against military forces loyal to President Salva Kiir of the Dinka tribe.

South Sudan’s minister of information told the Associated Press earlier on Sunday that most of the militia had disbanded and returned home.

EBANON has held the funeral of Mohamad Chatah, the former finance minister, amid rising tensions over who might have killed him.

Security was tightened yesterday around a mosque in the centre of Beirut where prominent figures attended the burial of Chatah, a close aide of ex-prime minister Saad Hariri.

Chatah, a Sunni Muslim who was a vocal critic of Syria and Hezbollah, was killed along with at least seven others in a blast on Friday that shook the capital Beirut.

Mourners gathered outside the mosque chanted against the powerful Hezbollah movement, an ally of the Syrian regime, which has been accused of killing Chatah and other critics in recent years.

Chatah was buried at the mausoleum of of Saad’s father, late Prime Minister Rafik

SRAEL prepared yes terday to free 26 Palestinian prisoners as part of peace talks brokered by US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is due back in the region to boost the faltering negotiations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to the phased release of 104 Palestinian prisoners in line with commitments to the USbacked talks, which resumed in July, and previous batches have been

freed in August and October.

The release of the third tranche of 26 Palestinian prisoners “should come on Monday night after the 48hour delay given for appeals from victims’ families to the supreme court,” an official in Netanyahu’s office told AFP. In the past, Israel’s supreme court has turned down all appeals against the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Turkish PM rejects calls to resign

T Government troops are currently in control of Bor, the capital of Jonglei state they took from the rebels Michael Makuei Lueth said Nuer community leaders in Jonglei state persuaded the

White Army fighters to go home. Lueth said only a “very few” refused to dis-

band. He said an exact number was not known.

Iran hopes to implement nuclear deal within months

A

top Iranian nuclear negotiator expressed hope yesterday that a deal with world powers could be implemented within a month, but said technical talks on the matter are proceeding slowly, Mehr news agency reported.

The deal, signed in November, saw Iran suspend parts of its contest-

ed nuclear programme for six months in return for limited sanctions relief while a longer term agreement is hammered out.

“If expert-level talks are fruitful, a date will be decided which I guess will be at the end of January” for the deal to be implemented by, said Abbas

Lebanon buries slain ex-minister

L

I

Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005.

Chatah’s assassination is part of an ongoing wave of violence destabilising the country for years. A

civil war waging in neighbouring Syria since 2011 has spilled over into multi-faith Lebanon as different political factions side with opponent parties battling next-door.

Araqchi, a deputy foreign minister, in comments run

by Mehr.

His remarks came on the eve of the third round of technical talks between Iranian representatives and the so-called P5+1 group of world powers — the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia plus Germany.

The talks are aimed at setting a framework to implement the nuclear deal clinched in Geneva on November 24, which seeks to buy time to thrash out a diplomatic solution to a decade-long standoff over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Saudis court France to spite US

I

NCREASINGLY vocal in its frustration over U.S. policies in the Mideast, Saudi Arabia is strengthening ties elsewhere, seeking out an alignment that will bolster its position after it was pushed to the sidelines this year.

It may find a solution in France, whose president is ending the year with 24 hours of highlevel meetings with the Saudi leadership in a visit intended to showcase commercial and diplomatic strength.

With an entourage of French executives from the lucrative defense and energy sectors, President Francois Hollande arrived Sunday in Riy-

adh for a flurry of accords and contracts that have been in the works for months. The two countries also find themselves unexpectedly

aligned in resistance, if not outright opposition, to U.S. policy on Syria’s civil war and Iran’s nuclear programme.

URKEY’s prime min ister has rejected calls for him to step down, as protests continue a c r o s s t h e country against a growing corruption scandal that has embroiled Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government.

Speaking to a large rally of supporters in the western city of Manisa on Saturday, Erdogan brushed aside the fraud allegations, saying they were part of an international campaign to discredit the government.

“If there is corruption, how come [Turkey’s] $230bn GDP moved up to $800bn in 10 years since we got to power?” he said.

The prime minister said the government would not tolerate any corrupt officials, and urged his supporters to vote for his Justice and Development (AKP) party in elections scheduled for March.

In the capital Ankara on Saturday, about 4,000 people called for Erdogan to resign and chanted “May the thieves’ hands be broken”. No violence was immediately reported.

Egypt’s bomb attack injures four

A

T least four people have been injured in an explosion near the military intelligence building in Sharqiya, in Egypt’s Nile Delta, the third bombing on the mainland in less than a week.

Three men left a car laden with 20kg of explosives by the entrance to the building on Sunday morning, and detonated it

from a distance with a remote control, according to an Egyptian army spokesperson. The military is conducting a search of the the area for the assailants.

Colonel Ahmed Ali, a spokesman for the army, said the intelligence building was partly damaged by the blast. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Russia’s suicide bomber kills 16 in train station

A

French President, Francois Hollande (left) and Saudi King Abdallah in Riyad

•Tayyip Erdogan

suicide bomber struck a busy railway station in southern Russia yesterday, killing herself and at least 15 others and wounding scores more, officials said, in a stark reminder of the threat Russia is facing as it prepares to host February’s Olympics in Sochi.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing in Vol-

gograd, but it came several months after Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov called for new attacks against civilian targets in Russia, including the Sochi Games.

