100 Killed as Boko Haram hits Yobe, Borno

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62289

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Suspected insurgents bomb Ekiti prison, free inmates

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100 killed as Boko Haram hits Yobe, Borno

By Ndahi Marama •Burns down Mobile Police base, churches, others & Bala Ajiya •Attack barbaric, heinous, says Yobe Gov, as residents flee MSAUI DS UP EGCUTREI —D Boko Haram insurgents,

TANKER DRIVERS IGNORE JONATHAN, FASHOLA

yesterday, intensified terrorist activities, targeting two state capitals in the NorthEastern part of the country with coordinated bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State capital and gun attacks in Damaturu, Yobe State capital.

More than 100 persons were feared dead in the attacks as several places, including police formations, were burnt.

Continues on page 5

COLUMNISTS: Who is afraid of Goodluck Jonathan (1) •P.17

Mr & Mrs

THE HORROR CONTINUES—Traffic horror caused by tankers and other articulated trucks along OshodiApapa Expressway continued, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Don't blame Jonathan for falling crude price, devaluation 44 C M Y K

Compel Tambuwal to vacate seat, PDP tells court 8

Ijaw youths halt ide s n inauguration of SPDC I projects in Bayelsa See

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

SEX OFFENDERS REGISTER—From left: Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, signing to endorse the campaign establishing the Sex Offenders' Register, yesterday in Lagos, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor and Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba, Managing Partner, Partnership for Justice (Mirabel Centre), look on. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

100 killed as Boko Haram hits Yobe, Borno Continues from page 1 Damaturu is 135 km west of Maiduguri.

Umar Sada, who lives in the Gujba Road area of the city, said the latest raid happened at about 4:45 a.m (0345 GMT).

In Damaturu, residents in the Gujba Road area of the city were jolted out of bed by the sound of gunshots and explosions at about 4:45 am as many

fled.

Sada said: “I was woken by huge blasts and the sound of heavy gunfire around the Mobile Police barracks.

The gunmen came in numbers. They burnt down the Police barracks.

They are now advancing towards two housing estates. We have left our home. We are now in the bush. We don’t know

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all —David Livingstone.

Chart your course and go the right way, there is a way.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference —Winston Churchill

T

O move ahead successfully in life. You need to feel as if you’re worthy of achieving your goals and changing into the person you want to be.

Letting go of any negativity in your life will help you get there faster. You’ve got to be committed to doing this for yourself otherwise your guilt for letting go of certain relationships will keep you in the same place.

How to realize you’re worth it: Decide. Simply.

Make the choice and decide that it’s time you’re committed to yourself, your goals, and your dreams and you won’t let anything stop or slow you down from getting there. Think about the negative side effects of holding onto these relationships. Ask yourself: What effect are these relationships having on my life? What are my goals and how badly do I want to achieve them? Are these people supporting my goals or slowing me down? Try to be in the company of people who are successful in the areas that you’d like to excel, learn from them.

what’s going to happen."

Another local resident, a government official who asked not to be identified, said: “It’s chaos all over the town.

All I can hear are explosions and gunfire from my house. I couldn’t go out for morning prayers because this started before dawn and I’m afraid to leave in case I get caught up in it.”

There was no immediate comment from the military in Damaturu, where government troops were also stationed, nor from Abuja, although Air Force jets were seen overhead.

But the Yobe State Police Commissioner, Marcus Danladi, said they were dealing with a “serious situation”.

Vigilantes in the city claimed that more than 40 Boko Haram fighters were killed.

A staff of the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu said the fighting was still raging by mid-morning and some shells had landed in the school compound.

Other residents said fighting was taking place near detention facilities where Boko Haram suspects were being held near the state governor’s residence, and the jets were bombarding the

militants.

The fresh attacks in Damaturu were targeted at Police and military formations as well as selected houses, a situation that sources said left many people dead.

Police mobile base attacked

A reliable source told Vanguard that “the Police Mobile Base in Damaturu was one of the security formations that came under attack by insurgents. As I am talking to you, we are in serious confusion now, gunshots and explosions were everywhere especially from the southern part of the city and people are fleeing,” said an embattled resident, Mallam Usmanu Iliya.

Another resident who did not want his name mentioned in print for security reasons said he was woken up by the gunshots and blasts which started at about 6 a.m.

Another resident who could barely speak as he was panting simply told Vanguard that “We are running for our lives…we are under attack…. We don’t know where to hide, the shooting is all over….”

Although, at press time, the attacks and confrontations by security operatives in Damaturu were still on, the actual casualty figure was yet to be ascertained.

Buba Umar, who left the town for Maiduguri, said the militants attacked the police station armed with assault rifles and petrol bombs.

Another resident, Manassa Samuel said: “While some of the terrorists stormed the palace, others destroyed all the churches in the town.

They also destroyed many shops.

“Most of us fled to the bushes, leaving only women and children at home. The good news is nobody was killed,” he said.

Borno State police spokesman, Gideon Jibrin confirmed the attack and said an investigation had been launched.

Jibrin initially said that more than 10 people were killed and many more injured, but he later changed the toll.

“The casualty figure is five dead and not as earlier sent,” he said in a text message.

A previous text said that two female suicide bombers detonated their explosives in two different areas of the market, after initial reports of a single middle-aged woman and two blasts.

One rescue official also said that five people had died and 47 were injured.

But one witness at the scene, Goni Abba, said he counted “10 dead bodies”.

Meanwhile the Defence headquarters in a tweet posted on its handle said the Nigerian troops while carrying out the onslaught, ensured that innocent and panicstricken citizens were spared the agony of collateral damage.

DHQ said the first approach troops applied in the reprisal attack on the terrorists, was to secure the civil population while

repelling or apprehending the terrorists.

The tweets read: “Troops backed by the Airforce are carefully engaging terrorists who attacked the town in the early hours of today (yesterday).

“The approach is to secure the civilian population while repelling or apprehending the terrorists."

Attack barbaric, heinous — Yobe Gov

Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information, Abdullahi Bego condemned the attack as heinous and barbaric and “expressed appreciation to the security forces who worked very hard on the ground and from the air to repel the attack and forced many of the attackers to flee. As a result of their effort, Damaturu remains firmly under government control.”

According to the statement, “the governor has also been told that the security effort is still ongoing. Security agents will continue to track and pursue any remnants of the attackers who might still be hiding in town.

The governor urges people in Damaturu and all across the State to continue to remain vigilant and pray to Almighty Allah for His intervention.

“While commending the security forces for their work in repelling the attack, the governor also called on them to remain at their highest alert level and to carry the good work to its logical conclusion. The governor has directed hospital authorities to provide adequate support to innocent victims of the attack who visit hospital for medical attention”.

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

YULETIDE: Akwa Ibom bans firecrackers

By Chioma Onuegbu

U

YO— AKWA Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Gabriel Achong, has warned members of the public, particularly the users and marketers of explosives, such as firecrackers, to desist henceforth as those caught in the act would face the wrath of the law during the Christmas period.

Achong, who gave the warning in a statement in Uyo yesterday, explained that the ban on the use of explosives, especially during the Yuletide season, was to avoid distractions that would create opportunity for hoodlums to perpetrate crimes and criminality in the state.

He warned the youths and persons who engage in masquerading and cultural displays to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the season, saying his administration will not tolerate any breach of the peace.

His words: “As the yuletide period approaches, marketers and buyers, who are in the habit of using and dealing in explosives, such as firecrackers, should desist henceforth as this could cause distractions and threat to security.”

Achong restated the commitment and readiness of the men and officers of his command to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizenry and residents, not just during the Christmas season, but at all times.

Children taking their meal at the Internally-Displaced Persons, IDP, camp in Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Sunday. NAN PHOTO.

Akwe Doma, others lose bid to transfer money laundering case

By Soni Daniel

F

ORMER governor of Nasarawa State, Akwe Doma and two others, yesterday, lost their bid to force Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court, Lafia, to hands off the case of money laundering preferred against them by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. They lost the bid with the judge ruling that she will continue to hear the case as the issue of bias raised by them did not arise and had not been

proved.

The application for the judge to withdraw from the case was

by Timothy Anjide, the second accused person in the matter involving Aliyu Akwe Doma, Anjide and Dauda Egwe, who are being prosecuted on a 10count charge bordering on money laundering by EFCC. At the resumed hearing in the matter, the defence counsel brought an application for an order of the court to transfer the case.

The defence alleged that there had been instances in the proceedings that suggested a

Father discharges 4-yr-old son attacked by dogs

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

M

R. Odia Abraham, father of Master Omonigho Abraham, the four-year-old boy, who sustained extensive injuries following attack by dogs in Igando area of Lagos State, discharged his son from the hospital against medical advice.

The boy suffered a lifethreatening injuries in the attack by two Alsatian dogs in the compound of their rented apartment at 35, Adegboyega Street, Akesan, Igando area of Lagos State on September 29.

His father removed his son from the Burns and Plastics unit of the Lagos State

University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, where he was receiving specialist care.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who disclosed this yesterday, while reviewing report of the specialists that attended to Omonigho at LASUTH, said the boy’s father took an ill-advised step and chose to take his son out of the hands of the plastic surgery specialists in LASUTH on November 28, against medical advice that healthy granulation tissue growing on his son’s skull must not be interrupted.

He said all attempts to talk to Mr. Abraham against taking the step were rebuffed and that he signed the necessary papers.

Idris said the attention of Lagos State Government, particularly Governor Babatunde Fashola, was drawn to Omonigho’s case, who was initially rushed to the Igando General Hospital, where he was stabilized by the medical team at the Accidents and Emergency ward of the hospital.

The commissioner added that Omonigho was thereafter, referred to the Burns and Plastics unit of LASUTH, where specialists in the department assessed him and promptly began to manage the life threatening avulsion injuries on his scalp, which left most of his skull exposed.

likelihood of bias by the judge.

However, the prosecuting counsel, urged the court to dismiss the application, arguing that the application did not show that the first and third accused had lost confidence in

the court.

Justice Okeke held that the application for transfer of the case lacked merit and adjourned the case till January 19, 20 and 21, 2015 for continuation of trial.

2 dead, 9 injured as trailer crashes into 5 vehicles in Ogun

By Bose Adelaja

A

BOUT two people were feared dead, while nine others were severely injured, yesterday, in a multiple auto crash that occurred at Toll gate area of Ogun State.

According to eyewitnesses’ account, the auto crash involved a cement-laden trailer belonging to a popular cement manufacturer in Lagos, which rammed into five other vehicles all heading for Ota area of the state.

The accident was said to have occurred around 10.34a.m., when the fully loaded trailer, with number plate XA 364 JKB, allegedly lost control and rammed into a car with number plate LND 353 XJ; Land Cruiser, YAB 103 RU; Paragon, KSF 537 XK; Infinity Jeep, GGE 447 BS and another Paragon, AAA 449 XN. The victims were two drivers of affected vehicles, while those injured include the truck

driver, commuters and passersby at the bus stop, who scampered for safety on noticing the danger.

The trailer was said to be so severely damaged that it was smashed before the victims could be rescued.

An eyewitness, who prefered anonymity, relayed the accident to Vanguard via a telephone conversation.

He said the trailer loaded from Ibeshe area of Ikorodu and was heading for Ota when a break failure occurred and it rammed into five other vehicles.

However, the situation was brought under control through the combined effort of officials of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, and Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE. They immediately commenced a rescue mission and took the victims to a nearby hospital.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014—7

Nollywood actor, two others arrested for kidnap

By Evelyn Usman

O

PERATIVES of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FSARS, Adeniji Adele, Lagos, have arrested an upcoming Nollywood actor and gospel musician (names withheld) and two others in connection with the alleged kidnap of a female banker at Mile 2 area of Lagos.

The actor and his alleged partners were said to have kept their victim in an uncompleted building in Mowe, Ogun State for four days, awaiting response from the captives’ family.

They were reportedly caught while sharing the ransom.

Vanguard gathered that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the squad, Mr. Chris Ezike, acting on a tip-off,

deployed teams of policemen to the hide-out, where the suspected kidnapers were rounded up and their victim rescued.

Police sources said the Enugu State-born 28-year-old actor claimed he was introduced into the act by leader of the gang, whose identity he gave as Jack.

He said Jack masterminded the kidnap of the female banker,

AGAINST TRAFFIC: It is now the norm along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway for Okada and Danfo buses to drive against traffic. This picture was taken at the Mile 2 axis, yesterdy.

PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

3 nurses, council director, 2 others abducted in Ekiti zSome of the kidnappers were 15 years old— VICTIM

By Gbenga Ariyibi

A

DO EKITI—NO fewer than three nurses, a Director of Administration, DA, in Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Mr. Tayo Olawuyi, and two others were abducted at two different locations in the state in the last one week.

Meanwhile, police in collaboration with the local hunters, have rescued the three nurses, while efforts are on to locate the whereabouts of the DA. The nurses, who are working with the General Hospital, Ifaki Ekiti, were said to have been abducted at 3p.m., on Friday while Olawuyi’s incident happened last week.

A source disclosed that the nurses were said to be

travelling to Ido Ekiti after the close of work, when their abductors took them away.

Other persons who suffered similar fate include one Christopher Adebo and his friend, who were returning to their base after attending a social function at Ewu Ekiti, but were kidnapped by their abductors at a bad portion on the road in Orin Ekiti.

Adebo said: “When we got to a bad portion of the road, we were kidnapped by some young persons whose ages were between 15-18. We were then taken to a forest where we saw four women.

“The gang was apparently working with an Alhaji, whose identity was not disclosed. We were in the forest until we were saved through the assistant of the local hunters.”

Olawuyi’s kidnap was confirmed by a staff of the council, who pleaded for anonymity.

He said Olawuyi was accosted by the suspected kidnappers at the gate of his house at Odo Ado area of Ado Ekiti at gunpoint as he was about entering his house.

It was gathered that the fiveman gang also took Olawuyi’s official car away.

The source said: “The family has been trying to reach him, but the cell phone was switched off. In fact, there is confusion everywhere. This is the second time Olawuyi will be kidnapped in three years.”

He said the kidnappers had not contacted the family. Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Victor Babayemi, confirmed the incident.

who was his former boss.

Two charged with stealing air conditioners worth N10.5m

Movies featured in

He has starred in five home videos: The Eves, Friday Night, Witches Club, Palace Club and Mountain High. He has also released two music albums in 2008 and 2014.

Police sources said: “The suspects were six in number.

But three are on the run and we are on their trail.

“During interrogation, the actor said six of them came in a Toyota Corolla car and immediately they saw their target coming out of her Toyota Camry car, they pointed guns at her and drove her to their hideout in Mowe.”

He allegedly confessed that himself and Jack drove the victim’s car to Akerele area of Surulere, where they sold it for N250,000. He said he got N100,000, while Jack took the rest.

“They also sold their victim’s jewellery for N8,000 and her pair of shoes for N3,700.”

He also stated that his share of the ransom was N450,000, but did not disclose how much they got, as the bargain was done between Jack and the victim’s family.”

One of the suspects reportedly told FSARS operatives that he came from Edo State on invitation by a friend.

He said: “A friend invited me to Lagos. All he told me was to watch over the woman and ensure she did not escape from where she was kept. I never knew she was kidnapped. I was tempted by the N350,000 offer.”

On his part, the friend, aged 23, said his role was to provide his master ’s Toyota Corolla, which was used for the operation, adding that his share of the ransom was N400,000.

The suspects, as gathered, have been charged to court for kidnap and robbery.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

L

AGOS—TWO persons have been charged before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for stealing air conditioners valued at about N6.3 million, property of one Mohammed Mukaila.

The accused, Funmi Oshinaga, 56; and Uchenna Okolo, 35 were also accused to have forged way bill receipt of LG Air Conditioners, valued at N10.5 million and delivered to one Ugonna Ezenwa in Delta State.

Oshinaga and Okola were arraigned by the police on a three-count charge bordering on stealing and issuing of forged receipt, to which they pleaded not guilty.

The charge against the accused read: “That you Funmi Oshinaga, Uchenna Okolo and others now at large, on September 4, at 6p.m. on Ipakodo Road Ikorodu Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial district, did steal 218 LG Air Conditioner products valued at N6.33 million, property of one Mohammed Mukaila.”

Police prosecutor, Inspector Eranus Nnamonu, informed the court that the alleged offence is punishable under Section 278 (2a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

However, Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N500,000, with two surety and adjourned till January 15, 2015 for hearing.

Sokoto State marshals waiting for posting across the 23 local government areas of the state, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

8 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

PDP asks court to compel Tambuwal to vacate seat •Says Tambuwal is holding the nation to ransom •Tambuwal petitions CJ to transfer case to neutral judge

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North, Emman Ovuakporie, Ikechukwu Nnochiri & Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA — THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, asked the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to compel the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, to declare himself as unfit to represent Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency.

The party declared that the embattled Speaker is holding the entire nation to ransom by continuing to occupy the seat of the Speaker of the House of Representatives having defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Alternatively, PDP urged the court to compel the Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, to declare Tambuwal’s seat vacant.

The Speaker, on his part, has sent a petition to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, pleading with him to re-assign a fresh case seeking to remove him from office to a neutral judge.

The party contended that inline with the provision of Section 68(1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Tambuwal, having defected from the party that sponsored his election into the House of Representatives, ought to vacate his seat.

Moving the motion ex-parte for an order of Mandamus and injunction against Tambuwal yesterday, counsel to the PDP, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, insisted that under Section 68(2) of the 1999 constitution, it was mandatory for the 2nd Respondent (Tambuwal) as Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare vacant the Kebbe/ Tambuwal seat, considering that the occupant had defected from the party that sponsored him to the legislative house.

PDP prayers

PDP specifically prayed the court for “an order of Mandamus compelling the 1st Respondent to give effect to the provisions of Section 68(1) (g) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by declaring the Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency seat vacant as required under section 68(2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“An order of injunction restraining the 2nd

Respondent from performing or continuing to perform the function of the 1st Respondent in the House of Representatives, or sitting or continuing to sit in the House of Representatives as a member consequent upon the Order of Mandamus.

“In the alternative, an order of court compelling the 3rd Respondent to declare the Kebbe/Tambuwal seat vacant by an Order of Mandamus in terms of relief (a) supra.

PDP told the court that under Section 68(2) of the constitution, “Tambuwal has a mandatory duty to bring into effect the provisions of Section 68(1) (g) of the constitution.”

According to the party, “the 2nd Respondent is aware that he has left the Applicant and joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, by his open declaration on the floor of the House of Representatives on October 28, 2014.

“The 2nd Respondent has clung to the seat of Speaker of the House of Representatives and has refused to vacate same.

“Under section 53(3) of the 1999 constitution, as amended, the 3rd Respondent performs the function of the 1st Respondent in the absence of a Speaker in valid occupancy of the position, or legal incapacitation of the incumbent Speaker.”

Cited as Respondents in the matter were the office of the Speaker of the House of Reps, Tambuwal himself and Ihedioha, as 1st to 3rd Respondents, respectively.

Respondents on notice

Meantime, while granting PDP leave to commence the suit against Tambuwal, Justice Ahmed Mohammed ordered that all the Respondents should be put on notice, saying they should also be served with all the relevant court process.

The court further adjourned the matter till December 12 for hearing.

Affidavit in support of motion ex-parte

In a 16-paragraph affidavit in support of the motion exparte deposed to by one James Ugbogu, PDP told the court that: “The 2nd Respondent who was sponsored in the 2011 general elections by the applicant has left the party to join another party, the APC, and has so announced on the floor of the House on October 28, 2014, thereby informing the House on his present

HONOUR: President Goodluck Jonathan (right), receiving a plaque from President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mrs Debola Osibogun, during a courtesy call on the President at Aso Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida. status as required by law.

“The announcement was broadcast live on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the African Independent Television (AIT) , Channel TV, Silverbird TV, and every other TV channel in Nigeria.

“The 2nd Respondent has collected Gubernatorial Nomination Form of the APC for Sokoto State to contest for the post of Governor in the 2015 general election after declaring for that party. That to the best of my knowledge, the 2nd Respondent is now a member of the APC. “I have been informed by the National Chairman of the Applicant, Alhaji Adamu Mua'zu on November 20, 2014 at the National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja at about 3.00pm that there is no division in the party, and I verily believe him.

“That the 2nd Respondent is the present incumbent of the 1st Respondent office and has failed to declare, or decided not to declare the Kebbe/ Tambuwal Federal Constituency seat vacant as a result of personal interest protection in defiance to the provisions of the Constitution.

“I know as a fact, and as a lawyer that a constitutional duty is a duty owed to the whole nation, and the incumbent, in this case the 2nd Respondent, has a duty to perform the function irrespective of who is involved.

“Unless compelled by an Order of Mandamus, the 1st

Respondent will not perform his official duty as provided under Section 68(2) of the Constitution, an office to which he has clung tenaciously in spite of his full knowledge of the consequence of a change of party membership.

“I also know as a lawyer that in the absence of the 1st Respondent, the 3rd Respondent performs the functions of the 1st Respondent, hence the alternative relief.

“The 2nd Respondent knows that he is no longer a member of the House of Representatives as a result of Section 68(1) (g), but also knows that only the act of declaration by the 1st Respondent can give effect to that provision of the Constitution to make his seat vacant. The 2nd Respondent is a senior lawyer.

Assign my case to neutral judge, Tambuwal pleads with CJ

Meanwhile, as the House of Representatives is set to resume plenary tomorrow, Tambuwal has sent a petition to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, pleading with him to re-assign a fresh case seeking to remove him from office to a neutral judge.

A member of the House, Mr. Isiaq Akinlade, is seeking to remove Tambuwal via an exparte order just as the members reconvene for plenary.

Tambuwal insisted that it was

wrong for the trial judge to handle his case since he had already given a ruling on a similar matter.

Although Tambuwal had filed a case early last month to stop the PDP from declaring his seat vacant following his defection to the APC, Hon. Akinlade is praying the court to urgently send him away on account of his defection to the opposition party.

The speaker said handing the case to the judge would amount to him making an appeal on his previous judgement and a disservice to justice.

In the petition dated November 30, 2014, Tambuwal drew the attention of the CJ to five cases, which were similar to the one filed by the PDP rep.

Clark urges Adoke to write NASS

Meanwhile, elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner of Information, Chief Edwin Clark has urged the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke to as a matter of urgency write the National Assembly on the status of Tambuwal.

He argued that since the Speaker had dumped the PDP for the APC, the speaker ought to have not only lost his position, but his seat at the lower chambers in accordance with the constitution.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014—9

2015: Jega accuses politicians of flouting electoral laws

By Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA — CHAIRMAN of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday, accused political gladiators in the 2015 general election of not respecting electoral laws of the country.

He said one of the major challenges the commission was facing was to see how the political players can respect the code of conduct which they have already signed to keep to.

Speaking in Abuja at the 9th Public Lecture of the Electoral Institute, TEI, the INEC chairman noted that most of the messages politicians were spreading promote hate and violence, saying there was the need for them to pass messages that only promote peace.

While noting that the theme of the lecture, “Youth and electoral violence in Africa: Lesson for Nigeria” was apt, Jega insisted that “the challenge we are facing as a commission is mediating among politicians to respect the code of conduct that they have signed.”

The INEC boss disclosed that the commission would be meeting with traditional rulers to assist in the message of peace just as he said INEC would improve on its voter education programme.

Guest speaker at the lecture

and Director, African Leadership Centre, ALC, Kings College, University of London, Dr Funmi Olonisakin, while speaking earlier, advised against deployment of security operatives during elections without properly training them on electoral process.

She said: “As much as possible, security personnel should not be deployed unless INEC has certified

that they have received electoral security training.“ Commenting on youth involvement in electoral violence, she advised that competition among the political elite for services of youth and their cooperation for manipulation could and should be mediated by other credible across and stakeholders in society.

She regretted that the level

of prosecution in electoral violence in the country was low despite the law enforcement approach, saying the development was as a result of what she simply described as “elite connivance and complicity in electoral violence.”

Dr. Olonisakin urged INEC to improve on the area of voter education, which she noted was very critical.

Queue at an Automated Teller Machine, ATM, in Dutse, Jigawa State, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Oil aftershock shakes Naira, Russian Ruble L

AGOS — OIL-RICH emerging markets were battered as crude prices plunged again and more weak data came out of China, yesterday.

Russia’s ruble tumbled more than three per cent to a new record low and Nigeria’s naira was reeling again less than a week after it was devalued to try to stem its woes.

There was little sign the pressure was about to ease either as Brent crude fell more than $2 a barrel to a five-year low as its worst run since the 2008 financial crisis continued.

As the ruble slumped, Russia’s dollar-based RTS stock index dropped four per cent to a five-year low, leading the charge down in a 1.3 percent slide in global emerging market stocks.

Other oil-heavy markets also suffered. Nigeria’s naira dropped two per cent to a new record low against the dollar.

Malaysia’s ringgit fell 2.4 per cent, headed for its biggest twoday slide since the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis.

Plunging prices for oil and other commodities raised fears

of deflation, especially in the euro zone and Japan, and the prospect of looser monetary policy pushed the yen to a seven-year low against the dollar.

The yen took another brief hit after Moody’s Investors Service cut Japan’s credit rating.

“Over-optimistic global growth forecasts have been pared back, and probably rightly so, and also China has come back on to the radar. And that of course has become a big driver for a lot of commodity prices,” said Neil Williams, chief economist at fund manager Hermes in London.

World oil prices are down 40 percent since June, largely on abundant supply.

OPEC last week declined to cut production to raise prices. Brent crude fell as low as $67.53, its lowest since October 2009, before picking up to $69.80.

“The market is still very much in panic mode,” said Energy Aspects’ chief oil analyst Amrita Sen. Chinese purchasing

managers (PMI) data showed manufacturing slowed in November, suggesting the world’s second biggest economy was still losing momentum. Factory activity also slowed in France and

Germany. The FTSEurofirst 300 index fell 0.5 percent. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 2 percent, hitting six-week lows.

Emerging market shares tracked

by MSCI fell 1.5 per cent.

FG cancels military training

by US

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BUJA — THE United States of America, USA, is cutting short a training programme for Nigerian soldiers following a request by the Federal Government less than a month after Washington said it refused to sell the country Cobra attack helicopters.

“At the request of the Nigerian government, the United States will discontinue its training of a Nigerian Army battalion,” the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, said in an e-mailed statement. The programme was designed to help Nigeria battle the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram.

The US turned down the helicopter request “due to concerns about Nigeria’s ability to use and maintain this type of helicopter in its effort against Boko Haram and ongoing concerns about the Nigerian military’s protection of civilians when conducting military operations,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in Washington on November 12.

“We regret premature termination of this training, as it was to be the first in a larger planned project that would have trained additional units with the goal of helping the Nigerian Army build capacity to counter Boko Haram,” the embassy said.

CONTEMPT: Court threatens to arrest Daniel, Bankole

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS — A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, threatened to order the arrest of former Ogun State governor, Mr Gbenga Daniel, if he fails to appear before the court on December 19.

Trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, said he would also compel former House of Representatives Speaker, Mr Dimeji Bankole, to attend court should he be absent that day.

Both are among alleged contemnors in a contempt proceedings initiated by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, executive committee members in Ogun State, led by Chief Adebayo Dayo.

Other alleged contemnors in the proceedings are the PDP, Dave Salako and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The Ogun State executives initiated the contempt proceedings against them for allegedly disobeying orders of the court.

The plaintiffs alleged that the respondents had been attempting to remove them from office despite two Federal High Court judgments affirming the legality of their positions.

Justice Abang also, yesterday, warned that he would not tolerate any disobedience of his orders by anybody.

He said: “I have jurisdiction to enforce the judgment of this court. It’s up to them to be here on the next adjourned date. If they’re not here on December 15, I will compel their attendance. I so hold.”

Abang said it was wrong for anyone to disobey a court order to give the impression that the court is powerless.

“The court should bark, bite, and where the situation demands, break the bones,” the judge said.

The judge said he would also not consider any application filed by the alleged contemnors if they do not appear in court personally.

He said: “The alleged contemnors are not in court, but they ought to be in court.

It is mandatory that they have to be here. They cannot be in the comfort of their homes. They must be in court before any application filed by them can be taken."

10— Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Fashola commissions engineering academy

By Tare Youdeeowei & Faith Olatide

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, has commissioned the Lagos Skipper Engineering Academy at the Government Technical College, Ikotun.

The academy which is designed to provide all round instruction with a curriculum that is aligned to the current needs of the industry, entrepreneurship and further education, is the outcome of a collaboration between the Lagos Eko Project, Lagos State Electricity Board, LASTVEB and Skipper Limited. It will complement the current three-year technical education carried out across Lagos State Technical Colleges by focusing on both practical and theoretical training relevant to current industrial and domestic needs.

In his remark, the Governor lauded the effort of the Skipper group; its ability to keep to time in completing the project and stated that a piece of land had been given to the Skipper group at Ikorodu with a promise to generate 155 megawatts of power.

S-West group endorses Jonathan

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AGOS—A sociopolitical group, the Yoruba Youth Initiative, YYI, South West, and diaspora at Topo-Badagry, endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as consensus candidate for the 2015 presidential election .

Members of the YYI from the six south west states and the neigbouring Benin Republic were present, with various groups supporting President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election.

According to the National President of the group, Adejumo Ishola; ‘’It is not a farce or an accident but it is imperative to endorse Dr. Jonathan, going by his scorecard from power sector to transportation, agriculture, good road network and security despite the challenges. ‘’Not in the history of this country has any president encountered the kind of challenges he had gone through in recent time,’’

Court orders DSS to release 5 APC staff

DATA BANK RAID: L

Innocent Anaba

AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, ordered the release of five detained staffs of the All Progressives Congress, APC, arrested by operatives of the Department of State Security, DSS. The detained staffers include Chinedu Atuche, Fayemi Olaposi, Augustine Onuchukwu, Ebun Ilori, and Esther Enemy.

They were arrested on November 22, when officers of the DSS, accompanied by the police, raided a building which houses the APC’s data office at Allen Avenue, in Ikeja, Lagos.

The DSS said the raid was informed by intelligence report that some unwholesome activities were being perpetrated within the said building.

The court ordered their release in its ruling in a fundamental rights suit by the applicants, seeking enforcement of their fundamental rights.

Respondents in the suit were the Police and the DSS. Trial judge, Justice

Mohammed Yunusa in his ruling, held that a citizen could not be detained for more than 48 hours without being charged to court.

He added that if there was any need to extend the period, the law enforcement agency shall be required to file an application for a review of the period before a court of law.

The court said that the detention of the applicants for more than a week without being charged to court, was unjustifiable.

“The arrest and detention of a person for the purpose of obtaining information is clearly a violation of Section 35 of the constitution. It is clear that there is a clear contravention of the

provisions of Section 35, since the applicants were not properly brought before a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The remand order, whether valid or invalid, has exceeded the time limit permitted as reasonable, by the Section 35 of the Constitution. The same arrest and detention of the applicant is illegal and they are hereby released,” Justice Yunusa said.

SWEARING IN: The new Ekiti State Head of Service, Gbenga Faseluka, signing the oath register after being sworn in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, while Governor Ayodele Fayose watches.

Automatic tickets tear Ogun APC apart

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By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THE alleged plan by Ogun State governor, Senator, Ibikunle Amosun to give automatic tickets to some of his loyalists may have torn the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state apart.

Palpable tension has enveloped Amosun’s camp ahead of the party’s primaries for the aspirants of House of Assembly in the state which was scheduled for today (Tuesday) as some aggrieved members reportedly threatened to ditch the party.

Vanguard exclusively gathered that, attempt by Amosun to foist some of his loyalists including 13 members of the House of Assembly who were seeking second term on the party was being vehemently resisted by some aspirants who reportedly vowed to scuttle the chance of the party in the coming election.

It was reliably gathered that, the governor had singlehandedly chose some of his loyalists, the action, which did not go down well with some aspirants of the party.

A reliable source from the party told Vanguard that, strong oppositions have been mounted against the 13 loyalists of the governor by

some aspirants who reportedly challenged the governor to allow a level playing field during the primaries.

Findings have shown that, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Suraju Adekumbi, who came from Yewa North 1 state constituency, had five persons jostling for his seat from his area.

The Speaker was said to have

been chosen by the governor following his loyalty to him, but, many of his people in the area were said to have ganged up against his ambition.

Vanguard reliably gathered that, in a bid to scuttle the second term ambition of the Speaker, five aspirants were said to have reached a consensus to choose one of them to contest the

Ogun to demolish Kara market for modern city

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By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—OGUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun,yesterday, disclosed that his administration has concluded plans to develop a modern city, to be known as MITROS City, at Isheri area of Ifo Local Government area, where Kara market is located through the public-private partnership.

Amosun stated this in his Oke Mosan office while receiving representatives of the private real estate firm, UBA Construction Consortium, which won the concession for the project.

Both parties later signed a concession agreement on the project.

Amosun, who said the city would occupy 2,000 hectares of land in and around the popular Kara market, added that the project was part of the administration’s housing and

urban renewal programme.

The governor who was represented by the secretary to the state government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, said: “We set up a committee which include traders from the market and we agreed to relocate them. Before we move them, we want to ensure that the place we are relocating them is comfortably enough for them.

“The MITROS City will be a place where people can live and work in a clean and healthy environment. There are many companies with their factories in Ogun state, there must a decent accommodation for their workers.”

The chairman, UBA Construction Consortium, Adeniyi Oyedele, said the company decided to keyintothehousingandurbanrenewal programme of the government, which he noted has been phenomenal in the last three and half years.

primaries against the Speaker.

It was also gathered that, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, Shuaib Salisu who was vying for Senate from Ogun Central reportedly called the bluff of the governor over his attempt to foist another aspirant on the party.

Salisu was said to have insisted that, the governor should allow all the aspirants to show their popularity on the field during the party’s primaries.

The governor has also reportedly dropped the alleged candidate of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for another candidate.

It was gathered that, Obasanjo had endorsed the candidature of former House of Representatives, Bode Mustapha for Senate from Ogun central on the platform of the APC, but, was later ditched by the governor for his loyalist.

Meanwhile, there is a strong indication that there may be exodus from APC to the Social Democratic Party in the state.

The indication emerged following alleged plan by the governor to impose some candidates on the party at the detriment of some aspirants.

It was gathered that, some aggrieved members of the APC had been reportedly wooing the leader of the party and former governor of the state, Aremo Segun Osoba.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 —11

60 suspected insurgents bomb Ekiti prison, free associates zPrison's gate blown up, official, 20 sniffer dogs killed

By Leke Adeseri, South West Regional Editor & Gbengs Ariyibi

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DO EKITI—LIKE a replay of Kotonkarfi, Kogi state, jail break, where Boko Haram members forcefully freed their members, unknown gunmen, Sunday night, attacked the Federal Prisons, Ado Ekiti killing at least one person suspected to be a prison official.

The assailants who were said to be about 60, had stormed the prisons located at Afao Ekiti Road, Ado Ekiti on Sunday night at about 10.30pm.They were said to have freed their wounded colleagues who were earlier remanded in the prison by authorities.

The number of those freed could not, however, be ascertained at the time of this report.

A local leader of the Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, Mr Ade Adeniyi (Apase) was at the prison at the time of the attack.

He was, however, said to have remained inside the prison even as other inmates fled. The prison is the only one in Ekiti State.

The gang were said to have used an explosive to blow up the main gate of the prison before they could gain entrance into the prison yard.

They equally killed all the 20 sniffer dogs tied in front of the gate.

The gang was said to have come to the prison premises in seven Hilux trucks, brandishing dangerous weapons such as cudgels, cutlasses, AK 47 rifles , charms and chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ as they shot sporadically into the air .

Vanguard further gathered that the gunshots and the bombing were so intense that the inmates had to run in different directions to prevent being hit by stray bullets.

Journalists barred from prison

Journalists were not allowed into the premises during a visit to the prisons yesterday.

Earlier in the day, a statement aired on the state radio, alleged that the action was carried out

by APC thugs to free a leader of Oodua People’s Congress, Niyi Adedipe who was remanded by the court over alleged murder of a former chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Chief Omolafe Aderiye.

The APC image maker in the state , Chief Taiwo Olatubosun, who spoke on the telephone denied any link with the party.

According to him; ‘’What shall we gain for doing that? We cannot do such things. It is not in our character to do such

things.

