Military nabs abductor of Chibok girls

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62177

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TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

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Military nabs abductor of Chibok girls

BY EMMA UJAH, BEN AGANDE, CALEB AYANSINA & NDAHI MARAMA

A

•B/Haram bombs police hqtrs, attacks Emir’s palace •Chibok abduction won't hinder fight against terrorism — FG •Abuja hotels to send list of guests to DSS, Police daily 9

IKORODU RITUALISTS' DEN:

Police arrest 7 run-away pastor CONFAB: Stormy session as Northern, Southern delegates split over new 55 constitution

BUJA—ALMOST three months after Boko Haram terrorists abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, the military announced, yesterday, that it has arrested one of the sect's leaders, who was one of the abductors.

This came on a day the sect members bombed a Divisional Police Headquarters in Shani Local Government Area of Continues on page 5

COLUMNIST: The beginning of the end of the Bola Tinubu dynasty •P.17

Drumbeat for another U.S. war in Iraq

7 •P.5

Mr & Mrs

DE I S IN AY TOD

Babuji Ya’ari (A suspected abductor of the Chibok girls).

C M Y K

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4—Vanguard, TUESDAY,JULY 1, 2014

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POCKET CARTOON resulting in casualties on both sides after the attack was successfully repelled”.

Boko Haram bomb police headquarters, attack Emir’s palace, burn houses, shops

Investors— From right: National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki Rtd; Minister of Defence Lt-Gen Aliyu Gusau; Vice President Namadi Sambo, Council Co-ordinator Baroness Lynda Chalker and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga at the 16th Meeting of the Honorary International Investors Council in Abuja, yesterday.

Military nabs abductor of Chibok girls Continues from page 1 Borno State and also attacked an emir’s palace.

The alleged abductor of the Chibok girls, whose name was given as Babuji Ya’ari, was also said to have led the attack in which the Emir of Gwoza, Alh. Idriss Timta, was killed a few weeks ago.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja, yesterday, that Ya’ari doubled as member of the Youth Vigilante Group, popularly known as Civilian JTF. According to the De-

fence spokesman, the Boko Haram kingpin used his membership of the civilian JTF only as a cover, as he has been coordinating deadly attacks in Borno State since 2011.

He added that the arrest of Ya’ari led to the arrest of several other Boko Haram intelligence cell members. Olukolade said that those arrested had confessed their involvement with the deadly sect and named several others who were being trailed.

The full text reads: “A terrorists’ intelligence cell headed by a businessman, who participated actively in the ab-

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Logan Pearsall Smith said: ‘There are two things to aim at in life; first, to get what you want; and after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second.’ So ‘press toward the goal for the prize.’

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Observe whether fear of disappointment stops you from going to your edge. Identify how you would work toward your edge. Is something preventing you from moving forward? Do you ever feel a sense of artificial pride? When and where does this happen? — Phillip -Moffitt

P

AY attention to the “here and now” in your practice and avoid wishful thinking: “If only “ or “Why can’t I.” or “When I am able to...then I will.” This leads to comparing mind, and lots of selfjudging, which in turn cause tension, self-limitations, and fatigue. You may also experience feelings of disassociation, self-absorption, and lethargy, which may lead to entropy in your practice and may mirror a pattern of avoidance and non-growth in a person’s life. It’s as if nothing really happens and everything is enveloped in a kind of ennui that prevents access to the edge. Instead, explore what you are capable of, and learn to be with yourself with compassion and clear thinking. There is discomfort at the edge, but the aim is moving beyond your threshold and making things happen for you.

duction of School Girls in Chibok has been busted by troops. The man, Babuji Ya’ari, who is also a member of the Youth Vigilante Group popularly known as Civilian JTF which he uses as cover while remaining an active terrorist, also spearheaded the murder of the Emir of Gwoza.

His main role in the group is to spy and gather information for the terrorist group.

“Babuji has been coordinating several deadly attacks in Maiduguri since 2011, including the daring attacks on Customs and military locations as well as the planting of IEDs in several locations in the town.

“The arrest of the businessman, who is known to deal in tricycles has also yielded some vital information and facilitated the arrest of other members of the terrorists’ intelligence cell who are women. One of them, Hafsat Bako had earlier escaped to Gombe State to avoid suspicion but was tracked and arrested. Prior to her arrest, Hafsat coordinated the payment of other operatives on the payroll of the group. In her confession, she disclosed that a minimum of N10,000 is paid to each operative depending on the enormity of his task.

“Another female suspect named Haj Kaka, who doubles as an armourer and a spy for the terrorist group has also been arrested. Until their arrest, all the suspects actively operated a terrorists’ intelligence cell in collaboration with others still at large.

“In another development, troops deployed in Goniri, Yobe State, over the weekend, had an encounter with terrorists,

Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the terrorists attacked Cbibok communities in Borno State killing no fewer than 51 persons, the sect members, yesterday, invaded Shani Local Government Area of the state and bombed the Divisional Police Headquarters.

Shani is south and about 245 kilometres drive to Maiduguri which also shares boundary with some parts of Adamawa State.

The insurgents also attacked the palace of the newly appointed Emir of Shani, Alhaji Sanusi Mailafiya. The sect members were said to be hunting for the Chairman of the council, Alhaji Madu Walama, whom they believed was hiding inside the palace.

According to the residents of the community, after the heavily armed terrorists attacked the police headquarters with an Improvised Explosive Device at about 2.45pm, yesterday, they pro ceeded to the town and started shooting indiscriminately at people.

They also set houses, shops and vehicles on fire. Many of the residents were feared dead, although casualty figure could not be ascertained.

After attacking the Emir’s palace, the terrorists were also reported to have looted a pharmaceutical store in Witambaya village before escaping into the hills of Pelambirni village bordering some communities in Adamawa State.

Another set of gunmen also reportedly attacked Mandaragirau village in Biu Local Government Area and went away with 60 cows.

A resident told Vanguard on phone that the gunmen came at about 10:00pm on Sunday and started shooting sporadically for some hours before they carted away 60 cows. No life was however lost.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Gideon Jibrin for confirmation did not yield any result, as his phone was switched off.

Jonathan condemns attack on Chibok Meantime, President Goodluck Jonathan has

called on all lovers of peace in the country to condemn efforts by agents of global terrorism to disunite and destabilize Nigeria by callously instigating violence among religious groups in the country.

Reacting to the attack on some churches in Chibok where scores of worshipers were killed, President Jonathan said he shares the view of the most learned Islamic leaders and scholars that no true Muslim will resort to the mindless killing of innocent people at any time, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, to redress any perceived grievance.

“The President deplores the renewed targeting by Boko Haram of adherents of a particular religion and urges all lovers of peace and unity to wholly condemn the renewed violence by the Boko Haram insurgents.

A statement by Reuben Abati, the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity said: “The President believes, therefore, that Sunday ’s attacks on churches and other similar atrocities by Boko Haram are conclusive proof, if any is still needed, that its leaders and members are thoroughly misguided persons who are only using religion as a cover for their reprehensible crimes against their countrymen and women.

“President Jonathan urges all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs, to resist this new attempt to undermine the nation’s firm and collective resolve to unite in full support of its armed forces and security agencies against the vicious perpetrators of brutal attacks on innocent citizens.

“The President assures all Nigerians once again that the Federal Government and national security agencies will continue to intensify ongoing efforts to end Boko Haram’s senseless attacks until the terrorists are routed and totally defeated.

“He commiserates with the families and churches that lost loved ones, members and places of worship during Sunday ’s attacks” the statement concluded.

Chibok abduction won't hinder fight against terrorism – FG

The Federal Government has also restated that it would not be deterred by the abduction of more than 200 school girls in Chibok, Borno State to fight the insurgents.

The National Coordinator of National Information Centre, Mr Mike Omeri stated this, yesterday, at the routine security briefing, alongside with spokespersons of security forces, in Abuja.

Fielding questions from journalists on why killings continue in spite of the deployment of security operatives by the government, Omeri said government was not demoralised and would not be, despite challenges it is facing to rescue the girls.

He said: “The President, security agencies, even all of us sitting here said in relation Chibok girls: The focus is to rescue them alive not attracting collateral damage or destroying the lives of those children. And therefore, the approach at rescue is different.

“Now, the Air Force even as at yesterday (Sunday) came out to fight the insurgents, where they make themselves available to be confronted. You can confirm that from Chibok and even the other week as well.

“As I said earlier, there are rules of engagement in the war, a conventional professional armed forces will stick to it, but an unconventional group or team of criminals will not stick to it.

“And don’t forget that this government have zero tolerance for abuses whether by armed forces, police or whosoever. So, we will stick to the rule of engagement and do the right thing,” he said.

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Court dissolves 26-yr-old marriage over frequent fighting

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DO-EKITI — An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court, yesterday, dissolved the 26-year-old marriage between Yakubu Kasali, 50, and the wife, Florence.

The court’s President, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, had earlier slated judgment for June 30 after hearing from both parties in May. Florence, 43, sought divorce over alleged frequent fighting and lack of care for her and their children.

She said they always fought each time she demanded school fees and welfare allowance for the children from her husband.

She claimed her husband was taking care of her and the children before he suddenly stopped doing so.

The mother of six also said that she was living in her husband’s family house, when he suddenly instructed his family to send her out of the house, alleging that she was a witch.

The respondent denied the allegation, saying he had never beaten his wife since he married her.

Kasali explained that he had been taking care of the children by providing them money and food from his farm.

He denied sending the wife away, saying she was the one that decided to pack out of the family house.

Kasali alleged that she was deceived by a man who promised to marry her.

Dissolving the marriage, the President of the court, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, held that it had broken down irretrievably.

Ogunsemi awarded custody of the male child to the husband, and that of the last two children to the wife.

He ordered that the husband should be responsible for the children’s education.

He also ordered that Kasali should pay N3,000 in monthly upkeep for the last two children, and that both parents should have free access to the children.

Man stabs self to death over disagreement with lover

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — A 33-year-old-man, Oluwatosin Otaiku, last weekend, allegedly stabbed himself to death over disagreement with his fiancee, identified as Olaogun Oluwatoyin.

Vanguard gathered that the deceased decided to kill himself few weeks after he was told by his girlfriend that she was no more interested in the relationship.

It was further gathered that the deceased’s neighbours, who were aware of the development, reportedly called the warring parties to break the truce and resolve the disagreement.

An eyewitness had it that the duo were made to discuss in privacy inside a shop at Safari junction in Onikolobo not suspecting that the deceased came to the venue with a knife in case the outcome went against him.

It was further gathered that Oluwatoyin stood her ground, maintaining that she couldn’t continue with the relationship.

The deceased reportedly brought out the knife which forced Olaogun to storm out of the shop thinking she was the target.

Olaogun immediately alerted neighbours who rushed to the scene and met the deceased stabbing himself.

He was rushed to Mercy Hospital, Panseke before he was later referred to Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Idi-Aba in Abeokuta but he died on the way to the hospital.

Policemen from Adigbe Division, who were drafted to the scene for investigation, took the remains of Otaiku to State Hospital, Ijaye and whisked three persons away in an Hilux van marked NPF 7092 C. Reacting to the incident, the

state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the police were still holding Olaogun until a postmortem examination is carried out on the deceased.

Adejobi explained that the command was still examining the statements by the suspects and eyewitnesses.

He said: “The lady is still with us, she is still our suspect for now

Corn sellers attending to customers at Wuse 2 in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

EFCC charges 3 for stealing dead men’s N74m assets

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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AGOS — THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has preferred an 18-count charge against a 70year-old man, Mohammed Rabiu Lawan (alias Shande Dzungwe Ako) and two others, Raphael Olorunfemi Okomoda, Adegbesan Theophilus, for stealing over N74 million asset belonging to two dead men, Shande Ako Dzungwe and

Alhaji Isa Koto.

The expected arraignment of the defendants, who were brought to court were eventually not hold because the prosecution was trying to make some amendments on the charge.

The three men and other still at large were alleged to have fraudulently posed as the late Shande Ako Dzunke and Alhaji Isa Koto and obtained over N74 million from their (victims') separate share investments with various companies.

Chevron sacks 154 workers ...as NUPENG threatens to shut down Delta, Edo, Ondo, Kogi, Ekiti

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ARRI — EXCEPT urgent steps are taken, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers Union, NUPENG, is set to cripple the economic activities in five states of the federation following its seven days ultimatum to Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL. At a crucial meeting, the Warri zonal council of NUPENG gave Chevron a seven-day notice to recall its 154 members sacked by the company and put a halt to the alleged harassment of its members.

Speaking at the emergency meeting, the Warri Zonal Council Chairman of NUPENG, Comrade Cogent Ojobor, alleged that in the last count, no fewer than

until we carried out a proper investigation on the corpse. We need some time to study the statements but the expert’s opinion is to carry out a postmortem on the body."

154 members of NUPENG had been fired by CNL. He said the seven days warning notice given to Chevron would start counting from yesterday and upon its expiration midnight of July 6, if nothing was done, the union would proceed on strike and it will affect Delta, Edo, Ondo, Kogi and Ekiti states.

Ojobor said activities in the Warri refinery, filling stations, loading depots, PTI and other oil facilities in the affected states would be shut down after the expiration of the seven days notice, adding that there will be no going back until their demands were met by Chevron.

The NUPENG boss, who claimed that the union had ex-

hausted all avenues of negotiation with Chevron, said: "We have had several meetings with Chevron. We have been meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour, we have tried informal consultations but their statement, which I know is a lie, is that they have been told by NAPIMS and Ministry of Labour to downsize.

"The company is treating our members like slaves and at the last count they have already laid off 154 of our members in Chevron and the number is growing.

They said they are downsizing and I do not know at what size they will reach before they will stop. It may interest you to know that one oil and gas worker supports up to seven families."

The EFCC alleged that the late Shande Ako Dzungwe died in 1992 while Isa Koto passed on in 1970 but that the defendants presented themselves as the deceased men and gave instruction to various companies to release the monetary value of their shares to them.

According to the anti graft body, the defendants had on May 16, 2013, fraudulently obtained about N22 million from the shares investment of the late Shande Dzungwe with Royal Crest Ltd through Fidelity Bank Plc. It was said that the defendants allegedly instructed the Nigerian Stock Exchange Brokers Ltd to sell 8,332 units of Mobil Oil Plc shares at N981,921 belonging to the deceased and to transfer the proceed to a fictitious account.

The commission alleged that the defendants opened an account with the name of the deceased in Fidelity Bank Plc and instructed the investment companies to pay the monetary value of the share to the account.

Aside, they were alleged to have converted the dividend warranty of the deceased with Union Bank Plc, Nestle Food Plc, Mobil Plc, NCR Plc and Unilever Plc and used the proceeds to buy 5,000 units of Nigerian Breweries shares, 46,000 units of FirstBank Plc shares and 50,000 units of GTB shares.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 7

IKORODU RITUALISTS' DEN: Police nab run-away Pastor

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS— The Police in La gos have arrested the General Overseer of Holy Family Ministry, a.k.a House of Mercy, located in Ogolonto area of Ikorodu, Lagos, Pastor Ernest Nwankwo, who was alleged to have sent a member of his church to kidnap a boy for ritual purpose last week.

He is currently cooling his heels at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, Lagos.

Pastor Ernest Nwankwo, who is 50 years old, is an indigene of Nsugbe, Anambra East Local

Pastor Ernest Nwankwo

Government Area of Anambra State.

It would be recalled that a ritualist's den was uncovered in a building owned by the suspect last Wednesday, with at least eight victims said to have been kidnapped from different parts of the country, rescued.

The den was uncovered following the apprehension of a mother of four, Mrs Rosemary Chukwu, who hid a seven-yearold boy inside a box. She confessed to have abducted the boy, identified as Emmanuel Emeka, on the instruction of her Pastor (Ernest Nwankwo) for ritual purpose.

Although details of how the Pastor was arrested were still sketchy at press time, it was gathered that he was arrested around Ebute Metta area yesterday, following a tip off by operatives of the SCID. Police sources hinted that the Pastor denied that the building on 7, Oshodi Street, where some victims were reportedly rescued, was not used for ritual purpose but was used to keep lunatics.

Contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, simply said: “Yes, the Pastor has been arrested today around Ebutte Meta.”

Carpenter's son emerges Lagos One-Day Governor

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS — A 15-year-old Mas ter Edun Olabanji of Army Children's Senior Secondary School, Onigbongbo, yesterday, assumed office as Lagos State "One-Day Governor" at Alausa, Ikeja.

Meantime, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, reiterated his administration's commitment to continue to give priority attention to the education sector, saying students from the state public schools are now academic champions winning national competition awards.

Fashola said this when he received Olabanji, accompanied by his parents, who came first in the competition, initiated in 2001 by New Era Foundation under the leadership of Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Fashola vacated his seat for the young Olabanji, whose father is a carpenter and mother, a refuse truck driver with Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), to preside over Lagos State Executive Council meeting at the EXCO Chamber with his Deputy Opeyemi Blessing of Keme Balogun College at Igbogbo, Ikorodu and Macaulay Elijah Ayodele of Ojota Senior Secondary School.

He said the traditional thing prevalent in the country with a change of government would have been to quickly do away with the idea, saying he retained the One-Day Governor initiative of his predecessor because of its positive impacts in the lives of the students who participate in the competitions.

According to him, “the seed that has been sown will germinate in ways we cannot contemplate, seeds of career choice decisions whether to serve in public sector or private sector.

“One thing that we need to point out is that the state’s public education system is producing excellent results. This is in spite of its challenges. Of the 14,000 schools

From right: Master Edun Olabanji, Lagos State One Day Governor; Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Miss Azeez Opeyemi, One Day Deputy Governor, during the 2014 Lagos State One Day Governor in Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

in the state, it is only about 2,000 that belongs to the government.

“But those 2,000 schools are the ones that are providing free education where free textbooks are given, where tuition is free, where children participate in different clubs, climate change clubs, farmer’s club, Energy club and Be Road Friendly Club.

This happens at no cost to the children.

“It is not only one day governor that we celebrate. We celebrate Master David, a national

champion in Physics in the NNPC science competition tested against other students in Nigeria.”

He said story of the success of the children from the state educational system has spurred them to remain focussed, saying other potentials will mature in the fullness of time.

Fashola explained that the state education system thrives on diversity, saying the education process is merit driven, ethnic, religious and gender blind

but simply developing younger generation for a greater tomorrow.

The governor stressed that his administration had ensured that no child desirous of having education had been left behind, saying that explains why the one day governor, whose father is a carpenter and mother, a refuse truck driver with Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), could emerge the winner of the competition.

Cocoa farmer jailed for possessing hard drugs

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DO-EKITI — A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, sentenced a cocoa farmer, Dominic Fabunmi, 65, to 15 years in prison for possessing Indian hemp.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) dragged Fabunmi to court for being in possession of 273.8 kg of the substance in February 19, 2008.

The presiding judge, Justice Adamu Hobon, sentenced the

convict without an option of fine, saying it would serve as a deterrent to people of his age and others.

According to the judge, the evidences before the court showed that there was a search, arrest and discovery of exhibits on February 19, 2008 at the premises of convict's house.

“The evidences before the court showed that the prosecution had proven his case beyond reasonable doubt and the evidences in defence were mere

after-thoughts.

He said: “The section under which the convict was charged prescribed a minimum of 15 years jail term upon conviction and 25 years maximum."

Hobon said he sentenced the accused based on the totality of evidences provided by the prosecution.

“I hereby find the accused guilty as charged and convicted thereof and consequently sentenced to 15 years in prison without an option of fine," he declared.

Police uncover human parts ‘depot' in Ilorin

BY DEMOLAAKINYEMI

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LORIN— MEN of Kwara State Police Command have discovered abandoned buildings along Lagos-Ilorin expressway, in the Ilorin International Airport area, suspected to be hideout for criminals dealing in human parts and other nefarious criminal activities.

Some of the items discovered in the six buildings of about 18 flats, said to be owned by an 85-year-old socialite, include decomposed human parts, a decomposing headless body, decomposed human feet, snail shells, piece of cloth suspected to be used in strangulating victims, under-wears, NYSC caps, shoes, eye glasses, hand set cover, sandals, among other personal belongings, were found in the abandoned buildings.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ambrose Aisabor, said this during a press conference yesterday at the Police Headquarters, Ilorin.

Aisabor said the command’s special undercover agents, with information from members of the public, discovered the criminal hideout on Saturday.

According to the state Police Commissioner; “ we have made another breakthrough in our efforts to ensure that we chase out criminals from this state and ensure that residents live in peace.”

He added that the identified buildings have inscription of “For Sale” written all over them. They are located near NASFAT praying ground, with a road separating the fenced buildings and the praying ground."

The police boss, who said no arrest has been made so far, added that the aged socialite, who allegedly owns the place and suspected to be a native of Oro town in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, was being interrogated.

The Kwara State Police Commissioner, who also paraded one Ganiyu Lawal, suspected to be a robber, said the suspect removed a Toyota Camry, with number plate Lagos APP 645 AN, from where it was parked in Ikorodu, Lagos.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

We're doing well in fight against corruption —JONATHAN

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA— DESPITE the mounting security challenge in the country, President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, gave an assessment of the nation’s economic progress and the fight against corruption, saying Nigeria is progressively matching towards her goal of becoming one of the top 20 biggest economies in the world.

He said: “We are better equipped to succeed as a people and as a country in our fight against corruption to improve and build our economy, develop our infrastructure and ensure the security of lives and property.”

He spoke at the opening ceremony of the 16th Honorary International Investor Council, HIIC, in Abuja.

The President, represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, noted that the latest report of the United Nation’s Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, which put the nation as number one recipient of foreign direct investment, FDI, in Africa for the second year running, is a further confirmation of his administration's optimistic view.

ARSO MEET: From left— Dr. Mark Bagabe, Director-General, Rwanda Bureau of Standards; Valentine Rugwabize, former Deputy Director to World Bank; Dr. Joseph Odumodu, President, African Standard Organisation, ARSO, and Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, Secretary-General, at the opening of ARSO's 50th council meeting in Kigali, Rwanda.

NMA begins indefinite strike today z Accuses FG of ‘feigning ignorance’

BY CHIOMA OBINNA & GABRIEL OLAWALE

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HE Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, will today begin a nationwide indefinite strike, following alleged failure of the Federal Government to meet its 24 points demands, including salary increase and other welfare packages.

The association had, three weeks ago, addressed a press conference in Abuja threatening to revisit total withdrawal of services it suspended on January 5.

The decision by the association to embark on

the strike may not be unconnected with the failed meeting with the Federal Government in Abuja last Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, NMA President, Dr. Kayode Obembe, who said the decision to embark on an industrial action was taken after the expiration of a two week ultimatum to the Federal Government, said NMA opted for a “total and indefinite strike” at an emergency delegates meeting.

He said: “NMA is taking this painful route because our silence and gentle approach

to these contending issues have been taken for granted.

We have to take this action to save the health care delivery system from anarchy that is palpably imminent.”

Obembe appealed for understanding, calling on Nigerians to prevail on the government to meet the demands.

Lagos NMA ready, says branch chair

The Public Relations Officer, NMA, Lagos State branch, Dr. Ogunnubi Peters, said that no medical doctor will work in public hospitals from Tuesday.

BOKO HARAM: We've reached 50,000 victims, says Red Cross

BY SONI DANIEL, Northern Region Editor

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BUJA—AS the Boko Haram sect continues its violent campaign in parts of the north and the Federal Capital Territor y, the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, says it has extended its hand of fellowship to no fewer than 50,000 displaced persons in the region.

The organisation said in Abuja, yesterday, that the number of people killed or wounded or displaced by the conflict was on the rise with children being targeted in attacks or abductions.

According to the body, the growing number of inter communal clashes between farmers and pastoralists in

central Nigeria are driving people away from their homes and destroying their livelihoods.

According to the agency, ICRC and Nigerian Red Cross Society, NRCS, have assessed the needs of a further 1,800 displaced people in Borno State but have been unable to deliver food and emergency household items to them because of the lack of security in the area.

In the statement by the Head of ICRC in Nigeria, Zoran Jovanovic, the committee noted that increased violence and bomb attacks in Jos, Kano and Abuja had also put a strain on hospitals, some of which needed additional supplies to treat the sudden

influxes of mass casualties.

He said: “The conflict in North East Nigeria has flared up in recent months, while other areas have seen growing tensions and armed violence. The number of people killed, wounded or displaced is on the rise, with children being targeted in attacks or abductions.

“More and more displaced people are seeking refuge in neighbouring villages, states and countries.”

Jovanovic said ICRC, together with the National Red Cross Societies in the region was doing its utmost to provide humanitarian assistance— medical care and emergency relief— to the victims of the conflict, both within Nigeria and in neighbouring countries,

especially Niger.

Life saving care

ICRC said some 1,190 people wounded in armed violence in north and Abuja have received emergency care from first aid providers trained by ICRC and NRCS. Bernadette Gleeson, Head, ICRC surgical and first aid programmes in Nigeria, said: “In recent months, we have made 50 donations of surgical and first aid supplies to 17 hospitals and facilities in communities without any other access to health services.

“A full ICRC surgical team remains on standby to assist with the management and treatment of people wounded by firearms or explosive devices.”

“This decision by the association is based on deadlock from the dialogue between NMA and the Federal Government at a meeting held in Abuja last Wednesday,” he said.

Although, government had agreed to meet most of the demands of the doctors during the last strike that was suspended in January, Peters regretted that representatives of the government had feigned ignorance over the issues at the Wednesday meeting.

He said the Federal government is playing hide and seek game with the country’s health care sector and urged Nigerians to rise and pressure the government to meet the demands of doctors.

He stated that the stance of the government had not demonstrated commitment.

Rather, he said, government was merely buying time by feigning ignorance of what the issues are.

Doctors’ demand

Among the issues being demanded by the doctors are the immediate appointment of a Surgeon General of the Federation, increment of hazard allowance to N100, 000 monthly, the establishment of a health trust fund that will enhance the upgrading of all hospitals in the country, reserving the position of the Chief Medical Director/Medical Director for medical doctors only, as contained in the Act establishing the tertiary hospitals, amongst others.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014—9

Abuja hotels to submit list of patrons to DSS, Police daily

BY HENRY UMORU

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B U J A —F O L L O W I N G renewed bombings in Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital Territory, with massive killings and wanton destruction of property by members of the Islamist Boko Haram sect, the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, yesterday, ordered all hotels in Abuja to henceforth forward lists of their guests to the FCT Directorate of Department of State Services, DSS, and the FCT Police Command on a daily basis.

According to him, the hotels have also been mandated to install their individual security cameras within their vicinity and ensure thorough check of all vehicles entering the hotel and their surroundings.

Meanwhile, the United Nations, UN, Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, yesterday in New York, condemned “the continuing horrific attacks against civilians in North-Eastern Nigeria by Boko Haram.”

He said the attacks had become an almost daily

zAs FCTA launches ‘Operation Know Your Neighbour’ occurrence, as demonstrated over the weekend on villages and churches near Chibok, where the sect abducted more than 200 schoolgirls in April.

Ban, in a statement, reiterated the readiness of UN to support Nigeria in tackling the challenge in a manner consistent with its international human rights obligations.

‘Know your neighbour’

The FCT Minister, in the directive contained in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Nosike Ogbuenyi, directed all residents and residents associations in various parts of the territory to embark on “operation know your neighbor ” campaign, adding that the measure was to ensure that all criminally minded elements were detected easily within the FCT. He said: “The security

department of FCTA is to liaise with the various security agencies in the FCT on the modalities for implementing the ministerial directive.”

The Minister also directed all traditional rulers in the FCT to, as a matter of urgency, start conducting periodic meetings with various communities within their domains to take stock of strange faces living with them, as well as report all new comers within 48 hours to the local DPO and DSS office.

“This is in furtherance of Operation know your neighbour campaign,” he added.

He enjoined all FCT residents to be vigilant and cautious of strange objects or movements of persons and vehicles around them, as well as stationary ones, adding “they should report same to the nearest security agencies.”

On trucks movement The

Minister

further

directed that all trailers/lorry operators bringing goods to the city shall no longer be allowed to offload their contents at night and that all offloading shall henceforth be done in the day time under supervision in designated places.

He said: “The directive requires owners of uncompleted and abandoned buildings and structures, without security guards, to provide same.

Failure to do so, the FCT Administration would apply appropriate sanctions.

Similarly, owners of plots of land left fallow for a long period of time and not used for any economic or gainful purpose but taken over by criminals would now face appropriate sanctions.

He said: “The ban on smoking of Indian hemp and other narcotic substances is still in force in the territor y.

The Administration have resolved to clamp down on violators.”

DONATION: From left—Modupe Anyalechi, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Ikoyi Passport Office; Dr. Alex Otti, GMD, Diamond Bank Plc; Mr. Abba Moro, Minister of Interior; Ayotunde Oredipe, DCG in Charge of Planning, Research and Staticstics and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, during the commissioning of a building donated by Diamond Bank at Ikoyi Passport Office, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

You're acting Abuja script, Nyako tells Adamawa PDP

BY SONI DANIEL, Northern Region Editor

A

BUJA—GOVERNOR Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, yesterday, accused members of the state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of acting the script prepared by Abuja for them against him and his deputy, James Ngilari.

The governor and his deputy

are facing impeachment threat from the House of Assembly, a decision which had been halted by the court, but received overwhelming backing by PDP stakeholders, who ended their meeting in Yola on Sunday.

The stakeholders apparently incurred Nyako’s wrath for declaring their support for

the House to impeach him and his deputy.

Nyako, yesterday, described the PDP stakeholders as selfish and carried away by their lust to grab power at all cost.

The governor, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Sajoh, noted that the resolution reached by the PDP stakeholders was an

indication that they were propelled by ulterior motives.

The governor said the plot to unseat him and his deputy was tele-guided by some unseen hands in Abuja, who did not wish the state well.

Nyako noted that with the decision of the stakeholders it was clear that PDP had displayed its usual penchant for forsaking its own.

Army chief assures of end to terrorism

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BUJA— THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, yesterday, assured that the Federal Government would eradicate all forms terrorism and violence in the country.

Minimah gave the assurance in an address at the Armoured Vehicles West Africa Conference in Abuja.

He said: “The Army, indeed the Armed Forces, had taken adequate measures in collaborating with relevant government ministries, departments and agencies to stem the tide of insecurity and ensure public safety and protect human rights.

“We have also partnered with these bodies to ensure the Rule of Law, in line with our constitutional roles.

“One of these measures is the modernisation of equipment to enhance our operational capabilities in line with contemporary threats.”

Minimah said that these measures were complemented with improved training, enhanced troops welfare and relevant doctrinal review.

He said the measures would also regenerate the military force and strengthen their posture to deal with national and global security challenges.

The Army chief said: “This conference is, therefore, important to us as it will afford us the opportunity to interact with a wide array of equipment experts to discuss trends of advancement of technology, especially for armoured platform.”

He re emphasised the importance of closer interface between the producers and end users of defence and security related platforms and equipment.

Mr. Franklyn Ohakim, Director of Mekahog Limited, one of the exhibitors, said a purpose built IKRIi Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC, would be unveiled at the conference.

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Court adjourns PENGASSAN members' suit

BY INNOCENT ANABA

L

AGOS—THE Na tional Industrial Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, adjourned till July 16, to hear the main suit by some aggrieved members of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, challenging their suspension by the association.

Counsel to claimants, Mr Uche Muoneke at the resumed hearing in suit, had informed the court that PENGASSAN deliberately evaded service of a court order restraining it from holding its delegates conference, by employing the services of fierce looking dogs and the police to ward off the court bailiff and claimant from its premises.

Claimants are Mr John Nwanosike and Jonathan Omare, who dragged PENGASSAN to court over alleged breach of their rights.

Defendants in the suit are PENGASSAN, its Chevron branch, Mr Esanubi Frank and Mr Ayanate Kio.

Lagos 2015: Epe Division monarchs, elders unite

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SSOCIATION of dis tinguished sons and daughters of Epe Division at home and abroad under the banner of Epe Unity Development Council, EUDC, has sought for understanding among all governorship aspirants ahead of the 2015 gubernatorial elections.

The Chairman of EUDC, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice George Oguntade, at a forum attended by divisional monarchs, party leaders and distinguished Epe sons and daughters weekend, urged all aspirants to distance themselves from every act capable of reducing the chances of the division to produce a formidable gubernatorial candidate who will enjoy the support and followership of all in the 2015 general elections.

He warned those using social media platforms to cause confusion and circulate untrue information about any of the aspirants to desist from the act as such behaviour will generate undue hatred, enmity, disaffection, long-term disunity and under-development in the division.

Funsho Williams: Court acquits defendants, dismisses charge

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS—JUSTICE Ebenez er Adebajo of a Lagos High Court at Igbosere, has discharged and acquitted the six persons that were accused of killing Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, bigwig in Lagos State, Funsho Williams. After eight years of trial, they walked away from court as free men.

