We're still weighing our options-PDP

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62376

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Why I won't accept 8 POLLS: Investors gain reappointment —Jega N1.816trn in 4 days 9 ALLEGED POLLS IRREGULARITIES:

We're still weighing our options — PDP •Says party not down but reinvigorated for race ahead •Commends Jonathan, congratulates Buhari •Jonathan snatched victory from jaws of defeat —APC •Adds it's time to put acrimonious electioneering campaign behind

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA— THE ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, formally congratulated Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) on his election as presidentContinues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS:

Electoral notes •P.17

ELECTIONS: The return of Buhari as a democrat •P.28

Mr & Mrs BREAKING OF FAST: President Goodluck Jonathan (right) welcoming, from left; Senior Pastor, Dunamis Church, Pastor Paul Enenche; Chairman, Christian Council of Nigeria, FCT chapter, Rev Ini Ukpoho; Bishop David Abioye of Living Faith Church and Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission to the Presidential Villa for breaking of Lenten fast, yesterday. Photo: State House

Jonathan, Obasanjo, Mark, others mourn ex-IGP MD Yusuf 9 Upsets mark S-West membership of next N-Assembly C M Y K

See pull-out inside

76 Senators fail to make 8th National Assembly

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2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

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POCKET CARTOON “It is incontrovertible that under the PDP-led government, our nation moved from a near pariah status to a strong actor in the international democratic arena, a product of various electoral reforms and our iron-cast commitment to transparent, free and fair electoral process at all levels.

“Even in the midst of obvious threats to our democracy, the PDP and the government it sponsored continued to stabilise the polity through strict adherence to rule of law and liberalisation of the political and economic space.

PDP achieved significant VISIT: National leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola milestones

Tinubu (right) and former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, during a courtesy visit to the residence of the former vice-president in Asokoro, Abuja yesterday.

We're still weighing our options —PDP Continues from Page 1

elect of the country even as it affirmed that it was still weighing its options on challenging the elections based on alleged irregularities it claimed characterised the polls.

In its first formal reaction to the release of the election results, the party told its faithful that it was not yet out as it pledged to mobilize all resources to ensure victory in the forthcoming state governorship and houses of assembly elections.

The assertions of the PDP came as the victorious All Progressives Congress, APC, itself formally congratulated its candidate, Buhari on his success in the polls.

The APC also commended President Goodluck Jonathan on what it described as the rare

“sportsmanship he exhibited by conceding defeat and congratulating Buhari even before Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, formally declared him as the winner.”

The incoming ruling party pledged that it would expect the kind of constructive opposition it gave to the PDP after the presidential inauguration, saying that such criticisms help keep a government on its toes.

We're not down —PDP

The PDP in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu‘azu, besides congratulating Buhari on his victory, also commended President Jonathan for his sportsmanlike attitude in not dragging

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things —Leonardo da Vinci

H

OW do you re-clarify your goals. If you have been procrastinating for an extended period of time, it might reflect a misalignment between what you want and what you are currently doing.

Often times, we outgrow our goals as we discover more about ourselves, but we don’t change our goals to reflect that. Find some moment for yourself (a short vacation will be good, even a weekend break will do too) and take some time to regroup yourself.

What exactly do you want to achieve? What should you do to get there? What are the steps to take?

Does your current work align with that? If not, what can you do about it?

Seek out someone who has already achieved the outcome. What is it you want to accomplish here, and who are the people who have accomplished this already? Go seek them out and connect with them.

Seeing living proof that your goals are very well achievable if you take action is one of the best triggers for action.

the process.

He said: “For us in the PDP, we want to state in very clear terms that we are not down. We are only at our redefining moment.

Rather than demoralise us, this election has afforded us great lessons and we are now more than ever before reinvigorated for the race ahead.”

Mua'zu, who noted that the party received reports of alleged serious irregularities which it said characterised the conduct of the election, said that as a party, it would channel the protests to the appropriate quarters in accordance with rule of law and democratic ethos.

Mu‘azu, who said the party would determine whether the result was reflective of the wishes and aspirations of the people, said: “Sixteen years ago, Nigerians gave our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the mandate to build, nurture and deepen democracy after three decades of military rule in our country.

“That historic mandate was freely given in recognition of the courageous and patriotic role of the founding fathers of our party whose resilience and doggedness championed the return of democracy and the personal freedom we all enjoy today.

“Within this period, our party worked very hard in rebuilding and strengthening democratic institutions, tenets and norms while lifting our status as the leading democracy in Africa and one of the best in the world.

“In the last 16 years the PDP-led administration achieved significant milestones in our social and economic lives. We moved Nigeria from a debtor nation to Africa’s largest economy and one of the fastest growing in the world, a feat, which is accompanied with unprecedented expansion of the private sector as well as multi-sectoral infrastructural development, all, great legacies we achieved for our nation.

“Presently, our nation is at the threshold of history and its defining moment for the future. As you are aware, in the early hours of Wednesday, April 1, 2015, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, returned the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, as winner of the 2015 presidential election.

Nothing'll be done to truncate our democracy

“However, we have received reports of serious irregularities that characterised the conduct of the election and we shall channel our protests to the appropriate quarters in line with our profound respect for the rule of law and democratic ethos.

“Our party comes with great values and tradition and we will adhere to them and ensure that nothing is done to truncate our democracy, which we have proudly worked so hard to nurture and sustain to maturity.

“Therefore, if the outcome of the election is truly the reflection of the wishes and aspirations of our citizens, the PDP will most willingly respect that wish.

“What is paramount to us is the survival of our democracy, the unity, peace

and progress of our dear nation and the happiness of all our people. Nigeria is bigger than any political party, individual or group and her overall interest must be our priority at all times.

PDP commends Jonathan, Buhari

“It is in this light that we as a party commend our flag bearer, President Goodluck Jonathan for his heroic act in conceding to the voice of the people, an action that stands him out as a true democrat and a statesman.

“We also congratulate the APC flag bearer, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, for his resilience and victory in this election while wishing him success in the onerous task of leading our nation once again.

“On the same note, we wish to also commend the electorate for the peaceful manner with which they conducted themselves in the course of this election.

“As we return to the electorate for the April 11, 2015 governorship and state assembly elections, we assure all our candidates in the remaining elections that the party will stand with you, campaign with you and work vigorously to ensure your total victory at the polls.

“Finally, we call on our party faithful to remain steadfast in our renewed effort to deliver our flag bearers in the remaining elections.”

Jonathan now a statesman —APC

The APC in its own formal reaction to the results thanked Nigerians for voting for the party as it promised that the Buhari administration would rekindle hope and bring succour to the people.

The statement issued by the party ’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, read: "Nigerians have used their votes to bring change. We hear their message loud and clear: They want a government that works,

and will not hesitate to use the same votes to kick out any government that fails to deliver."

APC also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the rare sportsmanship he exhibited by conceding defeat and congratulating Gen. Buhari, even before INEC formally declared him as the winner.

The party said by that singular act, which went a long way in dousing postelection tension, the President has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, written his name in gold in the annals of Nigeria’s history and catapulted himself to a statesman.

It's time to put acrimonious electioneering campaign behind

APC said it was time for all Nigerians, irrespective of their political leaning, to put the acrimonious electioneering campaign behind them and to forge a united front to tackle the enormous challenges facing the nation.

It said: "The APC-led Federal Government will work for all Nigerians, whether or not they voted for us in the elections, or did not even vote at all. Our party will not discriminate against any Nigerian on the basis of religion, region, ethnicity or gender. We are all God’s own people."

Virile opposition

APC said it would also appreciate a virile opposition, because it is indispensable in any democracy worthy of that nomenclature.

"Having been in opposition ourselves, we know what it means to keep the government of the day on its toes with very robust and constructive criticism, and we expect no less from those who have swapped places with us," the party said.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Houses suspected to be kidnappers' den set ablaze at Adekile Orita Aperin in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday. Above is a well discovered in one of the houses. PHOTO: Dare Fasube.

4 dead, 15 injured in Bauchi auto crash

By Suzan Edeh

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AUCHI—FOUR people were, yesterday killed, while several others sustained injuries in separate motor accidents at Soro Town in Ganjuwa and Toro Local Government areas of Bauchi State.

State police spokesman, DSP Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the two incidents, said the first which happened around 2.15pm in Ganjuwa local Government Area, involved a white Toyota bus driven by one 24-year-old Shafiu Juli of Gali village.

He was said to have lost control and ran into a jubilating crowd at Soro Town, along Bauchi Maiduguri Highway, leading to the death of two persons, while nine others sustained injuries.

According to him, the crowd at the scene of the accident accused the driver of ramming into the crowd, instead of diverting the bus elsewhere.

Missing

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O C H U K W U U b a w u i k e , popularly known as Aboy, aged 19, fair in complexion, is missing. He was last seen around his residence, 20, Abeokuta Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, on Monday, March 23, at about 4p.m.

He is about 5feet tall, understands and speaks Igbo and English languages fluently.

Anyone with useful information of his whereabouts should contact Mr. Eleazer Ubawuike on 08181570218 or 08033994280.

The PPRO said the deceased persons were basking in the euphoria of General Muhammadu Buhari's victory when they met their untimely death.

Mohammed also said the second crash occurred around 2.45pm in Toro Local Government Area, involving a green Volkswagen Passat car with number plate KTN 781 PG, driven by one Zubairu

zVictims include police officer going for his wedding Alhassan, 20, of Toro council and a green Toyota Camry with number plate PB 983 AA, driven by one DSP Abel Afarayo, Commanding Officer, Police Special Protection Unit, SPU, Nasarawa State Command.

He said the accident happened when the driver of the green Volkswagen Passat

attempted to overtake another vehicle in front of it and in the process, collided with the green Toyota Camry.

“The deceased persons include DSP Afarayo, who was travelling to Gombe for his wedding and the driver of the Volkswagen Passat vehicle.

“Six others, including a

Commissioner of Police, Danladi Mamman, attached to SPU, Nasarawa State, sustained various degrees of injuries.”

He said a police patrol team, attached to Toro Division, visited the scene and that the victims were taken to General Hospital, Toro, for medical attention and post-mortem examination.

Imo Assembly LP candidate, bizman shot dead

By Chidi Nkwopara

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W E R R I — UNIDENTIFIED gunmen have shot dead two persons in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State in the last two days.

The victims are Labour Party, LP, candidate for the state House of Assembly, Mr. Andrew Ugwuezumba, and an Abuja-based businessman, Mr. Bennett Nnaji.

Ugwuezumba, from Umunehi, Obiangwu, was murdered at Airport Road, while Nnaji, a native of Umuohiagu, was killed a few metres to the Airport Junction.

Speculations making the rounds in Ngor Okpala indicated that the killings were politically motivated, while some people think assassins were purely on rampage.

Vanguard gathered that Ugwuezumba had attended a political meeting at Umuowa, where he addressed party faithful, and was driving back home in his Toyota Sequia sports utility vehicle, SUV, when the hoodlums killed him.

When Vanguard visited Ugwuezumba and Nnaji family homes, close relations were too devastated to speak on the issues, but some villagers claimed that the deceased were shot at close range.

In the case of Nnaji, he was said to have relocated to his country home, Umuohiagu, for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

“He was driving home when the armed hoodlums gave him a hot chase and shot him several times at close range,”

a villager said.

When newsmen sought the views of the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew

Enwerem, he said the matter had not been reported to the state command at the time of the inquiry.

IBADAN ATTACK: Police confirm 2 dead

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN—FOLLOWING the attack on a Divisional Police Officer over rumours of discovery of a kidnappers’ den at Adekile area of Ibadan, which led to his death, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, has said he would ensure that the hoodlums involved in the attack were arrested.

He said this yesterday while carrying out an on-the-spot assessment of the scene.

Some people had informed police that kidnap victims were kept in the house suspected to be a kidnappers’ den.

The police were said to have

stormed the place only to discover nothing.

Their explanation failed to convince the people, who alleged that the issue was similar to the kidnappers’ den discovered last year at Soku.

Subsequently, they allegedly attacked the policeman, who later died of the wounds he sustained to his head.

The state police boss, who conducted Governor Abiola Ajimobi round the scene of the incident at Adekile in Ibadan North-East area of the state, disclosed that two persons died in the incident.

The commissioner further explained that the slain police officer had responded to a

distress call from Adekile, only to be attacked later by the hoodlums when he could not find the bodies they alleged were in the building.

According to Mr. Katsina, while the DPO was explaining to the irate youths to remain calm as further investigation would be carried out, he was attacked and shot in the head.

He added that before the DPO died, also fired his gun at his attacker, who died on the way to the hospital.

Governor Ajimobi appealed to the people of the state to avoid violence in all ramifications, promising to support police in the arrest of the suspected attackers.

Cars vandalized, palace destroyed as hoodlums lay siege t

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—THE relative peace of Aagba in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State was, Wednesday, shattered by violence as some hoodlums attacked the palace of Oba Rufus Ogunwole, the monarch of the town.

According to sources at Isale Ayo, where the palace of Alaagba of Aagba is located,

the hoodlums, mostly youths, wielding dangerous weapons, laid siege to the palace and vandalized it.

While it lasted, about eight vehicles, including one Toyota Venza, and a Toyota Camry, were completely destroyed while several beaded crowns and staff were also carted away.

A resident of the town, who preferred anonymity, said some youths operating with the name

Odo Oru, had been involved in a running battle with the monarch after he was installed in January 2009.

According to him, members of Odo Oru also attacked houses of some chiefs, which totally foreclosed the possibility of the attack being a result of the last presidential and National Assembly polls.

It was reliably gathered that the house of Eesa of Aagba,

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—7

Navy destroys 320 illegal refineries in Delta T

HE Nigerian Naval ship, NNS Delta, has destroyed over 320 illegal refineries along the creeks of Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State with an estimated 6,000 metric tons of stolen crude stored at the various locations to be refined.

Briefing newsmen in Warri at the end of the destruction at Otegbene-Agbara, Bennet Island and Jones Creek, all in Warri South, the Commander, Commodore Musa Gemu, noted that these locations were the latest remote hideouts in the creeks where crude oil thieves carried out the refining processes, before taking them to the various markets where they were sold to the public.

He noted that the renewed commitments of the Navy to combat illicit oil deals was in line with the zero tolerance of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, to the issue of illegal bunkering activities and pipeline vandalism along the waterways.

He added that since those behind the act of sabotage had resolved not to stop, the Navy had intensified its surveillance

operations and destruction along the creeks.

Gemu said: “We, Navy, are particularly concerned that in spite of what the Federal Government, NNPC, NDDC, and DESOPADEC had done and are still doing to alleviate the poverty in this region through youth empowerments, job creation and education, some people are just not satisfied.

“They take to criminalities as if it is a way of life and that is the more reason they indulge themselves in all sorts of criminalities along the creeks.

“Look at the environment here. They have polluted the waters in the various

communities along these creeks as a result of spills from the damaged pipelines points from where they stole the crude.

Now, how do indigenes of these communities cope?

“Let us assume that they do not drink the waters from this river, but at least people rely on it as a source of living especially fishermen and also for domestic use. But as you can see, of what use is this polluted water to the people?

“So even the communities suffers so much from this act of sabotage.”

Commodore Gemu, warned those behind the act to desist in their best interest, saying the Navy had improved its

TIMARIV raises alarm over killing of staff

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Road Traffic Management Authority, TIMARIV, has urged the police to help stop killing of its staff in the state.

Acting Controller of the traffic

body, Mr. Confidence Eke, in a petition to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hosea Karma, said two of its staff were allegedly murdered within one week.

He pleaded with police to help save staff of the authority from the senseless attack.

Smoke from a burning vessel, following the destruction of boats and illegal refineries at Ogboinbiri community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State by the Joint Task Force, JTF, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

o Osun community Chief James Bamigbola, was attacked and his car, Mercedes Benz saloon car, vandalized.

An eyewitness account also had it that some of the attackers were youths from the town, who, it was gathered, must have been joined by some people from outside the town.

Speaking to newsmen, Alaagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Ogunwole, who was not in the

surveillance network along the creeks to be able to locate some of the remote hideout, where the criminal acts were being perpetrated.

He stressed that anyone caught in the act should be prepared to face the unpleasant consequences of their actions.

At Oteghene-Agbara community in Warri South, where two deep ditches were dug for oil storage, a primary school teacher who identified himself as Mr. Joseph Idogho, said the activities of the vandals and illegal bunkerers had been on for a while and that they had alerted the community leaders who were expected to informed security agents.

premises when the attackers struck, dismissed insinuations that the attack was as a result of the outcome of last Saturday’s poll.

He said: “These hoodlums always hide under politics whenever they want to commit atrocities. The attack was closely related to the issue of Alaagba Obaship tussle.

“All vehicles parked in my compound, when they came,

were destroyed. Photographs of my installations, documents relating to Aagba town, some beaded crowns and staff were carted away. Houses of two of my chiefs, Eesa and Inurin, were also attacked.”

On the security situation in the town, Oba Ogunwole said soldiers and policemen had been deployed to the town, adding that some arrests had also been made.

It would be recalled that a staff of TIMARIV was shot dead on the eve of the presidential and National Assembly elections at a check point at Whippy area of Port Harcourt.

Acting Controller of TIMARIV, Mr. Eke, gave the name of the staff who was murdered as John Dimkpa, adding that another one was shot dead at Amadiama area of Port Harcourt while on duty.

He said: ”On Thursday, March 26, at about 3.02p.m, one officer, John Dimkpa, posted to Wimpey/Ikwerre Road checkpoint for traffic duties was shot dead by unknown person(s).

“The case was promptly incidented at the Kala Police Divisional Headquarters.

“Also, on Wednesday, April 1, at the Amadi-Ama Area of the city, one officer, Precious Pepple, was equally killed by unknown persons.

“It is against this background that we write to seek your intervention by causing an indebt investigation into these killings and also ensure adequate protection of our officers.

“These measures will go a long way in reposing confidence in our officers in carrying out their duties.

“I am calling on members of the public to see that our officers are protected.

“If the unknown gunmen continue to kill our officers, it would be difficult for TIMARIV officers to come out on the road to carry out their job.

“TIMARIV work is beneficial to the public from the standpoint of the control of traffic.

“All over the world, emergency services workers are usually not attacked during crisis. But we will not shut down our services because of the current situation.

“We believe that the police have the capacity to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime and also protect our officers.”

How my son died protecting his vote, by 78-yr-old man

By Suzan Edeh & Umar Yusuf

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AUCHI—A 78-yearold man from Bauchi State has narrated how his son, 28, was killed by a soldier, while he was defending his vote for the President-elect, Gen Muhamadu Buhari (retd), last Sunday.

Meanwhile, a triggerhappy policeman attached to Adamawa State Police Command opened fire on jubilating group of youths, killinga 10-year-old primary school pupil and injuring two others.

Alhaji Yahaya Wunti, a bicycle repairer, said his son, Mohammed Bello, left their house at Wunti that morning, with his permission to go and cast his vote only to be cut down by the soldier.

He said: “Mohammed always asked for my permission before leaving my house.

“He came to me at around 11am and informed me that he wanted to go to vote and I asked him if he not carrying anything incriminating on him, and he said no.

“Not up to 10 minutes later, they brought my son’s dead body, saying he was shot by a soldier.”

The bereaved father, who had been receiving sympathizers in his house, said he was yet to understand what pushed the soldier to shoot his son in the head.

He said: “He was a good boy who did not like making trouble. He was a hardworking mason, but was very passionate about Buhari.

“I know my son would not break the law because of his love for Buhari, so I wonder why the soldier chose to waste a promising person like Mohammed.”

The Senator-elect representing Bauchi South senatorial district, Mallam Ali Wakili of All Progressives Congress, APC, who paid a condolence visit to the deceased’s father, expressed sadness over the loss.

Wakili said he reported the incident to the Army and the trigger-happy soldier had been arrested.

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Why I won’t accept reappointment – JEGA zSays I've contributed my quota

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B U J A — N AT I O N A L Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, whose five-year tenure expires in June, has said he would not accept reappointment.

If reappointed by incoming Administration of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jega will serve for another five years ending in June 2020, long enough to conduct the 2019 general elections.

However, in an interview with the Hausa Service of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), yesterday, on whether or not he will agree to remain in office after June, Jega said he has had enough.

He said: “I am grateful to God. I was asked to come and contribute my own quota to the national development, and I have done my bit to the best of my ability. Whatever assignment one will do for five years - just like this difficult one, to me, if one is able to successfully accomplish the task, someone else should be given the opportunity because for me I am not interested and if I am requested to serve again, I will not do it, by God’s grace.”

He continued: “I have served as INEC chairman for five years

and it is okay for me. I have given my contribution for success of the country. If I am given any appointment, I will completely reject it. At least some body should be given a chance.”

Jega and other election officials have been accused of bias and malpractice in their conduct of the March 28

Presidential and National Assembly elections where Buhari beat incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that has been in power since 1999.

The PDP also lost the majority in the National Assembly and will not produce the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives in the next dispensation beginning in June.

Jega, appointed by President Jonathan to replace Professor Maurice Iwu in 2010, said he was not bothered about the allegations of bias against him by the PDP because they are false.

“I maintained my calmness because I knew all the allegations were false. There is nothing that frightens me or disturbs me because for all our actions, we have explanations for them.”

CHRISM MASS: From left: Rt. Rev. Msgr John Aniagwu, Parish Priest; Most Rev Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, and Very Rev Msgr Bernard Okodua, Parish Priest, during the 2015 Chrism Mass at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos. yesterday. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

76 senators fail to make 8th National Assembly ...Only 33 out of 109 given mandate ...Incoming senators: 60 for APC; 49 for PDP

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—AS the 8th senate is expected to start by June, 76 serving senators in the 7th assembly which is about seventy percent have lost their bid to return to the red chamber for legislative deliberations while 33 members making up thirty percent were re-elected.

It will be recalled that the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba had before the general elections lamented that the senate had lost 107 Senators which he said was a set back to the smooth and easy legislative operations.

Some of the serving senators will not join their colleagues in the 8th Senate because they were affected by the zoning formula in their various states, some indicated interest in the governorship position in their various states, while others were stopped by their state governors who were handed the structures

of the party in the states.

About five senators have the governorship ticket to stand for the April 11 election in the two major political parties such as Senator Simeon Ajibola who is contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kwara State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP, Delta State and Prof. Ben Ayade, PDP, Cross River.

Others are Senator Gyang Pwajok, for Plateau, PDP, Senator Aisha Alhassan, All Progressives Congress, APC, Taraba, who is the only female senator that was successful in the party primaries to pick the governorship ticket and Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, APC, Kebbi State.

In what has been described as tsunami, only 33 out of the 109 senators were lucky to have survived the March 28 National Assembly election.

A zone by zone investigations showed that the

worst hit in the exodus of senators was the South-South where only three senators, James Manager from Delta, Emmanuel Paulker from Bayelsa and Thompson Sekibo from Rivers that were lucky at the polls.

Also in the South West, five out of the 18 senators from the zone are returning to the senate. The senators are Gbenga Ashafa and Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos); Robert Boroffice (Ondo); and Babajide Omoworare and Olusola Adeyeye (Osun).

The South East seems to have the highest number of Senators from the South that will be making the 8th Assembly with six out of 15 Senators from the Zone. The Senators are Eyinnaya Abaribe (Abia); Andy Uba (Anambra); Soni Ogbuoji (Ebonyi ); Ike Ekweremadu and Gilbert Nnaji ( Enugu); and Hope Uzodinma (Imo ).

In the North Central, seven

Senators like Bukola Saraki and Shaaba Lafiaji ( Kwara); David Mark, George Akume and Barnabas Gemade (Benue); Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa) and Joshua Dariye (Plateau) were lucky to make it.

The North East has the overall number of returning Senators.

The returning members are, Senators Ahmed Zannah (Borno); Danjuma Goje and Joshua Lidani (Gombe); Emmanuel Bwacha (Taraba ); Bukhar Ibrahim and Ahmad Lawan (Yobe); and Kabiru Marafa and Ahmad Sani (Zamfara) were returned by their constituents.

North West is like the SouthSouth with three Senators, Senators Kabiru Gaya ( Kano); and Ibrahim Abu (Katsina) making the returning list.

Investigations revealed that 60 of the incoming senators are from the APC, while 49 are for the Peoples Democratic Party members.

National Peace Committee on 2015 general elections hails Police for its professionalism

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—THE National Peace Committee on 2015 general elections, led by its Chairman, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd), has commended the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism in its conduct at the just concluded March 28thPresidential and National Assembly elections held nationwide.

The former head of state disclosed this when the committee members paid a courtesy call on the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Abubakar remarked that the visit was informed by the critical role the IG Suleiman Abba led Police played in ensuring the overall success of the Abuja Peace Accord.

He also admonished Nigerians to collaborate more with the Police in tackling crime.

Also speaking at the occasion, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, a member of the Committee equally appreciated the noble role played by the Police during the conduct of the last elections.

Responding, IG Suleiman Abba thanked the committee for the visit which he described as highly motivational and promised to make it a subject of lecture across police formations.

The IGP re-affirmed the commitment of Nigeria Police Force to be impartial and non partisan.

He equally assured Nigerians that what Nigeria Police officers have done is not just for the March 28 2015 elections, but will also replicate the same commitment and professionalism on April 11 governorship elections and subsequent ones.

Gen. Abubakar

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 — 9

Investors gain N1.816 trn in four days, as capitalisation hits N12.135trn

Deaths from hypertension, stroke, others rise globally – STUDY

By Peter Egwuatu

By Sola Ogundipe, Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

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HE Nigerian stock market yesterday recorded massive appreciation following the peaceful conclusion of the presidential election with investors gaining N1.816 trillion in four days trading that ended on Thursday.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE market capitalisation moved from N10.318 trillion penultimate week to close on Thursday at N12.135 trillion. The market capitalisation represents the total value of shares traded on the exchange. In the same vein, another stock market gauge jumped by 16.9 per cent to close at 34,380.14 points from 30,562.93 points.

Meanwhile, the capital market operators have attributed the exponential rise to increased confidence in the market following the peaceful completion of the presidential election. All the key market indicators went up exponentially as the Banking index on Thursday rose by 7 per cent followed by the Consumer Goods and Industrial stocks with respective gains of 3.70 per cent and 1.55 per cent respectively.

The gains recorded by GTBank, UBA, Fidelity Bank, Zenith Bank and ETI propelled to lift the banking subsector.

Specifically, GTBank moved up by 10.20 per cent to close at N31.88, followed by UBA, which garnered 10.07 per cent to close

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BOOK PRESENTATION: From left; Opeyemi Agbaje, author of the book “Democracy without Democrats and Uncomplex Strategy”; Prof. Juan Elegido, Vice Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, and Jimi Agbaje, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate, Lagos State/guest speaker, during a lecture and book presentation in honour of Opeyemi in Lagos. Photo by Akeem Salau. at N4.92. Fidelity Bank appreciated by 9.52 per cent to close at N2.07, Zenith Bank moved by 8.35 per cent to close at N25.05 and ETI inched up by 3.23 per cent to close at N19.51.

Dangote Flour Mill Plc, International Breweries Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Nigeria Breweries Plc, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, NASCON and 7UP Bottling Company contributed significantly to boost the Consumer Goods sub sector.

Specifically, Dangote flour garnered 10.05 per cent to close

at N4.27, followed by International Breweries which appreciated by 9.79 per cent to close at N22.87.

Other gainers in the sub sector include: Nestle (5.00 per cent, to close at N936.60), Nigerian Breweries (5.00 per cent to close at N166.25), Honeywell Flour (4.76 per cent to close at N3.30), NASCON (4.07 per cent to close at N8.19) and 7up (3.21 per cent to close at N161.00).

The Industrial stocks were sustained by the capital

appreciation recorded by Berger Paints, Portland Cement, Cutix, and Dangote Cement Plc. Berger Paints garnered (7.86 per cent to close at N9.06), Portland Paint gained (4.85 per cent to close at N3.46), Cutix up by (4.40 per cent to close at N1.66) and Dangote Cement inched up (3.17 per cent to close at N182.00). The last day trading for the week under review was a huge day in terms of activity and turnover amounted to a massive N18.75 billion ($94.21 million.

Jonathan, OBJ, Mark, others mourn ex-Police boss, Yusuf ByJohnbosco Agbakwuru & Daud Olatunji

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BUJA—THE Nigeria Police yesterday announced the death of a former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Muhammadu Dikko Yusuf.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the force spokesman, Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, Yusuf, aged 84, died on April 1.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, David Mark, former president Olusegun Obasanjo and other eminent Nigerians have mourned the death of the former police boss.

Jonathan consoles family

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati said the President commiserated with Alhaji Yusuf ’s family as well as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on the demise of the respected leader of the cultural and political association.

According to the statement, “the

President shares their grief as they mourn the eminent Nigerian who served his country dutifully throughout his successful career in the Nigerian Police, and later on, as a political leader and elder statesman.

The President believes that MD Yusuf, as he was fondly called by his friends and associates, will long be remembered for his outstanding political courage and exemplary determination during Nigeria’s transition to democracy after years of military rule.

President Jonathan recalls that as leader of the Grassroots Democratic Movement at that time, the late MD Yusuf embodied some of the best values of bravery and patriotism.

He was a bridge builder, says Mark

Senate president, David Mark in his own condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, described the late Yusuf as an exemplary police officer, who promoted professionalism and discipline during his stint as the

helmsman in the force.

Senator Mark said, “Late Yusuf was one police boss who ensured the protection of lives and property of all citizens without compromise. He was a panNigerian who built bridges of peace and unity. He believed and worked for the indivisibility of one Nigeria where all citizens are treated as equals.”

The Senate President said the late elder statesman was a forthright nationalist who took the entire nation as his constituency, pointing out that he was in the forefront in the struggle for the return of democracy in the present political dispensation.

OBJ eulogizes late top cop

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described late Dikko as a remarkable man who served the nation with devotion and diligence.

In a letter of condolence, addressed to Alhaji Lamis Dikko, the eldest son of the late politician, Obasanjo said the late IG had contributed in

no small measure to the upliftment of ethical standard in the Nigeria Police.

‘He was an epitome of humility and dignity'

Obasanjo in the letter said, “Our nation has lost a remarkable man who served the nation with devotion and diligence in his chosen profession. His service in the Nigeria Police Force was distinguished by high ethical and professional standard. He was an epitome of humility and quiet dignity both in service and retirement, even though he rose to the highest rank of the Force.

He brought renewed activism, verve and resourcefulness to bear on the security situation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the period he held the fort as Inspector-General of Police.

Before then, he did the same as the head of Intelligence.

“Indeed, throughout his entire career in the Police, he demonstrated rare qualities of commitment and courage, always upholding the cherished traditions of the Public Service.''

S the global population rises over seven billion, a new report has shown that the number of deaths from hypertension, stroke, heart attacks and other circulatory diseases is on the rise, climbing from 12.3 million deaths to 17.3 million.

The report also showed that efforts to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases appear to be working as the rise in deaths is slower than the overall growth of the population.

This is coming on the heels of a recent survey that shows that hypertension rates in Nigeria jumped from 11 per cent in 1997 to 40 per cent in 2013.

Globally, the number of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases increased by 41 percent between 1990 and 2013, climbing from 12.3 million deaths to 17.3 million deaths. Over the same period, death rates within specific age groups dropped by 39 percent, according to an analysis of data from 188 countries.

Death rates from cardiovascular diseases were steady or fell in every region of the world except western sub-Saharan Africa, where the rates increased.

The study, published yesterday in The New England Journal of Medicine, and the “Demographic and Epidemiologic Drivers of Global Cardiovascular Mortality,” was conducted by researchers led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, IHME, at the University of Washington.

The researchers noted that the progress in fighting cardiovascular diseases is evident around the world but varies by region.

According to them, South Asia, which includes India, experienced the largest jump in total deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, with 1.8 million more deaths in 2013 than in 1990 — an increase of 97 percent.

In line with global trends, the increase in deaths from cardiovascular disease in India is driven by population growth and aging without the decrease in agespecific death rates found in many other countries.

10—

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

OSUN GOV: Appeal Court dismisses

Omisore's case A

By Dayo Johnson

KURE—AN appeal filed by the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in the August 9, 2014 governorship election in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore against the verdict of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal that upheld the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola was yesterday dismissed by the Appeal Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State.

It also upheld the cross appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress, APC, that Omisore’s petition ought to have been dismissed by the trial tribunal headed by Justice Elizabeth Ikejime as the pre-hearing notice was filed out of the time required by law.

The five-man panel headed by Justice Gana Mshelia in an unanimous decision upheld the argument of Aregbesola’s counsel, Mr Akin Olujimi, SAN, and dismissed the appeal filed by Omisore's council, Dr Alex Izinyon, SAN, for incompetence.

Justice Mshelia said that the ground for the appeal did not arise from the judgment of the tribunal.

INEC had declared Governor Aregbesola of APC the winner of the August 9 governorship

election held in Osun State.

Dissatisfied with the pronouncement of INEC, Omisore asked the election petition tribunal sitting in the state to either order for fresh election or declare him the winner of the election.

He cited different irregularities and substantial non-compliance with electoral

rules and corrupt practices to buttress his case.

The tribunal, however, dismissed the petition of the PDP’s candidate and upheld the victory of Aregbesola.

He thereafter proceeded to the Appeal Court asking it to set aside the judgment of the lower tribunal.

However, before considering

the main appeal, the court upheld the preliminary objections by Aregbesola and APC’s counsel challenging ground 13 of the Notice of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal in holding that the ground of appeal is incompetent, held that the ground does not arise from the judgment of the tribunal.

BRIEFING: From left: Very Rev. Kolade Odu, Presbyter, Methodist Cathedral, Palm Avenue, Otunba Akin Hanson, Lay President, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Oluyemisi Ogunlere, Host Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, and Very Rev. Godwin Adekanola, Synod Secretary, during a briefing at the end the 9th Diocesan Synod of Diocese of Lagos West, at Christ Methodist Church, Idimu,Lagos.

Four Emirates Airlines staff arraigned over alleged $1.6m theft

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By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—THE Federal Government has arraigned four Emirates Airlines staff before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over alleged theft of $1.6 million belonging to one, Prince Chu Ikem Orji.