“Very soon the PDP and the governor will have to accuse God for running a clueless government and for their shortcoming.”

He said the PDP was talking from the “figment of its imagination” asking if it was the APC that is in charge of the prison or the security of the state? ‘’It is the figment of their imagination that the APC is connected with the jail break. We don’t know anything about it,” he said.

Confirming the attack

The Comptroller of Prison, Ekiti State, Mr. Kehinde Fadipe , who later confirmed the attack, but denied loss of life adding that Adeniyi Adedipe, was still in custody.

“We are moving around to assess the situation. It was not a jail break but an attack on the prison. The main entrance of the prison was blown up.

“What happened is that we were attacked from outside not from within, they came massively with different weapons, they

attacked our men on duty, and we have been here since 10.30 yesterday Sunday.”

On those that escaped from prison, the comptroller said his men were already out to re-arrest inmates that escaped during the attack.

He said he had no Boko Haram member in the prison to warrant attack from the Islamic sect, saying it would be preposterous to draw conclusion now on where the attack actually came.

He equally failed to give the figure of those that escaped and those that had returned into the prisons on their own.

The Comptroller added that some of the escaped inmates “have been recaptured and kept in police cells.

Governor expresses displeasure

Meanwhile, the state governor, Mr Fayose has expressed displeasure at the jail break assuring that all the perpetrators would fail.

His words: “We regret the jail

break perpetrated by the evil people which led to the escape of many inmates. I want you to know that I have the grace of God on me and whoever plans against us shall be destroyed.

My prayer is that they will not know peace."

Fayose justifies reduction in number of ministries

Meantime, Governor Fayose has justified the reduction in the ministries to 10 from 36, saying the present economy of the state cannot sustain over bloated civil service.

He spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday while performing the swearing in ceremony of the new Head of Service, Mr Olugbenga Faseluka and six permanent secretaries The new permanent secretaries are Ademiloye Ojo Fasiku, Ayodeji Ajiboye, Olabisi Akindele (Mrs.), Lawrence Babatope Ojo and Sunday Komolafe,while the former Head of Service, Mr Bunmi Famosaya was appointed a Special Adviser to the governor.

APC screening c'ttee clears Amosun for 2015

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AGOS—THE National Screening Committee for governorship aspirants (South West) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has cleared the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun as the candidate of the party in next year’s governorship election in the state.

Chairman of the Committee and former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje, while presenting the Screening Certificate to Amosun in Lagos, revealed that only Ogun State has one candidate in the South West as at the end of sale of forms and the screening exercise.

He commended the governor for his strides since assuming the saddle of leadership in the Gateway State, saying that the governor has been screened and cleared to go into the party’s primaries.

Kashamu working against us —Ogun PDP leaders

By Daud Olatunji

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Prison officails consoling a suspected relation of the slain prison warder, in Ado Ekiti.

APC clears 186 aspirants for party primaries in Ondo He said: “The spirit of

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By Dayo Johnson

KURE—THE opposition All Progressive Congress, APC, in Ondo State has cleared 186 aspirants for different elective offices in the party ahead of its primaries.

Those cleared include ten senatorial aspirants from the three districts, 38 House of Representatives from the nine federal constituencies and 138 House of Assembly aspirants from the 26 state constituencies.

The chairman of the party Hon Isaacs Kekemeke said yesterday that 38 House of Representatives and 10 senatorial aspirants were screened by the national screening committee of the party.

Kekemeke expressed satisfaction over the screening exercise of the House of Representatives and senatorial aspirants of the party which was concluded last weekend.

tolerance and transparency had been displayed at the exercise.

“We would play by the rule, the leadership of the party both at the national and state, at this level would play the game by the rule to ensure that the people would be the decider of who their representatives would be.

"Nobody would force any candidate on the party; the spirit of the party members is very high in winning the next general elections in the state."

BEOKUTA—THE leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, yesterday, accused the Chairman, Organization and Mobilization Committee of the party in the South West, Prince Buruji Kashamu of allegedly working against the party.

The concerned leaders under the platform of the Ogun State PDP Stakeholders’ Forum said Kashamu was an agent of the opposition, advising him to respect the party’s constituted authorities “and to stop parading himself as bigger than the party through frivolous and unfounded comments capable of causing disaffection among the PDP family.”

The concerned leaders were reacting to the reported accusation by Kashamu of the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu and the National Organizing Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha of alleged plans to impose the former speaker of the House of Representatives,DimejiBankole asthegovernorshipcandidateof the PDP in the state.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

I didn't mastermind abduction of 14 journalists —TOMPOLO

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X-MILITANT leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, has described the allegation that he masterminded the abduction of 14 journalists in the creeks of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, as untrue and misleading.

Tompolo, in a statement, said: “It has become necessary to make this clarification in the face of the deliberate distortion of facts by some mischief makers bent on denigrating my person and questioning my integrity before the larger society.

“More so, I am persuaded by the fact of my experience as a crusader for equity, fairness and justice the world over including the oppressed people of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, who have always found brotherliness and companionship in members of the fourth estate of the realm.

“In the case of the Ijaw of the Niger Delta which I have championed over the years, journalists have been worthy partners even as their contributions have served as veritable means to ventilate our views, opinions and positions as a people who have had cause to draw global attention to our plight.

“However, in the matter of the hyped ‘abduction’ of journalists in Oporoza last week, it is pertinent to state that they were victims of an orchestrated and well-

rehearsed saga by their Itsekiri clients, who lured them into a trap. Suffice it to say that unknown to the journalists (some of whom are my friends) and before their arrival in Warri, their Itsekiri hosts had concluded plans to video-capture some Ijaw settlements, especially Ikpokpo community, to show to the world as Itsekiri lands in their desperate attempt to distort historical facts, especially as the hosting/ siting of the Export Processing

Zone, EPZ, project poses some challenges.

“It should be noted that the Gbaramatu people have been agitating for inclusion in the EPZ project since 2012, as of right, that the part of the land earmarked for the project starting from Ikpokpo community belongs to them.

“It was on the strength of the above that in November 2013, the Gbaramatu people were invited alongside other stakeholders, to the unveiling meeting of the project at

Government House Annex Warri by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and the state government. At the said meeting, the Gbaramatu people, out of curiosity, inquired why they have not been recognised as stakeholders by way of acquisition of land from them.

But to their surprise, the governor shut them out of the project and merely identified them as ‘impacted community.’"

VISIT: From left: Political Editor Vanguard, Mr Emmanuel Aziken; Delta State governorship aspirant High Chief Michael Uwaka; Corporate Affairs Manager, Vanguard, Mr. Victor Omoregie and Munat Roberts, during the aspirant's visit to Vanguard Media in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

2015: APC clears Emerhor for Delta governorship

By Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, has cleared Olorogun O’tega Emerhor for the 2015 governorship election in Delta State, ahead of the December 4, party primaries to pick the party's flag bearers for next year’s elections.

Emerhor, who was on Sunday handed his clearance certificate by Alhaji Tijani Gwazo, Chairman, APC South-South Governorship Screening Committee siting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after going through the screening exercise, noted that his clearance had set the stage for the battle for Delta State Government House, describing same as the beginning of good things to come.

It could not be ascertained if any other governorship aspirant from Delta State has been screened or cleared by the party.

It will be recalled that Emerhor was on November 18, adopted as Delta State APC’s

sole aspirant and by extension candidate for the 2015 Delta governorship poll by all zonal,

local government and ward leaders of the three senatorial districts in the state.

2015: I'll transform Rivers, improve lives —WIKE

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IVERS State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant, Mr Nyesom Wike, has said that he will diligently transform Rivers State and improve the lives of the people when he takes over Government House, Port Harcourt in 2015.

The frontline PDP governorship aspirant spoke in Bonny, yesterday, when he met with PDP delegates, commissioned New Rivers Vision Office and addressed PDP stakeholders at an open forum.

He said that when he assumes office, he will redefine development in the state, diligently ensure infrastructural development in all 23 local government areas, human capital development

and enhanced people participation in governance.

Wike charged Bonny people to demand accountability from their children serving in the outgoing administration, saying that on no account should the stooges of a nonperformer be allowed to continue with the years of nonperformance in the state.

He said: “We must begin to ask those serving with the outgoing administration what

they have done with enormous resources at their disposal. I urge Bonny delegates to vote me on December 8 during the PDP governorship primaries and go ahead to vote me during the governorship election. We have to change the fortunes of Rivers State. The people of Bonny know my pedigree as a performer. I intend to build on my wonderful performance in the past.”

Akpowowo, Oharisi, Mariere win PDP state Assembly ticket in Delta

By Festus Ahon

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S A B A — IMMEDIATE past youth leader of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Olorogun Arthur Akpowowo, has been declared winner of the House of Assembly primaries in Ethiope East Local Government Area with 50 votes to defeat the incumbent, Mr Joseph Oshevire, who polled nine votes.

Similarly, Prince Eric Oharisi and Mr Sam Mariere were also declared winners in Ughelli North II and I respectively.

Meanwhile, three of the four aspirants of the PDP House of Assembly primary election in Ethiope East, have warned against announcement of any result as there were no primaries in the council.

Reacting, Olorogun Akpowowo said the election was peaceful, free and fair.

Describing the petition against him as the handiwork of those who lost election and refused to accept defeat, Akpowowo said his victory was earned having served the party and was on ground in the last eight years.

The petitioners, including the incumbent occupier of the seat, Mr Joseph Oshevire, Mr Enamuotor Blessing and Chief Godwin Demide, on behalf of themselves and all delegates, said: “This is to draw your attention to the abortion of the primary election in Ethiope East state constituency of Delta State. This is as a result of the admission by the Returning Officer that he did not come with original result sheet which angered the delegates who called for the postponement of the primary election upon production of a result sheet for the election.

“We call for a fresh date for the primary election," they said.

Delta 2015: Idu declares intention for DTHA

By Simon Adewale

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HE President of Urhobo National Youth Movement, Mr Alex Idu has declared his interest to run for

the Delta House of Assembly, Ughelli North Constituency 1, come 2015.

Briefing newsmen in Ughelli, he promised to use his position as a member of

the House, if elected, to create employment and human capital development for his constituency and ensure that their voices are heard far and near the country.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014—13

Seven C-River lawmakers lose re-election bid

By Emma Una

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A L A B A R — SEVEN members of Cross River State House of Assembly, who contested the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries on Saturday seeking re-election to the House in 2015 lost their bid with some losing to relatively unknown opponents Those who were denied tickets by their party members include Agbiji Mbe Agbiji representing Ikom 1, whose efforts to return to the House for a record third term failed

as Mr Fred Osim, the Special Adviser to Senator Imoke on Political Matters was handed the ticket in his stead.

Jake Enya, Boki 11 who was also seeking a third term, was also denied a ticket as he was defeated by Hilary Bisong, the Special Assistant to the governor Imoke on Student Matters. Itaya Nyong,

representing Akamkpa 11 lost his ticket to Matthew Olory while Ernest Eki Boki 1 was shoved aside and his ticket handed over to Dr Itam Abang.

Others who lost their bid to return to the House include Ngim Okpo of Biase state constituency and Patrick Uguge who represents Ogoja

state constituency, who lost to Peter Odey in the keenly contested race.

Apart from Obudu where the race between the incumbent, Stephen Ikpekpen and Gody Akwaji for the Obudu state constituency ticket ended in confusion, Vanguard gathered that the primaries were peaceful.

Edo South PDP House of Assembly aspirants reject primaries

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, House of Assembly aspirants in Edo South senatorial district have rejected the results of the House of Assembly primaries of the party, saying that the results were not a true reflection of the exercise.

The aspirants, led by Mr. Jefferson Woghiran, an aspirant gunning for Oredo East constituency, who was allegedly attacked few hours before the primaries, told Vanguard on his hospital bed that he, alongside eight other aggrieved aspirants form Edo South were schemed out of the exercise through intimidation and attacks on aspirants who are not on their good books, vowing that they will challenge the result of the exercise at the top level.

He said: “We are challenging the outcome of the exercise. It was flawed with a lot of intimidation, irregularities and excessive party interference, directing of voters to vote for certain persons against those they perceived as not in their good books.

“The outcome of the exercise is not a true reflection of what they promised. As you can see, I am talking to you from my hospital bed. I did not get to the venue of the exercise because of the attack on me and that was what they wanted to achieve. We reject all those they have elected. It was a case of a leader of the party in Edo South compelling party members and intimidating them, telling them who to vote for.”

GCUOBA holds annual luncheon

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OVERNMENT College, Ughelli Old Boys Association, GCUOBA, Lagos branch, will hold its annual luncheon on December 7, 2014 at the Banquet Hall, Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos.

In a statement, GCUOBA Secretary, Luncheon Party Committee, Akintomiwa Akeju, said that the association planned to build a befitting secretariat at its property at No. 22, Mc Neil Road, Yaba. He said that the association had committed over N150 million to the development of its alma mater through direct rehabilitation of infrastructure, provision of modern day educational aids and sporting facilities.

Prof. Oyewale Tomori will be guest speaker at the luncheon.

Madam Adeda passes on LAUNCHING: From right: Mr Tony Elumelu, Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation/ Chairman, Heirs Holdings Limited; Parminder Vir Obe, Director of Entrepreneurship for Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme and Dr. Wiebe Boer, Chief Executive Officer,Tony Elumelu Foundation, at the Tony Elumelu Foundation $100 million Entrepreneurship Programme launch in Lagos yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Delta 2015: I'm the candidate to beat —Utuama

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ELTA State deputy governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN, currently on consultative visits to stakeholders on his interest to contest the 2015 governorship election in the state, has said that he remains the candidate to beat at the poll.

Utuama, after an hour closed door meeting with the leadership of Urhobo Progressive Union, UPU, at the country home of its President General, Chief Joseph Omene, told newsmen: “I am in the race based on the best interest of the people of the state, some of whom have gathered their hard earned money to purchase the governorship expression of interest form for me to contest the election, and it is not good for me to fail them.

“I have, therefore, come here to inform UPU leadership that I accepted to run the governorship race under my Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and that I believe the people of the state who are saying that am the rightful candidate

to pilot the affairs of our state in 2015.”

On his chances of winning the election, he said: “I know that I am the candidate to beat at the election. I have been serving my people

meritoriously in several capacities. In fact, I have a lengthy profile and my records are well known among other aspirants. What I need is the continuous support of all Deltans.”

Madam Adeda, nee Odjebor, is dead, aged 79.

She was a community leader. She is survived by seven children among whom are Mrs. Grace Shakarho and Mr. Sunny Adeda an insurance practitioner.

Burial details will be announced later.

Uduaghan appoints Peretomode “The summary of the DELSU VC

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By Festus Ahon

SABA—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, yesterday, approved the appointment of Prof. Victor Peretomode as the new Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka.

The governor, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Ovuozorie Macaulay, said: “The appointment is with effect from December 1, 2014. It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that Governor Uduaghan has received the report of the selection board for the appointment of Vice Chancellor for the Delta State University, Abraka.

performance of the candidates is as follows; Prof Victor Peretomode, 1st position, Prof R. Ikomi, 2nd position and Prof C. Aloamaka, 3rd position. Governor Uduaghan in exercise of the powers conferred on him by section 28 (1) of the Delta State University law, 1998, has approved the appointment of Prof Peretomode as Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka.”

Late Madam Adeda

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Bayelsa PDP state assembly contestants emerge

By Samuel Oyadongha YENAGOA — THE Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP in Bayelsa State, has released the results of its state House of Assembly primaries held, weekend, across the state with Governor Seriake Dickson's loyalists sweeping the poll.

Among the governor’s loyalists are nine incumbent lawmakers of the 24 member House.

The results by the Chairman of the party’s Electoral Committee for the state House of Assembly primaries, Yusuf Abubakar has Ball Oyarede, Omonibeke Kemelayefa and Michael Ogbere emerging flag bearers for Ekeremor constituency 1, 2 and 3, Dr. Parkinson MacManuel, Mrs. Ebiuwou K. Obiyai and Gentle Emelah were victorious from Yenagoa constituencies 1, 2, and 3.

The results from the Ogbia Local Government Area shows that Chief Miteme Obodor won the primaries in constituency I with Dr. Anapurere Awoli and Naomi Ogoli emerging from constituencies 2 and 3 respectively.

But supporters of Obedient Emoto, yesterday, insisted that he won the primaries and not Dr. Anapurere Awoli.

The primaries in Sagbama produced Akpe Pereotubo (incumbent) for constituency 1, Colonel Bernard Kenebai, (rtd) for constituency 2 and the ticket for Sagbama 3 went to Salo Adikuma.

Tonye Isenah (incumbent) and Joshua Ebikeme Ongore won the tickets for Kolokuma/Opokuma constituencies 1 and 2, while the Southern Ijaw constituencies 1, 2, 3, and 4 primaries saw the emergence of Konbowei Benson from constituency 4, with Kate Owoko from 1 and Monday Obolo (incumbent), Baraladei Igali (incumbent) taking the slots for constituencies 2 and 3.

Incumbent Deputy Speaker, Chief Victor Ateki, Obed Andi and Ingobere Abraham came out victorious from the primaries in Brass 1, 2, and 3, while Nembe 1 went to Ebi Ololo.

Also, 2 and 3 went to Ingo Iwowari and Obiene Iniyobio.

Pandemonium, as workers issue 21-day ultimatum to Chevron

By Godwin Oghre

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SCRAVOS — THERE was pandemonium, weekend, at the Chevron Escravos Terminal in Delta State, as the Escravos branch of the Seamen and Water Transport Workers Union, one of the wings of the Maritime

Workers Union of Nigeria, clashed with the management of Chevron Nigeria Ltd, during which the union gave a 21 day ultimatum to the company to fix an employment impasse involving it and the company or face a forceful shut down of its operations in the area.

The union had through an

earlier letter, said that the ultimatum was caused by what it described as “Chevron’s breach of the law through its resort to deal with a community group known as ‘Itsekiri Coastal Dwellers Association,’ as a modality to employ maritime workers,” which the union said, runs contrary to what the

INAUGURATION: From left, Minister of Sports, Mr. Tammy Danagogo; Rivers State PDP governorship aspirant, Mr. Nyesom Wike; PDP chairman, Bonny Local Government Area, Mr. Simon Hart and former director-general, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Professor Ndi OkerekeOnyiuke, at the inauguration of New Rivers Vision office in Bonny LGA, yesterday.

Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria stipulates.

The position of Escravos Maritime Workers Union on employment of maritime staff/ seafarers in which the Joint Task Force, JTF Commandant, Warri, the Commanding Officer, JTF Escravos, the Department of State Security, Police Area Commander Warri, the Nigeria Navy and the Director of NIMASA, were copied, insisted that it was the exclusive preserve of its mother union, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, to recommend its members for employment in Chevron or any other oil company operating vessels in the country.

The union, said “By passing our union’s stipulation is a slap on our face and the Federal Government of Nigeria, which established the enabling Act which gives the union its legal teeth. We are therefore, calling on Chevron Nigeria Ltd to retrace its step of compelling the union to work under the group. The group must be made to work under the union as a condition, henceforth, for peace to reign in the area.

“We are giving Chevron a 21 day ultimatum to rectify the anomaly or we shall be forced to stop and shut down the operations of Chevron’s Escravos Terminal, just as we have been given the right to do so under the relevant law,” the letter added.

Federal Government has no hands in Boko Haram — Sambo

By AbdulSalam Muhammad

K

ANO — VICE President, Muhammad Namadi Sambo, yesterday, distanced the Federal Government from the activities of Jama’atul Ahalil Suna LIdawatul Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Harama.

The Vice President, who spoke during a condolence visit to the emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi II at his palace, over last week's suicide bomb attack on the Central Mosque in Kano, described as untrue the insinuation in certain quarters that government has hands in the insurgent activities.

The vice president maintained that political undertone being attached to the issue of the insurgency was the handiwork of those who knew nothing about the security challenges.

Sambo who spoke in Hausa dialect, stressed that “the Federal government has no

hands in the ongoing insurgency in Nigeria. The government is saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property of its subject, as well as ensuring peace in the nation.”

He disclosed that the Federal Government was deeply worried by the unfolding security challenges in the country, pointing out that, government has adopted proactive measures to address the menace.

According to him, those who were saddled with the task of ensuring security in the country, are from the north, and are adherents of the religion of Islam, stressing that, no right-thinking person would love to take solace, or derive any pleasure in the atrocities committed by members of the Boko Haram sect.

He said, “take the issue of the Minister of Defence, General Aliyu Gusau, he is a Muslim and from Zamfara State, the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki,

is also a Muslim from Sokoto State, the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Suleman Abba is a Muslim from Jigawa State and my humble self hails from Zaria town, Kaduna State.

“It is unfair for anybody to think that as Muslims, and northerners holding political positions in the Federal Government we can connive or aid anyone or group of persons committing atrocities in the north and the nation as a whole.”

Sambo stated that “with the crop of the security chiefs saddled with commanding the security aparatus of this country from the north, one should appreciate the fact that, there is no way the insurgency could be fuelled by the government.”

The Vice President reminded Nigerians that, fighting terrorism is the collective responsibility of all, adding that “it requires close collaboration between the communities and security agencies.”

Sambo stated that “ with

unity and sincerity of purpose, the Boko Haram menace could be put in check and their activities obliterated from our social life.”

Responding, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sunusi II, described Friday bombing of Kano Central Mosque as act of God, saying, “ we have accepted it as the will of God.” Sanusi II tasked the Federal Government to investigate and identify the sponsors of the Boko Haram sect, adding that that is the only way to bring the perpetrators to book.

He, however, admitted that, the war on terror requires a concerted effort between the people and the security agencies, and therefore, commended the security agencies in the state for containing the situation.

The Emir stressed: “Security is sacrosanct,that is why the Federal Government must do everything within its power to match its words with actions,” pointing out that without security, nothing meaningful could be achieved.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 15

Wogu promises to build power plant in Owaza, Abia State

By Eric Ugbor

A

BA — ONE of the frontline governorship aspirants on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, has promised to build a power plant in Owaza, Ukwa West council area.

Wogu who disclosed this while commissioning a borehole he constructed for the community, lamented that Owaza, which is an oil producing community, had no reliable power supply.

He told the crowd at the ceremony that he would upgrade the community to the status of an oil producing community if he emerged governor.

“This water project is my modest contribution to reduce the sufferings of the people. I want to tell you that I know the problems of the community. A lot is being taken from you with nothing in return. You don’t have electricity and water.

If I become governor, I will upgrade Owaza to the status befitting an oil producing community.

In their separate speeches, the traditional ruler of Etitioha Ipu autonomous community, Eze Obioma Nworgu and a PDP House of Representatives aspirant for Ukwa federal constituency, Chief Eletuo Anselm commended Wogu for his love for the less privileged, insisting that his accomplishments made him the right person to emerge governor in 2015.

Earlier, Ukwa West Ministers Association led

by Apostle E.O Philips, held a praying and fasting session for Wogu and charged him to continue to work for the people.

Gov Orji okays 20% reduction in school fees for ABSU students

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA — ABIA State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has approved a 20 per cent reduction in school fees across board for the state owned university, Abia State University, ABSU, Uturu.

Before the reduction, ABSU fees were one of the highest in the country which forced many students to drop out.

According to a statement by the Secretary to Abia State Government, Professor Mkpa Agu Mkpa, Governor Orji said the gesture was to boost education in the state.

According to the statement: “Following the present economic crunch in the country occasioned by the drop in oil prices in the international market, as a result of which students of ABSU and their patents are in great difficulty coping with the demands of their school fees in the institution, the Governor of Abia State, Chief T.A. Orji, as a demonstration of his sympathy with the plight of the students, their parents and guardians, has

magnanimously approved the reduction of school fees payable by all students in Abia State University by 20 per cent across the board.

“This kind gesture of seeks to

ameliorate the hardship currently being experienced by parents and students as a result of the said oil price fluctuations.

"Government, therefore, expects the staff, students and

THANKSGIVING: From left, Bishop Paul C. Udogu; his wife, Blessing; Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State and his wife, Ebelechukwu; at the Synod Thanksgiving Service of the Diocese of Afikpo,Ebonyi State, weekend.

Fashola unfolds plans to standardise septic operations in Lagos State

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

L

AGOS — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, unfolded plans by his

administration to introduce Septic Management Plan, SMP, to standardise septic activities in the state.

Fashola, who made the remarks at the launch of

Personal Protective Equipment, PPEs, for Septic haulage operators in Alausa, Ikeja, said the plan would be introduced before the end of his administration.

Training crucial to our duties, says Immigration boss

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI — Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has said training and retraining of its personnel is a fundamental factor in the realization of its constitutional assignment.

Comptroller General, Mr. D. S. Parradang, spoke during the passing-out of graduates of the 19th inspectorate course at the Immigration Training

School, Umuowa, Orlu Local Council Area of Imo State.

Parradang said the successful pass-out of the trainees was a demonstration of the establishment’s commitment to manpower development.

He commended the graduates for exhibiting what he termed “a high sense of discipline and endurance,” while undergoing the training.

While describing them as “ worthy ambassadors of the Service,” Mr. Parradang also

urged them to key into the agenda of repositioning of the NIS, to enable it compete favourably with any of its counterparts anywhere in the world.

Speaking, the member representing Orlu in Imo State House of Assembly, Mr. Mike Ndubuaku, said the peaceful disposition exhibited by the trainees throughout their stay in the school, was very commendable.

Ihedioha lauds Imo PDP Assembly primaries

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI — DEPUTY Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, has expressed satisfaction over “the peaceful, credible and transparent conduct” of the state Assembly primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Imo State.

Chief Ihedioha, who spoke to Vanguard, said “the democratic

management of Abia State University, Uturu, to reciprocate the governor ’s kindness by remaining disciplined and law abiding at all times.”

conduct of the election, is a signpost of the readiness of the transformed and rejuvenated PDP to sack the lacklustre All Progressives Congress, APC, led government in Imo State and consolidate the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.”

While congratulating the winners of the state Assembly primaries across the 27 local council areas of the state, the Deputy Speaker also

commended the leadership of the party and its delegates for conducting the primaries, strictly in accordance with the party guidelines.

“I urge our brothers and sisters, who lost the party primaries to accept the outcome as the wish of the people and close ranks with the successful candidates, with a view to ensuring early and adequate preparation for the bigger task of winning the

general elections in 2015,” Chief Ihedioha pleaded.

The Deputy Speaker, who is a governorship aspirant in the state, charged the PDP leadership, delegates and stakeholders of the party to replicate the strides achieved during the state Assembly primary for the House of Representatives, senatorial and governorship primaries scheduled to hold soon in the state.

The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Environment, Dr. Taofeek Folami, said, “with the plan (SMP), we would be giving credibility to the sector in order to attract prospective investors."

He noted that after introduction of the plan, government would fashion out modalities on how to assist the operators with new trucks.

Coordinator, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, LSWMO, Nurudeen Shodeinde, explained that in the plan, every stakeholder: government, landlords, septic operators would be informed on what their roles were.

On the PPE, Shodeinde said “septic management will always form a significant aspect of wastewater management in the state, even in spite of the provision of contemporary wastewater infrastructure in the near future.

Hence, septic operators involved in evacuation, transportation will always be relevant.

“It is, therefore, very essential to ensure that such operators are properly kitted to carry out their functions. In line with this, the state government has provided some PPEs which include coveralls, boots, and hand gloves for operators in the state.

"All haulage truck owners and operators must realize that it is their responsibilities to provide the equipment in the first place.”

16 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Adamawa PDP boils over House of Assembly primaries results

By Umar Yusuf

Y

OLA—THE intraparty squabbles within the Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, reared its ugly head yesterday as the declaration of results of the state House of Assembly primaries was conducted amid confusion and tension.

The election was conducted Sunday as against Saturday as the issue of the delegates continued to tear the party apart.

Confusion erupted at the Presidential Lodge area of the Government House when the Chairman of the Electoral Committee sent to Adamawa by the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party, Ambassador Tim Ehemadu was to declare the results.

Ihemadu had announced that he had concluded the assignment which brought him to the state, adding that he made available duplicate copies of the result sheets to the party executives but the suspended chairman of the party, Chief Joel Madaki, who was at the venue insisted that the electoral committee must announced the results.

The atmosphere was charged as a result of the disagreement between the Chairman of the electoral Committee and Madaki, following which other party executives joined Madaki in on his insistence that the results must be announced.

But while reacting to Madaki and the party executives’ demands, Iheamadu said the announcement was outside the his committee's mandate, adding that he was working in consonance with the guidelines for the conduct of the party primaries.

“I have the guideline and I am working in consonance with the guidelines that was given to me to conduct this election.

“I have done my work, and if you believe my work is not properly done, you have the appropriate quarters to channel your complaints to.''

Aliyu, Jigawa teachers kick against LG autonomy

By Wole Mosadomi & Tina Akannam

M

INNA—THE Jigawa State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, and Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State have kicked against autonomy for local government councils in the country.

They said local government councils belong to the states, adding that it was the various states that can therefore decide on how to effectively run them.

Muazu spoke at a five-day capacity building seminar for magistrates and Sharia Court judges in Minna, Niger State capital yesterday, saying that the state/local government Joint Account had been misconstrued hence the clamour by some people for local government autonomy.

According to him, the truth of the matter was that the Joint Account was between the various local government councils and not with the states.

He, however, threw his weight behind total financial and administrative autonomy for the legislative arm of government in order to free the executive from constant harassment, intimidation and threat by the legislators.

His words, “I disagree with the autonomy of the local

government. There is a misconception about the Joint Account. Some local government are more buoyant than others and I can tell you that in state, only three councils are in a position to pay salaries of their staff if they are independent because others depend on other buoyant councils to remain afloat.”

Also, the Jigawa State chapter of the NUT opposed the

proposed autonomy for local government in the country.

The state Chairman of the union, Mr UIsman Ya’u Dutse made this known while speaking with newsmen shortly after their State Executive Council, SEC, meeting in Dutse yesterday.

Dutse noted that the union took the decision because primary school teachers usually face serious difficulties under local governments administration.

According to him, returning of basic education to local

governments would not only be a big mistake but amount to a total denial of the children of the masses accesses to education.

He added that the mismanagement of public funds at the level of local governments coupled with inadequate funding of education led to their inability to pay salaries promptly in the past.

He, then appealed to the National Assembly to rescind its decision to approve autonomy for local governments to salvage primary education in the country.

SEMINAR: From left; Justice of Supreme Court, Justice Musa Dattijo; Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State and the state Chief Judge, Hon Justice Fati Lami Abubakar in during the opening ceremony of a 5-day capacity building seminar for magistrates,sharia judges & administrative staff, at the Idris Kutigi International Conference Center, Minna.

MONEY LAUNDERING: Doma, others lose bid to transfer case to another judge Ojo stated that the judge had urged the court to dismiss the

By Soni Daniel

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AFIA—FORMER governor of Nasarawa, Akwa Doma and two others, yesterday, lost their bid to force Justice Agather Okeke of the Federal High Court, Lafia, to hand off the case of money laundering being preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The trio lost the bid when the judge ruled that she would continue to hear the case as the issue of bias raised by them did not arise and had not been proved.

The application for the withdrawal of the judge from the case was filed by Timothy Anthony Anjide, the second accused person in the matter involving Aliyu Akwe Doma, Anjide and Dauda Egwe, who are being prosecuted on a 10 count-charge bordering on money laundering by the EFCC. At the resumed hearing of the matter on Friday, the defence

counsel, Olalekan Ojo, who stood in for Charles Edosomwan, SAN, brought a motion on notice for an order of the court to transfer the case.

The defence alleged that there had been instances in the proceedings that suggested a likelihood of bias by the judge.

failed to subpoena certain functionaries of the state while she had compelled the second accused, Anjide Timothy, to appear before the court in spite of his poor health condition.

He concluded that Anjide had lost confidence of getting a fair trial from the judge.

However, the prosecuting counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN,

application, arguing that the application did not show that the first and third accused had lost confidence in the court.

In dismissing the application, Justice Okeke stated that the application for transfer of the case lacked merit.

The case was adjourned to January 19, 20 and 21 2014 for continuation.

Nigeria has 9% of global HIV cases — KADSACA

By Luka Binniyat & Mayen Etim

K

ADUNA—NIGERIA accounts for nine percent of total global HIV/ AIDS infection. Altogether, 35 million people live with the virus in the world.

This was made known by the Executive Secretary of Kaduna State AIDS/HIV Control Agency, KADSACA, Dr. Halibut Abubakar at the commemoration of the 2014 World AIDS Day in Kaduna yesterday.

Abubakar said, “The number of

people who are newly infected with HIV is continuing to decline in most parts of the world.

“There were 2.1 million infections in 2013, a decline of 38% from 2001 when there were 3.4 million new infections.

Progress in stopping new HIV infections among children, has been dramatic.

“In 2013, about 240,000 children were infected globally.

This is 58 percent lower than in 2002, the year with the highest number, when 580,000 children were infected. ‘’Providing access to anti-

retroviral, ARV, drugs for pregnant women living with HIV has averted more than 900,000 new HIV infections among children since 2009.

“Fewer people are dying of AIDS related illnesses. In the sub-Saharan Africa, the number of AIDS related deaths fell by 39 percent between 2005 and 2013.

“If the above facts and reasons give hope, on the flip side, there are equally sobering facts and challenges that if addressed urgently, can decisively turn the tide against HIV/AIDS.''

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 17

S

OME people say Goodluck Jonathan is “clueless.” They would also have us believe he is a weak president. If so, how come his opponents are greatly afraid of him? People are not inclined to fear weaklings.

Therefore it is telling that Goodluck Jonathan must be the most feared Head of State in the history of Nigeria.

Since he was thrown up as president by divine providence, Jonathan has elicited the most vociferous opposition ever. Every trick in the book has been thrown at him to stop him from becoming president and from continuing to be president.

At every turn, this has failed woefully.

The evidence indicates that the opposition is convinced that Jonathan is unstoppable at the polls.

Therefore, the emphasis has been directed more at preventing him from running for president and at frustrating his rule than at defeating him at the 2015 election.

Serial losers Jonathan fought the 2011 election with a mystic that completely overwhelmed the opposition. A cabal from the North insisted another Northerner must complete Yar’Adua’s term of office. In the process, they turned the election into a regional contest. A clique in the PDP decided to shortlist and select a Northern opponent against Jonathan, convinced that his defeat would be a foregone conclusion.

They rejected a former president, Ibrahim Babangida, and chose Atiku Abubakar, a former vicepresident no less, and heir of the much-vaunted PDM political machinery of the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua; to apply the knock-out punches to Jonathan in the PDP presidential primaries of 2011. But surprise surprise, the election was not even close. Jonathan not only defeated Atiku, he practically eviscerated the man.

Thereafter, the hope of the Northern cabal fell to another regional champion, Mohammadu Buhari. On paper, Jonathan was no match for Buhari. Buhari was much better known and much better hyped. He had been Head of State some 30 years earlier, and had refused to leave the political scene thereafter. He fought the election for the presidency twice and lost twice. Then he had to face Jonathan, allegedly a “greenhorn.”

Again, the election was not close. Jonathan dismantled Buhari with a plurality of over 10 million votes. He even obtained 8 million votes in the North, to Buhari’s 12 million.

Then he practically cleaned up in the South. From then on, the fear of Jonathan became the political wisdom of the cabal.

This has manifested in a number of shenanigans in the past four years.

However, the outcome of these has only been to strengthen C M Y K

Who is afraid of Goodluck Jonathan (1) Jonathan’s position as he proceeds to go to the electorate again in 2015 to seek a second-term in office.

Sour grapes Having lost the PDP primaries ignominiously to Jonathan, Atiku became a prophet of doom. He said: “those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable.”

Of course, the only change that is peaceful is the one whereby Jonathan either foregoes reelection or is defeated at the polls. A Jonathan victory was, in the logic of Atiku, an invitation to violent change.

But one needs to ask the former vice-president this question: “Would the proposed violent change spare prophet Atiku, who was vice-president for eight years and who is alleged to have cornered juicy public companies from his vantage point as head of the privatization programme under Obasanjo?”

Perceptions are sometimes more important than reality.

Therefore, violent change would also have Atiku as one of its primary targets.

