OIL THEFT: Army uncovers massive bunkering site

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62485

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N150

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

4-yr-old girl North-East senators, abducted in Reps back Buhari 9 Lagos church APPOINTMENTS:

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OIL THEFT: Army uncovers

massive bunkering site •Illegal site found in the heart of Port Harcourt •Navy warns ship owners against sabotage •Refineries not for sale, says NNPC boss 8

By Kingsley Omonobi, with agency reports

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BUJA—THE Nigerian Army said it has uncovered a

massive illegal oil bunkering site at the Makoba Beach in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Ironically, the site is just a kilometre away from the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, and two kilometres away from the Rivers State Government House.

Commander of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brig.-Gen.

Continues on Page 5

FG suspends immigration recruitment 9 Mr & Mrs

ACCIDENT—Scene of an accident where a trailer fell off the Ojuelegba Bridge in Lagos, killing three people and destroying cars, yesterday. Inset: Another car smashed under the container. Photos: NAN. See story on Page 10.

COLUMNISTS: Delightful D'Tigers, African basketball champions •P.17 C M Y K

Buhari, the elephant of Hindostan •P.19

Rumble in the jungle as corruption fights back •P.19

NPA launches e-platform to block revenue leakage 9

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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POCKET CARTOON

STATE VISIT—President Muhammadu Buhari (L), welcoming the Prime Minister of Sao-Tome and Principe, Mr Patrice Emery Trovoada, during his State Visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

OIL THEFT: Army uncovers massive bunkering site Continues from Page 1 Stevenson Olabanji, told the News Agency of Nigeria , NAN, yesterday, in Port

Harcourt that thousands of litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil, AGO, popularly called diesel were

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

T

O change anything on the outside, something on our inside must change. To live a rewarding life, we must develop a strong character that strengthens our inner man which enables us to influence the world around us. It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Write in your heart that every day is the best day of the year —Ralph Waldo Emerson

A

PERSON who lives in a state of gratitude is more aware in the moment. Every moment is a gift. You haven’t earned it. You haven’t brought it about in any way. You have no way of assuring that there will be another moment given to you, and yet, that’s the most valuable thing that can ever be given to us, this moment, with all the opportunity that it contains. Be grateful. We can avail ourselves the opportunities the moment offers or miss out from lack of awareness, but the key to happiness is in our own hands. Moment by moment, use it well and make this life count.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

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HE game of life is the game of boomer angs. Our thoughts, deed and words return back to us sooner or later. Be kind to get kindness back in return.

discovered at the site.

The discovery came as the Nigerian Navy, yesterday, charged ship owners in the country to fish out economic saboteurs in their midst, and cooperate with security agencies in the fight against oil theft and other heinous crimes in the maritime industry.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, gave the charge when he received the chairman and executive members of the Nigerian Ship Owners Association, NSOA, in his office.

Makoba Beach bunkering While the Makoba Beach operation came as a big surprise considering its closeness to government quarters, Gen. Olabanji disclosed that Army operatives were immediately deployed to the site on getting the information.

He said: “About 16:40 hours on Monday, we got information that

some illegal bunkering activities were going on along Makoba Beach.

“On ar rival, our personnel discovered illegal activities which involved bunkering of illegally refined petroleum products and lifting of diesel onto local boats.

“At the site, we found more than 5,000 drums loaded with illegally refined diesel; four tanker trucks containing 132,000 litres of diesel combined, and a barge with 165,000 litres of stolen diesel.

“This discovery is unprecedented because since we started our operations 10 days ago, this is about the biggest that we have uncovered.”

Olabanji said that additional 150 drums loaded with about 3,150 litres of diesel, were also discovered in 21 'Cotonou boats'.

He said that 13 suspects were arrested at the scene of the illegal activity, adding that the illegal bunkering dump had not yet been set ablaze, in line with the Joint Task Force, JTF, mandate because of its closeness to residential buildings and the NPA.

Challenges of destroying bunkering site “Our mandate requires us to destroy the site in situ, but we cannot do this because it will degrade the environment and affect residents since it is situated in the heart of Port Harcourt. Our plan is to move them to a safe location for destruction.”

The commander said that preliminary investigation had already begun to unravel sponsors of the activity, adding that the 13 suspects would be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

Olabanji, while urging oil thieves to desist from sabotaging oil and gas installations, assured Nigerians that the JTF would not rest until it rids the state of illegal bunkering activities.

“Let it be known that the Army will not and will never tolerate illegal bunkering in our

area of responsibility,” he assured, and called on the public to provide the JTF with timely information which could lead to the arrest of oil thieves and pipeline vandals.

War on illegal bunkering Admiral Ibas noted that as stakeholders in the nation’s maritime sector, which accounts for 85 per cent of the country’s international trade, ship owners’ cooperation and input will greatly help the war on illegal bunkering and maritime crimes.

His words: “Let me say that the Nigerian Ship Owners Association has contributed immensely to the Nigerian Navy ’s operations and successes in the past and are still doing so.

During the ECOMOG intervention of the 1990’s, the association assisted the Navy with some logistic support.

Any nation that is blessed with the seas must utilise its benefits.

“As a littoral state, we need all stakeholders to come together to achieve a crime free and safe maritime environment because over 85% of our trade takes place in the high seas. If we develop our bulk trade business in line with international best practices, ship owners will not only benefit more, the nation will be better off.

“As major stakeholders in the maritime sector, I want to acknowledge that you have done a lot but we need you to do more because you cover a lot of grounds in the sector since your ships go far and wide. With over 84, 000 nautical miles, the Navy alone with our assets cannot cover everywhere. But your members can give

us information.

“We, therefore, are soliciting your support through information from your members such that if we get timely information about oil theft and illegal bunkering activities, it will enable us act fast and save the nation from losing much needed resources.

“In the alternative, we want to warn that activities of saboteurs in your midst and those who commit heinous crimes in the seas will be resisted, and if caught, made to face the consequences. We are also fully ready to collaborate with you because we’re aware of the enormous e m p l o y m e n t opportunities your association provides for the nation.”

Earlier, President of the Ship Owners Association, Capt. BO Labinjo (rtd), disclosed that they were at the Naval Headquarters to pledge support for the new leadership with a view to checkmating oil theft and other maritime crimes in Nigeria.

Capt. Labinjo said the association has 103 member companies, and 98 non-ship owner companies, adding that there is a need for collaboration between the Navy and the ship owners to ensure the fight against maritime crimes is successful.

“The Navy and ship owners are like two wings of the same bird.

Both of us are of the seas. You are the fighting Navy, and we are the merchant Navy.

Without the fighting Navy, the seas will be overrun, and without merchant Navy, the nation’s economy will suffer as trading activities will be disrupted.

So collaboration is the way forward,” he said.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Police nab 3 for pipeline vandalism in Lagos

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS State Police Command is investigating three suspected members of an illegal oil bunkering syndicate which specializes in vandalizing petroleum pipelines, siphoning products, transporting and selling of the products in Cotonou.

The suspects, identified as Adelanke Akinbosun, (owner of product), Gbadamosi Tijani (truck driver) and others, were intercepted while coming from Mile 2 at Iyana Era Bus Stop, along Badagry Expressway.

They were attempting to transport a container-load of petroleum products carefully packaged in large sacks on Friday, August 27, when they were intercepted at about 11a.m.

It was learned that the suspects were apprehended by an SIB officer, Inspector Sylvester Imoukhedene, attached to Ijanikin Police Division.

The division had received intelligence report that some notorious oil bunkerers were transporting products to Cotonou to resell.

The Divisional Police Officer mobilized officers, who swung into action.

It was gathered that the two military officers, a private and a lieutenant, who were escorting the suspects to evade suspicion, escaped immediately police intercepted the Mercedes truck.

Vanguard gathered that during preliminary investigation, the suspects could not give satisfactory details and account of why they were in possession of 70 large sacks of fuel loaded inside a 20-foot container.

Although the suspects said this was the first time they were undertaking such transactions, one of the suspects, Gbadamosi Tijani, revealed that the military escort was meant to prevent other security operatives, such as police officers, from stopping or searching the truck.

Tijani noted that no police officer would be interested in stopping them or checking what was in the truck, with the presence of a military escort.

4-yr-old girl abducted in Lagos Church

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS—PANIC set in, yesterday, at an Ejigbo, Lagos, branch of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, after unidentified men sneaked in and abducted a four-year-old girl, who was sleeping.

The missing girl’s father, Mr. Olumide Ogundeyi, reportedly came all the way from Ogun State for a deliverance prayer session with his daughter, Tope and her three siblings, Tuesday.

After the deliverance prayer session, said to have ended in the early hours of Wednesday, both father and children reportedly slept inside the church’s auditorium located on Ilufunmi Street.

However, apprehension set in at about 5a.m., when the father woke up only to discover that one of his children, Tope, was not by his side. On closer observation, he discovered that three of his mobile telephones had disappeared, with the doors and windows of the church still locked.

A search, according to some members of the church, did not yield any result.

Speaking with Vanguard, Ogundeyi wondered how someone could have kidnapped a child with the

TAKEN: Tope Ogundeyi (middle) in Church during the service. doors locked.

However, some members reportedly claimed to have seen some men entering the church’s auditorium that morning, but could not ascertain whether they went away with the missing girl.

Ogundeyi said: “Searches have been conducted round without any luck. I came all the way from Ogun State for a deliverance only to face a more devastating situation.

“I do not know where to go.

But I am still hopeful that my daughter will be found. I am trusting on God to do the miraculous.”

The matter, he said, had been reported at Ejigbo Police Division. It was also gathered that the traditional head of Ejigbo, Oba Moruf Ojoola, had been informed about the missing girl.

At press time, the girl had not been found.

4 arrested over diversion of 600 bags of rice; driver on the run

By Evelyn Usman & Esther Onyegbula

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TTEMPT by a fleeing driver to divert a trailer loaded with 600 bags of rice, valued at N6 million, has been averted by policemen attached to Area ‘E’ Command, Festac, with the arrest of four suspects.

The truck driver, James Usman, a staff of H. Safiediene Transport Company Limited, reportedly loaded the truck from Ports of Lagos, Apapa Wharf, Sunday, for onward transfer to the company ’s warehouse at Agboju.

However, he allegedly diverted the truck, number plates BDG 524 XH, to Mile 2 Estate, from where he reportedly alerted the others to come and transfer the goods onto another truck. Time was 8p.m.

They were reportedly in the process of transferring the bags onto another truck, when policemen attached to Area ‘B’ Command, Festac, who acted on a tip-off, swooped on them.

Usman was said to have fled, leaving the others behind.

Babatunde Omoh, 47; Abiodun Quadri Abey, 45; Taiwo Makinde, 42, and Wasiu Adeshola, 25, were arrested.

Expressing concern over the

DIVERTED: The truck-load of rice. increasing cases of diversion of trucks from the ports, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, advised transport and haulage companies to strengthen internal checks and control within their companies, with a view to reducing the rate of collusion between staff and criminals.

He commended the police personnel for the timely intervention that led to the arrest of the suspects and the subsequent recovery of the truck and the goods.

In an interview with journalists, the alleged principal suspect, Omoh, stated that he only ordered six bags of rice from the fleeing driver, only for him to bring a trailer load.

‘We were invited to offload’ Others claimed they were loaders, saying they were only

invited to offload the rice, not knowing that the goods were diverted.

According to Abey, “I am a labourer. I was called to come and offload the rice at N20 per bag. I had barely started offloading when the Police rounded us up.”

The goods were then later released to a member of staff of H. Safiediene Transport Company Limited, one Mr. Ahmed Nurudeen, by Area ‘E’ Police Commander, Mr. Frank Mba. Expressing gratitude for what he described as the swift response of the policemen, Nurudeen said but for their intervention, the company would have lost the goods.

He disclosed that the fleeing driver had been working with the company for one year and wondered why he decided to divert the goods.

2 landlords docked over granite theft

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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WO landlords, Samodu Jimoh Abudu, 56, and Akeju Salako, 70, have been charged before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly breaking and entering a compound belonging to one Oluwasola Sangowawa to steal iron rods and granite valued at N3 million.

The accused persons were arraigned by the police on a three-count charge of felony to wit breaking, entry and stealing.

Police prosecutor, Inspector S. Molo, informed the court that the accused persons committed the offence on July 6 at Owode Ado Kekere, Langbasa, Ajah, Lagos.

The prosecutor told the court that the accused persons and others now at large, broke into the compound of the complainant to steal her iron rod and granite valued at N3 million without her consent and escaped.

However, they pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate A. O. Komolafe admitted the accused persons to N500,000 bail with two sureties, each in like sum, who must have proof of tax payment to Lagos State government.

The magistrate also directed that one of the sureties must be a blood relation to the accused and adjourned the case till September 14 for mention.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—7

Insurgents on horseback kill 25 in Borno

By Ndahi Marama

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AIDUGURI—NO fewer than 26 people were feared dead, with several others injured as terrorists invaded remote villages of Kolori and Ba’ana of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, Monday.

Damboa is located at the heart of the Sambisa Forest and about 85 kilometres drive from

Maiduguri, the state capital that had witnessed series of deadly attacks in recent past.

The attack on the two communities is coming at a time military authorities claimed it had destroyed all camps of insurgents in the North-East area of operations.

Last Friday, insurgents on horses wreaked havoc in two communities in Nganzai Local Government Area of the state,

leaving over 60 people dead.

“The insurgents, Monday, rode on horses to remote Kolori and Ba’ana Imam village in Damboa Local Government Area, where they opened fire on villagers, killing no fewer than 26 people,” sources said.

One of the leaders of youth vigilante group in Biu told journalists, on condition of anonymity, that many of the

villagers fled to Biuon, Tuesday, a day after the attack.

He said the insurgents reportedly carted away foodstuffs and livestock.

Efforts to get confirmation from Borno State Police Command did not yield result at press time, as a text message sent to the cell phone of the Police Commissioner, Mr. Opadokun Aderemi, failed to elicit response.

Mother of 3 dies, as candlelight fire razes Lagos building Hospital refuses to treat widower for lack of money

By Ligali Abdul-Lateef

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RAGEDY struck, yesterday, at Isheri-Osun area of Lagos, after a mother of three died from severe burns sustained in a fire that engulfed a building on Durowoju Oluwa Street.

Doctors are currently battling to resuscitate her widower, who sustained burns while trying to rescue her.

The fire, which started at about 10p.m. on Tuesday, was reportedly caused by a lit candle from one of the rooms in the building.

The explosion of a gas cylinder and a power generating set filled with petrol escalated the fire.

Eyewitness blames husband

A resident, who spoke with Vanguard, blamed the deceased’s husband for the demise of his wife.

He said: “When the incident happened, Mrs Busari was in one of the rooms, apparently trapped. Her husband ran inside and tried to rescue her all alone without calling for help. A man, popularly known as Scopio, rescued some occupants.

“All of a sudden, we saw Mr Busari bringing out his severely burnt wife. He also had burns on his arms. His wife was rushed to SO FINE Hospital along Isheri-Ijegun Road, where doctors battled in vain to save her. She died at about 11a.m. this morning (yesterday).

“Her husband is still in the hospital. We learned that the doctors did not even attend to him because his family did not deposit any money.”

Lagos State Fire Service Director, Rasaq Fadipe, confirmed the incident, adding “Ikotun fire truck was deployed to the scene and eventually put out the fire.”

The building razed by fire from candlelight at Isheri-Osun, Lagos, Tuesday. Inset is the widower in hospital.

Pastor, wife, others accused of child trafficking in Abia

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—ABIA State P o l i c e Command, Tuesday, paraded a 71-year-old man, said to be a retired pastor, for allegedly stealing a year-old baby.

The suspect was arrested alongside his wife by the police, following an alarm said to have been raised by the mother of the baby.

Abia State Police Commissioner, Mr. Joshak Habila, who paraded the suspects, said the arrests were part of the achievements of his command for the month of August.

He said a month ago, a 21year-old pregnant mother reported that she lost her 11 months old baby to a supposed friend under the pretence of offering help to her.

The police boss said luck, however, ran out on the

supposed friend, when the antirobbery squad of the command intercepted him at Owerrinta and arrested him for allegedly trafficking pregnant girls to Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

He said the arrest led to the discovery of a child, who was previously stolen in Aba and allegedly sold to the retired

pastors’ wife, who was said to have kept the deal away from her husband.

According to Habila, the suspect sold the baby for N500,000 to the wife of a pastor who allegedly lied to her husband that she went through the normal process of adoption for the baby.

Policeman's wife beaten comatose

By Daud Olatunji

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B E O K U TA — P O L I C E detectives attached to Obantoko Division in Ogun State have arrested one Alhaji Shakiru Alimi, popularly known as Okanlomo, for allegedly beating the wife of a policeman, identified as Bukola Balogun, comatose.

State Police Public Relations

Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said Okanlomo and his “boys” descended on the woman, who sells cement, when she requested for the money of a bag of cement the suspect purchased about two weeks.

He said: “Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, has directed that the suspect and his socalled boys be charged to court.

Ex-Bayelsa PDP chair, Col Inokoba, slumps, dies

By Samuel Oyadongha & Levinus Nwabughiogu

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HE immediate past Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bayelsa State, Col Sam Inokoba (retd.) yesterday reportedly slumped and died in Lagos.

Aged 67, the former PDP stalwart, who recently defected to All Progressives Congress, APC, was said to have slumped and died while on a private visit to his family.

Although the deceased was rumoured to have died in the house of Mr. Timi Alaibe, former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, the former NDDC boss, however, said in a statement last night that Inokoba did not die in his residence, adding that he was in Abuja at the time the incident occurred.

Inokoba was reported to have procured his nomination forms at the APC secretariat in Abuja to contest the governorship election primaries of the APC. His eldest son, Waripamowei, yesterday at his father ’s Yenagoa residence, which was filled with sympathizers, said: “My father slumped at about 2a.m., Wednesday and was confirmed dead before he was taken to the hospital.

“Some of our people are on their way to Lagos to bring back his corpse.”

The family, in a statement by the deceased's elder brother, Clee Inokoba and first son, Waripamowei Inokoba, confirmed the incident.

One of the early callers at the Inokoba’s residence, Mr. Indutimi Komonibo, a pioneer member of the state House of Assembly, stated in a condolence register: “You are a great loss to us. But no one can question God.”

Late Col Sam Inokoba.

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Graft: Indigenes protest Audu's emergence as Kogi gov candidate I'm innocent until convicted —Audu

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA — It was a showdown between former Kogi State governor, Abubukar Audu and hundreds of Kogi indigenes who protested his candidature in the forthcoming state election at the national secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abuja, yesterday.

The protesters, who literally shut down the secretariat, demanded the reversal of Audu’s victory on the account of his pending corruption case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Audu, last Saturday emerged the party standard bearer ahead the November 21 governorship election in Kogi State, beating 27 other aspirants and was at the party’s headquarters to collect his Certificate of Return.

He had gone to the secretariat for that purpose, Tuesday, but was denied by the authorities to allow time for appeal against his candidature by aggrieved aspirants.

Some placards displayed by the protesters read: “Kogi State says no to Audu", “We need a credible leader in Kogi” among others. The protesters were also seen throwing stones at Audu’s supporters within the premises of the party secretariat.

Speaking to newsmen, the leader of the protesters, Suleiman Muhammad, said Audu’s ongoing case with EFCC was enough to disqualify him from the contest.

He said: “We say no to Abubakar Audu because he has N11 billion Naira corruption case with the EFCC, and until he clears himself of the case he has no moral right to present himself for an election."

But reacting to the protest, Audu recalled that he had been in the contest of the office in the past without such a protest, submitting that he was innocent of the allegations until found guilty by a law court.

He said: “90 per cent of people in Senate have cases with the EFCC. For the fact that you have a case with the EFCC does not make you a criminal.

I have contested four different elections since 2007 and I was not disqualified, so what are they talking about. I contested in 2003, 2007 and 2011."

Refineries not for sale — NNPC To

split PPMC into three

By Clara Nwachukwu, Sebastine Obasi & Michael Eboh

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AGOS — HOPES for the Federal Government divesting its interest in the nation’s refineries, as being expected were dashed, yesterday, as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, said the facilities are not for sale.

Rather than selling the refineries as being expected, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, said joint venture partners with established track records of success in refining would be invited to support the running of the refineries to make them more efficient.

Kachikwu made the disclosure during an official tour of the Okrika Jetty and the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, PHRC, in Rivers State, yesterday.

The NNPC boss also disclosed of plans by the corporation to unbundle the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Ltd, PPMC, into three companies.

ending October 2014, but which commenced in October 2014 and now rescheduled to end in March 2016.

Attempts by Obasanjo to privatise two of the refineries in the past also failed, as the decision was revoked by his successor, late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua.

Obasanjo in a recent television interview recalled that the two refineries in Port Harcourt were sold to business mogul, Aliko Dangote, leading a consortium of investors in a $750 million deal.

However, the late Yar’Adua cancelled the sale due to “pressure” and refunded the money to the Dangote consortium.

Managing Director, PHRC, Dr. Bafred Audu Enjugu, disclosed that the ongoing phased rehabilitation of the refinery cost a little less than $10 million, adding that the job was holistically carried out by indigenous engineers without any foreign support.

Although Kachikwu did not give details about the joint venture arrangement, he noted that the ongoing phased rehabilitation of all the state owned refineries would be given an accelerated vigour with the aim of reducing petroleum products importation.

He added that at full capacity, all the refineries could supply only 20 million litres of premium motor spirit otherwise known as petrol on a daily basis.

PPMC and pipelines operations

With regard to unbundling the PPMC, Kachikwu also said the marketing subsidiary of the NNPC was being split into three to ensure lean, efficient and profitable operations.

He said the split would be along the lines of: a pipelines company that would focus primarily on the maintenance of the over 5000 kilometers pipelines of the Corporation;

a storage company that would maintain all the over 23 depots, and; a products marketing company that would market and sell petroleum products.

He added that efforts are in top gear to fix all the crude and petroleum products pipelines in the country.

He disclosed that the military will also be enlisted in the protection of the pipelines, with the Nigerian Air Force to providing aerial survey, the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps fixing damages, while the Police and the Nigerian Navy will provide marine surveillance for the network of pipelines.

He said the move will ensure that the right sets of skills are rightly positioned and the numbers of leakages in terms of pipeline breaks and products losses are reduced to the barest minimum.

On her part, the Managing Director, PPMC, Mrs. Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, assured that the company would think outside the box to provide solutions to all the challenges confronting it.

Refining operations

Recall that for decades, the Federal Government has been constantly urged to privatise the four state-owned refineries with combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day to make them more efficient and profitable.

The refineries were bugged down by lack of proper Turn Around Maintenance, TAM, which left them almost comatose for decades, leading to huge wage bills on petroleum products importation.

Ironically, colossal sums were wasted by successive governments on TAM, which did not make much difference in the refineries operations.

For instance, the late Gen. Sani Abacha, was said to have awarded a major contract of $215 million in 1997 for the Kaduna Refinery, while the Abdulsalami Abubakar administration in 1998 set aside about $92 million for the refineries.

During his tenure, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, between 1999 and 2003, also awarded contracts estimated at between $254 million and $400.4 million for the rehabilitation of the refineries and pipelines while in 2007, another $54 million went into the TAM for Kaduna refinery alone.

Again, former President Goodluck Jonathan commenced a $1.6 billion phased TAM, scheduled to begin in January 2013 and

ADDRESS: Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, delivering his keynote address at the 4th World Conference of Parliamentary Heads at the United Nations headquarters, yesterday.

Award of contracts: ICPC probes Chime, Shema, Amaechi, Kwankwaso

By Ben Agande

A

BUJA — THE Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission, ICPC, has commenced investigations of four former governors following petitions against them.

The four governors are former governors Rotimi Ameachi of Rivers, Sullivan Chime of Enugu, Ibrahim Shema of Katsina and Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano.

Already four teams have been raised to visit the states to check the books of the states to

establish the allegations against the governors.

Sources at the commission told Vanguard that the teams departed Abuja, Monday morning, to the various states to carry out their investigations.

A source at the commission, who does not want his name in print because he is not authorised to speak on the matter, told Vanguard that the allegations borders on dubious awards of contracts as well as contracts awarded to cronies and relatives of the former governors.

According to the source, the

commission is committed to ensuring that all petitions are investigated to a logical conclusion and those indicted or found to have compromised would be brought to book.

“We will ensure that we thoroughly investigate all allegations brought before us so that nobody would be left in doubt about our commitment to fighting corruption. The chairman has dispatched a team to the affected states and they are expected to report back in the next two weeks. No body would be spared if found culpable,” the source said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—9

Appointments: North-East senators, reps back Buhari Say Jonathan started lopsided appointments

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA — AS reactions continue to trail the appointments made so far by President Muhammadu Buhari since assumption of office, senators and members of the House of Representatives from the North-East geo-political zone have thrown their weight behind the president’s action.

The legislators, under the aegis of North-East National Assembly Caucus, at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, said the criticisms over the appointments were unnecessary, insisting that strict adherence to federal character principle in the appointments made so far by the president was not necessary if the country must progress even as they accused the previous administration of Dr Goodluck Jonathan of also engaging in lopsided appointments.

Chairman of the group and senator representing Gombe Central Senatorial zone, Danjuma Goje,who read a prepared text before newsmen, insisted that the change of pattern in appointments made by the president was what the country needed at the moment to progress.

Goje added that the leadership style of the president since assumption of duty has “left no one in doubt that Nigeria is finally on the path of re-discovery following many years of neglect and outright inept leadership.

“The president undoubtedly has been setting precedents in diverse ways even in a short time which has earned him respect and the country recognition by the international community.

“Fellow Nigerians, it is high time we got it right. It is not about where a man comes from but about what he can deliver especially in the interest of his people.

“President Barack Obama started with over 20 of his Harvard classmates and David Cameron of Britain started with most of his schoolmates.

This has in no way made the news in those countries because they had their eyes set on the bigger national picture.

“Back home in Nigeria, we recall that most key appointments in the last administration especially that of the Chief of Staff to the President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Special Adviser on Media, C M Y K

Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters and other key appointments were from the southern region and nobody made huge cry about it.”

He, however, appealed to

Nigerians that the administration was just about hundred days in office, assuring that “no section of the country will be marginalized.”

“If Nigeria must move

forward, we need to make a choice, either we decide on an ethnic free future and move to greater heights or we continue to hold on to ethnic sentiments, stateism and zoning and remain backward. We must shun all recessive agents and embrace change in the interest of democracy,” he said.

UNVEILING: Mallam Habib Abdullahi, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority,

NPA (middle); Mr. Olumide Oduntan, Executive Director, Finance/Administration (left); and Engr. David Omonibeke, Executive Director, Marine/Operations, at the unveiling of the Revenue Invoicing Management System (RIMS), in yesterday.

NPA launches e-platform to block revenue leakage

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By Ifeyinwa Obi

AGOS— THE Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, yesterday, launched electronic platforms, Revenue Invoicing Management System (RIMS) and self service customers portal, to block revenue leakage at ports.

The RIMS and self service customers portal are to complement the e-payment and e-Ship Entry Notice (e-SEN) earlier deployed by the authority last year.

Speaking at the launch of the new platform, Managing Director of NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, said the platform, apart from increasing efficiency at the ports, would also lower operational cost and shorten the time of documentation.

He said: “The introduction of this system has the potential to improve our service offering, improve our partner relationship, create efficient payment method, maximize revenue and minimize loss associated with fraud and revenue leakages.

“The customer self service portal, on the other hand, provides a platform for our customers to initiate and conclude their business process

with NPA and also communicate with us.

“The benefits accruing from this portal include among others, improve customer service delivery, easy access to customer accounts status, view all transactions and status in respect of bills, electronic upload of manifest and e-invoice and ereceipt generation.”

Speaking further, Abdullahi stated that the introduction of the solution would facilitate business growth and unlimited operations.

In his words: “It is obvious that the introduction of these solutions will facilitate business growth with high performance and unlimited scalability of the operations of the authority.

“This is evident from statistics which have shown that cargo

throughput increased from 46,150,518 metric tons in 2006 to 86,603,903 metric tons in 2014, indicating an 87 per cent increase during that period which is due in part to our continued efforts at improving processes.”

Also speaking, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Olumide Oduntan, while giving presentation on the RIMS, stated that the process was fully integrated with existing solutions as oracle financials and others.

Olumide added that the introduction of electronic Ship Entry Notice (e-SEN) has increased the revenue of the agency by 36 per cent from N67.5 billion in 2014 to N91.9 billion in 2015 as expected.

FG suspends Immigration recruitment

By Jude Opara

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BUJA— THE Federal Government has announced the immediate suspension of the recent recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted on the directives of the immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, between March and April this year.

A reliable NIS source disclosed that the Board of Prisons, Immigration, Civil Defence and the Fire Service has directed immediate suspension of every activity related to the recruitment until further notice.

To this effect, the NIS headquarters has instructed state commands and heads of training institutes to recall newly recruited persons sent for training at the Immigration Service Training Schools at Orlu, Kano and Ohoada.

Many job seekers lost their lives last year at a recruitment across the country, a development that warranted a Presidential Committee on Immigration Recruitment constituted on March 26, 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

However, the recruitment was mired in controversies which was one of the reasons for the removal from office of the former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. David Parradang.