Bulama Kolo, Musa Maina, David Cassidy, Tunani Sonoma, Mustapha Kayode and Ikponmwose Imariabie regained their freedom, after Justice Adebajo, held that the evidence adduced by the prosecution to prove the two-count charge of conspiracy and murder against them was “ weak and superficial they amount to speculation when given consideration.”

The Judge, further stated that there is nothing cogent and compelling to show that any combination of the defendants had acted in furtherance of a crime.

“It is noteworthy to state that the Chief Medical Pathologist of the state in his evidence stated clearly that the deceased was killed by strangulation, so the dagger and the rope tendered were distraction.

“The evidence of the pathologist (PW3) clearly established the cause of the death.

The prosecution did not make any effort to tie the cause of death to the action of any individual or set of defendants.

“I am satisfied that the deceased has been shown to have died, but it remains at large after the conclusion of the prosecutions case as to the person or per-

sons who caused his death.

“The pathologist who said the deceased died by strangulation, did not allude to any of the defendants as having carried out the act, he was never asked.

“There is absolutely nothing ro suggest that the death resulted from the act of the defendants,” the judge said.

The defendants, had told the court on June 9 that the prosecution had not made out a prima facie case to warrant calling them to defend themselves.

A prima facie case is made out in a criminal trial where the evidence presented is sufficient to secure a conviction unless it is successfully rebutted by the defence.

In a no-case-to-answer sub-

mission dated May 20, the defence counsel, Okezie Agbara, had told the court that the state’s case against his clients must collapse because it was built on unfounded suspicion.

An analysis of the pieces of evidence adduced by the state at the trial, he had submitted, showed that they were at best circumstantial.

“For a court of law to base conviction on circumstantial evidence, he had said, it must be of a compelling and irresistible nature to show that the accused persons and no one else were responsible for the crime.

“There has been no legally admissible evidence against the defendants,” Okezie argued, urging Justice Adebajo to hold

that the prosecution failed to link any of the defendants with Williams’ murder.

Relying on Section 243 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, the defence counsel urged the court to dismiss the charge and set his clients free, but the prosecution opposed the application, asking the court to strike it out.

Led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Idowu Alakija, the prosecution said it had made out a prima facie case enough to warrant the defendants to enter a defence.

After entertaining arguments from the parties, Justice Adebajo adjourned till June 30 for ruling on the no-case application.

SWEARING-IN: From left: Wife of new permanent secretary, Mrs. Folasade Onanuga; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; new permanent secretary, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire during the swearing-in of Onanuga in Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo by Bunmi Azeez.

$5.9m fraud: Bamaiyi makes surprise court appearance

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

L

AGOS—FORMER Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Isaiah Bamaiyi, yesterday made a surprise appearance before an Ikeja High Court to witness court proceedings at the ongoing $5.9m (about N1bn) allegedly collected from him by a Lagos lawyer, Mr Fred Ajudua.

Since the criminal charge was preferred against Ajudua few months back, Bamaiyi who was freed early 2008 by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole appeared before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo with some members of his family.

Meanwhile, the proceedings could not go on due to the absence of Mr Olalekan Ojo, lead counsel to Ajudua.

However, the prosecution, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, told the court that it had amended the earlier charge filed against the lawyer.

EFCC had accused Ajudua of collecting the amount from the

...As EFCC amends charge against Ajudua former Chief of Army Staff while they were both in custody at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos between November 2004 and June 2005.

The anti-graft agency alleged that Ajudua and other still at large made false representation to Bamaiyi claiming that the money was meant to help secure his release from custody as well

as payment for professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle his case in court.

Ajudua had since pleaded not guilty to the charge, but prayed the trial court to also dismiss the charge, while asking for the trial Bamaiyi instead.

At the resumed hearing of the case, Ajudua told the court presided over by Justice Ipaye that

he had issues with his lawyer which is yet to be resolved.

Despite the development, EFCC counsel informed the court that the initial charged against Ajudua has been amended.

The charge was however not read in court since Ajudua was not represented by any counsel.

The matter was adjourned till July 4, 2014 for re-arraignment on the amended charge.

Cynthia Osokogu: Court admits video evidence

BY ONOZURE DANIA

L

AGOS—JUSTICE Olabi si Akinlade of a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere, yesterday admitted as evidence, confessional statements of the killers of Facebook lover, Cynthia Osokogu, contained in a video.

The defendants, Okwumo

Nwabufo 34; Olisaeloka Ezike, 24; Orji Osita, 33 and Ezike Nonso, 25, were charged to court for conspiracy and murder by the Lagos State.

At the last sitting of the matter, one Emmanuel Peters, a film editor and cinematographer, who was led in evidence by the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice,

Ade Ipaye, told the court how he produced the video recording and certification.

At the trial, yesterday he told the court of how he connected his Sony digital camera to a Panasonic DVD player with a Dell laptop computer which he used in producing the DVD containing the video after which he destroyed the copy on his camera.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 —11

Daniel, Amosun in war of words over Ekiti election

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A

BEOKUTA—FORMER governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has accused Governor Ibikunle Amosun of panicking over the loss his party suffered during the recently held governorship election in Ekiti state.

Daniel stated this during the Labour Party's meeting held at Odogbolu local government, claiming that Amosun was jolted over the loss of All Progressive Congress in Ekiti to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The APC lost to the Peoples Democratic Party during the Ekiti State governorship election on June 21, where Governor Kayode Fayemi of APC was trounced

by PDP’s Ayodele Fayose.

According to Daniel, ''those who were employed during my administration and were sacked by Amosun's government are now being recalled, it is because of the Ekiti election.

“The severance allowance was also paid to only those who joined his party whereas, when we resumed office in 2003, we paid all the political office holders that served Chief Segun Osoba at once”, Daniel said.

But, in a swift reaction, Gov-

ernor Amosun denied the allegations, saying he was not worried by the defeat.

Amosun stated this in a statement by the APC publicity secretary, Sola Lawal yesterday, arguing that the party was confident of re-

cording a huge success during the 2015 governorship based on the verifiable infrastructural rebirth of the state effected by the Amosun administration.

He said he would also not agree with the notion that the his administration embarked on panicky welfarist measures following the trouncing of APC in Ekiti State, saying all recentlyexecuted policies of the admin-

istration have been long planned.

He said “For instance, the public distribution of severance gratuity cheques to more than 200 past political office holders by the administration on 24th June, 48 hours after the Ekiti election could not have been planned, processed and executed in such a limited period of time if it was informed by the outcome of Ekiti election.”

VISIT: From right—Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Osun Chapter, Revd. Elijah Ogundiya; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, his Deputy, Mrs Titi LaoyeTomori and Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, during an interaction with the governor on his second term ambition in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, at CAN Secretariat, Owode-Ede, State yesterday.

Osun guber: I remain PDP’s cornerstone — OYINLOLA

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO—FORMER governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola says he remains a cornerstone of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the party’s quest to attain victory in the August 9 governorship election in the state.

The former National Secretary of the party also denied the reports that he has defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, in the state.

Rising from a meeting between

Oyinlola and his supporters from all the local government areas across the state at his country home in Okuku at the weekend, the former governor stated that he remains a strong pillar of the party both in Osun State and at the national level.

The communique issued at the end of the meeting signed by the Chairman, Secretary and Convener of the meeting, Engr.

Oladije Adeniji, Comrade Abayomi Adegoke and Reverend Bunmi Jenyo respectively called on President Goodluck Jonathan

and other PDP leaders to return Oyinlola as the substantive National Secretary of the party as affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

The communique read in part: “the meeting affirmed that the immediate past Executive of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola is a worthy, dependable, reliable and trsuted leader of the party in the state and passed vote of confidence on Prince Oyinlola as a bridge-builder and rallying point for the members of PDP across the state.

“The meeting also affirmed

Ekiti 2014: Fayose wants eligibility case transferred

BY GBENGAARIYIBI

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DO EKITI—Ekiti State governor-elect, Dr Ayo Fayose yesterday asked an Ado Ekiti High Court to transfer a case before it on his eligibility in contesting the June 21 governorship election to Federal High Court A socio-political group, Eeleven and Citizen Party had dragged Fayose to court that he was not eligible to contest the election, having allegedly filled a wrong information with the form submitted to the Independent National Electoral

Commission, INEC. When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, lead counsel to Fayose who is also a defendant in the suit Mr. Raji Ahmed, (SAN) prayed the court to transfer the suit to the Federal High court since the case involved both INEC and National secretariat of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP. Raji said that the case in which the plaintiffs sought to stop his client from contesting the election was already belated.

According to him, the case had no value again as the election

under consideration had been contested and won by his client.

The counsel further added that the case filed at the court was addressed to the national headquarters of the party in Abuja and INEC office both in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory and should therefore be declared null and void.

But the lead counsel to the citizen’s party, Norrison Quakers, (SAN) opposed the position of defendant’s counsel, saying the case still had substance, regardless of whether the election at hand had been conducted or not.

that Prince Oyinlola remains a cornerstone of the PDP in Osun and a strong pillar of the party at the National level thereby debunked the speculations of his (Oyinlola) defection to All Progressive Congress either in principle or otherwise and warned the campaigners and speculators of such rumour of calumny to desist henceforth.”

Oyinlola however declared that he would not take any decision without considering the interest of his supporters, his party and the people of the state.

“Oyinlola is a rallying point to record victory for the PDP during the forthcoming governorship election and will assist the national leadership of the party to reposition the party for victory ahead of 2015 general election”, the communique added.

The meeting had in attendance the Chairman, Federal Emergency Road Maintainance Agency, FERMA, Engr. Olajide Adeniji, a former National Assembly member, Oluwole Oke, a PDP Osun Central Senatorial District Chairman, Mr. Kayode Oduoye, a former Director General, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Chief Akin Osuntokun and others.

791 Lagos retirees receive N3.5bn bond

BY OLASUNKANMI

AKONI

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AGOS—LAGOS State government has disbursed over N3.5 billion as retirement bonds to 791 retirees in the state in last six months. Over N26, 216 billion has been paid to 4,990 retirees till date.

Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, Mr. Rotimi Hussein disclosed this yesterday at the presentation of 11th Retirement bond certificate at Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

Hussein said that 437 of the total 791 retirees majorly drawn from local government councils and the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, were paid over N1.7 billion two months ago.

“Today, the remaining 354 retirees that complete the tranche of the 11th bond presentation will be receiving their retirement benefits. These beneficiaries will smile home with over N1.7bn being their accrued rights for past service to the state prior to the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme in April 2007.”

2015: Ajimobi urges decorum among politicians

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BADAN—GOVER NOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called on politicians to exhibit high level of decorum and decency in order to ensure a successful and peaceful democratic process, as the 2015 general elections draw near.

He stated this while receiving a delegation of Inter-party Advisory Council, IPAC, who paid him a courtesy call at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan yesterday.

Ajimobi said since the objective of any political party was to promote development and the welfare of the people, there should be no need for rancour and bitterness among politicians, stressing that developmental politics should be the focus of every participant.

He said leaving good legacy should be the main objective of all politicians.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Police stop Edo PDP lawmakers from sitting

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

E N I N — FAC T I O N A L Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Festus Ebea and other Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, legislators were, yesterday, barred by the Police from entering the legislative chambers to attend plenary session.

The Assembly complex was also under lock and key, as workers were barred from entering their offices, just as it was gathered that the police want a joint plenary of the members after a peaceful resolution of the crisis bedevilling the House.

They PDP lawmakers, however sat outside the gate of the Assembly for hours before they adjourned till July 7, 2014 It will be recalled that while the PDP members in the House, including the suspended ones, adjourned their sitting to yesterday, the All Progressives Congress, APC legislators said they would sit on July 2.

The factional Speaker, Mr. Ebea, who expressed worries over the way the House of Assembly was being run, accused the state government of running the legislature as an appendage of Government House and along party lines, which he lamented, was now

jeopardising the collective interests of Edo people.

Ebea said that in the last two months, they had been denied of their salaries and allowances, their official vehicles seized and denied access to their legislative quarters.

On his part, Mr. Friday Ogieriakhi commended the Police and thanked Edo youths and market women for not yielding to Governor Adams Oshiomole’s alleged call to anarchy.

Edo State Police Commis-

sioner, Mr. Folusho Adebanjo, who was on ground to assess the situation, told newsmen that there was need for the lawmakers to be honourable in their deeds and stop the situation from getting out of hand.

TRADITIONAL WEDDING: Mr. Kolade Olapoju and his bride, Princess Komi Emiko, during their traditional wedding at Victoria Garden City, Lagos. INSET is the bride's mother, Princess Reverend Christine Abiloye Emiko. A printer's devil in Saturday Vanguard had, weekend, stated that the bride's parents were late and she was given out by her uncles and aunts. We have since realised that this was wrong as the mother of the bride is alive. We regret the error.

Edo, least indebted S-South state —Oshiomhole

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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E N I N— G O V E R N O R Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that contrary to allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, that the state government had mortgaged the future of the state through its debt profile, Edo State was the least indebted state when compared with the PDP states in the SouthSouth.

Oshiomhole, who spoke during a visit by leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in the state, led by Mr. Desmond Agbama, challenged journalists in the state to investigate the debt profile, yearly allocation of PDP controlled states in the South-South, and “compare it with that of Edo State, then you will see how dishonest they are.

“We need vibrant media to defend democracy, to keep political actors on their toe, to interrogate those who are at the corridors of power. By and large, the Nigerian media has played that part. But we have to do more. When Edo State Government under my leader-

ship went to the capital market to obtain N25 billion bond, the opposition PDP opposed it. They did everything possible to frustrate it eventhough all our neighbouring states had done so. As at that time I was the only All Progressives Congress, APC, governor in the South South. All the other states in the South South went to the same market and raised between N75-N200 billion.

“These are facts that are docu-

mented. As we speak, of the six states in the South-South, Edo State has borrowed the least. Whereas our debt profile is around N10-12 billion, the other PDP states in the South-South zone are indebted to the tune of between N100-200 billion. This fact is corroborated by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Okonjo Iweala, who also is a minister under the PDP led Federal Government.

“She was reported as saying that in 2013, Akwa Ibom earned about N250 billion, followed by Rivers that earned about N220 billion, Delta about N200 billion, Bayelsa with eight local government areas earned about N197 billion, that same year Edo State earned less than N60 billion.

And these are PDP states in the South South. And when you look at the debt profile, they borrow more."

Uduaghan tasks FCC on equitable sharing of nation’s wealth

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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SABA— GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, yesterday, called on the Federal Character Commission, FCC , to ensure that the nation’s revenue was equitably and fairly distributed among the three tiers of government in order to bail out some states which find it difficult to even pay salaries of their workers due to lack of funds.

He charged the commission to

go beyond its statutory mandate of ensuring fair and equitable distribution of positions in the public service, to ensure that the nation’s resources were equitably distributed between the three tiers of government.

Receiving, the commissioner representing Delta State in the FCC, Chief Emmanuel Ebimami, on a courtesy visit at Government House, Uduaghan, said: “There is the need for FCC to deal with the complexity

of the country in the distribution of positions, especially the balancing act of the different ethnic groups.

“Beyond that I want to add a third mandate for the FCC, that you should ensure a fair and equitable distribution of the revenue of the nation. As at today, most states cannot pay salaries as they do not have enough funds to do so.

Funding is a very big challenge at the state level and I believe that the FCC should look into this area.”

Delta LG polls: Commissioner warns against fielding unpopular candidates

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—DELTA State Commissioner for Finance, Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, has advised leaders and elders of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state against fielding unpopular candidates in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

Okpara, at a meeting of Eku PDP Leaders and Elders Council with councillorship aspirants for Eku Wards 15 and 16 in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, said the advice was to ensure victory for PDP at all levels in the elections.

He noted that the leaders and elders in Eku PDP have since heeded the advice, hence the meeting with the aspirants to test their strength at their various wards.

Unagha tasks Urhobo students on commitment

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HE chairman of Urhobo Nationalist Movement, Alhaji Mumakai Unagha, has charged Urhobo students to be committed to the aspiration of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, so as to move the Urhobo nation forward.

Addressing Urhobo students who visited him ahead of their forthcoming congress, Unagha charged them to always seek for directives from the leadership of UPU in whatever they do, adding that no society thrived without direction.

Mumakai-Unagha, who is also the National Assistant Publicity Secretary of the union, urged the students to always conduct themselves peacefully during and after their election.

Admonishing the students against dividing the people, he said that all hands must be on deck to redeem and reposition the Urhobo nation.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014—13

Jonathan’s re-election: Ex-militants vow to cut off fuel supply to North if...

BY TOM MOSES

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RON —REPENTANT militant leaders in the Niger Delta have threatened to cut off the supply of petroleum products to Northern Nigeria, should the North oppose the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

The ex-militants, at their meeting in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, also threatened to ensure that the North did not benefit from crude oil proceeds generated from the Niger Delta region.

The ex-militants converged in Oron under the aegis of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative, where they assessed the handling of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, projects by contractors.

President of the group, Mr. Reuben Wilson, said that their interest was to ensure that Jonathan returned to office in 2015, while anybody opposed to the idea would be consid-

ered an enemy of the region.

He said: “We met in Oron to review developments in the country, particularly the interest of the Niger Delta people. You will agree that the Niger Delta is the main stay of the nation’s economy. You will also agree with me that the Niger Delta people are sustaining the economy at

great inconveniences and pains to its people and the environment. This has been the only time that the region has had the privilege of producing a president for the country.

“It is unthinkable that the North will be plotting against our son, intimidating him

with bomb blasts here and there and causing the untimely death of scores of innocent Nigerians, all because they want to take back power.

“We have always seen the need for us to live together as one indivisible country and that is what Mr. President believes in."

Why I dumped PDP —Abe

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT—SENATOR Magnus Abe has said that the failure of the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, on Ogoni was why he decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Senator Abe, who represents Rivers South-East senatorial district, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He said that if the APC was voted in at the federal level in

the 2015 elections, the party would implement the report.

He said: “About two years ago, Shell Petroleum Development Corporation told us during its annual general meeting in London that the $1 billion for the clean-up of Ogoni environment was ready and that what was left was for the government to move into action. I have met with the minister several times over the issue and Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who carried same to President Jonathan Jonathan, but nothing happened.

“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who initiated the remediation move, is not from the Niger Delta. The late President Yar’Adua, who signed a Federal Government’s resolve to implement the outcome of the investigation is not from the Niger Delta, but someone, who is from the Niger Delta region has refused to implement the UNEP report.

“I cannot continue to belong to PDP, when those who are incharge of the party have refused to attend to the needs of my people."

Madam Alasa passes on

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ADAM Kate Alasa, a Lagos-based business woman, is dead, aged 50. A native of Jattu-Uzairue in Etsako Local Government Area of Edo State, Madam Alasa died on June 19, 2014.

A statement by the family said Christian wakekeep holds tomorrow, at her residence, 3, Odudu Close, Agric Bus Stop, Ojo, Lagos, while interment takes place on July 3, at her home town, Jattu-Uzairue in Etsako West LGA of Edo State.

She is survived by two daughters, Mariam and Peace, and several siblings, including the Managing Director of Pentals Nigeria Ltd, Chief Babs Alasa.

Late Madam Alasa

C M Y K

14 — Vanguard , TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Unleash Operation Nkpochapu on musical pirates, NCC, MPDAN tell Obiano

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

NITSHA—THE Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, may have teamed up with members of the Musical Products Dealers Association of Nigeria, MPDAN, in fighting music pirates to a standstill in Anambra State.

They called on Governor Willie Obiano to assist them in achieving the feat by drafting the Military Joint Task Force, JTF (Operation Kpochapu) to monitor the activities of the pirates, with a view to bringing the culprits to book.

In a press statement issued in Onitsha, yesterday, National President of MPDAN, Mr Joseph Okpalakunne, and his Secretary, Mr. Sunny Agubosim, noted that the work of the JTF would be incomplete if the pirates were not flushed out of Anambra State and other other parts of the country where they existed and carried out their nefarious activities.

The release read in part: “Your Excellency sir, we wish to bring to your notice the menace caused by some individuals and corporate bodies who transfer musical products into MP3 and MP4 cards, flash disks, CD and

memory cards, etc. and sell to the general public without prior permission of the rightful owners.”

The association recalled that it had been using legal means to curb piracy in the state in collaboration with other bodies.

The group said: “Last year the Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, Onitsha zone led us in a one-day raid

at the Onitsha International Electronics Market, along Onitsha/Asaba Expressway which is a major hide out for those pirates. The raid was successful as some of the culprits are currently facing prosecution.”

The association hinted that plaza owners, including Sir Emeka Offor, Jerry O and

Peace Motors Company have been served with petitions on the illegal activities of pirates in their plazas and urged them to rid the plaza and other markets of such people.

Meanwhile, NCC has indicated its willingness to enlighten the perpetrators of the infringement if they so wished.

FLAG OFF: From left: Plateau State Governor, Dr. Jonah Jang, Mrs Elizabeth Amkpa, General Manager, GOtv, and Mr. Emeka Mba, Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, during the flag-off of the Jos pilot city digital switch-over, DSO, in Jos, yesterday.

Activist wins case against sale of farmland in Enugu

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—AN Enugu High Court, yesterday, restrained the executive of Amankwo Eke Town Union from selling to an industrialist 20 acres of land belonging to Amankwo Eke in Udi Local Government Area of the state.

Ruling on the case brought before it by a woman political activist, Chief Loretta Aniagolu who sought, among other things, a declaration by the court that the executive of the Town Union had no legal right or authority to sell the 20 acres of communal land without carrying along all the stakeholders, including women of the community.

Chief Aniagolu also sought a declaration by the court that, just like men, women in Amankwo Eke should have right to partake in the distribution of communal land and, therefore, ought to be duly consulted before any sale of the land.

She further asked the court to declare null and void the deed of conveyance given to the industrialist who bought the land in question.

Justice Afam Nwobodo, after reviewing the submissions of both parties in the case, affirmed that the land was a communal land which the town union constitution stated belonged to every member of the community regardless of sex.

He granted Aniagolu’s prayers and struck out the counter-claims made by the defendants.

“The constitution of the town union was specific that it is the Land Committee’s responsibility to allocate land and not the executive of the town union,” Justice Nwobodo said.

He maintained that the constitution of the town union provided that a 14-member land committee should be responsible for allocating land, emphasising that it was

wrong of two persons only, who had nothing to do with the document to have signed it.

The argument of the defendants that Aniagolu had no locus standi to file a suit on the land matter for reasons that she was a woman married to somebody outside Eke did not hold water, according to Justice Nwobodo.

Oko Poly Rector urges ASUP to call off strike

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—THE Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Professor Godwin Onu, yesterday pleaded with the striking members of the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, to call off their strike that has lasted for 11 months.

Following the prolonged strike, there are two sets of first year students in the institution, with those who have gained admission unsure of when they will resume studies.

Speaking at Oko when the Registrar of the institution, Mr.

Tony Nwokolobia, was honoured with the leadership excellence award as the most outstanding Delta State indigene in the academia, Onu, who spoke through the deputy rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Don Muo, regretted that students who ought to have graduated had remained at home, while those who have completed all the processes for admission, were yet to begin lectures.

The award was conferred on him by leaders of Nigerian Youths Students Mandate, NYSM. According to him, the strike has deprived the students the opportunity to receive lectures for a full academic session. He

noted that both the striking workers and students had missed a lot.

Coordinator of NYSM, Comrade Davidson Ebere, said Nwokolobia, who hails from Illa in Oshimili South local government area of Delta State, was selected for the award because of his dedication to the growth of academics and concern for the progress of youths as future leaders of the country.

According to him, Nwokolobia has been a source of inspiration for Nigerian students. He added that they would continue to approach him for necessary advice as they mature in their various endeavours.

Abaribe joins Abia guber race

BY DAPO AKINREFON

U

MUAHIA — SPOKESMAN of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has formally declared to contest the governorship of Abia State in 2015.

Abaribe, who is a former Deputy Governor of the state, told party officials at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, secretariat in Umuahia at the weekend, that he was heeding the overwhelming entreaty from across the political spectrum of Abia to come and consolidate on the already laid developmental foundation.

Abaribe told the PDP officials that he was at the party secretariat to declare that he would contest for the governorship of Abia State come 2015.

He said: “I am here to formally tell you that I, Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe, will contest for the office of governor of Abia State in 2015. I have consulted widely. I have been to Abia North, Central and South. I have consulted the party elders and stakeholders."

Fashola hands over new palace to Epe monarch

BY OLASUNKANMI

L

AKONI

AGOS—AS part of measures to uphold and elevate the values of traditional institutions in the state, Governor Babatunde Fashola has handed over a 5,000 square meters ultraModern Palace to Oba Akeem Okunola Adesanya, the Alara of Ilara.

The monarch is also the chairman, Council of Obas in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Fashola said the nation’s royal fathers deserved honour for their immeasurable contributions towards disseminating important information on policies and programmes of the state government to the people at the grassroots.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, noted that traditional rulers were the custodians of indigenous heritage and, as such, should be adequately catered for by all and sundry.

Vanguard , TUESDAY,JULY 1, 2014 — 15

Sen Makarfi faults judiciary over N10bn aircraft charter probe

BY JOHNBOSCO

AGBAKWURU

A

BUJA—CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Finance and former governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has faulted the judiciary for the alleged stoppage of House of Representatives’ investigation into the alleged spending of N10 billion to charter aircraft by Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke.

According to him, the judiciary should not interfere in the affairs of the National Assembly.

The House of Representatives had summoned the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, and management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC,to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged charter of aircraft for N10 billion.

Instead of honouring the invitation, the Minister

reportedly said it was only the President that had the power to cause her appearance for any investigation and rushed to the Federal High Court, where an interim injunction stopping the House of Representatives from investigating her was granted.

But speaking to journalists yesterday, Senator Makarfi, who was a former governor of

Kaduna State, warned that it portend danger for the judiciary to interfere in the activities of the National Assembly.

He said: “I think it was wrong for any court to stop the National Assembly from legislating or investigation. The National Assembly cannot stop any court from trying any case before it.

Equally, the court should not interfere in the operation of the

National Assembly to make laws or to investigate any matter.

“The court can find faults at the end of the day. If legislation is unconstitutional the court has the power to annul such legislation.

Or if an investigation was biased, and someone proves before the court that he was not given a fair hearing. That is a postinvestigative issue and not a preinvestigation."

FG bans products over safety violations

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU &

RETNA OTOHOMDET B U J A —

A

DETERMINED to protect Nigerian consumers from deadly and expired products, the Federal Government has slammed a ban on products that violate the litmus test of safety and health regulations in the country.

The Director-General, Consumers Protection Council, CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, who confirmed the

development during the flagoff of ‘Check the Best Before Dates Campaign’ in Abuja yesterday, said the country could not afford to risk the lives of its citizenry by manufacturers, distributors and retailers who sell expired and harmful products to consumers.

Atoki lamented that makers and sellers of most products had capitalised on the ignorance and carelessness of Nigerian consumers who most of the time, hurriedly buy products without bothering to check the expiration

dates, thereby endangering their lives with such deadly and harmful products.

She said: “We will ban products that are not safe and healthy for Nigerian consumers and products that are near expiration dates”.

Atoki said products such as foods, beverages, cosmetics, water, even recharge cards, should have their expiration dates clearly written for consumers to see, adding that they must also meet all safety and health regulations before being pushed into the markets.

Removal of subsidy dangerous —Sen Anosike

BY JOHNBOSCO

AGBAKWURU

A

BUJA—FORMER Chairman, Senate Committee on Services, Senator Emmanuel Anosike, has said that any attempt by the Federal Government to remove oil subsidy in the country would be dangerous, as it will cause untold hardship for the masses.

The former senator, who represented Anambra North senatorial district, stated this in an interview with Vanguard in Abuja, yesterday.

According to him, the problem with the oil sector is lack of enabling legislation to regulate the activities in the sector.

He noted that it was the commonpersonthatwouldsuffer the harsh effect of the removal of subsidy as cost of living would go high, thereby compounding the presenteconomicsituationinthe country.

16— Vanguard , TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

FLOOD THAT WASHED AWAY THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE LINKING APETE, A SUBURB OF IBADAN KILLING 10 PEOPLE

School children and others trying to pass through a part of the road washed by the flood on the old Ibadan-Iwo road, Olodo.

A collapsed building along the over flooded Olodo river. Photos: Dare Fasube.

What is left of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church where four people were swept away during the flood at Olodo area of Ibadan.

Stranded residents at an unchanelled point of the Olodo river, wondering how to access their homes.

The remains of a fence of a church pulled down by the flood.

Maku wants Northern leaders to support Jonathan

BY MARIE-THERESE

NANLONG

J

OS—THE Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Labaran Maku has called on Nigerian leaders especially those from the North to cooperate with President Goodluck Jonathan in order to ensure peaceful coexistence and development in the region.

Maku spoke yesterday in Jos, the Plateau State capital at the flag-off campaign of the Jos Pilot digital switch-over, DSO, where analogue television broadcast was switched over to digital to conform with international standard.

He also appealed to the leaders to imbibe the spirit of understanding and tolerance among them for the country to move forward.

Maku said: “The North is known for her high moral discipline and good

conduct, so it is time for our people to give peace a chance and embrace oneness.”

On the digitisation, he said that the campaign would ensure that those who cannot afford digital television were brought up to date in global television broadcast trend.

Maku stressed over 40 million “set up boxes” would be made available to viewers across the country, adding that “the flagging off of digital programming in the country will be one of the largest employers of labour in West Africa.

“There is going to be a serious exploitation in the television- content capacity that would provide good programmes and the country is going to face increase in number of television channels with extra available digital endless stations.”

Also speaking, the Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Mr, Emeka Mba said the digital switch-over was

aimed at addressing economic and political challenges of people as well as improve their ways of life.

Mba commended Governor Jonah Jang for transforming the stateowned media, Plateau R a d i o / Te l e v i s i o n Corporation, PRTVC. However, Jang who also spoke at the event challenged the NBC to use the enlightenment campaign to allay the fears of Nigerians by addressing fundamental questions that would arise in the minds of the people.

Jang decried the decline and even near absence of high quality local programmes and called for the trend to be reversed.

He said: “The Plateau State government in line with this trend has spent over N2.5 billion in the upgrading of facilities in the PRTVC to enable it fit into the global digitisation technology.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 17

KING Nebuchadnezzar gloried in his kingdom and declared: “Is this not magnificent Babylon, which I have built as a royal capital by my mighty power and for my glorious majesty?” (Daniel 4:30). While the words were still in his mouth, a voice came from heaven to inform him that the kingdom he was boasting about had been taken away from him.

Similarly, Bola Tinubu, “the Ashiwaju of Yorubaland,” surveyed his kingdom and decided to make a boastful proclamation. Speaking of himself in the third person, Tinubu declared: “Nobody, no one under the sun, under the United Nations Human Rights Charter, can stop Bola Tinubu’s ambition.” Famous last words!

The voice of the electorate in the South-West has answered Tinubu. His personal ambition is certainly not in the interest of the people.

De-mystification of Tinubu Tinubu’s claim to fame lies in the strength of his ACN party in the South-West. The only resistance was Ondo State, which was controlled by Olusegun Mimiko’s Labour party. But the assumption was that it was only a matter of time before Ondo too would succumb to the Tinubu juggernaut.

However, in the 2012 gubernatorial election in Ondo, Mimiko not only prevailed once again, the ACN candidate did not even come second. He was

as president was to make a play for PDP victory in the SouthWest in 2003 by hook or crook.

Every trick in the book was employed to bring South-West states under PDP control.

Failure of success

The beginning of the end of the Bola Tinubu dynasty the exhibition of fair play and justice to all and carry the banner of progressive politics into national politics now that the eclipse of the ACN is unavoidable.”

Ekiti Waterloo This prognosis has proved to be prophetic. The defeat of Tinubu’s party in Ondo has now been followed by its trouncing in the just-concluded gubernatorial election in Ekiti.

Ekiti was presumed to be one of Tinubu’s South-West strongholds. The incumbent governor, Kayode Fayemi, is one of the darlings of Tinubu’s new-fangled APC. Indeed, some have been touting Fayemi as a possible APC vicepresidential candidate.

,

While Tinubu derided Yoruba Obas as “useless,” he went up North to Kwankwaso to engineer the installation of a “useful” Emir of Kano

beaten to a distant third by the PDP. This indicated that the Yorubas were already getting fed up with Tinubu; determined that they will not be sold into his slavery. In a letter to Mimiko congratulating him on his victory, Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of the Yoruba group, Afenifere, said: “This victory, amongst other things, is victory over god-fatherism, a rejection of political imposition and slavery from outside the state.”

“We entered into electoral cooperation with you (Mimiko) in the election to counter an emerging group under the leadership of few disrespectful, snobbish, arrogant, ravaging and power-thirsty politicians.”

The obvious reference here was to Bola Tinubu and his ACN colleagues. In many respects, Tinubu has become the most hated politician in the South-West. Association with him is increasingly as politically contagious as leprosy. The emerging consensus in the South-West is that Tinubu has overreached himself with his heavy-handedness. It is past time to cut him back to size.