For his part, the threats of Muhammadu Buhari during the 2011 election campaign led to widespread violence by his supporters in the North after he lost. They went on a rampage; looting and killing; in spite of the fact that, by all accounts, the elections were adjudged the most free and fair in the history of Nigeria’s current democratic experiment. By the time the mayhem had subsided, over 1000 people had been

Goodluck Jonathan must be the most feared Head of State in the history of Nigeria

slaughtered in cold blood, including innocent National Youth Service Corp members, and some 65,000 Nigerians became displaced.

Undaunted, Buhari went on to declare in a statement made pointedly in Hausa in a BBC interview that: “If what happened in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood.”

Phantom agreement

H

aving realised that by some political alchemy, Goodluck Jonathan is impregnable at the polls, the strategy of his opponents has been to insist that he cannot seek re-election, instead of making concrete plans about how to defeat him at the polls.

The Niger State governor, Babangida Aliyu, suddenly came up with the allegation that Jonathan had earlier signed an agreement with some governors in 2011 that he would not seek re-election but would only serve for one term; after which the PDP presidential candidacy would be zoned to the North.

This was curious at best.

Northerners had ruled the country for long stretches of 38 out of 54 years; at no time were any of them required to sign term-limit agreements.

But now that it was the turn of a South-South president, we were meant to believe such an agreement was extracted from him by Northern governors. In any case, where exactly was this agreement?

If it existed, then it should be published for all to see.

However, Aliyu and his cohorts could not produce the alleged document, leading to the conclusion that it was nothing more than another ruse. The president’s men were unequivocal in maintaining that Jonathan signed no such agreement.

Even if he did, everyone knows that there is no honour among Nigerian politicians.

Therefore, that gambit also turned out to be a waste of time.

Legal option The next strategy was to contest Jonathan’s eligibility to seek re-election in the

courts; on the grounds that he has been president for two terms already. This strategy failed woefully.

Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi ruled from the FCT that Jonathan’s assumption of office after the untimely death of President Yar’Adua fell under the National Assembly’s doctrine of necessity. The Constitution stated that no man could be elected president more than twice for a total of eight years.

But Jonathan has only been elected president once.

Justice Oniyangi said: “After the death of Umaru Yar’adua, there was no election or by-election, President Jonathan was merely asked to assume the office of the President in line with the doctrine of necessity.

He was not elected as the President but was made to assume office by virtue of Yar’adua’s death. Having exhausted the late President’s tenure, he sought for his party’s ticket and ran for the office of the President successfully in the 2011 general elections. He is therefore currently serving his first tenure of office, and if he so wishes he is eligible to further seek his party’s ticket through the party’s primary election and to run for office in 2015.”

Opposition threats This called for yet another strategy, therefore the opposition decided to employ fire and brimstone. Lawal Kaita, now of the opposition APC, said: “We will make Nigeria ungovernable for Jonathan.” The objective remained the same. These people knew they could not defeat Jonathan at the polls; therefore their primary assignment was to prevent him from running for reelection.

Junaid Mohammed fired one of the early salvos. He said: “Quote me, if Jonathan insists on running, there will be bloodshed and those who feel short-changed may take the warpath.”

Senator Joseph Waku of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) followed suit: “President Jonathan should not even contemplate making any move to contest the 2015 election because such will be

catastrophic.”

Murtala Nyako, the former governor of Adamawa, echoed this, saying: “we must stop President Goodluck Jonathan’s attempt to go for second term, as that will lead to civil war.”

What has happened to Waku’s catastrophe and Nyako’s civil war? These were all vain threats. Who did Nyako have in mind to fight his civil war for him? Since making these threats, Nyako has been ignominiously removed as governor of Adamawa State. Nobody shed any crocodile tears for him. On the other hand, his nemesis, Goodluck Jonathan has declared that he is running for second term and there has not been a riot, not to talk of civil war. As a matter of fact, he has been endorsed as the sole candidate of the PDP.

Preparing for defeat

T

his means back to the drawing-board for the APC. Since they now know they cannot stop Jonathan from contesting, they have started planning for their anticipated defeat at the polls.

Their position is simple. If Jonathan wins, then they would claim the election was rigged.

That would be grounds for bringing out the thugs and area boys to kill, steal and destroy.

Thus, the APC started accusing the PDP of rigging an election that has yet to take place. In a speech made during Buhari’s declaration of his fourth bid for the presidency, Rotimi Amaechi said: “We will punish these people… They are banking on using security against us. We shall teach them lesson. We will fight with our body, with our lives because there must be change this time.”

At the APC’s so-called Salvation Rally, Amaechi declared that the APC will form a parallel government if the 2015 election is rigged.

This is disingenuous because everyone knows that the only way the APC will not insist the election is rigged is if it wins.

Every election that the APC has won has been free and fair; but every election it has lost has been rigged. In effect, the APC is already threatening treasonable felony if it loses the forthcoming presidential election.

Queried about this stand, Lai Mohammed, the Publicity Secretary of the APC said this has been the stand of the APC since the Osun State gubernatorial election. In which case, had APC lost Osun it would have decided to create mayhem.

Lai Mohammed declared: “Let us remind the presidency, in case it has forgotten, that election fraud triggered a civil war in Algeria in the early 1990s, led to the killing of over 1,000 people in postelection riots in Kenya in 2007/2008 and fired a near revolution in Iran in 2009/ 2010.”

(TO BE CONTINUED)

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 TWO years ago, images of the Senate Committee on Aviation prancing the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to unearth the cause of a power failure that disrupted flights cut a pitiful sight of a Senate that delights in pursuing insignificant causes.

Apparently, the Senate did not know about electricity challenges in Nigeria. Power failure at the airport was less embarrassing than the Senate pretending that the Abuja airport was Nigeria’s final frontier of darkness that had to be conquered immediately. A 2011 power disr uption that lasted more than four hours at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos was not an embarrassment. Millions of jobs lost in various sectors to poor electricity supplies do not embarrass the Senate.

Power failures occur everyday and everywhere in Nigeria. Surgeries have been concluded even at our “centre of excellence” teaching hospitals with candles and lanterns.

There are regular reports of Nigerians dying from inhaling generator fumes – deaths that were avoidable if electricity worked. No senate committee investigates such gravy matters.

The National Assembly, particularly the Senate, distinguishes itself with parochial

Pretences On Electricity concerns. Uninterrupted power supply at Abuja airport is important since it is the airport senators use most. Is it possible the Senate never heard of bird strikes at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, blamed on non-use of the bird scaring equipment? Is threat to lives worth the Senate’s attention?

Many important issues are unattended because National Assembly members rate their interests above those of ordinary Nigerians. They would not pay adequate attention to electricity since they can buy their own generators. They forget electricity

supply at airports depends mainly on public power sources. If everything works out to serve their narrow interests, legislators equate that to working for the good of the greatest number of Nigerians.

Electricity supplies have worsened.

Nigerians would spend their devalued Naira to generate electricity, generate more noise, generate more pollution and maybe more deaths from inhaling fume. Will the Senate care?

It is time Nigerians took more interest in what the National Assembly does. Its plays to the gallery contribute little to improving the state of Nigerians. Its silence at critical moments of national despair is unforgivable.

Power continues to fail because that is the where Nigeria is, largely thanks to selfish legislators who are competing among themselves in oversight functions that mean more acquisitions from the common purse.

Senators are unaware of the deteriorating Nigerian condition, yet they are to make laws for the common good. How disappointing can things get?

More than two years after that Abuja airport show, electricity supply has plummeted, senators should know, but they too have become used to generator power supplies even at Abuja airport.

OPINION

By Michael Egbejumi-David

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has meddled in Nigerian football matters before.

Then, as at now, it ended in a fiasco. That first time, June 2010, after Nigeria crashed and burned at the World Cup due in large part to the incompetence of one Lars Lagerback and a small helping hand from Sani Kaita, Jonathan imposed a two-year international ban on the Super Eagles.

Thankfully, FIFA came down hard on Jonathan and threatened Nigeria with expulsion before that ridiculous ban was rescinded. If Jonathan had been allowed to have his way, Nigeria would have missed out on the qualifications for the AFCON championships which we eventually won in February 2013. We also would have missed out on the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

But, Jonathan did it again! After the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, did what was long overdue and showed brother Keshi the door, Jonathan stepped in and forced Keshi’s reinstatement. The net result? We failed to qualify for the next championship.

We don’t even have the honour of defending our title.

Often, in governance, it is not the major speeches or policy initiatives. To the average citizen, it is those things that they see that are often important to them. Societies are set up by and large already, and life will continue, regardless. The mark of the astute leader is not just how you shape the general direction of your society but by the perception you create among your citizens.

C M Y K

Jonathan, Keshi & the little things And you do this by the little things that you do; the things you allow to happen or not to happen over time.

A President is not meant to run the whole enterprise himself. The policy direction must be amenable to allow Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, administrators and others get on with implementation. The leader then does the little things that let his citizens know that their welfare comes first and that they are in safe hands.

Ministries such as Agriculture and Aviation excelled not because Jonathan imposed himself on them or interjected himself into their daily minutiae but because they have competent ministers who have free hands to be creative and to do their thing.

Over-ruling the NFF was as short-sighted as it was damaging. Keshi and subsequent managers will know that they only need drop the name of the President to have their way. Worse, NFF administrators have been castrated, their authority yanked from them in a humiliating manner. Going forward, they would triple guess themselves to ascertain that whatever decision they want to take would be palatable to an interloping President or his anointed(s). What an untenable position to find oneself.

With Keshi gone, our players would have been motivated anew for those two last games. They would have been playing to impress the new man, to keep their place in the team now and in the future. They certainly wouldn’t have played any worse than they did for Keshi. Rather, you have the same

ineffectual players being played in every game whether they perform or not and the players know it!

Under Keshi, the Super Eagles played with no discernible pattern or tactics. Our team was easily and painfully outfoxed tactically by opposing managers. No new players were groomed or given a look-in.

Established players that were doing relatively well around the globe were menacingly ignored. Instead, apart from possibly Vincent Enyeama and Mikel Obi, we had a national team comprising of middle of the road journey men from obscure teams and unheralded leagues.

When you start losing to teams like Iran and Sudan, you ought to know that you’re not just having bad days; something is fundamentally wrong.

I have always felt that Keshi is a decent enough football coach but that is as far as it goes. I think that he is good for a Mali or a Togo; teams that are looking to come to the level where Nigeria currently is.

However, I don’t think Keshi can take a Nigeria or a South Africa to the level where Argentina or France is.

In 2006, Nigeria was ranked by FIFA as the 9th best team in the world. In 2008, we were 19th. Under Keshi, we have plummeted to number 42. In Africa we are currently number nine - two places below one country called Cape Verde! This is the manager for whom Jonathan went to bat and forced on the NFF and on Nigeria for more agony. Well, we are all benefi-

ciaries of that splendid intervention today.

A leader’s involvement must be dynamic, and it must be for the greater good. It is not acceptable to cut a forlorn figure afterwards as all manner of malfeasance happens around one the way Keshi cuts a pitiful figure on the touchline as Emenike runs aimlessly, his head downwards, hacking down defenders.

It is the little things. Jonathan, our Commander-in-Chief has not visited Chibok or the North East to reassure the folks up there. Lagos State, First Foundation Hospital and Dr Adadevoh helped us immensely in curtailing the dreadful Ebola disease. I don’t know if Jonathan has paid specific visits to these places or written to relevant families to show appreciation and solidarity.

Citizens don’t tend to remember big policy statements, but they will remember an Alamieyeseigha being given presidential pardon. They will remember Mrs Jonathan as a paid Perm Sec in Bayelsa.

People remember double standards, impunity. People will remember the assault on treacherous Tambuwal and the National Assembly. People will remember the circus, the wastefulness, the tastelessness and the Abacharism of an incumbent democratic President being ‘begged’ all across the nation to seek re-election. Now Jonathan has gone and dropped another clanger.

He only went and added the Super Eagles’ debacle to his list of accomplishments.

How about that for a campaign run? *Dr Egbejumi-David, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014— —19

The man who will help build Delta State

By Sunny Ikhioya

S

INCE I ventured into public commentaries - thanks to the encouragement of our own Uncle Sam and the Vanguard editors, I have refrained from issues concerning individual politicians. I have always believed that they are the same irrespective of the parties they belong; you are a conservative when you are in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and a progressive when you cross to the other side. Also because of the way politicians have dealt with our own Delta State, nay Nigeria, I have been put off from their activities.

My opinion, however, changed when I met a gentleman on the weekend of November 21, 2014. On this bright sunny Friday afternoon, I met Chief Peter Eseloka Okocha at his expansive Ikoyi office. I have chosen to publish my encounter with him as my contribution towards finding a viable leadership for our own Delta State and I leave posterity to be the judge.

A one hour face-to-face chat with him convinced me that he is the man Delta State needs. His thrust is to bring business into politics, to make government profitable, using all of his experience as a very successful business entrepreneur to bring this to fruition. He is not noisy, not arrogant but packs a lot of stuff

governor of then Bendel State, with EK Clark as education commissioner, he got scholarship to complete his secondary education. After a brief stint at work, he travelled to the US for further education.

He came back to Nigeria in 1981 to undergo the compulsory NYSC programme and in 1982, he set up Chrismatel, which is one of the biggest indigenous shipping companies in Nigeria. His shipping company presently occupies two terminals, which provides job for over 7000 workers. In the course of business advancement, he set up Sadiq Petroleum, named after his third son and built the largest pharmaceutical company in Delta at his home town Ibusa, named put infrastructures in place to drive all of dispharm. He has tarred roads, sunk borethese. That is the value Chief Okocha holes in several communities and awarded brings into the governorship race. scholarship to many, through his Peter Deltans have very intelligent and caOkocha Foundation, POF. pable persons; we must begin to use our He has built a very successful home as his intelligence for the overall benefit of all; marriage to an American produced children we must say never again to a mediocre who are all doing very well. He wants to help personality to run the affairs of the state; He seems to make Delta State livable for everyone so that with the huge resources available, have the right when it comes to choice, his children - who Deltans deserve more. also carry American passports - will choose What we require now is a man whose answers to the to remain in Nigeria. performance speaks for him, who has Chief Okocha(OON), is charming, been tested in several ways in the busi- multiple chal- articulate and intelligent; he seems to have ness world and came out tops; who by lenges facing the right answers to the multiple challenges virtue of his birth and upbringing paints facing Delta State. He craves for a pan-Delta, a pan-Nigerian picture that will work Delta State; he where every community will be factored in. very much to the advantage of the state if He said he will commit himself to complethe is given a shot at the guber seat of craves for a ing all on-going projects of the present govDelta State. ernment, especially the vast road networks, pan-Delta, Chief Okocha was born in the North, and ensure that education will be absolutely did his secondary schooling in the South where every free because of his own experience. Apart and acquired multiple degrees from varfrom that, it is also his intention to establish ious universities in the United States of community technical colleges, and revive and restore the America. He is an embodiment of a self- will be facold Sapele Technical College to its glory days made. At age 14, he had lost both of his as wellas improve on our teachers training parents and at the time Ogbemudia was tored in colleges. He remembers, with nostalgia, the that will benefit the state. His pan-Nigerian and international background will benefit a multi-ethnic, diversified Delta State, the type to bring peace to all; no faction, no godfatherism, no cronyism but God Almighty for all.

A state that prides itself of the best in liquid minerals, solid minerals and human resources must have a capable hand to manage these resources. It has not been so obvious as now, that the country’s oil revenue has nose-dived and value of the Naira battered to the point of embarrassment. There is a strong need to get businesses working, create enabling environment and

By Nnamdi Madueke

C

HINA, the second largest economy in the world, now has the most accredited laboratories in the world, an economic enabler many have not noticed. But the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, under the leadership of Dr Joseph Odumodu has taken a leap in this direction with the acquisition of two food accredited laboratories, creating a pathway for the future China in Nigeria.

Nigeria, a country of 175 million people, not the most populous in the world but the most populous in Africa, is arguably recognised as the most popular African country in the continent. To an extent we can also say it is the most blessed in Africa in terms of its natural resources- with oil being the forerunner from a classy array of others- gold, tin, cocoa, coal, bitumen, to mention a few.

But what else is new? Foreigners migrate from all corners of the world to undertake a variety of businesses in the Nigerian market and Nigerians in return are very much dispersed in various parts of the world seeking different versions of their Holy Grail.

This basically sums up the Nigerian economy in two words: unfulfilled potential. With the recent drop in oil prices, analysts have predicted and refrained that the nation’s over-dependence on oil will be extremely detrimental to the Nigerian economy eventually, if not now. But there has been a shimmering light at the end of the tunnel. A light that many have not noticed! The SON have been brewing, developing and just executed a master plan in line with the goal of vision 20/20 that will change the Nigerian economy forever if adhered to and invent a new Nigeria in the process. The cat has been let out of the bag. Two transformative words: Accreditation labs!

The brain box For most people, the laboratory depicts human beings in white lab coats experimenting, testing or researching on a subject; and rightly so, except this time around the subjects undergoing these tests are products and services carried out in internationally accredited laboratories solely for the purpose of ascertaining if these products or services are of international standards.This ensures that such products are tested just once and accepted sequentially, anywhere in the C M Y K

SON: Midwifing the new China world. Recently, two of SON’s food technology laboratories were accredited by AALA(American association for laboratory accreditation) - ISO/IEC 17025 for chemical and biological testing respectively, and others are at various stages of accreditation.Estimates by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD and the US Department of Commerce both show that standards and related conformity assessment (checking that products and services measure up to standards) have an impact on 80 % of the world’s trade in commodities.

The World Trade Organisation, WTO, requires its members to use international standards of the type developed by ISO, in order to avoid the technical barriers to trade that can be caused by differing national or regional standards. But what does this imply? Let me buttress further, it’s really simple. The more accredited labs a nation acquires the more products or services it is able to export (with the authorisation of the international standards organisation), thereby improving the economy on different fronts and developing the country also through standards. But a key factor also is the compliance of these standards because it’s one thing to have these labs and it is another thing to comply with them.

The ISO 9001, which is called the quality management system certificate, is the most sought after ISO certificate in the world and presently China has amassed the most of these certificates, topping the 2013 chart with a whopping337,033 accumulation. As we speak Nigeria has amassed a meagre 84. According to the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook Database,China top ten exports amounted to $2.2 trillion in 2013, while Nigeria nonoil exports in 2013 reached $2.97 billion.

Data shows that there is a link between the number of acquired ISO certificates and China’s ever-blossoming economy.

Yes, you are wondering, isn’t it the same China that produces fake products for the world. No it isn’t. Not all Chinese companies are of international standards but from the data majority of Chinese companies are of standards, meaning a smaller percentage engage in inferior product manufacturing.

glory days of St. Thomas Teachers College, Ibusa as the best teachers college, and want to bring back that era, while bringing the Eku Hospital to the height of a teaching hospital. Even the interest of those not interested in attending university, will be factored in: the fisherman will not live a less quality of life to the professor ’s and the professors will be respected as professors. The oil producing communities hold a special place in his heart, as he believes that they deserve full compensation for the ravages done to their land. He will give a truly international bearing to the Asaba International Airport through his business links.

Chief Okocha has not worked for anybody since he graduated from the university; rather, he has created jobs for multitudes through his businesses and connections. He does not believe in money journalism and politics but on what values he will bring to Delta State governance. He is the man that will help build Delta State.

This is not the first time he is offering his service to the people of Delta State. According to him: “I did offer to help rescue the situation in my state but the people turned it down.”

Deltans must really consider this man for the job; it will be to the advantage of all. *Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

South Africa and Egypt also have thousands of the certificate, while Tunisia and Morocco, Kenya and Algeria have hundreds of Hence, the general perception that China certificates each; but Nigeria has only 84. products are bad is not completely true. They So even in the Africa context, Nigeria rates might have some substandard products but very low in the standardisation. No Nigerian then again these are requests made by their university is also among the top 400 univerNigerian importers. Whatever your stance sities in the world, but South Africa has a may be, China is surely driving towards university in that list. Yet, I am not sure the 100% international standardisation and at top 50 in Africa includes a Nigerian univeran alarming rate too. Nigeria can get there sity. The foreign student in the Nigerian too, but we need to act fast. Again, let me university is now the exception rather than reiterate that the 9001 certificates is not just the rule since Nigerians themselves are a ticket to exporting tested manufactured flocking to Ghanaian and Beninese univerproducts, but encapsulates anything that sities. Away from education, if courts were requires quality management. Education, like universities, will any foreigner bring health, the judiciary, cable networks, tele- their cases to Nigerian courts?” communication, building infrastructure, A damning assessment indeed of the councompany policies, aviation and so many try’s economic state, but with Dr Odumodu’s other sectors. From a vision of made in Nigeria goods for non-economic point of the world through ISO certificates view, if all these areas and accredited laboratories, Nigeria comply with still has a chance of evolving into a international world power. It might take a while standardisation, then but it is possible. imagine what life would On assumption of office, Dr. Odube like in Nigeria. modu met nothing on ground to show This is the scheme the Nigeria was ready for international crack team duo of Dr accreditation due to the despondent Odumodu (Director state of both its test and metrology General of SON) and the labs. It was, therefore, impossible to Minister of Industry approach international bodies for Trade and Investment,Dr. accreditation without a complete Olusegun Aganga,has turn-around. been clamoring for and But upgrading of the existing laborecently discussed. At the ratories and building of new ones world press conference were what Dr. Odumodu identified as that marked the internapivotal tracks to his six-point agentional standards day,Dr da, having realised that the first step Odumodu informed a was for our laboratories to attain ingathering of industry ternational accreditation. Consechieftains and senior quently, SON has begun taking decichief executives: ”A counsive steps towards ensuring that actry’s compliance to intercredited laboratories for both testing If SON’s national standards can and metrology are established in the also be measured by the philosophy of country. number of its companies Nigeria is looking at alternatives that have obtained sys- international for itsfuture economical stance and tem certification relative Dr Odumodu’s SON has provided the to the population. The standardisation world class solution. If SON’s phi2013 ISO report on the is adhered to, losophy of international distribution of managestandardisation is adhered to, then ment system certification then Nigeria Nigeria can become the new China. shows that China, USA can become and Germanyand India •Mr Madueke, a development and Brazil each have the new China analyst, wrote from Lagos thousands of certificates.

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY TUESDAY,, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Ibadan: When fracas leaves fragile peace in tatters

By OLA AJAYI, IBADAN

I

T was supposed to be the last lap of Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s tour of the 33 local government areas in Oyo State.

The Governor had used the political tour to assure the people of his unwavering commitment to give them quality governance that is devoid of violence.

But while the Governor was returning from Ido Local Government Area last Friday, news broke that hoodlums in South West Local Government Area which was to be the Governor’s last port of call, had ruptured the fragile peace in the state.

Although the Governor later met with some All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders and traditional rulers in the council, other activities that had been fixed for that day were put on hold.

Vanguard Metro, VM, learnt that the violence which started at Oke-Ado area of Ibadan later spread like harmattan fire to other parts of the city, including Born Photo, Popo Yemoja and Idi Arere.

Divergent accounts of what actually led to the cause of the mayhem were offered by those who spoke to VM. While some simply alleged that the violence was a mere intra-party crisis between the supporters of a member of the House of Representatives and a fellow who wants to unseat him, others said the Council is the stronghold of Accord Party which has emerged as one of the leading opposition parties in the state. They alleged that supporters of the party in the Council wanted to ensure that the Governor would not be welcomed.

The mayhem allegedly resulted in the death of four persons, including a Police Inspector who was killed at Oke Ado a day earlier. But the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kola Sodipo, denied the casualty figure.

One of those who spoke with VM on the fracas, Mr. Okunola Ashimiyu, said: “We have not known peace in this area. Throughout yesterday (Saturday) night, I heard gunshots. At about 9:30am yesterday, the supporters of a politician came out and started causing problem in this area.

They said they molested their boss on Friday. That was how they started burning houses and destroying property at Born Photo, Isale Osi, Popo and Idi Arere. They burnt our house and the shops in front of it. I know the boys that set C M Y K

*One of the houses burnt during the fracas

*Traders inspecting the burnt remains of their wares this house ablaze. I tried to put out the fire, but I could not.

When the policemen came, they drove the hoodlums away. The policemen told me to call my neighbour to help in putting out the fire as the fire fighters did not come to this area,” he recounted.

The Chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government, Mr. Taoreed Ade, said he received a distress call around 7am on the fateful day. “I think the security agencies should stay in this area till the next two weeks until those miscreants are apprehended.

This will give assurance to people who have run away from the communities to return.

I think the violence is the brainchild of the opposition parties to instil fear in the people so that they would sell

their votes during the elections,” he alleged.

The Mogaji of Ile Laboo, IdiArere, Chief Bisi Shittu, who frowned at the incident said: “I feel really ashamed that while we are talking about peace and security in Oyo State, things like this could happen without anybody to stop these people. There has to be a concerted effort to ensure that people are secured in their houses. We just need to find a way to pacify people because they feel that some people were just trying to use their political might or whatever on them. We don’t want to see a situation that could be likened to what is happening in the North”.

The opposition parties have used the crisis to discredit the party in power, accusing it of

not providing a peaceful environment for electioneering campaigns.

But the APC, through its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Olawale Sadare, alleged that the unfortunate incident was masterminded by some opposition elements in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; Accord Party, AP and Labour Party, LP, who are desperately eyeing the Agodi Government House.

According to him, the opposition parties want the return of political violence, wanton killings and lawlessness to the state in their bid to hijack power at all cost.

“It is unfortunate that opposition elements in PDP, AP and LP have not left anyone in doubt of their exhilaration over the ugly incident of last Friday at Oke-Ado. “The Friday violent attack was a clear case of sabotage aimed

I feel really ashamed that while we are talking about peace and security in Oyo State, things like this could happen without anybody to stop these people

at discrediting the achievement of the present administration in the area of peace and security.

To perfect their evil plans, another round of violence was unleashed on the residents of Born Photo, Popo Yemoja, Idi Arere and environs over the weekend. In all of this, the opposition’s main goal is to create an atmosphere of insecurity and political unrest.

But we are trusting the Police and relevant security agencies to dig deep and unmask the sponsors of the ugly violence in order to guard against reintroduction of barbarism and lawlessness into the politics of the pacesetter state,” he said.

The APC Chairman in the state, Chief Akin Oke said: ”All evidences at our disposal point at a high-level gang-up by some politicians currently at large to embarrass the government and destroy the three and half years of peace that had been reigning in the state.

But Mr. Lanre Ogundipe of the AP warned the APC to stop blaming the opposition parties in the state for the violence.

Also dismissing the allegation, the party’s Media Director, Prince Dotun Oyelade, also insisted that Governor Ajimobi must come back immediately from the trip he embarked on in the midst of the violence.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Kola Sodipo, has warned those fomenting trouble to desist from such ignoble acts or face the music.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 21

FG orders automation of agencies in maritime sector

By PROVIDENCE OBUH & JOY UNUANE

T

he Federal Government has ordered automation of all agencies in the maritime sector of the economy as a way of controlling the entry of unwanted products into the country.

President Goodluck Jonathan gave the directive during stakeholders’ forum on the maritime industry with the theme: “Seamless Importation: Building Stakeholders Synergy and Fostering Trade without Compromising Standards,” organised by Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, in Lagos.

Jonathan who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Maritime, Mr.Oyewole Leke, said that the only difference between Nigeria and other countries that have evolved their maritime sector is automation, adding that things work in America because everything is automated.

According to him, Mr. President has directed that “We should automate all agencies in the maritime sector and link them together. Within the next three months this should be up and running, we are working on inter agencies collaboration of which the SON is just like one of 47.”

He said that the Nigerian port is the most expensive in the world, in terms of tariff of NPA, NIMASA and Customs, “other ports are more

expensive than the Nigerian port and I have evidence to that.

We run one of the cheapest ports. No one agency is

responsible for all these, therefore they must work together.

“The risk premium importers

pay on a car is about $300, a ship can carry five thousand cars, if you multiply 300 by five thousand that is 1.5 million.

Marketing Communications Manager, Ms. Nsa Yellow-Duke; Marketing Director, Mr. Vikramjeet Singh and AC Category Manager, Mr. Wale Alabi all of Thermocool at the unveiling of new series of Thermocool Air Conditioners in Lagos.

That is the amount Nigerians have paid to one ship, we have about 25 ships heading for Nigeria on a daily basis. You can imagine how much money we lose as a country, which is almost the money they use to run certain countries in Africa,” he said.

Meanwhile, DG SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, added that a lot of local companies that are in production have gone down because they have not been able to compete with not just fake products but imported substandard products.

“We are all responsible for this and that is why today nobody is making tyre, nobody is making matches, there are lots of thing we use to produce some years back but today nobody is doing that. We need to do something to build a more robust economy for us all so that when our children come out of school they can find good job in factories and production places where people can work.

We must make commitment to terminate the current scheme where we allow every kind of thing to come in, some of the substandard products are killing Nigerians; examples are the air conditioner, extension cables that melts as candle,” he said.

IFC provides $80m facility for Azura-Edo power plant

By Michael Eboh

T

HE International Finance Corporation, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, yesterday, signed an agreement to provide an $80 million debt facility, about N13.6 billion to Azura Power West Africa Limited, to finance the 450 mega watts (MW) $192.65 $-1.6 gas-fired Azura-Edo Independent Power Project $2,867.00 $-44.00 in Nigeria.

The project, according $16.13 $0.13 to a statement by the IFC, will help strengthen Nigeria’s gas-to-power $77.81 $-0.52 value chain and deliver electricity to almost $73.90 $-0.19 14 million residential consumers in the country.

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL Giving a breakdown of the facility, IFC stated that DOLLAR 164 164.5 165 it is providing $50 million, STERLING 258.2344 259.0217 259.809 about N8.5 billion, in debt EURO 204.2948 204.9177 205.5405 for its own account, and FRANC 169.8074 170.3251 170.8428 YEN 1.3924 1.3967 1.4009 $30 million, about N5.1 bilCFA 0.2868 0.2968 0.3068 lion of subordinated WAUA 235.4875 236.2055 236.9234 debt, for a total of $80 milRENMINBI 26.7114 26.7933 26.8752 lion.

RIYAL 43.7054 43.8386 43.9719 IFC is also mobilising KRONA 27.456 27.5397 27.6234 $212.5 million (N36.125 billion), of which $177.5 CBN Exchange Rate as 01/12/2014 million (N30.175 billion)

has been jointly raised with Dutch DFI Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden (FMO), in long-term financing from a pool of eight development finance institutions.

IFC disclosed that it acted as co-Lead Arranger with FMO for the senior DFI tranche of the financing.

The balance of debt financing, according to the IFC, is being provided by international commercial lenders, co-arranged by Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) and guaranteed by the World Bank and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

“First City Monument Bank (FCMB) is administering a local currency facility provided from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN, Power and Airline Intervention Fund through the Bank of Industry.

Standard Chartered Bank is the Global Lead Arranger for the project,” the IFC noted.

The IFC further explained that the Azura-Edo IPP con-

sists of the construction, operation and maintenance of a 450 MW gas-fired open-cycle power plant located in Edo State, Nigeria, adding that it also includes the construction of a short 330kV transmission line and an underground gas pipeline spur connecting the power plant to the country’s main gas trunk line.

The IFC stated that the project has been developed by a consortium of investors led by Amaya Capital Limited, a principal investment firm focused on energy projects in West Africa, while the other shareholders are American Capital Energy and Infrastructure, the Africa Infrastructure Investment Fund 2, Aldwych International Limited, Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund 2 LLC, and the Asset & Resource Management Company Limited.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Sundeep Bahanda, co-founder of Amaya Capital and Mr. David Ladipo, Managing Director of the Azura-Edo IPP, in a joint statement said, “The

completion of the financing is a major milestone in our project development timeline. We have been working very closely with our financing partners over the past few years and today’s signing reflects all the tireless work put in by all the financiers and our advisors.”

Also speaking, Bernie Sheahan, Director for Infrastructure at IFC, said, “This project is a cornerstone of the World Bank Group’s Energy Business Plan for Nigeria to support the country’s extensive energy reform program.

“The World Bank Group’s substantial involvement in the Azura-Edo power project is a clear confirmation of our commitment to help the Federal Government of Nigeria develop a sustainable gas-to-power sector.”

Sheahan said the IFC has worked closely with its sister institutions of the World Bank Group, which are providing additional support to this landmark transaction, noting that the Azura-Edo IPP is the first project to benefit from the World Bank Guarantees.

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

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,

Top 10 performing stocks

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

n the top 10 performing stocks last week were shares of P.Z Cusson Plc, Livestock Feeds Plc, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Costain (West Africa) Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc (DSR) and May & Baker Plc. The rest were United Bank for Africa Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc and UBA Capital Plc. PZ Cusson, a household name in personal care, beauty and home care products, led the pack with 28.38 percent or N6.30 increase, closing at N28.50 from N22.20 it started the week at. PZ Cusson, reputed for rewarding i n v e s t o r s / shareholders handsomely for their investments in the company paid out approximately N2. 11kobo as dividends this year. The company has been paying dividend just once a year, but this year, it added another streak to it by recommending an interim dividend, which was followed by a special dividend. Specifically, the company paid out N0.1992kobo as interim dividend and promptly followed it up with another N1.30 special dividend and later crowned the 2013/2014 financial year with declaration of 61 kobo dividends.

As part of efforts to remain a market leader, and continue to improve stakeholders’ value, the company last month unveiled an innovative Morning Fresh Antibacterial variant into the Nigerian market. According to the Marketing Director, Family Care, Ms Sandy Griffiths, the new addition was as a result of the company’s commitment to responding to customers’ needs with innovative and exciting products. Its available six months financial statement showed that it posted a growth of 4.7 percent in revenue for the half year ended November 30, 2013, rising from N31 billion in 2012 to N32.46 billion in 2013.

Profit before tax rose by 53 percent to N3.1 billon from N2 billion, while profit after tax went up by the same margin, rising from N1.515 billion to N2.317 billion.

PZ has equally not done badly in delivering value to shareholders in terms of capital appreciation as it has delivered 147.4 percent and 71.8 percent 52 week and year-to-date returns respectively.

Livestock Feeds Plc followed with 22.50 percent or N0.45 price appreciation to close at N2.45 from N2.00 per share. The company became a subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria Plc in 2013 through the acquisition of 51 percent equity stake in the company by later. Listed on the C M Y K

Livestock/Animal Specialties subsector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Livestock Feeds engages in manufacturing and marketing of animal feeds and concentrates in Nigeria. Its half year financial statement for the period ended June 30, 2014, showed a growth of 24 percent in revenue to N3.36 billion as against N2.70 billion recorded in the same period in 2013. Its profit before tax rose by 32 percent, rising to N125.61 million from N95.21 million in the previous year. The post tax profit also rose by the same margin, rising to N85.41 million from N64.75 million achieved in equivalent period in 2013. The 52 week return on investment stands at 151. 3 percent as the share price had previously risen to N4.90 from N1.95 per share.

Flour Mills Nig. Plc was the next with 21. 20 percent or N8.80 increase, as the share price rose to N50.31 from N41.51 at the beginning of the week. Just last month, the company divested its 30 percent stake in United Cement Company of Nigeria Ltd (UNICEM) formerly Calabar Cement, selling the shareholding to Lafarge Africa. “FMN’s exit from the cement sector, solidifies our group strategy of divesting non-core, nonoperating assets and focusing resources for the expansion and growth of our principal b r a n d e d consumer and wholesale food and integrated agroallied operating businesses, where we are the market leader,” the company had said in a statement.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, FNM achieved 8.9 percent growth in turnover to N245.701 billion from N225.629 billion recorded in the same period in 2013. The profit before tax grew to N12.46 billion compare to N11.63 billion in the year ended March, 2013, representing 7.1 per cent increase.

In the same vein, the company posted 17.3 percent increase in post tax profit, as the figure rose to N10.44 billion from N8.90 billion in the previous year.

Consequently a 21 kobo and one for 10 bonus were declared for the year.

Costain recorded 20.24 percent or N0.17 price appreciation, closing at N1.01 from N0.84; DSR’s shares went up by 19.76 percent or N1.15 to close at N6.97 from N5.82 per share; May & Baker advanced by 18.88 per cent or N0.27 to close at N.70 from N1.43; UBA added 17.39 percent or N0.76 to close at N5.13 from N4.37; Diamond Bank followed with 12.73 percent or N0.70 gains to close at N6.20 from N5.50; Okomu Oil advanced by 11.94 percent or N3.20 to close at N30.00 from N26.80, while UBA Capital appreciated by 11.80 per cent or N0.19 to close at N.80 from N1.61 per share.

