CHIEF JUSTICE TO JUDGES: Don't truncate democracy

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62334

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

From left: Mr Oscar Onyema, D-G, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE; Dr Chris Ogbechie, Chairman, Diamond Bank PLC; Mr Uzoma Dozie, MD and Mr Haruna Waziri, Executive Director, NSE at the Diamond Bank Executives ringing of bell on the floor of Nigerian Stock Exchange marking NSE closing gong ceremony in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA:

Success in tackling challenges head-on >>41

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

CHIEF JUSTICE TO JUDGES:

Don't truncate democracy

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BUJA— AS the nation prepares for the general elections this month, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday handed down a serious warning to all judicial officers in the country saying ‘judiciary must never again be used as tool to truncate our democracy’.

The CJN gave the warning while swearing-in the 242 judges who have been selected to serve as chairmen and members of the 2015 Election Petition Tribunals. He also cautioned them not to accept gifts or engage in illicit communication with politicians or their lawyers.

Swearing-in the tribunal members Continues on Page 6

•Warns them against gifts from politicians •Says judiciary is on trial, judges must be fearless

16 political parties ask INEC to postpone polls

Chadian troops enter Nigeria to battle Boko Haram ....APC, Buhari warn of fresh • Nigerian military still in

plots to stop elections

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COLUMNISTS:

For the love of Nigeria •P.17

charge —Olukolade >>6

Did I hear Buhari does not want to debate Jonathan? •P.19

Fire destroys goods, property worth N300m in Onitsha See pull-out inside

Mr & Mrs

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POCKET CARTOON

VISIT—Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone II, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu during his courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja,

CJN TO JUDGES: Don't truncate democracy Continues from Page 1 at the Supreme Court, yesterday, the CJN, said the National Judicial Council, NJC, would not hesitate to deal with any judge who allows himself to be influenced by any interest group.

He urged the tribunal judges to be careful and thorough in the review of the petitions and responses, pleadings, the physical evidence and argument of counsel of the parties that will appear before them.

“You must ensure that all petitions must be founded upon grounds which are contained in section 138 of the Electoral Act and not on extraneous provisions of law, as the Tribunal is not a court of vain inquisition.

“All your considerations must be founded in law only and not coloured by

personal sympathies, opinions or affiliations, remembering that there is a resonance to the truism that the Judiciary is ‘the last hope of the common man’, and may I add, also the hope of the not so common man”, the CJN said.

He added: “Let me use this opportunity to sound a note of warning to all judicial officers. Do not allow any political party or politician to compromise your integrity or your future.

“We must never again be used as tools to truncate our nation’s democracy. I assure you that any judge found wanting would only have him or herself to blame as the NJC will definitely not spare the rod in ensuring that the honour, respect and independence of the Judiciary is protected.

“As you start your

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously — Ralph Waldo Emerson To cultivate an attitude of gratitude, find time each day to reflect on one or two things you are thankful for. For instance. What blessings did your day hold?

A meaningful moment with a loved one? A beautiful sunset? The joy of laughter and beautiful friendship.

A word of encouragement given or received?

A job well done? You can begin a “gratitude journal. “Write down one different thing that you are thankful for each day for in your life. Notice how much happier you feel.

Share your blessings each day with your familyespecially your loved ones. Ask them what their blessings were, too. An attitude of gratitude is contagious!

assignment, I must reiterate that while you are on the tribunals, you will be looked upon as the embodiment of this ideal of justice. To that end, you must be the dispensers of justice regardless of fear or favour, position or standing.

Uphold stability of democracy

“You must uphold the stability of this democracy by stamping the hallmark of legality on the conduct of our nation’s elections as it is through your eyes that justice perceives a wrong that must be made right.

“It is, therefore, apt to remind you that your integrity is sacrosanct.

There is no alternative to integrity as it is not negotiable. You must ensure that your acts are in strict conformity with the law.

“Therefore, you must shun acts as the acceptance of gifts or favours from counsel and politicians, and the exchange of illicit communications with parties, which acts will erode the integrity of the tribunals irretrievably.”

The CJN equally stressed that the tribunals must strictly adhere to the provision of Section 134 of the Electoral Act which stipulates that all petitions must be filled within 21 days of the

declaration of the result of an election.

“You must also bear in mind that Section 285 of the Constitution and Section 134(2) of the Electoral Act 2010, are also clear that all petitions must be heard and judgments rendered in writing and delivered in open court within 180 days of the filing of that petition.

“Any petition presented outside of the statutory time must not be countenanced for any reason.

“Since you all do not

have the luxury of time in the discharge of your duties, I urge you all to be pedantic in your deliberations but do not allow ‘ red-herring’ technicalities to distract you from the path of justice.

Judiciary on trial

“You must listen attentively and enquire appropriately, taking care not to descend into the arena. In addition, it is crucial that you consider all the evidence before you carefully, d e l i b e r a t e conscientiously, and adjudicate swiftly and justly as not only you but the entire judiciary will also be on trial.

“I need not remind you that the Tribunal assignment is very laborious and that you are likely to be overstretched in the handling of election matters. Praises and condemnation will be meted out to you in the course of discharging your duties.

“Unfortunately, some of

the condemnations will come from our partners in the temple of justice, i.e. the Bar. I urge you not to be deterred by the uncomplimentary comments of some politicians and litigants anytime judgment is given against them.

“Posterity will judge you on the words that you utter in judgment and my sincere prayer is that we all shall not be judged harshly by history”, the CJN stated.

Section 133(3) (a) and (b) of the Electoral Act 2010, states that Election Petitions Tribunals must be established 14 days prior to the elections. The Secretariat of the Tribunals must be opened seven days before election.