The accused persons, Abayomi Adekanbi Abiola, Isiaka Adegoke Adedeji, Awonubi Abayomi and George Ikpekhia, were arraigned alongside Emirates Airlines, Pathfinders International Ltd and Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Ltd before Justice Mohammed Idris.

The accused persons were arraigned in an 11 counts charge of stealing, fraud, obtaining money under false pretence, wilful destruction of evidence and failure to report an international transfer of fund.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges when it was read to them. After their plea, the prosecution counsel, O. Michael urged the court to remand the accused persons in prison custody pending the hearing of their bail applications.

Defence counsel, Chief Awa Kalu, SAN, however, informed the court that the bail applications of the accused persons had been filed and the prosecution had been served, adding that the accused persons were already on bail, having been admitted to bail by

Justice Abang, when they were initially arraigned before him.

He prayed the court to allow the accused to continue on the bail since it had not been

revoked.

The prosecution counsel insisted that the accused should be remanded because he has just been served with copies of

the bail applications and he needed time to reply, adding that the charge before Justice Abang was different from the new amended charge.

Focus on security, economy, employment, NECA tells Buhari

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

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AGOS—NIGERIA Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, has urged incoming government of General Muhammadu Buhari, to among others, pay special attention to security, economy and employment.

While extending its best wishes and heartfelt congratulations to the President-elect on his historic victory at the polls, NECA in Lagos, through its President, Mr Larry Ettah, said: “This is a victory for Nigerians, for democracy and a strong affirmation of our people to live in unity and peace.”

He praised President Goodluck Jonathan for the statesmanship in accepting the outcome of the poll and extending his congratulations to his cocontestant.

Ettah cautioned that though the tasks ahead were onerous but they were,

however, not insurmountable as security, the economy and employment must be accorded priority in the agenda of the new government.

He called on the President - elect to ensure the creation of an enabling environment

that would position the private sector as the engine of growth, arguing that liberalisation, promotion of free enterprise and further privatisation of state-owned businesses would go a long way in fast tracking the development of the economy.

PDP candidate rejects Lagos East senatorial results

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—THE candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Lagos East senatorial election, Mrs. Olabisi Salis has rejected the result of last Saturday ’s senatorial election in the district.

While describing the whole process of the election as a sham, Salis accused officials of the Independent National Electoral Commissions, INEC, and party agents of

the opposition party of manipulating the result in favour of Senator Gbenga Ashafa, the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate.

According to her, “the result of the elections as announced

by INEC did not by any stretch reflect the expressed will of the people of the East Senatorial district and therefore stood out as an electoral injustice on the people and I'm ready to challenge the result at the election petition tribunal.”

POLLS: Fashola

postpones annual Lagos carnival

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By Monsur Olowoopejo

A G O S — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has postponed the annual Lagos Carnival expected to hold on Easter Monday, April 6, 2015.

Vanguard gathered that Fashola postponed the carnival to allow the completion of the elections in the state especially the governorship and House of Assembly elections scheduled for April 11.

The Lagos Carnival is the high point of the week long activities of the Lagos Black Heritage week; aimed at celebrating the cultural endowment in the state.

Sources from the state Ministry of Information and Strategy said that new date for the 6th edition of the carnival with the theme ‘Obosi Ito Ogbo,’ is yet to be fixed, saying “after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, postponed the election, April 26 was proposed. But this date is not sacrosanct.”

Sen Akinyede, ex-Rep greet Buhari, Jonathan

By Mildred Ibrahim

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AGOS—SENATOR Sola Akinyede, a onetime chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption has urged Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to reunite Nigerians who he said had been seriously divided by the election campaigns.

Also in a separate message, former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Kehinde praised Buhari and President Goodluck Jonathan for the maturity the two of them brought to play in cooling the political space.

In a congratulatory statement to the president-elect and his running mate, Akinyede, himself a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP urged Nigerians across all tribes and beliefs to support the incoming administration.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 —11

Court reinstates Kawonise as Ogun LP gov candidate A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—AN Ogun State High Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, yesterday, nullified the nomination of governorship candidate of Labour Party in Ogun State, Abolaji Sunmola and reinstated ex-Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Sina Kawonise as the party’s authentic flag-bearer ahead of the coming elections.

The court in its judgement restrained the Ogun State executive of the LP and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from substituting Kawonise’s name with that of Sunmola or any other person as the party ’s governorship candidate in the state.

Kawonise had dragged the state exco to court over alleged unlawful substitution of his name as the governorship candidate with that of Sunmola.

He sought for three reliefs which were granted by the presiding judge, Justice O.O Majekodunmi, who ruled that the defendants had contravened the party ’s constitution, the guidelines for party primaries and the Electoral Act 2010 by substituting Kawonise with Sunmola, who never participated in the December 10, 2015 party primaries.

Kawonise whose suit was transferred from the Federal High

Court, Abeokuta to the State High Court, had sought three reliefs from the court, including a declaration that he was the lawfully nominated candidate of the party and that the LP in the state cannot replace or substitute his name with that of Sunmola or any other person as its governorship candidate.

He also sought an order of the court directing the LP in the state to accept his name as the validly nominated governorship candidate of the party in the state.

The court, however, resolved the three questions raised by the claimant in his originating summons in favour of Kawonise, declaring him the lawfully nominated candidate of the LP in Ogun State.

Justice Majekodunmi declared that Kawonise who was the only aspirant that participated in the LP primaries supervised by INEC, was the validly nominated governorship candidate of the party in the December 10 congress.

Reacting to the judgement, Kawonise lauded the court for its fairness in its handling of the matter.

The LP governorship candidate who shed tears while being interviewed by newsmen, said he was ready to carry along all the members of his party in his bid to occupy the Ogun State governor’s office.

He assured that the LP in the state would actively participate in the elections.

DEFECTION: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (left) formally recieving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate in the March 28 National Assembly election for Ijebu Central Federal Constituency, Mr. Wale Osinubi to the All Progressives Congress, APC, after he defected to the APC in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Fayose lifts Ekiti curfew, urges peaceful Easter zAs state ex-PDP chairman cautions APC spokesman

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DO EKITI—AS a result of the Easter celebration, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has ordered that the 7:30 pm to 6am curfew imposed on the State on Tuesday be lifted forthwith.

The governor, who urged Christians in the state to celebrate Easter peacefully, assured that all security agencies in the state have been placed on alert to react swiftly to any security breach during and after the Easter celebration.

According to a statement issued yesterday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose described Easter, which is about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as the most important event of the Christian faith.

Meantime, the 19 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers in Ekiti State House of Assembly have vowed to resume a plenary session in the state House of Assembly after the Easter Break next week According to a statement issued in Ado Ekiti yesterday on their behalf by the Special Adviser on Media to Speaker Adewale Omirin, Wole Olujobi, said the

APC lawmakers would resume at the Assembly next week to continue with their constitutional duty of making law.

The 19 APC lawmakers who made a brief appearance in the House Wednesday, last November left the House after a face-off with the state governor, Mr Ayo Fayose.

The seven Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, assemblymen loyal to the governor purportedly impeached Hon. Adewale Omirin and installed Hon. Dele Olugbemi

The state police commissioner, Mr Taiwo Lakanu, has subsequently directed his men to seal-off the House to prevent the outbreak of law and order.

According to Olujobi ”the House has adjourned till next week to resume plenary to continue making laws for good governance in the state.

PDP boss warns APC spokesman

In another development, former Ekiti State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party,

PDP, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo, has warned the state Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Taiwo Olatubosun, against statements that can set the state on fire.

In a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, Olu-Ojo took exception to some utterances

by Olatubosun in the last few days, saying it appeared that the APC spokesman had an agenda to cause trouble in the state.

APC govt ‘ll increase Ogun fortunes —AMOSUN

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BEOKUTA—OGUN State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has expressed optimism that the emergence of an All Progressives Congress, APC- led Federal Government under General Mohammadu Buhari would soar the fortunes of the Gateway State.

Amosun, during a live broadcast yesterday, expressed gratitude to the people of the state for voting massively for Buhari and also assured that the new

leader would initiate series of positive changes that will bring development, security and prosperity to all Nigerians.

He urged the people of the state to also vote for him and other APC candidates at the April 11 governorship and House of Assembly elections to further consolidate the achievements of his administration, “particularly now that our efforts, goals and programmes will enjoy maximum support and

endorsement from the APC controlled Federal Government."

Meantime, the state government has announced the resumption of payment of salary deductions and cooperative dues with the sum of N1.5 billion released today.

This payment covers deductions from salaries affecting both state and local government workers.

Ajimobi accuses other parties of campaigning with Buhari's picture

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By Ola Ajayi

BADAN—SENSING that the popularity of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, some opposition parties are said to be using his picture to canvass for votes in the April 11 governorship election.

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has frowned at the circulation of the posters in some parts of the state describing it as a sheer fraud.

Ajimobi alleged that the campaign posters were discovered in Bodija and other parts of Ibadan which bore the pictures of Gen. Buhari, Ladoja and AlaoAkala with ‘Sai Buhari, Sai Akala’ boldly written on them.

Akala is the governorship candidate of Labour Party.

According to Governor Ajimobi, it was obvious that virtually all the opposition parties in the state worked for President Goodluck Jonathan, attacked General Buhari in the build-up to the presidential election and should therefore desist from deceiving the people by claiming to be in support of the president-elect.

Deeper Life Church holds 4-day Easter retreat

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AGOS—The Deeper Life Bible Church, yesterday, began its fourday National Easter Retreat, that will run until Sunday, April 5, at the Deeper Life Conference Centre, DLCC, Km 42, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Announcing the retreat with the theme “The Power of His Cross,” the Church’s Secretary, Pastor Jerry Asemota stated that the programme is coming at an auspicious time in the history of Nigeria when all citizens need to seek divine intervention in their lives, adding that it will afford participants an uncommon opportunity to experience the supernatural power of God in their lives.

Asemota stressed that like other retreats in the past, this edition will feature concentrated messages from Pastor William Kumuyi, the General Superintendent and other anointed ministers of the church; seminars, workshops, soullifting choir renditions and prayer ministrations.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Ijaw youths to meet on outcome of presidential poll

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—IJAW youth leaders from all over the Ijaw nation are to meet, Sunday, in Tuomo community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, to review and take a position on the outcome of Saturday's presidential election.

Spokesman of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, worldwide, Mr. Eric Omare, in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said that the meeting will also determine the next direction of the Ijaw struggle for self determination and resource control as enshrined in the Kaiama Declaration.

The decision to convene a national congress of all Ijaw youths, he said, was taken at an expanded executive council and consultative meeting comprising founders and former leaders of IYC, National and Zonal Executive Council members and key stakeholders held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Wednesday.

He said: “We call on all Ijaw youths to be alert and ready to heed the call to the service of the Ijaw nation at this crucial time of our history and struggle for survival in the Nigerian state in the face of the grand conspiracy between the North and a section of the South-West to continue to suppress and exploit the resource of the Ijaw nation.”

IYC noted with regret that when President Jonathan, an

Ijaw and from the South South won an internationally acclaimed free, fair and credible election in 2011, the North never at any time congratulated or supported President Jonathan.

“Instead they killed hundreds of innocent Nigerians and fought President Jonathan from the day he became the acting President of Nigeria in 2010 until the North conspired with a section of the South West to take over the

Presidency from President Jonathan and the minorities of the South-South in an election fraught with irregularities.

“It is also significant to note that none of the Northern socio-cultural groups such as the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and others congratulated or supported the administration of President Jonathan.

“Northerners created Boko Haram and blamed it on President Jonathan

deliberately to incite the Northern populace against President Jonathan and make him unpopular in the 2015 election so as to take back power in a grand conspiracy with a section of the South West.

“Therefore, the April 5, 2015 meeting of all Ijaw youths will determine the position of the Ijaw youths on the 2015 Presidential election and our next line of action,” IYC said.

CELEBRATION: APC supporters in Rivers State jubilating at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

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ARRI—HIGH Chief G o v e r n m e n t Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, former Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND leader, has called for calm over the outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections held last weekend.

Tompolo made the call yesterday in Warri, Delta State, in a statement by his spokesman, Paul Bebenimibo.

Tompolo congratulated Nigerians, especially the South East and the South South people for their support for President Goodluck Jonathan in the election.

Ha said: “I want to appeal to all our people to be orderly, calm and embrace peace. The will of the people is sacrosanct and the existing peace should be maintained.

“I believe that nothing can

C M Y K

happen if God does not approve of it. Peace is a

prerequisite for national development. People should

remain calm also during the governorship election.”

FEAR OF POSSIBLE ATTACK: Shell shuts down flow stations in Bayelsa

By Emma Amaize

State.

A SNEPCo official, who spoke E N A G O A — S H E L L anonymously, said: “Tunu flow Nigeria Exploration and station was shut down but not Production Company, SNEPCo, because of threat by ex-militants. has reportedly shut down its flow Can we not shut down for stations in Southern Ijaw and operational reasons? What is the Ekeremor Local Government big deal if Tunu station is closed Areas of Bayelsa State due to down for operational reasons, why anxiety that ex-militants may are they eager to drag Shell into attack the facilities because of the all these?” outcome of the presidential However, Shell’s Corporate election.

Media Relations Manager, Mr. The incumbent president, Dr. Precious Okolobo and the Goodluck Jonathan, who lost last company’s spokesman in PortSaturday’s presidential election to Harcourt, Mr Joseph Obari, in an Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), SMS to our reporter, said: “Our is from Bayelsa State, had operations are continuing and we accepted defeat and urged his will not comment on security issues.” supporters to eschew violence.

Among the flow stations A source, however, said: “It is reportedly closed down are Tunu, not as if SPDC shut down its Bensede Kussi, all in Bayelsa operations at Tunu but it is

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By Festus Ahon

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S A B A — D E LT A State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Ben Igbakpa, has said that the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has prepared the stage for the incoming administration to take the state to the next level of development.

Igbakpa, while receiving an award of excellence as the most outstanding commissioner in the state, said Governor Uduaghan has planted a tree of legacy in Delta State. He added that its investments in the transport sector had led to the ranking of the state as the one with the cheapest transportation programme in the country.

Igbakpa, in his remarks after being presented the award by Delta Initiative Forum, DIFO, in his office in Asaba, said the state transport sector has never had it so good, adding that the governor has put in so much in the transport sector which led to the remarkable achievements in the sector.

Imoke greets Christians on Easter, sues for unity

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....As Tompolo calls for calm

By Akpokona Omafuaire

Uduaghan has set stage for incoming govt, says commissioner

carrying out skeletal services in the Central and Eastern operations of Niger Delta to resume in full swing next week as cautionary measures, given the tense political atmosphere in the Niger Delta.”

An informant said: “The truth is that militants sent a threat that oil companies should vacate the region and the company took precautionary measures by shutting down its operations in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor councils.

“The whole thing is about the fear of possible attack on its facilities over the loss of the presidential election by President Jonathan. There was intelligence report that militants might bomb facilities and security agencies are already on the alert."

OVERNOR Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, has called on Christians and Nigerians of all walks of life to use the occasion of this Easter celebration to reflect on its significance in the life the nation.

Governor Imoke noted that it would amount to a hollow ritual if the import of the celebration was not underscored by the appreciation of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ with its central theme on sacrifice.

Imoke urged Christians to use the opportunity of the celebration to rededicate themselves to the values of love, peace, sacrifice and tolerance as embodied in the death of the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

He said: “As we celebrate Easter, let us reflect on the significance of the season, which is sacrifice, to team together as a people.

“The joyful news that He is risen does not alter the contemporary world."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—13

DELTA GOV POLL: Court declines to stop Ogboru, Emerhor

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—A Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, yesterday, declined to stop the governorship candidates of Labour Party, LP, Chief Great Ogboru and his All Progressives Congress, APC, counterpart, Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor, from participating in the April 11, governorship election in the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state had challenged the eligibility of the candidates of the LP, APC and Accord Party in the March 28, National Assembly and the April 11 elections.

PDP had prayed the court to disqualify the candidates of the three political parties, standing for election in the state on the grounds that their parties violated sections 85(1) of the Electoral Acts, 2010 as amended.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is one of the defendants in the suits.

When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, trial judge, Justice Olatunregun Ishola, who was visibly angry, expressed discontent with the defendants' counsel, saying that the counsel were delaying the court proceedings.

Enjoining them to comply with the new practice directive which requires lawyers to file all necessary documents and issues in their counter affidavits/statement of claims, Justice Ishola said that the court was prepared to give the matter accelerated hearing and urged parties to ensure that all documents reach the court within the next two days.

Ordering PDP lead counsel, Mr. Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to ensure that parties in the case were served all the necessary papers before the next adjourned date, April 17, 2015, the judge said: “I am not impressed with the way this matter is going. This is a pre-election case, you should be ready for the matter before coming to my court. I will not

tolerate these lapses. We need to tidy up the case. We have come to this court up to three times and we are still talking about papers.”

Kehinde, in his submission assured the court of his preparedness to ensure that the case proceed as scheduled but decried that “the defence counsel are laying land mines to frustrate this matter.”

ROAD SHOW: Supporters of All Progressives Congress, APC, led by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, at a road show in Benin City, Wednesday, to celebrate the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28 presidential election.

Parties call for removal of A-Ibom REC, Police boss S OME political parties in Akwa Ibom State have called on the relevant agencies to effect the removal or re-deployment of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner and the state Commissioner of Police, if the state is to witness hitch-free elections in the April 11, 2015 governorship and House of Assembly polls.

The parties sought the removal or re-deployment of Mr Austin Okolie, the Resident Electoral Commissioner and Commissioner of Police, Mr Achong, respectively on the grounds that the two have compromised on their duties of helping to perfect the electoral processes in the state.

The duo were accused of showing bias in their conduct during the presidential and National Assembly elections.

At a meeting which had representatives of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Labour Party, LP, Accord Party, AP, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, among others, in Uyo, the parties said that the continued presence of

Mr Okolie and CP Achong cannot bring about the actualisation of the wishes of the people in the forthcoming elections.

They alsoy resolved to send a formal protest letter to Independent National

Electoral Commission, INEC and the Inspector General of Police, to make the point very cogent.

Speaking at the meeting, a member of the Umana Okon Umana Media Committe, the governorship candidate of the

APC in the state, Mr Nkereuwem Ankak, said that they came to the conclusion that the REC and CP respectively, cannot guarantee the people of Akwa Ibom State a level playing field in the coming elections in the state.

Oshiomhole spent N150m to celebrate Buhari’s victory —EDO PDP

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—EDO State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged that the state government spent N150 million to celebrate the victory of President-elect, Gen. Munhammadu Buhari (rtd) in the election.

The party also alleged that the government was seeking loans to support its candidates in next week's House of Assembly elections and therefore, advised all Edo voters to resist the plan which it said was capable of undermining their sovereignty at the polls.

State Chairman of the party Chief Dan Orbih, who

addressed newsmen in Benin, said: “Edo PDP observed with shock and disbelief Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s lavish celebration of the announced result of the presidential election that he contributed nothing to. The APC states where huge figures were recorded in the election were modest in their joys.

“A lot of things were wrong with the governor’s action as a whooping N150m was expended in the needless waste that was the celebration at a time when local government employees and staffers of the state government are owed backlog of salaries."

But reacting, APC state Publicity Secretary, Mr Godwin Erhahon, said “Chief Dan Orbih

should not be taken serious. Edo People knows that he is a liar and whatever figure he mentioned is not correct. The event was not sponsored by the state government but by wellwishers.”

On the allegation that the state government plans to obtain loans to support APC candidates in next week’s election, he said “Chief Orbih has no way of knowing whether the state government is planning to take a loan.

“Orbih and the PDP are in a state of helplessness as the Abuja contractors and oil bunkers who distributed billions of naira during the last election are no longer willing to fund their campaigns since the APC won the Presidential election.”

CONCESSION: Jonathan true statesman, says Oshiomhole

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

E N I N — GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for what he described as the maturity the President exhibited by conceding defeat after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Gen. Muhammadu Buhari winner of the March 28 presidential election.

The governor spoke at a victory party organised by the state government for youths of the state, which had in attendance over 20,000 youths, with artists such as Timaya, Osayomore Joseph, Miyaki, Patorankin and several local artists entertaining the crowd.

Oshiomhole who expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their continued support for his administration and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, said from the results of the presidential election, it was obvious that Nigerians needed a change from the old order and expressed optimism that the incoming government of the APC will not disappoint Nigerians.

Buhari’s election is victory for Nigeria —OGBORU

G

OVERNORSHIP candidate of Labour Party in Delta State, Chief Great Ogboru, has hailed the victory of presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a victory for the Nigerian state.

Ogboru in a statement, said: “The nation recorded a milestone in its democratic journey with the popular election of General Buhari, an opposition leader, as the next president of the country. I commend the president-elect for a welldeserved victory and for running a great campaign.

“For President Goodluck Jonathan, to accept the people’s verdict and promptly congratulating General Buhari, has etched his name in history as a great African democrat."

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Jonathan, Muazu meet PDP governorship candidates, state chairmen ...say they must work harder to win

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA — AHEAD of the April 11 governorship election, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, yesterday, met with all the governorship candidates on the platform of the PDP. The meeting which took place yesterday at the National Executive Committee, NEC, hall

of the PDP National Secretariat, also had in attendance the PDP Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha; National Woman Leader, Chief Kema Chikwe, other members of the National Working Committee, NWC, and State Chairmen of the party.

Vanguard gathered that the meeting was the first since they emerged as candidates and after

the PDP Presidential Candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan lost to the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) in last Saturday’s election.

PDP governorship candidates present at the meeting were: Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State; Senator Benedict Ayade, Cross River; Nyesom Wike, Rivers; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Adamawa; Senator Abdallah

Wali, Sokoto; Gambo Lawan, Borno; Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, Zamfara; and Umar Mohammed Nasko, Niger.

Also present were: Senator Teslim Folarin, Oyo; Udom Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom; Senator Gyang Pwajok, Plateau; Terhemba Tarzoor, Benue; Isiaka Gboyega, Ogun, among others.

Soon after the meeting at the Wadata Plaza, PDP governorship candidates were conveyed in two Coaster buses to have another round of meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

A source at the Wadata meeting told Vanguard that PDP National Chairman, Adamu Muazu urged the candidates to go and work

harder in their various states and asked them not to be demoralised with what happened last Saturday where President Jonathan lost the election to General Muhammadu Buhari, retd.

Muazu was said to have also told the candidates that the presidential and National Assembly elections should afford them the opportunity to make strategies and win the elections.

At the meeting, which was held behind closed doors, PDP National Chairman was said to have told the PDP governorship candidates that with what the party had done in the last 16 years, they were sure of victory in their respective states.

POLLS: Manager returns to Senate for 4th term as Ahwinawhi wins Reps' seat

.APC, LP kick

By Festus Ahon, Perez Brisibe & Ochuko Akuopha

U

MASS: From left, Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Aniagwu, Parish Priest; Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, and Very Rev. Msgr. Bernard Okodua, Parish Priest, during the 2015 Chrism Mass , at Holy Cross Cathedral, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamo

GHELLI — SENATOR James Manager of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,, has been declared winner of the Delta South senatorial election with over 346, 000 to beat Prince

Start with insurgency, Borno elders tell Buhari ...congratulate President-, Vice President-elects

T

HE BORNO Elders Forum has congratulated the President elect General Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo over their cherished and well deserved victory in the just concluded presidential polls.

In a statement by its chairman, Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, the forum said Nigerians deserve Buhari as their president and urged him to commence his administration by tackling insurgency.

According to the elders: “We urge Mr. President-elect to promptly eradicate all forms of insurgency and violence across the country. This should be the starting point. Nothing works without peace.

"We recently had had cause to plead with the nation to come up with a Marshall Plan for the North-East, starting first by setting up a high level Presidential Assessment Committee to take stock of the level of devastation. We need to be quickly rescued, rehabilitated, reconstructed, resettled and re-established.

“Over the few years under reference, Nigeria has been C M Y K

terribly polarised on sectional, religious and tribal lines. We thank the Al-Mighty Allah that Nigerians remained resolute in their desire for one indivisible, indissoluble and indestructible nation.

"Indeed, the spirit of Nigeria as our brothers' keepers persisted at the level of the masses of our people. Now, Mr. President-Elect needs to cash in on this spirit of Nigerianness demonstrated by the masses of Nigeria throughout the nation.

It had come to Nigerians constantly relocating to their states of origins each time there are issues like elections, census, and so on. Nigerians lived in the fear of the unknown even when they desired to live together in peace and harmony.

The low turn-out of voters during the just concluded elections was a clear indication of that fear.”

“President-Elect needs to quickly address the diversification of sources of revenue generation in the country. We need to massively pay attention to agriculture and solid minerals development. We equally need to accelerate the

exploration and exploitation of petroleum deposits, particularly in the Chad Basin, the Benue Trough and other places in Nigeria.

"Mr. President-Elect has a great task of taking away from the streets the millions of our unemployed youths. Jobs need to be created on daily basis and young people should be encouraged to partake in them.

All school age children must be compelled to go to school.

Massive investment in education and vocational training is a priority.

"Mr. President-Elect needs a great cabinet to achieve most of the promises made to Nigerians.

We know General Buhari to be a straight-forward, simple, honest, incorruptible and just leader. He has been our Governor in the then North-East and also been our Nigerian Head of State.

"From his antecedents we have no doubt about his ability and resolve to deliver effectively. Yet, he needs a cabinet of like minds, men and women, who would think, dream, work and display transperency like him.

"Nigerians desperately need electricity, schools, healthcare,

houses, roads, food and water supply and above all security."

"Our Armed Forces, the Police and indeed all men and women in uniform need to be protected, motivated, well kitted and their needs of housing, equipment and so on adequately taken care-of.

There is also the urgent need for mass recruitment into the Nigeria Police. The current number of Police Personnel are grossly inadequate. We already have mass of manpower readily available across the country. The pride and dignity of our Police and Military must be restored. We need a strong and loyal Military and a well respected and trusted Police. This is the pride of every great nation.

We once again congratulate the Peoples’ General and his Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, a great clergy man of international repute. We pray for a smooth transition. We equally wish to appreciate the Statesmanship exhibited by President Goodluck Jonathan for not only conceding defeat but also embracing the President Elect. He will certainly be listed among the World leaders who lived for peace.

Yemi Emiko of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who polled over 21,000 votes.

Senator Manager’s victory had made him the highest ranking senator from the South-South region having been first elected to the Senate in 2003.

The PDP candidate for Ughelli North/ Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Solomon Awhinahwi, was also declared winner of the election which held last Saturday.

Declaring him winner, the Returning Officer, Professor Greg Okagbare said Awhinahwi won the election having polled a total of 54,766 votes while his closest contender, Mr. Julius Akpovoka of the Labour Party, LP had 38, 735 votes.

Describing the result as a fraud, the APC candidate, Chief Andrew Orugbo, who polled 22,392 votes and his Labour Party, LP, counterpart, Mr. Julius Akpovoka alleged that the RO sustained series of electoral irregularities that trailed the collation of the results right from the various polling units to the point of collation.

In their respective remarks, the LP and APC candidates while promising to reclaim their mandates at the appropriate quarters, urged their supporters against being violence, saying: “We do not want violence and would follow the due process in addressing the matter.”

On his part, Hon. Awhinahwi, who described the election as free and fair, while thanking his constituents, said: “The people of Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu federal constituency have spoken by their votes and this shows that none of my fellow contestants can defeat me at the polls.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—15

APC celebrations galore around Nigeria

Chief Kemi Nelson, All Progressives Congress, APC, South-West women leader (3rd left); Hon. James Faleke, member, House of Representative (2nd right); Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, APC chieftain (4th left); Damola Kasunmu Cross section of APC supporters at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos.

(2nd left), and others, during the rally to celebrate General Muhammadu Buhari's presidential victory at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos. Photos: Joe Akintola, Barnabas Uzosike, Bunmi Azeez & Chijioke Nwankpa

Cross section of APC supporters at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos.

Hausa youths with placards, and other APC supporters at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota

APC supporters at the Rivers State Government House.

A crowd of APC supporters, led by Ikwerre Local Government Care-taker Committee Chairman, Nwobueze Amadi, jubilating at the Rivers State Government House.

Jubilation at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna.

APC supporters in Benin, Edo State.

16 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

8th day Fidau prayer for late Alhaji Akiyode

From left, Mr. Toye Akiyode, Chief Duro Aikulola and Chief Sikiru Atobatele, during 8th Day Fidau Special prayer for late Alhaji Yunus Akiyode, father of Mr. Toye Akiyode, former Vanguard Editor, at Abeokuta Sports Club ground, Oke-Ilewo Abeokuta, yesteray. Photos: Wunmi Akinola

From left, Mr. Toye Akiyode, Olori Nike Ogunleye, and Obafemi Ogunleye, Towulade of Akinale.

C M Y K

From left, Mr. Toye Akiyode, Mrs. Ibironke Salako, and Mrs. & Mr. Tajudeen Akiyode (eldest son)

From left, Imam Liadi Orunsolu, Chief Imam Egbaland; Alhaji Rasheed Rayi, and Alhaji Sarafa Ishola, former Minister of Mines and Steel Development.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 —17

Electoral notes

I

AM still reeling from the General’s truly astounding victory! Three cheers for democracy!

Never before has an Opposition candidate conclusively trounced an incumbent in this country.

And, given that Buhari had already suffered three electoral defeats (2003, 2007, 2011) - and that Jonathan had myriad advantages at his disposal, including a nearbottomless multi-billion-naira war chest and substantial influence over security agencies – many Nigerians (including this writer, on occasion) seriously doubted that Buhari’s fourth attempt would be successful.

I felt particularly pessimistic after witnessing the horrifyingly crude, violent and dishonest debacle that passed for elections in Rivers State last Saturday.

At one point, a foreign journalist colleague and I found ourselves in an Ogoni village where an APC agent had been assassinated by a PDP thug. As we tried to leave this grisly murder scene, we were threatened by some of the culprit’s cronies, who surrounded our car, brandishing bottles, clubs and machetes.

their party in power. If Mr President had bought into this megalomaniacal mindset, he’d have greedily dug his heels in and Nigeria would have burst into flames and many lives would have been lost.

Mr President has patriotically insisted that “nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.”

Nobody reasonable can disagree with his view that “unity, stability and progress…are more important than anything else”.

Bravo to Mr President for displaying integrity and departing the stage so stylishly and sanely. This iconic exit has earned him

Dangerous elements I thank God for allowing me to escape to tell the tale. I am also grateful to have been saved from death when I attended a rally in Okrika, the First Lady’s ancestral home, at which APC supporters were shot at and a police officer died.

Such incidents show us how ugly and fatal things can become when evil people try to win at all costs. And I heartily salute Mr President for firmly stopping dangerous elements in their tracks by graciously throwing in the towel.

It is no secret that some PDP members couldn’t stomach the idea of defeat and were ready to do ANYTHING to keep C M Y K

•Map of Nigeria

•Buhari, President-elect

So can all those angry and anxious brethren of mine who are convinced that “we” will be victimised by Northerners henceforth please start to believe that Buhari is not planning to humiliate and destroy us?

widespread admiration.

Even in places where he was comprehensively rejected by voters, he is being hailed as a hero. A friend from Kano tells me that Mr President is, all of a sudden, so adored by Kano natives that “everyone from the masses to the elite is praying for him and thanking him for dragging us back from the precipice. Nobody, not even our beloved Buhari, dares touch or embarrass Jonathan now.”

I’ve been pro-APC for a

while, but I used to be one of Jonathan’s biggest fans. I eventually walked away from his camp because I was exasperated by his flaws, infuriated by his mistakes, sick of his wife and very upset about his failure to make major moves that would elevate our long-neglected Niger Delta region.

In a nutshell, I felt that he had a somewhat provincial outlook and didn’t fully grasp the enormous responsibilities

associated with leadership.

But even when I had shifted my allegiance to Buhari, I never hated Jonathan and still yearned for him to get his priorities straight and show the world that a Niger Deltan man could perform magnificently on many levels.

Anyway, the past is less crucial than the present; and Jonathan has done the right thing; and I’m very glad that his tenure is ending on such a positive note.

himself very fluently and reasonably during the election campaign.

Ditto Jimi Agbaje, the PDP’s guber guy for Lagos. If APC didn’t have its own amiable and competent candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode, I would be very happy to vote for Jimi (if I was registered to vote in Lagos, which I’m not!).

Ditto other PDP peeps who are too numerous to mention on this page.

destroy us?

Can we stop interpreting everything in purely tribal or regional terms and help the incoming Head of State transform this country into a place we can all enjoy?

Yes, South-South is about to lose its precious first-ever President. And I get the symbolic significance of this loss…and its emotional impact.

But we can also gain prosperity, progress and pride from leaders who are from elsewhere.

Postscripts

I

PERSONALLY have not encountered any outrages that have been committed by APC members. But PDP pals and relatives have told me about a few incidents.

Since I wasn’t born yesterday, I believe some of these stories and will not bother to swear that the APC is full of blameless saints.

Similarly, even though a ruling party is much betterpositioned to inflict abuses on society, I will not claim that the PDP is exclusively populated by homicidal devils. I am absolutely sure that a certain percentage of APC supporters are psychos who will gladly kill, maim and incinerate without any provocation.

Meanwhile, I know for a fact that some PDP supporters are quality human beings who wouldn’t dream of hurting a fly.

And, by the way, one of my favourite VIPs is the supersmart PDP Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka. His recent BBC Hard Talk interview was a masterpiece.

Ditto Olisa Metuh, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, a really nice guy who conducted

Anxious brethren The point I am making is that there are good and bad folks in every camp and the good folks need to join hands in a non-partisan way from time to time.

The General has delivered a stirring speech in which he has said that Jonathan has nothing to fear from him. So can all those angry and anxious brethren of mine who are convinced that “we” will be victimised by Northerners henceforth please start to believe that Buhari is not planning to humiliate and

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18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2014 MERRIMENT and excesses, the type associated with Christmas, are alien to Easter.

The manner of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, whose death according to Christian doctrine, God used in saving mankind, is always filled with the sobriety of appreciating the depth of the sacrifice.

It is tough for Nigerians to be happy at this time.

The economic challenges apart, scores of Nigerians die daily from the terrorist attacks that have heightened insecurity everywhere. Yet the results of the elections and the expectations they have created could generate momentary happiness.