Thus, Fasoranti added to Mimiko: “There is a need for

,

However, rather than confirm that Ekiti is firmly in Tinubu’s camp, the people of Ekiti decided to send a loud and clear message to Tinubu. They no longer want to have anything to do with him and with his party.

Tinubu’s Fayemi did not only lose the Ekiti election, he lost it by a landslide. He obtained 120,000 votes to Ayo Fayose’s 203,000. Fayemi lost in every local government area of the state. Coming on the heels of its defeat in Ondo, the APC rout in Ekiti is conclusive proof that Tinubu’s fabled stranglehold on South-West politics has ended.

Indeed, Tinubu is now a political liability in the SouthWest. Rather than bring votes to the APC in the region, he is now more than likely to lose them.

This accounts for the confused reaction of the APC to the election. Local and international observers declared it free and fair. The losing local candidates readily accepted defeat, including Fayemi, the APC candidate. But Tinubu and his APC cohorts from outside the state are challenging the defeat in a pathetic attempt to make excuses for such

disgraceful trouncing in putative APC territory. Only the gullible will believe this facesaving charade.

On the contrary, a prescient observer of the APC debacle in Ekiti made this observation: “Tinubu is no Awolowo and that illusion is being put to test. He doesn’t have the gravitas of Papa Awo and in fact, many of these South-West state governors will soon discover that they are more electable without Tinubu’s name. Tinubu cost Fayemi the election and if he knows what is good he should stay in the background if Osun State (whose election is due two months hence) is not to fall in a domino.”

“Useless” Yoruba Obas It was a long time coming, but Yorubas in general are now fed up with Bola Tinubu's arrogance and with his determination to rule the SouthWest as his fiefdom. A politician is supposed to be subject to his people. However, Tinubu believes the Yorubas are subject to him. The over-bearing influence of Tinubu in Ekiti politics was one of the major issues of the campaign. The message of the electorate is that this would no longer be tolerated. This message was superbly championed by Fayose who presented himself as a man of the people, determined to stop the hemorrhage whereby Ekiti money was routinely shipped to Lagos.

A smart politician does not broadcast his contempt for his people. However, with the arrogance of power, Tinubu derided Yoruba Obas as “useless.” He declared “ex cathedra:” “The good Obas in Yorubaland who are forthright, firm and stand by the truth are not up to five, they are just three.” With these words, Tinubu drove a nail firmly into his own political coffin. While he derided Yoruba Obas as “useless,” he went up North to Kwankwaso to engineer the installation of a “useful” Emir of Kano. Therefore, the Ekiti people decided to tell Tinubu that they have no use for him and that their Obas are not useless.

The success of Fashola in

transforming the face of Lagos was sold as the ACN/APC template in the South-West, and this had some traction for a while. Fayemi too presented himself as a “performing governor” with major projects right across the state. But when asked why he did not build lowcost housing in Lagos, Fashola replied contemptuously that he could not find any low-cost cement to buy. But as its defeat in Ekiti now demonstrates; the elitist high-cost APC needs lowcost voters in order to win elections. What the PDP did mischievously in Ekiti was to capitalise on the electorate’s cynical preference for poundedyam over tarred roads.

Lessons from Obasanjo The rejection of Bola Tinubu today in the South-West also lies in the very betrayal of his earlier success. Tinubu championed South-West resistance to Obasanjo’s determination to sacrifice Yoruba interests on the altar of a contrived alliance with the North. While that alliance clearly served Obasanjo’s interests, independent-minded South-West voters saw nothing in it for them. Foolishly, Tinubu is now presenting himself as yet another architect of the same rejected alliance with the Northern caliphate, for the sake of his own personal political ambitions.

Following the crisis that ensued after the annulment of M.K.O. Abiola’s victory in the 1993 presidential election, there emerged a general consensus that the 1999 election should be zoned to South-West Yorubas in the interest of national reconciliation.

However, Northerners decided they would determine who the Yoruba candidate should be.

Obasanjo was fished out of prison and anointed as PDP presidential candidate.

This Yoruba choice by Northerners was rejected by the Yorubas. Although Obasanjo went ahead to win the election nationwide, he lost woefully in the South-West. Thereafter, he was derided as a president without coattails in his own backyard. Obasanjo’s response

The PDP rigged the 2003 elections masterfully and wrested back power from every ACN-controlled South-West state except Lagos. Even in Lagos, the INEC went ahead to proclaim a fictitious PDP victory on its website, before this was belatedly withdrawn with ignominy. The brilliant SouthWest answer to this PDP treachery was Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu drew a line in the sand, held on to Lagos, and struck back from this stronghold to win back all the lost SouthWest states in 2007. He won because the people of the South-West refused to mortgage their future to the political interests of Obasanjo and his allies in the North. It is therefore surprising that, with the arrogance of power, Tinubu is now following the same failed footsteps of Obasanjo.

Instead of learning from Obasanjo’s blunder, Tinubu too has now decided to unite his ethnic ACN party with the Northern caliphate. With the contempt for the people that has come with years of monarchical control over the ACN, Tinubu presumes South-West people will follow him sheepishly into this alliance with the North, just because his burning ambition to become the vice-president of Nigeria now demands it. But what this has achieved is to show that Tinubu’s ambitions are anathema to South-West interests.

Anybody who thinks Tinubu’s APC will succeed in the SouthWest does not understand South-West politics. The Yorubas are too proud and fiercely independent to agree to play second-fiddle to anyone because of a man called Tinubu.

S.L. Akintola tried the same gambit in the 1960s, and the South-West rejected him. The same rejection has befallen Bola Tinubu.

Lagosians are disgusted that Tinubu has privatised their politics. His wife, daughter and even son-in-law have been steam-rolled into vantage political positions. The state’s finances are tied to Alpha Beta.

Tinubu has even gone ahead to anoint Akinwunmi Ambode as the next governor of the state without the benefit of any election. This is asking for trouble. If Tinubu is not careful, a big implosion is likely in APC Lagos State over the issue of the choice of the next governor.

Every which way in the South-West, the message is crystal clear: “Tinubu’s imperious dynasty is over: long live the sovereignty of the people.”

18— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 THERE is more to Ramadan than the abstinence from food and water. Ramadan is a time of evaluating one’s relationship with the Almighty, his Maker. It is a month for major decisions about life and the hereafter.

Ramadan is a month of spiritual elevation for those who faithfully stick to the tenets of the period. It should be a month of spiritual re-awakening reflecting the understanding of the individual about his life and its purpose.

During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking any liquids from sunrise to sunset, which can be a challenge, especially with the high humidity in most places. The discipline of maintaining this regime is one of the things that direct the focus on Almighty Allah.

Needs are local which must have informed the call by Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Ramalan Yero made on insurgents to end the killings that have torn parts of Nigeria into bits, particularly since 2011. His simple “end the killings now” message though appropriate gives the impression that it would be acceptable

A Ramadan Call TTo o Action to continue the killings after the month of Ramadan.

Islam is a peaceful religion and would not support killings, whether before, during or after Ramadan. Yero’s other messages about using the Ramadan to forge more friendships across borders of religion and region are on target.

“Let us seize this divine mercy through worship and prayers for Allah, the Almighty, to bring the present spate of insecurity in our land to an end. Ramadan is a period of enormous divine grace and salvation. It is, therefore, a time for us to pray for Allah’s mercy in bringing lasting peace and harmony to Kaduna State and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Kaduna State has had its share of the killings with new ones beginning before the past ones are addressed. Most recently, unknown gunmen killed more than 200 people in villages in different parts of the State.

“We are all created by God Almighty and the only way to glorify God’s gift of life to us is by living peacefully with one another,” Yero said. The profundity of that claim lies on how individuals, across religions internalise their relation with the Almighty, and the practices that their beliefs entail.

Ramadan can be more challenging to the poor, whose circumstances are such that daily they are in want and deprivation.

Appeals that the wealthy ones should help the poor – something some governments do – are admissions that we should do more to reduce excruciating poverty among our people.

The piety Ramadan produces is a reminder of the peaceful relations we should have with each other in obedience to the Almighty Allah who is the fountain of peace.

OPINION

BY AIYEVBEKPEN OSAKUE

O

N the political chessboard, moves and counter-moves are sometimes so furious in pace as to confound bystanders and interested democratic watchers. The unpredictably turbulent political space in Edo State presents even more complicated and sphinx-like scenario. The recent defection of members of Alaghodaro Group, an erstwhile faction in the APC, to the PDP typifies such an event. Thus, public discourse has tended to be inscrutably mawkish. But one is cognizant of the fact that so near is falsehood to truth that even the judgement of wise men on the narrow edge are dubitable.

The crises that led to the defection of Alaghodaro group members from the APC to the PDP had a background, history, character and a build-up that must be clearly placed in the right perspective. First, the dramatis personae in the entire episode are well known members of the political class in Edo State. For instance, Dr. Tony Omoaghe was a National Officer of the PDP. Later he became the Chairman of the Igbinedion faction of the PDP when sharp polarisation of the PDP resulted in the creation of factional secretariats. On his own part, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was Chief of Staff and later Secretary to State Government under former Governor Lucky Igbinedion. He was the chief promoter of a political group called the Grace Group, which was by and large resurrected as Alaghodaro group in the APC. Throughout the period of their membership of APC, no one can deny that these two men along with Alaghodaro members were visible in the government of Adams Oshiomhole. Their

Edo and politics of defection relationship with the Comrade-Governor was extremely cordial. Indeed, the fact that Pastor Ize-Iyamu dedicated the honorary award on him late last year by Benson Idahosa University to the Comrade-Governor above all men who had earlier influenced his life strongly attests to this cordiality.

But it is the nature of ambition to hide the truth in its breast. Ambition is never quenched but responds only to its appetite.

Given the distance covered side by side by Pastor Ize-Iyamu and Comrade Oshiomhole, only the consuming fire of ambition could have ruptured the relationship. There is a dark side to every ambitious man and this was amply manifested by the continued nurturing of a factional group in the party even after major elections were won. Without belabouring fertile imaginations, Pastor IzeIyamu in a recent interview admitted this fact and accused the Comrade-Governor of reneging on his promise to make him his successor. It became absolutely manifest that the storm was instigated solely to protest perceived denial of access to gubernatorial power. It thus appears that the leadership of the group thought it was appropriate to preempt the outcome of the party ward and local government congresses as defeat was a fait accompli. It was therefore tactical to explore the option of mounting intimidating pressures on the Comrade-Governor to stand by his alleged private endorsement in words and action. This did not happen!

The Alaghodaro group's defection is different from earlier ones in that the group is

known to be factious, belligerent and vindictive. The reason is because the defection was not ideas and values driven. When a man takes a firm ideological stand out of conviction, he would find it hard to abandon it for private advantage. Such selfishly instigated crises may grab media headlines and public attention but they cannot sway the confidence of the people when the chips are down. When a man is madly angry, he goes through a crucible of a sort during which even the glitters of gold would appear to him like mere garbage. He is often a victim of his anger! But let us face it, if Pastor Ize-Iyamu had been endorsed as APC gubernatorial nominee for 2016 as requested, would there have been any defection? Certainly not.

Against the background that the rejection of the party in 2007 and the series of cross carpeting witnessed ever since, particularly in the run-off to the 2012 gubernatorial election, the cacophony of the PDP over the action of the defectors is understandable. The party has been comatose for too long. But what is the electoral value of the Alaghodaro group to the PDP? Can their move reconfigure the political equation in the State? Time will tell. Yet, a good knowledge of the characters of the decampees and the electoral behaviour of voters in Edo State will be a reliable pointer to the possibilities ahead. In view of the uninspiring record of performance of the PDP in the State, it seems most unlikely that Edo people will again entrust their destiny in the hands of the over-bearing

godfathers. The party believes that the popularity of the government has plummeted, thus giving the PDP an edge. Yet, placed on a scale of balance, the visible star legacy achievements of the government would overwhelmingly tilt the balance in favour of the APC. While human memories may be short, the wounds inflicted on the collective psyche of Edo people who groaned under the weight of callous executive abandonment of responsibilities of the PDP government is still apparently too fresh in the minds of the people to ignore.

Consequently, the bashing of Comrade Oshiomhole and his government by the PDP will only be hard hitting, if they could taunt the APC government with their own record of performance. The PDP should pick on a sector where their government clearly excelled and attack the present government for not sustaining their shining example. It is not persuasive criticising a government that gave Edo people a modern six- lane road where it was thought impossible when the critics cannot point to one completed project standing tall in tribute to their party. It counts for nothing for the PDP to criticise Oshiomhole’s government for what they called financial recklessness, when it is of public knowledge that their government awarded contracts, collected full payments for them and the contractors never appeared at the sites. The image of the PDP is not also enhanced when the principal actors of that government are being celebrated and welcomed back as defectors, as if their atrocities have been forgiven. Even in Christendom, you need serious penance to have your sins forgiven. *Mr. Aiyevbekpen, a political strategist, wrote from Benin City.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 19

T

HE Ekiti State governorship election has come and gone.

The result has caused serious shock waves amongst some of us, but to others like me, it did not come as a surprise. When I canvassed for a concerted approach by everyone, irrespective of political affiliation, to join hands and fight the common enemy of insurgency, some ascribed names like 'Jonathanians' and 'PDP appologist' to us. Now the picture is becoming clearer and the blind will soon begin to see clearly.

There can only be a free and fair election when the atmosphere is calm and peaceful, and when politicians refrain from taking it as a do-or- die affair. When you threaten to soak 'the baboon and dog in blood', you can only win this kind of battle if you have the advantage of superior force. As at today, the President of Nigeria is, arguably, the most powerful president in the whole world in terms of the forces at his disposal, whether economically or militarily. We saw the full weight of it, when Obasanjo was in power. Governors were forcefully removed from office undemocratically to the consternation of the whole nation .

The ruling PDP was changing party chairmen as the rich change their fleet of cars; some changes were even effected at the dead of nights.

Government funds were allocated to girl friends without qualms; even people close to the President openly

displayed such tendencies like a youth corps member who was placed on N1 million remuneration under El Rufai's Bureau of Public Enterprises when her colleagues were earning peanuts as allowances.

Such was the power of the Presidency then under Obasanjo and such is the presidential powers today under Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

We preached for a proper institutionalisation of all facets of governance but the military culture was carried over to the present. Obasanjo is regretting the fact that he brought in Jonathan because Jonathan now understood the use of presidential powers and thus cannot be controlled.

Opportunity has been described in various forms, but generally, it is agreed that an opportunity missed can never be recovered. The country missed the opportunity to be placed on a proper track under Obasanjo, everything we are experiencing now, are fall outs of that missed opportunity.

Business experts always harp on the need to take advantage of opportunities; have we taken advantage of the opportunities offered by the change of personality type between Obasanjo and Jonathan? I do not think so.

Jonathan's mode of democracy made it possible for anybody to come out and heap insults on the president of the nation. Have we learnt to use it properly? If we do not do it right, this time around, the nation will be plunged fully into worse crises.

Let everybody preach peace; let us all try to run democracy the ideal way; let it be issue-based and not destructive; let it not be done under a threatening atmosphere

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radually, because of the taunting of the opposition, their unwarranted insults and denigration, the despoliation of the office of the president through reckless utterances, we are beginning to see him bare his fang.

He is beginning, gradually, to use the power the way Obasanjo taught him and the results are becoming manifest.

Whether you like it or not, politics is a game, a game of contesting to win the hearts and the support of the people; if you play the game well and are able to carry the people along with you, you come out tops.

It is not whether your programme is the best or not, it is about your ability to make the people follow you. The beauty of it all is that in civilised societies, it is not often that

Ekiti: ‘Clueless’ Jonathan runs APC aground

BY JOHN AINOFENOKHAI “Fayose is a son of a bitch.”

“Yes, he is our son of a bitch.”

HE above statements came from an exchange between two users on a social network medium to express their opinions on the outcome of the Ekiti governorship election, which Ayodele Peter Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, emphatically won. As inappropriate as their language may sound, nobody can capture what has just happened in Ekiti State any better. Yes, Fayose, the PDP candidate went into that election trusting only one thing: the efficacy of democracy in guaranteeing the popular will.

He was insulted, called names, denigrated and had his reputation dragged in the mud by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and its supporters, especially in the media. He was portrayed by the APC and a good section of the elite in the South West as a bad dream that should not be allowed to come to pass. And when all that failed, propaganda was ignited that “a court” judgement has barred the PDP candidate from the election.

It was all too clear that the emergence of Fayose as the PDP governorship candidate in Ekiti State had thrown the APC into confusion. Their natural response was to hit the panic button by threatening violence, thunder and brimstone in what should simply be a peaceful process for the enlightened people of the state to decide on their collective fate. Thus, speaking at his investiture as the Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, the APC leader, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, had called on his supporters to unleash mayhem should there be any other outcome other than his party’s victory in Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.

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According to the APC chieftain: “It will be rig and roast…we are prepared not to go to court but to drive you out. We will not take it anymore. If you mess up in Ekiti and Osun states, you will see our reactions. For every action, there must be a reaction.”

Interestingly, the people of Ekiti State on Saturday (June 21) shunned Tinubu and his APC war chants to embrace the democratic principle of “one man, one vote.”

Thus, that morning, with the reassuring presence of security operatives, which the President, Goodluck Jonathan, had promised, the voters in Ekiti were confident enough to turn out in large numbers to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice after what was largely a heated campaign period largely coloured by the melodrama and infantile pretensions of some APC governors. So, rather than the “war declaration” of the APC, the Ekiti election was very peaceful and the conduct, exemplary. There were no reports of ballot box snatching or stuffing and neither were there allegations of the same. Indeed as Dan Nwanyanwu, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, whose candidate, Opeyemi Bamidele, participated in the ballot, put it: “This is the best election that INEC has ever organised in the country. And credit must go to the military and other security agencies for confining troublemakers to their hotel rooms where they were quartered and giving the people a peaceful ambience to exercise their right of choice.”

While the PDP and the governor-elect, Fayose savour this moment of victory, the sterling performance, which INEC displayed in delivering the Ekiti State election, deserves commendation. After the 2011 general elections for which Professor Attahiru Jega and his INEC were lauded, they followed it up in Edo and Ondo states, respectively. But

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BY SUNNY IKHIOYA

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Ekiti election: Lessons to learn

you can deceive the people and go scotfree. That is why it is tenured; when your tenure ends, you must come back and seek for the people's support. So, when you have made a mistake in bringing someone into office and he/she has not performed to the expected standard, it is not incumbent on you to humiliate him out of office by negative propaganda or otherwise; what is to be done is to sensibly redirect your strategy towards enlightening the people to be more cautious the next time.

There are different ways you can carry the people along without prompting them to violence. The threat of violence is what has led to the escalation of the Boko Haram insurgency.

What is to be done? Let everybody preach peace. Let us all try to run democracy the ideal way. Let it be issue-based and not destructive. Let it not be done under a threatening atmosphere. It is only under a peaceful atmosphere that the people can reason correctly.

Let all political parties come to a round table and discuss how changes can occur in the polity without recourse to extremism.

Where the president is doing well, let us commend him and where he is falling short, let us criticise him in the correct manner; no inflammatory comments.

Let us not use the security situation in the country now to play politics.

Because , clearly, it is being contrived to frustrate the smooth running of Jonathan's administration. If all concerned had come out with one voice to tackle the dreaded Boko Haram, especially the politicians of the Northern stock, the notorious sect would have been contained.

Everybody watched passively,

Those who think that the 2015 general elections are ominous for the continued existence of our country can take the Ekiti election as an irrepressible metaphor for what is to come

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in Anambra just recently, the election management body was heavily criticised for somewhat shoddy handling of the election process. But the way INEC has responded with its transparent handling of every step in the entire process of the Ekiti election hints of an institution that appropriates criticisms positively for improved performance. More than anything else, INEC’s performance in Ekiti naturally has increased public confidence in the electoral process as a vehicle for delivering popular will. As one of the most important indices of democracy, periodic elections are the best vehicle for vertical accountability in self-restraining systems.

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n other words, elections remain the chief means by which citizens control what their government does. They serve the purpose of rewarding a performing administration with a new mandate or removing a “bad” government by voting it out of power as has been done by the people of Ekiti State. But all these would have amounted to nothing without an unbiased umpire, which INEC has proved to be. It is important also to note that President Goodluck Jonathan, by showing his hand early as a democrat, has given INEC the courage to exercise its critical independence. That has

trying to gain political advantage from the situation. But now, even the Emirs are not safe. This is what happens when you sit passively and allow evil deeds to be perpetrated.

What is bad is bad, you cannot paint it otherwise.

From the Ekiti election, it is clear that if the situation of insecurity in the country persists, the ruling PDP government will win with a landslide.

Reason? There will be reasons to bring the military into the picture; whoever controls the military, controls the direction of the votes.

Check out what has become of Egypt.

If you do not have the ability to forcefully change a government, you should not encourage violence; even when you lose, you will only be sending your innocent supporters to their early graves.

Let the opposition redirect their strategies to one of peaceful campaign and not war drumming and unnecessary threats. Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, resorted to that and he is now running helter skelter.

We can only check the power available to the Nigerian president by using the opportunity of the conference to demand devolution of power from the centre. Surprisingly, I learnt the Northern candidates have shot down this proposal. Too bad. Alternatively, let us find a very peaceful means of making our people follow us in such a way that they can unitedly fight for their rights if infringed upon, without recourse to violence.

That is the lesson of the Ekiti election.

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

never been the character of INEC under past administrations.

The lesson in the outcome of the Ekiti election is there for all to learn. First, democracy is a rule-governed system. Once there are no infractions on the rules, the result is always acceptable to both the victor and the vanquished. Second, democracy is about suasion and popular choice. It is about the people and the people alone. It does not matter how well-meaning and eloquent a candidate might be, it is all down to popular choice. Fayose might be “a son of a bitch” but Ekiti people are saying that he is “their son of a bitch.”

Those who think that the 2015 general elections are ominous for the continued existence of our country can take the Ekiti election as an irrepressible metaphor for what is to come. All the threats of “rig and roast” and “the baboon and the monkey will be soaked in their own blood” petered out into an anti-climax. What is needed is for the political parties to improve on their internal democracy so as to produce credible and popular candidates through competitive and transparent primaries.

This is where the APC lost it. Whereas the APC characteristically did not even want to discuss the issue of primaries in Ekiti, thus shutting out an asset like Opeyemi Bamidele, PDP rejected the temptations of a consensus candidate that most probably would have eliminated a popular choice like Fayose.

President Jonathan deserves the credit for insisting on this competitive primary in Ekiti for his party and followed it up by providing a secured ambience for the election to hold. And yet in another deft move, the President quickly moved in to quell the internal acrimonies that resulted from the PDP primaries. That was simply how a clueless Jonathan routed the savvy APC in Ekiti.

Is this a sign of what is to come in 2015?

*Mr. Ainofenokhai, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Benin City, Edo State.

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Bodija International market: One fire too many OLA AJAYI, IBADAN

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HE fire that gutted some parts of Bodija International market in Ibadan understandably left most traders in the big market very devastated. For them, it was a fire disaster too many. They were done with the day’s sales and had gone home only to have an emergency call that their shops were on fire, a development that left in its trail tears of sorrow and losses of unimaginable proportion.

Some have even attributed the incessant fire outbreaks at the market to the gods being angry with the traders. Within eight months, fire has wreaked havoc in different places within the market. Each time a mysterious fire breaks out, goods worth millions of naira are lost. No year has passed without a part of the market getting burnt. If it is not the foodstuff section, it would be the sawmill section. Sometime last year, foodstuff sellers were the victims, followed by plank sellers.

Though, no life was lost in the latest fire outbreak which, as usual, destroyed goods worth millions of naira at Daleko area of the market, the owners of the shops and goods that were consumed by the fire are still counting their losses. This time the fire burnt the yam flour section of the market. It started around 4am and before it could be put out about three hours later, many heavy engines, several bags of yam flour and other valuables were in ashes.

According to the Chairman,

*A section of the market after it was gutted by fire. INSET: Some of the traders who lost goods worth millions of naira in the inferno. bit delayed, noting if there was a fire station in the market, the fire could not have caused much havoc.

Not knowing what to do, Olapade ran to the Caretaker Chairman of the local government, Mr. Lapade Idris Babatunde, for assistance but was told he had travelled out of the town. The lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Mr. Abiodun Awoleye, had reportedly sent one of his aides to

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Where would I start from? This is where I earn my living; it is my entire life; there’s nothing more left; it seems the whole world has collapsed on me Corn Miller Association, Ibadan North Local Government, Mr. Musa Olapade, he got a call in the early hours of the fateful day that their shops were on fire, adding that before help came their way, the ravaging inferno had done its worst.

He said: “The fire started around 4am. All of us had gone home. I got a call some minutes past four that our shops were on fire.Whenfiremencame,theycomplained that they had no water and we don’t have any borehole in this market.

“This is the third time between last year and now that there would be fire outbreak. We lost goods worth N1 billion. Items like big engines with each costing as much as N300,000, bags of yam flour, yam cracker, grinding machines, electric motor and many other things were destroyed by the fire”. Though the fire fighters eventually put out the fire, their response, according to him, was a

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come assess the damage caused by the fire with a promise that he would do something to help them.

Olapade, however, complained bitterly that as big as the market is, there is no fire station or borehole unlike Gbagi and Aleshinloye. He pleaded with Governor Abiola Ajimobi to help them construct a fire station and a borehole to solve the problem of scarcity of water in the market.

When asked if his members did not benefit from the soft loans that the state government gave to traders in the state, he answered in the negative, adding: “That is why we are pleading with Governor Ajimobi to please help us”.

One of the victims who lost valuables to the fire, Mr. Adebowale Aderibigbe who spoke with Vanguard Metro, VM, estimated the loss he incurred at N2 million. Another victim, Mrs. Mulikat Shittu, said she lost her freezer, bottles of beer, generators and chairs all valued at N600, 000.

Aderibigbe said: “We don’t know the actual cause of the fire. It was a call that I got that alerted me and before I got here, everything, I mean everything, was in ruins. Where would I start from. This is where I earn my living. It is my entire life.

There’s nothing more left. It seems the whole world has collapsed on me,” she said tearfully.

In her own words, Mrs. Shittu who initially felt reluctant to talk said: “You can see everything for yourself. When I left the shop yesterday(Tuesday), the whole shop was filled up with goods. Scores of bags of yam flour; each costs between N13,000 and N14,000. See everything is now in ashes. Oh! My God. Who should I turn to for help?”

Other victims Mr. Abass Mudashiru, Abass Mustafa, Akanbi Rilwan, Nasiru Lawal, Samuel Adesokan, Baliqs Olalekan, Idowu Saliu and Mrs. Funke Ayangade lost goods ranging from N700,000 to N3 million.

Mrs. Ayangade in her own account said all she could say was to ask the government to provide necessary facilities in the market to avert future occurrence.

As for Saliu who looked so depressed, he managed to say he lost everything to the fire but thank God that there was no casualty. He was hopeful that help would come their way through the state government which he said had shown much understanding in situations like this in the past.

None of them could say the actual cause of the fire. VM was told that it could not have been caused by high voltage because at the time started, there was power outage.

They are still wondering what could have triggered the fire.

They have called on the state government for help to alleviate the pain of their losses and also ensure that there is fire station to check future occurrence.

Several phone calls made to the State Fire Department were not picked. But an official, who claimed he was not authorised to speak, said they responded promptly to the distress call. He added that if not for timely arrival of the firemen

at the scene, a larger portion of the market would have been consumed by the inferno.

“You know how congested the market is. You hardly find space in-between the shops. They should be eternally grateful that we got there on time and that there was no casualty. Their call for a fire station is not out of place. It would only make our work easier,” he said.

Boko Haram: 3.3 million Nigerians displaced •One third of world displaced persons are Nigerians

BY SAM EYOBOKA

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HE number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria has risen to 3.3 million.

Of this, 613,729 were displaced between February 2013 and February 2014. This startling revelation was made by the immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof.

Epiphany Azinge (SAN), at an event organised by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrant and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI, to mark the 2014’s World Refugee Day in Lagos.

Delivering a paper titled, “Internally Displaced Persons and National Responses: Challenges and prospects”, Prof. Azinge attributed the escalating rate of displaced persons to the deadly

activities of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad), known by its Hausa name Boko Haram in recent months.

According to him, recent reports from refugee commission indicate that one third of displaced persons in the world were Nigerians. ’’Report from the refugee commission shows that Nigeria has IDPs spread across 24 states of the federation. There are 470,565 IDPs in 21 states from conflict situation and another 143,164 persons hibernating in 14 states from nature-induced disasters.” ’’This statistics do not include persons displaced in April 2014 that have witnessed a series of conflicts in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, Taraba, Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states”, he said.

Vanguard, THUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 21

FG spends N49bn on water transport development

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

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he Federal Government has spent over N49 billion in the development of water transportation in the country.

Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Maryam Ciroma, who disclosed this in Lagos also said that the Authority has concluded plans to hold an exhibition to further the development of the sector with the theme, “Moderning Inland Water Infrastructure and Vessels for Safe and Sustainable Inland Water Transportation in Nigeria.”

The NIWA boss said that of the N49 billion, N36 billion was spent on the dredging and maintenance of the River Niger while the remaining N13 billion was for the construction and maintenance of jetties and ports across the country.

With the completion of the dredging, Ciroma noted that the waters now have a draught of 2.5 meter (during low tide) and over 10 meters during high. This she said makes the waterways navigable all year round.

She further noted that the Authority also acquired waterhyacinth machine that cost a total of N700 million for clearing the nation’s inland waterways of the weed which obstructs easy navigation.

On safety of the nation’s

169.90

waterways, Ciroma explained that though it safer now to navigate, NIWA will continue to work to make it as safe as other waterways globally.

On the delay in the concessioning of the river ports across the country, the NIWA boss said government

-8.90

-0.57

113.18

-0.03

105.74

-0.10

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

154.73 262.1436 209.9067 172.2668 1.5137 0.3011 237.6733 24.8278 41.2525 28.145 238.3306

155.23 262.9907 210.585 172.8234 1.5186 0.3111 238.4414 24.9085 41.3858 28.236 239.1008

sis.

On those to be expected at the exhibition, she said the banks, insurance companies, federal and states governments, river transport companies, oil prospecting companies, oil and gas supporting companies, dredging companies, shore based businesses, commercial and sand mining companies, among others.

From left: Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Council member, Ifeanyi Okoye; Chairman, SON Governing Council, Alhaji Ibrahim; President, African Standard Organisation (ARSO), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, and House Committee Chairman on Industry, Hon. Mohammed Onawo at the opening of ARSO 50th Council meeting in Kigali, Rwanda

3,153.00 98.00 17.00

has concluded plans with the World Bank and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, with an Indian company, Greenstatus acting as the consultant.

She pointed out that at the completion of the exercise, the jetties concessioned out while new once will be constructed on a Public, Private Partnership (PPP) ba-

155.73 263.8378 211.2633 173.3801 1.5235 0.3211 239.2094 24.9892 41.5191 28.3269 239.8709

CBN Exchange rate as at 30/06/14

Customs raises monthly revenue to N100bn

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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igerian Customs Service says it has raised its monthly revenue drive from N30 billion a month in 2009 to N100 billion in 2014.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Bashar Y Usman, disclosed this in an interview at the weekend during the African ICT Professionals Conference held in Abuja.

He said the achievement was made possible through the deployment of ICT facilities across their entire operation basis across the country by the current leadership of the Customs.

With the adoption of ICT in the operation al activities of the service, he said it had not only made the work easier for men of the service but had earned the country a good name from the global community, thereby making Nigeria as a bench marking tool to not only African countries but the whole world.

“Today, I can now wear my uniform and go to any country without being ashamed of myself and country because people read on the net and see what we do, that we have build a good name. So, it is obvious that the Transformation Agenda of the President is working,” he

said.

In addition to this feat, he said the novel system in the Customs had also enabled the organization to partners with other government agencies to achieve operational efficiency and better service delivery.

“When the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC came in to office the monthly revenue was N30 billion in 2009, now, we are generating N100 billion monthly in 20014. So, from N30 billion in 2009 to N100 billion in 2014 was made possible because we used ICT as an enabler.

“The driver is the CGC, while the ICT is enables him to do achieve the mile stone, not only in increase in revenue drive but also in trade facilitation and service to the nation.

“With ICT, we also broke that wall of suggesting to other government parastatals the need to adopt ICT platform because it used to be customs and other government agencies, but now we said no, by partnering other government agencies. It is no longer customs and the rest but everyone is involved as partners in progress. We now educate ourselves, that is why we have customs on board, quarantine on board, SON, NAFDAC and EFCC also on board among others,”

Piracy: FG donates $.15m to IMO

BY IFEYINWA OBI

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FFORTS by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to tackle piracy and other illicit maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea received a major boost as Nigeria pledged US$100,000 to the West and Central Africa Maritime Security Nigeria’s Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the ongoing IMO Council meeting in London, also pledged a further US$50,000 to IMO’s general Technical Cooperation Fund.