The CJN said the swearing-in of the Election Petition Tribunal members was necessary to enable the Secretariat of the Tribunal in each state of the federation open in accordance with the provision of the Electoral Act.

Chadian troops enter Nigeria to battle Boko Haram ABUJA—Chad, yesterday, sent ground troops into Nigeria for the first time, to fight Boko Haram in a sign of increased regional pressure on the Islamist rebels after weeks of surging violence.

The Chadian offensive on the town of Gamboru, which borders Cameroon, follows days of clashes with the Islamists who control vast swathes of the North East.

The action comes after the African Union last week backed a regional five-nation, 7,500-strong force to take on the extremists amid growing fears about their threat to regional security.

The nation has drawn fierce criticism for failing to hold back the insurgents, who have

stepped up their campaign of terror in the run-up to presidential and parliamentary elections on February 14.

Defence spokesman Chris Olukolade denied that the presence of foreign troops on Nigerian soil compromised the country’s sovereignty.

“Nigeria’s territorial integrity remains intact,” he said, claiming national forces had “planned and are driving the present onslaught against terrorists from all fronts in Nigeria, not the Chadian forces”.

Chad’s ground intervention reflects the growing nervousness among the nation's neighbours over the prospect of Boko Haram achieving its aim of

carving out an Islamic caliphate on their borders.

The rebels have tried, in vain, to capture Maiduguri twice in the past week.

After days of airstrikes

by Chadian war planes on Gamboru, Chadian armoured vehicles Tuesday rolled into the town across a bridge from the Cameroonian town of Fotokol, followed by a contingent of around 2,000 troops.

No shots were fired as they crossed the frontier after another barrage of air strikes lasting about an hour, an AFP correspondent in Fotokol witnessed.

Chadian forces have also taken up position close to Boko Haram strongholds along Nigeria’s border with Niger.

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6 presidential candidates, 16 political parties call for polls shift zThreaten to boycott election if...

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Chris Ochayi

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BUJA — SIX Presidential candidates and 16 political parties, yesterday, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to postpone the February 14 presidential and national assembly elections to either March or April this year to allow the electorate collect their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs. The parties also cited the insurgency in the North-East as another reason for their call to shift the elections and threatened that should INEC go ahead to conduct the elections as scheduled, they would boycott the exercise.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, yesterday, on the imperatives of shifting the elections, the Presidential candidate of the United Democratic Party, UDP, Godson Okoye, who spoke on behalf of the other presidential candidates and political parties, said postponing elections to March or April would reduce violence.

Okoye said after a critical look at the security situation in the country, especially in Yobe and Borno states and the inability of many Nigerians to collect their PVCs, there was the need to shift the election, adding that such shift would not have any negative effect on the hand-over date.

Besides, Okoye explained that many of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, who registered in their communities before their displacement by the insurgents but now taking refuge in various parts of the country, would be disenfranchised if adequate arrangements are not made to resettle them in their various communities where they will have the opportunity to exercise their franchise.

He said there was no need to organise elections that would end up in violence because dates had been fixed, stressing that postponing the elections would cause no harm to the constitution as only the hand over date of May 29 that is sacrosanct.

Okoye said: “We the concerned leaders of political parties participating in the 2015 general elections, have observed some dangerous trends which if not checked, may negatively and adversely affect our democracy.

“The security situation in the country continues to deteriorate going by the reports from our colleagues and supporters

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across the country and mass movement of Nigerians. The level of violence and use of foul language by some notable politicians in the country, in clear breach of the accord signed by almost all the political party leaders at Sheraton Hotel Abuja, continues to rise exponentially.

“It is a known fact that most

Nigerians have relocated to other parts of the country where they did not register, but feel safe as a result of insecurity in the northeast zone of the country.

“This group is even different from the Internally Displaced Persons who do not even have any other place to go, but the IDP camps across the country as their villages and towns have

been destroyed.”

Stating that the concerned party leaders and presidential candidates want Nigerians and the world to know that they were desirous of conducting peaceful and issue based campaigns in the overall interest of the country, “a credible election cannot take place in the country where a geopolitical zone of the country is excluded because of insecurity.”

I'll do better in my 2nd term if re-elected —Jonathan zSays ‘I've fulfilled my electioneering promises’

By Ben Agande, Boluwaji Obahopo & Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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MEETING: From left: Representative of National Coordinator, National Poverty Eradication Programme, NAPEP, Dr Musa Ibrahim; Director, Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Prof. Edwin Iguisi; representative of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Director-General, Mr Alhassan Nuhu and Acting Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Mr Moses Beckley, at the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Nigeria stakeholders meeting, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN.

APC, Buhari warn of fresh plots to stop elections zUrge NCS not to heed presidency's plea

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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AGOS — THE All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday alleged new plans by the presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to scuttle the forthcoming elections using the National Council of State.

The charge came as the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), in a separate charge, accused the PDP of working in cahoots with the presidency to re-enact a political impasse similar to June 12, 1993 election.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at a press conference in Lagos alleged that the Presidency had commenced a desperate lobby of members of the National Council of State to move the body to push for the postponement of the election. The body is expected to meet this week.

The lobby of the NCS which includes former heads of state, presiding officers of the National Assembly, state governors among others, the party said, was besides ongoing efforts to use the courts to disqualify Buhari from the

election. Mohammed said as at yesterday six different judicial actions had been commenced against Buhari and all supposedly sponsored by the PDP. He said: “In addition to using the courts, they have resorted to lobbying some members of the Council of State to support their clamour for election postponement. We hope the council, which is due to meet later in the week, will put national interest above narrow, partisan considerations and reject the poisoned chalice of election postponement.