INVESTORS When you are not satisfied with your bank (3)

By Babajide Komolafe

W

hen you are not satis fied with the services of your bank, you can do either of the following.

You can terminate relationship with the bank, and go to another bank. Many bank customers have done this, but for two major reasons, it should not be first option.

No bank is perfect or there are not perfect banking services in any bank. As indicated in previous articles, incidences of poor services abound in all the banks.

So,there is high possibility that you would also encounter poor services in that other bank. Secondly, by changing your bank, you may have denied the management of the bank the opportunity to know that the staff is not treating customers well.

Though poor services abound in many bank branch-

es, it is not the desire of the management and hence they don’t tolerate it. Hence when they are informed about such incidence, they take decisive action to correct it. This is what informed the chief executive officer of a defunct bank to direct

,

In this market, there are jobbers, imposters, genuine stock brokers, genuine firms and dubious firms.

If anyone is coming in fresh, you can seek the opinion of those who have been in the market

The second thing you can do, which is what most bank customers do, is to accept the poor service being meted to you by your bank.

that his telephone lines should be displayed in all the branches of the banks for customers to report any incidence of poor services. It worked like magic. I also remember the experience I had in the branch of a defunct bank. There was the long queue of customers and only one person was attending to the customers. When I observed that the bank’s staffs were insensitive to the plight of the customers, I sent a complaint to the Managing Director via text. Within a minute, a senior official (maybe the branch manager) appeared and deployed two more staff to attend to the customers. That is why changing your bank because of incidence of poor services should not be the first option. Ultimately, it does not help the

,

MARKET NEWS

Multi-Trex 2013 performance falls over negative working capital

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE Board of Directors of Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc, processors of cocoa and other consumer-based products, has disclosed that its financial position for the year ended April 30, 2014, was badly hampered by Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) refusal to allow it access to bank loan.

Vanguard gathered that the action which resulted in company’s inability to access working capital, followed a Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s directive that barred all deposit money banks, DMBs, from extending fresh credit facility to any company that owed the AMCON an initial debt of N5 billion and above, following the corporation’s assumption of bad debts of DMBs. Vanguard also gathered that the directive from the CBN came soon after AMCON concluded restructuring the company’s debt to Skye Bank Plc.

Consequently, the company ended the year under review with a negative working capital of N2.9 billion compared to N929 million employed in equivalent period in 2012.

“Following Skye Bank Plc.’s sudden decision to sell to AMCON N8.5 billion of the company’s Owings to the bank, AMCON, in the 2012/ 13 financial year considered the company’s proposal and concluded the process of restructuring the loans bought by them.

“Under the loan restructuring exercise, AMCON converted N1.5 billion of the amount of the loans bought to equity. Also, the corporation transferred N4.5 billion to preference shares while retaining the balance of N2.5 billion as a nine-year Term loan.

“However, the corporation was unable to accede to the company’s request for

working capital critically needed to employ reasonable capacity of the company’s newly acquired state-of-the-art cocoa processing plant that is capable of processing up to 50,000mt of cocoa beans annually,” the Board said in an accompanying note to the statement of account to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. “The company’s several entreaties to CBN and AMCON on the matter did not yield any fruit till the end of the year in review. Essentially, the delay in accessing working capital accounted mainly for the abysmally low capacity utilization level attained in the year, the company added.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the company’s 2013 financial performance showed that its turnover fell by 56 per cent to N1.435 billion as against N3.265 billion in the corresponding period in 2012 It recorded N2.979 billion losses before tax during the period

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 23

,

FORUM

Though poor services abound in many bank branches, it is not the desire of the management and hence they don’t tolerate it. Hence when they are informed about such incidence, they take decisive action to correct it.

system.

The second thing you can do, which is what most bank customers do, is to accept the poor service being meted to you by your bank. You lament to friends and families but you refuse to take action. This also is not good for you and the industry. This would encourage more poor services, and increase your suffering. Also it would lead to reduction of confidence in services of banks such that people would now prefer to keep money under their pillow, and hence be vulnerable to loses from theft, armed robbery etc.

The third thing you can do is to complain and be determined to pursue the matter to the highest authority, which is the Central Bank of Nigeria.

How? Based on the directive of the CBN on how banks should handle customers complaint (published in the last edition), the first step is to make a verbal complain at the Customer Care Desk of your bank, or call the Customer Care Center. However, if you are not satisfied with the response or solution, the next step is to formally write to the manage-

ment of the Bank. Address the complaint to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the bank, but make sure you copy your branch manager and the Director, Consumer Protection Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria. You should also copy the Head of Complain Units, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). Further send a copy of the complaint to the Help Desk email of the CBN. (To be continued next week)

under review compared to N1.215 billion pre-tax losses reported in the same period in 2012, representing 144. 9 percent increase, while post tax losses for the period rose to N3.02 billion from N1.25 billion, indicating 141. 6 per cent increase.

Also, the company’s total assets declined marginally by 2.6 per cent to N18.189 billion from N18.677 bil-

lion recorded in 2012.

However, the company achieved slight improvement in its cost of sales with the figure falling to N2.31 billion during the year ended April 30, 2013 from N2.93 billion in the previous year.

Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc undertakes processing of Cocoa Beans into Cocoa Liquor,

Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Cake, and Cocoa Powder, as well as consumer-based products like Chocolate Bars, Chocolate Drinks, Chocolate Candy, Chocolate Spread, among others. The company is the first African member company of the World Cocoa Foundation.

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INVESTORS SPEAK

Unauthorised sale of shares:

Sanctions are confidence booster

By Providence Obuh Regulatory infractions involving unauthorized sale of clients’ shares contrary to the rules and regulations governing dealing members of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is now on the increase. Recently, the NSE announced the expulsion of some of the dealing members and the revocation of the licences of two firms for infractions.

Shareholders in this interview said that sanctions will serve as deterrent to others, while warning that fellow shareholders to be cautious by differentiating between jobbers and genuine stockbrokers. Excerpts:

M

firm is revoked, I r. Adebayo believe that will serve Adeleke, as a deterrent to others Gen. Secretary, but if they have Independent institutionalized Shareholders cause, then they can Association of weigh it with what N i g e r i a : happens in other Revocation of jurisdictions with the licences is a very Adebayo same problem in our good step and will own market, so that serve as a deterrent they do not come out What has to others. If you look at the gravity happened in the with an arbitrary pronouncement, fine of the offence, how past was a and revocation of else do you situation where licences. On the other sanction a stock hand, revocation is broking house? I even though too strict a measure am sure if it is a there are particular broker, it infractions, a lot because if you have 20 stockbrokers working will be the p r o f e s s i o n a l of shareholders, in your firm, I don’t expect that all of them licence of that especially should be dubious. broker that will be routine affected but if it is shareholders do There is no way you can have 100 percent found out that it is not know their of people to be saints. done with the Revoking of licences right and they knowledge of the is grave. There is need entire stock do not know broking house, that where to go and to look at it critically and if there is need to means the house lodge their go to the National too should be Assembly to seek for complaint sanctioned and if a kind of amendment we don’t take some in their guidelines or very strict better still I disciplinary recommend that they actions, this go to IST or the market will not international enjoy the tribunal and seek confidence that all their opinion on such of us have been issues and to see how preaching about. it is being done in If people are other jurisdiction confident that they Oderinde before they come out will get justice with sanctions. anytime there are infractions, In this market, there are they will report it. What has happened in the past was a jobbers, imposters, genuine stock situation where even though brokers, genuine firms and there are infractions, a lot of dubious firms. If anyone is shareholders, especially routine coming in fresh, you can seek the shareholders do not know their opinion of those who have been right and they do not know where in the market.

When I started buying shares, to go and lodge their complaint one of my mentors of blessed and some who have complained memory, is the one that in the past appear not to have recommended the stockbroking gotten some form of justice firm am using till date. Am still abruptly. I believe this can be a with that stockbroking firm and step in the confidence driving they are doing well, I have never process that people now know heard anything negative about that when there are infractions, that firm because they have they can easily lodge complaints gotten a record over the years, of and they will be listened to and being a very good stock broking if the house or broker is found firm. There is need for new culpable they will suffer the members to always seek opinion consequences. and advice of others before jumping into these jobbers or any r. Taiwo Oderinde, of the stockbroking firms. I Chairman, Proactive believe it is good to seek advice Shareholders Association of from people who have been in Nigeria: It is criminal for any the market before for them to stockbroker to be involved in share their experience or give a unauthorized sale of shares and guideline on how they started this means breach of contract. If dealing with a particular the licence of a stockbroking stockingbroking firm or broker.

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From left: Dr Opeyemi Odedere, Maternal and New Born Health Adviser, Save the Children; Mr David Okene, Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc; Master Oladiti Caleb, student, Oregun Senior High School and Mrs Toyin Kuti, Principal during the handwashing activity at Oregun Senior Secondary School, Oregun, Lagos sponsored by Unilever Nigeria Plc.

C M Y K

24—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Lack of good governance under-developing Nigeria — Former CBN boss

By Ediri Ejoh & Olajide Ojo

A

former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Victor Odozi, has stated that the absence of good governance in the country is helping to further under-develop Nigeria.

He noted that it has created abject poverty and widespread malnourishment with about 70 percent living below the poverty line, high and worsening level of unemployment.

In his presentation at the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria 2014, Lagos Chapter, Odozi, stated that it has also brought about high level of illiteracy rate of ‘64 million adult illiterates’ and deplorable state of socioeconomic infrastructure and public utilities (roads, housing, electricity and water).

Speaking on the topic, “Good Governance in Nigeria: The missing link”, he disclosed that, good governance has

eluded the country, as a result of lack of strategic vision and purposeful direction adding that, desperation of politicians to acquire or hold political office by all means is a big issue to contend with.

Odozi, identified other

causes to high incidence of electoral frauds, the barrenness of political ideology and curious politics of “stomach infrastructure, lack of transparency and accountability by office holders and dismal failure of

numerous empowerment and poverty-reduction programmes such as OFN, GR, DFRRI, BLP, FSP. He added that in other to escape the effect the persistent fall in crude oil price would have on the economy,

From left: Sunny Eja, Managing Director, Petromarine; Christabel Bomi-Dore, Manager, Government/Public Affairs, Baker Hughes; Afam Umeano, Managing Director, The Harry Fame Ltd; Patrice Mugnier, Marketing Manager, West African Ventures and Bolaji James, Principal Partner, JAT Consulting, at the just concluded 4th Practical Nigerian Content Conference held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Infrastructure critical to driving inclusive growth — ICRC I

nfrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has declared that adequate infrastructure remained the backbone to drive the nation’s economy and to achieve inclusive growth.

Senator Ken Nnamani, Chairman, Governing Board , ICRC, disclosed this while addressing participants of the sponsored ICRC and WorldBank training on Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Lokoja.

Nnamani who was represented by Hon. Musa Elayo, a Board Member, said government must ensure that various sectors that would drive the economy were effectively managed.

He said,“ infrastructure as we are all aware is the backbone that drives national economic development and efficiency with which goods and people are moved. “ only by ensuring that this vital sector is developed and effectively managed can Nigeria rise to the great economic height and prosperity our people deserve.”

He said that the objective of the training was to equip participants with practical analysis and description of new and emerging approaches for

driving PPP procurement.

According to him, it will also provide platform for PPP practitioners especially at the sub national level to exchange ideas and experiences in implementing PPPs in the various jurisdiction.

He said that the

Commission’s key goal was to transfer and spread capacity swiftly to ensure institutional strength and capacity of federal and sub national PPP entities nationwide.

Also, Kogi state Governor, Captin Idris Wada said he would establish a Public

Private Partnership(PPP) Bureau to help facilitate infrastructure development in the state.

Wada who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi said Kogi State has all it takes to ensure infrastructure development through PPP.

the government should deregulate the downstream sector and enhance other sectors of the economic.

According to him, “High oil and import dependency, including the undue reliance on importation of finished petroleum products, although the country has four refineries, has continued to cripple the development of the economy.

“The prevalence of the socalled ‘oil curse’ for which the country is often cited as a classic example, has manifested in the inability of successive governments to apply our rich oil wealth to diversify and transform the economy.

“Indeed, oil wealth in our country has been associated with pervasive and entrenched corruption, profligacy, macroeconomic instability, neglect of agriculture and manufacturing, environmental degradation and resource control wars”.

However, he stated that governance failure also exists in the private sector which are; the prevalence of unchecked internal abuses, conflicts of interest and non-performing director-related loans which have contributed to bank failure. ”Corrupt practices and unprofessional conduct, general lack of transparency and accountability, and also crony capitalism, policy entrepreneurship, which resulting in regulatory capture, huge revenue losses through dubious fiscal waivers.

Continuing, he stressed that the task to achieve good governance in the country, is a collaborative endeavour among key stakeholders.

Suppliers accuse OPI of indebtedness S OME suppliers and contractors of OPI International Nigeria Limited, an offshore oil and gas marine construction services company, have accused the company of refusing to pay them for services rendered to the company for several months.

Speaking on behalf of the creditors, Mr. Olumide Ishola, Managing Director, Alltribe Globe Company Limited, appealed to the regulators in the oil and gas sector to assist them in getting their money from the company, running into several millions of naira which is for items supplied.

When contacted over the issue, External Counsel to the Company, Bidemi Olumide, a legal practitioner with Adepetun Caxton-Martins

Agbor & Segun, said, “Contractors who are unable to have and conclude on favaourable commercial terms with OPI should rightly ventilate their grievance in the forum agreed by parties.

“OPI is not insolvent. In actual fact the company is yet to receive any insolvencyrelated allegation or windingup petition against it.

“For good emphasis, the assets (current and fixed) of the company currently outweigh any existing payment obligations. “ However, Ishola alleged that the company is owing numerous suppliers for months and even years without a specific date for payment.

He said their woes started immediately the ownership of OPI International was

transferred from foreigners to Nigerians, adding that not long after the transfer was consummated, the new owners started engaging suppliers with promises of paying them within a month which they allegedly never did.

According to Ishola, OPI International used to perform very well in its customer relations and fulfilling its obligations when the foreign owners were still running its affairs.

He said, “The expectations of suppliers were that the new Nigerian owners would carry on the good works of the previous owners. But to our disappointment, the company began to engage suppliers with promises of paying them within a month which it never did.”

Ishola therefore urged the

Nigeria Police, the Federal Government, industry regulators and other stakeholders to help by prevailing on the company to pay them their money.

He said, “We have to cry out now to government and stakeholders as our businesses are gradually collapsing due to OPI’s actions.

“We have written many mails to OPI to pay money it owes us without any positive response from the company.

This is money that is expected to be paid to us between 30 and 45 days.

Ishola said that whenever the company was in need of goods, it used its Warri area office staff, who usually went round the town to search for suppliers who are oblivious of the company ’s antecedents.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 25

Resolve your differences, NBCC tells Customs, NAHCO, SAHCOL

By Naomi Uzor

T

he Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), yesterday, urged the Nigerian Customs, National Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and Skypower Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL), to sheath their swords on the closure of the cargo warehouses at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Cargo Section.

In a release by the President of NBCC, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, he said, the chamber is aware of the over-one week closure of the warehouses of NAHCO and SAHCOL by the Nigerian Customs Service due to the inability of both establishments to agree on the safety measures/infrastructure for the effective protection of public officer ’s in the execution of their official duties, urging, all parties to sheath their swords as the prolonged closure of cargo service will do incalculable damage to the integrity of international contracts made by the country.

“Indeed, the Chamber condemns the alleged attacks on the Area Controller of the Lagos Airport Customs Command by thugs during an inspection tour of the warehouses. There is no justification for such

lawlessness which could lead to grievous bodily harm or even death if the situation got out of hand. The NBCC appreciates the concerns of the Nigerian Customs and agrees that Customs officers are Nigerian citizens who are entitled to be protected in the performance of their lawful duties” he stated He said while the NBCC identifies with the concern of the Customs department, there is a very compelling

need for the consideration of the larger interest of the country which has arisen from the closure of these warehouses.

“Inevitably, Cargo has stockpiled in the warehouses since there have been no cargo deliveries for over a week.

Nigerian-bound air-cargo from all over the world are piling in overseas warehouses. Sales contracts and letters of credit are at risk of non-compliance with agreed terms. Demurrage is

accruing on all cargo.

Expectedly, damage could occur due to the massive stockpiling.

There is the risk of cargo being left on the tarmac if warehouses are filled to capacity. In effect, a local dispute has assumed an international dimension. In essence, Nigeria’s international reputation in global trade is being jeopardized at a time the economy is struggling with foreign exchange values and our trade partners and local businesses are, justifiably, anxious about the future.

From left: Nitin Sood, Managing Director, Fly Mobile Phone; Onyeka Kelikume, Manager, First Choice, Fly Mobile Phone distributor in Nigeria; Sonny Peter, Vice President, Sales, Middle East and Africa, Fly Mobile Phone and Abdul Jabbar, Vice President, Marketing, Middle East and Africa during the launch of Fly Mobile Phone to Nigerian market in Lagos.

Fidelity Bank unveils plan to deepen support for SMEs

By Nkiruka Nnorom

F

IDELITY Bank Plc has unveiled plans to deepen its support for small and medium scale enterprises, SMEs, in the country as part of the bank’s contribution to President Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda on SMEs. To this end, the bank has concluded arrangements to commence an Annual SME Conference, with the maiden edition slated to hold on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 in Lagos.

Participants at the conference, according to the bank, will draw from the experiences of business moguls like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group; Chief LeoStan Ekeh, Founder, Zinox Technologies and Mr. Austin Okere, Managing Director/ CEO, Computer Warehouse Group, one of the fastest growing information and communication technology companies in Africa today among others, who have successfully navigated the business terrain in the country with all its attendant challenges

and made success of their various endeavours.

Speaking at the press briefing heralding the event, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, said the bank’s renewed focus on SMEs followed the increasing role of the sector as critical agent of economic development.

“Whilst we have always supported small businesses, our renewed focus on the SMEs sector is driven by the increasing role of SMEs as critical agents of economic development and transformation in Nigeria.

In line with this, we created a dedicated SME Banking Division (fidelity Managed SMEs), which focuses on providing solutions to the challenges faced by SMEs through a multifaceted approach, one of which is our flagship SME-focused radio programme –the Fidelity SME Forum- a major component of the business advisory and business management capacity building end of our business,” he said.

Okonkwo noted that the forthcoming inaugural Annual

SME Conference was conceived to deepen the knowledge sharing process the bank’s SME focused radio programme already affords and will therefore go a long way in cementing its position as the leading SME bank in Nigeria.

The theme of the maiden edition of the conference, which is ‘Positioning Nigerian SMEs for Growth’ he explained, is at the heart of Fidelity Bank’s passion and commitment to building Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Konga rakes in N2.4bn in Black Friday sales

By Jonah Nwokpoku

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nline marketplace, Konga.com has announced that it recorded sales worth N2.4 billion during the Yakata sales, Konga’s version of the American Black Friday, which held between Thursday and Friday last week.

In an emailed appreciation note to the customers of the online mall signed by Konga’s founder and CEO, Sim Shagaya, Konga said, “Konga and many small and medium businesses that sell on the marketplace witnessed sales volumes that were simply staggering.”

According to the highlights of the sales figures, “Konga processed N50 million worth of orders every hour, as the sales alone will result in almost 100, 000 items being shipped across Nigeria over the next few days.”

The note also indicated that, “Over 40 percent of the people who shopped within the period had never bought online before,” an indication that e-commerce is growing fast in Nigeria.

It also added that “a significant part of Konga’s orders were generated from mobile devices pointing to mobile as the way Nigerians will shop online in the future and that Konga sold 500 percent more stuff within the period than it did in all of 2012 when Konga entered the market.”

In the note, Shagaya also said that Konga has already gotten to work delivering items and that through the KExpress delivery network; orders began reaching customers who made purchase on the same day.

Bayelsa tasks NCDMB on job creation through local content

By Samuel Oyadongha

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AYELSA State government has challenged the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, to ensure that, the Nigerian Content Policy is translated into the creation of employment opportunities, particularly for Bayelsans to reflect the state’s contributions to the development of the national economy.

Governor Seriake Dickson made the assertion at the 4th edition of the Practical Nigerian Content Conference with the theme, “Achieving Nigerian Content in Today’s Operating Environment”, held in Yenagoa, which attracted key players in the

nation oil and gas industry.

The state government, he said, is willing to work with the board to explore areas of collaboration on a number of the state’s developmental initiatives such as the education and agricultural sectors to advance the cause of human capacity development in creating skills and jobs for the people. ”By next year, I will be interested in the statistics of how many local content jobs that have been created for Bayelsans. I say this, because, while it is good to talk about Nigerian Content, as Governor of Bayelsa State and knowing what our people have gone through, and Bayelsa; now being acknowledged as the headquarters of local content

development, I’m sure my good friend Ernest Nwapa and the Hon. Minister of Petroleum Resources will also be interested in the Bayelsa Content. So, we are actually talking about two contents; you have the larger Nigerian Content and then for us here, we are also interested in the Bayelsan Content.

“In essence, when we assemble here again by next year, we should be able to tell Bayelsans the practical benefits of our new found and rightly deserved position as the headquarters of Content Development in Nigeria.”

Dickson applauded the Federal Government for its efforts in creating employment for Nigerians, through the policy,

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Master plan of Abuja Centenary City

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essrs Eagle Hills, the Abu Dhabibased real estate investment and development company handling the development of Abuja Centenary City, has appointed construction giants, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC as a key collaborator and developer of the multi-billion dollar city.

Centenary City is a joint venture between the Federal Government and Eagle Hills to create the city of the future in Abuja. This milestone development is envisaged as a city within the city, and is expected to add tremendous value to the Nigerian economy.

A Board member of Eagle Hills, Mohamed Alabbar gave reasons for the collaboration with Julius Berger. “Julius Berger has a long and distinguished record of delivering important projects in Nigeria and we are delighted to partner with them to develop Abuja Centenary City. Abuja Centenary City will be the world’s second-largest private city development. It will promote world-class multinational and domestic businesses in a planned environment that will encourage business and trade in the 21st century,” he said “Eagle Hills has unprecedented credentials for creating mixed-use masterplanned communities, with a pedigree as a developer of global mega-projects. All of the residential projects create C M Y K

Julius Berger, Eagle Hills team up to develop Abuja Centenary City Stories by Jude Njoku a lifestyle that captures the very best the city has to offer.

Eagle Hills is focused on the development of new city hubs in fast-growth international markets,” Alabbar said The Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Detlev Lubasch promised to

bring the company’s expertise to bear on the project. “Being part of the Abuja Centenary City project is a testament to our long standing commitment to Nigeria. Our goal goes beyond working on the development of this iconic city.

We are strongly focused on

transferring knowledge to our Nigerian employees through training and development – and are proud of our contribution to the development of specialist and technical skills of our workforce here,” he said.

Julius Berger has played a

strong role in the development of Nigeria’s industrial and civil infrastructure for close to 50 years. During this time, the company became closely involved in the planning and construction of Nigeria’s new capital, Abuja FCT.

ESVARBON will fight quacks to a standstill – Odudu

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he Chairman of the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria, ESVARBON, Elder William Oruka Odudu last week, presided over the induction of 126 newly registered estate surveyors and valuers, vowing to use everything at his disposal to fight quackery in the profession.

The occasion was the 35th induction by ESVARBON and the 3rd under Odudu’s watch. Renewing the pledge to double the numerical strength of registered estate surveyors and valuers in the country before the expiration of his tenure in 2016, Odudu said the Professional Practice Committee of the Board has been mandated to accelerate

the frequency of its registration interviews in a bid to meet this target. He disclosed that 402 estate surveyors have been registered since he was inaugurated as the Chairman of the Board in October, 2014.

The new inductees swelled the number of registered estate surveyors in the country to 3,521.

The ESVARBON boss restated his resolve to fight quacks to a standstill. His words: “ The focus of the Board is to reduce the nefarious activities of quacks by registering more estate surveyors and valuers in the country. In this regard, the Board has put requisite machinery in place in collaboration with the relevant law enforcement agents to check

the spread of pseudo practices and to bring to book culprits found guilty of the offence. It is worthy to stress here that the Board has instituted actions in courts against quacks who would not heed its warning. Let me emphasise that my focus is to battle quacks to a standstill”.

Turning to the inductees, Odudu told them to “go out and give a good account of yourselves and be good ambassadors of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria”. He reminded them that the stamps, seals and certificates given to them, are properties of ESVARBON which re-

serves the right to withdraw them, if their use is abused.

“The rules and regulations of the Board should be the guide of any registered estate surveyor and valuer and their violation will not be tolerated,” he said.

Odudu also promised to pursue the accreditation and reaccreditation of tertiary institutions offering Estate Management. To this end, the Board has accredited Estate Management departments in about seven tertiary institutions and plans to visit six more in the first quarter of 2015. He also pledged to develop a permanent secretariat for the Board either in Lagos or Abuja.,

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 —27

Why FG is relocating Nyanya to Gidan Daya — FCT Minister

By Henry Umoru

M

INISTER of the Feder al Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed said last week that the government is relocating Nyanya, one of the FCT suburbs to Gidan Daya because it has become the most notorious slum in the nation’s capital.

He explained that government’s decision to relocate the Nyanya Labour Camp was to ensure environmental and security standards as well as

make way for the provision of decent houses for residents of the notorious slum.

Nyanya which is located less than 10 kilometers from the Abuja city centre, was built about 30 years ago for early construction workers involved in the building of the new Federal Capital City.

The FCTA Minister who spoke to newsmen, explained that the present condition of Nyanya is an eyesore and does not befit the status of the FCT. According to him,

builders of the camp planned it as a temporary camp, hence the kind of structures that were erected there.

He maintained that the current security challenges in the country made the relocation of the Nyanya Labour Camp even more compelling. According to Senator Mohammed, the FCT Administration has taken several measures recently such as demolition of some buildings to enhance security and environmental sanity in Nyanya but added

the situation can only be salvaged by relocation.

The Minister said that Gidan Daya, the chosen relocation site for Nyanya is a new district located within the same Abuja Municipal Area Council on the Karshi axis.

He restated the commitment of his Administration to provide affordable and decent housing for Nigerian workers. The gesture, he said, is behind the recent flag off of the construction of 40,000 housing units for workers in Abuja, a project which covers two districts in Apo Tafyi and Lugbe extension.

He stated that the land swap policy which he introduced in FCT about two years ago, has helped to accelerate development via triggering off the process for the opening of over 10 districts within the next four years. He claimed that he embarked on the globally acceptable programme to catalyze infrastructural development and generate funds for the FCT as a response to dwindling budgetary allocations from the Federation Account.

Nyanya … Worst slum in the Nigeria?

By Kingsley Adegboye

T

he Managing Partner of C o n s u l t a n t s Collaborative Partnership, CCP, a firm of architects and engineers, Mr Femi Williams has decried the slow pace of high-rise developments in the country.

He called on Nigerians to give architects the opportunities to express themselves, taking into consideration environmental factors and green architecture.

Williams spoke at a media briefing to unveil plans to celebrate the company’s 25 years of partnership.

He said the firm has concluded plans to position itself to take full advantage of what the future will offer.

The firm was started by two principal partners known as Klif Consultants in 1990.

Williams who noted that Nigeria witnessed a relatively slow development in terms of building and infrastructure in the 90s and early 2000, explained that while there has been some C M Y K

Architect decries slow pace of high-rise development considerable development in the housing sector with regards to medium rise buildings, the high rise developments have not enjoyed the same level of development.

He noted that the first 25 storey building in the country - Cocoa House in Ibadan was completed in the early 70s. Other high rise buildings such as Eko Court and NITEL Towers were also commissioned in the late 70s. But between 1980 and 2010, only six to 12 storey buildings were developed in Nigeria. “ We have developed a few 12-17 storey buildings like Osborne Towers, Bay Atlantic and Tarino Towers. Right now, we are witnessing the development of 15-30 storey buildings which I believe will become more popular as land prices increase while the drift of the Nigerian population to urban areas

also increases. My reservation of such buildings is based on the styles to be adopted by the various architects handling them.

“The. country should give opportunities to good architects to express themselves taking into consideration environmental factors and green architecture, Our educational institutions must also be re-oriented to produce good graduates to be able to compete with our foreign colleagues. With new land masses like Eko Atlantic, Orange Island, Banana Island and many new areas opening up, old areas becoming more densely populated resulting to changes in land uses of the areas, there is ample opportunities of work that will be available for a thriving professional firm like ours.” He said.

He declared :” there is certainly a bright future ahead

for the built environment professions and the country as well as we at CCP, continue to manage our resources and people so that we are best positioned to take advantage of available opportunities”, Williams said.

The second founding partn e r, M r Ta y o B a b a l a k i n made a case for the establishment of multi-disciplinary partnerships. He said the 25th anniversary started two months ago with the adoption of University of Lagos as the preferred higher institution in fulfillment of the company ’s social responsibility. The firm, he said, organised a design competition among 400 level students to design the anniversary logo for the company.

Cash prizes of N100,000, N60,000, and N40,000 were presented to the 1st , 2nd and 3rd winners of the design competition.

Block moulders laud SON on cement standardisation

By Kingsley Adegboye

T

he Association of Block Moulders, Lagos State chapter has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in what the group says is a ploy by some mischief makers to plunge the construction industry into crisis.

The association also dissociated itself from an advertorial in a national daily titled ‘’Open Letter to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’’ by a “faceless group that calls its self Concerned Block Makers’’.

President of the Association, Mr Rasheed Adewale described those that signed the advertorial as “impostors and mercenaries paid to do a dirty job such as dragging the block moulders’ association into an irresponsible war and to smear the good work the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON has been able to do to standardise the quality of block making in Nigeria to stem the menace of building collapse in the country’’.

‘Adewale debunked the claim in the letter to the President that cement in Nigeria has always been of the best quality. “This is not true. It was only a few year ago that SON intervened by recommending various types of cement for various uses in order to control the quality of byproducts of cement in the country. ‘’The Lagos State chapter of Block Moulders’ Association of Nigeria wishes to state that there is no risk industry that is not regulated across the world.

Blocks can be risky to users.

Therefore, we must be regulated as operators in that sub-sector.

Those clamouring against SON’s regulation, inspection and certification have shown that they are quacks and they want to stay in the business,” Adewale alleged.

Continuing, he said: ‘’SON has been gracious enough to embark on free training of block moulders across the country. In the Lagos area, we have had trainings twice in the last one year. We know similar trainings have been held in various geopolitical zones of the country.

So, what is the basis of the allegation that SON wants to destroy the industry and send thousands of people out of employment?

Standards keep improving. It is never static. When a standard improves, what was standard yesterday may become substandard today. The standard used in moulding blocks years ago has gone through some improvement. Block moulders and cement users in Nigeria must be grateful to the conflict among cement manufacturers in Nigeria. This is because in the last few weeks, we have seen unbelievable crash in the price of cement in Nigeria.”

28— Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Nigerite introduces Kalsi new cement boards into market

By Kingsley Adegboye

N

Prototype of Sonif building

Sonif Group introduces affordable housing scheme

By Sebastine Obasi

N

igeria’s quest to provide affordable housing units for the citizenry has received a boost as Sonif Group, an indigenous company has introduced a concept that will deliver affordable houses in a matter of days.

Speaking on the concept, the Managing Director of Sonif, Prince Sebastine said that the pre-fabricated housing unit is made of thick sandwich panels which have external and internal metal sheets with coil

M

inister of the Federal Capital Ter ritor y Administration, FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed has awarded contracts to 34 waste management contractors in a bid to give the satellite towns and the six area councils of Abuja, a facelift.

The Minister explained that with the contract awards, the waste management contractors have commenced immediate waste evacuation, litter control and vegetation control across the satellite towns of the six area councils of FCT. The contractors have

coating procedure.

According to him, Sonif has a monthly production capacity of 300 units of the prefab houses as a prefab house of 80 square meters can be installed in four days by four people.

He said, “Our prefab homes are fully guaranteed against earthquakes, different situations of wind pressure.

With wall panels of 50mm thickness, we achieve a resistance to a wind pressure. The average durability of our prefab home is 50 years.

“The low price of the product is the first element of our trading purpose. The cost per square meter is the lowest compared to the other building system, like concrete, bricks and wood considering the same comfort level. It is an opportunity also for our youths to learn the installation technology on a sponsored programmed by their states, local governments, donor agencies, as a way of creating employment,” he said.

igerite Limited, a leading building component solutions company in Nigeria, last week launched a high performance cement board known as Kalsi. The initiative is the latest addition to Nigerite’s range of products in the market.

Kalsi boards are made from cement, quartz sand, cellulose, natural calcium silicates and water, and processed by autoclave (dry process under high pressure and temperature) for durability and dimensional stability.

Unveiling the Kalsi Experience Centre at the company’s premises in Ikeja Lagos, the Managing Director of Nigerite, Mr. Frank Le Bris said the idea behind the new technology is to simplify building process as well as make it faster than using conventional building materials like sandcrete blocks.

Kalsi board, he said, is simple and requires simple and potable tools. The installation time for Kalsi solutions can be one fifth of what is required for a block wall. Le Bris pointed said all the accessories and complementary components required for Kalsi solutions are easily transported , stored and handled.

Explaining that Kalsi board ensures minimum waste and

maximum cleanliness, the Nigerite boss said easy planning and control over industrialised materials limits waste that could lead to extra costs. He pointed out that the Kalsi solutions also eliminate dirt and moisture that delay the time frame of the final construction.

Describing the solutions as lightweight, he said the weight per m2 of a wall built with Kalsi board is as little as one ninth the weight of a conventional wall built with cement blocks or masonry. This, according to him, allows a significant reduction in dead loads, thereby decreasing the incidence of failure and the cost of foundation.

Le Bris who noted that Kalsi boards are durable, said the resistance of Kalsi board to diverse environmental factors makes it possible to guarantee that buildings built with the board will have the benefit of a long lifespan without deterioration of their excellent characteristics.

Leading the guests to see samples of what Kalsi boards can do in building renovations and construction, Mr. Adewale Ogungbe, Head, Dry Construction Unit, Nigerite, said it is cost effective using the solutions. He explained that Kalsi performance cement board solutions come in different thickness which can be used for ceiling, walling, cladding and flooring.

From left: Olawunmi Agbaje, Managing Director, Nigerite Limited; Mr. Frank Le Bris; Head of Dry Construction, Mr. Adewale Ogungbe; Marketing Manager, Mr. Abayomi Lawal and Managing Director, Enviroquality Konsult Ltd, Kunle Adeyemi at the Kalsi Experience Centre launch.

FCTA awards 34 contracts in a bid to clean up Satellite Towns

By Henry Umoru since commenced their work.

According to him, the engagement of the waste contractors and their commencement of house to house waste evacuation, street cleaning as well as litter and vegetation control has created awareness among the satellite town dwellers on the impact of waste on their

health and rationale for maintaining a hygienic env i r o n m e n t .

The Minister who noted that the measure has reduced the level of indiscriminate dumping of refuse at various locations of the satellite towns in the six area councils. He directed that the ongoing sensitization and health education of residents be

sustained more vigorously through radio and television programmes as well as fliers, posters and handbills.

Senator Mohammed said that the contractors awarded contracts for the supply of heavy duty sanitation equipment have started supplying the equipment. Among the equipment are Caterpillar Wheel Loaders, Mercedez

Benz Actross Tippers, RORO bins and 240-liter waste bins.

He instructed the Director of Satellite Towns Development Department, STDD to ensure periodic intervention on waste management and desiltation of drainages in the satellite towns of the six area councils.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 29

By Theodore Opara

Toyota, Coscharis, Mercedes-Benz shine at NAJ Awards T

OYOTA Nigeria Limited, TNL emerged the all round best at the just concluded 2014 Nigeria Auto Journalists awards (NAJA) as it carted four vital awards, including the prestigious Car of The Year award, SUV of The Year, Pickup of the year and Mini Van of The Year awards. Also, Elizade Motors, one of Toyota dealers won the workshop of the year.