Recently, the ill-fated recruitment also led to serious disagreements between the former Minister, Ministry of Interior, Abba Moro and David Parradang.

During the now suspended employment exercise, less than 5,000 Nigerians, including candidates of families that lost loved ones in the botched 2014 recruitment that resulted in the death of about 15 applicants were enlisted and sent for training to become personnel of the service.

Our source who spoke on conditions of anonymity disclosed that confusion has already set in since the circular from the board was received last week.

NAF jets hit more targets in Sambisa forest

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA — THE Nigerian Air Force, in its bid to sustain the ongoing air assault against the Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa forest, has continued to hit vital targets with a view to decimating the capability and

resolve of the members of the sect to continue to fight.

The most recent success was the attack on Boko Haram targets in Ngoshe and Pulka by the Alpha Jets providing close air support to own ground forces.

A statement signed by Air

Commodore Dele Alonge, Director of Air Force Public Relations noted that “the targets, which include solar panels believed to be used by the sect for generating electricity within the Sambisa forest, were hit during the recent take-over of Gamboru-Ngala by own troops."

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Four remanded in prison over kidnapping

By Esther Onyegbula

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A G O S — OPERATIVES of the Department of State Service, DSS, have arrested four suspected kidnappers and charged them before a Lagos court for allegedly kidnapping a victim and collecting N3m ransom from the victim’s family in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

The suspects are Ramoni Shofodun, Marcus Azilo, Raphael Omoro and Solomon Omojowo.

It was learned that the incident happened on 2 July, 2015 at Imagbon area in Ikorodu where the victim was kidnapped and kept in captivity.

All the suspects are male and reside in Ikorodu area where they allegedly perpetrated the crime of kidnapping.

They were arrested by DSS after they allegedly kidnapped Owagbemi Dare and kept her in captivity for some days until the ransom was paid.

It was gathered that while the victim was in captivity the suspects established link with the family and negotiated for N3million as ransom before her release.

Sources said the suspects did not know that they were being trailed by security operatives before and after the payment of the ransom.

They were later arrested by the DSS officers.

Three killed as container lands on vehicles in Lagos

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS—A heavy duty container yesterday skidded off the Ojuelegba bridge, in Lagos, landing on a Nissan saloon car and a Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, killing three

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AGOS—WIDOW of a former permanent secretary of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Deji Omotade, Folashade, has urged an appeal court sitting in Lagos to set aside a bench warrant issued against her by the trial court.

The estate of Omotade, who died in the ill-fated Bellview air crash became an issue of litigation before an Ikeja High Court presided over by Justice L.A.F. Oluyemi, who issued a bench warrant against his widow on July 21, 2015, based on issues arising from the estate located at 34b Ramat Crescent,

occurred. A version said the truck driver was trying to overtake another truck when the container skidded off.

Another version said that the driver of the truck, who fled immediately the incident occurred, could have been drunk.

A mammoth crowd besieged the scene as sympathisers attempted to rescue the trapped driver of the SUV from the debris of his car. As at 7.20pm, efforts were still on by combined rescue teams to remove the container from the car.

Why the container fell off — FRSC

VISIT: From left; Executive Director, Enterprise Risk Management, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Dotun Adeniyi; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Deputy Managing Director, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu; and the General Manager, Lagos Public Sector/South West states, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Ayo Abina, during a visit of the management of Skye Bank Plc to the governor in Lagos yesterday.

While some eye witnesses claimed that the container could have fallen off because it was not latch, the Federal Road Safety Corps deduced otherwise. The Lagos State Sector Commander, Mr Hyginus Omeje, when contacted stated that information at his disposal showed that the container was latch because it fell alongside the flat belt on which a container is hooked.

According to him: If a container falls without the flat belt, then it means it was not latch and necessary action would be taken against its owner. But in this case, the container fell with the flat belt, indicating that it was latch.''

Late Fernandez, an inspiration to all — AMBODE

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has described the late business mogul and diplomat, Chief Antonio Oladeinde Fernandez as an inspiration to all even as he expressed heartfelt condolence to the family over the death.

Ambode also described the deceased as a bureaucrat and experienced diplomat who gave

EX-PERM SEC’S ESTATE: Bellview crash victim’s widow appeals bench warrant

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

people in the process.

An occupant in the Nissan car was dragged out dead when the container was finally lifted off the vehicles by 9pm.

The incident, which occurred at about 4.45pm, reportedly caused a stampede as

motorists plying the ever busy route abandoned their vehicles and fled.

This also resulted in a multiple accidents, with fleeing motorists and commuters sustaining varying degrees of injuries in the process.

There were different accounts as to how the incident

Ogudu, G.R.A., Lagos.

In the notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Lagos, she prayed the court for an order staying the execution of the bench warrant as well as ordering the court to stay further proceedings in respect of the contempt proceedings pending the determination of the appeal.

Part of the grounds of appeal stated that; ''The trial Judge erred in law by issuing a bench warrant for the arrest of the appellant on account of nonappearance in court on 21st July, 2015,” adding that “There was no proof of service hearing Notice of Court proceedings of 21st July, 2015 on the appellant.”

his all to the service of the African continent during his life time.

Fernandez died at the age of 79 on Tuesday in Brussels, Belgium, following an undisclosed illness.

Ambode made those comments in a condolence message yesterday by his Chef Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna.

The governor also paid glowing tribute to the business tycoon, whom he said offered himself for service to ensure the unity of the nation adding that he would remain a true hero of the country.

He noted that the leadership role of the late Fernandez who saw himself foremost as an African serving as representative for Mozambique, as well as the Central African Republic at the United Nations, should be an inspiration to all.

“Among other virtues, Chief Fernandez dedicated himself to the service of the African nation and will be remembered for his contribution to promote peace, harmony and above all equity.

He has surely left his footprints on the sands of time”, he said.

The governor added that it was quite remarkable that the late Fernandez had the privilege of being among the few diplomats that played prominent roles in promoting peace in Africa and had taken ambassadorial positions in

many African countries.

“I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, the good people of Lagos state and Nigerians on this painful loss”, Ambode said.

He also prayed that Almighty God grant the soul of the departed peaceful repose and for the family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Chief Fernandez was an oil baron, businessman and the Permanent Representative of

Central African Republic to the United Nations (UN).

Born in Lagos into the Fernandez family that originated from Cuba and the first European migrant to Lagos State, he had served as a diplomat and advisor to the Angolan Government on Economic matter in 1982.

He held this position for two years until his appointment as Deputy Permanent Representative of Mozambique to the United Nations in 1984.

Man charged with stabbing neighbour for playing loud music

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AGOS—A 33-year-old unemployed, John Ena, charged with stabbing his neighbour with a bottle on her head for playing loud music, was yesterday, arraigned in Lagos.

Ena, a resident of No. 13, Palace Road, Alagbado, Lagos, is being tried for breach of the peace and assault at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on August 2, at his residence.

He said the accused unlawfully assaulted his neighbour, one Miss Elizabeth Okpaku, by stabbing her with a bottle on her head.

“The accused stabbed the

complainant with a bottle on her head for playing loud music.”

Olatunde said that the accused unlawfully entered the apartment of the complainant to stab and damage her property.

“The accused forcefully entered the complainant’s room and ordered her to reduce the volume of her DVD player, claiming that it was too loud and was disturbing him in his room.

“The complainant refused to comply, saying that the volume was not loud, so the accused forcefully stopped the music by throwing the DVD player outside and also damaged her generator set. He also stabbed her with a bottle,” he said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 — 11

Fayose pardons ‘late comer' civil servants

By Rotimi Olaleye

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D O - E K I T I — REPRIEVE came the way of 31 civil servants that resumed work late on Monday, as Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday asked them to ‘go and sin no more.’

This was just as the governor held a meeting with workers in the state to discuss whether he should take the bail-out funds being planned for states

by Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the governor, who expressed concern about the bail-out funds, said it would aggravate the debt profile of the state.

His words: “Even with the nine per cent interest on the fund, rolling it over with the debts and commitments the state already had would be too burdensome.

“They say they are restructuring N18.8 billion of our commercial loans and with the nine per cent interest, by the time the money is repaid in 20 years, we would have paid an extra N36 billion as interest. That means the N18 billion would have become N56 billion.

“I am addressing you on the issue so that before I commit the state to taking the loan, I have to get your permission. The main consequence of the bail out is that it is from same monthly allocation

from the Federal Government that we will accommodate servicing the N25bn bond we inherited from the previous administration, that bail-out itself and commercial loans.

“When allocation comes and they are deducting from source, do not say I did not tell you. I set up a technical committee to see to how we disburse monthly allocations coming to the state.

The committee has members drawn from labour unions, tertiary institutions, among

others. We do this to allow for transparency in the system,” he said.

On the poor attitude of some workers, he noted that there was need for a change of attitude, saying workers should get to work on time, since the state government pays their salaries as and at when due.

“People must be ready to pay rates, taxes and levies, if civil servants are paying taxes others should pay as well. Our IGR must improve,” Fayose stated.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Bishop Felix Ajakaye, has emphasised the need for a forum to assess the state of education in Ekiti, saying there is urgent need for it to be repositioned and revitalised.

The cleric, who spoke in AdoEkiti yesterday when the state governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, visited him in connection with the proposed Education Summit in the state, said education was the only means to tackle poverty in the society.

AWARD: From left; Former Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen Oladipo Diya (retd); Elder Folorunsho Oladepo and Senator Anthony Adefuye at the conferment of awards on worthy members of the United African Methodist Evangelical Church Cathedral, Abule Oja, Yaba, Lagos.

Ogun Assembly approves N18.9bn loan to workers

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—THE Ogun State House of Assembly has granted approval to the state government’s request to obtain a total loan of N18.9 billion to offset the outstanding deductions and subvention to workers on its payroll under the Federal Government bail-out programme.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Suraju Adekunbi, who read Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s letter during the plenary, gave the break-down of the loans, saying, N9.779 billion was for outstanding deductions and subvention while N9.139 billion was for the 20 local

governments in the state.

According to Adekunbi, the governor’s request was a followup to the House Resolution 008/ 2015 authorizing the restructuring of the commercial bank loans into Federal Government of Nigeria Bonds which would enable the State to fully participate in the bailout scheme.

The approval was granted through a resolution passed after the motion for the passage was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Adeyinka Mafe, seconded

by Hon. Oluwasesan Soyebo and supported by the Whole House.

Earlier while opening debate on the motion, Mafe explained that

We shut FCE to avert bloodshed —REGISTRAR yesterday, saying a faction of the

By Daud Olatunji

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B E O K U T A — FOLLOWING the crisis that erupted over the Students Union Government's election and the alleged threats of violence by the students, the management of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta has shut the school.

The registrar of the College, Mr Abidemi Akinola disclosed this

students kicked against the result of the election held on August 27th before the official declaration of the winners.

He said the aggrieved students had gone to the Provost’s residence around 12:30 am, demanding the annulment of the election.

“The school had to act to forestall breakdown of law and order. We are the most peaceful campus in Ogun State and that is largely due to our proactive attitude,'' he said.

the loan would cater for the backlogs of the civil servants deductions which would help in boosting their morale thereby enhancing productivity.

Meanwhile, the Assembly has called on officials of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement

Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps and other concerned agencies in road and traffic management to ensure strict adherence with traffic rules and regulations to put an end to incessant road accident leading to loss of lives and properties.

Aregbesola thumbs chest over police support as to protect lives and property

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—GOVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State yesterday said no state in the federation has invested in equipping the Police as Osun has done in the last five years.

This was even as the new Commissioner of Police, Osun State command, Mr. Kola Sodipo noted that the police in Nigeria cannot succeed without community policing.

Aregbesola stated this while receiving Sodipo and the outgoing Commissioner, Mr. Abubakar Marafa, who visited him at the Government House.

The governor added that Osun is committed to ensuring that the Police and other security agencies are given maximum support so

and maintain peace and security.

He noted that police are the extension of civil society and the most visible agents that protect the people against any security threat.

The governor called on the new Commissioner of Police to maintain strict professionalism, and enjoin his officers and men to uphold ethics, rules and regulations of policing.

He said, “In the last five years of my administration in Osun, no state has invested in support of police as this state has done.

Aregbesola added that throughout the tenure of Mararfa as the boss of the state Police Command, no single case of armed robbery was recorded, saying that virtually all other Commissioners of Police that have served in the state left indelible marks as a professional.

Lagos vows to improve quality of education

By Amaka Abayomi

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AGOS—THE Lagos State government has said it will continue to strive for the attainment of high standards in the education sector.

Speaking through Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Olabisi Ariyo, at the opening ceremony of the 8th Lagos Book Expo yesterday, the state government said developed nations pay greater attention to their educational service delivery hence the need for Nigeria to do same.

Represented by the Ministry ’s Director of Administration and Human Resource, Mrs. Omolara Akin-Aderibigbe, Ariyo noted that all the laudable initiatives of the state government are aimed at improving the learning outcomes in the education sector and building staff ’s capacity.

…As health workers protest unpaid salaries

By Chioma Obinna

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AGOS—HEALTH workers at the Bola Tinubu Health and Diagnostic Centre located within the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, yesterday protested the non-payment of their five months salary.

The workers staged a peaceful protest in Ikoyi at the Deux Project Nigeria Limited in Lagos.

According to the workers who called on the state government to intervene in the matter, Deux Nigeria Limited is the consulting company handling the maintenance and payment of staff salaries at the diagnostic centre in LASUTH. A staff at the Radiology department who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being victimised by the management told Vanguard that all efforts to dialogue with managers of the BT centre have yielded no result.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Shun divisive ideas, Okowa charges political appointees Swears in three new Special Advisers

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Festus Ahon

SABA—GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, has charged Special Advisers and other appointees to shun divisive ideas and concentrate on actions that will help actualise the objective of government in all sectors of the economy.

Okowa who made the call, yesterday, in Asaba during the swearing in of Dr. Joseph Otumara, Mr. Basil Ganagana and Mr Kingsley Esiso as his Special Advisers, said it was important for appointees to be involved in actions which would lead to the accomplishment of set goals of government.

He said: “As Special Advisers, you should come up with bold ideas and initiatives for the attainment of set goals; you should eschew divisive or diversionary ideas or actions. You should focus on ways that will lead to the accomplishment of our collective responsibilities to the state and its citizens.

“You are individually and collectively expected to employ your vision, competence and experience to instigate and implement measures or schemes that will help actualise the

objectives of government in all sectors of the state’s economy, as this administration is ready to work with advice from all Deltans, provided it will improve our developmental objectives and impact positively on the lives of

our people.”

He charged the Special Advisers to “imbibe the principle of collective leadership and work in close liaison and cooperation with the commissioners for the successful implementation of government’s

policies and programmes,” adding that there was no room for laxity or impunity, “more so in this period of prevailing economic uncertainty, which demands total commitment, selflessness, team work and exemplary leadership from all and sundry, especially political appointees.”

FOUNDATION LAYING: Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, laying foundation stone of NLNG’s Head Office in Port Harcourt during the ground breaking ceremony yesterday. With him are from left; Chief Osobonye LongJohn, Chairman, NLNG Board of Directors, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Babs Omotowa, MD,NLNG, Mrs. Cordelia Agboti, NLNG Director; Kudo Eresia-Eke, GM, External Relations, NLNG and Chief Manila Pepple of Bonny Kingdom.

Rivers govt wants detailed probe of UNIPORT student's death

By Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT—THE Rivers State Government has urged the management of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH, to carry out a full scale investigation into the incidents that led to the death of a 200 level student of Theatre Art, Miss Kelechi Precious.

A statement, yesterday, by the media office of the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo by her media secretary, Mr. Paul Damgbor, urged the management of UPTH to investigate the death of the student and punish those found wanting to avoid future reoccurrence.

Dr. Banigo who condoled with the management and students of UPTH, and family of the girl for

the untimely demise, described the death as unfortunate.

She said that the incident was a wake up call to hospital authorities, nurses and doctors in both public and private sectors to

be alive to their responsibilities to their patients, calling on medical practitioners to always show compassion in their profession.

Banigo also enjoined the students of UNIPORT to maintain calm and

IG donates materials to Edo IDP camp

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By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY—THE Inspector General of Police, IG, Mr Solomon Arase has donated drugs, water and other materials to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDP camp, at Uhogua, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The IG who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Force Medical, Grace Okudo, expressed the

determination of the force to assist in the welfare of IDPs across the country, so as to compliment the efforts of Edo State Government and that of the Federal Government.

Okudo who was in company of the Edo State Commissioner of Police, handed over the items to Pastor Solomon Folorunso, who oversees the camp, after addressing the children.

She said: “We are here to

Edo PDP factions want caretaker c'ttee following the expiration of the to conduct Congresses tenure of the current leadership of

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—THE crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State has taken a new twist, with two pressure groups within the party, the Edo New Dawn and The Roundtable, appealing to the National Executive of the party to as a matter of urgency, set up a caretaker committee from the

desist from taking laws into their hands.

Meanwhile, the Management of UPTH has said it had already commenced investigation into the events that led to the death of the student.

Ward to state levels to superintend the congresses which are scheduled to hold later in the month.

The groups said in a statement in Benin, yesterday by Mr. Samson Esemuede (Chairman of Edo New Dawn) and Mr. Osaze Jesuorobo (The Roundtable, Publicity Coordinator) said that the appeal became necessary

the party at all levels which have run their full course as stipulated by chapter 6, Section 47(i) of the PDP Constitution as amended in 2012.

The groups expressed their implicit confidence in the ability of the PDP NEC to provide an enabling environment for free, fair and transparent congresses at all levelsinthestatewithaviewtoenthroning vibrant, proactive and energetic executive

convey the goodwill of the IG, Mr Arase, that in addition to making sure our children here are secured, we want to make sure you are in good health, your drinking water and your general wellbeing is assured. You are not going to miss anything. We want to tell you that a team in Benin and also in Asaba will be coming from time to time to check on you and know your needs, particularly your health needs.

“We know that things do happen, it may be difficult, it may be something we don’t like but we must all know that we have God who will ensure we realize our destinies. I believe God that those things that God has planned for you, you will achieve them. You may not have your parents here but God has given you parents who will nurture you, God will surely keep you all in good health.”

NASS urged to address poor infrastructure in N-Delta

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OMADI—THE leadership of the National Assembly has been urged to use its visit to Senator James Manager late father Pa Emiemokumor's burial ceremony in the creeks of the Niger Delta to get first hand information to address total absences of basic infrastructure in the region.

Mr Preye Ekpebide, chairman Delta phase three amnesty programme and Dr. Hyacinth Egbebo,BishopBomadiCatholic vicariate made the appeal to the National Assembly members, governors to use their position to attract projects that woill have direct impact on the lives of the creekdwellers.

The duo who spoke separately, noted that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki had at the burial ceremonypromisedtoworkwith necessary government agencies to complete the on-going Gbaregolor/Ogbein-amaphase1 of the Bomadi /Gbekubor road project.

GCUOBA holds Ancient Mariners Day

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OVERNMENT College Ughelli Old Boys Association, GCUOBA, Lagos branch will hold its “Ancient Mariners Day ” at GCUOBA Secretariat , 22, McNail Street, SaboYaba,Lagos on September 6, 2015 at 1.30pm.

Keynote speaker is Professor Emeritus Benedict James Itsueli while music will be supplied by the Nigeria Police band.

Pa Lucas Kogoro for burial

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A Lucas Kogoro (82) of Okpe Local Government Area in Delta State is dead. There will be service of songs on Thursday, September 3, at Old Ogorode Road, Sapele.

Funeral service will hold at Bethel Baptist Church, 1 Oghene Road, Sapele.

He will be buried on Friday, September 4 in his country home at ArhagbaOkpe, while thanksgiving service holds on Sunday.

Late Lucas Kogoro

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—13

Reps summon Finance Ministry, others over budget

By Emman Ovuakporie

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BUJA—MEMBERS of the House of Representatives yesterday summoned Finance Ministry, Budget Office, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, National Planning Commission, Debt Management Office and Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to explain why the 2015 Appropriation Act is not being implemented.

Also, the ad-hoc committee set up by the 8th House of Assembly will today commence a public hearing over nonimplementation of 2015 Budget.

It was reliably gathered that officials of other agencies related to finance may also be summoned to appear before the ad-hoc committee headed by Rep. Ahmed Pategi, Kwara APC, at the public hearing.

Officials of the MDAs are expected to come with enough evidence to convince the lawmakers that the 2015 Appropriation Act is on course.

The House, at plenary on August 13, 2015 had constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate the nonimplementation of the budget following a motion promoted by Rep. Patrick Asadu, Enugu PDP,

under matters of urgent public importance.

Asadu had accused the Federal Government of abandoning the implementation of the 2015 budget and capital projects, almost mid way into the third quarter of

the financial year.

He submitted that the non release of the funds deprives the country of highly needed basic facilities and subjects its citizens to infrastructural and economic hardship, stunting the nation’s economic growth.

COMMISSIONING: Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade and his wife Linda (middle) flanked by Hon. Legor Idagbor (right), Mr. Emmanuel Ibeshi (left), and others, during the commissioning of the contsituency office of Hon. Legor in Obudu, Cross River, yesterday

BAYELSA POLL: Jonathan, Ijaw leaders to grace

Dickson's declaration

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By Samuel Oyadongha

E N A G O A— F O R M E R President Goodluck Jonathan, former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Ijaw leaders from around the world and other political heavyweights from the South-South geo-political zone are among dignitaries that will attend the second term declaration of Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, Tuesday next week.

Others expected at the event include, the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, PDP governors and National Assembly members.

Meanwhile, first governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Alamieyeseigha has described Dickson as a good product that will be easy to market for a second tenure in office as governor of the state.

Alamieyeseigha when Governor Dickson visited him at his Amassoma country home in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state said Dickson had performed well and deserves a second tenure to consolidate on the gains of the restoration agenda of his administration, noting that it was only a man like

Dickson, who had performed creditably well that can bring victory for the PDP in the

December 5, governorship poll.

Party faithful, supporters of the governor from across the state as

well as friends and well wishers are also expected to attend the event, scheduled for Samson Siasia Stadium.

Rivers APC shun inspection of election materials at INEC office INEC agreed to allow

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By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT—THE All Progressive congress, APC, in Rivers State, yesterday, shunned inspection of materials at the state headquarters of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, insisting on forensic examination of the materials.

The party in a statement by its Publicity secretary, Mr Chris Finebone, said that they had to withdraw from the exercise because INEC allegedly flaunted the order of the court that it should allow it conduct forensic examination on the election materials.

“However, on the morning of today [yesterday), Julius Mba, announced that the INEC will no more allow the scanning and cropping of ballot papers and other materials which are at the centre of forensic examination and analysis as ordered by the tribunal.”

Meanwhile, flanked by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dame Gecilia Khan and counsel to Governor Nyesom Wike, Mr Dan Oko, SAN, Mr Sam Wonosike of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, External counsel to INEC, Mr Julius Mba, said he was surprised that the APC was not around for the inspection exercise.

He said all parties, including

inspection of the various materials used for the governorship election at a meeting recently.

He said that when the decision was documented allegedly on the insistence of representatives of the APC at a follow up meeting on Tuesday, they refused to sign their column.

Ayade assures legislature of better relationship

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A L A B A R — GOVERNOR of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, has assured the legislature of a strong and robust relationship with the executive arm of government in the state as he strives to take the state to an enviable height.

The governor gave the assurance while commissioning the constituency office of the member of the House of Representatives for Obudu/Obanliku/ Bekwarra federal constituency, Legor Idagbor in Obudu.

The event was used by Idagbo to empower his constituents in collaboration with a mobile network service provider, airtel.

Ayade said there was need for strong partnership between the two arms of government in the interest of the people who voted them into office.

He said that it was only by so doing that they can guarantee governance and dividends of democracy to the people.

He described the office as a veritable link between the legislator and the grassroots.

Ayade noted that the structure was the first of its kind in the area and commended Idagbor for started very well.

He called on legislators at all levels of government to ensure that those who voted them into office were carried along by instituting platforms where they can interact to ensure effective representation.

....As Gov Emmanuel begins defence of PDP's victory in court other units of the ward.

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YO—THE Akwa Ibom State governorship election tribunal sitting in Abuja, yesterday, resumed hearing with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its governorship candidate in the April 11, governorship election, Mr Udom Emmanuel beginning the defense of their victory at the poll which is being challenged by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its gubernatorial

candidate, Mr Umana Okon Umana.

The PDP presented four witnesses on the first day of the defense of the party’s mandate.

In his evidence, Mr Imo Okon, a Medical Scientist from Ikot Oku Ikono, Uyo, confirmed to the tribunal that he participated and voted in the Akwa Ibom State governorship election and tendered his voter’s card which was accepted as an exhibit by the tribunal.

Mr Okon told the tribunal that apart from about three units in his ward which elections were disrupted by the APC Ward Chairman, the election went on smoothly in the

In the same vein, a retired Permanent Secretary from Uyo, Mr Maxwell Jeremiah, testifying as a witness also confirmed that although he does not belong to any political party, he voted during the governorship election which he said went on smoothly in his area.

A third witness and former Commissioner for Transport in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Godwin Ntukude debunked the claim by the APC that Akwa Ibom State Transport Company, AKTC, vehicles were used to convey materials during the election.

He said AKTC was a private company and was therefore, not under his control and supervision.

Mr Ntukude also confirmed that he participated and monitored the election in his native Uruan Local Government Areaandfromthereportshegotelections were held smoothly.

14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

NEXIM Bank pledges to collaborate with WTO

PENCOM to enforce remittance of workers’ salaries to pension managers

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—THE Nigeria ExportImport Bank has pledged to collaborate with the World Trade Organisation to improve its operations.

The Chief Executive Officer of Nexim Bank, Mr Roberts U. Orya, stated this when the Deputy Director General of the WTO, Mr Yonov Fred Agah, paid him a visit in Abuja.

He said such collaboration would remove bottlenecks usually associated with international trade.

He enumerated some of the initiatives of the bank to include the Sealink project, the ECOWAS Trade Support facility, ETSF, Interstate Road Transport Scheme, ISRT, and the Nigerian Creative and Entertainment facility.

According to him: “We are going to work with the WTO and deepen our relationship with relevant government agencies to enable us to determine how we will drive Nigeria’s export market,” he said.

In his speech, Mr Agah advised Nexim Bank to deepen its relationships with regulatory agencies to provide better access to market commodities.

He also said trade finance was the core area of encouraging regional integration and a key factor in eradicating poverty.

He said: “The WTO provides the framework for negotiating trade agreements and dispute resolution processes to enforce participants’ adherence to WTO

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B U J A — N AT I O N A L Pension Commission, PENCOM, has vowed to prosecute companies and establishment who deduct salaries of their employees without remitting same to the designated pension managers.

The Director General of the Commission, Mrs Chinelo AnohuAmazu made the disclosure while speaking with State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday.

Amazu, who frowned at the practice described it as a crime.

She also stated that the Commission was working hard to ensure that establishments which were yet to open a Retired Savings Accounts, RSA, comply.

She said “right now even in PenCom, we have a whole department devoted to enforcement and compliance. We have also engaged recovery agents because the compliance is on many levels.

Some people have made deductions from their salaries and have not been remitted into their Retirement Savings Account (RSA).

“We are calling out to those people and we are going to work with the appropriate law enforcement agencies because it is a financial crime to take money out of an employee’s salary and do not then remit it to his Retirement Savings Account. It is something we take seriously.

“Then those who have not even complied at all, who have no RSA, who have no savings and part of what the commission is prioritising this year is to ensure that very one.

It doesn’t mean that you have to be in a formal employment. Those in the informal sector will also be brought under the scheme because they are the ones that are most in need of a retirement saving plan.”

The DG who led a delegation of

COMMISSIONING: Prof. Senator Iya Abubakar, former Minister of Defence cutting the tape to declare open the Brickhall School. He is flanked by Senator Grace Bent, Dr. Jerry Ugwoke, Engr.

John Chukwu, among others at the commission of the school founded by Senator Joy Emodi. the PENCOM officials to brief President Buhari on the activities of the Commission also revealed that only 6.637million retirement savings account holders currently reside with them.

She said, “We have just finished briefing the President on the affairs of the Pension Industry, basically to show him the landscape from 2004 when the pensions reforms kicked off till date and what has been going on

till date and our challenges.

“The challenges are largely to deal with compliance. We need a lot more people on the scheme and he has directed that we work with the Vice President so that we can get the NEC to work with the PenCom to ensure that all the states are in full compliance as soon as possible.

“The PenCom reforms have introduced the pension

contributory scheme. The scorecard remains that we have 6.637million retirement savings account holders today and what that has done is show us the opportunity for more people to get in because that is only about 11% of the working population and the scheme has also given the retirement savings account holder freedom to determine how his retirement benefit would be administered”, she said.

FG targets 1.14m jobs in new economic blueprint

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—VICE President Yemi Osinbajo declared yesterday that the new economic blueprint of Muhammadu Buhari led administration would create over one million new jobs for the teeming unemployed youth in the country.

He also said the new strategy would increase food production and attract over N980 billion foreign investment.

Osinbajo disclosed this at the ongoing 45th Annual Accounting Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, in Abuja, yesterday.

Speaking on the topic

“Repositioning Nigeria for Sustainable Development: From Rhetoric to Performance”, he said that Buhari’s administration has already identified the way forward from the present economic challenges.