The IMO’s Strategy for implementing sustainable maritime security measures in West and Central Africa outlines IMO’s undertaken and programmed work to implement all of the key areas identified in the Code of Conduct concerning the repression of piracy, armed robbery against ships, and illicit maritime activity in west and central Africa, adopted formally in Yaoundé in June 2013 by Heads of State or their representatives from 25 West and Central African countries, including 13 Presidents, as well as implementation of the MoU developed by IMO and the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa (MOWCA).

IMO’s initiatives take place within the wider context of United Nations Security Council resolutions 2018 (2011) and 2039 (2012); United Nations General Assembly resolutions including resolution 67/78 on Oceans and the law of the sea; the Zone of Peace and Cooperation in the South Atlantic; the maritime strategies of the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC).

The 28th session of the IMO Assembly in December 2013 unanimously adopted resolution A.1069(28) on Prevention and suppression of piracy, armed robbery against ships and illicit maritime activity in the Gulf of Guinea.

The resolution, inter alia, appeals to states in the region, in close cooperation with international and regional organisations, to take all measures possible within the provisions of international law, to ensure that all acts or attempted acts of piracy, robbery against ships and other illicit maritime activities are terminated.

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

INVESTORS Top 10 performing stocks

INDEX MOVEME

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

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N the top 10 performing stocks last week were Japaul Oil & Maritime Services Plc, Wapic Insurance Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Associated Bus Company, ABC Plc, Julius Berger Nig. Plc and MRS Oil Nigeria Plc. Others were May & Baker Plc, Portland Paints and Products Plc, Dangote Cement Plc and Prestige Assurance Plc. Japaul Oil led the pack, appreciating by 17.86 percent or N0.10 to close at N0.66 from N0.56 it started the week at. The sole company listed on the energy equipment and services sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Japaul engages in oil & gas servicing in the area of maritime operations, dredging services, ship building and repairs, road transportation & logistics and Flowlines and Pipelines. Though the company’s financial position had been mired in streaks of losses over the past two years, fortune seems to have started smiling on it as its audited financial statement for December 2013 has shown a return to profitability. Specifically, it posted gross profit of N5.9 billion during the period from N4.99 billion in 2012, an increase of 20.4 percent, while profit after tax stood at N239.7 million as against loss after tax of N6.7 billion recorded in the same period in 2012.

The turnover increased to N13.02 billion, up 6.03 percent from N12.28 billion recorded in 2012.

The Managing Director, Mr. Jegede Paul, had at the 2012 Annual General Meeting, AGM, assured that its investment in vessels, oil and gas equipment and other machinery would help to return its operation to profitability.

He had explained that the company had tenders for business in excess of N31.4 billion, which was believed to have possible positive impact on the business. The share price had previously risen to N0.72 before falling to the present market price. It paid its last dividend in 2010 when shareholders got N0.02 as dividend.

Wapic Insurance followed with 11.11 percent or N0.08 price increase to close at N0.80 from N0.72 per share.

Wapic Ins, previously West African Provincial Insurance Plc, recently undertook N3.51 billion rights issue for its long term infrastructure and expansion needs. It is one of the few insurance companies to have recently broken into the two digit region after the massive depletion of prices of insurance stocks during the 2008 meltdown.

Wapic last week released its 2013 financial reports and accounts, making it the fourth insurance company to have made its results public. The re-

sults showed that its total assets grew from N12.68 billion in 2012 to N22.30 billion in 2013, while the shareholders’ funds increased from N7.62 billion in 2012 to N14.18 billion in 2013.

It, however, posted10 percent drop in gross written premium from N4.17 billion in 2012 to N3.76 billion in 2013.

The share price had risen to N1.48 before experiencing another massive fall that resulted to the present market price. Shareholders of the company last got rewarded in 2008 when

Booby traps in SEC’s Investors Pr it paid N0.13 as dividend.

Guinness Nig. was the third with 11.11 percent or N20.00 price increase, rising from N180 at the beginning of the week to N200 per share. Listed on the consumer goods sector, under brewers/distillers sub-sector, Guinness boasts the highest share price, trailed

by Nigerian Breweries. However, activities of profit takers have dragged the share price from its 52 week high of N266.70 to the N200, the closing price as at Friday. Shareholders of the company have, however, been experiencing depleting fortune over the falling status of the company’s financials.

The dividend per share reduced from N10 in 2011 to N8 in 2012 and further down to N7 in 2013. Available financial statement for the nine months ended March 31, 2014, showed 11 percent decline in revenue from N88.059 billion in 2013 to N78.019 billion in 2014.

The profit before tax declined to N7.824 billion compared to N11.234 billion recorded in equivalent period in 2013, representing 30 percent decrease, while profit after tax fell by 22 percent from N7.633 billion to N5.943 billion. The basic earnings per share fell by significant 22 percent, dropping to 395kobo from 507kobo in the same period in 2013.

ABC went up by 10.59 percent or N0.09 to close at N0.94 from N0.85; JB advanced by 10.24 percent or N7.10 to close at N76.45 from N69.35; MRS Oil appreciated by 9.38 percent or

N6.00 to close at N70.00 from N64.00; Portland Paints followed with 6.86 percent or N0.33 price appreciation to close at N5.14 from N4.81; Dangote Cement went up by 6.66 percent or N14.99 to close at N240.00 from N225.01, while Prestige Assurance advanced by six percent or N0.03 to close at N0.53 from N0.50 per share.

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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HE objective of the Na tional Investors Protection Fund (NIPF) being proposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is to provide compensation to some class of investors when they suffer loss due to fraud or insolvency of some specified capital market operators.

In addition to some of the weaknesses in the guidelines for the NIPF, which had earlier been identified by Investors Forum, last week, we indicated that some provisions are booby traps, which may frustrate attempts by investors to get compensation from the Fund.

One of such booby trap is contained in Part 11 of the guidelines, which is titled “Adjusted Payment”. It limits the maximum compensation that an investor can get to N200, 000, and also indicates that an investor might not even get this maximum amount due to reasons stated in Section 37a-c.

As indicated in previous editions on the NIPF, the focus on the guidelines is to call the attention of investors to the NIPF, and prompt them to engage SEC in rigorous debate on every aspect of the guidelines to ensure that the objectives are not frustrated.

In Section 36 and 37, SEC said an investor cannot get

more than N200, 000 compensation even if his/her loss is N1 million. Furthermore, you may not even get up to N200, 000 if you cannot prove that you are not party to the loss you suffered.

Both sections read together are full of ambiguities.

How did SEC arrive at the maximum compensation of N200,000? Is the Commission saying people should not invest more than N200, 000 with capita market operators covered under the NIPF? These are issues investors should take up with the Commission. In the case of the deposit insurance scheme of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the maximum insured deposit (MID) is N500, 000 for deposit money banks, and

MA RK ET NE WS

Skye Bank, Wema Bank exit NS

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

S

KYE Bank and Wema Bank Plc have been eased out of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE’s market indices following the biannual rebalancing undertaken by the Index Committee.

On biannual basis, the NSE reviews its NSE 30, NSE Lotus Islamic Index (NSE LII) and the five Sectoral Indices, which include: the NSE Banking, the NSE Consumer Goods, the NSE Oil & Gas, the NSE Industrial and the NSE Insurance.

The composition of the indices is expected to take effect today (Tuesday July 1, 2014) On the NSE 30 Index, Ashaka Cement Plc was brought in, while Skye Bank was eased out. On the NSE Lotus Islamic Index (NSE LII), UACN was also brought in and NAHCo exited.

The review saw Champion Breweries joining the NSE Consumer Goods, while DN Tyre & Rubber Plc was removed; Sterling Bank joined the NSE banking Index, while Wema Bank was removed.

On the NSE Insurance Index, two firms – Staco Insurance and Unity Kapital Assurance - were

brought in, while Consolidated Hallma Insurance and Prestige Assurance were eased o Meanwhile, the NSE Oil & Gas and the NS Industrial indices remained unchanged.

In a statement communicating the changes, t Index Committee explained that the NSE-30 a NSE Industrial Indices are modified mark capitalisation indices with the numbers of includ stocks fixed at 30 and 10 respectively, while t numbers of included stocks in the NSE-Consum Goods, Banking, Insurance and Oil/Gas Indic are 15, 10, 15 and seven in that order.

The stocks are selected based on their mark capitalisation from the most liquid sectors. T liquidity is based on the number of times the sto is traded during the preceding two quarters. To included, the stock must be traded for at least percent of the number of times the market open for business.

The NSE began publishing the NSE 30 Index February 2009 with index values available fro January 1, 2007.

On July 1, 2008, the NSE developed four secto indices with a base value of 1,000 points, design

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 23

S FORUM INVESTORS SPEAK

ENT

AMCON in the e eyyes of independent in or invvest estor orss (2)

By WILLIAM JIMOH

rotection Fund (2) N200, 000 for PMIs and MFBs. But the compensation does not end there. You still have hope of recovering the rest of your money. When the Corporation liquidates or sells the assets of the closed bank, the proceeds of the sale are used to pay for deposits in excess of the MID. In the case of SEC, this appears not to be so. Irrespective of what you invest, whether N2 million or more, you would not get more than N200, 000. Meanwhile section 38 and 39 stipulate that the investors loses to the Board of the NIPF the right to receive dividends from the proceed of sale of assets of such distressed capital mar-

ket operator, and such proceeds would be paid into the Fund. In other words, if you lose N2 million, you will be paid N200, 000, and if the NIPF Board receives N2 million from the proceeds of the sale of the assets of the distressed capital market operator, you will not be paid the balance of N1.8 million!!!

What an unfair and unjust way to protect investors. The only reason why anybody would insert such provisions is to scare away investors from approaching the NIPF for compensation, and thus frustrate the objectives and the usefulness of the NIPF to the capital market.

E’s market indices

ark out.

SE

the nd ket ded the mer ces

ket The ock be 70 ned

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oral ned

to provide investable benchmarks to capture the performance of specific sectors.

The sectoral indices comprise the top fifteen most capitalised and liquid companies in the insurance and consumer goods sectors, top ten most capitalised and liquid companies in the banking and industrial goods sector and the top seven most capitalised and liquid companies in the oil & gas sector.

On July 2012, the Exchange launched The NSE LII which consists of companies whose business practices are in conformity with the principles of Shari’ah with the aim of increasing the breadth of the market and creating an important benchmark for investments as the alternative non-interest investment space widened.

The Committee stated that all the companies that appear on the Islamic Index have been thoroughly screened

by Lotus Capital Halal Investment in accordance with a methodology approved by an internationally recognised Shari’ah Advisory Board comprising of renowned Islamic scholars.

The price indices, which were developed using the market capitalisation methodology, are rebalanced on a biannual basis -on the first business day in January and in July.

ASSET Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) established on July 19, 2010, following the signing of the AMCON Act into Law by President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was created to be a key stabilising and re-vitalising tool to revive the financial system by efficiently resolving the non-performing loan assets of the banks in Robert Igwe the Nigerian economy.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the banks in 2011 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a sinking fund, to which banks are expected to contribute to. This is part of efforts to assist AMCON meet its goals and also ensure that government will not bear the cost of financial crisis in future.

In 2013 alone, eight deposit money banks contributed N53.52 billion to AMCON Banking Sector Resolution Cost Fund.

Speaking with Vanguard Investors’ Forum, some shareholders expressed dissatisfaction with the hike in the percentage contributed by banks, while others see it as good development, which will better place Bisi Bakare AMCON in the right position to attain its goals and objectives. Excerpts: preme Shareholders Association of Nigeria: RS. Bisi Bakare, My view is that AMCON has National Coordinator, saved us as investors. This is bePragmatic Shareholders cause if not for the intervention of Association of Nigeria: AMCON, what we have today is We have nothing against not what will be the case. Many AMCON charging the banks 0.3 banks which should have gone percent of their turnover, but in under have remained in operation a situation whereby it is today because of that crucial increased to 0.5 percent, AMCON’s intervention. minority shareholders have to The manner with which these kick against it, which is the banks gave out loans to people reason why we have been asking without due investigation of worth why it should be this percentage. of assets to be used as guarantee Apart for this, when AMCON for collecting loans was responsitook over the three banks, we ble for their anguish. were told that irrespective of the amount they put in the banks, Rescue by they will not put any of their staff AMCON as members of the Board of Directors of the banks.

In many cases, they gave money But, unfortunately, what we to people more than the worth of are seeing today is contrary to what they used as standing assets, that. and at the end of the day, they At Union Bank, they have a had their fingers burnt when these representative just as in some people failed to pay. other banks where they are It was while they were in the being represented. This we midst of this that AMCON came consider very wrong since they to their rescue. already charge the banks for resThe question to ask whosoever cuing them. that is saying the money being Another concern we have as remitted to AMCON by the bank shareholders is, how long the is too much is; why did they not banks will continue to pay rise to the rescue of the banks AMCON and will they ever when they were in trouble. If reduce the charges?

AMCON had rescued them using Mr. Peter Owolabi, National its own money, is there anything Coordinator, Integrated Su-

M

Peter Owolabi

wrong with collecting the money back?

This also applies to banks’ operations. When they give you money, they take it back with interest.

So, AMCON should in whichever way it deems fit get its money back. If the percent which used to be 0.3 of the banks’ turnover was increased to 0.5 percent, we cannot blame them and there is nothing we can do about that.

Chief Robert Igwe, Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Shareholders Solidarity Association It was not because the managers of these banks were not working to meet the demand of the central bank that they were nationalised, but because the people at the CBN used that policy to corner the banks.

I can remember that in the case of Afribank, Springbank and Bank PHB, the managers were running around to gather the money they needed to meet up with the recapitalisation, but because they were not given enough time to do that, they failed.

AMCON which is an agency of government should not have taken such decision without prior knowledge of the investors. We would have put heads together to make sure that they were not taken over by AMCON. And now that AMCON has invested by a way of rescuing those banks, it is not absolutely bad, but they have to ensure that the deduction is in a gradual process.

0.5 percent is too much.

They should have made it 0.1 because it seems like the banks are not making as much profit as AMCON thought.

If it is reduced to 0.1 percent, I believe in the next five to 10 years at most, they would have gotten their money back.

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Vanguard, TUESD AY, JULY 1, 2014—25 TUESDA

28,000 Nigerian communities move to stop open defecation by 2018

BY GABRIEL OLAWALE

S

• Studies have shown that fasting as little as eight days a year could help bodies become healthier.

Fasting promotes longer, healthier life — Study F

By SOLA OGUNDIPE

ASTING for as little as three days can not only strengthen a person’s entire immune system but potentially extend the person’s life span. In view of this, persons with compromised immune systems have been urged to fast regularly in order to boost their immunity.

Researchers at the University of Southern California who discovered that people undergoing chemotherapy treatment or with autoimmune deficiencies that cause damage to their immune system, say they can reverse such negative effects simply by starving themselves of food.

Fasting and good health According to their findings, fasting as little as eight days a year could help bodies become healthier. Further, fasting two to four days at a time every six months causes stem cells to awake from their normal dormant state, and start regenerating.

They said fasting in this manner, potentially replaces old and damaged cells with new and healthier cells, effectively renewing the immune system.The study, which is first to show that a natural intervention has capacity to trigger self-renewal, revealed that fasting causes production of new white blood cells, making the body more disease resistant.

In mice and humans, white blood cell counts which are vital to the immune system, were significantly lowered after long periods without food. But, when their numbers decline to a critical point, pathways for what is known as hematopoietic stem cells were switched on and the system generate new blood.

According to Valter Longo of the

University of Southern California Davis School of Gerontology, “When you starve, the system tries to save energy, and one of the things it can do to save energy is to recycle a lot of the immune cells that are not needed, especially those that may be damaged.”

He argues that when a person fasts for 48 to 96 hours, the body starts to consume stores of fat, glucose and ketones (created when fats are broken down for energy). After a period of fasting, human immune systems generate new blood cells when nutrients start flowing back into the body. “If you start with a system heavily damaged by chemotherapy or aging, fasting cycles can generate, literally, a new immune system,” Longo said in a university press release.

Studies have shown that reducing typical calorie consumption, usually by 30 to 40 percent, extends life span by a third or more in many animals, including nematodes, fruit flies and rodents. A large portion of the data supports the idea that limiting food intake reduces the risks of diseases common in old age and lengthens the period of life spent in good health.

Benefit of intermittent fasting While medical advances have championed the idea that intermittent fasting does indeed lower the risks of degenerative brain diseases in later life, faith proponents have long maintained that fasting is good for the soul, but benefits on the body were not widely recognised until the early 1900s, when doctors began recommending fasting to treat disorders such as diabetes, obesity and epilepsy.

For several decades, science has showed that intermittent fasting delays development of disorders that lead to

death. As far back as the 1930s, a nutritionist at the Cornell University, Clive McCay, discovered that rats subjected to stringent daily dieting from an early age lived longer and were less likely to develop cancer and other diseases as they aged, while animals that ate at will were more prone to die.

Calorie restriuction Research on calorie restriction and periodic fasting heightened in 1945, when University of Chicago scientists reported that alternate-day feeding extended the life span of rats as much as daily dieting.

One of the most telling researches was carried out in 2003 by the National Institute on Aging’s neuroscience laboratory. Led by Mark Mattson, the researchers found that mice that fasted regularly were much healthier than mice subjected to continuous calorie restriction. The mice had lower levels of insulin and glucose in their blood, which signified increased sensitivity to insulin and a reduced risk of diabetes.

Mattson and his colleagues have shown that periodic fasting protects neurons against various kinds of damaging stress, at least in rodents.

One of their earliest studies revealed that alternate-day feeding made the rats’ brains resistant to toxins that induce cellular damage akin to the kind cells endure as they age.

In follow-up rodent studies, his group found that intermittent fasting protects against stroke damage, suppresses motor deficits in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease and slows cognitive decline in mice genetically engineered to mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

IX Nigerian states covering 28,000 communities are set to become free of open defecation activities by end of 2018. This is the expectation as the states, Katsina, Bauchi, Benue, Jigawa, Kaduna and Zamfara embark on “Sanitation, Hygiene and Water in Nigeria, SHAWN” project – Phase2 on the National Environmental Sanitation Day. At a national sensitisation meeting held by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in collaboration with UNICEF in Abuja, Commissioners of State Water Resources and other state Ministries vowed to adopt and make one Local Government Area each in their states open defecation free by March 2015. SHAWN-II, to be funded significantly by UKAid, Government and UNICEF intends to reach seven million people with access to basic sanitation, water supply and hygiene awareness in the six states by November 2018.

With the theme “My environment, my health” the SHAWN-II project focuses to empower communities to eliminate open defecation, promote sanitation and community health.

A total of N420 million is to be allocated as part of the initial counterpart contribution towards realising the project goals by maximising impact of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene interventions and linking with sectoral interventions of health, nutrition, and education. ‘The SHAWNII project presents Nigeria an enormous opportunity towards realizing Nigeria’s goal of an Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2025 as declared by the Minister of Water Resources. The main target is under-5 children, according to Jean Gough, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria.

Labour, govt, employers strike deal on HIV/AIDS

BY VICTOR AHIUMA - YOUNG

O

RGANISED labour in Nigeria, private sector employers and government has struck a deal to assess the country’s progress toward complying with the only international standard on HIV and AIDS at the workplace, known as Recommendation 200 of the International Labour Organisation, ILO. The agreement was reached after series of meetings hosted by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in collaboration with the Canadian Labour Congress and International Confederation of Trade Union/Africa, in Abuja.

The parties reaffirmed to a tripartite

Continues on Page 27

26—Vanguard, TUESD AY, JULY 1, 2014 TUESDA

Mother of 3 seeks N7m for kidney transplant

BY GABRIEL OLAWALE

H

ELEN Ohazurike is fighting the battle of her life with Chronic Kidney Failure, CKF. The ailment has caused the 34-year-old to be a shadow of her once vibrant self.

Her marriage to Isaac, has become a trial of faith in the last five years since she took ill. In a chat, she told Good Health Weekly how she was first diagnosed with acute high blood pressure at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja. For months, she was being managed there until her condition degenerated and she developed stroke. Thereafter she was referred to the Neurology Department of the hospital but her health kept deteriorating. Following series of comprehensive checks, a diagnosis of acute renal failure was prescribed.

Doctors described the condition as a chronic kidney disease associated with reduction in urine output. The only solution is kidney replacement through transplant surgery.

Currently, Helen who is in dire need of N7 million for the surgery is presently in a critical condition that has denied her optimal quality of life. She is restless and weak, cannot eat well and is permanently short of blood.

Isaac, her husband, is crying out for help to Nigerians about the plight of his wife and mother of three children. Narrating her agony, he said following the dreaded diagnosis last year, she was referred to the Dialyzer Specialist Medical Centre, Oshodi, for haemodialysis. ”We could not afford the money immediately. We ran about to raise money to begin the haemodialysis because she

couldn’t produce urine anymore and couldn’t go to the toilet either. She was uncomfortable.

She had to start dialysis as soon as possible. On each visit, we spent N50,000. There were times she required a pint or two of blood. This process she must undergo twice every week.”

Dialysis Helen has been on dialysis since August 2013 and six months after, she was advised to go for a kidney transplant because her body had become too weak to cope with the constant dialysis.

A medical report signed by the Centre’s Medical Director, Dr I.T Olaoye, noted that the patient is a known hypertensive diagnosed five years ago with symptoms of reduction in urinary output, increased salivation, vomiting of recently

ingested feed and hiccups.

Confirming the diagnosis of chronic End Stage Renal Disease, the medic said the patient was commenced on maintenance haemodialysis with anaemic therapy and had so far had 10 sessions in the facility. “Helen will benefit from renal transplantation in a hospital in India where she would be in need of N7million for the surgery.”

In his plea, Isaac lamented that all his earthly savings from his business had been pumped into his wife’s health. “ I am appealing to all kind hearted Nigerians to please help save my wife so that she can live to take care of her three children.

“If you are touched by Helen’s plight, send your donation to Ohazurike Helen Chinyere, GT Bank 0140325660 or call 08034124994, 08035642826 for more details.

Shun drug abuse, Nigerian youths told

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

O

N this year’s World Drugs Day, Nigerian youths have been urged to “think health” and desist from drug abuse with a view to averting drug-related disorders.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme in Lagos, Project Manager, Centre for the Right to Health, CRH, Mrs. Christy Ekerete- Udofia explained that drug trafficking/ abuse is not accepted by society in general because of the harmful effects to humanity.

“When we are under the influence of drugs, we do a lot of unacceptable things such as armed-robbery, rape, violence, etc. Also many homes have been broken as a result of drug abuse either by the man, woman or even children,” she said.

HIV prevalence

• Mrs . Helen Ohazurike on a dialysis machine.

Global partners call for improved maternal, child health

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

M

AKING her first public appearance since the end of her mourning period after the death of her husband, Nelson Mandela, Graca Machel, has tasked the world to ensure that women, children and infants attain their given . potential, no matter where they live in the world.

Machel, who is Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, PMNCH and African Ambassador for Committing to Child Survival: A Promise Renewed, spoke at the opening of the PMNCH, 2014 Partners’ Forum in Sandton, South Africa.

“The world has made remarkable progress to improve health and expand opportunities over the past 14

Ekerete–Udofia who spoke extensively on the dangers in drug use said injecting drug use is recognised as a significant risk factor for HIV in subSaharan Africa, including Nigeria.

June 26 is set aside as an international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987 to remind member states on the goals of creating an international society free drug abuse.

The theme of this year is “A message of hope; Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable.’

Listing some disorders caused by drug abuse, she said psychoactive substance use can lead to dependence syndrome - a cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance use.

“Injecting drug use is recognised as a significant risk factor for HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, where estimated HIV prevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs) ranges from 5.5 percent and 42.9 percent. In Nigeria, HIV prevalence among IDUs ranged from 3.1 percent in Cross River state to 10 percent in Kano state in 2007.

years. Despite all efforts, there is still much more to be done.

Women and children have not been covered adequately. We must ensure that all women, adolescent girls, children and newborns, no matter where they live, are able to fulfill their rights to health and education, and realise their full potential,” she remarked.

Launching two brand new reports on maternal and child health – entitled : Countdown to 2015 Report for 2014, and Success Factors for Women’s and Children’s Health Report , she said with 500 days to the global target for attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, a lot remained to be done to improve the fortunes of maternal and child health the world over.

Partners at the Forum , comprising more than 800

leaders and public health experts from around the world, argued for women and children to be at the centre of the post2015 development agenda, urgent action was needed to curb persistent health inequalities, and also to cut maternal and child mortality in the world The 2-day conference, which involved the review of new data and call for accelerated action to improve maternal, newborn and child health, in support of the UN Secretary-General’s Every Woman Every Child movement, builds on two months of high-level meetings in Toronto, Prague, and Washington, DC, where global leaders and health experts met to discuss strategies to promote the health of women and children. At the Forum, leaders

discussed steps to assist countries that have lagged behind in efforts to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, and made specific recommendations for how to maintain the focus on women and children within the post2015 development agenda.

The Countdown to 2015 Re-

•Mrs. Graca Machel, wife of late Nelson Mandela

Currently, 3.5 million Nigerians are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS, while high risk practices, such as injecting drug use and sex work, drive the epidemic in sub-Sahara Africa.

“We have been bringing you messages of hope by teaching you how to protect yourself.

This messages include; use of fresh needles if you must inject, consistent and correct use of condoms during sexual intercourse and the need for personal hygiene as well as the need to exercise your body.

“Today, we bring to you a new message which is “Think health not drugs”, this is because it is our wish that we all live a healthy life without drugs that is why we have always talked to you about rehabilitation.

The Centre in collaboration with Society for Family Health and Federal Neuropsychiatric hospital, Yaba, signed a memorandum of understanding for rehabilitation of victims to become meaningful and respected citizens of Nigeria.

Ekerete noted that in the course of the rehabilitation project, success stories emerged as drug users who have abandoned the habit are living better lives and re-uniting with their families.

Vanguard, TUESD AY, JULY 1, 2014—27 TUESDA

Health professionals seek effective regulation on ultrasound use

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

W

ITH rising incidence of misdiagnosis, health professionals have called for effective regulation that will provide a national framework on the use of ultrasound even as they appealed to the Federal Government to urgently reduce the import duty on medical equipment.

The professionals comprising Nigerians in Diaspora and their counterparts in the country said non availability of effective regulation has jeopardised the benefits of the modern technology to Nigerian patients.

In a chat, Professor Justin Konje, from the University Hospitals of Leicester, who led a team of experts from the United Kingdom, to transfer ultrasound skills to Nigerian health professionals, regretted that although, the technology is readily available in Nigeria many people who have access to it are not trained.

Konje who spoke at Eko Hospital’s Annual Training on the Use of Ultra-Songraphy in Health”, aimed at enabling people to acquire more technical skills on the use of ultrasound scan in diagnosis and management of patients said: “There are no regulation on what training individuals should have before they use ultrasound.

In most part of the world there

are sets criteria for people to achieve before they can start applying this technology.

Unfortunately in Nigeria, anybody can buy the machine and start using.

“If you have a machine, that is meant to help you identify problems and you are unable to use that machine, subsequently, you will be failing to identify problems correctly. Or you will be labelling people as having problems they don’t have and then, you manage incorrectly.

He noted that regulation in the practice would ensure that at least people who are providing services have the minimum standards of training and the public will benefit in terms of quality care.

“Patients in Nigeria are mutilated and given most appalling services not because we do not have ability to offer the services. We have people who are willing and able to but no force to drive them forward.”

Speaking, Dr. Osric Navti, Consultant in Fetal and Maternal Medicine, University Hospitals, Leicester, said the training provides opportunity to share their expertise with local colleagues in Nigeria, adding that the goal was about sharing knowledge of ultrasound scan and its applications in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology and general ultrasound services.

The Chief Executive Officer ,

Eko Hospital, Olusegun Odukoya appealed to the Federal Government to consider reducing import licensing on medical equipment adding that a situation where people pay 20 to 30 percent on interest rate to buy equipment was not encouraging.

Odukoya noted that it is very important to be able to standardise the health care delivery services rendered to patients and that is why Eko Hospital decided to establish the training programme in the last three years. No fewer than 30 senior clinicians from various part of the country both from public and private hospital were trained making it a total of 65 clinicians trained since inception of the programme three years ago.

Labour, govt, employers strike deal on HIV/AIDS Continues from page 25 the scope and terms of reference of the national assessment.

Discussions are now underway with funding agencies to support the initiative to identify gaps in making the country ’s workplaces stronger to address the pandemic through joint union/employer actions.

A statement by NLC Acting General Secretary, Chris Uyot, said NLC welcomed the agreement as one that could have lasting impact on the lives of Nigerian workers and their families.

•One of the patients being examined during the hands-on training for 30 Nigerian clinicians organised by Eko Hosspital in Lagos recently.

According to the statement “The national Ministry of Labour and Productivity will drive the tripartite process with the involvement of the Federal Ministry of Health with support from the ILO, ILOAIDS and UNAIDS. Employers will be represented by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, and the Nigerian Business Coalition against AIDS, . The process was also welcomed by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, promotes inclusive dialogue between the three Nigerian players and deals also with the underpinnings of HIV and AIDS, including human rights, stigma and discrimination, inequality and gender issues.

“Discussions in the Abuja meeting were initiated by the Canadian High Commission in Abuja and the Canadian Labour Congress, CLC, because Canada has already undertaken such an assessment, which Nigerians agreed to examine as a model that could be adapted here.

The High Commissioner kickstarted the process by inviting Embassy representatives in the country from Norway, Sweden and United States to discuss the issue, as each have international programs of their own to deal with HIV and AIDS.

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28—V anguard 28—Vanguard anguard,, TUESDAY, JULY 1 , 2014

The govt and the media: Partners in progress (3)

This is the second and concluding part of this tribute which was first published in Vanguard yesterday

BY DR. KABIR BELLO

T

HE invitation to bid was duly advertised in the national newspapers including the New Nigeria and the Punch newspaper. The Government appointed its consultants to the project.

After a bid session, Messrs.

Sanderton Ventures were awarded the concession in 2002. Contrary to the well established rumor mill, the Obasanjo Government did not award the Concession to BiCourtney at the onset. If as alleged, Obasanjo had a peculiar interest in Bi-Courtney, he could have awarded the concession to it ab initio, that is from the beginning.

After one year on the site, the Government came to the conclusion that Sanderton Ventures could not execute the contract and awarded it to the reserved bidder, Bi-Courtney Ltd. Within the stipulated time, the airport design was changed from the lackluster design provided by the Ministry which is similar to the old Abuja domestic Airport to a modern edifice which is now called MMA2. This worldclass airport has been various-

ernment alleges that Babalakin owes it some m o n e y.

The Court has directed that the m o n e y should be deducted from the N132billion Wale Babalakin and the balance paid to Babalakin. This is the only fair position. How can a Government agency seek to recover money from Babalakin and his companies when the Federal Government itself owes Babalakin at least four times what Babalakin is alleged to owe? I think the time has now come when special damages should be imposed on Government officials as well and not just the Government when they fail in their duties.

But we are in a country where anything goes! When I heard that the Government terminated the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, I had a good laugh. The Government purportedly terminated the contract on

The time has come to recognize our own genius and national developer in the name of Bolanle Olawale Babalakin

,

ly described as the most outstanding landmark in aviation in Nigeria.

Unfortunately, Government has failed to honour its agreement with MMA2. It has violated the most important clause of the Agreement which is exclusivity. It has gone ahead to compete with MMA2 next door. How can a Government compete with its Concessionaire? How can a Regulator now be an Operator in the same sphere of operation?

What sort of malicious mediocrity is this?

Bi-Courtney has won its arbitration against the Government; it has also won in the High Court. The Federal Government and other stakeholders have lost six appeals against this judgment and yet the Government is not complying with the Agreement.

The Courts have slammed the Government with a special damage of N132billion. The Government is yet to pay the money. Yet an arm of the Gov-

,

grounds that there were series of breaches by Bi-Courtney Highways Ltd, the Concessionaire of the road. Instinctively, I knew the Government was being economical with the truth. But the issues have since unraveled. By the advert placed by Bi-Courtney on Monday the 2nd of December in all major newspapers, it is clear that out of the 3 years six months that Bi-Courtney had the concession, direct delay by the Federal Government was 2 years 10 months.

The last rains accounted for six months. In effect, in a period of three years and six months, Bi-Courtney only had two months to work properly and it actually commenced the work through Borini Prono on September 23rd 2012.

It is noteworthy that the Ministry at the highest level commented positively on the quality of work and the speed of Bi-Courtney. This commendation was aired on Channels

TV on November 12, 2012 and November 13, 2012. A week later, the Government purportedly terminated the Agreement. What type of inconsistency could that be?