Suicide bombings have rocked Russia for years, but many have been contained to the Caucasus, the center of an insurgency seeking an Islamist state in the region.

Vanguard, MOND AY, DECEMBER 30, 2013—49 MONDA

How tomato-rich diet reduces prostate, breast cancer risk

By SOLA OGUNDIPE

W

IDELY regarded as the world’s most healthy food, the tomato has an enviable pedigree. One of the most important secrets in tomato is lycopene - a carotenoid pigment that has long been associated with the deep red colour of many tomatoes.

Tomatoes are widely known for their outstanding antioxidant content, including, of course, their oftentimes-rich concentration of lycopene. Researchers have recently found an important connection between lycopene, its antioxidant properties, bone health and others.

People who have diets rich in tomatoes, which contain lycopene, appear to have a lower risk of various cancers notably of the prostate and breast. Lycopene helps prevent prostate, breast, lung, and stomach cancers by reducing LDL ("bad") cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.

According to the Food For Life Cancer Project entitled “How Lycopene Helps Protect Against Cancer:, Lycopene is one

of the free radical-fighting antioxidants.

Free radicals are damaging molecules that float around in the body disrupting cells and promoting disease. Antioxidants, such as lycopene, destroy free radicals so they can't attach to cells and wreak havoc on the immune system.

It has long been known that postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. But new research suggests that adopting a diet rich in tomatoes may reduce this risk. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism shows how analysis of 70 postmenopausal women for 20 weeks demonstarted the potential of lycopene to reduce breast cancer risk.

In the stydy, for the first 10 weeks, the women were required to follow a tomatorich diet. This involved consuming a minimum of 25 mg of lycopene each day.

Lycopene is an antioxidant found in tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables.

For the remaining 10 weeks, the women followed a soy-rich diet. This required them to consume at least 40 g of soy protein daily. All women were asked to refrain from

eating any soy or tomato products 2 weeks prior to each diet.

Postmenopausal women showed a 9 percent increase in levels of adiponectin a fat and blood sugar regulating hormone - after following a tomato-rich diet for 10 weeks, lowering their risk of breast cancer.

Results revealed that when the women followed the tomato-rich diet, they showed a 9 percent increase in their levels of adiponectin - a hormone that plays a part in the regulation of fat and blood sugar levels. However, when the women followed the soy-rich diet, this led to a reduction in adiponectin levels. Low adiponectin levels are linked to increased risk of obesity and insulin resistance.

Eating fruits and vegetables, which are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals such as lycopene, conveys significant benefits.

Based on this data, it is believed regular consumption of at least the daily recommended servings of tomatoeswould promote breast cancer prevention in an atrisk population.

• Tomatoes: Secret cancer prevention weapon?

Scientists discover potential drug to block AIDS

S

CIENTISTS at the Gladstone Institutes have identified the precise chain of molecular events in the human body that drives the death of most of the immune system's CD4 T cells as an HIV infection leads to AIDS. Further, they have identified an existing anti-inflammatory drug that in laboratory tests blocks the death of these cells -- and now are planning a Phase 2 clinical trial to determine if this drug or a similar drug can prevent HIV-infected people from developing AIDS. Two separate journal articles, published simultaneously in Nature and Science, detail the research from the laboratory of Dr. Warner C. Greene, who directs virology and immunology research at Gladstone, an independent biomedical-research nonprofit.

His lab's Science paper reveals how, during an HIV infection, a protein known as IFI16 senses fragments of HIV DNA in abortively infected immune cells.

This triggers the activation of the human enzyme caspase-1 and leads to pyroptosis, a fiery and highly inflammatory form of cell death.

As revealed in Nature, this repetitive cycle of abortive infection, cell death, inflammation and recruitment of additional CD4 T cells to the infection "hot zone" ultimately destroys the immune system and causes AIDS. "Gladstone has showed how the body's own immune response to HIV causes CD4 T cell death via a pathway triggering inflammation, and secondly by identifying the host DNA sensor that detects the viral DNA and triggers this death response," said Dr. Robert F. Siliciano, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator.

"This one-two punch of discoveries underscores the critical value of basic science -- by uncovering the major cause of CD4 T cell depletion in AIDS, Dr. Greene's lab has been able to identify a potential new therapy for blocking the disease's progression and improving on current antiretroviral medications."

Boxing Day bombshell:

Western medicine failing in cancer treatment globally C

ANCER risk is rising around the world but the real news is that Western medicine is gradually failing globally in prevention and treatment of cancers.

According to Natural News, “every year, millions of people are diagnosed with some form of cancer and over 1,500 people die - every day. In the early 1900's, one in 20 people got cancer, and today that figure has grown to one in every three.”

While cancer rates are admittedly rising all across the globe, some of the most afflicted countries include places like India and China where American and European-based biotechnology companies have played a major role in transitioning native cultures to genetically modified organisms, GMOs, which are strongly linked to causing cancer.

Already, the World Health Organization, WHO, has issued worrisome new predictions about the spread of cancer

throughout the world to the extent that within the next 10 years, cancer rates are expected to increase by at least 25 percent in developing countries heavily infiltrated

by Western influences.

By 2025, WHO claims, the annual number of new cancer diagnoses is expected to increase by roughly 37 percent, rising from a current annual total of about 14.1 million people to a shocking 19.3 million people.

The number of cancer patients that will end up dying from cancer or its complications is also expected to rise by about 39 percent, jumping from a current total of about 8.2 million people annually to 11.4 million people.