Osinbajo spoke against the backdrop of recorded rising oil prices, GDP and foreign reserves during the regimes of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, late Umaru Yar ’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

He remarked that unemployment has remained on the rise despite the achievements, saying that the situation had made it clear that such figures including a rise in revenues does not create jobs or significantly put a dent to poverty levels in the country.

Osinbajo explained that such figures

“can be deceptive where the structure and quality of growth are not considered”, asking “Why are most people poor despite rising revenues and GDP growth? Our main revenue earners, the extractive oil and gas economy do not by themselves create many jobs.”

According to him, such was the “irony of a top-down economic model, when the major revenue earner is extractive and the value chain is poorly developed.”

Calling for social sector investment in the people, education, job creation, national school feeding scheme, conditional cash transfer, the vice president stated that some of the ideas have already been put in place by the Buhari administration, including the bailout package for the workers in the country, and some others currently being worked out.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—15

Abia Tribunal chairman warns against bribery bribe and recently, there was based on these rumours that the anybody’s money, so do not bring another rumour all over the state tribunal chairman issued the money to us. What we have come that the tribunal members had warnings to avoid anybody trying to do is to deliver justice in Abia,” MUAHIA—CHAIRMAN been compromised by a party in to mess up their names and Bwala had warned on his inaugural speech. of the Abia State the matter. integrity.

Vanguard learnt that it was Governorship Election Petition “We are not interested in Tribunal, Justice Usman Bwala, has restated his warning to parties against coming to induce members of the tribunal.

Justice Bwala issued the warning at Monday’s sitting of the three-member tribunal of the last governorship election in the state.

Vanguard could not ascertain the reason the Chairman issued the warning, but there had been rumours in the state that certain persons had been trying to reach the judges.

Justice Bwala also advised the litigants to be wary of anybody that would come to them, posing as an intermediary between them and the tribunal members.

“We said at our inaugural sitting in June that nobody should MEETING: The former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (right), at a recent meeting approach us with the intent to with the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan (left) offer us any inducement.

“If anybody claims that they can reach any of us as go-between, do not mind him. The person is a fraudster,” Justice Bwala noted.

Early last month, the tribunal programme aimed at phasing out open defecation

By Vincent Ujumadu chairman also said during in all the 36 states of the federation. proceeding that they were aware The pilot project of the UN body took off at the WKA—THE United Nations Children’s Federal Polytechnic, Oko in Anambra State where of a rumour that members had Fund, UNICEF, has commenced a eight modern toilets have been constructed. each been offered N100 million Similarly, 23 persons from two local governments in the state namely, Aguata and Anambra East have been trained by UNICEF to educate the rural dwellers on the need to stop open defecation.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Professor Godwin Onu, who spoke through his deputy, Dr. Ejike Nwagbona during the closing Juction-Nike Lake,

By Francis Igata ceremony for the trainees, said the project for the Pe n o c k s -Ti m b e r-T Junction roads earmarked sensitization of the people against open defecation NUGU—NERVES for dualization by the is a collaborative venture among UNICEF, Rural are beginning to be Governor Ifeanyi Water and Sanitation, RUWASA; Small and frayed following the Ugwuanyi administration Medium Enterprises Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN perceived delay in over two months the and the Polytechnic. dualization of the Abakpa Enugu State House of According to Onu, what was done by UNICEF Assembly approved funds at Oko would be replicated in all the states as soon as possible. for the project.

The governor had in his maiden tour of Enugu metropolis, promised to alleviate motorists' pain occasioned by the road's deplorable conditions.

To make good his

By Francis Igata promise,Ugwuanyi quickly approached the NUGU—THE management of Madonna House seeking to get the University, Enugu, has described as 2015 Appropriation Bill misleading and mischievous, positions canvassed amended to free funds for by two of its students in a section of the media,over the project. the expulsion, slammed on them.

The House immediately Victims, Stanley Okoye and Ga-lim Aondofa Lord passed into law, the were said to have been found culpable of exam amended and revised malpratices, drug abuse and distribution, even as appropriation bill of they were alleged to be members of Aiye N9.878 billion presented Confraternity. to it by the governor In a statement made available to newsmen in tagged, 'Enugu State of Enugu,the Chaplin,Madonna University, Nigeria Amendment Enugu,Rev. Fr. Isaac Nginga regretted that the (revised) Appropriation management would not have resorted to joining Bill, 2015' as moved by the issues with the students but for the wild allegations leader of the House, Hon. leveled against the institution in the media.

Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, to According to Nginga,”the security department make way for internal re- received a report of fighting among students allocation of resources in contrary to section 1.14 of the student’s handbook. the existing budget of "On their arrival at the scene,the security over N96.735 billion operatives apprehended several students who passed by the past confessed during investigations that they were administration of former members of secret cult and unanimously pointed Governor Sullivan out that Stanley Okoye and Ga-Lim Aondofa Lord Chime. were leaders of the secret cult."

By Anayo Okoli

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UNICEF to phase out open defecation in Nigeria

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Anxiety mounts over delay in construction of Penocks-T Junction-Nike Lake road

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Madonna Varsity sanctions 2 students over exam malpractice, cultism

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Groups condemn attack on Abia lawmaker

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

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BA—TWO Abia Groups, Abia State Non-Indigenes Coalition, ASNIC, and Coalition of Abia Students for Good Governance, COASGG, have condemned the recent media attacks on the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, member representing Aba North in Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nnamani.

They described the attacks as mere smear campaign aimed at pulling the lawmaker down.

A statement jointly signed on behalf of the groups by Chiefs Ikem Obiwuru, Okafor Obinna, and Jomo Iroha, said it was unfortunate that since Hon. Nnamani won the state constituency election in April, those who believed it was their birthright to rule over the people of the area, had stopped at nothing to truncate his electoral victory.

Fanta creates fun for teens at RCCG camp

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ANTA, ONE of Nigeria’s favourite fruit flavoured soft drinks revved up play and fun at the just concluded 63rdAnnual Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG. Thrilling over 6,000 tweens and teens who recently attended the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) summer camp program, Fanta engaged the convention attendees with several fun and exciting games and gave them the opportunity of enjoying the drink.

Assistant Brand Manager, Flavours, CocaCola Nigeria Limited, Jumoke Oyewole said, “Fanta’s outing at the RCCG annual convention is part of our ongoing mission to create more play and fun moments in the world.

"We are leveraging this opportunity to show Nigerian tweens and teens just how much we care; we are committed to helping them express their youthful passions.”

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Imo Govt House unveils new number plate

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HE IMO State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has unveiled new Government House number plates.

Showing samples of the number plates to different security agencies in the state, Governor Okorocha said it will go a long way to bring sanity in the use of government number plates and check the indiscriminate and illegal use of the facility.

“We have introduced new government house number plates and these number plates will only be for those who are entitled to it legally and by reason, all previous old plate numbers are no longer legal and anyone found with them will be dealt with according to law.”

The governor said that government had decided to check the unlawful use of tinted glasses in vehicles, pointing out that many use such vehicles to convey kidnappers and their victims.

He also condemned incessant and unauthorized blaring of sirens all over the state.

Anambra govt improves water transport

By Enyim Enyim

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NITSHA— ANAMBRA State government has begun the development of water transport to ease transport system in some local government areas.

Commissioner for transport, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Ejikeme dropped the hint in his office while addressing reporters on the activities of his ministry.

“We have gone to Otuocha and Ogbaru where we have our jetties. The Otuocha area is the home of the governor and he is very committed to the project.”

Judiciary committed to de-congesting prisons —Nnadi, CJ

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—IMO State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Paschal O. Nnadi, says the state judiciary remains committed to partnering with the legislature and other stakeholders in actualizing all viable plans to decongest the prisons in the state.

Justice Nnadi made the promise when he played host to members of the House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary

in his office.

“There is no doubt that the prisons are congested. The Judiciary is very interested in partnering with relevant stakeholders to decongest the prisons, within the ambit of the law”, Justice Nnadi said.

While informing his visitors that he had already commenced jail deliveries since he came on board, Justice Nnadi also disclosed that his visits were instructive.

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WERRI—MEMBERS of Imo State House of Assembly are fine-tuning arrangements to enact stiffer penalties for tax defaulters, including corporate bodies that fail to pay their taxes as at when due.

they were on the visit to plead for the decongestion of the prisons.

He said that the legislature was interested in a workable synergy that would ensure quick dispensation of justice and rule of law.

Egwim also promised that they would use the instrumentality of the House to project and protect basic issues that border on the welfare of the judicial personnel.

Power shift, Orji’s greatest achievement in office —Kalu

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

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SHOWCASING: Governor Okorocha, showcasing the new number plate, after security meeting at Government House, Owerri,Tuesday.

Civil servants urge Buhari to change Copyrights Commission mgt

By Victor AhiumaYoung

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SSOCIATION OF Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, has accused the management of Nigerian Copy Right Commission, NCRC, of unfair practices, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari, to change the management before it does more damage to the organization.

The union which yesterday, disclosed in a statement that it had concluded plans to picket NCRC over perceived anti-labour practices, said it was alarmed by the enslavement of workers by the management of the commission.

In a statement issued in Lagos, the ASCSN Secretary-General, Alade Bashir Lawal, expressed shock that in this 21st century, Nigerians could be turned into slaves in their own country, saying “You will be amazed to

know that the Director-General after intimidating workers in the office directs his stooges to carry the war to their homes, forcing them to accept and collect query in their residences at the unholy hours of the night. As we write, workers of the Commission are denied their salaries and other legitimate allowances by the Director-General who runs the Commission as his personal estate.”

ASCSN claimed the management also barred the workers from belonging to the trade union as guaranteed by Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, the extant Labour Laws of the country as well as the International Labour Organization, ILO, Conventions 87 and 98 on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining The statement alleged that all union's effort to bring the Commission's management to the negotiating table in line with

Imo Assembly enacts stiffer penalties for tax defaulters

By Chidi Nkwopara

“It was noticed that some of the inmates had spent more time in prison than they would have stayed, if properly convicted for their alleged crimes. Some of the inmates also had minor cases that could have been instantly handled, while others had major cases that will take longer time to dispense”, Justice Nnadi said.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and House Committee Chairman on Judiciary, Mr. Innocent Arthur Egwim, said

Similarly, if a private member Bill is eventually passed into law, Imo people would henceforth pay a tax that would be tagged “General Sales Tax” on specified commodities and services.

The member representing Nkwerre State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Mr. Chika Madumere, who initiated

the Bill, reasoned that it would among other things, enforce the payment of taxes by taxable adults and corporate bodies.

He was also of the view that major and minor business outlets like hotels, where consumable commodities are dispensed at exorbitant rates, ought to attract revenue to government.

international labour best practices had so far yielded no result.

“Even when the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity apprehended the matter following a Trade Dispute declared by this Union, the management bluntly refused to attend any meeting summoned by the Ministry to resolve the impasse, boasting that he can only report to the President. It is necessary for Mr. President to relieve the management, otherwise this culture of impunity inherited from previous administrations which the Director General is exhibiting will impinge on the anticorruption project of the current Government,” the Union emphasized.

According to the ASCSN: “Apart from sending workers on punitive postings without paying them their first 28 days allowance in lieu of hotel accommodation and other benefits, the management had refused to invest in capacity building but preferred to divert such funds for private purposes.

"There is urgent need for the Presidency to remove the management from office before the entire organization is engulfed in crisis because the patience of the workers and that of the Union had been over-stretched on the matter.

"If the management of the commission fails to enter into meaningful dialogue with the Union in the next few days to resolve the lingering labour issues, no other notice will be issued before the nation-wide picketing starts.”

BA—A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State, Chief Pagoda Kalu, has said that the former Governor Theodore Orji left the state better than he met it in 2007 and described power shift to the southern senatorial district of the state as his greatest achievement in office.

In a chat with Vanguard in Aba, the PDP chieftain, who was reacting to what he described as a campaign of calumny being waged against the former governor insisted that Orji deserves to be commended for giving the state a face-lift and ensuring justice and equity in the sharing of political positions.

Kalu maintained that without the former governor’s unwavering support for power shift which led to the election of a governor from the Abia South zone, the state would have been set on fire.

According to him: “Those criticizing the former governor, Theodore Orji are not being fair to him. Nobody is perfect; Theodore Orji is not perfect and could not have satisfied everybody, but he left good marks and legacies in the state.

"For me, the issue of ensuring power shift to Abia South is Theodore Orji’s greatest achievement, because it ended the cries of injustice and marginalization by the Ukwa/Ngwa people in the power equation of the state.

“Does it not occur to these people now pillorying him that several ministries were in rented apartments in the streets of the state capital, Umuahia but the former governor built a befitting Workers’ secretariat, International Conference centre, judiciary headquarters, and started the construction of a new Government House.”

He accused a group, Save Abia Initiative for Change, SAIC, of serving as the petitioner and prosecutor in their petition against Orji to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and urged them to allow the anti-graft agency perform its functions.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 — 17

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N Sunday night this week, in Tunis, Tunisia, Nigeria’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, defeated the Angolan national team, to become African champions for the first time.

With the victory, our boys automatically qualified to represent Africa at the Rio Olympics next year. It was sweet revenge for Nigeria, after previous losses to the Angolans the dominant African basketball team for the best past of the last decade or so.

I sat glued to the television set with heart in mouth, but in the long run, our boys didn’t look like they were going to lose. Apart from the earlier part of the first quarter, Nigeria was actually in control till the very end! The victory was also soothing balm for disappointment in the wake of Nigeria’s disastrous outing at the World Athletics Championships which ended in in Beijing, China, without a single Nigerian medal.

The traditional sprint events that often saw up to two or three Nigerian athletes right up with the best, didn’t serve us anything.

Even the normally impressive Blessing Okagbare couldn’t carry Nigeria’s burden on her shoulders this time around; she failed in the 100 metres and didn’t even bother to show up for the 200 metres. That just summed up the Nigerian situation at the championship!

So the basketball team gave us a lot to cheer and told important tales that should be highlighted.

Most if not all of the team, was recruited from Nigerians born in the United States, thus underlining the diaspora’s increasing importance to Nigerian development.

It was heartwarming to watch them sing the Nigerian national anthem with gusto and incredibly, even their white American coach, joined in singing our anthem!

Deep emotions I felt deep emotions as I watched these guys: Ogwuchi, the AlAmin brothers, Olumide, Lawal, give their all to lift us all and our country, with valour and underlining once again, the possibilities available if we do right, by our very lovely country!

Those young men fought for the flag and their personal and patriotic honour on the Tunisian court and that collective effort did not know religion or ethnicity; they were Nigerian athletes doing their best to earn victory which placed us all on top of the African continent. Whoever had watched, would not have lost the scene where the team carried the chairman of the Nigerian Basketball Association, Tijani TJ, aloft after their victory. I was very happy for TJ. When he was elected a couple of years ago, he told me that he would work on a systematic project to build a formidable team for Nigeria, by tapping into the local and diaspora talent to knock the Angolans off their perch.

Sunday’s victory vindicated TJ’s vision. He had been a remarkable C M Y K

Delightful D’Tigers, African basketball champions player and one of the best in his years at ABU and had been posted to do his national service at the Kwara state sports council

The median age of Nigeria is about 17 and these young people must do sports to enhance patriotism and to build a healthy future. The victory of D’Tigers points the way!

where we met and became friends in the 1980s. TJ was one of the best of his generation along the likes of Same Ahmedu and Scot Nnaji, who have also remained in the game in one capacity or the other and they have shown what vision and its dogged pursuit can do for national development.

Although we are now forced to use resources from the diaspora, TJ and his colleagues were products of a period in Nigeria, when there was a systematic programme of national sports development that has unfortunately eroded. TJ was a star of the NUGA Games that we hardly ever hear anything about today. Education provided a platform for the development of our youth and that contained a strong component of sports.

Primary schools games prepared

children for active secondary schools sports in public schools that had incredibly rich and a variety of sports servings.

It was from secondary schools that athletes like Mopude Oshikoya, Bruce Ijirigho, Charlton Ehizuelen, Hameed Adio, Awalu Aliyu, Olapade Adeniken, Chidi Imoh, Mary Onyali, etc., were discovered and many then earned scholarships that allowed them to get some of the best education abroad, especially in America.

Incredible process The late Chief Isaac Akioye was a sports administrator of genius, who laid up an incredible process of discovery, nurture and development of sports, including

even the creation of a National Institute of Sports, in some of the most outstanding years of our sporting lives in Nigeria, especially from the 1970s. It was the collapse of that deliberate national process which has led us to the sporting cul-de-sac that we deal with today.

Sports are no longer central to the educational system and most public schools have lost their elaborate sports infrastructure. A place like GSS Ilorin, had sports infrastructure that will be the envy of any modern institution.

But today, that collapsed and a succession of irresponsible administrations allocated all the land for residential development thus making mockery of the meaning of education as a process for an all-round development of the individual: mental and physical.

This ruinous process is the same all over our country. This is the reason that our athletes supply system dried up and we now recruit our stars from abroad.

Primary and secondary games are gone; there is no more NUGA; NIPOGA; COEGA; Nursing/ Midwifery Schools sports; or Armed Forces and paramilitary sports.

But we MUST rebuild those processes for our future’s sake.

The median age of Nigeria is about 17 and these young people must do sports to enhance patriotism and to build a healthy future. The victory of D’Tigers points the way!

Appeal to the Kwara state govt: Stop building shops on road setbacks

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RETURNED from Ilorin this week. I noticed that the road setback by the wall of the Government Secondary School on the Fate Road, was being cleared. Over the past couple of years, individuals from various backgrounds have built shops and sheds, mechanic workshops and all kinds of anarchic developments on that setback, on a road that leads to the GRA. I discovered the clearance going on now is by the Kwara state government as part of an effort to construct shops on the setback, in a maddening pursuit of internally generated revenue.

Similar development A similar development has already taken place on the Yidi Road, by the Irewolede Housing Estate and on the opposite side, by the House of Assembly residences. The ones by the estate are said to cost N2million while those by the Assembly residences are also said to go for N5million.

Again, the over riding reason is to generate funds, without any thought given to the long-term interest of healthy living in the Kwara state capital. I discussed the issue with two very senior officials of the Kwara state government on Monday and Tuesday this week, and they confirmed the plan to build on the setbacks.

One spoke of security issues arising from the anarchic, freefor-all developments that had been taking place and the need

for government to take over to stem the problem while also making money. While the other spoke of the effort as part of a plan to encourage entrepreneurial efforts, and create something similar to high street shopping in Europe!

But the truth is that anyone familiar with Ilorin cannot fail to see the dysfunctional state of the city today. The business district from around the Challenge Bookshop on the Murtala Muhammed Road going to the Wahab Folawiyo (Unity) Road is constantly caught up in traffic gridlocks most of the day and this extends to the Ibrahim Taiwo Road. The shopping complex there was built on railway right of passage land and that has been largely responsible for the gridlock there. The shop owners park cars by the road and shoppers also try to park in the same area, thus narrowing the road and making movement a nightmare. This is what will be replicated on the Irewolede Road, where the Eid praying ground is located.

The possibilities of road

There is a need to re-think the use of the urban space in Ilorin so that our people can have a decent existence

expansion in the future have been foreclosed by the shortsighted decision to build on the road setback, because of the desperate search for IGR! This same problem will also emerge on the Fate Road, where they have already constructed SHOPRITE that has fatally damaged the original purpose of opening that part of the city of Ilorin, from the 1970s. But I am APPEALING to Governor AbdulFatai Ahmed to STOP the plan to build shops in that part of the GRA, because it will DISTORT that part of Ilorin FOREVER, if he goes ahead with the plan.

On the contrary, what should be done is to review the master plan of the city (if there is one) and begin a systematic development of new layouts in the city. Ilorin’s infrastructure as we know them today, were laid up over three decades ago, for a population that was probably a quarter of what the city has today.

Urban decay While we cannot blame the government there today for all of the problems of urban decay and the attendant chaos that is threatening a decent existence for all of us, there is no gainsaying the fact that the period since 2003, has seen some of the most horrific abuses of the development process in our history. There has been an arrogant abuse of all the carefully laid out canons of development. Vast areas laid out for a different set of usages have

been pulled down, like the huge Ministry of Agriculture complex and allocated to members of the government and cronies of Bukola Saraki and the new elite that formed around the ruling administration in Kwara state.

Similarly, all the architectural pieces of late colonialism from the 1950s were torn down on Ahmadu Bello Way, including the Government House and today, the Government House is an example of a tasteless and dreary architecture that has no relationship with the history of the community. A well thought out, futuristic usage of urban space, well defined infrastructural expansion and a deliberate effort to ensure that urban development serves the best interest of the citizenry have been absent and short term expediency has been central to all that has taken place in the development process in Kwara state.

But there is a need to re-think the use of the urban space in Ilorin so that our people can have a decent existence. The traffic gridlocks today and the alienation of road setbacks for the construction of shops, because the government desperately needs money, cannot help us live in a decent state capital. If Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed can re-think the plan to build on road setbacks and stop them, he would have helped our community into the future. That is why I am making this DIRECT APPEAL to him today: PLEASE STOP BUILDING ON ROAD SETBACKS IN ILORIN!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 IT has become an alarming trend that protesters have now found the nation’s major automotive expressways as the best places to take their grievances to. These protesters, mostly the youth and women, carry placards. Chanting protest songs they barricade the nearest highways, thus making it impossible for travellers caught in the blockade to move on to their destinations.

This trend started, along the East/ West Road, which has its main sections between Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States. Whenever the former militants of the Niger Delta have one grievance or the other with the oil companies, government or even among themselves, they would invade the highways and subject the travelling public to harrowing experiences.

This manner of protesting has spread to other parts of the country.

Sometimes, students who want to show their anger over one cause or

Protesters’ blockage of highways the other, or women who wish to call attention to some perceived injustices carry placards and block the highways.

Citizens travelling to other parts of the country are thus made to suffer painful experiences for issues they have little or no idea about.

We understand the strategy behind taking grievances to the highways. It is usually meant to publicise the protests and make the news carry as far and quickly as possible to force the concerned authorities or targets of the grievance to bow to public opinion and

effect redress as soon as possible.

We are fully in support of citizens engaging in peaceful, orderly protests. It is all part of their constitutional rights to peacefully assemble and express themselves freely But this constitutional right also guarantees the right of travellers to move freely without any unlawful hindrance. The blockage of highways by protesters violates the rights of other legitimate users of the highways. It does not help. Instead, it merely spreads the pain to other innocent people.

Our people must be sensitised to understand and adopt the saying: “your freedom stops where another person’s starts”. For protests to be genuine, they must be peacefully and orderly conducted, no matter the level of grievance.

They must not violate the law or other people’s rights. Even if protesters decide to take to the highways, they must make sure not to block or hinder vehicular traffic. They can line up on both sides of the road, ensuring that members of the protesting groups are kept safe from possible accidents.

Better still, protests should take place in cities, and even at that, care must be taken to ensure they are not disruptive in any way. We must combine efforts to educate our people on the proper ways of living in a democracy and avoid imposing pain and impunity on other law abiding citizens.

OPINION Buhari:

In

your

By Michael Egbejumi-David

N the height of his very public fallout IObasanjo with then President Jonathan, Gen. wrote in an 18-page open letter

that one of his grouse with Jonathan was that the latter had set up himself as the president of only the Ijaws. I wonder how Obasanjo is feeling this morning after Buhari unveiled a kitchen and storeroom cabinet of 100% Northern males.

As feared by some people, Buhari has quickly reverted to being a local champion, an unabashed sectional leader and not a broad-minded statesman President.

The true measure of a human being is what he or she does privately, when no one is looking. In other words, without the encumbrance of the dictate of the constitution that stipulates that Ministers must come from all States of the Federation, Buhari has chosen all his core appointments from the Northern part of Nigeria. He’s given a one-finger salute to the entire Southern Nigeria – including his APC mates. It would appear his vaunted Party supremacy only applies to Legislative officers.

For a president of a country to openly declare that he would favour only those that massively voted for him to the exclusion of others; you don’t need to look far to know what is really in his heart.

As a national politician, if people reject

face you, if they are not convinced by you, you should want to know why. Then you build bridges and begin to cultivate friendship, making necessary amends where possible. You do not go out of your way to emphasise parochialism, reinforcing their original fears.

What irks is that no attempt at all was made to even pretend to be inclusive.

The core appointments that Buhari has to make without worrying about Federal Character, he made exclusively from his neck of the woods. The utter disdain shown to others is scary indeed. It is insensitivity taken too far.

When, before the election, some of us raised the issue of parochialism, nepotism and all the other negative isms that litter Buhari’s public record, we were told that the man is not discriminatory at all, that his drivers, cooks and gardeners were from the South. Well, the man is here to reprise that wonderful formula.

Take for instance, the Nigerian Customs.

The most senior Custom officer in line to be the Comptroller General of that

Buhari must resist the temptation to continue treating sections of Nigeria like conquered territory

service is a Yoruba fellow. Buhari completely ignored and bypassed him and brought in a retired (yes, Northern) Army officer to head Nigerian Customs.

How about that for gumption? The single mindedness and the determined manner these lopsided core appointments are being made and the utter disregard for others and their feelings is quite troubling. At this rate, it is only a matter of time before the current Police boss is replaced by another ‘trusted’ hand.

Right under all of our collective nose, while we were still yammering about APC-PDP dichotomy, we were dragged right back to the era where one region lords it over all others. As we childishly focus solely on the War Against Jonathan’s Corruption, power is being consolidated in just one place. And, wouldn’t you know, some of the folks that were shouting marginalisation less than a year ago have suddenly discovered the beauty of meritocracy.

One inelegant argument I heard was that because Yar’Adua appointed his people as Chief of Staff and as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and because Jonathan of the South-south appointed Ayim from the Southeast as SGF, it is alright for Buhari to put only his Northern brothers everywhere. My response is: I thought this was supposed to be a corrective government.

Some people say that Buhari has assembled a team he feels he can work with. I say why contest a national post if you can only work with folks from just

your region. Others say we should be patient and watch the President assemble a team to rescue the nation. I ask; rescue Nigeria from what?

Yet some others insist that we should wait as Buhari still has about 5,000 appointments to fill. I don’t know from where they obtained that figure, but the important point to note is that the core appointments have all gone to Northern males. The fluff and space-fillers will be thrown as token to others. Is this where we should be as a Federation? Treating very sensitive matters with complete disregard for the notion of ‘one Nigeria?’

I can confidently predict that Buhari will only unhappily and grudgingly obey the constitution when it comes to appointing his Ministers. And even at that, the meatier Ministries will all be handed over to older Northern males. Why? Action speaks louder than campaign promises.

If you take social participation away from people, you make them slaves.

Buhari must resist the temptation to continue treating sections of Nigeria like conquered territory. The President must not see some of his citizens as adversaries.

He is president of all Nigerians and must always demonstrate that in all of his actions.

In the meantime, I hope that Vice President Osinbajo has enrolled himself in a suitably accelerated Hausa language lesson... *Dr. Egbejumi-David, a medical prctitioneer, wrote from London.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Buhari, the elephant of Hindostan

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OME of us must be familiar with the poem: The Six Blind Men of Hindostan by JE Saxe.

These curious blind men went to learn about the elephant. They had to “observe” the huge animal by feeling with their palms the part of the body they found themselves touching. The first one touched its side and shrieked: “bless me, the elephant is very like a wall!”

Another one felted around tusk and said the elephant was “very like a spear”. Another touched the ear and said the elephant was like a “fan”. The one that touched the trunk said it was like a “snake”. Another touched its leg around the knee and declared it “very like a tree”. Last of all, the blind man that touched the tail said even the blindest man would know that the elephant was very like a “rope”. Now concluded the poet: And so these blind men of Hindostan, Disputed loud and long, Each with his own opinion Exceeding stiff and strong, Though each was partly in the right, And each was partly wrong.

The blind men of Hindostan were driven by the genuine

motive of learning. But some Nigerians, blinded by hope (or justification) of presidential favours lie without shame.

President Muhammadu Buhari has taken nearly 100 days to appoint about thirty inner members of his government. He has appointed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Service Chiefs, his Chief of Staff, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Director General of the Directorate of State Services (DSS), “Acting” National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Comptroller General of Customs and that of Immigration, MD of Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), MD of the Nigerian Ports of Authority (NPA), Presidential Spokesmen and handymen, GMD of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the lot.

Given the fact that “97%” of these appointees are from the Arewa Muslim North, Buhari has completed the “Northernisation” of the Executive Branch of Government.

He already had in place, his

men occupying the high and juicy posts of Head of Service of the Federation, Accountant General of the Federation and Auditor General of the Federation to sew up the Federal Bureaucracy. What remain now are for the Minister of Petroleum Resources (which he has signalled his intention to assign to himself) Minister of Finance and Attorney General of the Federation. Thus the economic and financial resources of the country will be in Arewa hands.

Now, let us also bear in mind that, already, the Federal Legislature (Senate and House of Representatives) reflecting the character and complexion of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is already led by Northerners. On the other hand, the Federal Judiciary (Chief Justice of the Federation, President of the Court of Appeal and Chief Justice of the Federal High Court) is also completely dominated by Arewa. You are left to wonder: where are the other Nigerians? Nigeria has never, at any time in its peace time history, been lumbered into

And I ask again, what standard of “merit” was applied which the South East failed so woefully to meet? Did they use the Arabic language or Islamic paradigms to do the evaluation?