“We urge the Council of State not to allow itself to be used to scuttle the forthcoming elections because it is in the interest of Nigeria and her people that the elections proceed as scheduled.

“We call on Nigerians to remain vigilant, especially in the days ahead, and to continue to reject all attempts by antidemocratic forces to cling to or get power through means that are not democratic. We urge our members and supporters in particular to eschew violence under any guise, even in the face of the most egregious provocations, so as not to play

into the hands of those working to scuttle the elections.”

Buhari cautions of new plots Meanwhile, Buhari has cautioned of new plots by the PDP and the presidency to scuttle the country’s democracy through a re-enactment of the crisis that followed the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

In a statement issued by his campaign spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari said: “We want to call the attention of Nigerians and the international community to the repeated calls for the postponement of the forthcoming presidential election.

"We do not have any difficulty to discern that these groups are working out the script of some agents in the ruling party. We also want to call on the security agencies in the country to stop any further public parade by this outlawed group.

“Let us remind Nigerians that the power of our democracy has been tested in the past by this outlawed group during the June 12, 1993 presidential election and our democracy won and will win again."

BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan said, yesterday, that he deserves a second term to enable him consolidate on the achievements he has recorded during his first term in office and promised to do better if he is re-elected Speaking with traditional rulers in Kogi State before the presidential rally in Lokoja, President Jonathan said most governments worldwide perform better during the second term of their administrations.

According to the president, public office holders perform better during their second term because they have enough time to settle down and plan quickly.

He said: “Whatever we have done in the last four years, we believe that we will even do more in the next four years.

Most governments all over the world do better in their second tenure.

“This is because the Presidents are more stable that time, especially in this two-term arrangement. They sit down and plan for the country and focus on key areas.”

The president told the traditional rulers that his administration would pay greater attention to the Ajaokuta Steel Company of Nigeria and ensure that the steel is included in the nation’s rail system if he is re-elected.

Addressing a rally later at the 25,000 sitting capacity Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, President Jonathan said he had fulfilled his electoral promises to Nigeria The President listed Ajaokuta Steel Company, Iron ore, steel sector, agriculture, sports and Nollywood as areas he had delivered in the last four years.

According to him, the promise to revamp Ajaokuta steel has yielded positive result and that in a short while investors will be asked to bid for the steel company in order to commence full manufacturing activities.

Said he: “I have fulfilled my electioneering promises to the country. One of such promises is the Ajaokuta Steel Company, which we first started with by putting in a vibrant management team."

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Fashola meets AIG Mbu on security in Lagos L

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS—GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, formally held a meeting with the newly deployed Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, to Zone 2, Mr. Joseph Mbu apparently over security issues.

The meeting which was held at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja for several hours was held behind closed doors.

According to sources, the governor and the police boss deliberated on matters bordering on the security of property and lives of residents, particularly before, during and after the coming general elections.

After the meeting, efforts to speak with the police boss on the outcome of the meeting was unsuccessful as he was led into his vehicle by stern looking police aides.

Mbu, by the virtue of his present position, is a member of the state security council that meets every Wednesday of the week at the Lagos House, Marina.

He was deployed as AIG from the Police Command’s Zone 7 in

Abuja to Zone 2, Lagos. Several months ago, he was similarly moved to Abuja from Rivers State, where he was at the centre of the political controversy there.

Earlier, Fashola sworn in the newly appointed Auditor-

General for Local Government Office, Mr. Olatunji Jimoh at the same venue charging him to perform his duty with all sense of commitment to duty and discharge his duties professionally.

Jimoh was administered with

the Oath of Office by the Director, Legislative Drafting, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Tola Akinsanya The newly sworn in AG succeeds the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Lagos, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

CONDOLENCE VISIT: All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State governorship candidate, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), his running mate, Dr Oluranti Adebule, and Mrs Tosin Alobo-Bakare, daughter of the late Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, during a condolence visit to the Chief Okoya-Thomas' residence, Victoria Island, Lagos.

....As govt accuses PDP of vandalising Fawehinmi Park zIt's cheap blackmail—Lagos PDP

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Dapo Akinrefon

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AGOS—THE Lagos State Government, yesterday, accused members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of vandalising the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park at Ojota stating that they carted away some historical relics.

The state government said the facilities were destroyed during a campaign rally of the party at the park.

But in a swift reaction, the PDP described the allegation as cheap blackmail, noting that All Progressives Congress, APC, is desperate to retain Lagos.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello who disclosed this while conducting newsmen round the park at Ojota, condemned the act.

He lamented what he called the high level of destruction and vandalisation of monument and equipment built with tax payer’s money.

Bello noted that while, the state government is not against the use of the park by individuals he frowned against the wanton destruction of the landscaped that adorned the park.

He said: “A park is indeed different from an open space.

We have a lot of open space across the state which they can use rather than destroy our lush green parks that has given the

In its reaction, the Lagos State chapter of the PDP absolved its members of vandalising the park.

Its state publicity secretary, Mr Taofik Gani said “the allegation is total blackmail and a confirmation of warnings to us that PDP that the APC is desperate and will take any step to retain Lagos because they see the PDP and its governorship candidate as a potential threat in the February elections. They lack populist and factual achievements. They have resorted to mudslinging, blackmail and attack on our persons.”

state a lot of public acclaim.

Nowhere in the world would you display such indecency and lack of respect to the people, where you publicly harass and chase away workers who maintain these parks.”