Global cancer deaths is expected to increase by 45 percent from 2007 to 2030 (from 7.9 million to 11.5 million deaths), influenced in part by an increasing and aging global population. The estimated rise

takes into account expected slight declines in death rates for some cancers in high resource countries. New cases of cancer are estimated to jump from 11.3 million in 2007 to 15.5 million in 2030.

In most developed countries, cancer is the second largest cause of death after cardiovascular disease, and epidemiological evidence points to this trend emerging in the less developed world. Countries developing according to Western standards most prone to cancer.

No specific figures for Nigeria, but about 20,000 cancer deaths are recorded annually while 500,000 new cases are recorded.

Less than 20 percent of African countries have sufficiently funded cancer control programmes, while less than half of all countries in the world have functional plans to prevent the disease and provide treatment and care to patients.

In most developed countries, cancer is

the second largest cause of death after cardiovascular disease, and epidemiological evidence points to this trend emerging in the less developed world.

Lung cancer kills more people than any other cancer - a trend that is expected to continue until 2030, unless efforts for global tobacco control are greatly intensified.

Some cancers are more common in developed countries: prostate, breast and colon.

Liver, stomach and cervical cancer are more common in developing countries.

Common risk factors linked to development of cancer: include an unhealthy lifestyle, inadequate diet, physical inactivity, and exposure to occupational or environmental carcinogens, radiation (e.g. ultraviolet and ionizing radiation), and some infections (such as hepatitis B or HPV infection).

50—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

Vanguard CLASSIFIED

What South Africans may be forgetting...

By VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU & PRISCA SAM-DURU

N

IGERIA, along with other African countries, is identified as one of South Africa’s core regional source markets, as it has been extensively involved in South Africa’s increasing revenue.

Considering the aforementioned, one wonders why 80 per cent out of the 400,000 Nigerians resident in South Africa, have suffered the most humiliating ill-treatment and discrimination from South Africans.

Nigerians who are either resident or visiting South Africa usually expect South Africans to be friendlier while in high expectation of better binational transactions in several sectors of both countries economies.

Nigerian tourists Reports show that Nigerian tourists visit South Africa mostly for purposes of doing business, holiday, education and medical care, but the Challenges perceived by these travellers are indeed disheartening and provocative.

While interrogating the above issues, it would be necessary for South Africans to understand that Nigerians played a major role during the apartheid era, as they fought amongst other independent African countries in ensuring that their South African black brothers and sisters enjoy equal rights.

Subsequently, to ensure that black South Africans waved goodbye to apartheid era, Nigeria pumped in about $60 billion U.S Dollars into the liberation movements.

It is also on record that Nigerian students were then levied to contribute money towards the education of their black brothers and sisters in South Africa, and in addition to that, the then Nigerian High Commission in Botswana, reputably issued Nigerian passports to black South Africans during the apartheid era to enable them travel around the

•Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa world, since the apartheid government refused to grant a majority of them that privilege.

It is highly regretable, unbecoming, mischievous and provocative to imagine Nigerians suffering in the land where they fought relentlessly to put an end to apartheid, or on what would the maltreatment of Nigerians by South Africans traced to?

The above scenario calls for a change in the hostility of South Africans toward Nigerians who are either residing in or visiting the country.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s visit to South Africa Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Abike DabiriErewa’s visit to South Africa was quite revealing, as it exposed the extent to which Nigerians living in South Africa are ridiculously embarrassed.

The lawmaker who visited two prisons in South Africa, in the company of two members of the committee, Umaru Shidanfi and Ajibola Famurewa, consular officers of the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa, as well as executives of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, was embittered with the alarming number of Nigerians presently serving jail terms in S/A. She described the undeserving ill-treatment those jailed are made to go through as most

unbecoming noting after many of the prison inmates were said to have complained bitterly to the lawmaker, who on her part felt totally devastated that more than 400 Nigerians have been incarcerated in SA prisons.

Many of the prison inmates complained of extreme stigmatization and unjustified denial of freedom, despite completing their jail term and wished the House of Representatives would come to their rescue to ensure that they were granted bail.

For the purpose of shared economic growth within the African region, it should be noted that the negative treatments accorded Nigerians who are either resident or visiting South Africa should be come to an end.

Some concerned citizens of Nigeria has warned that such act of animosity may disintegrate the two great African countries and their people, and advised that Nigerians should map out a better way of putting a stop to all the police brutality and victimisation in SA to further strenghten the relationship between both nations.

Although some Nigerians argued that a third force could be at work to ensure that the two countries that are the pillars of Africa remain at dagger heads, many retorted that Nigerians should leave the country and return home, as South Africans may not have appreciated the show of oneness and cordial bilateral relationships.

consularadvisory@vanguardngr.com

LAWAL—I, formerly known and addressed as Lawal Oluwatosin Kamaldeen, now wish to be known and addressed as Adebisi Oluwatosin Kamal.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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BELLO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kafilat Aderonke Bello, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fashola Kafilat Aderonke. All former documents remain valid. Ifako Ijaiye Local Government and general public please take note.

ABDULRAHEEMIMAM— I, formerly known and addressed as Rasheedat O l u w a k e m i Abdulraheem-Imam, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rasheedat Oluwakemi Abdulkadir. All former documents remain valid. UK Embassy, US Embassy and general public please take note.