Rumble in the jungle as corruption fights back

I

F only we knew that the entire world was watching us, we would have realised that it is too early to begin to derail the anti-graft war, which we all agreed upon a few months back.

This is the very nature of most wars – they start small like the proverbial madman’s fire, where he claims to have only struck a match here; but he knows nothing about the conflagration over there.

Except we act fast, the theatricals we see today are capable of many perhaps unintended consequences – our war against corruption is at risk; and our oncerevered institution of the National Assembly may also be consumed.

At the higher echelon of our society, we see a grand design to start a scattered fight that will be raging in multiple fronts at the same time. The fight will be so scattered that it will become uncontrollable. The emerging scenario portends a frightening glimpse: There is an alleged case of forgery of the Senate Rules against a section of the Senate leadership; The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is questioning Mrs. Toyin Saraki, wife of the Senate President, over some stupendous wealth accumulation when her husband was the Governor of Kwara State; Senator Godswill Akpabio is currently being investigated by the EFCC over allegation of corruption while he was the Governor of Akwa-Ibom State.

Like the case of engineering the engineer instead of his engine, a petition against the EFCC boss, Ibrahim Lamorde, over corruption charges suddenly lands in the Senate. A fast probe is ordered into the petition; in a manner suggestive of people running away from an approaching tsunami; the Senate Committee starts hearing the petition and in the meantime,

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the Committee walks due process on its head.

This has irked some of the Senators and there is a big division in the ranks of the Senators. Suddenly, there is now an unholy alliance between Senator Akpabio with his group of PDP Senate Caucus on the one hand, and the Senate APC Unity Forum, on the other. The alliance is against the Senate Committee probe on Lamorde. And so suddenly, too, we see another very unholy alliance between Lamorde and Akpabio.

Both men are now on the same page and a possible plan here could be some horsetrading on the Nation’s fortunes.

Apart from the fact that the petition against Lamorde failed the test of due process, it was like spitting into the mouth of a man who was already intent on vomiting.

Apparently, Akpabio saw a window of opportunity in the ensuing confusion and built a connection supportive of the old aphorism that an enemy’s enemy is a friend – all in a conspiracy against Nigeria! The foregoing narrative is what we call rumble in the jungle.

These are politicians who are yet to know that it is not always smart to be smart. Nigeria must act quickly to stop the looming embezzlement of public trust.

Those false alarmists out there whose stockin-trade is to deliberately smear others who serve their people must also be adequately punished

this extreme nepotism and sectional lopsidedness, even in the darkest days of Buhari’s first coming as a military ruler.

Unfortunately, the “blind men” of Nigeria are justifying it!

Professor Pat Utomi applauds, and tells Buhari to put only people from his village in the entire government if he likes and there is nothing wrong with it.

Festus Keyamo concurs. Last Monday, former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Obong Victor Attah, visited Vanguard and told Nigerians to first ask Buhari why he was doing this before criticising him. He forgot that Buhari already did so when he addressed a press conference while in America. He made it clear he was going to form his government based on a warped “97%5%” formula to ensure that those who voted for him were adequately (some say “parasitically”) rewarded.

APC says the number of appointees so far is “insignificant”, given the vast number offices yet to be filled.

They want to deceive the gullible, but when you consider the picture painted above of the entire machinery of the federal government already filled by one section of the country, you will realise that anyone appointed from now henceforth will be like an “observer” among the “owners” of the government. It is the appointments that are yet to be made that are actually insignificant in clout compared to the powers of those already installed in office.

Presidential spokesmen say Buhari appointed “those he knows who have worked with him for years”. He is unfit to be a Nigerian president if he has no associates from outside the

None of our fights against corruption shall be lost to intrigues!

For a start, Lamorde must step aside immediately to allow for proper investigation of the petition against him.

Again, Lamorde has ostensibly outstayed his welcome in the EFCC, having held sway since 23 November 2011. The point has been reached where he might even be unable to answer the supplementary questions. For instance, was this the same man under whom the EFCC went to sleep during the Jonathan era only to engage the speed gear as soon as Buhari came in? History shows no mercy for duplicity. His continued stay in the EFCC would clearly be a hindrance.

We must quickly shop for a no-nonsense replacement for him. This replacement shall be someone who understands the nature of the war before us and work as such – We must kill corruption before it kills us!

The Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, should have known that a conflict of interest situation was waiting by the corner to ambush him – sitting in judgment over the case of the man in whose hands was the case of corruption against his wife?

We question the rationale behind the Senate constituting itself into a court of first instance in the fight against corruption. Evidently, the accusations against Lamorde are weighty enough to warrant thorough investigations. This is a case in which the Chief Executive Officer, Panic Alert Security System, PASS, Dr. George Uboh, is alleging that Lamorde failed to remit over N2.051 trillion recovered by the anti-graft agency between 2004 and 2013 to the

North, even as a party leader, retired general former head of state!

The Presidency also says the posts were filled based “purely on merit”. And I ask again, what standard of “merit” was applied which the South East failed so woefully to meet? Did they use the Arabic language or Islamic paradigms to do the evaluation?

A section that consistently scores the highest in most entrance exams and tests cannot find the “merit” to get even a seat, while the sections that consistently bring the rear overwhelmingly outperforms the entire South!

Some “merit”!

Buhari has made himself a president of the North. He has “Biafranised” the South East. It was only during the civil war that Dr. Ukpabi Asika, the Administrator of the East Central State, was the only Igbo man from the East in the government.

Buhari has brazenly defied the Constitution of the Federal Government of Nigeria 1999.

Section 14(3) says: “The Composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the Federal Character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity and command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or any of its agencies”.

We warned about candidate Buhari during the campaigns, but most people refused to listen!

However, for Buhari, the “honeymoon” is over.

federation account. Uboh also speaks of the diversion of another sum of more than N1 trillion by the EFCC. Uboh’s petition should be sent to where it rightly belongs – the EFCC, an EFCC without Lamorde. The undue haste with which the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions went into the matter bespeaks the Committee as acting out a script that had been written elsewhere. Still more ludicrous, and indeed nauseating, is the fact that a particular Senator who appeared more like a back-man, and stayed glued, to Mrs. Saraki during her visit to the EFCC is now in the frontline of Lamorde’s prosecution (or persecution?) in the “Senate court”. Where is justice coming from?

In the particular case of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Akpabio, the EFCC is investigating him on series of petitions by the Abuja-based Law Firm of Leo Ekpenyong and Associates, alleging that while he was the Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, he abused his office by stealing public funds from which he built sprawling estates in many parts of the country.

In this apparent rumble in the jungle, nothing shall be left to chance. Every case must be religiously prosecuted!

Lest we forget, Uboh’s conclusion is instructive: “If I am right, arrest Lamorde; and if I am wrong arrest me”.

We are reminded that it is not a crime to render service to one’s fatherland. Those false alarmists out there whose stock-intrade is to deliberately smear others who serve their people must also be adequately punished.

20—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

HOSPITAL DETENTION:

Months after childbirth, mothers can’t go home over medical bills •Seek Lagos govt’s assistance

By Charles Kumolu

N

O FEWER than three women who gave birth at Amuwo-Odofin Maternal and Childcare Centre, Festac Town, in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State are still in the hospital one month after due to their inability to pay their medical bills.

The affected mothers, told Vanguard Metro, VM, that the hospital management refused to allow them to go home with their babies because they were only able to pay a part of the bill. So, they are pleading for assistance from the state government and well meaning Nigerians.

Speaking to VM, one of them, who identified herself as Mrs. Chioma Shedrack said: ‘’I gave birth to my daughter on July 20, 2015. This was not the hospital I registered for antenatal but my pregnancy became bridged which made me to be referred here. I delivered through a caesarean section. Five days after delivery which was the time I was supposed to have been discharged, I was asked to vacate my bed and and remain at the hospital until I offset my bill.

Bus driver in FESTAC Nearly two months after that, my husband, who is a bus driver in Festac has not been able to get the money. My bill is N115,190.

We have paid N30,000.00 while the balance is N85,000.00. I am pleading with the government and individuals to assist me. I am a petty trader, I sell soft drinks in Festac Town. We are helpless and want to go home. The nurses have been helpful to me but there is a limit to what they can do.

They have no power over the bill.’’

Similarly, another lady, Mrs Bummi Monday said: ‘’I also need help. My husband does not have a job. Mine was not through ceaseran section but the placenta did not come out, which led to my being brought here. My baby and I were well treated here.

I have been here since July 23, 2015. My bill is N81,000.00. We have paid N20,000. What is left to be paid is N61,000.00.’’

It was gathered that the Social C M Y K

Welfare Department of the hospital is responsible for such cases, but a hospital source told VM that they are constrained in this regard. ‘’The department attends to such cases for indigent patients, but they presently have financial challenge. That is why they have not assisted the patients.’’

The source further said the inability to pay medical bills is not always the reason for asking such indigent patients to stay back, adding that there are many angles to the matter. ‘’The decision to allow such patients to stay back is not always related to their inability to pay their bills. So many things are often put into consideration. It is important to be mindful of what becomes of the baby when they are allowed to go home considering the financial status of the parents.’’

•Unidentified mother and child On the notion that such cases ought to have been resolved making use of the benefits of free maternal and child healthcare policy, VM, was told that free healthcare does not mean that patients would not pay. ‘’This hospital offers the best services in this area. That is why you find so many people here.

The cost of the services is highly subsidised, making it affordable for most people. I am aware that the hospital has been helpful to

indigent patients. This case is not new and I am sure the hospital will handle it accordingly. There is nothing to worry about because this health facility is committed to giving the best to the society compassionately. These people you are talking about may be out of this place in the next few days.’’

It will be recalled that the hospital which boasts of state-ofthe-art facilities, was commissioned last year by the

immediate past governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, in line with the policy of taking specialised maternal and child care closer to the grassroots.

The facility, Fashola said, would complement other care centres in the state to provide expected succour to mothers and children, adding that the commissioning underscores the government’s capacity to reduce infant and maternal mortality.

Crisis in Ogun community: Ikorodu monarch wades in

By Bose Adelaja

T

HE Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba Kabiru Sotobi has promised to wade into the crisis rocking Ipetoro/Lowa community in Sagamu local government of Ogun State which was recently invaded by some suspected land grabbers. Oba Sotobi, a descendant of the community, gave the assurance when some residents of the community visited his palace to peacefully protest the menace of land grabbers on their land. This was in line with a week-long protest embarked upon by the residents to press home their demand.

The monarch who addressed the protesters in Yoruba Language blamed the development on some disgruntled elements in the community who, he said, conspired with land grabbers to encroach on the land.

He assured that steps are ongoing to curb their activities of land grabbers, including the invitation some of those encroaching the land for amicable resolution. He also warned the protesters to strive for peaceful coexistence in the community. ‘’Land grabbers will not interfere in land matters except they are

Metro, VM, said many of their wards could no longer continue in school due to the activities of the said land grabbers.

Among the protesters were 45-year-old Saidat Kolawole, 43-year-old Oluwakemi Adaran and Abosede Olukorede who told VM the crises have sent them out of business. ‘’We have been sent parking from the community for the past nine months and our businesses have been put on-hold,’’ they chorused. *Mojeed Olaonipekun, Baale of Also, 90-year-old Ipetoro/Lowa community Madam Efundeyinde invited to do so. Please, check Sobajo said if not checked the yourselves very well and warn activities of the land grabbers your sons to desist from “will send many of us to our early conspiring against the land,” he grave. Can you imagine a situation where an elderly said.

Oba Sotobi also stated thus: ‘’I woman like me is squatting and am hearing you officially for the unable to make ends meet. The first time, I want you to know that situation is terrible ‘’.

Madam Sobajo appealed to I am not a bastard and will act accordingly. So, please go home the monarch to deliver his and be rest assured that the promises and save them from matter will be resolved amicably”. impending doom. ‘’Please use Some of the protesters who your good office to rescue our narrated their ordeal to Vanguard land. Your father was the first

Baale of Ipetoro/Lowa. How come we are being tormented by land grabbers and peace is eluding us and you delay to proffer solution? Will you fold your arms and watch us suffer for no cause”?

The Baale of the community, 65-year-old Mojeed Olaonipekun lamented that the activities of land grabbers forced him into exile for the past nine months. ‘’Our community is no longer safe. I was observing my siesta on December 3, 2014 when our community was invaded by land grabbers and I was arrested in the process. They came in company of some Policemen who arrested me and I was taken around Lagos for some time before they whisked me to Abuja where I was detained. I was later released on bail and this was the beginning of my ordeal. My wives and children are scattered and I can no longer visit my community to govern my people as some people have taken over our land, ‘’ he lamented.

Some of the residents described the situation as pathetic and appealed to relevant government agencies to intervene for normalcy to return to the community.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

‘Tank farm owners looking for buyers’

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IGERIAN Ports Authority, NPA, yesterday in Lagos introduced an electronic “Revenue Invoicing Management System and Customer Portal”in a bid to lower operational cost and shorten the time for documentation for port users.

Managing Director of NPA, Habib Abdullahi, at the presentation of the new portal, said that the Authority embarked on it to further improve port business and make it attractive for port users.

According to him, “ we are presenting the Revenue Invoicing Management System and Customer Portal that are fully convergent and real time platforms for our processes, which will lower operational cost and shorten the time for documentation.

“These platforms fully integrate the electronic flow of information for business–to–customer and business–to–business streams real-time, with higher availability and flexible architecture.

Flexible architecture The platforms are also fully integrated with all our existing solutions such as Oracle Financials, Oracle Human Capital Management, NPA Pay direct via Interswitch and Electronic Ship Entry Notice (eSEN).

“The introduction of this system has the potential to improve our service offering, improve our partner relationship, create efficient payment method, maximize revenue and minimize loss associated with fraud and revenue leakage.

The NPA boss said that the Customer Self Service Portal on the other hand provides a platform for NPA customers to initiate and conclude their business process

T

BRIEFING: From left: George Pearson, Regional Director, West Africa, Afrocet Montgomery; Damion Angus, Managing Director, Angus Montgomery; and Joju Adekanbi, Media Partner, Propak West Africa 2015 Exhibition at a press conference at the opening of a three day printing/packaging international exhibition organised by Propak West Africa in Lagos.

NP A introduces e-in NPA e-invvoicing sys systtem, cus custtomer por porttal Stories by Godfrey Bivbere with Authority and also communicate with them.

He listed the benefits accruing from this portal as: Improved customer service delivery, easy access to customer accounts status, view of all transactions and status in respect of bills, electronic upload of manifest and e-invoice and e-receipt generation.

The introduction of this system has the potential to improve our service offering, improve our partner relationship, create efficient payment method, maximize revenue

He also noted that “on the Billing Application, some modules of which are already operational in all port locations, will soon proceed to the next stage.

Currently, it covers payment processes in areas such as Lease Fees, Service Boats, Passenger boats, General Bills (Jetties and Trawlers), and Oil Terminal Dues (OTD)/Compulsory Pilotage Rates (CPR).

2nd Niger bridge is ongoing —ICRC

By Ediri Ejoh & Bartholomew Madukwe

T

HE Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has said that the construction of the 2.15 119.2 long awaited 2nd Niger Bridge is still on $3,100.00 -13.00 course.

This is contained in a $10.61 +0.01 statement signed and made available to newsmen by Acting $43.29 +0.08 Head Corporate Communication ICRC 39.06 -0.25 Ms Debora Okafor in Abuja.

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL Okafor disputed DOLLAR 196 196.5 197 reports that the project POUNDS 309.4448 310.2342 311.0236 was “on hold’’, EURO 225.4196 225.9947 “stalled”, “ being 226.5697 probed” or even FRANC 207.9134 208.4438 208.9742 “suspended”.

YEN 1.6324 1.6365 1.6407 CFA 0.315 0.325 0.335 It will be recalled WAUA 274.5032 275.2034 275.9037 that the DirectorRENMINBI 30.5553 30.6337 30.7121 General Aminu Diko RIYAL 52.2388 52.3721 52.5053 recently briefed President Buhari and CBN Exchange Rate as at 25/ 08 /15 the media on the status

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of the bridge, which had since then received negative publicity.

Diko had said “During My visit with the President, I expressed concerns about project cost vis-à-vis projected toll fees and engagement of community stakeholders whose land would be affected along the bridge’s right of way. The commission would like to see the Niger Bridge completed to alleviate the plight travelers face on that route, especially during festivities.

Festive holidays “We know that it is critical, we also know how Nigerians suffer during festive holidays and we hear people sleep on that old bridge. The time has come to bring succor to Nigerians.’’

Diko said as a Public Private Partnership, the project must pass through various checks to satisfy the Federal Government and investors alike of its viability

and also to ensure people got value for money.

Diko said that apart from the Niger Bridge, ICRC was working with private partners on the LagosIbadan expressway, the Sagamu-Ore-Benin road and the Murtala Mohammed road. He added that the three Deep Seaports at Akwa Ibom, Lekki, and Badagry and also the agriculture silos and hydro power were some of the projects the commission was working on. “ All these projects are important to the nation and it is in our interest that they are successful. Most importantly, our duty is not only to oversee the provision of quality infrastructure services, but also to ensure that the nation and citizens are not shortchanged by investors.’’

ANK farm owners are presently looking for buyers for their facilities as the Federal Government moves to curb importation of petroleum products.

The focus for the Buhari administration is to improve on local production capacity which is already being achieved with two of the refineries producing, although below their installed capacity.

President of the International Freight Forwarders Association, Dr. Sam Onyemelukwe, who disclosed this in Lagos, said that owners of the facilities in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos are presently looking for buyers of their tank farms.

Onyemelukwe who was responding to question on the best way to curb the traffic problem caused by tanker drivers queuing to load at the facilities around Coco-nut area, noted that federal government is focusing on local refining of petroleum products and it is only a matter of time before these facilities disappears.

Disappearing facilities The IFFA boss further explained that some of the owners of these facilities are already looking ahead to the future and have put them up for sale.

He pointed out that the intervention of the Lagos state government has help to refuse the traffic situation along that route but noted that until “our refineries commence full product, the problem associated with the tank farms will continue.”

On the activities of terminal operators and shipping companies, Onyemelukwe said government should reassess the port concession regime because the scheme has not met the desired targets.

He pointed out that it is only in doing so that there would be reduction in capital flight, improve port efficiency and ensure maritime and shipping contributes maximally to national economy.

In his word, “The concessionaires allow delays and congestion in the terminals even as many dry docks (bonded terminal) are empty. These bottlenecks in the system appear to be deliberate aimed at making cargoes attract huge rent charges.

This development has increased rather than reduce cargo dwell time, hence leading to higher clearing costs for goods from Nigeria’s ports,” he concluded.

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

It's easier to succeed when your business is based on what you know and love

,

,

Starting a business in Nigeria

By Yinka Kolawole, with agency report

T

HERE are successful stories of Nigerians who pursued their entrepreneurship dream,and their businesses are doing well despite the economic downturn.

The success stories of these entrepreneurs show that starting a business in Nigeria is do-able.

Cosmas Maduka is Chairman of Choscharis Group. He started his business journey from a humble beginning. After seven years of apprenticeship in selling motorcycle spare parts, his uncle gave him a token of N200 to start his own business in 1975. Today, he is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

Another creative successful business owner is Cosmos Okoli, who has proven that starting a business in Nigeria and achieving success is doable. At the age of four and half years he had polio. He lost his limbs to the disease. He is making money by creating tools that help disabled people live a convenient life.

He is the chairman of Mobility Aids and Appliances Research and Development Centre (MAARDEC) and the chief executive of Cosokoli Ventures Nigeria Limited and Omokas Nigeria Limited.

Starting a business Prince Samuel Adedoyin is the chairman/chief executive officer of Doyin Group of companies. He is another testimony to buttress that starting a business in Nigeria and succeeding is achievable.

He started petty trading at age 14 with an initial capital of 48 pounds. With that token amount, his business grew to conglomerate of businesses which includes manufacturing, motor vehicle sales, real property investment, general merchandising, etc.

Olabode Oruku, CEO of Oruku Consultancy Services, a company that offers online and offline marketing training to small business owners, acknowledged that running your own business is not an easy task. He however noted that applying the following success principles will guarantee success.

The first step to starting a business successfully in Nigeria C M Y K

is to discover one’s potentials.

•"It's easier to succeed when your business is based on what you know and love. If you're doing something you know that interests you, you will not mind devoting over 12 hours a day.

The passion will propel the energy to persist until you succeed.

•"Become an apprentice to a successful entrepreneur: In today's stiff business competition, your understanding of the business you intend to do must be above average to assure success. I recommend where possible to become an apprentice to someone or an establishment already doing well in your proposed kind of business," he stated.

Oruku believes the experience you will acquire from the establishment will save you lots of money and

Become an apprentice to a successful entrepreneur

mistakes you would have made if you had just started on your own. In addition, he recommends reading books and interviews from successful business owners in your area of interest on a continuous basis.

•"When you’re starting a business in Nigeria you should offer your customers more value in terms of products and services than the money you receive from them. You should strive to be the best company in your industry by building lasting relationship with customers with excellent customer service.

Tell everyone about your new business: If you're just starting a business in Nigeria, develop a habit of telling loved ones, friends, neighbors and people that come your way about your business.

Let them know how a referral from them will be important to your success. For effective use of this strategy you should print quality business cards that you give out," he added.

BUSINESS NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES (01/09/15) Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(N)

Central(N)

Selling(N)

196

196.5

197

300.664 220.3824 203.3828 1.6327 0.316 274.4465 30.7877 52.236 29.5239 275.9288

301.431 220.9446 203.9016 1.6368 0.326 275.1466 30.8667 52.3693 29.5992 276.6327

302.198 221.5068 204.4205 1.641 0.336 275.8467 30.9456 52.5025 29.6745 277.3366

Commod Light Crud

Natural G Sugar Coffee Cocoa

How small businesses can innovate

By Richard Branson

W

HEN you think about innovation, do you think about Silicon Valley and technological advances and companies with big research and development budgets?

Most people do, but the truth is that even the smallest businesses, from one-chair barbershops to popcorn vendors on the street, are capable of coming up with ideas that capture customers’ imaginations. When that happens, you are on your way to building a great brand.

Although it might be hard to believe now, the story of the Virgin Group is a small business that succeeded because of our team’s innovative spirit. When my friends and I started up our first business, Student magazine, we were a bunch of young hippies barely managing to scratch a living,

yet we knew we had an idea for a product that people would want: A publication geared toward young people like us. I lived in a friend’s basement, and our office was based in a church crypt that a vicar let us use. We eventually turned our camaraderie and enthusiasm into a global business.

It is with this in mind that a few years ago we created the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship in Johannesburg, through which we have supported 479 entrepreneurs across 21 industries by sharing knowledge, networks and resources. We saw a real need there:

National unemployment The national unemployment rate hovers at 25 percent, and many of the jobless are young people. Though it is a country blessed with great natural resources and talented people,

To build a successful business, you don’t have to build a new product from scratch

small and more established businesses are lagging behind their counterparts in countries like Brazil and China.

I was in Johannesburg recently, and as I heard pitches from many of our aspiring entrepreneurs, I was reminded of the many different ways that a small business can innovate.

You don’t need a big budget: all you need is some ambition and a good idea.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 — 23

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Organisations should avoid wishful thinking and evolve implementable game plan for achieving success

& YOU COMMODITIES (02/09/15)

dity de

Last 44.50

Gas

2.66

Change ($) -0.91 -0.05 +0.09

+0.84

115.40

-1.65

-1.41

3,130.00

-15.00

-0.48

Unfamiliar venue If your delivery is unique in some way - if customers connect with your brand, or if you offer something that other businesses don’t - your company will get noticed.

Miles’s formula is simple: He created a brand that has a local edge but wide appeal — and the food is good too!

Another great example: Simphiwe Madonsela of The Shoe Cleaning Company spotted an untapped demand for a service in an unfamiliar venue, and asked me if he could launch his business in Virgin Active, our health club business. I liked his gumption, and invited him to join us at our new health club to share his idea the following day.

Take the old and make it new again To build a successful business, you don’t have to build a new product from scratch. I was reminded of this earlier in October when we broke the Guinness World

Is hoping for the best a reliable strategy for organisational growth?

-1.67

10.80

Find something people want, then do it better Miles Khubeka has created a brand with a lot of potential. He based his restaurant business on a popular (yet not trademarked) character from a beer advertisement: “Vuyo,” an aspiring everyman with a food cart who makes it big. Miles opened a restaurant based on the Vuyo’s food offerings, and he is now launching franchises in the form of Vuyo food carts, which other young entrepreneurs operate, spreading the Vuyo name. It’s an excellent idea.

There are plenty of restaurants in Johannesburg, but as Miles has shown, just because an idea isn’t completely original doesn’t mean that the business must get lost in the crowd.

C M Y K

% Change -2.00

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Record for cramming people into a classic Mini Cooper. (We fit 25. We love breaking records, and the public relations boost always helps too) The custom Mini’s design and paint job were developed by the entrepreneur Wes Boshoff. His Plastispray business reimagines a car’s look without damaging the original paint job.

If you can repurpose an existing product, or if you spot a gap in the market where brands are not offering the improvements to their products that customers would like, there is no reason why you shouldn’t step in.

Tell customers about the purpose behind your product The roots of great brands usually feature a compelling narrative, and sharing your story right from the start can help you to win the support of your community - and their business.

An example is the story of Mmabatho Portia Morudi, who developed her interest in bees when her 87-year-old grandfather took her along on a beekeeping course. Now she is determined to help protect the bees while also building a successful business.

Successful business Her Iliju Bee Farm produces raw honey - which is a potential growth area in her country, as demand for honey in South Africa is far greater than farmers there produce.

She also offers free bee pollination services to rural farmers, and educates rural communities about the importance of bees, and why they should be treated as friends, not foes. *Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, wrote this for Entrepreneur.com

By ‘Uju Onwuzulike

“A problem is a chance for you to do your best”…Duke Ellington

W

hen there are opportunities and different choices to choose from, people and organisations tend to choose the best. What happens when there is no opportunity or probably options available to people or organisations to choose? I mean when you are left with no option. I have been privileged to ask more than 200 people during my training programs this pertinent question: what do you do if you don’t have an opportunity or choice that will help you to achieve what you want? The answer(s) I got from these people and from some organisations I have posed the same question to made me to realise why most people and organisations are not achieving their desired results.

Desired results You really want to know what they answered.

Coincidentally, they all answered almost in the same line: they will hope for the best. So, hoping for the best has suddenly become what most organisations are adopting especially in difficult times.

We need to ask in our different organisations, is hoping for the best a reliable strategy for organisation’s growth especially when the odds seem not to be very much in their favour. organisations may be quick to ask: is it wrong to hope for the best when their businesses are not thriving, the economy is not looking up, fewer opportunities on their way, and generally when things are not working in their favour?

From their point of view, they want to be optimistic. My answer to them always is: in

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE

If the cost of failure is high, optimism is the wrong strategy

difficult times, hoping for the best is not enough. Why? Millions and millions of organisations are hoping for the best in tough times, but the “best” is always masked and might not go to anyone expect those intentionally doing their best. Like Dr Martin Seligman will say, “If the cost of failure is high, optimism is the wrong strategy”.

The irony is that even organisations that have not evolved any game plan, core strategies or have not taken definitive steps towards achieving their desired results will still hope for this “same” best. The truth is: the best does not come to organisations who are mere positive or who are wishing for the best. The best will come to organisations that can match their desires with equal amount of time bound actions.

It will come to those who despite all odds will go the extra mile when others are quitting. The best will come to those organisations who value every customer they have and will do all in their hands to constantly amaze them. The best will come to those organisations who do not allow the change on the outside to exceed the change

on the inside. There is no better time to pay attention to this Jack Welch quote more than now: “If the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near”.

So, when organisations merely sit down without being strategic and hope for the best, they are simply making their end nearer.

Organisations are failing more than ever before because, they always assume some magical effect will turn around their situations. Such organisations believe that by hoping for the best, the “best” will graciously and calmly come to them – that is mere optimism and it does happen less of the time. In order to achieve higher and sustainable results for the remaining part of the year, organisations and individuals would need to move from mere optimism to Optimal Thinking.

Mere optimism The difference is that mere optimism will say, ‘our organisation wants the best for Q4’, while Optimal Thinking will ask, ‘what can we do to achieve the best for our organisation in this Q4, what are our options’? What can we do differently in this circumstance? Etc. In challenging times like we are, organisations should avoid wishful thinking and evolve implementable game plan for achieving success.

Final note: You might be wondering what then can an organisation or someone do if there is no choice. Remember, I said earlier, if there is a choice, choose the best. Now there is no choice. What will individuals and organisations do when they have no choice? Very simple, they should be the best. Same goes to everyone reading this insight, instead of hoping for the best, be the best, make the best to come.

For your views or perspectives: Email: uju@hainescentre.com Mobile: 09091142093 www.hainescentre.com C M Y K

24—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Vanguard, THURSDAY,

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

—25

By Chidi Nkwopara, Dayo Johnson, Dayo Adesulu, Abdulsalam Muhammad, Luka Binniyat & Chinoso Alozie

T

HE upgraded four colleg es of education to universities by former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has produced a scenario of one institution of higher learning having two chief executives at the helm of affairs.