Thoughts of God’s love are hardly associated with the present attitude of Nigerians to one another. The celebration of Easter is steadily eroding its religious content. Speeches and preachments have been elevated to the reason for the season. Neither preachers, nor their listeners are making efforts to live the life – sacrifice, forgiveness, expectations of a share in the life beyond – which Easter should inspire.

Jesus Christ, the centre of the celebrations, died

Happ er Happyy East Easter er,, Nigerians to reconcile mankind to the Almighty, in the same way that He expects we would be reconciled to each other. The raging conflicts in the country, across regions, religions and reasons, do not reflect any knowledge of Easter.

For people as religious as Nigerians, the number of conflicts and their intensity question their belief.

The rich and mighty send messages that ignore realities that hurt Nigerians. Our leaders would regurgitate the message of Easter on their way to merriment while workers’ salaries are not paid, justice is denied, the poor are getting poorer. Some pensioners – old people who have

given their youth to this country – missed making it to this Easter, as they died queueing for their pittance. They are hardly paid.

Easter presents a great opportunity to explore God’s unfailing love. We should also think about those who our national policies hurt the most. We need to reconcile our policies with the needs of our people, who we are hurting so much that they are losing hope that our leaders remember them.

Jesus cared for the poor all His days. For Him, it was not a show to be put on and off at certain times of the year. Caring for the needy, the challenged, the disadvantaged, the poor, the weak, the sick, the oppressed, the widows, the orphans is not about photo opportunities. It is a life-long commitment that should be the essence of daily leadership.

Life is getting tougher daily. Ordinary Nigerians watch as opportunities elude them because selfish leaders spend all their time on themselves. This definitely contradicts the spirit of Easter, which is about daily commitment to sacrifice for others, as Jesus Christ did.

Happy Easter Nigerians!

OPINION

By Abiodun Dina

I

T all started at a Friday social forum where friends had the opportunity to interact and unwind. But this soon gravitated into a discussion about the multiplicity of challenges in Nigeria and how it was difficult to change the status quo.

After various arguments laced with mudslingings, reasons prevailed and it was agreed that rather than dissipating needless energy lamenting about our current predicament or cursing inept leaders, we should work within our sphere of influence to see how we can make a difference and engender good governance at the local, state and national levels.

This thus led to our resolve to have a Social Forum of like minds to support positive causes that will engender authentic leadership and good governance in Nigeria, even if this will start by taking baby steps. The forum comprises professionals from different walks of life who invest their resources, time and energy in supporting initiatives that will rekindle hope and arouse positive change in the polity.

Consequently, the identification of a credible governorship candidate in Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for Lagos State and the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as a presidential aspirant further fuelled the enthusiasm of members about the project of re-inventing governance, especially at the national level.

Because majority of members are from Epe division, Epe which was hitherto deserted and quiet, despite its numerous natural potentials as a tourist’s destination and industrial cluster, became a Mecca, where both indigenes and visitors converge. This started revealing the C M Y K

The silent heroes in the emergence of Gen Buhari as president-elect challenges in the town which ironically are windows of opportunities for discerning investors.

This much was revealed on a weekend when an event dragged late into the night and we had to drive as far as Ijebu Ode at about 12 midnight to secure hotels for our guests because the few hotels in Epe were fully booked. This adventurous move, however, almost cost us our lives as we ran into the hands of Neighbourhood Guards who unknown to us, had imposed a curfew because of the high incidences of crime in Ijebu Ode. They asserted that they could have opened fire on first sight, but only gave us a benefit of doubt to identify ourselves on instinct and thereafter released us after they were convinced we were not criminals.

Unfortunately, on Saturday March 28, 2015, some of our associates, namely: OlakunleAdewale, Olawale Mogaji, Gbolahan Mogaji, Muiz Bello and ShamsideenAgoro, who were equally on humanitarian cause by volunteering themselves as election monitors to ensure that elections were conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner, especially in challenged terrains, were not lucky, as their boat capsized at the lagoon, on their way back from Ereshe, a riverine community in Epe, where they had gone to monitor the presidential elections and they all lost their lives.

These gentlemen were creative, dynamic and enterprising individuals, who on their own would have always kept their heads above water irrespective of the situation of the Nigeria’s

economy. They have, however, elected to make their contribution towards a better Nigeria, to salvage the deteriorating state of affairs in the country through the support of the candidacy of General Buhari, a man who they share some ideologies with and believed possesses some positive values required to rejuvenate Nigeria, which is lacking in most of our leaders.

Prince Kunle Adewale, for instance, until his death was a Deputy Director with the Lagos State

The least we can do for these silent heroes and unseen hands in the struggle for authentic leadership in Nigeria, is to ensure that the ultimate sacrifice they have made in deepening democracy in Nigeria, is not in vain through the entrenchment of good governance

Government, while Mr. Wale Mogaji who recently relocated to Nigeria from the Republic of Ireland is a Public Relations Consultant. Mr. Gbolahan Mogaji, also only recently relocated from UK to Nigeria to contribute his quota to the development of Nigeria. Muiz Bello, on the other hand, resigned from his plum job at Chevron to venture into politics and was aspiring to be the Chairman of Epe Local Government.

They have chosen to be different from the crowd who merely sit on the fence and complain about public affairs without acting; they rather acted as change agents by advocating and canvassing their ideals, a posture that has infected a lot of hitherto apathetic and apolitical minds, including me.

Consequently, while we celebrate the contributions of some political bigwigs such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rotimi Amaechi, amongst others, to the emergence of a formidable opposition which eventually culminated in the emergence of Gen Buhari as presidential candidate and subsequently president-elect, the least we can do for these silent heroes and unseen hands in the struggle for authentic leadership in Nigeria, is to ensure that the ultimate sacrifice they have made in deepening democracy in Nigeria, is not in vain through the entrenchment of good governance.

May their gentle souls rest in peace. Amen.

*Mr Dina, a public relations consultant and author, wrote from Lagos

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015— —19

Our fears with this change

By Clement Udegbe Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord all day long, for surely there is a latter end and your hope and expectation shall not be cut off -King Solomon of Israel in Prov. 23:17-18 HE elections of 28th March 2015 have ushered in a new government in Nigeria as announced by INEC, with General Muhammadu Buhari,GMB, as the President Elect. Whether the elections umpire was fair, and credible does not matter, the results have been accepted by Nigerians, just as the action of Elder Orubebe at the collation Centre in Abuja on the 31st March, also captured the feelings of very many.

There are lessons for the next time, if the change we will see will match our expectations.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GEJ has kept to his words as a true democrat, who trusted his officers. He has laid the foundation for the votes of Nigerians to begin to speak; he has reduced electoral violence considerably, and has displayed an uncommon level of tolerance for criticisms, accommodated the views and complaints of the opposition party even to his own hurt, and prevented violence by his

T

quick acceptance of the results.

GEJ is a man of honour who has set a very good precedence, and we expect the incoming administration to do even better in these and other areas.

Of the 12,853,162 votes scored

by GEJ, the South East and South South gave him over 58 percent with a total of 7,179,631 votes, in expectation that he would correct the mistakes he made in his first tenure by not doing much for the South East. GEJ gave most of his time to the north but the only thing that would please the north is to take back power, and they have succeeded in doing so using the active alliance with the South West.

Professor Atahiru Jega of INEC was a willing tool for the north, and he delivered very well.

When it appeared like his plans to allocate more polling units to the north failed, he used the registration and distribution of the PVCs Cards. While PVCs were distributed through traditional rulers in the north only known INEC officials could handle same in the south. With these, under age registration and voting prevailed in the north. The failure of Card Readers in almost all the South East fell properly into the plan, and then the work was finished with massive cancellations here and there, exposure of the elections results to

the opposition APC, etc. His remarks to Elder Orubebe’s complaint at the collation centre showed the despise he held for the ruling PDP, and their agents. Well, GEJ was warned to remove Jega early in the day, but an Igbo proverb says that if the ear refuses to hear, when the head is cut off, the ear follows it.

Credit must go the APC for planning all these, following it through and taking the power from PDP, who woke up to campaigns fairly late and only in response to the good campaign plans of the APC. Ethnicity and religion has played key roles in bringing about this return of power to the north. They wanted to take power, and knew that they would only

Eight years may not be too long, but it is surely long enough to let the South East, and South South consolidate on a common platform, with other minorities in the north, to take power at the appropriate time

Investing in younger generation

By Nathaniel Abara

A

S Nigeria consolidates its economic dominance in Africa and presses to attain the projected 12th position in the global economy by the year 2050, we need to see that the present decline in revenues due to the slump in world oil prices does not deflect our trajectory to the mid-century target date.

A major driver of global competitiveness is the higher education attainment of the productive population.

For Nigeria, the unfolding austere conditions threaten the pursuit of this goal. Therefore, if we are to realize our global destiny, we need to bring new ideas to bear on investing in Nigeria’s younger generation, our future leaders and builders. In this way, we avoid poor attainment and stem dropout in higher education. We need to explore extrabudgetary resources to deliver as student financial support. We should aim to distribute such assistance to the doorsteps of Nigerian households with greater focus on young people in the lower socio-economic groups, especially the women. In this way, we democratize access to higher education and strengthen our competitiveness.

In this discuss, we do not address issues of capital investments that enlarge holding capacity in our higher institutions, nor financing for administration and research. These forms while important benefit all students both rich and poor. These are matters for another day. We therefore limit ourselves to direct financing that ends up in the student’s wallet to cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, travels, meals, personal care, among others. While the rich can conveniently afford these, poor youths and their parents are hard pressed to do so. The latter groups are the focus of this intervention.

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What then are the directions we should chart in our bid to accomplish these goals?

From work we did in 2012 – 2013, evidence from emerging economies of the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, China) showed that an average of about 20 percent of their productive populations had attained higher education. For Nigeria the attainment rate was about 8 – 10 percent leaving an enrollment gap estimated at about 2 million to be bridged by the year 2020.

Currently, South Korea leads the world with over 60 percent higher education attainment of their young adult population. Earlier, America was ahead.

And when President Obama took office in his first term, he committed America to the goal of restoring its leadership in graduate attainment by the year 2020.

Accordingly, he strengthened America’s student finance system to raise the levels of enrolment and attainment for young university graduates.

It is therefore crucial that Nigeria takes a cue and the concerted measures

Global competitiveness is a function in part of the quantum and quality of the productive population and leadership

succeed if they found good allies in the South West. In 2011, they tried to use Pastor Tunde Bakare of Later Rain Assembly, a Yoruba man, but it did not work out.

In 2014, they quickly abandoned a muslim-muslim ticket, and exploited an in road via a bigger church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, where theVice President Elect is a Senior Pastor, and that did the job. While the north voted massively for APC, on both ethnic and religious grounds, votes were divided elsewhere in the country. The Christians could not do much for GEJ, because the church has shifted focus, and whether you call that compromise by the church or not depends on who is listening to you. The important thing now, is that power has gone back to the north, and our fears persist.

The fears of many Christians include first, that the killings and burning of churches will continue under GMB, but will be seriously suppressed from the public. As a warning for what to expect, a branch of the Living Faith Church, in Giwa LGA, Kaduna state was burnt down on the 30th March as elections results were being compiled. It is likely that if this is not addressed the violence against the church in the north might spread to the south and south east.

GMB has been portrayed as a hater of the Igbos, and will initiate actions to Islamize the south east, who have confirmed this fear by voting massively for the PDP. In Imo State, which is presently APC, and their

to raise enrolment and attainment, bridge the gap and build the momentum for competitiveness.

Apart from the higher education of the productive population, another variable in the global competitiveness equation is knowledge driven leadership. As the industrial revolution ebbs, and the knowledge revolution unfolds, leading nations are taking vantage positions in the knowledge spaces in order to maintain dominance, infusing doses of knowledge leadership in all spheres of governance. For example in politics, leadership is no longer a matter of dexterity in wheeling and dealing.

Rather, forward looking nations increasingly turn to and present the best from higher education systems all over the world.

Modern Singapore started its journey many years ago when late Lee Kuan Yew, its extraordinary founding father with two first class degrees at Cambridge University, took over the headship of the small nation and transformed it from a third to the first world.

Other leading nations have done the same. In the United Kingdom, we had Margaret Thatcher of Oxford, a research scientist. Also, Tony Blair and now Cameron are of Oxford. In America, we had Bill Clinton, an alumnus of Oxford and Yale and a former professor. Under him, America witnessed its longest period of economic prosperity in history and fiscal surpluses for four years running. Now they have Barack Obama of Harvard and a former senior lecturer at Columbia.

Even in global governance, knowledge leadership is reaffirmed. We have the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, product of Harvard. At the World Bank, we have as the President, Dr. Jim Yong Kim also of Harvard. Incidentally both have roots in South Korea, a world leader in higher education attainment.

Of particular interest, the current World Bank president is a medical doctor who worked at the highest levels in higher

Governor is generally regarded as having betrayed the Igbo man.

This is a genuine fear as there is now a possibility that Ndigbo will be completely marginalized and suppressed.

Thirdly, it is feared that APC government will kill the implementation of the Confab Report, since they had resisted it from inception. The full implementation of the Confab Report is part of the real change Nigerians want, and APC must always remember, that no matter how masterly their plans to take power was implemented, Nigerians retain the power of the vote .

It ought to be obvious that the whole efforts to hurriedly swing power back to the north were to prevent power from getting to Ndigbo. The voting pattern in this election confirms that Ndigbo are beginning to catch the message, and as scattered and un-organized as they might seem at present, their earnest expectations shall not be cut off.

The gang up to defeat GEJ may sound sweet to some, but we shall all stay and see how it translates to the change Nigeria deserves.

Eight years may not be too long, but it is surely long enough to let the South East, and South South consolidate on a common platform, with other minorities in the north, to take power at the appropriate time.

•Mr. Udegbe, a practitioner, wrote Lagos.

legal from

education governance and in global civic sector development. As a result and for the first time a president, who does not come from a political or financial background, now steers a rebranded ‘knowledge’ and ‘solutions’ institution for a balanced pursuit of human and social development in health and education, among others, and economic goals.

The foregoing leadership choices reflect the global impact of the unfolding knowledge revolution fueled partly through the expanding access to higher education worldwide to produce quality higher level human capital of knowledge and skills. In this new revolution, knowledge is the primary factor of production, just as land was to the agricultural age and machines to the industrial revolution.

Global competitiveness is a function in part of the quantum and quality of the productive population and leadership, both drawn from the higher education systems of the emerging knowledge societies.

In Nigeria, we should align with these unfolding scenarios. Our citizens and governments at all levels need to see to it that we invest heavily in our younger generation to enhance our global competitiveness and leadership position.

The key is the democratization of higher education access through student financing targeted as safety nets for the vast majority of our young men and women residing at the lower strata of the society. It should aim at the strategic goal of at least a graduate in every home in Nigeria by the year 2030.

The building of this high level human infrastructure should complement the physical infrastructure of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, 2014 – 2043.

This challenge is surmountable. All it demands is the political will.

*Mr. Abara, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Owerri, Imo State.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, APRIL 3, 2015

We lost billions of naira worth of goods to inferno — Balogun Market traders

By Bose Adelaja

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HE popular Balogun Market in Lagos Island has been in the news for the past three months not for the bustling commercial activities there, but rather for the frequent outbreak of fire which has destroyed goods and property worth billions of Naira.

The most recent occurred on Wednesday April 1 when a two-storey building at No 23/ 25 Balogun Street collapsed after it was engulfed by an inferno. Though no casualty was recorded, but eight lockup shops were completely razed. The traders had closed for the day’s business when fire was noticed at one of the shops around midnight. An alarm was raised and sympathisers immediately rushed to the scene and tried to put off the fire. In the event, fire fighters were not alerted until the inferno had spread almost to the surrounding buildings. The Onikan fire station was eventually contacted and the situation was brought under control.

The building in question was used mostly by traders dealing in clothing materials and head ties. Eight of these unfortunate traders are presently counting their losses which they put in the region of billions in Naira.

Speaking with Vanguard

*Some of the affected lock-up shops at the Balogun market Metro, VM, the Chairman Hides and Skin Section of the market, Mr Azubike Nwachukwu, said each of the traders lost about N200 million to the inferno. “The least of the shops had goods worth about N200 million before the inferno; also, one of the traders stocked about N500 million worth of goods before she travelled for the election,” he informed.

One of the affected traders simply identified as “Mama Gold” said she lost goods worth N350 million to the

inferno. “My phone rang in the middle of the night but I ignored it only to be greeted by the bad news when I woke up. I rushed to the scene but it was too late,” she lamented.

Director Lagos State Fire Services, Razaq Fadipe, blamed the development on storage of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS(or petrol), in the affected building.

However, prompt response by the Onikan fire station prevented the fire from spreading to surrounding

The least of the shops had goods worth about N200 million before the inferno; also, one of the traders stocked about N500 million worth of goods before she travelled for the election

ROVING CAMERA

Some area boys scooping fuel from a gutter close to the scene of an oil tanker accident. PHOTO BY LAMIDI BAMIDELE. C M Y K

buildings. “Our prompt response prevented the fire from spreading to the surrounding buildings.

“Onikan station was closer to the scene but we gathered that petro- chemical products were stored in the building which collapsed because of the severity of the fire. We responded with four fire trucks from Onikan, SariIganmu and Alausa,” he informed.

Wednesday ’s inferno was the second recorded in the market within a space of three months.

The incident occurred on a day the Arrival Wing of the Murtala International Airport was almost gutted by a midafternoon fire. The fire was said to have destroyed two offices on the first floor of a six-storey building occupied by the National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. Fadipe said the area was smoke-filled and required the use of breathing apparatus to locate the source of the fire.

VM gathered that the incident disrupted flight activities for hours and triggered panic among passengers who hurriedly abandoned their luggage and ran out of the international terminal.

However, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati, had moved to douse the resulting panic, dismissing the incident as nothing but a fire scare.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

— 21

NBCC, NACC seek full diversification of economy from President-elect

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From left: Asamah Kadiri, Partner, Jackson, Etti & Edu; Obafemi Agaba, Partner JEE; Sola Dosunmu, Head, Corporate & Regulatory, British American Tobacco Nig Ltd; Uwa Ohiku, Partner JEE; Imomoemi Ibisiki, Group Head, Legal Services, Heritage Bank Ltd; Yomi Badejo Okusanya, MD/CEO, CMC Connect Burson Marsteller; Bode Sojobi Head, Legal Services, CHI Ltd and Koye Edu, Managing Partner, Jackson, Etti & Edu during the Jackson, Etti & Edu one-day workshop. with the theme: ‘Dispute Resolution and Crisis Management of Corporate Entities’ in Lagos.

Nigeria, Philippines volume of trade hits N5bn in 2014 — Ambassador

By Godwin Oritse, with agency reports

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HE Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr Akinyemi Farounbi, has said that the volume of trade between both countries stood at $28million (about N5.5billion) in 2014.

Farounbi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, that the

$135.75

0.90

$2,768.00

20.00

12.48

0.16

$55.42 $48.86

-1.68 -1.23

CURRENCY

BUYING

CENTRAL

DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

196 196.5 289.5116 290.2502 211.2768 211.2768 202.1244 202.64 1.6313 1.6355 0.3091 0.3191 270.4778 271.1678 31.6156 31.6967 52.3846 52.3846 28.2055 28.2774 270.4408 271.1307

197 290.9887 211.8144 203.1556 1.6396 0.3291 271.8578 31.7778 52.5179 28.3494 271.8206

CBN Exchange Rate as at 02 /4 /15

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figure was an increase compared to the 66,000 dollars recorded in 2011.

He also commended the impact of the National Shipping Development Programme of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), saying it has strengthened the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Speaking further, he said : “A convenient bridge for us has been the NIMASA’s programme. You probably aware they have over 1, 500 universities here. “So we have to maintain a continuous relationship with the training institutions because of NIMASA’s programme and that led us to being able to attract four universities to Nigeria. “There is also the fact that we have to discuss NIMASA’s programme almost regularly with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

In 2011, the volume of trade between Nigeria and Philippines was 66,000 dollars

“It has made Nigeria to become the focal point of foreign policy in Africa from the point of view of Philippines.

“In 2011, the volume of trade between Nigeria and Philippines was 66,000 dollars. “The last figures we got from DTI (Department of Trade and Investment) February this year is 28 million dollars (5.5 billion). “So in the last two years, we have been able to move the volume of trade from 66,000 dollars to 28 million dollars.

“In concrete terms, you are aware that two of the 11 power distribution companies in Nigeria, two of these are being serviced by MERALCO. “MERALCO is a Filipino Company that provides this electricity we have here. They are the ones servicing Yola District and Ibadan District. That is in terms of investments.

“Today, there are two Filipino companies. They are called multi-liver company in Nigeria. They are making about 60 per cent of their total earnings. “One is Edmark, the other is Alliance in Motion. Alliance in Motion got to Nigeria about two years ago and they tell me that of the 12 countries they are in, Nigeria is where they are making the highest income.’ “ Before, it was South Africa. Today, talk to anybody in the Department of Foreign Affairs, they will tell you that it is Nigeria that is their focal point.”

Farounbi stated that Nigeria was likely to partner with the Philippines in the production of cement and fruit processing as well as assist it in the construction of buildings.

HE President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NABC), Mr. Adeyemi Adefulu, has urged the President-elect to embark on a complete diversification of the nation’s economy, to ensure sustainable economic growth.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Rtd Gen. Muhammed Buhari should make the diversification of the nation’s economy and exportation of processed goods a priority in his economic agenda for the nation.

“We expect that processed goods for export would be given a pride of place and that diversification of the economy would now be fulfilled. “Part of the reasons why our economy is in trouble is because of our mono source of foreign exchange. We lost the opportunity to diversify the base.

“This is the time that we have to focus on the diversification of the base of our economy and make sure that the export of processed goods, artworks and mined products are all given pride of place,” he said. Adefulu also called for a wellmanaged economy which accommodates the views of the private sector in the formulation of national economic policies.

According to him, robust economic policies with the active involvement of the private sector would drive the growth of the nation’s economy. “There has to be a higher level of involvement by the private sector and industrialisation must be given its pride of place.

Development of various sectors “The development of the various sectors must also be properly channelled for growth. “We expect an equitable share of the nation’s resources, a higher level of accountability and efforts should be made to encourage the inflow of capital.

“Foreign investors should be given confidence in our economy by the way we manage our affairs. “Even though it is a very difficult time and the economy is in a really low state at the moment, we have been through it before and I believe with proper management, we can recover,” said Adefulu.

Also speaking, Mr Ojo Olanipekun, the Secretary, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), said that the chamber ’s expectations from the President-elect’s administration is anchored on improving trade, investment and businesses in the country. “Our core interest which we also anchor our expectations on, is in trade, investment and businesses in Nigeria, because our concern is to deliver value to the ranks of our members.

“Whatever will affect business and entrepreneurs in the country is our concern. “Since economy is a key area of focus for the President-elect, we are quite hopeful and expectant of what is to come from that platform, when he is eventually sworn in and takes charge of the affairs of the country.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Okomu Oil records drop in sales, profit — FBN Report F

From left: Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. David Okeme; Category Manager, Skin Care, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Ms. Osato Evbuomwan; and fashion designer, Mai Atafo at Unilever’s launch of new Lux variants, in Lagos.

BN Capital has stated that Okomu Oil Plc fourth quarter, Q4 2014 result shows that sales and Profit Before Tax, PBT of N1.8 billion and N50million were both down by 15.3 per cent year on year y/y and 95.4 per cent y/y respectively.

According to the report , fourth quarter loss after tax was N51million. The negatives which led to the PBT decline were a gross margin contraction of

NSE reviews composition of Lotus Islamic Index Stories by Peter Egwuatu

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced the review of the NSE Lotus Islamic Index (NSE LII) to coincide with the end of the first quarter 2015.

According to a statement form the NSE “The review became expedient following the expected merger of Lafarge Cement Plc and Ashaka Cement Plc later in the year. The recomposition of these indices after the review will be effective on Wednesday, April 1, 2015.”

The Nigerian Stock Exchange in partnership with Lotus Capital Limited began publishing certified Shari’ah compliant Index known as the “NSE Lotus Islamic Index” or NSE LII in July 2012.

The index consists of companies in conformity with the principles of Shari’ah and was the first index created to track the performance of Shari’ah compliant equities on the floor of the exchange.

Investment instruments like Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) were built on the Index which ethically minded investors, both in Nigeria and overseas can invested in.

The statement furher stated that the Nigerian Stock Exchange services the largest economy in Africa, and is championing the development of Africa’s financial markets.

The Exchange offers listing and trading services, licensing services, market data solutions, ancillary technology services, and more. The Nigerian Stock Exchange continues to evolve to meet the needs of its valued customers, and to achieve the highest level of C M Y K

competitiveness. It is an open, professional and vibrant exchange, and the Entrepreneurial Growth hub of Africa. The Nigerian Stock Exchange aspires to be Africa’s foremost securities exchange, connecting Nigeria, Africa and the world.

About Lotus Capital Lotus Capital was founded in June 2004 with the specific goal of

The Nigerian Stock Exchange services the largest economy in Africa, and is championing the development of Africa’s financial markets

meeting the investment needs of ethical individuals, businesses and organizations across West Africa.

It is a full-service, Halal Investment Management Boutique specializing in Shari’ah compliant Asset Management, Private Wealth Management Advisory Services and Financial Advisory Services.

Custodian and Allied posts N5.15bn profit

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ustodian and Allied Plc a wholly owned Nigerian investment holding company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange ,NSE and with significant investments in general and life insurance, pension fund administration, trusteeship and property holding businesses, has released its

audited consolidated annual results for the year ended 31 December 2014. The results demonstrate Custodian’s resilience in a challenging operating environment.

The Custodian Group’s Total assets base according to a statement, rose to N48.9 billion while Profit before tax and profit after tax were N5.15

Nigeria’s Skye Bank plans $251m rights issue after debt sale

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kye Bank Plc, a quoted company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE plans to raise N50 billion ($251 million) throough a rights issue by the third quarter of 2015 to expand its loan book after it completed the sale of short-term commercial notes last week.

Skye Bank, which acquired nationalised lender Mainstreet Bank this year, said in a statement the shares sale is expected to commence

after a shareholders’ meeting scheduled for May. The bank also said it raised N100 billion through the sale of 90-day commercial paper at 16.5 percent.

Shares in the lender rose 10 percent to 2.64 naira, tracking the overall rise on the main share index which was up 8.3 percent on Wednesady , lifted by positive sentiments after opposition leader in the Presidential election won the battle.

billion and N4.09 billion, respectively, indicating a year on year growth of 19% in profit before tax.

In furtherance of its commitment to regular dividend payment to shareholders, an interim dividend of 6 kobo per share was paid in September, 2014 and the Board of Directors have proposed the payment of an additional 12 kobo per share as final dividend thus making a total dividend of 18 kobo per share in respect of the results of 2014 financial year.

Custodian continues to maintain its leadership position in the Other Financial Services sector while its subsidiaries lead in their respective subsectors.

The Custodian Group consists of Custodian and Allied Plc (the holding company), Custodian and Allied Insurance Limited, Custodian Life Assurance Limited, Custodian Trustees Limited and CrusaderSterling Pensions Limited.

1,859bps y/y to 45.6 per cent , and 88% per cent y/y and 40.1 per cent y/y declines in other income and net interest income respectively.

In addition, Operating Expenditure, OPEX a negative N790million compares with a positive N5million figure in Q4 2013.

The only positive in the numbers was a N17million gain in other comprehensive income which had a modest impact on the bottom line.

The report stated “ On a sequential basis, sales and PBT were down -13.5% q/q and -85.6% q/q respectively. The loss after tax compares with a Q3 2014 PAT of N207million.

Although gross margin expanded 1,538bps q/q to 45.6 per cent and net interest income was N89million (versus –N74 million in Q3 2014), these positives were offset by a 293.7 per cent q/q increase in OPEX and a N48million loss in other income (versus N9million in Q3 2014).

Compared with our estimates, Q4 sales and PBT came in behind by 24% and 92% respectively. The main reason for the variance in PBT vs sales was gross margin coming in -898bp behind our 54.5 per cent estimate.

Compared with consensus, full year sales, PBT and PAT were behind by 5%, 48% and 38% respectively.”

According to FBN “Although global palm oil prices declined marginally by 4 per cent y/y over the July – Sep period, we expected that an anticipated increase in production would boost earnings. We understand that Okomu doubled its utilisation rate to 60 te/hr in the latter part of Q4. Despite this, sales fell q/q. We struggle to reconcile these pieces of information and would need to hear back from management in order to properly analyse the results beyond what the headlines provide.”

Okomu declared a Dividend Per Share, DPS of 25kobo which implies a dividend yield of 0.8 per cent and a payout ratio of 15 per cent. Consensus was looking for DPS of N0.84.

Okomu shares have gained +17.2% Year to date , ytd, outperforming the broad index which has declined -8.4 per cent ytd. On the back of these results, we would expect to see the shares give up some of these gains.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 — 23

80 agric equipment bidders emerge ...equipment centres to create 80,000 jobs

By Gabriel Ewepu

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government has unveiled 80 successful bidders who are to be Service Provider Operators, SPOs, for the various Agricultural Equipment Hiring, AEHEs. Enterprises across the country.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Sunny Echono, made the disclosure at a press briefing on mechanisation in Abuja, said that the AEHEs will create additional 800, 000 jobs.

Echono also added that equipment for the agricultural mechanisation services have since been deployed to the respective states.

He said: “The mechanisation value chain of the federal government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda has deployed 590 tractors, various harvest and post harvest equipment to render mechanisation services to the Nigerian farmers in 2015, using the PPP platform.

“The deployment of a total of 118 Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises, AEHEs, has been done through a government enabled self sustaining private sector driven agricultural mechanisation program.

“The first batch of the first phase of the programme has been established with 400 tractors, 500 power tillers, assorted harvest and post harvest mechanisation equipment. These where won by 80 Service Provider Operators, SPOs, across 28 states of Nigeria including FCT.”

FAO, WHO targeting total eradication of livestock disease T

HE world can definitively stamp out a plague that devastates sheep and goats, freeing hundreds of millions of rural families from one of the major risks to their food security and livelihood.

FAO and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) outlined a strategy for the total eradication of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) by 2030 at a an international conference which took place in Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast during the week, where socalled goat plague was first diagnosed in the 1940s.

PPR has expanded rapidly in the past 15 years, is now present in around 70 countries across South and East Asia, Africa and the Middle East and if left uncontrolled will likely make inroads into Europe. If flocks are not vaccinated, it can kill as many as 90 percent of the animals it infects.

Until now, rinderpest is the only animal disease to have been eradicated. FAO and OIE led the campaign and declared that catastrophic cattle plague, the cause of famines and the collapse of empires, effectively extinct in 2011.

“If the major achievement of eradicating rinderpest can be

It is of utmost importance for the success of the PPR control and eradication campaign to count on robust and wellresourced veterinary services

replicated for another major transboundary animal disease such as PPR, the positive impact on the livelihoods of farmers and food and nutrition security for all communities, Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations’ Zero Hunger Challenge will be substantial,,” said FAO Assistant Director-General for Africa Bukar Tijani .

“It is of utmost importance for the success of the PPR control and eradication campaign to count on robust and well-resourced veterinary services and vaccines that comply with the international standards of the OIE” said OIE Director General Bernard Vallat.

Virus with widespread impacts in the crosshairs

The technical tools to achieve eradication are already available, according to FAO and OIE livestock health experts.

PPR is a virus closely related to Rinderpest, sharing traits that make it an apt target for an outright eradication campaign: An inexpensive, safe and reliable vaccine exists, as do simple diagnostic tests, while the virus has a relatively short infectious phase and does not survive for long outside a host.

There are ample economic incentives to target complete eradication of PPR. Some 2.1 billion small ruminants worldwide - 80 percent of them in affected regions represent an important asset for a third of poor rural households in developing

Nigeria set to solve malnutrition challenge —Adesina T

HE Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has disclosed the determination of the Federal Government in solving the challenge of nutrition in Nigeria.

Dr. Adesina made the disclosure at a high level policy dialogue meeting on Nutrition –Sensitive Agriculture in Nigeria held in Abuja recently.

The minister, who expressed delight that the dialogue attracted

several global leaders in the field of nutrition, development finance institutions and development partners across the world, stated that access to nutrition food should be seen as a fundamental human right that all societies most ensure.

Adesina maintained that investment in nutrition is investing in the economy, adding that the greatest contributor to economic growth is not physical

ICCO calls for review of cocoa resources

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HE world’s largest cocoa producing countries have been urged to marshal their resources with a view to avoiding oversupply in the future and helping ensure equitable prices.

International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO)’s Executive Director, Dr JeanMarc Anga made the plea at the the 91st session of the International Cocoa Council in Abidjan recently.

Dr. Anga called on the five largest producing countries to conduct an inventory of their cocoa resources, and develop national strategies in line with demand, so as to avoid a negative effect on the market and on the price that farmers receive for their cocoa.

The meetings hosted by the

countries.

Goats and sheep readily adapt to harsh environments, require little fixed-capital investment such as barns, provide year-round protein and dairy products as well as income from wool and leather, improve fertility of the soil, and serve as a “mobile bank”.

As women often own and tend sheep and goats, the animals have an important role in the pursuit of greater gender equity.

The disease, which provokes high fever, rapid emaciation and respiratory collapse, causes annual global losses of between $1.45 billion and $2.1 billion each year, a figure that does not include indirect losses linked to restrictions on trade and livestock mobility triggered by outbreaks.

Government of Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producing country, included meetings of the ICCO’s Economics and Administration and Finance Committees, as well as of the Consultative Board on the World Cocoa Economy, which includes representatives of the major processors, chocolate manufacturers, and NGOs involved in the cocoa sector.

The meetings reported on all of the ICCO’s planned projects and activities, and on a number of upcoming events, including the first official announcement of the third edition of the successful World Cocoa Conference.

During the meetings, the African

Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) reported on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the bank and the ICCO signed in November 2014, under which the two institutions agreed to boost the development of the cocoa sector by promoting value addition through cocoa processing, strengthen Capacity in building cocoa projects and project finance, and promote the consumption of cocoa products in Africa and Asia.

Delegates at the meetings discussed issues as diverse as profitable farm models, a proposed global sustainability fund, fine or flavour cocoa and the policy implications of long-term trends in global cocoa prices.

infrastructure but brain power, which he referred to as “grey matter infrastructure”.

