2015 PRESIDENCY: Its Buhari vs Jonathan

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62297

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

2015 PRESIDENCY: It's Buhari vs Jonathan

By Dapo Akinrefon, Gbenga Oke, Levinus Nwabughiogu & Monsur Olowoopejo

•As Buhari floors Atiku, Kwankwaso, others •Atiku concedes, congratulates him •Okorie, Eke pick UPP, CPP presidential tickets •Oyegun, Tinubu, Oshiomhole, Tambuwal, laud convention L

AGOS—WITH 3,430 votes, former Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), yesterday, trounced his four opponents to emerge the 2015 presidential candidate of the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

His main challenger, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former vice-president, got 954 votes to come third behind Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, who scored 974 votes. The other contenders, Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha and Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah got 624 votes and 10 votes respectively.

In line with the preconvention agreement reached by the five Continues on Page 5

COLUMNIST: Donu Kogbara

File photos of Buhari (left) and Jonathan (right).

2015: Jonathan accepts PDP nomination •Retains Sambo as running mate; says "I 'll give my all, I will not fail Nigeria."

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2015 governorship:

Battle line drawn in three South-West states •See pull-out inside

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Court orders reinstatement of Jokolo as Emir of Gwandu 8

HOW APC DELEGATES VOTED ASPIRANT

NO OF VOTES

Buhari Kwankwaso Atiku Okorocha Nda-Isaiah Void votes

3,430 974 954 624 10 16

TOTAL

6,008

31 killed as two bomb blasts 9 rock Jos

Jonathan versus whoever! •P.17

Mr & Mrs

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POCKET CARTOON

APC CONVENTION—The five presidential aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) – Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (2nd right), Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (3rd right), Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso (3rd left), Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah (2nd left), Owelle Rochas Okorocha (left), National Chairman of the Party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun (middle) and the Chairman, National Convention Planning Committee of the Party, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (right) during the APC National Convention and Presidential Primary in Lagos.

2015: It's Buhari vs Jonathan Continues from Page 1 aspirants, Atiku has conceded defeat and congratulated Buhari on his victory, saying, "my word is my bond, I am committed to the success of the APC in 2015 polls.”

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, also congratulated Buhari and hailed Atiku and the other presidential aspirants for their sportsmanly conduct.

With the development, there will be a repeat contest between General Buhari and President Goodluck Jonathan, who is flying the flag of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 2015 election.

In the 2011 presidential polls, Jonathan polled 22.5 million votes to beat Buhari who garnered 12.2 million votes.

Okorie, Eke pick UPP, CPP tickets

Apart from PDP and

APC, the United Progressives Party (UPP), yesterday, picked its founder, Chief Chekwas Okorie, as its presidential candidate with Bello Umar as his running mate.

This was announced at the National Convention of the party held at Binez Hotel, Aba, Abia State, which was monitored by a team of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by the Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Jacobs Jatau.

The UPP also presented governorship tickets to Dr. Osmond Ukanacho (Imo State), Dr. Chris Akomas (Abia State) and Hajiya Binta Gwarzo Rufai (Kano).

Earlier in the week, the Citizens Popular Party (CPP) also picked its National Chairman, Chief Sam Eke as its presidential candidate.

Atiku concedes

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self— Ernest Hemingway OW do people know what their true calling in life is about? One of the ways is to recognize those moments when you are more happy, more creative and enlightened, more confident, fit and healthy physically, more aware in every way, more attractive, perhaps wealthiest. More charismatic, elegant, charming and most affluent in business, and with having everything about you that is important to you idealized in every way. You must assign a definitive identity to your ideal self, and it helps to make a list of the character traits and qualities you want to develop and the strengths you want to possess, and who it is really you want to become.

Then once you know the ways in which you can “be the best that you can be” as they say, you can begin to systematically step into that identity and become your “ideal self ” using personal development principles. This is where the actual personal development is done, cultivating character traits for me, begins from within, the virtues of humility, thoughtfulness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness and tolerance, they go a long way in helping you become the better you!

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On a day that Buhari’s victory sparked off infectious jubilation among his supporters at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, venue of the primaries, Atiku, in a concession statement by his media office, when it became clear that he had lost out, said that General Buhari ran a spirited campaign, and that since the delegates had spoken, he fully deserved the victory.

The statement reads in part: “I am very confident that you will provide the needed leadership to turn this country around. I have no doubt that you will work with dedicated and qualified Nigerians to protect our citizens, improve our economy, create jobs, improve education, reform governance and fight corruption. You will indeed bring the change Nigerians have been yearning for. Once more, congratulations."

The loss by Atiku was being taken, yesterday, as a big blow by some of the major operatives of the former vice-president, who traced their woe directly to the governors.

“For us, it is a very bad one, having lost woefully.

The reason we lost so badly was because the governors were convinced that they could not bend Atiku. They believe that his wealth has made him too independent,” a source in Atiku campaign team said yesterday.

Oshiomhole congratulates Buhari, hails Atiku

Congratulating Buhari on his emergence as APC presidential candidate, Governor Oshiomhole, in a statement, also gave kudos to the other presidential aspirants for a gallant fight and urged them to join hands with the party’s candidate to scale the next hurdle.

His words: “First, let me

congratulate the flagbearer of our party, a highly disciplined, tested and trusted leader, MajorGeneral Muhammadu Buhari for emerging through this refined, transparent and credible process of delegate election.

“Also, I wish to congratulate the delegates for their tolerance, patience, maturity and commitment towards ensuring a successful convention which has produced such a strong candidate for our party. This goes to show that we all are committed to being agents of change in this democratic process.

With the emergence of Buhari, Nigeria will no doubt get a true and selfless leadership needed to drive the much-desired change at the centre and the race to effect that real change has just begun."

We must wipe away tears of Nigerians — Tinubu

In his goodwill remarks at the convention, APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu said “a special history is in the air and I can say this is the voice of the young, the old, the North, South, East and West, Christians and Muslims all over the country.

With our convention holding tonight, the history is to be written tonight and this convention represents the beginning of a new Nigeria, new dream and hope.”

He continued: “We are doing things differently given the challenges facing our country, we are bringing about change to avert a national failure.

We cannot afford to squander this opportunity and that is why we are showing a sense of national purpose, transparency, openness according to the spirit of fair play in our presidential primaries.

"This will show Nigerians we are a democratic party and we are pure because our behaviour will speak for us. Our new manifesto has shown hope of our party and it is going to be a turning point in our lives."

Buhari declared winner

While officially declaring Buhari the winner of the exercise, Chief Returning Officer, Dr Kayode Fayemi said: “It is my esteemed pleasure to reach this historic conclusion of this keenly contested race.

Having won the majority of votes cast, it is my pleasure and honour to declare Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the APC presidential primaries in preparation for the 2015 presidential election. All our aspirants have proved to be champions in this race.”

We’ve made history – Oyegun

APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun commended the convention planning committee for a job well done. He also commended the aspirants for display of good sportsmanship saying “to all of you who are here and those who have gone home, you have made history.”

is God and it came to him because he is the oldest of the family and I believe the next one will go to the youngest of the family. We have now taught the world that internal democracy can begin in a party.”

Explaining why he participated in the race, he said: “I participated in the race because I wanted to give our brothers from the SouthEast a sense of belonging.”

APC is the only alternative Join me to bring — Tambuwal about change – Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Buhari

In his acceptance speech, winner of the presidential primaries, Buhari commended the convention planning committee for the success of the convention.

He said: “The outcome of the presidential primaries is a demonstration of democracy at work. What has happened is not about winning or losing but about freedom of association. I wish to thank my fellow contenders for putting up a good fight. I extend my gratitude for accepting my nomination and I will meet you in due course to fashion out how we will win the elections. It is with deep sense of humility that I accept to be the candidate and flag-bearer of the APC. I stand before you and ask that you join me to bring about the needed change for this country. It is either we advance as one or we fail together.”

I’ll work with Buhari —Kwankwaso

On his part, Kwankwaso promised to work for the success of the party and Buhari at the polls.

“I want to start by thanking God for making me to be part of history. On behalf of myself especially the delegates that voted for me, I want to congratulate the winner of this primary, General Buhari. We earlier agreed that whoever wins this election, we will work for him. Let me assure you that we will work together for the success of the APC at all levels,” he said.

Internal democracy has begun –Okorocha

Also speaking, Okorocha said: “The responsibility falls on the shoulder of General Buhari. I believe it

Aminu Tambuwal said history is being made with the coming together of opposition parties in Nigeria. “What we are seeing today has never happened in the history of Nigeria and we have shown we are the only alternative to what we have in Abuja.”

Tambuwal appealed to Nigerians to vote out the PDP-led government at the centre, saying: “I must say with every sense of belonging that APC remains the party for today, tomorrow and the future. So I call on Nigerians to come together by voting out incompetence and malfunction government we have in Abuja."

PDP welcomes Buhari

National Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has welcomed the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as the Presidential candidate of the APC. In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the PDP urged the APC presidential candidate to be issue- based in his campaigns, adding, “We hope that this time round, General Buhari will conduct a campaign that is issue based and devoid of ethnoreligious sentiments.”

Metuh said, “This will be the fourth time General Buhari will be contesting in the presidential elections.

On each of the three previous occasions, he failed to articulate a vision of the future that was acceptable to Nigerians. On each occasion his brand of politics was rejected across Nigeria.

Apart from changing to a dinner suit, General Buhari, has not changed the tired ideas and provocative utterances that Nigerians rejected in previous elections."

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Wife, children accused of hacking husband to death

2 women docked for vandalism, theft of fuel products

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By Ifeanyi Okolie

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middle-aged woman, Comfort Tifase and her children, Olufumbi and Oluropo, are currently being interrogated by officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos, over the circumstances surrounding the death of her husband, Moses, in Mile 2 area of the state.

Vanguard gathered that the suspects had allegedly hacked Moses, who is based in Kano State, to death with a pair of scissors during a fight at their Block 285, flat 6, residence, Jakande Estate Mile 2.

Sources disclosed that the incident which occurred in the early hours of December 6, 2014, blew open when the suspect and her children attempted to quickly bury the man.

They were said to have contacted a member of their church with the news of their father ’s death and demanded his immediate burial, claiming he slumped and died.

The church member suspected foul and alerted the police in Festac Police Station, where Divisional Police Officer, Ifeanyi Owo, who led policemen to the scene, arrested the suspects and her children while the corpse was taken to the mortuary for autopsy.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ken Nwosu, who confirmed the arrest to Vanguard, said the suspects denied killing the man, but the policemen who visited the scene recovered a blood-stained pair of scissors in their apartment, while the entire apartment was in disarray.

SKILLED: Principal, Women Education and Skills Model Centre, Mrs Rahila Munza, with her students during a training workshop in Bauchi, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Lagos property developer, others petition IG over alleged assault by monarch

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A Lagos-based property developer, Femi Bakare and the Okunu Eleku family of Oko-Olomi community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, have called on the Inspector General of Police and Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 2, to investigate an allegation against a traditional ruler, who they claim was attacking them with thugs.

The complainants, through their counsel, Mr. B. P. Ogundele, alleged that the traditional ruler was promoting lawlessness through the use of armed thugs to attack them in Oko-Olomi village, Ibeju-Lekki.

They said on three occasions, November 10, 11 and 19, the traditional ruler led some people to invade the village,

adding that it was the timely intervention of Policemen from Elemoro Police Station that saved them.

They added that on November 19 the traditional ruler allegedly led armed thugs, accompanied by five armed soldiers to attack the village and at the end of the invasion, three thugs and two soldiers were arrested and detained at Elemoro Police Station before the transfer of the case file to Ajiwe Area Police Headquarters and one of the cars that brought the soldiers was impounded.

The complainants also alleged that the monarch, before transfer of the case file and suspects, revisited Elemoro Police Station to effect the release of the thugs and soldiers, but was not successful as the newly-posted Divisional Police Officer prevailed on his

men to resist the attack on his station.

According to the complainants, on two consecutive occasions, the said monarch gave false information to the media that there was an attempt to kidnap him by some land grabbers, but the investigation that was conducted found the allegation false and frivolous.

They said: “Recently, the same Oba made complaint to Ajiwe Police Headquarters that his palace was attacked by some armed men and his property damaged.

“Police conducted investigation and discovered that it was constructive destruction to raise false alarm to incriminate our clients.

“The action of the monarch, if not address, is capable of leading to breach of peace.”

WONDER BANK: 2 pastors get 7 years in jail over N32m theft

By Egufe Yafugborhi & Perez Brisibe Delta State High Court sitting in Warri has

sentenced two clergymen to seven years imprisonment each for stealing N32 million from investors in a wonder bank.

They convicts are Pastor Glory

Abrefera and Reverend Vincent Okpogu.

Convicting the accused on the nine-count charge levelled against them by the Economic

inspect the location of a resident, where they had planned to attack when they were apprehended.

Vanguard gathered that the suspect identified as Solomon and Saleh were arrested, while Sunny, a member of the gang, is currently at large.

According to one of the suspects, 21-year-old Solomon, he did not know that

the so-called fraternity, which his friend told him to join, was an armed robbery gang, claiming that it was dangerous for him to leave them when he found out that they were armed robbers.

He said: “I am from Benin city, Edo state. I am also into fashion and designing. I learned from my sister Vivian based at Ajah Ogombo. She

later employed me to work for her.”

In his defence, the other suspect said: “I dropped out of Military School at Zaria. I am an informant to the soldier that arrested us.

“I should have told the Police my plan, or even the soldier who handed us over to police, when I discovered that we were going to rob.”

A Police nab cultists, recover ammunition

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS State police have arrested two renowned cultists terrorizing residents in Ajah, Lagos State, for allegedly attempting to launch a robbery attack in the neighbourhood.

It was learned that the gang, from whom ammunition were recovered, was going to

WO women, Iyabo Dunyinle and Patience Pemi, were, yesterday, arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, over vandalism and theft of petroleum products.

The accused, residents of Alayo village on the LagosIbadan Expressway, are standing trial on a twocount charge.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Following an oral application for bail by their counsel, the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, admitted them to bail in the sum of N1 million each, with one surety each in like sum.

He adjourned the case to March 11, 2015 for trial.

Earlier, the prosecutor had told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 9, at 5 a.m.

Prosecution said the accused were apprehended by the police and about 11,000 litres of petrol were recovered from them, which they allegedly extracted from a vandalised pipeline in the locality, for illegal sale, valued at N1.1 million.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Sections 390 and 516 of Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, laws of the Federation, 2004.

and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, trial judge, Justice F. Ohwo sentenced them to seven years imprisonment on each count with the sentence to run concurrently.

According to the prosecutor, Mr. G. Latona, “both accused are still answering to other charges before another state high court sitting in Otor-Udu for related offences.”

The clerics were arrested on allegation of deceiving members of the public into investing in Mustard Seed Micro Investment Limited, a wonder bank, where they were said to have defrauded the investors.

Justice Owho held that they would serve the term at Okere Prisons in Warri, Delta State.

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8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Court orders reinstatement of Jokolo as Emir of Gwandu

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IRNIN KEBBI— THE Kebbi High Court, yesterday, ordered the reinstatement of Alhaji Al-Mustapha Jokolo as Emir of Gwandu, nine years after he was removed.

Jokolo had in 2006 challenged his removal by the state government, saying the government did not consult or inquire with kingmakers in the state.

He then urged the high court to reinstate him as emir, stressing that the state government did not follow due process.

In his judgment, Justice Abbas Ahman, who presided over the case in Birnin Kebbi, reinstated Jokolo as Emir of Gwandu with effect from 2006.

Ahman also directed the Kebbi State Government to release all entitlements due to Jokolo from when he was deposed in 2006 till date.

Justice Ahman said: “As at now, there is no 20th Emir of Gwandu but the 19th, who is Alhaji Almustapha Jokolo, with effect from 2006.”

He then advised the defendants to appeal the judgment within three months in a higher court.

Counsel to the reinstated emir, Mr Sylvester Imanobe, said the judgment was a representation of true justice.

According to News Agency of Nigeria reports, supporters of the reinstated emir expressed their feelings in a peaceful rally around the Birnin Kebbi High Court.

However, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Garba Kamba, said the judgment would be appealed within three months as he called for calm on the matter.

He appealed to the people not to disrupt the peace and assured that government would not relent in ensuring that peace reigned in the state.

FG needs N18.9trn investments to cushion oil revenue losses

By Jonah Nwokpoku with agency reports

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AGOS — THE Federal Government has disclosed that it needs about $113 billion (about N18.9 trillion) of investment within the next six years to “unleash” the oil and gas industry, rehabilitate its roads and railways and boost electricity supplies.

Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE, Mr Benjamin Dikki, told Reuters that the Federal Government needed at least $60 billion (over N10 trillion) for its hydrocarbon sector.

He said: “At the moment, the government is losing $287 million, about N48.2 billion, a month due to its failure to pass a wideranging petroleum industry reform bill that has been stuck in parliament for years and meant to give Nigeria a greater share of profits."

According to him, about $33 billion (N5.5 trillion) of investment is needed to improve the rail network and build new roads across the country.

He said: "The power sector requires $18 billion to $20 billion. The government cannot finance all these requirements and is changing its laws and regulations to aid private sector investment.”

The Federal Government had, a couple of weeks ago, raised an alarm over the decline in the global crude oil prices, saying it is

already putting in place stricter measures to cushion the effect of the drop on the Nigerian economy.

“Nigeria has two to three months of rainy day savings to cushion it while contingencies are put in place should world oil prices continue to fall,” Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Co-ordinating Minister for Economy told the Financial Times.

Okonjo-Iweala disclosed that should oil price dip below $78, the country would have to draw down on the Excess Crude Account (ECA).

She said: “Our intention is not to run in there and raid it, but even if prices continue to go down, we can survive

sufficiently for two to three months.

"That is the time needed to get other measures in place.

What you don’t want is a hard landing. Our buffers are slimmer this time,” OkonjoIweala acknowledged, adding that there is about $4bn in the ECA at present, $2bn short of what the International Monetary Fund had recommended.

She further stated that the country needs to ramp up our non oil revenues on the fiscal side, adding that global consulting firm, McKinsey, has been engaged to carry out an extensive review of revenue services in order to identify potential gains.

Okonjo-Iweala added that she was encouraged by an exhaustive data review, which saw Nigeria’s economy overtake South Africa’s as the continent’s largest, showing that the economy had diversified to a much greater extent than previously thought.

She said: “In an oil country you can never feel at ease exactly. But I feel we can master this situation because we have a diverse base.

“We will have to look very hard at recurrent expenditure, and identify overlapping agencies. When the price is heading down everyone sees the necessity but that doesn’t stop them hating you."

BRIEFING: Former National Planning Minister, Mr. Sanusi Daggash briefing State House correspondents after a meeting between Borno State leaders and the Presidency at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

2015: Shun political associations, CJN warns judges Laments rise in conflicting judgments

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA — AS the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2015 general elections, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday, warned judges across the federation to distance themselves from political associations.

The CJN, who gave the admonition while declaring the 2014 Annual Conference for the Justices of the Court of Appeal open in Abuja yesterday, stressed that the code of conduct for judicial officers forbids judges from having affairs with political parties.

He said it was the only way to ensure that the dignity and credibility of the judiciary are not in any way tinted on

account of any suspicion.

Besides, the CJN lamented that the judiciary had been confronted with accusation of conflicting decisions delivered by the Court of Appeal particularly in seemingly straightforward issues.

He said: “When we are able to dispense justice without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, only then will we secure the confidence of the average citizen in the justice system and by extension support a political space of peace and stability.

“My lords here present, let me draw your attention to the provision of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers which cautions us to shun political associations.

“I dare say this singular act can ensure that the dignity and credibility of the Judiciary are not in any way tinted on account of any suspicion.

“As a corollary to this, I must

also urge you to ensure that there is a return to certainty in the adjudication of cases heard by panels of this court.

Conflicting judgments

“All too often, the judiciary has been confronted with accusation of conflicting decisions delivered by the Court of Appeal particularly in seemingly straightforward issues.

“Conflicting judgments of various divisions of the Court of Appeal are not only undesirable but the result may manifest in a miscarriage of justice and ultimately loss of public confidence in the judiciary.

“Conflicting judgments also lead to accusations of improper considerations and corrupt practices. I need not remind us of the corrosive effect that this has had on the judiciary and its estimation in the eyes of the

public.

“I am sure you will agree with me that this issue must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Legal certainty, as you all know, is a key tenet of a robust judiciary that is worth its name.

“All the Justices of the Court of Appeal must, therefore, carefully consider the decisions of other panels of the court in order to ensure that there is uniformity and certainty in its pronouncements.

“While we seek to protect the sanctity of the temple of justice, I must stress that justice delayed is justice denied. This is more so where the liberty of a citizen is at stake.

“The judiciary must begin to see the time limit provided by the constitution and other rules of courts as minimum standards which must be religiously adhered to."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014—9

2015: Jonathan accepts PDP nomination, says ‘I'ill give my all’

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, accepted his nomination as the presidential candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with a promise not to let Nigerians down.

Jonathan, who assured that elections will be conducted in all parts of the country next year despite the security situation in some states, also laid to rest speculations on the fate of his vice, Namadi Sambo, as he told the Special National Convention that he was running with the Vice President.

Describing himself as a humble servant, he stressed that there will be a campaign and an election, that will serve to consolidate our successes.

Jonathan, who did not make any comment concerning the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, however, said his administration would “secure the future of the nation”, tackle corruption, insecurity and provide more equipment to the military to enable them win the war against terrorism, adding: “I will not let you down, I will not fail the PDP. Above all, I will not fail our great nation, Nigeria.”

He also formally announced that for being very loyal and supportive, he was retaining Vice President Sambo as his running mate for the election against the backdrop that he (Sambo) has been very loyal and supportive.

Jonathan, at the end of his acceptance speech, which lasted close to an hour, called Sambo, his wife and the Senate President, David Mark and declared that Sambo has been an active part of his administration which he said had transformed all sectors of the nation’s economy.

He said his vice had been part of the winning team through his commitment to duty, loyalty and support for the transformation agenda of the present administration and that it will only be fair to continue with him to consolidate on the achievements they have recorded so far and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

At the ratification of Jonathan, Wednesday, which ran into the early hours of yesterday, Jonathan got 138 votes from Akwa Ibom State followed by Delta State which cast 120 votes.

Katsina came third with 119 votes, Imo State came fourth with 109 votes while Kano State came fifth with 104 votes.

Political parties must rise above the fray

In his acceptance speech,

Retains Sambo as running mate Says Sambo has been very loyal, supportive Vows elections'll hold in North-East

31 killed in Jos twin bomb blasts  Security agents arrest 3 female suicide bombers in Kano

By AbdulSalam Muhammad & MarieTherese Nanlong with agency reports

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TOUR: From left: Dapo Oshinusi, Souleymane Keita, Bennedikter Molokwu and Taiwo Okeowo, all MainOne Board members; and the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Funke Opeke, during the board's tour of MainOne's brand new Tier III Data Centre in Lagos.

Jonathan said: “Nigeria is undergoing great changes at this time, and also experiencing great challenges; so, political parties must rise above the fray to provide hope and clear direction to propel the development of our country.

“As expected in every contest, especially political contests, the journey to this convention has not been without issues in some constituencies. Indeed, party congresses from the ward to state levels, and the legislative and state primaries, have produced both triumphs and some misgivings.

“Without prejudice to various on-going resolution mechanisms, we will take steps after the elections to review and refine the candidate selection procedures within our party.

An appropriate committee will be set up to work on this, with contributions across board.

“Fellow delegates, dear party members, while we congratulate our candidates who have emerged at the primaries, we must reassure all our members, that our party remains a large, accommodating and responsible party. We will make sure that conflicts are amicably resolved and that the genuine interest of every member is respected and

assured.

"As party members, we must be conscious of the responsibility we hold to our nation. The political party is the vehicle for national organisation, and the PDP is the foremost political party in Nigeria.

“For the sake of the entire nation, we must, at this time, more than ever, stand together as one united party. We are all joint stakeholders, this party belongs to all of us. What we have achieved today should be a lesson to all who care about Nigeria. What we have done exemplifies our unity. What we have done exemplifies our determination. What we have done exemplifies our purpose.

“We are a party that accepts challenges. We are a party that confronts those challenges. But above all, we are a party that resolves challenges. And it is exactly these qualities that will lead us to victory.

“Distinguished Delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you as your humble servant to accept your nomination as the presidential candidate of our great party, the PDP. “Having placed great faith in me and chosen me as your candidate, I assure you, that I am truly honoured tonight, to lead another electoral contest.

This will be a campaign, and an election, that will serve to consolidate our successes.

I will give my all —Jonathan

"I will give my all. I will not let you down. I will not fail the PDP. I will not fail you. Above all, I promise, I will not fail our great nation, Nigeria.

"This convention shows that we are ready. The PDP is ready. Nigerians know we are ready. And today in Abuja, we begin the next phase of our mission. Our mission is to secure Nigeria’s future. First of all, let me give gratitude to God Almighty who has sustained the nation.

“There is much to say, but permit me some special words of gratitude. These last four years have not always been easy, but through it all, my wife has effortlessly taken care of our home. So to you, my companion and my foremost supporter, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

"I also want to thank the Vice President, my brother, Arch Namadi Sambo, and his dear wife. You have both provided loyal support and commitment to this presidency, working with you for our people has been a pleasure.

“The work and progress recorded these past four years has been possible because we have had the best team possible. The Ministers, Advisers, Assistants and staff that have formed the Transformation team, have shown great dedication, creativity and loyalty."

OS— NO fewer than 31 persons died yesterday in twin bomb explosions which occurred at a busy motor park in central Jos, Plateau State capital.

The explosions occurred near the site where a similar attack took place in May killing 118 people.

This came as security agents in Kano, yesterday, arrested three female suicide bombers and their male driver within Kano metropolis barely 24 hours after Kwari market was bombed by two female suicide bombers killing four persons.

An official of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mohammed Abdulsalam said: “It is a twin bombing, near where the bombing in May occurred.”