You will recall that on May 20, 2015, Jonathan had in the twilight of his tenure, upgraded Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo to Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo; Federal College of Education, Zaria to Federal University of Education, Zaria; Federal College of Education, Kano to Federal University of Education, Kano, and Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri to Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri.

On May 22, after the Federal Executive Council, FEC approved the upgrade of the four Federal Colleges of Education to Universities of Education, N500 million each was also approved as administrative and running costs for the institutions.

Administrative and running costs Subsequently, the Federal Government on May 28, appointed Prof. Richard King for Adeyemi University of Education, Prof.

Sadiq Abubakar for Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri,; Prof. Victor Awonusi for Federal University of Education, Kano and Prof. Ibrahim Kolo for Federal University of Education, Zaria.

The former Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau had said: “The provosts will become the Deputy Vice-Chancellors in the interim as the Federal Government has directed that no ViceChancellor will serve in his or her zone of origin.”

It was gathered that President Muhammadu Buhari who or-

PROTEST: Students of Lagos State University External System, protesting the non release of their results and certificates, at Vanguard newspaper corporate office, Apapa, Lagos.

UPGRADED COLLEGES OF EDUCATION:

Institutions with 2 chief executives dered the reversal of the universities back to Colleges of Education has directed the provosts of the colleges that were to be upgraded to continue to perform their functions in those colleges.

However, Vanguard investigations revealed that the development did not sit well with students and staff of the institutions as many of them pledged divided loyalty to both executives in the institutions.

For instance, workers and students of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo are in a dilemma over the headship of the college following the reversal of the upgrading of the institution by the Federal Government.

Release our results, certificates, LASU external students urge mgt PG. 26

Corruption of tertiary institutions – 1 PG. 27 C M Y K

Vanguard gathered that the Vice- Chancellor that was appointed to the upgraded university, Prof Richard King, who had

The provosts will become the Deputy Vice-Chancellors in the interim as the Federal Government has directed that no Vice-Chancellor will serve in his or her zone of origin

since resumed, in a circular issued in the college insisted that he remained in charge.

However, the confusion in the institution was because the former provost of the college, Prof. Olukoya Ogen is also brandishing a letter issued by the Federal Government of his appointment as the provost of the college.

Our findings showed that Prof.

King wrote a memo which was circulated to the staff of the institution, directing them to relate with him directly as he remained the head of the institution.

According to the memo, King said he had not received any memo from the Federal Govern-

ment directing him to leave as the Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

It added that Prof. King remained as the head and advised members of staff in the institution to go about their lawful duties. But a competent source hinted that the Presidency in a letter sent to the principal officers, stated that Prof. Ogen should return to the institution as the Provost.

Staff of the institution who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were confused about the status of Prof. King and Prof.

Ogen as there was no clear policy or circular from the Federal

Continues on Page 26

Poor funding of higher education is Africa's problem — Oloyede

By Dayo Adesulu

F

ORMER Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor Ishaq Oloyede listed poor funding as a major pitfall of African higher education.

Professor Oloyede stated this while delivering a keynote address at the 3rd International Conference organised by Babcock University’s School of Education and Humanities.

In his paper, The Future of Higher Education in Africa, the past president, Association of African Universities, said funding of all universities in Nigeria put together is less than the funding of one university in Europe and America.

“In Nigeria for instance, government expenditure on education from 2010 to 2012 was US$7.3b, thus averaging about US$2.4b for the entire sector. As low as this might be, the amount constituted only nine per cent of annual government spending,” Oloyede said.

Professor Oloyede said lack of inadequate planning and statistical data is also the undoing of higher education institutions in Africa. According to him, the dearth of statistical information is caused largely by higher education institutions in Africa, as well as their nature of programmes,

ownership and focus.

While the universities, polytechnics/monotechnics and colleges of education are captured by the federal ministry of education, other certificate and diploma awarding institutions like Nursing, Agriculture, Statistics, Ocean and Marine, are unaccounted for by the education ministry.

“This is a very serious problem for the African educational sector. Other common problems of higher education institutions in Africa are brain drain, ‘massification’ in enrolment, impatient private proprietorship, high level of poverty, low level technology, taste for foreign goods and bad governance amongst others. The precarious situation should engender strong commitment for positive change, which is a catalyst for rapid development,” he said.

According to the varsity Don, some of the current initiatives on higher education in Africa includes; African Higher Education and Research Space (AHERS), Regional Centres of Excellence, The Pan African Unversity, Arusha Convention, African Credit Transfer System, Regional Quality Assurance Framework.

Continues on Page 28

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

, Dr. Mukhtar Maccido who never really handed over to Kolo, is fully in charge.

Meanwhile, the decision to reverse the school from University of Education is causing anxiety to many applicants who had apply for Direct Entry to start from 200 levels next academic session.

Though the school declined giving official response to our correspondent, however, worried staff of the school who spoke on

CONFERENCE: From left: Prof Sam Oyovbaire, Chairman, Governing Council, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State; Mr Kehinde Aina, General Manager, Executive Trainers Ltd; Prof Samuel Bandele, Former Vice Chancellor University of Science and Technology Ifaki Ekiti; and Mr Henry Otoighile, Registrar, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos State; at the ongoing Higher Education Conference at the University of Houston, Texas, USA organized by Executive Trainers Ltd.

Institutions with 2 chief executives Continues from Page 25 Government on the issue.

A member of staff said all they saw was a newspaper publication and not a circular, which made it difficult for the staff to know who to relate with as the head of the institution.

When Vanguard contacted the institution’s spokesman, Moses Akinfolarin, he declined to be drawn into the confusion over the headship of the college.

Meanwhile, feelers reaching us from Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri is that the National Commission for Colleges of Education, NCCE, says the Federal Government has put the recent upgrading of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, to a university status on hold.

The Executive Secretary of NCCE, Professor Joshua Monday, who made Government’s position known to newsmen in Owerri, equally warned staff and students, who have been resisting the downgrading of the institution in the past week, to have a rethink and go back to work.

in Nigeria. He, however confirmed that early in August, a new directive came from the Federal Government that the recent conversion be put on hold.

“It still remains the prerogative of the Federal Government to say if the institution would remain a university or College of Education,” he said.

He explained that after the decision to revert to status quo was taken, the four Vice Chancellors were invited by the Federal Ministry of Education and told the implications of the new directive.

“They were told in clear terms that the conversion of the institution to a university had been reversed and there was no longer any place for the post of a Vice Chancellor. The Provosts were given authorization letters to that effect and ordered to go back and take over as Provosts,” Monday said.

On her part, The Provost, Federal College of Education Kano, Dr Rabi Jubrila has taken full charge of running the institution following reversal of the College status recently by the federal gov-

Decision to reverse According to the Executive Secretary, the decision to reverse the upgrading of the four old Colleges of Education to university status, was not influenced by any person or group of persons.

“The decision to reverse the four Colleges of Education that were upgraded to Universities of Education by the last federal administration, to their former status, was not influenced by any person or group of persons within or outside the Colleges, but was taken by the President in his wisdom”, the Executive Secretary said.

Professor Monday who noted that he visited Owerri to put the record straight, affirmed that Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, was one of the oldest Colleges of Education

The conversion of the institution to a university had been reversed and there was no longer any place for the post of a Vice Chancellor; the provosts were given authorization letters to that effect

ernment.

The confusion triggered by government policy reversal appeared to have gone down following the decision of the Academic Staff Union of the college to cease hostilities in line with appeal by the government.

In an exclusive chat, the chairman, Academic staff Union of the school, Dr .

Abubakar Sadiq said; “we have decided to give peace a chance to allow the federal government resolve the crisis in line with concerns generated by our action”.

The erstwhile Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Kano has stopped flexing muscles of authority as he has tactically withdrawn and hardly reports to office.

Tactical withdrawal Dr. Rabi penultimate week hinted that she received letter from the federal government informing her of the federal government's decision to reverse the school to its original status.

Dr Rabi further said consequently, she was directed to continue to administer the College as Federal College of Education and as the Provost of the College with all rights and privileges.

Dr. Rabi who denied allegation that Provost of the Colleges were behind the withdrawal of university status insisted that "only four Provosts can not be powerful enough to influence federal government's decision.”

At Federal College of Education, FCE, Zaria, there is confusion over the status of the school and the position of its newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibrahim Kolo.

Vanguard’s findings revealed that , Kolo who was on the verge of taking full administration of the school seemed to have disappeared from view in the past six weeks. Presently, the provost

condition of anonymity said:”We have not seen any memo of reversal to that effect. Honestly, no one is sure on the position of the Federal government. No one has said anything about the matter. All we noticed was that VC and his aides stopped coming regularly.

“Will there be any role for us again, when the school becomes a university, because very few of us have Ph.Ds,”he said.

Release our results, certificates, LASU external students urge mgt

By Dayo Adesulu & Kelechukwu Iruoma

S

TUDENTS of the Lagos State University External System, LASUES, on Monday protested delayed in release of results and certificates by the management of the system, demanding their immediate release in order to avoid losing their jobs in their various work places.

The students from different campuses who stormed Vanguard Media LTD office, at Kirikiri, Lagos, with placards to report their plight and challenges having with the management of LASUES, noted that they pay the highest school fees which is N98,000 while the full time pay N25,000 and yet they are not getting everything they need.

According to the spokesman for the external students, Mr. Abiodun Esinlokun, a student of Ikoyi External System, since the Lagos State University management instituted the external system programme, the management has not been doing well in meeting the needs of the external system students , rather, what the management is after is money.

School management “We have 2004 till date set of students who are supposed to have graduated but are yet to see their results due to lack of commitment and sincerity by the school management. I am a final year student and I can say authoritatively that I don’t know my grade point (GP); I am yet to see my result from first year to this current year.”

Said Mr. Esinlokun.

Mr. Esinlokun revealed that they have written series of letters to the Director of the programme, Prof. Olatunji Abanikanda, but have not got a positive response yet. In his words “The Director has refused to listen to us and threatened not to release the yet to be released results if we keep disturbing him”, adding “what he tells us is to pay our fees. We have done that and he still has not released our results”. “what happens to our re-

sults?,” “LASUES, no results”, “LASUES, 8 years for 5 years course” “No admission letter after four years” “LASUES, one year per semester”. These are some of the contents of the placards being carried by the external students, crying and singing loudly: “when we remember LASUES, water run from our eyes.”

Other challenges being faced by the external system students as revealed thus: “delay in academic sessions (nine months per semester); unreleased result from 100 level till date, no admission letter, constraints on students academic profiles, missing scripts, among others.”

Missing scripts It would be recalled that the National Universities Commission, NUC, has instructed all universities offering external programmes to scrap them before 2016, that is why, according to them, they are agitating vehemently for their results to be released so that they can graduate before the stipulated time.

When Vanguard Learning contacted the Director of the External System Programme, Prof. Abanikanda, he stated that since he came on board in 2012, his administration has graduated 38, 430 external students, adding “those who said they have not seen their results and not received their certificates since 2004 are not genuine students of the external system. They have no admission letter because their admissions are not genuine.

They are students who came in through the back doors.” He added.

He revealed that the last admission given was in 2011, adding that, is assignment as the Director is to ensure that genuine students of the system must graduate. According to him “Right now (when Vanguard Learning contacted him), school is in session and we are compiling results.”

Stating also, “anybody who is our student; a genuine student of the external system will be graduated,” he said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY,

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

—27

Corruption of tertiary institutions (1) “What does corrupting time [in years, and still does till now. Each Nigeria] not diminish?... time the Lagos programme is Horace, 65-8 BC. (VANGUARD rumoured to be closed down, one BOOK OF QUOTATIONS p 247). discovers that it has been allowed must be the only Nigerian to resume operations elsewhere. who was not shocked by the The NUC will need to explain to news that “the National Nigerians why it has taken so Universities Commission, NUC, long to close those universities. has released a list of illegal And why now? degree-awarding institutions Meanwhile, despite former operating in the country ”. President Jonathan’s ill-advised (VANGUARD, August 28, 2015, and politically-motivated p 6). The report went on to state approval of about twenty five that Prof. Julius Okojie, universities between 2010 and Executive Secretary of the NUC, 2015, all the approved announced that “Certificates universities now number only obtained from these sources will about 150. The 65 illegal not be recognised for the universities, so far discovered, purpose of NYSC, employment bring the total to 215. That means and further studies.” Professor that close to one third of our Okojie has not only condemned universities are illegal. In the institutions, he has also addition, a good number of those indicted the NUC which he has approved by government are headed for several years and running unaccredited courses. which under him had allowed The latest proof of that is the illegal universities to palaver over law graduates of the proliferate all over the country National Open University of virtually unchecked. Perhaps, it Nigeria, NOUN, being barred is a part of the from the Nigerian wind of change Law School. NUC blowing all over and the Council on Prof. Okojie the country that Legal Education, has not only the NUC which CLE, waited until was aware of the condemned the several hundred existence of the aspirant lawyers had institutions, he graduated before i l l e g a l universities for telling them they has also several years, were ineligible for indicted the without taking the Law school and action, had NUC which he NYSC. suddenly woken To be sure, the has headed for operators up to its of those responsibilities. several years institutions should According to be punished for the story carried luring unsuspecting aspirants to in virtually all the leading those institutions only to waste papers, 65 institutions are their funds and mess up their involved. The list includes illegal lives. But, the greatest blame and universities operating in virtually punishment should be reserved every state in Nigeria. But the for NUC officials who tacitly favourite areas for illegal allowed the educational operation of universities are equivalent of fake drugs served those which the NUC should find to gullible parents and our youth. it very difficult to explain how The promise to recover illegal they could have missed them fees is at best laughable, or, at and allowed them to operate for worst detestable. Professor so long – Lagos and Abuja. Okojie would not have become Close to twenty per cent of the a professor if he is not extremely illegal universities operate in intelligent. But, he must be Lagos and Abuja including a playing on our collective Federal College of intelligence to expect to convince Complementary and Alternative us that the fees will be recovered.

Medicine, Abuja – which Ordinary commonsense should actually pretends to train doctors. have told him that before the The NUC also promised to closure of the institutions, the “prosecute proprietors, recover proprietors would have drawn illegal fees and charges on down the accounts and students”. transferred them elsewhere. By To say the least, the NUC has the time NUC obtains judgment demonstrated complete there will be nothing left in the incompetence, carelessness and bank accounts. Professors!!! corrupt tendencies in handling Furthermore, judgment/ the matter of illegal universities. conviction on the hundreds of The NUC and the Nigerian cases will take years; most of the public had been alerted to the proprietors would have vanished existence of illegal universities, by then. So, who will be there to as well as legal universities pay? The victims themselves running unaccredited courses, might not be around to collect the more than fifteen months ago. recovered funds – even if there For instance the University of is any. In that case, who owns Education, Winneba, Ghana, the funds? had been operating for over five

I

BRIEFING: From left; Mr Soji Akinyemi, PRO Nitad; Reverend Tunde Salawu, 1st VicePresident Nitad; Mr. Laolu Oguntuyi, Chairman Conference Planning Committee; Mrs Janet Jolaoso, 2nd Vice President and Alhaji Mugisu Yusuff, Member Conference Planning Committee at the press briefing on the 23rd Annual Trainers' Conference of the institute at Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

How curriculum helps achieve most goals — NITAD

By Tare Youdeowei HAIRMAN Conference Planning Committee, Nigerian Institute of Training and Development Engr. Laolu Oguntuyi has urged entrepreneurs to cease the opportunity of the 23rd annual trainers’ conference organized by NITAD in Calabar, Cross River State, to broaden their horizons.

Oguntuyi said that the conference slated for 8th to 10th of September at Monty Suites will feature leading experts who will challenge thought processes about talent management and exciting opportunities to connect with and learn from peers.

Disclosing one of the reasons for the conference in Lagos, Oguntuyi said, “With the chosen topics, participants can easily craft a custom curriculum to help achieve their most ambitious goals.”

According to him, the programme is designed to provide participants with the tools, resources, innovations

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and solutions you need to succeed in this new talent economy With the theme, Emerging Trends in Talent Management, Oguntuyi said; “Talent management also known as human capital management is evolving as a discipline that encompasses processes right from hiring people to retaining and developing them.”

He explains that such talent management includes recruitment, selection, learning, training and development,

Through talent management, more effort is now being laid on designing and maintaining employee scoreboards and employee surveys

competency management, succession planning adding.

“These are all critical processes that enable an organization to compete and stand out in the market place when managed well."

Speaking in a press conference held in Lagos, Oguntuyi said, “ Technology is increasingly getting introduced into people development. Online employee portals have become common place in organizations to offer easy access to employees various benefits and schemes. Through talent management more effort is now being laid on designing and maintaining employee scoreboards and employee surveys for ensuring that talent is nurtured and grown perpetually.”

The Nigerian Institute of Training and Development is a professional body of Human Resource Development (HRD) Practitioners registered in Nigeria to promote the science and practical of training and development nationwide.

Undergraduates count benefits of MultiChoice’s Take a Girl Child to Work

By Dayo Adesulu

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HE MultiChoice 2015 Take a Girl Child to Work received a boost in Lagos as undergraduates from some public and private universities in Nigeria who stormed MultiChoice Corporate office at Victoria Island, Lagos enumerate their blessings.

The Take a Girl Child to Work, which MultiChoice incorporated, is an annual corporate social investment event, has held in South Africa since 2003. Companies involved organise for female learners usually from disadvantaged backgrounds, to spend the day in their offices.

Unlike, previous years where it was just the University of Lagos, undergraduates girls now come from OAU, U.I, Covenant University, Babcock University, University of Port Harcourt,

UNILAG, Bowen University among others.

Interacting with Vanguard, Uchegu Ugueze, a 300 level Law Student of University of Lagos, said; the programme afforded her the opportunity to listen to speakers who spoke on how to maximize the best out of every opportunity. Speakers came from far and near, spoke on different topics like mentorship and centered on how one can maximize potentials and make the best out of every opportunity.

On her part, Eniola Adebayo 18, from Bowen University, noted that the programme encouraged her to be confident as a young girl and also to face challenges in life to actualise her dream.

Meanwhile, Morenikeji Aderonmi, a final year student said that the initiative makes the

girl child stand on her own and try to fend for herself. She said; “I learnt that we should not be comfortable in our comfort zone but try to be outspoken by Voicing out your mind. Be yourselves and in anywere you find yoursleve try to stand out."

Expressing her benefits, Imolemide Alimi from Obafemi Awolowo University said: “I feel like am into the real world now and know what its like and what is required of you when you go for interviews. It has also improve the way I think.”

Oghenekewe Akpofure, studying law at UNILAG said: “Exposure is good for any course you are studying and you can look into different areas as law is quite broad. After graduation, I can go into any area, both the entertainment law which is what multi choice is doing now. "

28—Vanguard, THURSDAY,

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

SUCCESS RECIPE WITH UDEME ARCHIBONG successrecipe2009@gmail.com www.worldlightbearersint.com 0803-509-5243

How education can curb Boko Haram

By Tare Youdeowei

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OKO Haram has bedevilled the education sector by attacking schools and recruiting children into their ranks to carry out acts the sect deems fit, which in most cases involves their death or exposure to circumstances that should never be privy to the eyes of an adult and worse, a child.

Fortunately, there has been positive news on the crippling of the sect that has troubled the nation for over four years, but more still needs to be done to completely bring the sect to nonexistence. More importantly, more needs to be done to ensure that; for no reason would the education sector, schools and children be vulnerable to such attacks and indoctrination to join the ranks of deadly sects.

In this light, the suggestions of Professor Peter Okebukola, Chairman of Council, Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, th while delivering the 10 Convocation Lecture of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, titled Higher Education and Africa’s Future: Doing What is Right, are brought to fore, to serve as a guide and reference point for educationists and stakeholders in securing the nation, particularly children, from Boko Haram and any form of insurgency or criminal groups that may come their way, even violent cult groups. Excerpts......

Curriculum: I begin with the curriculum and suggest some toning up of the basic education curriculum to which all 6 – 15 year olds are exposed. Boko Haram is about ideology and indoctrination. Education is a powerful tool for ideology change and indoctrination. We should draw on the potent and positive power of education to counter the jihadist messages of the insurgents.

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council which is charged with curriculum development and renewal should embed topics in all subjects in the basic education curriculum that can steer Nigerian children and youth away from religious violence and jihadist tendencies. The message of religious tolerance should hit the children from all sides in every subject they learn and every day in school. The school anthem

The message of religious tolerance should hit the children from all sides in every subject they learn and every day in school

Poor funding of higher education is Africa's problem — Oloyede Continues from Page 25 He said AHERS, for instance, is the vista of opportunity for members the higher education community in Africa to seamlessly interact in the quest to fulfill their teaching, research and service functions.

On the other hand, the African Transfer System is an initiative of the African Union with support from the European Union that seeks for mutual

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recognition of courses by partnering institutions and standardisation of credits assigned to courses across African higher institutions.

He said though the situation seems gloomy at the moment, there is a silver lining in the offing if there is a renewed commitment from political leaders and harmonization of strategies and initiatives among African higher education institutions.

should contain a line or two which promotes temperate living.

Teachers: The next step is that teachers should be trained in efficient and effective ways of delivering the religious tolerance entrenched curriculum. It is essentially training in the pedagogy of socio-religious and ethnic tolerance. We propose long vacation training, the conduct of such training should be every two years.

Child-friendly schools Another angle of attack through education is to invest in child-friendly schools. The logic is that if children are taken off the streets and feel safe and happy in school with a pleasing environment, the long hands of Boko Haram may not catch up with them. Child-friendly schools will meet the psychosocial needs of the pupils and they will be encouraged to attend. When in school, the children can then be dosed with curriculum suggested earlier for countering the jihadist messages of the insurgents. Key words in this effort are counter propaganda in schools at full blast.

We need schools to compete in demonstrating that they are the least amenable to Boko Haram incursion. Here, state and national competitions should be established for the best schools that promote harmony and tolerance, and schools that best deliver anti-jihadist and anti insurgency messages and practice.

Entrepreneurial education and wages: Boko Haram feasts mainly on idle hands as recruits, paying them much more than the national minimum wage. We should step up the delivery of entrepreneurial education at all levels of the educational system so that products of basic and higher education are better tooled with work. Government should offer wages that Boko Haram will find difficult to beat and more importantly constrict and strangulate the sources of funds for the jihadists.

Training your mind to work for you!

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ARL Nightingale you get rid of in your mind repels observes, “All of us are off from your life. Reality is the self-made but only the summation of your thoughts successful will admit it.” We are because thoughts are a creative made or unmade by our force. Whatever is evident in the thoughts. The only thing we sphere of your life had already have absolute control of in life existed in the domain of your is our minds and the content of mind or in the circle of your our minds determines the thoughts. Your destiny rises and context of our lives. In other falls according to the level of your words, our minds hold the key most dominant thoughts.

Every time your mind is at to our destiny.

A great life is a product of a work, creation is at work. great mind. A messed up life Whatever you dwell in thought is a product of a messed up dwells in your life. You become mind. The mind is like a discouraged or unhappy when magnetic field that attracts into you dwell on discouraging or your life people, activities, unhappy thoughts. And as you philosophies, lifestyle, events continue to dwell on the and circumstances that unhappy thoughts you attract corresponds or harmonizes other unhappy thoughts which worsen it. with it.

Much more, if the unhappy Thoughts chart the course of thoughts become our lives and your dominant are the cause pattern of of our thinking, you experiences in Whatever you attract into your life. Whatever life unhappy hold in your enters our life people, events is but the mind upholds a n d physical circumstances on your destiny; expression of the same some form of whatever comes n e g a t i v e belief in our frequency with alive in your mind.

Our the unhappy thoughts are mind comes thoughts and the forerunner even your alive in your of our lives; physical health life. Whatever where your could be thoughts lead you lose grip of adversely your life The in your thoughts affected. follows. Your reverse is the mind is the you lose grip of case if your control center dominant pattern in your life of your life; of thinking your thoughts r e f l e c t s control your words, emotions, happiness and positivity. It is not attitude and self-image-your what happens to you that destiny. Your life experience is a matters; what really matters is mirror of your mental images. what happens in you. It is not Your innermost convictions create the circumstance of life that your outer conditions. Your life counts what really counts is what pattern always harmonizes with you think about the circumstance. your thought pattern. The state Whatever you mentally picture of your mind becomes the state you out-picture in your of your life; the experience. Whatever thoughts condition of your you focus on will expand and mind becomes the perpetuate in your reality. Your condition of your entire life can change completely life. by choosing to redirect your focus Whatever you hold of thoughts. You have the power in your mind to direct and change your life upholds your because you have the power to destiny. Whatever, choose and control your thoughts. comes alive in your Ponder on the words of Saint mind comes alive in Paul, “Whatever is true, whatever your life. Whatever is worthy of reverence and is you lose grip of in honorable and seemly, whatever your thoughts you is just, whatever is pure, lose grip of in your whatever is lovely and lovable, life. whatever is kind and winsome Your thoughts and gracious, if there is any define your life; your virtue and excellence, if there mind moulds your is anything worthy of praise, destiny. Whatever think on and weigh and take controls your mind account of these things (fix controls your destiny. your minds on them)”.

Whatever thoughts

Vanguard,THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—29

More pensioners opt for programmed withdrawal As lump-sum withdrawal payments hit N257.43bn

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

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HE number of pensioners opting for the Programmed Withdrawal, PW, in the Contributory Pension System, CPS, has been on the increase.

This development, according to the National Pension Commission, PenCom, first quarter report for 2015, has led to no fewer than 3,340 pensioners opting for PW, a 3.24 percent increase over the previous year.

According to the report, “the total number of pensioners on PW increased by 3,340 from 103,081 as at the end of the fourth quarter of 2014 to close at 106,421 as at the end of the first quarter, 2015. This represented an increase of 3.24 percent.

Sectoral breakdown A sectoral breakdown of the total number of pensioners shows that while the public sector accounted for 1,322 pensioners (38.43 percent) the private sector accounted for 2,118 pensioners (61.57 percent) in the first quarter of 2015.

Similarly, the report said “the monthly lump-sum withdrawals on PW in the first quarter of 2015 was N2.55 billion, which cumulatively amounted to N257.43 billion from inception to the end of the period under review. On the retirement by Life Annuity, LA, the report said “the Commission received a total of 1,914 applications for retirement under the LA Plan

in the quarter. All the requests were approved, which brought the total number of pensioners on LA to 15,976. In addition, a total premium of N79.18 billion was approved for payment to insurance companies on behalf of the 15,976 pensioners in return for monthly payments amounting to N790.10 million “A comparative analysis of pensioners on LA and PW shows that while 13.05 percent of the pensioners were under annuity, 86.95 percent were under PW. Thus, while pensioners under the LA accounted for 9.20 percent of cumulative lump sum withdrawal, those PW accounted for the remaining balance of 91.80 percent. In the third quarter of 2014, the commission granted approval for the payment of 25 per cent of Retirement Saving Account, RSA, balances amounting to

A comparative analysis of pensioners on LA and PW shows that while 13.05 percent of the retirees were under annuity, 86.95 percent were under PW

•Pensioners protesting unpaid benefits N20.72 billion to 96,002 RSA holders who retired before the age of 50 years, and having stayed for at least four months after retirement without securing any new employment.

Out of this number, 91,355 (95.16 percent) were from the private sector and 4,647 (4.84 percent) from the public sector.”

According to the report, “during the quarter under review, approvals were given for the payment of N4.44 billion as death benefits to the Next of Kins (NOKs) of 1,450 deceased employees”, noting that N77.18 billion had been paid to the NOKs of 27,321 deceased employees from inception to the end of the first quarter of 2015.”

Meanwhile, the report noted that the commission scaled up its compliance and enforcement strategies to enhance compliance with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act, PRA, 2014 and that some operators were sanctioned in line with the compliance framework.

According to the report, “during the quarter, the commission received 1,050 applications for issuance of

compliance certificates, out of which 840 employers were issued the certificates while the remaining applications were rejected on the grounds that they did not meet the requirements. The commission retained the services of consultants in order to followup and conclude work on the recovery of outstanding pension contributions and penalties from defaulting employers.

Defaulting employers During the quarter, N540.94 million representing principal contributions of N145.85 million and penalty of N395.09 million was recovered. This brought total recoveries made to date to N6.73 billion.

“During the quarter under review, the commission received a total of 1,330 applications for the transfer of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF contributions amounting to N91.68 million.

Following the review of the applications, the commission

granted “no objection” to Trustfund Pensions Plc to pay N82.14 million to 1,200 contributors. This suggested that 130 applications amounting to N9.54 million were rejected due to incomplete documentations.

This brought the total NSITF contributions transferred to RSAs of beneficiaries N9.22 billion. The amount was transferred on behalf of 123,917 NSITF contributors.”

On informal sector participation in CPS, the report explained that “in the effort to encourage the informal sector participation in the CPS, the commission developed and distributed the framework for the informal sector participation in the CPS to all stakeholders for comments. The inputs from various stakeholders have been collated and subsequently incorporated into the Framework. Consequent upon this, the commission commenced work on the guidelines and other modalities that would facilitate the participation of the informal sector in the scheme.”

Ambode talks tough over non-remittance of pension funds

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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S part of efforts to ensure prompt payment of terminal benefits of its employees, Lagos State Government, has presented bond certificates worth N2.2billion as retirement benefit to 658 retired civil servants.