IMAM—I, formerly known and addressed as Halimah Olajumoke Imam, now wish to be known and addressed as Halimah Olajumoke Abdulkadir. All former documents remain valid. UK Embassy, US Embassy and general public please take note.

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NGUMA—I, formerly

please take note.

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All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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known and addressed as Nguma Mark Arinze, now wish to be known and addressed as Ebose Mark Arinze. All former documents

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VANGUARD'S LAGOS OFFICE YOU CAN B O O K Y O U R A D V E R T 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 PAV I L I O N T B S , L A G O S .

V anguard Vanguard anguard,, YOUR LUCK TODAY

GEMINI: Those of your who are red-blooded for romance may have an exciting and satisfying day.

Happenings within your social circles must be taken more seriously.

CANCER: Confrontation may come your way in the circle but the heavens are working favourably for you.

Some doses of romance is not too much for you on a day like this.

LEO: Provided you don’t allow your innate ability to be as diplomatic as necessary desert you, things work favourably for you to the betterment of your finances.

— 51

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 TAURUS: Although matters-of-the-heart may give you cause to smile broadly, if care is not taken, you would cause friction that can’t help you r case at work. This is the wrong time for unnecessary scheming within your working arena.

MOND AY, DECEMBER 30, 2013 MONDA

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

laugh when some persons tell me they have no enemy.

Immediately I hear such saying from an individual, I begin to imagine the kind of person

So, you have no enemy? he/she is; I begin to imagine the kind of life he/she is living.

Then, I ask myself – is he not doing any work? Is he not doing any business? Is he not

TERROR MUDA

a brilliant person?

Has he no house?

Has he no wife?

Has he no children?

Has he no friends?

Has he car? Which part of the town is he living in?

in “Never say goodbye”

My friend, do not deceive yourself, it is the joy of the devil for you to think you have no enemy.

Every human being has an enemy, including you.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

VIRGO: Many of you will be in sentimental mood and exhibit strong romantic desire openly. But then, if care is not taken, you may be carried away to the detriment of your finances. Serious minded lovers are in for happy day.

LIBRA: Whatever anybody says or does, you will have both your say and way. Venus and Jupiter may tempt some of you to embrace illicit (or secret) romance within your base of operation.

SCORPIO: Venus and Jupiter at positive angles may tempt you to join some of your friends who are already onboard of merry making train. Watch your health.

SAGITTARIUS: Good luck will smile at many and induce love of luxury merry making and romantic liason.

Genuine lovers will need to be on guard against deceit from new admirers.

CAPRICORN: Both financial success and emotional satisfaction are closed to you than before. Those of you travelling because of maters-of-the-heart are in for an exciting romantic day Those ambitious career-wise will succeed after few struggles.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

AQUARIUS: Many members of your opposite sex will go out of their ways to attract your romantic interest.

This is the wrong time to engage on unnecessary argument.

PISCES: If you priority is love, much of it would come your way as desired. But here is a better day for more ambitious in the business world. Don’t allow anybody to deceive you over money.

ARIES: Those of you with secret admirers within your working area will have the needed opportunities to make the needed moves. Resist the temptation to deceive others.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my Horoscope Dear Joshua, I am a middle aged lady born on September 13, 1962.

Although I am fairly successful, I want you to give me my comprehensive horoscope, especially what my special gift is.

Which day of the week was I born? Where were my natal planets and their meanings? Who am I? Funmilayo, Abuja.

Dear Funmilayo, There is no space for comprehensive horoscope but what you’ll have here -under is answer to your questions/ You were born on a Thursday and your special gift is LEADERSHIP quality.

YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA Date of Birth: Thursday, September 13, 1962 Sun Sign: Virgo: Sun in 20th Degree of Virgo Moon Sign: PISCES: Moon on 10th Degree of Pisces Mercury in 16th Degree of Libra Venues in 5th Degree of Scorpio Mars in 13th Degree of Cancer Jupiter in 6th Degree of Pisces Saturn in 5th Degree of Aquarius Uranus in 2nd Degree of Virgo Neptune in 11th Degree of Scorpio Pluto in 10th Degree of Virgo North Node in 6th Degree of Leo South Node in 6th Degree of Aquarius Quality and Element Cardinal and air star signs hosted two planets each fixed and earth three each, no planet in fire while mutable and water star signs hosted five planets each.

Push-full influence = 20% Non- push-full element = 80% Final dispositor = Lucky Jupiter General Analysis Just 20 per cent of push-full influence in your chart can deceptively present you to others as a soft (or even timid) person but practical Virgo that hosted nothing less than three heavenly bodies when you were born and Astrological aspects between Mercury (mental focus) and aggressive Mars in you r chart are pointers to the contrary.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD Lawrence Akapa

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by

52—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY DECEMBER 30, 2013 — 53

I

Review of Sports in 2013..... What Sports?

,

F you are a member of the sports fraternity, occupying one post or the other, you must have been approached by the media, whose interest is stereotype, has been predictably stereotype at a time like this.

The question you must have been asked is. “ ….Please can you review sports in Nigeria in 2013?” I don’t know what your answer was, mine has always been constant. “What sports?”

Forgive my ignorance, “ Yes what sports ?” Since sports is my culture medium readers would have expected me to inform and educate them on what progress our sports made especially in the year gone by.