A resident also said the blasts occurred at about 6.30 p.m at the motor park, operated by state-owned Plateau Riders. An outlet of popular fast food line, Mr. Biggs, is also located near the scene of the attack.

The Plateau State police spokesperson, Emmanuel Abu, confirmed the attack.

Governor Jonah Jang’s spokesman, Mr Pam Ayuba said: “The bodies recovered so far are 31 but rescue workers are at the scene and the figures may change.“

3 female suicide bombers arrested in Kano

Security sources in the city told Vanguard that the security agents were given a tip-off that a 13-year-old female suicide bomber visited a hospital in the outskirts of the metropolis for treatment following injury she sustained from the blast at Kwari market when security operatives swooped on her.

Vanguard learnt that at the point of arrest of the girl along side a man that brought her on a tricycle, security agents discovered that she was wearing a jacket of primed improvised explosive device.

The source further added that preliminary investigation showed that she was smuggled into Kano from Bauchi State to carry out the crime. adding that “she revealed the identities of two others hiding somewhere in the city that led to their arrest.

10— Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

NOWA gives cash to 126 widows, orphans of deceased personnel

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By Evelyn Usman

AGOS—WIFE of the Chief of Naval Staff , Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin and president of the Naval Officers Wives Association, Mrs Lami Jubrin yesterday, gave 126 widows and orphans of fallen naval personnel cash , with a view to promoting their welfare.

In her welcome address at the event tagged ‘ Day out with Widows and Orphans’ Mrs Jubrin explained that the gesture was in fulfillment of the promise made to her predecessor, Mrs Vivian Ezeoba, who started it last year, with one hundred widows and orphans as beneficiaries.

She said: “This year we have done a random selection cutting across all zones. We hope that it will boost existing business and also the children of these fallen heroes will be able to get quality education so that they will be greater than us tomorrow. We are certain that amongst these children will grow up to be NOWA national president, first lady of the nation, Chief of Naval Staff and president , in future”

Salis unveils legislative agenda

By Ikenna Asomba

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AGOS—A Senatorial candidate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State, Mrs. Olabisi Salis has promised to empower women and children in her Senatorial district, if elected at the 2015 elections.

Speaking on her victory as winner of the party’s ticket for Lagos East Senatorial District, Salis said she would give women and children a voice, thus bringing democracy dividends to the grassroots.

Being a former management staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Salis said she resigned her appointment to join politics because people in her senatorial district were not getting the best of representation in the senate.

MY WATCH: Obasanjo

order A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—FORMER President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has appealed the confiscation order on his autobiography; "My Watch” by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Obasanjo, through his legal team, led by Gboyega Oyewole filed an appeal challenging the confiscation order, saying declaring that he had 10 grounds on which he could indicate that the trial judge erred in his ruling.

Former President who, however,frowned at the media reports which he said gave an impression that he intended to “dareconfront a judge or the judiciary ” described the report as highly misleading.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State Prince Buruji Kashamu had dragged Obasanjo before a federal High Court in a-N20 billion libel suit instituted seeking to stop him from going ahead with the launch of the book .

The court had granted Kashamu an ex-parte application restraining the former President from launching his new book, but, Obasanjo went ahead to launch the three-volume book, which criticised President Goodluck

MURDER:

Jonathan and other past leaders in the country last Tuesday in Lagos.

Reacting to Obasanjo’s action, Justice Valentine Ashie of an Abuja High Court at Wuse zone 2, on Wednesday, had ruled on Wednesday, that irrespective of the public presentation, the former President erred by not obeying his court injunction.

Justice Ashie also gave Obasanjo 21 days within which to show reasons why he should not be punished for disregarding a subsisting court order that restrained him from publishing his newly released

autobiography entitled “My Watch”.

The judge further held that former President acted in clear breach of its order, an action it said was tantamount to contempt.

He therefore ordered the Inspector General of Police, Director-General of the Department of state services and the comptroller of customs to confiscate Obasanjo’s book from vendors across the country.

In his appeal, Obasanjo in a Suit No. CV/472/14, copy of which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta,

contended that he was dissatisfied with the ruling of the High Court and therefore “appeal against the said ruling upon the ground set forth.”

Among the 10 grounds of appeal according the counsel, include that, “the learned Trial Judge erred in law when he granted Interlocutory Orders of Injunction which inter alia restrained the Defendant from the publication of his book “My Watch” or the content of the letter to the President which is the subject of the suit before the trial judge in the said book “My Watch.”

APC PRIMARIES: From left: Hon. Dino Meleye, Lagos All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Akinwumi Ambode, Borno State governor, Shettima Mustapha, Senator Bukola Saraki, and Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, at the APC Presidential primaries in Lagos, yesterday.

Police can't prosecute gov aspirant, others

—DPP

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appeals confiscation

AGOS—THE Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, on Thursday said that the police lacked sufficient evidence to prosecute a governorship aspirant, Dr Tola Kasali, for murder.

The DPP, Mrs Olabisi Ogungbesan, made the statement when the case was mentioned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates Court in Lagos.

She said that evidence brought against Kasali and his co-accused did not sustain the murder charge.

The director advised that the police should conduct more investigations into the case.

Kasali, 62, a former Commissioner for Special Duties in Lagos State, was a governorship aspirant in the state on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC. The police arraigned the aspirant and two others on Nov. 11, on a four-count charge of conspiracy,

murder and illegal possession of arms.

The court did not take their pleas as the Chief Magistrate, Mr E.O. Ogunkanmi, said that he needed the DPP’s advice.

The court, however, granted them bail on self- recognition.

The other accused are 65year-old Folami Musiliu, a

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, and 35-yearold Tobun Abiodun Lukman, a Chief Security Officer.

The police accused Kasali and the others of killing Mr Musiliu Ogboye Lamidi at Akodo, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, on Nov.9.

They said that the accused were arrested in possession

....As IGP orders probe of Lagos couple's torture

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—INSPECTOR General of Police, Suleiman Abba has ordered a full scale investigation into alleged police incivility to a couple in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

A statement from Force headquarters said the investigation is in line with his, IGP’s, avowed commitment to protect and uphold the Human Rights of all Nigerians and residents therein.

“The Officer involved has been identified and is already undergoing administrative trial” it said.

“All other officers whose conduct did not speak well on the incident are also being sanctioned, preparatory to further necessary action.”

The IG further reiterated the determination of the Force to abide by the contents of the newly launched NPF Human Rights Practice Manual, stressing that no abuse of human rights will be tolerated in the Force.

Meanwhile, the IGP yesterday paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Nigeria and called on all Nigerians to sustain the unity of the country.

of a pump action Avar Magnum gun with serial number 6381, without appropriate licence.

According to the charge, the offences contravene Sections 231, 211 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, and Section 27 (b)(1) of the Fire Arms Act. Cap 28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

A team of Messrs G.O. Osuji, N. Nosa and George Nwosu, appeared for the prosecution of the case for the police.

However, after Osuji had announced the appearance of the team, Mr Femi Adamson, a Senior State Counsel, also announced his appearance also as a prosecutor in the matter.

Adamson told the court that the state wished to take over the prosecution of the case from the police.

However, Osuji submitted that the case was an application for remand.

He said that the state could only take over the case after the accused might have been properly arraigned.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 —11

2007 OSUN BOMBING: Court

sentences prime

suspect to death

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—AN Osun State High Court, sitting in Osogbo, yesterday, sentenced Richard Abayomi Adesanmi, the prime suspect in the June 14, 2007 bomb blast that rocked the premises of the state secretariat, Abeere, Osogbo, where one person was killed, to death by hanging.

Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, in his judgement convicted Adesanmi on all the six count charge of murder and conspiracy to effect unlawful purpose preferred against him.

Delivering his judgement, Justice Aderibigbe said: “Richard Abayomi Adesanmi is sentenced to death for murder by hanging on his neck till he gives up the ghost.”

Aderibigbe had earlier, while ruling on the first 5 count of the charge, pronounced Adesanmi guilty of act intended to cause grievous harm contrary to section 332 (3) of criminal code of Osun State and perpetration to commit crime with explosive contrary to section 514 of criminal code of Osun State.

He subsequently slammed a combined sentence of 40 years jail term with no option of fine on Adesanmi for the first 5 count.

Adesanmi, who immediately looked down as the judge passed the verdict was in tears as the prison officials led him out of the court.

The prosecution was led by the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Afolabi and Mr. Dapo Adeniji, the Director of Public Prosecution, while Mr. Wilson Atirene represented the accused person.

It will be recalled that an explosion which occurred in a Peugeot 504 saloon car with number plate AL 850 NND parked near Ministry of Water Resources and Rural

to the Government House clinic where he was treated for the injuries he sustained in his eyes.

During the investigation, police confirmed that Improvised Explosive Device, IED, was the substance that exploded in the vehicle on the day of the incident, adding that materials that could be used to make explosives were also recovered from the vehicle driven by one of the accused persons.

Development, had killed one of the occupants of the vehicle simply identified as Taye while injuring Adesanmi leading to the loss of one of his eyes.

Other two occupants of the vehicle, one Henry and Gboyega Olasogba, however, escaped from the scene and have remained at large since then.

After the incident, Adesanmi, who claimed to be an indigene of Ondo, was immediately taken

INAUGURATION: From left: Malam Suleiman Baba Ali, former Kogi State Commissioner for Health, wife of the Osun State governor, Alhaja Sherifat, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Mrs. Christie Adejoh, CEO, Marthee's International and Abubakar Sule, former Executive Director, Sterling Bank, moments before the inaugurations of the governor for a second term in Osogbo.

2015: Police read riot act to Ogun politicans

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—OGUN State Police Command has warned politicians in the state to shun violence during and after the election.

The Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye gave the warning during a seminar

organised by Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Ogun State chapter in conjuction with the state Police Command in commemoration of the 2014 World Human Rights Day. The seminar tagged, Freedom and Security: A Panacea to Credible Election, was attended by all security agencies in the

state as well as Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and representatives of all political parties in the state.

The command which tasked politicians to ensure violencefree elections in 2015, taught them on how they could avoid rancour among themselves before, during and after the

general elections.

Okoye explained that his command is combatant-ready to check any form of violence in the state during the polls.

According to him; "In order to have a credible, free and fair election, we should maintain peace.

If we maintain peace, everything will gowellinNigeria.

Osoba's SDP elects gov candidate, others for 2015 defected from APC to SDP as

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By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THE Social Democratic Party, SDP, being positioned by former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba to wrest power from the incumbent government in the state, yesterday, announced a former member of National Executive Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Yemi Sanusi as it’s governorship candidate for the 2015 election.

The party which held its state congress in Abeokuta where it ratified the new executive of the party in the state and the candidates for all the elected posts, announced one Joko Adekunbi as his running mate while it returned six of the members of the House of Representatives and the three members of the state assembly who

candidates for 2015 polls.

The returned candidates include; Adekunle Adeyemi, Ifo/Ewekoro Federal constituency, Abudu Balogun, Ijebu North, Waterside and Ijebu East federal constituency, Yinka Odewole, Odogbolu, Ijebu Ode, Ijebu North. Others are Buraimoh Bukola, Sagamu, Ikenne, Remo North, Olumide Osoba, Obafemi Owode, Odeda and Abeokuta North, Joel Sopade was elected to represent Abeokuta South Federal Constituency.

For the Senate, Adegbenga Kaka was elected to return to the Upper Chamber from Ogun East, Akin Odunsi got the nod to continue as candidate for Ogun West while Ogun Central was left open because the present Senator, Gbenga Obadara, is gunning for the gubernatorial ticket.

Ekiti govt flays Obasanjo over alleged contempt

By Gbenga Ariyibi

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DO EKITI—EKITI State Government has condemned the former president,Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for an alleged contempt of court, urging the judiciary to sanction him for openly violating the court’s order.

An Abuja High Court had restrained the former president from publishing and circulating his newly released autobiography, My Watch, but Obasanjo disregard the court’s order and went ahead to launch and circulate the book.

In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti yesterday by Mr Owoseni Ajayi,the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice on behalf of the state government,said sanction was necessary as it would serves as deterrent to others who see themselves as super powers far and above the laws of the land.

Ajayi said the sanctity of the judiciary should be respected and protected noting that it was embarrassing that a former President could behave with impunity “disregarding the rights of other Nigerians and recently became contemptuous of court orders”.

Idanre hills for UNESCO listing

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By Dayo Johnson

KURE—ALL is now set to get Idanre Hills Cultural Landscape listed into the prestigious World Heritage Scheme by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO. This is sequel to the conclusion of inspection on the site yesterday by a team of experts from the world body yesterday.

Also, the Ondo State government vowed to make the hills international monument.

The team was in the state to finalize the process of getting Idanre Hills enlisted by UNESCO in shortest possible time.

Speaking after the exercise, the technical partner of the National Commission for Museum and Monuments, NCMM, Architect Thierry Joffory, expressed confidence on the nomination dossier as natural habitats were not tampered with at the top of the hill.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Nwuche appeals result of Rivers PDP primaries

By Jimitota Onoyume

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9a.m., that day. Non-delegates were allowed to vote. I had wanted a proper delegates election. I feel sad for our democracy, I feel sad for our state.

“I have confidence in the

party. Nobody owns the party.

I told them the issues, nondelegates voted, there was ballot stuffing. I expect justice in this appeal process. This impunity and recklessness is amazing. I appeal to the party

for justice, “ he said.

Some of his supporters also called for the outright cancellation of the result of the primaries, saying it did not reflect the wishes of the people.

ORT HAR-COURT— FORMER Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Chibudom Nwuche, has challenged his defeat, Tuesday, at the Rivers West senatorial primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, before the Electoral Appeal Panel of the party.

Nwuche, who spoke to newsmen after his appearance at the panel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said that the election was a sham, stressing that non-delegates were brought in to vote.

According to him, ballots were stuffed during the election. Nwuche who expressed hope that his party will redress the alleged injustice against him, reaffirmed his support for President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said: “I just came from the appeal panel sitting in Port Harcourt today (yesterday).

You will recall that they first announced that the primaries would hold at Oroworoko, but INAUGURAL MEETING: From left: Mr. Lekan Asuni , MD, GSK; Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, later changed the venue that Tuesday, without informing CEO, Private Sector Health Alliance; Herbert Wigwe, CEO, Access Bank /Chairman, Nigeria me. As a contestant, I only got Health Innovation Marketplace Steering Committee and Bukky George, CEO, Health Plus, to know of the change about at the Nigeria Health Innovators Community of Practice inaugural meeting in Lagos.

Delta PDP Assembly primaries: I'll never sell my mandate —ODIBO

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI—AHEAD of the 2015 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, flag bearer for Udu constituency in the state House of Assembly, Elegebete Moses Odibo, has denied rumours that he has dropped his ambition and transferred his ticket to the incumbent, Keston Okoro.

Odibo, who defeated Okoro and was declared winner at the Udu state constituency PDP primaries, said it would be suicidal for him to relinquish or transfer the confidence Udu people have given him to an another aspirant.

He said: “The rumours have been rife, and I have just seen the imperative for a public reaction when political associates, family members, friends and the Udu people started confronting me with allegations that I had been paid a huge sum and promised a juicy appointment to give up my mandate.

“It is true people actually confronted me with offers. My simple response remains that it will amount to political

suicide to accept any offer, no matter how juicy, in exchange for the mandate given to me

by the Udu people.

“I urge the good people of Udu to remain calm and be rest

assured that I will not disappoint them. By the grace of God, we shall succeed, come 2015.”

Physically challenged urge FG for succour

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—AS people with disability mark the International Day for the Disabled, physically challenged persons in Edo State, under the aegis of Goodluck Vision for Persons With Unique Abilities, have appealed to the Federal Government to pursue policies and programmes that would provide succour to persons living with disabilities.

Commending President Goodluck Jonathan for his efforts so far in recognising the problems facing physically challenged persons in the country, the group pleaded that government should match its policies with actions so that the physically challenged persons will feel a sense of belonging.

Speaking in Benin City, yesterday, as part of activities to mark the Day, the initiator of the group, Timi Ziriki, commended the president and

urged him to also explore technological development for the disabled, such as sign language during television broadcasts.

National Coordinator of the group, Pastor Percy Usifoh, pointed out that President Jonathan “is the first President to give six slots to persons with

disabilities at the 2014 national conference, the first president to grant the disabled audience at the villa in 2011, the first president to appoint a disabled person on the board of SURE-P, the first president to give the highest presidential honour to a para-Olympian in Nigeria’s history.”

Amaechi to rebuild burnt market, compensate traders

By Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has promised to rebuild the New Borokiri market in the state, which was razed by fire and compensate traders who lost their goods to the fire in order to reduce the plight of the victims this yuletide.

Amaechi, when he visited the scene of the incident to felicitate with the traders, said he will ensure that all those who lost all they had to the

inferno were compensated.

The governor also promised to rebuild the section of the market that was razed and replace all the damaged facilities in the market to reduce the sufferings of the traders.

He said: “I commiserate with every one of you who lost your goods to the fire. We will try and pay you for the things you lost. At the same time, as we are compensating you, the government will also rebuild the market and replace all the facilities that were destroyed.”

C-River PDP gov primaries transparent, says aspirant

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PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Cross River State, Mr Tanko Ashang, has congratulated the winner of the primaries, Senator Ben Ayade, noting that he was clearly the best of all the aspirants.

Ashang, at an interactive session in Abuja, described the primaries as free, fair and all-inclusive.

He said: “It was a thorough process, and a thorough process will always attract criticism especially in our clime where people are used to quick fix. The process had no respect for status or wealth. For a party primaries, you expect that everybody should understand the process, that it is a delegate election.

It was transparent, it was open.

“The people who are complaining are the ones who wanted to discredit the process by using thugs. So, when adequate security was provided to forestall their plans, they began to complain .

“As a delegate who voted in all the primaries, I saw people cast their votes freely without molestation.

It was an improvement from past experiences."

Group hails Okowa’s victory

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ENIN River Vanguard, BRV, has hailed the emergence of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate for Delta State.

A statement by the group’s National Coordinator, Mr Anthony Okotie, described Okowa's victory at the just concluded PDP governorship primaries in Asaba, as a sign of better days ahead.

Okotie said that the overwhelming victory of Okowa confirms that he is a grassroots politician admired by the generality of Deltans.

Okotie recalled that in 2007 when the incumbent Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan emerged as the PDP flagbear, Senator Okowa was closely behind him.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 — 13

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14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Court orders Ayogu Eze not to parade self as PDP candidate in Enugu S

ENATOR AYOGU Eze has been ordered by an Enugu State High Court to stop parading himself as the governorship candidate of the party, pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by the plaintiff and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate for Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The order vide an ex-parte order also restrained the PDP from recognising or submitting the name of any other person other than Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the party’s governorship candidate in Enugu State for the February 2015 general elections.

The order was issued by

Justice R. O Odogwu in Suit No. E/499/2014 with Senator Ayogu Eze and the PDP as the first and second defendants, respectively.

The order granted upon hearing the submissions of Ogochukwu Onyekwuluje Esq. with Tochukwu Maduka Esq. Counsel for the plantiff, reads: “The 1st Defendant/Respondent (Senator Ayogu Eze) by himself, his principals, agents, supporters or any other person howsoever called is hereby restrained from holding himself out and/or parading himself and/or allowing himself to be held out and/ paraded as the governorship candidate of the 2ndDefendant

for the February 2015 general election in Enugu State pending the determination of the Motion on Notice already filed in this suit.

“The 2nd Defendant/ Respondent is hereby restrained from recognising or accepting the 1st,Defendant as the person elected at the said gubernatorial primary election conducted by the 2ndDefendant in Enugu State on December 8, 2014, and/or the governorship candidate of the 2ndDefendant for the February 2015 general elections in Enugu State or forwarding the name of the 1st Defendant to the Independent National Electoral

Commission as the governorship candidate of the 2nd Defendant for the February 2015 general election in Enugu State pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice already filed in the suit”.

The court adjourned till December 15, 2014 for the hearing of the Motion on Notice.

It would be recalled that Senator Ayogu Eze had in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 9, 2014, after the PDP governorship primary election claimed he was the duly elected candidate of the PDP. However, the Enugu State Chapter of the party had in a swift reaction on We d n e s d a y, November 10, 2014 denounced his claim, insisting that only one governorship primary election held in Enugu last Monday with Hon. Ugwuanyi as the duly elected candidate.

In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Okey Eze, the party said: “The P D P Governorship Primary Election Panel from Abuja headed by King Asara Asara duly conducted the election with the official delegates list, ballot papers, and result sheets all obtained from the party headquarters and announced a result declaring Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the victor.

Ihedioha thanks delegates for votes at primaries

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OVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Imo State and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, has expressed his appreciation to delegates in the primaries held December 8, 2014.

In a 'thank you' message personally signed by him, Ihedioha praised delegates for their perseverance, orderly and peaceful conduct that led to a successful primaries adjudged by all as free, fair and transparent.

He enjoined those who contested for the governorship ticket with him to put the interest of the party above personal interest and work together to achieve victory for the PDP in the coming general elections, promising to “ run a vibrant, open, inclusive and issue based campaign, a campaign that will have the input of all our stakeholders, a campaign that will accommodate all interests and tendencies within the PDP family.

“I wish to convey my sincere appreciation and thanks to the great and indefatigable delegates that participated in the PDP governorship Primaries which was held on December 8, 2014 at Owerri.

"In particular I doff my hat to the 346 delegates who voted for me. It is as a result of your trust and confidence in me that I was elected as the PDP governorship flag-bearer in the 2015 general elections."

Glo Overload promo excites subscribers

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HE OVERLOAD promotion rolled out

by Glo last week is generating a lot of excitement among the company ’s subscribers across the country.

Several Glo subscribers who spoke on the offer described the promotion which offers 200% bonus on airtime recharges and data plans as a very appropriate way to start the festive season.

From Plateau State, a business man, Chijioke Ameh enthused, “I am very happy with Glo Overload.

I hope it is forever! The

promo has increased my data usage and enabled me to carry out more activities on my phone as I enjoy browsing with my phone” Abraham Jighu from Ogba, Lagos has this to say about his experience; “I opted for Overload by dialing *200# and I’ve been enjoying the 200 per cent bonus on my recharges just as Glo promised. It is more appreciated now given the season we are in.

I treasure this increased airtime to call my loved ones.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014—15

FACES AT PDP NATIONAL CONVENTION IN ABUJA

From left, President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice President Namadi Sambo; His spouse, Hajiya Amina Sambo; Senate President, David Mark; His Wife, Mrs. Helen Mark, and another delegate, during the Special National Convention of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the 2015 general elections, at the Eagle Square, Abuja. Photos: Abayomi Adeshida

From left, Lagos State PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje; Minister of Trade and Investments, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, and other delegates from Lagos State.

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President Goodluck Jonathan, casting his vote.

From left, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Hassan Adamu; PDP Chieftain from the South East, Chief Arthur Eze, and Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State. Behind them are, from left, FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed; Executivre Secreteray, Christian Pilgrim Commission, Mr. John Opara, and Justice Minister, Mr. Bello Mohammed.

Former Ogun State Governor, Olugbenga Daniel (left), and former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa.

From left, Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Deziani Alison Madueke; Justice Minister, Mr. Belo Adoke; Water Resources Minister, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe; former Minister of State Power, Mr. Nuhu Wya, and Works Minister, Chief Mike Onolememen.

From left, former Aviation Minister, Mrs. Stella Oduah; Senator Andy Ubah, and former IG, Mike Okiro.

Adamawa PDP Senatorial Candidate, Dr. Idi Hong (left) and former Police Affairs Minister, Mr. Caleb Olubolade.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER12, 2014

ALL PROGRESSIVES PARTY, APC, NATIONAL CONVENTION IN LAGOS

THE ASPIRANTS: From left— Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State; Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, Founder, Leadership Newspapers; Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State; Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President; and Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), former military Head of State, All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential aspirants at the national convention/ presidential primaries held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTOS: Bunmi Azeez.

From left: Alhaji Abubakar Audu, Dr. Ogbonaya Onu and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC National Leader.

From left: Chief Bisi Akande, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and Dr. Bukola Saraki.

THE WINNER: From left— General Buhari, winner of the presidential primaries; Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, National Chairman of APC; and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State, and Chairman of the APC National Convention Planning Committee, during the presentation of Certificate of Return to Buhari

From left: Mr. Segun Oni, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Dr. Fayemi and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

From left: Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State; Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State and Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State.

Alhaji Lai Muhammed, National Publicity Secretary of APC (right) and an official.

From Right;Forner Governor Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi, Chairman, National Convention Committee; Alhaji Lai Muhammed;National Publicity of APC and other Guest.PHOTO;BUNMI AZEEZ.

Delegates.

Senator Bukola Saraki, representing Kwara Central (left) and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 —17

A

t the time of writing, APC delegates’ votes are still being sorted at the APC Convention venue in Lagos, so I cannot offer Vanguard readers any comments about the APC’s Presidential candidate because I don’t yet know which of the aspirants will win. And if I hang on any longer to await the result, I will not be able to complete this column before the printing deadline for Friday ’s paper.

Ex-President Buhari has the upper hand at the moment. But anything can happen in politics. The Kano and Imo State Governors, Kwankwanso and Rochas Okorocha, are also doing pretty well and might wind up clinching the ticket.

Anyway, by the time this column appears, we will all know who the APC’s flagbearer is; and a very interesting race will have commenced between J o n a t h a n a n d W h o e v e r.

And though some folks are insisting that Jonathan will definitely be the victor because he is an incumbent with a dazzling array of advantages at his disposal, I reckon that a Jonathan victory is far from certain.

I must say that I’m really surprised that PDP stalwarts chose to hand Jonathan their ticket on a plate. Instead of throwing the field open to eligible contenders and conducting primaries in a democratic fashion like the APC, they actively discouraged potential rivals from coming forward; and the PDP Convention, which also took place this week, was a coronation rather than a contest.