Speaking at the 18th Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation, in Ikeja, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, warned the state's parastatals that had not fully complied with the provisions of the Lagos State Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, by

regular remittance to immediately commence their contributions into the employees Retirement Saving Account, RSAs without delay.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, described the payment of the benefits as indication of the present administration’s passion to enhance workers’ welfare.

Addressing 230 retired civil servants from 12 state government parastatals, whose pension rights had already been credited into their RSAs,

Ambode said a total liability of N761.828million was now being absorbed by the state government on behalf of the pensioners.

He said: “We are very resolute in forging ahead with the contributory pension scheme. With the mechanism for guaranteeing the safety of fund contributed in place by the regulatory agencies. The contributory pension scheme remains one of the finest things democracy has bequeathed on Nigeria workers. The scheme is sustainable as it meets the challenges of the past pension

scheme administration which, being a non-contributory, relied totally on budgetary allocations of government.”

Speaking, Director- General, DG, Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, assured that retired civil servants who had not been paid their entitlements would soon have financial empowerment as Governor Ambode had vowed to look into their case and ensure they all received their retirement benefits.

Onanuga also noted that the governor had earlier approved

the release of N11billion to meet the outstanding pension liabilities of retired civil servants, adding that the fund would be disbursed on monthly basis, starting with August, to immediately bring succour to the retired employees on the waiting list.

The Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate is a written acknowledgment by the state government of debt owed to employees for their years in service under the Pay-As–YouGo pension scheme which was discontinued on the 31st March, 2007.

30—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 —31

Shifting the Paradigm, Edozie’s changing face of African art

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HE gentleman meant well for the promotion of Arts and Entertainment Industry, but the checklist guiding the accessibility of this “hope grant” has been rendered near impossible for the practitioners—the artistes. I wonder how many actors, dancers, creative writers, sculptors or fine artists have the kind of establishments and requirements as demanded by the Bank of Industry to make progress and growth in today’s Nigerian Entertainment Industry. When President Jonathan made this offer about four years ago, I hastened to congratulate and thank him in my “OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT” published in a number of national dailies.

By Japhet Alakam

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HE current wind of change blowing across African recorded a major boost in the art sector as one of her contemporary artists, George Edozie took part in a historic exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) with a resounding success. The museum located in the heart of downtown North Miami, Florida offers visitors both temporary exhibitions and exhibitions of its collection.

But, one major issue that has bordered many art lovers, especially followers of African art is the inability of the museum which began in 1981, and has afforded many artists the opportunity of exhibiting their works, has not featured any artists of African descent.

Whether it was deliberate or not, that jinx was broken recently when Nigeria trained painter, George Edozie held the first ever historic African exhibition at the centre.

The show tagged, Shifting the Paradigm which opened on December 2, and ended successfully on February 26th, 2015 was the first time that an African had a full museum show at Art Basel.

The exhibition which focussed on the culture and art of the Onitsha people was graced by Igwe Alfred Nnaemka Achebe, Agbogodi, The Obi of Onitsha, who presented a lecture. Apart from that over 50 professors gave lectures too.

Creative blockade The exhibition draws attention to the occurrence of a millenial shift that will open the world to a new way of thinking and being. Through form, color, design consciousness and containment, Edozie’s collaged paintings and monumemtal fabric sculptures unleashed the embodied powers of life to dissolve creative blockade and remake reality.

The show which was designed to tear down aging but still prevalent concepts surrounding the creation, consumption and interpretation of contemporary art lived up to its bidding as Americans were inspired by the creative ingenuity of Edozie.

It featured about 14 works; 7 paintings and 7 sculptures.

Through the body of works, Edozie who is basically influenced by Onitsha Ado culture celebrates the rich culture, the traditional dieties and history of the city of Onitsha. One unique aspect of the works is that all the works were titled in Igbo, a good way of identifying with its root and telling the stories by them-

Former President Jonathan's Art Bonanza can only aid corruption

Training institutions

• One of the exhibited works by George Edozie selves. Some of the works include, The spirit came, a seven piece sculpture representing the seven parts of the Obis in Onitsha. Asanma, a mixed media painting depicting six different ladies with Agbongonma, a maiden spirit like the typical beauty pageant of the present time but the only different was that they are not skinny. Another work is the four faces of Amonyonma, showing the faces of the living and the dead. Obi Igboro, a village in Onitsha that produces many women which attract men to the village.

The works actually potrayed the

He enjoined African artists to strive and get themselves into international competitions so that they can compete with them

beauty of Africa, not the horrible things that they hear and see on the screen and it was a delight to all as they wondered at the creative ingenuinity of the artist, unlike what they have been seeing for years.

Speaking about the exhibition, the artist said that it was successful, going there for the first time and emerging as the best show.

And to crown it, he is now managed over there and a gallery is representeing him. Apart from the exhibition at the museum where one of the works was acquired by MOCA, some of the works were also sold in other gallerires.

But despite the success recorded, Edozie is not happy with the way the African press and art writers responded to the show. According to him, while the show was well celebrated by foreign art writers and newspapers, on the home side, apart from few media houses that wrote on it, not much was heard about it as African scholars did not celebrate their own. He therefore called on African writers to celebrate their own by writing about them.

He also enjoined African artists to strive and get themselves into international competions so that they can compete with them.

The show was curated in Nigeria by Chinwe Uwasie while Prof Nkeiru Nzegwu was incharge over there. Credits should go to Kelechi Amadi Obi who covered the exhibition .

I went ahead to suggest what could be done with the money to build a viable Entertainment Industry, such as building the Hall of Fame, theatre auditorium in local government areas and the restructuring and organizing of the Entertainment Industry including training institutions for performing artistes instead of Theatre Arts jamboree in universities.

By the way, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) should have the capital say in disbursing some of this grant to worthy and qualified artistes. That is why the Arts Council or the Ministry should decide who qualifies to access the grant. As it is with the stringent conditions made almost impossible for the “artistes”, very few businesses let alone entertainment companies can fulfil these requirements. How easy would it be for an artiste seeking support to produce a movie or stage play to find answers to the checklist from the Bank of Industry demanding the likes of: 1. Evidence of Availability of Collateral Property With Valid

I wonder how many dancers, creative writers, sculptors or fine artists have the kind of requirements as demanded by the Bank of Industry

Title 2. Valuation Report on the Property Proposed as Collateral 3. Copy of Draft Technical, Management, Equipment Supply and/or Joint Venture Agreement All being part of 25 such requirements.

This makes room for fraud when the beneficiaries, possibly companies that have nothing to do with the Arts, importers and exporters, sugar and cement companies, ask for waivers which will lead to rustling of hands.

And if this is not cradle for corruption, then what is? I hereby recall my article, “OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT”, June 2011. There has been no response nor progress to the suggestions made in the letter to the President which has dashed the hope I nursed of a rapid growth of the Entertainment Industry.

There is hope for Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry: Yes Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is the first Nigerian president to award cash for the development of Arts in Nigeria. So let us design the set before we switch on the footlights, as we start the countdown to ‘the Build Up’ of Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry.

President Goodluck Jonathan has laid the necessary foundation; indeed provided vivid hope for a viable industry. There is no medicine like hope they say, no incentive so great and no tonic as powerful as expectation for something tomorrow. Hope is the dream of a waking man. Nigerian Artists awake!

Entertainment industry Let’s wake up to the start of the building of a broad based and vibrant Entertainment Industry.

Let us keep artists employed by building auditoria, Hall of Fame, Training schools for stage and movie performers. Build an Arrowhead at ‘Camwood City’ with Tinapa as city centre of our own Broadway and beef up Tourism with shows. These will provide work and evoke creativity from sculptors, painters, poets, indeed writers and musicians, to beautify and adorn the nation with lyrics and colours. How better can we rebrand Nigeria and identify a great African nation with the insignia of originality but by our talented and creative artistes mobilized?

Artist’s welfare: over the years, Nigerian artists have been clamouring for endowment funds to provide security and dignity for practitioners. Now is the time to build the foundation, starting from the welfare of the practitioners.

32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

‘Don’t allow importation to kill local drug industry’ — PMG-MAN seeks 20% tax on imported finished pharmaceuticals

By Sola Ogundipe & Chioma Obinna

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HE comparatively high cost of drugs in Nigeria has long been recognised as one of the factors contributing to inaccessibility to affordable healthcare services by majority of Nigerians.

The situation is worsened by unavailability of reliable health insurance plans to the generality of the masses who continue to pay out of pocket.

Although a sizeable percentage of drugs that are utilised for healthcare delivery is imported, the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry has been struggling to keep up in light of the national policy on drug importation.

Now, there are worries that the cost of drugs which constitutes a significant portion of the total cost of healthcare may soon be beyond the reach of the average Nigerian if the infiltration of imported finished drug products is not checked.

Already, local drug manufacturers have raised alarm on the danger of overdependence on imported drugs, which they say, poses a security risk to disease reduction, as well as economic, social and political stability.

Common External Tariff The Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, PMG-MAN, Okey Akpa, said the recently introduced Common External Tarrif, CET,

DRUG INDUSTRY: There are fears that the local drug manufacturing industry faces extinction except the Federal government steps in to check infiltration of imported finished drugs by imposing a mandatory 20 percent protective tax.

All we want is for the government to create a protective tax of 20 % for imported finished pharmaceutical products to encourage local manufacturers

in the pharmaceutical Industry was a threat to fortunes of the local industry.

The CET places zero tariff on finished imported medicine while essential raw and packaging materials required by the industry for local medicine production attracts five percent to 20 per cent.

“This policy undoubtedly, spells doom for the local industry as imported medicines will become far cheaper than locally

produced ones. This situation is inimical to the survival of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector,” Akpa argued.

In his commentary, called for an import adjustment tax of 20 percent on imported finished pharmaceutical products as applied to other sectors where Nigeria has capacity as allowed by the CET. "Under the National List within the CET, input into pharmaceutical manufacturing should be allowed to be imported at zero percent by bonafide pharmaceutical manufacturers.

"We have made representation to Government and we have expectations that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari will address this anomaly expeditiously to avoid the collapse of the pharmaceutical industry.

Dependence on imported drugs: Akpa who spoke extensively on the dangers pose by dependence on imported products said drugs like anti malaria drugs will suffer as the CET will discourage local manufacturers from continuing operations.

"All we want is for the government to create a protective tax of 20 percent for imported finished pharmaceutical products to encourage local manufacturers."

The issue will be further brought to light during the Nigeria Pharma manufacturers Expo 2015 coming up September 7-9, 2015 in Lagos. About 3,000 participants, from across the world as well as Federal Ministries of Health, Industry, Trade & Investment, NAFDAC, SON, Bank of Industry among others are expected.

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—33

BAYELSA GOV: Patience Jonathan drums

support for Dickson Y

By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA —THE second term bid of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has received a boost following the decision of the former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, to support the incumbent in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The former First Lady, who for long had been at loggerhead with the incumbent governor and even resigned her appointment as a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service was said to have directed all her loyalists and aides of the former President in the state to work selflessly for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to ensure the party maintains its dominance in the predominantly riverine state.

Sources close to the former First Lady, claimed the decision to support the PDP and the second term bid of Dickson was based on the need to resist the perceived plan by the All Progressive Congress, APC, to dislodge PDP in Bayelsa, home base of the former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Others claimed that her decision to reconcile with Dickson was based on the series of interventions from some prominent Bayelsa elders, including former governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyesiegha.

A close relative of President Jonathan, Engr. Mike Ogiasa, confirmed that though the processes that led to the reconciliation between Dickson and the former First Lady were not known to him, she remained a strong supporter of the PDP. He said: “As a close family member, I known her very well.

She can suppress her anger against someone and do the right thing. As am talking to you, I believe, as a typical PDP woman, she can never support another political party against the

choice of the PDP. “In politics, there is unity in diversity. People disagree to agree.

It was not a hidden fact that Governor Dickson was at loggerhead with Dame Jonathan.

But it is also true that, by human nature, she may not have supported Dickson.

“But she has weighed it and discovered that the election is beyond Dickson. And because she is from Bayelsa and Rivers States, she knows what it took the Rivers man to retain the PDP leadership.

She cannot now because of anger

allow Bayelsa to be under the APC. “Though I don’t know who she is supporting but I know that she can never vote APC against the PDP. If anyone emerges outside Dickson at the PDP primaries, she will support the person. And if Dickson emerges as flag bearer, I am hundred per cent sure she will support him.”

He added that the silence of the former President should not be termed anti-party posture against the PDP ahead of the forthcoming governorship primaries and election.

COCKTAIL: From left: Commanding Officer, NNS Lana, Navy Captain A.A.Mustapha, Regional Operations Director (Lagos), Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Oladokun Oye, and Chief Staff Officer, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ibe-Enwo, at a cocktail sponsored by Airtel onboard the NNS Centenary, during the off Shore Patrol Vessel Africa Conference 2015 in Lagos.

DESOPADEC: Udu youths threaten to shut oil wells

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By Emma Amaize

SABA—ANGRY youths of Udu, Udu Local Government Area in Delta State, have given the state government a seven-day ultimatum to address alleged marginalization of the area in the reconstituted board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, or they will shut down all the oil wells in their location.

Ukoko R’Okugbe R’ Ighee R’ Udu (the union of Udu youths) in a letter to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, by its chairman, Sunday Subi, said the state government had not appointed any Udu indigene as commissioner or head of department in the oil commission since it was established, whereas Ughelli South and Uvwie in the same bloc had served on the board with Ughelli South re-appointed, while Udu had not taken a bite.

He said: “We hereby issue a seven-day ultimatum to the state government to address this matter and reverse this ugly trend in the interest of equity, peace and justice. The hallmark of the current administration is prosperity for all Deltans and not prosperity for a section of the state.

“In the face of the unprovoked

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marginalization of the Udu people in matters relating to DESOPADEC, we the Udu people, particularly the youths who, hitherto, have conducted

ourselves in the most dignifying and law abiding manner have clearly realised that our simplicity is being mistaken for cowardice. We may have to pick up the gauntlet

to prove to all and sundry that we are no fools, to rescue Udu from this wantonly wicked marginalization."

Panel urged to summon Wike, Ikuru over invitation to appear before the monorail project commission was necessary.

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By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— CHAIRMAN of the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry probing alleged sale of valued assets of the state and other related matters, Justice George Omereji, has been told to also summon Governor Nyesom Wike and the former deputy governor of the state, Mr Tele Ikuru to answer questions on the monorail project.

Mr Fred Azunba in a statement, yesterday, in Port

Harcourt, said he was aware that Governor Wike and the former deputy governor , Mr. Ikuru were part of the administration of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi when the project was conceived, adding that it will be fair for the sake of transparency to extend invitations to them.

Azunba who alleged that the former deputy governor, Ikuru also sat on a committee during discussions with TSI over the monorail project, said that their

“At every stage of the Monorail, the project had been transparent. The former deputy governor, Ikuru also sat on a committee to direct the discussions with TSI. The records are there. Even Wike should be invited,” he said.

He advised the commission to engage experts and auditors to critically look at what the former government had done on the monorail project, saying that the commission lacked the technical expertisetoproperlyassesstheproject.

Itsekiri community warns public against land administrative dispute. speculators, others There has not been any

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A R R I — A N Itsekiri community, Ugbodede in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, has warned the public against falling prey to land speculators in the community and persons allegedly impersonating as leaders.

In a statement in Warri by

Ushedu Tseke, Ojiburuku (Community Head), of Ugbodede, said “Some persons have been in the media parading themselves as OlaraAja and spokesperson and arrogating to themselves authority to allocate the community’s lands.

“Ugbodede is in court over

Olare-Aja and spokesperson since the litigation has been dragging.”

Tseke warned the public to be wary of these claimants, saying, “Granted, Ugbodede land is not for sale, and anyone dealing with unauthorized land speculators in the community does so at his or her own risk.”

Delta APC chieftains laud fact finding c'ttee

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By Perez Brisibe

G H E L L I — CHIEFTAINS of All Progressives Congress, APC, from Delta Central senatorial district, have hailed the sitting of Fact Finding and Reconciliatory Committee of the party, describing it as a huge success.

The committee is currently sitting in the three senatorial districts of Delta State in a bid to resolve the crisis in the party.

Addressing newsmen in Ughelli, Chief Jaro Egbo, Chief Adelebu Bodjor and a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Solomon Edojah in their respective remarks, said that it was a new dawn for the APC in Delta State, noting that the party would come out stronger in future elections.

They said that the reconciliatory move by the party would go a long way to re-assure members of the party, who never believed that President Muhammadu Buhari would emerge victorious at the poll.

Aspirant assures on improved welfare

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ENIN—AN aspirant for the 2016 governorship election in Edo State under the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Chris Iyare has assured the people of the state that if given the mandate, he will guarantee improved welfare services for the electorate.

Iyare in Benin City, when he bagged the United Nations-POLAC foundation award, Ambassador for Peace and his appointment as new international peace advocate, said: “This award will spur me, as it further confirmed my priority of vying for the governor of state among other services to the people to ensure that every Edo people is provided with enhanced welfare packages.

“This is my commitment because governance is centred on service and I offer my selfless service to all towards improving the living standard of the populace and maintain a healthy society.” he said.

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

PDP CRISIS: Nwoye, 8 others face expulsion

Activists commend Lagos NURTW boss, exco

By Enyim Enyim

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NITSHA—SUSPENDED members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State, Mr. Tony Nwoye and eight others may be expelled from the party should they fail to appear before the disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged anti-party

By Starrys Obazei

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EMBERS OF Concerned Human Rights Nigeria, CHRN, have commended the peaceful reign of the current chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Lagos State, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede.

Reminiscing on the NURTW’s inglorious years of rancour, violence and assassinations in the state chapter, Mr. Declan Ihekaire, the national coordinator of the activists, in a statement made available to journalists, said “those terrible days should be gone forever with the full democratization of NURTW’s transition of powers.

“That was why we became worried when we read that all state executive committees had been dissolved by the NURTW national secretariat. We are also quickly relaxed with the circular from the national General Secretary, Comrade Chief Element S. Wetkur (JP), that “zonal and state councils are not yet dissolved. However, this portends uncertainty in the national transport union.”

Speaking with particular reference to Lagos State, Ihekaire said: “It should be noted that in the last four years, there has been rex pax (reign of peace) in the conduct of the affairs of NURTW in Lagos State."

Ihekaire added: “We commend all initiatives of Agbede-led executive to socially partner with the government and pertinent agencies for smooth transportation in the state.”

activities against them.

Other suspended members included Prince Ossy Ezenwa, Basil Ejidike, Ejike Oguebego, Mrs. Jessy Balonwu, Kenneth Arinze, Hon. Uche Ogbonna, Chuks Okoye and Tony Akachukwu.

Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Ken Emeakayi, in an exclusive interview, told Vanguard that suspended

members who were found guilty in line with the party constitution, chapter 10, section 58 (1) could still be forgiven if they showed remorse of the offence they allegedly committed, either orally or in writing to the disciplinary committee.

He said it was in compliance with the provisions of the PDP constitution 2012 (as amended)

AKWA IBOM ELECTION TRIBUNAL: PDP opens

defence

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HE AKWA Ibom State Governorship election tribunal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday resumed hearing with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate in the April 11, governorship election, Mr Udom Emmanuel beginning the defense of their victory at the polls which is being challenged by the All Progressives Congress and its gubernatorial candidate, Mr Umana Okon Umana.

Sitting before Justices A. S. Umar, K. O. Dawodu and P. T. Kwahar in Court 8 of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the PDP presented four witnesses on the day they began the defense of the Party’s mandate.

Opening the account, Mr Imo Asuquo Okon, a Medical Scientist from Ikot Oku Ikono, Uyo confirmed to the Tribunal that he participated and voted in the Akwa Ibom State governorship election and tendered his voter’s card which was accepted as an exhibit by the Tribunal.

Mr Okon told the Tribunal that apart from about three units in his ward where elections were disrupted by the APC Ward Chairman, the elections went on smoothly in the other units of the ward.

In the same vein, a retired Permanent Secretary from Uyo, Mr Maxwell Jeremiah testifying as a witness also confirmed that although he does not belong to

any political party, he had voted during the governorship election which he said went on smoothly in his area.

A third witness and former Commissioner for Transport in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Godwin Ntukude debunked the claim by the APC that Akwa Ibom State Transport Company (AKTC) vehicles were used to convey materials during the election. He said AKTC was a private company and was, therefore, not under his control and supervision.

Mr Ntukude also confirmed that he participated and monitored the election in his native Uruan Local Government Area and from the reports he got, elections were held smoothly.

The last witness of the day, Mr Isaiah Abia, an Estate Developer concluded the PDP account by also confirming that there were accreditation and election in his unit and ward, which the PDP won squarely and said it would be dishonest for anyone to claim there was no election in Akwa Ibom State.

Earlier, Counsel to the APC governorship candidate, Mr. Wole Olanipekun (SAN) had sought the consent of the tribunal for the verification of the ballot materials in the custody of the tribunal, a move which was objected by counsel to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Paul Usoro (SAN) who argued that it would be a waste of the Tribunal’s time.

that Nwoye and his group called Equity Forum, were suspended for declaring a parallel state Exco when the party had successfully organized a congress at all levels in the state as directed by the national secretariat.

According to Emeakayi, Nwoye never indicated interest that he was contesting for any position in the last state congresses of the party, only for him to gather his group at Emmaus House, Awka, to declare themselves the leader, the state chairman, secretary, woman leader, among other positions, contrary to the PDP constitution.

Besides, Emeakayi said Nwoye had on Saturday, July 28, 2015, addressed a press conference where he castigated and mocked the national officers of the party, including the national publicity secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh.

He said the party was currently in the process of restructuring and re-positioning with the aim of taking over the government of Anambra State from the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.

He said the reformation of the party was not only going on at the state, local government and ward levels, but at the national level under the committee headed by Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

FMOT constitutes verification c'ttee for NIMASA projects

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HE FEDERAL Ministry of Transport has constituted a committee to carry out verification of all projects currently being executed by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The committee which has members drawn from the Federal Ministry of Transport, Federal Ministry of Works and the General Services Unit of NIMASA is expected to carry out an evaluation of all projects currently being executed by NIMASA with a view to ascertaining their percentage

completion in relation to funds already released.

Speaking on the constitution of the committee, the Acting Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro said the evaluation has become necessary given the limited resources available to the agency which require the prioritization of projects execution so as to avoid the situation where projects are being abandoned.

“We need to set our priorities right as far as project execution is concerned by strategically executing projects even in a

phased manner so as to avoid a situation where projects that should have been very beneficial to the development of the maritime industry are abandoned due to poor planning”, the DG said.

Mr. Jauro who lauded the wisdom of the Transport Ministry in including officers from the Federal Ministries of Transport and Works said the development is to make sure that the necessary experts are involved in the process with a view to providing a report that will reflect the correct state of the projects.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On President Buhari’s 100 days in office?

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ell, what I can say about President Muhammadu Buhari’s 100 days is that I am feeling the impact of governance now than before. What we have before was government of the elites, by the elites and for the elites.

Mrs Lynn Carson, Worker

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he people of Central and Northern towns of Cross River are yet to feel the impact of the Change as we have been without power supply since February 2015. We use this opportunity to call on Mr President to bring change to us here. Mr Sonny Okachi, Businessman

I

cannot believe, since I went to Kaduna till my return, the light did not even shake for one minute.

In some areas, when the light goes off while you are ironing your clothes, before you remove the iron, the light comes back. Mr Yusuf Abdullahi, Worker

B

uhari has not done anything or investment in power or refineries. So whatever noticed improvement could not be due to his govt.

Government is not run on propaganda.

Buhari should get down to serious business of governance. Mr Lucky Okoh, Businessman

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igerians seem to forget that Buhari promised to declare his assets publicly within his first 100 days and will have his vice and all his appointees do the same. So what happened? Can he still keep that promise? Mr Femi Igwe, Worker

T

here is nothing significant about Buhari’s 100 days in office.

During these 100 days, Buhari will be remembered for moving round in circles.

Those who voted him into power must be full of regrets by now. Mr Ajiboye Sunday, Music Director

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 — 35

We’re gradually gaining confidence of council staff — KOMOLAFE

By Kingsley Fanwo

T

HE Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Mopamuro Local Government Area, Mr. Dennis Komolafe, has disclosed that the administration was gradually regaining the confidence of workers of the council due to better administrative procedures and regular payment of full salaries.

Komolafe told Vanguard that local government councils in the state were determined to sustain the tempo in order to boost the morale of the workers and engender productivity and dedication to duty.

He said the state government was striving to reposition the local government to make it perform its duties of ensuring grass root development in the state.

“We are coming to the level of sustaining the development we have been able to achieve. The governor is determined to ensure stability, efficiency and productivity in the local government system, hence the need to sustain the current level in order to consolidate the transformation agenda of the government,” he said.

Acting NIWA boss seeks quick passage of waterways bill

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—ACTING Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Danladi Ibrahim. has urged the National Assembly to quickly pass the NIWA Stakeholders Bill currently before it in order to strengthen the operational and financial status of the agency.

Ibrahim, who stated this at the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja while speaking with newsmen on the way forward for maritime industry, said the bill was the surest bet for the agency to generate huge income to complement the country’s drive towards diversifying from the over dependence on oil.

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Northern Christians hail Buhari on Reps Speaker, SGF

By Luka Binniyat

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A D U N A — NORTHERN Christian Solidarity Forum, NCSF, a group focused on uniting the church in Northern Nigeria yesterday praised President Muhammadui Buhari for the appointment of Engr.

Babachir David Lawal as Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, and the

election of Yakubu Dogara as speaker of the House of Representatives.

The group in a statement signed in Kaduna yesterday by its chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, former Adviser to Kaduna State government on Christian Affairs read: “As a body, we have been following the activities of President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly with keen interest.

‘’After the three months of steering the affairs of this country, we confidently say that President Muhammadu Buhari means well for this country.

“We commend President Buhari for appointing, Engr. Babachir David Lawal, a Christian from Adamawa State, North-East, as Secretary to Government of the Federal, SGF. “In the same vein, we want to express our gratitude to the

From left: Cathedral Provost, Ven. Adeyinka Ekanola; Bishop of Lagos Central Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Gabriel Adebanjo; his wife, Dorcas; Vice Lay President, Chief Muyiwa Adebajo; Chairman, Ilupeju Archdeaconry, Ven. James Akinwande and the Publicity Secretary, Chief Femi Adetona, during the welcome service for Rt. Rev’d Adebanjo, the new Bishop of The African Church, Lagos Central Diocese at the Bethlehem Cathedral, Ebute-Meta, Lagos on Tuesday.

members of the House of Representatives for electing Mr. Dogara Yakubu, a Christians minority from Bauchi State as their speaker.

“The emergence of Babachir as SGF and Hon. Dogara Yakubu is a clear signal that President Buhari mean well for Nigerians.

“We believe that the appointment of Babachir as SGF will further strengthen unity among Christians and their Muslim brothers in the region called north.

“We believe in the competency of Babachir, and there is no denying the fact that the new SGF will help Buhari transform Nigeria for good.

“We commend President Buhari and the National Assembly for breaking religious barriers. The NASS did well by voting Dogara.

By doing this, they are saying to Nigerians that the era of religious differences in the North are over.

“We thank President Buhari for the appointment, hoping that the new SGF and other Christians working with President Buhari will put in their best in helping the President fix Nigeria.

“We also want the Northern Christians to see their appointment as a call to service and must work hard to bring the desire change that Nigerians are yearning for. ‘’By this appointment, President Buhari has proved to Nigerians that he is after competence and not religion, ethnic or regional sentiments.''

COMMENTS ON BUHARI: Fayose suffering from political depression — SENATOR

By Agaju Madugba

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ADUNA—SENATOR Shehu Sani (APC Kaduna Central) has described Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state as suffering from political depression Sani reacted to comments credited to Fayose in which he described Buhari as a

President for the north.

But Sani in a press statement in Kaduna yesterday, condemned what he called Fayose’s divisive, inciting, provocative and mischievous tantrums and invectives against President Muhammadu Buhari.

The statement read: “Ekiti Governor is a relic of the old order, he represents the old

Nigeria of waste, of hollow ritual of noise and nuisance.

“Fayose is a man suffering from political depression in the aftermath of the defeat of his patriarch, Goodluck Jonathan.

He is a hallucinating man of the ancient, yet to come to terms with the realities of a new dawn and new Nigeria.

“The Ekiti governor is a man

KOGI POLL: PDP group alleges plot to scuttle primaries

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OKOJA—A group, the Relevant PDP Stakeholders, in Kogi State, has alleged that a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was planning to scuttle the party's primaries scheduled for September 10, calling on the party's leadership to urgently intervene to ensure free, fair and transparent primaries.

President of the group, Mr Haruna Khalid, in a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja, alleged that after failing in their plot to label the state governor, Capt. Idris Wada as a nonperformer, they had resorted conceiving an evil plot to scuttle the upcoming ward congress or use other

methods to achieve their aim.

Khalid, who said they have been using propaganda to spread falsehood about Governor Wada, urged restraint in the interest of Kogi State. He alleged that the aspirant’s camp is planning to sponsor an unknown

candidate, to put spanners in the works of the primaries. ''Credible information reaching us confirms that the aspirant is acting the script of Abubakar Audu, his in-law, and may use court cases and propaganda after the primaries”, Khalid alleged.

on the loose, ready to use stones, sticks and any object to inflict harm and to be noticed.

