ABDUCTION: 14-yr-old Ese Oruru 5 months pregnant

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62706

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Another 14-yr-old girl abducted in Sokoto 11

P R O T E S T — Yo u t h s

from the Rivers South East senatorial district took to the streets of Bori, headquarters of Khana local government area in protest over the recent alleged hate speeches of Governor Nyesom Wike, against prominent leaders of the state, yesterday.

ABDUCTION: 14-yr-old Ese Oruru 5 months pregnant •IGP orders that she be flown to Yenagoa •Mother thanks Nigerians, Police, others •Outrage over pregnancy •My son never cohabited with Ese—Yunusa’s father

By Clifford Ndujihe, Kingsley Omonobi, Abdulsalam Muhammad, Dapo Akinrefon, Wahab Abdullah, Charles Kumolu & Gbenga Oke

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BUJA—14-YEAROLD Ese Rita Oruru, the Delta Stateborn girl-child, resident in Bayelsa, who was abducted by Yunusa Dahiru, alias Yellow, but rescued by the Police in Kano, has been

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Mr & Mrs

HANDOVER—Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Bisi Kolawole (left); with Mrs Rose Oruru, Ese's mum at Police Headquarters, Abuja, yesterday. ABOVE RIGHT: Ese. Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan BELOW RIGHT: Yunusa, a.k.a. Yellow. Photo: Premium Times.

LAGOS SCHOOL ABDUCTION:

C M Y K

Ransom reduced to N60m •P.52

2— Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 3

C M Y K

4— Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016—5

POCKET CARTOON

RECPTION—President Muhammadu Buhari, receiving President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, during official reception for the Turkish leader at the forecourts of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

ABDUCTION: 14-yr-old Ese Oruru 5 months pregnant Continues from Page 1 discovered to be about five months pregnant, very reliable sources have told Vanguard .

Ese is presently quartered at the police officers mess Yenagoa, where she will spend the next three days.

This came as Dahiru Bala, the biological father of Yunusa, declared, yesterday, that his son never cohabited with Ese Oruru because of embedded contraption highly offensive to his religion.

This is as some prominent Nigerians, including Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin, former Lagos State Police

Commissioner, Abubakar Tsav; Second Republic politician and lawyer, Guy Ikokwu and women NGOs, said the law should take its course on the matter and expressed anger over the teenager’s pregnancy.

It was gathered that the white Hijab she wore on her arrival from Kano on Tuesday was used to cover the pregnancy, even though her physical condition and looks created suspicion.

Vanguard was told that it was the condition the Police authorities discovered about Ese that informed the IGP, Solomon Arase’s directive that she should be handed over to the

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO OUR feelings are always subject to your will.

It doesn’t matter how you feel at the moment, if the will and determination is there, you will achieve your goals.

Y

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them —Ann Landers

I

N an age of rapid change, people who can recognize and leverage new opportunities bring enormous value to their organizations. By practicing the strategies described above, you strengthen this ability and position yourself to advance your own and your company’s success. Carve out time to think about opportunities. It’s hard to recognize new opportunities when you’re constantly immersed in life’s daily chores and details. Designate time to step away from day-to-day pressures so that you can consider larger trends and their implications for your life.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE The cockroach can never be innocent in the court of chickens.

Gender and Child Protection Unit.

A similar directive was given to a team from the Medical Department of the Force to carry out a comprehensive medical examination on the girl at the Police Medical Facility in Area 1, Garki, Abuja.

Upon certifying her medical status and emotional state, Vanguard gathered that the Inspector-General of Police, feeling uncomfortable with the transport arrangement of the mother that they returned by road, cancelled the arrangement and directed that both Ese and her mother be flown to Yenagoa.

Meanwhile, the IGP has directed the Bayelsa State Police Command to take over investigation of the case since, according to sources, the offence was committed in Bayelsa, which is the place of residence of the abductor, Yunusa Dahiru.

C o n s e q u e n t l y, Vanguard was told that Yunusa would be moved to Yenagoa to face interrogation and prosecution for kidnapping and child abuse as well as violence against a girl-child.

The Inspector-General of Police had earlier vowed that Yunusa and all other actors in the seven-month-old abduction saga would be brought to justice.

He said it was the only way the nation would make a clear statement in unison that any individual who violated the sanctity of the rights of children shall be dealt with in accordance with extant laws of the country.

The IGP spoke as Mrs. Rose Oruru, Ese's mother, thanked all Nigerians, the Nigerian Police Force and well wishers, who

assisted in one way or the other to ensur e her daughter was brought back alive and safe, saying she could not say much for now.

Speaking through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olabisi Kolawole at Force Headquarters, shortly before Ese’s mother, Mrs Rose Oruru, was led to take custody of her daughter, the IGP said: “Aside prosecution of the actors directly involved in this case, the Inspector General of Police has also ordered an in-house administrative inquiry designed to review the professional conduct of officers responsible for the initial investigation of this case. Any officer indicted of professional dereliction will be firmly dealt with accordingly."

My son never cohabited with Ese — Yunusa's father

Meanwhile, Dahiru Bala, the biological father of Yunusa Yellow, declared yesterday that his son never cohabited with Ese Oruru because of embedded contraption highly offensive to his religion”.

Dahiru in an exclusive interview with Vanguard at his country home, Kauyen Tofa in Kura local government area of kano State, said: “There was no marriage between my son and Ese Oruru due to contradiction and illegality involved.

“The love relationship between my son and Ese was built on ignorance of their religious backgrounds which made it difficult for anyone to support their marriage proposal.”

Dahiru Bala, 55, disclosed that traditional authorities were fully briefed about an impending illegality when his son, Yunusa, who he said was 25, informed him of his decision to elope with her lover.

“I promptly reported the matter to the village head and on their arrival, they were taken to his home, who in turn reported to the District Head at Kura, headquarters of Kura local government area.

“Yunusa was a house help to Oruru’s family for 10 years and when he told me of his love relationship with Ese, I opposed it because we already have a proposal for him in the village.

“Sequel to the request of Ese, she was converted to Islam on the order of the District Head before he was taken to the Emir’s palace for his final say.”

The farmer said that on arrival at the Emir ’s palace, a senior counsellor who took the brief, summoned the Sharia Commission to take custody of Ese Oruru till the following day when the emir would be

available.

Shedding more light on the Yunusa/Ese Oruru love saga, Dahiru Bala disclosed that the emir, who subsequently met with them, ordered the Sharia commission to liaise with the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 1 to return her home with immediate effect.

According to Yunusa’s father, “the much anticipated return of Ese Oruru to Bayelsa was truncated by her when she broke down in the AIG's office and raised safety questions to her life back home. Subsequently, the move was halted to pave way for investigation”.

The suspect’s father, who was surrounded by his village men during the encounter, said “the last we heard of Ese Oruru was that she was in custody of Sharia commission, who kept her in the home of the District Head at Kura.”

She should be allowed to deliver the baby—Tsav

Reacting to the development, retired Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav said: "There is a difference between elopement and abduction.

If the suspect is of age, he should be prosecuted. If I were in the position of the parents, I would allow her to deliver after which she should be allowed to make her choice."

Pregnancy unfortunate, inevitable —Joe Odumakin

President of the Women Arise for Change Initiative and the Campaign for Democracy, Dr Joe OkeiOdumakin said “it is the most unfortunate aspect of the Ese Oruru saga and it is inevitable. But the fact remains that there are more dangers than one can imagine for a 14 year old to become a mother in such a manner as this.”

She, however, added that those found culpable of the act, no matter how highly placed, should be brought to book.

She said: “There are no two ways about this, a crime has been committed by the man, Yunusa alias Yellow, who abducted the teenage

girl all the way from Bayelsa State to Kano State for a forced marriage and conversion of religion. The Nigerian law does not recognise such illegality with an under-aged and nothing should be spared at ensuring that the main culprit and everyone involved, no matter how highly placed, are brought to book.”

The law should take its course – Ikokwu

Second Republic politician and lawyer, Chief Guy Ikokwu said: ‘’The law should take its course as the molestation and abuse of children and infants is rampant in our society. It should not take the intervention of a monarch, the IGP or the governor or president for police officers trained in crime prevention to do their normal work. Ese Oruru’s father has given glory to God as what happened was not Christian or Islamic like the Chibok episode.Asked his opinion on Ese’s pregnancy and what the parents should do, he said: ‘’The pregnancy is a family matter. It is for the family to decide. The abduction is a criminal matter but the pregnancy is a family issue.

Under the law, we cannot advice the girl to go and commit an abortion. The girl may die in the process. It is for the family to decide.’’

The issue is an embarrassment to Nigeria — Dr Junaid Mohammed “The issue of the elopement of Ese is an embarrassment to this nation and without mincing words, Yunusa shows irresponsibility and the law should take its course on him. Also, the Emir of Kano should be investigated by the police because the statement he gave is not enough to exonerate him in the whole issue.

“As far as I am concerned, this issue has nothing to do with religion but a fundamental issue that must be tackled head on and I am calling on the Bayelsa State governor to look into the girl’s issue and help her out."

Continues on Page 11

6 —Vanguard, THURSDAY MARCH 3 , 2015

BASA AGREEMENT:

Good politics, bad economics — DEMUREN

By Lawani Mikairu & Daniel Eteghe

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AGOS—FORMER Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA , Dr. Harold Demuren yesterday described the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, entered into between Nigeria and other countries of the world as good politics but bad economics because the country cannot match other countries to benefit from the principle of reciprocity.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting organised by Aviation Round Table ,ART, at Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Demuren while responding to the recent BASA agreement signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in Qatar stressed that Nigeria hardly gains anything meaningful from such agreement.

According to him, it was because of the inability of Nigeria to gain from BASA agreement that the NCAA had to introduce the five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) adding that he would prefer if that charge was increased to ten percent so that the additional five percent could go into government coffers.

Demuren regretted that even the royalties and taxes levied on foreign airlines because of the inability of the country to favourably compete in the BASA deal were also removed due to political reasons which he decried was killing the country and the aviation industry.

He said that it was the accumulation of the TSC, royalties and charges that constitute the BASA funds that was domicile in NCAA noting that in those days, foreign airline used to pay 180 dollars to Nigerian Airways per passenger for the extra frequencies into the country.

UNILAG CONVOCATION: El-Kanemi becomes Chancellor today •As 112 bag 1st Class degrees

By Dayo Adesulu & Tare Youdeowei

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AGOS—THE installation of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, as new Chancellor of the University of Lagos, will hold today as he succeeds the Attah of Igala, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Obaje.

Meantime, 112 students graduated with first class honours, yesterday, at the second phase of the university’s 2015 convocation ceremony held at the Multi Purpose Hall, Akoka, Campus, Lagos.

Speaking on the second day of the convocation, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Rahamon Bello, said; ‘’The third and final day of the ceremony will witness the installation ceremony of the new Chancellor of the University of Lagos.”

According to him, the new Chancellor, a first class traditional leader in Nigeria, a philanthropist, will also award postgraduate degrees to successful students for the postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctors of Philosophy.

The royal father, who arrived Lagos Tuesday evening, was

warmly welcomed by the UNILAG community and many northerners in Lagos, as traditional dancers and trumpeters sang his praise.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,887 students graduated from the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Business

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AGOS—NIGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday petitioned the management of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, IKEDC, urging it to recall the 400 members of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, sacked last Friday before next Monday to avoid unprecedented industrial unrest.

Congress in a petition to the Managing Director\Chief Executive Officer, CEO, warned that if by March 7, the workers

Engineering, One (1) from Faculty of Law, Four (4) from Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, six (6) from Faculty of Clinical Sciences and ten (10)from Faculty of Pharmacy.’’

Also, he noted that 12 graduands made First Class Honours from the Distance Learning Institute (DLI.)

PRESENTATION: From left; Uri Ngozichukwuka, CEO, April Benjanum & Dawn Communication/reviewer of the book; Prof Yemi Olatunji-Bello, representing Mrs Bolanle Ambode; Mr Abiola Salami, the author of the book and Mrs Nneka Udezue, Program Director, Access Bank School of Banking Excellence during the presentation of ''Who says it's A Man's World'' by Abiola Salami in Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Akeem Salau.

N2.5BN SUIT: Court permits Tarfa to adduce new evidence

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, held that Lagos lawyer, Mr. Rickey Tarfa, SAN, can file a further and better affidavit to prove that the controversial N225,000 alleged paid to a judge, was not paid into the judge's court’s account but a former employee of his law firm.

Tarfa had sought to re-open hearing in his N2.5billion fundamental rights suit and to advance further evidence, but same was opposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris in a short ruling, yesterday,

dismissed EFCC’s objection and held that Tarfa can adduce new evidence that was not available at the time his case was argued.

Tarfa had sued EFCC, alongside its chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, Moses Awolusi, who arrested Tarfa, and Deputy Director Operations, EFCC, Lagos office, Iliyasu Kwarbai, for allegedly violating his rights after he was arrested for hiding two suspects, Nazaire Sorou Gnanhoue and Modeste Finagnon, both Beninoise, in his Mercedes Benz Sports Utility Vehicle, thereby shielding them from arrest.

Meanwhile, the EFCC, yesterday alleged that another Lagos senior lawyer also transferred N750,000 to the

NLC backs 7-day ultimatum to Ikeja DISCO

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

Administration, Engineering, Law and Pharmacy. Bello stated that 112 out of 2,887 graduating students made first class honours in their various disciplines.

In the breakdown, the Vice Chancellor said; ‘’Thirty-eight (38) of these were from Faculty of Business Administration, Fortyone (41) from Faculty of

were not recalled unconditionally, all 44 affiliates, including civil society allies and pro-people organizations, would take over IKEDC head office and other business interests.

NLC in the petition by its factional President, Ayuba Wabba, said: “We have received information that your management has taken a unilateral decision to disengage 400 of your employees and resort to casual labour without due process, which includes consultation with the union in your

industry, the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, an affiliate of the NLC. “This is totally unacceptable to us as your decision was obviously taken without reasonable justifications but for the selfish exploitative interest of your management who dwell under the guise of maximising profit not only to exploit consumers but also to deepen poverty by throwing hundreds of your productive employees out of employment at a period we should all be concerned about our country’s growing unemployment rate.”

embattled judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Mohammed Yunusa.

The anti-graft agency said another sum of N300,000 was transferred to the company account of another judge of the federal high court, Port Harcourt, Justice H. Nganjiwa.

EFCC made the allegation in a counter affidavit in opposition to the further and better affidavit deposed to by a former employee of Rickey Tarfa and Co., Mr Mohammed Yunusa.

He said: “Investigation has also shown that as part of this chain of fraud, the senior lawyer also transferred the sum of N300,000 to Justice H.A Nganjiwa.''

But the senior lawyer in his statement to the anti-graft agency, which was also attached to the affidavit, explained that the money was not meant to bribe the judge.

He said it was the judge who asked him for financial assistance in respect of his ill mother who was undergoing dialysis due to failing kidney.

...As another adjourns arraignment of 15 persons over N2.5bn fraud

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, adjourned till April 11, 2016 for arraignment of 15 accused persons and two companies, charged with N2.6 billion fraud.

The accused are Nigeria International Bank Ltd, Chief C. S Sankey, Emeka Emuwa, Adekunle Oladosun, Okechi Egwu, Lulu Ndubuka, Oyowole Ariyo. UKabiru Bello, J.E Eriagbon, Samson Ebie, Steve Obodomechine, Mikky Dons Nig. Ltd, Mark Anaele, Peter Harris, Peter Oriade, Olusola Fagbure and Obianwa Chuba.

They are facing a 20 count

charge of conspiracy, intent to defraud, falsification of document, fraudulent alteration and diversion of over N2. 6 billion belonging to MicMerah Int'l Agency Ltd. The case, which was fixed for trial of the accused was again stalled at the resumed date due to the absence of the accused in court.

When the case was called, only the first accused represented by its staff was present in court.

The prosecutor, Mr Gordy Uche, SAN, then informed the court that the prosecution was still faced with difficulty in effecting service of the charge on the accused.

He told the court of an ex-parte application, seeking leave of court to allow the complainant to effect service of the charge on the accused.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 7

Ondo, Osun commands investigate police escorts' attack on Falae

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—Captain Moshood Raji, the Personal Assistant to the former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae confirmed to Vanguard yesterday that policemen from both Ondo and Osun state commands have commenced investigation into the shooting at the car of the elder statesman by police escorts on Tuesday.

He said this followed the report lodged on the matter at the headquarters of the Akure command.

Raji said a meeting was held yesterday between Falae, whom he represented and the commissioners of police of Ondo and Osun States in a bid to arrest the perpetrators.

According to him; “ Ondo police commissioner invited his counterpart from Osun to decide which command should handle the matter between the two commands.

“So, Osun CP asked the Ondo to go ahead with the investigation since Chief Falae resides in Ondo and if there is

MEETING: From left; Mr Timothy Ogunseye; Vice President, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, Comrade Olawale Adetunji; Zonal Coordinator and Comrade Omisore Adedokun, Chairman (OSPOLY Iree Chapter) during an Emergency Zonal Meeting of ASUP Zone C held over non-payment of accumulated salaries and allowances at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, MOOR Plantation, Ibadan on Tuesday. Photo by Dare Fasube. a need to transfer the case to Osun they would know later “ Raji said that the case was then handed over to the State Criminal Investigative Department to check the rollcall of policemen on duty posts on Tuesday to know whether the policemen who escorted the bullion van were

from Ondo or Osun states.

However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Joseph said the command had commenced investigation on the matter.

Joseph said “What I can say for now is that the case has just been officially reported at the command.

OLUBADAN’S CORONATION: Police confirm planned disruption

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN – THE Oyo State police command yesterday confirmed that some hoodlums had concluded plans to disrupt the coronation ceremony of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan, High Chief Saliu Adetunji which comes up tomorrow.

To check this, the command has ordered massive deployment of policemen and sniffer dogs to prevent breakdown of law and order during the ceremony.

The police, in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said; “Credible intelligence has revealed that some disgruntled persons or group of persons whose activities are antithetical to the progress of the state are making sinister plans to cause breach of peace

during the forthcoming coronation of the new Olubadan.

“To forestall any breakdown of law and order before, during and after the coronation therefore, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade, has ordered massive deployment of seriousminded conventional policemen including highly trained mobile policemen, operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, counter terrorism unit, explosive

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BEOKUTA—A member of Ogun state House of Assembly representing Ijebu-Ode constituency Wale Alausa has lamented the non-payment of eleven months stipends due of traditional leaders otherwise called ‘Olorituns’ in Ijebu area of the state.

The lawmakers who disclosed this at a plenary held in the state House of Assembly, the Olorituns have not been paid for over eleven

ordinance department, State Intelligence Bureau, the mounted troupes and snigger dogs to provide adequate security to guarantee safety of lives and property of the citizenry during the period.”

The police warned those it described as “anti-social elements, miscreants who masquerade as thugs, hoodlums, their allies, agents, and or their sponsors’’ against any act capable of plunging Ibadan or any part of

“We have started investigation, even though the incident is outside our jurisdiction, we will still investigate it.

Meantime, a group under the aegis of Defence for Yoruba Peoples Right yesterday asked the Inspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, to fish out and bring to book the policemen who shot at the vehicle of Chief Falae.

While condemning the attack of the politician, the group said the matter should not be swept under the carpet.

Chief Falae car was reportedly shot at by some policemen escorting a bullion van in Osun state on Tuesday on his way to a visit by some Afenifere leaders to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The President of the group, Mr. Muyideen Olamoyegun called on the IGP to fish out the triggerhappy policeman in order to serve as deterrent to others.

Ekiti to build N200m artisans’ village — FAYOSE

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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DO-EKITI—EKITI State Government in conjunction with some banks, will build an artisans’ village along Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti.

Lawmaker laments non-payment of village heads' 11 months arrears

By Daud Olatunji

Poor implementation of laws worries Osun Assembly

months despite their unique roles in the development and security of the people in their local areas.

Alausa said the Olorituns are equivalent to Baales in Yorubaland and also serve as head of security groups or vigilante groups in their local areas.

He however, pleaded that, the state House of Assembly to investigate the matter with a view to finding everlasting solution to the non-payment of stipends due to them.

Governor Ayodele Fayose, made the disclosure yesterday in Ado-Ekiti while meeting with artisans and members of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, AdoEkiti.

A statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, said the project would cost the state government about N200 million.

The meeting, which was called to resolve the dispute between Ekiti Artisans’ Association and NATA over the parcel of land the proposed village would be built, resolve d that a committee be set up to find ways the two unions could work together.

While pleading their case before the governor, the Ekiti State Chairman of NATA, Alo Babatunde, said the land was allocated to them by the state government during the first

tenure of Fayose about 10 years ago, and that the National Automotive Council had concluded plans to build an automotive centre for them on the land.

He said members of his association were surprised to hear that the other group had gone there early this year to clear the land for another purpose.

The chairman of the artisans’ group, Mr Julius Adu, said Governor Fayose promised them a land for their village last year and that state officials showed them the place.

While intervening in the matter, Fayose thanked both sides for maintaining peace and not taking the law into their hands over the matter.

The governor added that while the state government would continue to cater for the welfare of civil servants, it would not neglect those in the informal sector who constitute the majority.

SOGBO—THE Osun State House of Assembly has expressed worry over the poor level of implementation of the laws being passed by houses of assembly in the country.

Speaker of the Assembly, Najeem Salaam stated this at a two-day training workshop on legislative practice and procedure organised for members of the Assembly at Ijebu-jesa Monday, saying, it was only the laws that the executives were interested in that they properly implemented.

The speaker in a statement signed by the Chairman, Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said it was very unfortunate that there were several bills that could improve the economy of the states and the federation at large which had been passed, but poorly implemented or not implemented at all.

The speaker, however, stressed that the Assembly would ensure that a realistic budget was approved.

CBN licences firm as payment solution provider

By Ediri Ejoh

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday issued a license to Parkway Projects Limited to operate as a Payment Solution Service Provider, PSSP, in Nigeria.

Parkway, a financial technology provider of home grown e-banking and epayment solutions is said to have satisfied the requirements as prescribed by the CBN. In a statement, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Parkway, Mr. Uzo Eziukwu, reacting to the company’s new status said; “This development has made the company further poised to extend its financial payment solution across all spectrum of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. ‘’We are well positioned to make a huge success as customers can be assured of our commitment to quality, robust and secure solution delivery. ‘’We understand that with this licence, the CBN has further charged us with the responsibility of ensuring payment solutions that strengthen the Nigerian payment system.”

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Alleged N3.9bn fraud: EFCC slams 10-count charge on Badeh May be docked today I'm being persecuted —

By Ben Agande & Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA — THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has filed a 10-count criminal charge against the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

This came on a day the former defence chief cried out that he was being persecuted by the anti-graft agency over his alleged involvement in the $2.1 billion arms scam.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the former defence chief looted funds from accounts of the Nigerian Air Force and used same to purchase choice property in the highbrow areas in Abuja.

The commission also cited a firm, Iyalikam Nigerian Limited, as the second defendant in the charge bordering on money laundering, corruption and criminal breach of trust.

The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/ CR/46/2016, and dated February 26, was signed by the Deputy Director of Legal & Prosecution Department at the EFCC, Mr. Aliyu M. Yusuf.

Badeh

said duplex he bought for his son and the commission told the court that Badeh Jnr. was currently on the run.

There were also strong indications, yesterday, that Badeh might be arraigned before Justice Inyang Okoro of the high court today.

I 'm being persecuted —Badeh

Meanwhile, Badeh in a statement he personally signed, yesterday, denied involvement in the $2.1 billion scam, stating that during his stay as Chief of Defence Staff, funds for weapons were directly released to the Chief of Air Staff, and their Army and Naval counterparts and not him.

The statement read: “It has been widely reported in the news that I am being investigated over the $2.1 billion

arms deal but that is not true. I was not part of Dasukigate.

“The claim that five property were acquired for me from the $2.1 billion funds is also false. I was Chief of Air Staff from October 2012 to January 2014 and then appointed Chief of Defence Staff, CDS. "During my time serving as CDS, funds for weapons were directly released to the Chief of Air Staff, Army Staff and Naval Staff and not to me. I had no control over the funds and yet I am being accused of embezzling weapons’ funds.

“The office of the CDS had no operational control of the services and had nothing to do with their spending.

“The EFCC’s claim that I received $800,000 from my Director of Finance and Accounts is untrue. I did not receive such money from the erstwhile DFA. If he claims to have given me

money, where is the proof?

Was it paid into my account?

Did I sign for it?

On property

“In the case of the property, if they claim the property are mine and were obtained illegally through proxies, then they should go to court and get an order of forfeiture rather than trying to insist I am the owner of the property.

“It is rather unfortunate that the nation which I fought so hard within my means to defend against Boko Haram insurgents cannot guarantee my fundamental human rights.

“During my time as the CDS, lives of both soldiers and civilians were lost. Territories were lost. We fought to regain our nation’s territorial integrity and the insurgents pushed back.

“I lost my personal house and hospital in defence of my father land ( ahospital which I built many years ago and was equally used in the treatment of injured soldiers).

"Now I am losing my freedom to the same fatherland that I fought so hard to defend."

Allegations

Specifically, the agency alleged that Badeh had between January and December, 2013, used dollar equivalent of the sum of N650 million to purchase a commercial plot of land situated at Plot 1386, Oda Crescent, Cadastral Zone, A07, Wuse II, Abuja.

Badeh was said to have between March 28 and December 5, 2013, paid N878,362,732.94 which he removed from the account of the Nigerian Air Force, into the account of Rytebuilders Technologies Limited with Zenith Bank Plc, for the construction of a shopping mall on the plot.

He was also alleged to have diverted another dollar equivalent of N304 million to the firm, Rytebuilders Technologies Limited, for the completion of the shopping mall.

Whereas EFCC, in count five of the charge, alleged that Badeh used dollar equivalent of N260 million which he removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force and paid to one Ouwatoyin Oke through Platinum Universal Project and Construction to purchase a duplex for his son, Alex Badeh Jnr., it said the defendant further used N60 million to renovate the property situated at 19, Kumai Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.

The prosecution alleged in courtseven of the charge that Badeh used N90 million to furnish the

DOCKED: Former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro (middle), with Deputy Director in the Ministry, F. O Alayebami in court, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Misconduct: NJC places judge on ‘Watch-List’

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA —The National Judicial Council, NJC, yesterday, said it has decided to place Justice Rita OfiliAjumogobia of Lagos Division of the Federal High Court on the “Watch-List” for the next four years, following her alleged complicity in acts of judicial misconduct.

The council, which is headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, said it took the decision at the end of a meeting held on February 24 and 25, 2016.

Aside issuing a stern warning to the judge, the judicial body also said J u s t i c e O f i l i Ajumogobia would not be considered for any elevation to the Court of Appeal or any ad-hoc judicial appointment till her retirement from the Bench.

A statement by the Acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, disclosed that the decision of the council was sequel to a petition written by one Victoria Ayeni, alleging misconduct and injustice on the part of Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia.

It said: "It was found that the judge failed to deliver judgement in suit No FHC/ AB/CS/31/2011, a pre-election matter between the petitioner and Olusola Sonuga and 2 others.

“She was also alleged to have adjourned the preelection matter severally until the termination of the life span of Ogun State House of Assembly.

“The decision of the council on Hon. Justice OfiliAjumogobia is with immediate effect.”

Alleged N676m job scam: Court orders Moro back to prison, rules on bail tomorrow

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA — THE Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that the immediate past Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, and a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr. F. O. Alayebami, remain in prison custody until tomorrow when their applications will be considered.

Justice Anwuli Chikere made the order after the duo, who are facing trial over their alleged complicity in a N676

million job recruitment scam, through their lawyers, applied to be released on bail, pending the determination of the case against them.

They are answering to an 11-count charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The court had on Monday remanded Moro at Kuje prison after he pleaded not guilty to an 11-count criminal charge preferred against him by the EFCC. Equally remanded was a Deputy

Director in the ministry, Mr. F. O Alayebami.

However, Justice Chikere granted administrative bail to the 2nd defendant, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel-Nwobia, who was a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior when the alleged fraud was committed.

Mrs. Daniel-Nwobia, who is nursing a baby, through her lawyer, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, persuaded the court to allow her to go home to take care of her baby.