The minister maintained that for Africa to succeed in lifting millions out of poverty and create a model of shared prosperity, it must focus on transforming agriculture.

According to him, to address the challenge of malnutrition and stunting in Africa, there is an urgent need for Africa to produce more of its own food.

Dr. Adesina stated that Nigeria still has 37% of under -5 children that are stunted, claiming regional disparities exist with malnutrition and stunting. He said greater efforts are needed to drastically reduce the high levels of stunting.

The minister declared that access to food is important, but admitted that factors like low incomes, lack of access to clean water, sanitation and deworming and unbalanced diets worsen malnutrition and stunting, hence the need for an integrated approach and close partnerships across ministries of Agriculture, Health, Education and Women Affairs to solve the challenge of malnutrition.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

NBCC grows income by 55%

By Providence Obuh

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IGERIAN-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has announced growth in its income by 54.99 percent in its financial year ended December 2013.

In a statement, the chamber said that its financial position witnessed a positive revenue growth from N15,812,156.00 in 2012 to N24,508,820.00 in 2013 with expenditures also increasing from N15,346,123.00

•Dangote Industries’$300m Greenfield cement plant in Senegal.

Dangote raises cross-border investments in Africa

By Franklin Alli

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ROSS — Border or intraAfrican investments also known as Africans investing in Africa (AIA) is growing by more than 30 percent per annum.

According to Ernst & Young, South Africa is the largest domestic investor in the continent (Shoprite, Standard Bank, bottler Coca-Cola Sabco and telecom group MTN), accounting for 35 per cent, followed by Kenya with 16 per cent and Nigeria with 11.6 per cent.

EY further noted that between 2003 and 2011, intra-African investment into new FDI projects in Africa grew at a 23 percent annual compound rate, Since 2007, that rate has increased to 32.5 percent, more than double the growth in investment from non-African emerging markets and almost four times faster than FDI from..

The share of intra-African investments in the continent’s FDI reached a record 23 per cent last year, up from just 8 per cent five years ago, and it set to accelerate further, as local firms seek new markets,” EY says in a new report.

More facts available to Vanguard showed that Dangote Cement Plc, controlled by the continent’s richest man Aliko Dangote, is accelerating manufacturing investments in the continent.

The company is investing $5 billion to build an African cement empire, with factories in Cameroon, Senegal, Ethiopia, Zambia and South Africa.

Recently, its $300 million Greenfield cement plant in Senegal rolled products into the market in that country.

Katyen Jackden, Ambassasor of Nigeria to Senegal and Mauritania, said “I am very proud of what Dangote is doing by promoting intra -African investments, promoting regional development, industrialisation and cohesion among African nations with his investments.’’

“We need more Africans like Dangote to be at the forefront of promoting intra- African investments,” she stated.

According to her, Dangote Cement has done Nigeria proud with the commencement of production and that she was happy that Dangite Cement has been instantly accepted in the marker because of the high quality grade.

Senegal Director of Mines, Ousmane Cisse, lauded the doggedness of the Chairman of

Dangote started production January this year. We are doing three thousand metric tonnes of clinker per day and four thousand metric tonnes of cement per day; after three months of production, we are at a level we never expect

to N26,069,920.00 in the year under focus. Mr. Uwamai Igein, NBCC Treasurer, while analyzing the report said selffinancing progremmes formed major activities of the Chamber, witnessing 270 percent income generation in 2013.

He advised the Training and Programmes Committee and the Finance and General Purpose Committee to evaluate the profitability of all selffinancing programmes before implementation. However, the chamber had a deficit balance of N1,561,100.00 which was attributed to developmental project embarked upon.

President NBCC, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, said that the improvement in 2013 account statement over the previous year was an indication that the Chamber was on the right path of serving as the true voice of business for Nigeria and Britain.

Maple Leaf Press rewards exceptional dealers

M

Intra-African investments; source: UNCTAD Dangote Cement; Aliko Dangote has seen the plant through despite various setbacks.

“Dangote Cement is a great project for the country and the consumers. We expect that the investments will not only make high quality cement available to our people, it will increase the purchasing power of consumers to help the country develop more and more.

Reduction of poverty “As a government, we look forward to get more revenue from the sector, and for our local communities surrounding the plant, more jobs that will reduce poverty and generate more upstream and downstream activities. Our SMEs will be developed and the multiplier effects on our industries, the government and to all stakeholders will be beneficial,” he stated.

Serigene Dieng, Marketing Director, said that Senegal with 14 million people and a growing GDP of +4 percent as of 2013 has cement market of 3MT pa and consumption rate of 230kg.

“We spent two years talking to the market about the new product because 42.5 grades were not known to the majority of the cement customers except some few corporate customers.

95 percent of cement consumed by the people is 32.5 grades. We

are coming into the market to change the paradigm by offering superior quality cement at the same price with competitors. We will start educating the people that not all cement is the same,” he said Serigne Mbacke, Distributor West Africa: noted “We are already exporting 18 percent of the production to Mali and the total export figure is 40 percent; if exports to other countries are combined. The demand for Dangote cement is everywhere; we have people coming from Gabon and Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau coming to buy the product. The demand is high because of the quality. Looking at other brands of cement in the market, we don’t have competitors now in the area of quality –how can you compare 32.5 to 42.5? I foresee a situation whereby in the next two years, competitors will close shop and go elsewhere.”

Luk Haelterman, the Country Head of Dangote Cement, said ‘“ Dangote started production January this year. We are doing three thousand metric tonnes of clinker per day and four thousand metric tonnes of cement per day; after three months of production, we are at a level we never expect,” he stated.

According to him, Dangote has become the biggest and best because we remain the only company producing the 42.5R, which is better than what we met on ground, which is the 32.5R.”

APLE Leaf Press Limited, manufacturers of premium exercise books in West Africa has rewarded its exceptional dealers as part of ‘Dealer Appreciation Program for 2014.’

Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Lagos, Head, Maple Leaf Press, Mr. VVS Prasad, said, “In line with our holding Group’s mantra of “Growing Together” which we live by, we identified two of our key distributors who made maximum sales and value adding in 2014. To this end, we are giving out two brand new cars to appreciate their contribution to our business.

This is one of our initiatives as a company in appreciating our distributors,” he said.

The winners; Mr. Ifezue Uche from Onitsha and Alhaji Usman Buba from Kano were rewarded with a brand new car each for their outstanding business performances in the year under focus.

Dufil unveils Indomie In-carton promo

D

UFIL Prima Foods Plc, makers of Nigeria’s household Noodles brandIndomie Instant Noodles, has activated a nationwide promo tagged “Indomie In-Carton Promo” that will afford loyal consumers of its Indomie Pepper Chicken and Indomie Oriental Fried Noodle brands the opportunity to win up to N1,000 instant recharge cards in each carton of the SKU. The Brand Manager, Indomie, Mr. Amber Yadav said the promotion would produce at least 300,000 winners, declaring that over N20 million worth of recharge cards will be won.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—25

Buhari's Nigeria: How Ndigbo will benefit Besides giving Muhammadu Buhari the least number of votes, the South East zone is the only one that did not return a single senator for the next ruling party. However, the contributions of Ndigbo to Buhari’s victory and their coming benefits are surprisingly overlooked

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

I

T was like a fairy tale to some young Igbo political activists sometime in 2002 when the late Chuba Okadigbo tried to win them into a budding political force that he said would one day humiliate the then homologous Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In the end only about half of the 20 men moved with the late Okadigbo into the then All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP that had been energised with the entry of General Muhammadu Buhari.

After the electoral disappointment of 2003, Okadigbo’s death also in 2003, and other electoral disappointments in 2007 and 2011, the band that followed Okadigbo into the alliance with Buhari had thinned out to less than five.

It was as such not surprising that support for Buhari in last Saturday’s election was least in the Southeast among the six geopolitical zones. The Southeast even above the South-South gave more support to President Goodluck Jonathan more than any other geopolitical zone.

Possible danger The Ibo stock is also in possible danger of losing out for the first time since the advent of democratic rule in not having any of its own among the four presiding officers of the National Assembly. That is because Buhari’s winning party, did not produce any senator from the Southeast and only two members of the House of Representatives.

Compared to the present situation where the region has two presiding officers in the persons of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy president of the Senate and Rep Emeka Ihedioha in the House of Representatives, the region could ultimately be reduced to zero in the dispensation of the first four top offices in the next National Assembly.

That the region got to this stage was long predicted.

Osita Okechukwu, one of

Buhari’s political shelter, spoke as much.

“I had been warning our people, please don’t put all your eggs in one basket, but they refused,” he said in a post-mortem.

Though a number of high profile Ibos like Senator Chris Ngige and Governor Rochas Okorocha were in the party, their efforts were relatively unrewarded as the party only won two federal constituencies out of the ten in Imo State.

The lot of the region according to some was due to the tactlessness of the leaders in the zone who they alleged put personal political considerations above collective interest.

Given the poor performance of the party in the region, party sources told Vanguard that some of the big names that had in the past ordinarily taken positions earmarked for the region are now being giving a second look. The source disclosed how one of

State Abia Anambra Enugu Ebonyi Imo Sub Total Total Votes % of Total

•Buhari: Support from Ndigbo increrased a hundred fold

Jonathan Buhari 2011 2015 2011 2015 1,175,954 368,303 4,223 17,926 1,145,169 660,762 3,608 13,394 882,144 553,003 3,753 14,157 480,592 323,653 1,025 19,518 1,406,289 559,185 133,253 5090,148 2464906 12,609 195,248 22,195,839 12,853,162 12,214,853 15,424,921 22.4% 19.18 0.1% 1.26%

Okadigbo’s disciples who eventually found shelter in

The Igbo stock is also in possible danger of losing out for the first time since the advent of democratic rule in not having any of its own among the four presiding officers of the National Assembly

the high-flying leaders from Anambra State was dropped out of a post-election committee on the basis of his alleged repeated electoral failures.

Nevertheless, the Southeast APC caucus was not totally rubbished, and enthusiasts in the region would cite how they helped to suppress the over inflation of votes for the PDP that could have stopped Buhari’s emergence.

Whereas the proportion of votes for Jonathan was about the same as the region gave him in the 2011 election, the quantum of votes was significantly suppressed largely on account of the use of the card reader which helped to minimise the

• Okadigbo: Led the first initiative with Buhari rigging. In 2011, all five states gave Jonathan 5,090,148 which is about double the 2,464,906 that the five states in the zone gave to the president this time.

In 2011, the Southeast contributed 22.4% of the total votes scored by Dr. Jonathan, but that percentage fell down to 19.78 % last weekend.

The salutary contribution of Ndigbo to Buhari’s emergence was beyond the quantum of votes as was articulated by Governor Kashim Shetima of Borno State last Wednesday.

Speaking to supporters on his return to Maiduguri after the victory celebration, the

Continues on page 27

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

My Senate plans after Sokoto Govt House — Gov Wamakko FROM the street leading to his house, a first timer will think he is going into a market street, but alas, it is not a market street, but the street of a governor.

Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State virtually lives among the people and they have access to him anytime he is around. When asked why he decided to demystify the office of the governor, Wamakko said he lives for them as a servant and not a master.

In this interview after his election as a Senator, he shares his aspiration and assessment of the just concluded presidential election and the prospects of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forthcoming governorship election.

Excerpts:

By Jimoh Babatunde

O

N his assessment of the election To the best of my understanding and judgement, the election in the areas I know like the nearby states was free and fair as well as credible. People are happy with the way and manner it was conducted.

People commended INEC for being able to conduct free and fair elections in the country. I will want to commend Nigerians for the maturity shown during and after the elections.

Also, it goes to show that yes, Nigeria is maturing to become a nation that can compete favourably and globally in terms of political maturity and other aspects of good governance that are needed in the comity of nations.

On his election as senator and what Nigerians should expect from him I want to thank God that my people still want me to go and represent them at the National Assembly. I must thank the entire people of the state for the support I have been given.

This is the sixth time I am winning elections in this state.

I was twice deputy governor, two times as governor, local government chairman and now as senator and

each time people have supported me.

What I intend doing is to ensure that I go to senate to argue not base on sentiment. I am not going to the Senate to make governance difficult for anybody, but I am going to the Senate to make laws that will conform to the needs of the governed and to make laws on the realities on ground as to what our nation needs to do right anywhere.

For example, many people in the Southeast don’t have good understanding of what desert encroachment is, many people from here don’t understand what gully erosion is.

Many of us in government don’t even know the country very well which is very sad. We must try to know our country first of all. Many Nigerians know more about Europe and America better than Nigeria.

That is why you see many debating many a time without facts and figures, but based on some parochial sentiments.

On his major interest when he gets to Senate The first thing I will push for is security for Nigerians all over the country. We must have a secured country where everybody can go about freely doing his or her business without fear or harassment.

Secondly, I will push for economic diversification, because we all rely

on oil money which is so bad.

Nigeria is so blessed that its economy can be diversified. We have so many solid minerals we can look at. There is agriculture and other things that should be explored; we could have had a better economy than we are having

now.

Once we diversify our economy, job creation demands will be tackled. Needs for infrastructure will be addressed, just as education will be addressed and many other things you might need to call government a responsible one will be .

I am confident that APC as a party with the calibre of people that formed the party have this commitment to ensure there are jobs for Nigerian youths, just as provide security for Nigerian people as well as food security for all.

We want to see agriculture given a rightful place in our economy in this country.

On the chance of the party in the gubernatorial election in Sokoto state By the grace of God that election is almost a foregone issue. Sokoto state is today known as home of APC. It is a stronghold of APC, so I am confident that by the grace of God come April 11, you are going to see a massive turn out of people that will vote for Aminu Tambuwal as the next governor of the state and also the APC assembly members.

Incoming government

What I intend doing is to ensure that I go to senate to argue not base on sentiment. I am not going to the Senate to make governance difficult for anybody

I am confident that the incoming government under Tambuwal is going to continue from where we stopped and ensure that our party’s manifestoes are fully implemented in the state right from the local government level.

While the federal government will also ensure there is harmony in terms of service delivery in the entire country.

On what he wants to be remembered for as a governor I want to be remembered for all the good projects I have been able to execute as a governor of the state.

I also want to be remembered as a

governor under whose tenure people started knowing that government is their servant and not their master.

I also want to be remembered as a governor in whose tenure the position has was demystified.

Coming in here you did not see road blocks or many security people around me. I live in a market as nobody is harassed coming into my house, we don’t move about with bullet proof cars .

But equally I want to be remembered that I used all the resources of the state for their service. I gave almost all my time to their service during my tenure.

Since I resumed there has not being any issue of non indigenes , no matter where you come from you don’t pay a dime for school fees in the state.

Take education for example, during my eight years period, I have been able to put in place five solid tertiary institutions in the state including a state university.

I want to also be remembered as a governor under whose tenure oil has been discovered in the state.

We are almost at the level of announcing the details about oil in the state.

I am also a governor that explored all the potentials of the state in solid materials and we will not need oil money if we explore all the solid minerals we have here.

I want to be remembered as a governor whose tenure is the most peaceful in the history of the state, this is so because we treat everyone equally.

There is a mutual trust and respects. We also carry everybody along in our diverse state. I have Yoruba, Ibo and other tribe as advisers.

I also don’t treat security agency in the state as federal agencies, I see them as my state agencies by providing them whatever they demand to perform well.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—27

Bauchi: How Yuguda lost all •Fails to get senatorial seat like his predecessor, Mu’azu

By Suzan Edeh

I

T was not business as usual for the People Democratic Party, PDP, following the intrigues and events that heralded last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in Bauchi. The election came with its many surprises, particularly for many PDP heavyweights in the state who never envisaged that the tables could turn the other way.

One of the intriguing aspects of the election was the result of the National Assembly election announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). After the coalition of results by the commission, the incumbent governor of the state, Isa Yuguda failed to make it to the Senate as he was defeated by a former Customs officer and a young politician in the All Progressives Congress(APC), Ali Wakili, for the Bauchi South Senatorial seat.

Wakili scored 341, 708 votes to defeat Governor Yuguda who got

115, 575 votes. Yuguda lost to Wakili in all the seven local councils of Bauchi South Senatorial zone.

Wakili, a former chieftain of the PDP defected to the APC to realize his political dream of representing his constituency in the

Political analysts in the state have opined that last Saturday’s election exposed the underbelly of the PDP leading to the downfall of many PDP heavy weights in the state

•Yuguda: Lost Senate seat and presidential vote Senate after several attempts of contesting the seat on PDP’s platform.

Political analysts in the state have opined that last Saturday’s election exposed the underbelly

of the PDP leading to the downfall of many PDP heavy weights in the state. They also said it was like a day of reckoning for the party, which had held sway against the perceived will of the people of the state.

The failure of Governor Yuguda to win the Bauchi South Senatorial seat did not really come as a surprise to many because there were pointers suggesting that the time had come for the governor to pay for his alleged ‘sins.’

Many factors led to the governor’s loss to Wakili.

Yuguda’s support for Jonathan Few days to the election, Yuguda had promised President Goodluck Jonathan that he would not only give 25 percent to the president but also deliver Bauchi to the PDP. On several occasions, he appealed to the people of the state to vote massively for President Jonathan even when it was glaring that the people were committed to Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the APC. The governor was quoted to have said, “ If you don’t vote for me and Dr Jonathan, “Allah ya Isa, Ban Yafe ba” meaning ‘I will

Continues on page 29

Buhari's Nigeria: How Ndigbo will benefit Continues from page 25 governor had said: “I have heard some political analysts making some wrong conclusions that the Ibos in the Southeast didn’t contribute significantly to Buhari’s victory but I think they are missing the point because there are two key contributions to winning elections. One is to gives votes, and the other is to prevent an opponent from rigging and both have equal relevance.”

“In the 2011 elections, the PDP got a combined figure of about 7 million votes in the southeast, some of these States recorded or so they claimed, having almost 100 percent voter turnout. But in 2015, Ibos in the southeast especially our leaders in the APC stood very firm, some of them put their lives on the line, resisted all kinds of humiliation and at the end, they prevented another seven million votes from coming out.

“We all saw what happened in Rivers, if that was repeated in the Southeast it would have been a major source of concern for all Nigerians but the Ibos did very well by resisting every step against Buhari so they are heroes as far as I am concerned.”

•Okorocha

Mr. Osita Okechukwu, one of Buhari’s best-known disciples in the region spoke as much.

“Since we could not convert the people as fast as we wished, every other member of the APC stood his ground not to allow the padding of the votes to the extent of the millions that they got in 2011.

That was what we achieved.

We stemmed the rigging.”

Okechukwu who was one of

•Ngige the youths who moved with Okadigbo to team up with Buhari in 2002 and after the former Senate President’s death became a firm Buhari disciple said: “Okadigbo told us that there is a man with character that had just joined the ANPP that if we moved to join that man that we might at the end of the day build a political party that could defeat the then ANPP. It was like a fairy tale.”

“He was also telling the Ibos

that a transparent government is more suitable for a group that is hardworking, innovative and that the Igbo stock is not used to sycophancy or the patronage system that corruption breeds.”

“So in terms of benefiting from the Buhari government I think the Ibos would be one of the greatest beneficiaries because you can imagine that he (Buhari) said that the

Federal Executive Council would not be awarding contracts, that the National Council on Procurement would be set up so that any person who is bidding for any contract goes to that council and you know him if anyone managing the council becomes corrupt he would be changed, so a competitive person would survive under such a system,” he said in apparent allusion to the industry of Ndigbo.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

A

FTER three unsuccessful at tempts to become a democratically elected President of Nigeria, the former military Headof-State, Gen Buhari (rtd) is now the President-Elect of Nigeria, having defeated the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan by 15.4 million to12.8millionvotes. Buhari‘svictory is a lesson in patience and doggedness. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has been magnanimous in defeat by congratulating the winner – a greater lesson in statesmanship and honour.

However,victorybelongstomany Nigerians who exercised their democratic rights faithfully and confidentlywithoutresorttoanyform of violence. The INEC as the umpire had its moment of glory by conductingwhatmightbeadjudged a free and fair exercise in spite of observable lapses in different areas.

It is unfortunate that the long period of preparation did not portray expertise in the distribution of Permanent Voters‘ Card (PVC) which guarantees the voting rights of Nigerians (though I did not get mine despite all efforts); Card Readers became enigmatic to both the INEC officials and voters alike.

The distribution of necessary electoral materials was not without its fault which affected adversely the voting schedules. However, Prof.

Jega deserves applause for his maturity in the face of difficult challenges.

There is no doubt that the voting pattern of the presidential election would provoke keen interest in the politicsofthecountryandencourage analysis of the current political system. Has the two-party system arrived? Although fourteen political partiesputupcandidatesforasingle post, only two parties (APC and PDP) showed significant results in the contest. Even before the polls, the activities (in billions of naira) of APCandPDPdominatedthemedia waves and in gift items (infrastructureofthestomach)which played a significant role. Also, has the voting pattern shown any trace of dominance of one party over the other on political ideology and economic philosophy?

THE 2015 ELECTIONS: The return of Buhari as a democrat Political analysts saw in the last Saturday‘s voting a sharp division between those who want power for the North (North-West and NorthEast zones) and those who prefer their son; no matter what (SouthSouth and South-East – principal ally in ruling). The most liberal South-West zone and the minorities of the North Central became active and interesting participants in the lively contest. The truth is that any possiblewinnerinanationalelectoral contest would, after securing his home base, seek the support of the South-West and North-Central

Political analysts saw in the last Saturday‘s voting a sharp division between those who want power for the North (North-West and North-East zones) and those who prefer their son

zones. Buhari saw this point from the vantage position of his previous three defeats while Jonathan realized this too late, though his frequent visits to Lagos and other partsofthemarginalizedSouth-West was not without some impacts in Lagos and Ekiti. The two national elections have helped to shape the theory that South-East and SouthSouth represent the political base of PDP, while the North-West and North-East remains the bastion of theAPC. Thesetwoopposingblocks are known to brook no opposition and in some areas like Rivers State, no prisoner is kept. The scenario of votes of over one million in one state is reciprocated in the other sector, to theutterdisgustofobjectiveanalysts.

Also, one important fact that emanatesfromlastSaturdaysvoting pattern is that of the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the most effective and undisputed “Yoruba Leader” after Obafemi Awolowo.

Even more than Awolowo, Bola Tinubu has been able to bring the Hausa/Fulanis and the Yoruba politicians into a workable political alliance for the first time in the political history of Nigeria. Chief Emeka Ojukwu thought of a clear co-operation of Ibo and Yoruba interests through AD and APGA parties; that did not happen, APGA chose to be champion of Ibo interest and Willy Ibiano (Anambra Governor) sees himself as Leader of Ibo Renaissance, even to the extent of fighting APC in the South-

Akwa Ibom people’ll also send PDP packing — Etim •Presidential, NASS polls fraudulent in our state SECRETARY, Media and Publicity Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Council in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Etim Etim, states that last week’s presidential and National Assembly, NASS,elections in the state did not reflect the wishes of the electorate. Notwithstanding, Etim is confident that the APC would emerge victorious in the forthcoming governorship polls.

By Charles Kumolu

W

HAT is your impression about the presidential and NASS elections and how did it go in Akwa Ibom?

There were no presidential and National Assembly elections in Akwa Ibom State. The result that was paraded was concocted by the PDP government in the state.

They colluded with some powerful interests alongside NYSC adhoc staff to deny the people of Akwa Ibom their right to vote. They knew that the card

readers would be used to accredit voters, so they allowed accreditation to go on but did not provide result sheets. So as soon as the accreditation was over, thugs swooped on voters, who queued up to vote and chased them away. They made away with voting materials to the homes of political appointees to do the voting . This is what happened in the state. The state governor was a senatorial candidate and he announced his score the next day. He claimed to have scored over 400, 000.

•Etim How can he score close to half of the total voting population in the state in his senatorial district.

How can that be possible in a senatorial district of about 10 local government areas? Clearly that was an over-kill. 400, 000 votes is what some states like Abia have. That is why our senatorial and National Assembly candidates are challenging the outcome in the courts. And we are sure of taking back our mandate.

Where there security agents when all these were happing?

The election was so violent that someone was killed in my local government. It did not happen at a polling unit. The

Western zone of the Yoruba, while keeping his home, South-Eastern zone free of the enemy – Hausa/ Fulani/Yoruba political party. It is yet to see whether the industrious Ibo race with its migratory instincts would like to be caged in a secluded environment alien to their entrepreneurial culture.

APGA as a party may soon learn from the experiment of AD which supportedObasanjotowinthe2003 presidential election to the ruin of their own party. Next Saturday couldpresentanentertainingdrama between PDP and APGA in the battle to win the soul of the Ibo race.

The Presidential contest has been won and lost and Gen Muhammadu Buhari, a former dictator is the President Elect. All eyes would be on him for the visible signs as a converted democrat.

During his campaign tours, Buhari has expressed his regrets for dictatorship (behaviours which the time required) and has promised democratic environment and with its rich dividends. As people say, “Nowistheopportunity”forSecurity and Prosperity. He has asked for a `CHANGE`, and Nigerians have obliged by putting their destiny in his hands and his party. There should be no excuse with Ahmed Bola Tinubu (a shrewd political schemer) and others with him.

Apart from the Boko Haram insurgency which Jonathan`s government is vigorously bringing to a successful end, there are other

thugs were shooting indiscriminately into the air.

What I am saying is verifiable, the people of Akwa Ibom can corroborate what I have just said.

Have you people made any formal compliant to the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC? We have made a formal statement to INEC. We have sent our representative to the

The significance in our state is not quantifiable. The victory would not have been possible without the input of Nigerians; and I thank them for liberating our people; it is a new dawn for Akwa Ibom and Nigeria

problems of insecurity in the land – open armed bank robberies, kidnappingsandransomdemands, political thuggeries and ritual killings. There is no doubt that President Jonathan and his team tried their possible best to kill the hydra headed enemy without complete success. All eyes will now be on Buhari.

Perhaps a more serious problem facing the country after the presidential election is that of political disunity and divisiveness.

The country seems to be back, unfortunately, in a 1966 situation, after the coup – North/West against the old East (now South-East and South-SouthzoneswithoutEdoand Niger Delta States) the glaring mistake of the past has been the addiction to winner-takes-all mentality. My answer is and always a form of genuine national government for a plural society with enthroned ethnic and religious interests.

Theremustbeaformofrecognition for over 12 million votes scored by the losing party. The alternative is to allow states won by the PDP to choose their representatives in the national government as it was the norm in the first republic. The central government was made up of representatives from each of the three regions.

THE ECONOMY The Jonathan government has been severely strictured for poor management of the economy, but it refuted it by stressing that its policy has achieved macro-economic stability (but with high unemployment). But the problem facing Buhari government is how toachievemacro-economicstability with high employment, and also whattodowiththeoilmoney(falling revenue) as an agent of economic growth or item for consumption. It isahopelesspolicytoborrowinorder to balance a budget with 80% devoted to re-current expenditure because of low revenue from falling oil prices.

commission’s headquarters in Abuja. We have also issued a statement to let the world know what happened in Akwa Ibom.

What we had was fraudulent exercise that was done by the ruling party in the state. We can not allow such to stand in the interest of our democracy. Akwa Ibom people are constitutionally entitled to choose who represents them without interference with the electoral process.

In spite of your claims, your party’s presidential candidate won the presidential election.

Can we know if the victory has any import on the political setting in your state?

The significance in our state is not quantifiable. The victory would not have been possible without the input of Nigerians.

And I thank them for liberating our people. It is a new dawn for Akwa Ibom and Nigeria. As soon as the results were announced, thousands of people in the state poured into he streets to celebrate. The pictures were published on the social and Continues on page 29

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—29

DELTA: The will of the people must prevail — ONOKPASA Jesutega Onokpasa, a Delta State based lawyer and human rights activist in this interview speaks on the Urhobo Nation’s controversial Uvwiamuge Declaration, the prospect of the Urhobos winning the Delta State governorship election and other burning national issues. Excerpts.

By Godwin Oghre

W

HAT is your take on the Uvwiamuge Declaration?

The Uvwiamuge Declaration can be interpreted from the perspective of an ethnic nationality, specifically the Urhobos who felt they had been serially marginalized in the past eight years and wereindangeroffurthermarginalization possiblyforyetanothereightyearstretch unlesstheytookdrasticmeasurestoarrest their unwarranted exclusion from decision making in a state in which they occupy an entire Senatorial District. It is an article of faith amongst Urhobos in reaction to grossly unfair treatment at the hands of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, both at state as well as at federal level. Mind you, it is within the rightsnotonlyoftheUrhobosbutindeed of absolutely any other ethnic group to takelawfulstepstosafeguarditsinterests.

That is exactly what the Uvwiamuge Declaration seeks to achieve.

Do you think the Urhobos can win the Governorship election while having two Governorship candidates against one from Anioma?

I can assure you that Urhobos are certainlyoneofthemostresourcefuland politicallyawarepeopleyouareeverlikely to meet. The issue of fielding two candidatesdoesnotariseatall.Myfellow Urhobos I know will close ranks and vote massively for just one candidate and my scientific projection is that they will vote for Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, of the All Progressive Congress, APC, as the man who qualifies for their votes bothundertheUvwiamugedeclaration and by any other criteria for assessing someone as fit and proper to hold the office of Governor of Delta State.

AsforAniomafieldingonecandidate, how many people from Aniocha/

state is doomed. Why should I vote for Ogboru? Have we not voted for him more than enough already? Must we keep voting for him forever? We have already voted for a man four times before with nothing to show for it and we are supposed to now queue up under the hot sun to vote for him for a record fifth time? Is he feeding us? I

•Onokpasa Oshimilicanconfidentlyclaimownership of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as one of them? Their own eminently qualified candidates were all deceived by the PDP to key into the race while the party had a hidden agenda all along. They were all milkeddrybeforebeingusedanddumped by the PDP as usual.

As for the Ndokwa/Ukwuani axis, they were not even carried along at all.

Mind you, this is the only part of Delta North that belonged to the original Delta Province and they were just relegated to the background like second class citizens despite their enormous oil wealth. Who is going to tolerate such nonsense from PDP? Why do you say Urhobos will cast their votes to O’tega and not Ogboru?

The question does not and cannot even arise. For Delta State to move forward O’tega Emerhor simply has to becomeournextgovernororourbeloved

Why Yuguda lost to Wakili Continues from page 27 not forgive you.’

Politicians and residents believed that one of the reasons Yuguda failed to get the Senate seat is the boastful manner he campaigned for President Jonathan which angered most voters that had sympathy for him.

This imposition of Jonathan at the PDP presidential primaries further infuriated the people of the state who felt that they should be at liberty to vote for the candidate of their choice. Hence, they proved to the governor that he could not manipulate them against their will when they voted massively for APC as instructed

by General Buhari. The PDP presidential candidate did not only lose in Bauchi even Yuguda could not secure a senatorial seat.

People’s strong desire for change Yuguda’s achievements in office were also part of the factors.

The people have been yearning for a change of government because of alleged injustice perpetrated by the PDP-led government. Factors ranging from poverty, unemployment, insecurity, several deductions from civil servants salaries, deteriorating state of companies in the state and decline of state revenue among others necessitated the desire for a new government by the people. When the people finally got the opportunity to effect that change at the polls, they did not

hesitate. Many saw the defeat of Yuguda as history repeating itself because in 2007, then Governor Adamu Mu’azu, now National Chairman of the PDP, lost to Senator Bala Mohammed in what was considered an upset, thereby truncating Mu’azu’s ambition to become a senator after eight years as a governor.

Yuguda and Abuja politicians’ feud Another factor that worked against PDP and Yuguda was the feud between Abuja and Bauchi politicians.

Popularity of Buhari At a time many expected leaders like Mu‘azu, the national chairman of the PDP; FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed to work together for the success of the party in the zone, there were divisions and disagreements among them. It was sad because both of them came from the Bauchi South Senatorial district, a district where Yuguda contested and lost.

It was alleged that a prominent politician in the state diverted the campaign funds of the PDP. General Buhari’s popularity One of the major factors is the popularity of Buhari. In the two rallies and campaigns held in Bauchi, General Buhari asked people of the state to vote PDP out of power at all levels.

Said Buhari: “During the presidential election, I want you to vote for only APC all the way. Do not leave anything for them, not even the position of a councillor should be given them.’’

Insecurity, others However, supporters of Governor Yuguda attributed his failure to the Boko Haram attack in some polling units in Alkaleri and Kirfi and also the attack of the insurgents near Bauchi town, a reason they asked the INEC to cancel the election and conduct a fresh one in the three local councils.

It’s the will of God –Yuguda In his reaction, Governor Yuguda described his defeat in the National Assembly election as the will of God, saying his loss has availed other young politicians the opportunity to serve the people of the state because in every contest there must be a winner and a loser.

Yuguda who stated this while addressing newsmen at the Government House in Bauchi, also congratulated Wakili.

He said: “I have served the people of Bauchi State as governor for eight years and during my tenure I did my best to protect lives and properties, which was the oath I took when I assumed office as Governor. If I have fallen short of my responsibilities in anyway, I plead with the people of the state to forgive my shortcomings.”

As for Anioma fieldingonecandidate, how many people from Aniocha/Oshimili can confidently claim ownership of SenatorIfeanyi Okowa as one of them?

don’t reason like that. Ogboru has come and gone. He tried his best but now it is O’tega’sturnandthankfullyheisbacked by the right platform. The APC has demonstratedinnumerousstatesacross Nigeria that it can defeat and indeed disgracethePDP.We are going to repeat the miracle that brought Oshiomole to Edo right here in Delta. My vote and the vote of every other single Delta yearning for change will enthusiastically go to O’tega without apologies to anyone.

How would you comment on the role of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, towards the actualization of the dream of the Urhobos to produce the next governor of the state?

Let me start by reminding Chief Joe Omene that in Urhobo land no one rulesbyforce,bysubterfuge,orbybribery and corruption. Sooner or later you will certainly be shown the way out if not booed or booted out if you refuse to bow out when the ovation is loudest.

Have the Urhobos suddenly become errandboystotheIjaws?Thatiscertainly not going to happen. The idea that Urhobos should have voted for Jonathan and then later Jonathan will turnhisbackagainsthisownfellowparty manOkowa,andsinglehandedlymake OgborutheGovernorisanotherepisode of Tales by Moonlight. Is it the same Jonathan who was jittery about his own prospects of returning to office that can miraculously single handedly impose Ogboru on the rest of Delta? How do some people even reason?