Fayose failed to stop the election of President Muhammadu Buhari by the use of false, misleading and subversive propaganda laced with lies and deceit and now he has resorted to firing arrows of hate, smear and distortions.

“Fayose’s imprudent utterances are nothing but an attempt to incite Nigerians from the south against those from the north.

“The Ekiti governor ’s utterances are unbecoming of a state governor who should symbolize, exemplify and personify national unity and peace and he is simply on a toxic smear campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari.

Kogi govt is teachers-friendly — MIKE ABU

By Kingsley Fanwo

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OKOJA—THE Kogi State government has dismissed a report that it was owing teachers over N32 billion, describing it as a spurious attempt to discredit it.

Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Mike Abu, said the

government of Capt. Idris Wada had remained a friend of Kogi teachers.

Abu disclosed this in an exclusive chat with Vanguard in Lokoja on Tuesday, saying the figures were not true.

“As far as I know, the Wada Administration has been concerned about the welfare of teachers. What teachers take home

in Kogi is far higher than that of their counterparts in Kwara.

“As a government that sees education as the bedrock of critical development, the Wada government has invested on education more than many other states. This government has no problem with the teachers who are being misrepresented by some self-serving leaders.''

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—36

VISIT: From left— Former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Kaoli Olusanya; Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi; National Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, and Chief Monzor Olowosago, during a courtesy call on Oba Shotobi in Lagos.

INNER WHEEL: District Chairman, International Inner Wheel District 911, Mrs Olayinka Ayanwale (middle, wearing medal), and other members of the club campaigning for the release of Chibok schoolgirls, who have spent over 500 days in insurgents’ captivity, in Lagos, yesterday.

GLO SLIDE ‘N’ BOUNCE:

A d e y e m o Companion, alias DNS, winner (left) and Omotolani Ojo, first runner-up, of the Ibadan edition of Glo Slide ‘n’ Bounce musical show.

AIRTEL/ ZAMARR: From left— General Manager, Government and Environmental Affairs, Airtel Nigeria, Kehinde Sanusi; Administrator, Zamarr Institute, Ogechi Ohadomere; Regional Operations Director, North, Airtel Nigeria, Wole Abu; Founder/CEO, Khadeejah Katagun, and Director, Alero Tebu, both The Zamarr Institute, during a courtesy visit to Airtel Regional Office, Abuja.

From left— The newly-installed President, Rotary Club of Maryland, Dr. Olufemi Akodu; with his wife, Dupe; newlyinstalled District 9110 Governor, Rotary International, Otunba Bolaji Onabadejo, and his wife, Serah, at the installation of Dr. Akodu in Lagos.

RETREAT: From left— Executive Director, Large Enterprises, Alhaji M. G. Alkali; Managing Consultant, Team Building International, Mr. Yinka Olugbodi; Managing Director, Bank of Industry, BoI, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, and Executive Director, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, at the top management team building retreat.

STAR TREK: From left— Rotimi Alakija, alias DJ Xclusive; Brand Manager, Star, Obabiyi Fagade, and comedian, Lafup, at Star Music Trek grand finale in Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

FIFTY @ BFI: From left— Nse Ikpe-Etim, Nollywood actress; Chief Executive Officer, British Film Institute, BFI, Amanda Nevill; and Executive Producer, EbonyLife's film, Fifty , Mo Abudu, during the official announcement of the 59th BFI London Film Festival programme, where Fifty has been shortlisted in London, UK.

INSTALLATION:

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—37

Ifeanyi Ubah: The man, the myth and the essence TRIBUTE

By Tony Eluemunor

M

UCH that has been spewed out about the business man, politician, philanthropist and nationalist, Chief Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah has largely been a case of less sense and more nonsense. Most public commentators have missed the entire forest of information about the man, and have focused fixatedly on the single tree. Often too they misidentified or misanalyzed that single tree Ifeanyi Ubah•••marks 44 even. Thus for instance, when Ifeanyi Ubah contested 2013 Anambra State governorship as encapsulated in that manifesto are not election, many failed even to consider his taken more seriously. manifesto, but derided him for such daring.

The trouble is that many simply But when the candidates for that see Ubah as nothing beyond a money election gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, man, forgetting that he was not born into a USA, for a meet the people professing of wealthy family. So, if he did not inherit his ideas, Ubah emerged tops. mammoth wealth, and if money making is Those who thought the ranking was a not for all comers but a precious few as fluke, and that there was no way an Ubah, personal wealth creation is an audacious a businessman from childhood, whose adventure, then those who made a success heart was since then enchanted by the of that adventure should be taken challenge of creating wealth and beating seriously. the mighty odds involved therein, could Yet, how many Nigerians have considered have bested the likes of former Governor Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria Chris Ngige who was by then a Senator (TAN) with the seriousness it deserves? and Dr. Willie Obiano in presenting their TAN could have only come out from a canideas of how to govern a state, had a do spirit such as Ubah’s. second chance to reform their belief. That chance came with the public presentation Prodigious of each governorship candidate’s spirit manifesto in Awka. Once again, Ubah trounced all comers in this two-fold It was so novel, so audacious, so province of ideas. comprehensive and so overwhelming that The quintessential Ubah, is a man who only a prodigious spirit that recognizes no plans in great detail before he embarks on limits could have unleashed it – like a any quest – yes, he sees any project he is tsunami. Nigeria had never witnessed involved in as a quest, an expedition, a anything like it. He was among the first to prodigious adventure. So, anybody who congratulate President Muhammadu took his manifesto serious in 2013, any Buhari on his electoral victory and urged governorship aspirant then who was everyone to give him their support. forward-looking enough to copy it, and Most of all, the implemented it, would not have been quintessential Ubah was on display when caught napping by the money crunch that he single-handedly stopped oil marketers hobbled the states recently, making them strike action from marring besiege Abuja like mendicants or Buhari’s inauguration as President and panhandlers. Such would have been doing further damage to the economy, avoided if only they had imbibed Ubah’s when he moved, with just days to the dictum that states must be governed as inauguration, and began selling petrol to business or they the public and to tanker drivers. That action would suffer bad also showed Ubah’s independent and management’s nationalist streak. consequencies.

Ubah knew that his Capital Oil had AsAnambrajoinsother over 30 per cent of the nation’s oil states in suffering daily needs in the safe storage of its tank the present cashfarms, and that he could load tankers with crunch, as Onitsha the same ease in Kano and Suleija as in and Aba bound Lagos. He, all alone, could keep Nigeria containerized rolling. And he did it. And without asking goods continue to for any concessions too. And if other inch their way tanker owners refused to join him, he had through the over 600 tankers to dispatch to service perilous and across the country. He acted. He served. lengthy Lagos road Ubah is just 44 years old. As this article instead of being applauds him, it also tasks others to dig Ubah cleared in nearby into his 2013 governorship manifesto and ports still lying deserves a steal as much as possible – just as late fallow, a s closer look President Yar’Adua acquired his former Ubah had planned rival Atiku Abubakar’s idea of a Niger to make possible, from his Delta Ministry from Atiku’s manifesto. It even as the countrymen, is a reality today! Ubah deserves a closer Onitsha River Port look from his countrymen, especially from remains a dream especially his fellow Anambrarians. He was once as Ubah had from his asked why he spells his surname with pronounced, one an h. His reply, intriguing, worthy of being fellow should wonder taken seriously, was this succinct: “the why Ubah’s ideas Anambrarians “h” in my Ubah is for honour”.

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38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

INEC’s nagging issues NIGERIA’S election management body, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is stepped in controversy over the legality of its actions upon the deficit in the membership of the commission. Does that injure its preparations for the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections?

A

By Jude Opara

S the November 24 governorship election in Kogi State draws near, many analysts have been commenting on the legality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as presently constituted.

The talking point is the composition of the commission after the tenure of 10 National Commissioners expired and the death of another leaving behind only one National Commissioner, Amb. Lawrence Nwuruku and the acting Chairman, Amina Zakari.

Those who are kicking against the matter are of the view that there is no wide range of opinion to warrant the execution of the activities of the commission especially with special reference to conducting a gubernatorial election.

National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh is of the view that the Commission is not properly constituted to carry out its functions adding that conducting a governorship election is even too complex for just two persons to handle.

Section 154 (1) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

But the commission insists it has constitutional backing to continue to conduct its affairs including the conduct of elections where necessary irrespective of the number of National Commissioners left.

Deputy Director of Publicity of the commission, Nick Dazang told Vanguard that the depletion will not change anything because the electoral body has the constitutional powers to function effectively pending the formation of a new Commission by the President whom he noted has the powers to do so.

According to him, Section 159 (C) of the 1999 Constitution as amended states that a quorum for a meeting of INEC shall be not less than one-third of the total number of members of the body at the date of the meeting.

He also argued that this is not the first time the commission is having only two National Commissioners left.

“There shouldn’t be any

•Buhari: When will he fill the vacancies? since the last registration exercise and those who due to one reason or the other could not register earlier.”

The spokesman also stated that the body has the quorum to carry out its electoral activities.

“On the issue of quorum, when you go to Section 159 (C) of the Constitution it is clear.

Restoration of credibility He said the PDP has already made its position on the matter public adding that the onus is on the President who has the constitutional powers to constitute the electoral body to do so as to restore the credibility of the commission.

Also, Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka asked President Muhammadu Buhari to relieve Zakari of her appointment before the Kogi governorship election.

According to Fayose, the position of acting chairman of INEC was unknown to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) hence in his view, Hajiya Zakari cannot continue to preside over INEC affairs, except if duly appointed as substantive Chairman of the commission as provided in

Existing commissioners

Presently, there is no cause for alarm, our activities are ongoing and we are working assiduously to conduct free, fair and credible elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States in November and December respectively

•Nwuruku: Only Commissioner left cause for alarm because after the exit Prof. Iwu, two National Commissioners, Prince Adedeji Soyebi and Barr. Philip Umeadi were left before the coming of Prof. Jega and they were able to discharge the responsibilities of the commission. “Presently, there is no cause for alarm, our activities are ongoing and we are working assiduously to conduct free, fair and credible

•Zakari: Acting National Chairman elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States in November and December respectively.

“Budgets have been approved for the two elections and departments have had their budgets harmonized and approved and they have started implementation of their tasks. Already we have started the registration of voters in Kogi so as to give opportunity to those who may have turned 18

Anytime the commission meets, there must be a quorum but the quorum is based on the existing commissioners at the time, for example now that we have two commissioners, so anytime they sit they have formed a quorum and any decision they take is binding on the commission" However, the debate on whether or not INEC as presently constituted can effectively conduct the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections, could be put to rest if the President appoints commissioners to fill the existing vacancies.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—39

2015: KOGI DECIDES support the governor ’s candidature. He has been showcasing the achievements of the governor as well as making promises on human development.

Human development

•Wada: Incumbent governor

PDP TICKET:

How Wada wards off stiff challenge

By Fanwo Kingsley

W

ITH the successful conclusion of the APC governorship primary in Kogi State, attention has shifted to the battle of wits in what analysts are already tipping as the 2011 rematch between Gov. Idris Wada and a former AFRIBANK chief, Alhaji Isah Jibrin Echocho.

Both gladiators are from Dekina Local Government Area which is reputed as the hotbed of Kogi East politics. The emergence of the youthful Banjo Amoto Moses is raising a few eyebrows since he is the only aspirant from Kogi Central and by extension, from the old Kwara.

The 2011 PDP governorship primary threw up a number of political calculations. While the likes of Prince Sola Akanmode and Chief Christopher Adebayo Ojo were nursing the ambition of bringing finesse to governance; the likes of Chief Abiodun Ojo and Chief Clarence Olafemi were banking on their loyalty to the then incumbent governor, Ibrahim Idris.

But in a manner characteristic of outgoing incumbents, Idris feigned no interest in the succession. However, a day to the primary, it became obvious that the governor wanted Echocho who in the January, 2011 primary defeated his closest rival, billionaire oil magnate, Alhaji Abdulrazak Isa Kutepa. It was a direct contest between Idris and Kutepa. The then incumbent had his way.

But shortly after that primary, Idris’ tenure was extended by a court of appeal ruling leading to a repeat primary in the third quarter of 2011. By that time the bond between Idris and Echocho had snapped. It emerged that Echocho and Idris’ mortal political foe, Prince Abubakar Audu were in-laws as their children had married each other in Canada.

Idris was forced to lure Wada into the race, a development that Echocho resisted and fought to the Supreme Court, but to no avail.

The 2015 governorship ambition of Echocho had always been an open secret especially in the light of what some

The governor’s supporters are also hinging his chances on his performance in office. To them, the governor has recorded great achievements

believed was the vulnerability of the incumbent.

However, his efforts at convincing some PDP governors and other party bigwigs to support his ambition have reportedly not been very successful as many of them are not underestimating the power of incumbency.

Power of incumbency A source close to him revealed: “We have been holding several meetings because of apprehension over the chances of Echocho making the primary election. He is no doubt a competent hand to govern the state, but many PDP governors are not giving us encouraging signals which is not what we bargained for.

Many PDP governors want the incumbent to return and we are having a herculean task trying to convince them against supporting the governor. The current structure of the party in the state is clearly in support of the governor and except there is a radical change which we are praying for”, he said.

It is thus not surprising that the governor’s political spin-doctors are increasingly confident of winning the PDP ticket.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi has met with no fewer than 10 local government council leaderships of the party to woo them to

This, analysts say, is key to the re-election bid of Gov. Wada. With the support of virtually all the critical stakeholders of the party across the state, bookmakers believe the ticket is a sure bet for the governor.

The governor’s supporters are also hinging his chances on his performance in office. To them, the governor has recorded great achievements in the areas of education, industrialization, youth empowerment and agriculture; a feat the party will want to put on showcase during the electioneering.

Also, the party leaders across the state are supporting Gov. Wada because they wouldn’t want to toy with having a sitting governor who would not be committed to the success of the party in the election. Dropping Wada for a fresh candidate, they say, may spell doom for the party

in the election.

Another reason that is working in favour of the governor is the power rotation pact which is being promoted by party leaders.

The Kogi Central and Kogi West leaders are looking at the window of opportunity offered in 2019. Echocho coming on board, they reckon, will further push their aspiration for power rotation away.

My Banjo Amoto is considered a political neophyte in the politics of the state but the young activist is striving to put his doubters wrong. As the sole aspirant from the old Kwara State, many are looking at him as the fast-track medium for power rotation with the APC governorship ticket having gone to Kogi East. His pragmatic campaign is said to be winning hearts among some party men within and outside the state.

One thing is, however, sure: The November 21, 2015 governorship election will test the resilience of the PDP to hold on to power and the determination of the APC to seize power.

Audu can fix Kogi State — ABEL, APC CHIEFTAIN

By Fanwo Kingsley

A

CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State, Mr. Adewale Abel has called on leaders and supporters of the party to rally behind the party's candidate in the November governorship poll in order to liberate the state from underdevelopment.

Abel, a former Senatorial candidate of the defunct ACN in the 2011 elections said party discipline and loyalty must supersede individual interests.

He said the primary was devoid of manipulation and therefore represents the true wishes of the Kogi people.

"I monitored the processes leading to the primary and the primary itself. It was a novel exercise which our members should be proud of. What the primary stated was that Prince Abubakar Audu is the most acceptable candidate for the party and we have to go with that.

"The primary that I witnessed in the Confluence Stadium was the best I have ever witnessed.

That was why no aspirant has faulted it till now. From accreditation to voting and counting, the APC proved to the whole world that we are already

•Abel: Supporting Audu in a new Nigeria.

"As a democrat, we must understand the game. In a contest where only one candidate should emerge, others must display a true spirit of sportsmanship. Let all other aspirants team up with Prince Audu to sweep PDP out of Lugard House", he said.

Mr. Abel who expressed confidence in Prince Abubakar Audu's leadership, assured the people of the state of better days ahead under the government of APC in the state.

40—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

NBA ABUJA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Court rules impeding justice administration — CJN

By Dayo Benson & Bartholomew Madukwe

C

HIEF Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmoud Mohammed, has expressed regret that the Rules of Court are used as impediments rather than as implements for smooth administration of justice.

Speaking on the topic “The Future of Administration of Justice in Nigeria” at the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, 55th annual general conference in Abuja, Justice Mohammed called on lawyers to have a unity of purpose.

He said: “In the administration of justice, there is nothing more destructive than a divided house. Sadly, Rules of Court are used as impediments rather than as implements for smooth administration of justice. I am aware of the unfortunate tendency for members of the Bar, both senior and junior, to resort to unprofessional tactics,

hiding under technicalities of some rule of procedure or the other, to impede the speedy dispensation of justice.

“We must all adopt an attitudinal change in this respect. The legal profession must have a unity of purpose. In achieving this unity of purpose, there has never been a need so pressing as the formalization of an interface for the promotion of best standards in the administration of justice.

There is no better forum than the periodic interaction between the Bench and the Bar. It is my opinion that this interface must be institutionalized in order for us to maintain the integrity, probity, honour and dignity of the profession.”

However, NBA President, Mr. Augustine Alegeh SAN, on his part, maintained that lawyers have played invaluable roles in making positive changes and contributing to National Development in several Countries.

In his welcome at the

conference with the theme “Lawyers and National Development” Alegeh said “We must all take great pride and draw inspiration from the works of Mahatma Gandhi in India, Nelson Mandela in South Africa, Barack Obama in the United States of America to mention just a few. Our choice of Dr. Willy Munyoki Mutunga, the Honourable Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya as the Keynote Speaker of the 2015 NBA Annual General Conference is very instructive and is inspired by the innovative steps that he has taken to transform the Kenyan judicial system since his appointment as the Chief Justice.

“The work of our keynote Speaker in Kenya has created a stable, reliable and progressive judicial system that has boosted investor confidence and contributed immensely to increasing Foreign Direct Investment [FDI] in Kenya.”

NBA tasks state govts on harmonisation of outdoor advertising taxes law

By Onozure Dania & Bartholomew Madukwe

T

HE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has called on the state governments in the country to harmonise the taxes charged and paid by the Outdoor Advertising Companies in the country.

NBA in a statement at its just concluded annual general conference in Abuja, said “There should be harmonization of laws on taxation of outdoor advertisement by different agencies and calls were made for the NBA to lead in this campaign. This is so as outdoor advertisement is located within the local government authority so only the local government is entitled to collect those charges. The fight against corruption cannot hold sway unless issues of the freedom of information are clearly ventilated.

“The Federal Government cannot lay claim to the doctrine of covering the field in justifying its actions on the Freedom of Information, FOI as it is neither in the exclusive nor concurrent legislative lists; and as such can be legislated upon by the state and Federal legislature.

C M Y K

“On the time frame of seven days for response to requests for information under the FOI Act, the National Assembly should consider amending the seven day time frame to a much more realistic time frame. The office of the Attorney General charged with producing guidelines under the FOIA should give attention to monitoring compliance with the Act.”

Privilege of interacting Meanwhile, in his welcome address to Lawyers in the Media, LIM and Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, OAAN, session, Chairman, LIM, Mr. John Austin Unachukwu, noted that such occasion was a rare privilege of interacting, networking and cross- fertilising ideas with each other, enrich lawyers knowledge, and enhance professional skills and productivity.

He said “ We appreciate the presence and support of our strategic partners, OOAN for their presence here under the table leadership of their new President, Mr. Babatunde Adedoyin. We commend

the immediate past President of OAAN, Charles Chijide and his team for smooth transition to a new regime.

“Occasions like this afford us the rare privilege of interacting , network and crossfertilise ideas with each other, with our senior colleagues and Bar leaders which eventually enrich our knowledge, enhance our professional skills and productivity.

The topic for this years’ conference is “Lawyers and National development” and today we are looking at the implementation of the FOI Act, duty to report accurately and regulating outdoor advertising in the country.

“We have slightly adjusted and modified the topic to achieve maximum efficiency and good results as the topics dovetail into another because they are one topic.

We have a panel of experts to do justice to the topics and by the grace of God, we will be blessed at the end of the programme.

I encourage you to listen attentively, enjoy the discussions and make your humble contributions.”

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, is holding its weeklong annual general conference in Abuja. The conference which began on August 16, will be rounded up tomorrow.

L-R: Chairman of the Session and Head of Service Rivers State, Mr. R.N. Godwin, Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong and former DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies NIALS), Prof.

Epiphany Azinge (SAN).

L-R: Chairman LIM, John Austin Unachukwu and former Chairman LIOM, Mr. Charles Odenigbo.

L-R: Former President OAAN, Mr. Charles Chijide and the incumbent Chairman OAAN, Mr. Babatunde Idowu Adedoyin.

L-R: Dele Adesina (SAN) and Mr. Femi Falana (SAN).

L-R: Former President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) Mrs. Boma Ozobia.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—41

Issues raised at National Conference must be addressed — Obayuwana Dr. Osagie Obayuwana is the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo state. He is also the Chairman, Human Rights Committee, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA . He was also Vice President, Committee for Defence of Human Rights, CDHR. In this interview with Vanguard Law and Human Rights, he reviewed President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war. He also noted the need for some big names to be jailed and lawyers take away at the just concluded NBA, annual conference in Abuja. Excerpts:

By Simeon Ebegbulem

W

HAT do you think lawyers will take away from the NBA conference?

Mr President has set the tone about what the nation expects from our profession at this time, but I think the profession is already engaged in soul searching. We (lawyers) must define our role in the scheme of things.

Matters of human rights, rule of law and independence of the judiciary, need to be deepened.

There are aspects of our professional ethics that imposed obligations on us as ministers in the temple of justice.

I think the conference is geared towards confronting lawyers with these issues and engaging in self-criticisms and sharpening our tools, so that lawyers cannot be obstacles in the part of the socio-economic progress in the country.

Socio-economic progress The rule of law is not one to be subverted by the law itself.

We want to be true ministers in the temple of justice and the assemblage of lawyers periodically at our conference is geared towards achieving that.

So, I have no doubt that at the end of this conference, our people will be better equipped to discharge our professional duties more honourably.

How would you review President Buhari’s corruption policy?

It is a good start; there is no doubt about the direction he is going, which is to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people. We know he has set up a few committees, which I believe members of these committees will put their experience to bare, as far as, formulating general guidelines.

Dr. Osagie Obayuwana Of course, by the time various agencies and ministries are fully manned, the implementation of these policy guidelines will commence in earnest. The only thing I wish to say is that the Nigerian people should begin to create a role for themselves; it is not a matter of being on lookers or cheer leaders.

The Nigerian people must recognise that what is at stake is their interest. There are dynamics that will come to play.

If contradictory policies are formulated, that emasculates the people and their wellbeing, then you cannot be assured of this critical mass support. So, I think it is a balancing act and a lot is yet to be done.

Do you support the establishment of a special court for indicted corrupt Nigerians?

It is going to be the product of collaboration between the executive and the judicial arms at all levels. It is still the prerogative of Mr President to reorder the affairs of the nation, geared towards enhancing service delivery.

A lot is being said now about past efforts. We should also take a cue from the admonitions of Mr President at the Bar conference, it is also in the direction we have spoken.

Even, professionals have to define their roles in all of these.

Court rules impeding justice adminstration —CJN Pg 40 C M Y K

Other arms of government, beyond the executive, also have to define their roles in a way that is complimentary. So the signals we get from the head of the judicial gives us hope that we are dealing with a serious leadership in-charge of that arm of government.

I believe that the executive arm and the legislative arm are also inclined as arms of government collectively, not to pay a political price of appearing not to be in harmony with the initiative spearheaded by the executive arm.

of the traditional norms of the right to fair hearing.

The EFCC was not biting enough under President Jonathan but suddenly woke up under current government.

What do you think motivated the current force?

Well, body language is as important as words that actually come out from a man’s leadership style. What is current is perhaps a more thorough assessment of the initiatives displayed during the tenure of President Jonathan.

Political price It is not a question of whether the authority is there or not, it is summoning the will, not just at the level of the leadership of the various arms of government, but even key operatives of various arms. Every judge has to know that it is a new day.

There are expectations, not just from the Nigerian people, but the international community that has indicated willingness to support our move. A situation where the law is used to frustrate the realization of laudable policies will not augur well for our aspiration.

There used to be a time when election petitions dragged on indefinitely. But at a point, the leadership of the judiciary had to say let us give priority to these matters. Delay tactics will no longer be tolerated, which does not go against the grain

Probes cannot be at the expense of the implementation of the programmes of the President. I can also see a situation whereby at the end of it nothing comes out of the probe.

That has been the history of this country

Perhaps, a lot was done without much fanfare accompanying it.

Any semblance of favouritism will tend to demobilize enthusiasm on the part of the enforcers.

That is why, sometimes, you find policemen accusing the judiciary of frustrating their efforts. They (police) have done their bits but the cases drag on without end.

So, once the suspect enjoys bail, it is adjournment upon adjournment, the investigators are transferred and no provision made for them to come and give account in court on the investigations they carried out.

I think everybody realises that the nation is on the march.

What we are talking about now can also be extended to the refineries. All of a sudden, we heard that the refineries are working at some level, where the leadership of the country then gave the impression that their preoccupation was the importation of fuel because of the benefits that accrued to some of them.

Of course, our local engineers will be demobilized. Same goes to the power sector, a situation where distribution companies are just fixing charges and the incentives are missing. All of that underscores the importance of the leadership. People in retrospect are acknowledging that every leader is entitled to his or her style.

Natural phenomenon Quite honestly, the body language from former President Jonathan, in matters containing corruption, was very discouraging. Even his pronouncements during his campaign, “the attempts to recognize that corruption is a natural phenomenon, if you put a goat and yam in the same room what do you expect?”

That is capable of being interpreted to justify corruption.

Whereas the issue is that how do you curb that natural tendency, if you say it exists?

But former President Jonathan did not appear to have displayed a lot of enthusiasm in that regard.

Even in his manner of speech, Mr President is supposed to be an embodiment of the nation as a whole. He is supposed to feel a sense of pride when talking locally or internationally, but the man is always stumbling over his words and smiling, as if all is well.

What is your view on the constitutional amendment and confab report?

Given the history, timing, composition of those that partook in the confab, mere

Continues on page 42

42—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Issues raised at National Conference must be addressed — Obayuwana Continues from page 41 none existence of public scrutiny of that report, reservations expressed from the beginning that it was just a public relations gimmick to buy time and be seen to be yielding to popular expectations, yes, we cannot run away from the fact that the confab took place and certain positions were taken by Nigerians despite all the limitations.

But the point that has to be appreciated is the fact that those issues did not originate from the confab, they were products of years and years of agitation.

Some believe that the confab bastardized those issues in an opportunistic way.

Years of agitation We don’t need to address these issues as products of the confab. For instance, the general clamour for decentralization of governance, that Nigeria is only federal in name. If you take a look at the distribution of legislative powers, it is too lopsided.

Some people have said that the Nigerian police are the largest single organisation in the world, in terms of the number of persons who are answerable to one authority.

The extent to which this hampers efficiency is the problem that we are still confronted with. That clamour did not originate from the confab. The earlier we address some of these issues, the better for us.

The lowest tier of government right now is the local governments and within the local governments, there are several cities, the management of it tends to suffer due to the cluster at the local government levels. So, the question of decentralization of the police need to rest at the level of the state.

We can even talk about city police, what we call the county Sheriffs in the US. The local police will be to coordinate or interface with the city police in the different cities within the

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119

dayobenson@yahoo.com C M Y K

with crimes that took place within the past few years. They are sore points in the history of our country which have remained unaddressed and foisted the impression of impunity, including absence of equality before the law.

If Mr President wants to send signals that it is no longer business as usual, some of these cases can be taken up and investigated thoroughly.

Nigerian people are calling for blood, they want to see those who felt they were above the law humbled and we cannot limit such instances to the past few years.

Are you saying that extra judicial killings, such as the assassination of Dele Giwa, Bola Ige, Harry Marshal and others, should be investigated?

Yes. In instances where you don’t have to contend with issues relating to prosecuting people twice for the same offence, where matters were never investigated, nobody was tried or charged, such extra judicial killing can be revisited.

local government.

Some Nigerians are of the view that the Buhari probe should not be limited to the Jonathan administration, that former President Olusegun Obasanjo should also be probed. What is your take?

It is not the fanfare of probes that is important. A committee has been set up by the President to advise him on those to be probed and I have confidence in the calibre of persons in that committee.

But I think what we should be doing is to empower the investigative organs to discretely look into key allegations at the end of which the subjects of those investigations can be confronted and given opportunity to clarify.

The output of those investigations can be accessed to see the strength of the case that can be made out of it, and then we prosecute. But let me say this, probes cannot be at the expense of the implementation of the programmes of the President.

I can also see a situation

Practising lawyers can be engaged, trained and retrained, who will come in- not as rank and file policemen. They could be promoted and empowered to deal with these challenges so that the capacity of the police to use the tools of science in investigation is achieved

Dr. Osagie Obayuwana

Judicial killing

whereby at the end of it nothing comes out of the probe.

That has been the history of this country.

But many Nigerians still believe that this administration will bring positive change in governance.

Do you share the same view?

I am glad about the recent recruitment into the police but that recruitment should not be limited to the rank and file.

There are practicing lawyers that can be engaged, trained and retrained, who will come in, not as rank and file policemen.

They could be promoted and empowered to deal with these challenges so that the capacity of the police to use the tools of science in investigation is achieved. This will enhance capacity.