Meanwhile, Justice

Chikere has adjourned the case till Wednesday to consider whether or not the former minister and his alleged accomplice should be released on bail, pending their trial.

EFCC had earlier told the court that one of the accused persons, Mahmood Ahmadu, who was a Director at Drexel Tech Nigeria Ltd, a firm allegedly used to perpetrate the botched March 15, 2014 Immigration recruitment that killed no fewer than 20 job seekers across the country, was currently at large.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016—9

Saraki formally replies Obasanjo, promises to cut waste, fight corruption A

BUJA — PRESIDENT of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has formally replied a letter exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo wrote to the National Assembly on January 13, accusing the country’s federal lawmakers of corruption, greed, lawlessness and impunity.

This came barely days after the Senate President took delivery of exotic cars for the Senate.

In his reply, dated January 29, Saraki responded to Obasanjo’s concern, saying the 8th National Assembly under his leadership was already taking deliberate steps to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and ensure prudent management of resources.

“This is to ensure that we plug all leakages and minimize waste across our expenditure systems,” the Senate President said in the

two-page letter.

“Likewise, the 8th National Assembly has made the issue of plugging leakages and cutting wastages in our public expenditure system a major priority that should not be toyed with. This may have happened in the past but it will not happen with us,” he said.

The former president had in his letter, addressed to Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, accused the lawmakers of fixing and earning salaries and allowances far above what the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission approved for them.

He also alleged that most of the 109 senators and 369 members of the House of Representatives were receiving constituency allowances without maintaining constituency offices

as the laws required of them.

He faulted the plans by the lawmakers to acquire new exotic cars for themselves, saying “whatever name it is disguised as, it is unnecessary and insensitive.”

He advised that “a pool of a few cars for each chamber will suffice for any Committee Chairman or members for any specific duty.”

But in his response, Saraki told the former President that the lawmakers were fully aware of the challenges the nation was facing.

He said: “As leaders with a duty, we will not disappoint Nigerians in their yearnings for a more transparent public expenditure system.”

On corruption, Saraki said the National Assembly was working with President Muhammadu Buhari to stem the menace in the

country.

According to him, the legislature was already overhauling its oversight functions to make it more effective in exposing corruption in federal ministries, departments and agencies.

He said: “We are hand in glove with the President on this matter and this is why we are overhauling our oversight functions to make it more effective in exposing corruption in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“We recognize the hard work our anti-corruption agencies are putting into this fight. The Senate is resolved to support them to perform their duty effectively by providing them with adequate funding where necessary, as their work in integral to our oversight responsibility.”

Labour threatens FG over plans to sack 23,000 workers

By Victor AhiumaYoung

L

AGOS — ASSOCIATION of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, yesterday, threatened to cripple the federal public service, if the government proceeded to sack 23, 000 public servants on the pretext of weeding out ghost workers.

ASCSN in statement in Lagos by its President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, and Secretary-General, Alade Bashirl Lawal, claimed that information reaching it showed that government planned to hide under the guise of hunting “ghost workers” to send thousands of workers into the labour market at a time economic hardship had escalated and millions of Nigerians lived below one dollar per day.

According to the union, “this is the only reason the Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has rebuffed all overtures by the union to set up a Government-Labour Panel to investigate the existence of the alleged 'ghost workers' in the public service or make their names public.”

The association recalled that when some federal ministries were merged a few months ago, the government assured Nigerians that the exercise would not lead to retrenchment, lamenting that “what is becoming clear now is that because of the merger of ministries, the Federal Government is now bent on reducing its workforce under the guise that there are 23,000 'ghost workers' in the public service."

VISIT: From left (front row), Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; representative of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tijani Yusuf; Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar and other members of the review of Legal Institutional and Regulatory Instrument during a courtesy visit to the Senate President, in Abuja, yesterday.

Army Council recommends release of Brig-Gen Ransome-Kuti Orders reduction in his rank to colonel

A

BUJA— THE Nigeria Army Council has recommended the release of Brigadier-General Enitan Ransome-Kuti from custody.

A confidential memo obtained also showed that the council ordered a reduction in his rank from Brigadier-General to Colonel and subsequently recommended that he be reabsorbed and posted back into service.

Brigadier General Kuti was arrested in January 2015 and tried for cowardice, accused of abandoning his duty post in Baga where he was commander of a joint multinational task force.

In 2014, Boko Haram militants

attacked his base and took over the armoury, the army court martial which tried Kuti also accused him of not accounting for weapons seized by Boko Haram militants at the base.

Since his conviction, the

Brigadier General, who is the son of one of Nigeria’s most prominent human rights defenders, Beko RansomeKuti, had remained under house arrest at an army barracks in Abuja.

CPC, NERC to enforce 60-day order on metre distribution

By Favour Nnabugwu

A

BUJA — THE Consumer Protection Council, CPC, and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, have resolved to enforce the mandatory 60-day order to electricity distribution companies, DISCOs, to either metre or stop billing consumers under the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) scheme.

The two agencies at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the headquarters of CPC in Abuja, yesterday, agreed to collaborate to enforce the implementation of the order and other steps that would ensure conducive environment for consumers and investors in the sector.

The Director General of CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, had condemned the seeming footdragging of DISCOs in metering consumers as outlined in their performance agreements with the government and yet had been committed in billing millions of consumers through estimated billings.

Atoki admitted that though the problem of metering in the country was deep-rooted, consumers should not be made to bear the brunt for so long without an end in sight, stressing that “consumers who are paying for services that they have not fully enjoyed need protection.”

She said: “If consumers at the end don’t get the required supply of electricity and their funds are being used to support the infrastructure deficiency, then we wonder how that can rest well with us."

Earlier, acting Chairman of NERC, Dr. Anthony Akah, said the collaboration with the CPC, which is statutorily empowered to deal with all issues relating to consumers of goods and services in Nigeria, was a step in the right direction.

Mark sworn in as Senator for 6th time, Ogembe too

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—FORMER President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, was yesterday, sworn in for a sixth record time as a senator.

The swearing-in, which was conducted by his successor, Senate President Bukola Saraki,

was done amid an uncommon solidarity as the senators gave Senator Mark a standing ovation.

As soon as the senator, who wore white agbada with Idoma cap, walked in, the senators clapped as they welcomed him back into the senatorial wings with shouts of the youngest and most ranking.

Mark was sworn in at exactly 11 am in the hallowed chamber after taking the traditional oath of office and allegiance.

After he was sworn in, he walked to Saraki and shook him.

Also sworn in as a senator was Ahmad Salam Ogembe, PDP, Kogi Central senatorial district. He took over from Mohammed Ohiare.

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

One dies as transport union factions clash in Lagos

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

Man beheads step-mother in Benue

By PETER DURU

M

AKURDI—OBAGANYA community, a suburb in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, was thrown into deep mourning yesterday after a middle-aged man, Echeno Adakole, beheaded his 50-yearold step-mother, Titi Enokela, allegedly for ritual purpose.

Vanguard learned that the suspect allegedly ambushed

the victim at a family farm settlement, hit her with a piece of wood and cut off her head.

He thereafter wrapped it with the dead woman’s cloth and put it in a polyethylene bag.

According to the source, “family members noticed that the woman had not returned from the farm and it was getting dark. Her children and other family members went looking for her; they found her headless

body tucked away in a corner of the family farm.

“They all raced back home wailing and crying for help, only to discover the severed head of the woman with her step-son, who was acting strange and making moves to flee from home.”

The source said the suspect was held by a mob, who attempted to lynch him but for the quick intervention of police,

A

yet-to-be-identified person was, yesterday, shot and feared killed after two factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, clashed at Oshodi over chairmanship tussle.

Vanguard gathered that the person, a member of the transport union, was shot at the entrance of Brown Street, where the fight started with his remains still lying at the scene at press time. The fracas spread to other axes of Oshodi.

A resident, Mrs. Olatunbosun, said: “I do not know when the clash started. But when I arrived here this morning (yesterday), I saw the corpse of a man at the entrance of Brown Street.

“I was told this was where the fight started. I do not know who the person is.”

When Vanguard visited the scene, it was learned that Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, was at the scene earlier, directing that an Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC, and a patrol vehicle be stationed at the scene to forestall an escalation of the crisis.

The clash halted business activities in Oshodi for hours, as commercial activities which often commenced very early, started at about 11a.m.

An eyewitness said that the clash was between Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo and another faction that was installed few months ago to manage the parks.

Confirming the fracas, Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, said that the fracas was between two factions of a transport union vying to control the motor parks.

She said the swift intervention of policemen have helped to douse the tension in the axis.

Badmus, however, said that she was not aware of the death recorded during the fracas, saying “we have commenced investigation to apprehend those involved in the clash.”

who took him away.

“As a result of tension in the community, the Police Area Command hurriedly moved the suspect out of the area to the State Command Headquarters in Makurdi,” he added.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Moses Yamu, confirmed the story, saying the command was still investigating the matter.

PGD student jailed 7 years over fake drugs

By Innocent Anaba

A

BURNT: Accident at the outer Northern Expressway by the rail crossing at Kagini, near Kubwa, Abuja, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Soldiers flog, boot protesting women in Delta Unit Commander to journalist: You're an idiot, madman

By Perez Brisibe

E

KU—REMINISCENT of the military era, about 10 soldiers flogged and used boots on hundreds of women protesting at Ovre-Eku (Iwevbo) community yesterday, over a land which had been in dispute for years between Edo and Delta states.

The women, numbering over 500, wearing black clothing, had converged at Eku community from where they marched to the disputed land carrying a coffin covered in palm fronds to express their displeasure over alleged sale of the land to an oil company.

Getting to the spot at about 10:45a.m., they were accosted by the soldiers, who ordered the women to leave the site. The women insisted on being addressed by a representative of the company.

Angered by the stand of the women, a senior military officer identified to be the Unit Commander at the site, Lt. E. D. Oworobo, cocked his riffle, threatened to shoot and then ordered his men to flog the women.

Two journalists, including a Vanguard correspondent, who had accompanied the protesting women, suffered the same fate.

The soldiers chased the fleeing women into adjoining bushes at

the site.

The aged among the women, some in their 80s, who could not run, were trampled on by the soldiers and others flogged with tree stems.

Unit Commander’s reaction

When the Unit Commander, Lt. E. Oworobo, was contacted by this reporter to comment on the way and manner the women

were treated, he described the reporter as an “idiot and a madman.”

Meanwhile, the soldiers again went berserk at about 11:30a.m., invaded parts of Ovre-Eku community, destroyed nine motorcycles and 13 bicycles, while residents of the community fled, following the arrival of the soldiers in a white Toyota Hilux van.

Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, sentenced a lady, Clara Onah, 35, to seven years imprisonment over sale of fake drugs.

Onah, a graduate of Microbiology of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a postgraduate student of Mass Communication, was prosecuted by the National Agency for Food and Drugs, Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on a five-count charge of possession and sale of fake drugs.

In his judgment, Justice Chuka Obiozor said: “I will give you a second chance as a first offender, but those who took your drugs and died have no second chance.”

The prosecutor, Mr. Shamaki Umar, had told the court that the accused sold fake brand of 200mg of Amazon Amagyl Metronidazole tablets to members of the public.

3 remanded in prison over N15m jewelleries

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

F

OR allegedly stealing jewelleries valued at N15 million, a Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the remand of three ladies in prison custody.

The ladies, including two sisters, Gloria and Naomi Joshua, 28 and 20 years, respectively, and Gift Etim, 28, were ordered to be remanded in prison custody by the court before perfecting their bail conditions.

They were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on stealing and felony before Magistrate O. A. Olayinka.

They all pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Donjor Penezi, informed the court that the defendants stole

a box of gold jewellery valued at N15 million, property of one Vivian Chilogy.

The prosecutor said the offences were contrary to

Section 285(1) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Each of them were admitted to N1million bail and two sureties in like sum.

2 security men docked over 18 bags of cement

By Onozure Dania

L

AGOS—TWO security men, Samson Dalami, 24, and Ademuga Adegbenga, 29, were docked before a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court at Igbosere for allegedly stealing 18 bags of cement worth N27,000 from one Mr. Leonard Ogbuadike, their employer.

The defendants, facing a twocount charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing

preferred against them by the police, were arraigned before Magistrate J. O. A. Adepoju.

The prosecutor, Corporal Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that the defendants conspired to commit the alleged offences on March 1, at 6a.m., at Lekki County Homes Estate premises in Ajah area of Lagos.

They were granted N50,000 bail each, with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the matter to March 31.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016—11

Another 14-yr-old Benue girl abducted in Sokoto

By Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor; Peter Duru & Charles Kumolu

M

AKURDI—RELATIONS of another missing 14year-old girl, Patience Paul, have alleged that the primary six pupil of Mohammed Zako Model Primary School, Sokoto, may have been abducted and housed at the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto.

Father of the girl, Mr. Paul Adaji, an indigene of Ochobo in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, told Vanguard on phone that his daughter had been missing since August 12, 2015.

Adaji, who resides in Sokoto with his family, alleged that some persons spotted his daughter at the Sultan’s palace.

He said: “We got information that she was in the Sultan’s palace and the last time we went there, we did not find her.”

When asked how they knew she was at the palace, he said: “Some people told us that they saw her at the palace. They also used to camp some of them there, that was why we went to the palace to see if she has been taken there.

“Even her friend, who used to be a Christian, was found there. She was taken there and they converted her.

“We will still continue to search for her. We will not give up; we only want the world to help us so that our daughter can be released to us.”

Brother’s story

Corroborating Mr. Adaji’s story, his son, Paul Isaac Adaji, gave an account of circumstances that led to the disappearance of his sister.

He said: “Patience is my younger sister. We are based in Sokoto. That is where the issue occurred. My dad is in Sokoto but we lost our mother two years ago. My younger sister was brain-washed from school,

Other Christian girls've been abducted, too—Brother I’m not aware— Police Commissioner

Patience Paul Mohammed Zako Model Primary school, Sokoto. She is a primary six pupil.

“The fact is that sometime last year, we noticed she started keeping some funny friends and her attitude started changing. This is a girl that normally likes attending church activities.

“We cautioned her but along the line, she changed. Then again, she started misbehaving.

So at that point, my parent and I decided to move her out of Sokoto and return her to Benue State so the rumours of children converting does not happen to us as we do not have anybody to fight for us.

“Unfortunately, what we were scared of later happened to us.

Sometimes we will see her returning f r o m school with a veil covering her head.

When we inquired, she said it was given

to her by her friend in school.

“We cautioned her on several occasions. But we later arranged with my dad to get her back to Benue. Unfortunately, she got to know about our plan to send her back to Benue and obviously informed the people who were brainwashing her and they eventually abducted her.

“When we could not see her, we started serious investigation and along the line, discovered that it was one of our neighbours who actually abducted her.

Hisbah takes over

“We reported the matter to the police. The masterminds of her abduction were invited by the Police. They made their confessions that the girl wanted to join their religion, which was why they abducted her. They said they took her to the Hisbah (Islamic Police).

“At that point, the Police invited the Hisbah and they came and gave their own statement. They said they had taken the girl to the Sultan’s palace. I was hoping that since the police had stepped in, my sister would come home.

“But that did not happen. I reported the matter at the P o l i c e Headquarters in Sokoto, but it was transferred to our Area Division. So after the interrogations, the Police said

since I reported the matter at the headquarters, their findings will also be communicated to the headquarters.

“Two weeks later, I went to the police headquarters here in Sokoto only for the police to tell us that we should just go and maintain peace. I became inquisitive and wanted to know what the police found that prompted that advice.

Bishop Kukah steps in “It was at that point that I reported the matter to Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah. He was very angry with us, saying we ought to have reported the matter to him earlier.

“He made some calls and promised to step into the matter.

I became restless and worried because the Bishop is a very busy person. We are urging and pleading with all well-meaning Nigerians to help us intervene.

“From what we gathered, from last year up to early this year, she was in the Sultan’s palace, but she has been taken away from there since last month. “‘We went there with my other sister to check and they brought a different person to us. From our investigations, she is not the only one because the two girls they brought did not look like

real Muslims.”

Meanwhile, calls to Bishop Kukah to find out the veracity of claims that the matter was reported to him at a point were not responded to.

Source confirm palace connection

However, a source in Sokoto told Vanguard that the girl was actually abducted and kept at the Sultan's palace.

The source also noted that the teenager was not the only person abducted and hidden at the palace, adding that three other girls were in the palace.

The source said: “What is happening is not new; it is a common occurrence in Sokoto and Katsina. Christian teenage girls are often abducted and hidden in such places.

“Patience is not the only victim. Three other girls were found to have been abducted and kept at the palace. There is an Ibo girl among the three.”

Reacting to the development yesterday, Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Salisu Fagge, said: “It is not true. I have not received such report from anybody. We relate very well with the palace and Bishop Kukah and such report has never come to me.

“If we had got it, we would have taken prompt action.

Please ask the man to see me in the office without delay if what he is saying is true.”

ABDUCTION: 14-yr-old Ese Oruru 5 months pregnant Continues from Page 5 Funmi Falana, Executive Director, Women Empowerment and Legal Advocacy, WELA, said: “it is unfortunate that the young girl has become a victim of violence against girl child in the society.

“Her situation or experience could be likened to a rape because she was not properly married and her consents were not sought, which is contrary to the law.

“As it is now, the man should be arrested and prosecuted and not allowed to go scot free. The punishment is seven years jail sentence.

“As to the predicament of the girl, she should not be allowed to bear that child and the accompanied pains because she is not biologically fit for it.

If allowed to bear the pregnancy, she may have VVF. A case of a girl raped in Agege was handled by us, the girl was operated upon.

“However, if she carried the pregancy eventually, she should be delivered through cessarian session. She should be adequately taken care of.”

Another woman lawyer based in Benue, Mrs Patience Joseph, who is the coordinator of Nigeria Women Against Poverty, NWAP, said, “The issue is still strange to me. This is because, I can’t imagine how

the little girl started fraternizing with the alleged abductor, under the nose of her parents to the extent she was ‘shipped’ out of Bayelsa.

“However, this is not the issue on ground now. The only solution is for the state (government) to first determine the condition of the girl, the blood sample of the abductor, and make adequate medical findings to determine if he is responsible and also determine if she will be medically fit to carry the pregnancy.

“After this, the issue has become a crime against the man, no matter what the circumstances in which he met the young girl.

“In Islam under which guise he may hide for instance, it is condition precedent that the consent of the proposed lady must be sought and that of the parent before a valid marriage can be consummated alongside the payment of dowry.

“In this situation none of these conditions are met apart from engaging the little girl in family way prematurely. So, he must be made to account for his deeds according to the law.

“One cannot recommend the abortion of the foetus which is illegal, except on medical conditions, supported by proper directive from a qualified medical personnel.”

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

S-Court verdict: Rivers govt takes on APC

By Emmanuel Aziken

R

IVERS State Government has dismissed as unfounded the allegation that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led administration connived with former Governor Peter Odili of the state, to influence the judgment of the Supreme Court in the election petition against Governor Nyesom Wike.

The state government, in a statement, yesterday, described the insinuation by an online news medium as untrue.

The online medium had alleged that Governor Wike interfaced with some Justices of the Supreme Court at a recent burial ceremony of the mother of Supreme Court jurist, in Imo State and that the interface between the governor, his agents and some Justices of the Supreme Court in Dubai and in Nigeria where a deal to allegedly twist the judgment in favour of Governor Wike was made.

Rebuffing the allegations, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Austin Tam-George, said: “No single reference was made to the sound legal grounds upon which the Supreme Court’s judgement was based. We categorically deny and reject the allegation that Wike, or any anyone acting on his behalf, had any contact whatsoever with the Justices of the Supreme Court.

“Were the favourable verdicts by the apex court for Akwa Ibom State, Abia State, Taraba State, etc, also hatched in Mbaise? Or were those plots orchestrated in the neighbouring community of Mbaitoli?

“How come the Odilis were unable to influence the apex court’s earlier decision to relocate the sitting of the Election Petitions Tribunal from

Port Harcourt to Abuja, despite the strong arguments canvassed by Governor Wike’s legal team?”

Accusing the APC of making a mockery of the rule of law, the commissioner said: “Its relentless attack on the Supreme Court is an assault on the rule of law and the administration of justice in Nigeria.

“Psychologists may explain the APC’s irrational behaviour as understandable within the clinical context of trauma after defeat. But Nigerians must be more vigilant.

A political party that can only accept victory and not defeat is a dangerous extremist group.

“Nigerians must condemn the APC’s assault on our evolving democracy and the judicial institutions that support it.”

SENDFORTH: From left: Oscar Onyenma, CEO, Nigeria Stock Exchange; Jibril Aku, outgoing, MD/CEO, Ecobank Nigeria; Emmanuel Ikazoboh, Group Chairman, Ecobank; Vivian Aku; Bola Adesola, MD/CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, and Augustine Alegeh, SAN, President, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, at the sendforth dinner in honour of outgoing MD/CEO, Ecobank Nigeria, hosted by Augustine Alegeh, SAN, in Lagos.

Hunt for Tompolo’ll backfire —N-Delta youth leader

By Emma Amaize

W

ARRI—A Niger Delta youth leader, Azaiyi Piniki, has said that the desperation by the Federal Government to arrest ex-militant leader and arrowhead of the Niger Delta struggle, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, at all cost will turn out to be counterproductive in the long run.

Piniki, in a statement, said that Tompolo’s persecution baffles the people who know his patriotic role in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.

He said: “The consistent harassment and intimidation of Tompolo will be counterproductive and I advise the Federal Government to see dialogue as a better option, rather than employing military might that has today raised tension in the Niger Delta.”

The youth leader said that the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom already understand that the purported scrapping of the Nigerian Maritime University project proposed by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, was politically motivated.

He said that the cancellation amounts to denying the people of C M Y K

the area their right to development, adding that the terrain was part of the country and produces "reasonable income for Nigeria.”

He said: “The university will provide jobs for the teeming unemployed Nigerians and further stem the tide of youth restiveness in the riverine

communities that has been without any form of tertiary institution. So, why are they cancelling it?

“I think the Federal Government should stop playing politics with development, as every part of country deserves government’s attention and development.

Before government came out with the decision, the Minister of transportation should have visited the site for on–the- spot assessment of work done.

“He cannot sit in Abuja and cancel a project of such magnitude, which is capable of lifting the economy of the area, and raise the standard of living of the people."

Bayelsa Assembly holds public hearing on Child Rights Bill

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—BAYELSA State House of Assembly, yesterday, said that it was committed to the protection of the Bayelsan child against molestation and abuse.

The leadership of the House, at the one-day public hearing in Yenagoa, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, European Union, EU, United Nations Office on Drugs and crime, UNODC, Bayelsa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Bayelsa Child Protection Network, said that the public hearing was a critical

requirement as it would enable the public to scrutinize the bill before it is passed into law.

Chairman, Joint Committee of the House on Judiciary and Justice and General/Social Development, Bernard Kenebai, who declared open the hearing, said that though the proposed Child Rights Bill had undergone several processes of scrutiny, including first and second reading on the floor of the House, the public hearing will ensure that the bill gets speedy passage with inputs from critical stakeholders.

He said: “The UNO and the AU, in the interest of the child,

developed the Convention on the Right of the Child, CRC, and Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, CRWC, in November 1989 and July 1990 respectively.

The purpose of these instruments is to establish a universal template (comprising standards and principles) for the handling of child based issues.

“Nigeria domesticated the CRC in 2003 with the passage of the bill by the National Assembly and subsequent accent by the President. With issues of child rights being in concurrent legislative list, the baton was handed over to the state Houses of Assembly to do same putting into consideration their localities and peculiarities."

Okowa charges Works Ministry, DLA on repairs of Sapele-Benin road

By Perez Brisibe

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OVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, yesterday, charged the state Ministry of Works and Direct Labour Agency, DLA, to fashion out ways of addressing the failed portions of Sapele-Benin Road.

The governor who handed down the charge while inspecting the rehabilitation/ overlay of Jeddo-Ughoton Road in Okpe Local Government Area of the state, described the road as vital to the southern part of the country.

Despite being a federal road, Okowa lamented the plight of road users on the failed portions of the road and directed the state Ministry of Works and DLA to come up with estimates to enable the government intervene in the reconstructing of the failed portions.

Rivers youths protest Wike's alleged hate speeches in Ogoni

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HOUSANDS of youths from Rivers South-East senatorial district, yesterday, took to the streets of Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, in protest over the recent alleged hate speeches of Governor Nyesom Wike against their prominent sons and leaders.

They said that their peaceful walk was in pursuit of Ogoni non-violence struggle.

The protesters who came from all the seven local government areas that make up Rivers South East senatorial district, carried placards with inscriptions, such as, “Wike, leave Magnus Abe alone,” “Wike, stop bringing guns to Ogoni,” “Concentrate on governance, Wike,” Wike, go and campaign in Ikwerre, respect Abe and Barry Mpigi.”

Addressing the protesters, deputy national secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Oji Ngofa, said that the people of the senatorial district, and Ogoni ethnic nationality in particular, have suffered enough of divide and rule tactics, pointing out that hate speeches and instigation of crisis by external forces had caused a lot of pains to the people of the district.

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14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3 , 2016

AGATU-IDOMAS FROM BENUE STATE PROTEST MASSACRE OF THEIR RELATIVES AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ABUJA, YESTERDAY. Photos by Gbemiga Olamikan.

ANGUISH: Different shots of the Agatu Idoma people from Benue State protesting the killings of their relatives by F u l a n i herdsmen.

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HEN the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) appointed exInternational, Sunday Oliseh, as National Coach of the Super Eagles, to replace Stephen Keshi, in July 2015, an effusive Amaju Pinnick, the NFF Chairman, described the new coach, as the “Guardiola” of Nigeria. Oliseh was going to do to Nigerian football, what Pep Guardiola had done to Barcelona FC. Oliseh’s relationship with the football authorities was always loaded with controversy, dating back to when he captained the national team. Oliseh had a very arrogant and impatient streak that was likely to be a source of tension with the senior players in the national team.

The most capped Nigerian player, skipper and goalkeeper, Victor Enyeama ran into a headwind with the new coach. He retired from the national team, as well as striker Emmanuel Emenike. Things did not go as people had hoped, with the coach.

He took Nigeria’s home-based players to the CHAN tournament in Rwanda, and could not get out of the preliminary rounds.

Nigerians were shocked! And in response, Sunday Oliseh posted an online response, in which he described his critics as “insane”.

Just a few months down the line from his much-publicised appointment, things seemed headed for the rocks.

Unhealthy backdrop The NFF was scandalised by Oliseh’s rude online statement they seemed to have made up their mind to fire him, but the sports minister stopped the NFF from carrying out the sack. There is an important game coming up against Egypt, which might determine Nigeria’s participation in the next African Cup of Nations tournament. We had failed to qualify for the last tournament.

And the rocky relationship with the coach was certainly an unhealthy backdrop against which to prepare for the game.

The NFF wanted the coach to present his plan to the Technical Committee, but the coach would not. There was a directive sacking Tijani Babangida from the technical team around coach Oliseh, which he disagreed with.

And as usual, there were arguments about salaries owed the coach and members of his technical team. Stories surfaced that Oliseh’s Belgian assistant was even begging for a backlog of payments in order for to take care of an ailment. Sunday Oliseh was also refusing to return home arguing that he wanted to stay abroad to monitor players.

It was within this whirlwind of controversies, that Sunday Oliseh announced his resignation at the weekend. He was barely eight months in the job. A short but very controversial tenure ended in an acrimonious divorce between the coach and the NFF. Nigeria’s football is the worse for it!

Reports emerged this week, that the NFF accused Oliseh “tricking (it) into paying his C M Y K

Coach Sunday Oliseh: Our ‘Guardiola’ abandons ship salaries only to jump ship with less than a month to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Egypt in Kaduna”! That must be one of the most incredible statements I have read in recent times, but it just went to underscore the depth of rot in our football.

There was no indication that the

NFF leadership had met to analyze Oliseh’s appointment in the first place; nor learnt critical lessons for the future. Lunacy has long been defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. The administration of Nigerian football has remained mired in controversy and sustained

accusations of corruption and the institution of an oligarchic system controlled by individuals who see football as the “Milch Cow”, extorted for their own personal ends. Those who genuinely love the sports, and have played for the country, and who can make a positive turnaround, like Segun Odegbami and Adokie

Amasieamaka, are not allowed to get the opportunity of leadership.