Again, I repeat having to get to Nairobi, Kenya to read that our Basketball players were involved in a continental competition. Patrick Omoriodion,the spokesperson for basketball, provided an answer. That he was blank as far as these competitions were concerned. That rather than include a media person on the trip, someone else would be taken and that even for them to send you results to disseminate is a problem.

The administrators of these sports on the other hand accuse the media of focusing on football to the detriment of other sports. Read a journalist. “ …What do they want us to report? Have they won a regional or continental competition and we failed to report same…? They should go and work…..”

Yes, I have not lost sight of the fact that most of these associations and federations have just come out of elections and some chairmen and Presidents said they have spent their early days in office “…….developing infrastructure and awareness for their sports and building development plans….” The picture that is painted is that of a vacuum, of non existing structures before now. What about chairmen who had been re elected? Too bad.

The Presidents, Chairmen and Board members are the people the journalists should go to, get them to tell us what they have done and achieved so far.

Perhaps the National Sports Commission should as a matter of policy get all the associations to meet with the media quarterly, to be able to interact and share

2013 was the year that ONLY three state governors got regular mention as “Sports loving governors of the year”

,

thoughts.

What about the media men in the Federations? We should know them, have their numbers and mail addresses, get them to tell us the programmes of their different boards. If there are three journalists who have consistently given the media enough to feed on, they must be Morankiyo Abodunrin of the U17, Ben Alaiya of the Super Eagles and Demola Olajire the spokesperson of the Nigeria Football Federation.

They have so convinced us that we now swear by them. Journalists in the country no longer read and edit their scripts. They just slam them on, verbatim, so much that if you read one report in a paper, you have read them all. If, this was the industry level of all the media personnel attached to the sports Federations, you can imagine how well informed we all would have been.

What was sports progress in 2013? Permit us to hide under the unprecedented success of football in the year just gone by, after all to many Nigerians football is synonymous with sports. The Nations Cup, qualification for the World Cup, the Global U-17 triumph , first time qualification for CHAN in three

attempts, Women U-17 qualification to FIFA World Cup, Women Under 20 on the verge of another World Cup qualification……….

I remember the National Youth Games in Abuja, a laudable first that must be sustained. It is not enough to discover stars, they must be tracked and trained.

Their skills must be honed and their techniques fine tuned.

This brings me to the laudable Mobil programme that I have been privileged to handle for schools and colleges in Akwa Ibom State. This year we decided to introduce spikes shoes to the students , took them to the tartan tracks of the U.J.Esuene Stadium in Calabar, got starting blocks and commensurate equipment in other track and field disciplines and invited top coaches in the country to put them through the drills.

Talk of a laudable Corporate Social Responsibility, one that other concerns and states must imbibe.

The result stunned even me. Did not think that in under three weeks we will be able to produce national beaters. Talk of a laudable Corporate Social Responsibility, one that other concerns and states must imbibe.

The year 2013 was the year that ONLY three state governors got regular mention as “Sports loving governors of the year” ( Messrs Uduaghan, Imoke and Fashola) What ever happened to the rest? the year 2014 from January will again start with bright prospects for football, that of winning CHAN at first qualification and going on to do better than previous World Cup attempts……..other sports must key in and perform…..states must stand up and be represented, so that this time next year, by the grace of God Almighty we will have something to talk and write about.

To all my readers, I wish you a fun and favour- filled 2014, one that will see the fulfillment of aspirations untold, even the corporate sports glory of our great country.

Please don’t drink and drive. IF you must drink and drive, drink water!

See you next week.

2013, a year of re-engineering sports in Nigeria — Ndanusa

BY SOLOMON NWOKE

P

*Predicts a brighter year ahead

RESIDENT of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr.

Sani Ndanusa has described year 2013 as a year of reshaping and reengineering for the entire Nigerian sports sector.

Smarting from the not too good outing of the country at the 2012 London Olympics, Engr.

Ndanusa said the London experience and other sporting events have helped to reshape and reengineer sports in Nigeria and predicted that 2014 would be a better year for the nation’s sports.

The NOC boss in a recent interview with Sports Vanguard in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state said, “I must say that 2013 has been a year of reshaping and what I will call re-engineering of the entire sports sector in Nigeria and definitely you cannot say that without giving kudos to the Sports Minister, Hon

C M Y K

Bolaji Abdullahi and the entire team of the National Sports Commission ( NSC) because we came out from a very difficult 2012 where our Olympic outing was not good.

I am glad that we are using that as an experience because you learn from winning and you also learn from failure.

So this is the first time that we are having this kind of experience.

It is gingering us to now come up with another way of doing things. Really, it has not been business as usual. “ The most important one is of course, the realisation that Olympic Games is a world class championship. Globally, it is the highest and for you to pick any medal there, it means that you are the best in the world and we are talking about competing among 209 countries in the world that have structures on ground, that have a lot of

funding..

And if you look at it what happened with the West and the Central Africa?

This is because no West African country that came back with any medal just like us. So therefore, we have re-energised and reinvigorated our preparation.

Kudos again go to the fact that we are going to have our High Performance Centre where at least, we can have close to the world class Olympic standard facilities and equipment for training and also get attracted to world class coaches.

These coaches of course know their way and they expose the athletes to big competitions and also the ranking issues because ranking matters.