The Minister purported to terminate the contract and award it to Julius Berger and R.C.C. When was the tender for this job done? If there was no tender, then the contract is illegal. If there was a tender, then the process took place while Bi-Courtney was being misled into believing that it had a concession with the Ministry.

Unpardonable bad faith This is unpardonable bad faith which may lead to such damages that may cripple the Ministry of Works. Why should any Minister be capable of burning the nation’s wealth with ease like this? It is my opinion that if they are found to have acted in bad faith, substantial damages must be paid personally by these Ministers.

Like the Abacha days, do we not sense a clear case of witchhunt, in which case the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is purporting to investigate and try an achiever immediately after armtwisting him off the LagosIbadan Expressway project?

We are seeking to kill a man of intellect, vision and courage like Babalakin instead of promoting him. Who is going to develop Nigeria when those who are talented are being massacred by mediocre?

South Korea’s development was led by six or seven people who were encouraged by Government.

The time has come to recognize our own genius and national developer in the name of Bolanle Olawale Babalakin, and no better time to reiterate this point than on a day like this, his birthday.

BY SAM OYOVBAIRE

I

T is the government that determines from time to time what length and depth of “public interest” that could be endangered or subverted by disclosure of certain contents of national security.

This issue of security opens up a critical test of how much the government and the media can partner for progress in securing citizens and even provision of welfare of citizens.

It is this delicate balance that some times the government is perceived to have unduly and unfairly dealt with the media.

It is also in this area that the matter of media being one well constituted, accredited and institutional entity in the pursuit of freedoms, civil liberties and the welfare of the citizens becomes really problematic in the pursuit of societal development or progress. Yet the nature and character of the national society – whether it is closed as in conditions of a

,

Babalakin @ 54, a discourse in forbearance

This is the concluding part of this piece. The second part was published in Vanguard yesterday and the media can be experienced particularly in constitutional and democratic governance only when accredited officials of both sides of the divide, that is, the government and the media, can be made to develop creativity and trust in one another. I will also add that the climate of governance which changes from time to time is equally critical to the balance of relationship between officials of the government and the operators of the media.

Conclusion: I have drawn attention in this brief speech to the difficulties and also the credits which exist or which can exist between the government and the media as partners in progress. We have in a simple way rendered progress as development which when broken down means security and welfare of the society.

In an open society the government cannot but discharge its responsibility and must be seen to so discharge its responsibility

dictatorship or it is open as in conditions of a constitutional government and democratic regime make the essential difference.

The two experiences above, namely: the series of national debate about the fundamentals of Nigerian statehood and nationhood on the one hand and national security on the other point to one major lesson with which I will close this presentation.

This is with reference to the quality and character of the human persons or the duly accredited officials in the case of the government who are entrusted with power and authority to relate with the media, and in the media to discharge the responsibility of partnering with the government. I venture the viewpoint that credible partnership between the government

,

The government is endowed by its origin to undertake the provision of security and welfare or development as a primary responsibility. In an open society the government cannot but discharge its responsibility and must be seen to so discharge its responsibility.

The media on the other hand is called into existence and justifies its existence as not only the watch dog of progress or development or of security and welfare of the people but also to help to create the environment in which the government discharges or can discharge its responsibility responsibly.

•Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, former information minister is based in Benin City

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 29

30 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014—31

32—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Rodriguez fires Brazil warning C

olombia will play Brazil World Cup sensation James Rodriguez said that Colombia would feel “no pressure” against Brazil in the quarterfinals after inspiring his side to a 20 victory over Uruguay.

The 22-year-old scored a contender for goal of the tournament with an exquisite volley in the 28th minute of Saturday’s last-16 game at the Maracana before doubling his tally shortly after halftime.

Colombia will now face the hosts in Fortaleza on July 4 and Rodriguez believes that his side’s four consecutive wins in the tournament means Brazil will have to take it seriously.

“There’s no pressure,” said the Monaco playmaker.

“Obviously we have to watch Brazil closely.

They have very good players and they play good football, but they’ll have to watch us closely as well.

“We have good players and we can be dangerous. I think it’s going to be a beautiful match.”

Rodriguez’s man-ofthe-match display prompted Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez to liken him to Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, but he was modest in his own assessment of his performance.

“I only want to help the team,” said Rodriguez.

“I’m playing at a good level. We’re scoring goals and I’m happy because of that.”

We are not scared of Brazil—Martinez pics/martinez Jackson Martinez insists that Colombia

will not be daunted by the challenge of facing hosts Brazil in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.

Brazil are considered by many to be the favourites to lift the trophy on home soil,

although Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men needed a penalty shoot-out to avoid elimination at the hands of Chile.

Martinez is relishing the challenge of taking on the five-time champions and is

ackson Martinez insists that Colombia will not be daunted by the challenge of facing hosts Brazil in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.

Brazil are considered by many to be the favourites to lift the trophy on home soil, although Luiz Felipe Scolari's men needed a penalty shoot-out to avoid elimination at the hands of Chile.

Martinez is relishing the challenge of taking on the five-time champions and is C M Y K

to go as far as possible in the World Cup. “Brazil does not scare Colombia, but be careful with their stars.

“Now, we have our strengths and that’s what allowed us to reach the quarter-finals.”

‘Adios Amigos!’ tweet by Dutch airline angers Mexico fans W

hat was meant to be a joke has turned into a PR blunder for Dutch airline KLM after it angered Mexican soccer fans by taking to Twitter to celebrate the Netherlands’ dramatic comeback victory in the World Cup. Within minutes of the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory

over the Tri, KLM let loose on its Twitter feed a picture of an airport departures sign under the heading “Adios Amigos!” Next to the word “Departures” is the image of a man with a mustache wearing a sombrero.

The post immediately went viral, with A-list

We are not scared of Brazil -Martinez

J

adamant that Colombia will not approach Friday ’s contest in Fortaleza with fear.

“It will be a privilege to play against Brazil,” Martinez said. “It’ll be a major challenge for us. We’ll keep working

adamant that Colombia will not approach Friday's contest in Fortaleza with fear.

"It will be a privilege to play against Brazil," Martinez said.

"It'll be a major challenge for us. We'll keep working to go as far as possible in the World Cup. "Brazil does not scare Colombia, but be careful with their stars.

"Now, we have our strengths and that's what allowed us to reach the quarter-finals."

Martinez

Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal using not one but two expletives in a 140-character Tweet to tell his 2 million-plus followers that he’ll never fly the carrier again.

Amid the widespread protest online, the post was pulled a half-hour later without an explanation.

“It was meant to be a joke,” KLM spokeswoman Lisette Ebeling Koning told The Associated Press, adding that the airline never intended to offend Mexicans, which it serves via a daily direct flight between Mexico City and Amsterdam. “But there was too much negative reaction.”

KLM issued a formal apology late Sunday.

“In the best of sportsmanship, we offer our heartfelt apologies to those who have been offended by the comment,” said Marnix Fruitema, director general of KLM in North America.

For its part, Mexican national carrier AeroMexico is also getting in on the fun, broadcasting on Twitter its support for the country’s soccer team under an arrivals sign.

“Thank you for this great championship,” AeroMexico said.

“You’ve made us proud and we’re waiting for you at home.”

Van Gaal’s the best —Kuyt

B

razil: Dutch centurion Dirk Kuyt hailed Louis van Gaal as the most tactically adept coach in the game after he masterminded the comeback against Mexico that saw the Netherlands into the World Cup quarterfinals.

Kuyt played in three positions throughout the 90 minutes on his 100th appearance for his country. He started in an unfamiliar role at leftback before moving to right-back and eventually up front as the Netherlands played catch-up after Giovani dos Santos had scored for Mexico.

“He’s maybe the best tactically there is in the world,” said the 33year-old former Liverpool striker who is now with Fenerbahce in Turkey.

“It doesn’t matter what system we are playing, the players know exactly what to do.

“He told us before the game that we could switch system if we were 1-0 down. We switched to 4-3-3, then 15 minutes before the end of the game, he decided to put an extra striker to play longer balls and look for second balls, and we managed to score a goal so his tactics were once again spot on.”

Van Gaal’s changes paid dividends as Wesley Sneijder equalised two minutes from time before KlaasJan Huntelaar converted a stoppage time penalty to seal his side’s place in the last eight.

The Netherlands’ recovery was even more remarkable given the searing heat and humidity in which the game was played in Fortaleza, which became the first time that cooling breaks at the half-hour mark of each half were allowed in a World Cup match.

“Just as I started playing in the shadow, he put me to the other side in the sun again,” joked Kuyt. “It was tough, but you know you have to keep going.”

Van Gaal’s

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 —33

Nigeria, France in pictures...Nigeria, France in pictures BATTLE....Nigeria's Joseph Yobo (L) and Emmanuel Emenike (3rd L) battle for the ball with France's Laurent Koscielny (2nd L) and Mathieu Debuchy (R) during yesterday's match in Brasilia. PHOTOS:AFP

Uruguay president calls Fifa ‘old sons of bitches’

U

ruguay President José Mujica, has called Fifa “a bunch of old sons of bitches” in another verbal attack on football’s world governing body following Luis Suárez’s lengthy ban for biting the Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Asked what his lasting memory of the World Cup would be, Mujica said: “Fifa are a bunch of old sons of bitches.” The president then covered his mouth to feign shock at what he had just said, but when asked if he wanted to rectify his comments, he responded: “Publish it.”

Mujica then conceded that Suárez deserved to be punished for his bite on Chiellini during last week’s World Cup Group D clash in Natal – the third such incident in the Uruguay striker’s professional career - but criticised the severity of the ban. “They could have punished him but not given him this fascist ban,” added Mujica.

C O N T E S T. . . . F r a n c e ' s Mathieu Debuchy (L) contests for the ball with Nigeria's Ahmed

M I D F I E L D BATTLE.....France's midfielder Paul Pogba (R) challenges John Obi Mikel during yesterday's match.

JUMP.....Nigeria's Peter Odemwingie (L) jumps for a header with France's Patrice Evra

Blatter

TACKLE......Nigeria's Ahmed Musa slides to contest for the ball with France's defender Mathieu Debuchy (L) and Paul Pogba (R) in Brasilia

C M Y K

34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 Gyan fingers Boateng, Muntari, Essien as trouble makers

Beasley hopes to lead US to semis D

aMarcus Beasley has proven to be an indispensable for a US defense that limited Germany, Portugal, and Ghana to four goals. But don’t expect him to speak about it. “I’m not a big fan about individual accomplishments so, I’ll talk about that after I’m done playing.” Beasley said during one of his rare media sessions during the World Cup. Beasley has, for the most part, shunned interview requests and has quickly moving along, consistently avoiding eye contact and wearing his headphones in the mix zones. Maybe there’s nothing for Beasley to say.

He’s defied his critics turning in three solid performances leading up to Tuesday’s match against Belgium.

Beasley did drop his guard a little recently commenting to US Soccer, “I like big games. I like being

under the lights, I like playing in front of 80,000 people and for me, it takes out the nerves. For me, playing in World Cups or in the Champions League semifinals, that’s where you show you belong in this position. However you want to think about it you deserve to be there.”

Much has been made about Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s decision to convert midfielders to defenders, but accepting the position to Beasley was a no-brainer.

“I’ve always been taught to be able to play both ways offensively or defensively and back in those days I always wanted to score goals and make the last assist or something like that, but now it’s a different mindset and I’ve taken on a new position, a new position I like. It lets me get up and down when I have the chance to, when I have the opportunity, but for me being on the field is great.”

Hazard leads Belgian assault on USA

M

arc Wilmots has called on Eden Hazard to be a leader for Belgium in their second round tie with United States.

Wilmots sees Hazard as a potentially-decisive figure for Belgium against the USA, but only if he can reveal some of his undoubted quality.

“Eden wants to do more, he can bring us more,” the coach said.

“Everyone knows that.

So now I’m just waiting to see it and I’m not trying to put any pressure on him. I would like him to be a leader on the pitch even if he is just 23.”

Belgium were occasionally lacklustre in attack during the group stage, but Wilmots is confident that Hazard can inject some much-needed quality to the Europeans’ attack.

“He can dictate the game, find the overlaps and score goals,” Wilmots said.

“That’s what he told me when we talked about it.

C M Y K

But between saying and doing there is always a gap. And there is the opponent: will he leave

you enough space?

“He was very dangerous against Algeria. I’m counting on him - and so

is Belgium - but I think it’s all together that we will find the solution.”

B

lack Stars management committee member Yaw Boateng Gyan has fingered his nephew Kevin Prince Boateng, Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien as the masterminds of problems in Ghana’s World Cup insisting that they should not be invited to the national team again.

Gyan, who is the board chairman of Bofoakwa United and a member of the ruling NDC party, was in the Black Stars camp in Brazil as they failed to reach the knock-out phase of the World Cup. “We considered Sulley, Kevin and Muntari as senior players and even invited them with Asamoah Gyan, the skipper of the team to some of our meetings to share ideas,” Boateng Gyan said.

“However they took advantage of that and exhibited high level of indiscipline, by bringing their wives to camp.

“Meanwhile we had stated categorically clear that no player was supposed to bring his wife or girlfriend to the Black Stars camp.

“It came to a point that their wives were struggling with us on the use of the official vehicle provided by FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee for our movement.

Robberies, lost passpor ts hit World Cup D

istracted by the Wo r l d Cup atmosphere, American fan Jack Smith slipped his card into an ATM in a Rio airport.

He believes the card was cloned in an instant and, over several days before he discovered it, his account was debited for $12,000, a loss he said his bank would cover.

“I’ve probably met 60 people here, and 20 have been hit,” said Smith, of Knoxville, Tennessee. “Of course these were for smaller amounts, although somebody told me they were out $6,000. But I’m scared. I won’t ever use an ATM machine here.”

It happened a few days ago, so Smith now laughs about it.

“Maybe this is a Brazilian tax of some kind I have to pay.”

Crime in Rio de Janeiro was on the rise in the months leading up to the Wo r l d C u p with muggings in the famous Copacabana area rising 60 percent.

Official statistics won’t be

out for months, but the United States embassy, among others, warned its citizens before the Wo r l d C u p a b o u t robberies on city buses, in banks and at cash machines.

Brazil has 15 of the world’s most dangerous 50 cities on a list compiled by the Mexicobased Citizen Council for Public Safety and Criminal Justice. Rio state governor Luiz Fernando Pezao has characterized Rio’s crime fight as “a war.”

“At these big events, everyone comes prepared — the criminals too,” said Jennifer McGowan, a spokeswoman for credit card company, Visa, in Sao Paulo.

T h e Wo r l d C u p has been breathtaking on the field, but taxing off it with exhausted fans traveling across a country larger than the continental United States. Stories are easy to come by of people losing things, being robbed, and getting blinded by their exuberance.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 35

36— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

By Theodore Opara

•Chrysler 300C

T

he Chrysler 300c is one of the most powerful cars built in the United States of America.

From the beginning, the Chrysler 300 series have always been ahead of its time in terms of built quality, performance, luxury and safety, no matter how you look at it. But the latest 300c unveiled in Nigeria recently

by Chrysler representative in Nigeria, Weststar Associates Ltd, has raised the bar already set by its predecessor with quality craftsmanship and intimidating looks.

According to the managing director of Weststar Associates, Mr. Mirko Plath, the all-new Chrysler 300c is a superior creation comprising top-notch materials. It is a rear wheel drive sedan with superior handling and maximum road comfort. This places the Chrysler 300c in the rank of powerful sedans like the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes Benz S-Class and Jaguar XJ. But the good thing about this powerful ride is that the price is far lower than the other listed above.

The Managing Director/ CEO of Weststar, Mr Mirko Plath is quite confident of the Chrysler 300C’s fate in the auto market, and with good reason. A raked-back windshield and forwardleaning fascia create improved aerodynamics with an aggressive stance, while tailored finishes of the iconic grille, LED headlamps and tail lamps give the Chrysler 300 a look unlike any otherthat of sheer boldness, beauty and class.

Whatever the distance or weather, the Chrysler 300 has a number of amenities in place to pamper the driver/ passenger on the way.

There’s riding comfort with eight-way power seats featuring four-way lumbar

support for the driver and front passenger.

The luxurious seating for five, not only adjusts to accommodate the driver and passenger/ s, but also when storing your belongings. The 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold down to store longer items in the rear.

The Chrysler 300 also possesses a power tilt and telescoping steering column feature, which stores personalised height and angle a d j u s t m e n t preferences for two different drivers. The column can adjust both up and down as well as forward and back.

In addition, precise driving comfort is achieved with just the push of a button. This means therefore, that the pedals can be up closer to your foot, or extended farther towards the floor to lengthen

•Chrysler 300C exotic interior

your driving position.

Thanks to the memory system, once the pedals are adjusted, your settings are saved. A luxurious cabin effect is given with the ultra soft leather trim offerings, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and refinements like chrome accents and LED

mood lighting. There’s total attention to detail as is evidenced in the availability of real wood and satin finishes.

The 2014 Chrysler 300C is fortified with an arsenal of standard and available active and passive interior and exterior safety and security features. A ParkView Rear

Back Up Camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection, ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist, Reactive Front Head Restraints, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a Four-Wheel Disc Antilock Brake System are just a handful of the features offered.

Coscharis rolls out Jaguar Land Rover easy acquisition scheme

C

oscharis Motors is creating a Privilege Scheme platform geared towards its corporate customers and prospects. This is aimed at offering companies including their customers and staff, enticing and beneficial Privilege Scheme which will smooth the road to ownership of a new Jaguar or Land Rover vehicle of their choice. This scheme is also designed to extend to all their respective family members.

According to Mr. Ufuoma Umukoro, GM, Sales – Coscharis Jaguar Land Rover; “all of us aspire to own iconic brands whatever the product category might be, and in the world of motoring there are few, if any, brands with more aspirational overtones than Jaguar and Land Rover.”

Consequently, the concept is to offer the Freelander 2,

•Range Rover Evoque Discovery 4 and Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar XF at a favourably discounted price despite the new Federal Government’s automotive policy. More than 65 years ago, the seeds were sown on a Welsh beach for the introduction of a simple and rugged go-anywhere vehicle.

But today, the Land Rover range grew to incorporate the stylish yet practical

Freelander 2 as well as the wonderfully composed Discovery 4 which blends luxury and practicality with no compromise in sight.

For those male and female who enjoy keeping in front of the pack when it comes to trend-setting, the rakish Range Rover Evoque makes an appropriate statement, on and off-road. For the more tradomodern luxury car aficionados,

the svelte XF series pampers and performs while offering surprising economy of operation.

It is well established that these models have grown to meet the specific needs of a broader customer base, the technology employed is now cutting-edge which is reflected in the unprecedented number of global awards showered on Jaguar and Land Rover derivatives across the whole spectrum.

Accordingly, Coscharis Motors would very much like corporate customers with regards to their clients and staff to share in the pleasures to be derived from ownership of these models; hence the introduction of this unique Privilege Scheme which is backed by a revitalised dealer network staffed by highly skilled operatives.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 37

By Theodore Opara •Isuzu D-Max Pick-up

Can Isuzu D-Max regain its position in Nigeria?

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an the Isuzu D-Max regain its number one spot in Nigeria?

This is the question many Motoring Journalists and Transporters are asking. But only time will tell. Many years ago, the Isuzu Tiger, as the D-Max pick-up was then known was the toast of many transporters and banks who used it as bullion vans and for other purposes. The Isuzu Tiger was so popular to the extent that people referred to pickups in this category as Isuzu Tiger. This was before the Toyota Hilux took over the stage as the number one pickup in this segment. Since then, the Hilux never looked back despite the stiff competition from challengers like the Ford Ranger, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen pickups and as well as the various Chinese-made pickups.

But Isuzu seems to have woken up from its slumber to wrestle the number one spot from the Hilux with the introduction of the all-new Isuzu D-Max pickup which was unveiled recently by one of Isuzu’s representatives in Nigeria, Koncept Auto Centre, at a ceremony in Lagos. To demonstrates its determination to challenge the reigning champion, Koncept Auto Centre brought

Isuzu bigwigs from Japan and South Africa led by the Executive Vice President of the company, Mr. Takanobu Furuta from Japan and the President and Managing Director of General Motors, Africa, Mr. Mario Spangenberg who promised to take the Isuzu brand in Nigeria to the next level.

The two senior management staff of Isuzu noted that the allnew D-Max pickup has what it takes to beat any contender in its segment.

They are banking on Isuzu’s track record in Africa and around the globe to regain the number one spot. According to them, the D-Max’s superior performance with exceptional fuel efficiency stands it out among the counterparts.

The D-Max comes in 2.5 litre and 3.0 litre diesel engines as well as a DOHC multi-valve 2.4 litre gasoline engine. This enables the D-Max to match every need and requirement of the owner. Designed like a typical sport utility vehicle, the D-Max come in four wheel drive and two wheel drive. It is also available in single and double cabins. The passenger car-like interior guarantees

comfort like a highend sedan, with generous legroom.

The interior comes in with a modern twin cockpit design to enhance the passenger carlike look and feel and delivers exceptional levels of comfort, easy use functionality and technology.

The all-new D-Max according to Isuzu is the next

s t e p forward in the pickup specialists’ remarkable evolution – a continuation of its iconic heritage of innovation, toughness, durability, functionality and appeal.

It’s standout features include: •Bigger and bolder size for a more commanding presence

Ford, Heinz collaborate on sustainable materials for vehicle production

R

esearchers at Ford Motor Company and H.J. Heinz are investigating the use of tomato fibres in developing sustainable, composite materials for use in vehicle manufacturing.

Specifically, dried tomato skins could become the wiring brackets in a Ford vehicle or the storage bin a Ford

customer uses to hold coins and other small objects.

Speaking on this development, Plastics Research Technical Specialist for Ford, Ellen Lee explained that the research was to explore whether the food processing by-product will be useful as an automotive application. “Our goal is to

Porsche retains number one spot in quality study S ports cars from Stuttgart set the top quality benchmark. In this year ’s “Initial Quality Study” by US market research institute J.D. Power, Porsche came in first in the overall ratings – as it did last year. With an extremely low number of complaints, the Panamera sports sedan was also rated highest among all

nameplates in the overall study. Over 86,000 individuals took part in the survey, rating 239 models from 32 manufacturers.

“The acid test is customer satisfaction,” said Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Executive Board of Dr. Ing. h.c.

F. Porsche AG. “We are delighted we can meet the high quality demands of

on and off road, as well as increased comfort, better side quality and improved handling.

•Passenger car-like interior with a modern twin cockpit concept design and excellent head, shoulder and legroom.

•Increased occupant safety with higher levels of active and passive safety features •Improved four wheel drive controls that are easier to use •All new suspension and allnew chassis for improved ride and handling as well as increased comfort.

Porsche drivers. For us, the ratings are both a confirmation as well as an incentive to continue along our path to quality growth.” For the first time, Porsche succeeded in gaining top positions in each segment with all four model series. The 911 model managed a hat trick: for the third time in a row, the sports car icon achieved the highest rank in the “Midsize Premium Sporty Car” segment. The Boxster ranked first in the “Compact Premium Sporty Car ” segment again this year, followed closely by the mid-engine coupé, the Cayman. In addition to its overall victory, the Panamera was rated highest in the “Large Premium Car” class. Compared to the previous year, the Cayenne improved its position by one spot, gaining silver in the “Midsize Premium SUV” segment.

The newest and fifth model line, the Macan, was only launched after the US market study was completed.

From the results of its study, the US market researchers also rated production locations. In the plant ratings for Europe/Africa, the Porsche Leipzig plant ranked first. This facility produces the Panamera, Cayenne, as well as the all-new Macan.

•Porshe Panamera

In the “Initial Quality Study”, J.D. Power surveys new car customers once a year, 90 days following delivery. In this year’s 28th edition of the study, new car owners were surveyed on 233 criteria in various categories from February to May 2014. Among the properties which owners were asked to rate were “Driving experience” and “Engine and transmission”.

develop a strong, lightweight material that meets our vehicle requirements, while at the same time reducing our overall environmental impact”, she said.

Nearly two years ago, Ford began collaborating with Heinz, The Coca-Cola Company, Nike Inc. and Procter & Gamble to accelerate development of a 100 percent plant-based plastic to be used to make everything from fabric to packaging and with a lower environmental impact than petroleum-based packaging materials currently in use.

At Heinz, researchers were looking for innovative ways to recycle and repurpose peels, stems and seeds from the more than two million tons of tomatoes the company uses annually to produce its bestselling product: Heinz Ketchup. Leaders at Heinz then turned to Ford.

“We are delighted that the technology has been validated,” said Vidhu Nagpal, Associate Director, Packaging Research and Development for Heinz. “Although we are in the very early stages of research, and many questions remain, we are excited about the possibilities this could produce for both Heinz and Ford, and the advancement of sustainable 100% plant-based plastics.”

38— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

a twinkle of an eye. I woke up and decided to prepare for church but suddenly the sky was dark and wind started blowing. Before I knew it, the wind blew off my roof. The rain destroyed my properties but I thank God my family was not hurt,” he lamented.

Govt assures residents

•One of the property destroyed by rainstorm

Residents groan as rainstorm continues unabated in Lagos

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

A

FEW months into the current rainy season, Lagos residents are already counting their losses following the havoc wreaked on their buildings and properties by rainstorms across Lagos metropolis.

The rains which are often accompanied by stormy winds have destroyed houses and properties belonging to corporate bodies and individauls.

Places affected by persistent rainfall, which usually start during the early hours of the morning include; Ketu, Ojota, Somolu, Lagos Mainland, Oworonsoki, Oyingbo and Ebute Metta. Others are; Lagos Island, Ajegunle, Surulere, Mushin, Oshodi,

done by a rain storm can be reduced when certain steps are taken.

The intensity of the storms has shown that the building housing the national studios and workshop of the National Gallery of Modern Art, National Theatre, Iganmu, the SS Mulumba and David Catholic Church, Lawanson, Surulere, were massively affected by the rainstorm.At Gbagada, an electricity pole fell on the Owonroshoki-Oshodi Expressway leading to gridlock while traffic officers were seen diverting vehicles. The National Theatre Staff Mosque was also affected by the rain when a part of its fence collapsed.Apostle Gabriel Ayodele of Praying Band, Saints Matthias New Church of Cherubim and Seraphin at Abule Nla, Oyingbo, said that the

,

,

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had predicted that Lagos will experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in 2014, adding that it will last till November

Iganmu, Gbagada, Ikoyi, among others.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had predicted that Lagos will experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in 2014, adding that it will last till November. However it is difficult to control rain storms as this is an act of nature. But according to the Disaster Centre Guide, the damage

rainstorm removed part of their church roof.

Mr. Israel Monday of No. 55, Brickfield, Ebute Metta, said he was woken up by the rainstorm which damaged the entire roof of his house and destroyed property worth N200,000. Furthermore, part of the roof of the building housing Tetrazzini Food Plc., National Theatre, Iganmu,

was also destroyed.Some buildings were damaged on Apapa Road, Lagos, while scores of houses were also affected at Goriola, Nosamu and Alayabiagba Streets in the OlodiApapa area of Lagos.

It was equally gathered that the roof of the officers’ quarters of the Otto Police Barracks in Lagos Mainland was blown off leaving the occupants stranded and their belongings scattered.

A female officer, who spoke on the conditions of anonymity said: “the saddest part of the situation is that this is a yearly occurrence but thank God no life was lost.“We are all stranded here with our children and our properties.

We don’t have anywhere to sleep”, she noted.

It was further learnt that at least not less than 15 buildings were reportedly damaged by the rainstorm at Ebute Metta area of Lagos, southwest Nigeria. The affected structures were located at Ondo, Abeokuta, Tapa, Osholake and Bola streets.

On Apapa road, a roof fell on vehicles parked at Obadare Church. At Osholake, Ondo, Abeokuta and Tapa streets, the storm was reported to have damaged at least 10 vehicles.

Emmanuel Ajayi, a resident on Abeoukta Street, said his family members were getting ready to go to church when the rainstorm started. “It is shocking that I am homeless within

The state government had earlier advised residents not to panic but go about their normal business activities, noting that canals are regularly cleaned and maintained to contain stormwater generated during the rains.

A statement by the Ministry of the Environment, stated that; “Lagosians must have noticed that it has been raining heavily across the state in the last four weeks and must have also noticed occasional flash flood on some roads around the state.

This is as a result of high intensity which has greatly slowed down the percolation rate of storm water generated and the high saturation level of the soil”.

Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, said:“Whenever it rains heavily across the state, this naturally leads to a rise in the Lagoon and ocean, which automatically locks up all the canals in the state, and until the water in the ocean and Lagoon recedes, that is when our canals can discharge water bodies.

“The after effect is that it takes a long time before water discharges into the Lagoon as well as the time it eliminates all back flows.’’

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

T

HE commissioning of two Diesel Multiple Units, DMUs and six 68-seater passenger coaches, all air-conditioned, acquired by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) from China, last month has generated

mixed r The coa and mid

by Presi The c caused payable N230 fo

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

— 39

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

A

S the rainy season intensifies, several parts of Lagos are beginning to wear horrible look. Most roads in the state are now flooded and impassable.

This is most evident in lowbrow areas of the state. It will be recalled that the state government had in March, 2014 unveiled the seasonal rainfall prediction. The government said that the state would experience 263 days of rainfall with severe thunderstorms.

Since the unveiling, the state has experienced heavy rainfalls which had forced some car owners to either abandon their vehicles for commercial buses, or spend several hours in traffic because the roads are waterlogged, impeding vehicular movement.

June is the month with the highest rainfall.

It was gathered that hardly did a day pass in June without recording heavy rainfall. Whenever this occurs, residents are left with tales of woe.

Outstanding rainy days with attendant flood On April 13, 2014, rainstorm destroyed property worth millions of naira after an early morning downpour; affecting public and private buildings, churches, shops and mosques.

The rain which started at about 7:30 a.m. was accompanied with stormy wind that disrupted service in most churches in Ketu, Ojota, Somolu, Lagos Mainland, Oworonsoki, Oyingbo and Ebute Metta.

Others are: Lagos Island, Ajegunle, Surulere, Mushin, Oshodi, Iganmu, Gbagada, Ikoyi, among others.

Easter Sunday, April 20,

•A flooded street in Lagos

••As flood takes over Lagos roads 2014

The state was again flooded. It led to vehicular traffic in some axis of the state. Many vehicles got stuck in the heavy flood that resulted.

The rain, which began shortly after most church services ended, was heavy in most parts of the city. Some of the worst hit areas include: Ogba, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Mushin, Bariga, Abule Egba and Ikeja.

June 12, 2014

A two-hour downpour caused heavy flooding in different parts of the state

forcing many who were returning from their offices to wait longer than expected.

Hours after , many residents were forced to stay indoors, while those who were already in their various shops and business centres when it started raining, lamented over poor patronage.

In Victoria Island and Ikoyi , scores of people were sighted wading through large puddles of water that had taken over different sections of roads. Scores of commuters were also stranded at various bus stops, as many commercial buses had apparently

been trapped gridlock.

in

the

ensuing

June 27 and 28

Another rainfall inflicted pains on residents. Some of the axis affected were Ojo, Mile 2, Oto-Awori and other communities along the LagosBadagry expressway.

At Mile 2, the inward section of the Lot 1 of the ongoing 10 lanes LagosBadagry expressway was badly flooded. This led to traffic snarl.

Many commuters were forced to treck to their destinations.

Mixed reactions trail new railway coaches in Lagos

reactions from stakeholders. aches targeted at the elites ddle class were commissioned ident Goodluck Jonathan commissioning apparently the NRC to increase fares e for train rides from N150 to or general ride, while First

Class ride was increased from N500 to N750. This decision caused travelers to disrupt activities of the NRC on the day the new fares were to become effective as passengers at Itoki, Opo Suuru, Ijoko, Alagbado train stations protested against the hike by burning tyres on the rail tracks.

While the protesters applauded the upgrade of the new passenger coaches they were totally against any increment.

Globally, rail transportation is considered the cheapest and arguably the safest means of transport.

Also, it’s convenience explains why it enjoys patronage from different classes of people.

NRC’s Managing Director, Mr. Adeseyi Sijuwade, said the new railway vehicles meant to be deployed for mass transit train services, are expected to increase the number of passengers moved by railway in Lagos

from the current 16,000 to 22,000 daily.

Sijuwade added that the six airconditioned coaches, each with 68 passengers capacity would be deployed as first class coaches on long distance intercity train services, starting with Lagos to Kano service.

Heavy locomotives “These DMUs will free up a number of our heavy locomotives currently being used for passenger services, which can then be redeployed to pull freight wagons.

This configuration eliminates shunting at terminal stations, thereby reducing delays and journey time,’’ he stated.

For Olanrewaju Abisoye who resides in Alagbado, Lagos ; “When

the government wants more patronage, it has to take note of the lower class. There is no need for us to deceive ourselves, poverty in this country is alarming.

“Majority of the people are poor.

We cannot hide it. If the price of boarding a train is exorbitant, the few rich people being targeted will never increase general patronage.’’