The spoils system central to the corruption, ineptitude and the gradual bastardization of the beautiful game in our country, continues to reign. This is actually the system that must be uprooted before we can take football back to where it should truly belong in Nigeria. When Sunday Oliseh, the muchvaunted “Pep Guardiola” of Nigeria, abandoned the leaky ship of Nigerian football, as the National Coach over the weekend, he exposed frontally, the depth of crack that they have been papering over for years. It was more than a pinprick for Pinnick (no pun intended!). If a root and branch reformation is not carried out in the administration of Nigerian football, the game will continue to lurch from crisis to crisis. That is the naked truth.

Nasir-Rufai: A day with the governor

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HAVE written many pieces about Nasir ElRufai’s near nine-month administration in Kaduna state.

I have very strong connection with Kaduna, the city and state.

I believed that Nasir El-Rufai, along with a group of other governors that I publicly endorsed, was certainly going to make a major impact on governance, over the next four years.

It is safe to restate that El-Rufai hit the ground running and over the past nine months, has set a pace that people around the country have admired. It was one of the first administrations to implement the TSA at the state level, thus discovering huge sums of money in accounts scattered in different banks over the years.

It was therefore interesting that El-Rufai could openly tell the people that his administration was not going to wait for the monthly Federal Allocations before paying salaries. The administration’s most ambitious programme must be the Schools Feeding Programme, which I have written about and which has been at the heart of discourse because of the teething problems of implementation.

Problems of implementation Last Friday, for the first time, since he was elected and swornin as governor, I was finally able to visit Nasir El-Rufai in his office at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna. On the morning I visited, he has just signed two bills into law: The Kaduna State Tax (Codification and Consolidation (Law) and the new Pensions Law. The new tax law consolidates all taxes payable in Kaduna state in one law and in one document.

While the new Pensions Law opens up the way for a contributory pensions system in Kaduna, as against the old ‘payas-you-go’ system. In 2015, the government had uncovered a

pensions racket that was costing Kaduna N1. 3bn annually; while a verification exercise had removed 2, 484 ‘ghost pensioners’ from the payroll, leaving about 15, 781 pensioners in the system.

The tax reforms come against the backdrop of the painful fact that Kaduna does not generate or collect enough internal revenues to ensure the service delivery that the people deserved. And a study conducted by the Kaduna State House of Assembly had established that by 2025, the state’s entire revenues would barely satisfy pension liabilities!

This was the context which made the new laws very vital to the future well-being and the governance architecture of Kaduna. And in the nine months, the Executive has taken 20 bills to the House of Assembly, with nine already passed, including the two assented to, when I visited last Friday.

After the exchange of pleasantries with the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the House and other leaders of the state assembly, Nasir met a delegation of the ABU Alumni Association. In the meantime, I was waiting inside the sprawling office and taking in the remarkable ambience. The former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, had awarded the

Kaduna would arrive at a point when it would no longer depend on the monthly federal allocations for its services

contract for the new building, when he was governor. Of course, the construction of new government houses became one of the more controversial items of expenditure when civilian government returned in 1999. In many instances, state governors used these new government houses to fleece states of huge sums of money! It was after the meeting with the Alumni Association that I had the opportunity to sit and discuss with the governor. We examined the Schools Feeding Programme, and the problems highlighted by the media and other observers. He agreed that it was not smooth sailing, but any effort to feed about 1. 5 million children would likely face teething problems. He said it was a question of priorities.

Question of priorities Was the government going to begin feeding the children, or wait till all the schools had been fixed? Well, it chose to begin the feeding programme, while the schools were also being fixed: roofs; doors and windows; water and toilet facilities are being fixed in over 4000 schools in Kaduna.

And the furniture items are actually ready.

He had visited a school in Ungwar Sarki as well as Queen Amina College the previous day, unannounced. The children in the primary school sat on the floor as they ate; el-Rufai said he apologised to them and assured that soon as the schools were secured, the furniture would be put in place. At Queen Amina College, the children were happy about the quality of the food.

The state spends N314millon every week on the feeding programme. I asked where the money came from that went into that and other programmes of the government. El-Rufai assured me that his government was making tremendous effort to ensure that there were no frivolous expenditure; the entire

administration is making sacrifices to conserve funds and a regime of efficient collection of revenue is also being implemented. He believes that Kaduna would arrive at a point when it would no longer depend on the monthly federal allocations for its services.

Just that week, a whistle blower had assisted the government to discover about N1.5bn that was kept away in a bank! And that was a major vote of confidence in the work of the administration. We discussed several other issues of development, including the urban renewal project; the plan to construct a sports institute in Jere; the rehabilitation of mini stadiums in every local government headquarter.

To sum up, Governor Nasir ElRufai was quite proud that the feeding of 1.5million children, led directly to the employment of 17, 000 vendors, who in turn hire people to cook and serve food.

The 4, 000 primary schools in the state are being rehabilitated: toilets, water and the buildings as well as furniture will eventually be provided.

Secondary school students have been measured and are being outfitted with free school uniforms, and the tailors will be paid concurrently with delivery, once quality is assured. Teachers can now reach GL. 17, without leaving their classrooms as part of a programme to enhance career progression, while a massive training programme, in collaboration with many institutions has been worked out.

There are programmes in agriculture, healthcare, urban renewal, jobs creation, the creation of a Kaduna State Geographic Information Service, mas housing and so on. It was getting close to Juma’a and he had promised to pray in a mosque which starts its services earlier; I reminded Nasir of that, and I left his office, feeling assured that these would certainly become the best of times for Kaduna state!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 THESE certainly are not the best of times for former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, the tranquillity of Otuoke community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was shattered following the brazen abduction of the ex-President’s foster father and nephew by heavily armed gunmen.

The incident has created fear among the people.

Surprisingly, it was the second time in two years that the 72-yearold Chief Inengite Nitabai, a prominent figure and former lecturer at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, would be abducted. The kidnappers gained access to his residence through a nearby creek, a little distance from a military check-point. Two days after, the decomposing body of the nephew, Samuel Oki, 35, was found. Already, joint security forces are combing the creeks and other hideouts to fish out the perpe-

Kidnap of GEJ’s father, nephew trators.

Lately, both the federal and state governments have been grappling with the seeming intractable challenge of kidnapping across the country. Some notable citizens have fallen victim. A former President of the Nigeria Bar Association NBA, Chief Okey Wali (SAN) and one-time Secretary to the Government of the Federation cum expresidential candidate, Chief Olu Falae, were among those kidnapped. Despite series of arrests made so far, there is no let-up in the activities of the criminal gangs.

We, therefore, unequivocally con-

demn the kidnap of the septuagenarian uncle of ex-President Jonathan’s family and deeply regret the death of the nephew. The sheer criminality is a frightening reflection of the vulnerability of our leaders past and present, as well as their family members. If close relations of the country’s immediate past president could be abducted so cheaply from their homes, the situation calls for serious concern. It increases the vulnerability of ordinary Nigerians who have no one to look up to.

Former President Jonathan and his family, both nuclear and extend-

ed, deserve adequate protection at all times. Such individuals have become increasingly targeted by kidnappers. Unless something is done, we may wake up one day to hear that a former president of this country is in the den of kidnappers.

And if it can happen to Jonathan, it may happen to any of the former leaders.

Hence, we urge the security agents to intensify their efforts and get to the roots of the kidnapping syndicates. The kingpins must be identified and their criminal rings smashed. We call on the federal government to do everything within its means to reassure citizens of their safety.

Also, government at all levels should collaborate in finding solutions to the growing army of unemployed youths that the country is breeding. Without this being done, the rash of violent crimes will continue to skyrocket until it gets to a breaking point.

OPINION Anioma no nott par partt of Biafra

By Ben Etaghene

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HIS elastic agitation for the illusion called Biafara is rapidly snowballing into a painful anathema. But must this grow unguardedly or a final stop should be put to it? We fought a civil war which was decisively concluded with an agreement of “no victor, no vanquished”. That was universally acclaimed as magnanimous at the time. Nigerians of both “divide” then easily came together and assumed the worst was over.

Inspite of the early forgiving at home, outside the shores of this country, there were pockets of agitators for Biafra for commercial and selfish reasons. I recall in 1972 at the Suddeutsche Zeiting (South Germany Newspaper) my boss, Herrn Helmut Hess told me that the editor wanted to see me. In his office were some Nigerian Biafrans who were there to solicit for money to prosecute the war. I made it explicitly clear to them that the war had ended and the prevalence of peace in Nigeria then, which put paid to their request. Even as late as 1974 in Europe there were still pockets of Biafra sympathisers who played on the ignorance of “merciful” society foiled by Nigeria’s weak publicity outreach. This definitely allows for constant revisit to this so-called republic, perhaps buoyed by the poor governance that allows for cases of marginalisation, claims any section of Nigeria, in fairness can make.

The continuity of this selective primordial sentiment still prevails among a section of

many South eastern Nigerians particularly youths most of whom were born after the civil war, majority of them not grounded with the issues involved in the uprising except emotions and the love of adventure.

In one of their recent map, Biafra covered the whole of Anioma, Ukwuani Isoko even extending to some enclaves in Urhoboland.

This is an unripe imagination. Hence the prompt reaction of one Chief Tuesday Onoge, an Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) member and the recent clarification by the Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the status quo must be noted.

This is what many prominent Igbo leaders had not done though few had spoken out against this dream which died some 46years ago. What is missing in the current flag bearing outing for resurrection of a different homeland is the deep philosophical approach the originator of the dream, late Odumegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi invoked. What we are now seeing is an ephemeral periphery of the idea of a strong man who equally saw the end of his ambition and who made a timely retreat. None among those shouting now has half the charisma and oratory power of Ojukwu to whip up emotions and evoke followership for a course. The originator of dream saw the novalike movement of the Biafra project before all of them. And we are in a different era and time where this romanticism with adventure will fade away but for the socioeconomic disturbances.

The irony of the whole episode is traceable to government’s inaction. The Oromo people in Ethiopia had this same recurring secessionist demand. But with some strange wisdom they found their answer in the redrafting of a constitution which stipulated that any section of the country wishing to go away can get the right to do so in their national assembly with just a simple majority vote. That put paid to the Oromo demand for their own country. Our Chief Ben Nwabueze (SAN) was a party to the drafting of the new Ethiopian constitution. I had severally demanded for a clause of this type to be inserted into our constitution.

Late Chief Anthony Enahoro, the second man to move the motion for Nigeria’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, as his last major contribution also said same thing in his submission for a 19-state Nigeria. Since then the Federal Government of Nigeria under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan organised two national conferences without any attempt to find a final solution to this perenimal agitation. The National Assembly since 1999 till now has variously told the nation of the inadequacies in the nation’s constitution without any action to rectify them.

This same approach has equally been beamed on the need to diversify the economy to remove focus from the monolithic source of revenue which is crude oil without any practical move. But now with the price of oil hovering between S24 and S25 per a barrel, from over S100 a year ago, it needs a pragmatic approach, same thing the nation should have done about this simmering sentimentality about Biafra. Why must this

agitation become a regular issue to disturb the nation’s political clime. The United States of America fought a civil war. For 100years, the south were not allowed to rule that nation until ex-President Jimmy Carter emerged in 1976. Nobody ever raised his or her head to take their nation to that era again not to talk of expanding the land mass of their agitation. That in Nigeria, 46years after a new constant horizon of rebellion theatre unfolds shows that an action is needed to stop it once and for all. This is why the position of the Delta State governor,Dr. Okowa comes for commendation.

In a timely message to dispel claims of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPDB) that “Anioma Nation in Delta State belongs to Biafra Republic,” he equally decried the move to scrap Maritime University, Ekerekoko, Warri South West, LGA. With this the governor has delivered a serious burden of leadership. Okowa also stated that despite the corollary or similarity in language does not make them same because of the contiguous geography. He said, “Biafran agitation, we have criticised it.

Anioma land as it is said, from here, was part of Bendel State; it was part of Midwest Region. We were never part of the South East and obviously we cannot be said to be part of them. We may speak the same language, but we were never part of the South East.

We were part of the Midwest; we were part of Bendel. We are now Delta State and we are Deltans.” It cannot be more emphatic than this.

•Mr. Etaghene is the editorial director of The Bulletin, Sapele, Delta State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3 3,, 2016 – 19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

The #Ese Oruru abduction outrage

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CURSORY check of the outlines of the abduction of teenager, Miss Ese Oruru from her parents’ home in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State by one miscreant, Yinusa “Yellow” (what a befitting alias!) and her transfer to a hiding place in Kano immediately flooded my mind with the Chibok Girls saga. Let’s compare and constrast.

On the 14th of April 2014, Boko Haram Islamist terrorists invaded the Girls Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State and took away 276 final year students to an undisclosed location. A couple of days later, they showed videos of these girls (majority of whom were Christians) dressed in hijabs and reciting passages from the Muslim holy book, the Koran.

Their abductors claimed that they had been converted to Islam. In fact, the leader of Boko Haram at that time, Abubakar Shekau, boasted that he would “marry them off” or “sell” them.

Some of the girls who managed to escape from the den of the Islamist militants went home with bulging Boko Haram pregnancies.

In this extant case, Ese Oruru was thirteen when she was taken away from her parental home in August last year to Kano where she was forced into Islam preparatory to her being “married off” to her kidnapper, Yunusa. She was allegedly kept in the palace of the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who as an international figure, quickly denied it. The emir claimed that Ese was brought to his palace by the District Head of Kura last year. Apparently, Yunusa had approached the District Head to wed him and Ese, whom they had now renamed “Aisha Chuwas”.

According to Sanusi, he ordered that the underaged girl should be handed over to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 1, Tambari Yabo, for her return to her parents. He did not tell us how come it took seven months, yet the Police did not.

However, the story told by the girl’s distraught parents, Charles and Rose Oruru, was dramatically different.

According to them, Yunusa was a regular customer to the

family’s petty trade. That was obviously how, like a snake, Yinusa gained access to the tender rose. When the parents found out, they reportedly paid several failed visits to Kano to recover their stolen child.

There they were told that Ese had now become a Muslim, and her parents not being “believers”, were no longer qualified to have access to her.

They changed her age from thirteen to eighteen, and bragged that the parents would never see their child again “forever” because her abduction was allegedly ordered by Emir Sanusi.

Now enter the Nigerian Police into the matter, and please, don’t laugh.

Peter Babatunde Ogunyawo,the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, said when the case was reported to him he wrote to the palace of the Emir of Kano. He even said he wrote “several letters”, and unless something was done, he

If the whole nation had not risen to confront this matter, the Araseled Nigerian Police would have looked the other way while the constitutional rights of Ese and the Oruru family are brazenly, arrogantly and insolently raped without any consequence to the evil men behind it

The thrills and spills of public holidays

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T is yet too early to forget that the immediate past yuletide was bleak and dismal for the Nigerian workers.

They were thrown into the apparent state of melancholy perhaps because of the deliberate mismanagement of public holidays.

After the close of business on Tuesday, 22 December 2015, what started in the rumour-mill was finally confirmed on the NTA Network news at 9 p.m. – that 23 and 24 December 2015 had been declared public holidays – those Muslim holidays that normally come with the sighting of the moon.

After the Christmas and Boxing-Day holidays, which fell on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 December respectively, the next working day would have been Monday, 28 December. The Federal Government went ahead to shift the Boxing-Day holiday to that Monday.

To the Nigerian worker, that was a Greek gift. Up till now, nobody has offered any explanation for the shift. And because of the clumsiness, Federal and State workers – except Edo State where the workers got their pay before 22 December – did not receive their December salaries until far into January 2016.

These things happen all the time. On 3 May 2010, the Federal Government forced a compulsory public holiday on the entire nation. That year’s Workers’ Day fell on Saturday. Even where everything that needed to be done on the Workers Day – the match-past and the tough speeches – had been accomplished on Saturday, the Federal Government still shifted the empty holiday to Monday. Consequently, the April salaries got shifted far into May – all to the workers’ ordeal.

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engage in all forms of manipulations and political maneuvers.

One unholy trend is fast developing in Nigeria. Those private Secondary Schools that charge most exorbitant fees have also institutionalised mid-term holidays that sometimes extend beyond an entire week.

The motive here is profit maximisation and crude exploitation. Students are excited at long holidays without realising that their parents paid for teaching and learning, not for frivolous holidays. While the school authorities smile to the banks after raking millions of Naira from closing the boarding facilities for an entire week, the disruptive effect on the academic process goes to the students. There are really no alternatives to the traditional mid-term breaks that include only Friday and Monday.

Nothing in the foregoing vitiates the fact that the worker deserves holidays or periods of rest. Essentially, the institution of rest started with God Himself when, at creation, He worked for six days and rested on the seventh day.

Even at our local level, there is the popular mythology constructed around the need for rest. The farmer is forbidden from going to farm on Eken Market Day. Those who defy the order would run into evil spirits and eventually die.

The presidential inauguration day is merely the day the President assumes duty. Nowhere else in the advanced democracies is it observed as a National Holiday. May 28 should revert to a full working day

would write to the Commissioner of Police in Kano State. An offence that was committed seven months ago! Maybe Ogunyawo, who had barefacedly lied on live television that nobody was killed in Bayelsa during the recently concluded gubernatorial polls, was waiting for Ese, like the escaped Chibok girls, to contract her abductor’s pregnancy or even give him a baby before moving in to rescue a kidnap victim and bring the perpetrator to book.

Ogunyawo’s boss, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, appeared hopelessly impotent just like his Bayelsa flunkey. He responded to the outrage with hands thrown up in the air: “I can’t free Ese without Emir (Sanusi’s) help”. Since when did the Nigerian Police need the “help” of a traditional ruler to storm a kidnapper’s den, rescue a citizen and bring the perpetrator to book? Supposed the Emir refused to help, then the Police would drop the case?

Quite obviously! Ese’s father actually said so. What a vote of confidence for the Police! It was this same Arase who responded to the Agatu killings by armed Fulani invaders, saying the vandals were “not Nigerians”!

Was that an excuse for the failure of the Police and security forces to protect Nigerians from these barbarians killing, looting, kidnapping, displacing and destoying in communities all over the Middle Belt and the Southern states of Nigeria! So, “foreign invaders” are free to pillage the land?

Much heat has been wasted on the diversionary “interview” in which Ese allegedly said she was “happy” where she was kept.

Much as it is important to work, it is also imperative to create room for rest. Rest is so important that it comes in various forms in our lives: The breakfast and lunch breaks are necessary rest periods to replenish spent energy. The evening rest and sleep are designed to get us ready for the following day with renewed vigour and vitality. The weekend rest provides us with the opportunity to take care of personal matters.

The annual vacations in various establishments are longer periods of rest and release from the tension of work.

On the issue of public holidays, every nation has days that are of some historical significance to it. On such days, workers are not required to go to work. Some of the public holidays are predetermined and known right from the beginning of the year; while in the course of the year, events that require the declaration of public holidays prop up from time to time.

On the list of countries that have the least public holidays we have Israel, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom, with eight public holidays in the year. Portugal and Malta observe 16 and 14 public holidays respectively. Hong Kong tops the list with 20 statutory public holidays in the year.

It is difficult to place Nigeria, where public holidays have become a mathematical function of 10+x where 10 represents the statutory public holidays published in the official gazette and ‘x’ represents the mood of the government in power. In an Election Year, ‘x’ could claim 20 days in a single month – ranging from registration and re-registration of voters, collection of temporary and permanent voters’ cards; checking of names on the voters’ register to other preevent holidays.

That’s beside the issue.

She is a minor (though the kidnappers fraudulently claimed she was 18 to justify their evil deeds and protect themselves from being called pedophiles).

Ese, at 14, has no right to either choose a new faith or “marry” without the express consent of her parents. How does she even know she is “happy”? She does not know what many native Northern Muslim women go through at the hands of their male folks who, in most cases, treat them like expendable items.

To Yinusa, Ese was merely a trophy snatched from predominantly Christian Bayelsa and presented to the District Head, the Sharia Council and the Emir as a feat of personal herioc accomplishment.

If the whole nation had not risen to confront this matter, the Arase-led Nigerian Police would have looked the other way while the constitutional rights of Ese and the Oruru family are brazenly, arrogantly and insolently raped without any consequence to the evil men behind it. After all, it would not be the first time.

Miss Charity Uzoechina, daughter of a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was similarly abducted two years ago from her school, Federal Poly Bida, taken to the palace of the emir (Etsu Nupe), Islamised and kept away from her family. We were also told she was “happy” to be a Muslim. Till date, she remains in captivity. No one has rescued or returned her to her family. No one feels outraged!

Some disgruntled people say that Nigeria is a “slave camp” for for some Nigerians. Do you blame them?

Whichever way we look at it, too many holidays are counter-productive. Indeed, there is the strong belief that if a man rests too much, he would rest himself into laziness. A nation at work is a nation on the move – not the sleeping giant.

We must now begin to find ways of reducing our public holidays and redirecting our collective energies to more productive ends.

We got our nominal Independent from Britain on October 1. By that simple fact, October 1 remains our National Day and deserves to be a public holiday.

The presidential inauguration day is merely the day the President assumes duty. Nowhere else in the advanced democracies is it observed as a National Holiday. May 28 should revert to a full working day.

It would be recalled that in the President Olusegun Obasanjo years, we made a proclamation that no public holiday should be shifted from the day on which it falls. This has been observed only in the breach but our change mantra would be meaningless if we fail to give expression to such noble idea.

We can immediately reduce our public holidays by almost 50 percent. Christians should have no business with staying away from work on Id-el Maulud and other Muslim holidays. Similarly Muslims have no business observing Christmas and other Christian holidays. Let public holidays be confined to the adherents of the different religions. After all, the country is already united in more useful ways.

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

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Firm accuses CBN, NIBSS of suppressing N7.7trn stamp duty revenue

By Babajide Komolafe

charge for government (through a two year services agreement signed with NIPOST).

“Furthermore, NIBSS, during a joint press conference with SBH on January 4th 2013, openly promised to support the statutory charges for government, in line with CBN approvals letters to SBH, and was engaged as official sweeping agent on the project immediately “Quite sadly though, the three year delay by CBN was then utilised by NIBSS to: Introduce new N70 charge on electronic receipts below N500, 000; and increase by 300 percent, charges

T

HE School of Banking Honours (SBH) has accused the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) of suppressing N7.7 trillion Stamp Duty revenues for two years.

The Firm also called for the reversal of introduction of N50 stamp duty on electronic transfers, saying, this amounts to double charge.

Meanwhile, Bank customers in Lagos shunned the March 1st ‘No Banking Day’ protest called by the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON).

The School of Banking Honours (SBH) was appointed by NIPOST in 2012 to coordinate the collection of the Stamp Duty charge.

Briefing journalists in Lagos yesterday, Rector, SBH Mr. Adetola Adekoya, said that the N7.7 trillion represented stamp duty collected by NIBSS on electronic transfers from 2013 to 2014.

“SBH is alerting the Presidency and all good Nigerians to begin popular action for the recovery of the said N7.7 trillion from NIBSS/ CBN into the federation account while payment of agreed commission to SBH is effected”.

He said, “In 2012, NIPOST signed a Master Service agreement with SBH to coordinate collection of Stamp Duty on cash and cashless transactions. The CBN thereafter CBN issued approval and NoObjection letters to SBH , dated 5th November and 3rd December 2012, respectively, to engage banks and other financial institutions on the statutory

The N7.7 trillion represented stamp duty collected by NIBSS on electronic transfers from 2013 to 2014

N

igeria will start new talks with South African mobile phone operator, MTN, “very soon” to settle a dispute over a $3.9 billion fine but the final decision rests with President Muhammadu Buhari, the communications minister said.

Last week, MTN said it had withdrawn a lawsuit against Nigeria over the fine, which originally stood at $5.2 billion,

$2,878.00 -61.00

CURRENCY US DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

0. 17

$36. 13

-0.68

$33. 64

-0.04

BUYING

SELLING

196 196.5 274. 4392 275.1393 212. 758 213. 3008 196. 1962 196. 6967 1.7137 1.7181 0.3057 0.3157 271. 6019 272. 2947 29. 9164 29. 9931 52. 2388 52. 3721 28.5195 28.5922 270. 5388. 271. 229

on electronic receipts above N500, 000.

“Consequently, N IBSS is keeping N70 aggregate increased charges on electronic

transfers for 2013 to 2015, against CBN financial inclusion policy, stated in CBN approval letters to SBH. NIBSS is also keeping N70 aggregate increased charges on

electronic transfers against CBN directives for such charges to be remitted to government coffers on monthly basis, in CBN approval letters to SBH.

Nigeria to start new talks on $3.9bn MTN fine ‘very soon’— Minister 18 to reach a settlement, after

$111.35 -1.15 $14. 56

MEETING: From left: Liaison Manager, COTECNA, Mr. Ade Adeniran; Acting Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Paul Angya; Managing Director/ CEO, Intertek, Mr. Victor Faleye and GIS Contract Manager, SGS, Mr. Oyebode Emmanuel, during Angya's meeting with the Independent Accredited Firms (IAF), in Lagos.

197 275. 8394 213. 8435 197. 1972 1.7225 0. 3257 272. 9876 30. 0699 52.505 28.9191 271. 9191

CBN Exchange rate as at 02/03/2016

and aimed for a settlement. MTN was fined for failing to d i s c o n n e c t unregistered SIM users and has paid $250 million toward a settlement.

“It is (now) for government to meet with them and conclude negotiations,” telecommunications minister Adebayo Shittu told Reuters, the first reaction from the ministry.

MTN shares, which had been down 2.8 percent on Wednesday, trimmed losses after the comments although they were still down 1.8 percent. Shittu said P r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari

would make the final decision on any settlement over the penalty. “It is within his power and jurisdiction to do that if he feels that it would be in the interests of Nigeria to so do,” he said.

The issue could come up when South African President Jacob Zuma visits Nigeria next week for talks with Buhari. Nigeria has been trying to halt the widespread

use of unregistered SIM cards, fearing they are being used for criminal activity, including by the militant Islamist group Boko Haram. Last week MTN, which makes 37 percent of its sales in Nigeria, said it would withdraw its court challenge in an effort to reach an amicable settlement and make a “good faith payment”.

A judge in Lagos last month gave both parties until March

MTN had asked the court to arbitrate over the dispute, saying the Nigerian telecoms regulator had no legal grounds to order the fine.

The fine came months after Buhari took office last May following an election campaign in which he pledged to impose tougher regulations and fight the corruption that had stunted development in Nigeria.

Arla to invest in local dairy production

A

RLA Foods, makers of Dano Milk and Lupark Butter has indicated interest to invest in local dairy production in Nigeria and to share knowledge about agricultural practices and other aspects of dairy production that will improve the local raw milk production and quality in the country.

The purpose is to contribute to a sustainable dairy sector development and growth in Nigeria.

The commitment was given by Steen Hadsbjerg, Head of Arla’s regional office in Sub Saharan Africa at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, during the visit of a Danish business delegation to Nigeria. The visit was arranged by the Danish Min-

istry of Foreign Affairs.

According to Hadsbjerg, the move will contribute to the sustainable development and growth of Nigeria’s dairy sector.

“In order for Arla to have a long-term successful business in Nigeria, it is important that we engage in the development of the local dairy sector.

The Nigerian government looks very positively on the companies that commit to taking a local responsibility and help create a better balance between imported and locally produced dairy products in the market,” says Steen Hadsbjerg.

He disclosed that Arla was already in talks with specific local farmer groups to commence

partnerships in which Arla can invest and contribute with know-how and insights to help improve the local dairy production in Nigeria.”

According to Hadsbjerg, “Nigeria is one of the biggest markets for dairy products in Africa.

For Arla to succeed in Africa, we must succeed in Nigeria. The population is growing at a rate of two to three percent per year, and people are young, ambitious and increasingly well educated.”

The Memorandum of Understanding is a natural consequence of Arla’s engagement in “The Milky Way to Development”, an alliance lead by CARE to develop a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable market for milk in West Africa.