The NAJ award which was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos was well attended by players in the auto industry who thumped up for the organisers for a well packaged event and transparency of the awards.

The Toyota Corolla won the car of the year award which was keenly contested by Nissan Almera and Honda Accord, while the Toyota Prado was voted the SUV of the year.

Toyota Hiace was crowned Mini-van of the year while the Hilux rounded it up with the Pickup of the year award.

Coscharis Motors, distributors of Ford, BMW, Jaguar/Land Rover and RollsRoyce also put up a spectacular performance at the event, winning in five categories including the most improved car brand of the year by Ford Motors, Luxury SUV of the year award by Range Rover Sports, Multiple dealership showroom of the year by its showroom at Lekki, as well as joint winner in the corporate social responsibility awards by Coscharis Ford. The company’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Josiah Samuel was also honoured with the Managing Director of the year award.

This year's award nite however, was Mercedes Benzbest so far under Weststar Associates. Weststar is the authorise general distributors of Mecedes Benz, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge in Nigeria.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was honoured with the luxury car of the year award while it truck brand won the Truck-ofThe Year award. Weststar Associates General Manager Mrs. Elizabeth Itegbe was also honoured with the Female Manager of The Year.

Stallion Group, the Nigerian auto giant also went home with some awards including the Most improved Auto Brand by Nissan, one of its brands, Single Brand showroom by

•Toyota Corolla winner, Car of The Year award

•Mercedes Benz S-Class Luxury Car of the Year Porsche Centre, and Multiple auto dealership of the year.

Stallion represents more than eight strong auto brands in Nigeria including, Nissan, Porsche, Volkswagen, Honda, Hyundai, Asok Leyland Skoda and Audi.

Responding to the awards, the Group Managing Director of Stallion, Mr. Parvir Singh commended the initiatives of the Guild of Motoring

Correspondents organisers of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Awards.

“Nissan particularly has done remarkably well since its inauguration 18 months ago with favourable growth indices and sales volumes”, he said.

Other winners at the NAJ awards are Sinotruk which won Chinese truck of the years, (Sinotruk is represented in Nigeria by Richbon Nigeria

•Range Rover Sport, Luxury SUV of The Year Limited).

Tata was honoured with Waste Disposal Tr uck Company of the year, while GAC and JAC both Chinese brands emerged new entrant of the year.

Kia Rio, which was recently assembled in Nigeria was rewarded with Budget car of the year. The Kia Rio beat the Hyundai i10 Grand and Mitsubish Attrage to emerge

the winner. Though, bigger than its contenders with more features, the Kia Rio base model is priced from N2 million. Innoson Motors and PAN Ltd were joint winners of the automobile assembly plant of the year, while Globe Motors and Newsletters Ltd were honoured for their support to the development of Motoring journalism in Nigeria.

Ashok Leyland pledges support to customers A

SHOK Leyland Nigeria Limited, country representatives of Ashok Leyland India has announced plan to fortify her services in Nigeriawith the introduction of total transport solution and end-to-end support for customers to improve the operating economics of the brand during its life cycle.

Mr. Nujum Riyaz, country Manager, Ashok Leyland Nigeria Limited gave this hint at the commissioning of the company’s new office location at

31 Mobolaji Johnson Avenue Ikeja - Lagos, remarking that modern technological advancement in vehicles including new engine and fuel systems’ design have raised the consciousness of customers as well as demand for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) service with effective aftermarket support.

He said: “Our way forward therefore would be total transport solution to customer as well as end-to-end support to improve

the operating economics of Ashok Leyland vehicle during its life cycle.”

Ashok Leyland is introducing standardised uniform experience for customers to alleviate their apprehensions about dealer outlets and similarly enhance the identical feel of every dealership outlet with uniform processes across all the touch points in the country, Mr. Riyaz said.

Currently, most state government transport corporations including the Lagos

State BRT and some independent waste disposal companies and construction firms use Ashok Leyland buses and trucks for their different applications.

The Ashok Leyland country manager said the newly commissioned office which includes a spare parts distribution centre for its network nationwide would ensure uninterrupted supply of genuine spare parts throughout the life cycle of its

Continues on page 31

30 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

By Theodore Opara

Infinity Tyres rewards customers with Scratch and Win promo T

YRES marketing giant and distributor of premi um automobile batteries in Nigeria, Infinity Tyres Limited is once again rewarding its customers all over Nigeria, by adding value to their motoring pleasure in this year’s ‘Scratch and Win’ Promo. The promo themed ‘Value Drive’ was officially opened by the management of Infinity Tyres at a press briefing which took place on the 26th of Nov 2014, in Lagos. The promo which is its 12th edition is expected to kick off on the 1st of December 2014 and end on the 31st of December, 2014. Infinity Tyres Limited is the sole marketer of premium tyre brands such as Pirelli, Goodyear, Infinity, CEAT and premium battery brands such as Exide and Infinity in Nigeria.

Infinity ‘Value Drive’ promo is an instant gratification scheme which allows customers to win fantastic prizes through a ‘Scratch and Win’ reward system.

To participate, consumers are expected to buy any tyre or battery brand from any Infinity Tyre’s outlet within the stipulated promo period. For every purchase made, customers get a scratch card which bears an instant prize. Prizes include various sums of cash prizes, tyre services like Wheel balancing and wheel alignment Other prizes include umbrellas, T-shirts ,Inflation pumps ,Car Vacuum Cleaners. and caps.

All prizes are redeemable instantly at the point of purchase.

The Management of Infinity Tyres, commended the patronage of customers all over Nigeria, stressing that they are the reason why this promo has so far been successful and is today a tradition in the company. It was said that Infinity Tyres is where it is today as a result of the concerted efforts of all its stake holders and retail customers. The management declared that the company is therefore obliged to reward all customers and encouraged them to avail of this year’s promo as the company has exciting surprises lined up for them.

Infinity Tyres management recently brief the press on their "Scatch and Win promo" . From left: Sanjay Singh Business Manager Tyres, Rajiah Chawlu, Executive Director and Vikas Bahl Marketing Head.

ABC Transport refleets, explores new routes

T

HE management of ABC Transport Plc has acquired 15 new buses for its Sprinter Service operations, as part of its plan to refocus the service and bring it much closer to customers in major locations. This plan was also informed by the increasing

demands for the service in other parts of the country, where ABC Transport has not been operating initially.

Sprinter Service is designed to satisfy the needs of light travellers: passengers who like to travel with little or no luggage, who would rather

travel smart on fully airconditioned 14-seater buses. With its compact yet portable size, the normal ABC Sprinter Service bus is best suited to operate in challenging road conditions and finding a way through tricky hold-ups definitely to the benefits of its passengers

who might not have to entertain much anxiety or fears of finding themselves stuck or stalled in traffic for too long.

Moreover, the Sprinter Service operates scheduled departures, thereby offering passengers early arrivals to their destinations.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 31

By Theodore Opara

Porsche Cayenne returns with class-leading features T

HE Porsche Cayenne continues to exude class-leading features in the luxury SUV segment twelve years after it made a debut on the automobile scene.

Now in its second generation, the Cayenne offers better handling, comfort, and family-friendly size that made the original a hit in a lighter package with greater power and fuel efficiency.

The new Cayenne delivers a pioneering benchmark whether being driven through the city, in challenging off-road conditions or in the ultimate test on the race track.

Available in three new variants - Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, and for the first time, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, the first plugin hybrid in the premium SUV segment, the new Cayenne features redeveloped engines which

deliver higher torque than their predecessors.

Porsche has also enhanced the fuel efficiency of the Cayenne to continue its ethos of delivering increased power without compromising efficiency.

When matched with more precise handling capabilities, the new Cayenne represents a sport SUV beyond compare, another chapter to Porsche’s unrivalled legacy of breaking new automotive ground.

Mr. Anurag Shah, Brand Manager at Porsche Centre Lagos, a subsidiary of Stallion Motors Limited acknowledged Cayenne’s outstanding characteristics at a media launch in Lagos on Tuesday 25 November.

He said: “The new Porsche Cayenne embodies the ultimate Porsche traits; class-leading performance and outstanding drive-

ability. No matter the road conditions the new Cayenne delivers a unique

automotive experience and we expect our local customers to share in the

excitement around this thrilling evolution.”

He added that Porsche has given the Cayenne an even sharper design with precise lines and purposefully placed light refracting edges with front body, front wings, bonnet and air blades which are also all newly shaped.

At first glance, the new Cayenne is a Porsche through and through with its bi-xenon headlights and four-point LED daytime running lights. The new layout of the model’s rear lights creates a threedimensional effect with

the brake lights designed in four elements. The license plate, boot handle and lights are now integrated more elegantly into the boot lid.

In addition to other modifications, the newly developed exhaust tailpipes are now incorporated in the lower rear section, while an automatically activating boot lid is fitted as standard.

Cayenne, of course, doesn’t shout about its performance credentials on the outside even though there is no doubting its sporting intentions inside.

NB Plc FRSC caution drivers against drunk-driving

N

IGERIAN Breweries Plc in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) launched the ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ campaign in the city of Port Harcourt Rivers State. The campaign which was attended by commercial drivers and other stakeholders in the transportation industry is part of efforts of Nigerian Breweries to promote awareness of responsible alcohol consumption among road users, particularly commercial drivers and bike riders.

Speaking at the event, the Eastern Zonal Commander, of the FRSC (Dr.) Aliyu Gummi, appealed to motorists to desist from drinking and driving to help reduce road traffic crashes to the barest minimum.

He also informed the drivers that it is only the living that can celebrate.

Corps Commander Sunday E. Oghenekaro, Sector Commander, Rivers State Sector Command, also advised all road users to observe all traffic rules and remember that their families await their safe arrival. He equally discouraged motorists from making use of their phones while driving whether hands-free or hand-held as this could distract them and lead to fatal road accident.

Ashok Leyland pledges support to customers Continued on page 29 products sold in Nigeria.

These services according to him would be extended to all Ashok Leyland workshops and they will be stocked adequately with spare parts, manufacturer trained technicians and comfortable customers’ lounges to align with

standard practices across dealerships.

A robust brand with comprehensive range of modular and scalable services based on ‘end-toend’ solution approach, Ashok Leyland has carved a niche for itself in many key trucking hubs worldwide.

32—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Blame succeeding govts for Nigeria’s healthcare woes — GOWON

By Sola Ogundipe & Gabriel Olawale

O

NE thing that is close to the heart of Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon Rtd., is the Masterplan put up by his administration decades ago to shift focus of the healthcare sector towards assuring the wellness of the average Nigerian citizen.

Gowon, along with a host of medical experts who gathered at the 2nd annual meeting of the Nigerian- American Medical Foundation International, NAMFI, in partnership with Coca-Cola, Nigeria, in Lagos, advocated improvement in the country’s tertiary medical industry as a means of putting an end to the spectre of medical tourism and save the country from incessant capital flight.

In his paper entitled “Medical Tourism Nigeria: Quo vadis?,” Gowon acknowledged that achieving tertiary health care coverage for all Nigerians is a sacred duty of any good government.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the current state of the nation’s healthcare sector, the former Nigerian leader lamented that healthcare, which was a cardinal point of his administration, has been usurped by the high rate of medical tourism as a result of lack of continuity by succeeding administrations.

He lamented that, if succeeding governments that took over from him followed in his footsteps, today, Nigeria would be a referral point for neighbouring countries in the area of healthcare delivery.

His words: “During my tenure, we had only six medical schools in the country then, so I called the then Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Professor Dosekun to produce 1,000 doctors every year for Nigeria and I gave my support.

The idea then was to first have enough human resources that would take care of Nigerians.

“So during the 3rd National Development Plan, our focus was on human development and education. What we intended to achieve with this was to get each state to have a specialist hospital so as to enable them concentrate on one or two special areas so that any case

• Group of medical doctors in an operating room. Inset is Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon Rtd. anywhere in Nigeria could be sent there,” he remarked.

The administration then considered the environmental factors which also prompted people to travel abroad for healthcare.

“In our plan, we marked Obudu in Cross River State and Plateau State to have a special hospital where persons who need tertiary healthcare service can go there for treatment and re-cooperation due to its good and better atmosphere. But unfortunately, immediately the next administration took over from us, the plan was abandoned,” he lamented.

Gowon asserted that it is high time Nigeria as a country start to examine ways by which successful governments have addressed their own situation with the active participation of the private sector.

He said Nigeria as a country has come a long way adding that it has become imperative at this time to rise to the challenge of saving fellow Nigerians from the huge burden of disease by improving on the country’s health sector.

Describing the initiative of NAMFI as an effort in right direction, he said the aim which is to provide the highest quality medical care in a personable environment

to all in Nigeria, particularly the very indigent, was in line with the vision of the Centenary Celebration which emphasises self sufficiency in science and technology across geographical borders.

Former Health Minister and Chairman, NAMFI Advisory Board of Trustees, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi: “Our main goal is to fill the vacuum of medical diagnostic tertiary care on the Nigerian soil thereby improving disease diagnostic capabilities and patient care.”

Adelusi-Adeluyi further disclosed that the motive is to have a referral hospital with the template of Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, United States in the country where patient care will be paramount. “This hospital will operate for the public not for private interest. NAMFI will make profit but none of the profit will be use for private enjoyment and benefit. It is a service driven at a minimum cost.”

On his part the Secretary of the Association, Adeyinka Shoroye said that Nigeria has the greatest advantage which is human capital and should be able to capitalise on that to ensure that services are in place within the country, that will discourage people from travelling abroad to seek medical care.

“At the moment, we have NAMFI Clinic service which is a non-profit organisation here in Nigeria where our visiting international physicians rotating yearround in Lagos in a single location in medical offices/ telemedicine suites with an affiliated hospital and we do not primarily have our own patients; we are purely a referral super-specialty tertiary consultation service serving specialty and primary care physicians everywhere in Nigeria and we respect the relationship of the patients and their referring doctors.”

Appreciating the initiative, Community Affairs Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Emeka Mba however called for more commitment in area of National health coverage which will in turn reduce the number of women in Africa dying from childbirth related complications.

“For us, we support good health and wellness as our contribution to the wellbeing of the society where we thrive.

We believe that the difference between countries with good health outcomes and those with weak health systems is basically due to the effectiveness of the medical professionals in that terrain and their passion to sustain every initiative that drives home the dream and this we believe NAMFI stands for” he stated.

Every day, 39,000 child brides emerge — Report

By Chioma Obinna

D

ESPITE evidence that more governments are paying greater attention to youth through public policy initiatives, a new global report launched last week by the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA has shown that young people as a whole still confront many obstacles that keep them from safely moving into adulthood and entering the workforce.

The 136 page Report tagged: “The Power of 1.8 Billion: Adolescents, Youth and the Transformation of the Future”, highlights the fact that young people are denied sexual and reproductive rights.

It stated that every day, 39,000 girls under 18 become child brides.

“Sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights – which are pivotal to young people’s realisation of their full potential – are blocked because of large gaps in information and services. Adolescents in particular, have less access to contraception, and HIV testing, counselling and care.”

Launched, in Lagos, the Report which describes the current level of youths as impoverished from which many may never emerge laments that while tens of millions do not go to school, or if they do, they miss even minimum benchmarks for learning also showed that over 500 million youths struggle to

survive on less than $2 per day. The Report says adolescents, in particular, have less access to contraception, and HIV testing, counselling and care.

Gender norms penalise young women by depriving them of equal opportunities for education, employment and health care, and leaving them more vulnerable to human rights violations. For boys, norms around being “real men” can lead to destructive behaviours. Social pressures in general can be a strong impediment, such as by encouraging young married couples to get pregnant as soon as possible. In most countries, laws, policies and regulations have yet to align with commitments in international

agreements on the rights of young people—or catch up with the realities in their lives. For example, many countries bar unmarried minors from obtaining contraception, “the report revealed. The report however urged countries to uphold the rights of youth and help them establish foundations for their lives by equipping them with highquality, relevant education, and comprehensive health care, encompassing all aspects of sexual and reproductive health.

Launching the Report in Lagos, Governor Babatunde Fashola who was represented by the State Commissioner

Continues on page 34

Delta Poly final year student Ebiribo, ancient Tuomo dies escaping lake vomits fishes from bandits PAGE 2

PAGE 6

VOL. 1: NO. 26

Ex-militants storm Gbekebor to thank Ijaw god of war PAGE 5

TUESD AY, DECEMBER 2, 20 14 TUESDA 201

Ogboloma community. INSET: Ogboloma Town Hall.

Ijaw youths halt inauguration of SPDC projects in Bayelsa O

By Emem Idio

G B O L O M A — PANDEMONIUM broke out at Ogboloma community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, recently, when angry Ijaw youths, numbering over 100, laid siege to the

*Claim projects ‘re old, not completed town hall and stopped the scheduled inauguration of Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC-funded projects, executed by the Gbarian-Ubie Cluster Development Board, CDB. The youths had taken over the town

*They pick project, we execute—SPDC hall, venue of the inauguration, as early as 9a.m. and prevented the Chairman and Secretary of CDB, Mr.

Gesiye Kimebigha and Mr. Amaebi

Continues on Page 7 C M Y K

2—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Pirates hold Akwa Ibom fishermen to ransom AKWA IBOM...

LAND OF PROMISE

*They took everything, dropped me on the high sea—VICTIM

By Tom Moses

I

BENO—FISHEREMEN at different fishing communities in Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, have cried out over the siege to the waterways of the state and ceaseless assaults on them by pirates, leading to loss of outboard engines, money and fishing gears.

Niger Delta Voice gathered that the incessant attacks had crippled the economic wellbeing of the people.

The latest violence, it was learned, occurred last Monday, between 7a.m. and 8a.m., when the pirates pounced on boats with sophisticated weapons and carted away engine boats and other belongings of the fishermen.

I lost N2.4 million —Mrs. Obatimihi One of the victims, Mrs. Disoni Obatimihi in Mkpanank community, Ibeno, described the incident as “unfortunate,” saying she lost two engine boats to the pirates.

According to her, she bought the engines on hire-purchase scheme and that she had lost N2.4 million to the pirates’ activities. She called on government to come to her aid.

Pirates at work.

They threatened to kill me— Enoch Another victim, Mr. James

Enoch, said pirates attacked him, collected his engine on the high sea and threatened to kill

him if he resisted.

Enoch called on publicspirited individuals to come to

Delta Poly final year student dies escaping from bandits near the hostel, when the robbers struck.

DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD

When bandits struck He explained: “The incident occurred at night and Onyeka unknowingly tripped and fell into a well as students ran in different directions, while the robbers raided those indoors and ransacked the property of those that fled.

“Neighbours rushed him to hospital, but the doctor said nurses were on strike and he died not long after.

“We have been appealing to government to deal with this issue. The private hostels we all live in are not secured; most of them are isolated from main town and we are constantly under attack from all manner of hoodlums.

Onyeka, who hails from Kwale, was buried last Tuesday, amidst tears and anger among his family and fellow students.

By Egufe Yafugborhi

O

G WA S H I - U K U — STUDENTS of Delta State Polytechnic, OgwashiUku, residing at one of the private hostels in the community did not expect the calamity that befell them, last Sunday.

Some were fast asleep, while a few were reading their books when hooligans struck. Those who were lucky enough bolted through the windows and other exit ways and a number of them were held hostage in the dormitory by the bandits, who ransacked every available property.

Among those, who succeeded in escaping from the hostel, was a final year Computer undergraduate, Ezeugbor Onyeka.

Doctor, nurses on strike Onyeka, who though he had escaped, unknowingly plunged into a well. He sustained internal and

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external injuries.

His cries attracted fellow students, who subsequently rushed him to a hospital. But the doctors and nurses were on strike.

Piqued, his colleagues

decided to take him to another hospital in the community, but he died.

A fellow student, who narrated the incident to Niger Delta Voice , said the students had fled into the bush

Police story Police Public Relations Office, Delta State Police Command, DSP Celestina Kalu, told Niger Delta Voice, “Yes, we got the report. The guy died in the hospital after falling into a well.”

their assistance, noting that the activities of the pirates were causing untold hardship to fishermen in the state.

“After the pirates collected my engine, money and fishing accessory, they dropped me at the high sea until I saw another boat that came to rescue me,” he lamented.

Deploy Marine Police He appealed to the Federal Government to direct the Marine Police to the high sea to check the activities of the pirates across the state.

He said if government failed to chase pirates out of the waterways, there would be scarcity of fish during the yuletide season.

THE TEAM Emma Amaize, Editor Jimitota Onoyume Samuel Oyadongha Simon Ebegbulem Gabriel Enogholase Festus Ahon Egufe Yafugborhi Emmanuel Una Akpokona Omafuaire Godwin Oghre Tom Moses Chioma Onuegbu Ike Uche Davies Iheamnachor Emem Idio Brisibe Perez Barnabas Uzosike Nath Onajoke Chijioke Nwankpa

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014—3

Carnival atmosphere, as NDDC opens up more communities in N’Delta DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD

By Emma Amaize

B

ETWEEN Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; Chairman of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Senator Bassey EwaHenshaw; and Managing Director, Mr. Bassey Dan-Abia and other top brass of the commission, it was difficult to determine who was happier penultimate week.

The occasion was the inauguration of roads built by the interventionist agency in the state. It saw the governor, current Chairman of the NDDC Advisory Council and the NDDC ensemble, including the Executive Director Projects, Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli and Sir Tom Amioku, the representative of Delta State on the NDDC board, crisscrossing many local governments in the state.

37 mega projects,

The Iselu-Okaigben-Idungboko Road.

1,500 small-ticket projects With joy manifestly etched on

his face, Dan-Abia said: “I am proud to say that in line with the transformation agenda of

President Goodluck Jonathan, NDDC is set to commission 37 mega projects and over 1,500

Villagers count blesing, as UNIUYO relocates has brought enormous benefits socially and economically to us. Many of our sons and daughters have been engaged by the university and this has helped to improve their lives and that of their family members.

Equally, we are experiencing good business turn-over as the patronage of our businesses is on increase daily.”

Professor (Mrs.) Comfort Memfin Ekp, Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo.

AKWA IBOM...

LAND OF PROMISE

By Tom Moses

N

SUKARA OFFOT— NATIVES of NsukaraOffot, the host community of University of Uyo, UNIUYO, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, are in a jubilant mood over the relocation of the main campus

of the university to their community.

They are thankful to both the Federal and Akwa Ibom State governments for the action.

The residents, who expressed their gratitude in an interview with Niger Delta Voice at the 19th and 20th convocation ceremony of UNIUYO last weekend, noted that the relocation of the main campus of the university has quickened development of the area.

Social, economic benefits to the people One of the natives, Lady Mercy Brown Etuk, said the population of students and visitors to the university has engendered socio-economic development of the area, unlike when the main campus of the university was elsewhere.

Her words: “The relocation of the main campus of UNIUYO to Nsukara-Offot

Okon thanks ex-gov Attah Property developer, Mr. Anietie Okon, also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the former governor of the state, Obong Victor Attah, who initiated the relocation process of the university from Ikpa Road to Nwaniba in Nsukara because of congestion.

He noted that many indigenes of the community have been compelled to build houses to provide accommodation for students and lecturers.

“Our community has witnessed rapid transformation within the past five years because of the houses that spring up almost on a daily basis such that anybody, who had not visited the community in the last five years, would likely miss the way to his family compound,” Okon remarked.

small-ticket projects, across the region to commemorate the first year of this board, between now and December 16.

“This will be in addition to the various youth and women empowerment programmes.”

Longest NDDC road in N’Delta It was obvious that the oneday marathon project commissioning in Delta State, which covered the 42.6kilometre Iselegu-Utagba UnoObiaruku Road, the longest NDDC road in Niger Delta; the 18.5-kilometre UgiliamaEweshioum Abbi Road in Ndokwa West Local Government and the 25.7-kilometre Iselu Okaigben-Idumuje Ugboko Road and bridge, in Aniocha North Local Government area of the state, was only the beginning in the series.

Delta-Abuja bypass The first road to be inaugurated was the IseluOkaigben-Idumuje-Ugboko Road and bridge, which is a new bypass to take traffic from Asaba, in Delta State, to Auchi in Edo State.

According to the governor, the 25.7-kilometre road was of strategic importance to the state because it reduces the journey from the Delta State capital to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by over an hour.

There was another reason for the governor to be happy with himself. In a way, the road is special because it takes him across to Ubiaja, his mother’s

Continues on Page 7 C M Y K

4—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

PDP/APC RIVALRY IN EMOHUA: Uchendu calls for ceasefire with Awuse, Emeh DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD

By Davies Iheamnachor

E

MOUHUA—MEMBER representing Ikwerre/ Emohua federal constituency, Rivers State, in the House of Representatives, Chief Andrew Uchendu, has called on the traditional ruler of Emohua, His Royal Majesty, Eze V. C. D. Okor, Nyenwe Eli Emouhua, to intervene in the smouldering rift that has torn politicians from the area apart.

Initiated into Oha folk Uchendu, who was initiated into Oha folk, the highest traditional institution in Emohua land, made the call when he played host to the monarch, chiefs and people of the kingdom, who visited him at his Mgbuitanwo home after the ceremony.

Said he,Iam willing to make any sacrifice for peace in the area, Uchendu urged the monarch to invite his strongest political rivals, Chief Sergeant Awuse and Chief Glory Emeh, both chieftains of the rival Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for peace.

His words: “I am very happy today that my people have seen my efforts and have come to initiate me into the highest traditional institution in the

CROSS RIVER… THE PEOPLE’S PARADISE

By Ike Uchechukwu

O

Chief Andrew Uchendu (2nd left) dancing at the event. land as a mark of appreciation. I do not merit it because

this position is hereditary. But you gave it to me as a mark of

Late Okilo’s children empower women BA YELS A ...

BAYELS YELSA THE GLORY OF ALL LANDS

By Samuel Oyadongha

E

MAKALAKALA— SINCE the first civilian governor of old Rivers State, late Senator Melford Okilo, known for his humility and selfless service, died in 2008, his Emakalakala kinsmen in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has been waiting to see if his children would catch his philanthropic spirit.

After waiting for six years, his children, led by Mr. Otie Okilo, appear to have caught the vision, as they unveiled a cooperative micro-credit scheme, an empowerment programme, for indigent women in the locality.

Loans of between N30,000 and N50,000, based on requests, were given to 21 indigent women, being the first C M Y K

NDDC empowers C'River youths

set of beneficiaries among the 60 members of the newlyformed Emakalakala Cooperative Association, payable within six months with minimum interest.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the community’s hall, the son of late Okilo, Mr. Otie Okilo, said the scheme was set up by the Melford Okilo Foundation to help indigent women of the community to earn a livelihood and assist their family.

The initiative, he said, was borne from the virtue of service and care passed down to them by their late father.

Legal Officer to the Foundation, Dr. Ifeanyi Nwoga, said the foundation was registered as a cooperative association as required by law and recognized under the state government’s micro credit scheme to assist the poor in the area.

Nwoga disclosed that the interests on the loans would be used to engage three indigenes of the community to work as supervisor and cash officer under the scheme.

Beneficiary expresses joy One of the beneficiaries, a mother of four, who simply identified herself as Mama Azibola, expressed gratitude to the Okilo Foundation for the assistance.

She said: “I am grateful to the foundation for the loan.

This will no doubt boost my frozen food business as I can now afford a mini-deep freezer. We have been without electricity since the state gas supply packed up and I have been running at a loss because of this.”

Govt commends gesture Earlier in his speech, the representative of the DirectorGeneral of the State MicroFinance and Enterprise Development Agency, Mr. Ikhobo Anthony, commended the children of late Chief Melford Okilo for the gesture.

He said the state government had put similar machinery in motion for the establishment of a cooperative scheme in the eight local government areas of the state.

honour for my good deeds.

Thank you all for this singular honour.

“Having received this honour from my people, I use the same opportunity to call on those that have offended me in anyway and those I have also offended for reconciliation. I have forgiven you, please also forgive me.

Let us forget our past and come together again for the interest of our people.”

Political invasion The epoch-making event witnessed the influx of many dignitaries to Emouhua, among whom were the embattled Chief Justice of the state, Justice P. N. C. Agwumagwu, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rivers State, Tony Okocha, Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, Secretary to the State Government, George Feyii.

HRM Okor, in his address, said Chief Uchendu had represented the people well at the House of Representatives, hence the tribute.

The monarch appreciated the lawmaker for not forgetting his people when he got to the hallowed chamber, saying with the likes of Uchendu, “development is an easy process.”

G O J A — PARTICIPANTS in a small-scale communitybased enterprise development workshop by Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in Cross River State, have commended the interventionist agency for its lofty programme and incentives, designed to make them self-reliant.

Niger Delta Voice learned that about 150 youths, drawn from the Northern and Southern senatorial districts of the state, were trained by the commission in paint making, soap making, poultry farming, grasscutter rearing, fish farming and skill acquisition programme at Ogoja and Ikom.

It improved our capacity, morale—Ujiji One of the participants, Miss Florence Ujiji, said she would remain eternally grateful to NDDC for its magnanimity because she paid N25,000 for a similar training in the past and nothing came out of it.

She said: “I know that many of us here today will never remain the same because theirs is practical and they give you a little assistance to start up. It is a welcome development.

“The training has really boosted my capacity and my morale is very high to do something serious for myself because I have been idle for more than six years since I came back from National Youth Service Corps.”

Fast-tracking my dreams—Ogaga Another beneficiary, Mike Ogaga, said: “Although I have already started something, what the commission is doing

Continues on Page 8

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014—5

Ex-militants storm Gbekebor to thank Ijaw god of war

By Cletus Opukeme

B

URUTU—HUNDREDS of ex-militants, elders and youths from different parts of Niger Delta, led by ex-militant leader and Chief Priest, Godday Smith, alias General Bonanawe, King of the Forest, besieged the ancient Gbekebor community, Burutu Local Government, Delta State, to appease the Ijaw gods of war for their protection during the dark days of militancy in the region.

People came from Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo and Cross River states to join their Gbekebor kinsmen for the ceremony.

The scene at the riverside community was akin to the horror days, as youths smeared with charcoals, looking fierce even without arms, poured into the town.

Smith, who is a native of the community, was clad in a flowing white robe and white scarf with the inscription, Bonanawei.

Intermediary between man, god Bonanawei, one of the outstanding agitators in the days of the struggle, is respected among the exmilitants for his prowess in serving and hearing from the gods.

He was a mediator between the fighters and the Egbesu deity (Ijaw god of war) during the troubled times in Niger Delta.

With a bottle of local rum (Ogogoro) in his right hand, he poured libation and chanted incantations to the gods at a shrine in the community.

The ex-militants beat drums and sang war songs as he led the procession to the shrine, where live rams were also sacrificed to appease the gods.

With a sense of pride and accomplishment, General Bonanawei said: “We have all it takes to at least appreciate our ancestors for most of the victories we accomplished in the course of our commitment to fighting for emancipation.

“The major victory was that the number one citizen, President Goodluck Jonathan, is from Niger Delta region. If not for the struggle, we would

not have known President Jonathan.”

Lamentation of an ex-militant leader The smile on his face disappeared as he recalled that despite his contributions to the struggle, he had been allegedly neglected.

He said: “I started the struggle in the Niger Delta region long before any freedom fighter. I was a key player as a chief priest and ex-militant general who conquered in so many operations.

“Despite my efforts and immense contributions to the

Ijaw nation, which today brought about a Niger Delta President and so many other achievements, I have been neglected like a common pauper on the street.”

Bonanawei pointed out that greed had created disunity among Ijaw people after the struggle.

The South-South Youths Assembly, SSPA, which were among the groups that thronged Gbekebor, acknowledged the contributions of Bonanawei and presented a heroic award to him as an Icon of Hope and Inspiration to South-South Youths.

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6—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Ebiribo, ancient Tuomo lake vomits fishes

By Cletus Opukeme

T

UOMO— MYSTERY is an understatement about the Ebiribo Lake in Tuomo Federated Community, Burutu Local Government Area in Delta State, from which the people have harvested different species of fish during the Ebiribo festival from generation to generation.

Ebiribo is a communal deity that is worshipped annually.

During the festival, many people converge on Tuomo from within and outside the area to partake in the festival, because fishes are reaped in abundance.

The deity is a god of abundance that provides food for the people, just like the Almighty God provided manna from heaven for the children of Israel during their wilderness days.

The chief priest carries out certain necessary sacrifices and

incantations before the deity, located in a small stationary pond at Tuomo forest and then the lake opens up its belly for harvest.

Spew fishes only at a particular period A fisherman from a neighbouring community, who always looks forward to the festival, told Niger Delta Voice, “the pool does not link to any other creek or river in the forest.

“It is a shallow pool that only a very small canoe can navigate. But strangely, it churns out countless species of fishes for the use of the community only at a specific period during the festival.

“We cannot actually say where the fishes come from, how they live and grow in the pond without making noise until the festival period.”

‘We know little about it’

Community leader, Mr. Perekeme Ekpe, said: “The truth is that many of us know little about the pool and the fishes. All we know is that the name of the pool is Ebiribo and Ebiri is a communal deity that we have worshipped from ancient times.

“The chief priest position goes from one person to the other, depending on who is qualified by virtue of the tradition to handle the leadership position.

“During the Ebiribo festival, the chief priest carries out the necessary sacrifices and incantations. He requests the deity to open the key of the fish storage under the surface of the pool.”

several times, even in a very bright weather.

“There will be light rainfall.

After the rain, the fishes will be flowing on the surface of the pool like a fish pond that has been administered chemicals.

“At that point, the Ebiribo festival is in its highest point where worshipers will be beating drums, dancing, singing and clapping in appreciation for the provider of food for the villagers.

“You will see several people catching fish in the pool with basket. The greedy ones would overload their small canoes with free fish and some canoes have capsized in the past.”

After thunder, rainfall, comes harvest “Before the eyes of the chief priest, other worshippers and teeming crowd, you will see thunder strike in the sky

People break taboos Mr. Ekpe, a teacher, said: “I was part of the worshipers and fished in Ebiri pool as an eyewitness.

Due to disobedience by the Tuomo

people, following their worship of foreign gods, the festival is not as strong as before.

“But the mystery fishes are still there; if the chief priest carries out the right sacrifices and incantations.

“There is set back now as no proper respect is accorded to deity, which is the provider of fish.

“There are taboos which people break every day, especially women. In Ebiribo pool, no human being goes to the pool to fish.

“But these days, people deliberately break the traditional ethos by going there alone on festival period and returned to make confessions after being afflicted with strange ailment.

“Nobody makes love in the forest and above all, women are not allowed to fish in Ebiribo pool. Today, the annual festival is not regularly adhered to.”

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014—7

Ijaw youths halt inauguration of SPDC projects in Bayelsa Continues from Page 1 Sekosufa, respectively, other members of the board and invited guests from accessing the hall.

It was gathered that SPDC officials, who were coming for the ceremony from Yenagoa, the state capital, got the information and cancelled the trip to Ogboloma.

A reliable source told Niger Delta Voice that part of the youth’s grievances were that the projects to be inaugurated were uncompleted and the multinational company ’s contribution to the development of the community did not reflect the huge resources exploited from the area.

Projects The projects earmarked for inauguration were an electrification scheme, housing projects, internal link roads and concrete walkways executed under the GbarainUbie CDB and funded by SPDC and its partners.

Gbarain-Ubie cluster are the host communities of the multibillion dollars Liquefied Natural Gas Plant, LNG. The youths, who chanted war songs as they went round the community, locked up the hall.

‘Our grievances’ Youth President, Mr. Josiah Enebarutu, who spoke to Niger Delta Voice on the protest, said some of the projects that were scheduled

to be inaugurated were not completed, while in some cases, the contractors were still being owed.

He also said SPDC and the CDB did not involve community leaders in the execution of the projects.

According to him, “the youths’ action was intended to send a message to SPDC and the world that SPDC is not working harmoniously with the leadership of the community because by their actions and activities, they have continued to undermine the landlords.

“Till date, Ogboloma remains the most peaceful oil producing community in the Niger Delta. Since 1971, when SPDC started oil and gas exploitation, we have never killed or kidnapped any oil workers neither have we sabotaged or vandalized pipelines. But our people can no longer go to farms or fish in our lakes because of the pollution from SPDC activities.

“Our people’s means of livelihood have been taken away, while our eco-system has been destroyed beyond remedy. All we get from SPDC is oppression and divide-andrule tactics.