This respectful gesture is great for Jonathan. But is it great for the PDP? Is Jonathan REALLY the best man the PDP can present to the electorate at a time when the Presidency has a major image problem and is being widely acC M Y K

•Buhari

•Jonathan

Jonathan versus whoever! cused, both here and internationally, of various weaknesses, failures and errors of judgement… including its less than impressive handling of the war against Boko Haram, its tolerance of corruption and its inability to rescue the Chibok schoolgirls?

And what about the fact that Abba Moro, the Minister of the Interior, is still riding high in office (and recently received a national honour!) despite having been in charge of a botched recruitment exercise that led to many deaths?

In a normal countr y, just one of the above mistakes would be enough to ruin a head of state’s career and cause him to be replaced as the leader of his party!

Meanwhile, let us contrast ex-President Obasanjo’s opinion of Buhari with his opinion of Jonathan: “Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is an upright man. Not many people know that his first daughter is married to an Igbo man from Anambra. He exempted Christians from performing duty on Sundays.

When his Muslim soldiers asked him to exempt them from duty on Friday, he told them that while

the bible says Christians should rest on the 7th day, the Muslims should show him where the Koran says they should rest on Fridays.”

As Head of State he slashed the number of Muslims going on pilgrimage by 50%. His driver and cook for the past 10 years plus are Christians, yet some uninformed Nigerians say he is a bigot. It is a pity that some people failed to understand that PDP deliberately capitalised on the gullibility of Nigerians to paint him black. This

How many Nigerians would hold the appointment of government minister of petroleum, PTF chairman and head of state yet don’t own a house in Abuja? He has only one house and never kept a foreign account

they did in order to keep their loot and ensure that he never gets the opportunity to send them to goal.

How many Nigerians would hold the appointment of government minister of petroleum, PTF chairman and head of state yet don’t own a house in Abuja? He has only one house and never kept a foreign account. Love him, hate him you cannot take his integrity away from him.”

On the other hand, Obasanjo has described Jonathan as below average…and that’s the most polite criticism he has uttered against Jonathan.

I won’t bother to repeat the other much more toxic remarks that Obasanjo has lavished on his onetime protégée because Jonathan’s fans are always accusing me, nowadays, of hating the Jonathan I once fanatically supported like a Sister; and I myself feel sad whenever I complain about Jonathan or repeat other peoples’ complaints about him because I DON’T hate him. I am just upset with him for not fulfilling his potential. I wanted him to be a hero.

Jonathan’s fans also frequently say that Obasanjo is unfair and biased. But I wonder why Obasanjo should attack a successor HE selected if he was not honestly disappointed in that successor!

I could be wrong, but I strongly suspect that Obasanjo also throws brickbats at Jonathan reluctantly because Jonathan’s performance reflects badly on him.

If you recommend someone for a job and the person blunders often and rarely shines, people will blame you as well as your nominee; and many people are indeed blaming Obasanjo for choosing Jonathan; and I may be wrong, but I think that Obasanjo wanted Jonathan to be a fantastic leader and would have preferred to proudly carry Jonathan on his head and declare him a huge success.

A n y w a y, w h a t e v e r t h e outcome of the 2015 election, let’s pray that Nigeria gets better in the coming years because, as things stand, it can’t get much worse.

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18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 FIDELITY is not an attribute of Nigerian politicians. The ease with which they jump from one political party to the other removes all doubts that the politician believes only in himself and causes that foster his expansive interests.

The political processes are at the critical stages of parties electing their candidates for the 2015 elections. Complaints about the primaries are plenteous across parties.

Only aspirants who benefitted from the confusion are singing the praises of party democracy.

Many aspirants were cheated out of the race. The main reason being that the rules change depending on who is applying them. Neither party constitutions, nor the Electoral Act are used faithfully in these matters. Primaries are the internal affairs of parties though they are expected to manage them transparently, or at least democratically.

The disaster parties have made of the simple matter is evident. The only parties where there is peace are ones that have no chances of winning in the elections. Their tickets are not attractive. They are spared the rumbles that are tearing the Peoples

By Serikoromo Gogi

I

T is preposterous to argue that President Goodluck Jonathan has shown the world that performance is the focal point, the pivot, the driving force of politics. Performance is the strength of Jonathan’s transformation magic. All over the world, transformers, performers and achievers are typically humble, taciturn and focused.

Performers do not seek unhealthy media attention or hype because it could cause a stray. The essential goal of such persons is to perform and allow the press to find out and evaluate the performance objectively. This is the pathway courted by the likes of President Jonathan. It is the same path the likes of Senator J.E Manager, descriptively captured as a three-legged enigma by Ekanpou Enewaridideke, befriend and walked on.

The current PDP flagbearer of Delta South Senatorial District, Manager, is a competent and experienced politician who is still in the flush of his second tenure in the Senate. His foray into politics was in 1991 when he became the elected chairman of Bomadi council under the ticket of SDP and later became the Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Delta State in 1992 and Delta state GDM chairman in 1995. In 1999 he became the pioneer PDP chairman

Rumbles In The Par ties arties

Democratic Party, PDP, the All Progressives Congress, APC, into shreds. Both parties have deployed a combination of exclusion and “party supremacy ” to selecting their candidates.

Aspirants, on their parts, are using muscle and money to secure tickets. Hardly any of the primaries was concluded to the satisfaction of the participants. Words like “sham”, “kangaroo” have been used in describing the primaries of both parties, often by aggrieved members who were denied participation. Many have left for other parties.

In some States, there were as many primaries as there were aspirants. Each aspirant had delegates, organised primaries, where the organiser emerged

winner. There are cases where four aspirants have declared themselves winners of the same ticket. These situations call for more concerted efforts at getting the parties to take charge of their affairs.

Primaries are supposed to be conducted by appointed party officials, who have the delegates list. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, are meant to be observers. The multiple primaries could not be possible without the connivance of party officials, who for a fee, take sides with aspirants, manipulate the delegates’ lists and erect more collection points for the money the confusion would generate.

Infractions of the electoral processes continue because offenders are never punished. The forgeries, thuggery and manipulations that support multiple primaries are criminal offences that should be punished. The lethargy of the parties in punishing offenders rests on the fact that the political elite has created these platforms for the sustenance of their ambitions. Democracy, for them, means being in power, by all means, at all costs, including lives, except their lives.

OPINION This politics of performance of Delta state and later became the Hon. Commissioner for Works,Housing and Transport, and today he is the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District. He was democratically mandated on December 7, 2014 to continue his senatorial voyage in 2015.

In all these capacities, Manager recorded unbeatable development strides in all sectors of life.

It was as a Commissioner for Works,Housing and Transport that Manager made possible the construction of Bomadi bridge across River Niger;this bridge has linked Delta Senatorial District to Delta Central and Delta North Senatorial Districts peopled by the Igbos and the Urhobos.

The same Manager has today brought road to Torugbene, Ogriagbene, Owougbene and Agbaragbene ; and more importantly now that the Gbaregolor-Esanma bridge has been constructed through the relentless pressure of Manager, communities like Ogbeinama,Amasuomo,Akparemogbene, Akugbene, Ogodobiri, Ezebiri, Furukama, Okubama and many others will open up for economic and social development. All these are attempts by Manager to transform Delta State in

corresponding rhythm with the transformation agenda of President Jonathan.

Towards the empowerment of the grass root cxommunities, Manager has created EMPOWERMENT structures for the Ijaws, Isokos and the Itsekiris through job-creation, the purchase and equitable distribution of cars, motor cycles, fishing nets, clippers, hairdressing eqipment, agricultural implements and many others. Even though he is a politician, he is always sensitive to the needs of the people at all levels. Interestingly, because he has a highly analytical mind aided by his fluent command of English, his contributions to debates in the Senate have often given him a distinguishing mark and legislative prominence. Here his profession as a lawyer comes in handy in the effective performance of his legislative duties.

In this era of transformation agenda, the Senate should be occupied by the personalities who have shown visible capability for development at every level of their involvement in politics.

The Senate is not for ethnic jingoists whose minds are the abode of negative thoughts. The Senate is not for people

who have not performed in their present positions. The Senate is not for people who have the genes of some governors who have defected from their party because of their presidential ambitions. The Senate should be occupied by serious minded politicans who can sincerely advance the transformation agenda of President Jonathan, not a place for nonperformers who are merely in search of hibernation harbour.

In the past few years, Manager had worked with President Jonathan as a one to be trusted. In Nigeria's murky political terrain, this counts for much.

Thus, by implication, Manager has all the credentials to have the mandate not only to represent Delta South senatorial District in 2015 but the ability to do more for the state and region in a larger capacity in the forthcoming political dispensation.

In temperament, performance and political expsture and maturity, Senator J.E Manager is the right candidate for the Senate. He can address the challenges of the Ijaws, Isokos and the Itsekiris. Likewise, these three tribes in the state have nothing to fear or regret if they vote for him to represent them in the Senate in 2015. *Mr. Gogi, a cmmentator on national issues, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014— —19

Will politics of blackmail help Nigeria?

By Clement Udegbe

S

INCE Boko Haram started in Nigeria around 2009, fear and blackmail have remained the main planks for their growth, and expansion.

Politicians, especially those from the north, birthed and nurtured violence, in the name of Boko Haram as an instrument of blackmail in order to wrest power from the hands of the South of Nigeria. These men, as experienced and knowledgeable as they are in Nigerian politics, think that the killings would force Nigerians to give them power. Their hope is that insecurity could be used to pull GEJ out of power, through blackmail, and as much as this style has continued to fail, they will neither give up, nor change.

When then Chief of Army Staff, Gen.Ihejirika Rtd, came out with a plan to flush out the insurgents, politicians from the north east of Nigeria, pulled a heavy campaign of blackmail against him. They threatened to drag him to the ICC, backed with biased foreign media, and stopped that well planned onslaught against Boko Haram.

Today, the violence, has blossomed into a full scale war in the north east, with much more greater casualty records than we would have known had the

Ihejirika onslaught been allowed.

While these politicians and stakeholders dilly dallied, elements from Libya, and other fringe terrorist groups infiltrated Boko Haram, took control, and under the watch of these politicians, in less than three years, started with killing Christians, non-Muslims and foreigners in Borno State, in 2009,metamorphosed into a purely terrorist group which snowballed out of the control of its creators in the north. Boko Haram has grown so rapidly that they have our Chibok Girls, and are creating caliphates here and there, in the north. Yet, the lessons from the combined roles of the military and civilian JTF in checking the spread of Boko Haram, which is that it is only the indigenes’ active participation that can stop the menace in these areas are lost on these stake holders who have continued to play the loosing blackmail game, to get power in 2015.

Boko Haram has sponsors in Nigeria known to some genuine Nigerians, not the blackmailers and distractors from the north, but the concern here is that GEJ is not exposing these men to the shame they deserve, and that is encouraging their blackmail campaigns.

The approach of some of our big

In fact, Boko Haram will spread faster, if they ever get into power in 2015, because they have a poor knowledge and assessment of it elder statesmen to the Boko Haram challenge, has not only helped the blackmail game, but has also fueled indiscretion in the language and conduct of some younger and prominent politicians in the opposition APC. The letters from our beloved former President, OBJ, provided some of these younger politicians the plank to throw caution and decency to the winds. Like the proverbial adolescent, who uses his feet to blow open doors, because his father sent him to steal, some of these politicians have taken the black mail to unacceptable and unfortunate height in their quest for political fortunes.

For example, after the President had invited the House to seat for some special assignments, it was Speaker Aminu Tambuwal’s comment, to the effect that he would report for his duties at the House of

Re: Why North should support Jonathan

By Zuaye Tamuno

I

N a recent article of the above title written by an analyst from Kano, one Mohammed Abdulkadir, he related compelling and mutually beneficial reasons why the North, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elite in the north will support the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan, and urged for a rapprochement between the Northern power elite and the present and future leaders of the South-South zone.

The South-South welcomes this type of trust-building initiatives but is justifiably leery for some reasons. For many years in Nigerian politics, major role-players and political stakeholders from the South-South aligned with the different interests groups in the north in the hope that the close ties will help actualise the developmental potentials of the region. But the outcome was often condescending exploitation which came to a brazen zenith when elements of the northern political elite resisted the constitutional right of Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2011 election and ganged up through the Ciroma committee to produce a northern president at all cost; a project that they have now taken to the opposition party APC. The South-South has never experienced such condescension from the South-West, South East or North Central. Each of these zones have helped to forge mutually beneficial relationships with role players from other zones and embrace national fraternity and solidarity in politics and other spheres, hence the South-South is often flummoxed at the motivations for such unrelenting resistance in power sharing and affirmative zoning from the North-East and North-West. This is why the call by Abdulkadir is a desirable re-affirmation of national political solidarity.

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Mohammed Abdulkadir ’s acknowledgment that “it was clearly best to share power affirmatively with the acquiescence of all parties, than from the pyrrhic victory of fractious regional political conquest”, is a very welcome departure from the Ciroma group’s belligerence. But while we accept in principle the benefits of zoning and power sharing as an important democratising device, especially in Africa where ethnoreligious differences confound politics, the earnest desire of the people of the SouthSouth is not desperate central power control. The desire of the South-South as well as other zones in the South has always been an agreement at the centre to devolve power for more effective participation from the ground up to the federal centre.

The reasons for the zealous support of the South-South for regional devolution are obvious, especially when instantiated using the developmental pace of the zone.

In the first republic when regions developed their key infrastructure, the South-South had several fast developing growth points, all its maritime assets were utilized fully, oil and gas was a complement and not a substitute for its other international commodities, and the

We are glad that Abdulkadir and other northern elite will support the president’s reelection bid to finish this transformation and allow these revivals to bear fruit

Representatives, with thugs that must have triggered the wrong reaction from the Police, which led to very dishonourable act of fence climbing by law makers, all in a bid to pre-empt a nonexistent plan to impeach the Speaker. The law makers’ action of climbing the fence, which ought to have been condemned by decent Nigerians have been praised instead, by Prof. Wole Soyinka, the Nobel Laureate, and has left many to wonder if there could be any standards of conduct by Nigerian politicians.

No wonder they say politics is a dirty game, because the players have no standards of conduct in our country! But it all adds up to the blackmail game, by the opposition party the APC, their supporters and sympathizers. To buttress this point, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, in a recent event by the APC, took the 'game' to an absurd level when he was quoted as saying that APC will form a parallel government if they failed in the 2015 election! These men, have private Jets, unimpeded access to travel outside Nigeria, where they will run to should the nation explode, while the commoners will stay here and face the smoke. This is why it is high time these men know that their soap box invectives will not be taken seriously by discerning Nigerians. In fact, their vituperations against this nation, will count against them in the coming 2015 polls.

Almost all the opposition APC presidential aspirants have at one time or the other told their

aids of trade such as road and rail infrastructure were given prompt attention. As a result of these later facts, the vital human resources necessary for growth remained within the zone and helped develop themselves and their communities rapidly.

Today, after years of centralised struggle for power in which the South-South was critically marginalised despite its huge contribution to the federal centre, most of our youths are economic refugees in the commercial capital of Lagos and the political capital of Abuja. However we are hopeful.

The South-South is hopeful not because the President is from the zone, but because his transformation agenda has made these key issues of regional participation more salient, especially after the national conference.

We are also hopeful because unlike others before him, the president coming from a marginalised background, saw reasons to end disparities in infrastructure development. He ensured the even spread of federal tertiary infrastructure by creating federal universities in previously neglected places like Oye Ekiti, Dutsi-ma, Okerenkoko, Kashere and Ndufe-Alike. Aviation infrastructure revival has seen similar inclusivity in spread.

Also, knowing the limitations faced by the marginalised Nigerian, particularly in moving goods and individuals around the country, he has embarked on a rapid revival of the vital rail infrastructure that will bring back forgotten towns and cities which were dying of neglect back into the national economic mainstream, and thereby re-enabling participation.

To underscore the devolving impact of the revival of rail by the president’s transformation agenda, it is germane to recall the words of the influential German economist Georg Friedrich List, who indicated that railways play the following vital roles for national development: For national defense, it facilitates the concentration, distribution and direction of the army; for improving the culture of the nation, it brings talent, knowledge and skill of every kind readily to market; for national logistics, it secures the community against dearth and famine,

audiences that Boko Haram will stop if voted into power come 2015.It is such a hopeless lie and mis-information to the electorate. It means either that these men know who Boko Haram is and have control over it, or that they do not not really appreciate the import and purpose of Boko Haram in Nigeria.

If Boko Haram was about Buhari, Kwakwanso, and Atiku, they would have sparred attacks in Kaduna, Kano, and Adamawa States, and Buhari would not have been attacked.

If it was about APC, and Muslims they would not have attacked mosques and Muslim prayer grounds across the North East. None of these men can therefore stop Boko Haram. In fact, Boko Haram will spread faster, if they ever get into power in 2015, because they have a poor knowledge and assessment of it. They are blackmailers!

Boko Haram desires to control Nigeria and rule it under their own peculiar standards of the Sharia Laws, which are completely different from what these opposition politicians, who are only playing the blackmail game to get power.

APC has not told Nigerians what they will do to stop the menace, except to keep shouting “change” at every corner. A change for the sake of change, without purpose and plan is not what Nigerians need now.

•Mr. Udegbe, a practitioner, wrote Lagos.

legal from

and against excessive fluctuation in the prices of the necessaries of life; and for integration it promotes the spirit of the nation, as it has a tendency to destroy the Philistine spirit arising from isolation and provincial prejudice and vanity. This is not unlike our own national experience, many who are educated today, had parents who worked in many Nigerian towns peacefully as railway or power sector workers. These are areas that the president have given hope of a revival.

In other words, while some have made it a primary duty to stop Jonathan at all cost because he is not a northern president and are killing and maiming, creating destructive and disruptive narratives to make disorder and chaos the main news in the media, he has calmly been reviving the regions and rural small towns to ensure inclusivity and more participation of more people in economic activities, generating future opportunities. These are the primary function of democratic leadership, the creation of societal welfare by generating multiple opportunities.

We are glad that Abdulkadir and other northern elite will support the president’s re-election bid to finish this transformation and allow these revivals to bear fruit. We know a few people remain unconvinced, but that is democracy, the majority of people will reaffirm the president’s quiet but steady work.

However, we agree with Abdulkadir, that when a zone is affirmatively opportuned to have access to central power as the South West has very gracefully demonstrated, it easily cedes the opportunity to others. It is in the same spirit of inclusivity, that the South-South will fully support President Jonathan for re-election in 2015, and will gladly do same for a northern candidate who will promote the spirit of regional devolution and full participation of Nigerians in governance come 2019, a value that the national conference has endorsed and that President Jonathan’s transformation agenda has ably propelled.

•Mr. Tamuno, a public analyst, wrote from Abuja.

affairs

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, DECEMBER 12, 2014

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Vanguard, FRDAY DECEMBER 12, 2014 — 21

Oil resumes decline, falling toward $64, oversupply weighs

O

il resumed its downward o v e on Thursday, falling towards $64 a barrel and within sight of a five-year low, pressured by signs that already ample supply will be even more plentiful in 2015.

Crude prices sank on Wednesday as OPEC forecast an increasing supply surplus in 2015, U.S. crude inventories unexpectedly rose and OPEC’s most influential voice, Saudi Arabia’s oil minister, shrugged off the need for an output cut. North Sea Brent crude LCOc1 gave up an earlier gain and was down 4 cents at $64.20 by 8:30 a.m. ET. It fell to $63.56 - the weakest since July 2009 - on Wednesday. U.S. crude CLc1, which also hit a five-year low on Wednesday, lost 37 cents to $60.57. “We may see some technical bounces, but it is too soon to speak of a sustainable price recovery,” said Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank, which on Thursday cut its 2015 Brent price forecast to $73 a barrel from $82. Brent has fallen more than 40 percent, or $50, from its 2014 high reached in June and others in the market say the losing streak could have further to run.Christopher Bellew, a senior oil broker at Jefferies in London, said the outlook remained bearish. “It would be unwise to say the market has marked the bottom,” he said. OPEC said on Wednesday demand for its crude in 2015 would fall to its lowest in more than a decade, indicating a large supply surplus in 2015 without OPEC output cuts or a slowdown in the U.S. shale boom. The prospect of any OPEC cut remained slim as Ali al-Naimi, the Saudi oil minister, on Wednesday questioned the need for one, sticking to his stance outlined at OPEC’s meeting on Nov. 27 despite a $13 drop in prices since then. m

AWARD: From left: Moore, Publisher and CEO, EMEA Finance; Mrs. Bernadine Okeke, Group Executive, Transaction and Private Banking, FirstBank; Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank; and Tim Burke, Editor, EMEA Finance at the EMEA African Banking Awards 2014, in London.

ICAN sets up N50m whistleblowers’ protection fund A

S part of strategies to ensure high moral, financial, ethical and legal standards by members in the discharge of their duties, the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), has established a Whistleblowers’ Protection Fund.

The aim of the Fund, which has an initial take off capital of N50million, is to protect ICAN members and the Public from any form of reprisals or victimisation when an alarm is raised on financial impropriety by public or private establishments, individuals or groups within the country.

The Fund is also to assist whistle

blowers in litigation expenses reasonably incurred and to assist members of the Institute to discharge their professional duties without fear of being victimised. The Council of the Institute considers whistle blowing as a crucial instrument to detect and report corruption, fraud and mismanagement in the public, private and nonprofit sector.

In disclosing wrongdoing, whistleblowers often take high personal risks. They may face retaliation, dismissal or even physical danger. Many a times, a disclosure on corruption is often

Nigeria’s regional integration improves to 40.5 — Visa report

By PROVIDENCE OBUH

V

isa Africa Integration Index report has shown that Nigeria’s integration index within the continent improved to 40.5 at the end of 2013 from 37.7 in 2011.

This was contained in the second annual Visa Africa Integration Index which measures the degree of economic integration within key trade corridors of subSaharan Africa, namely West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa. The purpose of the Index is to better understand and to help facilitate economic growth from greater cross-border interaction and economic openness. In a statement, Ade Ashaye, Country Manager for Visa in West Africa, disclosed that since the launch of the Visa Africa Integration Index in 2013 the African economy has extended its best period of economic growth on record by delivering growth of 4.8 percent in 2013.

Ashaye said, “Nigeria will benefit enormously from C M Y K

greater integration, as its growing market matures and modernises, and the demand for capital and a diversity of trade partners rises to address the needs of increasing industrialisation, a rising appetite for production and services and growing sophistication in lifestyles.

Ashaye noted that it is widely expected that buoyant economic growth will continue for the foreseeable future and it is likely that the African economy will achieve a growth rate approaching 5.5 percent in 2014. With a collective gross domestic product (GDP) of over $1.9 trillion a figure that is expected to exceed $2.6 trillion by 2020.

“Our objective was to construct an index for a number of selected sub-Saharan African countries to measure their global and regional integration. The Index is built from country-level macroeconomic data, and a wealth of proprietary data drawn from Visa in sub-Saharan Africa, that sum to more than four million observations measured across 19 elements.

not appropriately followed-up by the c o n c e r n e d authorities. Whistleblowers have a critical role to play in the protection of the public interest.

The establishment of this fund is part of ICAN’s mandate to protect the public interest, promote integrity and accountability, which are crucial conditions for democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development.

Prior to the establishment of the Whistleblowers’ Protection Fund, ICAN has been in the forefront of supporting its members who blew the whistle with funds to pay their legal fees.

$178.5

$-0.95

$2,975.00

$-1.00

$15.47

$0.05

$64.22

$-2.62

$61.10

$2.72

CURRENCY BUYING DOLLAR 167 STERLING 261.1546 EURO 206.3118 FRANC 171.5636 YEN 1.3916 CFA 0.293 WAUA 241.7823 RENMINBI 26.9781 RIYAL 44.4989 KRONA 27.7243 SDR 243.2522

167.5 261.9365 206.9295 172.0773 1.3957 0.303 242.5062 27.0593 44.6322 27.8073 243.9805

CENTRAL 168 262.7184 207.5472 172.5909 1.3999 0.313 243.2301 27.1405 44.7654 27.8903 244.7088

CBN Exchange Rate as 11/12/2014

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

SME funding: Expert urges banks to de-risk sector

By Nkiruka Nnorom

T

From left: Chairman, Consolidated Breweries Plc, Prof. Oyin Odutola-Olurin; Managing Director, Mr. Boudewijn Haarsma; and Director, Chief Samuel Bolarinde, during the court ordered meeting of holders of fully paid ordinary shares of the company, in Lagos.

HE Director of E n t e r p r i s e Development Centre, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, Mr. Peter Bankole, has urged financial institutions, especially deposit money banks to take steps to de-risk the Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, in order to make them more attractive for bank funding.

Bankole, who spoke at the maiden edition of Fidelity Bank Annual SME Conference in Lagos, said that

Capital market has capacity to rebound — Okumagba

By Peter Egwuatu

T

HE Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, has said that the Nigerian stock market, which is presently experiencing decline in equity transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE has the capacity to rebound .

The President, CIS, Mr. Albert Okumagba said “The market is presently bearish but with capacity to rebound and close in one digit positive territory at the end of the quarter.

We should first have a good understanding of the cause(s) of present state of the market.

Some of the reasons for the bearish state of the market are economic risk borne out of the reducing international oil price and building political risk surrounding the impending general elections which are all likely to make foreign investors averse to investing in the country. And given the percentage of foreign participation in the Nigerian market, their withdrawal is largely felt by the market.

However, since the reasons are not tied around the performance of the listed companies and the continuous attractive opportunities that the Nigerian market presents, the market has the possibility of returning a positive return in the fourth quarter of 2014.

When asked why the institute is becoming more visible under his administration, he said “The secret for the visibility of the Institute is anchored on dynamic and virile leadership now experienced in the institute and enhanced network of relationship by the leadership of the Council of the Institute.

He however, called on investors to take position at the demand territory of the market C M Y K

to benefits upon rebound of the market. There is always opportunity to make money either when the market is up or down.