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 23

PDP: As

Sheriff settles down TWO weeks ago, it appeared as if the Peoples Democratic Party was going to burst at its seams when the National Executive Committee of the party announced the election of the former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as its chairman. Even by the notorious standard of the PDP, it was one decision that shocked even the most optimistic of the party’s supporters as many critics believed that it was the final nail on the coffin of the party •Sheriff

By Ben Agande

E

XPECTEDLY, many people who apparently and justifiably did not understand the rationale behind bringing in a former Board of Trustees Chairman of a rival political party to be the chairman of a party in opposition that is struggling for survival rose up in arms against the choice of the party’s NEC. The criticism was as torrential as it was strident. From the Board of Trustees to other nascent groups like The Rescue Group and the PDP Former Ministers Forum, the opposition appeared as if it was going to overwhelm the two-term governor of Borno state.

Pragmatic assessment But a combination of deft political moves, compromises and pragmatic assessment of the over all impact of a prolonged crisis in the party made for a middle of the road settlement.

After taking the move himself by reaching out to all the aggrieved parties, Senator Sheriff, whose appointment was a product of the governors of the party, found refuge in the protective cover of the governors.

So when the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the leader of the PDP caucus in the National Assembly convened a meeting of all critical stakeholders and some aggrieved members, it was obvious that the bile that had followed the emergence of Sheriff was no longer going to be potent.

Not surprisingly, when the governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko announced after the meeting that a truce had been reached, and even members of the BOT who less than twenty-four hours earlier were vehement in their opposition against Sheriff, had accepted to work with him as the national chairman of the party, it became obvious that the cyclone of opposition that greeted his emergence had ended up as a storm in a tea cup.

And taking advantage of the leeway offered by the temporary truce, Sheriff threw his weight fully to the job. Fully aware that his stay in office is just for three months, Sheriff is determined to make a difference, knowing that in the fluid nature of politics, no agreement is cast in iron that cannot be renegotiated.

As a first step, Senator Sheriff appointed some of his trusted and reliable aides to help him in the daunting task of making a difference.

He announced his onetime commissioner, Inuwa Bwala, a consummate journalist as his Special Assistant on Media while another of his trusted aides, Hon. Shettima Shehu, a former member of the House of Representatives, was appointed the Special Assistant to the National Chairman on Special Duties.

But beyond the appointment of personal aides, Senator Sheriff has set about reorganizing the secretariat of the party which was moribund after the crushing defeat of the PDP in the last election. Unlike four weeks ago when the PDP secretariat was a

ghost of its former bubbling self, Senator Sheriff has injected a new lease of life to the secretariat.

He has become the rallying point for despondent members of the party who have seen in him, a spirit of rejuvenation and renewal.

For many members of the party that already saw themselves as a flock of sheep without shepherd, Sheriff’s emergence provided a rallying point, and members have started trooping in once again.

Last Thursday, prominent leaders of the party from across the country opened the floodgates of visits that has become a daily occurrence since Sheriff’s tenuous hold on power was strengthened by his acceptance by the Board of Trustees members.

no other way for him to be reassured that he is fully in charge, even if for just a short period.

From individual pledges, state organs of the party have keyed into the new leadership of the party to pledge their loyalty. The Benue state executive council of the party led by its chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo was among the first to pledge loyalty.

The significance of Dr. Agbo’s visit is not so much that he led members of his executive to pledge loyalty to the chairman, but the fact that he is the

Founding fathers

Platform of the party While the former chairman of DAAR Communications, Raymond Dokpesi and the former governor of Imo state, Achike Udenwa came individually to pay homage to the PDP chairman, former members of the House of Representatives under the platform of the party since 1999 came together to pledge their loyalty to the new chairman of the party. Former deputy speaker of the party, Chief Emeka Ihedioha led the over thirty members of the group to visit the chairman.

For a man who was not a member of the party when most members of the house that came to visit him held sway, there was

chairman of state chairmen of the party sends a strong message that perhaps, the earlier dissension against the emergence of Sheriff was at the point of being overcome.

For Sheriff, the present assignment as the chairman of the PDP has the potentials of rewriting his political history.

He has sufficiently reawakened the consciousness of the members of the National Working Committee of the party, most of whose members had stopped going to the office before the emergence of Sheriff. His emergence has once again brought the PDP back to national discourse, even if for negative reasons.

Unlike four weeks ago when the PDP secretariat was a ghost of its former bubbling self, Senator Sheriff has injected a new lease of life to the secretariat

Even though some of his predecessors had tried, without success to woo back members of the party who had left in disenchantment, Senator Sheriff has set in motion machinery to bring back some founding fathers of the party who left in frustration.

With only three months in office, Senator Sheriff has a Herculean task ahead of him. He is saddled with the responsibility of organizing the national convention of the party.

How he can do this and how the result is accepted or otherwise by the generality of the members of the party will determine to a large extent, whether his name will be written in the credit or debit side of history of the PDP.

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

17 Southern governors wives storm Owerri for 2-day summit

O

By Chidi Nkwopara

WERRI—BARRING any unforeseen circumstances, the wives of 17 Governors of the Southern states of the country will storm Owerri, Imo State capital today, for a two-day summit.

According to a press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Imo State Governor, Mr. Sam

Onwuemeodo, “the governors whose wives are expected to attend the convivial parley in Owerri are those of Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Rivers and the host, Imo.” While recalling that Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha was last January, elected by her

colleagues to chair the body, Onwuemeodo also disclosed that “the Owerri meeting would discuss issues that would add tremendous values to the progress of their respective states, the Southern part of the country and the nation generally.”

The CPS also said that this was the first time in the history of the country that the wives of

the governors of the 17 Southern states would be coming together to brainstorm, in the overall interest of the area and the nation at large.

“The wife of the President, Hajia Muhammadu Buhari, had also given nod to the arrangement in the spirit of the new dispensation of taking power back to the grassroot”, Onwuemeodo said.

Abia lawmakers deny plot to impeach Speaker •Say there is no rift in Assembly U

By Anayo Okoli

MUAHIA—ABIA State House of Assembly has said that there is no rift among the lawmakers and there was never an attempt to impeach the Speaker, Chief Martins Azubuike.

The position of the House followed widespread speculations in the state that there was serious bickering among House members and that some powerful members of the House had made attempts to impeach the Speaker.

But in a swift reaction, Tuesday, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe denied existence of any form of rift in the House, saying, “the House is together and intact” and blamed the speculation on the opposition.

According to him, since the inauguration of the House, members had never raised their voices angrily let alone have any issue that would warrant contemplating the impeachment of the Speaker, who he said has been carrying all members

along.

“The leadership of this House is intact, we are together. We hold our regular meetings. We are making laws, we work together. There is no crisis here, there was never any plan or attempt to remove the Speaker,

remove him for what? This is the handiwork of the opposition,” Ndukwe said.

Ndukwe, seen as one the powerful members of the House and who is also the Committee Chairman of Information, said

the impeachment rumour was attributed to the occasion when he led PDP members of the House to meet Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to rejoice with him after his Supreme Court victory.

VISIT: Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State (right) and Owerri District Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Rev. M.O Ashiele, when he led other leaders of the Church on courtesy call to the Governor in Owerri.

Abia govt moves to curb flooding in Aba

A

By Eric Ugbor

BA—DETERMINED to rid Aba the commercial nerve city of Abia State of over flooding especially during the rainy season, the state Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has promised to recover all the natural water basins in Aba, including IfeObara basin on Omuma road to curtail perennial flooding in the city.

Ikpeazu who made the promise during an unscheduled visit to the natural water basins and channels in Aba solicited the help of residents to make the effort worthwhile.

The governor warned people who have built houses on the path of run-off water to take whatever they have put on the way of the water or lose them.

Ikpeazu who spoke to the Ariaria residents in Osisioma Local Government Area said that he would do everything to ensure that Aba residents were

no longer troubled by needless floods.

He said: “Whatever construction we are doing is consuming a lot of money on Old Express and Faulks Roads.

The contractor on Faulks road is Setraco and it is costing a lot of money – almost half of the

entire money earmarked for road construction in the year.

“We do not want to use a contractor who is not very good hence our choice of Setraco. But whatever Setraco does, if residents refuse to allow the water to follow its natural channel to Ife-Obara , all our efforts will be

in vain. I am saying that we plan to recover all the land around here which is part of this Ife-Obara water basin and dredge it to take away storm water from around this area. Then we can think of channeling what is left in this area to Water-Side,” he said.

Gov Bello sues for peace over Kogi/Anambra land disputes

By Boluwaji Obahapo

L

OKOJA—GOVERNOR Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has called on warring communities in Ibaji Local Government Area of the state who are fighting with other neighbouring communities of Anambra State to choose the path of peace until the dispute is settled by the Federal Government.

Bello stated this yesterday in Lokoja when Ibaji

Community Development Association paid him a visit over the appointment of their son, Chief Simon Achuba as Deputy governor of the state.

The governor who commended them for the visit said with the steps taken so far by the Federal Government, a solution to the boundary disputes is almost reached.

On the disputed oil well in Ibaji, the governor explained that effort will be made to ensure that the matter is amicably

resolved.

Bello also said he has already set up a committee to go around the various local government areas of the state to look at what is lacking in some places which requires government interventions in order for him to prioritise his programme.

Earlier, President of the association, Chief John Iyaje Ojih who commended the governor for appointing their son as deputy governor, said the appointment is first of its kind.

ANAMBRA CENTRAL:

Obiano's wife drums support for Umeh

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—THE wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano has called on the people of the zone to vote for the candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, for the Anambra Central senatorial re-run election, Chief Victor Umeh.

The election was postponed indefinitely by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, following a ruling by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja directing the commission to include PDP in the rerun.

Umeh has, however, continued to campaign for the election and during his visit to Amawbia in Awka South Local Government Area, Mrs. Obiano urged the people to vote for the APGA candidate because he would give the zone adequate representation in the senate.

Addressing a campaign rally at Eziokpala-Igwe Square, Amawbia, Mrs. Obiano observed that the people of the area have been supporting the present administrationinthestateandhoped that they would express the support more by voting for Umeh.

....As Sen Achonu decries delay in Imo North re-run polls

A

By Henry Umoru

B U J A — S E N AT O R Athan Achonu, a Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for Imo North senatorial district re-run election has described as embarrassing, the continued postponement of the election for the zone by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Sen. Achonu who expressed concern over the development, said the reason given by INEC was confusing.

Addressing his supporters in Abuja after a meeting with the national chairman of INEC, Mahmoud Yaqub, Achonu who saidtthecommissionhasassured him that the election would soon be conducted, stressed that the earlier reason given for the postponement wasnotadmissible,said:“Wejustleft INEC headquarters, we had a meeting with INEC national chairman, with PDP leadership in attendance. We have been assured that we shall have election within 90 days."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 03 16 —25 03,, 20 2016

Tension in ports over fate of 3,700 dockworkers

By Victor Ahiuma-Young WEDNESDAY, January 20, 2016, stakeholders in the Maritime sector met with officials of the Ministry of Transportation, Abuja, to discuss the vexed issue of Tally Clerks and On-Board Gangway Security men.

At the meeting presided over by the Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, Labour Vanguard gathered were attended by officials of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, terminal operators, stevedoring contractors, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, among others.

It was gathered that the meeting acknowledged the end of the contract of the Stevedoring contractors supervising the activities of over 3,700 Tally Clerks and OnBoard Security men, since their contract was for a renewable 10 years period.

Labour Vanguard was informed that before the close of the meeting, the Minister promised to take the issue of the continued engagement of these categories of workers or not, to President Muhammadu Buhari for decision and final directive.

However, about four days later, unconfirmed reports claimed the Minister had given approval to the management of NPA to disengage the workers.

Restiveness and apprehension This development has thrown the ports into restiveness and apprehension as the union has made it clear that on no account will it accept the sack of the workers or as a consequence the ports will be shut indefinitely.

MWUN, which questioned the source of report, insisted that there was no way the Minster could have given such approval knowing the implications of throwing no fewer than 3,700 workers into the saturated job market.

The union accused NPA of planting the report in its desperate bid to stop the retention of the Tally Clerks and On-Board Security men in favour of the cargo surveyors it (NPA) allegedly brought into the system through the back door.

MWUN had since petitioned all relevant agencies and though the Minister is yet to make an official statement on the matter, the sector has remained tense because the matter is like a time bomb waiting to explode.

On Monday, February 22, the President of Dockworkers' branch of MWUN, Mr. Adewale

•Aggrieved ports workers during a protest Adeyanju, at a meeting with District officials of the union, warned against unapproved industrial action over the issue as threats and rumours of strike continue.

Legality of tally clerks, onboard security men: Before the January 20 meeting, Labour Vanguard gathered that stakeholders were asked to present a position paper on the matter to support their stance.

In its presentation to the Ministry of Transportation, MWUN through its Secretary General, Aham Ubani, detailed the legallity of the jobs of Tally Clerks and On-Board Gangway Security men dating back to Decree 13 of 1979, Nigeria Dock Labour Decree Number 37 of 1999, establishing Joint Dock Labour Industrial Council, JODLIC, section 32(a) of the Nigerian Maritime Labour Act of 2003, establishing Joint Maritime Labour Industrial Council, JOMALIC and section 27 (a) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Act of 2007.

According to him, one of the functions of NIMASA as defined in the Act “is to register and maintain a register of every dockworker, seafarer, stevedoring company and seafarer employer, jetty terminal operators as well as offshore platforms of terminals.”

Registered dockworkers: Ubani explained that at the moment, NIMASA maintained a list of registered dock workers including tally clerks and onboard ship security men, saying the “registration of every dock worker in section 27 (a) above implied those in

various occupational category of labour force including tally clerk and onboard Security men. The duties of dock workers including Tally Clerks and Onboard Security men are statutory.

"The statutory character connotes a monopoly i.e. dock work is exclusive for those registered by the Agency charged with the regulation of the condition of service of dock workers (Section 27 (b) of the NIMASA Act 2007.) By implication, the so called cargo surveyors of NPA or any other unregistered persons are not known under NIMASA Act which regulates Maritime Labour “activities in Nigerian Ports hence are not permitted by law to perform the role of registered Tally Clerks.”

No unregistered person can assume the functions of tally clerks since they are not included as part of Dock Labour force in accordance with any Nigerian labour law and policy

He contended that "the registration of the Tally and Onboard security men is statutory which could only be revoked on the following statutory conditions - (i.e.) in section 27 (2) The NIMASA Act 2007 states that the Agency shall have power to discipline, suspend, cancel or revoke the permit, approval licence or certificate of any dockworkers who contravene the provisions of this Act."

Professional experience The duties of Tally Clerks and Onboard security- men cannot be substituted with unregistered persons who neither possess the professional experience of tallying nor have any known equipments for measuring solid cargoes. In the Nigeria Labour Laws and Policy, Tally Clerks and Onboard Security activities are classified as dock work in accordance with the classification tenure of ILO, Dock work Conventions 1973 (No. 137) which Nigeria has ratified.

According to him, by implication, “no unregistered person can assume the functions of Tally Clerks since they are not included as part of Dock Labour force in accordance with any Nigeria Labour Law and Policy."

Functions of tally clerks, onboard security men: Explaining why these workers are important in the ports, MWUN’s scribe said among others: “Tallying services are for

the benefit of the ship, the cargo owners, the ports and indeed the nation. It is through physical recording of cargoes that discrepancies can be detected. It is through Quay Apron Tallying that undeclared tonnage can be detected in the interest of national economy.

NPA collects records of the Tally Clerks by which it calculates cargo through-put on which its final Bills are based.

“The independent Tallies generated by the Cargo Tally Clerks are the evidence of imports and exports through Nigerian Sea Ports and can be used for the purpose of correct amount of foreign exchange Remittance/Transfers by Nigerian Banks in the Nigerian International trade activities," he explained.

Interest of the consignees For the onboard security men, he explained that “they keep watch over cargo against “Wharf-rat” who may be involved in stealing on-board the vessel, in the interest of the consignees, and the nation.

They prevent unauthorized entry on-board the ship e.g. the ship stowaways. On a number of occasions, the onboard security men have caught and stopped illegal aliens and stowaways onboard. “The registered onboard Security men are the only security operatives that keep night and day watch over the ship, her cargo and movement of human traffic in and around the vessel day and night. security in line with the ISPS code, on behalf of the nation,” he averred.

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016—27

By Josephine Agbonkhese & Anino Aganbi

G

ONE are days when fast foods were strictly for pleasure. In today’s fast pace world where everyone appears inevitably in a rat race, meals from fast foods restaurants have become the quickest and most convenient means of filling the stomach, especially amongst well-to-do families who find local food joints otherwise known as “mama put” or “bucca” unsuitable.

No thanks of course to industrialization, traffic jams in large cities, economic depression amid growing financial burdens, and growing aspirations amongst women, which, in various homes, now translate into families enjoying less of healthy, home-cooked meals.

Home-cooked meals Not to mention children being deprived the chance to healthy growth at a time when they should develop all roundbody, brain, cells, etc.

Comprising largely of junk foods, an expert says fast foods can be dense in calories, sugar and salt, and therefore, cannot be considered nutritious, especially as they tend to trigger obesity in children; a major problem presently facing the United States for example.

Reports say about one in three American children and teens is overweight or obese, making childhood obesity the No.1 health concern among parents in the United States. More so

Fast food mums, child nutrition and right choices

“I however try to balance what I buy them each day.

Meanwhile, they always eat home-cooked meals for dinner because I cook and store in the refrigerator at weekends,” Ama said frankly.

What’s in a serving of fast food?

According to a nutritionist and Belgium-trained food scientist/technologist, Mrs Ijeoma Ugwu, one serving of fast food already contains the required daily intake of salt, sugar and fat; so, by the time you eat your home-cooked meal later, you would have been over-eating.

“That’s why when you look around, especially in gatherings where there are

is the fact t h a t obesity is causing a broad range of health problems- high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol level, that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. There are its psychological effects of- low self-esteem, negative body image and depression. More children are gradually becoming obese in Nigeria too.

In fact, to think that with fast food, it’s impossible to exercise control over ingredients used and how much is used, the immediate environment where food is cooked, what oil is used, etc., makes the benefits of home-cooked meals

inexhaustible.

But do mums feel guilty about their inability to constantly feed their child with good, nutritious home-cooked meals?

“I sincerely feel guilty sometimes, but I really can’t help it. Even when I make resolutions every now and then about cooking before I go to bed so my children can take them to school, I get too tired to stick to them,” a middle-aged

engineer t o l d Wo m a n ’ s Own. With Ama, an Abuja-based banker, it’s even more interesting.

“I won’t lie; it’s not easy surviving as a mum these days with career and house chores.

Hence, I order both breakfast and lunch from a trusted fast food restaurant for my children.

wellto-do p e o p l e , you’ll notice children are getting more obese than ever before. It is quite alarming but the truth is that our children are getting an excess of what they need daily simply because they overindulge in fast foods and still top-up with home-cooked meals.

Unhealthy practices

Recommended portions for kids aged 5-11 W

HILE children 5-11 are not always the most active children, they are the ones most vulnerable to malnutrition as they cannot prepare or buy food for themselves. As children grow and become more active, the quantity of food they eat will increase.

Offer a variety of nutritious foods from all food groups and encourage your child to eat until comfortably full.

Parents and caregivers should be role models of healthy eating. Eating together as a family has been shown to improve healthy food choices, lifestyle habits and overall health in young children and preteens.

Fruits and vegetables: 5-6 servings per day.

Hints: - At least one dark green and one orange vegetable - Fresh, frozen or canned are okay.

- Prepared with little or no added fat, sugar or salt.

- Limit juice to one serving a day (125 mL / ½ cup)

Grains: 4-6 servings per day Hints:

-Choose whole grains at least half of the time.

-Choose grains that are lower in fat, sugar or salt

Milk and alternatives: 2-3 servings per day

Hints: -Depending on age, 2 to 4 servings of milk

or fortified soy beverage will help meet vitamin D requirements

Meat and alternatives: 1-2 servings per day -Have meat alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu more often.

-Eat at least 2 servings of fish per week.

-Choose lean meat and alternatives prepared with little or no added fat or salt

Oils and fats: 2-3 tablespoons

28—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

The world’s most powerful woman? on the federal level.

Continues from page 27 Fast food meals, Ugwu explained, can be marred by unhealthy use of oil, temperature abuse and lack of regulation.

“There is generally no check on operators. Nobody checks what oil is used. In fact, from my discovery, an oil can be used more than eight times. Such oil has already undergone degradation and could carry a lot of free fatty acids already. That’s why you find so many free radicals in the body when you overindulge in them.

Te m p e r a t u r e abuse “Also, there is temperature abuse. Frozen chickens for example could be left outside the freezer for hours and then put back into the freezer. That’s plenty of room for contamination of food. So, with fast food, there is high tendency for food to get contaminated either through temperature abuse or non-hygienic practices, because the sole aim is just to make money.

Regulation However admitting that fast foods provide the convenience needed to cope in a fast-pace society such as ours, Ugwu suggested the need for regulation.

“Nobody checks anything and there’s no standard for whatsoever. In Europe now, if you have to keep foods at a low temperature, that freezer has to be at -180C. But here, who cares? And electricity is not even there to maintain that temperature.

“I’ve been opportune to see a fast food caterer prepare food. Do you know this guy buys the most substandard products in the market, even up to broken(esha) tomatoes?

Fast food

operators’ reaction Efforts to have fast food operators comment on the above allegations levelled against their products proved abortive.

A member of staff of Sweet Sensation who attempted speaking didn’t argue beyond: “Our foods are nutritious”. Although, he asked to be contacted a week later.

A Mr.Biggs’ operator who also spoke on anonymity denied that oils were used repeatedly.

Moderation, right choices While we still hope that mothers will someday do more home-cooking, a few measures could be taken to help manoeuvre around unhealthy choices so that children get the necessary nutrients.

Experts say moderation, as well as making right choices, should help.

“Endeavour to always add salad to your order. Choose local dishes sometimes because they incorporate a higher proportion of vegetables. Order water instead of soft drinks if you can’t have both,” an expert said.

“Sandwich and a cup of milk can also be a great choice for breakfast or lunch. Also learn to order appetizers.

More importantly, whatever your choice is, it’s best to not exceed a serving of fastfood meal a day,” Ugwu advised.

Some experts also say you can make a fast food stop a weekend treat only, and then engage your child in some energy-burning activities afterwards.

The possibility of having a woman in the White house has come now so close to us that those who have advocated and wished for it for decades can now literally taste it. The disappointment felt

by Hilary Clinton fans when she lost in the Democratic primaries to United States president Barrack Obama in the 2008 elections is about to be wiped away- that is if she makes history as being the first female leader of the free world.

And if the polls are anything to go by, she will trump her closest rival, Donald Trump.

Social Issues:

Clinton is a staunch supporter of legal access to abortions. As secretary of state, Clinton told a Congressional hearing, “Family planning is an important part of women’s health and reproductive health includes access to abortion.” But on gay marriage her stance has “evolved.” Clinton now supports samesex marriage. But she has acknowledged that this was not always her viewpoint.

Healthcare: Give the government

Hilary on issues Marijuana:

a role in setting insurance rates.

Expand Obamacare but do not attempt to create a universal healthcare system now.

“Wait and see” on overall legalization. Clinton in 2014 said she wants to see more studies and research, especially in states which have legalized marijuana, before forming her opinion

The former health care task force leader proposes a $250 monthly cap on out-of-pocket drug costs and

Doing the cleavage

By Josephine Agbonkhese & Anino Aganbi

Adunni Ade Cleavage: simply defiant!

Colour too loud and doesn’t compliment her shade.

Lovely make up, though, with nice and simple hairstyle.

Shoes are wow. This red, hot see-through gown which she wore to the AMVCA 2015 radiates far too much of her sexuality.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

a tax credit for families with large out-of-pocket medical costs.

Clinton also proposes that government should be able to block excessive health insurance hikes and supports the idea of universal health care in the long run, but thinks it is politically unfeasible and even detrimental to raise it now.

Immigration: Continue DACA and DAPA programs to waive deportation and expand them. Give undocumented residents a path to legal status.

Clinton voted for the 2007 plan endorsed by then President George W. Bush which ultimately died in the Senate. The Democratic candidate supports President Obama’s DACA and DAPA programs to waive deportation for those brought to the U.S. as children or who are the parents of lawful residents. She would close all private immigration detention facilities, allow the undocumented to buy into Obamacare and encourage states to offer in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants.

—29

Hilary’s Firsts If Hilary Clinton wins the November 8, 2016 elections, she will be the first individual to have been both first lady and president of any country.

1997—Hillary is the first First Lady (and first ever female politician) to win a Grammy Award, for 1996’s spoken-word recording of her book “It Takes a Village.” Unfortunately, plans for the requisite collaboration with Garth Brooks never materialize.

1998—Hillary is the first First Lady to make the cover of Vogue magazine.

1986— Hillary becomes the first woman appointed to the board of Wal-Mart, one of Rose Law’s clients.

2007— Hillary becomes the first woman to become a frontrunner for a major party’s presidential nomination.

Economic diversification, best option for women empowerment – Gender Advocates

By Caleb Ayansina & Funmi Olasupo

T

Bisola Dakolo Cleavage: Just saved from being too much.

Wife of artiste Timi Dakolo, showed up at the AMVCA 2015 awards with her décolleté however loose. Helm a wee bit too long as her shoes never got the chance to peep.

Generally well accessorized though.

HE Nigeria - †Team Leader of the Market Development Programme in the Niger Delta (MADE), a project of the Department for International Development (DFID), Terry Lacey and other Gender campaigners, has said that the best way to ensure women and youth empowerment in the country is to diversify the economy.

Also, the Lead gender Adviser, Growth and Empowerment in States (GEMS3), Nkechi Nwankwo, maintained that the achievement of full human potential and Cleavage: top-notch! Lovely dress, great accessories but sustainable development would be a too much leg. Rukki rocked this knee-length blue gown to mirage, if more than half of a country’s the premiere of Beast of No Nation. population were denied of their rights and opportunities.

She insisted that the country still had a long way to go in terms of development, as women are not enjoyed equal opportunities with men for employment, leadership and decision-making at all levels.

The duo and other speakers, who spoke at a press conference to commemorate the year 2016 International Women’s Day with the theme; ‘Pledge for Parity’, in Abuja noted that the depressing statistics of gender gap in the country could only be addressed with cooperation of everybody and the institution of women oriented policy.

Terry further noted that diversifying economy remains one of the best ways to recognize role of women and youth in economic development.

He said to boost economy, activities of small producers like soap making, starch making, fishery, farming and other small scale businesses, who are mainly women must be given priority.

According to him, the country is presently facing economic hardship, “because the entire economy was concentrated on oil and importation, then, there was no priority given to the need of women empowerment.”

Terry maintained that the government’s attempt “to turn from oil economy to nonoil economy is one of the ways forward to encourage women and girls in economic production, especially in agricultural processing.”

Cleavage: What can we say? 10/10!

Nkechi disclosed that she and other Caroline sure has a flawless skin and her beautiful make partners had been able to intervene in some up more than makes up for the tacky hair. She stepped out areas like multiple taxation, business looking gorgeous in her pretty blue gown at the premier of registration, land reform among others Stalker which she co-produced recently. affecting women in the country.

Rukki Sanda

Caroline Danjuma

30—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

BY JOSEPHINE AGBONKHESE

Women behind Nigeria’s most influential pastors Pastor Mrs Faith Oyedepo

H

ER name resonates throughout the ministry of her husband, and though her style is uniquely simple, it is in no way ever devoid of class. Fondly called “Mama”, her sterling attributes as well as powerful voice heavily complement the efforts of her husband who ranks among the world’s wealthiest pastors.

Pastor Faith Abiola Oyedepo is the wife of Dr. David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.

Along with her husband of over three decades, Faith preaches in numerous nations of the world. She personally has a ministry targeted at families and homes, to which she has dedicated her life.

Her passion has been further strengthened by a recent health challenge which almost sniffed life out of her.

Today, she is back at Canaanland, preaching God’s word with more intense passion. Faith is a prolific writer and has authored several books.

Women are powerful and at the same time, can make or mar any man.

You can ask men like the Biblical Samson.

As such, for religious leaders who are saddled with the task of shepherding hundreds and even millions of congregation plus families, choosing the right woman is an essential as such woman must buy into their calling. In no particular order, Woman’s Own brings you the pillars behind Nigeria’s most influential men of God.