Old projects!

Another youth leader, Akeri Appah told Niger Delta Voice that the youths’ action was hinged on the fact that SPDC had not executed new projects in 2014, stressing that the projects meant for

commissioning were executed around 2012 and 2013.

He said the youths would resist any attempt by SPDC to inaugurate old projects.

His words: “Shell has not executed any project since the beginning of this year. What we have here are old projects which they are coming to commission.

“Our action is a way of telling Shell that they have not executed projects in our communities in spite of the enormous resources they are getting from our lands.

“What Shell has is not commensurate with the pains, sufferings, environmental and health hazards that our people are experiencing daily on account of the activities of the company.”

A community leader and Chairman of the Ogboloma Community Development Committee, CDC, Mr. Ezekiel Amos, said the community leadership sanctioned the protest by the youths, adding that it was a peaceful demonstration.

Govt warns Bayelsa State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr. Francis Ikio, described the incident as unfortunate and advised youths in the state to use available channels of communication to express their grievances and desist from causing a breach of the peace by taking laws into their own hands.

NDDC reacts

An SPDC official, who spoke to Niger Delta Voice, said: “You know SPDC has this Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU, which it signed with communities in the Niger Delta under various cluster boards. We give money to the communities to execute projects of their choice.

“Note that the communities decide the projects they want to execute in their place; it is not determined by Shell, and they also choose the contrators by themselves. The company and government, of course, have signatories to the account to ensure fiscal discipline.

“They only invite us if they wish to witness the commissioning of executed projects and in this case, we were invited quite for the commissioning ceremony.”

Why SPDC boycotted event He explained: “Our team was not yet there. We were preparing to come when a message came that the youths have barricaded the town hall, where the event is supposed to hold. The team had no other option than to stay back.

“Whatever is happening has nothing to do with us. We gave them money to execute projects chosen by them and our duty is just to witness the commissioning.

“Two weeks before the Ogboloma incident, we commissioned projects in another community.”

Carnival atmosphere, as NDDC opens up more communities Anambra State.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and other dignitaries, commissioning some NDDC projects.

Continues from Page 3 village in neighbouring Edo State by far fewer hours.

Apart from taking him to his mother’s people, the road held a lot of economic potential. The

governor said it would not only promote economic activities in Delta State, but would also boost commerce in the SouthEast, especially in Onitsha, which is the economic hub of the zone, and other parts of

Answer to prayers The road bypass, which has one bridge, several culverts and concrete drains, had brought a lot of joy to the people in the communities along the route.

A youth leader from Okaigben, Mr. Reuben Morka, said: “This road has lifted a lot of burden off our shoulders. It is an answer to our prayers and we believe that it would bring other good things to our community.”

The traditional institution in the community was represented by Chief Christopher Ogwu, the Iyase of Idumuje Ugboko, who was decked resplendently in his traditional regalia.

The Iyase, who was a very vibrant journalist in his days as the Sports Editor of The Guardian newspaper, commended NDDC and the construction company for building a

solid and quality road. He said: “I am impressed by what NDDC has done for us.”

Done with the new road linking his maternal roots, Dr. Uduaghan moved over to the Ndokwa nation, where he commissioned the 42.6kilometre Iselegu/Utagba-Uno/ Obiaruku and the 18.4kilometre Ugiliama/Eweshi/ Ogume/Abbi roads in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

Carnival in Ndokwa For the Ndokwa people, it was not just a perfunctory ceremony. They showed their joy and satisfaction with their drums, trumpets and dance steps. Chiefs from various communities in the area stepped out in flowing gowns with marching “ resource control caps.”

Their political leader, Senator Patrick Osakwe, who once represented Delta North Senatorial District, was also

present. He beamed with smiles as he led his people to receive the governor and the NDDC team.

He said: “When I was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta, I helped in putting most of the projects being commissioned today in the NDDC budget. I thank God that I am alive to witness the fruition of my modest efforts.”

Speaking on behalf of the communities, Chief Gregory Onah, President-General of Ogume community, said the completion of the two road projects in their area had shown that the Ndokwa nation was not totally left out in the scheme of development by the interventionist agency.

He said: “The entire Ndokwa nation is grateful and appreciative of this kind gesture. We are pleading for more.

“This project was earmarked to cover a spread from Ugiliamai, Onicha-Ukwuani to Abbi through Ogume. But due to budget provision, what was approved was 18.5 kilometres with a shortfall of about 14ki lometeres from Ogume Abbi.”

New look NDDC The NDDC Managing Director, Dan-Abia, said the two roads in Ndokwa West have opened up the hinterland of Ndokwa nation to their neighbours in Obiaruku, Abraka and Warri.

He added: “The Ndokwa are known for their farming prowess. Now, transporting their produce to markets in cities like Warri and Sapele will no longer pose any problem.”

The Chairman of NDDC board, Senator Ewa-Henshaw, said: “We need to give NDDC a new name. It should now be called the New NDDC because the current board of the commission has changed its focus and the difference is showing in the level of development that is now evident in the Niger Delta.”

NDDC hails Uduaghan Senator Ewa-Henshaw said the projects were strategic to the development of the area, stressing that the commission was poised to transform the lives of the people of the region.

He paid tribute to Governor Uduaghan, the current Chairman of NDDC Advisory Council, made up of all the governors of the memberstates, for giving quality advice to NDDC board and appealed to the youths in the area to shun criminal tendencies to attract more development projects.

He said: “This will help to achieve the NDDC mission statement which is: to facilitate the rapid, even and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.”

8—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Edo monarchs settle land row EDO...

HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—THE squabbling monarchs of Obagie and Ogheghe communities in Ovia North Local Government Area, Edo State, HRM Uwaifiokun Eweka and HRH Henry Idusimwin respectively, have buried the hatchet.

Tension had heightened in the communities, months ago, when the Enogie of Ogheghe, HRH Idusimwin, raised alarm over alleged persistent invasion of his community by youths from Obagie.

He accused his Obagie counterpart of promoting the crisis, which the latter dismissed as untrue, charging that the former was the aggressor.

Lives were lost and property destroyed in the face-off between the communities.

Governor’s intervention Disturbed by the development, Governor Adams Oshiomhole directed the chairman of the Edo State Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, Chief Eduwu Ekhator Obasogie, to find solution to the crisis.

Both parties were invited by the committee soon after Niger Delta Voice published the imbroglio. Committee chair, Chief Obasogie, who is one of the high chiefs in the palace of the Benin monarch,

drew the attention of the communities to the consequences of telling lies on the land, particularly when the Oba of Benin had intervened on the matter, years ago.

He told Niger Delta Voice, “ we all met and told ourselves the home truth because every land belongs to our royal father, the Oba. So

nobody can come and be lying over a piece of land and get away with it.”

Quarrelling royal fathers hug “So all we did the last time they came was to make them embrace themselves, agree in principle and the committee directed that a surveyor should

go there and demarcate the boundary so that we will not be having an annual or perennial problem there.

“They have agreed and a surveyor is already working there. Even when they had a clash of where the boundary should be, as long as there was no natural boundary or sign there, we decided that the

demarcation should be straight and they have accepted that and they have gone back.

“So both parties are happy and have dropped their grievances.”

Contacted, both royal fathers hailed the efforts of the committee and assured that peace had returned to both communities.

NDDC empowers C'River youths Sir Frank I s a i a h , Director, NDDC, Cross River State (left); Miss Florence Ujiji (right).

Soap making session

Paint making sessions.

Voice

Training on micro-livestock farming.

Continues from Page 4

A granite-laden truck and another vehicle crashed into a telecommunications mast, which collapsed on a 132Kv high tension power line, weekend, at Mosogar, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, along Benin-Warri Expressway. PHOTO: Egufe Yafugborhi.

is like a step further to making my dreams come true sooner than I expected, because the people they brought as facilitators are quite grounded in their area of specialty.

“With the soft loan, I can increase the quantity of my product, expand my distribution and employ two more people that I can pay at least N8,000 naira per month.

“I know I will not be able to handle it all alone when all is in place because the demand for my soap is becoming higher

by the day.

“So I will definitely need more hands to help me.”

Our mission —NDDC Director NDDC Director in the state, Sir Frank Isaiah, who spoke with Niger Delta Voice shortly after declaring the workshop open, said it was designed to alleviate poverty and create employment through enhanced human capacity development.

He asserted that the commission was poised to ensure that people living in the region do not depend on government or white collar jobs for survival.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014—33

Sexual assault: Mirabel Centre seeks special court

By Gabriel Olawale

S

TAKEHOLDERS have called for a special court for perpetrators of all forms of sexual violence against women in Nigeria.

Stating this position at an Awareness Walk on Rape organised by the Partnership for Justice with support from Justice For All (J4A) project of the Department for International Development (DFID) UK as part of the annual United Nations 16 days of Activism on Violence Against Women and in celebration of the first anniversary of the Mirabel Centre, Lagos noted that poor handling of rape cases and sexual assault by the authorities, saying such attitudes many occasion discourages victims to seek judicial intervention.”

In a chat with Good Health weekly during the 30 km walk, Executive Director/ Managing partner, Partnership for Justice, Mrs. Itoro Eze- Anaba, said the creation of special courts would guarantee more commitment, enforcement and justice for victims.

“Regrettably, there are no laws at national level to protect women from violence and the dimension of violence in our society is increasing every day, although there are about six states that have laws that protect women from violence but the enforcement has not received the proper seriousness it deserves.”

“Eze- Anaba who is also the Executive Director of Mirabel Centre explained that the walk was to create awareness on sexual

• Director, Education and Youth Dev. Fed Min of Youth & Dev., Stephen Ikata, Federal Commissioner, Dr. Festus Uzor, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ben Akabueze , UNFPA Country Representative Ms. Ratidzai Ndhlovu and Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Youths, Sports and Social Development, Dr Segun Oshiyimika at the launch of State of the World Population (SWOP, 2014) on Tuesday in Lagos..Photo: Chioma Obinna violence as well as violence against women. These also collide with activities to celebrate one year anniversary at Mirabel centre.” She added She said since the commencement of activities last year, the centre has received over 450 clients with some area in Lagos state exhibiting high cases of rape.

“These victims that approach us have been given free medical care and counselling service. The youngest client

UNFPA advocates better potential for world's youth

By Sola Ogundipe

A

S the world's young population totalled 1.8 billion, Nigeria and other developing countries with large youth populations have been urged to put in place the right policies and investments in human capital that would aid the empowerment of young people to drive economic and social development and boost per-capita incomes.

Nine in ten of the world's young people today live in less developed countries.

Because of lagging social services, these countries face greater obstacles to leveraging the advantages that can result from engaging a youthful, productive workforce.

Stating this position in its new State of World Population 2014, the UNFPA, which works to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled, said developing countries could only see their economies soar, provided they invest heavily in young people's education and health and protect their rights.

Harping on maximising what it described as the "demographic dividend", the report said Nigeria and other countries must ensure their young working-age populations are equipped to seize opportunities for jobs and other incomeearning possibilities.

Speaking, UNFPA Executive Director, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, said: "Today's record 1.8 billion young people present an enormous opportunity to transform the future. Young people are the innovators, creators, builders and leaders of the future.

But they can transform the future only if

they have skills, health, decision-making, and real choices in life.

"If sub-Saharan African countries repeated the East Asian experience by making the right investments in young people, enabling them to participate in decisions that affect their lives and adopting policies to bolster economic growth, the region as a whole could realise a demographic dividend amounting to as much as $500 billion a year, for 30 years," Oshotimehin argued.

The report said a demographic dividend of this magnitude has the potential to lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and raise living standards and catapult economies forward.

we have is 18 months and the oldest is 70 years old. We have area that have high incidence of rape in which Kosofe Local government top the list followed by Alimosho and we record serial rape in Ikeja as well as Agege. So it is time we start documenting so that when they move from one location to the other those in that new location will be at alert of the danger in their area." Eze-Anaba further pointed out the role of the community leaders and

individuals in ending the evil in the communities, adding that if the communities can stand up that they don’t want violence in their areas and not blame the victims but point hands to the perpetrator, those perpetrators will begin to see their action as a crime.

“Right now, there is high level of impunity and people do it and get away with it. But if we begin to enforce laws right from the community level, people will begin to see that if they abuse women or sexually assault a young girl they will not get away with it then it will serve as road to end such evil act” While appreciating the Lagos State Government for their frequent support, she however called for support from individuals, private and public organisation to support the activities of the centre so as to bring an end to assault against womanhood.

Responding, Lagos State team of Special Adviser to the Deputy Governor, Mrs Riskat Akeyode, Permanent-Secretary to the Deputy-Governor’s office, Mr. Micheal Dawodu and the Director of Account at the Ministry of Women Affair and Poverty Alleviation, however, assured the group that government will not relent in its support.

“The Lagos State government will not entertain rape and we are assuring you that we are together in this struggle and we are going to put in place policy to assist all women- both young and old. The educational system that we run will be sensitised to know that rape is violence against women.”

Diabetes: Apollo Hospitals, Sanofi open sugar clinics

By Gabriel Olawale

D

IABETES management has been taken to the next level through the partnership between Apollo Hospitals and Sanofi to establish 50 Apollo Sugar Clinics, as integrated diabetes care programme that would cater for local and international patients. Through the collaboration, Apollo and Sanofi plan to leverage their respective expertise in diabetes to provide access to comprehensive educational resources, treatment and care programmes that would help patients better manage their diabetes.

•From left: Chairperson, Apollo Sugar and Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, Sangita Reddy; Chief Executive Officer, Sanofi; Christopher A. Viehbacher, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr Prathap Reddy and Renowned Global Spiritual Guru Dr Deepak Chopra, during the launch of the Apollo Hospitals-Sanofi partnership.

Diabetes, a prominent Noncommunicable Disease, NCD, has afflicted close to 382 million people globally. The main objective of the Apollo Sugar Clinics, according to the partners, is to make diabetes ‘diseasefree’ by offering easy access to an integrated diabetes care solution within a clinical infrastructure. This facility will promote early detection and treatment of diabetes and associated complications, strengthened by lifestyle management and behaviour change programmes. Many people with diabetes are either unaware of their condition, or have it poorly controlled. They require better awareness about the disease, its complications, management and must also have access to the latest treatment options.

Chairman Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr Prathap Reddy, said through Apollo Sugar Clinics, patients would be offered advanced care and counselling that will help them better manage their condition.

Christopher Viehbacher, Sanofi’s Chief Executive Officer, said the collaboration with Apollo Hospitals demonstrated Samofi’s commitment to delivering superior patient experience that offered support at various stages of the diabetes journey. Sangita Reddy, Chairperson, Apollo Sugar and Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals said a diagnosis of diabetes and the pursuit of necessary lifestyle changes can be daunting for patients.

“So our aim is to help patients get access to the right treatment and counselling for them to know that diabetes can be managed.

34 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

FG assures enabling environment for bioresources development

By Nkiruka Nnorom

T

HE Federal Government through the Ministry of Science and Technology, FMST, will continue to provide a credible platform for bioresources development in the country.

The Minister of the FMST, Dr. Abdul Bulama, gave this assertion the at opening of ‘HerbFest 2014’ a workshop put together by the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, NNMDA, in collaboration with Bioresources Development and Conservation Program, BDCP, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, FIIRO, and the International Centre for Ethnic Medicine and Drug Discovery, InterCEDD, in Lagos.

Bulama said government will also support innovative researches to assist in development of natural products’ Research & Development, R&D, output, for creation of jobs, wealth and improvement of wellbeing of Nigerians.

With the theme “Herbs, Health Foods, Herbal and Natural Products: Shifting the Boundaries of Healthcare” was apt and very relevant to the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, “as the government strives to use all the available resources of the nation to improve the welfare and well being of all Nigerian.

FG establishes policy on occupational safety and health

By Dotun Ibitoye

T • A cross section of students during the 2nd Save a Child seminar organised

by Harmony Life Family Magazine in Lagos . Photo: Gabriel Olawale.

“To this end, the HerbFest is a laudable initiative as it has the potential to assist to promote the production of healthy indigenous foods and herbal therapies that will assist address local and global food nutrition and health challenges, encourage sustainable utilization of our vast biological resources, facilitate conservation of our environment and assist in the creation of job and wealth

to the nation through industrial expansion, commerce, science, technology and innovation development.

In a keynote address, Chairman, Bioresources Development Group, BDG, Prof. Maurice Iwu, said the traditional medicine practitioners and established pharmaceutical companies in the country have successfully developed products registered by NADFDAC.

Dentist raises alarm over crowded, crooked teeth

By Emeka Aginam

T

HE Managing Dentist of Choice Dental Lagos, Dr. Sade Akiode, has raised an alarm over what she described as misaligned, crowded or crooked unsightly gaps between teeth and missing teeth said to be on the increase among Nigerians. Orthodontics is the treatment that help move teeth that are crooked or do not fit together properly.

Akiode, who spoke to journalists at the weekend during the ongoing Orthodontic training organised by Progressive Orthodontic Seminars of United States of America in collaboration with Choice Dental Lagos said that the capacity building is to create awareness using one of the most advanced orthodontic tools to provide patients with the highest level of orthodontic treatment aimed at giving patients the best treatment.

The trainees, dentists, she said would be equipped with high-tech orthodontic software (IPSoft), lifetime instructor support, Progressive Orthodontic classes , lifetime free retake, and a library with hundreds of orthodontic cases and videos.

At the end of the extensive training according to her, the participants would have learnt how to use computerized orthodontics to provide the most effective and detailed diagnosis and treatment.

“There are several reasons why some people’s teeth become crooked, overlapping, or misaligned. Some jaws are too small for the number of teeth, which crowd the teeth. In some cases, it is hereditary. Other causes are ill-fitting dental crowns, fillings and dentures.

Early loss of Baby or Adult teeth with holes instead of saving them by doing Root

“But what we are not happy about is the number. They are quite limited compare to what we have in our laboratories. So, the whole idea of this HerbFest is to link the laboratories with the market place and with the patent name so that there will be holistic approach to developing natural products as medicine, as food, and as industrial products,” he said.

• Participants at a walk organised by Partnership for Justice to an anniversary of Mirabel Centre as well as create awareness on growing incidences of rape in the country.

Canal treatment could cause the remaining teeth to shift or drift she said. Also in children, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, pacifier use beyond the age of three, or prolonged use of feeding bottle may be contributory.

With misaligned teeth, keeping teeth clean and chewing become challenging.

Misaligned or crowded teeth may lead to loose teeth (from loss of bone supporting teeth), gum disease (gingivitis), holes in the teeth, lack of confidence in speaking and smiling, and mouth odour. Gum disease can affect overall general health.

It has been linked with Diabetes, Stroke, Heart disease, Pancreatic cancer and Pregnant woman delivering low birth weight (small) babies!

“The trained dentists will be provided with the most advanced orthodontic tools to provide patients with the highest levels of orthodontic treatment. Instead of a one size fits all approach used in typical straight wire appliances, the Progressive Orthodontic customizes your braces and wire”, she explained.

She said that since the braces will be specifically made for each patient, faster

HE Federal government has established a national policy on occupational safety and health, and a system of inspections to enforce compliance with occupational safety and health legislation.

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Alhaji Kabiru Taimimu Turaki disclosed this at the 2014 Annual Conference of the Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria, SOEHPON, with the theme: “Occupational Health and the Informal Sector ”, at the Best Western Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The policy will make provisions for securing the safety, health and welfare of persons at work and protect others against risks to safety or health in connection with the activities of persons at work.

The aim of the policy is to achieve widespread coverage of the labour inspection services nationwide, through extension of services to cover the largest possible number of working people in all economic sectors, particularly those engaged in the informal sector.

Turaki said the emphasis of government is on prevention, with a determined effort geared towards nipping in the bud or totally eliminating risks of work-related accidents and diseases, labour disputes, conflicts, unfair labour practices, etc, by way of ensuring compliance with existing legislation.

SOEHPON on its part affirmed that awareness about Nigerians on Occupational and Environmental Health Practice, the better for Occupational Health practice in Nigeria and health workers in the country.

“Each and every one of us has responsibility for stopping deaths, diseases, and injuries occurring on the job. As government, we are responsible for providing the infrastructure, i.e. laws, regulations, guidelines, policies and services, as well as the enabling environment necessary to guarantee that workers remain employable rather than being maimed, he said “Enterprises continue to flourish instead of being pulled down by heavy burden of diseases, injuries or deaths of ‘employees. In this regard, a national policy on occupational safety and health, and a system of inspections to enforce compliance with occupational safety and health legislation have been put in place.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 35 YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo

LEISURE

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

am not asking yo where you are located geographically. The question is where are you now in your life journey? In terms of achievement, have

Where are you? you met all your expectations and goals? Or are you stagnant or static?

If you are one of those that believe

TERROR MUDA

in being static, I tell you, there is nothing like that. If you are not going forward, then you are going backward. If

in “Never say goodbye”

you have remained where you are ten years ago today, you can’t say you are static. Honestly, you are backward.

Where are you now?

Think about it!

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.

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.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

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

Basic characteristics of Aquarius Aquarius is ruled by freedom loving Uranus-the 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.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Only hawks'll vote for Jonathan again — Kwankwaso KANO State governor and presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rabi’u Kwankwaso, spoke with journalists on issues ranging from his presidential ambition to the state of the nation’s economy and other matters.

By Leke Adeseri

G

ENERAL Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Sam Nda-Isaiah and you are the leading presidential aspirants in the APC. How is this situation being handled for the sake of the party in the coming general election?

We are communicating with one another. Atiku and I have been together for over two decades. We were both under the political leadership of the late Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. We were together during the constitutional conference, in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and now APC. I consider him as an elder brother. Although Muhammadu Buhari and I had never been in the same party until APC, I have always respected him. We will continue to communicate as a family. We will agree on what to do, whether to leave it for one person or go to the primary.

Whichever way, I want to assure you that whoever among us eventually emerges, we will rally round him to ensure that the party succeeds because the success of APC is not only for the party members, but also for the country.

We have seen what has been happening in this country for over two years. Insecurity has taken over. Every day, you listen to the radio, watch television, read newspapers or monitor the social media, the issue has always been the same: people being killed, maimed or displaced. We now have about four million internally displaced people.

There are thousands of Nigerians seeking refuge in Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic and the leadership of this country doesn’t even talk about it. Recently, we sent seven trucks, that is, two trucks of rice and five trucks of maize to Niger, and five trucks each to Borno and Yobe states. Now, we are sending some to Adamawa and other C M Y K

places where you have so many people who are being displaced.

I want to appeal to the Federal Government not to keep its eyes away from Nigerians.

The government and the entire citizens should realise that these are our brothers and sisters who have found themselves in this mess. They didn’t bargain for it.

I am sure many of them voted for this government in 2011 but this is what they get from them •Kwankwaso: Jonathan is going to lose — insecurity.

What we are saying is, it We have all these issues on the doesn’t matter who started this contractors and others who are crisis or who is executing it, what stealing crude oil and oil money. ground and certainly, sentiments is important is that this These are the ones that will be will not work in 2015. All the antics government stops it. People are happy to vote for him again so of dividing the country based on sick and tired of these killings that they can continue milking religion, based on North and and destruction of properties. The the economy of this country. But South, based on ethnicity and primary responsibility of any the masses, the talakawas of class will certainly fail in 2015. And government, either in Nigeria or Kano, Enugu, Zamfara, and I want to advice INEC elsewhere, is to protect lives and Bayelsa will be very happy to (Independent National Electoral properties but this government have a change, a change that will Commission) to be cautious, because somebody was telling me is far from g u a r a n t e e about suspected tricks of INEC carrying out this security of lives using computer to help a responsibility. and properties particular political party in 2015.

What gives of Nigerians, no But we will keep our eyes open you the matter where and make sure that every single impression that they live, no vote counts next year. if you become matter their A P C ’ s religion or If you become president, what candidate you ethnicity.

These are you going to do differently can defeat the are going to be in addressing the problem of incumbent ? the issues in security in the country?

I don’t know 2015, security, First and foremost, as a former why (President economy, not Minister of Defence who has been Goodluck) minding the associated with the army and the Jonathan and I f a b r i c a t e d air force and the navy, I feel so I don’t see collected our figures that much concerned about what is nomination anybody who come from happening with the military today. forms the same will be happy A b u j a , The military must be supported by day. Maybe the indicating that all Nigerians. They have done us indication is that to vote for all is well. All proud over the years within the both of us are him apart cannot be well country and across Africa. This going to slug it where you have was a military that was respected from the out in 2015, and crises, where by its friends and feared by its once that hawks in you have enemies. Unfortunately, over time, happens, I am i n s e c u r i t y, things have begun to change.

Abuja and of sure you know where people That glory must be restored. We the answer - he course, those are scared of should have a powerful military is going to lose. bringing their in this country. No country in the contractors I don’t see investments into world can be proud of itself if it anybody who and others the country. All doesn’t have a strong military. will be happy to these cannot Any country without a strong army, who are vote for him help the a strong air force, a strong navy, apart from the stealing crude e c o n o m y is a failed state. Therefore, our hawks in Abuja oil and oil anywhere in the administration will never take the and of course, world. issue of the armed forces, the t h o s e money

police, the SSS and all paramilitary organisations lightly.

What we are lacking today is the political will to provide the necessary ammunition, kits, welfare and, of course, training and retraining. I think these are the issues, otherwise we have seen the performance of our military. We saw what they did in Darfur, Sudan. We saw their performance in Sierra Leone and Liberia Those people in Abuja want to remain there but they know they are not performing. We only see them perform on electric poles on the streets of Abuja, telling us funny stories and people are laughing at them.

They need to know that people are laughing at them. You should tell them when you see them that people are not only laughing, but they are also very angry with their leadership. You know, they don’t know what is happening on the ground.

They are there in Abuja, in the air; they don’t know the realities on the ground. The realities are that people are not eating well, they have no jobs, they are afraid for their lives. Many have been killed and the killings continue.

This is what is happening on the ground, not what they write on their posters, billboards and say on the national television and their privately-owned TV stations. Only God knows how

Continues on page 37

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014—37

THE determination by the presidency and the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to stop the dominance of Senator Bukola Saraki in the politics of Kwara is threatened by internal dissension.

By Demola Akinyemi

T

HERE were ominous signs of trouble at the Officers Mess of the Kwara State Police Command, in Ilorin last Friday at a meeting of the gubernatorial aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state with security chiefs.

The meeting was in the wings of an alleged time-bomb waiting to explode following perceptions of underhand efforts to doctor the process for the emergence of the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming election.

Among the security chiefs present were the state commissioner of police, Alhaji Salihu Garba, state director of the Department of State Security, DSS, Mr Taminu Adlkhal who in separate interventions warned the politicians of dire

Continues from page 36 much they are spending. I was asking my friends who are sponsors of that TAN (Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria)? Before now, no one among the members had N1 million, but now, look at what they are sponsoring. The money must come from the Villa.

Recently, some people threatened bloodshed should Jonathan win the election in 2015. What is your take on this?

What many people don’t understand about democracy is that we have so many people in this country with different backgrounds and understanding of things. You see, this is the first time that we have had democracy for a long time like this. Before now, within a period of two years, somebody would come and truncate it. But now, we are having a real democracy where people are coming out to express their opinions, and that is part of democracy. Today in Kano, on the radio, you hear people raising all sorts of allegations against me and other people. As long as that doesn’t cross the line drawn by the law, I don’t think anybody should worry because they are just opinions. But we will continue to pray for this country.

C M Y K

•Saraki

•Jani

•Belgore

PDP's many battles to govern Kwara consequences if they failed to bring the situation under control.

Among the gubernatorial aspirants present that day were Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, Muhammed Dele Belgore SAN, Engr. Sunday Adebayo Babalola and Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem. Others were a former minister, Alhaji Isa Bio Ibrahim, Senator Simeon Ajibola, Alh Akeem Lawal and representatives of Senator

Makanjuola Ajadi and Senator Gbemisola Saraki.

The meeting followed protests in Ilorin that were directed at the leadership of the party at both the state and national levels arising from allegations that the delegates lists produced at the November 1, 2014 ward congress elections were being doctored to favour a particular candidate.

As at the time of the meeting, the delegates list of Ilorin West

was said not to be available because of the litigations and controversies rocking the local government over its leadership status.

The warning was remarkably not enough to deter some of those determined to manipulate the process who reportedly provoked violence in some parts of the state during last Saturday’s House of Assembly primaries.

The chairman of the party in

•Bio

Ilorin West local government, Alh Yusuf Olugbon who confirmed this to newsmen in Ilorin said that some elders of the party changed the venue of the election without notice.

He alleged that they were not allowed to see the list of the delegates for the election which he claimed was illegally conducted at another venue in llorin.

The chairman alleged further that the primaries election were conducted by fake delegates whom he said were sponsored by some leaders of the party.

Several valuables damaged by some suspected hoodlums or aggrieved members of the

Continues on page 38

Only hawks will vote for Jonathan again — Kwankwaso Bloodshed is not good for anybody.

Some people from the NigerDelta see your comments on President Jonathan as critical. If eventually you get the APC’s ticket, how are you going to sell your candidature in that part of the country?

Some of you may be members of the press but you lack the real knowledge of South-South and other places. I don’t think there are no problems in the SouthSouth. I don’t think it is only in the North that you have security problem.

They are many people from the South - that is, South-East, South-West and South-South that are living in Kano, and they call Kano their home. Just recently, I met somebody at the airport. I asked him where he was going and he said he was going home. He is an Igbo man. I was surprised when I later met him inside the aircraft en route Kano and I asked him again, and he said he was going home to Kano.

I said that was what I wanted to hear from him. I was so happy that he was calling Kano his home.

We have stories of many of them living here in Kano. They go to

•Kwankwaso Abuja for business. They go to the East for business and they come back here, because in spite of our security challenges, here is, still, safer. The wouldn’t want to stay in places where they would be kidnapped or stolen.

Some would come and rob you or shoot you in your house.

People think poverty is only here in the North, but the poor man here is as good as the poor man

in Bayelsa State.

Despite the fact that the businessmen are flying to SouthAfrica and other places, their people are terribly poor. So, it is not like the whole of South-South or South-East or South-West is supporting a particular candidate, no. So, there is quarrel between us and the good people of the South-South who want better leadership. People in my

village don’t care whether it is a Christian or Muslim who is their leader, their president.

We always give the example of what happened in the past so that people can understand our antecedents.

You will recall 1993 when we had election between (MKO) Abiola and Bashir Tofa. You know that I come from the same polling booth as Bashir Tofa, in Gandu Albasa, so, why didn’t he win there? He didn’t win in the ward.

He didn’t win in the local government. He didn’t win in the state. Abiola, from Ogun State, won. So it was in 1999 when Abubakar Rimi from Kano State was contesting. He got close to zero delegates from Kano while (Olusegun) Obasanjo, a Christian from the South, got delegates and won the election here in Kano. So, politics here doesn’t have to do with sentiment; we are looking for the best. Once we identify the best man, whether he is an Igbo or Yoruba or Tiv or any tribe, we will vote for him. But in any case, if you look at history, you will know that this part of the country has always been very friendly with the South-South. It is only this group of people who came and stole everything.

38—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

MR. Joseph Olujimi Kolawole Agbaje, was the governorship candidate of the Democratic People’s Alliance (DPA) in the 2007 governorship contest in Lagos State.

He has pitched political tent with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2015 general elections. In this interview, he explains why he believes Lagos State for over 16 years has not done well.

Excerpts

By Bartholomew Madukwe

W

HAT could you do to improve on the achievements of the present administration in Lagos State?

For Lagosians, they would look at it that the party in government for over 16 years has done very well. When you compare it to many states in the country you could say yes there has been a measure of performance. But then the way you move forward is to benchmark yourself, not with those things because in the first place Lagos is not at the same level with other states.

Lagos State has been said to be the 5th largest economy in Africa, what is your view of its growth so far?

Yes they say Lagos is the 5th largest economy in Africa, that is not exactly correct. It may be the 5th largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. If you look at it, it is probably the 13th largest economy in Africa. When you look at the economy of Lagos, you begin to see Lagos as a nation in

What is missing in Lagos is good leadership — Agbaje scheme. We have our neighbouring state, Ogun, by the time they put their heads together Lagos would be a loser. And once the rail system starts working, most people won’t stay in Lagos again and it begins to loose tax.

itself.

The 1st thing is to begin to have a long term vision for Lagos. We should not be looking at Lagos for four years, we should be looking at 15 years and say where do we want Lagos in 2030.

Whoever that is coming to office must have a vision to sell to the people and they will know where you are going with regards to Lagos. It is against this background that you ask “what do I want to see in Lagos?”

Some people have decried multiple taxation in the state, how do you intend solving this issue without it really affecting the economy of the Lagos?

What we will do is to balance it by reducing the pressure and employ more hands, this will as well increase the state’s tax net.

It will bring less burden on Lagosians who are weighed down with multiple tax. These are some of the things that you begin to joggle so that you can have more people employed.

There seem to be too many people in Lagos State, what plan do you have in terms of housing?

We will begin to look at residential housing because 90 per cent Lagosians are in the middle class. Every middle class wants to have his or her own home. To address that different things come to play. You will need land and fund. In leavabilty index, in

•Agbaje: 90 per cent Lagosians are in the middle class terms of acquiring property in Nigeria, Lagos is number 36 out of 36. The most difficult place to acquire property in this country is Lagos State.

Now the question is if you want people in Lagos and

they cannot acquire property for themselves, are you really working towards having them in Lagos? Are you not driving them away to other places?

People always move to where there is a good residential

PDP's many battles to govern Kwara Continues from page 37 party littered the ground at the alleged fake venue where the election was shifted to.

The Chairman of the PDP for the Kwara Central senatorial district, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha said the primaries election had been conducted at the venue by authentic delegates approved by the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.

Matters got to a head at that meeting when the chairman of the Forum of Gubernatorial Aspirants of PDP in the state, Senator Simeon Ajibola told the seated security operatives that one of them Muhammed Dele Belgore SAN also sitting refused to endorse the list of delegates he described as

authentic which others signed and thereafter gave the list to the commissioner of police Alh Salihu Garba.

Central to Ajibola’s presentation is that the aspirants would support whosoever emerges as candidate if the process is seen to be transparent. Analysts see Ajibola’s claim to be seemingly unselfish given claims that his rival, Ibrahim seems to be at a lead in the delegates count.

Belgore was, however, quick to clarify that his hesitation was based on the fact that he needed more consultations before endorsing the delegates’ list as he affirmed that he was not at the meeting with the other aspirants where they took the decision to endorse the list.

The suspicion is strong that the delegates list will throw up issues in the weekend primaries as Senator Simeon Ajibola serving senator representing Kwara South in the National Assembly at the meeting recalled with shock how the delegates lists of the last ward congress in Isin and Ekiti local governments among his constituency were substantially substituted before the lists arrived the state secretariat of the party in Ilorin.

T

he summary of the remarks of other aspirants, namely, Jani Ibrahim, Engr. Babalola, Professor Abdulraheem and representative of Senator Ajadi

were that the security should ensure a level playing ground, while the party leadership should ensure that the delegates lists is not tampered with to favour a particular candidate and ensure transparent primaries where credible and widely acceptable candidates would emerge if the PDP is really serious about winning the state in the forthcoming elections.

The state chairman of the party, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, has however flayed Senator Ajibola for supposedly purveying insinuations and washing the party’s linen in public instead of seeking for clarifications.

He was quick to assert his position saying that he doesn’t

Before now, some politicians have given the electorates hope but once they get the power they make the people hopeless, what would you say about that?

Lots of the problem we have in this country is about leadership. Not so much that the plans are not there on paper for the leaders to follow, it is that the leadership is wrong. Leadership is about vested interest. And so you find out that a lot of things that should be done in the interest of Lagosians are only done when it benefits those that have vested interest. For example, the light rail system for example that has been on, we have no idea when it will finish. It is because of the way it was structured. Officially the blue line which is being done is a Lagos State project.

There are interests that are affecting the quick completion of that project. Also, like the BRT system that started well but is collapsed, it is because of vested interest. The BRT today is not different from our molues and they breakdown often. Good leadership is what is missing because of vested interest. In other words, it is in PDP that nobody tells the governor how to govern a state.

take directives from gubernatorial aspirants whom he described as job seekers saying he was the job provider.