When asked if it was true that the rebasing of the Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) brought into fore the contribution of this industry for the first time, he said “, Yes, we have always known this but the rebasing put monetary value to

it even though the figure may not be correct as we do not have the data to generate the accurate figure. On what should investors look for before they invest in the entertainment industry, he said “This is difficult to say knowing how the industry works. It is not all their work that turns out successful but as in all investment the character or track record of the promoters should guide an investor. Other things that could

be looked at are the size and structure of the market of the products, the level of development of the industry in terms of maturity, the level of competition amongst players, average cost of doing business, industry average revenue/returns and the market share of the artiste being considered as the venue of investment.

LCCI faults mandatory listing of companies on NSE

By Naomi Uzor

T

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has faulted the proposed mandatory listing of companies under the Private Companies Conversion and Listing Bill, saying, the Bill would do the business environment in the country no good.

The Bill seeks to provide for the private companies whose shareholders funds exceed N40 billion or its annual turnover exceeds N80 billion or its total assets exceed N80 billion, to convert to public liability company and get its shares listed in the stock exchange market thereby promoting growth for both the company and the Nigerian capital market.

In a position statement made available to Vanguard by the Director General of LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf, the chamber called for the immediate withdrawal of the Bill from the National Assembly, arguing that the proposed Bill would negatively impact on local investment and the broader economy and would

lead to considerable loss of revenue to the government and break up of companies to circumvent the requirement of the Bill.

According to LCCI, companies should be allowed to be listed on the NSE on their own volition based on objective, empirical, investment/market considerations, and not forced.

Also, LCCI said the Nigerian Stock Exchange may not have the depth and liquidity needed for the investment arising out of the mandatory listing of these companies, adding that, it would negatively affect the business environment by creating undesirable and unnecessarily cumbersome regulation and scrutiny on the companies under CAMA, SEC and NSE rules and regulations.

Moreover, the procedure for going public is expensive and onerous and not every investor or would-be investor whether local or foreign has the temperament for such.

“The Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 (“CAMA”) should be amended as no amendment has been made to the Act in 24 years. Also, the

Corporate Affairs Commission should be strengthened with appropriate legislation to discharge the responsibilities placed on it by CAMA. The regime of the Bill should be made voluntary and providing sufficient tax incentives to encourage and not mandate companies to become public or be listed at the stock exchange” he stated.

Muda said the penalty regime created by the Bill is unduly harsh and will create a material risk and huge deterrence to businesses investing in Nigeria.

“The Bill has no stipulation for the minimum percentage of the share capital to be offered to the public. It could lead to loss of absolute shareholder and Board control of the company. One of the arguments proposed by the proponents of the Bill is that it will provide employment.

However, this Bill does not necessarily create employment opportunities as many foreign investors have expatriates in their employment.

banks are averse to extending credit facilities to start-ups due to fear of possible collapse.

This, he said, is very challenging to small business owners and hampers the growth needed in the sector.

“Most banks are willing to lend to people who have collaterals, but for the small businesses, which will one day, if well developed, become one of the big ones, they don’t like to fund them, they want already made and this is a big challenge to SME sector.

“What we are saying is that the banks must be willing to fund that process of de-risking the SMEs and most of them are unwilling to. There are few that are funding that today, I can tell you the likes of Fidelity Bank is one of them, few of them are doing that, but majority are not doing today,” he said.

He noted that one of the ways to de-risk the sector is to build capacity of the business owners to make them understand their businesses better. However, on the part of the business owners, he said they should prepare themselves well enough to attract the necessary funding by keeping good records and helping people who are not part of the business understand how the business can make money.

He said, “Most small businesses don’t look good; they don’t look good because the person that wants to fund you don’t know how they operate. Don’t forget the money that the bank wants to give you is not their money; it is the money they collected from shareholders and depositors.

The banks owe the shareholders and the depositors. So, they also need to be careful to ensure that whatever money they give out, they will also get it back and also with interest.”

Others that spoke at the event emphasized that trust, integrity and creditability as essential in building sustainable business and attracting bank loans.

“If you have credibility and trust without collateral, you will make it. A lot of people I know have told me that without trust, it would have been impossible for them to grow to the level they are today”, he said.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, explained that the conference was planned to provide insightful access to range of key factors affecting the development of SMEs in Nigeria from a wide array of SME development stakeholders; deeper understanding of Fidelity’s innovative range of SME-tailored products and services; access to robust advisory/ networking platform that could open new doors and opportunities..

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 — 23

MAN warns against accumulation of dollars

By Naomi Uzor

M

•3 million tonnes p/a Obu cement plant under construction at Okpella , Edo State.

Challenges, prospects of investing in Nigerian cement industry

By Franklin Alli

W

ITH over eleven cement plants in Nigeria being operated by BUA Group, Dangote Group, Lafarge Nigeria and Ibeto Group, etc, Vanguardinvestigated the challenges and prospects of setting up cement plants in the country.

This information might be useful for would-be new entrants into the industry whether they are local or foreign investors.

In this first phase of this write-up, Yusuf Binji, Executive Director Projects and Technical, BUA Group, gave insight into what it takes to establish a green field cement factory. A green field cement plant means it has not been in existence before and is being built from the scratch.

Installation and maintenance Binji who had worked at the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, CCNN, Sokoto state, and is overseeing the construction of the $500 million OBU Cement Plant at Okpella in Edo State, stated that establishing a cement factory is highly capital intensive which makes a cement factory very expensive to install and maintain.

According to him, apart from sourcing funds for the project, before you begin to construct the plant, you are mandated by the federal government to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

“Some days ago, environmental inspectors came to our plant here to ensure compliance and we have

no issues or whatsoever with them. All the mitigation measures were identified and are being currently implemented.

“Also, you have to carry the community along with the construction of the project. For instance, at Obu plant, they are being employed by our building contractors and also when the plant kicks off operations, a lot of them will be employed,” he said.

He stressed that another challenge investors in the cement industry has to grapple is infrastructure.

“To set up a business in Nigeria, you don’t have to only build the plant but set up so many facilities. For example, you have to provide power, road and water."

Here at Obu plant, the plant will be running independently off the national grid. All the power will be generated internally and as a result of this the BUA group has actually bought and installed a 50 megawatt power plant to be commissioned by the end of December this year.

The energy we are going to use both for the main production facility and also for the power plants that is the generators which we call the turbines will be gas and for that we are building a gas pipeline 30 kilometers from the point of where we get the gas to the factory.

These are some of the challenges. For the gas pipeline for example, it passes through six different communities and for each of these communities, you have to acquire the right of way, pay compensation to farmers and the rest, but fortunately for us,

we have almost completed these procedures.

So, gas will be the main source of energy to the plant but, because gas is an energy source which you cannot really store, we are also going to use liquid fuels as a backup for both our turbines and also for our plants in case of disruption with the gas supply and this is ongoing. We want to ensure that the plant does not have any threat of any interruption when we are carrying out our operations so that daily, about 250 to 300 trailers of cement will leave the factories.

By the time we complete our power projects, we will have about 50 megawatts

To set up a business in Nigeria, you don’t have to only build the plant but set up so many facilities. For example, you have to provide power, road and water

to power the factory.

Primarily our power project is to serve the factory but if any possibility to serve the community exists, we will not hesitate to distribute to the community. Right now we are under construction and we cannot actually say what the demand of the factory will be.

Further, we are building roads leading to our quarries and all these roads will also be used by the community and in terms of infrastructures within the premises itself, there is a big hospital that is being constructed, there are two blocks of administrative buildings that are being constructed, we have mechanical and electrical workshops, heavy duty workshops to cater for the needs of heavy duty equipments. We are also building a warehouse to store our spare parts because Nigeria is actually far from getting special spare parts.”

Binji stated that not to be overlooked is cost of transportation of cement from factory to end-users. Cement is a very bulky product whose value is relatively insignificant when you compare it to the size. For example, a trailer carrying 30 tonnes is not like a trailer carrying 30 tonnes of gold that you can easily transfer to China or wherever.

So what this means is that for every kilometer away from the plant, you are adding to the transportation cost.

ANUFACTURERS Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned Nigerians not to fall into the temptation of accumulating dollars due to the current naira fall.

The immediate past president of MAN, Chief Kola Jamodu, made the call during a send forth party organised for him by manufacturers in Lagos.

Jamodu noted that currently, a lot is happening in the country and with the way the currency has been dangling, Nigerians should desist from having dollar exposure as this will further diminish the value of the local currency.

“The 2015 elections is around the corner, and the naira is just dangling;all hands must be on the deck; the last leg in a relay is better than the first, we can’t afford to fail, our advocacy must be heightened. If we are not careful, government will

trample all our raw materials for finished goods,” he said.

The President of MAN, Dr. Frank Jacobs, commended Jamodu for his committed energy, time and intellect to have lifted the association to enviable level.

‘Top among Jamodu’s achievement was the Blueprint for the accelerated development of manufacturing in Nigeria, a document that served as one of the major resource document for the conceptualization of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan.

“Jamodu also secured government approval for sector-specific approach to granting of incentives and waivers, tenacious pursuit of a manufacturing friendly ECOWAS CET and ECOWAS-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). “In fact, the Federal Government considered the position of MAN positively and therefore deferred the signing of the EPA Agreement in its present form,” he stated.

Beer goes through 220 quality assurance checks — NB Plc

By Franklin Alli

F

ROM the grains to the liquid in the glass, beer goes through 220 quality assurance checks or certification processes.

Investigation conducted by Vanguard, showed that beer is certified under International Standards Organisation (ISO) 9000: 2008. Locally, it is issued to brewery companies by Standards Organisation of Nigeria.

Mr. Ben Anozie, Brew Master, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Ibadan Plant, who explained to Vanguard how beer is brewed from the raw materials to the liquid in the bottle, said that quality checks start from the raw materials stage until the beer is brewed and packaged either in cans, bottles or kegs.

“Here in Nigerian Breweries, the quality checks are being carried out by Microbiologists and Chemists 24 hours / seven days,” Anozie stated.

He disclosed that beer requires these ingredients for brewing: barley,

sorghum, hops and yeast.

“Each ingredient can affect flavour, colour, carbonation, alcohol content, and other subtle changes in the beer.

Grains are carefully stored and handled to promote highest quality.

Hops are cultivated perennially and the useful portions of the vine, the sticky cones, are developed from the bloom.

About 16 kg of barley malt and 7 kg of grain are used to make each 1.4-1.5 hectoliters of beer. Large quantities of pure water are extremely important not only as an ingredient, but for maintaining the cleanliness of the brewing equipment. In beer, water high in lime or iron can interfere with the fermentation process and discolour the final product. Yeasts are fungi, which are microorganisms that reduce sugars to alcohol by fermentation. Some types of brewer’s yeast are closely guarded trade secrets.

This gives one brewery a competitive edge over the other,” he explained.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Oxfam celebrates Nigerian female farmers

By Babatunde Jimoh

W

OMEN farmers are critical to developing the full potentials of Nigeria’s agriculture as they represent nearly half of the country’s agricultural workers and are critically important to developing the full potential of food security.

However, they historically haven’t had the supportive environment needed to grow from subsistence farming to smallholder production and beyond. One reason is said to be responsible for this clear gender gap.

Women face many challenges, such as balancing household work with farming, unequal access to crop inputs, inability to access credit, and lack of land rights.

Speaking on the relegated position of women farmers in the country, Gender Officer, Oxfam, Nigeria, Boyowa Roberts, stated that it was high time for women in farming express themselves about government policies and other challenges they face in the sector.

Roberts said women should be considered in many areas by policy makers, which informs why Oxfam is putting everything in place to ensure that •Winners of Oxfam Nigeria’s Female Food Hero women were carried along in (FFH), from left, Mrs.Chinasa Earnestina Asonye; Monica Joshua Magari and Marian Balafama Buhari the sector, and also give award during the award presentation in Lagos. to deserving women farmers, which will inspire and motivate younger women to fully engage in agriculture. es to the admiration of that farming can actually lift Roberts said: “We want womagriculture stakeholders people away from poverty. en farmers to be well celebratand others present “I started farming when we ed, and for them to come out Marian Buhari, the had problem of feeding ourand speak for themselves on the overall winner, whose selves as a teacher and four change they desire, where they farm is located in Kwara kids. We went out to look for will express themselves to poli- •Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesi- State, was visibly elated land to farm. I used to go to farm cy makers in the agricultural na, being presented the award by Executive Director, FARA, Dr.Yemi while speaking on be- with my children, and then the sector, including the media, Akinbamijo in South Africa. half of the awardees. eldest was around 10years. which will enable them to have She said: “Farming is teWe were all working on the the spaces and the expected farm and the following year, we gender justice and to eradicate hari, Monica Joshua Magari dious for women; but, we thank change, and access resources discovered we were doing betpoverty. and Chinasa Earnestina God, because, women are bunlike fertilisers, seedlings, and She noted that with the price Asonye, were announced as dle of perseverance and love. ter, it was interesting as we were others. of oil crashing in the interna- winners, their joy knew no We love what we do, and so, we no longer short of food again, “Women have not been capso that fired my interest in farm tional market that it will become bounds as they relate their preserve to succeed. tured enough in the transformadifficult to continue to import pains, challenges and success“When women make money, work. tion agenda in the agricultural After conquering the needs for food, “so we are at risk of food men are at peace. We are apsector, because they do not have basic food needs, the Maigaris crisis.

To avert this, we need to pealing to government to proa specific women programme vide information and market went into bird rearing. “I startthey want to bring on board, turn our attention to agriculture.” link so that farmers will perform ed with five birds so as to get instead you hear them say wommeat since there was no money Mere explained that there are optimally.” en are part of the society and opportunities in agriculture if Mrs. Marian Buhari, who said to buy meat for our food. From whatever we bring up they can people are encourage growing her force in agriculture rearing those five birds, I disparticipate and be part of it.

When women make hasdriving crops like maize, rice, sorghum remained her passion, covered I was successful, those There have not been a time you money, men are at and legumes, “today we are celcalled for access to land and five birds grew and I became hear them say women should experts in rearing.” ebrating women who have takincentives. take the lead, and tell us what peace. We are She added “I was rearing boilen to agriculture to feed their She noted that access to the they want or how can we make ers then and we said we were families.” appealing to Growth Enhancement Scheme our policies gender friendly.

“Our award is to celebrate the (GES) of the federal govern- not taking eggs, so we decided It was not surprising that government to Nigerian small-scale women ment will bring many families to start rearing layers. I bought Oxfam Nigeria in trying to see farmers, and it is to inspire and provide information out of poverty and also help in about 10 layers and after six female farmers as the change months they started giving us motivate the younger women, food security in the country. agents of agriculture, brought and market link so eggs, we had many to eat and create the platform for women The journey of the first runtogether about twelve female gradually we increased and to speak to policy makers, and that farmers will ner-up, Monica Maigari from farmers under one roof in LaMadakiya in Kaduna State into every year we had more.” gos recently to sharpen their value chain producers.”

When Marian Balafama Bu- perform optimally farming is inspiring and shows skills in reinvesting their farms and in helping them improve their livelihoods.

The women were brought together under the Female Food Hero (FFH), also known as ijo said the Minister was being sponsible for policy and partINISTER of Agriculture, was honoured by the Forum.

Ogbonge Woman initiative that Dr. Adesina said the issue in specially honoured for champi- nership at the Alliance for Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, annually identifies and rewards has called for a special funding African agriculture is not the oning agricultural investments Green Revolution in Africa the most outstanding women for female farmers who he said amount of money invested by in one of Africa’s fastest grow- (AGRA) where he fostered cofarmers as part of its Oxfam’s constitute a majority of farmers the governments in agriculture, ing economies and aggressive- operation among African govGROW Campaign. ly implementing bold policy re- ernments, donors, farmers’ orbut how the money is spent. in the rural areas.

The women were organized While calling for the eradica- forms and pursuing innovative ganisations and the private secThe Minister while calling for around a contest to find the most agricultural investment pro- tor to stimulate agricultural outstanding women farmers – the creation of inclusive market tion of corruption in the public grams to expand opportunities growth and unlock new opporsector, Adesina called for the for all practitioners in the agriones who have overcome chalfor the private sector thereby tunities for farmers. introduction of insurance and cultural sector said research has lenges and made significant Receiving the Award, the minmoving agriculture away from efficiency in the deployment of proved that women farmers pay gains in their farming and in ister thanked the Executive Dia development programme to a resources in other to take care back loans. their communities. rectors of FARA for the honour He was speaking at the Fo- of the risk factors in agricultur- business issue.

Speaking on the essence of the Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo further and promised to work with othcontest, Evelyn Mere, Oxfam rum for Agricultural Research al business. disclosed that Dr. Adesina un- ers to ensure that Africa achieves While presenting the Award in Africa (FARA)’s 15th year anNigeria’s Associate Country Director, said they chose to work niversary in Johannesburg, to Dr. Akinwumi, Executive Di- til his appointment as a minis- the 2030 target of food security with women because they want South Africa recently when he rector FARA, Dr. Yemi Akinbam- ter was the Vice President re- in the continent.

Adesina calls for special funding for female farmers M

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014—25

Chiefs performing with their swords at one of the Igue festivals. Below is the art and crafts exhibition last year.

Binis prepare for 2014 Igue festival

By Jimoh Babatunde

B

inis home and in Diaspora look forward to Ugie, one of the oldest cultural festivals in Africa, from the ancient city of Benin. It is a display of the colourful life and culture of the great people of The Benin Kingdom.

The Ugie is an awe-inspiring and rich cultural heritage of the Edos, and shows the tremendous agility of its people, and their creative endeavours.

It is a journey of unique arts, music and folklore. It is a showcase of the magnificence of the Benin Kingdom and its Oba. The Ugie, which includes the famous Igue festival, has been rebranded with infusion of new activities to provide more entertainment and cultural value for all ages.

The events calendar made available to Vanguard Tourism by Omoregbe Erediauwa shows the festivals will run from Sunday through December 31 with series of activities like Ugie Queen; Jazz; Art Exhibition; Ikpemaba and street carnival among other innovations.

The Igue is an aggregation of so many festivals, and it is a period of offering thanks to God and asking for blessings C M Y K

for every home in the coming year.

It is a 14 day period of merriment, fanfare and dancing. During this period, chieftaincy title holders appear in the enviable and colourful traditional attires, and perform the Ugie dance with the traditional Eben emblem, while the Oba seats majestically in the royal chamber (ogiukpo).

Major confirmation and conferring of new titles are usually done during the festivals. This period is also a rare time where the Iloi (Queens) make public appearances in their Okuku hairdo.

The festivity normally kicks off with Otue (greetings) as member of the Ihogbe (palace society) together with Edo chiefs pay tribute to the Oba, who present a bowl of kola nuts. With the kolanuts, the chiefs bless the Oba and his family.

The Ugie Ewere is the final ceremony of the series of festivals.

Ugie Ewere is the festival of the ewere leaves, a symbol of good luck and joy. It is the most popular of all that heralds the dawn of the Benin New Year, new vows, and newness of life, a new hope for the future.

In this festival, the ewere

leaves are presented to the Oba in grand style. The court jester, Akaremwen pays homage to the Oba, Chief Osuma then reports to the Oba the banishment of Ubi from the land and the arrival of Ewere.

The jester then steps forward with Ekpoki, a leather box that contains gifts from Ife and the sacred ewere leaves and presents to the Oba. The jester thereafter an-

nounces the presence of the titled chiefs led by Chief Isekhure who then pre- sent great bunches of the ewere leaves to the Oba This is the high point of the festival, the bringing of the sacred ewere leaves of good luck to the Oba amidst singing, dancing and merriment. Each of the high ranking chiefs present the leaves of good luck to the monarch directly while some

others place the leaves at his feat.

After the presentation of leaves, merriment thereafter takes places with a lot of eating and drinking and good wishes being exchanged. To end the celebration, the chiefs one after the other again pays homage to the Oba who officially closes the celebration by leaving the arena for his palace.

Southern Sun Hotel unveils Xmas package

S

outhern Sun Ikoyi Hotel has packaged a holiday season promo for loyal customers who have patronized the hotel all year.

The Public Relations Manager of the hotel, Ubong Nseobot, said the essence of the promo is to create an atmosphere of fun and at an affordable rate to its customers as they share in the joy of the season.

“This promo is for loyal customers who have patronized the hotel all year; it was the hotel’s little way of showing

gratitude for their patronage.

It runs from now to January 12 and guest can book and pay in advance for a minimum of two nights and enjoy complimentary breakfast for one, complimentary gym sauna and steam room facility, complimentary upgrade to executive rooms, high speed internet , VJP grading and a 20% discount on laundry and dry cleaning .”

Nseobot added that guests can upgrade to executive rooms as well as enjoy early

check-in and late check-out privileges upon availability.

She said: “We are pleased to be able to continuously offer guests improved services to enhance their overall guest experience during their stay with us” Renowned for its culinary expertise and five-star services experience, Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel has a tradition of quality service delivery and customer satisfaction. Its facilities offer modern comfort, perfect for business.

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

I N S I D E

Buhari's likely running mates

Why Confab report should not be forgotten

C/RIVER CENTRAL:

Ndoma-Egba fights back

Yesterday’s announcement of Arc. Namadi Sambo as the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was heralded by much intrigues and speculations within the Northern political establishment

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

A

FTER dithering procrastination, President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday night announced his decision to fight the 2015 presidential contest with the incumbent vicepresident, Arc. Namadi Sambo as his running mate.

The decision was not largely unexpected even if there had been much apprehension in the Sambo camp over his continued stay on the ticket.

In the run-up to the announcement at least four outgoing governors had been strongly rumoured to be either angling or possible shoo-ins to replace Sambo, who had been largely flayed as almost bringing nothing of value to the ticket. But even where he was flayed for not bringing value, no one ever faulted the vice-president for bringing something negative to the ticket.

Successful businessman A widely successful businessman before he was picked by former Governor Ahmed Makarfi as his chosen successor in 2007, Sambo was not a rooted politician before he became governor of Kaduna and three years later, he was handpicked as vice-president following the succession of the then vice-president to the presidency.

The similarities of the political track of Jonathan and Sambo are obvious. Both men spent very little period as governors before being chosen as vice-president.

It was as such not surprising that they did not have sufficient time to build up independent political bases at home before relocating to Abuja.

As vice-president both men

VICE-PRESIDENCY:

Why Goodluck bypassed Shema, Sule for Sambo were not able to call the shots at home. It is easily remembered that as vice-president, Dr. Jonathan was indecorously humbled by Governor Timipire Sylva. When on February 28, 2008 the then vice-president as the highest elected official from Bayelsa State was invited for a meeting of the PDP state caucus with the governor in attendance, it was resolved to retain the Fred Agbedi led executive of the PDP. Agbedi was initially not a Jonathan ally having been a loyalist of Jonathan’s one time nemesis, Timi Alaibe. However, two weeks after the meeting, Sylva, it was alleged, unilaterally ordered the reshaping of the executive in his own image.

Vice-president Jonathan was helpless and could do nothing about it despite entreaties made to Sylva by such powerful PDP figures as Chief Tony Anenih.

Vice-President Sambo has also had his own share of political

humiliations especially on the electoral field where he has almost regularly failed to deliver his polling booth, ward and local

Vice-presidents are supposed to balance a ticket albeit positively.

Atiku Abubakar as vice-president had potential to rally votes and electoral fortunes for Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and in 2003

government to the PDP. Indeed, it has become the practise of newsmen to watch out for results from where Sambo voted to splash on the headlines.

Given this electoral frailty it was not surprising that a number of stakeholders in the party canvassed for Sambo’s removal from the ticket. Their reason was that he was not bringing anything to the ticket.

Vice-presidents are supposed to balance a ticket albeit positively. Atiku Abubakar as vice-president had potential to rally votes and electoral fortunes for Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and in 2003. Such advantages are said to be lacking in the incumbent hence the frenzy over his possible retention.

The speculations dated back to the beginning of the push for another term for the president.

Among the early names mentioned were Governors Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and

Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State.

Yuguda who was a very close ally of President Umaru Yar‘adua was in some cases alleged to be lobbying for the position, a situation that made the governor to deny it.

But it was doubtful if the core Jonathananians would have in sincerity worked harmoniously with Yuguda given his alleged membership of the cabal that sought to keep Jonathan away from the presidency during Yar‘Adua’s last illness.

Governor Shema was, however, a more welcoming consideration given the alleged beef between him and the members of the Yar‘Adua cabal. Shema and Jonathan were almost equally loathed by the core elements in the cabal who came from Katsina State. It was a popular saying in Abuja before President Yar‘Adua’s last illness that Shema was not going to serve a second term.

Major disadvantage However, in the debate over his eligibility for vice-president a major disadvantage was the Buhari question. The fact that Buhari is from the same Katsina with Shema made it politically tactless to replace Sambo with Shema who is almost certain to lose the state’s presidential vote to the very popular Buhari.

Governor Babangida Aliyu was also speculated, but the governor’s vocal instability did not help his cause and not surprisingly, with the signs clear before him, he quickly grabbed a Senate ticket.

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State was a more probable replacement given the governor’s political strength at home and national recognition.

Just like Shema, he is considered among the best performing governors in the country.

However, his overwhelming political clout and past differences with the president, especially in his grudging acceptance of the president’s second term made it unrealistic.

Some even alleged that Lamido was stepped down because Jonathan like some presidents before him did not want a strong vice-president.

In the end, the president yesterday morning decided to stick to the harmless Sambo. Now the circus show on Sambo’s polling booth would be on again on Election Day next February.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014—27

Fayemi

Mamora

Amaechi

Oshiomhole

Buhari's likely running mates

By Charles Kumolu

H

AVING emerged victorious at the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress,APC, in line with pre-convention predictions, the question of who becomes the running mate of Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) is on the front burner.

Earlier the matter had attracted so much controversy following statements by Buhari, suggesting that he was not indisposed to the possibility of picking a Muslim as his running mate. ''I have not absolutely closed my mind to picking a Christian or Muslim as running mate if I get the ticket. Because I firmly believe that Nigerians, having gone through what they have gone through, realise it is not a matter of religion, but a matter of Nigeria.

the possibility of that.

With that level of controversy, indicating a general rejection of a possible Muslim-Muslim ticket, it became obvious that aside religion, ethnicity would be key in deciding the matter.