Okwudili Nzube lives in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, on Lagos Island.

According to him; “Even if you have not traveled outside Nigeria, we all watch the television and we are connected through the internet to know that there is always a price tag on goods and services.

“The NRC has brought those state-of-the-art coaches for the middle class and the elites so that all of us could use the train. Why

then are people protesting? I will pay for what is good whenever I see it.

Uzezi Samuelson lives it Sululere.

He said of the development; “The major problem facing Nigeria is maintenance.

Right from independence till now. How can you expect us to pay such a high amount for train which is suppose to be at the reach of the common man? This government does not consider several factors which is sad.

Ibrahim Mumuni lives at Mile 2.

He said; “I will pay any amount for good services. Why do Nigerians expect government to provide everything for them? Some people feel that the government should even marry wives for them, cloth and breast feed their babies! For any thing to thrive, there has to be financial implications.’’

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Nyako is as good as gone—Ardo T

he battle to impeach Gov. Murtala Nyako of Adamawa reached a crescendo last week with the state legislature and the governor playing hide-and-seek over the service of the Impeachment Notice. In this interview, Dr. Umar Ardo, a former governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and one of the major opposition figures says that no one can save the governor from the impeachment, insisting that Nyako is as good as gone.

Excerpts:

BY EMMA UJAH & HENRY UMORU

W

HAT is your take on the current battle to impeach Gov. Murtala Nyako?

Most people in Adamawa are desirous of regime change. Given the way the governor led the state for the past seven years, the people of the state are uncomfortable because he has virtually brought the state to its kneespolitically, economically, in terms of infrastructure and security-wise. He has destroyed constitutionalism.

Rule of law and election process in the state.

Since the governor came to power, there have not been elections in the state, whether internal elections within the party, either to elect the party executives or local government elections for

of that party ’s leaders to abandon that party and to return to the PDP. That shows that Murtala Nyako does not respect the wishes of the people in any kind of election in the state.

Do you know that the chairmen and councilors in Adamawa State were sworn-in around 6.30 in the morning?

That was because the governor knew that waiting for them to be sworn-in at 8 or, 9 or 10 in the morning would have been impossible as people were ready to obtain court injunction to stop him from swearing them in because there were issues.

What were the issues?

The issues were that he did not conduct local government primaries at all. The governor just sat down with the so-called party excos, drew up a list of local government chairmen and councilors and

,

I think we have to remove Nyako at the earliest possible date. Not just to get these things done but also to halt the chaos that he has thrown the state into

councilors and chairmen. So all these things collectively destroyed the democratic base of the state and these made the people of Adamawa State incapable of using their Godgiven talents to carter for themselves.

You said that there have been no elections in the state since the governor came to office but not long, there were party ward congresses where officials of the party at that level were elected?

But you heard the troubles that came up- virtually APC is dead because they did not conduct the party ’s congresses according to the party’s guidelines.

I am not a member of the APC but it made members like Gen. Buba Marwa and a lot

,

gave it to the state SIEC. Gov Nyako has less than a year to end his second term.

What is so urgent that he must be impeached now?

Nayko is as good as gone.

I have read stories that APC governors or some people are trying to help Nyako. I don’t see how. The moment the stakeholders of Adamawa take a position on any matter, it sails through.

When we the stakeholders took a decision on the Kugama exco, didn’t Governors’ Forum come to the state? Did it help him? It did not help him. It is the same thing now. No matter how external forces try to influence it, nobody can influence this issue.

So can you address this issue of about, why can’t you

wait for the next eleven months?

You see, eleven months is a date too far. Any person that is of good standing would not want to have a regime that destroys his society.

The Nyako regime in Adamawa has destroyed the state.

And no people would want to keep such a regime, a day longer.

And that is why we want Nyako to go •Ardo: I think we have to remove Nyako at the earliest possible date immediately. hobnobbing with the Speaker There are also other benefits save him, I can’t see how.

No matter how he mobilizes who blocked the removal of that people would get because if we remove Nyako external forces, to try to the subvention and then and his deputy from office, influence it, nobody can invited him to Yola where he constitutionally, the speaker influence Adamawa. The named a street that was not takes over and then election moment we sit down and take there after him.

Is there any way that the would be conducted in three a decision on that, Nyako is as good as gone. We are very administration has fueled the months.

This election would be patient, we we’re patriotic in insecurity in the state?

In Adamawa state, we have important in two aspects. the hope that there would be a minimum of 27 different One, it would determine who a change.

How is his regime handling ethnic groups and when you is the strong party in Adamawa State. PDP would the issue of the security of play one group against the other, when you play one faith bring his candidate, APC Adamawa state?

From day one when they against the other, the would bring its candidate, and we go to election. Then declared the state of marginal outcome would be secondly, if we conduct free, emergency in Adamawa social tension. And social fair, transparent and credible State, personally I objected to tension would come and election in Adamawa State it. I objected to it because after cause insecurity in so many within three months, it would reading section 305 of the varied ways. So this policy of then remove the notion that constitution, I realised that playing one against the other elections would be impossible Adamawa State did not in its self is responsible for the in the north east zone qualify to have an emergency tension and probably has rule because we did not meet aggravated the violence in because of the insurgency.

I think we have to remove one of the seven conditions for that state. Other than that I did not see any other way. But Nyako at the earliest possible emergency rule.

And Nyako threatened that that is how I feel. date. Not just to get these And when people are things done but also to halt he would go to court knowing the chaos that he has thrown that they were going to stop hungry, when there is his state allocation. But nothing to do, when there are the state into.

What is the confidence that immediately the House of no jobs, when children don’t you have that the House of Representatives blocked go to school and they say that Assembly can actually removal of the allocation to the idle mind is the workshop the affected states, Nyako not of the devil. Our people are remove him?

Most definitely. If you only refused to go to court at idle. Everybody is idle. How understand the politics of least to ask the Supreme can you have peace when you Adamawa, the role we have Court to determine these are hungry? You are idle, you played in the past in the state, issues whether the President are hungry and you expect Nyako is as good as gone. I really has power to put state peace, no. Nyako did not have been reading in the of emergency in any state of provide the environment for papers where they are saying the federation, if these seven our people to be productive that APC governors or APC conditions are not met. and to be busy and to have Nyako went something for themselves. members are going to help to Instead,

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014—41

2015:

Ikorodu battles for Lagos guber slot

C

ould agitations by the people of Ikorodu one of the five divisions in Lagos State for the governorship of Lagos State may upturn the plans envisioned by the political leaders of the state

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI HE race for Governor Babatunde Fashola’s job in Lagos State has taken new dimension with chieftains, elders and traditional rulers in Ikorodu Division harping on producing the next governor.

Apart from using the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), they are ready to throw their support to any party that will actualise their dream.

The 2015 governorship contest in Lagos State is getting tougher by the day, especially in the APC. Apart from the party’s decision to zone the slot to Lagos East Senatorial District and its perceived preference for a Christian candidate, a number of issues are shaping the contest that is about seven months away.

The quest by Ikorodu Division to produce the next governor seems to be gaining support at the grassroots.

Already, a number of community-based pressure groups from the division have started networking with the APC and other political parties to pick a credible candidate for the position, which they said, had never been occupied by an Ikorodu indigene.

T

1999.

The group’s political calculation, actually, goes beyond the 1999 democratic transition. In reality, the state has five administrative divisions, which include Badagry, Epe, Ikeja, Ikorodu and Lagos Island.

Of the five divisions, the group said only Ikorodu and Badagry have been technically excluded from contesting the governorship office from the Second Republic till date.

By its analysis, the group argued that the Ikeja Division had produced the state’s civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande between 1979 and 1983 as well as its third civilian governor, Sen. Bola Tinubu between 1999 and 2007. Also, it cited the case of Epe Division, which it said, produced the state’s second civilian governor, Sir Michael Otedola, who ruled between January 1992 and November 1993.

And in 2007, the group pointed out, Lagos Island produced the governor via Fashola. By this permutation, the group argued, of the five administrative divisions in the state, Ikorodu has not democratically governed Lagos State since the Second Republic in 1979.

Oppose zoning to Epe Division

,

The major groups that are championing Ikorodu’s agitation include Ikorodu Division Solution Alliance (IDSA), Eminent Persons of Ikorodu Division (EPID) and Ikorodu Division Resource Group (IDGR) among others.

Each of these groups has been working at different levels to realise the division’s dream.

The agitation came to the fore penultimate week, when the IDSA staged a rally from one end of Ikorodu to the other. The rationale behind the Ikorodu quest for governorship slot had to do with what an IDSA leader, Hon. Said Ibikunle, described as the outright exclusion of the division from the politics of governorship candidature in the state, particularly since the transition to civil rule on May 29,

not politicians. Ikorodu people should ensure that they do not lose their voting rights.

“We want the Ikorodu Division to produce the next governor.

The eminent personalities in Ikorodu are not doing this alone.

Our mission is to produce a governor who comes from Ikorodu in 2015. If the PDP decides to have its candidate from Ikorodu, we will support it.

If the APC decides to have candidate from Ikorodu, we will support it. If it is Labour Party, we will support it.”

Also, other leaders of the division under the aegis of IDGR and EPID lamented that Ikorodu had suffered outright neglect and

Division would be selected, not only to contest the gubernatorial race in the state, but also to emerge the Governor of the state come 2015.”

The communiqués, therefore, explained that the effort “is directed towards all registered political parties in the state to ensure that an indigene of Ikorodu Division is presented as a gubernatorial candidate for 2015 governorship election by his political party. It is observed that for too long Ikorodu Division has been at the tail end of political benefits of dividend of democracy.”

Disturbed by they described as

•Ikorodu monarch, elders at a parley to press their 2015 guber agitation

But the state’s ruling party has already zoned the

Of the five divisions, the group said only Ikorodu and Badagry have been technically excluded from contesting the governorship office from the Second Republic till date

governorship quest, arguing that it “is legitimate, timely and rooted in due principle of equity, justice and fair play. This is a clarion call to all well-meaning people of Ikorodu Division and lovers of democracy and justice to stand up and be counted globally.”

Already, the quest has gained the support of chieftains, elders and traditional rulers from all communities that make up the Ikorodu Division. The monarchs from the division may have dissociated themselves from the standpoint of Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu I that all the traditional rulers in the state “are

,

governorship slot to Lagos East senatorial district. The Ikorodu group opposed the zoning of the position to Epe division, which they said, had once produced Sir Otedola under the botched Third Republic, who ruled for 23 months.

On this note, the group’s chairman, Mr. Rotimi Erogbogbo said: “By this argument, we are all Lagos residents deserving equal access to all offices, the governorship position should be zoned to Lagos East. The Ikorodu Division, being the most populous and the only standing division in Lagos, comprising Imota, Isiu, Ijede, Igbogbo, Bayeku, Egbin, Owutu and Ishawo among others should produce the next governor.”

Erogbogbo justified Ikorodu’s

in support of the ambition of former Lagos State AccountantGeneral, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.”

Ikorodu monarchs, however, differ saying that they are now looking inwards for credible indigenes from the division to contest the 2015 race irrespective of their political affiliation. On June 12, the Odofin of Ikorodu, Chief Kabiru Sotobi spoke on behalf of traditional rulers from the division, asking eminent indigenes of Ikorodu to join the governorship contest.

Sotobi said the traditional rulers and elders would support the candidacy of any Ikorodu indigene irrespective of his political affiliation. He explained that it was the turn of Ikorodu “to produce the next governor of Lagos State. I am not bothered about the zoning arrangement; the groups coming out now are

marginalization under different political dispensations since the country’s return to civil rule in 1999.

They issued a communiqué, stating the position of the division.

The communiqué, which was signed by the group Chairman, Chief Babatunde Benson (SAN) and Secretariat Coordinator, Mr. Adesegun Ogunlewe, said consequent upon meeting held with obas, chiefs, elders and prominent indigenes in the state, it resolved that the group should request for letters of intent from persons interested in the 2015 governorship race from all political parties.

But after the meeting, the communiqué added that the groups directed all indigenes and residents of Ikorodu Division “to rally supports for all the aspirants from all political parties in the state so that an indigene of Ikorodu

•Conventional wisdom is that APC leaders have zoned the office to Akinwunmi Ambode.

•Many interest groups are, however, fighting back •The PDP is watching how it can gain from the issue

the politics of exclusion, they leaders asked all governorship aspirants from all registered political parties who are Ikorodu Division indigenes “to heed this clarion call and mobilise support from the grassroots by supporting the activities of the Liaison Group. All aspirants are directed to submit the following to the Secretariat at the Ikorodu Town Hall on or before May 19, 2014.”

The IDSA Women Leader, Mrs. Folashade Oba, agreed that the Ikorodu division aspiration “is legitimate, timely and rooted in due principle of equity, justice and fair play. IDSA’s specific objectives are basically to serve as a vanguard for galvanizing and championing the collective interest and aspirations of our people.”

Hinging the campaign on the principle of fairness, the women leader explained other objectives of the Ikorodu group, which he said, were designed “to promote fair and equitable, political and economic development in the division; elevate the division to its pride of place in the comity of divisions in the state; and serve as a platform for breeding leadership with integrity.

42 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

LIBRA; Similar to yesterday but, today more emphasis’ll be on money. Thus those of you who are more financially ambitious’ll have better and rewarding day than others. However that is not to say you should neglect your health.

SCORPIO; Positive things are happening from (and around) you. The more enterprising you are the better for you today. And some of you will be mixing business & pleasure without harm. Lovers can have their way moderately.

SAGITTARIUS; This is your day when things’ll go according to your plans. And you’re advised to hit very hard not minding minor pressure from your base.

CAPRICORN; Once again success would come if you experiment with good ideas rightly at the right time. Those of you travelling are in for an exciting day.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

T is not un common these days especially during time of religious observance to say in this ‘season of

Season of love? love.’ My question is, is there a particular season of love? If there is, won’t there also be a season of

TERROR MUDA

expected to dwell in love permanently.

Love therefore should not be season to man.

hate? The truth is that we (men) are products of love.

We were conceived in love and by nature we are Think about it!

in “Never say goodbye”

By Lanre Kehinde

AQUARIUS; Early part of the day may bring you good opportunity along your business/business lines. Work and your health must be taken very seriously PISCES; Like yesterday the Moon will operate from your Star sign again to the betterment of your cause.

Think of both your immediate and far future now.

ARIES You can still count on the supports of your tried and trusted friends. But it’s imperative you keep secrets as much as you can positively do.

TAURUS; The more receptive and willing you are to give and take co-operation the better for you today.

It’s wrong of you to neglect your friends in need now.

GEMINI; You’ll have the needed opportunity to consolidate on progress you have recorded yesterday along your career/business lines. Try to work harder.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

CANCER; Element of luck will work favourably for you. Therefore you’re advised to expand the scope of your tentacle for better results. It’s another fairly favourable day for lovers who are more enterprising today.

LEO; Joining forces with other people is not a sin but it’s important everybody knows the clear term of the venture , be it of short or longer duration. Be very practical.

VIRGO; Many of you’ll travel either physically or within your mind; whichever one you’re involved with the out come will be favourable. Be more receptive, especially if your priority is commercial success. Take your new ideas more seriously today.

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

Basic characteristics of Aquarius

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

A

QUARIUS is ruled by freedom loving Uranusthe planet of unpredictability, eccentricity and genius. Aquarius is friendly, loving, hopeful and very altruistic in nature. That is why they are nice persons who truly care for others, especially the less fortunate ones. They are loyal friend willing to belong to powerful social clubs or reasonable community.

The quality of Aquarius is fixed. That means it is important for them to watch the way they change their minds on important issues; Uranus factor makes all Aquarius natives freedom loving and whoever tries to impose any idea on you will be resented The element of Aquarius is the air. That makes you an intelligent person with fair share of sense of humour.

Aquarius is the star sign that rules considerable social influence, and the natives of this star have better chances to have at least some influential friends. Then, Aquarians are truly good friends and bad enemies; it is not in the best interest of anybody to frustrate an Aquarian..

Aquarius being a scientific sign. Aquarians can be inventive. Any Aquarian who falls to take his sudden flashes of ideas seriously is doom (to fail eventually) because, Uranus the ruler of Aquarius, usually bring success to Aquarians unexpectedly through ideas that come suddenly, and unexpected luck usually accompany their sudden inspiration and/or ideas.

The most dangerous weak points of Aquarian are the tendencies to procrastinate things and willingness to take opponents or enemies for granted I mean you must not believe that some body you might have had heated argument with will not try to undermine your progress after what will look like intervention of peace makers.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014—43

Okorocha denies registering northerners

AVM Mojekwu preaches Igbo unity

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

BY PRISCA SAMDURU

O

W E R R I — GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has debunked the rumour making the rounds that he has started registering Northerners resident in the state.

Okorocha’s denial was sequel to the news item credited to a lawmaker that Imo had begun to register Northerners in the state, with a view to issuing them identity cards, following the failed bomb attempt at Winners’ Chapel, Owerri.

He said: “That claim is totally false. It has no iota of truth. The press release to that effect without any known effort to find out the truth could easily explain where those behind the false claim were coming from.”

Why I dumped APC —ANNIE OKONKWO

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

I

MMEDIATE past interim Deputy National Chairman, South, All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Annie Okonkwo, has renounced his membership of the party, saying APC was sectional in its disposition.

He also cited absence of internal democracy as one of the reasons for his action. He noted that the party had no good intention for the SouthEast geo-political zone.

Okonkwo said despite sacrificing his gubernatorial aspiration for peace to reign, he was hunted and hounded.

He said: ‘’The National Chairman of the party is aware of my involvement in the formation of this party from the onset, when all members were given onerous task of setting up a party to epitomise change.

“I committed myself financially, mentally and socially. I believed firmly in the lofty ideal we had jointly and severally set for ourselves.”

T

HE Managing Director of Nigerian Air Force Post-Service Housing Development, NAFPHD, Company Limited, Abuja, Air Vice Marshal C. K. S. Mojekwu yesterday, stressed the importance of unity among the Igbo.

According to him, it is a sure way to the progress of the people.

Mojekwu spoke during a civic reception organised in his honour

by Lagos branch of Aguluezechukwu Improvement Union, AIU, in Lagos, for attaining the rank of Air Vice Marshal in Nigerian Air Force.

He decried the level of disunity among his people, and advised that rather than spend precious time a n t a g o n i s i n g themselves, more effort should be put into meaningful projects that will bring peace and progress to the area.

He said: “There must not be suspicion among you; there is need for us to be united to further the course of our people.

“I advise you to avoid being part of anything that will bring disrepute to the people and the society. “

OHANAEZE YOUTHS: From left— Chairman of South East Governors Forum, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubike Ihejirika and Chairman, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Gari Igariwey, during the inauguration of the youth council, yesterday. PHOTO: Ikechukwu Obi.

N20M GIFT: Reactions trail Charly Boy's action at father's burial

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—THE controversy trailing the N20 million allegedly released to members of the Oputa family to assist them in preparing for the burial of the late justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, is far from over.

Vanguard had exclusively reported that Charly Boy was irked that the state government went to town with the news that it doled out N20 million to assist the family during the burial of his father.

Vanguard had sought to know from the state government if the controversial N20 million was remitted to the family through money transfer, cheque, bank draft or cash.

At press time, no official of the state government, including the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, was able to say exactly how the alleged N20 million was given to Oputa family.

Meanwhile, reactions are now trailing the disgrace Governor Rochas Okorocha suffered during the burial of Oputa in Oguta.

Vanguard recalls that the late jurist’s son, Charly Boy, snatched the microphone and prevented Okorocha from addressing the congregation, during the requiem mass presided over by the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rt. Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oguta, Imo State.

One of the respondents,

who simply identified himself as Augustine, reasoned that the protocol and media officers of the governor should be blamed for what happened during the burial.

“The protocol and media officers ought to have known that since the representative of President Goodluck Jonathan had finished delivering his message, it would breach protocol for the Governor or any other person to make any speech,” Augustine said.

Others opined that what happened ought to have given the protocol officers an insight into what to expect at the burial.

“Charly Boy and his entourage stormed out of the

venue as soon as the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. John Oyegun, was called up to speak,” Vanguard learnt.

Another group said Charly Boy was wrong to have snatched the microphone and prevented the governor from addressing the congregation.

Chief Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe said: “Charly Boy should have known that Okorocha was not at the event as Okorocha but as the governor of the state, whose office should be respected by all.

“Snatching the microphone from the governor was an insult on the entire state and should be condemned by all.”

IPMAN CRISIS: Court bailiff beaten up, labelled kidnapper

BY ERIC UGBOR

A

BA—THE present leadership crisis bedeviling the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has taken its toll on a court bailiff attached to the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, who was mercilessly beaten up in Aba, Abia State, after being labelled a kidnapper as he went to serve notice of consequence of disobedience to court order known as Form 48, to some members of the association.

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, had on March 20, entered judgment in favour of Chief Lawson Obasi as the authentic national president of IPMAN.

In line with the judgment, Chief Obasi in turn appointed Chief Lawrence Kanu, Emmanuel Ogbonna and others as Caretaker Committee members to run IPMAN, Aba depot unit for three months when election would be held.

It was gathered that as the Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo IPMAN, Aba depot unit faction led by Sir Gilbert Nwoke who are the present occupiers of the office, refused to vacate office and hand over to the Chief Obasi group, an order was given by the court for service of notice of consequence of disobedience to court on them (the Elder Okoronkwo group).

Those who were said to be served with the Form 48

include Sir Gilbert Nwoke, Aliche Oti, Ugochukwu Mbakwe and Kingsley Udeonu.

Others are Chigozie Amazu, Ikechukwu Okeoma, Austin Egelonu and Emeka Ogalabu.

The court bailiff, Abiye David, was said to have served the first set of people the notice last Wednesday without any problem.

However, trouble started for him the following day when he came to serve the remaining people. The bailiff was told that the people he was looking for were at a meeting in a hotel at Okpulu Umuobo.

The court bailiff was said to have gone to the hotel but was said to have been beaten up mercilessly and his identity card seized.

44—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Delta commissioner eulogises late Mama Abeji Amuka-Pemu

NGO empowers 27 Delta youths

BY GODWIN OGHRE

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APELE—DELTA State Commissioner for Housing and Ugo of Okpeland, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, has paid glowing tribute to late Mama Ariteshoma Abeji AmukaPemu, mother of the Publisher of Vanguard

M

IND Foundation, in partnership with Energia/Oando Joint Venture, has graduated no fewer than 27 youths from a oneyear entrepreneurship programme in Kwale, Delta State.

The youths, selected from Emu-Ebendo and O b o d o u g w a communities, were trained in barbing, photography, auto electrical works, computer training/ repairs, GSM hand-set repairs/sales, electrical rewinding, aluminium fabrication, forklift operation, motor mechanical repairs, fashion design/ tailoring, hair dressing, and welding.

Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Director, MIND Foundation, Ms Olere Iluebbey, congratulated the graduates and thanked Energia/Oando Joint Venture for its support. She challenged other oil companies in the region to emulate the gesture.

“In addition to funding the training, Energia/Oando awarded a post-training grant to the graduates, which included one year rent, start-up business equipment, seed capital and six months business mentoring to mitigate start-up risks usually faced by young businesses.”

Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka, describing her as “an icon and a pillar of hope and success.”

Akpeki, who described the death of the matriarch as a great loss to the people of the state, particularly Sapele, and the country as a whole, condoled with the AmukaPemu family and prayed God

to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

He said: “As one of the foremost Sapele boys, I am familiar with the AmukaPemu family, and Mama. I know she was a humble and a hard working woman, who struggled to bequeath to her children the best of life.”

He also praised Mr. Sam

Amuka for taking after his late mother and for being able to demonstrate the uncommon humility and courage to wade through the murky waters of publishing, owning and managing one of the foremost national dailies in the country.

Edo'll replicate Ekiti victory— IKAZOBOH

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN— A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senatorial aspirant for Edo North and a former Commissioner in Edo State, Mr. Bobby Ikazoboh, has said that the PDP will replicate the Ekiti State feat in Edo State in next elections.

He also congratulated the PDP on the landslide victory recorded by its candidate, Mr. Ayodele Fayose in the Ekiti State governorship election.

Ikazoboh in a statement in Benin, said that the people of Edo State will remember that the PDP has always stood with them as they faced the harsh economic policy of the current government in the areas of taxation and the regressive policies against workers interest, especially teachers.

He noted that with the overwhelming enthusiasm

by Edo people over the expansive road construction going on across the state by the President Goodluck Jonathan led

administration, it was just a matter of time before the people to do what was right through the ballot box come 2015 elections.

“Edo people will not be blind to reality. They will not continue to endure where there is an avenue to make a change.

“The people can see that a PDP led administration come

2015 and 2016 in Edo State will usher in what they have been praying for that is governance with a human face and pursuing people friendly policies.”

He urged the people to remain resolute in ensuring that the All Progressives Congress government was voted out to allow for a new beginning in the state.

Ilaje group lauds Uduaghan's intervention on EPZ crisis

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HE Concerned Ilaje Coastal Communities Trust Foundation, CICCTF, an umbrella body of Ilaje coastal communities and a stake holder in the Export Processing Zone, EPZ, project, has lauded the steps taken by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the Delta State to avert fresh media war between the Itsekiri and the Ijaw in the state over the project.

CICCTF, in a statement by Prince Abayomi Ogunfeyimi and Edanisan Ojajuni, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, in Warri, said: “We praise the effort made so far by Governor

Uduaghan in bringing peace between the Itsekiri and the Ijaw over the EPZ project.

“We also appeal to the two neighbours to encourage the governor ’s peace effort over the project.”

The group noted that the EPZ project was in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda and hence should be viewed by all well-meaning Nigerians, including those in Diaspora, as a step towards resuscitating the Niger Delta region from its present state of underdevelopment on the one hand and building the nation on the other hand.

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—LEADER of Ngozi Olejeme Women Support Group, NOWSG, in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, Princess Benedicta Dafiaghor, has described Mrs Ngozi Olejeme as a dedicated Deltan, who is committed to the development and wellbeing of the people of the state.

Dafiaghor in a chat with newsmen during the just concluded PDP sensitisation rally in the Delta Central senatorial district, said; “Dr Olejeme is the best person to govern the state in 2015. Women should be given a chance to contribute their quota in governance.”

Calling on the people of the state to support the governor-ship aspiration of Olejeme, she expressed optimism that she (Olejeme) will build on the achievements of the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

Women drum support for Olejeme

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Ekiti guber polls

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HIS shows that our democracy is gradually evolving.

Congratulations to Ekiti people on a free, fair and violence-free election. Good for APC, though PDP is not the best alternative. All the same congratulations Fayose.— Mr. Edwin Onah, Clergy.

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KITI people must be ready to continue to eat their rice as well as their rights. Anyway, all these All Progressives Congress, APC, muscles will relax at the moment.

Politricks is very sweet.

You now see the power of rice in Ekiti State?— Mr. Adelaju Taiwo, IT Support.

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OVERNOR Fayemi has displayed good sportsmanship. He did not see the election as a do-or-die affairs. This is the kind of leaders Nigeria needs. Fayose on the other hand, should exceed the expectation of the Ekiti people.— Mr. Oladipo Jaiyesimi, Worker.

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KITI people sold their future with five thousand naira and two Kongo of rice. I didn’t know you can buy Ekiti State voters with 10 cups of rice. How come they say the South-West has the most developed civil society?— Mr. Boluwade Taiwo, Businessman.

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HOSE people who are saying that Ekiti people collected rice, would they not do the same if they were given 100k to vote for a thief?

This shows that people are tired of promises.

They want what can directly affect them.— Evangelist Alade Sanmi, Clergy.

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UDOS to Independent National Electoral Commission and Ekiti people. Nigeria is improving. But we must not forget that this improvement will come to an abrupt end when one party controls the country.— Ms. Joy Amos, Worker.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014—45

CNS decries poor funding of hydro-graphic activities

Omo-Agege flays kidnap of UPU Treasurer

BY FESTUS AHON

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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GHELLI—DELTA State 2015 governorship hopeful, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, has condemned the kidnap of the National Treasurer of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Chief Mike Ederewhevbe, last Sunday at Ugolo, Okpe Local Government Area of the state, by gunmen.

Omo-Agege, in a statement, said: “I do not only frown at this kidnap, but I am also dismayed that kidnapping, which is alien to our culture, is fast becoming pervasive in our society. We must put an end to this social malaise.

I appeal to the kidnappers to immediately and unconditionally release the 65 years old man, who has sacrificed his youth for the Urhobo nation and has continued to do so."

Amnesty: Group defends deductions on Itsekiri beneficiaries’ stipends

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ARRI—A FACTION of the Iteskiri National Youth Council, IYNC, led by Mr. David Tonwe, has said that the contentious deduction from the monthly stipends paid to Itsekiri beneficiaries of the Federal Government's amnesty programme for Niger Delta was agreed as an administrative charge, as same does not amount to fraud as being alleged in some quarters.

The Tonwe-led INYC, registered as Itsekiri Native Youth Council, which has been prominent in dispensing the amnesty programme stipends to Itsekiri beneficiaries is, along with other Itsekiri leaders, being accused by Itsekiri women leaders of tinkering with the 500 slots allotted to Itsekiris, among other allegations.

Tonwe, who addressed newsmen in Warri, Delta State, denied the allegations now before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and condemned the petitioners.

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FUNERAL SERVICE: Former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere (right), and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Elder Samuel Ikon, during the funeral service for Elder Atim Akpabio, mother of state Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Ibanga Akpabio, at Ukana, Essien Udim.

A-Ibom community bemoans fresh oil spill

BY CHIOMA ONUEGBU

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YO—PEOPLE of Ibeno community in Akwa Ibom State have decried Saturday's crude oil spill in their community from facilities operated by ExxonMobil Producing Nigeria, MPN, Unlimited, noting that spills from the company's facilities had been persistent, while nothing was done to clean them up.

Lamenting the recent oil spill, the community called on ExxonMobill to embark on a thorough clean-up exercise. The incident was said to have occurred at 10 p.m., on Saturday.

The community which conducted newsmen round the spill site, yesterday, said that the spill had spread to Inua Eyet Ikot and Esuk Ikim Ekeme, and Nkpang communities.

Speaking at the spill site, Chief Okon Akpanubong, the Village Head of Iwuo Okpom,

described the situation as horrible, lamenting that something needed to be done urgently because the people living around ExxonMobil facilities are not safe.

He said: “On Saturday night, another severe oil spill occurred from ExxonMobil storage facility, after a rainstorm. It has even spread to the ocean and has polluted the coastal communities. I am calling on the management of ExxonMobil to urgently clean up the oil spill.

“There have been series of oil spills since the company started operation here and unfortunately ExxonMobil has done nothing to ensure the safety of the host community. I am disturbed over the situation because the lives of our people are in danger. Our crops, fishes and source of drinking

water have been either destroyed or polluted.

“We regret that things turned out this way when we were actually thinking that we are going to be blessed with the oil God endowed us with, but you can see that the reverse is the case. Even the palliative measure they promised, have not been fulfilled, in terms of paying compensation. We call on the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to come to the aid of our communities. The lives of Ibeno people are in danger because of recurrent oil spillage in the area.”

The community leader who disclosed that ExxonMobil management had visited the site of the fresh spill and promised to get back to the people, said Ibeno community had already lost confidence in the company addressing their plight.

10 arraigned over cult activities in Delta

BY GODWIN OGHRE

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APELE—A 10-member gang, alleged to be members of an unlawful society known as Neo Black Movement of Africa, aka, Black Axe, and found to be practicing activities relating to same, have been arraigned before a Sapele Chief Magistrates’ Court, in Delta State.

The accused were arraigned on a two-count charge, under section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, and Section 64 of the Criminal Code Cap C21 Vol. 1, both laws of Delta State.

The accused persons, Kelvin, Samuel Tivere, Arubi Uwaise, Moses Osasumwen, Blessing Okorobia, Ochuko Okiti, Umukoro

Kali, Eyegho Toju, Okosun Williams and Jude Omoike Ebosele, all pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail to the sum of N50,000 each, with a surety each, who must be a relation of theirs and who must be resident in Sapele.

Trial Magistrate, Mrs. B. Okumagba, adjourned the matter till July 8, 2014 for mention.

ARRI—CHIEF of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, has blamed the slow pace in the development of the country’s hydro-graphic capabilities in line with International Hydrographic Organisation, IHO, standard on inadequate funding by government.

Admiral Jibrin, who spoke through the Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Naval Linguistic Headquarters, Oghara, Delta State, Rear Admiral Sidi Ali-Usman, stated this when he declared open the 2014 World Hydro-graphic Day in Warri.

He said the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, in 2010 attained phase one of the IHO’s development strategy, but lacked the resources to develop the process to the third phase.

Abiding by electoral rules'll sustain democracy —Ebikeme Clark

A

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chairmanship aspirant in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Ebikeme Clark, has said that sustaining the country’s democracy largely depended on how all stakeholders understand and abide by the rules of elections.