Margaret Idahosa

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HE widow of late Archbishop Benson Idahosa of the Church of God Mission,

A

I

FEYINWA is the wife of Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the General Overseer of the House on the Rock. A former beauty queen during her undergraduate years at the University of Lagos, motherhood has in no way changed her love for wow elements.

From stylish clothes to exotic shoes, fragrances and a customised number plate car, Ifeyinwa sure maximises to the fullest the power of personal appearance.

LTHOUGH much has been heard of Pastor T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, whose miraculous activities, prophetic utterances and charitable endeavours are viewed by millions via Emmanuel TV, little has been heard of family life, particularly his wife.

Evelyn is the unassuming woman behind Joshua.

Synagogue faithful say this woman is an amazing counsellor. She is also reputed

ONDLY called “Mummy G.O”, Folu Adeboye is a veteran teacher. The wife of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, she places premium on modesty. She has carved out a style for herself that has become hers. You’re always likely to see her mostly dressed in skirt suit and a hat to match. When adorning a traditional attire, she loves it simple.

What you’ll never catch Folu wear are makeup and jewellery.

She directs the Teen and Children Ministry and presides over the Good Women Ministry of the church, to complement her husband’s efforts.

Folu has authored several books.

T

H

ELEN is the wife of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, founder of Word of the Bible Church.

Nobody seems to spot a wide variety of wide hats like this beauty does. Like her husband, she loves the beautiful things of life. You may want to call that flamboyance.

Helen is the President-General of the Daughters of Sarah Fellowship and Chief Host of “Family tips” on the Daughters of Sarah Kitchen Corner TV programme and “Mama Helen and You”, a regular talk show on

A woman of many caps, she presides over the women’s arm of the church, Christian Women Fellowship International, CWFI; Benseon Idahosa University and much more.

“Mama”, as she is fondly called is style personified even as she continues to age gracefully.

Most adorable about her is the fact that she has remained faithful to her marital vows even after Idahosa’s death.

F

Nike Adeyemi

Helen Oritsejafor

Evelyn Joshua

Ifeyinwa Adefarasin

Archbishop Margaret BensonIdahosa is an excellent proof of the unlimited capability and potentials of a woman.

Since the demise of her husband in 1998, Margaret has crested in her heart his vision and pursued it vigorously, further taking the church to greater heights.

She is the first female Pentecostal Archbishop and has metamorphosed into one of Nigeria’s leading pastors.

Pastor Folu Adeboye

ABN Africa.

Along side complementing her husband’s efforts in the ministry, she runs the Eagle Flight MicroFinance Bank in Warri, Delta State. for her simple dress sense devoid of the sort of flamboyance akin to most of her counterparts.

She revealed a couple of years ago in an interview that her husband proposed to her when he first met her at the age of seventeen. Since then, the two love-birds have lived happily together, blessed with lovely and intelligent grown-up girls. Evelyn prefers to remain in the shadows supporting her husband whom she says she is lucky to get married to.

HIS woman is adored by many for her simple and humble disposition. She dresses moderately and classily.

The wife of Pastor Sam Adeyemi of DayStar Christian Centre, Oregun, Lagos and mother of three, Pastor (Mrs) Nike Adeyemi has grown into a very successful preacher through her support for her husband’s ministry. She dresses simply but creates that attractive ambience whenever she steps out.

The soft-spoken graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe where she studied Architecture co-heads the church that boasts of thousands of youths currently.

Nike is the founder of the Real Woman Foundation

Bishop Peace Mike Okonkwo

R

ESIDENT Pastor of the Headquarters Church of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM, and Proprietress of the Word of Power Group of Schools, Bishop Peace is a true virtuous woman married to Bishop Mike Okonkwo. She is founder, Rehoboth Homes and Skill Acquisition Centre; a place for stranded ladies.

She also founded the International Women’s Prayer Conference, IWPC, an interdenominational gathering of women that holds every month at the TREM HQ in Lagos. Her passion is giving hope to women and children around the world. She is also the founder of Women of Global Impact.

She is solidly giving a hugely supportive role to her husband.

Ibidun Ighodalo

U

NIVERSITY of Lagos graduate, Ibidun Ighodalo is married to Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the General Overseer of Trinity House.

Ibidun is a celebrity and one-time winner of the Miss Lux contest.

Her marriage to Ituah got the dark-skinned man sacked as a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Christ’s Church Parish, Gbagada, Lagos.

Alongside assisting her husband, she owns Elizabeth R, an upscale event planning outfit.

Ibidun also has eyes for fashion and could never be found wanting in that regard.

32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Cross section of JAMB candidates taking exams via CBT

Upsets, hiccups as 2016 UTME gets underway

By Amaka Abayomi, Tare Youdoewei & Elizabeth Uwandu

H

ITCHES such as server failure, not keeping to time, incorrect questions, power failure and candidates not printing out the right e-registration slips containing their centre/ registration numbers, threatened to mar this year’s edition of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME, turning what was supposed to be a twohour, 45 minutes exam to a fourhour exam.

The examination, which will run for 10 days, will have over 1.5 million candidates jostling for 800,000 admission slots in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. The security is being handled by officials of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps.

At the centre at Yaba College of Technology, which was supervised by the Coordinator, National Headquarters, Lagos annex of JAMB, Dr. Beatrice Okorie, only one of the180 candidates assigned to the centre was absent.

Okorie said; “though there was

UNIJOS trains farmers on improved farming methods

Page 33 C M Y K

no case of impersonation, most candidates flouted the rule that states that they should come with nothing other than their pens and e-registration slips. They came in as early as 8.30am on Saturday but the examination commenced at 12 noon due to a brief downtime with the Local Area Network (LAN) of the centre.”

While only one session of the examination held on Saturday, Okorie said there would be two or three sessions daily in various centres for the duration of the examination.

Examination malpractice The coordinators, ETC Nigeria Limited and Prime Innovation Institute of Technology exam centres, Mr. Olabode Idowu and Mr. Joseph Ebinum, both said their centres had no challenge save for a couple of late comers and those who came with the wrong e-registration slips. They added that the CBT has reduced, if not eliminated, the possibilities of examination

Gowon condemns high level education tourism among Nigerians

Page 34

malpractice.

Answers not in the options: Despite these comments, most candidates have nothing but complaints and regrets about the exams. Some candidates who wrote the exams on Monday said answers to some of the questions in the English Language test were not made available.

According to Basirat Jerah, whose centre was at the Yaba College of Technology; “The examination scheduled to commence at 6:30am started by 8:45am as a result of server failure, but the surprising aspect was that some of the questions in English Language were wrong as the answers were not in the options given. Only God knows what would become our fate as we pray JAMB officials

Questions 11-20 of the English Language paper were incorrect as the answers were not in the options; we only pray and hope this would be taken into consideration so as not to negatively affect our scores

would consider this when marking and grading us.”

Corroborating Jerah’s claims, Precious Ogunlele, who also wrote at the same centre, said: “Questions 11-20 of English Language paper were incorrect as the answers were not in the options. We only pray and hope this would be taken into consideration so as not to negatively affect our scores.”

When contacted, JAMB PRO, Dr. Fabian Benjamin said the portion in question is the comprehension part whereby they have to fill in the gaps.

He said: “You know these students are in a hurry to finish and most of them don’t take their time to go through the instructions.

Setting the questions Even some candidates in one of the centres I visited pointed it out to me and I had to explain to them that in comprehension, you have to fill in the gaps. I can assure you that JAMB didn’t make any mistake when setting the questions.”

Recounting the challenges faced at her FUNAAB centre, Chinyere Ugochukwu, a student who took UTME last year but is resitting this year because she didn’t get into her desired university, said; “It was a 500seater hall and we were given three hours, 30 minutes for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. Before the time was up, the invigilators told us to submit

so that the next set of students can write. Most of us were there before 6:30am, we waited till 10am, why were they now hurrying us even when the system had not logged us out?

“Some of the English options had errors and there was small server issue when submitting, but they assured us that it had been submitted. The biometric verification and CBT technology has eliminated cheating such that to ask questions in the hall is of no use because my own number two can be the next person’s 20, and nobody will leave their own computer to look at your own to help you solve equations. From last year’s experience, it made me sit up.”

Candidates cry foul over irregularities: A candidate who refused to give his name, said: “JAMB is insensitive to the plight of candidates because I don’t understand how they want us to pass when calculators are not allowed, no rough sheets and we have only two hours, 45 minutes to answer 250 questions which most of us are unable to answer due to server failure or generator breakdown.”

Network and power failure Another candidate, Ifeoma Josiah (not real name) whose centre was at Ocean Comprehensive School, Megida, Ayobo, said exams slated to start by 11am didn’t start until 7pm due to network and power failure.

Explaining why the examination started behind schedule, the JAMB Supervisor, Federal College of Education, Akoka, Mrs. Flora Usoh, said the students had to be examined and thumb- printed before the exam commenced. “That process takes time but aside that, the center has experienced no hassle as the students are writing and the systems are all working.”

Parents react: Mr. Elujoba Abiodun’s daughter was among the first set supposed to write the exam at 6:30am, but that was not to be as she was still in the hall at 11:30am.

He had this to say; “Though the introduction of CBT is a welcome development as it has helped reduce malpractice, JAMB needs to improve in the area of keeping to time. We came all the way from Ogun State and met some people here as early as 6am, it is 11:30am and she’s yet to come out. JAMB needs to put its house in order, especially in the area of timing."

For Mr. James Uzuagba, the paper-based test should not have been out-rightly cancelled but done alongside the CBT till the hitches of the CBT are overcome.

Continues on page 33

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016—33

MTU students get free tablets

By Amaka Abayomi

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EMPOWERMENT: From right, Mr Olakunle Da-Silva, Mrs. Mustapha Adebola, Principal, St. Michael International Schools, Ibafo, Ogun State, Mr. Edward Mensah Deho, Proprietor; Mrs. Oloruntegbe Abosede (nee Ogunde) and Prince Jare Adeniregun at career talk show on Empowerment for Greatness, in Ogun State.

UNIJOS trains farmers on improved methods

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

T

HE Centre for Biotechnology and Genetic Research, University of Jos, has said its findings in the laboratories about mass food production can only be beneficial if rural farmers are exposed to and trained on how to practically apply the results to farming.

Director of the Centre, Dr. Timothy Namo, stated this at Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State where the rural farmers in the area were exposed to and urged to imbibe new farming techniques which will enable them to effectively tackle crops disease, boost their

yields and make them maximize the profits made on their chosen farm produce.

The Centre which organized the third in its series of farm fair and workshop for rural farmers reminded the farmers that improved farming method will boost food production not only in the local government but the entire state.

Addressing the farmers, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai, said the event is a mutual interface aimed at helping researchers to tackle problems encountered by the farmers as well as give room for farmers to learn new techniques in farming.

He noted that the event also

“fostered a working relationship and partnership with farmers at the grassroots in order to boost food production, showcase to the world the rich bioresource potentials of Plateau and help researchers to develop proposals aimed at tackling problems encountered by farmers.”

He further disclosed, “The Centre is one of the six Biotechnology Centres of Excellence established in each of the geopolitical zones of Nigeria by the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA )in 2003, the University of Jos serves as the headquarters of the North central.

Upsets, hiccups as 2016 UTME gets underway Continues from page 32 He said: “If CBT and paper usage are allowed, the delays we are experiencing will be minimal as some people will have the option of using either of the two and this will save time and

reduce frustration.”

Meanwhile, JAMB Director, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, has assured all candidates that their results will be made available 30 minutes after they have left the CBT examination hall.

He said: “All 2016 UTME

candidates will receive a graphical result of the examination via text message on the mobile phone numbers they provided during their registration. However, they can check their actual result online within four days.”

Education'll make a difference in new tough Nigeria —Olashore

By Tare Youdeowei

P

RINCE Bimbo Olashore, the Chairman Board of Trustees of Olashore International School, has disclosed that quality education will make a difference in the new tough Nigeria, given the unprecedented level of challenges in the global and Nigerian economy, as well the compelling need for Nigeria to be more globally competitive.

He made this known at a strategic education round table in Lagos, where he said; “Education is not only vital for economic growth, but crucial to development. Education in this age is more important than ever, because in a global economy a better educated citizenry can better confront the challenges and opportunities created by greater economic integration. Investment in education is not only progrowth, it also offers developing countries a route out of poverty and educational inequality.

“The alarming fall of oil prices matched against the alarming

slide of the Naira has revealed the fundamental weakness and underbelly of the Nigerian socioeconomic structure. This can only be corrected long term by a workforce that have a strong and well - rounded educational grounding,” Olashore said.

Nurturing of children In a follow up presentation, the Principal, Olashore International School and an international educational expert, Mr Derek Smith, explained that the school is at the fore front of raising leaders and nurturing children to their full potentials while equipping students with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values.

His words; “We believe in academic excellence. It is the bedrock of what the school stands for. We also have a unique and seamless blend of education and technology and we recently introduced the use of iPads by both teachers and students in the classroom. By the time we add

other activities such as music, drama, discipline, leadership and the likes, we will have taken secondary school education in Nigeria to levels never reached before.”

Continuing, Olashore added, “while there is paramount need to manage Nigeria’s oil resources more efficiently and create more wealth opportunities, there is an even greater need to invest more in education, especially because it is less obvious or less glamorous.

Countries that are paying priority to education, have been able to create a steady stream of human capital that are managing all other aspects of the economy and indeed society.

“It is only through a sound educational system that sound leaders, as well as a productive workforce, can be developed over the course of time. We are now operating in a new knowledge economy where the factory is moving away from physical buildings and large infrastructure. The brain is the location of the new age factory.”

HE management of a faithbased varsity owned by Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Mountain Top University, MTU, has distributed Samsung tablets to its 161 pioneer students.

This is to enhance learning and fulfil an ealier promise made by the Visitor to the university Addressing students of the institution, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Elijah Ayolabi, said though the students are at liberty to use the tablets, he warned against visiting wrong websites that will pollute their minds.

Ayolabi's words; “I pray the liberty you are going to get using this tablet will not turn to bondage. These tablets have been freely given to you by the Visitor, he has done his part. He is not going to monitor the sites you visit but the management has installed a control feature that can monitor what you do with it. Once the devise puts a Question Mark on yours, it means you have forfeited it and

in order to get another one you have to pay for it.

“This tablet is meant for research, use it to conquer the world and secure your future, use it to know the latest updates about your field of study, use it to learn materials about scholars in your fields. If you use it accordingly you will be made before you graduate from this institution.”

The VC added that 50 computers have been deposited in the library to give the students access to e-library, while another 50 will be in the Computer laboratory for Computer Science department.

Explaining further, the Registrar of MTU, Mr. Ademola Bobola, said the students have just witnessed a beginning of many miracles to come, and the way they manage the tablets will determine other surprises to come their way.

Bobola said about 160 tablets were distributed out of 220 students matriculated, as only 161 have completed their clearance.

AOCOED matriculates 1,200

By Elizabeth Uwandu

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HE new provost, Adeniran Ogunsayan College of Education, Dr. Aina Ladele has performed the first matriculation ceremony under her regime, as over 1,200 students were admitted into various programmes of the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), for the 2015\2016 academic session.

Welcoming the matriculants, Dr. Ladele urged them to make good use of facilities the college afforded them by being responsible.

Her words,” I admonish all the matriculants, to whom we have offered assured opportunities, to fulfil their ambitions in life. You must attend lectures, tutorials and other academic programmes at the appropriate time.

The Provost also thanked the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Abode, who is the Moderator of the College, for th appointing her as the 8 provost of the College, as well as his Deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti who doubles as the Special Adviser on Education, for their continuous support in moving the institution forward.

New TUMA award winner emerges, as Maths expert cautions teachers

By Chris Onuoha

A

10 year old, Basic 5 pupil of Grace Children School, Gbagada, Emeka Ilozor has emerged winner of the 2016 edition of ‘The Ultimate Mathematics Ambassador ’ (TUMA) competition hosted by the Ambassadors Schools, Ota, Ogun State.

In a prize giving ceremony held at the College dome in Ota, Master Emeka was crowned the new king of Mathematics 2016, where he received a cash prize of 125,000 naira and a plaque. While 50,000 naira and a laptop was given to his teacher, as his school was given a printer and textbooks.

Ilozor who scored 93.5 percent became the overall best in a highly contested competition that featured over 1000 pupils from 349 Basic Schools in South West region

with 10 other winners that scored the winning marks of 70 percent and above.

Other winners are David Adekunle of Lifecrown Private School, Abeokuta, second position, scoring 87 percent and Khalid Kolawole of St. Bernadette School, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, third position with 84.5 percents scores. Both went home with 100,000 and 75,000 naira each with like manner incentives, while the rest 7 pupils among the ten winners got 15,000 naira each.

The Chairman, Ambassadors Group of Schools, Mr. Samson Osewa in an earlier speech, congratulated the winners and encourages them to see mathematics as simple and friendly. He disclosed that Maths students excel far better in all careers and profession and as a result, become sought after all over the world.

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Firm boosts education with learning software

By Dayo Adesulu

B

A cross section of graduating students during the Luccima technology empowering programme for women, in, Lagos.

Gowon condemns ‘high level education tourism’

By Laide Oriere

W

ITH Nigerians spend ing over $2 billion yearly on education abroad, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, recently lamented the continued increase in the number of Nigerians schooling abroad.

Gen. Gowon stated this in Abuja at the Golden Jubilee lecture of Federal Government College, Warri, FEGOW, organised by Federal Government College, Warri, old Students Association, FEGOWOSA, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the school.

He called on the Federal Government to ensure high quality

education in basic education in Nigeria to be better than what obtains in public schools abroad.

Themed ‘Rekindling the Vision of the Founding Fathers of Unity Schools’ Gowon said “the establishment of unity schools in Nigeria has helped to foster love and unity among us. When I first visited Federal Government College, Sokoto, in 1973, I knew then the idea of establishing unity schools was good as it would integrate our young people when they grow up,not only for their own good but for the nation as a whole.

“The products of these schools are exceptional. Certainly it has helped to foster unity among us.

Lucinma empowers 53 women with technological skills

By Tare Youdeowei

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EO of Lucinma, a non governmental organisation known for empowering women with entrepreneur skills, Dr Princess Mokolo has urged students and teachers of the 21st century to embrace teaching and learning with technology.

Mokolo who spoke from the United States of America via Skype during the graduation 53 women of Lucinma Women Development Centre in Lagos urged corporate organisations and individuals to work in collaboration the NGO and transfer unused computer to training centres to enhance students knowledge of technology.

She said: ‘’Organizations should send computers and laptops that have been removed from their accounting books to our schools to help equip 21st century learners with opportunities to join the rest of the world in exploring the benefits of the digital revolution.’’

She explained that if corporate organizations and individuals donates computers to the school it will prevent the risks schools take in transporting students to and from computer centres.

According to her, the 21st century learners must be empowered with- computing, information literacy, creativity, communication , collaboration and cross cultural understanding skills.

Mokolo who disclosed that

the organisation prepare teachers that attend Lucinma’s Computer Literacy for Educators program for efficiency said, ‘’We teach educators in our program leadership, community service, fund raising , stewardship and public relations.’’

She, however lauded the the five heads of school/principals who joined their subordinates and worked so hard for four months to acquire computer literacy.

Especially after the civil war, it has helped to foster love among Nigerians.

“There is need to make our public schools to be the best, even better than public schools abroad.”

Also speaking, an old student and the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission, NUC, Professor Julius Okojie, urged the Federal Government to make basic education free, compulsory and boarding in Nigeria.

The NUC boss said for the nation to overcome its challenges in enrolment of students in basic education, there was need to increase the budget allocated to education and old students must be ready to give back to their alma mater.

“We must learn to give back to the institutions that trained us.

It is quite unfortunate that most Nigerians hardly donate to their alm mater.

“Most schools abroad depend on donations from private individuals, corporate organisations or alumni to develop their schools. This can come in form of scholarships, equipment and infrastructure. “Despite N500bn budgetary allocation for education for 2016, this allocation can’t even transform our unity schools, so Federal government alone can’t do it."

Bishop lauds ex-Auchi Poly rector

C

ATHOLIC Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Bishop Dunia Gabriel, says the performance of the immediate past rector of Auchi Polytechnic, Dr. (Mrs.) Philipa Idogho, is outstanding.

According to Dunia, who presided over the thanksgiving mass service held in Idogbo’s honour at St. . Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Ivioghe, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, said the former rector ’s achievements represented a strong testimony to the fact that gender should not be seen as a barrier to excellence.

“She is a pride to womanhood, Christendom and the academic community and an epitome of excellence”, he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Haruna Idris, President, Afemai Club

2000, said Afemai and the rest of the country were in a celebrating mood because Idogbo succeeded in transforming Auchi Polytechnic into one of the most sought after tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

OTHERED by the rate of paper work in schools and organisations, Ei Consulting Limited has offered a free education learning software for schools at all levels in Nigeria.

The e-learning education platform which is currently in use in over 400 universities globally, berthed in Nigeria to boosts students’ skills from analog to digital.

Briefing journalists, the CEO of Ei Consulting Limited, Mr Etinosa Iyare, said the learning platform will assist students take lessons, quiz and examinations with ease without paper and pencil.

He said “Ei Consulting has assisted numerous institutions with feasibility studies, planning for and eventually adopting and deploying e-learning technologies.”

Iyare who disclosed that Ei Consulting aims to bring change in the way students learn said, he could assist any institution migrate their paper assignments,

exams, lecture/lesson notes into a digital platform with an ease to use interface.

According to him, their core services include: curriculum management, server management and training and support management. He noted that they can work with institutions faculties or organisational liaison to create reusable digital classrooms complete with learning activities.

He said “The free solution we provide is considered free since there is no fee associated with ownership of product. “The product is provided with a GPL or general use public licence and its source code is an open source which makes it freely available to the community.”

According to him, if you decide you no longer need their services and would like to host this application by yourself, you own your content and data. “We provide a normal charge for hosting, support, training and custom development needs,” he explained.

Educationist asks schools to organise education fair — TIC, Director

By Dayo Adesulu

D

IRECTOR of Education, Trinity International College, Ofada, Ogun State, Mrs Olufunmilayo Aderinloye, has stressed the need for schools to organise education fair, adding that it will guide both students and parents on making the right choice of tertiary institutions.

Aderinloye who spoke during Trinity International College Education Fair said: “Education fair gets both students and parents together to know the type of universities available for students and the type of courses they run.”

According to her, the challenges in economy and job situation brought to the fore the need for education fair, noting that some students had chosen some courses in the past which made it difficult for them to get jobs after graduation. “But, with education fair, parents have the privilege to sample various universities and the courses they offers,” she explained.

She said: “JAMB and other institutions agencies are here to advise students on what to do to get admission in any university in Nigeria without stress. Agencies and other representatives abroad are also here to enlighten students on how to get admission abroad.”

She pointed out that some times people want to go abroad without knowing which institution and courses best for them, stressing that the education fair offers them the opportunity to pick universities that run scholarships scheme and how they can access it.

The Director who noted that there were over 34 agencies of university, explained that the Education fair will help students know where a lower school fees paying institutions are.

On his part, Mr Joseph Olufemi Apata, Principal, Trinity International School,Ofada said: “we are mindful of the agency we invited for the education

Don cautions against helicopter and tiger parenting

By Elizabeth Uwandu

T

HE HOD, Early Childhood Care and Education, of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Otto-Ijanikin, AOCOED, Dr. Simeon Fawowa at the 3rd Meeting of Parents’ and Lecturers, has called on Nigerian parents to shun what he described as ”Helicopter and Tiger Parenting.”

Fawowe said parents now no longer pay full attention to their

wards in higher institutions; all they do, especially the fathers are to pay their children tuition fees and next thing is to hop on helicopter in the guise of making money without spending quality time with their children.

“For most mothers, they have become tigers in the home by constantly abusing or issuing threats to their children, especially the female ones when they bring issues of relationship and other matters to them, their

mother.

“Dear esteemed parents,you all have onerous role to play in the education of your wards. Let’s join hands to discourage,Helicopter and Tiger Parenting."

You must know where you ward lives, who he\she lives with, the landlord or caretaker of your ward, know the friends he\she keeps.

Infact, this is the time you have to become a monitor of your wards,”added the HOD.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 35 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 VIRGO: Female members of this Star Sign will need to be as receptive as necessary while handling their sex life, especially if you are married. Say no to any negative advice, especially from not too close (so call) friends.

LIBRA: Proper management of your image should top your priority list today. Those of you nursing false hope will need to wake up from slumbering and be as practical as necessary. Matters-of-the-heart are looking favourable.

SCORPIO: It is important you exhibit maturity and love while handling your personal family affairs. Don’t forget your ability to be secretive when necessary. Respect the law and it’s enforcement agents around you.

SAGITTARIUS: Unnecessary argument can not help either you or your partners now, that is why you will need to encourage receptive approach. But whatever happens you will win and succeed today eventually.

CAPRICORN: Unnecessary aggression on your part may send wrong signal about you to others who you may eventually need their co-operation in both now and in the immediate future. Think money and your family.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Limiting Your Expectation

By Richard Eromosele

Rsted

ECENTLY, a journalist acme and co wanted to know from me what my expectation is concerning the new government. My answer simply is:

I expect nothing special. Before you crucify me, let me ask you. Haven’t we been having new governments

TERROR MUDA

in Nigeria? Government come and go but our problems don’t just remain, they get bigger and bigger.

in “Scavenger Elite”

Over the years, I have learned not to expect much from government as well as individuals. My policy is: blessed is he that expects nothing for he shall not be disappointed.

By Lanre Kehinde

AQUARIUS: You may be tempted to give in to temptation to become unnecessarily complacent about health related issues, either of yours or others that are important to you.

Avoid unnecessary argument at work.

PISCES: Although element of good luck will put smile on your face today, don’t forget that there will always be tomorrow; meaning that it is important you don’t step on toes because of your immediate needs and wants.

ARIES: Those with sugar coated tongues may take undue advantage of you, especially if they discover that you will like sycophants to surround you today. Take good advice from your reliable friends seriously.

TAURUS: Secretive deals are sources of avoidable trouble; meaning that you will need to do away with whatever can not be placed above board. Think positively about your image and prepare to protect your name.

GEMINI: Unless you are more vigilant some people will call themselves your friends and make your purse very uncomfortable. Your personal family must be given priority attention today. Be more loving.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in “HEY’

By Andy Akman

CANCER: Similar to yesterday but there will be more pressure on you through either career or business related issues. Your willingness to be as gentle as necessary while trying to assert yourself holds the needed solutions.

LEO: Those of you in the middle of legal battle will need to prepare for both expected and unexpected confrontation.

Exhibition of maturity the way you will not run your way into avoidable problem will see you through.

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

Basic characteristics of Aquarius RULER = GENIUS RELATED URANUS. QUALITY =FIXED. ELEMENT=AIR. SYBOL = A MAN WITH A BOW OF WATER OF KNOWLEDGE/THE WATER BEARER. GROUP = MASCULINE. ZODIACAL NUMBER = 11TH. 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 you are a nice person who truly care for others, especially the less fortunate ones. You are a loyal friend willing to belong to powerful social clubs or reasonable community. But you can exhibit eccentric nature.

The quality of Aquarius is fixed. That means it is important for you to watch the way you change your mind on important issues; Uranus factor makes all Aquarius natives freedom loving and whoever tries to impose any idea on you will be resented Element of Aquarius (air) 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.

And as Aquarians are truly good friends and bad enemies it is not in the best interest of anybody to frustrate an Aquarian.

Aquarius is a scientific sign. Aquarians are highly intelligent and inventive. And 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, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 37

Oshiomhole vs Obazee: Judge hands-off case

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—THE suit against Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State by the sacked chairman of Oredo Local Government, Mr. Osaro Obazee, over his removal from office, yesterday, suffered a setback as an Edo State High Court judge, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, has washed her hands off the case.

It will be recalled that Obazee had in September last year, approached the court challenging his removal from office by Edo State House of Assembly and Governor Oshiomhole over alleged financial impropriety, amongst other allegations.

Judgment in the case had been fixed for February 23, but was deferred after counsel to the claimant, Mr Kingsley Obamogie, brought a new application before the court on the removal of his client from office by the defendants.

When the case came up for hearing yesterday, Justice Ikponmwen said that the case file would be sent to the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, to re-assign to another judge at a later date

that would be communicated to the parties involved.