Speaking further, the commissioner said “similar act of impunity was also displayed by the PDP led government, through the clamp down on corporate advertisers in the state, where they removed paid adverts on street lamppost, billboards across the state.

This is gross abuse of power

and authority over the people you want to govern.”

The commissioner, observed that restoring the landscaped site to its original state, will cost tax payers a lot.

“Lagosians are therefore advised to be wary of wolves in sheep clothing’s who by their acts take away peoples means of livelihoods and infringe on their rights and privileges, especially at this time when the election is near”, he said.

GOV ELECTION: I'll

defeat Ambode —AGBAJE

By Dapo Akinrefon

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GOVERNORSHIP candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State, Mr Jimi Agbaje yesterday expressed optimism that he will defeat the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode.

Agbaje, who faulted the state government’s failure of paying the N18,000 minimum wage and leave bonus meant for civil servants in the state promised to ensure prompt payment of the wage if elected into office.

Allegation is cheap blackmail —Lagos PDP

Promising to ensure nonindigenes are given a voice in the state, he said “we have said that the indigenes must live together because the moment you drive away the non-indigenes, Lagos will become a village.”

Also speaking, state chairman of the party, Mr Tunji Shelle urged the people of the state to cast their votes for the party ’s candidate saying, “he is well prepared for the job. God has given him all the abilities to govern Lagos State. He is the man God will use to deliver Lagos from the APC.”

LASU students endorse Ambode

Meantime, the Students Union Government SUG of the Lagos State University, LASU, has endorsed Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as the next governor of Lagos State. In a speech by the Student Union President, Mr. Nurudeen Yusuf at the mega rally of the All progressive Congress in Ojo, he said that they have weighed the two major contenders for the post that is Mr. Jimi Agbaje of the People Democratic Party, PDP, and Akinwunmi Ambode of the, APC, before making up their mind. Their irrevocable choice is Ambode.

PVC: INEC

again moves distribution to polling units

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By Monsuru Olowoopejo

A G O S — T H E Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC yesterday said the commission has dumped the ward distribution of Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs for the polling units across Lagos State.

INEC had earlier commenced distribution of PVC in the 245 wards established by the electoral body in the state.

Lagos Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Akin Orebiyi who disclosed this during a closed door meeting with the state governor, Babatunde Fashola at the Lagos House, Ikeja, added that the new 1.9 million PVC promised by the commission last week has arrived for distribution in the state. With this, the number of eligible voters has increased to 5.9 million.

Shonekan canvasses youth empowerment

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By Clifford Ndujihe

AGOS—TO improve and sustain our economic growth, elder statesman and former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, has enjoined governments at all levels to empower youths.

According to him, the youths should be empowered because they constitute the majority of the nation’s 170 million population and the future of the country belongs to them.

He spoke at his Ikoyi, Lagos home, yesterday, while receiving a team from the office of the Special Adviser to the President on the Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku.

Noting that the the nation’s economy is currently doing well, he said there is need for the government to sustain the momentum and expressed joy for the effort the Federal Government is making in the implementation of the Presidential Amnesty programme.

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More Nigerians mourn Okoya-Thamos H

E WAS extremely generous —Tinubu Former Governor of Lagos State and National leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu in his tribute said Pa Molade Okoya Thomas’ death saddens him deeply.

According to Tinubu, “he was too good, too humane, quiet unassuming and extremely generous with his time and resources. His breed is very rare. I am deeply saddened by his demise.”

Tinubu who was one of the early visitors to register his condolence at the home of the late industrialist of the CFAO fame went back memory lane, saying that Lagos will never forget him for his contributions to building a Lagos that is strong and self reliant. “He was of the first generation of elites who laid the foundation for Lagos and for decades was a good ambassador for Lagos. He touched many lives and many Lagos residents will never forget him”, he said

emulation by class of the younger generation who wished to stand-out in his career particularly business and industry.

Olulade said the government and people of Lagos State will definitely miss the icon and it would take another generation to produce the match Chief Molade. He noted that his demise came when Lagos state needed his wealth of experience most and that the vacuum created by Chief Okoya-Thomas will not be filled so soon.

“Achievements and contributions of the late billionaire were too numerous to mention both to Lagos State

and the nation in general. I remembered that he served as vice-chairman, Lagos State Sports Council, President Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Chairman 3rd All-Africa Games Appeal Fund Committee, Chairman National Appeal Fund for Sports Development and chairman Sports Trust Fund among others. He also built and donated a Modern Sports Hall for students and staff of the Lagos State University and was sponsor of the Asoju-Oba Table Tennis competition until his demise”, Olulade recounted.

Olulade on behalf of Lagos State House of Assembly

expressed deep condolence to the entire Lagosians and the family of the late icon.

An uncommon patriot— Ikuforiji

Speaker of the Lagos state House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji has also described late Chief OkoyaThomas as “an uncommon patriot, a foremost sports administrator, an industrialist of uncommon pedigree and a philanthropist, whose great contributions towards human and sports development can never be wished away in a hurry.”

Lagos state has lost a rare gem —Lagos House of Assembly

On its part, the Lagos State House of Assembly said until his death, Chief OkoyaThomas was prominent in service to his fatherland and Lagos in particular.

A statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Lagos House of Assembly Hon Segun Olulade, said Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas would be greatly missed in many sectors of our society describing Chief Thomas as a successful business mogul and business model for many successful Nigerians.

“Chief Thomas who attained the pinnacle of his career was a billionaire who had strong passion for sports development and he did impact very well on the younger generation who aspired to distinguish themselves in career sport.

He was a renowned philanthropist, a socialite, elder-states man and career model”, Olulade said.