Clark, who spoke at the party’s secretariat, Asaba, while collecting party primaries form, said that if stakeholders were truly guided by party rules and democratic tenets, peace, free and fair elections would be guarantee, which according to him will attract meaningful development.

He promised to operate an all-inclusive policy, while the people's ideas will form the basis of his administration if voted into office.

46—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Hajj: Sokoto spends N1.3bn for 4,998 pilgrims

S

OKOTO—THE Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency on Monday said it remitted N1.3 billion to National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, as part payment for its 4,998 prospective pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that 4,998 seats were allocated to the state by NAHCON for the 2014 Hajj exercise.

The Chairman of the agency, Alhaji Muntari Maigona, told NAN in Sokoto that the remitted amount represented 50 per cent of the fares allocated to the state.

Maigona said “each intending pilgrim paid N600,000 as initial deposit.

“The agency had also secured a befitting accommodation for the intending pilgrims in Saudi Arabia in preparation for the Hajj.”

‘We've stopped spread of gastroenteritis in Jigawa'

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UTSE—THE Ji gawa Commissioner for Health, Dr Tafida Abubakar, said on Monday that the state government had successfully controlled the spread of gastroenteritis disease in Hadejia community.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Hadejia town had recorded outbreak of gastro-enteritis two weeks ago, resulting in the death of seven people, while 306 others were treated.

However, Tafida told NAN that those affected by the epidemic, had been treated and discharged from the General Hospital, Hadejia.

He said that apart from providing free treatment to those affected, government had directed the Waste Management Authority to clear garbage in the town, thereby checking the spread of the disease .

Sokoto releases N6m for free treatment of indigent patients S

OKOTO—THE Sokoto State Government has released six million Naira (N6m) for free treatment of indigent patients, Alhaji Lawal Maidoki, Chairman of the State Zakat Endowment Committee, has said.

Maidoki told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Sokoto that the monthly subvention was to alleviate the sufferings of the beneficiaries.

“This monthly gesture, which has been sustained

since 2007, greatly helps in saving a lot of lives,” he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Nura Attajiri, Chairman, Health Sub-committee, said the government released two million Naira and N500,000 to patients’ welfare committees of the Uthman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, and the Specialist Hospital,

Sokoto, respectively.

Attajiri said N300,000 was released to the Maryam Abacha Hospital, and the Women and Children Hospitals both in Sokoto.

He said another N400,000 was earmarked for the purchase of special food for diabetic patients, while N300,000 was for ‘special cases’, among others.

Adamawa trains 150 women in bakery business

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AGM: From left—Mr. Michael Richard Alexandrer, Director, Dr. Ambrosie Bryant Orjiako, Chairman and Austin Avuru, CEO Seplat at the SEPLAT AGM, held yesterday in Lagos.

Group urges Saraki to join Presidential race BYGBENGAOKE

F

ORMER Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki has been urged to join the 2015 presidential race in order to provide quality leadership for Nigeria.

The call was made by leaders of a socio-political group, New Nigeria Movement, (NNM) in a statement in Lagos.

According to the statement signed by Dr Lekan Akinwumi, Uche Ogbonna and Mallam Musa Abubakar, they said the call has become necessary following the assessment of various Nigerian leaders. ‘’Our conclusion is that Dr. Bukola Saraki who has successfully served as a state Governor for eight years and now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria best suits our search for criteria because he is a bridge between the North and the South’’.

The group said, ‘’He is a bridge between the private and public sector and he controls a large political network that cuts across the country with a generational foundation’’.

They went further, ‘’Sen

Bukola Saraki today represents the face of young generation of Nigerian leaders that are yearning for generational change in leadership. ''We are bold to say that he has been a performer as a state governor and chairman of Governors Forum with an enviable character and a formidable force in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and now a force to be

reckoned with in the opposition party, All Progressives Party, (APC)’’.

The group went further, ‘’When all this are put together, we cannot but encourage this dynamic young Nigerian to throw his hat into the ring because we believe in his leadership qualities and we urge the APC to make a good choice of its candidates in the next general elections in 2015'’.

OLA—ADAMAWA Gov ernment says it has trained 150 women in bakery business under the Local Apprenticeship Scheme, LAS. The LAS Project Manager, Alhaji Sani Jada, said at the graduation ceremony of the trainees on Monday in Yola that the beneficiaries were from the Central Senatorial Zone.

Jada said that similar training would be organise for women in Southern and Northern senatorial zones soon.

He said the training was done in conjunction with the Home Economics Unit of the Federal College of Education, FCE, Yola, and the North East Entrepreneurship Development Centre.

Jada said the graduate trainees would be given free oven and also assisted to access funds from financial institutions to establish their businesses.

The Provost of FCE, Prof Abdulmumini Sa’ad, lauded Adamawa government for introducing the programme and assured that the institution would continue to partner with the government in its empowerment programmes.

Jigawa agric supply firm sets up 20 seed out-grower farms to boost rice production

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UTSE—THE Jigawa Agricultural Supply Company, JASCO, yesterday said it had established 20 seed out-grower farms to boost the production of quality rice seeds in the state.

The company’s Managing Director, Alhaji Hassan Girbobo, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Hadejia that the farms were located in Ringim, Kazaure, Dutse and Hadejia local government areas of the state.

He said the farms were designed to produce rice, maize, cow pea, groundnut and millet seeds for farmers in the state.

Girbobo added that the measure was to enhance availability of certified seeds and to discourage the use of low quality variety by farmers.

The managing director said “ we collect foundation seeds from the National Research Institute, Badagary, and distribute same to farmers for planting.

“The company is supporting farmers to produce certified seeds to encourage production.”

He said the company had been supplying fertilisers, chemicals, tractors and processing equipment to farmers in the state.

The company had also adopted new programmes to accelerate agricultural mechanisation through the application of modern machinery in planting, cropping, harvesting and processing, the managing director added.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 47

RAMADAN: Lamido charges Muslims on tolerance, forgiveness

BY ALIYU DANGIDA

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UTSE— GOVERNOR Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has asked Muslims in the state to imbibe the culture of tolerance, forgiveness and patience so as to benefit from the kind gesture associated with this month of Ramadan.

Speaking at the breaking of fast in his residence in Dutse, weekend, Lamido said considering the significance of Ramadan fast to Muslims, it was imperative for them to fully dedicate their time and energy in carrying successful and acceptable fasting, adding that they should engage themselves in the worship of God instead of social vices.

He further reminded Muslims to pray for the restoration of peace in the North-east states being ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgents.

Why we're opposed to state for S-East —Northern delegates A

BUJA — THE Northern del egates to the ongoing National Conference have given reasons why they are opposed to the creation of an additional state for the South East.

Spokesman of the delegates, Mr Anthony Sani, who made this known, said "the issue of an additional state for South-East purely on the basis of equality ignores the fact that equality is not one and the same thing with equity.’’

Quoting Aristotle, Sani said: "Injustice is not only when equals are treated unequally but also when unequals are treated equally."

In a statement yesterday, he further said: "States are created to take care of human beings.

And when it comes to population and land mass, it is morally preposterous to regard SouthEast and North-West as equals.

People forget the fact that former Eastern Nigeria is today nine states while former Western re-

gion is today eight states. ’’The North with more population than the South is just 19 states. People should not redefine the truth and justice. So if states are to be created, it should not be on the basis of equality alone but all other factors must be considered."

On derivation

On derivation, he said: "While not opposed to derivation principles in order to compensate for degradation of environment and reward for efforts, derivation should not make some parts of the country live on cutting edge while some others live on the knife edge of survival.

"We must take the concept of nationhood into account in our agitations for what we consider due and payable to us. This is because we cannot afford to live as if we are in different continents instead of in one country.

Bridging the gab in incomes to reduce inequality is not just

good politics but good economics as well"

On single tenure for president, govs

Sani further opposed single tenure for president and governors, saying that it would remove the motivation and incentives for working hard.

He said: "If all good and feckless leaders are corralled into the same group without any reward for performing ones, the only incentives left would be pillage of commonwealth by leaders. That is why most nations practise multiple tenure so that performing president and governors would be rewarded with reelection. ’’And if the clamour is to remove abuse of power of incumbency, it is to be noted that many countries device their own means on how to reduce the tendency to abuse power of incumbency."

Borno to empower rural farmers with modern farming technology

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AIDUGURI — THE Borno State Government, yesterday, announced plans to actualise its potential in agriculture by empowering rural farmers with modern farming technology.

Gov. Kashim Shettima disclosed this while receiving 50 trainees who were sent to India to train in modern irrigation technology at the Government House, Maiduguri.

Shettima said the goal was to boost agricultural production and attain self sufficiency in food production within a short period.

He said that government placed great premium in agriculture because of its significance in fighting poverty and boosting the economy.

“In embarking on modern agriculture, government will adopt the best technology that will suit our environment and stand the test of time,” Shettima said.

Speaking earlier, Alhaji Usman Zanna, Commissioner for Agriculture, said the trainees attended a one month intensive agricultural training in modern technology in India.

Mr Bismark J. Rewane, Managing Director/CEO, Derivatives Company Limited (left) presenting award of Best Bank Supporting Manufacturing to Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Ebenezer Onyeagwu at the Businessday 2014 Annual Banking Awards, in Lagos.

Photo: AKEEM SALAU.

NSCIA scribe tasks security agencies on fairness, professionalism

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BUJA — SECRETARYGENERAL, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has called on security agencies in the country to be fair and professional in the discharge of their duties.

Oloyede gave the advice while delivering a keynote address at the 9th Ramadan Lecture of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, in Abuja, weekend.

Describing the security situation in the country as serious, the Islamic leader said Muslims in Nigeria were for peace as long as there was justice and fairness.

He said: “Muslims are not re-

sponsible for the violence in the country. Muslims are for peace.

If there is any problem, it is a failure of the system.”

The NSCIA scribe said there “cannot be peace without justice. Our appeal is that Federal Government should be just to all segments of the society.”

Oloyede said in the spirit of the theme of the lecture, “Peace and Leadership: The Missing Link,” there should be more consultation and dialogue among the stakeholders in the country.

Speaking on the theme of the lecture, the guest speaker, Prof.

Musa Abdur-Raheem, said for peace to reign, there must be justice.

“Boko Haram are not representing Islam, Muslims are for peace and most of the victims of Boko Haram attacks are Muslims,” he said.

He called on the leaders in the country to live up to expectations by urgently addressing the nation’s security challenges.

Declaring the event open, a representative of Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, Alhaji Hamidu KadiKuta, called on the populace to take steps in tackling the nation’s security challenges.

Aliyu described as unfortunate the security challenges in the country, saying it would slow down developments.

Group plans walk to revive reading culture

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AGOS — IN a bid to curb the poor reading culture among Nigerian students, a group of concerned Nigerians have arranged a ‘Walk’ tagged “Destiny Walk” to increase awareness and revive the reading culture among Nigerian youths.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos to announce the walk, the founder of Gospel Farmers Ministries International, Kola Oyeyemi, lamented the diminishing reading culture among Nigerian youths. For him, "we can no longer take for granted the risk we run if we allow the status quo to remain."

The walk organised by Oyeyemi is expected to take place on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at Rowe Park, Yaba, in Lagos.

According to Oyeyemi, who is also the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, "if nothing was done urgently to revive the culture, the country may end up producing unemployable graduates, who are shallow-minded and worse, mediocre leaders. This will ultimately affect the nation’s growth and keep it on the high end of the under-developed nations’ index."

He also revealed that the group would embark on setting up libraries in different schools, especially in rural areas.

Some of the eminent Nigerians expected to grace the occasion are Ben Bruce, Joke Silva, Emem Isong, Ali Baba, Tee A, Joseph Benjamin, Praise Adejo and Chidinma Ekile.

Ex-Benue speaker seeks state of emergency in agric sector

BY PETER DURU

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AKURDI — Former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Terhemen Tarzor has called for the declaration of state of emergency in the agricultural sector to check food scarcity in the state.

He said the call became necessary because of the level of destruction of farmlands and food crops in some parts of the state during the Benue farmers/Fulani herdsmen crisis.

Tarzor, who spoe in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi, the state capital, said, though peace had returned to most of the troubled communities, the people were yet to adjust fully to normal lives.

48— Vanguard , TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

VISIT: From left: Iyalode Alaba Lawson, 2nd Deputy National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, President, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Chief Bassey Edem, 1st Deputy President, and Alhaji Remi Bello, Deputy President (Ex- Officio), during the association's courtesy visit to the Governor in Abeokuta.

CELEBRATION: From left: Ven. Taiwo Arowolo, Vicar/Archdeacon of Idimu Archeaconry, Rt. Revd. & Mrs James Odedeji, Bishop of Lagos West and Chief Joseph Balogun, Baba Ijo of St Peter's Anglican Church, Idimu, during the centenary celebration of St Peter's Anglican Church, Idimu, Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

LAUNCHING: From left: Airtel’s Regional Operations Director, Femi Oshinlaja, MD/CEO, Easy & Quiet Ltd, Mohammed Anthony, and Zonal Business Manager, Lagos, Olawale Alao, at the launch of the Airtel Express Shop in Festac, Lagos.

OPENING: From left: Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Finance, Funmilayo Tejuosho, Lagos State deputy governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire, Finance Commissioner, Ayo Gbeleyi and Perm. Sec., Debt Management Office, DMO, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, at the opening of the annual management retreat of the Ministry of Finance in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

LAUNCHING: From left: Retail Training Manager, LG Electronics West Africa, Mr. Michael Elutilo, MD, Fouani Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Mohammed Fouani, MD, LG Electronics West Africa, Mr. Deog Jun Kim, GM, Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Junhwa Jeong, and Technical Manager, Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions Division, Mr. Vijay Bakshi, during the official launch of LG GEN COOL INVERTER V Air Conditioner, in Lagos.

AGM: From left: Chairman of Council, Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, CPN, Alhaji Sekinat Yusuf (left) and Peter Jack, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, at the just concluded CPN 2014 IT Assembly/Annual General Meeting in Abuja.

Photo: Emeka Aginam.

PRESENTATION: From left: Coordinator, BARE-NET Initiative, Mr. Miebi Bribena, Chief Kemi Prefa and Chief John Maseri, the Amananaowei of Agbere, during the presentation of free tricycles to Agbere and Adoni communities by Bribena in Bayelsa State.

FORUM: From left: Mrs. Chinwe Eudora, CEO, Swanu Creation; Mr..Victor Itayo, CEO, Quantum Business School, Port Harcourt and Dr. Jonathan Doerr, MD, Jumia, at the MTN Link Forum in Port Harcourt.

MOU: From left: Chairman, Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Chief Azubuike Odukwe, Rector, Professor Godwin Onu, representative of Phywe-Lucas Nueller Group, Germany, Mr. Hand Klaus-Dieter and it's country representative, Mr Anyanwu Nduka, after signing the MoU for the provision of science equipment for the polytechnic in Oko, Anambra State.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 53

Confab c'ttee okays forfeiture of seat for cross- carpeting • Says any one convicted for any electoral offence be convicted for 10 years • Senate should set aside 2 weeks for objection to INEC Chairman

BY HENRY UMORU, LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

BUJA— THE Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters has recommended that elected political officers who cross carpet before the expiration of their terms, must automatically forfeit their seats, but be free to contest for such a position or any other position on the platform of their new offices.

The Committee also recommended that the Senate must set aside at least two weeks to allow for public objections in the course of screening nominees of the President for any position at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, even as it also recommended that any leader to be elected to any public office must have served himself and not one who has no experience somewhere or had not served himself.

According to the Committee which has former Senate Presidents Iyorcha Ayu and Senator

Ken Nnamani as co-chairmen, it also recommended that any person convicted of any electoral offence should be disqualified for a period of ten years from the date of conviction; from contesting any election or holding any elective or appointive position either in government or political party.

Such offences mentioned by the Committee include registration offences, campaign finance breaches and breach of political party finance provision. The committee also recommended that any action challenging the conduct of primaries by a political party shall be filed within fourteen days of the accrual of the cause of action.

These and other recommendations were presented to the plenary yesterday, but discussions would continue today before the final adoption. The Committee in its recommendation advocated the enforcement of a Code of Conduct for political parties already drawn up by the Inter-Party Advisory Council.

From right, junior brother of the late Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao welcoming Minister of State Federal Capital Teritory (FCT) Oloye Jumoke Akinjide to his house during the condolence Photo: Dare Fasube visit by the Minister.

The committee also recommended that for party to enhance party independence and discipline, all members must submit themselves to the principle of party supremacy and that elective members of the party must respect party decisions at all times. On the conduct

of election, the committee recommended that biometric data of all electorate should be captured, stored and used for elections in the country. In addition, it said INEC should ensure that the latest technology is deployed at all times in the

conduct of elections as is the case in other jurisdictions. The committee also recommended that relevant sections of the Constitution and the Electoral Act be amended to provide for independent candidacy during elections.

Mosogar royal fathers laud Orubebe

F

ORMER Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, yesterday, visited the traditional ruler of Mosogar where he was hosted by the traditional rulers of Ethiope West Local Government.

Orubebe who formally informed the traditional rulers of his ambition to become the next Governor of Delta State said he was anchoring this on the fact that he has achieved so much experience in previous political positions he has held and has also acquired deep knowledge that is required to take Delta State to the next level.

He told the monarchs that his competence in all the political positions he has occupied since he began his political career as a councillor was responsible for the current level of his attainment, adding that he has prepared a roadmap that will take Delta State to the next level.

Orubebe noted that with proper planning and serious implementation of same all part of the State will be developed as moribound industries will come back to life and the provi-

sion of jobs for the youth will be guaranteed. The former minister said he was responsible for the implementation of the East West road contract and that the road will be completed by March 2015.

Responding the Ovie of Oghara, HRM Nobele Esiemita Orefi111, stated that having listened to Orubebe, he was convinced that he is qualified and endowed to become governor and continue to build on the foundation that ex Gov James Ibori has laid.

The monarch described Orubebe as a highly educated and focused person who will discharge gubernatorial responsibilities competently. He pledged the support of people of his Kingdom towards the support of the aspiration.

The Ovie of Mosogar, HRM Samson Omene said he agreed that Orubebe was vastly educated and experienced to become the next Governor and perform excellently. He praised him for the proper execution of the East West road, a project that he described as of monumental importance to the live and bussiness of the region.

54 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 58

Yobo: It wasn’t our day

S

UPER Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo is disgusted after scoring an own goal that gave France a 2-0 win over Nigeria in the round of 16 match of the FIFA World Cup yesterday.

In a post match interview, Yobo, who earned his 100th cap, said, “it’s not about 100 caps or the the landmark. It was our desire to qualify for the quarterfinals of this t o u r n a m e n t .

Unfortunately, it was not our day.

“I thought we played more today but it wasn’t just possible/ It was not our day.”

We had a good tournament — Okocha F

ORMER Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha has given the Super Eagles a passmark despite losing 2-0 to France in a round of 16 match in Brasilia yesterday.

Speaking on SuperSport, Okocha said,”the Eagles had a good tournament. They got to their limit and there was nothing more to offer.”

Okocha refused to agree that Eagles’

disallowed first half goal contributed to their defeat. “No,” he said.

“That had nothing to do with our defeat. The boys did their best. They had the game under control in the first half but the chances could not be utilised.

“We have to appreciate the transformation this team has undergone under Keshi. They have done very well and we must appreciate that fact.”

Eagles

so many saves from Vincent Enyeama, a goalkeeper they have described as one of the best in this World Cup. Unfortunately, it was Enyeama’s parry that gifted Paul Pogba the chance to head the ball into the net in the 79th minute.

When it came, it was so simple.

Valbuena whipped the ball toward the far post from the left.

And in the first minute of injury time, Nigeria conceded possession again needlessly, Omeruo passed the ball back and out for a corner down the right. A quickly taken corner, and Benzema rushed along the byline with the ball.

He fired it low into the six-yard box, where Griezmann got ahead of Yobo and Enyeama at the right-hand post, and flicked, which Yobo helped into the net. In retrospect, Ogenyi’s Onazi’s injury and subsequent substitution handed the advantage to France, who exploited the big void left by Onazi, who before his replacement did a yeoman’s role in the midfield.

His replacement, Gabriel Reuben did not just fit into the mix and with Mikel playing the worst football of his career, it allowed the French to exploit all the frailties in the Nigerian side.

What an anti-climatic way to end the World Cup.

•Mathieu Debuchy of France is challenged by Ahmed Musa of Nigeria during the 2014 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match at Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil yesterday. France won 2-0.

Moreno breaks shinbone in Mexico’s defeat H

ECTOR Moreno suffered a broken left tibia during Mexico’s 2-1 heartbreaking 2-1 second-round defeat by Holland in Fortaleza.

The Espanyol defender was forced off at half-time after clashing with Arjen Robben minutes just before the break.

A statement on Espanyol’s website said: ‘Hector Moreno has suffered a fractured tibia in his left leg, the medical services of the Mexican national team have confirmed.’

The 26-year-old is expected to be sidelined for several months, ruling

him out of the start of the La Liga campaign in August.

Mexico led for most of the second half thanks to Giovani Dos Santos’s goal, but they were undone by two late goals.

Wesley Sneijder pulled the Dutch level in the 88th minute before Klaas-

Keshi: We didn’t play to lose S

UPER Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi believes the team did not deserve to lose to France

in yesterday’s round of 16 match of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking after the

•Keshi

We are still a young team – Moses

S

UPER Eagles p l a y m a k e r, Victor Moses does praised the team’s achievement in the ongoing World Cup. After losing 2-0 to France yesterday he said,”I thought we did well today.

“We started very well. We were organised. We got a goal which would have given us more confidence but was disallowed.

We were good individually. It will get better, we are still a young squad.”

match which was played in Brasilia, Keshi said the Eagles were capable of facing any team in the world.

“We can compete with any team depending on the desire in the players.”

The coach who said he did not know whether he would continue as Super Eagles coach on return from Brazil foresaw a bright future for the team, “There can be a lot of improvement.

The players are still young. In the next two years, they will be a wonderful team.”

Keshi said he was proud of his boys despite the loss.

Keshi, Yobo quit Continues from BP appointment after leading the team to the second round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Speaking after the Eagles were eliminated

by France in the round of 16 match in Brasilia yesterday, the Delta State-born tactician said it was time to move on after leading his country’s national team to the Africa Nations

Cup trophy last year and the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.

“I have to go back to my family and face fresh challenges,” Keshi said.

Similarly, Super Eagles Captain, Yobo Joseph said he has had enough and can go no further as national team player. “I think I should give the younger ones the opportunity to forge ahead. I have nothing new to offer.”

Jan Huntelaar slotted home a penalty won by Robben deep into injury time.

Continues from BP Brazil to meet the demands of their players.

International media mocked Africa. Flying $3m cash to Brazil?

Money doesn’t play football. They had the money but shamefully lost to Portugal and crashed in the first round.

Nigeria failed to learn from their mistakes.

They lost to Argentina but courtesy of Bosnia’s victory over Iran, they qualified for the second round.

Rather than concentrate on the match, they started making issues over money. They wanted appearance fee paid them from fifa’s grant which had not been paid to the federation. They boycotted training for a day in their bid to collect money. It was a blackmail which President Jonathan, just like his Ghanaian counterpart, fell to. He sent Sports minister to Brazil in a Presidential jet with some cash to make the players win. But money doesn’t win matches.

Competitiveness, tactical discipline,fitness and concentration are all ingredients of victory.

Money could not provide these for the Eagles yesterday even as they have to be commended for getting to the second round. But heightening tension over appearance fee in spite of the bonuses that they have been

collecting didn’t help their concentration. It backfired when they put money before the country.

Their fitness was doubtful when they lost gas in the closing minutes of the second half against France yesterday in Brasilia. They lacked competitiveness when Mikel Obi played all the matches in spite of his poor runs in this 2014 World Cup. He was awful yesterday but Eagles lacked a good bench to react to substitution needs. It was glaring in their substitutions from day one of the ongoing World Cup. Each substitute was worse than the player he changed.

The way they played yesterday especially in the second half showed they fell short of the tactical discipline to get them to the quarterfinals.

They did their best, impressed some Nigerians but simply lacked what it takes to go far in the World Cup. Round of 16 is not bad.

But Cameroun, Senegal and Ghana once got to the quarterfinals. Nigeria are yet to reach that level.

And this summed up their World Cup story yesterday when France beat them 2-0, with goals scored in the late minutes when they mounted pressure and Eagles eventually cracked after

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014—55

Ahamba, SAN, who defended Akinyemi however disagreed with Kawu on the need for the Deputy Chairman to address the conference because of what he termed, unsubstantiated report in the newspaper, and moved the first motion that Akinyemi should not reply.

Ahamba said “We must always try to act in accordance with what we know. When we started these conference, it was obvious that from outside, a lot of people made a statement in some newspapers that this conference will come to nothing. They believe that the conference will breakdown in either one or two weeks. They are now disappointed. What they will now do is to try and bring some distrust among the membership and the management as a way of making sure that nothing comes out of this conference.

We have a duty to disappoint them.

•Delegates at the ongoing national confernce

Committee reports

Smuggled Constitution:

Stormy session as Northern, Southern delegates split •Akinyemi, Dokpesi fingered

BY HENRY UMORU, JOSEPH ERUNKE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

T

HE Andrews Otutu Obaseki hall, venue of plenary sessions of the on-going National Conference was, yesterday, thrown into a stormy one as there was a sharp split between northern and southern delegates over plans to force a new constitution through the back door.

Fingered in the planned new document was the Deputy Chairman of the Conference, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, who was accused of lobbying delegates especially northerners that they should key into the new document.

The unfolding drama started soon after the votes and proceedings of the previous sittings were adopted when a delegate on the platform of Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Ishaq Modibbo Kawu raised a point of order , alleging that Prof.

Akinyemi was lobbying the Northern delegates to smuggle in a demand for a new Constitution. He also drew the attention of delegates to a publication in a national newspaper, alleging that the Conference was working towards adopting a geo-political arrangement in the country just as he challenged the leadership to clear its name.

Kawu said, “Yesterday and today, there were reports in the

newspaper which attacked the integrity of the leadership of this conference. On the first page of a national newspaper today for instance, there is a report that the deputy chairman of this conference, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi has been lobbying delegates from the north to be able to smuggle in a new constitution to this conference. This is the allegation. I think the leadership of this conference should make a statement about this. We have not come here to write a new constitution. So, there is no basis to begin to lobby any delegation to be able to pass a constitution.

I think this should be brought out frontally. Similarly yesterday,

accepting a document which carried the logo of this document which was also published on the front page of a national newspaper over the weekend, which says there has been an agreement by the so called geopolitical zones meeting. We have not come here to also smuggle in an alleged document on the basis of certain geopolitical zones. So, this conference shouldn’t be part of any hidden agenda. If there is any issue that has to be tabled, it should be tabled frontally here.

We will confront it and I think the leadership has to respond to it.”

A delegate on the platform of Elder statesmen category, Mike

“There is nobody here who is a small boy, even the youths here are no longer young persons. They are old persons.

And in law and procedure, how can anybody lobby something that has not even come up for discussion? We have committee reports and we are debating them. We are deciding on certain thing.

Before anybody can be said to be lobbying to get the document, there would have been a decision on those issues here. When somebody begins to write things that have no basis and begins to talk about sources without mentioning names; I think this assembly is too serious an assembly to be distracted by such statements.”

In his counter motion, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani said, “Mr. Chairman, I have a counter motion. Whereas God gave us two ears to hear the two sides of a story, I am moving that the vice chairman be given the chance to clear his name. I so move, sir.”

Boko Haram: Muslims not at war with Christians — NSCIA

T

HE Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA said yesterday that the raging insurgency should not be misconstrued as Muslims being at war with Christians.

Speaking at the plenary, Secretary-General of the Council and a delegate to the on-going National Conference, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, said he, on behalf of the Muslim community of Nigeria, accepts with gratitude the message of goodwill expressed by "our Christian brothers and sisters.

“We want to seize this opportunity to reassure

Christians of this country and indeed all citizens of this country that Muslims in Nigeria are not at war with anybody”.

The former Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, who noted that Muslims in Nigeria were part and parcel of contributing to the greatness of the country, said, “We want to plead with our brothers and sisters and say emphatically that those who wage war on this country in the name of Islam, do not represent Muslims in Nigeria.

“Our brothers and sisters should please be gracious enough to accept that we are

saying this is nothing but the truth. For our brothers and sisters, if any of them perchance think that we are not sincere, I want this to be erased.

“Therefore, I urged the people of this country, particularly the Federal Government, to know that Muslims in Nigeria are not at war with the Federal Government and we should not be so treated.

We want to be protected, we are victims and we will continue to work along with the government for the protection and development of this country.”

Ramadan:

Sitting arrangement adjusted for Delegates MOVED by the issue of time frame, delegates yesterday adjusted its sittings to, among others, allow Muslim delegates observe the Ramadan fast.

Also delegates would have their lunch monetized for the period.

Chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi proposed an amendment to the work-plan of the conference in order to create opportunity for Muslim delegates to observe their prayers and break their fast with their families. He said in his proposal that the conference should have a marathon sitting from 9am to 3:30pm as against the usual 9am to 2pm for break for lunch and resume by 4pm and adjourn at 6pm.

It was unanimously accepted by the delegates.

The delegates also agreed that two days would now be devoted to consideration of the pending three committee reports.

Accordingly, one day would be dedicated to debate on a committee report while amendments and voting is carried out the following day.

Meanwhile, delegates at the conference called for scrapping of the lunch following a proposal by the conference chairman that cash be paid to Muslims delegates who were observing the Ramadan and could not take the lunch.

Kutigi said: “We are aware that many of us will be fasting and will not take lunch here. As such, we will open a register so that those who will not take lunch will be paid”.

However, while the proposal was applauded by the Muslim delegates, another delegate representing South South, Chief Sergeant Awuse, who called for an amendment to the proposal, suggested that instead of opening a register for delegates, lunch should be completely scrapped and monetised for all delegates.

Awuse argued that this would prevent a situation where those who were not observing Ramadan would take advantage of the opportunity to request for monetisation of their lunch.

He said “We should scrap lunch completely so that people, who are not fasting, will not write their names. We can do without lunch.

We can manage and support those who are fasting by doing without lunch”.

His amendment was taken as delegates unanimously agreed that the lunch be monetised during the period of Ramadan.

56—V anguard, TUESD AY, JUL Y 1, 2014 56—Vanguard, TUESDA JULY

We’ve learnt from Ekiti — Bashiru MR Ajibola Bashiru is the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties in Osun State. In this interview, he expresses optimism that the forthcoming elections in Osun state will not go the way of the Ekiti election. He also explains why Governor Rauf Aregbesola deserves a second shot at Abere Government House. Excerpts:

BY DAPO AKINREFON

W

HAT lessons can be learnt from the Ekiti

polls?

Ekiti polls only shows that in a democratic contest, it is possible to defeat an incumbent.

However, there is something ominous about the election and that is the atmosphere of fear and intimidation that the federal authorities brought upon the leadership of APC in the wake of the election by illegal arrests, detention and outright harassment.

I think that whatever gains democratic process have in the election is heavily discounted by the high-handedness of the federal security agencies in hounding key leaders of the opposition. I also think that it would appear that good governance and delivering of key projects is not sine qua non to success in election.

Rudderless politicians playing on the poverty of the masses may also have their way at the polls by ingratiating themselves through paltry gifts like rice and direct monetary inducement. I strongly feel that Ekiti portends a danger of slide to valueless politics anchored on crass monetarism. It may lead to a drawback on good governance.

Do you think the feat recorded in Ekiti can be repeated in the Osun election?

The answer is no. Ogbeni Aregbesola has a solid bond with Osun people and he is a grassroots politician who relates well with all other sectors of the society.

Taciturn fellow In fact, unlike in Ekiti where the PDP candidate is a populist, the PDP candidate here is a taciturn fellow and has no real followership anywhere in the state.

Also, through mass oriented programmes like Walk to Live, Gbangba Dekun and Ogbeni Till day Break, Aregbesola has cemented his bond with the people of Osun. If you are also a keen watcher of Osun politics you will discover that virtually all interest groups and communities have adopted Aregbesola as their candidate in the election.

There is also the commitment

by Osun to stand by the party of the governor at all times. You will recall that Osun is the only state in the South West that voted Ribadu in 2011.

It shows that Osun people are

•Bashiru not affected by bandwagon effect. Clearly, Aregbesola and All Progressives Congress, APC, are coasting to victory on 9 August, 2014.

Do you think Aregbesola deserves a second term?

Certainly, he deserves a second term. At the risk of sounding immodest, Aregbesola is the architect of modern Osun.

Everywhere you go in Osun, you will see the impact of good government.

The capital, Osogbo, is now a befitting one. Intervention has been made in all sectors, massive road construction, rebuilding of educational infrastructure, school feeding programme by which 253,000 pupils are fed every school day, N10,000 monthly relief

allowance for the elderly, massive rural electrification and so on.