Once you are on top of the rankings within the world class in any of the sports disciplines, you know it’s going to favour you. It is a different case

JAW BREAKER . . . Edith Ogoke (Red) of Nigeria competes against Nadezda Torlopova (Blue) of Russia during the Women’s Middle (75kg) Boxing Quarterfinals on Day 10 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Excel in London.

when you are not within the top rankings because you will face the toughest competitors before winning a medal in the Olympics.

Remember what we had with the female boxer, she was a nobody and her first bout was against number three in the world and the second one was against the world’s number one, so you see that there was no chance of going beyond that round.

All these have been identified and I want to say that we are working assiduously toward ensuring we don’t find ourselves in similar situation again. Most importantly, we at the NOC are working hard to meet up with our time line and all the requirements.

Preparation towards the f o r t h c o m i n g Commonwealth Games has started already.

So we are meeting up

with all the time line in terms of the technical, logistic and accommodation issues.

The preparation has started already I can assure you , no mistake. I must also thank the NSC for making most of the arrangements easier and early enough, especially in the areas of accommodations which have been paid and the tickets also acquired.

The athletes Village for Nigerian athletes has been located. I must say that we are on ground”.

Ndanusa who also doubles as the president of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), however declined to score their performance in the outgoing year when asked to do so.

“If I have to score our performance you are making it a difficult one for me because it’s like I’m scoring myself. Definitely, there’s a lot of hope more than ever before for Nigeria in the coming year, 2014", he said.

54 —

Vanguard, MONDAY DECEMBER 30, 2013

Federer, Serena serve off season in Brisbane R

OGER Federer and Serena Williams had contrasting 2013 seasons but both kick off their new campaigns at the Brisbane International this week showing no signs just yet of calling time on their illustrious careers.

Born just a month apart and each with 17 grand slam singles titles to their name, Federer and Williams could justifiably claim to be the best tennis players of their generation, if not of all time.

While admitting the season had been difficult at times, Federer said on his arrival in Brisbane that he was feeling fitter than he had for more than 18 months and was not about to be pushed into retirement.

“People are always going to jump in and say ‘this is it’, and that’s what happened this year,” the 32-year-old told a news conference.

Williams had no sooner capped her stellar 2013 season by winning the WTA Championships than started plotting what she views as a long overdue sixth triumph at Melbourne Park.

“I hope to be the one standing up in the end, and it’s for sure my next goal,” Williams said after her tour championships triumph in Istanbul.

“Seeing that I didn’t do as well as I want to there, actually the past few years, so my goal is just to go a year in Australia without twisting an ankle. That’s

J

*Federer

Sharapova glad to be back

M

A R I A Sharapova admits she is glad to be back fit and healthy following her injuryplagued 2013 season.

The Russian hasn’t played a competitive match since damaging her shoulder at the US Open, the latest in a long line of problems which included a hip injury that saw her miss a number of tournaments

*Serena

during the summer.

“Certainly when you’re doing it for so many years of your life there are moments where you felt like you need a pick-me-up,” she said.

“I didn’t play for a few months, and that was the reason for me to get back out there. I know when I’m healthy how I can play and what I’m capable of doing.”

A M A I C A N sprinters Usain Bolt and Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce were elected Best Athletes of America in 2013 by AIPS America, the American continental arm of AIPS through the vote of their national associations.

Bolt wins the award for the second consecutive year, while Fraser-Pryce edged out North American tennis player Serena Williams in a second round of voting following a first round tie.

*Bolt

Murray hoping for Nadal-like recovery

R

E C O R D BREAKERS Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray could begin the new year by forging another link in the chain of coincidences which have marked their careers.

“I can’t expect to feel great for long periods of matches straight away Ä it was a good workout,” Murray said then. “You want to play your best but you need to be realistic and patient.

“Moving is the most important thing. I just need to be able to do it for a longer period. I just felt like I hadn’t played a match for a while.”

*Murray

Ogogo eyes Mayweather-Khan card O LYMPIC bronze medal winner Anthony Ogogo (4-0, 2KOs) is looking for a breakout year in 2014.

The talented middleweight prospect hopes to fight on the Floyd Mayweather vs.

Amir Khan undercard in Las Vegas - if and when the fight is finalized. And by the end of the year he wants to fight for either the British or

Bolt, FraserPryce win awards

Commonwealth championship. First, he will return on February 15th as part of the Jhonny GonzalezAbner Mares undercard at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

“I have never been so confident in my body. I feel I can do anything, like I am superman, I am training to the point I can not do any more.

I have mapped out the first six months or so of

the year in my head, obviously starting with February 15,” Ogogo told Daily Express.

“Then I hope to fight back here in London before going out again on the Floyd Mayweather against Amir Khan [card] when that is confirmed. By the end of the year I would like to be stepping up to 10 and 12-round fights with a domestic title around my waist.”

*Ogogo

*Sharapova

Love helps Timberwolves take down Bucks

K

EVIN Love scored 33 points to go along with 15 rebounds in helping the Minnesota Timberwolves to a

117-95 drubbing of the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.

Kevin Martin had 20 points on 4-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc and Nikola Pekovic added a double-double with 19 points and 11 boards for Minnesota, which snapped a threegame road losing skid.

Khris Middleton paced Milwaukee with 23 points, while O.J. Mayo and Brandon Knight scored 19 and 18 points, respectively, in defeat.