The Epe Constituency II representative Lawmaker Hon Olulade said Chief Okoya Thomas lived an exemplary life worthy of

RALLY: National President, Odua People’s Congress, OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, addressing the crowd, during the rally in support of President Goodluck Jonathan's sceond term bid in Lagos, yesterday.

Group warns APC over attacks on Jonathan

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By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—A pro-Jonathan political campaign group, Team Jonathan, Ogun State chapter has warned the All Progressives Congress, APC, to stop attacking the personality of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The group said rather than attacking the President or using provocative statements in order to destroy his achievements, the APC should come with its programmes and policies it would implement.

The Ogun State co-ordinator of

Fayose mobilises ethnic groups in the state. for Jonathan A statement by his Chief Press

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By Gbenga Ariyibi

DO EKITI—EKITI State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, has continued his mobilisation and sensitisation of various ethnic groups for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.

In continuation of the efforts, Fayose on Tuesday met with leaders of the Hausa community C M Y K

Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti, quoted the governor as urging the people to vote for the President.

Fayose said: “We want peace and stability in this country. The problem of insurgency is a creation of the All ProgressivesCongresssoastodestabilise Jonathan and discredit his administration."

the group, Isaac Oyero stated this while addressing the people of Ogun West Senatorial District at the multi-purpose hall, Ilaro in continuation of sensitisation tour to the three senatorial districts in the state.

Oyero highlighted some of the achievements of President Jonathan in four years in the areas of consistent availability of Premium Motor Spirit, in all petrol stations compared to his predecessors in office.

Next polls 'll determine Ogun's future —ISIAKA

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BEOKUTA—THE Ogun State governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka yesterday said the February 28, election will determine the future of the state and urged the electorates to vote for the best candidate.

He also disclosed that unless the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun is voted out of office, the state will soon face serious economic challenges because of the “ reckless manner” it has managed the state’s resources especially the white elephant projects embarked upon.

Speaking with the members of Christians Association of Nigeria, Yewa/Awori zone in Ilaro, Ogun State, Isiaka, who disclosed that contrary to the lies being peddled by the government that none of the roads expanded costs more than N400m per kilometer, he said available records showed that Amosun has been paying nothing less than N1.4 billion per kilometre on all the expansions.

He said: “We were at the debate on Sunday in Abeokuta where we confronted him with the facts of how bogus the costs of his contracts have been."

Suit against Jonathan, political game —KAYODE

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By Dapo Akinrefon

AGOS—THE Director of Legal Affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Campaign, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, has affirmed his readiness to defend the eligibility of its presidential candidate, Dr Goodluck Jonathan to contest the February 14 presidential election.

Reacting to a suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan, Prince Kayode described the suit as a political game play.

Recall that the plaintiffs, which include Prof. Tunde Samuel, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, Mr. Razak Adeosun and Yahaya Ezemoo, are pleading with the court to restrain Dr. Jonathan from contesting, putting himself forward and or accepting to contest for the office of President, Federal Republic of Nigeria at the 2015 presidential election.

Kayode, however, argued that the case is a flagrant and desperate abuse of court process.

....As court orders alternative service in Buhari's disqualification suit

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By Bartholomew Madukwe

AGOS—A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered alternative service of the disqualification claim on General Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC, by publication in a national newspaper.

Presiding over the disqualification case filed by Mr. Chike Okafor against General Buhari not to contest the 2015 presidential elections, Justice Niyi Ademola ordered alternative service after being informed that the defendants were evading service.

In Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/ 01/2015, the claimant had approached the court based on Section 131 of the Constitution which prescribes a minimum qualification for nomination to participate in presidential elections and Section 31 of the Electoral Act that stipulates all Presidential Candidates to depose an Affidavit in proof of compliance with constitutional requirement to be President of Nigeria.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

POLLS: We can't afford to fail—UDUAGHAN

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has said that peaceful elections in Nigeria cannot be compromised as the country cannot afford to toy with its unity.

Speaking, yesterday, in Asaba, at a voters education meeting with traditional rulers, Governor Uduaghan said that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the country gets it right as the consequences of failure would be disastrous.

He said that the government, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and stakeholders were working together to ensure that the forthcoming elections were free, fair and devoid of any form of violence.

He said: “As much as possible, we want to totally remove violence during elections and one way of achieving this is through proper voter education.

Ignorance can lead to violence and there are many people out there who are not well informed about issues

surrounding the temporary voters card, permanent voters card and the voting processes."

The governor said everything would be done to ensure that there was no violence during and after the elections, adding, “We are determined to have peaceful elections in Nigeria and Delta

State in particular. It is important and very critical that we have peaceful elections.”

He disclosed that there were still about 6,000 permanent voters cards yet to be collected and urged traditional rulers to inform their subjects to endeavour to collect their voters cards before the deadline.

Uduaghan observed that Delta State has recorded peaceful electioneering campaigns and informed the traditional rulers that President Goodluck Jonathan would lead the campaign train of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to Asaba today for a rally and urged all Deltans to remain peaceful throughout the period.

BRIEFING: From left: Prof. Pat. Utomi, Founder, Centre for Values in Leadership, CVL; Ms. Francisca Ukabiaka, Head, Admin/HR; Mr. Uchenna Achunine, Chief Operating Officer; Mr. Larry Umeche, Director and Engr. Ladi Olajide, Director, all of CVL, at the press conference for the forth- coming 12th CVL annual lecture/symposium in Lagos. Photo: Emmanuel Asuquo.

SERAP asks Finance Minister to account for alleged missing N30trn A CIVIL society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has sent a Freedom of Information Act request to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, urging her to “urgently provide information about spending of the alleged missing N30 trillion, which represents some accruable income to the Federal Government in the past four years.”