Akwa Ibom people’ll also send PDP packing — Etim Continues from page 28 conventional media. That tells you that our people worked for change at the national level and are still working for change in Akwa Ibom. It further showed that most Akwa Ibom people are APC members. Even PDP memberes joined in celebrating Buhari’s victory in Akwa Ibom.

The import is that our people have known that they cant have a governor in the opposition party. They cant afford to do that because they have not done that in the past. We have to be with the governing party so that we can help in building a better Nigeria.

Desired change Our people will massively vote for Umana Umana as the governor of the state so that he can assist Gen Buhari in bringing the desired change in the state.

The message is clear and the people know that the battle has changed. Our people should know where their loyalty should go to.

So anyone who was coerced to join the fraudulent process in the state should have a change of mind. I also appeal to parents whose children are serving as National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members to call them to order, because we learnt that

most of them were compromised with a lot of money in our state.

No youth coper should be introduced to electoral fraud which is a crime against Nigeria.

What plans do you have to forestall possible outcome during the governorship polls?

We have asked our people to ensure that their votes are protected during the governorship elections. They should protect their votes from perpetrators of fraud. With this mass movement, I don’t see how they can kill all of us when we decide to protect our votes. I have not seen any evil; regime that has killed all its people. So, PDP government can not kill of us in Akwa Ibom in its determination of producing the next governor of Akwa Ibom State.

We are appealing to the security agents to refuse being used to scuttle the will of the people on election day. Our people are ready to resist any form of tyranny and electoral fraud in order to realise their aspiration of having Umana Umana as the next governor of the state.

He will work with Buhari to provide good governance for the people of Akwa Ibom. The electoral map shows that Buhari won every where that means that he is a nationally accepted leader.

30— Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

feeling this nation”. Recall that D’banj was a staunch supporter of GEJ’s first term bid.

For African Queen crooner and coordinator of the Vote Not Fight Campaign ,2face Idibia, “ I want to say congratulations to this true Nigerians. Congrats to GEJ for conducting the most free and fairest election in Nigeria and congratulations to General Muhammadu Buhari as the President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. Versatile comedian, Bovi simply posted, “Congratulations to the president elect,the people have spoken.”

Omoni Oboli who is a staunch supporter of GEJ wrote, “Congratulations to you all!

Nigeria won! God bless Nigeria!”, while veteran actress, Joke Silva went spiritual, writing on her Instagram timeline, “My Lord,what a morning.

*When President Goodluck Jonathan met with entertainers in Lagos

Showbiz stars: Stopping the beat after Jonathan’s defeat

By Benjamin in Njoku & Kehinde Ajose

A

S Nigerians have continued to celebrate the election of General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) as the next President of the country,emotions are still running high among showbiz stars that threw their weights behind President Goodluck Jonathan’s desire to remain in office beyond May 29.

The entertainers, who met with Mr. President in Lagos, few weeks before March 28, Presidential election have openly endorsed the re-election bid of Mr. President.

But surprisingly, after all said and done, the PDP presidential candidate, lost the battle to his APC counterpart, General Muhammadu Buhari.

The social media ever since releasing the presidential election results has been awash with mixed-reactions with showbiz stars leading the way. Some of them have either maintained their support for the outgoing President or congratulated the incoming one.

Former President of Actors Guild of Nigeria,AGN, Ibinabo Fiberesima-Egbuka

Ini Edo returns with ‘While You slept’ C M Y K

rank among the first of entertainers that still maintain her beliefs in the PDP presidential candidate. The actress, took to her facebook page to expressed her beliefs in with Jonathan, noting that the president was “overwhelmed by the reactionary forces from within.”

According to her, Jonathan is not just a rare gem but also, her hero. “He is a very good man. Nigeria has just lost the one who was brought to us to set a solid foundation for greatness. The reactionary forces overwhelmed him especially from within.

Wasted confidence My friend and brother GEJ is a good man.

It is well with him. We fought a good fight.

Thanks to all of you who believed in him. It was not a wasted confidence. He has more to give to the world.”

Congratulating General Buhari on his victory, Ibinabo reminded the incoming president that “ Nigeria belongs to us all.

Let’s love her.” Also, reacting in the same manner, superstar D’banj whose 2011 infamous interview with the President generated a huge backlash wrote on his

Instagram timeline, “I have never been more proud to be a Nigerian than this moment.

History has been made. I am definitely

The entertainers, who met with Jonathan, in Lagos, few weeks before March 28 Presidential election have openly endorsed the re-election bid of Mr. President. But surprisingly, after all said and done, the PDP presidential candidate lost the battle to his APC counterpart, General Muhammadu Buhari

Dr Sid graduates from New York Film Academy

Buhari’s victory I am in tears this morning, tears of joy,tears of gratitude to the God who has had mercy on Nigeria. Yes, my father,you are doing a new thing. It has sprung forth.”

Meanwhile, comparing Buhari’s victory to that of Arsenal, actress Toyin Aimakhu said, “I know quite a number of you have been waiting for this, so here it is. To start with, I love you all and if you insult me I will jegalise you. A lot of you have been Arsenal fans for a very long time and even without many victories, you still support them, so I urge you all to view this as one of those matches, people lose, they get hurt and eventually get over it and move on. I congratulate APC and I believe in one Nigeria despite your abuses and insults.”

Also, joining other entertainers to express her feelings on her facebook page, U.S based Nigerian porn star, Judith Mazagwu known as Afrocandy wrote, “In as much as it hurts me greatly,I still wish Nigerians good luck with their new President-Elect. At least Buhari, his northern brothers and all the backstabbing betrayers will have some peace and maybe, that would restore peace and stability to the once great nation.”

A Gataway strategy to compete in Nigerian mobile market

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—31

Synopsis SHOWBIZ NEWS

Dr Sid graduates from New York Film Academy

M

avin Records artiste, Dr Sid who returned to the classroom early this year, is done with his studies. The expectant father has just completed his 3-month course in Film Making at the New York Film Academy.

Dr. Sid, it was gathered went back to the classroom early this year, to acquire skills in the art of cinematography and film making. He has joined the likes of celebrated film maker Kunle Afolayan, Stephanie Linus and Chika Ike who graduated from the Academy. Others were music video director, Kemi Adetiba and Empire Mates Entertainment boss, Banky W.

WAPTV tops Nigerian TV channel ratings

W

APTV, the Family Entertainment Channel, has been rated as the Most Watched TV Channel on StarTimes, Nigeria’s foremost DTT cable platform as reported by the January Media Diary by MPS Limited.

The media outfit ranked all TV Channels across Nigeria according to Viewership/Popularity.

According to Wole Adenuga, Managing Director of WAPTV, “We are always pleased whenever we hear good news about WAPTV. The Heart and Soul of any Media House is its content and our team works very hard at providing viewers with the right amount of information and education in a very entertaining and interactive package. We are honoured that our daily-increasing viewers enjoy our efforts thus far and we assure them that we have a lot more to come.”

WAPTV (Wale Adenuga Productions Television) is Nigeria’s first pidgin TV Channel.

Tjan promotes motherhood with new single

By Kehinde Ajose

M

ulti talented music act, Tjan has released a new single titled Hey Mama focused on promoting motherhood.Coming closely after he announced a competition for Mothers on Social Media, the singer has released a single for mothers .

In his words,”To be a part of the competition, you have to post a picture of you and your mum with the hash tag #HeyMamaTjan. Tell us why she is the best and the best three get to win a full spa treatment with their mum, the second best five will go on a date with me and the third prize is 30,000 Naira shopping vouchers for five contestant” The graduate of North American University, Benin Republic is the first act signed under the Achievas Music and Right Entertainment partnership. “I have learnt a lot since my first performance last year at OLIC and I am learning more, my label and management team understand the industry and are here to advise and put me on the right path, I can’t wait for everyone to see all our plans fall into place” He says

C M Y K

Nightcrawler Dan Gilroy’s thriller “Nightcrawler” is about an amateur cameraman who parlays his eye and his nerve into a successful small business, deceiving, manipulating and exploiting everyone who stands in his way. Shot by Paul Thomas Anderson’s regular cinematographer Robert Elswit through what could be a Night Vision Rot filter, it’s a film about how sociopaths get over on everyone else, and a portrait of a disturbed, marginal loner that would fit perfectly on a double bill with “Taxi Driver ” and “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer.”

MO VIES Commencing from FFriday riday 227th 7th – 2nd March , 220 014.

MOVIES SILVERBIRDCINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Night Crawler : 11:30am, 4:40pm,8:50pm Son of a Gun : 6:40pm,8:40pm Love or Something like That : 12:30pm Black Hat : 9:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Night Crawler : 1:40pm,4:00pm9:15pm Son of a Gun : 5:10pm,9:10pm Love or Something Like That : 4:55pm Black Hat : 6:55pm,9:15pm Sponge Bob : 12:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC Night Crawler : 12:00pm,2:20pm,4:40pm,7:00pm,9:20pm Son of a Gun : 12:00pm,2:10pm,4:20pm,6:30pm,8:40pm Love or Something Like That : 2:10pm,8:50pm Black Hat : 11:40am,2:10pm,4:45pm,9:30pm Chappie : 11:40am,4:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Night Crawler : 6:35pm,8:50pm Son of a Gun : 6:30pm,8:40pm Black Hat : 11:20am,1:45pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Night Crawler : 1:40pm,6:35pm,8:50pm Son of a Gun : 12:50pm,4:45pm,6:50pm Love or Something Like That : 1:45pm,8:40pm Black Hat : 11:10am,4:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, WARRI Antique: 2:30pm,6:45pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Love or Somthing Like That 11:50am, 1:45pm, 3:50pm, 6:00pm, 8:10pm Chappie : 11:40am,2:00pm,4:20pm,6:40pm,8:10pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS Night Crawler : 1:05pm,6:15pm,8:30pm Love or Something Like That : 1:05pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Night Crawler : 10:25am,3:45pm,8:00pm,9:40pm Love or Something Like That : 9:25am,4:40pm9:40pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU Night Crawler : 12:50pm,7:20pm Love or Something like That : 1:55pm,9:30pm Chappie : 4:20pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, APAPA Night Crawler : 2:10pm,4:20pm,6:30pm Son of a Gun : 10:00am,4:30pm,6:25pm,8:40pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Night Crawler : 10:00am,2:10pm,4:20pm,6:30pm Son of a Gun : 12:10pm,1:45pm,2:05pm,5:45pm Love or Something like That : 1:50pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS SAMONDA Night Crawler : 2:05pm,4:15pm,6:25pm,8:25pm Son of a Gun : 10:00am,12:00pm,4:45pm,6:45pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, LAGOS Night Crawler : 12:00pm,2:10pm,4:35pm,6:45pm,10:10pm Son of a Gun : 12:00pm,2:35pm,4:20pm,8:10pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, KANO Night Crawler : 12:00pm,2:25pm,4:15pm,6:50pm,9:00pm Son of a Gun : 2:10pm,6:25pm,8:25pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR Night Crawler : 12:05pm,4:20pm,6:30pm Love or Something Like That : 2:20pm,4:35pm,6:50pm VIVA CINEMAS,ILORIN Night Crawler : 1:30pm,9:40pm Son of a Gun : 3:45pm,9:30pm Love or something like That : 11:15am,3:40pm Chappie : 3:05pm,7:30pm Magic in the Moonlight : 11:45am,5:55pm Most Wanted Man : 1:30pm7:25pm Champagne : 11:30am, VIVA CINEMAS IBADAN Night Crawler : 10:45am,1o:05pm Son of a Gun : 2:25pm,8:05pm Love or Something Like That : 2:30pm,7:35pm Chappie : 2:10pm,4:30pm A most Wanted Man : 9:00pm Still Standing : 10:45am The 7th Dwarf : 10:20pm Reclaim : 4:25pm Champagne : 12:35pm

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Rihana’s DJs storm Lagos for Heineken Green party A

FTER enjoying the perfect blend of Jamaican, UK urban and American club styles channelled through DJs Tim Westwood, Babey Drew and Benny D at the Heineken Green Light parties last year, organizers have announced that Grammy award winning DJs, Black Chiney will be storming Lagos, this Sunday, for its fourth edition, holding at Quilox nightclub in Victoria Island.

Sponsored by premium beer brand, Heineken, the star-studded party series reached its peak last year with three earth-shaking parties featuring the international DJs alongside top Nigerian DJs including DJ Xclusive, DJ Spinall, popularly known as “The Cap” among others. Alongside Black Chiney, this year ’s edition will also feature popular Wazobia FM DJ, Snoop Da Damaja.

The Chinese-Caribbean-British-American group, Black Chiney has worked with several international superstars around the world including Snoop Lion, Rihanna, Sean Paul, Drake, Mary J Blige, Estelle among many others.

The 4-time Grammy Award winning group consists of superstar producer SupaDups, Bobby Chin, Willy Chin, Walshy Fire, Special K, Brandon Lee and English.

Black Chiney is one of the top Jamaican Sound Systems in the world, producing and performing a diverse and exciting mix of Ska, hip hop, rock steady, reggae and dance hall.

Davido set to drop sophomore album, graduates from school H

•Davido

KN boss, Davido, has finally announced the release date of his much anticipated second studio album. Speaking in Kenya during the weekend, where he performed at the 5th Afrobeatz Festival, Davido said, ‘I’m inviting all of you for my graduation on June 7, then on June 8 I launch my album. I have worked hard for this degree, day in day out. If I am in China today and I have examinations tomorrow, I better get to school tomorrow or else everything is a bust. I have worked on this degree for six years now.

Before I became famous while I was in school, I had to take a break. But about two years ago, I went back to school.”

Davido’s forthcoming album is expected to feature international collabos from international acts like Meek Mill, Drake, Wale among others.

Ini Edo returns with ‘While you slept’

By Anozie Egole

A

FTER months of rigorous and tasking studio and post-studio works, Ini Edo has hit the cinema with another blockbuster movie, While You slept.

Recall that two years ago, Emem and Ini jointly produced a dance movie, I will take my Chances, starring Ini Edo, late Sam Loco Efe, Bryan Okwara, Ashleigh Clark, Ini Ekpe, Biola Williams, and Jide Kosoko.

The new film, directed by Desmond Elliot, is an emotional film which talks about love and deceit. It revolves around a young girl,(Ini Edo) who got married to a rich young man without knowing that the man is married to someone else with a kid. The man who loves Amaka (Ine) so much that he did not want to hurt her feelings by telling her the truth about his marital statues, got married to another man all in the quest for having a

child. Amaka’s life is turned upside down when Najite, a mysterious stranger shows up claiming to be the secret wife of Emeka Amaka’s late husband.

Speaking on the challenges she faced while producing the film, during the premiere at the Silverbird Cinemas last week, Ini said, “I had good hands in the movie, I was a pleasure working with the likes of Emen Isong and Desmond Elliot in the movie.

They came together and we rubbed mind together. The movie is very peculiar for me because when you love someone and you trust that person don’t give up on what you love. We need to work for late hours to get it done.” The movie has casts like, Emen Isong, Ini Edo, Desmond Elliot, Joseph Benjamin, Venita Akpofure and Bobby Micheals.

•Ini Edo

Anny, Essense, Lamboghini others partner with NDDC for peace campaign

By Anozie Egole

I

N a unique synergy to promote peace and love among citizens of this country, and the world at large, popular gospel singer, Anny, has partnered Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to further convey the message of peace across the country and beyond.

The talented singer said, she was inspired to release the song when she saw that the peaceful cities in the northern part of the country where she grew up had become unlivable and unsafe for the people and she feel that the only way she can campaign for peace in those areas is to do song titled, Peace Around The World.

The song which was produced by Dr Frabz featured the likes of Sammie Okposo, Onos, Lamboginny, Charles Granville, Jaywon, Sultan, Ibitayo Jeje, Sabina and Henrisoul among others.

The video was shot in Lagos by Frizzle and Bizzle.

Speaking on the all-star collaboration, the Delta State-born singer said, “The song is not just about me. I needed to bring in people from different areas and different religions in Nigeria. I brought in artistes; my friends and colleagues with similar visions with me, from different ethnic groups to lend their voices to my message of peace in Nigeria and around the world. I also sourced for an organization that will partner with me on this project. NDDC even though specifically tailored to cater for the Niger-Deltans, still had ears for any good project and they agreed to partner with us.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—33

My family used to call me ‘Fulani’ because of my beauty — Grace Edwin-Okon She began her journey into the world of entertainment after she won the Miss Face of Detlta State University, as an undergraduate. She went on to emerge second runner-up in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) in 1999. But following the passion she has for acting, Grace Edwin-Okon delved into acting, as she featured in many films and soap operas such as Tears in Heaven, Extreme Measures, My Dream, Prodigal Brother and Doctors’ Quarters, before disappearing into thin air.

In this encounter, Grace explains why she disappeared from the screen. She also talks about her marriage and the movie industry.

By Benjamin Njoku

Y

OU have been away for a long tuime, did your husband stop you from acting?

Interestingly, that was not the case. My husband is actually very supportive. He likes me as an actress but I was the one who needed to do a lot more with myself. I have pushed myself all the way as a beauty queen to acting, script writing and producing.

Now, I am an author because I just published a book. I strive to break new ground. My new films would soon be released into the market . I’m hitting the screen again. But this time around, I may not be as active as I used to be in the past. I decided to take a break after featuring in a couple of films because I getting scripts I didn’t like.

Getting scripts One of my friends later encouraged me to go into film production. That was when I wrote a script that took me almost three years to package. The film is yet to be released into the market, but I have released other films since then.

How do you feel disappearing from the screen?

The surprising thing is that years have gone by since I disappeared from the screen. But people still recognize me everywhere I go. I think my face has not changed in such a way that my fans still make me feel special. I hope to stage a comeback with my own films and I promise not to disappoint my fans.

Would you say marriage made you to dump acting?

On the contrary, my husband wants me to return to acting. I took the decision myself to take a break from acting. I needed to learn the ropes properly, because film C M Y K

making is not a child’s play. I had to go and learn the art of film making because as a person, if I do not understand the concept of something, I would rather not venture into it. Marriage is not responsible for my disappearance from the screen.

What connection do you have with modelling?

I used to be a model while I was an undergraduate at Delta State University. I emerged the Campus Queen then, and later, second runner-up at MBGN in 1999.

Does it mean that you started your career as a model?

Yes, I started as a model and later ventured into acting.

What was it like being a beauty queen?

Well, it was an experience on its own. One of the things I learnt as a beauty queen was confidence. No matter the situation I find myself in, I’m never get scared of anything or anybody. Most people do not realize that pageantry goes beyond ladies parading in underwears. But is also, a grooming hub for young ladies. It teaches etiquette and confidence and makes you believe that you can go anywhere, stand on your own as a strong woman. Pageantry for me was a bedrock and a stepping stone, a launching pad to raise my standards to greater things.

My first film entitled “Heavy Beauty” is a pageant film. I put all my experience as a beauty queen into writing the script. I have actually produced two similar films which will be released before the end of this year.

Why did you dump modelling for acting?

Honestly, film making is very intellectual. While I was into modelling at the time, I realized it was not as mentally challenging as it is today. The terrain has changed. When I discovered that script writing was something that required a lot of work, I put in my

•Grace Edwin Okon best into it and today, I have written well over 10 scripts, and already, six of them have been produced into films.

As a producer, people such as Emem Isong influenced my decision to go into film production.

I had the feeling that I could also be a part of the change, or the improvement of the Nollywood

On the contrary, my husband wants me to return to acting. I took the decision myself to take a break from acting. I needed to learn the ropes properly, because film making is not a child’s play. I had to go and learn the art of film making

industry.

Did you set out to become a model or an actress?

Interestingly yes. A lot of people would call it ‘cliche’ but for me, it was not so. Right from childhood, my family members and friends used to call me ‘’Fulani’ (even though I am not from the North) because of the kind of features I possessed. Any time I sustain an injury, my mother would tell me, “ you have injured yourself now, and you would not be Miss Nigeria again.”

That dream stuck into me because she liked pageantry a lot. I had an Aunty, Joy Nwariso who was once Miss UNIPORT and she used to tell me that I could also go for pageants. All of these contributed to my decision to go into modelling. From childhood, I have always liked the television, and I can vividly recall a lot of old programmes because I watched them with keen interest. I knew I wanted to become an actress. I can say now that fate directed my steps.

How did you feel the first time you were on set?

I remember it was a Zeb Ejiro film. At that time, AY, the

comedian, used to be my manager and his girlfriend who once represented Nigeria at the Miss World pageant went for an audition and asked me to escort her. When it was time for her reading, they needed someone to read with her and I did. It occurred to them that I was good also and that became my first time ever to see or even read a script. I had no former knowledge whatsoever but I got the role and it happened to be a lead role. My first experience on set was a learning process for me and an exciting experience because I studied English in school and was not quite sure what I wanted to do with my life after.

Have you had any ugly experience in marriage, given the rate at which celebrity marriages are crashing in Nigeria?

I have been married for nine years now and I am still in it. Day by day, we encounter obstacles but we cross it and get to know each other better. My career would have been a challenge because it was an expensive one. But my husband saw how determined and focused I was and he decided to support me by giving me the money to shoot my first movie.

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

By Funmi Olasupo

I

N spite of a number of efforts to reduce feminized poverty in Nigeria, poverty among women remains a major challenge.

The manifestations of chronic poverty among women therefore remains a critical concern, as this has an adverse impact on women’s employment, their health status, access to credit, ownership of land and property, participation in politics and other decision making processes.

However, with various manifestations, including lack of income and productive resources sufficient to ensure a sustainable livelihood; hunger and malnutrition; ill health; limited or lack of access to education and other basic services; increasing morbidity and mortality from illness; homelessness and inadequate housing; unsafe environments; and social discrimination and exclusion, constitute a major challenge to Nigerian women.

Also, traditions, customs, sexual stereotyping of social roles and cultural prejudice continue to militate against women’s assertion of their socio-economic rights and full participation in national development.

Recently in one of her presentations, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina lamented that gender inequality in land, property and inheritance make women vulnerable to poverty by rendering them economically insecure and distorts their access to public goods and services that improve well-being.

Gender discrimination ”Gender discrimination over land and property rights is a key factor contributing to gender disparity, with resultant low agricultural production, food shortages, unemployment, widespread poverty, poor health and hunger for women, their households and communities. ”Without official title to land and property, Nigerian women have fewer economic options and virtually no collateral for obtaining loans and credit for economic activities,” Maina noted. Also, in one if the Beijing Country gender report, it was noted that apart from its feminized nature, poverty in Nigeria is also marked by disparities across geographical zones.

According to the report, “Human development outcomes for girls and women are worse in the North, where poverty levels are sometimes twice as high as parts of the South: 72% in the NorthEast compared with 26% in the South-East and a national average of 54 %. (ibid). Also, more women are located within the formal C M Y K

Poverty still a major challenge to Nigerian women sector in Southern Nigeria than in the North, and that the rate of female entrepreneurship in the micro sector is higher in the more industrialized States of the South (36%) than in the North (23%).

Again in one the World Bank’s report estimated that women run only 20% of enterprises in Nigeria’s formal sector. Out of this estimate, 23% are situated in the retail sector, 37% in the garment industry with a very poor representation in the wood, metals, chemicals, construction, and transport industries.

However, tackling feminized poverty will ensure Nigeria’s economic growth, sustainable human development, material prosperity, peace and social progress.

Equitable access to decent employment opportunities is also of particular importance for rural women, as a means to ensure their families’ livelihoods and wellbeing, promote their own economic and social empowerment, and contribute to the growth of their communities.

The Nigerian government has made significant gains since the adoption of the BPF as part of the institutional framework for the development of women and the girl child. A number of credit facilities have been established to benefit female entrepreneurs.

Examples of these include: Public Works and Women/Youth Empowerment Scheme (PW/ WYE). Programme, Women component of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF), Youth and

Women in Agric business Investment programme.

Investment programme In 2012, the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) set up a N200

Despite the improved efforts at expanding women’s economic opportunities, there are still a number of challenges among which we have Low financial literacy and awareness among women

billion Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Fund to provide cheap and long-term financial resources for the development of the MSMEs sector in Nigeria, how accessible is that to Nigerian women today?

The Bank proposed that 60% of this fund should target women entrepreneurs, when implementation commences. This platform was established in response to the demand for more women cooperative groups to engage emerging economic reforms and opportunities.

The initiative is also supported by the Federal Ministries of Youth Development, Communication Technology, Women Affairs and Social Development as well as the World Bank, Department for International Development, UK (DFID) and other private sector partners.

In 2013, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, FMWOASD, working with the Federal Ministries of Education and Labour as well as Civil Society groups, with the support of international partners (such as WaterAid and Action Aid) formed a coalition to focus on advocacy around unpaid care in Nigeria and how to integrate that into mainstream national economic discourse.

According to the Ministry’s 2014 report, the Growing Girls and Women in Nigeria (GWiN) initiative has empowered 2000 Girls and Women, since its take off in 2013. GWiN has enabled the

pilot sectors as enumerated above to conceptualize targeted interventions to benefit women and girls. These interventions include improving access to farmlands, provision of portable water in some rural.

There have also been various forms of micro level support for women entrepreneurs at state levels such as the establishment of 6 cottage industries in Ekiti, Abia, Cross Rivers, Delta and Sokoto states respectively.

Despite the improved efforts at expanding women’s economic opportunities, there are still a number of challenges among which we have Low financial literacy and awareness among women, eligibility criteria often so stringent that they tend to exclude a lot of the women from accessing existing opportunities for financial support.

Low levels of participation by women in the development of guidelines for accessing credit support which leads to the emergence of eligibility guidelines that tend to restrict rather than expand women’s access.

Large numbers of women entrepreneurs are situated at ‘cottage industry’ level and many

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 — 35

Breastfeeding vs formula: What works and for whom?

•Formula feeding

By Anino Aganbi

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HE age old dilemma of every new mother still ranges between breast feeding and using the bottle. Choosing whether to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby is one of the first decisions expectant mothers make. For every new mother, the thought of bonding with her baby

makes her want to try breast feeding. Statistics in Nigerian hospitals show that most new mothers are advised to breast feed for 6 months or longer, with nurses stating that exclusive breast milk is the best for babies.

Is this just an old wives tale to keep women from using the bottle or is there a sentimental attachment to it. Do breastfed

babies grow up any different from those who were fed the bottle?

This age old argument still remains till date.

Although experts believe breast milk is the best nutritional choice for infants, breastfeeding may not be possible for all women. For most women, the decision to breastfeed or formula feed is based on their comfort level,

lifestyle, and specific medical considerations that they might have. Breastfeeding helps defend against infections, prevents allergies, and protects against a number of chronic conditions. Babies who are formula fed usually stay longer between feeding hours than babies who are breast fed.

For mothers who are unable to breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is the alternative.

Some women feel guilty if they don’t breastfeed. You’ll still bond with your baby just fine. After all, whether with breast milk or formula, feeding is an important time of connection between mother and baby. Most people believe that babies fed with formula do not develop as well

Breastfeeding helps defend against infections, prevents allergies, and protects against a number of chronic conditions

Desperate Housewives Africa to take drama to new heights

By Josephine Agbonkhese

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ESPERATE Housewives Africa, the local adaptation of the multiple award-winning ABC television drama hit series, is set to launch on April 30, 2015, exclusively on EbonyLife TV, DStv Channel 165.

This launch is to be preceded by a premiere in Lagos on April 28 where the new Desperate Housewives of Africa will be introduced in person along with the all-African suburban ‘Wisteria Lane’ neighbourhood where the series will be based.

Whilst the set location is still under wraps for the time being, a statement by EbonyLife TV confirmed that the series will closely reflect the original multi-award winning American version with a uniquely African flavour.

When an outwardly successful neighbour Rume Bello, played by Marcy Dolapo Oni, succumbs to death, her friends continue to deal with C M Y K

their everyday lives and, as seen through Rume’s eyes, the story mysteriously unravels in a dramatic, comedic whirlwind.

Michelle Dede portrays the character, Tari Gambadia. Her ultimate desperation is unknown at first as she competes for the attention of a new hunky neighbour who has his own ulterior motives.

Nini Wacera, portrays Ese De Souza, a housewife who struggles with maintaining the perfect family. Kehinde Bankole, as Kiki Obi, continues a rather sordid and sleazy extra-marital affair.

Fatigued mother And Omotu Bissong, who stars as Funke Lawal, desperately copes with life as a stay-at-home, fatigued mother of four boisterous and rambunctious children.

All these mysteries, as disclosed by EbonyLife TV, will evolve in each episode of Desperate Housewives Africa.

“We are very excited that one of ABC’s hit television series is being made for African viewers. This is a first for the continent of Africa and we could not be more proud of what we have seen so far of Desperate Housewives Africa,” Christine Service, Senior Vice President and Country Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa, said about the television series.

Abudu, Executive Chairman and CEO of

EbonyLife TV, also has this to say: “We have put in a lot to maintain our premium homegrown quality of production and our viewers can absolutely look forward with great delight to watching a most riveting adaptation of the multiple-award winning version from Africa; one with a uniquely African essence that closely mirrors the format and storylines of the multiple award winning American version.”

as those who are breast fed.

Woman to woman spoke with a few people as they shared their experience.

Mrs Shonibare , a 51 year old mother while sharing her experience says “ when I had my first child back in the 80’s, my husband and the nurses were very persistent that I breast feed my baby. I really wanted to do that but unknown to me, while I felt my baby was feeding, my milk was not flowing. This led to him crying constantly.

Because I was a first time mother, I didn’t even know my baby wasn’t feeding. Thankfully, a member of my husband’s family came in with her children who she was still giving the bottle even at age three. She spurred me to try feeding with the bottle.

My baby took over two bottles because he was so hungry before finally falling asleep. This was a baby who had cried constantly for hours after I had given birth to him. Today, that same baby who was given the formula turned out to be as healthy and intelligent as any breast fed baby. He has his doctorate degree from the University of Stanford”.

Breastmilk and formula A young mother also shared her encounter. She stated that after delivery, she was sceptical about alternating breast milk and formula for her baby but at her mother’s insistence she did that.”

Believing my mother was over feeding my baby because she was very particular about bottle feeding at given hours, I never appreciated that until my baby suddenly fell ill and was diagnosed with pneumonia.

This was a baby who was barely a few months old.

Thankfully, he was able to recover faster than most of the babies who were diagnosed of having the same illness. I was grateful that because of the way my mother had fed him, he was able to build his immune system which helped him combat the disease faster.”

Mrs Rosalind, a grand mother at 60 said “ I have never been a staunch believer of breastfeeding alone. While I was raising my babies, I realised early enough that I didn’t want to breastfeed exclusively because I was a working mother.

Alternating between breast milk and formula helped me plan myself around my babies’ feeding time. I discovered that a baby who was well fed was less likely to fret because he was satisfied until the next meal time. This enabled me instill regular feeding hours for my babies which they grew accustomed to unlike a baby who you would have to breastfeed as often as possible.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—37

With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

These devices could grant your Easter wish…

By Laju Iren

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A Gataway strategy to compete in Nigerian mobile market Stories by Prince Osuagwu

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ARELY six months after making entry into Nigeria, French mobile phone maker, Wiko Mobile has unveiled a new device, Wiko Gataway, which seems strategic to how it is going to be rated in the market.

No doubt, the company eyes the top spot of the market but to do that it has a lot of wars to fight and win.

Interestingly the war in the mobile market is not a physical one. It’s mainly on innovation and strategy.

However, Wiko believes it has all it takes and wants all to believe that a whiff of it could be experienced in the Gataway.

First of all, with Gataway, Wiko tries to get away from the normal high end/ low end classification which gives only the high income earners the opportunity to enjoy premium applications. But here Getaway spots premium applications on a low cost price arrangement.

This seems to bridge the choice gap between the middle and high income earners and to Wiko this is a breakaway strategy.

Packaging: The device comes packaged in a seethrough fibre-glass container; apparently a deliberate step up strategy from basic hard-paper packaging of other phones including some of Wiko’s older models.

A sticker which captures a few of the phone specs, runs across the bottom and on the back.

Look and feel This device is definitely stylish. It comes with a lot of the hardware features that the more expensive brands boast of; Aluminum bezel, textured mock-leather back casing,

C M Y

7.2mm thin and 133g in lightness.

It also spots a Gorilla glass screen, making it scratch-proof, dual-SIM slots, a 13 megapixel back camera and 5 megapixels on the front.

Three capacitive touch buttons line the bottom of the device just above the rosegold metal front bezel. The overall look is simply beautiful.

Another thing I love about the hardware is the location of the volume rockers; it makes for much easier access considering it’s a rather large and long device.

Software: Although the phone doesn’t have that

many distinctive features, it’s a pleasant enough experience software-wise. It comes loaded with stock Android which means the user interface, UI, isn’t customized at all. So if you’re not a fan of stock android, you should consider downloading a launcher on the Google play store.

On speed and fluidity, the 1.3GHz quad-core processor is expected to performs beautifully.

The phone comes with a nonremovable battery which is known to last longer. Wiko says one charge should last about 20 hours if not more.

ost Nigerians are smart enough to know that fairies and Easter bunnies do not exist. But in this season, nearly anything is possible.

Computing, Printing products and technology Organisation, HewlettPackard is no fairy, but has said that it reward customers with Easter treats from 20th March to 30th April 2015.

According to HP, various instant gifts would be given on every purchase of eligible HP Computing or Printing products from participating retailers. Also, customers who make purchase of midrange to high end products also stand a chance to have their Easter wish granted. Lucky winners will be contacted and prizes delivered right at their doorsteps.

A spokesperson for HP West Africa, Tolulope Lawani speaking on the campaign said: “We have decided to give back to our existing and potential customers by ensuring there’s something for everyone who buys from HP this festive season and seven lucky customers selected through a raffle from our participating retailers would have their Easter wish granted in grand style. Moreover, to give customers an opportunity to experience HP’s technology firsthand, our branded Truck with HP’s latest Notebooks, Desktops, Tablets, Voicetablet & Printers would ride through strategic stops in Lagos.