Vanguard, MONDAY DECEMBER 30, 2013 — 55

Gokana Stadium: Abe, Odegbami, Gokana United hold Eagles O SWAN hail Demua VER 10,000 fans on Saturday crammed into the newly build Gokana Central on the outskirts of Port Harcourt, the River State capital to watch a thrilling friendly game between the Super Eagles currently preparing for CHAN 2014 tournament in South Africa and Amateur Division One League side, Gokana United. The game ended 1-1.

The match which was the first to be played in the stadium, was used to inaugurate the new stadium and it lived up to its billing, despite the rather bumpy turf, which the Local Government Chairman, Hon Demua

BY TONY UBANI

S

ENATOR Magnus Ngei Abe has hailed the foresight of Gokana Local Government in becoming the first to build a stadium in the country. The amiable Lawmaker, during the commissioning of the 8,000 capacity stadium, poured plaudits on the Government of Hon. Rotimi Amaechi for his uncommon leadership in youth development.

“This is massive and I thank Gov Amaechi for his exemplary leadership. Today Gokana LG has scored a first by the opening of this stadium.

Our youths, no doubt, will maximise the use of this place for a sound mind in a sound body and for more glories in sports for the nation” The Gokana Stadium which was opened with fanfare has 8,000 seating capacity, Administrative blocks, a football pitch with tracks for athletics, two Lawn Tennis courts, two Basketball courts, an Olympic-size Swimming Pool and a massive Gymnastics Hall.

The Executive Chairman of Gokana LGA, Hon. Demua Ledee Demua paid tribute to the immediate past Chairman Chief Hon. Victor

Iheancho Continued from BP Sporting Lisbon.

According to leaks gathered by allnigeriasoccer.com, Porto who were originally Iheanacho’s preferred choice, may miss out on the signature of Kelechi Iheanacho after rivals Sporting Lisbon slapped in a bid of around 300,000 euros for the Nigeria youth - international.

This is not paper talk as there has been contact between representatives of Sporting Lisbon and Taye Academy, agents of Kelechi Iheanacho.

The offer from Sporting Lisbon is more tempting as it is in excess of the

*Gov Amaechi Tombari who initiated the project Ex-Internationals Chief Segun Odegbami, Victor Ikpeba, Augustine Eguavoen who watched the homebased Super Eagles play a 1-1 draw with Gokana FC, a division 1 side in the amateur ranks praised the efforts of Hon Demua for the magnificent edifice.

Chief Odegbami who represented NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, however, urged them to take care of the undulating turf to truly beat their chest and to also think of hosting international friendlies. Gov Amaechi who also praised the efforts of the LG however 250,000 euros being offered by Porto.

It is understood that Sporting Lisbon have received assurances from Taye Academy and the capital club now want to thrash out personal terms with James Iheancho, Kelechi’s dad as well as Henry Galeano, the midfielder ’s personal agent.

If an agreement is reached by all the parties, Kelechi Iheanacho will append his signature on a four - year contract and his dad will be rewarded with the sum of 300,000 euros.

Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, PAOK, Monaco and Udinese had all previously expressed interest in signing him.

*Senator Abe declined their request for a grant of N300 million. Hon Demua Ledee Demua said the grant would help them complete a 50-room Stadium Hotel.

Speaking at the end of the match, Chief coach of the Super Eagles Stephen Keshi praised the efforts of the LGA for the stadium. Also, President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Alhaji Saidu Abubakar urged clubs and other LGAs to borrow a leaf from Gokana Local Government.

“Imagine where all Local Governments in the country have this type of infrastructure, Nigeria will be the citadel of sports in Africa and a force to be reckoned with in the world”, the SWAN boss said.

Eto'o

Continued from BP Brendan Rodgers’ men ahead at Stamford Bridge inside five minutes, but strikes from Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o secured a fourth consecutive home success for Chelsea to give their championship hopes a boost.

Liverpool - who had only lost once in their previous six outings at Stamford Bridge stormed out of the blocks and took the lead via Skrtel’s close-range finish.

But Chelsea were ahead before half-time, with a wonderful curling

Ledee Demua promised to improve upon.

Among dignitaries that watched the game at the stadium described by its owners as the first ultramodern stadium to be built by a local government in Nigeria, were Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, former Green Eagles skipper, Chief Olusegun Odegbami, who represented NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, former Super Eagles skipper, Austin Eguavoen, former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, SWAN National President, Seidu Abubakar, Senator Magnus Abe and several top government officials from Rivers State.

Nigeria 'll win CHAN — Egwuekwe

N

IGERIAN defend er, Azubuike Egwuekwe has talked down fears of an imminent collapse when the Super Eagles embark on their debut campaign at the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.

The Super Eagles look considerably weakened on paper following the departure of several stars that helped the team qualify for the championship.

Centre half Godfrey Oboabona has completed a move to Turkish side, Rizespor while left-back, Juwon Oshaniwa is now on the books of Israeli club, Ashdod.

Nigeria suffered another blow when news broke that star midfielder, Sunday Mba was on his way to France to complete a move to Bastia. effort from Hazard and Eto’o’s side-footed strike from six yards turning things around.

Both sides had opportunities in a lively second period, with Liverpool having legitimate claims for a penalty turned away when Eto’o appeared to haul down Luis Suarez in the area.

However, it was Chelsea who emerged victorious with Jose Mourinho’s men - who now sit third in the table - closing the gap on leaders Arsenal to two points, while Liverpool lie fifth after back-toback top-flight defeats.