Before now, names that had been touted as likely running mates include; Lagos State governor, Mr. Babarunde Fashola (SAN), former Ekiti State governor, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Olurumibe Mamoro, Prof. Yemi Osibajo (a

Political confusionists And the main religions, Christianity and Islam, they know and they believe in the almighty God. The question of stealing and short-changing people in the name of religion should stop. This new phenomenon of religion is another blackmail political confusionists in Nigeria are bringing to the fore,” he said.

Even though his stance was backed with the June 12 presidential election scenario, when Chief Moshood Abiola and his vice-presidential candidate, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, won on same fate ticket, the heaven was literally let loose, as many objected to

I have not absolutely closed my mind to picking a Christian or Muslim as running mate if I get the ticket

former commissioner in Lagos State), Senator Ajayi Borofice (currently representing Ondo North in the Senate) and Mr. Wale Edun, a former commissioner in Lagos State.

While the trio of Osibajo, Borrofice and Edun may have existed in the realm of speculation, Ameachi, Oshiomhole, Fayemi and Mamora among others, are still in contention.

Fayemi

Shortly before yesterday's exercise, speculations were rife that the immediate past governor of Ekiti State, may be chosen.

His religion and political experience are the factors behind the possibility of pairing him with Buhari.

Fayemi, who lost the last governorship polls is regarded as an urbane politician, whose popularity extends beyond the SouthWest geopolitical zone.

His robust civil society background also adds to his resume.

Fayemi, who has a Doctorate degree in War Studies from the University of London, England, specializing in civilmilitary relations, is also known to have had a cordial relationship with Buhari when he governed Ekiti.

Before he ventured into full time politics, he was the Director of the Centre for Democracy & Development, a research and training institution dedicated to the study and promotion of democratic development, peace-building and human security in Africa.

Prior to his establishment of the centre, he worked as a lecturer, journalist, researcher

and Strategy Development adviser in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He was Strategy Development Adviser at London’s City Challenge; research fellow at the African Research & Information Bureau in London, UK. He also played key roles in sending the military out of the Nigerian political firmament and was responsible for the founding and management of the opposition radios – Radio Freedom, Radio Democracy International & Radio Kudirat.

Amaechi

Amaechi's name is not new in speculations and permutations in the presidential race, as he was generally alleged to have nursed the ambition of paring with Alhaji Sule Lamido on the platform of the PDP.

Ardent Buhari However, since his defection to the APC, the Rivers State governor has been regarded as an ardent supporter of Buhari. For instance, the former Head of State had been a frequent guest at most functions organised by Amaechi.

Having emerged more of a democratic hero in the crisis that resulted to his defection, Ameachi went ahead to become one of the leading governors in the party, hence, his emergence as a likely running mate.

While it is the prerogative of the party to make a decision in that respect, some believe that Buhari/Amaechi ticket remains the best for the opposition party.

Mamora

As a two term senator, Mamora distinguished himself in the National Assembly.

So remarkable was his representation of Lagos East Senatorial District, that many were shocked about his inability to return to the Senate in this dispensation.

In fact, governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, among other politicians, reportedly expressed shock over his withdrawal from the race in 2011.

Till date, the Ikorodu-born politician, who was a Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly is regarded as a widely admired politician.

Of note are his principles and deep knowledge of democratic norms, which he exhibited as the Senate Deputy Minority Leader.

Oshiomhole

Aside the fame he earned as a result of long period of activism in the labour movement, the Edo State governor ranks among the few governors, who had helped deepen this democracy.

This is widely evident from his utterances and actions on issues of governance.

Known to be rich in political experience, governance and foreign policy, he is reputed to command a lot of supporters across the country.

Little wonder, commentators described him as committed to national unity, a characteristic that manifested so much during his tenure as chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

C/RIVER CENTRAL:

Ndoma-Egba fights back Cross River State had nearly become a benchmark for election standards after the fiery civil-rights advocate, Mike Igini was appointed the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) just over four years ago. Now Igini and others are bothered.

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

H

OURS to the conduct of Monday’s governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Mike Igini, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Cross River State had cause to be bothered.

So much so that he issued a public statement cautioning election stakeholders on the declining standards of internal democracy within the parties. He didn’t cite any party but his words could not have been lost on anyone given the near dominance of the PDP in the state.

"It's strange that list of delegates election equivalent of voters register that should ordinarily comprise of elected ad hoc and statutory delegates for the various elections that output to be made available to all stakeholder including INEC has been a matter of conjecture and work in process," Igini had said.

Days earlier, the party had conducted Senate primaries and almost national attention had been fixated on Cross River Central Senatorial district where two powerful gladiators were in contention for the single ticket and the process there and in

some other parts of the state apparently may have offended the REC. At issue especially in Cross River Central was the alleged mystery over the delegates’ list used in the conduct of the nomination.

Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, who has represented the district since 2003 was in contention with Mr. John OwanEnoh, the powerful chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance. OwanEnoh like Ndoma-Egba do not just share compound surnames, they have also shared the same number of years in the National Assembly as they both came to the National Assembly in 2003.

However, what they could not share was the same senatorial seat and hence the political battle that has raged in the constituency for months now.

When the battle ended last Saturday with Owan-Enoh carting home the booty it should have ended there, but not so as Ndoma-Egba, normally a gentleman has come out to fault the process that led to the declaration of Owan-Enoh as victor.

According to Victor NdomaEgba, the "exercise was fundamentally and fatally flawed as it fell short of the minimum integrity for an electoral process.

•Victor Ndoma-Egba

The exercise was in complete disregard of the PDP's guidelines for primary election in the following: the delegates list; accreditation, violent atmosphere, non-display of sensitive materials and non delegates voting.”

Exercise was fundamentally and fatally flawed as it fell short of the minimum integrity for an electoral process

•Mike Igini "The list of delegates used for the primaries was not made public. This was imperative as two lists were in circulation."

Owan-Enoh was quick to reply faulting the Senate Leader for not losing gallantly. Owan-Enoh who had in the past claimed that Ndoma-Egba is unpopular in the constituency and would be defeated by him as many times as the process is repeated said: “He is a bad loser. It shows he is a typical Nigerian politician who would do everything to discredit a process however transparent, free and fair.”

But Ndoma-Egba was categorical that the process was rigged against him alleging that “They brandished a delegates’ list which was not made public.

My agent, Hon. Ernest Irek protested vehemently but was shouted down. My agent tried

Jonathan will perform better in second term — Eke, DESOPADEC Commissioner

By Victor Ahiuma-Young Reverend Chukwudi Eke is the Commissioner representing Ndokwa ethnic nationality on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC and also the leader of Integrity for Leadership and Sustainable Empowerment Initiative, based in Asaba, the Delta State capital, with member drawn across the states if the federation.

In this interview, he spoke on DESOPADEC, Boko Haram, President Goodluck Jonathan second term bid.

Excerpts T h e r e

appears to be no end to insinuations that the 2015 general elections are likely to be shifted forward. What is your view?

I do not see a reason to postpone the general elections.

What are the reasons being giving? I do not think there should be need for it except in areas where the state of emergency could affect the elections until peace prevails.

Unless, in one or two states where we have continuous violence and destruction of lives and properties. Other than that, I don’t see any reason why the general elections should be postponed by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. What is you take on President

Goodluck Jonathan second term bid judging from his official declaration and subsequent endorsement to seek re-election in 2015?

If you have watched the performance on the screen during the declaration it was a mammoth crowd. People from all works of life were there. You can imagine even cripples struggling to come into the arena, also the Fulani herdsman came out massively, women from all works of life. In fact, it was amazing the kind of crowd that was attracted that very day. NonGovernmental Organizations, NGOs, were also there and all of them sponsored themselves as government did not spend a dime. You see they spent their money because there was need

to impress on them that there was a list that had INEC approval but they resisted.”

That was besides the alleged use of violence to intimidate his supporters as he told the national chairman that one stakeholder in Obubra Local government area, Friday Ajaghe was killed a day before the primary by suspected militants imported into the constituency just before the nomination exercise.

Senator Ndoma-Egba also faulted the decision to sequester 152 delegates saying that they "were kept incommunicado, they were eventually bussed to the venue.

Accreditation that was to start at 8:00am and end at 12:00 noon did not start until about 2:30pm, well beyond the stipulated time. This act alone should have rendered the whole exercise null and void.”

There were other alleged violations such as the failure to display the sensitive materials before the exercise.

"My agent drew the attention of the Electoral Officer, to the fact that he had not displayed the sensitive materials including the result sheets for inspection. The returning officer ignored this obvious lapse."

Ndoma-Egba further noted that the apex of the violations was the accreditation of non-delegates to vote in the exercise as he cited 11 persons who he claimed were not delegates but who voted in the exercise."The relevant documents from the PDP, Cross River State, of those eligible to contest and their list of those who won is grossly incongruent.

for them to make sacrifice for a good leadership to continue. I know of so many NGOs that came there with hired buses, lodged into hotels and paid just to make sure they were part of history. It was an epoch making event. It was very successful , the weather was so beautiful , in fact I give God the glory because you can see that the hands of God is upon the President , for him to do more for the nation.

The body languages of the President’s close aides have been clear that he would seek reelection. Was such elaborate ceremony necessary?

Well, it was necessary because what is worth doing is what doing well. We know for every event in history there are activities surrounding it. There are formalities so to fulfill all righteousness, Jesus Christ will always say, He knows His father Continues on Page 29

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014—29

Why Confab report should not be forgotten MR. Tony Uranta, a Niger Delta activist, was a member of the Presidential Committee on National Dialogue. In this interview, he bared his mind on the nefarious activities of the Boko Haram sect in some Northern part of the country. Excerpts:

By Dapo Akinrefon

W

HAT is your reaction to the continuous terrorists’ bombardment of Nigeria?

I am very happy that you have used the word ‘terrorists’ rather than the word ‘insurgents’ as it is being very wrongly used by even army officers, retired generals is worrisome. You can understand from their expressions that they don’t understand the difference between insurgency and war and terrorism.

An insurgency or an insurgent is a man who takes up arms to prove a point within a state, staying within a state, through his being discontent. You could now say that the Niger Delta situation could aptly be termed an insurgency. The Boko Haram are not insurgents. They are terrorists, terrorists who are part of a global terrorism circle that is being controlled as well by ISIL, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. You will notice that Boko Haram, just as Al-Shabab, AlQaeda in the Maghreb, all fly the

same flag. They all talk about the Islamic caliphate. An insurgency is not foreign controlled. But far beyond that, an insurgency does not try to obtain land. Boko Haram, ISIL, AL-Shabab’s intention right now, is to take over space, territories, and declare those territories, non-border Islamic Caliphate.

The only border that keeps them all in their contiguous state is there ideology. Their ideology that says for example that, slavery is proper, the enslavement of women. ISIL has come out to make a very categorical statement about that. Our Shekaus (we’ve had Shekau one, two three, maybe there is the fourth now).

Shekaus have at different times asked why we (Nigerians) are asking for our girls back (Chibok Girls)? They said they have sold them to slavery because Allah allows them to sell them into slavery. This is to emphasize the fact that there is a totally new global phenomenon at play. And nowhere else in the world is that phenomenon called insurgency.

Nigerians are very good at

Tony Uranta repeating like parrots.

So, the moment a new word comes up, everybody says it, they say we have ‘insurgency.’ What we have is not insurgency. It is simply a mass murderous invasion of our space, by local and foreign terrorists, with intent

on capturing territories, intent on massacring and depleting population that they believe is not in any way related to their belief.

You see, The Sultan of Sokoto, very correctly said in his last

Jonathan'll perform better in second term — Eke, DESOPADEC Commissioner Continues from page 28

answers Him, yet He knows many things that He tells us to fulfill all righteousness to let the world also see how many are for Him and how many are against Him. It was a symbolic event and there was need for him to do it.

The body language you are talking is not only from his aides, but from Nigerians.

Almost every Nigerian was glamouring for him to declare his intention, even among children.

The body language is not only restricted to the aides but to many Nigerians who want good thing for this nation. So it was timely and necessary.

The declaration came a day after the bomb blast that killed several students in the North East part of the country, would it not have been postponed because of the incidence?

First and foremost, I want to condole with families of those who lost their loved ones in that suicide bomb attack. It was a very painful tragedy to see our children destroyed and their lives terminated innocently for a crime they never committed. For no evil

they committed just because certain group of individuals who want to come to power by any means possible, coming under any guise such as Boko Haram and perpetrating these crimes and perpetrating these act of wickedness and acts of inhumanity. Once again, I want to condole with these families and pray that the souls of these little ones will rest peacefully in the bosom of Lord. However, it is important to know that these wicked ones will stop at nothing to achieve their wickedness.

Assuming if we postponed this very declaration and announced another date, I bet you given the history of this wickedness, they would still want to do something to distract governance. They would do anything possible to achieve their means, to make sure peace does not reign in our nation, to make sure there is no progress and to make sure we are not united as one. So, having condoled with the family, business must go on, because even if you postpone it, because we even have such instance in the past where government

scheduled to do one thing and before you know it, there is bomb blast. When independence anniversary was scheduled some time back, before you knew it, there was a bomb blast. This has become their stock in trade and they do these to stop progress whether is in the area of governance or politics.

Governance or politics These predators of evil are always there trying to disrupt development. So, having condoled with the families and shown our sympathy, we still needed to do what was necessary and that was what was done. The declaration was successful and even students were there, like other Nigerians who came out to make sure that a leader who has accomplished so much in the country, come back.

The PDP has already adopted the President as its sole Presidential candidate; don’t you think it impinges on other aspirants’ right?

It is a welcome development because other aspirants have also joined the masses to adopt our visionary President Goodluck Jonathan. It was not a one man affair. To other aspirants, they think that if someone is greater and more acceptable than they are, why should they not give him support to make sure he continues to do better than what he is already doing? They want to make sure that he finishes the job he has started because he needs another term in office to complete his transformation agenda. The administration is doing well, so we are all in support to make sure he finishes and accomplishes all the good works he has started.

What would you make out of the increase the activities of Boko Haram and botched reported ceasefire agreement?

Well, the case of ceasefire could not work because of the lapses associated with the agreement, but there is no turning back. I don’t look at failure as failure, but as a step towards success. When you look at the history of great nations you will see that nothing good comes easily.

statement, that the war must now be intensified. I wish he had said that a year or two years ago, when more Christians were been killed.

In that statement, he said it’s because more Muslims are been killed now. This is not a war between Islam and the rest of the world or the rest of Nigeria. It is a war between certain radical fundamentalist that have Islam as their basis, and other parts of Nigeria. Therefore, like you see in Iran, Sunnis are killing Shiites in Iran; Shiites are killing Sunnis in Syria.

It is not therefore strange, and nobody should hide under the cover that Muslims are been killed to try to fool us that this is not an Islamic terrorists action. It is Islamic, but fundamentalist Islamic. And it does not mean that it would not decimate Muslims. It is going on everywhere in the world.

Mosques are been bombed by Muslims. The Sunni mosques are bombed by the Shiites; the Shiites mosques are bombed by the Sunnis. They are all Muslims.

The common derivative is that they are all fundamentalist who are committed to killing. Having established that, there is no insurgency ongoing in Nigeria.

I will like that fact to be drummed into people’s ears, hearts and brains. It is your mindset that prepares you for what you are facing. You have to know your enemy.

Murderous terrorism If you think your enemy is an insurgent, then your military is already incapacitated. That will make you believe that what President Goodluck Jonathan said in the beginning when he too was been misled into thinking that what we have was an insurgency and that we cannot go and start killing our brothers. For me, no member of Boko Haram is my brother. Some Christian people came to my birthday reception a few days ago; they said love your brother.

That is Okay but I repeat that no Boko Haram person is my brother. Nobody that will put a baby down and stamp on the baby’s head can be my brother.

Nobody that will slaughter babies and children can be my brother.

So, I will; not love that person or people as I love myself. I will resist the person because the person is a devil and is from the devil. That is the way each of us must see Boko Haram. There is no insurgency in Nigeria rather there is mass murderous terrorism.

But how come the terrorists are still making inroads despite government’s commitment to stop the mess?

That is a very good question and that means how come they haven’t been stopped by the military? First of all, let’s go into the issue of bombings.

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

How Wizkid and I produced ‘Caro’ – LAX erground Hewas an und destiny . But artiste before izkid together W d an im h t h Stay broug op star, and p g n si ri st fa rly today, Afolabi popula la o il am D e, icial Boy artist whose first off .X .A L as n w o lf and kn aturing himse fe ” er g in “G , single ger ome a club ban Wizkid has bec p to Showtime Celebed u recently open y into began his fora e h w o h n o , rity rking as learned wo h e h at h w c; ind musi e mystery beh th d an , id k iz with W o”, featuring song “Car the wave-mak ther isthem among o f o o tw e th g in sues...

By Benjamin Njoku

Y

OU are born with silver spoon, what are you doing in the music industry?

Music is my passion and that’s why I am making a career in it.

Also, I am doing music in order to stand on my own and be able to do things myself. I have a strong passion.

At what point did you realize music is what you wanted to do for a living?

I didn’t start music from childhood, rather I started music like a flunk. My friend called me up to accompany him to the studio. It happened that his car broke down. So, I escorted him to the studio, but surprisingly, on getting there, the producer picked interest in me and wanted me to do something for him.

When I did it, he was impressed, saying that, I have a distinct voice. There and then, he advised me to consider pursuing a career in music. This happened in 2008, at a studio located around Opebi area of Lagos. I later started training with him to learn the craft. He’s currently D’banj’s producer, Bevi and I was with him for two years. That was how I started my career in music.

When you decided to go into music professionally, why did choose to pitch your tent with Wizkid?

Eva Alordiah declares love for Eminem on MTV Base One2watch C M Y K

I started pushing myself without my parents’ support back in London. I was using my savings to pursue my career in music

Metro 97.7FM packages all-genre musical concert for listeners

I started pushing myself without my parents’ support back in London. I was using my savings to pursue my career in music. While I was schooling in London, I shot a couple of videos. So, when I returned to the country, I had a show organized by Hennessy. I was billed to perform at the show. On that day, I met one woman, Toyin Lawani who said she liked my swag. ‘I like your dressing, I’m a stylist, I’ll want to style you’, she told me. So we spoke for a while and we became close, and she’s also Wizkid’s friend and was also styling Wizkid at that time. Later, she called me up and said, ‘send me some of your stuffs, I want to play it for Wizkid and see if he likes it. So she played a couple

Katy Perry, Obama, Wizkid rule twitter in 2014

of my songs for him and he liked it, he called me up. I went to his house one night around 1 am, and about two months later, I got signed on to Star Boy Records in 2013.

Could you recall the first meeting, you had with Wizkid?

It was in Wizkid’s house and that happened around 12 midnight, in 2013.

How long did it take you to sign a contract with him and what’s the nature of the contract?

I have a record label deal with Wizkid, for two albums, expiring after two years.

The contract can be extended. I travelled back to London, immediately after our meeting. While in London, we did a couple of songs together and that was when we recorded “Caro.”

For the few times you have worked with Wizkid, what’s your impression of him?

He’s a cool guy, he’s focused and he motivates me. He’s a workaholic, he goes to the studio almost every day, working tirelessly.

What project are you working on at the moment?

I am currently working on my next single. I have about 40 recorded songs and I am also working on my first ever album.

When is your first album dropping?

It’s supposed to be out next year.

Continues on page 31

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014—31

Synopsis

How Wizkid and I produced ‘Caro’ – LAX

Synopsis of Invasion 1897

Igie Ehanire a research student on African Art history gets touched, he gets more perturbed about the injustice of the British invasion of Benin. It gets more worrisome for him on leaning... that the art work was more than just art works but a historical documentation of the records of the Benin people... He wants to return the priceless work of history and records to its original owners... but went about it wrongly and the law catches up with him... in trying to justify his action he painstakingly narrates the events and series of events that led to the globally renowned epic story of one of the greatest king of Africa Oba Ovonramwen of the great Benin kingdom... who until 1897 was the only king and kingdom still standing in the whole sub-Saharan Africa... a major misunderstanding ensued that lead to some deaths...and because of some deaths more deaths are recorded... destruction and more destruction... and the carting away of priceless works of arts which in truth was more than decorative pieces, they are tagged spoils of war... then Banishment takes place... ?a people left without a king...

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK 30 DAYS IN ATLANTA INVASION 1897 WHAT IF MOST WANTED MAN A PLACE IN THE STARS

Movie schedule from 12th December — 18th 2014 SILVERBIRDCINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Box Trolls : 11:20am,2:10pm,3:00pm Invesion 1897: 12:00pm,4:30pm What If: 1:10pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 4:30pm,6:40pm,8:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Box Trolls: 11:00am,12:50pm,4:15pm Invasion 1897: 2:45pm,8:20pm What If: 10:35am,4:55pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 4:55pm,7:10pm,9:15pm

Continues on page 30 What are you taking away from Wizkid?

I am learning to build my own craft, my own type of music.

What’s your own kind of music?

I can go on any beat: reggae, pop, Afro-beat, Fuji sound. I’m just trying to create my own sound. I’m very good at speaking Yoruba because of my background. So, I like to add Yoruba in my music and to appeal to my fans out there.

Would you say Wizkid inspired your going into music?

Wizkid started off as a kid doing his thing. I was looking up to him while I was in school. He has inspired me a lot, even working with him has been a source of inspiration to me.

Apart from Wizkid, who else do you look up to?

I look up to Wande Cool because I used to listen to his music while I was growing up.

Impact on music scene I look up to a lot of Nigerian artistes.

Every one of them is trying to make an impact on the music scene.

Back in London, were you tempted to kick start your career in music even as a student?

While schooling in London, I was involved in music. I used to have a studio in my house in addition to visiting the best studio in the city. I used to work with a producer that worked with Beyonce and Jay Z for about two years.

I couldn’t go far then because I was honing my craft. I just completed my Masters degree programme over there.

Then I was focusing on my studies as well as building my career in music, hoping that when I’m through with my education, I would go into music professionally.

When you told your parents your were going into music after your studies, what was their reaction?

My dad particularly was not happy with my decision. This is because he wanted me to head the board of one of his companies. But when a couple of his friends called him to commend my music after they had listened to it, he started supporting me.

Are you in a relationship?

Not at all. I am focusing on my music for now.

Why? I’m trying to be focused and ensure that I succeed in my career in music.

How do describe your ideal woman?

Honestly, I have a lot of female friends, but I’m looking for a woman that will understand me. A woman who will love me not just for my music but also, for who I am.

Among the female artistes in the country, who do you have crush on?

I don’t I have crush on anybody. But I am feeling Cynthia Morgan at the moment. I like her sound and her type of music. I also think she’s bold.

How did you come about your stage name, LAX? I got the name during my secondary school days. My friends used to call me LAX because I used to wear expensive shoes. In my school then, we were not allowed to wear leather shoes.

But after speaking to the school authorities to allow students to wear shoes of their choice to school, I was nicknamed LAX. So, when I started singing I adopted the name as a stage name.

Who wrote the song “Caro”?

‘Caro” was a Star Boy Record project, featuring Wizkid and myself. It was studio session we did together. Wizkid wrote his own part of the song, while I wrote mine too.

You started off as rapper, what happened along the line?

I started off as a rapper in 2008. Along the line, my sound evolved because I wasn’t doing music professionally. So, when started, I realized my strength lies in singing. I believe I can go back to rap someday.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC Box Trolls: 12:00pm, 1:20pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:20pm, 7:00pm, Invasion 1897: 12:40pm,2:40pm,4:40pm,6:40pm,8:40pm What If: 3:20pm,7:20pm,9:20pm A Most Wanted Man: 1:00pm,3:20pm,8:20pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 12:00pm,2:10pm,4:20pm,6:30pm,8:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Box Trolls: 11:20am,2:50pm Invasion 1897: 12:2-0am,4:40pm What If: 4:40pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 12:50pm,6:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Box Trolls: 12:30pm, 2:20pm, 4:10pm, 6:00pm Invasion 1897: 11:50am, 2:00pm, 4:10pm, 6:20pm, 8:30pm What If: 4:30pm,8:00pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 11: 30am, 1:50pm, 4:00pm, 6:20pm, 8:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, WARRI Invasion 1897: 12:15pm, 19:10pm.

30 Days in Atlanta : 12:20pm, 14:25pm.

OZONE CINEMAS SABO YABA Box Trolls: 10:00am,11:00am, Invasion 1897: 2:30pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 5:00pm,7:05pm,8:35pm Ninja Turtles: 10:00am GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS Invasion 1897: 12:00pm,4:15pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 2:05pm,6:20pm,8:30pm,10:45pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Invasion 1897: 9:55am,4:20pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 2:10pm,8:40pm,10:50pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU Invasion 1897: 2:30pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 10:10am,4:35pm,8:55pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, LAGOS Invasion 1897: 11:10am,1:20pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 5:20pm,9:30pm,10:00pm, FILM HOUSE CINEMAS,HERITAGE MALL, IBADAN Invasion 1897: 10:25am,2:30pm,8:35pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 6:30pm,8:30pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS SAMONDA Invasion 1897: 1000am,2:10pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 4:20pm,8:25pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR Invasion 1897: 10:10am,12:10pm,2:10pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 4:10pm,6:10pm,8:10pm

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Metro 97.7FM packages all-genre musical concert for listeners A

LL roads, Tuesday, December 16, 2014 lead to the Shell Hall of Muson Center, Lagos as the premier FM station in Nigeria, Metro 97.7FM stages a classy end of year musical concert for her clients, listeners and friends. This is the first time the recently rebranded FM station would be hosting a concert of this magnitude. The concert aptly tagged FYNE 1.0- the All Flavours concert will afford clients, listeners and friends of the wave-making Radio station the opportunity to enjoy music that cuts across all genres in a relaxed atmosphere.

According to a release signed by the General manager of Metro 97.7FM,Miss Cordelia Okpei,’FYNE 1.0,an acronym for Flavors You Naturally Enjoy is a series born

out of the newly rebranded tagline of Metro 97.7FM which is for All Flavours’ stated the dreadlocks-wearing ace broadcaster.