She said: “I cannot continue with the case," admitting however that “there could be interests which are personal.”

The judge warned parties in the suit not to speculate because no reason was given by the court.

In his reaction, counsel to the claimant, Obamogie, said that the decision of the court

was frustrating the cause of justice.

“We get frustrated when we have this kind of matter. We are not happy. We cannot be satisfied. Everyone is out to get justice,” he said.

VISIT: From left: Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and acting Managing Director, NDDC, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, during the courtesy visit by the Senate Committee to the governor at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Dickson gives reason for choice of SSG, Chief Economic Adviser

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, yesterday, defended the appointment of Chief David Dokubo-Spiff as Secretary to the State Government and Mr. Duate Iyabi as Chief Economic Adviser, describing them as technocrats.

He said that the choice of the SSG was informed by DokuboSpiff's wealth of experience as a legal practitioner and his administrative acumen.

According to the governor, “These are critical to his new role as the one to pilot the bureaucratic machinery and the secretariat of government.”

Dickson, in a statement, said both the SSG, Dokubo-Spiff and the Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Iyabi, who were sworn in on Tuesday in Yenagoa, have track records of service and equally understand the direction and foundation of the new administration.

Dickson, who showered encomiums on the new SSG, expressed confidence in his ability and sense of judgment, stressing that as the engine room of the administration, the entire bureaucracy of the state will look up to him for direction.

He said: “As a man who understands the issues of development of the state and as a former acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in

the state, he has the administrative capability to steer the ship of the secretariat and bureaucracy of the state, given his knowledge as a legal

luminary.

“I want to commend his dedication to steer the ship of state at this very critical time.

As a passionate believer in the

Ijaw nation, his loyalty can never be faulted, coupled with his track record of service and commitment to our collective aspiration as a people.”

Fuel scarcity bites harder in Warri ...as largest private depot runs out of stock

By Egufe Yafugborhi

W

ARRI—THE hardship occasioned by the current scarcity of petroleum products, particularly Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, has worsened in Warri, Delta State, and its environs as Matrix Energy, the largest private depot in the area, has run out of stock.

The development which has made supplies from other depots grossly inadequate to serve the teeming fuel users has resulted in long queues and outrageous pump prices going up as high as N150 per litre among major and independent marketers dispensing the product.

Vanguard gathered that most marketers with stock shut their pumps in the day time only to open same and sell at outrageous prices to motorists at odd hours when industry regulator, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, would have closed to avoid sanctions for sharp practices.

A principal official at Matrix Energy who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “It is true that

we are out of stock. We exhausted our Q1 allocation and we are working on getting new allocation very soon. I am sure things will be far better as soon as we start selling again.”

According to a marketer, “The situation is always like this each time Matrix Energy is out of stock. There will always be this kind of scarcity. As the biggest depot here, without their input,

the other ones can’t meet our demand.

“The worst part of it is that these other ones always want to exploit the situation by hiking price above the ex-depot price, forcing us to sell above the approved pump price because there is no way I’ll buy product for more than N100 per litre and be able to dispense to end users at N86:50.”

Wike seeks greater contribution of states to NDDC projects

R

IVERS State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, has called for greater inputs by states in the conception and execution of key projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in the region.

Speaking , yesterday, at Government House, Port Harcourt, when the Senate Committee on Niger Delta paid him a courtesy call, Governor Wike said that the inputs from states in the region would reduce incidences of duplication of projects by the states and the NDDC.

He said: “It is important for states to make inputs so that necessary projects are executed by the NDDC.” He regretted that there were several abandoned projects under the NDDC. He advised the Senate Committee on Niger Delta and the NDDC to take steps to end abandonment of projects in the region.

The governor called for the allocation of funds for the completion of the East-West Road, which cuts across the entire states of the South-South region.

Delta govt assures on hospital's upgrade

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—DELTA State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Azinge, has said that the General Hospital, Bomadi, would be upgraded in terms of infrastructure and equipment.

Azinge, when he paid a needs assessment visit to the hospital, said that the state government would also address the problem of electricity being faced by the hospital.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by the Chairman of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr Mordi Ononye and other top officials of the ministry, said that the hospital has enough space for expansion.

Acknowledging that some facilities were as old as the hospital which was establishment in 1972, the commissioner assured that some of the challenges in the hospital would be addressed within the 2016 budgetary provisions.

On the overflow of corpses at the hospital’s morgue, Azinge explained that the corpses found outside the hospital’s mortuary were brought out “for embalmment after which they were allowed to be fully drained of the embalmment chemicals.”

Edo 2016: Edebiri vows to improve human capacity devt

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant for the September 10,2016 governorship election in Edo State, Chief Solomon Edebiri, has attributed government’s neglect of some of the critical areas of development to being responsible for the current economic drawbacks in the state.

Edebiri, who addressed newsmen, yesterday, in Benin, promised to ensure that human capacity development was given priority attention, if elected as governor.

He said: “You can’t expect development of the economy when you have simply abandoned such critical area such as human capacity building. Any government that wants adequate development must invest in its workforce.

Their intellect has to be broadened and sharpened at all times to be at their best."

38—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3 , 2016

Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Imo •Destroys properties worth over N2 billion

O

By Chidi Nkwopara

WERRI—PROPERTIES conservatively put at over N2billion were yesterday destroyed by a rainstorm that swept across parts of Imo State.

Reports from some local government areas of the state indicated that the storm, which was the first in the year, destroyed several buildings and cash crops in communities, even as Vanguard equally observed that within Owerri municipality, several private and public buildings fell to the superior force of the raging storm.

In Umuoyima village, Owerri municipal, the roof of a building on 145 Douglas Road belonging to Mazi Damian Nze suffered serious damage. He was seen trying to retrieve whatever he could when Vanguard visited the scene of the incident.

In other parts of the municipality, the Freedom Square, built by the Rochas Okorocha administration, suffered severe damage, while the roof of another government building situated behind the Customary Court of Appeal, CCA, Owerri, was completely blown off by the storm.

At the Customary Court of Appeal, CCA, Owerri, Judges Chambers, the Administrative Block and Accounts Department were blown off, as many vital documents were either soaked or destroyed beyond redemption.

Recounting their experience to Vanguard, the Deputy Chief Registrar, DCR, Mr. Linus Ekwonye said: “We came to work this morning (yesterday) only to behold the colossal damage done to the Customary Court of Appeal. Judges Chambers, the Accounts Department and Administrative Block suffered severe damages, while varying vital documents were destroyed”.

Continuing, the DCR recalled

that part of the damage suffered by the CCA was occasioned by the roof of a building behind the court, which was completely blown off.

Speaking after making an on

the spot assessment of the damaged CCT, the Secretary to Imo State Government, Sir Jude Ejiogu said: “This is a natural disaster. Nobody was expecting it. I have seen the extent of the

I've nothing against Gov Ikpeazu —Otti

damage. The court and its staff can’t be stopped from discharging their official duties.

We need to get things fixed and very fast too”.

The President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ifeanyi Okpara, pleaded with the state government to quickly come to their aid, adding that even the uncompleted CCA building also suffered some damage.

A

BA—GOVERNORSHIP candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Dr. Alex Otti, in Abia State, has said he has nothing against Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, but will continue to fight against the system that produced him in which he was allegedly imposed against all democratic norms and practices.

Otti who spoke at a thanksgiving service organized by APGA in Aba, insisted that he and his party would ensure that the government remains on its toes and deliver on the social contract it has with the people.

He, however, added that he wants Gov. Ikpeazu to succeed in order to end the sufferings of the people and urged him to stop certain practices which hinder the development of the state.

Otti said: “Having accepted the Supreme Court judgment no matter how flawed, we want the governor to succeed because if he does not, it is the Abia people who will suffer at the end of the day. To succeed, he must not only repent, but purge himself of these primitive and primordial practices that have continued to present the state as a theatre of absurdities."

IMO: Kidnapped medical doctor, wife's

whereabouts still unknown

O

By Chidi Nkwopara

WERRI—UNEASY calm now reigns in Orlu as the whereabouts of a prominent medical doctor in Orlu, Dr. C. I. C. Ogbuokiri, and his wife, Theresa, remains unknown since the duo were abducted by kidnappers in the town.

Although news about the kidnap remained sketchy at the time of going to press, one of the stories that made the rounds was that the man and his his wife, were being driven to the church when a commercial tricycle operator brushed their vehicle.

It was also gathered that when the driver alighted from the vehicle to see the extent of the damage, gun-totting hoodlums arrived the scene, ordered the Ogbuokiris into their waiting vehicle and sped away to an unknown destination.

Another story that was weaved around the kidnap saga was that they were returning from the church and decided to visit and condole with the widow of Dr. Godwin Dibe, who died recently.

An unconfirmed story had it at press time that the kidnappers had made contact with members of the Ogbuokiri family and demanded a staggering N100 million as ransom.

Some people who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, lamented bitterly that kidnapping and armed robbery were gradually but steadily resurfacing in the state.

“There is hardly any day that

will pass now, without the news of one form of serious crime or the other being heard. We are no longer safe in the state, despite the impression the governor and his aides have been giving to the outside world”, the woman said.

She passionately appealed to the state government and the security agencies to double their

efforts in securing life and property in the state.

All efforts made to reach the mobile line of the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, a deputy superintendent of police, for comments proved abortive as his line could not be reached at press time.

Monarch tasks FG on diversification of nation's economy

L

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS—A traditional ruler in Osun State, Oluiwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi has urged President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government to encourage locally made products for export in order to insulate the nation’s economy against the present economic realities.

Akanbi gave the advice while, speaking with journalists after receiving the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who paid him a courtesy visit on his installation as the new Oluiwo of

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

Iwoland.

The traditional ruler who expressed confidence in the administration of Buhari to take the country to the promised land said the need for diversifying the nation’s economy became necessary in view of the global economic recession and the steady fall of Naira against the United States, US, dollar, as well as the fall in global oil price.

He advised FG to look away from oil as the major target of Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

INEC denies date for re-run election in Imo

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—THE Imo State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has described the date being bandied about by some interest groups for the re-run elections in the state as “mere rumour.”

The Public Relations Officer,

PRO, of the electoral umpire, Mrs. Emmanuella Opara, who disclosed this to Vanguard in a telephone chat yesterday, also said that “there is no way the National Headquarters of INEC will fix a date for the re-run elections without informing it’s Owerri office.”

She expressed shock over the

way some media houses in Owerri not only bought into the rumour but also helped in disseminating false information on the new election date.

“INEC is shocked that some people fixed and started spreading March 5, 2016, as the supposed new date for the re-run election."

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On Oliseh’s resignation as Super Eagles coach

W

hen it comes to Nigerian coaches, NFF behaves like they are doing the Nigerian coach a favor. Oliseh, though not fit for the job, fits the NFF. Keshi was too soft and too much of a gentleman. Miss Chika Dike, Self Employed

L

et’s call a spade a spade.

Oliseh’s ability as a coach was still yet to be tested. He resigned prematurely. I would not want to say that Oliseh was not as technically sound as Keshi when it comes to coaching the Super Eagles.

Mr Imanuel Jannah, Communicator

O

liseh is one of the best coaches that Nigeria ever had. Out of 14 matches, he lost only two.

Imagine someone under contract for over four months with no salary; what do you expect him and his family to feed on?

Mr Amehson Adah, Student

M

y view is that any football mind person knows Oliseh is not qualified to coach the Super Eagles, the idea that you were a ex international does not qualify you as a coach or an administrator. Miss Oluchi Nwaihesie, Businesswoman

N

FF is a typical Nigerian institution that treats its own with disdain. Keshi complained of non payment of salary for months, and now it is Oliseh. This situation will never happen with a foreign coach. Mr Ogwu N w a c h u k w u , Businessman

T

he issue remains with Oliseh’s poor man management and utterances. He didn’t show good leadership with his temperament.

Oliseh couldn’t bring anything new to the Super Eagles as far as I know.

Mr Ben Onyekachi, Worker

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 39

EMPOWERMENT: From left—Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on State and Local Government, Senator Buruji Kashamu; Chairman, Ogun State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Adebayo Dayo, and National Auditor, PDP, Alhaji Fatai Adeyanju, during an empowerment programme

by Omoilu Foundation in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.

SKYE WINNER: From left—A customer of Skye Bank Plc and winner of the Western Union year end reward promo, Miss Oluwatoyin Adeniji; Head, Western Union, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Lekan Faleye; and another winner, Mr. Babatunde Omotoso, during the award ceremony in Lagos.

VISIT: From left— Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi (left) and Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, during a visit to the Corps Marshal in Abuja.

'76: From left— Executive Producer/Actor, Adonijah Owiriwa; Linus Idahosa; Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic, and Executive Producer, Prince Tonye Princewill, shortly after a private premiere of the movie '76 in Lagos.

SANOFI: From left—Head, Primary Care Business Unit, Nigeria and Ghana, Sanofi Company, Gabriel Ogunyemi; Director, Drug Evaluation and Research, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr. Titilope Owolabi; Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria, Dr Kolawole Owoka; Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Ogun State, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, and Managing Director, Sanofi, Abderrahmane Chakibi, during the unveilling of Zentiva, a Sanofi company in Lagos. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

HONOUR: Edo State-born business mogul, Captain Hosa Okunbor (2nd right), receiving the Worthy Ambassador of Unity Award from his Alma mater, Federal Government College, Warri, Delta State, during the school's Golden Jubilee celebration in Warri.

DONATION: From left— Chairman, Oke-Ayadi Community, Dr Felix Akinsete; member representing Ondo West LGA, Ondo State House of Assembly, Ade Adeniyi; nominator of Oke-Ayadi community, Ogunniranye Kayode; Portfolio Manager, Economic Empowerment, MTN Nigeria, Ms. Foyinsola Oyebola; and Oruntan of Ondo Kingdom, Chief Festus Ayotunde Awosika, at the commissioning of 500KVA transformer donated by MTN to the community as part of the What Can We Do Together initiative.

SOLUTIONS: From left— Graduating student, Ifura Udofa; the visionary, Izehi Anuge, and staff Solutions Institute, Eleanor Thompson, at the institute's third graduation ceremony in Lagos.

40 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

SUPERCRANE TUESDAY: Clinton, Trump rack up more wins COLLAPSE: D

E M O C R AT I C Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump have each won the most states on the biggest day of the race for the US presidential nominations.

Mr Trump won seven states while his closest rival, Ted Cruz, took three.

The third-placed Republican, Marco Rubio, came in with one.

Speaking in his home state of Texas, Mr Cruz urged other Republicans to quit the race and join

him against Mr Trump.

Democrat Bernie Sanders had wins in four states.

Super Tuesday saw 11

states voting, from Massachusetts in the east to Alaska in the northwest. A 12th state, Colorado, held a caucus -

won by Mr Sanders - but does not actually select its delegates until April.

Tuesday allocates nearly a quarter of

Republican delegates, and about a fifth of Democratic delegates, who will elect their respective presidential

candidates at party conventions in July. No candidate has yet won enough delegates to secure their party’s nomination.

Nigeria pledges $1m to support Benin presidential election •As ex-French envoy writes on same poll

By Tony Lohou

T

HE Federal Government has pledged to support the 2016 Presidential election in Benin Republic with

cars and office equipment worth $1 million.

The Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mr. Lawrence Obisakin made

the disclosure recently in Benin when he paid a courtesy visit to the President, Commission Electorale Nationale Autonome of Benin, Mr. Emmanuel Tiando.

He said the donations were made despite the financial challenges facing Nigeria now.

He said that the items including cars, computer accessories will be delivered to the country through the Nigerian Embassy in Benin.

Tiando, earlier in his remarks thanked the Nigerian government for their support to Bénin Republic.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bulus Lolo, also commended President Muhammadu Buhari, saying he had given visibility to Nigeria’s contributions to African countries since his assumption of office.

Meanwhile, a former Ambassador of France to Benin Republic, Jean Paul Monchau, has commented on the exercise.

He said: “If President Boni Yayi had requested his return, it is because he was accused of being an accomplice to Patrice Talon, a businessman sued for an alleged case of poisoning attempt against the Head of State who is now a presidential candidate.”

The former diplomat also gave his opinion on the nomination of Lionel Zinsou, including those who denounced the return of the “Franco” and said his possible victory may revive criticism against France.

However, the letter has generated a lot of reactions since last week, as many queried if Jean Paul Monchau is indeed the author.

When contacted the former ambassador confirmed that the letter was from him but denied it was not manipulated.

British Council hosts Aston Business School Director

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

T

HE British Council would be hosting a prominent academic expert, Dr Geoff Parkes of the Aston Business School, Birmingham in Lagos as part of activities lined up for Parke’s visit which aims at boosting the entrepreneurship potentialities of Nigerians.

A statement by the International Officer, Africa, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Turkey of the institution, said the marketing guru would host a seminar entitled: Connections, Innovation and Entrepreneurship on March 7, 2016.

It also described Nigeria as a key market for Aston Business School with an extensive history of successful students coming to Aston for postgraduate and MBA qualifications.

The statement further quoted Parkes to have said: ‘’Aston has been visiting Nigeria which is

a country of great importance to us for many years now. I am fortunate to visit this great country many times a year and get to meet hundreds of enthusiastic Nigerians looking to build up their skills. It is a pleasure to see them arrive on campus and enjoying their studies. When they return, our alumni make great ambassadors for the university, and our Alumni Chapter in Nigeria, headed by an MBA alumnus in Lagos, is something that Aston is very proud of.

“My presentation is entitled Connections and it is about marketing in turbulent times. As marketers operating in the 21st century we are faced with a number of challenges presented from the external environment.

The challenge for any marketer is to develop strategies which are capable of taking advantage of these opportunities and shaping our organi-sations.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 41

Idoma nation takes protest to National Assembly over Agatu killings Senate vows to probe carnage

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA—WORRIED by the killings in Agatu Local Government in Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, a coalition of civil society groups from the state, yesterday stormed the National Assembly to protest against the wanton destruction of lives and properties, and called for immediate deployment of soldiers and policemen to the area to maintain law and order.

Coordinator of the groups, Paul Ede who led others to express their grievances, said the killings in Agatu by suspected herdsmen had continued for weeks, and claimed that 400 persons had lost their lives to the invaders.

Ede who also claimed that there was a humanitarian crisis in the area, lamented that 5, 000 persons had been rendered homeless, however demanded that the federal government set up a commission of inquiry to find out the remote and immediate cause of the crisis.

The protesters also demanded for an immediate deployment of security operatives to Agatu to

maintain law and order, pleading for relief materials to be sent to the internally-displaced persons in the town, Addressing the protesters, Deputy Majority leader of the Senate, Bala Ibn Na’ Allah, who

assured them that the senate would look into their demands, said,” As far as the senate is concerned an injury to one Idoma man is an injury to all. We are with you 100 percent in the protest. We will take these demands back to senate and decision will be taken on them.”

Other senators who received

the protesters were Senators Stella Oduah, PDP, Anambra North; Dino Melaye, APC, Kogi West and Binta Garba, APC, Adamawa North.

Earlier, the protesters, had marched to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the ministry of justice where they demanded that the government should urgently intervene in the crisis.

L

OKOJA–UMAR Imamled faction of Kogi State House Assembly yesterday, defied the reconciliatory efforts by the House of Representatives and sat for the first time at the State House of Assembly complex, Lokoja, where it elected Deputy Speaker, Minority Whip and also passed the state budget for a second reading.

This came even as the MomohJimoh Lawal-led faction was still hibernating in Abuja.

The National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Monday faulted the impeachment of Lawal, saying it was illegal and could not stand, saying it was absurd for five out of 25 assembly members to claim to have impeached a Speaker in an informal sitting in a private residence without even forming a quorum as required by the rules of the House.

However, the initial fivemembers Imam led faction rose to 10 following the inauguration of three new members who won their elections at the February 22 re-run poll, and two other members who defected from the MomohJimoh camp to the Imam’s camp.

The legislators aside inaugurating the three new members also elected two other principal officials; with Kekere Abdulkareem (Okehi 1) elected as Deputy Speaker and Idoko

Moses as Minority Whip.

The nominations for the two position s were done by Friday Makama (Igalamela Odolu) and Lawi Ahmed (Okene 1) respectively.

Also, the faction conducted a second reading of the budget presented last year December by former Governor Idris Wada and referred it to the committee level.

Speaking at the commencement of the sitting, Imam Umar, claimed that irrespective of what the other faction might have been

AIDUGURI—THE Borno Government, yesterday said it would collaborate with the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, to check the influx of illegal aliens to the state.

Alhaji Usman Zannah, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, C M Y K

feeding the public, peace had been restored to the House following intervention of critical stakeholders both within and outside the state.

According to him: “I thank God, Almighty for His intervention and restoration of peace to the Assembly. Our profound appreciation goes to Governor Yahaya Bello and other prominent citizens of the state for using their time and good offices to intercede in the crises rocking the House.”

$117m USAID-funded education project for 3 northern states underway Abubakar said the USAID’s youths attending 11,000 NonBy Suzan Edeh

B

AUCHI—GOVERNOR Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State yesterday, launched a five-year USAID funded education project worth $117 million for three northern states.

Launching the project,

Northern Education Initiative sought to reach nearly 1.6 million children and would be implemented in Bauchi, Sokoto and one other yet-to-be announced state.

According to him, the project would also reach out to more than 500,000 out of school children and

Bauchi to partner NIS to check influx of illegal aliens

M

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

A

BUJA—NIGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday in Abuja, announced the death of Mr. Segun Olaewe, Assistant Secretary, Administration, Office of the General Secretary.

In a statement by Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, Congress’s General Secretary, NLC said Olaewe died suddenly in the early hours of Monday, February 29, 2016.

The statement said: “Words are incapable of expressing the depths of our feelings at the passing on of this fine gentleman. Olaewe was an exceptional and priceless staff, the institutional memory and engine room of the Nigeria Labour Congress. “His death is a big loss not just to the Nigeria Labour Congress but the entire Labour Movement.

PARLEY: president and CEO, GE Global, Jeff Immelt; Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, GE Africa CEO, Jay Ireland and GE Nigeria CEO, Lazarus Angbazo at an interactive session between GE and Heirs Holdings in Lagos

KOGI ASSEMBLY CRISIS: Umar Imah faction resumes sitting

By Boluwaji Pbahopo

NLC mourns as Olaewe dies at 57

stated this when the NIS Comptroller in the state, Mr Jacob Sabo, paid him a courtesy visit in Maiduguri.

Zannah said the collaboration would also help to reduce the high rate of crime in the state.

He said eight out of the 27 local government areas in the state

shared borders with Chad, Cameroon and Niger republics.

“I think that we have a great role to play in ensuring that we prevent the influx of illegal immigrants to the state. This will no doubt help to reduce the crime rate and enhance security in the state, generally,” he said.

formal learning centres.

The Governor said in the past, concerted efforts had been made with a view to improving the system in the state without commensurate results and impacts.

He said for his administration to attain “education for all” as encapsulated in the United Nation's Sustainable Development goals and Millennium Development Goals, within the shortest possible time, the educational sector must be carefully planned through effective programmes and policies.

The governor said; “I am happy to note that what we are doing here today is to improve the social wellbeing of our people.''

Late Comrade Olaewe

Shoprite gives consumers 10, 000 gifts vouchers for 10th anniversary

H

AVING berthed in Nigeria about 10 years ago with the opening of its first store in Lagos in December 2005, Shoprite introduced a world-class shopping experience through its core business promise of lower prices.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Shoprite Nigeria will be giving away more than 10,000 gift vouchers worth up to N100, 000 between 22 February and 10 April 2016.

According to the retailers Executive Director, Adeola Kagho "We are so excited to celebrate 10 years in Nigeria with our loyal customers who have been with us over the years and that's why we are giving away lots of vouchers in all our stores across the country.'' ''There is no minimum spend in order to qualify. To claim their prize, consumers need to take their winning till slip to the Shoprite store manager, who will issue them with the gift vouchers."

42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

NNPC to get lower import ration in Q2

By Clara Nwachukwu, Sebastine Obasi & Ediri Ejoh

A

S part of moves to find a lasting solution to the recurrent fuel shortages in the country, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, may see a significant reduction in its import allocation beginning from the second quarter of this year.

This comes as the corporation, yesterday, said it loaded out about 1,180 trucks approximately, 41 million litres, nationwide, of which Lagos had about 462 trucks, Abuja 129, and the balance to the rest of the country.

A top management source at the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, told Vanguard in confidence that the decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, as it became apparent that NNPC could not meet the 78 percent quota allocation it got for quarter One. The source said: “Since it became obvious that NNPC cannot meet the quota allocated to it to import petroleum products, there was a stakeholders’ meeting on February 23 to discuss the issue. All present agreed that PPPRA should free some more allocations in favour of the major and independent marketers who have the capacity to import."

Major and independent marketers have continued to criticise the lopsided Q1 imports allocation, in which about 18 allottees got 22 percent of the quarter ’s allocation, a development they argued was a return of downstream monopoly in favour of NNPC.

Products importation However,

the

Executive

Director, Commercials, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, the marketing arm of the NNPC, Mr. Justin Ezeala, denied any knowledge of such agreements.

Ezeala told Vanguard on the telephone that contrary to reports that NNPC is unable to meet its import allocation quota, it had, in fact, been importing over 98 percent of the products available in the country.

He said: “I am not aware of any moves for such a reduction in import quota. Remember that in the past we used to do like 48 percent, it was increased to 78 percent because NNPC is the provider of last resort.

“As I speak to you, we loaded out about 1,180 trucks, approximately 41 million litres nationwide, of which Lagos had about 462 trucks, Abuja 129, and the balance to the rest of the country. This 41 million litres is more than the daily national demand.

“As you know, because of foreign exchange issues, very few marketers are able to bring in products. Even though we have tried, with the help of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to support them with access to forex, it hasn’t made much difference.

“If anything, NNPC/PPMC is bringing in over 98 percent, if not 100 per cent of the products currently available in the country because the issues responsible for their inability to import have escalated because banks are not willing to open letters of credit, LCs, for marketers to import.”

Ezeala argued that it is on account of these challenges that NNPC/PPMC introduced the one cargo daily policy in order to meet daily national demand estimated at about 40 million

litres, as well as loading 24 hours non-stop to end the shortages.

Although he noted that one cargo is equivalent of 40 million barrels, he said NNPC/PPMC will do everything in its powers to meet the daily cargo policy, adding that about six cargoes came in over the weekend.

He explained further: “This is why you see that more stations now have products, and the queues are beginning to thin out. We can do the daily cargo thing. After all, in December, we brought in about 25 cargoes, in January about 24, added to what other marketers brought in. We were doing fine.

“But with the current forex challenges, that is why we decided to bring in a cargo per day, pending when other marketers are able to bring in products.”

PPPRA, NARTO involvement

Meanwhile, the PPPRA s o u r c e denied that its workers’ strike, which ended on Monday, had anything to do with the current scarcity as being alleged by marketers.

This is just as the National Association of R o a d

Edo govt, UNIBEN ASUU bicker over demolition of property

B

By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN—EDO State Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Benin branch, are at loggerheads as the union accused the government of alleged lawlessness in the demolition of property belonging to the university.

But the government, through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, described the allegation as baseless, saying that the said property belongs to the state government after it won the suit at the lower court and

Court of Appeal.

Zonal Coordinator of UNIBEN ASUU, Dr Anthony Monye-Emina, who addressed journalists yesterday, alleged that Governor Adams Oshiomhole had promised to compensate the lecturers affected by the earlier demolition but was surprised that the government went on to demolish the entire property when part of the matter was still before the court.

But Afegbua said, “It is very unfortunate that members of ASUU who ordinarily should be knowledgeable about the dynamics of government can descend to the level of

using gutter language to describe a popularly elected governor of the state.

“This damning conclusion is not only derived from sheer sentiments and poor scholarship but also a product of intellectual inertia."

Transport Owners, NARTO, dissociated its members from responsibility over the fuel scarcity.

The PPPRA source told Vanguard that “the strike embarked upon to protest the imposition of an outsider as the executive secretary, could not have hindered petroleum products distribution, as the strike did not affect the field workers, only those at the headquarters."

Also speaking in defence of his members, the NARTO President, Dr. Kassim Bataiya, told Vanguard on telephone that those alleging diversion are merely giving excuses.