SERAP’s request followed disclosure by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, that over N30 trillion had been missing, or stolen, or unaccounted for, or simply mismanaged, under the minister’s watch.

The organisation threatened to “take all appropriate legal actions under the Freedom of Information Act to compel” the minister to comply with the request if “the information is not provided to us within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.”

In the letter of request dated February 2, 2015 by SERAP’s Executive Director, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation, said: “As trustee of public funds, SERAP contends that your ministry has a legal duty to render account on the missing

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N30 trillion to the beneficiaries (Nigerians) of the trust, if and when called upon to do so.

“As a key agency of government, the Ministry of Finance has a sacred duty to ensure that the country’s resources and wealth are used solely to fulfil the basic economic and social rights of Nigerians and achieve the country’s overall socio-economic

development. This implies providing strong leadership in the efforts to curb public sector corruption, and to refer to appropriate anti-corruption agencies any allegation of corruption in which any agency of government may be involved or official of your Ministry may be complicit.

“We consider this a serious

allegation that requires your immediate and urgent clarifications. If true, such allegation will clearly amount to a fundamental breach of national anticorruption laws and the country ’s international anticorruption obligations and commitments including under the United Nations Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party."

We didn’t endorse Manager, Itsekiri leaders insist

By Emma Amaize

W

ARRI—ITSEKIRI Leaders of Thought, ILT, in Delta State, yesterday, denied that it had endorsed Senator James Manager, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Delta South senatorial district.

ILT Secretary, Mr Edward Ekpoko, told Vanguard that the group was surprised to read in the newspapers that it had endorsed Manager.

He said the serving senator, who is gunning for the position for the fourth time, actually visited the group and was received by Pa J. O. Ayomike last Sunday.

“The ILT chastised him that it was only when he wants to contest elections that he

comes to meet them.”

Ekpoko said that the group urged Manager to represent the three ethnic divides, Ijaw,

Isoko and Itsekiri that make up the senatorial district equitably if he gets the mandate of the electorate.

Buhari, man of character, integrity —ABE

F

ORMER Managing Director, Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, OOGFZA, Dr. Noble Abe, has described former Head of State and presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, as a man of character and integrity.

Abe, in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, wondered why individuals who have cases to answer with anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission, EFCC, would choose to assassinate Buhari's character because of politics.

He said: “I am a Nigerian and very proud to be one. I am, however, appalled by the direction our dear country and politics are going. A nation where men and women of integrity are vilified and denigrated while corrupt people of dubious character are celebrated and treated as heroes, leaves much to be desired."

A-Ibom deputy gov urges women to vote PDP

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ITH less than two weeks to the general elections, Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Lady Valerie Ebe, has continued to sensitize groups, elders, youths and women in the state to vote for candidates of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the polls.

Speaking when she hosted members of a sociopolitical group in the state, Uyo Iban Mkpat Enin, who visited her at the Deputy Governor ’s Lodge, Government House, Uyo, Lady Ebe said that the PDP governments at both national and state levels have performed well by providing opportunities for women to serve in various positions of government in line with the 35 percent affirmative action of which she is a beneficiary and as such deserves to continue.

Frontiers News Executive Editor, Idonor passes on

T

HE management of Frontiers Alliance Communications Limited publishers of Frontiers Newspapers Online, has announced the death of its Executive Editor, Mr. Daniel Idonor.

Idonor passed away on Monday, at the Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Abuja, after a protracted illness.

He was aged 45.

A devout Christian, late Idonor was also a former Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Abuja.

The late Idonor started his journalism career at the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Bauchi and at different times worked for Champion and Vanguard Newspapers, respectively, before he ventured into online publishing.

He is survived by a widow and four children.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015—13

Pastors took N6bn bribe to campaign against Buhari —AMAECHI

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— DIRECTOR-General, Buhari Presidential Campaign organisation, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, has accused some church leaders of taking N6 billion bribe from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to campaign against the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).

Governor Amaechi, at APC's governorship campaign rally yesterday, in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, said already, the religious leaders were allegedly distributing leaflets all over that Buhari had plans to Islamize the country if elected.

Amaechi called on the pastors to return the alleged bribe collected from the PDP. He said: “Some pastors collected N6 billion and they are circulating documents and telling you not to vote for an Hausa man; not to vote for a Muslim; that they want to Islamize Nigeria. Tell them to return our N6 billion.

“They gave them N6 billion.

They should return it to the Federal Government coffers.

They will tell you that Buhari wants to Islamize Nigeria; tell them we are too educated. I am a Catholic, but no Catholic priest has told me that story right now in the Catholic Church because, I will ask him how.

“If any pastor tells you that, tell him to return the money.

Nobody can Islamize Nigeria.

They have commercialised Jesus Christ. They should stop commercialising Jesus Christ.

He is our Lord and Saviour.

“You know what Jesus Christ did in the temple, he chased them away. We shall chase away those pastors who have

collected money from PDP to tell us lies. We shall chase them away on behalf of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I told the President that the election in Rivers State is a referendum between him and me. I told him anywhere I will go, I will show what I have done.

Let him show what he has done.”

PUBLIC PRESENTATION: From left: Mr. Osten Olorunsola; Pastor Niyi Akenzua; Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, author; Mrs. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas and Prince Jide Adeniyi, at the public presentation and unveiling of the book Audacity For Change by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo took place in Lagos.

Why PDP's failed for 16yrs —OSHIOMHOLE

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has failed in its 16 years in power, because the party cannot give what it doesn’t have, adding that the PDP-led Federal Government has become the weak link in Nigeria’s federal system and the time for change has come for the country to move forward.