The prominent aspirants from Kwara South are Ajibola, Jani Ibrahim, Babalola and Ajadi.

The prominent aspirants from Central are Belgore, Senator Gbemisola Saraki and Professor Oba. Alhaji Isa Bio Ibrahim is the most prominent aspirant from the North.

Its obvious that if the PDP candidate emerges from a rancour free exercise, the party could be in a serious position to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. But the fear among the aspirants and party members is that the imposition of a candidate could be the easiest path for the return of the APC to power in the state.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 39

40 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

LASU main gate

S

INCE Tuesday, November 1, 2011, when Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, became the 11th Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, it has been an unending face-off between him and the institution’s staff unions comprising of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU; Senior Staff Association of Universities, SSANU; Non Academic Staff Union of Universities, NASU; National Association of Academic Technicians, NAAT, as well as the students.

Like the usual baptism of fire for every new administration, Obafunwa on assumption of office, met a university thrown into turmoil by the White Paper sent to the university’s Governing Council, by Governor Babatunde Fashola, announcing the implementation of a new fees regime, which saw tuition fees increased steeply from N25, 000 to as much as N348, 750.

Shutdown twice

Aside the six months nationwide ASUU strike between July and December 2013, the school was closed twice for several weeks within three academic sessions (2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2013/ 2014), owing to students protests and rampages occasioned by the fees hike, as well as industrial action by ASUU-LASU and SSANULASU, bordering on staff welfare on May 20 and 22, respectively.

PhD certificates withdrawal However, when many observers of the LASU debacle thought lasting peace had returned to the 30-year institution, owing to the reverting of the controversial fees to the old rate of N25, 000,

Alumni battle LASU’s agelong challenges

By Ikenna Asomba

by Fashola, on August 7, it was not. At a briefing in the university, November 20, the Lagos zone of ASUU led by its Coordinator, Dr. Sola Nasir and flanked by ASUU chairmen from University of Lagos, UNILAG; Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU; University of Agriculture Abeokuta, UNAAB; Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED and the host ASUULASU,accused the university authorities of withdrawing the PhD certificates of 14 of its members., Nasir, who alleged that the management withdrew the PhD of the ASUU-LASU chairman, Dr. Adekunle Idris and that of 13 others from different departments claiming errors were made in the wordings, however, said the union expect them (management) to correct it and produce new ones for the affected lecturers.

Blaming the error on the university’s Senate, he called on Fashola to set up a visitation panel on LASU, urging the state government to call the VC to order to give peace a chance.

In a counter reaction, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Obafunwa, last Wednesday, while presenting the scorecard of his 1,095 days in office, dismissed the allegation that he arbitrarily withdrew 19 doctoral certificates the institution awarded in different fields of

When the founding fathers of the university come to bless the present management and the university in general, everlasting peace will return to LASU business administration.

He said the senate spent about three hours debating over the issue, where persons were given doctoral certificates in programmes not approved by it (senate).

Alumni wades in

Meanwhile, worried by the perennial crises rocking the university and in a bid to finding a lasting solution, former vice chancellors, registrars, student union leaders, students among others, last Thursday, gathered at the LASU Alumni Annual General Meeting/ Summit themed: “Charting a new course towards achieving stability in academic calendar and monumental development in LASU.” Those who spoke at the summit were the pioneer Vice Chancellor, Prof. Afolabi Olumide; pioneer Registrar, Mrs. Esther Ashafa; pioneer Student Union President, Mr. Yomi Orisha; former Registrars, Mr. Oluwatoyin Oshu and Mr. Owolabi Amisun.

Others were Fatai Olateju Sonoiki, one of the pioneer students of LASU in 1984 and the current Chairman Board of Trustees of the L ASU Alumni Association; the current VC, Prof. John Obafunwa; Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Kabir Akinyemi; former SUG Presidents, Barr.

Ladipo Johnson (1988 set); Badaru Abdul-Basit (2008 set), among others.

Root causes of crises

The stakeholders, in consensus lamented that poor funding, government interference and bad leadership were the root causes of the perennial crises in the institution, pointing that it was imperative for the state government to set-up a Truth and Reconciliation Panel, to bring about a lasting peace in the institution.

In his opening remarks, the LASU Alumni BOT Chairman, Sonoiki, who said the summit was initiated to find a lasting solution to the crises bedeviling the growth and development of LASU said: “In our days in LASU, 30 years ago, we had this common vision, instituted by the foundation VC, that to make LASU great is a task that must be done. This statement spurred most of us to excel in our different fields of endeavour. As a matter of fact, the quest for excellence made us form the Alumni association in 1999.

“The crises in our alma mater has botched several programmes that we intended to hold on the university campus, even after intense

plannings. These crises disrupted a dinner we wanted to host six years ago, our 25 and 30 years anniversaries and the account of stewardship presentation by Governor Fashola in the last 365 years.

“With this programme, we decided that the founding fathers of the university must come to bless the present management and the university in general. We believe that when this happens, everlasting peace will return to LASU,” he said.

Orisha, the pioneer SUG President, said the history of the institution in the past 30 years was that of eluding crises due to government interference.

He however, noted that in charting a new course of academic stability and development for the institution, the state government should stop handling the university as an extension of its government house.

Prof. Olumide, LASU’s founding VC, said that while funding was a major problem of the institution, it should not be the sole responsibility of the government.

On his part, Obafunwa who decried that LASU’s problem was a fundamental one said: “I sincerely have a passion for LASU. But with the series of issues I noticed since assuming office, I wonder how past vice chancellors survived the place. There is a fundamental problem in LASU, and we still have a very long way to go. But I believe with God on our side, we will get there.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

—41

2015: LASAA talks tough against defacing campaign posters

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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ARELY three months to the 2015 general elec tions, Lagos residents have continued to be overwhelmed by the several campaign posters of various political parties, dotting the highways, streets, to compete for their attention, support and votes.

Worried by the indiscriminate ways, these campaign posters are pasted across the states, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, has threatened to sanction erring candidates and individuals who run afoul of its guidelines on the use of election campaign materials in the state.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of LASAA, Mr. George Noah, who gave out the warning, reiterated that the guidelines on the use of election campaign materials for the 2015 general elections in the state were issued in accordance with the agency’s responsibilities, and as provided under its enabling law.

One of these laws is the Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency Law 2006 as amended, which regulates and controls outdoor signage, advertisements and billboards in Lagos State.

According to Noah, the guidelines were issued to establish sanity and protect the environment from defilement, visual blight and other adverse effects of uncontrolled, unregulated deployment and display of political campaign materials within the state during this electioneering period.

He stressed that “The guidelines are also issued without prejudice to any political party, association or aspirant as it is our intention to ensure fairness and equality among all concerned stakeholders, while judiciously performing our duty and applying the rules without sentiment or bias.”

He explained that billboards and wall drapes political campaigns may only be deployed on existing structures owned and

operated by outdoor advertising practitioners who are registered with LASAA and have obtained permits for such sites and structures.

“Parties interested in deploying political campaigns may contact LASAA or owners of the proposed structure for clarification. 2. A-Frame may only be deployed on road verges, medians on inner streets and must not exceed a size of 1 x 1 meter (big size) and 0.5 x 0.5 meter (small size) and must have a distance of not less than 100 meters between each sign deployed.

“Banners may only be deployed on inner roads and streets subject to the following conditions: only if the banner is attached to the wall of a particular building limited to inner streets, and it is not to be tied to poles or public util-

LASAA official removing posters ities (electric and telecom poles).

“Posters may be deployed on designated surfaces on inner streets only and are not to be deployed on highways, major roads and high streets.

Posters must not be pasted on public utility structures such as street lamp poles, transformers, road directional

signs, electric poles and other unauthorized surfaces.”

The agency in strong terms, warned political parties, aspirants and their supporters to refrain from the indiscriminate deployment of campaign posters and embrace the use of other creative and innovative platforms including: a stick in the ground, billboards, mobile adverts, among others.

According to Noah, aside risking prosecution, other penalties non-conforming political campaigns would be removed without recourse to the owners, even as he reminded politicians that all political campaign advertising materials must be removed immediately after the 2015 elections.

Lagosians lament fire fighters’ poor response time

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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ESIDENTS in Lagos State, have continued to berate the State Fire Service for often delaying in coming to put-out building gutted by fire in the state, lamenting that this has majorly contributed to huge loss of properties worth million of naira.

The residents daily make emergency calls to the tollfree lines-767 and 112, established by the state government in 2012 seeking the service of the emergency response team especially the State fire service to quench fire from structures that were gutted by fire.

Vanguard gathered that the State fire fighter responds to at least four fire calls daily, through the toll-free lines-767 and 112, provided by the state government in 2012, to attend to cases of emergencies.

According to the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mr. Oyinlomo Danmole at this year’s ministerial briefing, the state fire service responded to

2, 342 calls between May, 31, 2013 and April 30, 2014.

It was also gathered that after exhausting the thousands of litres of water brought at first to the scene, it usually takes the fire truck over 30 minutes before arriving with another thousands of litres of water.

Mr. Gbolahan Ajayi, who resides in the Ojo area of the state, said: “Recently, when a tanker exploded in a petrol filling station in my community, we made calls to the emergency lines and fortunately received prompt response from fire fighters.

“But the sad thing was that after they exhausted the thousands of litres of water, they brought, they had to race back to their station for more water. It took them several minutes before they could return to the scene,” Ajayi explained.

Another resident, in Ajegunle area of the state, Amaka Uche, who shared an experience of a fire incident in her area said: “Sometime ago, when fire gutted a building on my street, while waiting for the fire

servicemen to bring more water, we could not help but watch our properties razed by fire.”

Sharing his own experience, Abdulahi AbdulRahman, a resident in Epe said “The fire disaster that occurred in Epe recently was horrible, as we were left to gaze, because we do not have the expertise to solve such a disaster. However, the fire service officials have these expertise. They have the equipment like aerial ladders

One of the fire hydrants

with fire resistant and heavy water pumps. The fire fighters could also provide the required litres of water,” Abdul-Rahman said.

Responding, the state Governor, Babatunde Fashola at the 2015 budget presentation at the State House of Assembly, Alausa, appealed to the residents, saying our fire service officers “are daily being trained and retrained, as we are expanding to be close to you.”

42 — Vanguard, TUESDAY TUESDAY,, DECEMBER 2, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 43

44—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Don't blame Jonathan for falling crude price, devaluation “Behind the facts of economics are the facts of psychology…The emotions of fear and confidence, the judgments of doubt and certainty, constitute a very important medium through which we see economic values.” — Arthur Stone Dewing, Harvard Business Review, October 1923. (Vanguard Book of Quotations, P 45).

By DELE SOBOWALE

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RTHUR Dewing’s observations, written a little over ninety one years ago, remains evergreen — for the simple reason that it illuminates the predicament in which Nigeria finds itself today with regard to the economy.

All the elements of doubt and fear stare us in the face every second now.

Certainly, nobody, except OkonjoIweala, now needs to be told that the nation is in deep trouble — as the price of our brand of crude oil has dropped below the budgeted benchmark price of $73 per barrel.

The first budget the Minister of Finance sent to the National Assembly, NASS, provided for $78 per barrel benchmark — which was pronounced as unrealistic by us at Vanguard Newspapers. The Federal Minister of Finance, while defending that benchmark, had made the point that the Federal Government (meaning her office) was “on top of the situation”; whatever that was supposed to mean.

Just over two weeks ago, she withdrew the former budget and replaced it with another – which reduced the benchmark to $73 per barrel. Again, we advised Nigerians to ignore her; for the simple reason that we were sure that even $73 per barrel was still unrealistic. We were not alone. Even the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN, which had stretched itself to breaking point in order to accommodate the Ministry of Finance, had agreed that $73 was not correct.

The truth is the Ministry of Finance, under Okonjo-Iweala, had failed to discharge its responsibilities, defined as introducing appropriate fiscal policy measures. Instead, she had allowed politics to over-ride its professional judgment right from the start. Nigerians can remember how she accepted that there was N1.3 trillion fuel subsidy without asking for proof. On the basis of that spurious report she prepared the SURE-P document — until it was made clear that corruption, not subsidy accounted for the bulk of the N1.3 trillion. Now with crude selling for less than $73 per barrel; the SURE-P office should have been closed down. There is no more subsidy; only robbery of consumers. But, Jonathan, not being an economist might not realize that another scandal is waiting for his government – thanks to the Minister of Finance. Don’t blame Jonathan.

On Friday, November, 28, 2014, the global price of crude oil went down to under $72 per barrel. That the second budget presented by the Federal Minister of Finance in as many months is now heading for the waste paper basket, despite the millions of naira spent in its preparation and dissemination, is only the most obvious consequence of the drop in crude oil price — whose downward trend Dr Okonjo-Iweala had failed to predict correctly. Instead, either inadvertently or deliberately, she had been leading the President and the Federal Government to live with the illusion that she, and Nigeria are in control. If President Jonathan must know, nothing could be further from the truth. Dr Okonjo-Iweala and her consultants and advisers have failed the complex, but highly desirable, test of forecasting

zPresident Jonathan based on trend analysis.

If they had succeeded, they would have been able to inform the President, long before now, as we had done repeatedly at Vanguard, that crude oil prices were heading for a catastrophic crash. Even at under $70, the end is not yet in sight for several reasons which cannot be discussed now.

Unfortunately, President Jonathan cannot control and is not responsible for the global downturn in the price of crude and the inevitable devaluation of the currency which was recently announced.

The politicization of a calamity, which was inevitable, and holding the President responsible, was brought about by the failure of the Minister of Finance to advise Jonathan to address the nation, much earlier, regarding the inevitability of decline in the price of crude oil, devaluation, hyper-inflation and the measures necessary to limit the damages — direct and collateral.

Decline in crude prices is a global phenomenon, not limited to Nigeria, and the economic contraction which will follow will also be universal. It ordinarily should not matter who is President or Prime Minister. Nigeria’s economy is facing, at least, three to five gruesome years — irrespective of who becomes President next year. The difference will occur depending on the policies and programmes of the leader; his instincts and his will to drive the economy back on the path of growth. Nobody should expect Nigerian crude to sell for $100 any time soon.

Much as that would bother President Jonathan, he should take comfort in the fact that the price of crude oil, after going down as low as $9.90 per barrel, under Babangida, had steadily gone up until last year. So, a rebound will occur sooner or later. It might not be during his tenure of office.

Our collective complacency, in believing that the price will continue to ride an upward escalator, as it has done since 1994, had been responsible for the failure to diversify the base of the economy — since

1992. This is the second time we are learning the same lesson as a nation.

Hopefully this is the last. Diversification, which is now being offered as a panacea, had been on the national agenda since 1980s. It will not occur overnight; and our efforts will face challenges from China, India, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, Europe, Thailand, etc – in short, all the nations which have used us as dumping ground for products we don’t need (toothpick, rubber slippers, handkerchiefs, underwear, bed sheets, combs, dolls and toys etc) but which, like prodigals, we import anyway.

To be quite candid, the Minister of Finance and the Economic Management Team, ECA, by shielding the President from the unavoidable consequences of the trends in global oil supply and demand, had personalized for him a problem which should have been a national issue – calling for total mobilization of all Nigerians to tackle the matter; irrespective of political, ethnic, religious or other affiliation.

The best advice one can give to the President now is to consider the following. First, he needs a few days break from politicking to prepare an address to the nation – in which he acknowledges that with crude heading for the basement, Nigeria’s economy is in trouble. He can, simultaneously, challenge any of his opponents to state what he can do to reverse the trend.

Certainly, none can. Second, he should very quickly organize a National Economic Summit – aimed at finding solutions around which a consensus can be built – regardless of who becomes President in 2015. Third, and this would be the most difficult, he should appoint a new set of members of the Economic Management Team, EMT. The current members have failed to tell him the truth while the economy was heading for a recession. More than ever, he needs people who will tell him the truth – for instance, that crude price could fall as low as $55 per barrel. Dr Okonjo-Iweala will not do that. Indeed, she had been wrong, so often, she cannot possibly help Jonathan. She has lost the most important element which any economic policy leader must possess – credibility; or, its synonym, confidence.

Like any President, Jonathan should remember that the buck stops at his table.

Harry Truman (1884-1972), also succeeded a President who died in office and he inherited a war in Korea.

American troops were led by General Douglas MacArthur (18811964), a much decorated World War II hero. Yet, when Truman felt that he was not getting the results he wanted, he replaced the general – even with an election coming up.

The worst mistake any President can make is to assume that anybody is indispensable. “The graveyards are full of indispensable people.”

General Charles De Gaulle (1890-1970).

(Vanguard Book of Quotations, p 102).

Decline in crude prices is a global phenomenon, not limited to Nigeria, and the economic contraction which will follow will also be universal

ALLEGED RIGHTS VIOLATION:

Coca-Cola, NBC challenge charge against them

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA —Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, its Managing Director, Mr Adeola Adetunji, Nigerian Bottling Company and its Managing Director, Mr. Ben Langat, have challenged the mandate given to Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, to prosecute them for alleged violation of the Consumers Protection Council Act. They are also challenging the competence of the charge and the jurisdiction of the court to entertain same.

At the resumed sitting on the matter yesterday, Justice Evoh Chukwu queried why the accused persons were not present in court.

Justice Chukwu, who described their absence as a sign of disrespect to the court, insisted that they must be present before he would hear their preliminary objections., The judge noted that since his order to serve the charge on the accused persons by pasting the charges in front of their offices has been duly complied with by the Federal Government, “they must appear before me even if they don’t enter the dock.”

Counsel to the accused persons, Mr. Gbolahan Elias, SAN and Oluseye Opasanya, SAN, argued that their clients needed not be in court since they were challenging both the mandate to prosecute the case and the competence of the charge.

On his part, the prosecutor, Chief Ojo, SAN, urged the court to issue a bench warrant against the accused persons to compel their attendance.

APC Assembly aspirant urges support for Oshiomhole

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ENIN CITY — A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and House of Assembly aspirant for Oredo West constituency of Edo State, Mr Jenkins Osunde, has admonished the people of the state to ensure that they vote APC in the forthcoming elections so as to consolidate on the developmental projects of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

He stated this when he donated thousands of chairs in Wards 7, 9 and 10 in Oredo West constituency, yesterday.

The APC chieftain, who lauded the developmental strides of the governor, urged people of the state to ensure they collect their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, “because that is the only way you can continue to support the Comrade Governor and the APC government which is doing well for our people.

“I decided to purchase the chairs in the wards because I discovered that our number is increasing everyday, so people are finding it difficult to sit during APC meetings.

"I joined the House of Assembly race because I want to assist Comrade Governor in making laws that will help provide better things for our people.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014—45

IYC slams Amaechi over comment on Jonathan

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—IJAW youths, under the aegis of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, yesterday, flayed Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State over his claim that President Goodluck Jonathan was sponsoring the Boko Haram sect in the North East states of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno.

IYC described Amaechi’s claim and recent utterances that a parallel government would be formed if the 2015 elections were rigged by the ruling party as disappointing, saying it clearly shows that he was no longer fit to be a governor of a state.

In a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Eric Omare, IYC described Amaechi's utterances as reckless and not befitting of his office.

It said: “We condemn in the strongest terms the statement credited to Governor Amaechi to the effect that President Jonathan is sponsoring Boko

Haram in the North eastern states of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno because of the 2015 elections.

“We regard this statement as reckless and not befitting the holder of the office of a governor of a state. It is most disappointing that Amaechi could make such a statement at a time the entire nation is mourning the tragic death of over 100 people at the Central

Mosque, Kano.

“The statement, coming at a time when Nigerians and especially political leaders are supposed to close ranks to collectively confront the Boko Haram insurgency, clearly shows that Governor Amaechi and his likes have taken politics over and above the lives of the Nigerian people.

“Governor Amaechi who promised to form a parallel

government in 2015 only two weeks ago to be playing politics with the Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives shows that he is no longer a fit and proper person to hold the office of a governor.

“The office of governor goes with a sense of responsibility which Governor Amaechi has in recent times failed to uphold and discharge.”

Etsako Rep seat: Auchi monarch told to be neutral

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

T

HE Otaru of Auchi, has been advised to play a fatherly role to all aspirants in the forthcoming elections in Edo State, especially in his domain.

The advice came against the backdrop of a statement credited to the monarch, Alhaji H. Momoh, wherein he was quoted to have said that the two major political parties in Etsako, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, should make the Majority Leader of APC in Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Philip Shaibu, their consensus candidate for Etsako House of Representatives seat.

He was said to have made the statement at Uzairue where Philip Shaibu hails from while commissioning a school project said to be built by the Majority Leader.

President of Etsako Unity Club, Mr Aleakwe Ogbode, who gave the advice, said the club was of the view that in a democratic setting, royal fathers were entitled to vote and if the need arises, support an aspirant/ candidate but lacked the royal right to dabble into advising the parties on how candidates should emerge.

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RALLY: From left: Mrs Umana; Mr. Umana Okon Umana and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, during a reception rally for Umana in Akwa Ibom State, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Three Delta gov aspirants fault reports on outcome of state Assembly primaries

By Hugo Odiogor

T

HREE governorship aspirants in Delta State on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have described as false and misleading, reports that they lost grounds in the primaries for the state House of Assembly held on November 29.

Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, Mr. Victor Ochei and Prof.

Sylvster Monye, said the report that they failed to deliver their candidates was false and designed to show that they were not in control of political affairs in their Aniocha North constituency.

In his reaction to the report that he lost election in his backyard, Elumelu, said he had no particular preferred candidate in the primaries for the state House of Assembly because an attempt was made in certain quarters to push through an unpopular aspirant to represent Aniocha North.

He said that he decided to remain neutral rather than

allow the emergence of an unpopular aspirant.

Mr. Zenith Idabor came tops ahead of Mr. O. Okocha and Mr. Emeka Nwaobi in the primaries.

Mr Ochei and Prof. Monye also told Vanguard that they held a neutral position when pressure was brought on them to use their structures to produce aspirants, whom the

people had vowed to stop from becoming their representatives.

Monye said the three governorship aspirants resolved to give the contestants in the legislative election free hand in the field rather than support someone whom the people would reject.

“That is the true situation of what happened,” he said.

CNPP endorses Omo-Ojo for Ovia federal constituency seat in Edo

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—AHEAD of the 2015 general elections, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, Edo State chapter, has endorsed Mr. Orobosa OmoOjo, to represent Ovia federal constituency in the National Assembly.

It will be recalled that Mr. OmoOjo, the Publisher of MidWest Herald, was also recently adopted by over 66 clubs in the area for the National Assembly seat.

A communique by CNPP at the

end of its meeting, yesterday in Benin, Edo State by its Chairman, Prince Roy Orhibhabor, said Omo-Ojo who is the current Commissioner for Transport in Edo State was endorsed after a careful assessment of all the aspirants vying for the position.

He said: “Omo-Ojo was painstakingly and unanimously endorsed by CNPP in view of his great intellect, audacious vision, effective performance and physical courage to agitate for the downtrodden, and to rescue the people of Ovia federal constituency."

Edoja promises quality representation if elected senator

By Perez Brisibe

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GHELLI—A former House of Representatives member, representing Ethiope Constituency, Mr Solomon Edojah, has promised to restore the dignity of the Urhobo if elected as senator representing Delta Central senatorial district in 2015.

Edojah, who addressed some delegates of the district ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries, reiterated his ability to create wealth, having served in various positions in the state, national and party engagements, adding that as part of his vision for the people of the district, he has a social contract with them if voted as senator come 2015.

“I am the right candidate to represent the Urhobo at the Senate owing to my exposure on executive, legislative and party administration," he said.

EGCDF embarked on 91 projects —Johnny

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HAIRMAN of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, Chief Michael Johnny, has said that the foundation has embarked on 91 projects from 2007 till date, adding that the focus of his administration is economic empowerment projects that will impact on the lives of the people.

Johnny, during the annual general meeting of the foundation in Effurun, Delta State, said: “The 91 projects cut across health, education, transportation, hospitality, micro-credit scheme and housing. Out of the 91 projects, 74 have been completed and commissioned.

We inherited 18 uncompleted projects at various stages of completion, and in line with the foundation’s policy of zero tolerance for abandoned projects, 13 of the projects have been completed while five have been revoked for re-award to competent contractors from same communities."

46 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Oduah Foundation empowers women

Okorocha cautions APC members on PDP defectors

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By Chidi Nkwopara WERRI— GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, yesterday, cautioned leaders and officials of All Progressives Congress,

O fewer than 2,000 widows from Anambra North senatorial zone have been empowered through skills acquisition and cash by Princess Stella Oduah Foundation.

The Administrative Secretary of the Foundation, Princess Nwaka Ononuju, told the beneficiaries that the Founder, Princess Stella Oduah, was passionate about people, especially widows and the downtrodden.

She said: “This is a way of bringing smiles to your faces to make you feel that there is a better tomorrow. It is part of a continuous empowerment programme by the foundation.”

I'll create one million jobs—WOGU

By Anayo Okoli

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M U A H I A — IMMEDIATE past Minister of Labour and Productivity, and leading Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Abia State, Chief Emeka Wogu, yesterday, said he would create 200,000 jobs annually through the agriculture sector and that in the next four years, the state would have created 800,000 jobs.

He promised massive investments in agriculture, housing, road rehabilitation

DSC 'll rise again—ELUMELU

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Delta State governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Godwin Elumelu, has said he will ensure that Delta Steel Company, DSC, Aladja, is revived to create jobs, if elected governor in 2015.

Elumelu gave the assurance during his public declaration to run for governorship in Asaba.

The event saw former National Chairman of PDP, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor; President of the Market Women and Men Association of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter; a member of PDP Board of Trustees, Alhaja Abdukadree; Senator Francis Nwajei and other top politicians

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he IG has to save the nation from another Boko Haram sponsored invader. I wonder why a lawmaker for any reason should jump gate without shame.

Mr. Moses Mokoro - Commentator C M Y K

APC, at the ward and local council levels in the state, against making things difficult for members of other political parties in the state, especially Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,

members, who want to defect to APC. Okorocha’s position, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Samuel Onwuemeodo, followed insinuations that APC officials were making it difficult for aggrieved PDP loyalists to join APC.

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from across Delta State and beyond in attendance.

Flanked by his wife and Elegbete Moses Odibo, Director-General of Elumelu Campaign Organisation, Elumelu said all 42 communities in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, which he represents in the House of Representatives, have benefited from project he executed.

He assured supporters that the state would witness uncommon transformation under his administration as he would build on the Delta Beyond Oil initiative of the incumbent governor.

and power sector, if elected governor in 2015.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with the people of Abia North senatorial zone at Ohafia, Wogu said his agenda was to better the living standard of residents through purposeful governance and transparency.

According to him, the experience garnered as a former council chairman, special adviser to governor, commissioner in the revenue commission and minister, placed him at a vantage position to appreciate the problems of the state than other aspirants.

The former minister also

promised to upgrade cities such as Aba, Ohafia and Arochukwu through massive road rehabilitation and building of housing estates and farm settlements to improve food production.

He said: “If I become governor, it will be well with Abia North. I will build roads because we need a robust road network.”

He promised to borrow President Goodluck Jonathan’s agricultural sector reforms, noting that areas of the state with comparative advantage in agriculture would be encouraged to provide more jobs for the people.

He said: “Any APC leader or official, discouraging anybody or group from coming to join APC at any level in the state will be accused of anti-party activity.

“APC members must show in words and in action that the party is a new party; for the new Nigeria that must not stick to the old ways of doing things.”

While expressing regret for whatever inconvenience anybody might have experienced in the past, Okorocha appealed to those who encountered such problem to go to the state party secretariat in Owerri.

Nigerians should beg God for forgiveness—CLERIC

By Esther onyegbula

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HE Apostleship of Prayer League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Lagos Archdiocesan Council, has called on Nigerians to beg for God’s forgiveness and intervention to save the country from chaos, anarchy and doom.

The group made the call at a prayer session to seek solutions to the challenges facing the country.

Speaking at the prayer

session, with theme Heart of Jesus, Source of All Consolation, President of the association, Geoffrey Nebeolisa, said there were so many imbalances in the country.

He said: “With the general election around the corner, we invite every Nigerian to pray our country out of the present quagmire, so that there shall be peace and equitable distribution of Godgiven abundant resources.”

On Police invasion of the National Assembly

wonder what the police are taking us for. Does the IG think we have no sense to know the motive behind the event at the National Assembly? A partisan police is dangerous for the survival of any democracy.

Mr. Sola Akinwande, Worker

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t spells doom for democracy, if things continue to go like this with the security forces.

We need able hands to reshape it. The Police should first tackle the major issue of Boko Haram killings.

Mr Timileyin JaiyeolaFreight Forwarder

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n a democracy, the Police must not only be objective, civil and professional, they must be seen to eschew any temptation to be drawn into any political quagmire that threatens their neutrality and objectivity. Miss Juliet Okwuna- Secretary

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ur politicians usurp powers and use it for their selfish and ulterior motives. In this case, it appears as if Jonathan is using Sulemain Abba to feather his political nest and it is wrong. Miss Kelechi EberekeSalesgirl

Don Moen, McClurkin, others for Experience 2014

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N T E R N AT I O N A L gospel artist, Don Moen, will be among those expected at the ninth edition of Experience 2014, the annual Christmas worship concert of the House on the Rock Church.

A statement said Senior Pastor Paul Adefarasin would be among those that will minister at the event, which would hold on December 5.

The statement said other artistes expected to perform at the event included Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Chevelle Franklin, Micah Stampley, Midnight Crew, Freke Umoh, Frank Edwards, Sinach, Nathaniel Bassey, Angella Christie, Onos Ariyo, Chioma Jesus, among others.

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hough the IG of Nigerian Police is nominated by President Goodluck Jonathan, he has no moral authority to use him for political hatchet job against perceived oppositions.

Miss Anne KelechiFashion Designer

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014— 47

2015 GOV RACE: Hyet, Southern Kaduna

youths reject Aziz

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

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ADUNA—MAJOR political stakeholders and youths groups in Southern Kaduna Zone have risen against the purported adoption of a governorship aspirant in Kaduna State, Senator Aziz Zego by some elders in the zone under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. A major set back for the adoption has come from another PDP governorship aspirant in the zone, and former Aviation Minister, Mr. Felix Hyet, who has rejected the choice of Aziz.

Reacting to the development, Hyet distanced himself from the “so called adoption” of Aziz saying, “I’m certainly not a party to that arrangement. It is not a decision of Southern Kaduna, because SOKAPU is the only mouth piece of southern Kaduna people. The issue is also political and involves the state and not just a section.

“It is equally not a religious issue for any religious leader to sign any press release.”

The former minister called on his supporters to ignore the purported endorsement, adding that all aspirants from the zone contesting for governorship seat in 2015 were still very much in the race.

Also, the adoption of Aziz was condemned by various concerned groups within the PDP in the zone, who said that “Those that endorsed him are just a group of his friends and such friends are not even card carrying members of PDP.” Three other different groups

from Southern Kaduna also rejected the purported endorsement of Aziz as the sole PDP gubernatorial aspirant from the zone to go into the primaries with the incumbent Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero.

In an interview with newsmen in Kaduna, spokesperson for the groups and special assistant to three governors on youths matters,

Mr. Victor Bobbai Matthew, said no political group had the right in the zone to speak for the people except the deputy governor, who is from the area.

He said: “Only the Deputy Governor has the right to speak because he is from our zone and our leader, the leadership of our party is not aware of such meeting that endorsed Aziz, and the so-called endorsement is not binding."

BRIEFING: From left: Treasurer, Okrika Community, Lagos, Mrs. Edith Fiberesima, President, Chief George Olungwe, and Financial Secretary, Mr. Peter Kalio, during the association’s briefing to declare their support for the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan in Lagos.

ANAMMCO begins third-party assembly of trucks E NUGU—THE Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company, ANAMMCO, has begun third-party assembly of trucks, bringing its factory in Enugu partially back to life.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the company now assembles Shacman trucks for Transit Support Services, a Nigerian company, after recalling some of its previously downsized personnel.

Speaking during a policy monitoring visit by the National Council on Privatisation at the weekend in Enugu, the Chairman of the company, Dr Godwin Okeke, said the development was made possible by the new Nigeria Automobile Industry Development Policy.

Okeke said the policy, pronounced in 2013, had

enhanced investment, employment and capacity utilisation of assembly plants which had been “overtly suboptimal”.

“In order to sustain the growth and development of this policy, it is expedient that it is

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AKURDI—CHAIRMAN of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Employment Programme, SURE-P, Dr. Christopher Kolade, has said that no fewer than 40 million Nigerians were currently unemployed.

Kolade spoke in Makurdi the Benue State capial, at a three day Graduate Intern-ship Scheme, GIS; Orientation and

would engender confidence of global stakeholders on the viability,” he said.

The industrialist also called on the Federal Government to curb the activities of smugglers which threatened the industry.

APGA slams govt over Zamfara killings

By Salisu Maradun

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USAU—THE Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, has accused the state government of insensibility in the handling of the problems of rustlers killing herdsmen and farmers in the state.

This is coming barely a week after the killing of over 50 people including seven soldiers at Lilo town in Gusau Local

40 million Nigerians unemployed —Kolade

By Peter Duru

entrenched by appropriate legislation to guard against frequent and arbitrary policy reversal which has constituted a high risk factor to investment in the country.

“Faithfulness in adhering to the implementation time-lines

Employability Training for Graduate Interns in the state by SURE-P in collaboration with Lapidot Consulting.

Represented by the Facilitator of the Programme, Chris Nwani, he said “it was for this reason that government has put several measures and programmes in place to effectively address and tackle the issue of unemployment in the country.

Government Area of the state by rustlers who were retaliating the killing of their colleagues in the area.

A statement signed by APGA’s governorship aspirant in the state, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi said the menace should be tackled once and for all.

Shinkafi said: “I am therefore calling on the government of the state to as a matter of fact, think twice and do something to protect its people with whose mandate it occupies the exalted seat of the governor. I am also

advising Governor Abdulaziz Yari to cut down on his foreign trips and open its doors to the people, because we are in democracy.”

The statement described as unfortunate, a situation, whereby the state, which was formally one of the most peaceful in the country, had turned to be the most dangerous under the leadership of the All Progressives Alliance, APC, adding that everything possible must be done to ensure peace in the area.

Plateau PDP expresses joy over peaceful primaries

By Marie-Therese

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Nanlong

OS—THE Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed joy over the peaceful conduct of last Saturday’s state House of Assembly primaries in the state. The election was largely peaceful except for some security challenges which caused the cancellation of the exercise in Kanam Local Government Area.

The cancelled election was, however, conducted yesterday in the two constituencies of the local government and the party officials were delighted at the successes recorded.

The electoral team, led by Alhaji Danjuma Musa which came from the party ’s national headquarters in Abuja, said it was impressed with the manner delegates and supporters conducted themselves during the exercise.

SAP gets NTIDA's nod to train 500 Nigerians

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BUJA—WORLD leading software company, SAP has gotten approval from the National Information and Technology Development Agency, NITDA to train about 500 Nigerians on advanced ICT courses.

This was revealed at the official signing of agreement between the two organization in Abuja.

According to SAP, the training which is not limited to only 500 Nigerians is designed to benefit over 10,000 graduates across Africa.

Speaking on the development, the CEO/ President, SAP Africa, Pfungwa Serima, said, the MoU was meant to retrain those Nigerians that are coming out of universities and absorb them when they finish the programme.

Catholic professionals back Abia gov aspirant

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MUAHIA—THE Association of Catholic Professionals, ACP, in Aba, has adopted a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State, Dr. Uche Ogah, as its sole aspirant in the forthcoming PDP governorship primaries in the state.

A statement by its President, Dr. Uche Nwafor, said: ‘’We the members of Association of Catholic Professionals, Aba, Abia State, have unanimously adopted Dr. Uche Ogah as our sole candidate for 2015 Abia State governorship election.

“After diligent and careful scrutiny of all the governorship

aspirants in the PDP for the 2015 governorship election in Abia State, we have come to the conclusion that Ogah is the right man for the job.

“His sincere concern for the common man over the years, his philanthropic gestures and his background as a known technocrat makes him the man to salvage Abia State.”