A visibly angry Bataiya, said: “They should just stop using diversion as excuse and blaming

transporters. If government wants to make products available it will make them available.

“If they say some people are diverting the products, then let them fix their pipelines, or is it the transporters too that are vandalizing the pipelines? Why can’t they fix the pipelines and put proper security to guard them against vandalism?”

He argued that government and NNPC must get serious with making petroleum products available for Nigerians by first fixing the refineries and getting them to work.

“As consumption is increasing daily, so is the capacity of our refineries depleting daily. They have given too many excuses – no products, no refineries, no subsidy, and now no foreign exchange to import the products."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 43

C M Y K

44— Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 45

C M Y K

46—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

*A court session for traffic offenders

Advent of Mobile traffic courts:

Fear grips motorists over fines, imprisonment •150 traffic offenders prosecuted, fined •Their introduction was not well-publicised —Motorists

By Mike Ebonugwo, Olasunkanmi Akoni & Bose Adelaja

F

OR a long time Jide Atanda, a Lagos commercial vehicle driver, took delight in terrorising other road users through his unbridled reckless driving. A self-styled James Bond, Jide who plies the Isolo/Mushin route, was particularly notorious for driving against the traffic and negotiating treacherous bends at hair-raising speed.

But Jide is presently ruing the folly of treating traffic laws with disdain after his recent arrest and conviction by a Mobile Court in Oshodi-Isolo which fined him N20,000.00 for reckless driving.

Traffic jungle Indeed, before this time, many drivers, especially commercial vehicle operators in Lagos, had turned the envisaged mega-city into a traffic jungle where only the most daring, nay reckless, could survive. The everpresent danger that this scenario represented was captured by the

popular street saying: ‘If you no jam person, person go jam you’.

But following growing concerns expressed by residents over the worsening traffic indiscipline, the Lagos State government had on January 7, 2016 announced plans to establish mobile traffic courts. Subsequently the Special Offences (Mobile) Court was inaugurated to summarily deal with growing cases of traffic and environmental abuses in the state with a view to bringing sanity and civility in the conduct of residents on the road.

Since the inauguration and flag-off, teams, made up of men of the Nigeria Police Force, magistrates and public defenders for accused persons who cannot afford to employ the services of lawyers for their defence, have swung into action, covering such zones as Ikeja, Oshodi, Ikorodu and Obalende.

According to the Public Affairs Officer, Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Task Force), Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, the mobile courts had since then impounded 113 motorcycles, charged 199 out of 834 arrested miscreants.

The drivers of the 107 vehicles

arrested for traffic contraventions by the operatives of the Task Force were prosecuted and fined between N20,000 and N30,000 as an option to three to six months imprisonment.

Those who drove against traffic (one-way) among them had their vehicles confiscated as stipulated by the Lagos Road and Traffic Laws of 2012.

Magistrates attached to the Lagos Mobile Courts namely Olalekan Aka-Bashorun, Patrick Nwaka and Nurudeen Layeni have convicted more than 150 traffic offenders in the last 15

Magistrates attached to the Lagos Mobile Courts have convicted more than 150 traffic offenders in the last 15 days of their operations across several local governments

days of their operations across several local governments.

Ninety of these convicted traffic offenders were private vehicle drivers, while others were drivers of both painted and unpainted commercial vehicles who either parked at a walk-ways, roadside, one-way or were picking and dropping passengers at unauthorised bus-stops.

The drivers/owners of impounded vehicles were issued fines ranging from N10,000 to N50,000 as an option to three to six months imprisonment.

One of the convicted private car owners, Mrs Wilfred Amuta, was seen struggling with officials of the Lagos Mobile Court at Awolowo Way in Ikeja during her arrest on Tuesday.

She was driving a car with registration number MUS 672 CL Other persons convicted by the mobile courts included Mr Timi Oluwafemi with vehicle reg no: AND 153 DM; Okoye Kenny, vehilce reg no: SMK 380 DA; Akande Olaitan, vehicle reg no: SMK 164 DS and Semi Adeniyi, vehicle reg no: JJ 257 BU. Few days ago, a team while operating in Ikeja handled 15 cases under Magistrate

Nurudeen Layeni. Of these, 12 people were arraigned for street trading and were fined N3, 000 each or one month imprisonment; two people were arraigned for street fighting and sentenced to four-hours community service, while a tricyclist was discharged and acquitted.

Similarly, in Obalende under Magistrate Patrick Nwaka, five people were convicted and fined N1,000 each for unlawful parking even as each driver presented tickets claimed to have been issued by local governments.

Community service Same day, four commercial bus drivers were prosecuted for dropping and picking passengers at unauthorised busstops and were fine N20,000.00 each or six months imprisonment, while one person was sentenced to render one hour community service for hanging on the door of a commercial bus.

Pedestrian bridges: In the same vein, another Mobile Court that operated at Oshodi-Isolo under Magistrate Olalekan, popularly called Bashorun, tried and convicted 10 persons for obstructing traffic by crossing the highways instead of using the pedestrian bridges. They were, however, later released but not before being warned to desist from such acts. Five persons were also arrested and tried for street trading offences and fined N3,000 each.

Penultimate Tuesday, it was the turn of Ikorodu residents as the team extended its assignment to Continues on page 47

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016—47

Fear grips motorists over fines, imprisonment Continues from page 46 Mile 12 and Ikorodu axis where people were arraigned for various offences. At Mile 12 inward Ikorodu, for instance, the team arrested 23 traffic and environmental offenders who were all arraigned by the Mobile Court as presided over by Magistrate Nurudeen Layeni at the Ikorodu Local Government.

At Owode-Elede, seven commercial motorcyclists were arraigned and fined N10,000 each or an option of six months imprisonment for plying restricted routes.

Same day, three commercial bus drivers were sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of N15,000 each and 48 hours community service for dropping and picking passengers at unauthorised bus-stops. Also, the driver of an unpainted commercial bus was issued a fine of N20,000 with 100 hours community service and the bus confiscated by the government.

At Ikorodu roundabout, nine tricycle operators were sentenced to six months imprisonment each or a fine of N10,000 each for obstructing the traffic.

and seminars for our members so that we don’t fall victim of the Mobile Court,” he stated.

NURTW speaks: Also speaking, the state Chairman National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, commended the initiative, saying members were being sensitised to comply. ‘’We have spent a lot of money on newspaper publications and jingles instructing members to comply with all directives relating to the Mobile Courts in the interest of all. Not only this, we have set up a task force across the state to

It is good that at the point of the incidence when somebody commits traffic offence, it can be handled immediately

Fanfare and media blitz Arising from this, Vanguard Features went to town to sample public opinion on the operation of the courts so far. It soon emerged that in spite of the fanfare and media blitz that attended the inauguration of the mobile courts, 70 per cent of Lagosians are not aware of their existence.

From Lagos Mainland to Lagos Island, the story was the same.

But a motorist in Lagos Island who gave his name as Charles Ejike was to say that: ‘’If well handled, the Mobile Court should be able to rid Lagos of the persistent gridlock on our roads”. One Osunjimi Agbeni was to express a pessimistic view as he said: ‘’I hope this is not another way to enrich some people? I know that very soon, the commercial motorists will pull resources together to settle the team and before one knows what is happening, only private vehicles will be impounded while the commercial vehicles are allowed to go scot free”.

Bus conductors welcome court In a chat with VF, the President, Bus Conductors Association, BCA, Tayo Balogun, commended the initiative by the government, saying it will restore sanity to Lagos roads. ‘’It is a welcome development. Lagosians need this kind of law to wage war against traffic congestion on our roads. It is a good initiative to keep us on our toes and aid quick and faster judgement in the state,” he said.

He also informed that his members have been adequately sensitized about the courts. ‘’We have been embarking on training

ensure compliance and this is our own contribution to the war against gridlock on Lagos roads,” he said.

Task Force spokesman, Adebayo Taofik, said the Mobile Court is designed to achieve quick dispensation of justice.

According to him: ‘’It is designed to bring justice to the door steps of members of the public, bring transparency to justice dispensation, awareness to environmental sanitation and traffic laws in the state. As at now, there are three teams going round the state to bring justice to the door steps of Lagosians”.

Some residents hail initiative: Foremost human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr. Femi Falana in his comment, lauded Governor Akinwumi Ambode for taking the bold initiative to inaugurate the Mobile Court. Falana who describes the action of the Governor as progressive said it would bring discipline and sanity to Lagos roads as well as the environment.

According to him: “It is a progressive development. I have just advised the Attorney General that we would not allow the police and the traffic officials to detain people illegally but I

have been assured that the penalty for most of the traffic offences shall be community service which I think is a very progressive development. That is going to enforce discipline on our roads and sanity to the system.”

Chairman of Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Public Petition, Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, also commended Ambode over the move, saying such would go a long way in decongesting the prisons.

Traffic offence She said: “This is a welcome development. It is good that at the point of the incidence when somebody commits traffic offence, it can be handled immediately.

You know there are many awaiting trials in the prisons and we are trying to decongest those areas; this is a good way of doing that and getting justice at the same time,” Tejuosho said.

The Mobile Court, according to state government officials, was introduced to complement the 2012 Lagos Traffic Laws as well as frontally tackle the problems confronting the transportation

sector in the state. Governor Ambode had earlier organised a transport summit with the theme: “Tackling Current, Evolving And Future Traffic Management Needs Of Lagos State.” Speaking at the summit, the Governor assured residents of his strong political will to take tough decisions in unlocking traffic problems in the state, stressing that his administration was keenly committed to make Lagos work for all, “and effective traffic management is a good place to start.”

The Governor observed that with the realities on ground, there was the need for practical and innovative solutions to address the traffic challenges confronting the state to deliver immediate dividends and future aspirations. According to him: “Lagos, in many ways, is a victim of its own success as many people leave other states and travel to Lagos seeking better opportunities; more Nigerians want to reside in Lagos and this obviously comes with some challenges.

“As one of the leading commercial centres and an emerging City-State, we need to go back to the drawing board and agree on how our transportation sector can be effectively and efficiently operated to support the kind of trade and investment we want to continually attract.”

*A tricycle,aka keke, impounded at the instance of a mobile court

What to know to avoid arrest, prosecution 1. Driving in a direction prohibited by the Road Traffic Law (that is driving against traffic, popularly known as “One Way”) now attracts a three-year jail term, while a first offender gets one-year term and the vehicle forfeited to the state government.

2. Bullion vans are not exempted from the law as any bullion van driven in a direction prohibited by the Road Traffic Law will be forfeited, while owner of an abandoned vehicle on the highway will be fined N50,000.00 or three years imprisonment, or both fine and imprisonment.

3. Riding a motorcycle against traffic and riding on the kerb, median or road setbacks will attract N20,000.00 fine for first time offenders, while subsequent offenders will get N30,000.00 fine or the rider’s motorcycle will be impounded.

4. Smoking while driving attracts N20,000.00. fine 5. Failure to give way to traffic on the left at a roundabout attracts N20,000.00 fine 6. Disobeying traffic control attracts N20,000.00 fine 7. Motorcycles and tricycles are prohibited from riding on major highways in the state.

The highways are LagosIbadan Expressway, Apapa-

Oshodi Expressway, Oworonshoki – Ikorodu, LagosAbeokuta Expressway and Babangida Boulevard Way. Others are Lekki-Epe Expressway, Funsho Williams Avenue, Agege Motor Road and Eti-Osa-Lekki coastal road.

8. Violation of route by commercial vehicles will attract N20,000.00 fine 9. Riding motorcycle without crash helmet for rider and passenger will attract N20, 000.00 fine or three years imprisonment or both.

10. Under-aged persons(under 18 years old) are prohibited from riding a motorcycle and the fine for this is N20,000.00

11. Operating a motorcycle in a restricted area or prohibited route will attract a fine of N20,000.00.

12. Any person driving without a valid Driving License will have his/her vehicle impounded. Learner drivers without permit will attract a fine of N20,000.00, while driving with fake number plate will attract N20,000.00 fine for first offenders and six months imprisonment or both for subsequent infractions.

13. Medical Emergency Vehicles can drive through traffic as contained in Lagos Traffic Law, 2012.

48—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

NBC scam: EFCC recovers N10bn of N34bn paid by MTN for spectrum Cash lodged in accounts of 4 firms

Finland supports Nigeria on private sector transformation

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

A

BUJA—WEEKS after investigating the massive fraud that took place at the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, graphic details of how top officials of the agency diverted over N10 billion, emerged last night.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been investigating the NBC over the mismanagement of N34 billion, which MTN paid to it for acquiring its broadband spectrum.

Specifically, the cash was transferred in breach of the Federal Government directive on Treasury Single Account, TSA, and paid into four companies, which were allegedly given contracts by the NBC without bidding apparently to avoid being detected by the government.

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Service, issued a circular dated 7/ 8/2015, directing all government parastatals and agencies to mop up all government funds in commercial banks to Treasury Single Account (TSA) with the CBN. Documents obtained by Vanguard showed that the NBC, in a flagrant disobedience to the directive of the government, diverted the funds in its accounts to the four companies: Digitune Media Tech and Construction, African Cable Television Limited, Zinox Tech and Gospell Digital.

The NBC received N34.1 billion on July 28, 2015 from the MTN operations account being proceeds of lease of Spectrum Band Width licensed to MTN by the commission, a controversial deal which is yet to be accepted by other telecoms players in Nigeria.

How the amount was moved

A top source close to how the money was moved by the NBC Director General, the DFA and the banks, said N10 billion was moved in several tranches to prevent anyone from knowing what was going on.

The source said: “That despite the directives, the Director General, National Broadcasting Commission and the bank in a flagrant disobedience to the directive transferred N2,899,500,000 to the account of Technology Advisor on 12/08/15 and then moved N15,038,400,000 in two tranches on 10/09/2015 and 14/09/2015 to Zenith Bank Plc which he claimed was a collateral security for Set-Top-Boxes suppliers while the balance of N15,891,625,341.57 was transferred to TSA in CBN on 15/ 09/2015.

“That as soon as Technology Advisor received the funds in its account, he commenced distribution to several

Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Mrs. Pirjo Suomela-Chowdury with President Buhari

T PRESENTATION: From left, Chris Maskell, Director, United Kingdom Trade and Investment, Nigeria; Mr Segun Oloketuyi, MD/ CEO, Wema Bank; Folake Sanu, Executive Director, Lagos Directorate and Solomon Edun, MD, Global Infoswift, during the ISO Certificates 20000 and 27001 presentation to Wema Bank at the bank's head office, Lagos, yesterday. beneficiaries which included N390,000,000 and N20,000,000 paid to the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Patrick Areh through Kalaz Ventures Limited, a Bureau De Change operated by Abdullahi Kabiru.

“Kabiru, who confirmed receiving the funds, later transferred N130 million to Azuku Global Resources Limited while the balance was exchanged into dollars and handed over to MD of Azuku Global Resources Limited, one Ibrahim Samaila, for onward transmission to the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Patrick Areh.

“That Areh confirmed receiving part of the funds in dollars while the balance of N130 million was given to Azuku Global Resources Limited for the construction of his Radio House at Onitsha, Anambra State.

“In-View Technology Ltd was contracted to provide Digital Access for the Set-Top -Boxes and was paid N1,237,400,000 of which the company transferred N20 million to Patrick Areh through Azuku Global Resources Limited as a gift.

“That 12 Digital Set-Top -Boxes

suppliers were licensed to supply the Digital Set-Top -Boxes and N15,038,400,000 was placed in Zenith Bank Plc as collateral security for the contract.

“However, only eight of the 12 companies opened letter of credit amounting to N3,739,727,400.00 while N1,237,400,000 was for the Digital Access Fees making a total of N4,977,227,400 but the NBC placed the sum of N15,038,500,000 in excess of N10 billion.

“Technology Advisor Limited also transferred N398,000,000 to the MD of D-Vine Partners limited Mr. Babatunji Amure who doubles as MD of In-View Technology Ltd who claimed to have worked for MTN and not NBC but was paid with NBC funds."

MTN reacts

It was learnt last night that MTN representative in their response, denied having any transaction with Technology Advisor Limited or DVine Partners Limited.

Nigerians warned about food preservatives

N

IGERIANS have been warned to be careful of products that contain preservatives.

Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Denna Rossi Limited, Dr. Ifeanyi Nwafor, in a statement issued

by Head of Marketing/Corporate Services of the company, Ifeanyi Nihe, said although there were a number of different types of food preservatives, antimicrobials, antioxidants, and products that slow the natural ripening process were some of the most common.

According to him, despite their important functions, preservatives can pose a number of serious health risks which include increased risk of cancer, hyperactivity in children and re-

duced heart health.

The statement also said Denna Rossi Limited, which is a fast moving consumer good company in Nigeria, had introduced Ivana Fruit Juice, Shappe fruit drink, Polar water, Adelisa wine and Ibiza cocktail into the Nigerian market which it described as the first choice of the healthconscious people.“ According to Nihe, the company assured of its determination to deliver the products through massive investment in latest technology that helps to address the needs of a growing health-consciousness among Nigerian fruit juice consumers.“

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu

HE Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Mrs. Pirjo SuomelaChowdury has described bi-lateral activities between Nigeria and Finland as healthy and encouraging.

Ambassador Pirjo who spoke at a lecture titled, ‘Nigeria without oil –Role of the Private Sector ’, organized by the NigeriaFinnish Association in Lagos, said that Finnish aims and objectives include increasing trade between Nigeria and Finland through regular interaction and advancement of political, scientific, technological, economic, educational and cultural matters.

According to her, Finland expects mutual benefiting relationship with Nigeria, adding that Finland is interested in bringing the best it can offer to Nigeria and to understand the opportunities Nigeria has for her as well. This she believes, are very crucial to the development of both countries and progress can be made in areas the two countries have huge interests.

She also stressed the need for economic diversification in Nigeria, while urging that the country should focus more on modernised agriculture, industrialization, which are imperative to developing the Nigerian economy.

Also speaking at the forum on Nigeria without oil, the President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Nike Akande, said for several decades Nigeria failed to take the appropriate steps to diversify the economy, adding that the consequence of the action is what the country is witnessing presently.

According to Akande,”with the slump in crude oil price, Nigeria is

now confronted with the reality of a country that has to carry on without oil.

Already, the challenges are manifesting, in that many states owe huge arrears of workers’ salaries, the foreign reserves is currently at its lowest in 11 years, exchange rate is under serious pressure of further depreciation and debt profile is rising”.

The guest speaker, Founder, Sam Ohuabunwa Foundation for Economic Empowerment, Chairman of African Centre for Business Development Strategy and Innovation, and past Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, said he expects Nigeria to emulate other countries that had transformed into privatesector led economies.

He told the forum that the current oil price crash which has lasted longer than previous ones has finally thrown Nigeria into serious economic crisis similar to what it experienced in 1984 to 1986.

“Just within one year of the fall in oil prices, our country is in economic crisis and in my view, I think that the private sector has the responsibility and the capability to fill the gap and permanently change the structure of the Nigerian economy.

“Nigeria needs to learn from countries like Finland, Japan, China, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates that have all transformed into private sector-led diversified industrial nations,” he stated.

Ohuabunwa also stated that disempowerment of the public sector will reduce corruption and make more Nigerians accountable, while expressing optimism that the private sector would create more revenue for the government than it was getting from oil.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

— 49

Lagos Theatre Festival, an ambitious display of site theatre F

By Prisca Sam-Duru

EATURES of the 2016 Lagos Theatre Festival especially with regard to spell-binding theatrical performances in unconventional places, were eloquent indication of how the event has grown bigger, bolder and better. Art enthusiasts, caucasians, sponsors and those in the creative industry were among individuals in attendance at the grand opening of the biggest performing arts festival which ended at Freedom Park, Lagos on Sunday.

It was the 3rd edition of the theatre fiesta which was truly an extravaganza of exciting music, dance, spoken word, as well as musical and stage plays.

The Lagos Theatre Festival 2016 is part of the UK/Nigeria 2015– 16, a major season of arts in Nigeria geared towards building new audiences, creating new collaborations as well as strengthening the already existing relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

The festival featured over 60 performances from the stables of the finest of local and international production houses such as Bani Productions, Comic Republic, Creative Arts Collection UNILAG, Make it happen Productions, Thespian Family Theatre, Troopers Arts, Women in Arts and many more including 4 International productions from the UK.

Special workshops Events were held at over 15 venues including Freedom Park, Muson Centre, Terra Kulture, University of Lagos, Bogobiri, etc, throughout the duration of the festival. There were also special workshops for actors, creative writing, directors and producers.

The week-long theatre festival which began on Tuesday 23 and ended Sunday February,28 attracted Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, writers, directors, producers, singers with a host of arts, culture and theatre enthusiasts.

Also in attendance were their British counterparts.

At the opening ceremony, guests were treated to good music by popular artiste, Isaac Geralds which was followed by a play titled, Every Single Day produced by Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju for Make it Happen Productions.

Every Single Day was staged behind the iGrove radio, Freedom Park Lagos.

The play featured Linda Ejiofor as Linda, Patrick Diabuah (Pastor), Martin Iwuagwu (Landlord’s son), Rita Edward (Mother), Rotimi Oluwo (Barman), Ife Salako as Land lord, Paul was the police officer while Funmi Ajibade acted as Area girl.

It tells the story of Linda, a mature single lady who has diverse

dehumanising experiences to contend with in her daily life.

The play echoes the negative impression the society has on mature single women who are most often, treated with disrespect.

Guests present at the opening include the Lagos Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Mr. Folarin Coker, Yeni Kuti, Wana

The festival presents opportunity to showcase talents and creativity and heritage of our great city

Udobang, David Evans, Bikiye Graham - Douglas, Artistic Director, Lagos Theatre Festival, Kenneth Uphopho and •A scene from one of the performances during the festival many more. In her opening reand creative industries in the UK. and creativity and heritage of our marks, the Country Director, BritPartnerships between Nigeria great city and in line with our adish Council Nigeria, Connie and British artists, institutions and ministration’s resolve to create a Price said: “The programme of organisations are at the heart of year round programme of arts, performances produced by Nigeculture, entertainment and the season.” rian and British theatre makers, A major focus of UK/Nigeria tourism events across the length is part of UK/Nigeria 2015-16, a 2015-16 Price further stated, “Is and breadth of the state. I’m major season of arts aimed at on creating access to art, new dig- pleased to say that from four probuilding new audiences, creatital work, art in public spaces and ductions in 2013 the festival has ing new collaborations and grown to 40 productions and working with young people.” strengthening relationships. about 100 shows.

The Lagos State Commissioner Programmed in association In subsequent years, we would for Culture and Tourism Mr with a host of partners, the festilike to see even more expansion Folorunsho Folarin-Coker said: val features more than 30 from Agege to Epe, to Badagry “Lagos State is proud to host this projects and more than 80 events and Ikorodu and we would find festival, the largest out door fesin art, fashion, design, theatre, ways to work with the British tival in Nigeria and I dare say, dance, music, literature and film West Africa. The festival presents Council to see how we can throughout Nigeria and includes opportunity to showcase talents achieve this expansion.” the showcasing of Nigerian arts

Indigo Arya's iconic exhibition connects corporate and creative Lagos

By Japhet Alakam

F

OR two days, the city of Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital will witness what could be described as an explosion of fantastic exhibition, artistic talks, discussions and performances as Indigo Arya, a Creative Consultancy that specializes in branding, visual communication and creative problem solving partners with Heritage Place, to present a unique exhibition tagged, Lagos: Living and Working, an art exhibition showcasing visual artists living and working in the city.

Iconic exhibition The iconic exhibition which will hopefully be the first of many corporate-creative partnerships in Lagos is coming on the heels of its efforts to create a platform for artists in the city to reach a new audience in a new way.

The exhibition which will be a bridge connecting Corporate Lagos and Creative Lagos and inciting powerful one-on-one encounters between the art and the audience is scheduled to open with a private viewing on Saturday, 12th March 2016 and a ticketed event, open to the public on Sunday, 13th March 2016 at the top floor of Heritage Place, 21 Lugard Road, off Kingsway Road, Ikoyi.

Speaking about the show, Itohan Bralow, Creative director and founder of Indigo Arya disclosed that the show will reach

out to two influential socioeconomic groups defining the direction of the economic scene in Lagos: business leaders and dynamic young up and coming professionals and creatives who will attend the 2 day event.

According to her, the entire top floor (1805sqm) will be converted into fantastic exhibition and performance area. The event will showcase Nigerian photographers, illustrators, installation artists, painters and videographers. Eighteen artists have been selected by Indigo Arya to be featured in the show and they are Andrew Esiebo, August Udoh, Tom Sateer, Obi Somto, Tolani Alli, Emmanuel Ogabi, Aham Ibeleme, Moses Oghagbon, Dennis Osadebe, Damilola Opedun, Dipo Doherty, Tuni Barlow, Elizabeth Ofili, Collyde Prime,Osa7,Ada

The exhibition will be a bridge connecting corporate Lagos and creative Lagos and inciting powerful one on one encounters

• Hope: Portrait of an Idanre boy by Aham Ibeleme

Umeofia, Femi Arongundade and Addie Mak. Continuing, she stated that Mydrim gallery, located at 74B Norman Williams Street S.W Ikoyi, will also be curating a section of the exhibition with works from their collection of younger artists.

Other features include ,a section where inspirational speakers including Mr. Segun Adejumo, the president of the Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) will talk about the future of the creative arts in Nigeria. There will also be artist corners where the artists will discuss their work and their journeys to date and an exclusive viewing of a video interview with Prince (Engr) Yemisi Shyllon, founder of OYASAF, who owns Nigeria’s largest private art collection will also happen on both days of the exhibition.

The Indigo Arya team are pas-

sionate about creating unique brands that tell engaging stories.

With the “Lagos: Living and Working” project, the Indigo Arya team is determined to create a platform for artists in the city to reach a new audience in a new way.

To make the exhibition a success, Indigo Arya is partnering with Heritage Place, the first environmentally certified commercial building in the city to bring you this event. Its iconic design, prestigious address and bar-raising specification sets a new standard for Nigeria’s architectural landscape. Other partners of the event include Samsung, Power Horse, Pulse.ng, Avandis Consulting, Petrolex Oil and Gas, Uber, Artnigeria.com and Genevieve magazine. With just a ticket of N1000, 00 , you can be part of the three viewing slots on Sunday 13th from 11am – 2pm; 2.30pm – 5.30pm and 6pm – 9pm.

50 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Nigeria, especially delays and other attendant challenges with litigation in Nigeria. Third, where the stakes are very high and the issues require certain desirable expertise, some parties prefer to look outside the shore of Nigeria for both counsel and arbitrators. I think the trend should change given time and better development of arbitration in Nigeria.

How then can Nigerian parties seek enforcement of arbitral awards abroad?

Parties seeking to entice arbitral awards outside Nigeria need to carefully consider any consequential benefits and practical desirability of so doing. Generally, arbitral awards are recognised and enforceable in other jurisdictions pursuant to the New York Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Awards 1958.

Arbitration, ADRC can attract more foreign investment into Nigeria —Kadiri Mr. Momoh Kadiri, is a London based legal practitioner and arbitrator. He is interested in the development of the arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in Nigeria. In this interview, he spoke on the factors militating against the process and how it can be made more attractive and effective in the country as well as other related issues. Excerpts:

By Dayo Benson

W

HAT is your assess ment of the proposed new Arbitration Bill pending before the national assembly?

Arbitration is evolving and the law regulating practice of arbitration in Nigeria can be no exception. The legal framework of arbitration in Nigeria, that is to say the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1988, see Cap18A, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, is outdated in many respects with international best practice.

First, the law came into operation in 1988 which is nearly three decades ago. Second, of significant mention is the fact that the Act aforesaid, was greatly influenced and hinged on the then UNCITRAL model law 1976.

Dynamic realities The said UNCITRAL model law has itself, undergone several progressive changes and amendments over the years, in a bid to make it conform to modern, dynamic realities. Therefore, the pending Arbitration Bill before the National Assembly, amongst others, is aimed at reforming and ensuring the extant arbitration law and practice in Nigeria, reflect some of the modern changes and marked development since 1988 to date.

I believe that the current state of arbitration law and practice in Nigeria could be better improved through law reform to ensure that it meets present and future expectations in alternative dispute resolution.

How do you think the recently commissioned Lagos Court of Arbitration can be fully utilised in this regard?