The governor said another four years of the PDP at the federal level would worsen the hardship and sufferings of Nigerians as it was a government full of deceit.

Speaking at the campaign rallies of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ovia North East, Ovia South-West and Egor Local Government Areas of Edo State, Oshiomhole said: “We have looked at all the indices. The truth is that the Federal Government has become the weak link in our development process. We can’t create jobs because there is no power.

“Everywhere I go to in Edo, people are protesting over blackout.

The state government provides the transformers, but private organisations come to collect

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the bills whether they provide electricity or not.

“When you watch television,

they tell you they have done railways, that trains are working everywhere. Among

you here, who has entered a PDP train? Is it on television we will keep seeing it?

APC behind explosions in Rivers courts —PDP

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— CHAIRMAN of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Mr Felix Obuah, has accused All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state of being behind the explosions that rocked three courts in the state on Monday.

It will be recalled that unknown persons detonated explosives at the court premises in Port Harcourt, Isiokpo and Degema. While the High Court in Degema was razed by the explosions, the two other courts recorded minimal damage.

The development came a day after Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, called off its eight months old strike in the state.

State Chairman of PDP, in a statement by his media aide, Mr Jerry Needam, said it was sad that some persons were happy that the courts had been closed in the state.

“The PDP finds it irrational and indicting why Governor Chibuike Amaechi is not

bothered about the continued closure of the courts neither is he moved by the suffering of litigants, lawyers and solicitors, and especially those languishing in detention and prisons because of the striking judiciary workers, yet he pays the salaries and allowances of the judiciary workers for staying at home,” he said.

Calling on the police to unmask those behind the

explosions, Mr Obuah appealed to the judiciary workers to resume work.

Meantime, the party has assured that it would complete the Ring Road in Bonny and also construct a jetty of international standard if its governorship candidate, Mr Nyesom Wike was elected.

Wike gave the assurance, yesterday in Bonny during a rally.

APC France drums support for Buhari

By Evelyn Usman

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OORDINATOR, All Progressives Congress, APC, France chapter, Mrs. Ibifuro Tatua, has called on Nigerians in Diaspora to mobilise support from their respective places of abode for the party ’s presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, saying that victory for him would help the country regain its place on the global stage.

Speaking during a campaign rally by APC members in

France, Tatua said: "Back home, the people’s anger has become deep and bitter. They are not comfortable with the prevailing deficit in the nation’s body polity. They are against the ruling party for ineptitude.

"To majority of Nigerians, the Peoples Democratic Party is a failure and any vote for the party in this month's general election is a mandate for poverty, bad policies, insecurity, infrastructural decay and destruction of the nation’s economy.”

No politician's worth dying for —Primate Okoh

By Festus Ahon

U

G H E L L I — PRIMATE of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has cautioned against violence in this month’s general elections, saying that no politician is worth dying for.

Addressing newsmen at the Osubi Airport, near Effurun, Delta State, shortly after his arrival for the meeting of the Standing Committee of the church billed to hold at Ughelli, Okoh said: “We should be peaceful. Whoever God has chosen will emerge and our lives will continue. We should not destroy ourselves. No politician is worth dying for.”

He advised youths in the country not to allow themselves to be used by politicians for their selfish interest, saying “do not join anybody to create trouble. You are important to Nigeria and your parents."

On his part, the Bishop of Ughelli Diocese, Rt. Rev. Cyril Odutemu expressed optimism that the elections will be violence free, during and after the exercise.

LASU students endorse Ambode

T

HE Students Union Government, SUG, of Lagos State University, LASU, has endorsed the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, as the next governor of Lagos State.

The students union President, Mr. Nurudeen Yusuf, at a rally of the APC in Ojo, said that they considered the two major contenders for the post before taking their decision.

Nurudeen, who led the students who came in their large numbers to drum support for Ambode, said that their decision was based on Ambode's experience.

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

Condolence visits to family of late Okoya-Thomas

From left, Chief Philip Asiodu and Mr. Akintola Williams.

From left: Mr. Deji Okoya-Thomas, son of the deceased, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth; Mrs. Yinka Taiwo, daughter of the deceased, and Chief Olu Akinkugbe, during condolence visits to the family of late Molade Okoya-Thomas home, at Victoria Island, Lagos. Photos: Bunmi Azeez

From left, Mr. Ayo Iroze, Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede, former GMD, Access Bank Plc, and Mr. Tunde Lemo, former Deputy Governor, CBN.

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From left: Chief Modupeola Oguntade, Chief Rasaq Okoya, chairman Eleganza, and Chief Olu Okeowo.

From left, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former governor of Lagos State; his wife, Abimbola; Mrs. Margaret Koshoni, and Alhaji Musliu Smith, former Inspector General of Police.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 — 15

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16 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 — 17

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N Valentine’s day—the ultimate celebration of love—couples profess love for each other. This time and as it should be, our love will go beyond individual considerations and relationships, to spur thoughts of the greatest love of all, love of country. I dream of Nigerians waving our flag like Americans wave theirs at the drop of a hat. Outside most American homes one is sure to see the national flag and reference to the state’s official seal. In Britain the Union Jack appears on everything from tshirts, to pencil cases, mugs etc. I often ask myself who will make the love of Nigeria part of our popular culture? We have businessmen in Nigeria, politicians, actors and what have you but very few patriots, that is, people who love this country enough to live their lives in pursuit of its greatness and the happiness of the majority.