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

PRESENTATION: From left, Johnson Femi Baiyegumhi, Trade Marketing Consultant, MTN; Moses Asaba, a 300-level mass communications student, winner of MTN ‘Surprise’ iPhone 6 Gold, during the presentation of the iPhone 6 to Asaba, at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and MTN Brand Ambassador, Harryson Tare Okiri, in Nassarawa

PRESENTATION: Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba (2nd left); from left, his Health, and Special Duties counterparts, Dr. Jide Idris, and Dr. Wale Hammed, respectively, and a recipient on behalf of Dr. Akinniyi Fadipe, an Ebola victim doctor of First Consultant Hospital, Obalende Lagos, during the presentation of a N2million cheque donated for Dr. Fadipe's effort in containing the Ebola Virus Disease in Lagos State, at conference room of the ministry, Alausa, Ikeja. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

VISIT: From left,Airtel’s Regional Operations Director, ROD, West, Segun Macaulay; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya; Executive Governor, Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed; Head, Public Relations, Airtel, Adefemi Adeniran, and Zonal Business Manager, West, Ekundayo Fatoki, during the courtesy visit of Airtel CEO to the governor, at the Government House, Ilorin.

LAUNCH: From left, Country Manager, Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited, Yang Fufu; Managing Director, Slot Nigeria Limited, Nnamdi Ezeigbo, and Sales Head, Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited, Manoj Adhikari, at the launch of Huawei latest smart phone - Mate 7 - last week, in Lagos.

CONFERENCE: From left, Co-founder, Future Project Leadership, and guest speaker, Mr. Adebola Williams; former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, and Group Chairman, GFR Educational Services Limited, Princess Sarah Adebisi- FAIR: From left, Ms Eucheria Chieke, Fr. Henry Omonitsaye, Parish Priest, Our Sosan, and Chief Innovations Director, GFR ICT Solutions, Mr. Gbenga Sosan, Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Victoria Island, Lagos; Ms Ifeyinwa during the inauguration and maiden edition of GFR Solutions Conference, at Mgbekwue, Manager, and John Onyeka, Manager, both of Colonades Hotel, at the job fair, organised by Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

WORKSHOP: From left, Mrs. Funmi Dawodu, Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, HEFRON State M&E Officer; Alhaji Salam Fatai Ayoola, Ogun State Coordinator HERFON; Dr. Matthew Richard Onaja, National Co-ordinator, and Dr. Opeyemi A. Adeosun (M&E HERFON), Abuja, during one day advocacy workshop on Primary Healthcare Under One Roof, PHCUOR, of HERFON, at Wemby's Suites, GRA Abeokuta, weekend. Photo: Wumi Akinola C M Y K

CULTURAL DAY: From left, Mr. Ambrose Somide, Director of Programmes, African Independent Television, AIT; Chairman of the occasion, Mrs. Clementina Doregos, Founder, Doregos Private Academy, and Mrs. Rebecca Ojapa, Vice Principal, Doregos Private Academy, at the 3rd edition of Igboyoha Cultural Day, organised by the academy in Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 49

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Judge asked to hands off suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—JUSTICE Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has been asked to hands off the suit challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to seek for reelection in the 2015 general election.

The plaintiffs in the matter, Mr. Olatoye Wahab and Adejumo Mansouru Ajagbe urged the Judge to terminate the proceeding before him and refer the constitutional issue to the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal for determination.

Basically, the plaintiffs are praying the court to determine “Whether by the combined effect of sections 135(2) (a) and (b) and 137 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) a person sworn into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on two previous terms is deemed to have been elected to that office at two previous elections.

As well as “Whether in view of section 137(1) (b) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), any person can present himself for the purpose of being elected as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that person having participated as candidate and emerged winner at two previous presidential elections on account of which the person would have spent cumulative periods of eight years in office by the time the winner of the 2015 general election would be sworn into office”.

Listed as defendants in the suit were the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. At the resumed sitting yesterday, counsel to the plaintiffs Mr Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, told the court that the defendants were served with the application last week Friday, noting that they still have time to respond. He therefore asked for an adjournment.

Nevertheless, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Nigel Ifeanyi Nwajiobi nearly disrupted the court proceeding yesterday.

2015: Tread sofly with your statements, Clark warns Amaechi, Shema, others

By Henry Umoru

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B U J A — T H E governors of Rivers and Katsina states, Rotimi Amaechi and Ibrahim Shema have been warned by former Federal Commissioner for Information and South South leader, Chief Edwin Clark to be mindful of using inflammatory and provocative statements capable of over heating the polity ahead of 2015 general elections.

Addressing journalists yesterday at his Asokoro residence in Abuja, Chief Clark, while pleading with those he described as political gladiators to allow the Nigeria people to decide in 2015, took a swipe at Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s statement on Wednesday, November 19 during the Salvation rally in Abuja by the All Progressives Congress, APC. He said Amaechi’s statements were not only unfortunate, but treasonable, just as he condemned Shema’s allusion to those in opposition as cockroaches that must be crushed.

Clark stressed that it was highly condemnable describing human beings as cockroaches, even as he criticised the use of tear gas by the police at the National Assembly.

Shema was quoted to have encouraged his supporters to retaliate any provocation by the opposition and to crush them like “cockroaches”.

The elder statesman, however described the lawmakers presently collecting signatures to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan as jokers.

ANNIVERSARY: From left; HR, Business Partner, TEC, Human Resources, Mrs Temitope Adedayo – Ojo, Sales Director, TEC, Mr. Dhiren Singh and General Manager, Manufacturing, TEC Appliances, Mrs Bola Alaba at Thermocool’s 40th anniversary in Lagos.

On the speaker On the siege at the National Assembly, Chief Clark said, the refusal of the Speaker and his entourage to submit themselves to the Police search that led to the ugly scene witnessed on that day.

“It shall be recalled that the police barrier was mounted at the entrance of the Senate where senators submitted themselves in a civilized manner to searches by the Police. Senate President, David Mark, who is a retired General, maintained the required decorum and dignity, submitted himself for search without any hitch; so did all the Senators.

On Salvation rally

On the Salvation rally by the

APC, the Ijaw leader said, he decided to come out of his selfimposed moratorium on public statements because of the serious pronouncements which emanated from a rally in Abuja, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, last Tuesday, “two days before the National Assembly ‘show of shame’, suggestive of a pre-planned sequence.”

Clark said “I understand that some people want to make political meat of my regular appeal for good neighbourliness in the country. They will fail, because the public, the voters, know that I stand on truth, justice and fair play, and those alone.

“At my age, with all I have seen of this country, my modest, yet my all, which I have contributed,

someone, or groups, would want me to keep quiet when they themselves are pouring fuel upon fire in our jointly-owned fatherland.

“Governor Amaechi said, at least, five major dangerous things, paraphrased as: No matter how correctly and empirical decided, the All Progressives Congress Party, APC, will not accept any result that does not give it victory in the 2015 General Election. The APC will NOT employ the legal channel to contest any result it challenges.

The APC will form a parallel, or alternative government, supposedly at all levels of government. The APC will call for widespread civil disobedience, which I call unrest.”

Ebola: FG, AUC dispatch 504 health workers to Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia

By Chioma Obinna

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O fewer than 504 health workers trained by the Federal Government in collaboration with the African Union Commission on Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, management will Thursday this week depart to Ebola-affected countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Medical Association, West African Region, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that all necessary conditions that would guarantee safety including a comprehensive life insurance cover are provided before the departure of the volunteers.

Speaking at the three-day training of the first batch of the contingent comprising 250

doctors and volunteers in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr.

Linus Awute, who was Control, Prof. Abdulsalamin Nasidi represented by the Director, said the move was to assist the Nigerian Centre for Diseases affected countries.

APC to DSS: Tell Nigerians what you found after invading our data centre

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BUJA—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, has challenged the Department of State Security, DSS to immediately tell Nigerians the outcome of its investigations into the cooked-up allegation of Permanent Voters Cards, PVC cloning that forced the security agency to unlawfully invade the party’s offices in Lagos over a week ago.

In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said if no evidence of PVC cloning was found, the DSS

should apologize to Nigerians for acting on the basis of faulty intelligence.

It said any further delay in telling Nigerians the outcome of the investigations, after almost 10 days, could mean that the DSS is trying to manufacture evidence to support its faulty intelligence. ‘’Without carrying out any investigation and with no shred of evidence, the DSS gleefully announced to the world that they stormed our data centre because they got information that Permanent Voters Cards were being cloned there. ‘’On the basis of this

uncorroborated announcement, the PDP categorically accused the APC of cloning PVCs. It is now over a week since the DSS carted away materials and computer servers after ransacking our offices for over two hours. The agency’s experts must have analyzed the information in the materials and on the servers. ‘’Therefore, we are now asking them to immediately announce their findings to the world. After all, it took them only a few hours after their Gestapo-like invasion of our offices before they issued their baseless allegation of PVC cloning to justify their action,’’ APC said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 55

EBONYI PDP CRISIS: Akpabio summons Elechi, others

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA—STRONG indications emerged yesterday that the crisis rocking the Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP had deepened, following some irreconcilable differences between the state governor, Martins Elechi and some stakeholders of the party.

This came as chairman Ebonyi State Reconciliatory Committee and Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State summoned Governor Martins Elechi and other stakeholders to a meeting today in Abuja.

The meeting, according to a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh would hold at the Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

Metuh said, “The Ebonyi State Reconciliation Committee set up by the National Working Committee (NWC) has scheduled to meet at the Akwa-Ibom State Lodge in Abuja on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 4pm.

“At the reconciliatory meeting, Ebonyi State governor, Martins Elechi is expected to appear before the committee leading a five-man team while the other group is also expected to appear with a delegation of five stakeholders.”

As part of moves to nip in the bud the lingering political quagmire in the state ahead of 2015 general and presidential elections, the National leadership of PDP yesterday set up a threeman reconciliatory Committee saddled with the responsibility of bringing together all major

stakeholders in the state as well as end the problem.

In a statement by Metuh, the committee, which has the Akwa Ibom State governor and Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, Chief Godswill Akpabio as Chairman, has his colleagues in Abia and Ekiti States, Theodore Orji and Ayodele Fayose respectively as members.

Metuh said, “In response to enquiries raised by a false media report, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to announce to the general public that the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Primaries was

successfully conducted last Saturday, November 29, 2014.

“The NWC states that the result of the exercise has since been received at the national secretariat of the PDP in Abuja. The national leadership urges members of the party, especially in Ebonyi State to totally disregard any other report as incorrect. However, a special three-man reconciliation committee has been set by the NWC to reconcile all major stakeholders in the state to achieve the desired unity before the general elections. The committee includes Governors Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom state, Theodore Orji of Abia state

and Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state.”

It would be recalled that the problem confronting the Ebonyi PDP, last week took a new twist as a committee of elders and major stakeholders called on the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu to suspend all primary elections in the state pending resolutions of the crisis.

Leader of the forum, Senator Anyim Ude, who spoke for the group loyal to governor Elechi alleged that the results of the ward congress held in the state on November 1 and submitted to the National Secretariat of the party was falsified, just as he claimed the results were different from what was recorded during the ward congress.

AWARD: From left; Ikechi Odigbo, MD/CEO, DDB; Mr Kelechi Nwosu, President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, AAAN; Mr Joel Nattey, President, Advertising Association of Ghana and Kayode Oluwasona, Vice President, AAAN, at 2014 Laif Awards in Lagos.

FG insists on 100 % local content in vehicle manufacturing sector

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA—THE Federal Government has reiterated its determination to achieve 100 percent local content in the vehicle manufacturing sector in the country in the next few years.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, spoke at Nnewi, Anambra State while unveiling the first made-inNigeria car manufactured by Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, IVM. He said Nigeria had already achieved 60 to 70 percent local content but that the country was targeting 100 percent local content in the next few years.

Aganga disclosed that the new auto policy designed by the Federal Government would lead to the establishment of three vehicle manufacturing plants in three different zones of the country including Lagos/Ibadan for the West, Kaduna/Kano for the North

and Nnewi for the East.

The Minister appealed to Anambra State government to approve a certificate of occupancy, to facilitate the establishment of the proposed

plant for the Eastern zone.

According to him, “It is special and historic to unveil the first made-in-Nigeria cars manufactured by the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company,

Nnewi. No country manufactures 100 percent of all the components and we are unveiling cars that have up to 70 percent local content. Nnewi has made history.''

JAMB Enugu zonal office in manhunt for impersonator

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—THE Enugu zonal office of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has raised alarm over alleged impersonator, claiming to be a JAMB staff going round deceiving school authorities and parents.

Zonal Co-ordinator, Mr. Charles Nwaogaraku, in a statement in Enugu said “The attention of this office has been drawn to the activities of some desperate touts and especially one Hon. Stanley who claimed that he is a JAMB staff, who has been visiting schools in the state to inform them that the current students in SS 3 students who are preparing to write their SSCE and NECO are not qualified to apply., “This is falsehood in its most naked form. School heads, teachers and parents should handover such pretenders to the police or call JAMB zonal coordinator. ''All candidates in their final years in the secondary schools and those who have left college and have interest are free to apply”.

He also said the board “has introduced a new policy for e-registration of candidates for the 2015 CBT examinations nationwide. ''Under this new policy business centres and cyber cafes are not registered and therefore not authorized to conduct this exercise for candidates.''

Non release of Anambra APGA primaries results causes tension

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—ANXIETY and confusion yesterday continued to trail last week’s ward congress of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra State, as results of the primaries were still unreleased.

Already, some of the aspirants to the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly were threatening a showdown with the governor, Chief Willie Obiano, who was allegedly compiling a list

favourable to his anointed candidates.

Though serving commissioners in the state acted as returning officers during the congress and conducted the exercise according to the rules, the governor was alleged to be unsatisfied with the outcome of the congress in most of the 326 wards.

It was gathered that the governor invited the state chairman of the party, Chief Mike Kwento, for a full briefing on the outcome of the congress.

According to source, in Anambra

South Senatorial District, the governor was said to be favourably disposed to returning the former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, Chief Enest Ndukwe, while in Anambra North, he was believed to be favouring Chief Patrick Obianwu.

Also in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, the governor’s alleged candidate was the incumbent speaker of the House of Assembly, Princess Chinwe Nwaebili against the wish of the people of the area to return Mr.

Afam Ogene, the incumbent member of the House of Representatives for the area.

Also, Mrs. Ejezie was said to be the governor’s candidate for the House of Representatives for Anambra East and Anambra West.

State chairman of APGA, Kwento, however, denied the allegation, saying there was no plan to doctor the delegates list from the ward congress.

According to him, APGA ward congress was transparent, adding that there was no basis for anybody to complain at this stage.

56 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 57

58 — VANGUARD, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 , 2014

BRIEFS Russia'll scrap South Stream pipeline, say Putin

R

Shortage of funds may derail food supply to Syria — UN T

HE United Nations’ food agency has announced that it is suspending its food programme serving more than 1.7 million Syrian refugees because it has run out of money.

The World Food Programme (WFP) said on Monday that it “immediately needs” at least $64m in December alone to support the displaced Syrians now living in neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.

“A suspension of WFP food assistance will endanger the health and safety of these refugees and will potentially cause further tensions, instability and insecurity in the neighbouring host countries,” said WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin, in an appeal to donors.

“The suspension of WFP food assistance will be disastrous for many already suffering families.”

Since the war in Syria began in 2011, over three million people have fled to neighbouring countries.

Under the UN programme, the refugees use vouchers to buy food in local shops. The UN provides basics like flour,

Crimean Tatars protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit in Istanbul, Turkey,

A WFP food delivery being offloaded in Aleppo, Syria cooking oil and sugar.

But it also gives vital food vouchers to pregnant and nursing mothers.

“Without WFP vouchers, many families will go hungry. For refugees already struggling to survive the

T

harsh winter, the consequences of halting this assistance will be devastating,” the UN said.

MH17 wreckage to be reassembled in Netherlands for investigation

W

RECKAGE of M a l a y s i a Airlines flight MH17 recovered from its crash site in eastern Ukraine will be reassembled for an investigation at a military base in the Netherlands, Dutch authorities said

yesterday.

The wreckage, collected by local emergency services under Dutch supervision in an area fought over by Russianbacked rebels and troops loyal to the Kiev government, will be trucked to the air base

ICC upholds conviction of Congo rebel chief HE International Criminal Court has upheld Congolese rebel leader Thomas Lubanga’s conviction for recruiting and using child soldiers, handing down its first-ever appeals verdict.

USSIA is scrapping the South Stream natural gas pipeline project and may cooperate with Turkey on building a gas hub for southern Europe, President Vladimir Putin said yesterday.

Putin spoke after talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He said Russia can’t implement the South Stream project because of the European Union’s opposition to it. The project would have involved running a pipeline under the Black Sea to Bulgaria and further on to southern Europe.

“The Appeals Chamber by majority confirms the conviction decision and rejects the appeal,” Erkki Kourula, presiding judge, said at The Hague-based court yesterday.

Thomas Lubanga was sentenced to 14 years in

Thomas Lubanga was the first suspect convicted by the international court, 10 years after its creation

prison in March 2012 for recruiting and using child soldiers in 2002 and 2003, in a verdict hailed as a landmark in international justice and a deterrent that would resonate around the world.

Lubanga, 53, was the first suspect convicted by the international court, 10 years after its creation.

Lubanga’s Union of Congolese Patriots fought against militias from the Lendu ethnic group, including the Congolese Popular Army and the Patriotic Resistance Force in the Ituri region.

The conflict was part of a wider war in the Democratic Republic of Congo in which several million people are thought to have died.

next week.

The aircraft debris lay there for months after the Boeing 777 was downed on July 17, killing all 298 people on board, because outside investigators had difficulty entering the area.

Investigators and prosecutors believe the plane was likely shot down by a ground-to-air missile but are open to Moscow’s theory that it was shot down from the air.

“The Defence Ministry has prepared the transportation of the wreckage and the loading of the first lorries will start today,” the Dutch Safety Board said in a statement.

Some human remains that were only recently recovered were flown back to the Netherlands on Friday, where they have been taken to another military base to be identified.

More than two-thirds of those on board the flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur were Dutch, and Dutch authorities have taken the lead in the investigations into the airliner’s downing.

Hong Kong warns protesters not to return after clashes close Govt HQ

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HOUSANDS of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists forced the temporary closure of government headquarters yesterday after clashing with police, defying orders to retreat after more than two months of sustained protests in the Chinesecontrolled city.

Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying said police had been tolerant but would now take “resolute action”, suggesting that patience may have finally run out.

Speaking on a stage on Monday night in the heart of the Admiralty protest site next to government headquarters, student leader Joshua Wong said he and two others, including a secondary school student, would start a hunger strike to pressure Beijing to grant Hong Kong full democracy.

U.S military warned of possible Islamic State attacks at home

U

S officials have warned military personnel that Islamic State forces may be planning attacks against them in the United States, ABC News reported yesterday.

A joint intelligence bulletin sent to law enforcement agencies by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security urged U.S. military to erase from their online social media accounts anything would draw attention from “violent extremists” or reveal service members’ identity, the news network said.

FBI representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ABC report.

Palestinian woman shot after knife attack

T

HE Israeli army has shot and wounded a Palestinian woman after she stabbed an Israeli civilian near a Jewish settlement bloc in the southern part of the occupied West Bank, police said.

Witnesses told Al Jazeera that 23-year-old Amal Jihad Taqatqa from Bethlehem arrived at the Gush Etzion settlement bloc yesterday and stabbed the civilian with a knife, injuring him lightly.

“According to the police, the woman approached an Israeli soldier with the intention of stabbing him but was unable to do so. So she then used her knife to harm a passerby, an Israeli civilian, who was apparently only lightly injured,” Al Jazeera’s Nisreen El-Shamayleh reported from Ramallah.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 59

Kaduna agog for Flying Eagles T

HE city of Kaduna is experiencing high –level excitement with the arrival of the U20 National Team, Flying Eagles, on Sunday for a two –month camping programme.

Coach Manu Garba and wards formally kicked off preparations for the 19th African Youth Championship at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium on Monday, with the FIFA U-17 World Cup – winning Coach starting his build –up.

The squad is loaded with sterling performers from his U-17 World Cup winners, including Captain Musa Muhammed, the talismanic goalkeeper Dele Alampasu, defenders Mustapha Abdullahi, Wilfred Ndidi, Izu Omego and Zaharadeen Bello, midfielders Alfa Abdullahi, Ifeanyi Mathew and Akinjide Idowu, and forward Bernard Bulbwa.

An exciting addition is the Enyimba FC holding midfielder Kingsley Sokari, who shone brilliantly in an international friendly between the Eagles B and Ghana’s Olympic Team, which marked the opening of the Akwa Ibom Stadium, Uyo on November 7.

Garba, who is being assisted by close pal Nduka Ugbade (with whom he also won the U-17 World Cup) will perfect strategies with his team in Kaduna for two months before the team embarks on a final training camp in February 2015. The team will undergo a two –week break just before Christmas, to resume early January 2015.

NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr. Moham-

S

ON THE MARCH AGAIN: Players of Enyimba Football Club of Aba getting ready for the Copa Lagos. med Sanusi, said on Monday that the Federation is working assiduously to arrange friendly matches for the six – time African champions.

“We know that apart from the training programme, the team needs good knock –around games against quality opposition. We are working hard at ensuring that we get strong teams to play the Flying Eagles before the 2015 African Youth Championship,” Sanusi said in Abuja.

*Manu Garba

Akpokona praises Enyimba’s courage to participate in Copa Lagos

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ORMER Crown of Ogbomosho coach, Lawrence praised the efforts of Aba s, Enyimba to participate in ts edition of Copa Lagos.Akpokona said in Benin that it took a lot of cofor Enyimba to accept play Beach Soccer this year.”We have always known Enyimba as a team that plays on normal pitch. For the team to now play on Beach means they have accepted expand their frontiers.”I like what the management have done because playing on the Beach will help make the players stronger when the new season starts.”I will like to watch them when the competition starts to see

how they will perform. I also know other clubs in Nigeria eager to play Beach because Enyimba blazed the trail.”I am happy for them and hope

they will give their best,” Akpokona said.

Enyimba will battle with Stores, Pepsi Selected side and Barcelona Beach Soccer Team

I’m 20, Eduok insists

E

MEM Eduok has expressed regret over the decision of Nigeria Under-23 coach Samson Siasia to drop him from the ongoing screening exercise due to some discrepancies about his age.

The Dolphins striker has maintained his innocence, and has pointed out that his club, Dolphins of Port Harcourt, had sent documents to the League Manage-

ment Committee that overstated his age.

“The Dolphins Secretary submitted a wrong date of birth to the LMC when I was registered for the League. I was not born in 1991 and that’s the date the Under-23 coaches picked.

“The age the LMC is using is different from what I have on my international passport. I’m 20-years-old, that’s the age on FIFA records.

NFF delegation set for Canada 2015 draw

T

HE delegation of Nigeria Football Federation to Saturday’s 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, Canada 2015, will depart from Abuja on Thursday morning.

Coach Edwin Okon, who led the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, to clinch a seventh African title in Namibia in October, will be joined by Team Administrator, Ruth David and Team Media Officer,

January 10, date for Mobil Schools final

Gracious Akujobi.

The Draw Ceremony for the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals will be held in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, on Saturday, with 24 finalist teams to be divided into six groups of four teams each.

Already qualified for the finals are host Canada, United States of America, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Norway, Sweden,

England, Japan, Australia, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, China, Korea Republic, Thailand and New Zealand. The last spot will be taken by the winner of the intercontinental play –off between Ecuador and Trinidad and Tobago. Both teams battled to a a scoreless first leg in Quito, with the return leg taking place at the

Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on Tuesday, December 2.

The finals will be staged 6th June – 5th July, 2015 in six Canadian cities, viz: Edmonton (State of Alberta), Moncton (State of New Brunswick), Montreal (State of Quebec), Vancouver (State of British Columbia), Ottawa (State of Ontario) and Winnipeg (State of Manitoba).

*Emem Eduok

TUDENTS who made it to the finals of the 14 AKS/ NNPC/MPN Schools Athletics Competition are set to slug it out on January 10 2015.

In a press release yesterday, the Consultant to the project Mr Paul Bassey said “ after due consultation with the facilitators and other parties and given the tight sports schedule in December and the school calendar that was affected by the closure of schools due to the Ebola virus infection, we have decided to move the grand finale to January 10 next year in Uyo” Mr Bassey who said 506 students have qualified for the competition this year from the eight sports zones of the state hinted of a new format that will see all the qualified students undergoing a one week intensive orientation course in the use of modern sports equipment including spike shoes, starting blocks etc. “After running barefoot for 12 years on the beaten tracks of Eket Stadium, last year we took the students to U J Stadium in Calabar and for them it was a delight wearing spike shoes and running on tartan tracks for the first time in their lives. This time around, you can imagine the expectations of the kids having to feature in one of the best stadiums in the world, the Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo.” Mr Bassey was all praise for NNPC and Mobil Producing Nigeria for keeping faith with the programme for 14 consecutive years. “ this, by far is one of the longest running sports sponsorships in the land, one that has contributed in discovering lots of talent at grass roots level, talent that the state has exploited and groomed” “ You can imagine over 500 students benefitting track shoes and going back to put them to constant use, not to talk of the quality of tutoring they will get from some of the best track and field coaches in the land."

60 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Ballon d’Or: Ronaldo, Messi or Neuer C

RISTIANO Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been named among the final three candidates for the 2014 Ballon d’Or. Last year’s winner is set to vie with the fourtime champion for the coveted individual prize once more, while Manuel Neuer, as expected, joins the duo in completing the shortlist.

Ronaldo lifted the Copa del Rey and Champions League with Real Madrid last season, along with firing Portugal to the World Cup finals, and was recently backed by many of his club colleagues to defend his prize.

M e s s i , meanwhile, missed out on the Ballon d’Or last year but is in with a shout to regain the accolade after reaching the World Cup final with Argentina and enjoying another productive year at Barcelona.

On the other hand, Neuer could become the first goalkeeper to win the award since Lev Yashin in 1963 following a triumphant year which saw him lift a domestic double with Bayern Munich and the World Cup with Germany. The winner of the 2014 Ballon d’Or will be decided on January 12 in Zurich.

Who wears the crown ... Ronaldo, Messi or Neuer?

Ike Uche ecstatic after ending goals drought I KECHUKWU Uche hailed Villarreal’s team spirit following Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Cordoba in La Liga.

The Nigerian striker had not scored in 312 minutes of football, with his last goal coming against Almeria on October 13, but he ended his drought with the clincher at Estadio Nuevo Arcangel.

“The team sought to string together a good run of results. It was very important to pick ourselves up and get out of trouble,” he was quoted as saying

by EFE. “We’re feeling very confident and relaxed about our next fixtures.

•Ike Uche

Maria out of Stoke clash

A

NGEL Di Maria will miss Stoke’s visit to Old Trafford, but there is good news in that striker Wayne Rooney is likely to be ready and Radamel Falcao is getting closer to a start.

Henry free to make Arsenal return

T Gerrad gets new Liverpool deal

•Di Maria

“The team never gives up. The good thing about us is that we always work hard and fight, even when things are not going well.

“A striker always wants to score, so the goal has given me peace, but I’m not obsessed about scoring.

“The important thing is to help the team and work towards achieving the victory.

“Next up is a home match against Real [Sociedad] and we know it will be difficult, but we have our confidence back and that makes us play better.

“We are a good team and really want to get back out on the pitch.”

Midfielder Steven Gerrard, 34, has been offered a new deal by Liverpool, says manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds boss has also denied talk of a rift be-

tween himself and his captain, whose current deal finishes at the end of this season.

Gerrard has already branded rumours of a fallout as “nonsense”.

Asked if there was a rift, Rodgers, speaking at a news conference before Tuesday ’s Premier League game at Leicester, said: “No, 150% no.”

HIERRY Henry could be in line for a return to Arsenal after confirming he has played his last game for New York Red Bulls.

“I am taking this opportunity to announce that unfortunately Saturday was my last game for the New York Red Bulls,” said the 37-year-old.

“The decision has always been that I would leave after the duration of my contract and although that was never

going to change, I didn’t want it to distract from the progress of the team."

•Henry

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 61

I rejected Nigeria for Italy, says Okaka L

ITTLE known Ni gerian born Italian, Stefano Okaka has sensationally claimed that he rejected overtures from the Nigeria Football Federation before making his international debut for Italy in their game with Albania in November.

Despite coach Stephen Keshi denying the statements of Okaka, the Sampdoria forward said before the World Cup that he was contacted by NFF chiefs to represent the national team in Brazil.

“I feel totally Italian.

When in May and 20 days ago they called me to play for Nigeria, I said no because I did not feel natural, such as what happened when Conte called me for Ita-

•Okaka ly,” said Okaka to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I am like a tree that does not know its roots: it’s important to know where you come from and I would like to know the other side of my family and that land.

“I do feel that I’d have

been given more consideration if I had been white.

A black player always has to give something more.”

Nigeria still have a chance to cap Stefano Okaka as his debut against Albania did not come in a Fifa sanctioned tournament.

NTTF dangles N1.8m on President’s Cup A

S part of efforts to in spire the players to aim high, the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is staking N1.8m for the maiden President’s Cup holding next month.

The tournament according to the federation would involve the top 16 players within and outside the country, while the event will also be used to honour outstanding players and officials this year.

The two-day championship holds at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun on December 10 to 11.

According to the prospectus released yesterday by the organizers, the 16 men singles and the 16 women singles players shall be drawn into four groups of four players in each group.

The matches will be played in a round robin format with the top two players progressing to the next stage of the championship. The top eight players will also be drawn into two groups of four each with the top two advancing to the semifinal stage.

On the eligibility of the players, the organizers said: “The NTFF Technical Committee shall determine the other criteria for invitation which shall include for each event, but not limited to available top C M Y K

T

HE Nigerian Foot ball Federation (NFF) has pledged to provide needed technical support to Kinetic Sports for a hitch-free 2014 Copa Lagos tournament.

According to the Secretary of the Federation, Barr Musa Amadu, the Federation appreciates the efforts of the Chief Executive Officer, Kinetic Sports, Samson Adamu for his resilience in organising the 3-day tournament annually.

He noted that the only way to support the tournament is by providing necessary technical support in the area of officiating.

Corroborating the NFF scribe, the Chairman, Committee on Beach Soccer in the House of Representative, Hon. Kwande Solomon said that NFF would provide required logistics needed for a successful hosting of the tournament.

NFF Pledges Technical Support for Copa Lagos

•Amadu Amadu added that NFF would ensure that Kinetic Sports is assisted with all valuable documents required by the Nigerian Embassies and

Ejor: Sand Eagles'll retain Copa Lagos trophy

S

UPER Sand Eagles coach, Adamu Ejor has boasted that the team will team will retain the Copa Lagos trophy which they have won for the past three seasons.Ejor noted that the team will be ready for the compatition which

will have Senegal, Ivory Coast and Ghana competing with Nigeria in the fourth edition of the tournament.”We have about nine days to train in Badagry and I must confess that we are going to be ready for the competition. That is why

I’m too old for U-23 —Yekeen Continues from Back Page

•Lily Zhang is looking to add another medal to her 2014 collection in Shanghai. four Nigerians in the current world rankings as well as performances during the year 2014. Only players registered by clubs which are affiliated to their state association and or the NTTF are eligible.”

They added: “All players shall hold the current NTTF Player’s License, which must be produced on demand. Invited players shall complete an acceptance form which shall be forwarded to the Secretary General on or before the close of acceptance which shall be 2.00pm on Tuesday December 9, 2014.

•Oshodi

Immigration authorities to facilitate visa procurements as well as granting other privileges to all invited international teams.

Yekeen, who was part of the Nigeria U20 team to the 2011 FIFA U20 World Cup, said he was disappointed not to honour a training camp by the Olympic team.

“I was happy to be invited to national team once again after I had played for the U20s, but I decided not to go to camp because I know I am over the age. I was born November 1, 1992,” he revealed.

“It would have be an opportunity for me to be in the spotlight again but I need not to report to camp, raise my hope and that of the coach and at the end of the day be dropped. That did not make sense to me.”

Only players born after January 1, 1993, are eligible for the Olympic team. Dolphins FC forward Emem Eduok was dropped from the team after several discrepan-

cies were discovered over his age, according to a tweet by the team’s media officer Timi Ebikagboro.

Different sources put different date of birth for the striker as January 31, 1994, and August 31, 1994.

I invited just the players that I have worked with before so that we will not have any problem of blending during the competition.”All the countries that will come for this edition of the competition are good in their own right. I have seen Senegal and Ivory Coast play before, and I know that we will not take them lightly.”I am confident that the boys that I have invited will not find it too tough with their West African brothers.”It will not be easy, but the boys will surely deliver at the end of the competition,” Ejor said.Sand Eagles has won three editions of Copa Lagos.

Brahimi beats Enyeama Continues from Back Page

from fans in 207 Fifaregistered countries, Brahimi came out on top ahead of Nigerian Vincent Enyeama, Gabonese Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ivorian pair Gervinho and Yaya Toure.

And he is thrilled to have been acclaimed as the best player on the continent for the past year. “This trophy is going to give me more strength, more desire to work, to get better, to learn so that I can keep having great perform-

ances,” Brahimi added. During 2014, Brahimi has shone for both club and country.

He starred for Algeria at the World Cup in Brazil, helping them reach the last-16 for the first time and scoring his first international goal in the 4-2 win over South Korea in the group stage.

Domestically, Brahimi started the year at Spanish club Granada, where his strong performances led to him being named best African player in the country last season.

62 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 — 63

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014

Ballon d’Or: Ronaldo, Messi or Neuer — Pg 60

Brahimi beats Enyeama to BBC African player award

I’m too old for U-23 — Yekeen

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IGERIA’s failure to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea has caused Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama to lose the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2014 to Algerian Yacine Brahimi, who was last night crowned winner of the highly coveted award. The 24-yearold midfielder becomes the first Algerian to win the award, which is decided by football fans.

Porto winger Brahimi told BBC Sport: “It’s a big honour for me to receive this wonderful trophy. I owe it to my country, Algeria, and to all the people who voted for me. “It’s also a trophy for the whole of Africa, because it rewards an African player. So I am really very happy.”

After a record number of votes were submitted

•Kazeem Yekeen

B

AYELSA United goalkeeper Kazeem Yekeen has said he cannot be part of the Nigeria U-23 team because he is over the age.

Continues on page 61

Ejor: Sand Eagles will retain Copa Lagos trophy CRY BABY: Enyeama

WINNER: Brahimi

QUICK CROSSWORD

Continues on page 61

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

— Pg 61

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

Across: 1 Menace (6) 5 Holy (6) 9 Elector (5) 10 Tore (6) 11 Unused (6) 12 Stormed (5) 14 Stop up (4) 17 Longing (3) 18 Yield (4) 20 Loathed (5) 22 Command (5) 23 Gesticulate (7) 24 Started (5) 26 Contradict (5) 29 Spoken (4) 30 Beer (3) 32 Tablet (4) 33 Meadow (5) 35 Named (6) 36 Dashed (6) 37 Principle (5) 38 Smelled (6) 39 Bred (6)

Down: 1 Beat (6) 2 Reiterate (6) 3 Declare (4) 4 Nowadays (5) 5 Number (5) 6 Parched (4) 7 Robust (6) 8 Meal (6) 13 Non-Jew (7) 15 Keen (5) 16 Lawful (5) 18 Crawl (5) 19 Satan (5) 21 Lair (3) 22 Sphere (3) 24 Hem (6) 25 Wager (6) 27 Rubbish (6) 28 Escaped (6) 30 Helped (5) 31 Senior (5) 33 Gala (4) 34 Fruit (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Adopt 7, Orchid 9, Hue 10, Don 12, Rated 13, Meet 15, Local 17, Distil 19, Tell 20, Sheet 22, Sad 24, Receded 27, Pal 28, Feast 31, Arch 33, Rested 35, Obese 37, Move 38, Recur 39, Sap 41, Sew 42, Modest 43, Asked.

DOWN: 1, Cosmos 2, Accede 3, Hid 4, Aura 5, Dealt 6, Peerless 8, Dolt 11, Noiseless 14, Tier 16, Clad 18, Step 21, Hairless 23, Deft 25, Care 26, Deem 29, Adored 30, Treaty 32, House 34, Seam 36, Bred 40, Pop.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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C M Y K