Service personnel would be available to provide expert advice to consumers.” He further implored teeming consumers to visit Park n Shop Spar, Westgate, Slot, Office R Us, Office Land, PC Corner, Office Everything & Slot retail shops to enjoy this fantastic offer.” He concluded

Samsung Galaxy S6 pre-order campaign kicks off

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amsung Electronics West Africa has announced that pre order to its latest collection of smartphones, Galaxy S6 edge and S6 duos began end of March in Nigeria The devices are available in 32GB and 64GB for the S6 edge and 32GB for the S6 duos.

Emmanouil Revmatas, Director of

Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung, said that the Galaxy S6 edge and S6 duos represent new standards in design and performance, offering consumers an unmatched mobile experience.

The S6 series was first unveiled on the first day of March 2015 at the Samsung Unpacked event held at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona, Spain. The phones are a combination of beauty and power.

The Galaxy S6 duos is the dual sim version of the S6.

Made out of a fusion of corning gorilla glass 4 and high tensile metal, the S6 edge features the world’s first dual curved glass display with an exquisite glass and metal finish giving it a refined look and feel. The device has a super fast charging feature that allows the device run for four hours on just ten minutes of charging, and charges to full

battery in about 85 minutes for the Galaxy S6 edge and just 80 minutes for the Galaxy S6 duos. The Galaxy S6 series also comes with a state-of-the-art wireless charging technology that has evolved to make charging easier; simply place the phone on a wireless charger and charging starts.

The devices run Android 5.0 Lollipop with 5.1-inch high-resolution displays.

The 2,560 x 1,440 resolution allows the phone to show a high-resolution image in incredible detail. Consumers can buy the Galaxy S6 edge in two storage options of 32GB and 64GB. The Galaxy S6 edge has a 16-megapixel camera with Optical Image Stabilization, OIS, which enables users take better photos in low light. While the superfastlaunching easy-to-use camera allows users instantly capture every precious moment, the tracking auto focus technology keeps every moving object in sharp/clear focus. Selfie lovers can rejoice in the boosted 5-megapixel front camera with 90 degree wide angle.

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Nchedo, 32, seeks N5m for kidney transplant Africa, China

By Gabriel Olawale & Damilola Akingbade

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HE plight of Ezeogidi Tina Nchedo, elicits compassion and concern. The 32-year-old is currently lying on her sick bed at in the hospital, between life and death, no thanks to a chronic kidney condition.

Nchedo who was diagnosed with kidney stones in 2010 is now living her daily life in pain.

Her inability to pay for dialysis has worsened her case.

In tears, Nchedo expressed her current feelings. "I am not feeling okay and all parts of my body is paining me.

I am not fat, but my inability to urinate has made my body heavy.

"Before the whole thing became complicated I do go for dialysis at Igando General Hospital where I normally undergo dialysis twice a week at the rate of N30, 000 each session, besides drugs and other contingencies. But even now I do not have money to eat," she disclosed.

Nchedo who barely had the strength to talk, began crying again. Her father, Mr. Ezeogidi quickly interceded.

“Ever since her mother died , the whole responsibility has fallen on me. Aside the fact that old age has come, my working

• Nchedo undergoing dialysis ability has diminished and I cannot afford the kind of money she requires for the kidney transplant suggested by the doctor.

"Initially, when the problem began in 2010, it was kidney stone and she had an operation after which blood coming out of

her private part became uncontrollable. “Several attempts to stop it failed, but with help from people, we were able to fly her to India. It was there they discovered her kidney has damaged. After the blood was stopped, the doctor recommend transplant," he explained.

In a statement, a Senior Consultant Nephrologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals New Delhi, India, Dr. D.K Agarwal revealed that Miss Ezeogidi Nchedo was suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease Stage V on MHD, uremic encephalopathy, and uremic seizures. She is advised renal transplant earliest to save her life.”

The total estimate for renal transplant surgery, pre transplant work up of prospective donor and recipient, induction therapy (antirejection injections), outside stay after surgery for four weeks, post transplant treatment and management is approximately N5 million.

If you are touched by Nchedo’s plight, kindly send your donations to Ezeogidi Tina Nchedo, Eco Bank, Account No. 2461172564, or call 08035626432 for more details.

Breast cancer: Cope offers hope for 10,000 women

By Chioma Obinna

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O fewer than 10,000 Nigerian women have been screened free of charge for breast cancer ultrasound scan and mammogram in one year and 50 indigent patients sponsored for treatment since the inception of the Care Organisation Public Enlightenment, COPE, the National Coordinator, Mrs Ebunola Anozie has disclosed.

Anozie stated this last week during unveiling of its new logo as part of the activities to mark its20 years anniversary come October, 2015. She explained that the organisation was able to help these Nigerians as well as millions with the right information on cancer through the help of public and profit making organisations.

She specifically mentioned that through the donation of two stateof-the-art digital breast ultrasound scan machines by Skye Bank Plc, they have been able to provide a more regular and consistent subsidised breast examination to the general public.

“Through our collaboration with the government and corporate organisation, we are trying to ensure that the minimum health care system is available and accessible to every Nigerian

From left: Dr. Bola Fajemirokua, Trustee, COPE; Chief Executive, COPE, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie; Board Chairman, Prof.

Osato-Giwa Osagie and Mrs. Kehinde Gbelee, Vice President during the unveiling of the new COPE logo in Lagos.

citizen. We believe that preventive measure is a lot cheaper than curative,” she added.

Noting that breast cancer was the most dangerous disease of women in Nigeria and the world at large, Anozie said COPE was committed to reducing the mortality rate of breast cancer by offering adequate information and service to combat the disease and make treatment affordable.

We are determined to increase awareness of this dangerous and so common killer of women

Our mission is to introduce, expand and improve our care capacity and services between the patient and the health care providers in a sustainable manner through a rational process of needs assessments, prevention and control planning priority setting and resource mobilisation.

Unveiling the logo/banner, the Chairman of the Board, Prof.

Osato –Giwa Osagie said building on the achievements made so far, Nigerians should expect more progress within the next five years.

“We are determined to increase awareness of this dangerous and so common killer of women now and to assist those who have the condition so that we have many more of them presenting earlier because the very important problem we have in Nigeria is that people present late with cancer. But with better information available to them they will present earlier and therefore they can be helped.

Our plans next one year is to procure a mobile cancer screening clinic that will move from place to place. It will just park at a place and people can walk in and be screened and get information in form of leaflets.

partner to expand health coverage

By Dr. Mustapha Kaloko

Continues from yesterday

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HINA'S investments in health research and development, and its growing manufacturing industry can also be a resource to African countries looking to develop capacity in these areas. This partnership goes both ways.

Innovative models used in countries across the continent, such as those utilizingcommunity health workers and mobile technology, or simplified drug-regimens like the once-a-day HIV pill, can inform Chinesedomestic health effortsas well.

China and African countries are taking steps to deepen their commitment to universal health coverageand move the agenda forward.I recently had the pleasure of attending the 5th International Roundtable on ChinaAfrica Health Collaboration in Beijing. The Roundtable brought together over 350 participants, including representatives from governments, the private sector and international organizations to identify new ways that China and Africa can partner on priority areas and leverage their unique experiences and resources to meet shared health goals.

At the Roundtable, we discussed different approaches and models for collaboration, as well as ways to engage new partners to build strong health systems. Meeting organizers released a set of policy recommendations for consideration at this year's ministerial gathering, calling forstrengthened dialogue between China and African countries, commitment to tailoring Chinese support to African priorities and increased Chinese and African investments in health, specifically around universal coverage and the supply of safe, high-quality health products.

At the AU, we recognize that health is a catalyst for development and progress. As China and African countries continue to invest more in health, we needto leverage our respective experiences and resourcesto make universal coverage a reality. Together, we can help prepare for the next infectious disease outbreak, as well as the more common, but no less tragic health challengesthat people across Africa and China face every day.

• Kaloko is Commissioner for Social Affairs at the AU Commission.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—39

Tourists at Olumirin waterfalls Inset: Tour operator, Laide with a Brazilian tourist at the fall

OLUMIRIN WATERFALLS:

Nature’s gift to Erin-Ijesha A

VISIT to the State of the Living Spring, Osun state , is not complete for a tourist without a visit to Erin-Ijesa in Oriade local government. You might be wondering why a tourist will need to take such trip from the state capital, Osogbo, which is home to the popular Osun Osogbo festival and culture. The answer is not far fetched as Erin Ijesha is host to the popular Olumirin Waterfalls.

Olumirin water fall, according to Engr. Daniyan, is the most visited tourist site in Nigeria today. As at November of 2014, from January to November the tourist site grossed 50,000 visitors. No other tourist site has had that level of patronage .

The waterfall is 2km off Erin Ijesha town. According to one of the custodians of the waterfall, it was discovered by a woman called Akinla, founder of Erin-Ijesha town and a granddaughter of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race, in the year 1140 AD during the migration of Ife people to Erin- Ijesa. Legend has it that when it was first discovered, the waterfall had the appearance of a mysterious figure.

Travelling in company of three other tourists I came across at the Ilesha park in Osogbo,I was spellbound seeing the seven layers of rocks and seven waterfalls as the water flows majestically among C M Y K

the rocks and splashes down with great force on the vegetation around like a mysterious figure indeed.

Erin-ijesa as part of south western Nigeria falls within the tropical climatic belt with alternating hot dry and warm humid seasons. Atmospheric temperatures only slightly from 30-34oC ranges while the annual rainfall averages 1500cm.

The breeze cool and refreshing The breeze at the waterfalls is cool and refreshing. The whole scenery is fascinating and idyllic. I tried comparing the scenery with that of Agbokim waterfalls in Cross River state.

What I saw at the Olumirin water falls is like the collection of seven cascades which pour over a cliff creating an impressive seven-part waterfall as in Agbokim Waterfalls.

As we savour the surroundings of the waterfalls, the tourist guard on duty, Oluwole explains that when the falls was first discovered that no one dared move near it for fear of being swallowed up.

“It was believed to be a living spirit through whose several mouths water gushed out; a very tall and huge spirit whose height reached to the high heavens. The inhabitants therefore named the fall Olumirin.

“They thought this was another god whose power over the whole area was only similar to Akinla, the founder of Erin Ijesha town.”

Climbing the waterfall According to a tourist who has visited the waterfalls, “it doesn’t look like anything out of this world until you begin climbing the seven levels of the ascending plains of the waterfalls.

“So, we begin the climbing, the view at all the levels is wonderful and the freshness of the water is energizing.

However, the last and seventh level is definitely the most intriguing, well that’s if you ever dared the torturous climb.”

The tour guard seeing the panting of some of us said only few tourists can climb beyond the second layer.

He said: “Climbing up to the third level can best be equated to traipsing the snowy steeply Mount Everest.

“The area can also serve for mountaineering exercise.

Obviously, being at these different levels and just basking in the invigorating freshness of the falls is an unforgettable experience.”

But guess what? The place to be is definitely the seventh level. Why? Not only does it lie at the peak of the falls, it also hosts a settlement where

The breeze at the waterfall is cool and refreshing, the water flows among rocks and splashes down with great force to the evergreen vegetation around

many of its inhabitants have lived for several years!” Still another enraptured tourist could only wax poetic when he was confronted with the sheer splendour of nature at Olumirin. “I could not resist the seduction of this beauty, for Olumirin Water Falls is craft of supreme architecture.

Overcoming his inertia, one of the trio plunged deep into the fresh flowing fountain, burying his fears and anxieties in the clear water.

This was the first fall. Each fall distinctly marks the mystical propensity of the fountain. Its ability to sieve out the adventurous from the lilly-livered enjoys universal acclaim.

“Ascending the first steps that point to the first fall is usually for all. Though its dancing bridge and the mould covered greenish stones leave a bare feet squirming in pain, yet the first fall is all embracing. Like a mother, she opens her bosom for all visitors to the fall to soup from her clear spring.

It’s after this that the ascent to the second fall begins. We made it to the second fall.

“We had erroneously believed that we had seen the best of Olumirin Water Fall. But we saw nothing in the first fall.

The second fall was out of this world, we came to appreciate why we are human, not an animal.

A tourist, Wale Folarin, narrating his experience at the falls said “My eyes beheld beauty. I saw, touched and tasted beauty. I flew off on the wings of contemplation. As the water like a snake lazily sliced through the heights, it picked up velocity that slapped the flesh, pumping out like an imprisoned rebel through the thickness of the woods. The third fall was something else…”

Yet another dazed visitor

Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel promises luxurious Easter celebration

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outhern Sun Ikoyi Hotel nestled in the heart of Lagos has promised to offer the best holiday packages during Easter celebration.

The management of the hotel said to enjoy the celebrations, it is offering guests and customers a complimentary breakfast for two, early check in and check out.

“In taking luxurious pampering to a whole new level this Easter season, the hotel guarantees to tickle your taste buds with its special Easter Sunday brunch, noting that all offers are valid from the 1st -10th of April 2015.

The Southern Sun Ikoyi hotel

is famed for its fine dining and serene ambience. Guests can look forward to a wide variety of culinary delights in the hotel’s impressive restaurant in addition to enjoying a delightful menu of cocktails and choice wine selections at the bar.

The hotel also boasts of a quality ambience offering you soothing and relaxing guilt free treats designed to leave you feeling truly special. In addition, the outdoor terrace and pool area is ideal for soaking up the beautiful rays of the African sunshine when lounging or catching up with old mates.

40— VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

A

HAUNTING and powerful image in the Qur’an depicts a people who, on the Day of Judgment, perch on a barrier that divides the Paradise and hell. And so they engage in a conversation with the inhabitants of both abode.

However, Allah gave them a kind of soft landing, implying that they will end in the safer side of the barrier. It is not a joke. Check the Quran 7: 4649.

“And between them will be a partition, and on [its] elevations are men who recognize all by their mark.

And they call out to the companions of Paradise, “Peace be upon you.” They have not [yet] entered it, but they long intensely.

And when their eyes are turned toward the companions of the Fire, they say, “Our Lord, do not place us with the wrongdoing people.”

And the companions of the Elevations will call to men [within Hell] whom they recognize by their mark, saying, “Of no avail to you was your gathering and [the fact] that you were arrogant.”

Allah will say], “Are these the ones whom you [inhabitants of Hell] swore that Allah would never offer them mercy? Enter Paradise, [O People of the Elevations].

No fear will there be concerning you, nor will you grieve.”

The apocalyptic scenario may be appropriate for depicting the dilemmas Nigerians faced before March 28, to choose between a big spender but with unbridled corruption and a disciplined no-nonsense elderly man as the captain of a sinking ship. But like the metaphor, Allah guided His people to the safer side of the barrier.

With the March 28 Presidential election, Nigeria stands on the threshold of history. Her people have been able to prove wrong critics world-over who had thought we could not get it right. We have been able to put our

Jumada Al-Akhir 14, 1436 A.H.

It's thanksgiving, but we've learnt enough lessons experiences over the years to bear, having recognised where we have faltered and knowing how to make amends. We cried for change and with the help of Almighty Allah, with fervent prayers, resilience, determination, shunning all inducements to remain in the dungeon, we moved a step further for the much desired change.

Anarchy and despondency We had slipped into a road we never knew where it would end.

We had unconsciously descended into hopelessness, anarchy and despondency.

The journey was like a purgatory of turmoil and darkness, one that was aptly described in one old school music of Sunny Ade, the Juju maestro legend: Esubiri biri ebomio; Iwa ju lo’loko yi wamilo, eyin ko lo’loko yi waamilo; mio mo.”

Even the younger ones, the future leaders had begun to despair. But like the At-bahaina Mukhaliseen, (faithful followers) in the mold of the Rashidun known as the disciples and sahaba of Prophet Muhammad, (s.aw) we followed our leaders with the believe that one day, and a day like this, there would be a change.

We prayed, fasted and trusted in Allah. We were conscious of

Allah’s words that “Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Protector.”

(Q9vrs51) and in Him we put our trust.

Other wholesome words of Allah are Quran 54: 22, 23. “No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy - In order that you may not grieve at the things over that you fail to get,

nor rejoice over that which has been given to you. And Allah likes not prideful boasters.

When the hour came last Saturday, Nigerians recognised the golden opportunity and moved for a change. The manner of the change was also amazing at least to most of our critic; it came without bruises, it arrived without boo-boo.

All these we give thanks, adoration, and exaltation to Allah. O Allah, you are the peace, And you are the source of peace, you are blessed, O possessor of Glory and Honour, heal this country with Your touch of peace, make it great above other great nations in the world. Make our people

serve you in truth, honesty and steadfastness. O Allah, we beg for your forgiveness of sins, we repent and turn to you our Lord and Sustainer. Unite our hearts with Mutual love, help us against our enemies. Let your curse be unto those who want to destroy what we cherish; those who kill and maim and cause pain to fellow humans and give our army victory over them. O’ Allah make their treacherous plans come to naught. Send down your mercy, blessings and peace unto this country just as your peace and blessings continue to abide with Prophet Muhammad. Amin.

A lot of people have said glowing things about Buhari immediately after his acceptance speech, one of the lessons we would have learned was that Leadership is a position of trust and great responsibility, and should only be given to those who are capable of carrying that responsibility and fulfilling that trust.

Never again to those who even if they are sincere may not have the strong personality traits necessary for a person to be a successful and just leader.

We rarely can make up for those years we have been dragged behind by past leaders and successive governments. Dear countrymen, we have learnt enough lessons.

Keep on thanking Allah

Election will come, go and Nigeria will remain. Value your life, if you are still alive, you can be better than anyone of them who is standing for elective position today

T

By Haruna Razaq

HANKING Allah is one of the many Islamic instruments of overcoming kufr (unbelief), poverty or insufficiency, punishment of Allah, and many others as stated in different parts of the Qur’an. On kufr Allah says: “Therefore remember Me. I will remember you, and be grateful to Me, and never disbelieve Me, (i.e. ungrateful to Me)” (Q2: 152).

Kufr is one of the greatest problems that are affecting human being, and one of its causes is ungratefulness. On poverty or insufficiency, Allah says: “And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you give thanks, I will give you more (of My blessings); but if you are thankless, verily, My punishment is indeed severe” (Q14: 7)

Severe punishment

Members of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, in a health walk in Lagos.

According to this verse, thanking Allah for His favour, brought about increment in that favour. And for punishment of Allah, Allah says: why should Allah punish you if you have thanked (Him) and have believed in Him. And Allah is Ever All-Appreciative (of good), All-knowing. (Q4: 147) However, Allah mentioned in another verse cited above that if we are thankless, His punishment is severe (14: 7).

Thanking Allah is a

commandment in the Qur’an as stated in Q 2:152; 2:172; 39:66. About 70 verses of Qur ’an and Mutawatil hadiths mentioned that gratefulness to Allah is a mere indication of man’s faith and affirmation of the unity of Allah; it is one of the ways to free oneself from the trap of shaytan. (See Q 7: 17).

Allah usually saves the grateful ones from His punishment also in 54: 34-35.

Therefore, according to Ibn al-Qayyim (RA), gratitude may be in the heart, in submission and humility; on the tongue, in praise and acknowledgment; and in the physical faculties, by means of obedience and submission.

(Madaarij al-Saalikeen 2/ 246) As a result, a Muslim is expected to show gratitude to his Lord by acknowledging in his heart that the giver of his blessings is Allah, and to acknowledge with his tongue by thanking Allah for every blessing on waking from sleep, after eating and drinking, on giving birth to new born baby among other blessings.

You can also thank Allah with your physical faculties by making sujud shukur prostration for thanking Allah when you receive any good news or blessings. It also includes using the physical faculties to carry out all the commandments of Allah in Qur’an and Hadith.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 — 41

Jumada Al-Akhir 14, 1436 A.H.

The burden of leadership

W

ITH a new President elect, General MuhammaduBuhariwhowilllead the country for the next 4 years, expectations are high just as the burden of leadership swells.

AderonkeAdeyerisoughttheviews of some Nigerians on this issue and reports.

his comfort. A good leader must enhance societal development because he possesses the power to change the situation or circumstance of a people. Hence, leaders are regarded as the creator of their society. One important way to reduce the burden of leadership is for the

leader. Leadership in Islam is rooted in the belief of submission to the Creator.

“And We made them leaders guiding (men) by Our Command and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers and to practice regular charity; and they

An old man displaying his voter's card after casting his vote at Unit 037 in Ijegun Igba Nursery and Pry School, Oriade Local Government, Satellite Town, Lagos during the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Pic: AKEEM SALAU.

Ansar-ud-Deen organises ‘Health Walk'

I

•Abdul-Barri Afini

•Ademoye The act of leadership starts from the home — Ademoye Alhaja Mariam Bolanle Ademoye, Chief Deeds Registrar, Bureau of lands and survey, Ogun state said the act of leadership starts from the home adding that the home being the mirror of the society should endeavour to shun out good products. She also said Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was regarded as the Al-Amin by his people because of his trustworthiness. “As one of the qualities of a good leader, it should be inculcated from home.”

However, the act of leading comes with its burden. Sacrificial living is also one of the burdens of leadership.

•Hassan leader to be open to his followers.

Transparency in governance elicit supports even when things get tough.

A leader must submit to the will of the creator—Damilola Imam Salis Monsur Damilola, an Islamic teacher and a civil engineer said the Qur’an is a glorious book that does not leave any aspect of human existence untouched. Almighty Allah stated this in the glorious Qur’an, 6vs 38. The Qur’an gives not less than twelve qualities to be considered before choosing a

Burdens of leadership “Your ideas and implementation of programmes to logical conclusion are also a big burden.

He also has to sacrifice a lot of things personally, emotionally, socially and otherwise for the people. This is because if there is any failure, he will take responsibility. By so doing, his reputation will be at state in order not to be seen as a failure. At times, it may lead to losing peace of mind and individuality.

Leadership is always a result oriented and there is always a risk of not only losing the position.

However, a leader must accept responsibility for his actions. He must be selfless, putting the comfort of his people first and not

Good leadership generates relationships and institutions that are fundamentally conventional in character, the end of which will engender progress and development, not just for Muslims, but also for everyone’’

•Muyideen Bello

•Damilola constantly served Us (and Us only).”

“A Muslim leader is to act in accordance with the injunctions of God and His Prophet (saw), and must develop a strong Islamic moral character. This moral character will be reflected by his increasingly strong belief in God as he progresses through the four stages of spiritual development.

Eeman, Taqwa and Ihsan. A competent leader would know how to manage his burden since it is inevitable and in such a way that it wouldn’t affect the society.

Our leaders should remember that the oath of office is trust (amanah) and they have sworn allegiance to the trust. The Qur’an says whoever betray his allegiance has only cause injury to his own soul.”

Good leadership generates relationship— Hassan Ganiu Hassan, an Islamic teacher in his view said: ‘’Everyone exercises leadership in varying degrees. “We all exercise relative influence in the wide variety of contexts in which we live. By the same logic, we are also followers even when we exercise leadership in our various capacities. We are accountable to others just as we follow the dictates, needs, and standards of others who lead us too.

Good leadership generates relationships and institutions that are fundamentally conventional in character, the end of which will engender progress and development, not just for Muslims, but also for everyone."

N recognition of the benefits of regular exercise as a way of reducing the risk of chronic illnesses, heart related diseases, diabetes, asthma, stroke among others, the Ansar-UdDeen Society of Nigeria, penultimate week held her annual health walk.

The physical exercise which was the fifth in its series kicked off from Pen Cinema, Lagos through Akilo road, Guinness roundabout then Emiloju Street and ended at Ansar Ud Deen Society Agege branch mosque was meant to maintain and increase the fitness of members of the organisation.

Counselling and distribution As early as 7am, Saturday, March 21, members of the society including interested individuals gathered at the Woman Development Center, to participate in the exercise.

Other activities marking the day were health talks on wellness and life style, counseling and distribution of anti malarial drugs (Sudrex tablet) to the public.

The more than two hour health walk was awesomely as participants’ relishes in delight and fulfillment.

Speaking to journalists, the Secretary, Organizing Committee for the Health Walk, Alhaja Ganiat Toluwaloju, said: “’The society organized this ‘Health walk’ annually as part of her corporate social responsibility to sensitized members and general public. It is also premised on the needs to engaged on regular exercises and observed an healthy routine that will promote healthy lifestyle and wellness regularly as this will reduce significantly risk of having chronic illnesses such as heart related diseases, diabetes, stroke, etc” She maintained that results of researches revealed that participants who joined walking groups experienced significant reductions in blood pressure, body fat, body mass index (BMI), resting heart rate and all factors that may reduce the risk of a number of conditions like stroke and heart disease, general body fitness as well as lower depression.

From left: Representatives of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, at the Qudian Jalsa Salana in India, 1st General Secretary, Bro. Taoheed Shoboyede; Missionary Abdul Hakeem Ariyo; Sadr. Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria, Alhaji Mikail Odukoya; Missionary Abdul Ganiyyu and National Secretary Taleem, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyyu Ahmad, during the last Jalsa Salana in India.

42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 — 43 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

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

GEMINI: Those of your who are red-blooded for romance may have an exciting and satisfying day. Happenings within your social circles must be taken more seriously.

CANCER: Confrontation may come your way in the circle but the heavens are working favourably for you. Some doses of romance is not too much for you on a day like this.

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

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

The Beauty Without

T

HE inner cup and the outside, which is more important? I mean the contest of the cup and the cup itself, which is more important?

This question becomes pertinent be-

cause of the way we are going about our re-branding project.

Can you reform evil?

Can you start the process of reformation without? Can the

TERROR MUDA

body be well when the head is sick? Look at the motor vehicle truck/trailer, when on the reverse, the other body stands still. This is so because the

in “Never say goodbye”

head give direction to the body. Nigeria is like a trailer.

We don’t need to waste billions on rebranding. All we need is the right leadership. When the leader does the right thing, Nigerians will do the right thing too.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

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

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

SAGITTARIUS: Good luck will smile at many and induce love of luxury merry making and romantic liason. Genuine lovers will need to be on guard against deceit from new admirers.

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

AQUARIUS: Many members of your opposite sex will go out of their ways to attract your romantic interest. This is the wrong time to engage on unnecessary argument.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

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

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

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

What’s my horoscope?

Dear Joshua, I am a middle aged lady born on November 10, 1960. Although I am fairly successful, I want you to give me my comprehensive horoscope, especially what my special gift is. Which day of the week was I born? Where were my natal planets and their meanings? Who am I? Fatimah, Abuja.

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

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

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

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

Yes! You are highly intelligent and your mind works the same way detective’s minds do. It is true, there are little contradictions between your inner self and your emotional being as indicated quality, water element and Virgo characteristics.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

APRIL 11 POLLS: Uduaghan sues for peace

By Emma Amaize

A

SABA—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has admonished Nigerians to maintain the relative peace and decorum that pervaded the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections during next weekend's governorship and House of Assembly elections.

The governor, in his goodwill message on this year’s Easter celebrations by Christians worldwide, also enjoined Nigerians, especially Deltans, to forgive one another and show love to all like Jesus Christ, the Saviour, did.

He said: “As Christians all over the world celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I urge all Nigerians, especially Deltans, to forgive one another and show love to all like Jesus did.

“Permit me to use this medium to express my sincere gratitude to all Deltans who trooped out en masse to express their love for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP

Senator-elect calls for synergy amongst representatives in Bayelsa

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N A G OA — T H E P e o p l e s Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the just concluded National Assembly elections in Bayelsa West senatorial district and senatorelect, Foster Ogola, has called for synergy among elected representatives to advance development in the area.

Ogola, who spoke to newsmen in Yenagoa on his victory, noted that such a step would ensure consultations and coordinated efforts to avert projects duplication which had plagued most communities in the area.

In the results of the election announced in Sagbama, the senatorial headquarters, Ogola polled 95,303 votes to beat Edi Julius of All Progressives Congress, APC, who polled 1,690 votes.

during the presidential and National Assembly elections.

I still call on Deltans to remain peaceful during the governorship and state House of Assembly elections,” he said.

He said that as his administration winds down, the government will put finishing touches to most of its projects and by God’s grace,

commission them soon. He commended Deltans and residents of the state for their support and cooperation with his administration.

Uduaghan noted that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ gave Christians victory over death and liberated them from its grip, stressing that Easter was a season for the renewal of

personal covenant with God and the relationship with the family, friends and neighbours.

“I pray that the peace, love, victory and joy, which the death and resurrection of Jesus brought to humanity, shall be the portion of Nigerians, particularly the good people of Delta State,” he added.

DEDICATION: Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh (4th left); Chief Ernest Shonekan (5th left); Sir Ezekiel Ainabe (6th left); Dame Rachael Ainabe (7th left) and other clergymen at the dedication of two buildings built and donated by Chief Shonekan to the Ezekiel College of Theology, Ujoelen, Ekpoma, Edo State, in honour of his predecessor and mentor, Dr. Christopher Abebe.

Jonathan the hero, says Bozimo

By Akpokona Omafuaire

W

ARRI—FORMER Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, has congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan on his statesmanly position in the just concluded presidential and National Assembly elections.

He wondered if the peace being enjoyed today would have been possible if the results were in favour of Jonathan.

“I thank God almighty for being a Nigerian that the prophecies of doom by the Americans and others had planned did not come

to pass.”

“I wish to congratulate our President, Dr. Jonathan, for his statesmanly passion in handling the results of this election.

“I recall that in a recent interview, I said that Nigeria needs Jonathan more than Jonathan needs Nigeria. I said that Jonathan loved this country so much that he would not sit tight and will not jeopardize our democracy.

“I said that if worst came to worst, he would quietly pack his things and go back to his humble beginning in Otueke. This he has done. But I wonder, if the situation was reversed, whether we could have enjoyed this

peaceful political atmosphere and the stability that we are celebrating now. For me, the real winner and hero of the election is Jonathan.

“This is not the occasion to recount the many success he got in his short period but let me add that only history will judge what a great president he has been. We will continue to pray for this great country that this milestone achievement of Jonathan will ensure.

“I want to congratulate the South-South and the Ijaw nation for the mature and exemplary role that we have demonstrated in the event of the past week. For the sake of our beloved son and Nigeria let's remain law abiding."

Urhobo youths celebrate Buhari’s victory

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—HUNDREDS of Urhobo youths, yesterday, took to the streets in parts of Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, to celebrate the victory of the president-elect in last weekend’s presidential election, Gen. Muhammad Buhari (rtd).

The youths, under various Urhobo groups including the Urhobo National Youth Council, UNYC, converged at

different drinking spots in Ughelli where they engaged in wanton use of alcoholic drinks amidst chants of Sai Buhari.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, national president of UNYC, Monday Oyeghe, described Buhari's election as the change Nigeria has been craving for.

He said: “We, the Urhobo youths, believe that electing Buhari as president is the best thing to happen to Nigeria because following his records

as Head of State, he will bring sanity to governance in Nigeria.”

Bomadi APC holds victory rally for Buhari

T

HOUSANDS of All Progressives Congress, APC, supporters in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, led by their chairman, Mr. Amabiri Azorbo, have staged a victory rally on the major streets of Bomadi for the President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari.

The rally also witnessed the reception of the first batch of 3,000 defectors from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, into its fold.

Mr. Azorbo, who spoke to newsmen, expressed joy that the idea and efforts by the party ’s national leaders to form merger and confront the PDP, which has been at the helm of affairs in the centre in the 16 years had been realised.

The party boss said that besides the 3000 PDP defectors, the state chapter was about to witness another political milestone.

Egbema group lauds LG boss over PA's appointment

C

HAIRMAN of Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Francis MakuEyituoyor, has been lauded by a group, Egbema Collective Political Front, ECPF, for appointing Mr. Ebenezer Bigha as his Personal Assistant.

Spokesperson for the group, Mr. Kenneth Odibo, said that with the appointment, MakuEyiyuoyor has done what past council chairmen could not do. He emphasized that for the council boss, an Itsekiri, to appoint an Ijaw as his personal assistant shows that Maku-Eyituoyor is truly a detribalised man.

Pa Esene for burial

L

ATE Pa Joseph Esene of Eguare in Esan West Local Government area of Edo State, is dead, aged 94. He will be buried in Eguare tomorrow.

Traditional rites and obligations will hold today at Eguare Primary School, Ekpoma.

Late Pa Esene

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—45

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Why Andy Uba can't be winner—NDUKWE

NBA lauds Jonathan, Buhari

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

N

NEWI—FORMER Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, Chief Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, has given six reasons why Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, cannot issue Mr. Andy Uba of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Certificate of Return.

Ndukwe, who is the senatorial candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in last Saturday ’s elections, also urged Mr. Uba to surrender the mandate to

By Bartholomew Madukwe

T

HE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan and Presidentelect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), for embracing a cooperative and stimulating transition period.

NBA’s statement came as some legal practitioners called on the President-elect to immediately end the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

In a statement by its President, Augustine Alegeh (SAN), NBA hoped that the maturity that had characterized Jonathan and Buhari’s relationship would continue during the transition period.

He said: “The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, wishes to commend the President and Presidentelect for a cooperative and stimulating transition period.

“It is hoped that the maturity that has characterized their relationship will continue during the transition period.

“We also call on all their supporters to emulate the exemplary behaviour of the two statesmen, who are both inspired by the call to serve the good people of Nigeria in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.”

NBA added that the level of campaigns was unprecedented.

him, if he had honour, knowing that he or his party, PDP, did not win the election in Anambra South senatorial zone.

He said: “I expect Mr. Andy Uba to surrender the mandate to me if he has honour for himself. He did not win the election; PDP definitely did not win the election, and their candidate knows that he did not win the election and that is why they resorted to this brigandage.

“There was no proper Ward collation of results anywhere in the Anambra South Senatorial zone, and secondly

there was widespread falsification of results in a number of local governments collation centres, which was witnessed by people.

“There was open inducement of the people who were staff of INEC and others working in the collation centre.

“When I look in the eyes of these hapless NYSC members and other people, I saw pain for our country, because we go there to corrupt our young people.

“How does it make sense that inducements will be done in the open to people

... as Anambra APC threatens court National Assembly election Electoral Commission, action held last Saturday in the state INEC.

By Enyim Enyim

O

NITSHA—ALL Progressives Congress, APC, in Anambra State, yesterday, threatened to contest in court results of the

on grounds of alleged electoral fraud.