There is also the 10 kilometer road in every local government. In terms of the Civil service, there was promotion for civil servants that have stagnated before Aregbesola and also improved car loans for workers.

Are you worried by the use of the federal might?

From the Ekiti experience and the boast

by PDP candidate, we are expecting the worst of treatments in terms of harassment by the federal authorities but Osun people are committed to defending their democratic rights.

Their candidate has been boasting that Abuja will write results for him even when he knows Osun people will never vote for him. We are not worried and we shall protect our votes with all the resources at our disposal.

The opposition has faulted some projects embarked upon by the administration, saying that they are not people oriented. What is your reaction?

The trademark of the opposition here is falsehood.

They lie shamelessly and peddle unfounded rumours. Is it feeding of 253,000 pupils every school day that is not people friendly or the provision of free school uniform?

Is it empowering 3,000 food vendors or the N10,000 for elderly? They should come up with their programme rather than lying shamelessly.

We’ll replicate PDP’s victory in Osun —Oyewunmi AKOGUN Lere Oyewunmi is the Director-General of the Iyiola Omisore Campaign Organisation. In this interview, he hopes that the PDP would repeat what happened in Ekiti state.

Excerpts:

BY DAPO AKINREFON

I

N 39 days time, the elections in Osun State will be conducted, how optimistic are you that your party and candidate would replicate the Ekiti success?

We want to thank God for the victory recorded in Ekiti state. The south western part of Nigeria is a complicated region because the people are not only educated, sophisticated they are also politically active. What happened in Ekiti state is a reaction of the people to the government in place.

In Osun state, we are expecting a better result for the PDP. What gives you that confidence?

I am a grassroots politician and I know the feelings of the people in this state. What I think is happening here is that people have experienced different kinds of government and they are yearning for a change.

I have been a local government chairman and I know when people are yearning for a change. The state government’s policy on education is already causing confusion and disaffection among the people but the people are going to use August 9 to show their genuine reaction that this is not the type of government they are praying for in Osun state.

Are you saying that the state government has not lived up to expectations?

I am not saying the governor has not performed but he has wasted too much efforts at destroying so many things. The government does not want to consider the feeling of the people.

There are so many projects embarked upon by the state government that would not impact on the lives of the people.

Most of the road construction

Lawmaker rallies support for Aregbesola

T

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

HE member representing Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo Otin Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Adeyinka Ajayi has charged youths in the state to support the re-election bid of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Ajayi said this will enable the governor implement more livechanging programmes designed for them.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony for some youths he sponsored in different vocational trainings in Ikirun, the headquarters of

Ifelodun local government, Ajayi said the empowerment of about 500 youths selected across wards in the local government areas that make up his constituency, was fashioned after similar empowerment programmes of Aregbesola.

He then commended the governor for devising policies targeted at developing enterprenueral potentials of youths in the state.

Ajayi noted that the Aregbesola administration, through implementation of some carefully designed programmes like Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, OYES, O’ Reap, O’ Meal and training of youths in various

vocations, have opened avenues for earning decent living for many youth and artisans in the state.

According to him, the beneficiaries having undergone training in vocations like fashion designing, hair dressing, shoe making, interior decoration among others were being empowered with necessary implements to start their vocations.

He called on the electorate to ensure total commitment to the reelection bid of Governor Aregbesola to enable him continue with implementation of programmes that would have direct and positive impact on the entire populace.

•Oyewunmi embarked upon by the Aregbesola government will not have direct impact on the lives of Osum people. There is no meaningful project that has been completed in Osun state.

If elected, what are the new things your party will bring on board?

As we have done before when Oyinlola was governor, we are going to be people oriented because the government exists because of the people. Any project a government is embarking upon that is not improving the welfare of the people, is a waste.

Our government will be people sensitive. In Osun state now, the workers are not been paid as at when due, the pensioners are also owed. We will make sure that the people become our priority.

Our government will not spread poverty and sadness, we will spread development in Osun state.

We are not going to abandon any meaningful project that Aregbesola has embarked upon. We will not put the cart before the horse.

How do you react to the perception that your candidate is not popular in Osun state?

Leave that to the electorate. PDP is a progressive party that believes in its followers. Governance is about trust. Our candidate is a grassroots person that has been in the political space of this state for over 18 years now. Omisore has touched the lives of so many people.

There is no doubt that some members of your party aggrieved. What effort are putting in place to bring back on board?

Our leaders and candidate are not leaving any stone unturned.

We will continue to dialogue with the aggrieved members without losing our direction of our campaign.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014—57

Drumbeat for another U.S. war in Iraq

Y

OU would think that former U.S. vice president Dick Cheney might be the last person to ever make a public statement about going to war again in Iraq, given the fact that he was the prime architect of the U.S. debacle in that country over what turned out to be some phantom weapons of mass destruction being built by late dictator, Saddam Hussein.

But, Cheney is not a man to stand akimbo and watch his “legacy” go into history’s incinerator of bad policies. With his equally war-mongering daughter, Liz, the former vice president wrote an article in the Wall Street Journal, where both Cheneys unabashedly criticized President Obama and asserted that “rarely has a U.S. president been so wrong about so much at the expense of so many” about Iraq. And this is a man who was so “right” about Iraq that the U.S. got involved in a most unproductive misadventure that resulted in 4,480 U.S. military casualties, $1.7 trillion and close to 500,000 Iraqi deaths.

Even with such heavy losses, Cheney and his daughter are once again beating the drums of another war in Iraq and urging the U.S. to get involved once more.

In fairness to ultra-conservative Cheney, his war drums have attracted other people in the conservative wing of U.S. politics.

No surprises here that the two most visible acolytes of U.S. engagement in wars abroad, Senators John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, have thrown in their weight in the calls for the U.S. to return to war in Iraq in some

community now that the militias are on the offensive.

Practically all observers of the dastardly events in Iraqi in the past years agree that al-Maliki singlehandedly invoked the present phase of instability in his country.

Not only did he stubbornly drive the U.S. and allied forces out of Iraq, he deliberately populated his administration with clansmen and Shiite factions in the Iraq, and proceeded to adopt measures to eliminate the Sunni community. Now, the Sunnis are in league with ISIS in trying to drive al-Maliki out of power.

Nearly everyone agrees that for peace to return in Iraq, the first measure is for alMaliki to step down and allow a more inclusive government to be set up.

Inclusive government

Senator Dianne Feinstein of California who heads the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee summed up this popular view when she told reporters that “I think that most of us that have followed this are really convinced that the Maliki government, candidly, has got to go if you want any reconciliation.”

President Obama has reiterated the same condition and in his speech on the current Iraqi crisis he promised to send up to 300 military advisers “to assess how we can best train, advise and support Iraqi security forces going forward” in their fight against ISIS forces. But, Obama was categorical about not sending U.S. Nearly everyone agrees that for peace to troops in harm’s return in Iraq, the first measure is for alway once more in Iraqi, a pledge he Maliki to step down and allow a more made during his inclusive government to be set up days of campaigning for the fashion. Both senators told the press that U.S. presidency. In his speech, Obama did “We are deeply concerned that the Presi- not equivocate on this matter as he firmly dent (Obama) continues to make political said that “American forces will not be rechange in Iraq the prerequisite for greater turning to combat in Iraq but we will help U.S. military and other actions that could Iraqis as they take the fight to terrorists begin reversing the momentum of ISIS and who threaten the Iraqi people, the region improving the security situation in the and American interests as well.” country.” Of course this is their coded lanThe president’s stand against commitguage for more military intervention in the ting U.S. troops to another war in Iraq is current Iraqi crisis. At another forum, what truly irks the likes of McCain, GraMcCain was blunt in arguing that for a ham and ultimately Cheney. They would start, the U.S. should send in the war jets rather see American troops and airstrikes and bomb the advancing Iraqi dissidents against the ISIS sooner than later. To into submission. While he ostensibly does McCain and Graham, that would be a not recommend U.S. boots on the ground measure to assert U.S. “leadership” in glofor now, he would rather have U.S. pres- bal affairs. To Cheney, that would be someence in the air over Iraq, which is the nor- thing to support his much tarnished legamal prelude to outright war. cy as a man who sounded the war trumpet The current crisis was triggered by the that left the U.S. bruised both in the loss of rapid advance toward capturing the Iraq human beings and money. capital, Baghdad, by the coalition forces The fact is that the U.S. is now war-faknown as the Islamic State in Iraq and tigued. Polls after polls do not support any Syria (ISIS). Apparently, the government military intervention in any war anywhere of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has not in the world, let alone Iraq and Afghaniand cannot find the means to halt the ap- stan. On this score, even the ordinary folks proach of the ISIS militia. Al-Maliki who, who do not support Obama agree with him some three years, “patriotically” refused that for now, at least, the U.S. is tired of to make it possible for some U.S. troop to fighting unproductive wars. Only the remain in Iraq and help in sustaining his Cheneys and McCains of this world still government and building further capacity thirst for the poisoned chalice which a for the Iraqi security forces, is now crying majority of their compatriots do not want for all to hear that the he and “Iraqi” peo- to drink from anymore. ple feel abandoned by the international

58—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

•Jakande Housing Estate in Mainland Lagos.

Adopt Jakande’s housing model, quantity surveyors task FG, states

By JUDE NJOKU & CHRIS OCHAY I

T

hirty-one years after Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande left office as the first civilian governor of Lagos State, his legacies in the housing sector are still speaking for him. Although most of the houses built by Jakande are today in distressed conditions due mainly to lack of maintenance culture, they are still housing many Lagosians.

Only last week, quantity surveyors called on the three tiers

opment of a master plan that will consider the multi-faceted ramifications and the various perspectives to home ownership.

Dikko advocated that a cost- effective methodology for producing low cost houses should be part of our master plan for providing new homes for Nigerians within the shortest possible time.

Speaking on the theme of the conference - Developing a master plan on new homes for Nigerians - The critical success factors, Dikko suggested that the “provision of housing for the

,

Dikko advocated that a cost- effective methodology for producing low cost houses should be part of our master plan for providing new homes for Nigerians within the shortest possible time.

of government to adopt the Jakande housing model if the dream of reducing the housing deficit currently put at a staggering 17 million units would be actualised.

President of the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QSRBN, Mallam Hussaini Adamu Dikko who spoke for the construction cost experts at the 4th Building and Construction Economic Roundtable, BCERT, organised by the regulatory body, advised the governments to study and improve on the approach adopted by Alhaji Jakande, which worked well in Lagos State. He canvassed the devel-

,

low-income and even the noincome citizens of Nigeria should be the direct social responsibility of government because these are the most vulnerable and greatest victims of the high level of income inequalities in our socio- economic landscape.

“The profit-making motive and mentality of the private real estate developer makes it evidently inadvisable for government to ever contemplate assigning the role of providing homes to low-income and noincome citizens to the private estate developers without strict monitoring and supervision.

There should be an interven-

tion, fund for the housing sector similar to what was done for the Aviation, Textile, Education and other sectors so that cheap fund can be made available to housing developers at less than five percent interest rate per annum with a condition that the prices of houses sold by the benefiting developers should crash to less than 40 percent of their current offer prices. The details should be worked out by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria which should be the managers of this Intervention Fund,”

the QSRBN president said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to develop a roadmap for the housing and urban development sector. The road outlines the key initiatives and sets of actions to be undertaken over the next 30 years.

President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who disclosed this while declaring BCERT4 open, said the roadmap which covers from 2014-2043 will take the sector to the next level Represented by the Minister

of Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Ayakenyi, Dr. Jonathan said; “as a peopleoriented Government, committed to the enhancement of the welfare aand well-being of our people, we have kept faith with this constitutional injunction by placing affordable housing delivery at the epicenter of public policy since the inception of this administration in 2011”.

“We cannot bridge the housing deficit in Nigeria without addressing the underlying factors that have militated against the development of the housing and urban development sector over the years. We have also recognised that we cannot bridge the housing deficit in Nigeria without addressing the underlying factors that have militated against the development of the housing and urban development sector over the years,” he said. The President said his administration has place in place, the enabling policies, plans, and strategies to re-invigorate the sector. “We are delighted that through these interventions, the housing and urban development sector is gradually being repositioned and transformed to enable us harness its potentials for sustainable national development.

“The importance of consolidating on the present gains cannot be over-emphasised. To this end, we shall continue to focus on four areas of priority concern to ensure sustained transformation of the housing and urban development sector.

The president promised that his administration will continue to collaborate and partner with all stakeholders who share in our vision of a transformed housing and urban development sector, with an enhanced capacity to contribute exponentially to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

Block makers in Kaduna, Kano laud SON on cement classification

B

lock makers in the northern parts of the country have complied with the directive of the Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON on classification of cement grades and usages. Speaking during a sensitisation seminar organised by Dangote Cement Plc, the block makers said that most of them now use 42.5R for making blocks. Vanguard Homes & Property recalls that not long ago, SON, in a desperate bid to stem the rising occurrence of collapsed buildings in the country, directed that 42.5R be used for casting of columns, beams, slabs and making blocks, while the low grade 32.5MPA was restricted to plastering. The 52.5R is stipulated for use when constructing bridges.

The Chairman of Kaduna State Blocks and Concrete Makers Association, Alhaji Hamza Haruna Gambo said all his members have complied with the SON directive on cement classification.

Alhaji Gambo who owns block making factories across the country said the directive was in the national interest, adding that most of block makers in North now use Dangote 3X cement as it is the only cement with 42.5R grade which meets SON’s specification.

“We’ve been using the new improved cement for the past two months. Those of our members who will refuse to comply, we would deal with them according to our constitution,” he added.

He commended the Dangote Group for organising the seminar across the country, saying it would add value to block making businesses and safety of Nigerians. In his response, the Sales Regional Director of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Shola Alo said the seminar is aimed at sensitising the block makers on the new directive of SON, as well as educate them on issues bordering on manufacturing, marketing, sales and cement usage.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014—59

IFC invests $9.5m in Abuja shopping mall

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

I

NTERNATIONAL Finance Corporation,IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has announced a $9.5 million (United States Dollars) investment in Jabi Lake Mall located in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. The investment is borne out of the huge demand for modern business infrastructure and retail space in FCT. The $120 million Jabi Lake Shopping Mall which is being built on a five hectares parcel

of land at Jabi Lake waterfront, is expected to create about 350 construction jobs and 900 longterm, retail-sector jobs. When completed, the project will be Nigeria’s largest shopping mall with over 30,000 square meters of shopping space.

Director, Actis Africa Real Estate Fund 2, (sponsors of the project), Ms. Amanda Jean Baptiste said investing in the Jabi Lake Mall demonstrates Actis’s commitment to the development of world-class retail destinations and domestic infrastructure in Nigeria. It is also part of the firm’s support

for the growing demands of a rapidly changing economy.

“Our partnership with IFC will help us draw on their expertise in international best practice in the environmental and social aspects of the project that affect property development,”she said.

IFC’s Country Manager for Nigeria, Mr. Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor, described their investment as part of “IFC’s strategy to help strengthen business infrastructure, contribute to economic growth and increase job opportunities in Nigeria. Actis is a strong part-

ner in this regard, that can also transfer best modern retail practices” Vanguard Homes & Property learnt that Jabi Lake Mall will be the largest retail development of international standard in Abuja. “Its construction will provide business opportunities for local suppliers of food, construction materials and services and will serve as a catalyst for urban development in the area around the mall”, a statement by Actis, said.

Construction began on the project in late 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2015.

•The model of Jabi Lake Shopping Mall, FCT, Abuja

Engineers kick against non-utilisation of indigenous experts, corruption

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

N

IGERIA can only attain economic and industrial development like China and other developed countries when the Nigerian Government begins to involve indigenous engineers in running the country’s economy. Besides, the government must also kick out corruption in the system.

These views were canvassed by the immediate past president of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Prof Ayo Ogunye. Academy is the elite group in engineering profession in Nigeria comprising only fellows of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE. The Academy faulted a statement credited to President Goodluck Jonathan that Nigeria could become like China which is the world’s second largest economy.

Speaking at the investiture of the 8th President of the Academy and induction of 13 new fellows, Prof Ogunye observed that while the development of

a long-term strategy for what is best, based on scientific raChina is driven by engineers, tee than any other profession- tionale to analyse problems, evaluate means and alternaNigerian engineers are rele- als. gated to the background in the Ogunye noted that Nigerian tives, and formulate achievable scheme of things.

Academies are never consult- goals. This has resulted to the He regretted that there is ed as think tank by the Federal growth in the economy of Chionly one engineer in the 25- government, unlike what ob- na at 10 per cent a year for two member Advisory Committee tains in China. He noted that decades and the country now for the Nigerian Industrial Rev- with the exception of one of the exports more in a day than it olution Plan set up President five Academies that is partly did in a year in 1976. In a desJonathan.The committee is funded by the government, the perate move to embark on ecoheaded by the Minister of In- rest receive zero funding from nomic transformation of China, the leadership of China intendustry, Trade and Investment. it (government).

Ogunye pointed out that if it “The truth of the matter is that sified anti-corruption efforts were China, there would be engineers are able to work out going after both ‘tigers’ and ‘flies’ referring to high-ranking more engineers in the commitand low-level corrupt officials.

Effective institutions were set up to deal with corruption that was rampant in its administration until the 60s. The deteriorating corruption among civil servants was curbed by sacking dozens of high-ranking officials for corruptions over the past years which not only showed the anti-graft resolve but also a grave situation. Between January 2008 and August 2013, prosecuting agencies handled over 151,000 cases of corruption and bribery Prof. Ayo Ogunye presenting an award to one of the recepients involving more than 198,000 at the investiture of the 8th president of the Nigerian Academy people. of Engineering last week in Lagos

Perm Sec blames infrastructural deficits on corruption

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

T

HE Federal Government has attributed the decay and deficit in public infrastructure to the high level of corruption presently ravaging almost every sector of the economy, Against this backdrop, the Government has urged the anti-graft agencies to develop more effective prevention strategies to curb the menace.

Speaking on behalf of the government, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Bashar who gave the charge to the agencies during the inauguration of a seven-man Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit, ACTU in the ministry.

The permanent secretary who hinged the nation’s under performance on the high level of corruption in the country, noted that if Nigeria’s resources had been prudently managed, the country would have joined the league of countries like Malaysia, South Korea and Brazil in terms of production and modern infrastructure.

Modern infrastructure “Corruption is at the heart of the under performance and it often leads to decay and infrastructural deficits. These deficits manifest in the form of unsatisfactory educational and health facilities, lack of employment opportunities and the general welfare of the people,” he said.

Alhaji Bashar who was represented by the Director of Human Resources in the Ministry, Mr. Fredrick Ntorue said, “we must therefore make well spirited efforts to tame corruption and prevent slide into decay of our national values and infrastructure.”

“Our current situation as a nation has been attributed to corruption and it is a major constraint that is hindering the economic, political and social development of our nation.

Hence we must jointly view it as a problem requiring urgent attention.

I am particularly pleased with ICPC’s new focus on corruption prevention. This is about intervening before the corrupt conduct occurs and also creating an environment and strategy that reduces the vulnerability of the system to corrupt practices and facilitate the development of the culture of integrity.

60—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Managing Direc tor/Chief Ex ecutive Officer, Enugu State Housing Corporation, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, in this interview with By CHARLES KUMOLU speaks on how the corporation is tackling the housing challenges in the state.

H

OW would you assess the housing problem in Enugu metropolis and to what extent do you think the state government has tried to resolve the problem?

What we have done is to just keep building. Building and building. As I speak to you today, Enugu is among the states in the country that you can visit and see already built houses still available for sale at very affordable prices. Presently, we have close to 60 flats unsold and these flats go for as low as N4.9million for a two bedroom flat. We sold our three bedroom flats for for as low as N7million.

What was the situation when you came on board and how have you been able to improve on what you met?

We started on a very rough note because we had challenges. We met a system that was almost in decay and we had to put in our best to revive the housing sector. We had to reconceptualise plans to start building and developing new estates in our state and we thought it was wise to give preferential treatment to the middle and low income earners in the state So, we commenced the development of estates for all categories of people. We even built for the high income earners. In the last seven years, we have been able to do a total number 748 housing units. We have

•An estate by Enugu State Housing Corporation

We’ve made home ownership in Enugu easy — Housing Corp Chief

•Why slum dwellers were ejected been a tedious task but we have been able to achieve it.

We have also put in a lot with respect to security. We have provided and built a lot of police posts and we on a monthly basis, provide imprest to run these police posts for the Nigerian Police to augment whatever they get and to be sure that all our estates are properly manned.

That has helped a lot. Secu-

,

Enugu is among the states in the country that you can visit and see already built houses still available for sale at very affordable prices.

been able to provide infrastructure in these estates and even in the estates that were existing before this administration. Through the support of the state government, we have been able to construct in our different estates a total of 37 kilometers of asphalted roads. Most of these roads have already been marked.

We have done 117 kilometers of drainage. We have also constructed 53 culverts. We have built three bridges, we have done 11 water projects which includes the provision of under ground, surface and reservoir over-head water tanks.

We have also been able to procure, install and energise 34 nos. 500KVA transformers in the different estates to boost electricity distribution. It has

,

rity is very important because we have had a few challenges with respect to security. We faced various challenges before getting to this stage. The first basic challenge that we faced was that of funding.

When we came in, there were no funds to execute any project. So, we had to start sourcing for funds from financial institutions by taking loans even though we have most of those loans fully paid up now. It would have been better if we had some capital on ground to enable us start up the projects. The interest on the loans which we paid have eaten deep into our profit. It would have been a lot better if we hadn’t paid those interests because we would have reinvested the

funds in developing more housing units.

Housing policy for the masses It’s been difficult for us to develop a policy that one would say will make it easier for the masses to benefit from our projects but be that as it may, we have introduced payment on instalments to enable people pay for their houses.

T

here is a policy which we adopted from the state government and that is the monitisation policy. So, we

•Chief Asogwa have been able to assist the state government by accommodating some of the civil or public servants through this monetisation policy. That policy makes it easy so that you just make a down payment for as little as 10 per cent. In some cases depending on the category of the person we are dealing with, we give them as much as 10 years to pay up the balance. The policy I was hoping that we would be able to adopt which would have made it a lot easier for our people to capitalise is obtainable in the western world; the policy of mortgage purchase.

You will just make a little down payment even if it is five per

cent or 10 and then you have to finish paying the rest in the next 20-25 or 30 years. It makes it a lot easier so that one doesn’t really have to worry on the effect of payment. But we are doing our best. The payment plan is really helping and a lot of people have benefited from it.

But do you think the present administration has done sufficiently well in the area of housing?

Extremely well because we have not just provided houses which I told you earlier rather, our supply has exceeded demand. We have gone out of our way to provide infrastructure.

Basic amenities that complement the housing units. Talking about roads, drainages, culverts,street lights, provision of water and provision of electricity. All these things complement the houses that are being built because without them you cannot move into any of those houses and live.

These facilities are being provided and they are there for everybody to see.

How did the state government manage or handle the issue of slum settlers after destroying where they were residing?

We took over one of the slummy areas in Enugu State some time ago and built the best estate in the South-eastern part of Nigeria. We paid the people that were ejected from the place compensation to enable them acquire new premises to live. We have also done it elsewhere; we had to eject people from a particular area because the place was supposed to be a highbrow area. We had to get them out of the place, relocate them and paid them compensation and everybody was happy. If you go there today, those places are no longer slums.

You will see beautiful housing developments with all infrastructure put in place.

Why incidents of collapsed buildings will persist —NIESV president

By CALEB AYANSINA

A

BUJA — The President of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, Olorogun James Omeru says collapsed buildings will continue to be a recurring decimal in Nigeria. He hinged his pessimism on corruption which still permeates not only the building sector, but the entire country’s system.

Olorogun who spoke after an Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service put together by the land professionals at the Ecumenical Centre Abuja, declared: “building collapse has to do with the entire system; it is corruption because people tend to cut corners. Contractors cut corners, the building engineers cut corners while the supervisor looks the other way, instead of ensuring that standards are adhered to”.

”As long as the whole system is corrupt, we will continuously have building collapse. Those who are saddled with supervision have compromised, and likewise the people who build,” he alleged.

On mass housing, Omeru said it would be difficult to address the housing problems when unemployment keeps increasing. He maintained that job creation would assist in addressing the housing deficit in Nigeria. ”Mass housing as I always say has to do with employment; the issue of unemployment must be solved first before you start talking about mass housing and mortgage because the two go together. If there is no job or your payment cannot afford to pay your house rent, how will you talk of taking a mortgage? Unless there is full employment, the issue of mortgage and mass housing will always lag behind,” he said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 61

World Cup: Ghana's president sacks Sports minister G

Wilmots waiting for real Hazard B

ELGIUM coach Marc Wilmots said on Sunday he was waiting to see the best of Eden Hazard after a quiet World Cup from the Chelsea star so far.

The dynamic midfielder had been expected to set the World Cup alight but he is yet to score and had only limited influence in Belgium’s three group wins.

“I think for the moment Eden wants to do more. He can do a lot for us, I think everyone knows that,” Wilmots told reporters at the team’s training base.

“Now I’m waiting to see it. It’s not a question of putting pressure on him because I know he’s already under a lot of pressure.

“But I’m waiting for him to take hold of a match and impose him-

self. Even if at 23 he’s still young to be doing that.”

Hazard will get another chance to shine in Tuesday’s last 16 knockout game against Jurgen Klinsmann’s tightly drilled USA. He was rested for Belgium’s last group game, the 1-0 win over South Korea, but showed his quality when he came on in the final minutes and nearly scored.

“He can find gaps and score goals. We’ve discussed it together – he wants to be more decisive, but there’s a difference between saying it and doing it,” Wilmots said.

“I’m confident in him and I think all of Belgium is confident in him but I think it’ll take a collective effort from all of us for this to happen.”

HANA’S Minister of sports and his deputy have been removed from their positions in the wake of the country’s abysmal performance in the World Cup. The president, John Mahama, gave no reason for the order, but it comes after the team finished bottom of Group G, failing to win any games.

The president’s statement said erstwhile sports minister, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah has been reassigned

as a minister of state in the government while his deputy Joseph Yammin had been sent to the Ashanti region as a deputy regional minister.

The team’s World Cup campaign has been dogged by difficulties and controversy. Ghana’s players threatened to strike unless a cash shipment containing unpaid fees was sent to them. Mahama was forced to send a plane load of £1.76m to Brasília for the players to

RAZIL coach Luiz Felipe Scolari believes that Neymar continues to be the subject of overly-physical marking at the FIFA World Cup. The Barcelona forward has been one of the hosts’ standout players at the tournament so far, helping Scolari’s men to the quarter-finals following Saturday’s dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Chile.

However, Neymar is a doubt for Friday’s lasteight clash with Colombia, having picked up a thigh injury during the win over Jorge Sampaoli’s side.

Scolari believes the 22year-old is being unfairly targeted by opposition defenders - likening it to the marking of Cristiano Ronaldo when he was in charge of Portugal.

“I have already experi-

2004, when I was the coach of Portugal,” he said.

“Then it was Cristiano Ronaldo in the viewfinder. Always subject to ‘special’ marking.

“I remember that in the semi-final against the Netherlands he was hit hard after just five minutes and he was forced to quit in the second half."

•Neymar in pains

share.

Meanwhile Sulley Muntari was suspended for what the country’s FA alleged was “an unprovoked physical attack” on an FA executive committee member.

Schalke forward KevinPrince Boateng was also suspended indefinitely for what the FA said were “vulgar verbal insults”

aimed at the team’s coach, James Kwesi Appiah, during training.

The country’s 2014 campaign was in sharp contrast to the 2010 one, in which Ghana progressed to the quarter-finals and were denied a goal that might have taken them to the semi-finals by a Luis Suárez handball.

MTN WGC South West qualifiers: Ayomike emerges champion

T

IM Ayomike emergedthewinnerof the MTN WGC South West Regional qualifiers that held at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate, Lagos at the weekend.

Ayomike scored 37 net to win the first prize thus qualifying for the national finals to be held in Ibom Golf Club, Uyo. The second position was taken by Olaitan Muyideen whoscored38netwhileRemi Olukoya with 40 net placed third. They all qualified for the national finals in the 0 to 5 handicap category.

Thesecondcategorywhich is handicap 6-10 saw Niyi

Scolari critical of Neymar treatment enced this before at Euro

B

•Afriyie-Ankrah

•Hazard

Latiwo emerging tops with a score of 34 net.

Ogunmowoju Teju placed seconwith34c/bwhileFrank Momoh with a score of 35 placed third in that category.

In category 11-15, Tim Maquire with a score of 33 net won the day, Mike Ikpoki of MTN placed second with 39netandDurojayiLadiwon the third place.

In a post match interview, Ayomide said, “I started very fast and very well. I am a category one player and a great putter. I am ready to go to the final and prove myself as I know I am going to win.”

Karagounis bows out after 139 caps G

REECE captain Giorgos Karagounis announced his retirement from an international football career spanning 139 caps over 15 years

following his team’s World Cup round of 16 exit to Costa Rica on penalties on Sunday.

“This was my last game for Greece,” the 37-year-

old told reporters.

“We wanted to stay on another week or even longer but you can’t change it now.”

The midfielder, who had his biggest moment when he helped Greece surprisingly win European Championship in 2004, said he would move aside for younger players.

“The national team has grown up, younger players have won invaluable experiences. This is no small thing and as we helped the team come of age we hope it will continue to be as successful in the future.”

The hard-working Kara-

•Karagounis gounis, who scored 10 goals for Greece, made his first appearance in 1999 against El Salvador and went on to play in three European Championships as well as two World Cups.

62 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014 — 58

Brazil 2014 World Cup match between Eagles and France in pix

AIMLESSNESS . . . Super Eagles’ midfielder Ogenyi Onazi (L) vies with France’s midfielder Blaise Matuidi during their Round of 16 match. Photo: AFP.

CELEBRATION . . . A French fan cheers for his team during the match. Photo: AFP

CONTROL . . Super Eagles forward Peter Odemwingie (L) controls the ball ahead of France’s defender Patrice Evra . Photo: AFP.

HEADER . . . France’s forward Olivier Giroud heads the ball with Super Eagles’ defender Kenneth Omeruo during their round of 16 match at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 30, 2014. AFP PHOTO / JEWEL SAMAD-+. France won 2-0.

Photo: AFP

Vanguard, TUESDAY,JULY 1, 2014 — 63

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2014

Keshi, Yobo quit S

UPER Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has

resigned his Continues on Page 54

Today's Matches Agentuna Belgium

vs vs

Switzerland USA

5 p.m.

9 p.m

Result France

2

Nigeria

0

Eagles win blackmail game, lose to France

C

PAIN AND JOY.....Vincent Enyeama sulks as French players celebrate after beating Nigeria 2-0 yesterday. Photo: AFP

Yobo: It wasn’t our day — Pg 54

AMEROON had issues with money. They shamefully lost three matches, conceding nine goals and scoring two.

Ghana took after them.

They had issues with money.

Their government was ashamed and disgraced Africa the more when they flew $3m cash to Continues on Page 54

PAINFUL DEFEAT........Nigeria's defender Juwon Oshaniwa agonises after Eagles loss yestereday. PHOTO: AFP

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Restraint (6) 5 Forgive (6) 9 Garret (5) 10 Frustrate (6) 11 Alive (6) 12 Relaxed (5) 14 Island (4) 17 Mire (3) 18 Sense (4) 20 Rate (5) 22 Scope (5) 23 Curl (7) 24 Compact (5) 26 Old-fashioned (5) 29 Hint (4) 30 Serpent (3) 32 Tardy (4) 33 Quoted (5) 35 Eraser (6) 36 Swing (6) 37 Prevent (5) 38 Dashed (6) 39 Myth (6)

DOWN 1 Wreckage (6) 2 Lottery (6) 3 Auction (4) 4 Vapour (5) 5 Heaped (5) 6 Tart (4) 7 Forced (6) 8 Fuss (6) 13 Imply (7) 15 Reel (5) 16 Weird (5) 18 Deadly (5) 19 Heron (5) 21 Performed (3) 22 Colour (3) 24 Scratched (6) 25 Rubbish (6) 27 Twist (6) 28 Rely (6) 30 Ventilated (5) 31 Foot-lever (5) 33 Yield (4) 34 Challenge (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Prime 7, Rubbed 9, Fee Lad 12, Ready 13, Alas 15, Timid Debase 19, Yarn 20, Arena 22, Art Drapery 27, Nip 28, Easel 31, Diva Decent 35, Clear 37, Kick 38, Unite Rat 41, Oaf 42, Muslin 43, Heard.

10, 17, 24, 33, 39,

DOWN: 1, Armada 2, Abrade 3, Gel 4, Peri 5, Reedy 6, Moderate 8, Data 11, Disappear 14, Send 16, Mere 18, Barn 21, Radiance 23, Tree 25, Aide 26, Yank 29, Stifle 30, Liking 32, Actor 34, Cram 35, Lead 40, Tub.

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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