She equally added that”FYNE 1.0 is the first of the series of music concerts Metro FM hopes to present annually to our esteemed clients, listeners and the general public. This year’s concert brings together different genres of music on one stage.

Indeed at the All Flavours concert, there is something for everyone. That is why we saywhatever your flavour; FYNE 1.0, the All Flavours concert has got you covered” Artistes billed to perform include Timi Dakolo,Yemi Alade, MC Galaxy, Praiz, Salvador Sango, Solo Urete from Niger Delta, Olu Jazz and several others. Koffi the Commedian is the host.

What veterans of Nollywood said at Legends of Nollywood awards

•Larry Koldsweat

By Damilola Sholola

T

HE third edition of Legends of Nollywood Awards, initiated and organised

by Nollywood actor, Paul Obazele held on the 6th of December 2014 at the National Theatre in Igammu area. The award was created to honour founding fathers and mothers of the Nigerian movie industry. In attendance where legendary names like Sadiq Daba, Mrs Taiwo Ajayi Lycet, Nkem Owoh, Tony Akposheri, Franca Brown, Zack Orji, Nobert Young, Larry Koldsweat, Ejiro Okurame, Emeka Ike, Henrietta Kosoko and a host of other celebrities and media personalities.

At the award, WG Spoke with some of the veterans concerning

•Sadig Daba the award and here are what they said:

Sadiq Daba

What do you think about the event?

I think it’s one of the brightest ideas I’ve seen so far. Most awards that I’ve read about or have attended, it’s almost all repetitive. It’s either you go and lobby to get an award or somebody likes your face or you’re friends with someone and they give you an award, not because you’ve worked that hard, not because your work speaks for you but somehow, you find yourself on their list. Here, Paul is saying there are people who were there, why don’t we celebrate them? Why don’t we look for them?

•Taiwo Ajai Lycet

Nkem Owoh

I’m particularly happy that somebody thought out this event to recognize, even though they say celebrate legends, to me it is to recognize legends. It is good in this country for people to recognize there are people who started something, moved it to a certain degree before others could take over. If you recognize them, it is most appreciable so I’m happy with the organizers, Paul Obazele and his team. It would give the people who are coming behind hope that whatever they are doing, sometime in the future they would be recognized

Taiwo Ajai Lycet

I think we should have more of these kinds of occasions to draw attention to the fact that showbiz is not a place where people come to

•Nkem Owoh waste their time; it’s a place where you lay down a foundation. It’s an industry where a lot of people have eyes on you and it’s important to be of exemplary character.

If this sort of occasion happens regularly, then everybody would really appreciate the responsibility of them being in the industry.

Larry Koldsweat

My opinion is very straight; you celebrate the living not when they are dead. Most times, people we celebrate are people that have died and we carry one stick to go and give to their family. When they are alive we don’t celebrate them, it’s not it. It may not be too perfect or too fantastic but for the mere fact that some people were remembered today, it’s a milestone in their lives

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014—37 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

DD tech makes LG washing machine green

Katy Perry, Obama, Wizkid rule twitter in 2014

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•Wizkid Sport also took a dominant spot in 2014. For instance in the Nigerian setting, Soccer star, Victor •Katy Perry Moses, has the highest Twitter followers in the sports category.

Stories by Prince Worldwide, a record 672 million Tweets were Osuagwu sent about this year’s World Cup finals in

P

OPULAR singer, song-writer and actress, Katy Perry, has emerged the most followed person for 2014. It was the year that Twitter’s most-followed star Katy Perry https:/ /twitter.com/katyperry hit the 61 million follower mark. She is closely followed in second place by Justin Bieber on 57 million, and Barack Obama, who, with 50 million followers, is the third most-followed person in the world, and the most-followed political or world leader on the platform.

Beside these three, others who made to the top 10 list included Taylor Swift - 48m, YouTube - 46m , Lady Gaga - 43m, Britney Spears39m, Justin Timberlake - 38m, Rihanna - 38m, and Instagram - 36m Wizkid holds firm Here in Nigeria, popular and award winning musician, Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Whiz Kid holds the top position. Wizkid was the first Nigerian artiste to reach one million followers on Twitter. He is followed by Davido, D'Banj and Don Jazzy, all in the entertainment sector.

Exciting Twitter year 2014 was a very exciting year on Twitter. It was the year in which England crashed out of the World Cup, the Queen sent her first ever Tweet, Scotland debated independence, and @Philae2014 Tweeted live from space as it landed on the Rosetta Comet.

People send more than 500 million Tweets per day. Each one contributes something special to Twitter, but only one is recognized as the “Golden Tweet,” a.k.a. the most-Retweeted Tweet of the year. This year, the honor goes to @TheEllenShow’s starry photo from the March Oscars telecast.

Victor Moses pips Mikel

Brazil. In a World Cup year it is perhaps no surprise that the UK’s top ten most-Tweeted-about moments were sport-related. The 7-1 sweep of mighty Brazil by Germany, not only set a soccer record, it was also a record on Twitter, as the match generated the highest number of Tweets in soccer history.

LEANLINESS is next to Godliness, they say! Does this have a connection to how your clothes are laundered and generally how you dress? Apparently, yes!

Otherwise, why would a sizeable part of people’s budgets apportioned to dry-cleaning? However, there is still the occasional disappointment from the cleaning professionals. Every fabric has an approach to laundering it but when inappropriate machines are used, much of the professional touch is lost.

This is the problem that home appliances maker, LG said prompted it to develop the LG Direct Drive washing machines.

The machines are equipped with highefficiency Direct Drive motor that cut energy costs and water consumption, compared to conventional washing machines. LG’s Direct Drive system increases the motor’s efficiency. This not only cuts back on energy use and makes it less

Your phone can now help you avoid traffic

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OR most people, food clothes and shelter are most priorities of life. You worry about common good out there on the road. It is a these things because their absence community based traffic solution geared to make dehumanizes a being and denigrates daily road commute a breeze. standard living.

By connecting drivers, passengers and But for those, particularly, living in Lagos pedestrians to one another, we help people metropolis, these, are ironically, not far create local driving communities that work fetched. No matter how poor, in Lagos, one together to improve the quality of everyone's must feed. There is food for all categories of daily driving. That might mean helping them people. Problem, is when one steps off his avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic, cluing category to where his or her earnings can them in on police traps or shaving five minutes not accommodate. There is also abundant off their regular commute by showing them new clothes to cover everybody's nakedness. No alternative routes they never even knew about" matter the income strata, Oshodi, orile and Yaba markets, can give you what to wear.

How it functions Similarly, no amount of beautification of Traffic Lite features an increasing list of bridges and squares in Lagos can turn those popular routes around Lagos. Once traffic lite places away from being habitable homes for has been downloaded at https:// many people. In Lagos, there must be a place p l a y . g o o g l e . c o m / s t o r e / a p p s / to sleep till next day. details?id=com.panthelope.trafficliteapp, users What is apparently in short supply is good simply create their profiles, log in and that’s it! and motorable roads. On a bad day, a journey By just driving or walking around with the app of 20 kilometers running passively on their can take two days mobile phones they are in •Typical traffic with attendant possession of traffic road data. jam in Lagos risks of robbery, Such users can also take more car vandalisation active role by sharing road or even loss of reports on accidents, police lives in extreme traps, or any other hazards cases. along the way. This helps to However, one give other users in the area good thing about 'heads-up' about what's to technology is its come. wide, open ears. It The app boasts of top-notch listens and where degree of accuracy of traffic such problems reports. The report shows the actual cumulative exist, it goes to provide succor. speed on the route, actual number of road Now a tech startup company based in commuters present on the route, an estimated Lagos, Panthelope Technologies, has travel time, route distance and bottlenecks along developed a new mobile traffic solution, the route. If incidentally, for some reasons, a “Traffic Lite”, a community-based traffic user's regular route is not listed on the popular application aimed at providing real-time traffic routes, such a user can create own personal updates to the local community. routes using the ease to use Google Map and What is TrafficLite? even share with friends.

The app described as "contributing to the

•LG DD Tech waching machine susceptible to breakdown, but also helps reduce noise levels. Speaking on the core technology behind the washing machine, General Manager, Home Appliances Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Hyunwoo Jung, said: “The range of LG Direct Drive Washing Machines uses a Direct Drive Motor that eliminates belt, clutches and pulleys which are found in conventional Washing Machines thereby, giving extra durability, low noise and vibration levels with better washing performance.

"This technological innovation which is a first in the world has been in existence since the late 1980’s.

Because the LG Direct Drive Motor operates more efficiently, we confidently back the motor with a 10year warranty to ensure a worry-free clean" Recently, LG's Direct Drive motor was certified by Verband Deutsher Rlektrotechniker (VDE) - German Association of Electrical Engineering as a product with a life span of 20 year and approximately 4,400 cycles based on the testing of 4.2 wash cycles a week and 220 cycles a year.

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Jonathan, N/Assembly and politics of emergency rule

By Chioma Gabriel

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HE move by President Goodluck Jonathan to extend emergency rule in the three states of the Northeast has set him on warpath with the National Assembly, leaving a threat of impeachment hanging on his neck. So far, about two hundred signatures from the House of Representatives and sixty-three from the Senate have allegedly been collated to kickstart impeachment proceedings against him.

The President seemingly applied the wrong move in getting the National Assembly to do his bidding. Hence, the likelihood of having both chambers of the National Assembly accept the extension of emergency rule in the northeast is hanging on a balance.

Since 1999 when Nigeria returned to civil rule, the country has experienced several security challenges that threatened her peace and unity. The activities of the terrorist sect known as Boko Haram in the Northeast states of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno have damaged the image of the Nigerian state and the psyche of the ordinary Nigerian.

Partial emergency Strangely, when the sect started in 2009, it was not considered a threat to national unity but later development forced some of Nigeria’s past leaders to invoke section 305 of the 1999 Constitution which empowers a sitting president to declare emergency rule whenever the peace of the country is threatened.

Hence, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a partial emergency rule in the troubled states of the Northeast in 2011.

However, Jonathan made it known during this declaration in May 2011 that emergency rule would not affect the functions of the governors and other public officers as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

He said: “It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi,

Kano, Plateau and, most recently, Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states.

“These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians, including members of our security forces... The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a nearbreakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilise the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.

“These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.

“They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state

By cutting off service at towers, the military had hoped to stop extremists from receiving warnings or intelligence ahead of their operations

House of Representatives of the National Assembly...dilly dallying over emergency rule officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.

“Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy.

After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.”

The President added: “I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go; we will hunt them down; we will fish them out; and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.

“I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every

part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.”

That was on May 14, 2011.

Initially, there were high hopes that National Assembly ’s approval of the emergency rule would bring sanity to the troubled Northeast and an end to terrorists activities.

The military promised to maintain professionalism and observe the rules of conduct in its operations in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

Citizens were advised to report to JTF (Joint Task Force) any group of persons roaming around the local communities with large quantities of containers in search of fuel.

Detained members of Boko Haram were released as a way of brokering peace.

Security operatives In an earlier attempt to stop the Boko Haram sect from receiving communications on the Nigerian soldiers operations in troubled Borno, Yobe and Adamawa State, cell phones reception were cut off because the sect were said to rely heavily on cell phone communications to receive information on the activities of soldiers and other security operatives deployed to the troubled states.

By cutting off service at towers, the military had hoped to stop extremists from receiving

warnings or intelligence ahead of their operations.

Nigeria’s military and security forces tracked fighters by their mobile phone signals, prompting the extremists to attack mobile phone towers in the region.

Under the President’s directive, soldiers have ultimate control over security matters in the three states, though his order allows civilian governments to remain in place.

But if Nigeria had hoped that the country’s northern parts would return to the peace and tranquility of yesteryear, that was mere wishful thinking.

The terrorists apparently were always a step ahead. With the emergency rule, they became more vehement, causing more deaths, infrastructural destruction, and loss of investment.

The armed forces have also paid a huge price.

At a stage, it became obvious that the security services personnel are often their own enemies. Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, once revealed that some soldiers had been arrested for sabotaging the emergency operations in the North-east by leaking vital information to the insurgents.

Ihejirika made a reference on the attack on Mali-bound troops and revealed that a soldier had divulged to the gunmen information on the movement of Continues on page 39

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014—39

Jonathan, N/Assembly and politics of emergency rule

President Goodluck Jonathan Continues from page 38 the soldiers.

The soldiers and the police were more often targets of the insurgents.

When it became obvious that emergency rule was failing to achieve desired results, the Jonathan administration decided to apply democratic principles which connotes dialogue, discussion, debates, compromises and other civilized means of constructive engagement between the state and the terrorists. But the dialogue with the terrorists failed in every ramification. Even at a period that there was a purported agreement of a ceasefire deal with the sect, the sect jettisoned it less than 24hours and eventually denied completely there was a ceasefire deal with government.

From all indications, the emergency rule despite being extended in the past did not provide the needed solution to the terrorists activities. If anything, the situation became worse, hence the seeming reluctance and feetdragging by the National Assembly to append signature to another extension.

In many places where the military recorded success in tackling Boko Haram terrorists, they were mostly assisted by local civil JTF and hunters.

Nigerians have gone to a round-table conference to iron things things. Delegates representing different Nigerian nations came together and jawjawed.

At the end of the day,it appeared the resolutions of the conference went home with the delegates.

What the constitution states Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides for the proclamation and imposition of a state of emergency covering the whole country or in any part of it. This section empowers the President to issue a proclamation of a state of emergency by way of official Gazette. It states under sub section (1) that: Subject to the provision of the Constitution the President may by

Intelligence and domestication It is becoming an indisputable truth that no matter how hard Jonathan tries, security in these modern times is built on intelligence and domestication. It has become everybody ’s business. A situation where a nation still relies on brute force and fire brigade approach to security matters is becoming questionable.

There is nowhere in the world where peace has been maintained by the use of force but through dialogue, trust, understanding and empathy.

Perhaps, the National Assembly has come to a realisation that the issue of peace, progress and justice will continue to be a mirage if the usual adhoc solution to the myriad of problems confronting the Nigerian state is not found.

House of Reps Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal

Senate president, David Mark

Would the National Assembly approve extension of emergency rule in the Northeast or commence impeachment proceedings against Jonathan when it reconvenes December16?

instrument published in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof.

Subsection (3) states that the President shall have power to issue a proclamation of a state of emergency only when: 1. The Federation is at war; 2. The Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war; 3. There is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security; 4. There is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger;

Imminent danger 5. There is an occurrence or imminent danger or the occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity, affecting the community or a section of community in the Federation; 6. There is any other public danger which clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the Federation; 7. The President receives a request to do so in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4) of this section.

It is also important to note here that in declaring a state of emergency, the President must do this in conjunction with the National Assembly. In this regard, Section 305 (2) states that: The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation including the details of the emergency to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be,

to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the Proclamation.

The constitution also provides that under an emergency rule where the security of lives and property is threatened; elected political office holders could be suspended; as in the case of Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau State during President Obasanjo’s administration and the suspension of some Chairmen of local governments under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. A curfew could also be declared in some cases. The military and the police take over ensuring security of the declared areas in the state or country. They could take control of strategic places within the state, man check points at several places, conduct detailed stop and search of individuals who may try to smuggle in weapons of any sorts into such areas to further escalate the unrest.

Historical background The first emergency rule in Nigeria was in 1962, when Dr. Moses Majekodunmi was appointed the Sole Administrator of the defunct Western Region as a way of resolving the crisis that threatened the Action Group government in the region. The crisis began when Chief S.L.A. Akintola who was the Premier at that time was removed by the Government of Western Nigeria and Chief Dauda Adegbenro was installed as Premier instead.

The Western House of Assembly had convened to pass a vote of confidence on Chief Adegbenro’s government, when Chief Akintola’s supporters in the House allegedly created an uproar forcing the Police to disperse members with tear gas.

Because of the confusion arising from the fact that the two made claims to the Premiership of the region, the federal parliament, in exercise of its powers under the Constitution of 1960, declared a state of

emergency in Western Nigeria and approved appointment of Majekodunmi as administer of the region.

In Nigeria today, three states of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno are under emergency rule.

Before then, Plateau and Ekiti States were the only states that have experienced emergency rule since this democratic dispensation began in 1999. On Tuesday, May 18, 2004 , former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared an emergency rule in Plateau State, following a sectarian crisis that claimed hundreds of lives and left many homeless.

State of emergency Major General Chris Alli, was directed to take over the affairs of the state for a period of six months with a mandate to end the strife and restore order.

Ekiti was the next state to experience emergency rule. On Thursday, October 19, 2006 , President Olusegun Obasanjo, in an address to the nation, said he was declaring a state of emergency in Ekiti State in order to “ensure that peace and orderliness return to the state.”

He said the Emergency Rule will last for six months in the first instance. He also said the state House of Assembly had been suspended and retired Major General Tunji Olurin was appointed the Administrator of Ekiti State.

The next line of action So, would the National Assembly approve extension of emergency rule in the Northeast or commence impeachment proceedings against Jonathan when it reconvenes December16? Nothing is clear yet but there are strong indications that the senate will agree to an extension of emergency rule.

One cannot be sure about the Lower House especially under the present sour relationship between the Speaker and President Jonathan. But time will tell.

40— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 -E-A-T-H the fiveletter word is real.

Bearing the fact that all humans must die, we must be conscious of the position of our state when we cease to exist.

Think about what will become of us the moment we are commited to the earth and everybody turns back to continue life living the body and soul its fate.

I read Harun Yahya piece on man's journey to eternal life recently, it is obviously one of the things we need to know as we forge ahead in life.

Like he said, life itself is like a journey, a transistion from one place to another. The Quran and hadiths are very instructive in this regard. I take, and all our sins and decided to share it you this merit.

The opening of those ledgweek.

Imagine you are standing in ers is the best of tidings for the middle of a very large train believers, because the believstation. Young people, old er has filled his brief lifetime people and children are all with good deeds, worship and rushing past; they are all in a prayer. He realizes that death great hurry. They are all try- lies at the end of that journey, ing to get on the same train, after which will begin the unbecause they will all be set- ending life of the Hereafter. ting out on the same journey. That is why he stands before our Lord in submission and trust: Bidding “As for him who is given his farewell Book in his right hand, he will Some have carefully packed say, ‘Here, come and read my all they own. They are una- Book! I counted on meeting ware that they will not need my Reckoning.’” (Surat Al-

D

A journey to eternal life

•Are you prepared?

any of it at the end of the journey. Some are bidding farewell to their families. They do not realize there can be no return at the end of the journey.

We are just some of the millions of travelers who will board that same train when the time comes. We stand there and wait for the train that will take us off to our eternal lives in the Hereafter, a train that we shall one day have to board.

At the end of the journey lie death and angels to meet us.

We all carry ledger books that we cannot see. If we think of that train trip as the brief life we spend in this world, then everything we do on that journey, all our sins and merit, is written down in fine detail in those ledgers. We may not be aware of it, but the angels carefully write down every word we say, every step we

Haqqa, 19-20) Deniers, on the other hand, embark on that train journey with great joy and delight, since they are deceived by Satan into being caught up by this world.

There is no training of the lower self on their journeys, no religious observances and no relying on and trusting in God, just living for the transitory joys of this world. Yet the ledgers they carry with them all unawares will inevitably be opened at the end of the journey, and everything on that journey will be written down, day-by-day and hour by hour:

Insincere souls

...the greeting of peace is the right of the Muslim and it is an obligation upon whom it is conveyed to that he returns the greeting

“The Book will be set in place [before them] and you will see the evildoers fearful of what is in it. They will say, ‘Alas for us! What is this Book which does not pass over any action, small or great, without recording it?’ They will find there everything they did and your Lord will not wrong anyone at all.” (Surat Al-Kahf, 49) In fact, if you look, there is a huge crowd full of false and insincere souls all around in the station that millions of people are passing through. It is such a vast crowd that people become lost in it. They may see one another’s faces but forget to see the face of God. They value one another very much. What their spouses and friends say is of enormous importance to them.

Bro. Abdul Azeez O. Alaran, President Ahmadi Muslim Student Association of Nigeria (AMSA) Male wing; Alhaji Shaikh Abdul Yakeen Sanusi, Chief Imam of Ogbomoso Land; Alhaji Dr. Mashuud A. Fashola, Amir (Head) Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria and Mrs. Salaudeen Sekinah Ahmad, President Ahmadi Muslim Student Association of Nigeria (AMSA) Female wing, during a courtesy visit to the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso Land.

They became so caught up by the events of the day that everything they say revolves around this world.

They talk about they make money, how they put their children through the best schools and how they accumulated wealth and possessions; yet they do not know that they will have to leave all these behind at the stations they stop at. They do not know that all that awaits them at the end of the journey is God. “So leave them in their glut of ignorance for a while. Do they imagine that, in the wealth and children We extend to them, We are hastening to them with good things?

No indeed, but they have no awareness!” (Surat Al-Muminun, 54- 56)

Difficulties and sickness Believers, on the other hand, board that train with deep faith, submission and a sincere heart. They know that the journey is actually quite short.

God will test them with diffi-

culties and sickness in the brief life of this world, and they will respond to these tests with fortitude and goodness. Their journeys will be filled with good works, prayer and worship. They will also have to leave behind their wealth, possessions, spouses, friends and children at every stop because all that awaits them at the end of the line is the cold ground and a white shroud. Since they are aware of this, they have no passion for the life of this world and realize that the life of this world is not a place for greed and desire. At the end of this journey, which they make with a sincere heart and deep faith, stands open the gates to the Gardens of Paradise to meet them.

“The life of this world is nothing but a game and a diversion. The abode of the hereafter — that is truly Life if they only knew.”(Surat Al‘Ankabut, 64) It is a fact that not a single person will be able to avoid waiting in that station and boarding that train. All the people we value so much in the life of the world will board that train, and at the end of the journey, those millions of much-valued bodies will turn into a mere handful of earth.

As those bodies all enter the ground at the end of the journey, the bones will fall apart and not a trace will remain of all those millions of people; all that will remain is the souls bowing in awe before our Lord and hoping for forgiveness. “...except for those who repent and believe and act rightly: God will transform the wrong actions of such people into good – God is EverForgiving, Most Merciful.”

(Surat Al-Furqan, 70)

Winner of the 2014 World Muslimah Awards Fatma Ben Guefrache (2nd R) hugs Ainur Nelissa (R) of Malaysia in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Cross Section of Ahmadi Muslim Students Association of Nigeria (AMSA) during a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Highness Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagungbade the Third: Sohun of Ogbomoso Land.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014—41

Submission in Salat S

ALAT is the best among all acts of worship. If it is accepted by the Almighty Allah, other acts of worship are also accepted. And, if prayers are not accepted, other acts are also not accepted.

Offering of prayers five times during day and night purifies us of sins in the same manner as bathing five times during day and night makes our body clean of all filth and dirt. The act of purification which is ablution or ghusl precceds establishment of a valid salat. We have dealt with that extensively in our last edition. In establishment of salat after our ablution however, one important thing to be noted is the Qibla.

The Qibla is the holy Ka’bah, which is situated in Makkah, and a Muslim should offer his prayers facing it. The Qibla is important as most of our of if Ibadaat are done facing the Qibla. For example, salughtering an animal, positioning the dead in the grave among others.

Th masjid are built facing the Qibla, but if a traveller is far away and could not locate any masjid and yet it is the time for salat; he should make frantic effort to ascertain the direction of Qibla, and for that, he has to either be absolutely sure, or acquire such information as may amount to certainty, like testimony of two reliable persons.

Satellite dishes If that is not possible, he should form an idea from the graves of the Muslims, or by other ways, and act accordingly. These days, especially in Nigeria, it has been established that satallite dishes are positioned facing the Qibla, albeit inadvertently, for receiving signals.

So, at a time we cannot locate the Qibla, we can rely on this or find out the grave of a Muslim which must also be facing the Qibla or better still, rely on any scientific method. In fact, if a nonMuslim who can determine Qibla by scientific method, indicates Qibla satisfactorily, he can be relied upon.

Nevertheless, if a person does not possess any means of determining the direction of Qibla, or in spite of his efforts, he cannot form an idea about it, it will be sufficient for him to offer his prayers facing any direction. The recommended precaution is that, if he has sufficient time at his disposal, he should offer the same prayers four times, each time facing every one of the four directions.

It is befitting that one should

offer prayers punctually. A person who considers prayers to be something ordinary and unimportant is just like one who does not offer prayers at all. The holy Prophet has said that a person who does not attach any importance to prayers and considers it to be something insignificant deserves chastisement in the hereafter.

Again, we should never be in a hurry to offer our salat. Once we entered the masjid, we should be humble and give reverence to Allah by offerring our salat with patience, humility and submission.

Humility and submission Once, while the holy Prophet was present in the Mosque, a man entered and began offering prayers but did not perform the ruku’ and sajdah properly. The holy Prophet said: “If this man dies and his prayers continue to be this way, he will not depart on my religion”. Hence, one should not offer one’s prayers hurriedly.

While offering prayers one should remember Allah constantly and should offer the prayers humbly and with all solemnity. One should keep in mind the greatness of Almighty Allah with whom one communes while offering prayers and should consider oneself to be very humble and

Take a time out from this world and relax, relieve yourself of stress when in a Masjid.

Learn to perform your prayer according to the sunnah of the Prophet.(s.a.w)

insignificant before His grandeur and glory. Of what use is the salat of a person who is unmindful and oblivious to himself during salat?

Furthermore, one who performs prayers should be repentant and should refrain from all sins and especially those things which are could hinder the acceptance of his prayers. You cannot go into salat with heavy heart of sins, wickedness against your fellow man, backbiting or backsliding, extreme jealousy among other bad acts. Again, of what use is the prayers of a person who his mindset is only on how to kill or do any kind of harm to another?

In fact, he should refrain from all sins. Similarly, he should avoid acts which diminish the reward for prayers like praying when one is drowsy or restless because of an urge to urinate, and while offering prayers he should not look up towards the sky but look downwards in humility.