Chairman of the party, Mr. Emeka Ibe, stated this while addressing reporters on the conduct of the election by the Independent National

ID, LP members defect to PDP in Ebonyi

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—THE Ebonyi State governorship candidate of Independent Democrats, ID, Mrs. Grace Uduma Eze; Labour Party, LP, candidate for Ezza South state constituency, Engr. Kenneth Eze and their supporters, yesterday, pledged their support for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Engr. Dave Umahi, and the party in the state.

The duo made their decision known during a press conference in Abakaliki.

The LP House C of Assembly candidate said M his decision was taken to Y enable him support the K collective agreement of Ebonyi people that power should shift to Ebonyi South for equity, justice and political balance of the state.

Umahi said: “I, therefore, declare my support for the governorship candidate of PDP, Engr. Dave Umahi, as I believe this will ensure equity, justice and fair play.

“It will also strengthen the ties of brotherhood and peaceful co-existence between the people of North, Central and South zone of Ebonyi State.”

Describing the election as a charade, Ibe alleged that All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA; Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and some officials of INEC worked in concert to ensure that APC lost in the state.

He said: “We are rejecting the results and we are going to court to contest the results of the Senate and the House of Representatives elections as announced by INEC. “What happened in Anambra State was not an election, but it was a charade.

“Some Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials colluded with PDP and APGA politicians to work against us and that accounted for our dismal performance.”

He cited instances where PDP, APGA and soldiers were allegedly used to scare APC supporters in polling units at Nkpor, Enugwu-Ukwu, Ihiala and Onitsha South.

congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan for showing exceptional statesmanship that is unparallelled and unrivalled in the history of political contestation of this country.

Jonathan is really a good man and a good leader.—Miss Kubura Aremu, Model.

C M Y K

W

‘Collation Officers'

“The appointed collation officer and returning officer refused to announce the doctored result that were given to him.

“He said specifically, that the collation was not complete and therefore, he cannot announce it.

“The PDP people called on one Blessing to come and announce that Senator Andy Uba is the winner of the election, while collation of some local governments results was still going on.

“At least, four local governments' results were still not collated by the time they were announcing the result. How did they get the results?

“This is the height of impunity and I am grateful to God that I am part of this process, because if people told me this story outside, I would not have believed it.

“There are overwhelming evidence to support the fact that I, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, won the election in all the local government in Anambra South Senatorial Zone.

“Those who were not involved in the election, neither were they candidates nor party agents, were just moving in and out of the collation centre in Nnewi.

“While party candidates, party agents and accredited observers were prevented from going into the collation centre, thugs and people, who have no business with the election, were allowed in.

“One of the candidates, specifically, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Jnr, the son of late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, was advised under threat to leave the collation centre in Nnewi by the thugs and armed men.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

I

like that or anybody in particular?

“This was happening in the full view of everybody.

On Jonathan's reaction to Buhari's victory

HEN the history of this election is told, President Goodluck Jonathan’s legacy would be monumental.

Jonathan has proven to us that he is the greatest democrat that this nation ever produced. That he conceded defeat is not a sign of weakness.—Mr Iro Igwe, Commenter.

G

EJ is a living legend and his name would be written in gold. The action he has so far displayed as President has deepened democracy in this nation. Jonathan allowed the rule of law to operate; he signed the FoI bill to law.—Mr. Onuigbo Austin, Engineer.

J

ONATHAN should have nothing to regret for losing this election. He has character and that should be emulated by politicians who mean well for this nation. The world will one day accord GEJ respect for the brave action he has taken for democracy.—Miss Judith Ekwu, Student.

H

E is a real statesmen in the likes of late Zik of Africa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwi; Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nelson Mandela of South Africa, General Gowon and Alhaji Shehu Shagari. I congratulate him and wish him the best.— Mrs Morayo Simeon, Businesswoman.

H

E has built his im age back to the statesman that we all wished he should be. His body language and actions have succeeded in cooling the tension in the country. Kudos to you Mr. President. You are a good man.—Mr. Nzekwe Asugha, Business Administrator.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—47

IBB commends Buhari's perseverance, Jonathan's statesmanship M

INNA — FORMER military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has congratulated President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari for his electoral victory, describing it as the fruit of determination and perseverance.

Babangida, who stated this, Wednesday, in Minna, while reacting to the outcome of the Saturday presidential poll, said Buhari surmounted all challenges to emerge the nation’s new president after three previous attempts.

“I think it is a triumph for democracy, triumph for doggedness, perseverance and a belief in a course which the General has exhibited all along.

“He contested this election three, four times; he never gave up. He continued to have faith and continued to believe that he has something to offer to this country.

“God in His infinite wisdom has made that belief to happen. So, I think it is a credit for democracy,” he said.

He also commended the statesmanship exhibited by President Goodluck Jonathan for not only conceding defeat but personally calling to congratulate Buhari.

“I want to commend Goodluck Jonathan for the most able way he handled the situation. It shows he was magnanimous; it had never happened. ‘’This is triumph for democracy,

triumph for common sense and triumph for politics.

“For Muhammadu Buhari, of course, he is not a new person in this country; he was once a

ANO — NIGERIA’S former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Maitama Sule, has commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,GEJ, for exhibiting good ‘’sportsmanship” in conceding victory to his opponent in Saturday’s presidential election.

Maitama made the remark while addressing newsmen in Kano, Wednesday. ‘’President Jonathan is a statesman rather than a politician for conceding defeat,” he said.

According to him, by his decision to concede defeat, Jonathan is above a politician. ‘’President Jonathan has proved to be above a politician, his stand was also seen as a good start for the establishment of virile democracy.

“Jonathan is not a politician, but a statesman. A politician thinks of election while a statesman thinks of the nation. ‘’By this singular action, he has laid a solid foundation for democracy to thrive,” Sule said.

“What I have been calling for has now come to reality. I have been praying for good leadership.

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a good president,” he added. ‘’Babangida said that Buhari would be supported by the various advisory bodies to take concrete steps in the nation’s development.

HEARING: From left, Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Bello Mohammed Goronyo; Secretary, All Progressives Congress m APC, Sokoto State, Malam Aminu Bello, and Counsel to APC Governorship Candidate, Sunday Ibrahim Ameh, after the hearing of the Sokoto State primaries case, at the Federal High Court, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

....Igbo Delegates Assembly too

By Innocent Anaba

I

GBO DELEGATES Assembly, IDA, has congratulated the President-

Maitama Sule lauds GEJ's 'sportsmanship'

K

military Head of State and now democratically elected president. ‘’I know that with the support of Nigerians and his vast experience, I think he can make

‘’I have seen a good leader in the present leader, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. ‘’We had had elections in Nigeria but we have never had the incumbent congratulating the president-elect; he is a statesman,” he said.

He noted that Jonathan has proved to be one of the greatest leaders Nigeria has had, noting that ‘’this will surely help in having a sustained democracy.”

The former diplomat urged Buhari to ensure justice and fairness to all Nigerians irrespective of political or religious inclination.

elect, General Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at the just concluded presidential election.

In a statement IDA's President General, Mazi Larry Nwosu and Secretary General, Auston Ifedinezi in Abuja, yesterday, also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for strengthening the country’s democracy by giving the people the most credible, free, fair and transparent electioneering process in Nigeria’s history.

The statement said: “We, the executive members of IDA and the entire Ndigbo in the 19th states of the Northern Nigeria and Abuja, wish to heartily congratulate you (Buhari) on your meritorious victory in the presidential election.

"We appreciate your resilience, doggedness and determination.

Your success is an inspiration to the upcoming leaders.

“We pray the Almighty God will avail you strong health, sound mind, wisdom and such other

facilities to move Nigeria and Nigerians to the next level. Just know it that God has spoken and anointed you to the exalted throne, therefore, look onto God for direction.

“We most respectfully praise President Jonathan and proudly identify with him for his humility, prudence, love for Nigeria and Nigerians and for initiating the most credible, free, fair and transparent electioneering process in Nigeria and Africa at large.

"It’s only a man of honour and selfless attribute like him that could save Nigeria from such imminent devastating crisis through his God fearing conduct.

May God continue to be with him. He has proven that Nigeria can be better.

“The Nigerian security agencies, we appreciate and commend you. Nigerian people we admire and commend you for your peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections."

NAN appoints Ado, Editor-inChief

A

BUJA — MANAGEMENT of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, has approved the appointment of Mr. Lawal Ado as the substantive Editor-in-Chief, a statement said.

The statement by Mr. Mohammed Momoh, the Deputy Director, Administration and Human Resources, on Wednesday, in Abuja, said that the appointment took effect immediately.

Until his appointment, Ado was the Director in charge of the Foreign Directorate of the agency.

Ado holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a post-graduate diploma in news agency journalism from the Indian Institute of Journalism, New Delhi.

Before joining the services of NAN in 1988, Ado had served as a teacher with Katsina State Government.

On joining NAN, he worked in the Kaduna and Jos offices of NAN as the State Correspondent and later became the Zonal Manager of the North Central Zone, covering Plateau, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi and Kwara states.

Ado was later transferred to the headquarters to head the Research and Documentation Unit in 2010.

Before his appointment to head the Foreign Directorate in 2014, Ado had served as the Managing Editor in charge of the newsroom.

He replaced Mr. Isaac Ighure, the former Executive Director, Editorial Operations, who was re-assigned to head the Department of Marketing.

While reacting to the appointment, Ado said it was a normal call to service which he was ready to render with utmost commitment.

Jonathan, an extraordinary example to world leaders — Fesas

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BUJA — THE European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria has described President Goodluck Jonathan’s concession of defeat before the announcement of the presidential election result as an extraordinary example to the world.

Mr. Santiago Fisas, the EU chief

observer, told State House correspondents after his team submitted an interim report on the elections to Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Wednesday, that the example was worthy of emulation.

He said the president was glad to receive the team and to also accept the interim report.

“I congratulate him because he conceded defeat in the election even before he knew the official result.

“That I feel is a very important thing; that is an extraordinary example for many countries in Africa and all over the World.

“I congratulate him for that. Of cause, we talked a little bit about

the elections and I took the opportunity to give to him our preliminary statement about the elections and he was very happy to accept it.“ Fisas said that the team would submit the final report on the elections after observing the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections on April 11.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

UNVEILING: From left: Group Managing Director, UACN of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Larry Ettah, Managing Director, Chemical and Allied Products, CAP Plc, CELEBRATION: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left), and Mrs. Omolara Elemide, and Chief Finance Officer, UACN of Nigeria Plc, celebrated artiste, Patoranking, at a concert to celebrate the victory of General Mr Abdul Bello, at the unveiling of the 2015 Dulux Colour of the Year in Muhammadu Buhari of the APC in last Saturday's Presidential election in Lagos, yesterday.

Benin City, yesterday.

DEBATE: From left: Dr Bright Okogu, Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr Demola Akinrele, SAN, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Akinfela Akoni, President, Executve Committee, The Oxbridge Debate 2015, and Prof. Konyin Ajayi, moderator, during The Oxbridge Debate organised by The Oxford and Cambridge Club of Nigeria.

Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

BRIEFING: Archbishop of Kaduna Anglican Diocese, Most Revd Josiah Idowu-Fearon (left) and The Guardian Northern Bureau Chief, Mr Saxzone Ahkaine, at a briefing nn his appointment as The Anglican Communion next Secretary General to Arcbishop of Canterbury, UK,Justin Welby in Kaduna.Photo: Olu Ajayi.

PRESENTATION: Anambra FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Sunday Ajayi (2nd left), presenting safety tip materials to the CEO, Trigpoint Hotels, Chief Felix Ogbuefi (2nd right) in Awka, yesterday. With them are Head, Training Department, Mr Olusegun Akinola (left), and Head, Public Education, Mrs Chinelo Ezekwesili. Photo: NAN.

BOOK PRESENTATION: From left: Opeyemi Agbaje, author of the book “Democracy without Democrats and Uncomplex Strategy.” Prof. Juan Elegido, Vice-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, and Jimi Agbaje, PDP governorship candidate, Lagos State/guest speaker, during a lecturer and book presentation in honour of Opeyemi in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

VISIT: Editor-in-Chief, News Agency Of Nigeria, NAN, Mr Lawal Ado (left) and Acting Director, Army Public Relation, Col. Sani Usman, during a visit to NAN headquarters in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Member, Church of Nigerian Anglican Communion, CONAC, Election Observers team and Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Bishop James Odedeji (middle) and others, during an election observation at GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 — 49

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50—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 — 51

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52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Rivers lifts curfew

By Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT— THE Rivers State government has lifted the curfew imposed on the state on Monday.

This was contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii.

The statement said that the state government had suspended the dusk-todawn curfew declared in the state.

It said: “The general public is hereby informed that the dusk-to-dawn curfew declared by the state government early in the week is lifted with the immediate effect.”

It enjoined the residents of the state to freely go about their lawful duties and continue to keep the peace at all times.

PAC salutes Jonathan, Buhari

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HE Police Assistance Committee of Nigeria PAC/Association of Tradesmen and Artisans have congratulated the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) and the VicePresident-elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo over their victory in the March 28 presidential election.

In a statement in Lagos, Director-General of PAC, Dr. Martins John-Oni also greeted the national leader of All Progressive Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for leading his party to victory.

The goup also gave kudos to President Goodluck Jonathan, “who immediately allowed peace to reign in the interest of the country by congratulating the winner of the election in a rare act of magnanimity.”

The PAC boss commended the President-elect in his acceptance speech, where he pledged to work with those who voted for or against him or did not even vote at all as he was prepared to carry all along in the task of nation-building, “ while also appreciating God for answering the prayers of Nigerians in ensuring that we had peaceful elections.”

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Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (holding microphone) addressing supporters at the Ibom International Airport, Uyo, on his arrival from Abuja.

No regrets campaigning for Jonathan—TAN

By Jude Opara

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B U J A — T H E Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, has said that it had no regrets over its role in mobilizing for the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in last week’s presidential election.

National Coordinator of TAN, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, who spoke in Abuja yesterday, said President Goodluck Jonathan meant well for the country, hence the numerous achievements he recorded in different sectors of the economy, including the road sector which he argued has improved from what it used to be in the past.

He described President Jonathan as an exceptional Nigerian, who had done what many politicians cannot do by willingly accepting the outcome of the election and congratulating his opponent even before the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, could release the entire result.

Ubah said: “We want to urge all politicians to follow the exemplary steps taken by President Jonathan who willingly conceded defeat and congratulated the Presidentelect.

“What he has done has saved this country a lot of stress and I dare say that it also shows that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria.

“We supported a very nice man, a gentleman, a statesman and he has not failed us because by his act Nigerians can now know that he meant his words when he said that nobody should die because of his ambition.”

He said Nigerians would in the near future begin to judge,

rate and put him in the proper position, adding “and we do not have any regrets supporting him and we will also continue to stand by him.”

Ubah also said his organization wishes the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) well for his consistency and resilience, saying TAN expects the new administration to try and deliver on its electoral promises.

He said: “We wish to congratulate the PresidentElect, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (retd) for his consistency, persistence, doggedness and resilience since 2003 in his quest for the presidency of Nigeria.

“This shows that

persistence on a mission yields success in the end.

His courage will make a good case study in universities all over the world.

“We urge Nigerians, irrespective of their religious, ethnic and political affiliations, to respect the outcome of the election in the interest of peace, progress, unity and development of our country.

“Nigeria as a country is greater than any individual or group and it is our plea that no one should do anything to destabilize the unity, peace, order and good governance of Nigeria, which we constantly advocate and support at all times.”

9 Chadian soldiers killed, 16 injured in Boko Haram ambush

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INE Chadian soldiers were killed and 16 wounded after being ambushed by Boko Haram fighters in north-eastern Nigeria, the Chadian army said yesterday A military spokesman said fighting took place on Wednesday about 10 kilometres (six miles) from the town of Malam Fatori, which Niger said was retaken by regional forces fighting the Islamist radicals earlier this week.

“Elements of the ChadNiger military alliance were killed in a pocket of resistance,” Colonel Azem Bermandoa Agouna said.

“After heavy fighting, the armed forces of Chad and Niger totally cleaned up the zone,” the spokesman added.

The allied troops killed

“more than 100” members of Boko Haram, the ruthless sect that had killed at least 13,000 people since it launched an insurgency in the north-east in 2009.

Large quantities of equipment were also seized by the soldiers.

When the joint force took Malam Fatori on Tuesday, they were unopposed because Boko Haram fighters had gone, but some of the Islamists remained in the vicinity, Agouna said.

A violent skirmish took place on Wednesday between Malam Fatori and the border town of Bosso in Niger, a high-ranking officer in Niger’s army reported at the time, giving no further details.

He said Niger’s army was due to release casualty figures.

PDP gov candidate 'll win Akwa Ibom

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KWA Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, will sweep the forthcoming governorship election.

This is a given, following the massive and comprehensive victory recorded by the party in the just concluded elections in which the three senatorial candidates and 10 House of Representatives candidates amassed more the 95 percent of total votes cast.

This was the position of the Head of Media and Publicity in the Udom/ Moses 2015 Campaign Council, Mr. Aniekan Umanah.

He said PDP faithful in the state are undaunted by the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan in the presidential elections.

He maintained that Mr. Udom Emmanuel holds the ace to a better Akwa Ibom and assured that following his numerous endorsements by the various stakeholders and sectors in the state’s economy, there was no doubt that the former Zenith Bank Executive Director will harness his wealth of experience in the private and public sector to create for the state an investment paradise.

He thanked the people of the state for their strong support to Governor Godswill Akpabio and assured that better days lie ahead for the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015—53

Enugu House rejects Gov Chime’s N11bn loan request ... summons Accountant-General

By Austin Ogwuda

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BUJA — MEMBERS of Enugu State House of Assembly at yesterday’s plenary, turned down the request by outgoing Governor Sullivan Chime to obtain a loan of N11 billion from a commercial bank.

Recall that the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, last week, kicked against the loan request, noting that it would amount to milking the state dry before his exit.

The disapproval of the loan request was unanimous after a heated debate.

The rejection followed a message from the governor, conveyed to the House by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Anthony Ani (SAN).

In the message, the governor made a request for a resolution of the House “to authorise Enugu State government to issue Irrevocable Standing Payment Order, ISPO, to United Bank for Africa Plc in the sum not exceeding N11 billion to cover monies paid by the State Government to its contractors executing projects in the State.”

Only two of the lawmakers, Joseph Agbo Ugwumba (Enugu East Rural) and Johnbull Nwagu (Udi North) of the 17 members

who attended the sitting, yesterday, supported the request by the governor.

Attempt by the Speaker, Mr. Eugene Odo, to adopt a voice vote approach in arriving at the conclusion, was unsuccessful, hence he subjected the matter to individual voting, calling their

names one after the other.

At the end of the voting, the speaker announced that of the 17 members who attended the sitting, 13 voted against the request by the governor, while only 2 voted in support. Two members abstained from voting.

Contributing to the debate, Mr.

Mathew Ugwueze, representing Igbo-Eze South, said: “If you borrow money to pay a debt, then you are still indebted,” and wondered why the governor should be in a hurry to pay contractors when government is a continuum.

FORUM: From left, Governor Rochas Okorocha, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, during APC South East Leaders' Forum, at International Conference Centre, Owerri, yesterday.

Ohanaeze congratulates Buhari,commends Jonathan for statesmanship

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—The apex Igbo socio-cultural group,Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which endorsed President Goodluck prior to the presidential poll, has congratulated the Presidentelect,Muhammed Buhari, on his victory.

Secretary-General of the group ,Mr. Joe Nworgu, who spoke on behalf of the President-General,Chief Gary Igariwey, said: “Ohanaeze congratulate Jonathan for his statesmanship in the just concluded election.

“We congratulate the APC candidate, now Presidentelect, on his victory. Ohanaeze

thanks Ndigbo for hackening to their call to vote for the PDP candidate, President Jonathan.

“Ohanaeze stands on the plank that informed her election decision. That is, restructuring of the country by

PPA raises alert on plot to deny Uzor Kalu senatorial victory …asks INEC to announce Abia North result now

By Chris Ochayi

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BUJA — THE Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, has raised alarm over alleged plots to deny its founder and national leader, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, his electoral victory as senator-elect for the Abia North

senatorial district in the just concluded presidential and National Assembly election in Abia State.

National chairman of PPA, Comrade Peter Ameh, who raised the alarm while speaking with newsmen yesterday in Abuja, said the party was

POLLS: ‘Let’s eschew violence’

T

HE NIGERIAN political gladiators and their supporters have been advised to shun violence after the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State Assembly polls in April, 11, 2015.

Speaking to newsmen before the presidential poll, a woman leader and scholar in Sango Ota, Ogun State, Alhaja Ganniyat Shafi, said in any competition,

the use of the 2014 Confab resolution. We hope the incoming administration will not ignore our aspirations.”

there must be a winner and a loser, adding that whoever emerged winner in the process must be supported by all and sundry.

She said peace should be paramount among Nigerians to sustain democracy, and urged political supporters to desist from acts that could retard the progress of the country.

“It is now time to salvage

Nigeria from various vices militating against her as a nation," she said.

She admonished women to actively take part in partisan politics like men, so as not to be relegated to the background.

She also appealed to women and Sango Ota residents to shun political violence and desist from negative action that might truncate democracy.

concerned and interested in its electoral victory.

He, therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to order the Returning Officer of Abia North senatorial district to announce the result of the senatorial election of Abia North senatorial district without further delay.

Comrade Ameh, who accused Governor Theordore Orji of Abia State of masterminding the plot, warned: “We will do all that is legal therefore to ensure that we are not fraudulently denied of our just victory.

“We of the PPA are not concerned with the personal rivalry and show of might between Theodore Orji and former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, but the power tussle should not be used to rob us of our hard earned victory.

Mbaka congratulates, tasks Buhari on corruption, unemployment

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU — FIREBRAND cleric, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, has congratulated General Muhammadu Buhari on his victory at the presidential election.

Mbaka, whose New Year message, entitled, 'From Goodluck to Badluck,' elicited mixed reactions across the country, described Buhari’s emergence as a divine victory for the entire Nigerians.

The priest, in a press briefing, through the spokesman of the ministry, Maximus Ugwuoke, urged the President-elect to tackle the myriads of problems facing the country.

“It is with vindictive joy and glory to God that Adoration Ministry, the nation and, indeed, the world saw the fulfilment of Fr Mbaka’s New Year prophecy of change."

PIRACY:

Copyright Commission seeks EFCC's collaboration

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU — THE Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, has sought the collaboration of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the fight against piracy.

Zonal Coordinator of NCC, in Enugu, Mrs. N.C. Okeke, on a courtesy visit to the South-East zonal office of EFCC, said the collaborative effort had become necessary towards achieving a better strategy in strengthening the implementation of the nation’s laws on copyright, economic and financial crimes.

She solicited cooperation in the area of intelligence gathering, information sharing and operational support.

Responding, Head of EFCC, SouthEast zone, Mr. David Iloyanomon, who played host to the visiting NCC team, said the visit would afford the two commissions the opportunity to fashion out modalities to rid the society of copyright infringements, economic and financial crimes.

54—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Don't disappoint Nigerians, senior civil servants tell Buhari

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SSOCIATION of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, has called on President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), not to disappoint Nigerians, but strive to provide good governance.

In a statement in Lagos, yesterday, by its President, Bobboi BalaKaigama and SecretaryGeneral, Alade Lawal, the union argued that the pan-Nigeria mandate given to Buhari was a trust he should not betray.

According to ASCSN, there was high hope among Nigerians that General Buhari would bring fresh perspective to bear on governance as is the case in civilized countries of the world.

It said: “There is no doubting the fact that the challenges that lay ahead are enormous. We nonetheless believe that with hard-work, perseverance, and selfless service to our fatherland, you will overcome and move the country to the next level.

“As you are no doubt aware, the world has changed since you left the saddle as a military Head of State about 30 years ago.

“Today, Nigerians yearn for good governance, freedom of conscience, and freedom of expression so that they can participate actively on how they are governed as free citizens entitled to fundamental human rights in a democratic society.”

It said Buhari and his party would have learned from the stringent campaigns in the mainstream and social media that it was not going to be business as usual.

It stressed that the world was watching the President-elect to see how he would fare in his second coming as Nigerian leader, noting “ we solicit that your administration should hit the ground running and live up to expectations of many Nigerians, who crave for change by healing the wounds and bitterness occasioned by the electioneering campaigns.”

An accident scene at Mile 2, L a g o s , yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Nigerian bishop to be Anglican Communion’s next scribe A

Nigerian Bishop, the Most Revd Dr. Josiah Atkins Idowu-Fearon has been appointed the next Secretary General of the Anglican Communion.

Dr. Idowu-Fearon currently serves as Bishop of Kaduna in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) where he has earned a global reputation in the Church for his expertise in ChristianMuslim relations.

He was selected out of an initial field of applicants from Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Responding to his appointment, Dr IdowuFearon said: “I am excited to take up the post of Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, and to continue the fine work undertaken by my predecessors in this office.

“It is a privilege to be so honoured and recognized by the Communion for this leadership position. I look forward to serving the Anglican family with my future colleagues at the Anglican Communion Office and the Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.”

Chairman of the Anglican Consultative Council, Bishop James Tengatenga, welcomed the appointment, saying “I am delighted that Bishop Josiah has accepted the position.

“He will bring a vital new perspective on the Anglican Communion, its life and ministry. His experience and expertise in Christian-Muslim relations is particularly welcome at this time.”

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: “I warmly welcome the appointment of Bishop Josiah and look forward to working closely

with him in the renewal of the Anglican Communion amidst the global challenges facing us today.”

Achievments

Bishop Josiah has lectured and be published widely on the subject of Christian-Muslim relations. He serves on a variety of national interreligious bodies and has previously worked with the Anglican Communion Office and Lambeth Palace on several projects.

He has been awarded the Officer of the Order of the

Niger, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Cross of St. Augustine’s Award, and is a Canterbury Six Preacher.

The person specification for the role of Secretary General indicated that the next incumbent should “assist the Communion to become even more faithful to, and engaged in, God’s mission of reconciliation.

“The successful candidate will be a committed Christian, a person of deep faith and prayer, a visionary ambassador for Christ and his Church, a bridge-builder

to effect healing amongst the churches of the Anglican Communion, a creative and imaginative thinker, and an inspirational leader, who will help to renew the witness and effectiveness of the Communion, its structures, and its programmes.”

Lay and clergy individuals from a member Church of the Anglican Communion were encouraged to apply.

Bishop Josiah, who is married to Comfort and has two children, Ibrahim and Ninma, is expected to take up the role in July.

Group disowns publication endorsing APC Ndokwa East candidate

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pressure group, the Ndokwa National Youth Vanguard, has denied endorsing Charles Olise, the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, for House of Assembly in Ndokwa East, as reported in the media.

The group, in a statement by its National President, Ozegbe Adoh, said it could

not have endorsed the said candidate since the group is non-partisan.

It said: “We have nothing to do with such publications, because we are non-partisan in our operations. Otherwise, we would have good reasons to support Friday Osanebi with his track record of

youth empowerment.

“We dissociate ourselves from this publication made by one Henry Obinna. We have investigated, but could not find anyone bearing that name in Ndokwa East.

“It is wise to say this anonymous writer does not represent the voice of the Ndokwa East Youths Vanguard.”

Urhobo youths laud Buhari, recommend Jonathan for Nobel prize

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HE apex Urhobo youth body, Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Youth Wing, has congratulated the Presidentelect Gen. Muhammad Buhari (retd) on his victory in the just-concluded elections.

A statement by the spokesman of the body, Mr. Marcus Ekure, described the election as the freest, fairest

and most credible election that Nigeria has ever had.

Expressing confidence in Buhari’s capacity to deliver on his manifesto, he described the Presidentelect as an exemplary leader with exceptional qualities, impeccable pedigree and antecedence.

He also commended the sportsmanship of President

Goodluck Jonathan, saying it takes a selfless and visionary leader to concede defeat, especially in Africa.

He, however, recommended that Jonathan be considered for a Nobel Laureate award and a lifetime ambassador of the United Nations and African Union so as to rank among the likes of Nelson Mandela of South Africa.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 — 55

Suswam congratulates Buhari, says election is God's will

By Peter Duru

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M

A K U R D I — G O V E R N O R Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has congratulated the Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari for his victory at last Saturday’s polls, describing it as “The will of God to ensure that peace endures in Nigeria against the backdrop of predictions of doom by scare mongers.”

In a message yesterday, signed on his behalf by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Mr. James Uloko, the governor said the victory was novel.

He also commended President Jonathan for his rare display of statesmanship by conceding victory shortly after the polls.

“Although, the election was marred by irregularities, the President has been humble enough to accept defeat which is something novel in the political history of Nigeria and worthy of

PROTEST: Abia Youths protesting alleged rigging of March 28 polls, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC release the original results counted and announced at various polling units in which the All ProgressiveGrand Alliance, APGA won in almost all the wards. emulation by well meaning politicians across board.

“President Jonathan will go down in history as the man who has finally placed Nigeria on the global map of true democratic nations of the world.

“He will remain a permanent fixture in the nation’s political consciousness as he has worked tirelessly and passionately for the unity and progress of Nigeria.”

Suswam further, commended members of People’s Democratic

Party, PDP, for putting up a good fight in their bid to reelect Jonathan, noting that the PDP as a party would continue to work hard in spite of the set back, to re-invent itself in the months to come.

EASTER: Yuguda urges peace, harmony among Bauchi residents

By Suzan Edeh

B

AUCHI—AS Christians the world over celebrate the Easter, the people of Bauchi State have been called upon to bury their ethnic, religious or political differences and live in peace and harmony with one another.

The call was contained in goodwill message by the state

governor, Isa Yuguda. He said in the message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ishola Michael Adeyemi, that “it is only by so doing that peace will continue to reign in our state and the country in general. I would also like to appeal for continued prayers to God to bring to an end the current security challenges

being faced in different parts of the country.”

The governor, who congratulated the Christians in the state for witnessing another Easter celebration also asked them to ensure that the period was used to show solidarity and love to Jesus Christ who paid the supreme price in order to save lives of

2015 WAAD: Minister condemns discrimination against people with autism

By Funmi Olasupo

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BUJA—AS Nigeria joined the rest of the world to observe this year's World Autism Awareness Day, WAAD, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Zainab Maina said discrimination, abuse and isolation experienced by people with autism and their loved ones is unacceptable.

The Minister stated that these disorders are characterized in varying degree by difficulties in social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication, restrictive and repetitive behaviour, and limited set of interest and activities.

In a statement signed by the Ministry's spokesman Saghir el Mohammed, Hajia Maina noted that the day is meant to spur action and draw attention to the unacceptable discrimination, abuse and isolation experienced by people with autism and their loved ones.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a general term used for a group

Clark wants NDDC to assist Burutu LGA

of complex disorder of brain development.

Autism affects people of all ages and in all geographical regions.

It has a large impact on children, their families, communities and societies. The prevalence is currently raising globally, thereafter the need for early interventions by governments and other stakeholders The theme for this year’s celebration is “A Nation Fit for Autistic Children: Call for Accelerated Action.”

This the minister noted is to convey the lack of awareness and inadequate support structure for people, especially children living with Autism, and to improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from this disorder, so they can leave full and meaningful lives.

“As highlighted by the Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities, People With Autism are citizens who should enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms” she stated.

She regretted how parents of such children can dump them

in special schools or worst still lock them up at home, instead of taking proper care of them and allowing them to socialize with other children.

his disciples and followers.

He also called on Christians in the state emulate Jesus Christ by imbibing the virtues he portrayed while alive through sober reflection and self-evaluation with a view to knowing how well to relate with their creator and fellow human beings. ‘’Our state and country as a whole needs peace now more than ever before. We cannot therefore afford to allow ourselves to be divided along religious or ethnic lines. We must allow peace to reign in order to make progress,” he added Yuguda used the occasion to reiterate the commitment of the state government to the maintenance of law and order.

Sapele APC rejects result, calls for fresh election

S

APELE—THE All Progressives Congress, APC in Sapele, Okpe and Uvwie Federal Constituency has called for the cancellation of results emanating from the just concluded elections in the areas, saying it was characterized with several electoral malpractices.

In a statement issued by APC ‘s Publicity Secretary, Sapele L.G.A., Mr. Elvis Ayomanor , disclosed that APC in Sapele, Okpe and Uvwie is rejecting the March 28, 2015 elections based on INEC flops in keeping to laid down rules of the election procedures of not providing result sheets to Presiding officers at several polling units during the elections.

“Elections were also suspended in unit 10 and 13 of ward 7 due to

violence caused by suspected political thugs of other parties and it was the quick intervention of men of the Nigerian Navy that saved innocent electorates at the polling unit from being harmed where APC chairman and councillorship candidates of wards 5 and 6 were all beaten up by thugs and mobile policemen because of their protests, he said “APC party agent among other opposition party members were threatened by political thugs as we watched helplessly as the election was rigged and accepted by the INEC Electoral officer in Sapele, without recourse to her earlier statement of non availability of no result sheets and postponement of election in the affected wards.

HAIRMAN of Burutu Local Government Area, Chief Ebikeme Clark has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission ,NDDC , to commence the protection of the shores of the Council headquarters from erosion.

He also called on the agency to consider the possibility of providing portable water for the community.

Ebikeme, who stated this during a visit to the commission’s Director of Project, Mr. Tuoyo Omastuli, lamented that the absence of portable water in the Council is responsible for the prevalence of waterborne diseases.

His words: ‘’The terrain is such that to get drinkable water from the ground is very difficult and expensive.

There is need to protect the town from being washed away by erosion.. We visited the NDDC as an Interventionist Agency to passionately appeal to them to come to the aid of the Burutu people.’’

PPN chairman flays INEC for postponing House of Reps polls in Jigawa

By Aliyu Dangida

D

UTSE—THE National Chairman of People’s Party of Nigeria, Alhaji Lawan Adamu has criticized the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to postpone election into the 11 House of Representatives seats in Jigawa State.

Speaking to newsmen in Kazaure, Adamu described the decision as not only unfortunate but disgraceful especially as INEC made such announcement at the late hours of Saturday, adding that the commission had by the action informed Nigerians that it was not ready for the election, abinitio.

He explained that it amounted total failure on the part of INEC to postpone an election mid-way into voting and asked the commission to explain to the people the reasons behind the postponement which was only in Jigawa State.

56 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 2 , 2015

Yemen crisis: Rebels storm presidential palace in Aden

H

World powers, Iran agree on nuclear deal framework A

N outline agreement on the future shape of Iran’s nuclear programme has been reached after marathon talks with six major powers in Switzerland.