Another important member of Stephen Keshi’s squad, attacker, Gomo Onduku is now on the books of Romanian club, Concordia Chiajna and has also been ruled out of the competition which only players based on the African continent can participate.

Keshi Continued from BP hi) has discovered new home based players who are ready to challenge for shirts in all the positions ahead of the World Cup. The Dynamo Kiev of Ukraine forward showed no fear as he said he was prepared to fight for a jersey in the World Cup bound squad.

“Sir, they are all welcome, the more the mer-

Arsenal Continued from BP with a 65th-minute header to seal a tight encounter which never really took off, although he was grateful that a glaring miss four minutes later did not prove too costly when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny blasted a clearance straight at Loic Remy and saw the ball run just wide of the post with time running down.

Arsene Wenger’s men enjoyed long periods of possession at St James’ Park, but were rarely able to make it count,

*Egwuekwe rier,” he said with a smile.

Despite his poor runs for the Eagles Keshi has continued to invite him.

He rarely justifies his inclusion and he is arguably the most vilified striker in Eagles. But Keshi has been indifferent to his poor output.

Nigeria will be making its debut appearance at the CHAN tournament that kicks off on January 11 and runs till February 1. and it took a set-piece from Theo Walcott, who was otherwise largely anonymous, to present Giroud with his big chance.

Newcastle might have gone in at the break ahead had Szczesny not tipped over Moussa Sissoko’s blistering strike or had Mathieu Debuchy’s header not come back off the crossbar.

However, they were unable to sustain the pressure as they slipped to just a second defeat in 10 league outings in front of a crowd of 52,161.

V anguard anguard,, MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2013

2014 W/Cup: Keshi warns Ideye O Giroud sends Arsenal top

LIVIER Giroud’s 11th goal of the season fired Arsenal back to the top of the Barclays Premier League after a scrappy win at Newcastle.

The Frenchman struck

S

UPER Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has warned striker Brown Ideye that the competition for shirts in the team is really hotting up, and every player must fight for them.

The home based Super Eagles have been camping for the 2014 Championship for African Nations, with several friendly games played so far.

Ideye visited the team camp in Port Harcourt, where he encouraged his teammates and also assured the coaches of his state of fitness ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

When Ideye met Keshi, the Eagles boss told him that he has a battle on his hands as he (Kes Continues on Page 55

*Keshi

Continues on Page 55

*Ideye

Sporting Lisbon ready to snatch Iheancho *Father to be paid 300,000 euros

T

HE last may not have been heard on the supposed movement to Europe of Golden Eaglet star, Kelechi

Iheanacho as latest reports have linked the hugely talented player with Portuguese giants, Continues on Page 55

ECSTACY: Eto'o ... Jumps for joy after scoring against Liverpool yesterday. Photo: AFP. EPL TABLE Team GP W Arsenal 19 13 Man City 19 13 Chelsea 19 12 Everton 19 10 Liverpool 19 11

Eto’o secures priceless win for Chelsea

C

HELSEA came from behind to earn a vital three points in the Premier League title race with a 2-1

triumph over rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

Martin Skrtel had put

Continues on Page 55

•Iheanacho

Everton Newcastle Chelsea Tottenham

2 0 2 3

D 3 2 4 7 3

L 3 4 3 2 5

GF 37 54 35 31 44

GA 18 21 19 18 23

GD 19 33 16 13 21

RESULTS Southampton Arsenal Liverpool Stoke City

PTS 42 41 40 37 36

1 1 1 0

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Across 3 Centre (5) 9 Rebel (6) 10 Consuming (6) 11 Irrigate (5) 12 Mood (4) 15 Formerly (4) 17 Aroused (7) 20 Mineral (3) 21 Discourage (5) 23 Lake (4) 25 Tunny (4) 26 Keen (5) 28 Mouthful (3) 30 Determined (7) 33 Group (4) 35 Cipher (4) 36 Leaf (5) 38 Needed (6) 39 Noisier (6) 40 Renovate (5)

Down 1 Serious (5) 2 Pick-me-up (5) 3 Cut (3) 4 Deleted (6) 5 Smell (4) 6 Sailor (3) 7 Instrument (5) 8 Tally (5) 13 Elucidate (7) 14 Relative (5) 16 Made (7) 18 Stupefied (5) 19 Insect (3) 22 Jacket (5) 24 Owned (3) 27 Entertain (6) 28 Dirty (5) 29 Fragment (5) 31 Shabby (5) 32 Disparage (5) 34 Yield (4) 36 Through (3) 37 Moo (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 1, Greasy 5, Simmer 9, Oiled 10, Ravine 11, Elated 12, Glade 14, Ewer 17, Dry 18, Rode 20, Tidal 22, Elder 23, Beloved 24, Debit 26, Lever 29, Arid 30, Orb 32, Rare 33, Flyer 35, Talked 36, Ribald 37, Tenet 38, Dither 39, Teeter.

Down: 1 Garret 2, Envied 3, Song 4, Yield 5, Seedy 6, Idle 7, Method 8, Rudder 13, Armoury 15, Wider 16, Rabid 18, Rider 19, Defer 21, Let 22, Eel 24, Darted 25, Billet 27, Vacant 28, Render 30, Older 31, Beret 33, Fete 34, Rite

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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C M Y K