The Lagos Court of Arbitration is laudable initiative. It is a private initiative which draws some semblance from what a modern court of arbitration should aspire to be both in terms of facilitating settlement of disputes and pro-

motion of the use of arbitration and other ADR processes.

It would need to appeal to users within and outside Nigeria over some years for one to be able to assess how it compares with other established arbitration centres and institutions in Africa such as Mauritius, Kigali, Cairo.

To be fully utilised, it must seek to have global appeal both in terms of number of its users and the quality and value of matters that are brought before it for resolution. The facilities, rules and panel of arbitrators must be in tune with international best practice, in order to ensure that it remains popular and responsive to future needs.

Do you think there is enough training for arbitrators in Nigeria?

Generally speaking, quite a number of arbitrators, like my humble self, trained abroad. Some having so trained abroad now also train others in Nigeria.

Training events I have also had an opportunity to train many Nigerian lawyers, Judges and others in London on various aspects of commercial and investment arbitration.

We regularly organise the training events in London during the summer every year under the auspices of “Arbitration London,”and we focus on emerging trends and sharing our international experiences both as counsel or arbitrators. We also discuss mediation and other less frequently used ADR processes and, how they can effectively be used to facilitate settlement of disputes.

I can therefore attest to the fact that some Nigerians go abroad for training, seeking to improve and enhance their knowledge in the practice of arbitration. Having said that, it seems that many trainers of a number of the training bodies in Nigeria also need training and retraining in view of

Domestic legal framework

*Momoh Kadiri the dynamic jurisprudence in arbitration.

How then do you think Nigeria can be made attractive seat of arbitration?

Nigeria can make significant improvement in both the number and quantum of inward foreign investment or FDI by embracing and developing intonation all arbitration. This requires having a legal framework that is both dynamic and meets international best practices. The judges, lawyers or arbitration practitioners need training and retraining on the importance of arbitration not just to aide FDI, but more importantly to enhance effective dispute resolution and administration of justice. Many civil cases that end up in Nigerian court are matters that can and should be settled via arbitration, mediation,

I believe that the current state of arbitration law and practice in Nigeria could be better improved through law reform to ensure that it meets present and future expectations in alternative dispute resolution

conciliation, early neutral evaluations do other less known ADR processes. Effective adoption of such methods would free-up judges’ dockets and allow them focus on matters that need judicial attention and resolution. We also need to develop existing and more arbitration institutions that have global appeal and capacity to administer diverse commercial and international disputes.

Most Nigerian arbitration cases are taken abroad, when there are competent arbitrators in the country. In what ways can this be reversed?

First of all, arbitration is consensual and base on party autonomy. Therefore, parties can, by agreement, decide to have their arbitration where they so stipulate.

Arbitration agreement Therefore, for such arbitration to be taken abroad, the seat of the arbitration agreement must so indicate. I think the real question and concern is why Nigerian parties find it convenient to have their disputes resolved under foreign arbitral seats, rules and even at time foreign arbitrators.

There are a multiplicity of factors that collocate to create the challenge. First, arbitration is largely, although in my humble view, seen as pre-litigation by some lawyers and others involved in the administration of justice in Nigeria. Therefore there is a cultural and perception challenge, which training and better capacity building as the one we organise can help overcome. Second, there is the issue of mistrust about effective resolution of disputes in

Therefore, a successful Nigerian party would have to consider, where the respondent has assets, or carries on business to determine how best to seek enforcement within jurisdiction.

In what ways can the practice of arbitration be developed in Nigeria compared to UK and other jurisdictions?

As stated earlier, we need to develop our domestic legal framework regulating arbitration; develop stronger arbitral institutions; improve capacity of practitioners and lawyers; and improve on judicial and court support for recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards.

The Nigerian government has a prisoner exchange programme with the UK. What are your thoughts on this initiative?

This is one area I think the administration of former administration of President Goodluck Jonathan administration was misled or not properly advised. There are consequences flowing from Nigerian prisoners who are removed, deported or transferred from the UK to Nigeria, to serve custodial sentences. I seriously doubt the quality, if at all, of any legal advise that was sought or given prior to the Nigerian government going into that arrangement.

One must ask how many UK citizens are living in Nigeria that are, or have been so deported or removed from Nigeria in consequence of the bilateral arrangement? It could be that the arrangement is one-sided. Government must endeavour to seek expert opinion on such bilateral matters.

Also, government agencies must provide a platform where would-be travellers from Nigeria to the UK and elsewhere, are better informed and educated on how to conduct themselves and how to stay legal and lawful in diaspora.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 51

J-K Gadzama Court commissioning The official commissioning of J-K Gadzama Court, the corporate office of the law firm and silver jubilee of the firm.

NBA: Substitute your nominees, Arewa Elders Committee tells Mahmoud

By Innocent Anaba

T

From left: Chief Joe K. Gadzama, SAN; Justice Mohammed, CJN, and Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State.

Friom left: Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice M. L. Uwais and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN.

From left: Justice Mary-Peter Odili, JSC and Justice George Oguntade, JSC-rtd.

From left: Prof. Awah Kalu, SAN and and Prof.

Epiphany Azinge, SAN.

HE leadership of Arewa Lawyers Forum, ALF, has told one of the Presidential aspirants in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, elections, Mr. A. B. Mahmoud, SAN, to substitute two of his nominees into the Arewa Elders Committee within one week.

A memo by the Chairman of ALF, M. A. Abubakar to the secretary, Sani Garungabas, read: “I received the above mail from A. B. Mahmud, SAN, conveying his nominees into the elders committee as requested.

“Surprisingly, I have also received a petition from JK Gadzama, SAN, which I will also forward to you. In the said petition, he is complaining of first two nominees as non ALF members.

“To my mind, the petition has merit, accordingly, the attention of A. B. Mahmud should be drawn on the need to substitute them within one week.”

Mahmoud had nominated former NBA President, J. B. Daudu, SAN, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN and Dr. Garba Tetengi, SAN, as his nominees into the Elders Committee But in a letter to the leadership of ALF, protest against two proposed nominees of Mahmoud, Gadzama said: “Please recall that at the last ALF general meeting held in Kaduna on January 30, 2015, it was unanimously resolved that both Presidential aspirants should forward names of three

nominees each, of Northern extraction, for the purpose of constituting the seven man Committee of Elders to look into the report of the Electoral Screening Committee which recommended Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN, for adoption.

“My attention has been drawn to the fact that my brother and friend, A. B. Mahmoud, has nominated the following distinguished and respected members of the Bar, Daudu, SAN, Ali, SAN and Tetengi, SAN, as his members for the committee.

“While conceding the fact that the trio, the above nominees are respected Bar leaders, renowned achievers and jolly good fellows, the first and second nominees are not qualified to be appointed into the seven man Committee of Elders. Daudu, SAN, has since left ALF and founded Middle Belt Lawyers’ Forum and he is now the Forum’s Alter Ego, he has not attended ALF for the past six years, Ali, SAN, is an indigene of Ifetedo in Osun State and a member of Egbe Amofin (South West Bar Forum) “By our constitution, bylaws, policy and tradition, our members must not only be of Northern extraction, they must also not belong to any of the other regional fora. In the circumstances, I urge the executive committee to unhesitatingly disqualify the first and second nominees of Mahmoud, SAN. “Although time to substitute the said two proposed

unqualified nominees had lapsed, I do not, in my usual magnanimity, mind if my brother and friend is granted extension of time to substitute. Please do recall that I have not raised the issue of my brother and friend’s disqualification for not attending ALF meetings for over 6 years, owing to the same spirit of magnanimity,” Gadzama said.

Responding to the mail from the governor asking him to replace two of his nominees, ,Mahmoud said: “The mail states that Mr. JK Gadzama, SAN, had written a petition complaining against two of the nominees I had submitted. The chairman has concluded that the petition has merit and has directed that I should be

given one week to substitute the names.

“I will like to point out that I have not been informed about the petition of my learned brother Gadzama, SAN. I have also not been given a copy of the petition, neither by Mr. Gadzama himself, nor the Chairman of ALF, nor indeed any other person “I have also not been given any opportunity to make any representation on the petition before a decision was reached on the merit of the petition and the directive that I should substitute the names objected to. I should add too, that I have also not been informed of the list submitted by Mr. Gadzama, SAN, not to talk of being given any opportunity of raising any objection,” Mahmoud said.

Mrs Elizabeth Idigbe marks 5o th irthday Mrs Elizabeth Idigbe, a lawyer and wife of Anthony Idigbe SAN, celebrated her 50th birthday in a grand style, in Lagos, February 13.

Below are some of the personalities at the event which took place at Civil Centre, Victoria Island.

From left: Anthony Idigbe and wife Elizabeth.

Lawyers must defend assault on legal profession —Mahmoud

By Dayo Benson

L

EGAL practitioner and presidential aspirants in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, election, Mr A.B Mahmoud, SAN,has called on lawyers to defend any assault on the legal profession.

Mahmoud who spoke against the background of allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, that lawyers are aiding corruption, however stated that any lawyer accused of wrong doing must answer to the allegations. The senior lawyer who expressed this view in a chat with newsmen in Lagos, however called on all Nigerians to support the

anti-corruption war of the federal government in order to have a better society.

According to him, “we don’t know what the EFCC has, but if there are allegations against our colleagues, they must answer to them. But if EFCC allegation is an assault on the legal profession, then the profession has to be defended,” he said.

He however added that “all Nigerians must support anti-graft war and support it if we must have a better society.”

Making comparisons between corruption trial in Nigeria and other countries, he said the process dragged for too long here while they were speedily concluded elsewhere, say-

ing that “the legal profession has to take responsibility for this.”

Commenting on criticisms of some court judgments, he noted that “the legal profession is not about lawyers and judges only, it affects the lives of the people and they need to tell us how they feel, we can disagree with their (judges) decisions, but we don’t have to call them abusive names. If there are allegations of corruption, the leadership of the judiciary should investigate such allegations.”

Speaking on plea bargain as a means of reducing the volume of cases that anticorruption agencies are prosecuting, he said public officers who abuse their position must be dealt

with,but added that plea bargain could be adopted by the current administration to save huge resources that will be expended on prosecuting cases.

“If well administered, it will help reduce the burden of EFCC and decongest the workload of the judiciary,”he explained.

Mahmoud who commended the Augustine Alegeh SAN led NBA said the current leadership of the bar had demonstrated courage and quality leadership. “The NBA president has done well by reacting to burning national issues. He has visited Maiduguri and Zaria and this is the kind of courage expected of the NBA leadership” he said.

From left: Chief John Udozie and Vicky.

From left: Justice Oyinda Ogala and Mr Tunde Ogala.

52—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3 , 2016

Kidnappers reduce ransom to N20m per student

LAGOS SCHOOL ABDUCTION: •How I escaped abduction —Student •The battle line is drawn —Army

By Evelyn Usman,Bose Adelaja, Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

L

AGOS—THERE were indications yesterday that the kidnappers who stormed Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos, Monday night, abducting three Senior Secondary School female students have reduced the ransom to N20 million per student.

As at midnight Tuesday, the kidnappers who initially demanded for N100 million for each student, succumbed to passionate pleas by their contact in the school, as Vanguard gathered that they reduced their demands to N20 million.

Besides, the kidnappers have been discovered to be militants turned vandals.

How I escaped, by student

This is just as a female Senior Secondary School student ( names withheld) has narrated how she escaped being caught by the gunmen.

Explaining her ordeal to her guardian who visited from Enugu State yesterday, the science student said in tears: “We were reading for our test billed for Tuesday morning , that night when we heard the first gun shot. We ignored it, thinking it was fire crackers.

Then, another shot followed. At that point, we were scared . One of us jokingly said, 'those people that attempted to strike the other day have come o.‘ Hearing that, I froze and started praying.

“Before we could think of the next thing to do, three SSS1 students ran into our class room, screaming: Robbers! We all ran out in our confused states , only to bump into four armed men. We ran back towards the window, where we struggled to jump out from. At that point, one of the gunmen held my cloth from behind. In my attempt to free myself from his grips, a student fell down. He (gunman) left me and held the student that fell by the leg, while I ran with all my strength until I got to the hostel.”

Meanwhile academic activities were still on hold at the private missionary secondary school yesterday, as students were ordered to remain in their hostels, with strict instruction not to speak to anyone about the ugly incident.

Some parents also visited yesterday to see their children.

Some of them who had their

SOLIDARITY VISIT: From left: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Majority Leader, Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade; Principal, Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School, Ven. Olaoluwa Adeyemi; Proprietor & Bishop of Remo Dioceses, Bishop Michael Fape, and member, Board of Governor of the school, Justice Honponu Wusu, during a visit to the school where three female students were abducted by a gang of armed men at Agunfoye Lugbusi Village, Adamo, Ikorodu, Lagos, yesterday. children in the junior Secondary School JSS1 to 3, went with them. But some of the students, particularly those in the SSS, reportedly declined to leave with their parents.

The school authority still kept mum over the issue. Its position might not be unconnected with the kidnappers' directive, as Vanguard reliably gathered that the abductors warned that no conversation with them must be leaked to the Police or newsmen, failure of which they threatened to do the unimaginable.

But the school‘s management expressed optimism that the abducted children would return safely, even as they enjoined parents to be part of the ongoing prayers.

Vanguard learned that the school has been in constant touch with distraught parents of the abducted students.

Asked why the school did not put security measures in place after a similar attempt earlier, a member of staff who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “We employed the services of some soldiers to man the school after an earlier foiled attempt.

Also part of the perimeter fence was raised. But there is no way the entire fence could have been raised at once because the school covers about 25 acres of land.”

Attempts to speak with the school’s principal, Venerable Olaoluwa Adeyemi failed, as he blamed journalists for compounding the whole issue.

The battle line is drawn

Meantime,the Commanding Officer, 174 battalion, Nigerian Army in Ikorodu, Lagos, Lt. Colonel Julius Ogbobe, has given maRching orders to soldiers in his unit to fish out the hoodlums involved in the kidnap saga.

Lt. Colonel Ogbobe who spoke with Vanguard on the telephone warned kidnappers to keep off from Ikorodu and Lagos State entirely, threatening that they would soon incur the wrath of the military.

On its part, the Lagos State Police Command stated that investigation as well as rescue efforts were still ongoing. It, however, did not explain the form of the rescue operation, saying it could jeopardize efforts made so far. Vanguard gathered that other security agencies are also part of the rescue operation.

Security agencies have useful lead —Ambode

However, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State disclosed that security agents were armed with leadS that will cause the arrest of the invaders and subsequent rescue of the students.

Condemning the incident which he described as unfortunate, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Ambode stated that his government would not spare any effort at ensuring the safe return of abducted girls, as well as get the perpetrators arrested.

Ambode commended the gallantry of the students of the school for putting up what he

described as courageous resistance to prevent the abduction of their mates, even as he appealed for calm and support of every Lagosian.

Dep gov visits school

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Adebule paid a visit to the Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School, yesterday, reinstating the state government’s resolve at ensuring the safe return of the abducted girls.

Accompanied by top government functionaries and heads of security agencies in the state, Adebule , said: “On behalf of the Governor and all of us in the Ministry of Education, we are here to share your pain and off course to see first-hand what happened on Monday. The Governor has directed that we assure you and the general public that with the combined efforts of all the security agencies that the children, by the grace of God, will be rescued very soon."

Earlier, Proprietor of the School and Bishop of Remo Diocese of Anglican Church of Nigeria, Dr. Michael Fape commended the state government for the quick response to the distress call made on the kidnap, saying the action of government and the security agencies were encouraging and assuring that the girls would soon be rescued.

“We can’t thank you enough. We are sure these girls will be rescued.

And of course the way the Lagos State Government has risen to the task of rescuing these girls also gives us a lot of encouragement.

“The Governor himself and the Commissioner of Police and every

one of them have been on top of the situation. Their efforts have been so encouraging and we sincerely thank them. With God on our side and the efforts being put in place by the state government, these children will be recovered,” the Bishop said.

Also in his response, Principal of the school, Venerable Olaoluwa Adeyemi, disclosed that the kidnappers who were armed with sophisticated weapons, gained access into the school premises through a hole they created in the school’s fence, adding that they started shooting sporadically into the air, and eventually overpowered the security personnel in the school.

Adeyemi said: “Three children were involved and we have contacted their parents and tried to discuss with them. The security in the school tried to check them but the weapons they came with were very heavy. They went into the classrooms; the students in fact put up a good fight but the kidnappers overpowered just about three students and whisked them away.

“Immediately, we called the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni as well as the governor.

Within the space of two to three hours, the school was filled with security operatives. All the security agencies combed the environment here till morning. Apparently, we could not get them but since then, security people have been really working hard.”

Reps urge IGP to find missing girls

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday, mandated the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase to intensify efforts in ensuring that the abducted students were released.

This was sequel to a motion on matters of urgent public importance entitled “Urgent Need to Seek the Release of Abducted Female students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School in Ikorodu.” The motion was promoted by Rep Babjimi Benson.

“More than 24 hours after the sad incident, the Nigeria Police Force and other concerned agencies of government have not been able to reunite the abducted girls with their parents.

“The incidence of insecurity in Ikorodu Federal Constituency is becoming worrisome as the security agencies of government are finding it difficult to protect lives and properties, “Benson told the House.

Contributing to the motion, Ekpoattai Ime, said that it was sad for a mother not to know anything about her child’s whereabouts, adding that the act was against God and humanity.

“I urge this Honourable House and the IGP to intensify efforts to recover the girls. Girls are now kidnapped everyday in Nigeria even women, this is sad, “she said.

Rep Aisha Dukku in her contribution, called for the need for the House to visit the school and parents whose children were abducted .

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 53

Eagles begin camping Sunday

Squash Federation to honour Obasanjo

N

IGERIA will open their training camp for two crucial AFCON 2017 qualifiers against Egypt on Sunday with players from the domestic league, officials have informed.

The camp will open in Abuja before it moves to Kaduna, where Nigeria will welcome seven-time champions Egypt on March 25, before they fly out for the reverse clash in Alexandria on March 29 night.

This latest proposal for the camp to open earlier than a plan by former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh to get going two weeks to the match in Kaduna is expected to be endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical committee, when they meet in Abuja today.

However, it is left to be seen whether the homebased players called up for the Egypt matches will be excused to feature for their clubs in league matches thereafter.

Nigeria are expected to announce a squad made up of players from the home league and foreign pros today after a deliberation by the technical committee.

NFF technical director Shaibu Amodu met with caretaker coaches Samson Siasia and Salisu Yusuf on Tuesday in Abuja to draw up a squad list.

Emmanuel Amuneke, the third member in the Eagles consortium of coaches, was not present as he was back at his base in Spain.

T

*ON THE MARCH AGAIN: Super Eagles players jogging before a training session.

NBF selects 10 boxers for Rio 2016 Olympic qualifier

By Solomon Nwoke

T

HE Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has released names of 10 selected boxers that will fight for Rio 2016 slots in the Olympic qualifiers scheduled to hold in Cameroun. The federation also decamped 12 out of the 22 boxers that were earlier invited.

The 10 lucky boxers were made up of seven men and three women which included three of the 2015 Congo Brazzaville All Africa Games gold medalists and 2 Silver medalists.

These include Efe Ajagba (Gold medalist), Efetobor Apochi (Silver medalist), Korede Aden-

NFF makes U-turn Continues from B/Page

Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Chris Green who said that the elevation would put paid to the news that Nigeria would no longer employ indigenous coaches for the senior national team. ‘’Yes, it is true. We have no choice than to elevate him to the position of chief coach of the Eagles’’, Barrister Green who, together with Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi launched “Operation beat Egypt’’ on Tuesday said. ‘’We need total concentration and support to the coaching crew and the players to make this Operation successful’’, Green noted.

Stories earlier credited to President Amaju Pinnick that Nigeria had come to the end of employing indigenous coaches for the Eagles has attracted total conC M Y K

demnation and this Uturn may be in line to steady the ship and bring peace to reign in the football house after the sudden resignation of Sunday Oliseh.

And to show how titanic the battle of Kaduna would be, Egypt also threatened to sack Argentine coach of the Pharaohs, Hector Cuper, if he fails to beat Nigeria in the double header and qualify Egypt.

“Cuper has been given a two-match ultimatum by the Egyptian Football Association. He has been told to beat Nigeria and ensure Egypt qualify for Gabon 2017 or face dismissal,’’ a source said Tuesday.

Coach Samson Siasia is expected to announce his list of players invited for the match against Egypt today after submitting it to the Technical and Development Committee of the NFF.

iji, Kazeem Soyoye, Muyideen Oyakojo and two new surprise entrants that defeated champions of their weight categories,

Sadiq Umar from the United Kingdom who defeated both Ayodele Mike and Danuloko Ekele and Abua Christian that made nonsense

of 2015 All Africa Games gold medalist, Femi Oyeleye whom he turned into a punching bag during their consistent internal trials in camp.

HE President of the Nigeria Squash Federation Alhaji Adamu Erena has unveiled plans to organize regular tournaments aimed at ensuring the growth of squash at the grassroots, even as former President Olusegun Obasanjo is to have a competition staged in his honour on his 79th birthday .

According to Erena, ”There is going to be a one-day invitational tournament that would attract four top players in the categories of senior boys and girls, intermediary cadre, and the junior category .

This is to kick start several activities lined up for the year. The event is to be held in Abuja.

We are expecting 16 players for the competition slated for March 12, 2016.

The Federation would as usual sponsor the competition because we want our players to be very active by creating the avenue to express their God-given talents.

NOGIG 2016: Chevron demolish NCDMB *Ezeanya, Atinuke light up Ikoyi club

T

RUE to their prematch boast, Chevron Basketball team yesterday demolished their NCDMB counterparts

49-12 in a one-sided basketball match of the ongoing 2016 Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games.

Johnson faces jail Continues from B/Page

the beginning of his trial but had denied two more serious accusations of sexual activity.

A jury at Bradford Crown Court in northern England cleared him of one of these charges but convicted him of the other. He will be sentenced at a later date.

“In our football-obsessed region Adam Johnson had a responsibility as a professional footballer to be a role model, a role he did not fulfil,” Detective Inspector Aelfwynn Sampson told reporters outside court.

“He knew very early on in this case how old the victim was and continued to contact her and continued to be in contact with her and arrange to meet her.”

In a statement issued through the police the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she had suffered abuse and felt used.

“He was my favourite football player at Sunderland, a club I was a massive supporter of,” she said in the state-

ment. “Him being found guilty and pleading guilty shows everyone that I was telling the truth.”

Sunderland sacked Johnson after he entered his guilty pleas but the club has been criticised for not taking action sooner. In a statement, the club said it had been acting on legal advice.

“Had the club known that Mr Johnson intended to plead guilty to any of these charges, then his employment would have been terminated immediately,” Sunderland said.

Sportswear firm Adidas also cancelled its boot contract with the midfielder after his guilty pleas.

Johnson, who began his career at Middlesbrough and also played for Manchester City, joined Sunderland for 10 million pounds ($14.46 million) in 2012 on a four-year contract.

He had been a regular for the northeast side this season and scored in his last appearance in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool last month.

The match which held at the Chevron Recreation Centre, Gbagada saw the Chevron team take an early lead and dominated their opponents in all the quarters.

With this result, Chevron topped Group A with maximum points. Other teams in the group include Chevron, Shell and NCDMB. Total fell to Shell 21-29 to qualify for the semi final as Group A runners up.

The first two placed teams in each group play in the semi finals which will see group A winners against group B runners up and B winners taking up Group A runners up.

Meanwhile the final of the squash events comes up today at the squash courts of Ikoyi Club 1938. In the ladies singles, it will be an all NNPC affair, as Kate Ezeanya who won gold in the women’s veteran category will clash with Mrs Atinuke also of NNPC in the epic final.

Ezeanya ranked number one seed is the clear favourite for the title. But against Atinuke, who is seeded 2nd, it is hard to predict. “When we get to then we will know who is the better between us,”Ezeanya told our reporter yesterday.

Siasia gives up on Enyeama, ants Salisu Yusuf and Emenike Emmanuel Amunike are Continues from B/Page

“You can’t force them to rescind their decision and we have to respect that.” Siasia told BBC Sport.

“I felt they left under a cloudy circumstance. It was only an opportunity for them to reconsider their stance but it appears they’ve both decided to stick by their retirement.

“Nigeria is blessed with talented footballers and we need to work with those players. We have to live away from the past and focus on a promising future.”

Siasia and his assist-

expected to finalise and name the country ’s squad for the game against the seven-time African champions today.

However, he added that no player will be ruled out.

“We can’t rule out anyone at the moment. The games against Egypt are crucial matches and we are keeping our focus.

We need the support of everyone to succeed.

“This is a big task for us and we want to give our best like those players who are prepared to give 120 percent on the field for their country.”

54— Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 — 55

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Johnson faces jail E

NGLISH football player Adam Johnson, who was sacked by Premier League club Sunderland last month, was facing jail after being found guilty on Wednesday of sexual ac-

Foreign Coach:

tivity with a 15-year-old girl.

The 28-year-old winger, who has played 12 times for England, had admitted kissing and grooming the teenager at Continues on Page 53

*Johnson

NFF makes U-turn *Dangles Eagles job at Siasia

By Tony Ubani

S

UPER Eagles interim coach, Samson Siasia has a chance of becoming the chief coach of the team if he leads Nigeria to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations ahead of the Pharaohs of Egypt who lead a qualifying pool that also has Tanzania and Chad with six points from two matches, two points ahead of Nigeria.

This cheery news was confirmed yesterday by the chairman of the Technical and Development Continues on Page 53

RESULTS

MAN OF THE MOMENT: Siasia waiting to be elevated

Eagles begin camping Sunday —P.53

TODAY'S PUZZLE

NPFL Abia/W 0 Pillars 0 Ak Utd 3 Heartland 0 Giwa 2 Rivers Utd 1 Ifeanyi/U 3 Shooting 1 Lobi 3 El Kanemi 0 MFMFC 2 Sunshine 1 Tornadoes 2 Nasarawa 0 Warri 0 Enugu 0 Wikki 3 Plateau 0

*Enyeama

Siasia gives up on Enyeama, Emenike C OACH Samson Siasia might have given up on goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and striker Emmanuel Emenike who have ruled out their return to the team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations tie against Egypt.

Both players were forced into early retire-

ment from the national team during coach Sunday Oliseh’s brief tenure.

But Siasia who replaced Oliseh last week was hopeful of convincing Enyeama and Emenike to change their minds, but he said yesterday their decision may have to be respected.

Continues on Page 53

QUICK CROSSWORD

YESTERSDAY'S ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Fall (6) 5 Principal (6) 9 Go in (5) 10 simpler (6) 11 Victor (6) 12 Round-up (5) 14 Curdle (4) 17 Youth (3) 18 Trust (4) 20 Chartered (5) 22 Declined (5) 23 Recovered (7) 24 Untidy (5) 26 Lukewarm (5) 29 Inactive (4) 30 Marry (3) 32 Only (4) 33 Paled (5) 35 Reiterate (6) 36 Gasped (6) 37 Singer (5) 38 Tiller (6) 39 Sinew (6)

DOWN 1 Ditch (6) 2 Clergyman (6) 3 Ogle (4) 4 Enlist (5) 5 Stitched (5) 6 Threesome (4) 7 Streamer (6) 8 Deserved (6) 13 Dawdled (7) 15 Existed (5) 16 Abrupt (5) 18 Hell (5) 19 Danger (5) 21 Age (3) 22 Damp (3) 24 Reflect (6) 25 Inclined (6) 27 Mailed (6) 28 Benumb (6) 30 Irrigate (5) 31 Storehouse (5) 33 Destiny (4) 34 Challenge (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Brash 9, Avenue 10, Eating 11, Scent 12, Idea 15, Wise 17, Consent 20, Die 21, Timid 23, Amen 25, Gate 26, Token 28, Peg 30, Defence 33, Edith 35, Deer 36, Birth 38, Candid 39, Landed 40, Doped.

DOWN: 1, Basic 2, Seven 3, Bus 4, Recent 5, Send 6, Hat 7, Rigid 8, Agree 13, Donated 14, asset 16, Silence 18, Tired 19, Big 22, Dated 24, Nor 27, Nettle 28, Peace 29, Giant 31, Need 32, Erode 34, Lido 36, Bid 37, Had.

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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