There are several ways to which a Muslim can achieve concentration in his salat. First, try to dentify the factors that distracts you in prayers, then try to eliminate them. For example, if you are always distracted by the noise outside of your house, go to the nearest Masjid (mosque) instead of praying in your own home.

Muslims in congregation Learn the meaning of prayer.

Try to find out what the exact meaning of the words that you are reciting. Think the meaning as you recite the verses. This will definitely keep your mind on your prayer. What you are saying won’t just be a bunch of Arabic words anymore; it’ll have meaning to it.

Try your best to pray together with other Muslims in congregation. You will ultimately feel a sense of togetherness. Take a time out from this world and relax, relieve yourself of stress when in a Masjid. Learn to perform your prayer according to the sunnah of the Prophet.(s.a.w) You may fold your hands to the chest. Capture calmness in your mind. Prepare the mind by thinking about your salat. Intend that you are praying to Allah Almighty and only for His sake. Focus on the nature of the prayer you are making.

The clearer you are in your intention, the better your attention and concentration will be. Instill discipline in yourself. Stand upright with a softened heart. Think of your prayer as your last prayer, as how one hadeeth says. Believe that Allah is by your side. Be as quiet and still as possible.

Continues next week.

From left: Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Aina, Chairman, Ojodu Branch, Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria; Alhaja Aolat Olajire, Chairperson, Division 4, Dero presenting an award of Excellence to Alhaja Aishat Salami, Chairperson, Dawah Group, Division 1; Pharmacist Abiodun Salami, Son of the awardee and Alhaji Zulu Solat, Assistant Missioner, Ojodu Branch during the 15th Anniversary and 2nd Merit Award of the Society held at Ojodu, Lagos

Sultan tasks Nigerians on peaceful co-existence

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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S Nigeria strives to address its security challenges, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar Sa’ad III has urged Muslims to shun any act that could aggravate the challenges confronting the nation.

He made the appeal at the 4th National Convention of the Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC held at the National Art Theatre, Lagos.

The sultan also the President General, Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, NSCIA was represented by the Wazirin Katsina, Dr. Sanni Abubakar Lugga and said that without peace, the country can never develop to compete favorably with others.

He said Muslims must continue to pray and re-examine themselves to ensure that they do that which is right for a better Nigeria.

Different religions “I urge Nigerians to embrace peace, love, unity and respect for our different religions. Both the Quran and Bible maintain that all human are the children of one man (Adam) all share the same lineage, and with God there is only one human raceall equal and emanating from one single soul.

“This is our country and we are together on a path towards a common destiny. It is important to start to look at our shared humanity in all that we do.”

Harping on the importance of unity among Nigerians, Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Mustafa Pulat said that the country would not have been able to overcome the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD if everyone had not united to tackle the disease.

Pulat who was represented by the Deputy Head of Mission,

Yusuf Selçuk, said “We also believe that Nigeria will win her fight against terrorism with the increasing regional and international cooperation against Boko Haram.

“As all conscious and welleducated Muslims know, Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and modesty. Greeting of Islam is “As-salllam Aleykum” which means ‘Peace be upon You.” Corroborating his view, the Bishop of Kaduna Diocese, Anglican Communion, Bishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon noted that for us to overcome future implication and to halt the activities of Boko-Haram, Nigerians must be ready to approach negativity with positivity by helping the internally displaced victims.

Internally displaced victims “For the change of mind, it is only God that can change Boko-Haram, the only way to discourage them is for both Muslim and Christian who belief in God of mercy and love come together and go into that situation help the internally displaced people, so that victims can realized that this sect are not practicing our religion.”

The Bishop however urged that people should distance themselves from any act portraying the fact that it one group that is serving God while the others is not.

“Although as a religious people we have different ways we worship this one God and different understanding of this one God but despite our differences, this God is still one, therefore has Muslim and Christian, it is our responsibility to bring what we know about this God together and leave what we known about him together, then Nigeria will be a better place.”

42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Hope rises as researchers discover destructive compound for malaria parasite

By Chioma Obinna

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OPE weekend rises as an international research collaborative has determined that a promising anti-malarial compound tricks the immune system to rapidly destroy red blood cells infected with the malaria parasite but leave healthy cells unharmed.

In a study by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital scientists published in the current online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, PNAS, the researchers say the compound, (+)-SJ733, was developed from a molecule identified in a previous St. Jude-led study that helped to jumpstart worldwide anti-malarial drug development efforts.

Malaria is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The disease remains a major health threat to more than half the world’s population, particularly children.

The World Health Organisation estimates that in Africa a child dies of malaria every minute. In Nigeria, malaria kills 300,000 children and about 4,500 pregnant women annually.

In the study, researchers determined that (+)-SJ733 uses a novel mechanism to kill the parasite by recruiting the immune system to eliminate malariainfected red blood cells. In a mouse model of malaria, a single dose of (+)-SJ733 killed 80 percent of malaria parasites within 24 hours. After 48 hours the parasite was undetectable.

By Sola Ogundipe

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However, planning has begun for safety trials of the compound in healthy adults.

Laboratory evidence suggests that the compound’s speed and mode of action work together to slow and suppress development of drug-resistant parasites. Drug resistance has long undermined efforts to treat and block malaria transmission.

Commenting on the study, Corresponding Author, R. Kiplin Guy, Chair of the St. Jude Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics said: “Our goal

is to develop an affordable, fast-acting combination therapy that cures malaria with a single dose. “These results indicate that SJ733 and other compounds that act in a similar fashion are highly attractive additions to the global malaria eradication campaign, which would mean so much for the world’s children, who are central to the mission of St. Jude.” Whole genome sequencing of the Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest of the malaria

parasites, revealed that (+)-SJ733 disrupted activity of the ATP4 protein in the parasites. The protein functions as a pump that the parasites depend on to maintain the proper sodium balance by removing excess sodium. The researchers showed that inhibiting ATP4 triggered a series of changes in malaria-infected red blood cells that marked them for destruction by the immune system. The infected cells changed shape and shrank in size.

They also became more rigid and exhibited other alterations typical of aging red blood cells.

SWAAN seeks indigenous commitment to HIV/AIDS advocacy

By Gabriel Olawale

states where SWAAN branches are located in Nigeria. We have also established a broad base and acquired wealth of experience in networking and advocacy, which makes it an important resource

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HE Society for Women and AIDS in Africa Nigeria, SWAAN, has urged indigenous companies and individuals to be committed in supporting government in the fight against HIV/AIDs in the country.

Speaking during a 15 kilometre walk to sensitise residents of Ojuelegba in Surulere, Lagos, SWAAN President, Mrs. Funmi Doherty said that it is high time Nigeria as a country doubled efforts in the battle against HIV moreso as supporting donors from outside the country are withdrawing their services.

“During our collaboration services with Traditional Birth Attendants, TBAs, to ensure that pregnant women tested for HIV access Prevention of Mother-toChild HIV Transmission, PMTCT, we notice that whenever we refer them to facilities to access ACTs they were asked to pay for the test which was free when we had external support as a country.

“The implication is that compelling these pregnant women to pay for service will

Wada commends NAFDAC’s exploits against fake drugs OGI State Governor, Captain Idris Wada has described efforts of the National Agency and Drug Administration Control, NAFDAC, particularly the initiatives introduced by the Agency’s Director General, Dr Paul Orhii, as the requisite milestones in the fight against counterfeit drugs and other unwholesome regulated products in the country.

Wada who visited Orhii in Abuja to forge a partnership with the Agency on diversifying the economy of the state through the processing of Value-added Agricultural Products, said the innovative strategies adopted by NAFDAC especially the use of cutting-edge technologies has helped in achieving quality healthcare for the teeming population and positioned the country as a global leader in the fight against counterfeit medical products.

Enviable height

“I commend you for the tremendous achievements you have recorded in your tenure as Director General. You have taken NAFDAC to an enviable height.

Your job is difficult because you are dealing with evil people. But you have done well in helping us to achieve quality healthcare delivery system to our people in this country”.

Responding, Orhii said the Governor’s confidence in the healthcare system in the country was patriotic, uncommon and patriotic, uncommon and prophetic.

Free medical consultation at Primus Hospital

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• Guest Speaker, Dr. Morenike Ukpong; SWAAN President, Mrs. Funmi Doherty; Life Patron, SWAAN, Prof Ibironke Akinsete during the 25th anniversary of the SWAAN, in Lagos.

eventually result in a setback in our achievement as a country, if we want to achieve total elimination as a country then we need to address this issue.

“A woman that has no money and is HIV positive will go back to the house and go to the TBA to have the baby which is not in any way helping the success we would have recorded as a country.”

Conducting free HIV screening and counselling for participants to mark their 25th Anniversary, Doherty remarked: “This year, the theme for world AIDS Day is Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation and to do this we cannot avoid to relent in creating awareness and counselling in the 29

ESIDENTS of the FCT Abuja and environs stand to benefit from the free consultation and downward review of the cost of all medical investigations, drugs and surgical procedures, at Primus International Super Speciality Hospital, Karu, Abuja. In partnership with Abuja Municipal Area Council, the hospital is conducting the free health camp, to enable residents enjoy services of its state-of-the art equipment.

In a statement, the Hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Umar Alti Jibia, said the yuletide bonanza which commences December 1st through 13th, 2014, is part of the hospital’s Corporate Social Responsibility.

During the period, patients will enjoy free consultation for knee/hip/ joint pain, spine and back pain.

Others include internal medicine, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV screening, cardiology checks, renal dialysis, ENT and eye checks, haemorroids and fistula , dental, artificial limb, hearing aid, etc. In the past, free health camps have held at Wuse, Garki, Deidei and Gudu markets in conjunction with the Health and Human Service Secretariat, FCTA. In 2012, over 7000 flood victims benefited from free consultations, services and drugs. To date, an estimated 25,000 residents have benefited from the free consultation camps.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 — 43

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Decoration: From left - Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Maj Gen Mohammed Idris, decorating the Public Relations Officer, National Defence College, NDC, Commander Jerry Omodara, with his new rank. He is being assisted by the latter's wife, Mrs Bosede Omodara while the Commandant, NDC, Rear Admiral Agholor looks on.

L-R: Tope Asiwaju, Public Relations Manager, Dufil Prima Foods; pupils of Indomie Fans Club, and Faith Joshua, coordinator, Indomie Fans Club, during the clubs 2014 Christmas party in Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014—45

Rivers pensioners decry non-payment of entitlements

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State chapter of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, has lamented the delay in payment of entitlements to its members by the state government.

Chairman of the body, Mr Edward Festus-Abibo, who spoke in Port Harcourt at a stakeholders forum for pensioners in the state, said they were in pains due to “failure by the government to pay our members their entitlements.”

According to him, the state government had not paid primary school teachers the federal share of their monthly pension, adding that the government had also not paid pension increase for some years.

He said they had embarked on protests and had written several letters to the state government but nothing concrete has come out of them.

Abibo said that the situation had made it impossible for pensioners to celebrate this

Clark urges Burutu stakeholders for support

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G H E L L I — CHAIRMAN of Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Ebikeme Clark, has appealed to stakeholders in the council to join hands with him in developing of the council.

He also stressed the need for synergy between his administration, management and staff of the council in order to provide democratic gains to the people of the area.

Assuring management and staff of the needed support to succeed in their duties, he solicited their cooperation in achieving the policy direction of his administration and stressed the need for all to be dedicated to their duties and shun acts inimical to progress and development of the area.

He appealed to stakeholders in the council to support the new administration in attracting development to the area, saying; “Burutu must move to the next level.”

year’s Pensioners Day. Appealing to his colleagues to take their cries to God, he said they have nothing to celebrate.

“It is shocking to note that our pensioners are usually

owed two or three month in arrears before one month pension allowance is paid to them. We are groaning in misery and hardship. Based on what pensioners of this state are going through, you

will agree that there is nothing to celebrate about 2014 Pensioners Day in Rivers State other than to hand over our ugly experiences and situations to God for divine intervention,” he said.

NACA, SURE-P target 6,000 for free medicare in Bayelsa

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ANNIVERSARY: Comrade Joseph Evah, Founder, National Association of Ijaw Female Students, NAIFS, (middle) and other dignitaries cutting the 10th year anniversary cake of the association in Lagos.

NUP demands Ministry of Pension Affairs

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—NIGERIA Union of Pensioners, NUP, has called on the Federal Government to urgently establish a Ministry of Pension Affairs that would cater for the aged and pensioners with a view to reducing the hardship and challenges faced by its members across the country.

The union also called on the government to prosecute all alleged pension racketeers, who had stolen billions of pensioners’ funds, insisting that those found culpable should be dealt with according to the laws of the land.

National President of NUP, Dr. A. Afolayan, who made the call in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday, during the 2014

2015 Presidency: TAN lauds PDP on Jonathan’s emergence

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ORMER Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and the state Coordinator of Transformation Ambassador of Nigeria, TAN, Werinipre Seibarugu, has commended the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on the emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan as the first incumbent to have been returned unopposed as presidential candidate of the party.

According to him, the decision of the various organs of PDP, including the National Working Committee, NWC; the Board of Trustees, BOT; the National Executive Committee, NEC and the PDP Governors Forum, to adopt President Jonathan as consensus candidate was commendable and historic.

Seibarugu, in a statement in Yenagoa by the state Director of

Media and Publicity, Chief Nathan Egba, said that the sustained sensitization and mobilization of over 17 million signatures by the national leadership of TAN across the six geo-political zones was commendable and historic.

National Pensioners’ Day, urged the government to investigate the mismanagement and abuse of office which he said, has been the lot of pension administration in the country and the culprits brought to book.

Afolayan, whose address was read by the Edo State Public Relations Officer of NUP, Mr Vincent Aigbodion, queried the method employed by government officials in the verification exercise of pensioners, saying that there should be decent method free of stress that could be used.

“If Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC can register millions of voters on Ward basis, pensioners too can be verified on state or local government basis to minimise untimely deaths,” he said.

Okpe youths gets interim exco

By Festus Ahon

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GHELLI—AN interim executive of Okpe Youth Council, OYC, has been inaugurated to pilot the affairs of the body for the period of three months.

Those sworn-in are Miss Ekakitie Eloho, President; Mr Efe Abeke, Secretary; Mr. Joseph Adjari, Financial Secretary; Mr. Godfrey Omuvwie; Mr. Julius Etetafia

and Mr. Hope Ogholo.

The inauguration of the interim executive was sequel to the dissolution of the Engr Felix Oborodovwan-led executive of OYC at a meeting of the national executive of the body held at Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area, Delta State.

The caretaker committee is to conduct a fresh election for a new executive of the body.

ENAGOA—THE National Agency for Control of Aids, NACA, has commenced a free Human Immune Virus, HIV counseling, testing and medical outreach targeted at 6,000 beneficiaries in Bayelsa State.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at Igbogene community in the outskirts of Yenagoa, Dr Okorie Gideon, Focal Person at Programme Coordination Unit of NACA, said the team would render free medical services for the next four days in two communities in Bayelsa State.

He said the agency was collaborating with the Subsidy Reinvestment and E m p o w e r m e n t Programme, SURE-P, on the scheme in Niger, FCT, Enugu, Bayelsa, Anambra and Delta in the first phase.

The programme, he explained, is a component of the P r e s i d e n t i a l Comprehensive Response Plan to test 80 million Nigerians for HIV between 2014 and 2015.

Nwoko loses son in London

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FORMER federal lawmaker, Prince Ned Nwoko, has lost his first son, Tarik, aged 22.

Prince Nwoko, in a statement, said: “Tarik was a law student at North Staffordshire University where he died in his sleep in the early hours of December 8, 2014.

“He had complained to his friend who he had dinner with on Sunday that he was not feeling well only to be found dead on Monday morning.”

According to Nwoko, “the Metropolitan Police in London has ruled out any foul play. They also ruled out drug and alcohol.”

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014— 47

NULGE, council chair ask Plateau Assembly to okay LG autonomy

By Marie-Theresa Nanlong

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OS—THE Plateau State Chapter, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, and the Chairman, Kanke Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Ishaku Gotau have appealed to the state House of Assembly to endorse the autonomy of local governments.

State NULGE Chairman, Mr. Samson Mafuyai and the Chairman of Kanke Local Government Council, Mr Gotau, said that granting autonomy to local governments would enthrone real federalism as well as ensure rapid development of the tier of government.

Mafuyai who spoke at a news conference in Jos asked the state House of Assembly to join forces with other Nigerians by endorsing the bill.

He said: “The local government system is the nearest to the ordinary citizen and expected to meet the yearnings of its communities but in Nigeria, it is seen as an appendage of the state

government.

“These led to undue interferences of the state governments in local government administration, especially in the utilization of funds as funds meant for local governments are usually

hijacked and misapplied with impunity. Residual power and functions of local governments have been usurped leading to their dismal performance.

“Autonomy of local government is not all about the payment of salaries;

development needs are equally pressing at the grassroots level. It is sad that some misguided workers kick against autonomy erroneously believing that their salaries may not be paid."

SEND FORTH: From Left: Mr Freddy Messanvi, Director, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, British American Tobacco, BAT, West Africa, Oluwasoromidayo George, Executive Director, BATN Foundation, Mr Chris McAllister, MD, BAT, West Africa, Dr. Christopher Kolade, Out giong Chairman, BATN Foundation, Mrs. Kolade and Chief Kola Jamodu, Chairman, BATN Foundation, during the handing over of the chairmanship of the foundation to the new chairman, in Lagos.

I stepped down to prevent PDP from losing —Ayuba

SENATE 2015:

By Luka Binniyat ADUNA—FORMER Commissioner of Finance in Kaduna State, Dr. John Ayuba has explained that he opted out of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senatorial race for the

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Southern Kaduna Senatorial District to save the PDP from an obvious defeat at the general polls.

He said that the party would have lost the election in the state if the incumbent, Senator

Esther Nenadi Usman had won the primary.

In a statement signed yesterday, Ayuba, who served under both late Governor Patrick Yakowa and the current governor, Mukhtar Ramalan

Law firm re-launches Policy Dialogue Series

By Onozure Dania AGOS—THE law firm of the former Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, President, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has re-launched its Policy Dialogue Series, which it noted was in keeping with new trends and best practices in the world legal practice.

Speaking at the launch, during which the change of the law firm’s name to Olisa

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Agbakoba Legal, was announced, Agbakoba, said that “The changing face of Nigerian economy requires different approach in policy formulation, review and services delivery. Economists and development law experts now understand and advocate that law plays an important role in economic reforms and development, because certain legal and

institutional frameworks are particularly conducive and enable economic growth.

“In keeping with the new trends and best practices, our firm formally presents her Policy Dialogue Series.

As development lawyers, we see the need to address issues that impact on Nigeria’s polity, legal systems, regulatory and institutional framework.

Former Minister dumps PDP for APC

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By Peter Duru

AKURDI—THE immediate past Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. Ortom, who was a governorship aspirant on the platform of the PDP, resigned his membership of the party, over alleged injustice meted out to him and his supporters during the last governorship primaries in the state.

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The former minister reportedly handed his letter of resignation to the ward chairman of Nzorov in Guma Local Government Area of the state, Felix Agbaka.

Vanguard reliably gathered that Ortom who was a former member of the PDP’s National Working Committee, NWC, would seek the nomination as governorship candidate of the APC in 2015.

A statement signed by the Media Adviser, Ortom Governorship Organization, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, confirmed the resignation of Mr Ortom,

saying that, “although it was common knowledge that the entire nomination process was fraught with injustice from the beginning when it was obvious that a decision was taken to deliberately disenfranchise the larger number of party members at the ward congresses.

“I forged ahead with my aspiration within the party in the hope of getting protection which i was promised but eventually could not from the state and national leadership."

Yero said: “I wish to use this medium to express my profound appreciation to my supporters both in the PDP and the generality of the southern Kaduna people for their encouragement and prayers all through my campaign period.

“I will remain eternally indebted to my delegates, campaign team and other supporters for their loyalty and especially for agreeing with our collective decision for me to step down in the overall interest of the Kaduna South Senatorial District to effect a change in our representation in the senate.

“Before reaching this decision, it was obvious that one of the contestants (Senator Esther Nenadi Usman) who was not popular with the electorate was going to win the primary election which would mean PDP losing the seat to an opposition party during the general elections.

“I believe that our decision has set a precedent on the need for sacrifice to achieve the common good instead of selfinterest.”

Cleric warns leaders against heating up polity

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AGOS—NIGERIAN leaders have been urged against heating up the polity but rather rule with the fear of God, and form a common front to combat insurgency and other vices threatening the nation.

The remarks were made by Secretary of Conference, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Rt Rev. Raphael Okpoko during the presentation of newly elevated Presbyters of the church at City Mission Cathedral Methodist Church, Surulere, Lagos.

The cleric also advised ministers of God to facilitate and promote an enduring peace and to also assist those in the nation’s leadership position with prayer for the unity of the nation.

Those who were elevated were Very Rev. Williams Allotey-Pappoe from Chapel of Christ Healing Cross, IdiAraba and Administrative Executive of the Conference, Wesley House, Marina, Lagos, Very Rev Michael Icha Iganga.

Onianwa thanks Deltans, PDP over Okowa's victory

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SABA—MR. Austin Onianwa, Director of Administration, Okowa Constituency Office, has thanked Deltans and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, delegates for the maturity and diligence exhibited at the just concluded PDP governorship primaries in Delta State.

The primaries was not only free and fair, but was conducted under very peaceful and conducive atmosphere. He also thanked PDP National and State Working Committees, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and party faithful for their commitment to the primaries.

He also commended the aspirants who did not only display love for Deltans but exhibited high spirit of sportsmanship during and after the primaries, while enjoining all and sundry to join hands with Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to ensure total victory for PDP in next year's governoship election in the state.

Vincentians end Xmas retreat today

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AGOS—VINCENTIAN Retreat Centre, 1, De Paul Close, Ojodu, Yakoyo, Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos, will today end its three-day end of year Chrismas Retreat with the theme; Be Soaked in Blessings, with a vigil

starting by 9pm.

Activities for the vigil include rosary, stations of the cross, mass and thanksgiving.

The event will be hosted by Rev. Fr. Peter Asiazobor, Rev Fr. Emmanuel Nwaloka and Rev. Fr. Jude Dimonyekwere.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

FLAG-OFF: From left, Managing Director, Wow Roadshows Limited, Mr. Tokunbo Odebunmi, Managing Director, Chemical & Allied Products, CAP, Plc; Mrs. Omolara Elemide; Marketing Manager, Mr. Dominic Oladeji, and Finance Director, Mrs. Adeline Ogunfidodo, at the flag-off ceremony for the 2014 Dulux Mobile Room Makeover Activation, in Lagos.

CEREMONY: From left, Honorary Consultant Cardiologist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Dr. Dike Ojji; Honorary Consultant Peadiatrician, UCH, Ibadan, Professor Adegoke Gbadegesi, receiving the AstraZeneca Research Grant Award; Cosultant Gastroenthologist and Hepatologist, Dr. Funmilayo Lesi, College of Medicine University of Lagos, and Medical Liaison Officer, AstraZeneca Nigeria, Dr. Seun Jewoola, during the AstraZeneca Research Grant Award Ceremony, in Lagos.

COMMISSIONING: From left, Alhaja Gbolahan Daidu, Chairman, SUBEB Maryland, Lagos; Mrs. Ethel Emma- Uche, Lagos Brewery Manager, representing MD/ CEO of Nigerian Breweries, NBL, PLc; Mrs. Y. A. Fatoke Education, Secretary, Surulere LGA; Mrs. Emete Tonukari, Corporate Social Responsibility/Sustainaibilite Manager, NBL, and Mr. Akoni Laolu,Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Projects in Lagos, during the Commissioning of the Renovated Adisa Bashua Primary School, Surulere by Nigerian Breweries Plc, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe

PRIMARIES: From left, Mr. Bola Bakare, Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kosofe Local Government Area; Alhaji Welly Hassan, his wife, Mrs. Sherifat Hassan, PDP candidate for Kosofe Federal Constituency; and Mr. Mufutau Babalola, Chairman, Kosofe Local Government Area, at the party's primaries, in Lagos.

Cross section of members of National Association of Ijaw Female Students at their 10th year Anniversary at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos recently.

WORKSHOP: From left, Charles Ibonye, Project manager, CWG Plc; Mr. James Agada, Chief Technology Officer, CWG Plc; Tayo Oduwole, Head, Innovation; Success Nmerife, Head, Marketing Communications, and Adriana De la Cruz Duffo, Business Manager, Openshopen, at the maiden e-Commerce workshop for merchants, in Lagos.

AWARD: Mohammed Garba, import co-odinator, Ogun Customs Command (from), receiving recognition award in Customs operations, from the publisher of Trans-Quest magazine, Mr. Felix Kumuyi, at Idiroko, Ogun State.

DAY-OUT: From left, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade; President, Naval Officers Wives Association, NOWA, Mrs. Lami Jibrin, and Vice-President, NOWA, Mrs Uju Akinwale, at a day-out with widows and orphans by President of NOWA, in Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 — 49

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50 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

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52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Hope rises as researchers discover destructive compound for malaria parasite

By Chioma Obinna

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OPE weekend rises as an international research collaborative has determined that a promising anti-malarial compound tricks the immune system to rapidly destroy red blood cells infected with the malaria parasite but leave healthy cells unharmed.

In a study by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital scientists published in the current online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, PNAS, the researchers say the compound, (+)-SJ733, was developed from a molecule identified in a previous St. Jude-led study that helped to jumpstart worldwide anti-malarial drug development efforts.

Malaria is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The disease remains a major health threat to more than half the world’s population, particularly children.

The World Health Organisation estimates that in Africa a child dies of malaria every minute. In Nigeria, malaria kills 300,000 children and about 4,500 pregnant women annually.

In the study, researchers determined that (+)-SJ733 uses a novel mechanism to kill the parasite by recruiting the immune system to eliminate malariainfected red blood cells. In a mouse model of malaria, a single dose of (+)-SJ733 killed 80 percent of malaria parasites within 24 hours. After 48 hours the parasite was undetectable.

By Sola Ogundipe

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However, planning has begun for safety trials of the compound in healthy adults.