I will not draw an arbitrary line; we will only be concerned

The whole idea is to send signals that crime does not pay, that there are no sacred cows.

We are not talking about these issues as ends in themselves but with an eye towards sending signals, stressing that look, such conduct will no longer be tolerated in our country.

What would you say about the National Assembly pay?

We have seen information comparing salaries of our legislators with their counterparts in other countries, even more economically buoyant companies.

They need to cut it down, so that the allure of office is not just for the gains. The desire to serve should be the prime motivation.

By the time you see a total package of a member of the House of Reps, being two or three times higher than what the President gets, then there

is a problem.

The question is, how productive are these people anyway? A lot of times, we see them seat, either the senate or the House of Reps, and we see how scanty the attendance is.

At the end of the day, you also want to look at their output.

Why was it that it was the last week to the expiration of the tenure of the last seventh senate that they hurriedly passed laws that have been stalled over the years? What kind of scrutiny did they give to those laws before their passage?

That is why some persons have called for part time National Assembly. Mr President is leading by example, so we expect members of the National Assembly to follow in order for us to have a better nation.

Better nation In a nation where the minimum wage is still at N18, 000, then you are talking about a rookie rep going home with millions every month. It is inequitable. The do or die process by which candidates emerge from political parties, generally, terms to pain a situation where it is those with deepest pockets that end up being candidates. We need people with good credentials, not those who can spend money on party leaders and when they get there not even a motion to show for it.

I think the issues are clear.

Nigerians are almost unanimous in the clamour that this thing be revisited. The gap between the least paid civil servant and the best paid is still wide. The gap between career civil servants and public servants is also very wide. The gap between public servants and elected persons in government is still wide.

One of the biggest challenges confronting Nigeria is the redistribution of wealth. A few persons are taking far more than their fair share of the wealth produced in this country and a situation where those persons are the least productive is pregnant with implosion sooner or later.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015–43 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 LIBRA; Serious thought may be giving to matters of the heart but it’s better you tarry a while. Joint ventures of short duration today may be an invitation to avoidable trouble.

SCORPIO; If you back your financial plans with concrete and positive actions things’ll go according to your desire. If you fail to realise importance of your spouse you would work your way into avoidable trouble; aren’t you tired of crisis?

SAGITTARIUS; Your intelligence, competence and level of concentration may today bring you envy, which you don’t deserve within your working arena in a negative form but.

CAPRICORN;. The Moon highlights your Solar second house of money which is good but, if you try to buy true love with money, you’ll be disappointed AQUARIUS; The. Moon in your Star sign’ll gives you new confidence and with new supports from the powersthat-be, it’s like you are now un-stop-able. But be cautious, especially with the veterans within your base of operation. Yet you will be lucky today.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Need a friend?

E RY O N E E Vneeds a

friend. However, not everyone wants to do what could bring about the much desired friendship.

Friendship is a

deliberate and curteous act aimed at making the other man or woman to like yoiu. Do you want a friend?

TERROR MUDA

Then, be friendly disposed to other people. Today, one of my my closest friends is someone I met at the bible college. I

in “Scavenger Elite”

was sitting in one corner of the room when he accosted me, asking: Can I shine youir shoe?

And I quickly answered: Yes, you can. Tell me, who wouldn’t reciprocate such a friendly gesture?

By Lanre Kehinde

PISCES; Better days are ahead of you but, you will today need to do away with non-productive argument and/or agreement. Try to be more diplomatic now.

ARIES; If what you’re doing today ’ll depend on tomorrow’s event it’s better you’re more careful now.

Even things may not go according to your personal plans today. Yet it’s important you plan both your immediate and far future carefully now.

TAURUS; If you take to aggression, your ego would be deflated by your superior colleagues, but your being co-operative in a civilised way’ll prevent trouble.

GEMINI; Those willing to put you to shame one way or the other’ll be disappointed with the turn of things today.

It’s good to secure support of your spouse.

CANCER; You’ve had enough of fun in the recent times and it’s now time you settle down for hard work in order to prevent avoidable trouble. Be patient please.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in “HEY’

By Andy Akman

LEO; Your concentration level and determination are the pillars of your success today. Yet you’ll need to respect your senior colleagues and protect your image VIRGO; It’s true you’re willing to work harder but you just have to drop both aggression and mental arrogance to allow things to roll accordingly. Then, you’re accident prone within your working arena. Respect the law and its agents today.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat tr ological datee and place of bir th ttoo the As Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my career?

Dear Joshua, I am interested in your Astrological counselling. Kindly tell me everything about myself, especially my finance and career; would I be rich eventually, if yes what should I do to make it happen quickly.

Okoro, Abuja.

Dear Okoro, There are indications of financial success for you but you can not change what Almighty God Has designed for you talking about the timing (the quickness you talked in your letter) Certainly however no failure for you.

Mercury –the planet of education and Accountancy, together with mighty Sun at positive angle to planets in Virgo (another Accounting Star sign) attracted you to both Accountancy profession and the academic world. Truly you did not make wrong choice of career.

Money will eventually come along this line but it’ll not be as faster as if you take to OIL RELATED BUSINESS. Because Neptune (the planet of OIL) was very comfortable when you were born. It will not be out of place if you have filling stations as time goes by, because you are basically a GAS PERSON. Another money spinning vocation for you include writing either along your line or for film making industry; it is important you exhibit the higher quotient of creativity in your inner-self.

Yes your dream of becoming A Professor will come to reality.

Politics is another area you are not looking at now but will surely come. Do you say why? Because Aquarius is equally political Venus that was powerfully placed when you were born is all about MONEY. Thus you have special ability to make money.

And as it was at positive angle to disciplined Saturn, you are not giving to serious frivolity. One major challenge here is envy by others but you will eventually overcome. Another source of challenges is your love life which looks not totally balanced.

Basically you are a family minded person. You are equally loving and caring. But sometimes your love of freedom get better off you to the resentment of your closer partner(s).Then some other times it is other party’s fault making love-business very interesting. And unless you are more careful and determined you may marry more than once.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

44—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

MIGRANT CRISIS: Fresh protests in Budapest over travel ban *As Police stop refugees again *Thousands arrive Vienna, Munich

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UNDREDS of migrants have protested for a second day at Hungary’s decision to stop them travelling on to Germany and other EU countries.

They are among 2,000 people camped at Budapest’s Keleti train station, having bought tickets for onward journeys.

It comes as more than 4,000 migrants arrived in mainland Greece from the island of Lesbos overnight.

Meanwhile, Germany, Italy and France have called for “fair distribution” of refugees throughout the EU. In a joint declaration, the country’s three foreign ministers also called for Europe’s asylum laws to be revised, the Italian foreign ministry said in a statement (in Italian).

The migrants camped overnight at Keleti station had been prevented from boarding trains on Tuesday.

They had bought tickets after Hungary appeared to abandon efforts on Monday to register migrants, allowing huge numbers to board trains to Vienna and southern Germany.

Hundreds of migrants again protested on Wednesday, chanting “Freedom, freedom” and waving train tickets.

Journalists at the scene said tensions were high with migrants involved in a stand-off with riot police.

A confrontation also broke out an another railway

U

S President Barack Obama has secured enough support in the US Senate to ensure that the Iran nuclear deal will go into effect.

Democrat Barbara Mikulski of Maryland became the 34th senator to back the deal on Wednesday.

US Congress could still oppose the deal, but Mr

world.

“It’s probably the single place on the world — in the world — where war could erupt at the snap of our fingers,” he told them.

The comments were some of the strongest from Carter on North Korea and come amid recent tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang.

Top U.S. commanders reviewed the U.S. war plan for defending South Korea last week in case there was a sudden indication that North Korea was going to start a war.

Obama has now enough votes to override any resolution of disapproval.

He has said the deal cuts off “every pathway to a nuclear weapon” for Iran.

“No deal is perfect, especially one negotiated with the Iranian regime,” sad Ms Mikulski in a statement. “I have concluded that this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is the best option available to block Iran from having a nuclear bomb.”

Republicans have been unified in their opposition to the Iran accord, saying the deal would only “embolden” Iran.

Two Democratic senators - Chuck Schumer of New York and Robert Menendez of New Jersey — are also opposed, as are a handful of Democrats in the House.

Congress is set to vote on the accord later this month, but the White House is hopeful it can secure seven additional votes to allow for a legislative move known as a filibuster.

A filibuster would prevent a final vote and Mr Obama would not need to use his veto power to keep the Iran deal on track.

Gaza may be uninhabitable by 2020—UN

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AZA could be “uninhabitable” in less than five years if current economic trends continue, according to a new United Nations report.

The report released on Tuesday by the UN Conference on Trade and Development points to the eight-year economic blockade of Gaza as well as the three wars there over the

UNDREDS of students at Stellenbosch University in South Africa have protested against the Afrikaans language being favoured at their school, alleging that it promotes racism.

Afrikaans is viewed by many South Africans as the language of the oppressors during apartheid and was

formerly used as the language of instruction at Stellenbosch University, a school which used to be for “whites-only”.

Now, Afrikaans and English are supposed to be on equal footing at the university, but protesting students say lecturers favour Afrikaans.

“It isn’t simply about

language as a teaching tool,” student activist Mo Shabangu told Al Jazeera.

“It’s about language and how it connects to the institutional culture that continues in this apartheid spirit unabated.”

The university’s management has been summoned to appear before parliament to explain.

station in Budapest where a group of migrants occupied a platform after refusing to board a train sending them to a reception centre in the

Obama secures enough support from senators for Iran deal

•Vows to respond if attacked by N/Korea EFENSE Secretary Ashton Carter warned Tuesday that if North Korea attacks South Korea, the U.S. will respond and that North Korea would have no chance of victory.

“We need to make sure that the North Koreans always understand that any provocation with them will be dealt with and that they stand no chance of defeating us and our allies in South Korea,” Carter said in a webcast where he took questions from troops stationed around the

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•Hungarian Police preventing asylum seekers from proceeding to Germany yesterday in Budapest.

US to North Korea: You can't defeat us

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S/African students protest over use of Afrikaans

past six years. Last year’s Israeli war on Gaza displaced half a million people and left parts of the strip destroyed.

The war “has effectively eliminated what was left of the middle class, sending almost all of the population into destitution and dependence oninternationalhumanitarian aid,” the new report says.

Gaza’s GDP dropped 15 percent last year, and

unemployment reached a record high of 44 percent.

Seventy-two percent of householdsarefoodinsecure.

The wars have shattered Gaza’s ability to export and produce for the domestic market and left no time for reconstruction,thereportsays.

It notes that Gaza’s “dedevelopment,” or development in reverse, has been accelerated.

African migrants rest after arriving on a fishing boat at Las Carpinteras beach in the Canary Island of Gran Canaria, Spain,

Congolese warlord Bosco ‘Terminator’ Ntaganda on trial

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ORMER Congolese warlord Bosco “Terminator” Ntaganda has pleaded not guilty before the International Criminal Court (ICC) where he is being tried for war crimes, including the rape of child soldiers within his own rebel force.

The former leader of rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who turned himself in two years ago, faces 18 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity at his trial, which opened at The Hague on Wednesday.

Prosecutors say Ntaganda played a central role in savage ethnic attacks on civilians in the mineral-rich and restive northeastern Congolese province of Ituri in 20022003, in a conflict rights groups believe left some 60,000 dead since 1999.

Ntaganda “ recruited hundreds of children ... and used them to kill and

to die in the fighting”, ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said.

Girl soldiers were “ routinely raped”, the prosecutor added.

She brushed aside criticism that the court was targeting just one ethnic group for prosecution.

“This trial is about Bosco

Boat with 40 African migrants arrives on Spanish island

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BOAT containing around 40 African migrants including a toddler girl landed on a beach on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria, sea rescue services said on Wednesday.

The Spanish Canary Islands off the Moroccan coast were a key route around 10 years ago for migrants from Africa trying to reach Europe, but their numbers fell after Spain increased patrolling.

Europe is in crisis as

Somali Islamists warn against “immoral culture” in hotels, beaches

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SLAMIST militants al Shabaab issued a warning against Somalis who frequent hotels, beaches and nightclubs in the capital Mogadishu, saying it will target men and women who engage in “immoral culture.”

Al Shabaab frequently stages bomb and gun attacks in the capital - and especially around popular hotels - in its bid to topple

Ntaganda and how he took advantage of the ethnic tensions in Ituri to gain power and money,” she said.

Prosecutors have collected 8,000 pages of evidence and plan to call some 80 witnesses - 13 of them experts and the rest victims.

Somalia’s Western-backed government and impose a harsh version of Islamic law.

Somalia, which descended into chaos after dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted in 1991, is trying to rebuild after two decades of conflict and chaos.

Improvements to the security situation in Mogadishu has led some Somalis to return from the diaspora.

hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing war and economic migrants escaping poverty are arriving on the continent, crossing the Mediterranean on unsafe boats and over land across the Balkan peninsula.

The group of 33 men, six women and the child, were all in good health when they arrived late on Tuesday, a government official said.

One of the women was pregnant, the official said.

Television images showed the migrants huddled on the beach in the dark while Red Cross workers handed out red blankets. One man lay on the beach covered in a foil blanket to prevent hypothermia.

Migrants arriving in Gran Canaria, a popular holiday destination, have in the past been mainly from Senegal and Mauritania.

Migrant arrivals in the Canary Islands peaked at almost 32,000 in 2006 but fell back to around 300 in 2014, according to local newspapers.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 — 45

Glo Premier League: Enyimba maul Ifeanyi Uba to remain top E

N Y I M B A extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games and also secured their biggest win of the season following a comfortable 4-0 home win against Oriental rivals FC IfeanyiUbah, coached by former Super Eagles forward and coach Daniel Amokachi, on Wednesday.

On a day their closest challengers for the title, Sunshine Stars, lost their hundred percent home record after they were held to a barren draw by Heartland, the Peoples Elephant were in devastating form despite the absence of their top scorer, Christian Obiozor.

Peter Onyekachi scored the curtain raiser in the 19th minute, while Andrew Abalogu doubled the lead in the 28th minute.

The visitors battled hard to reduce the deficit afterwards, but conceded again in the 81st minute

after Ezekiel Bassey dribbled past three defenders before slotting the ball home for his side’s third goal of the encounter.

Four minutes later, Razak Aliyu rifled a long range shot into the net to make it four for the guests.

Sunshine Stars lost further ground on the leaders after failing to breach a resolute Heartland’s defence at the Akure Township Stadium.

The Owena Waves who defeated the Naze Millionaires 3-0 in the reverse fixture in Owerri earlier in the season are now four points behind Enyimba.

Sunshine travel to Ibadan on Sunday where they will confront 3SC needing to get a positive result to boost their title hopes.

Shooting Stars’ visit to the Warri City Stadium ended in disaster as they were totally pulverized 4-0 by Warri Wolves.

Rufai Continues from BP danger posed by Vincent Enyeama’s sudden withdrawal from the squad that will take on Tanzania this weekend, saying that it should rather motivate the second choice goalkeeper to greater performance.

In a telephone chat with Sports Vanguard yesterday, Rufai, a member of the 1994 and 1998 World Cup squads said in modern football, one player ’s absence should not be of much concern to the technical crew and the team in general.

“Whenever one player is not available it gives another player the chance to showcase his capability because any of those players called upon to fill in the position should be capable to do so excellently,” said Rufai.

He opined that there should be no panic in the team because the technical crew should have anticipated such an occurrence. “I listened to Alloy Agu, the team’s goalkeeper trainer speak the other day and he said there were up to four goalkeepers ready to succeed Enyeama if anything goes wrong. This is that type of situation.”

He was confident Wolverhampton Wanderers goal tender, Carl Ikeme would not disappoint if called to duty. “As a goalkeeper, one always prays for an opportunity like this. He will rise up to the responsibility. He should know that in the national team, one must deliver. You may not have another chance, so I expect he will have this at the back of his mind,” Rufai concluded.

Enyeama Continues from BP withdrawn from the team. And the reason for that I don’t know, I think it’s best you ask the player.”

In Enyeama’s absence, Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is now expected to make his Eagles debut in Dar es Salaam on Saturday afternoon.

He said he will hope C M Y K

to reproduce for Nigeria the form he has displayed at his English Championship club.

“I will just try and do what I do in my club,” he assured.

“I will not be under pressure but I will give my best. I am not going to try and be Vincent (Enyeama), but I will just try and play my own game and give my best.”

Yobo rallies support for Eagles F

Nigerian Basketball star, Chamberlain Oguchi displays the Afrobasket championship trophy.

FIBA Africa Zone 3 hails D’ Tigers AfroBasket 2015 victory

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HE executive board of the FIBA Africa Zone 3 on Tuesday sent a formal congratulatory message to the victorious D’ Tigers of Nigeria following the team’s historic AfroBasket 2015 victory.

According to Fiba Africa Zone 3 President, Col. Samuel Ahmedu (rtd) the victory of Nigeria is one worthy of celebrating given the fact that it is the country’s first ever in the annals of the championship.

“Positively, on a personal note I Congratulate D’ Tigers

and Nigeria for this Championship win.

“It is hoped we can take advantage of this victory to build our basketball and not waste it’s goodwill like we did with our qualification for the 2012 Olympics. If we cannot build the local league and give the so called home based players a sense of belonging, then our victory will be a phyric one. Again on behalf of the Executive Board of FIBA Africa Zone 3, I congratulate D’Tigers and Nigerians.”

The President and his Vice, Engr. Musa Kida

who were in Tunisia for the AfroBasket 2015 noted that the executive board of FIBA Africa Zone 3 Board is elated and proud of this Championship win.

“This is because the last time a team from Zone 3 won the Championship for Men was in 1985, which was achieved by Cote d’ Ivoire.”

Eaglets

Continues from BP the third minute for the home team but Funsho Bamgboye making his debut for Nigeria on the international stage, brought the game into parity in the 26th minute with a lively volley.

Thereafter, it was a ding-dong affair as both teams searched for the winner. Lee Seungwoo, the Korean forward with Barcelona, who was adjudged Man of the match, was a constant threat but was kept at bay time and again by the Nigerian defense. Victor Osimhen, who captained the Eaglets in the absence of Kelechi Nwakali, tried his best on the other end but

there were few chances for him to exploit against the host.

“I think it was a fair result though we would have loved to win,” said Eaglets’ Coach Emmanuel Amuneke.”It was a good game for us; we created more chances in the second half though we failed to take them.” With the result, Nigeria and Korea are jointly in second position behind Brazil who beat Croatia 2-1 in the tournament’s opening match.

The Eaglets’ second game of the Suwon Tournament would be against table leader Brazil while Croatia faces Korea at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.

•Ahmedu

ORMER Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo has tipped new national team chief coach, Sunday Oliseh to succeed in his current assignment. This is even as he has rallied support for the team ahead of the Tanzania game.

Speaking from his base in USA, Yobo pointed out that Oliseh has all it takes to excel with the Super Eagles.

His words; “When I broke into the national team, Oliseh was the captain. He was one of those who helped to put me through those early days. His leadership qualities were outstanding. He was really charismatic. One key thing is that he is very passionate about the game. You remember when he was ill and defied doctors’ orders to play and save Nigeria against Senegal in 2000?

“It is that passion that will see him do well as the national team coach. One other thing is that he is so knowledgeable about the game. He has played football at the highest level with very reputable clubs.

There is a lot that the young boys will learn from him. I sincerely see him doing well with the team. He needs our support”.

As the Super Eagles confront Tanzania this weekend, he has urged the entire nation to support Oliseh and his wards.

“This first game is very important. I am happy that the NFF made provision for the team to depart with a chartered aircraft. It was very painful that we did not qualify for the last AFCON. We have to put that behind us now and forge ahead. We have a new coach and he needs our support”, he added.

Thomas

Continues from BP

the trip and after failing to meet the deadline for resumption to camp, he eventually withdrew from the team citing ‘personal reasons’.

Wo l v e r h a m p t o n Wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme and Sunshine Stars of Akure’s Ikechukwu Ezenwa are the two goalkeepers in camp and Thomas will join up with them now.

Nigeria will face the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in a Group G encounter in Dar Es Salaam as the Super Eagles attempt to qualify for Gabon 2017 after missing out on the last edition in Equatorial Guinea.

The Super Eagles will also face Niger Republic on September 8th at the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium in an international friendly after their return from Dar Es Salaam.

46 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

AAG: Winning gold will boost our Rio 2016 chances —Siasia

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IGERIA’s Under23 team coach, Samson Siasia said that winning the All Africa Games soccer gold was crucial to his team’s campaign to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Siasia, who won silver with the team in the Beijing 2008 Olympics after the Congo Brazzaville games will contest for the Olympic ticket at the Africa Under-23 tournament bill for Senegal in November 28- December 12.

Nigeria will open its 2015 All Africa Games account against Ghana next week Wednesday in the group B pairings.

Senegal is the other team in the group. Egypt withdrew its teams from the soccer event, they were billed to test Siasia’s intentions on Sunday, before they pulled out.

“We are going for the gold; what else do you think we are going after?

We will try as much as we can to get the gold medal of the football

tournament of the All Africa Games. Winning the gold medal will also be good preparations for the Olympics qualifiers,” Siasia said.

“That will help us play a lot of games and also afford us the opportunity of studying the video tapes of all the matches played at the competition. We will have the opportunity of correcting our mistakes before going to the Olympics’ qualifying tournament.

“It is a good thing that we qualified for this competition and we will give it our best shot by going for the gold medal at stake.

“We are good to go, no turning back. We are moving forward, no backward movement.

Preparation was not that great because of refusal of clubs to release players to us. But we are still very hopeful of a very good outing in Congo Brazzaville.” He added that the tournament will afford his misfiring strikers the opportunity to horn their skills.

Pogba keeps Mikel in Chelsea

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HELSEA report edly came close to selling John Obi Mikel to Besiktas this summer, but decided to keep him after failing in their bid to sign Paul Pogba.

The Blues were understood to be chasing the highly-rated Juventus midfielder, and it appears Mikel was all set to make way for the new arrival.

But according to Turk-

*TUSSLE... Football action between Nigeria's U-23 team and Congo during an Olympic qualifying match. Siasia is targeting the AAG gold in Brazzaville 2015.

I'm not yet finished, Emenike tells critics E MMANUEL Emenike said he is back in the Super Eagles because new coach Sunday Oliseh knows he is not past his best.

Emenike was top scorer as Nigeria won a third AFCON title in South Africa in 2013.

But after failing to

ish outlet Radyospor, Mikel was happy to make the move to Besiktas, only for Jose Mourinho to cancel the move in the aftermath of his side’s failure to capture Pogba.

The long-serving Nigerian is no longer a regular in the Chelsea starting line up, but could prove a valuable backup player over the course of this season.

shine at last year’s World Cup in Brazil, the big striker was left out by then coach Stephen Keshi and it seemed his international career was nearing an end when he last played against Sudan in October amid speculations of a frosty relationship with the coach.

And his chances of a comeback appeared to dim when new coach Oliseh declared he would only work with players in the top leagues of the world.

Emenike is now at Al Ain of Dubai on loan from Fenerbache, but the new coach has insisted he will go with his pedigree.

The striker said he is not losing sleep over criticisms, adding he was

West Ham hand Moses No 20 jersey W

EST Ham have confirmed that new signing Victor Moses will wear the number 20 shirt for the remainder of this season.

Before his transfer was confirmed by The Hammers on deadline day, the Nigeria international was handed the number 20 kit by Chelsea.

Last season, Victor Moses suited up with the number 13 kit whilst on loan at Stoke City and was given the num-

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ber 12 shirt during the time he spent at Liverpool. In his last season at Wigan Athletic, the exciting winger played with the number jersey.

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not bothered when he wasn’t called up because the national team belongs to every Nigerian footballer.

“Is anybody criticising me? Well, I don’t have answers for critics, but I have answers for Tanzania and coach Oliseh,” Emenike told AfricanFootball.com in a frank interview.

“I am very familiar with the situations in Nigeria. As a footballer, there is no number of critics who will make me to lose focus. In life, we have different kinds of people, so also in football.

Awoniyi will succeed in Europe, says Olofinjana

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IGERIAN teenag er Taiwo Awoniyi has all the attributes needed to be a success at Liverpool, says former Nigeria international Seyi Olofinjana.

Liverpool signed the striker, 18, on Monday, and sent him out on loan to German second tier side FSV Frankfurt.

CK Gyamfi dies

EGENDARY Gha naian former footballer and coach C.K. Gyamfi has died aged 85.

Gyamfi was the first African player to play in Germany, when he joined Fortuna Dusseldorf in 1960, and he also captained the Black Stars.

“The coach (Oliseh) knows I am not a finished striker, he knows my worth and that’s why he’s giving me a chance.”

He continued: “Let me put this straight - Super Eagles is not the property of an individual, but for every Nigerian footballer. I have never been desperate over it, but I always play for my country with humility and respect.

“Nigeria is bigger than me or any other player.

I was never disappointed being out of the team, it’s great to be here in camp.

As a coach he won the Africa Cup of Nations three times with Ghana in 1963, 1965 and 1982.

It made him the most successful African national team coach, unequalled until Egypt’s Hassan Shehata also won a third Nations Cup title in 2010.

Awoniyi joined Liverpool from the Imperial Academy in Nigeria, which is run by Olofinjana.

“Taiwo is a goal poacher who puts the team before himself. He has all you need to succeed,” Olofinjana told BBC Sport.

The Under-23 international chose Liverpool ahead of French side Monaco and Portugal’s Porto.

“It’s not because Liverpool is a big club but the chat we had with them with regards how they develop young players as well as their plan for Taiwo’s steady progress swayed us,” Olofinjana said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015—47

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Eaglets hold Korea 1-1 in Suwon

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IGERIA’s U-17 side, Golden Eaglets yesterday played a pulsating 1-1 draw against their Korean counterparts at the on-going 2015

•Amuneke

Suwon Continental Cup International Youth (U17) Football Tournament.

Lee Sangheon scored the curtain raiser as early as Continues on Page 45

NPFL Results

Shocker! Enyeama chickens out of Tanzania’s match •Puts Oliseh in tight corner

Abia Warriors Akwa Utd Bayelsa Rangers Enyimba Pillars Lobi Taraba W/Wolves

1 1 1 2 4 1 1 2 4

Nasarawa El Kanemi Giwa Wikki Ifeanyi Uba Kwara Dolphins Sharks Shooting

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Thomas replaces Enyeama •Oliseh IGERIA coach Sunday Oliseh has admitted the late withdrawal of skipper Vincent Enyeama from Saturday ’s AFCON qualifier in Tanzania has put him “in a tight corner”.

Lille goalkeeper Enyeama has apparently pulled out of the Tanzania after he rowed with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over his comments regarding the safety of the northern Nigerian town of Kaduna

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•Enyeama for another AFCON qualifier against Chad in June.

“The late withdrawal has put me in a tight concern,” admitted Oliseh at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

“He asked to be Continues on Page 45

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EQUAL TO THE TASK: Wolverhampton Wanderers safe hands, Carl Ikeme is set for national duties as Vincent Enyeama withdraws from the match against Tanzania on Saturday.

Don’t panic over Enyeama’s absence – Rufai F

BY JACOB AJOM

ORMER Super Eagles captain and

first choice goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has dismissed the perceived Continues on Page 45

N Y I M B A goalkeeper Femi Thomas has been called up to replace Vincent Enyeama after the Super Eagles skipper withdrew from the Afcon 2017 qualifying game with Tanzania.

Thomas was initially called up by Oliseh when the team resumed camping a couple of weeks ago but didn’t make the cut after only five home based players got Oliseh’s nod to join up with the foreign based pros.

Enyeama was listed for Continues on Page 45

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S PUZZLE

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Compact (5) 7 Cut (4) 8 Combined (6) 9 Saying (5) 11 Girl’s (3) 13 Delve (3) 15 Flag (4) 16 Border (3) 18 Scoff (4) 19 Widespread (7) 20 Enormous (4) 22 Intend (4) 23 Durable (7) 25 Prophet (4) 27 Heated (3) 28 Lake (4) 30 Bird (3) 31 Performed (3) 33 Emblem (5) 36 Rescind (6) 37 Frustrate (4) 38 Important (5)

DOWN 1 Go in (5) 2 Spring (3) 3 Meadow (3) 4 Owing (3) 5 Hairpiece (3) 6 Contradict (5) 10 Valley (4) 11 Tallest (7) 12 Curl (7) 13 Erased (7) 14 Permitted (7) 16 Moot (5) 17 Intended (5) 18 Preserve (3) 21 Spike (3) 24 Jot (4) 26 Sea-duck (5) 29 Inflexible (5) 32 Intimidate (3) 33 Plead (3) 34 Expire (3) 35 Newt (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Greed 5, System 8, Nudge 10, Settee 11, Arid 14, Relate 15, Deficit 18, Pot 19, Dab 21, Rest 23, Melee 24, Less 27, Don 29, Tip 31, Negated 32, Reeled 34, Pear 35, Trance 38, Ached 39, Gentry 40, Deity.

DOWN: 2, Rue 3, Entail 4, Due 5, Sear 6, Sailor 7, Modest 9, Decided 12, Rep 16, Ease 17, Talon 20, Beneath 22, Safe 24, Luring 25, Step 26, Silent 28, Parade 30, Pea 33, Dray 36, Red 37, Cut.

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.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821. Abuja Advert Hotline: 09-2921024. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

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