The European Union and Iran announced the deal after eight days of negotiations in Lausanne.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Iran’s “enrichment capacity and stockpile would be limited”.

A comprehensive nuclear accord would be drafted by 30 June, she added.

Iran denies Western claims it is trying to build a nuclear weapon. It entered negotiations in order to see sanctions lifted.

The talks between the socalled P5+1 - the US, UK, France, China and Russia plus Germany and Iran at Lausanne’s Beau-Rivage Palace hotel were supposed to end on 31 March but was extended following peace talks.

Meanwhile, the US President Barack Obama welcomed the “historic

A cross section of world powers at the just concluded Iran nuclear talk understanding” that had been reached with Iran.

He said its implementation would be closely watched. “If Iran cheats, the world will know it,” he said, adding that the deal was based not on trust but on “unprecedented verification”.

He said the framework agreement had come after “months of tough, principled diplomacy”, and that it was “a good deal”.

Iran’s FM Zarif and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini while announcing the agreement

...Israel dismisses Iran nuclear framework

I

SRAEL dismissed celebration of a nuclear framework deal between major powers and Iran yesterday , calling it detached from reality, and vowed to continue lobbying to prevent a “bad” final agreement.

Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz said in a statement after the announcements in Switzerland: “The

smiles in Lausanne are detached from wretched reality in which Iran refuses to make any concessions on the nuclear issue and continues to threaten Israel and all other countries in the Middle East.

“We will continue with our efforts to explain and persuade the world in hopes of preventing a bad (final) agreement.”

U.S. President Barack Obama has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later on Thursday. Netanyahu was expected to postpone any comment until after that conversation takes place.

Earlier, as details of the framework were being finalised, Netanyahu demanded in a post on

Twitter that any deal achieved with Iran “must significantly roll back Iran’s nuclear capabilities.”

Netanyahu attached a diagram to his tweet showing Tehran’s involvement in Middle East conflicts in Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon and Egypt and reiterated Israel’s demands that Iran “stop its terrorism and

Germanwings crash: Co-pilot Lubitz ‘researched suicide’ Spokesman Ralf the week before the crash

T

HE co-pilot suspected of deliberately crashing the Germanwings jet in the French Alps had

researched suicide methods and the security of cockpit doors, German prosecutors said.

Internet searches from

French Gendarmerie General David Galtier holds up a picture of the blackened flight recorder found earlier

were found on the tablet computer used by Andreas Lubitz, Meanwhile, the second “black box” flight recorder from the plane has been recovered.

There were no survivors among the 150 people on board the A320 on 24 March.

Internet research The German prosecutors said internet searches made on the tablet found in Lubitz’s Duesseldorf flat included “ways to commit suicide” and “cockpit doors and their security provisions”.

Herrenbrueck said: “He concerned himself on one hand with medical treatment methods, on the other hand with types and ways of going about a suicide.

“In addition, on at least one day he concerned himself with search terms about cockpit doors and their security precautions.’’

Prosecutors did not disclose the individual search terms in the browser history but said personal correspondence supported the conclusion Lubitz used the device in the period from 16 to 23 March.

OUTHI rebels and their allies in Yemen have stormed the presidential palace in Aden following heavy clashes, officials say.

The rebels pushed through to the heart of the port city using tanks and armoured vehicles, despite air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition.

At least 44 people have been killed in the violence, including 18 civilians, according to AFP. Separately, a Saudi border guard has reportedly been killed by gunfire.

It is the first known Saudi fatality since it began an air campaign against the Houthis last week.

The Saudi government says the aim of its operation in Yemen is to

protect President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi’s “legitimate government”. It says it has no plans to deploy ground forces for now.

Aden was President Hadi’s last seat of power before he fled to Saudi Arabia last week, as the Shia rebels advanced on the city.

“There are bodies and wounded in the streets and nobody dares to approach,” said a resident in the central neighbourhood of Crater.

Earlier reports suggested that foreign troops had disembarked at the port. But a BBC correspondent said it was possible they were from a Chinese warship that had been sent to the area to help foreign nationals evacuate the city.

Houthi fighters have set up checkpoints in Aden as their take over of the city advances

Syrian aircraft bombs area near Jordan

S

YRIAN military aircraft,. Yesterday bombed areas close to its main crossing into Jordan , witnesses and a group monitoring the conflict said, hours after insurgents captured the border post.

Insurgents fighting against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces said they had seized the Nasib crossing in southern Syria late on Wednesday, putting most of 370-km (230-mile) border area stretching up to Israel in the hands of the rebels.

“The aim is not the

crossing as such but to weaken the regime’s hold in the south and to increase the areas under our control,” Abu Hadi alAboud, head of Faloujat Houran brigade, which helped take over the crossing, said. “We dealt a blow to the last symbol of sovereignty of the regime along the border.”

The al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front also claimed it had captured the crossing but rival rebels denied this and accused them of looting after the crossing fell into rebel hands.

More than 25,000 foreign fighters joining Islamists, UN

R

ECORD numbers of foreign fighters from more than half of the world’s countries are joining Islamist and alQaeda groups, mostly in Syria, Iraq and increasingly in Libya, according to a UN report.

More than 25,000 foreign fighters are involved in armed conflicts from over 100 countries, the report by a UN panel of experts said.

“The rate of flow is

higher than it has ever been historically, and is mainly focused on movement into the Syrian Arab Republic and Iraq, with a growing problem also evident in Libya”, said the report obtained by AFP yesterday.

The latest figures cast a pall over UN efforts to stem the flow of foreign extremists which the report described as an “urgent global security problem.”

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, APRIL 3 , 2015 — 57

Ebola crisis: Cases decline in Liberia, Sierra Leone

T

Somali Islamists kill 70 as troops end Kenya university massacre M

ASKED gunmen from Somalia’s Shebab Islamist group massacred at least 70 Kenyan students yesterday in a day-long college campus siege, the deadliest attack in the country since US embassy bombings in 1998.

Hurling grenades and firing automatic rifles, the gunmen stormed the university in the northeastern town of Garissa as students were sleeping, shooting dead dozens before setting Muslims free and holding Christians and others hostage.

At least 79 people were wounded in the assault, which lasted for some 13 hours from when the first grenades were used before dawn to blast open the gates of the university, near the lawless border with war-torn Somalia.

In the final hour before darkness fell, Kenyan troops stormed the student dormitory where the gunmen were holed up as explosions and heavy gunfire rang out. Troops then continued to search the campus for any possible insurgents.

“We are mopping up the area,” Interior Minister Joseph Nkaiserry told reporters, saying that four gunmen had been killed after Kenyan soldiers launched an assault on the final building.

The number of people killed was “in region of 70 students, and 79 have been injured, nine of them critically,” he said, with an exact toll expected on Friday.

It is the worst attack in Kenya since the 1998

Members of the Kenyan Red Cross gather outside the accident and emergency unit to receive victims of the attack on a Kenyan university yesterday bombing of the US embassy in Nairobi by AlQaeda, when 213 people were killed by a huge truck bomb.

“The terrorists, 90 percent of the threat has been eliminated... we have been able to con-

firm that four terrorists have been killed,” Nkaiserry added, saying that troops were scouring the campus as the total number of gunmen was not known, but that the main operation was over.

The attack was claimed

by Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab fighters, the same insurgents who carried out the Westgate shopping mall massacre in Nairobi in September 2013, when four gunmen killed at least 67 people in a four-day siege.

HE West African na tions of Sierra Leone and Liberia both appear to be on a steady path to ending the epidemic, the wild card is Guinea, where Ebola hasn’t burned as hot but remains stubbornly entrenched.

In the year since the first cases were identified in Guinea, Ebola has infected more than 25,000 people, the vast majority in West Africa.

Of those, around 10,500 have died.

Liberia’s last Ebola patient died March 27; it is now counting down the 42 days it must wait to be declared free of Ebola.

Sierra Leone recorded no new infections Wednesday for the second time; on average, it has logged a handful each day in recent days.

There are currently 62 patients in treatment in Sierra Leone, and a recent nationwide lockdown indicated there aren’t hordes of hidden Ebola cases.

“The battle to get to zero cases is truly on,” Ernest Bai Koroma, Sierra Leone’s president, said in a radio address yesterday.

It’s more difficult to discern a trend in Guinea the World Health Organ-

ization has called the picture there mixed after noting signs of improvement last week.

Doctors Without Borders added 10 new beds to its Ebola treatment center in the capital, Conakry, last week to handle more patients. About half of the Donka center’s 50 beds were full as of Tuesday, according to Raphael Delhalle, the group’s field coordinator.

The outbreak in Guinea has followed an undulating pattern for months and is likely to continue, Delhalle said.

Even though Ebola has spread longest in Guinea, the country has registered by far the fewest cases. That’s primarily because Ebola has yet to explode in a major Guinean city, as it did in the capitals of Sierra Leone and Liberia, said Dr. Dan Jernigan of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Guinea’s president has implemented new measures to fight the outbreak, including mandating safe burials in hot spots and shutting any health center that finds an Ebola case. Ebola is spread through bodily fluids of the sick and dead; burials and clinics are two major sources of infection.

Shebab: Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked Foreigners in S Africa insurgents were officially integrated fearful after xenophobic

S

OMALIA’S Shebab, who attacked a Kenyan university yesterday , seizing hostages and killing several, have stepped up attacks in Kenya since its army crossed into southern Somalia in 2011.

The Islamist Shebab, meaning “youth” in Arabic, are thought to be several thousand strong. But they are only one of a string of militia groups in the Horn of Africa nation, which has been at war

since the collapse of Siad Barre’s hardline regime in 1991.

The Shebab emerged out of a bitter insurgency against Ethiopia, whose troops crossed into Somalia in a 2006 US-backed invasion to topple the Islamic Courts Union that was then controlling the capital Mogadishu, and of which the Shebab were a part.

In 2010 the Shebab declared their allegiance to Al-Qaeda, to which they

Kenyan soldiers serving with AMISOM in a convoy making its way between the port of Kismayo, Somalia, and the city’s airport

in 2012.

In August 2011, the Shebab fled the capital Mogadishu, and continue to battle an African Union force, AMISOM, that includes troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. ed by Ahmad Umar Abu Ubaidah since the death in September 2014 of Ahmed Abdi Godane in an American air strike, the Shebab control large parts of rural southern Somalia.

Despite having been driven from a string of towns in the south and centre of the country by AMISOM, guerrilla units stage regular deadly attacks in Mogadishu in their bid to overthrow the government.

The most deadly attack over the past several years was on October 4, 2011, against a ministerial complex in Mogadishu in which at least 82 died.

The group has carried out a string of revenge attacks in neighbouring countries, notably Kenya and Uganda, in response to their participation in the AU force.

attacks

H

UNDREDS of for eign nationals have sought refuge at a local police station in the town of Isipingo in South Africa, almost four days after a series of alleged xenophobic attacks in the town, local activists said.

Community activist China Ngubane, told Al Jazeera yesterday that tensions were still high in Isipingo, around 19 km from Durban, with hundreds of mostly Congolese nationals, many of them refugees, unable to return to their homes or businesses.

“About 250 people were directly attacked, according to authorities, but there are more than 500 others who come to the station, scared, especially at night,” Ngubane said.

The small town of Isipingo erupted on Monday when residents attacked foreign nationals living in the town.

According to local media, cars, minibus taxis, a home and foreignowned businesses were

stoned as groups of young South Africans targeted foreign nationals.

The attack on Monday comes three weeks after a Congolese national living in Durban was reportedly burnt alive.

“The situation is very, very bad,” Daniel Dunia, a Congolese national, a spokesperson for the displaced refugees in Isipingo, said.

According to Dunia the violence began when a group of young South African men approached foreign nationals in Isipingo, chanting songs that claimed the Zulu King had ordered foreigners to leave.

Speaking at a moral regeneration rally in Pongola, northern Kwazulu Natal, in late March, King Goodwill Zwelithini is reported to have said that foreigners were changing the nature of South African society as they were taking advantage of the poorly behaved and undisciplined locals.

58—Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

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PROPAGANDA AGAINST NORTH: Leave Ndigbo alone, Ebonyi PPA Chair warns Dokubo

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI — THE Ebonyi State Chairman of the Progressive Peoples’ Al-

liance, PPA, Hon. Prince Samuel Udeogu, yesterday, cautioned the leader of the Niger Delta People Volunteer Force, NDPVF, Alhaji Mujahid Asari

Dokubo to desist from using the Igbo ethnic nationality to settle his scores with the North and South-West.

In a statement issued in

South-East APC vows to reclaim mandate

By Chidi Nkwopara, Chinonso Alozie & Gabriel Olawale

S

OUTH-EAST LEADERS of All Progressives Congress, APC, have vowed to reclaim the mandates of APC members rigged out during the last National Assembly elections by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, through lawful means.

The governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, stated this, yesterday, in Owerri, during the South East APC jubilation rally for the President-elect,

2 bicker over market leadership

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

C

OUNSEL TO the President of Odun Ade Building Materials Dealers Association, Chief Modestus Umenzekwe, has on behalf of its client threatened legal action against one Chief Cyriacus Dike for libel and defamation of character.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Ernest Orofa and Co, was reacting to a recent publication in one of the national dailies (not Vanguard) in which Dike, while reacting to a group photograph Umenzekwe had with the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola and the governors- hip candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, and was described as the president.

Subsequently, Dike in a disclaimer in the said newspaper, noted that Umenzekwe had served out his tenure of office of four years, from 2003 to 2007, and as such ought not to parade himself as the association’s president.

General Muhammadu Buhari.

Okorocha also played for the audience, a video recording, which “indicted top officials of the PDP and the security men in the alleged rigging of the March 28 elections in Imo State..

He noted that the PDP never won the South-East geo-political zone, as it was largely reported, adding that if not for the rigging pattern of the PDP, Muhammadu Buhari would have won the election in the zone.

Speaking also, a leader of APC in South East, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, urged the Igbo to embrace the APC, so as to be connected to the national grid, pointing out that the history which has been made in Nigeria, would bring the desired change that would also empower Nigerians for better living.

Dr. Onu expressed confidence in the APC leadership, stress-

ing that the time had come for the Igbo to participate actively in the governance of Nigeria.

In his remark, the former governor of Anambra State, Chris Ngige, said the PDP de-registered him as a member when he was Anambra State governor, because he was able to prove to them that Anambra had resources that could develop the state.

Ngige, currently a senator from Anambra State, said that during the March 28 election, the PDP wrote the results of the election and intimidated the electorate who scampered for safety, adding that under the PDP leadership, the country did not function optimally.

In his speech, the APC senatorial candidate of Orlu Zone, Imo State, Osita Izunaso, said the PDP rigged the election in Imo State, adding that in Orlu Zone he won nine local government areas out of 12.

Abakaliki, the Chairman, who stressed that Ndigbo were not enemies to the North or SouthWest, added that Ndigbo were not biased over the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari, but were satisfied with the results as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. On the National Assembly election conducted in the state, the party emphasised that the outcome of the election substantially met the electoral laws except in some areas in Ebonyi South senatorial zone.

“It is now timely to warn the leader of the Niger Delta People Volunteer Force, NDPVF, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, to desist from using the Igbo ethnic nationality to settle his scores with the North and South-western Nigeria.

"Ndigbo are not conquered people and we are extremely happy about the outcome of the presidential election which produced General Muhammadu Buhari as winner.

“Ndigbo are no enemies to the North or Western Nigeria but partners in Nigeria project and no one, including Asari-Dukubo should remind us of the past."

•Business resumes at Mile 1, Port Harcourt Market, yesterday, after the Presidential and National Assembly Elections. NAN

‘Buhari’s emergence is a strong rebuke to impunity'

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ORMER minority leader of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP in the House of Representatives, Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula has welcomed the emergence of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as president-elect saying it is a strong rebuttal to the system of impunity and corruption that had stunted the country ’s growth.

Arigbe-Osula, in a statement made available to Vanguard warned that those who ignored the development were doing so

at their own risk.

He said: “Congratulations to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the APC, and indeed all Nigerians irrespective of political affiliations. At The Leadership award conference held at Sheraton in Abuja three years ago, I predicted that a day like this shall only come when Gen. Buhari and Asiwaju Tinubu put their differences aside and come together in the interest of our great country.

“So, I also congratulate both

leaders for putting the future of our country once again above self. This victory which is well deserved is yours and I thank enduring Nigerians for coming out to speak loudly for even the deaf to hear that, power in no small measure actually belongs to Nigerians from whom political office holder, elected or appointed derive his or her authority through the constitution of our land.

“This singular act of yours,

and the attendant victory has sent the message that, the absurd culture of arrogance, impunity, incompetence, and reckless corruption that had characterized the ruling political class, military and civilian in our country has come to an end. It can only be ignored at your own risk no matter how big or strong you think you are, you cannot stop a change whose time has come. This is the beginning of our revolution in our country.”

60 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Buhari 'll not interfere in sports — Abdullahi Keshi holds Pinnick in high esteem — Ado

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

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ORMER Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, has assured that the incoming administration of General Mohammadu Buhari (retd) will not interfere with the administration of sports in the country.

Abdulahi, a chieftain of the victorious All Progressives Congress (APC) who was also among the dignitaries that accompanied the President- elect to the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja where he collected his Certificate of Return argued that unlike the out-going government, the Buhari administration will have no reason to interfere in sports policies and administration.

According to him, the new administration will be too busy to have time for such because e x p e r i e n c e d administrators would be saddled with the responsibility of manning every sector of the economy and that they would be given a free hand to operate.

Abdulahi under whose tenure the country broke the 19 year old jinx when the Super Eagles emerged victorious at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship in South Africa before he was unceremoniously removed from office while on an official assignment outside the country, also disclosed that he was no longer desirous of making a return to the sports sector.

“People get opportunities to serve and they try their best and that was what I tried to do. I have moved on.

T

to land him on a permanent deal as Mark Hughes wants to keep the attacker at the Britannia Stadium on a permanent basis.

According to Daily Mail, Mourinho is set to let go Moses in order to help Chelsea overcome

renaming of the Asaba township stadium after Stephen Keshi” said Ado This is contrary to insinuations being made in some quarters, that Keshi and Amaju can never work together. For the information of all, both men understand that in the interest of Nigerian football they must “work together” to move Nigerian football forward. ‘The lessons of the last few months is that united we win and divided we fail.”

“Allow me to state unequivocally that there will always be differences, but it is how these differences are managed that is critical.

So moving forward I expect that the board, the media ,the fans and the coach would continue to rub minds on issues that will help our football, but once the coach takes a decision he should be supported”.

•Pinnick

•Keshi

•Okagbare Seriously, if the President -elect feels that I should come back to sports, of course, I have a choice. The point is that I have closed that chapter of my career and I have moved on.

“I believe that the problem that sports had under the out- going

Mourinho Continues from BP

HE manager of Coach Stephen Keshi, Mr. Emmanuel Ado has described the relationship between the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and Stephen Keshi as mutual.

According to him, any perceived “problem whether real or imagined” between them would always be resolved amicably in the interest of the game and the country they both love.

“Keshi has always related well with Amaju as a brother and as Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission before now.

The chairman’s passion and achievements over the years bear eloquent testimony to what he is capable of replicating in his new job at the NFF. After the 2013 Nations Cup, Amaju was instrumental to Delta State Government hosting the team and the

Financial Fair Play restrictions in the transfer market this summer.

Moses signed for ‘The Blues’ from Wigan in 2012, but spent last season on loan at Liverpool before his move to Stoke earlier in the current campaign.

administration was that there was no desire to allow objective implementation of policies. There was too much meddlesomeness at the political level.

People who should not be getting involved were coming in and there was

interference with the way things were done.

You are not likely to get that under this administration I can assure you” concluded Abdulahi, who has been rated by some analysts as one of the best ministers of sports in Nigeria.

Morocco Continues from BP “The suspension … of the next two editions of the African Nations Cup, in 2017 and 2019, is annulled, and the fine imposed to the Royal Federation of Moroccan Football is reduced to $50,000 [£33,700],” CAS said in a statement on Thursday.

CAF had barred Mo-

rocco from the 2015 tournament, after the country refused to host the competition citing Ebola virus fears, and also banned them from entering the 2017 and 2019 editions while imposing a fine of $1m (£673,000).

This year ’s tournament was held instead in Equatorial Guinea, and won by Ivory Coast.

Pillars Continues from BP 4-0 in the first leg in Morocco.

In the meantime, Pillars midfielder Oneji Otekpa has ruled himself out of the weekend clash against the Moroccan champions.

Otekpa was one of five Kano pillars players hospitalised in the unfortunate armed robbery attack on the way to a league game.

The former Enyimba star said, “I will begin t r a i n i n g today(Thursday) so I will not be available for selection for the game.

“But I believe in the ability of the team to deliver the needed result. Some may think that scoring five goals may be impossible, but remember that in football nothing is impossible and with God on our side I believe we can do it.”

He added, “It is true that we would be missing some of our key players like Gambo Mohammed but I have confidence that the players we have in the squad can do the job on Saturday.”

The Moroccan club are expected in Kano on Friday.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 — 61

Oshoala feeling good with Liverpool ladies S

UPER Falcons strik er, Asisat Oshoala has found her feet in her new soccer home in Liverpool and she is looking forward to winning trophies with the team.

She scored her first goal and made another as Liverpool Ladies beat

Birmingham in the English premier league.

The win shot Liverpool to third place behind Manchester United and Chelsea. Oshoala who is the 2014 African woman player of the year, revealed that she was excited netting her first

Okpekpe Road Race:

Abebe Dimkesa eyes top prize

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THIOPIA’S Abebe Dimkesa has expressed interest in participating in the 10km Okpekpe International Road Race slated for May 16 in EtsakoEast area of Edo State.

Dimkesa, said that he intends to contact the organisers of the annual race for more information, as he was hearing about the race for the first time despite the fact that the race was already in its third edition.

The marathoner, who is well known for his exploits and regular participation at the annual Obudu International Mountain Race, has carted home the cash prizes ranging from fifty thousand dollars and more at the Obudu International Mountain Race in Calabar.

Dimkesa is, however, in top form for any race as he is also preparing for the Saudi Arabia half-marathon slated for April 21.

goal and was also appreciative of the home support.

“I feel very happy and excited about the goal and the victory for the team.

“It’s very nice for me hearing them singing my name. It’s a crazy atmosphere. I have never seen supporters like this and I have been playing football for quite a long time now.

The supporters here are awesome, they are great people.

“It’s been a difficult start to the season but I believed we would bounce back. We showed the spirit here is very high, and we are really giving everything.”

NFF to offer Keshi short-term contract T

Champions League:

Ebimobo wei out of Ahly Ebimobow Ahly,, APR clash

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HLY of Egypt striker, Peter Ebimobowei has been ruled out of this weekend CAF Champions League match against APR of Rwanda in Cairo.

The former Bayelsa United star who suffered a hamstring muscle strain in an Egyptian Premier League game against Ragaa on Tuesday, said he was sad over the injury that will keep him out of action for at least two weeks. “I am disappointed for the injury. My happiness with the goal I scored against Ragaa has been spoiled by the injury,” Ebimobowei said.

Ahly doctor, Khaled Mohamoud disclosed that they are doing everything possible to get the player back within a short time.

“The player will undergo medical examinations and rehabilitation in attempt to make him ready as soon as possible amid a heavy schedule,” Mahmoud, told their official website.

The 21-year-old forward who picked the same injury early February, joined the Cairo giants from Bayelsa United in the January transfer period.

The Egyptian League title-holders are currently third in the table with 39 points from 20 games, nine fewer than leaders Zamalek who played one game more.

•Akinwumi

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HE vice President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Barrister Seyi Akinwumi has revealed that the football body would reappoint Stephen Keshi on a short term basis, even as he explained that there was a long term plan in place for the Super Eagles.

Akinwunmi said that Keshi has proven that he’s capable of han-

dling the national team but that he cannot be there for long.

“The issue really is that our discussion with Stephen Keshi, as a coach, is on a shortterm basis. This means he can’t be there for a lengthy period, so we need to look at the issue of appointing a Nigerian coach in the long-term and how it will affect the whole growth.

“So I don’t think we should isolate the issue of Keshi to just the appointment of coach of the Super Eagles, like it was a quick fix.”

The Man has shown us that he’s able to do it and the Technical Committee has said that he’s able to do it.

What we really need to look at is in the longterm what do we do?” the FA chief said.

Eagles are hear tbreak er s, sa ys suppor s club heartbreak tbreaker ers, says supportter ers boss S the Super Eagles ponents. to the Cranes of Uganda

A

continue to fumble in international football scene, President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo says it’s heartbreaking for his members to give so much support to the senior national team only to watch them lose crucial matches to the op-

The best result earned by the Eagles in their last two matches was the 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in an international friendly game played in Nelspruit last weekend.

Earlier last week, the Eagles, playing under stand-in coach, Daniel Amokachi lost by a goal

NFF backs Pillars to move mountains

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•Ebimobowei

•Asisat Oshoala.... You will never walk alone.

HE Nigeria Foot ball Federation is backing champions Kano Pillars to surmount the mountain of a four-goal deficit in this weekend’s CAF Champions League first round, second leg clash with Moghreb Athletic Tetouane of Morocco.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said yesterday that the Kano-based side with a mass following is capable of springing a magical turnaround and reach the second round of the continent’s most prestigious club competition.

in Uyo, South East Nigeria. These results came after the disappointment of Eagles’ failure to qualify for this year’s African Cup of Nations, AFCON, held in Equatorial Guinea.

Ladipo, while speaking at the Supporters Club secretariat in Surulere, Lagos, said: “There was nothing wrong for Nigeria playing friendly matches because such games give us an opportunity to assess our team, but losing to a team like Uganda at home was embarrassing.

“It’s sad that our dear Super Eagles are not doing well at the moment. It is heartbreaking for our members and football loving Nigerians, as the Eagles

•Ladipo have not been giving us the required results, especially after they failed to qualify for the Cup of Nations”.

The Supporters boss, who regretted Eagles’ 41st position in FIFA Ranking, explained that the supporters have resolved to rally round the national team at this trying moments.

62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

What sports people want from Buhari Oghene Henry Zini, former Nigerian amateur boxer

BY BEN EFE

Gara Gombe Ahmed, Football administrator

I

THINK Buhari should saturate the sport ministry with the best brains the nation can afford. The appointment should not necessarily be based on past achievements as sportsmen and women, but how competent the individuals are. The ap-

T

•Gombe

HERE should be a total overhaul and establishment of a three year transition programme for total disengagement of government funding of sports.

Sports should be entirely a private sector affair.

Ajoke Odumosu, Nigerian 400m hurdles athlete

Jonathan Akpoborie, Former Super Eagles striker

T

HE new president should help sport men and women of the Federal Republic of Nigeria reach their full potentials because everyone wants to win whenever they step forward to represent our great country. I hate to lose and I know the it is same for many of our athletes. So HELP US sir.

T

HE president elect, General Mohammadu Buhari should make sports a priority and he should also pick the right people to handle it.

•Akpoborie

Austin Eguaveon, former Super Eagles defender and coach

F

IRST of all congrats to the newly elected president General Mohammadu Buhari. We are expecting him to do a lot of things for our country, but what con-

•Eguaveon

cerned me most is my constituency sports.

The outgoing president, Goodluck Jonathan did a lot; during his reign a lot of trophies were won and he was very supportive of sports people.

I expect General Buhari to continue in the same manner. Buhari has a very rich sports background and he is surrounded by people like governors Rotimi Ameachi, Babatunde Fashola, Adams Oshomole and also Bukola Saraki, so I don’t expect sports to suffer under his watch. Once again I say congratulations.

Toni Urhobo, Athletics Coach

I

WILL suggest a mil itary style approach to our sports problem.

And that is- dissolve all the Sports Associations and the Nigeria Olympic Committee NOC. Appoint an interim Committee of not more

•Urhobo

than six persons from the six geopolitical regions of the country and the committee should immediately come up with a solid structure for credible elections into the dissolved sports associations.

All persons appointed or selected into the Associations must be persons of proven experiences in areas of their specialities. Nigerians in diaspora should be included in this exercise.

Sports is big business as such attractive salaries or remunerations should be provided for qualified persons appointed or selected to run sports associations.

pointees should be current with global trends and not what was obtained in the 60s or 70s.

That way, Nigerian sports could be better positioned to compete favourably with leading nations in the sports world.

•Odumosu

Evelyn Nwanbuoko, Super Falcons captain

T

•Gen Buhari (retd.), President-elect

HE President elect should try and bring in people that know about sports in general and not politicians. Sports is a very big industry, it can prove an escape route from poverty for many Nigerian youths.

Gboyega Okengbenro, veteran sports journalist

T

HREE important steps, incidentally all inter- related. One, he should introduce a strong, grassroots-driven sports and education policy; a deliberate system of identifying and nurturing potential world beaters through a meticulous school system across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

Secondly, he should pay attention to the recruitment of top class coaches from home and abroad; as well as show serious commitment to funding their training and re-training in all parts of the globe. If well handled, this should culminate in a diplomatic technical exchange programme that will see Nigeria seal bilateral cum technical agreements on coaches exchange programmes with different countries in specific areas of need

with such countries.

Thirdly, he should directly induce and encourage the organised private sector to support sports vigorously;

•Okengbenro

with appropriate and well-defined incentives as tax holiday, national recognition and other benefits, in line with global best practices.

•Nwanbuoko

Emmanuel Ikpeme, Taekwondo instructor

I

PRAY to God to grant him above all good health and the principal thing wisdom; to engage strategic thinkers and game changers to innovate our sport with total quality management (TQM) in line with best international practices, to break new frontiers of excellence, from the grassroots to grace courts.

•Ikpeme

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015 — 63

Enyimba confident of victory in Egypt N I G E R I A N representatives in the CAF Champions League, Enyimba FC of Aba, are on a mission to get a favourable result in Egypt when they lock horns with Smouha SC. The two-time African champions Enyimba secured a lone goal lead at home in the first leg and will hope to increase the lead away from home.

Former ABS FC and ElKanemi Warriors star defender Idris Aloma has stated in clear terms that the People’s Elephant are going to Egypt for just one mission and the target is to finish up the job they started in Aba against Smouha SC. The 2014 Federation Cup champions left Aba yesterday morning for Lagos and are scheduled to leave Nigeria for Egypt today for the CAF

Champions League second leg matchon Sunday.

“We are confident and determined to get the job done in Egypt,”Aloma said.

“We know and feel the

expectation from our fans, the only joy that we desire is to compliment on what we’ve done at home and get the needed result to see us through to the next stage,”Aloma said

Rodgers: Sterling going nowhere

L

IVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers says forward Raheem Sterling will not be going anywhere this summer after discussions over a new contract reached an impasse.

The 20-year-old has been made what Rodgers described as “an incredible offer ”, believed to be £100,000 a week, but negotiations have stalled.

Sterling admitted on

Wednesday that all the speculation over his new deal has been “a bit much” for him this season and he wants to focus on football.

Rodgers addressed the media at his prematch press conference on Thursday and said about Sterling: “Concentration should be on his football. If his ambition is to win trophies that’s aligned with what we do here.

ENYINBA — Ready to celebrate

Khan fights Algieri on May 30

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MIR Khan has ended speculation over his next opponent

•Khan

C M Y K

by announcing he will fight former light-welterweight world champion Chris Algieri on May 30.

The Bolton fighter had earlier this week come under increasing pressure to take on British rival and IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook in June.

However, Khan, who

was also linked with bouts against Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman, said he was already deep in negotiations to fight somebody else.

And on his wife’s YouTube channel Khan announced: “The next opponent will be Chris Algieri. I will be taking that fight at 147lbs (the welterweight limit).”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2015

Buhari ‘ll not interfere in sports — Abdullahi •Rules self out — Page 60

Mourinho to sell Moses C

HELSEA manager Jose Mourinho will sell Nigeria international Victor Moses in the summer to allow him buy Raphael Varane.

The Nigeria international is currently at Stoke City on a season-long loan deal and this may be the opportunity for the team Continues on Page 60

Pillars to ‘roast’ Moghreb Kick-off: 2p.m.

•Mourinho

AFCON: Morocco’s ban lifted M

K

OROCCO can play in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after the court of arbitration for sport (CAS) upheld “in large part” their appeal against Confederation of African Football (CAF) sanctions.

•Moses

Continues on Page 60

•Hayatou

•Abdullahi

•Buhari

ANO Pillars CAF Champions League first round second leg match against Morocco’s Moghreb Tetouan tomorrow in Kano, will be an early afternoon kick-off.

The match will begin at 2pm local time, according to Pillars spokesman Idris Malikawa.

Pillars were thrashed Continues on Page 60

•Galadima

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Staunch (4) 4 Obscure (3) 6 Pant (4) 9 Illuminated (3) 10 Backed (8) 11 So be it (4) 14 Equality (3) 16 Sordid (5) 19 Liberated (8) 21 Bar (5) 23 Opposition (8) 24 Begin (5) 27 Edge (3) 31 Locate (4) 33 Copied (8) 34 Golf-peg (3) 35 Prophet (4) 36 Untruth (3) 37 Marquee (4)

DOWN 2 Pour (4) 3 Encounter (4) 4 Sick (8) 5 Manufactured (4) 6 Clearing (5) 7 Objective (3) 8 Vapour (5) 12 Angry (5) 13 Animal (5) 14 Friend (3) 15 Spree (5) 17 Correct (5) 18 Coupled (5) 20 Precise (8) 22 Tear (3) 25 Commonplace (5) 26 Jockey (5) 28 Tablet (4) 29 Divide (4) 30 Observed (4) 32 Born (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Repeal 5, Torrid 8, Assassin 9, Mean 10, Pep 12, Sober 15, Wet 17, Asp 18, Ate 19, Imp 20, Evict 21, Dog 22, Era 23, Egg 24, Ear 26, Raged 29, Err 33, Ogle 34, Permeate 35, Propel 36, Lotion.

DOWN: 2, Ensue 3, Edam 4, Lasso 5, Tense 6, Ramp 7, Irate 10, Price 11, Paper 12, Spear 13, Bring 14, Rated 15, Wedge 16, Tiger 25, Auger 27, Appal 28, Enrol 30, Ratio 31, Seep 32, Test.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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C M Y K