Laboratory evidence suggests that the compound’s speed and mode of action work together to slow and suppress development of drug-resistant parasites. Drug resistance has long undermined efforts to treat and block malaria transmission.

Commenting on the study, Corresponding Author, R. Kiplin Guy, Chair of the St. Jude Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics said: “Our goal

is to develop an affordable, fast-acting combination therapy that cures malaria with a single dose. “These results indicate that SJ733 and other compounds that act in a similar fashion are highly attractive additions to the global malaria eradication campaign, which would mean so much for the world’s children, who are central to the mission of St. Jude.” Whole genome sequencing of the Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest of the malaria

parasites, revealed that (+)-SJ733 disrupted activity of the ATP4 protein in the parasites. The protein functions as a pump that the parasites depend on to maintain the proper sodium balance by removing excess sodium. The researchers showed that inhibiting ATP4 triggered a series of changes in malaria-infected red blood cells that marked them for destruction by the immune system. The infected cells changed shape and shrank in size.

They also became more rigid and exhibited other alterations typical of aging red blood cells.

SWAAN seeks indigenous commitment to HIV/AIDS advocacy

By Gabriel Olawale

states where SWAAN branches are located in Nigeria. We have also established a broad base and acquired wealth of experience in networking and advocacy, which makes it an important resource

T

HE Society for Women and AIDS in Africa Nigeria, SWAAN, has urged indigenous companies and individuals to be committed in supporting government in the fight against HIV/AIDs in the country.

Speaking during a 15 kilometre walk to sensitise residents of Ojuelegba in Surulere, Lagos, SWAAN President, Mrs. Funmi Doherty said that it is high time Nigeria as a country doubled efforts in the battle against HIV moreso as supporting donors from outside the country are withdrawing their services.

“During our collaboration services with Traditional Birth Attendants, TBAs, to ensure that pregnant women tested for HIV access Prevention of Mother-toChild HIV Transmission, PMTCT, we notice that whenever we refer them to facilities to access ACTs they were asked to pay for the test which was free when we had external support as a country.

“The implication is that compelling these pregnant women to pay for service will

Wada commends NAFDAC’s exploits against fake drugs OGI State Governor, Captain Idris Wada has described efforts of the National Agency and Drug Administration Control, NAFDAC, particularly the initiatives introduced by the Agency’s Director General, Dr Paul Orhii, as the requisite milestones in the fight against counterfeit drugs and other unwholesome regulated products in the country.

Wada who visited Orhii in Abuja to forge a partnership with the Agency on diversifying the economy of the state through the processing of Value-added Agricultural Products, said the innovative strategies adopted by NAFDAC especially the use of cutting-edge technologies has helped in achieving quality healthcare for the teeming population and positioned the country as a global leader in the fight against counterfeit medical products.

Enviable height

“I commend you for the tremendous achievements you have recorded in your tenure as Director General. You have taken NAFDAC to an enviable height.

Your job is difficult because you are dealing with evil people. But you have done well in helping us to achieve quality healthcare delivery system to our people in this country”.

Responding, Orhii said the Governor’s confidence in the healthcare system in the country was patriotic, uncommon and patriotic, uncommon and prophetic.

Free medical consultation at Primus Hospital

R • Guest Speaker, Dr. Morenike Ukpong; SWAAN President, Mrs. Funmi Doherty; Life Patron, SWAAN, Prof Ibironke Akinsete during the 25th anniversary of the SWAAN, in Lagos.

eventually result in a setback in our achievement as a country, if we want to achieve total elimination as a country then we need to address this issue.

“A woman that has no money and is HIV positive will go back to the house and go to the TBA to have the baby which is not in any way helping the success we would have recorded as a country.”

Conducting free HIV screening and counselling for participants to mark their 25th Anniversary, Doherty remarked: “This year, the theme for world AIDS Day is Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation and to do this we cannot avoid to relent in creating awareness and counselling in the 29

ESIDENTS of the FCT Abuja and environs stand to benefit from the free consultation and downward review of the cost of all medical investigations, drugs and surgical procedures, at Primus International Super Speciality Hospital, Karu, Abuja. In partnership with Abuja Municipal Area Council, the hospital is conducting the free health camp, to enable residents enjoy services of its state-of-the art equipment.

In a statement, the Hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Umar Alti Jibia, said the yuletide bonanza which commences December 1st through 13th, 2014, is part of the hospital’s Corporate Social Responsibility.

During the period, patients will enjoy free consultation for knee/hip/ joint pain, spine and back pain.

Others include internal medicine, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV screening, cardiology checks, renal dialysis, ENT and eye checks, haemorroids and fistula , dental, artificial limb, hearing aid, etc. In the past, free health camps have held at Wuse, Garki, Deidei and Gudu markets in conjunction with the Health and Human Service Secretariat, FCTA. In 2012, over 7000 flood victims benefited from free consultations, services and drugs. To date, an estimated 25,000 residents have benefited from the free consultation camps.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 , 2014—53

Relocation bid: Protesters shutdown Egypt’s Consulate in Lagos

By Hugo Odiogor

T

HE Egyptian Consulate General in Lagos was yesterday forced to suspend official business for the third time in a week after protesters numbering over 2,000 besieged the premises over plans to close the Consulate.

The protesters made up of Nigerian Islamic teachers and theirstudents, members of Nigeria-Egypt Association, local leaders and friends of Egypt arrived at the premises of the Consulate at 10 a.m. and within 10 minutes, the entire premises fell under their control.

The tense atmosphere created by their presence forced Consulate officials to suspend all engagements.

Visa applicants and other visitors expressed disappointment as theywere forced to return home unattended to.

Interestingly, some of the applicants and guests did not only condemn the plans to close the Consulate but were quick to join the protest in solidarity.

Some of them who spoke with Vanguard said they believe the Egyptian government was being ill advised into taking the decision. They urged the government to consider the population of Nigerians that will be affected adversely if the decision is implemented.

Some of the protesters yesterday warned that they might be forced to

Angry protesters at the Egyptian Consulate yesterday. boycott Egyptian goods as well as Egypt Airline.

Spokesperson for the protesters, the Provost, Diplomatic Section, Arabic and Islamic Training, Dr Abdul Momine Omolaja Yousuph, said, friends of Egypt, south of Nigeria

Hong Kong Police dismantle protest encampments

H

ONG Kong police dismantled tents and protest encampments today in the city ’s downtown, a move that marks the end of more than two months of prodemocracy demonstrations that failed to force the hand of China’s rulers in Beijing. However, many in and outside the protest movement say their occupation will leave a lasting impact in Hong Kong.

Police officers issued warnings over loudspeakers, and officials descended on the densely packed camps in the Admiralty district from

ICC orders trial of Gbagbo’s ally

T

HE International Criminal Court yesterday ordered a close ally of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo, Charles Ble Goude, to stand trial for crimes against humanity linked to a 2010-11 postelection crisis.

“The Pre-Trial Chamber confirmed four charges of crimes against humanity

condemn any plan to close the Consulate. Yousuph who spoke in both English and Arabic wants the Egyptian government to remember the age-long ties between Egypt and Lagos, explaining that Egypt was the first Arab nation to open an Embassy in Lagos.

against Charles Ble Goude and committed him to trial,” theHague-basedICCsaidin a statement.

Goude,42,facesfourcounts including murder, rape, persecution and other inhumane acts for his role in abloodystand-offthatfollowed a presidential poll in the west Africancountryleaving3,000 dead,accordingtotheUnited Nations.

multiple directions.

Protesters were told they must leave or face arrest, as tents, banners, and barricades were taken away by police and trucks with cranes.

Banners reading “We’ll be back” hung from bridges and the warning was scrawled on the street in chalk, USA Today reports.

At least four members of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, a key protest organizer, were arrested, as well as other prominent local figures like pop singer Denise Ho, USA Today reports. It wasn’t clear if the police would formally charge all the protesters it led away from the encampment, according to The New York Times, and police did not release an official number of arrests.

The 11-week demonstrations represented the biggest challenge to China’s sovereignty over Hong Kong since the former British colony reverted to China in 1997. Student-led protesters took to the streets in opposition to China’s veto power over the nomination for the city’s political leader, who is up for election in 2017.

Pope rules out meeting with the Dalai Lama

P

OPE Francis will not meet the Dalai Lama when the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader visits Rome this weekend, a Vatican spokesman said yesterday — a decision apparently seeking to avoid upsetting China.

The Dalai Lama arrives in the Italian capital

Friday for three days to attend a meeting with other Nobel peace laureates. The event was moved to Italy from South Africa after the Pretoria government, anxious to foster economic ties with Beijing, declined to issue a visa for the 79year-old Buddhist leader.

Sources said the Vatican

decision to sidestep an opportunity to meet the Dalai Lama reflects concern over what would inevitably be a furious Chinese reaction, and a desire not to jeopordize efforts to build bridges with Beijing or risk retaliation against the country’s small Catholic community.

54 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 — 55

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56 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 — 57

C M Y K

58—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

RCCG Holy Ghost Congress 2014

The mass choir of the Redeemed Chiristian Church of God singing and praising God at the 2014 Holy Ghost Congress Photos: Lamidi Bamidele

Nurses at the Redeemers Maternity singing and praising God on assumption of duty.

All roads lead to Redemption Camp

By Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona

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HE star attraction of the 17th annual Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, which will be attended by millions of persons from across the globe holds today. It is known as the Holy Ghost Service, where the Great Shepherd, is expected to meet with His sheep and take them to the miraculous in readiness for a positive 2015.

Apart from prayers which have been offered for different segments of the nation’s economy, there will be special intercessions for the nation, apparently to avert the security challenges currently plaguing the country, as well as seek God’s intervention especially in line with predictions of a possible break up of Nigeria by next year.

As at 6.00 p.m. yesterday the sprawling Redemption Camp was already swarming with men, women, boys and girls milling about every available space in the compound.

A source close to the leadership of the church told our reporters last night that the church had made adequate arrangement to host as many persons who are willing to be part of this year’s congress, adding that security personnel are collaborating with the church’s Team Nehemiah to maintain free flow of traffic on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The church has assured all

those travelling on the road to obey the new traffic arrangement put in place by the security operatives who are saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order on the road, stressing that the church had created more parking lots within the camp ground to accommodate participants.

For today’s event, the church authorities have, therefore, appealed to all those willing to participate to make it early to avoid the usual rush and the

S at 4.00 p.m. yesterday, the number of babies delivered during the ongoing

Free food for worshippers at the food bay in the on-going 2014 Holy Ghost Congress

G.O extols virtues of the great restorer

G

ENERAL Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, on the third day of the ongoing Holy Ghost Congress, extolled the virtues of the Great Restorer.

Adeboye said there are several kinds of bondage or captivity in the lives of persons including physical, material, mental and spiritual which often manifest themselves in incomplete projects, moving in circles, unfulfilled dreams and self-inflicted wounds, but when the restorer steps into the situation things change.

According to him, with accelerated progress, mockers are silenced, destinies transformed, while joy begins to spring forth and the praise of God flows unhindered.

Adeboye outlined seven

19 babies delivered at Holy Ghost Congress

A

unavoidable congestion and pressure on the busy LagosIbadan Expressway.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye appealed to Nigerians to take advantage of the programme, saying that this year’s event promises to be quite remarkable as “ we celebrate the Great Shepherd Himself - His goodness, His love and His faithfulness...Whatever your situation, He is present and already to meet you at the very point of your need.”

congress has risen to 19. Out of this, 10 are boys while nine are girls.

reasons why he is convinced that The Great Restorer would intervene in the affairs of all those in captivity, saying: “Our Shepherd is the Lord, He is stronger than the strongest, His name is above all other names.

At His name every knee must bow. We have His Blood, we have the written Word of God, and we know the Lord Jesus Christ.

He explained that there are some people who fall into the trap laid for them by enemies, some are sold into slavery just like the biblical Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers while some are born into slavery.

Pointing out signs that indicated that captivity and yokes have been broken, Pastor Adeboye said there is assurance that captivity can be overturned by the Almighty God. Some of the signs according to him are: progress in all areas of life, rapid promotion, restoration of blessing, mockers beginning to be afraid, destiny restored,

A new baby born during the Congress by Mrs Doris One of the babies born during the 2014 Holy Ghost Chinedu Congress by Mrs Angela Richard.

unspeakable joy of the Lord springing forth.

He further told the congregation that the only person who is capable of delivering one is God adding that God is an unchangeable God who has the power to turn captivity. “The great shepherd is the Lord of host, His name is above all other names including forces that are holding one down. He will overpower these forces holding us captive and set us free.

“We have the blood of Jesus which is powerful to deliver from invisible forces, we have the written word of God”.

Adeboye is a man of integrity, says Otabil

E

ARLIER in his sermon, titled; ‘I can do all things’, Dr. Mensa Otabil, a Ghanaian theologian, philanthropist, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and founder of International Central Gospel Church in Accra, Ghana described Pastor Adeboye as a man of integrity in these days when integrity is in short supply.

Addressing the worshippers, the founder and Chancellor of Central University College, said faith is what we hold on to when we are hoping for something, stressing that a man of God’s faith cannot cancel your unbelief.

DAY FIVE (FRIDAY) Programme MORNING SESSION 9.00am 10.00am Prayer& intercession 10.00am 10.30am Praise&worship 10.30am 11.30am Talk&prayer- “Weep not” 11.30am 12.00 noon Offering 12.00 noon- 1.00 pm Ministration AFTERNOON SESSION 4.00 pm-5.00pm EVENING SESSION 6.00pm- 7.00pm 7.00pm- 8.00pm 8.00pm-8.10pm 8.10pm-8.30pm 8.30pm-9.00pm 9.00pm-9.40pm 9.40pm-10.10pm 10.10pm-10.40pm 10.40pm-11.20pm 11.20pm-11.50pm 11.50pm-1.50am 1.50am-2.20am

Special Talk: (Ministers only) Prayer&intercession Praise, Worship&Choir Opening Prayer Special Prayer One Talk one & prayers- “The great physician First greetings Special prayer Two- “The Nation” Offering Second greetings Choir Talk two & prayer- “The great shepherd” Thanksgiving and testimonies

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 — 59

OML 58 football tourney kicks off

T

ECSTACY: ZlantanIbrahimovic leaps for joy in celebration of a goal against Chelsea Wednesay in the UEFA Champions League. PSG lost 1-3 to Chelsea.

I didn’t forge Fifa letter — Amadu N

IGERIA Football Federation (NFF) scribe Musa Amadu has denied allegations of forgery of a Fifa letter that upheld the ‘majority’ decision of the NFF Appeals Committee on the general elections held in Warri on September 30.

In an earlier communique by the NFF’s media officer, it was stated that Fifa had sent a letter signed by its Secretary General Jerome Valke on Tuesday which upheld the report by the four other members of the Appeals Committee while upturning the minority position of the chairman Okechukwu Ajunwa, who declared that the elections contradicted the NFF Electoral Code and Statutes and voided four positions, including those of the President, Vice President, the representative of the North West and the representative of the South East.

The NFF Scribe however lashed out at media reports that alleged he was the author of the Fifa letter and that there was no such letter from the world football governing body.

“Anybody that makes such allegation has to come with a proof because forgery is a criminal offence."

Continues from B/P

his team is to come out as leaders of the group when the championship begins in Canada.

Okon told Sports Vanguard in Abuja that he is not afraid of the likes of former champions, Sweden and the United States of America (USA) as well as Australia insisting that he has the crop of players that can hold their own when the chips are down.

According to him, not even the issue of unfavourable whether condition can not deter the girls because they Continues from B/P •Amadu

FirstBank expresses commitment to Dala Court Championship

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IGERIA’S leading f i n a n c i a l institution, FirstBank Limited has expressed its commitment to the sponsorship of one of the nation’s most prestigious tennis championship, the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championships.

The 2015 edition of the championship which begins December 5, 2015 at the Kano Club Muritala Mohammed Way, K ano ends on

Sunday December 13, 2015. Dala Hard Court is a major tourney that brings together professional tennis players from all nooks and crannies of Nigeria who converges at the ancient city of Kano to demonstrate their mastery of the game.

This year ’s edition is the 28th edition and the 15th year FirstBank has supported the Championship.

FK Apolonia FC, Albania.

Their presence in camp has automatically upped the competition for shirts leading to Coach Siasia expressing delight with the extra push and drive being put by the players.

“This is exciting. I love what I am seeing as both the foreign and homebased players are engaged in keen rivalry to make the team. I’m overjoyed that those we picked from the homefront have not been intimidated by the presence of their foreign brothers. This to me is a

HE 13th OML 58 Football tournament kicked off Thursday at the Okeh Grammer School, Elelewon Okinali Rivers State after a colourful opening ceremony with dance and culture on display.

The opening match was between Idu FC and Akabta FC. Sixteen teams drawn from OML 58 host communities of TOTAL and representing their respective communities will vie for honours in the competition.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 2014 organising committee in Obite, the Rivers State Community Affairs Services Manager, Engineer Okechukwu Obara charged players of the participating teams to put up great performances, be of good character and be good ambassadors of their com-

munities.

Engineer Obara said,”be reminded that this annual competition is a veritable shop window for talented players who desire to pursue a career in professional football. Scouts will be present during matches, and over the years, players discovered from this tournament are enjoy blossoming careers afterwards”.

Chairman Organising Committee, Goodnews Mbonu tasked the participating teams to compete within the context of fairplay, sportsmanship and friendship.

Some players discovered from past editions of the tournament who now play professional football abroad include Nkemka Onuogba, Aginebu James, Chinonye Ogbugo and Chidiebe James Otto who all play professional Football in Romania.

Falcons coach all have what he termed as the ‘can do spirit’ of the average Nigerian.

“I am a Nigerian and Nigerians always have a way of coming out of difficult situations.

Many people have been talking of the group of death but I don’t see any death for my team, we are not even talking of surviving in the group, but we are thinking of coming out tops of that group, that is our calculation”.

On how to adequately prepare the team ahead of the championship,

Okon revealed that the team will have enough tune up matches including the All African Games qualifiers as well as the 2016 Olympics which will be coming up before the World Cup. However the coach refused to talk about the players he intends to prosecute the championship with insisting that such is basically a technical issue which he will not discuss openly, even as he assured that every Nigerian will be happy with the list when it is made public.

Dream Team very welcome and healthy development for my technical crew as we will at the end of the day get a team that the nation will be proud of ’’, Siasia heartily said.

“Some persons have questioned our decision to organize this screening exercise for both the home and foreign based players. But from what we have on ground, I feel justified in the decision we took in going through this route to get a team for this country. I beg Nigerians to believe in us and support this team. Our intention is to

have a bunch of players who will be available for the nation for another 1015 years baring injuries”, Siasia said.

The former Super Eagles coach said that more players would join the camp fromDecember 14 while those who are involved in Club duties would join in January.

Meanwhile, the friendly game being planned for the team this weekend in Bauchi that would have seen the Dream Team VI tackle Wikki Tourist and an unnamed club has been shifted till next week(Tuesday).

60 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Mourinho: Watch out for sharks J

OSE Mourinho has said he is keen to avoid one of the “sharks” lurking in the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League.

Chelsea topped their group, sealing their fourth win in six games with a 3-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon, but now Mourinho is expecting the going to get much tougher.

Monday ’s draw which you can follow live on Sky Sports News HQ - will pair Chelsea against either Juventus, PSG, Basel, Bayer Leverkusen or Shakhtar Donetsk.

“We don’t fear anybody, but we know there are very good, strong teams still in this competition,” Mourinho said.

“Last year we were close and we didn’t have the team playing at such a high level as we do this season, so we can dream we will do it. But let’s see if the sharks let

us, because there are a few sharks in the ocean.”

Asked if he likes swimming with sharks, Mourinho said: “Yes, I like. In a cage. I did it in French Polynesia. I didn’t want to go, but my wife and my kids, they pushed me.”

A Cesc Fabregas penalty and goals from Andre Schurrle and John Obi Mikel - only his fifth goal in more than 300 appearances for the club - earned the Stamford Bridge win. Mourinho knows his preferred destination for the round of 16.

He said: “Paris would be good, because it’s easy to travel for us, for the fans. It would be good, but we can’t decide the draw.

“The hardest? Everyone is hard. You think Basel is easy? We lost twice against them last year. They beat Liverpool and three years ago they beat Manchester United."

TUSSLE: Chelsea's Diego Costa (r) in an aerial battle with a Shalke 04 player during a Champion League match.

Nasri hails City ‘miracle’ S

AMIR Nasri hailed a miracle after inspiring Manchester City to a brilliant victory over Roma that prolonged their Champions League campaign against the odds.

French playmaker Nasri struck a stunning first goal as City

completed a remarkable escape from the group stage with a 2-0 win in the fevered atmosphere of the Stadio Olimpico.

City looked to be heading out of the competition before they staged a brilliant comeback against Bayern Munich in their penultimate Group E game just over two weeks ago.

Their chances

nosedived again when they lost the driving force for their recent upturn in form, Sergio Aguero, to injury but City made light of his absence and those of Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure.

Their unexpected win in the Italian capital, completed by Pablo Zabaleta after 86 minutes, saw City edge ahead of both Roma and

CSKA Moscow to snatch a place in the last 16.

“It feels great,” Nasri told City TV. “It was the target at the start of the night and we knew if we were patient we would win the game.

“We are happy because it was a miracle after four games, when we had two points. But it is always the same with City, we like to do it the hard way and we did it again.”

Muntari’s father doubts Ghana FA

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•Nasri celebrates after scoring the opener against Roma, Wednesday night.

LHAJI Muniru Sulley, father of Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari, is suspicious that the Ghana Football Association might influence new coach Avram Grant over his son’s Black Stars return.

The former El-Kanemi Warriors coach fears the Football Association’s insistence that Muntari and two other players Michael Essien and Kevin-Prince Boateng must apologize before being recalled will undermine the coach’s efforts.

Muntari has been handed an indefinite suspension after beating up Black Stars management committee

member Moses Armah without provocation at the World Cup. Grant is on a tour of Europe and has planned to meet the AC Milan star.

Alhaji Muniru says the former Chelsea manager must be given the free hand to decide on how to re-admit his son and other players under suspension.

“The statement by Sannie-Daara (Ghana FA spokesperson) that unless the boys apologize they can’t be pardoned, means they have started dictating to the coach,” Alhaji Muniru, who also coached Kano Pillars, said.

“The coach knows what

to do, if they had their way round Ghanaian coaches, this is a neutral coach; allow him to do his job.

“Am not saying Muntari should not apologize, am insisting that the Ghana FA must not interfere in Grant’s final decision on whether Muntari rejoins the Black Stars or not.”

•Muntari

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 — 61

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62 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 — 63

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

PSG fans stabbed in Barcelona P ARIS Saint-Germain fans were stabbed in two separate incidents in Barcelona on Wednesday, Catalan police have confirmed.

The Ligue 1 champions were beaten 3-1 at Camp Nou as Barca sealed top spot in Group F at the expense of their opponents, who qualified for the last 16 as runners-up.

Yesterday, Catalan police announced that

some PSG supporters had been attacked close to the stadium and had been admitted to hospital.

A statement released by the police confirmed that the first incident occurred at around 23:00 local time on Carrer de Felipe de Paz, close to Camp Nou. According to the release, “a French citizen” was stabbed “by two individuals dressed in

We aim to top our group — Falcons coach

By Jude Opara, Abuja

D

ESPITE being grouped in what many analysts have described as the ‘group of death’. chief coach of the senior national women’s football team, the Super Falcons Edwin Okon has boasted that the sim of Continues on page 59

TODAY'S

dark and with a balaclava”.

A short time later, a group of three supporters were attacked, one of whom had to be transported to hospital after being stabbed.

“The police are working to clarify the exact circumstances of the incident and arrest those responsible,” the statement concluded.

More pros join Dream Team T

•Okon

PUZZLE

SCORER: Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi (m) was on the scorer's sheet as Chelsea defeated Sporting Lisbon 3-1 in the UEFA Champion League, Wednesday night.

HE number of for eign-based players invited to the camp of the national men’s U-23 football team, Dream Team VI increased from two to seven as the

coach Samson Siasia led technical crew battle to separate the boys from the men.

A release by the media officer of the team Timi

Ebikagboro disclosed that the latest arrivals are Nansil Selbol of Sporting Kansas, Fred Friday of LSK Norway, Amuzie Stanley of Sas-

suolo Calsio, Italy, Oladele Oshobe of Lokomotive Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and Atanda Sodiq of Continues on page 59

QUICK CROSSWORD

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

DOWN: ACROSS: 2 Implement (4) 1 Cease (4) 4 Equipment (3) 3 Fade (4) 4 Supplanted (8) 6 Smack (4) 5 Increased (4) 9 Rotter (3) 6 Deride (5) 10 Subside (8) 7 Circuit (3) 11 Gemstone (4) 8 Saying (5) 14 Frantic (3) 12 Cabin (5) 16 Bury (5) 13 Detest (5) 19 Hugged (8) 14 Spoil (3) 21 Revolt (5) 15 Liability (5) 23 Painstaking (8) 17 Tested (5) 18 Course (5) 24 Severe (5) 20 Liberation (8) 27 Gratuity (3) 22 Edge (3) 31 Silent (4) 33 Attendance (8) 25 Sharp (5) 26 View (5) 34 Weight (3) 28 Box (4) 35 Lake (4) 29 Stunt (4) 36 Beam (3) 30 Pain (4) 37 Fastened (4) 32 Hill (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Cosmos 5, Hymnal 8, Standard 9, Anon 10, Pop 12, Blush 15, Pat 17, Lea 18, Era 19, Pea 20, Tiara 21, Rue 22, Too 23, Vat 24, Roe 26, Needy 29, Yet 33, Sign 34, Ulterior 35, Ignore 36, Ripped.

DOWN: 2, Outdo 3, Mine 4, Stall 5, Hades 6, Mean 7, Aroma 10, Paper 11, Plate 12, Baton 13, Usage 14, Heavy 15, Party 16, Treat 25, Owing 27, Elude 28, Deter 30, Evoke 31, Undo 32, Prop.

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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