On the 14th of February we have the opportunity to redeem ourselves: it is time to show our resolve, to do our civic duty and finally love this country by casting our votes. It sickens me when I hear that some are indifferent. It kills me that they believe the choices are made by others more important than them. It frustrates me that they believe they can carry on to pillage the land (yes, it is no short of pillaging when all you do is take and give nothing back) and yet not care about this country’s future.

The rich make their money here, not in the UK or the US, even if they are passport holders of these nations; their primary source of income remains a business located in Nigeria, where one can provide average services but still reap huge benefits.

Insecurity, like a hangman’s noose looms closer, ready to condemn us all. Change will not come down from heaven: it is our duty and responsibility to work for it.

My conscience demands this article. Whatever result is announced on the 14 th , I believe I will have done what is right as a conscientious citizen and as a human being.

I spent Saturday at a charity drive organised to gather food,

tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

For the love of Nigeria

Love Nigeria clothes, household items etc. for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Northeast. I haven’t felt so alive in a long time: I am alive and receptive to the suffering of others, open to their pain and I will do my best in whatever little capacity I can with whatever forces I can muster, to help alleviate it.

That is what it means to be a human being. Not money, not status, not acquiring handbags and powerful men, unlike what is practised in

Does it take genius to run a country?

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HE short answer: no.

Ronald Reagan, a former US President had the right values and a competent team.

Winston Churchill

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HE British commemorated this war time prime minister’s death over the weekend. He defended the UK during the Second World War, his phrase “never, never give up” became a call to patriots and believers in liberty, decency and fairness. He famously said: “continuous effort, not strength or intelligence is the key to unlocking our potential”. Nigerians keep their heads bowed praying bad times will pass but perhaps it is time to find our inner Churchill and take a stand for freedom, the freedom to use our God given

today’s Nigeria. I am alive. I want to talk about our national ethos. Remember when I mentioned the Union Jack, the relationship other countries have to their flags etc.?

Well, the one thing that brings us all together in Nigeria today is corruption or materialism and the desire to acquire stupendous wealth by any and all means. How then can any of us, the silent majority, hope to succeed when the loudmouths around us, frustrate our projects, our

talents on a level playing field, where the odds aren’t fixed in favour of the undeserving.

Winston Churchill

His policies revitalised the nation: it was “Morning in America”. The key? Values.

Nigerians expect our next president to show morality.

Remind those who have forgotten who they are, what it means to be a Nigerian.

Without that, the technocrats can’t do their work, they are held back by the selfish and greedy.

Ronald Reagan

Vote your conscience, vote for Nigeria, the night is longest before the day.

From the pits of our despair, we will rise to awe the world: we are all soldiers, fighting a war for this country’s soul

efforts and ideas by relentlessly talking about fast money and quick this and that? Nobody in Nigeria today wants to support a project that yields fruit in five years.

Nobody is in anything for the long haul. I am in pain on a daily basis because of this: how does one live, converse and thrive in a nation where all that matters is now and not tomorrow? How does one build anything to last? The immediacy of money and the ease with which some get it determines every facet of our existences: even with ordinary expectations of a decent life, one cannot afford to live comfortably.

Those who have so much do nothing with it and those who have so little need to stretch beyond what is humanly possible to manage what they have. I have heard stories of Nigerian women giving birth with midwives holding only flashlights, a dim light to welcome the child to suffering and the distinct impression that he will never matter. Like slaves on plantations, we outnumber our masters, those who hold us back, yet we are so broken, we dare not hope, talk less of overthrow them.

Which is why although one

man promises us change and another holds on to transformation,doubting Thomases refuse that there might be the slightest possibility of this being our moment of greatness, a time to have the courage of our convictions.

Nigerians, our heads are bowed. We sit in darkness (both literally and figuratively) but I want to believe in the power of our unconquered souls. We are not defined by circumstance (of birth or otherwise), I think of the painful daily grind, of people striving for better lives and futures, whose cries are met by neither warmth nor succour from those in power.

Every time we go out there and try again, apply for another job, begin another hustle, sell produce, fix cars, enter that office and be berated by the inhumane or the talentless, every time you have to beg for a favour and yet another “big man” tells you no, I’d like those reading this column today to wipe off defeat and momentary failure for the energy it takes for gladness, the thrill of a new fight, the exultation of a promised and prophesized victory. Change is coming.

Beyond the horrors of the day and the menace of poverty and insecurity, our bountiful Nigeria will carry us all to freedom. I am not afraid; perhaps it’s the privilege of youth. I welcome the struggle for my prospects; I will not be punished forever. Nigerians who want to work hard and reap the benefits will not be penalised for their beliefs. My fate is about to change, I have remained honest, I have nothing to fear. So I welcome change, to protect everything I hold dear. We think we don’t have the energy for one last fight: Nigerians you deserve better. Vote your conscience, vote for Nigeria, the night is longest before the day.

From the pits of our despair, we will rise to awe the world: we are all soldiers, fighting a war for this country’s soul. We may be bloody, but we are proud. Our tears, the threats of the greedy, deter us not. In our numbers, we come to take this country back.

It matters not what they say: let them call us foolish for our beliefs. We are on the right side of history, alive to our potential. God bless Nigeria.

Our time is here. I salute unconquered souls, no matter the result. Unconquered by rot and selfishness, may we see more rise. Nigeria!

Tabia Princewill is a strategic communications consultant and public policy analyst. She is also the co-host and executive producer of a talk show, WALK THE TALK which airs on Channels TV.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 IN a serious democracy, a candidate who refuses to present himself for a major debate like the presidential debate would lose the election. Neither his reasons, nor his name would be important in the public reaching the decision on this. He would suffer the consequences of ignoring the public, and his party would be entangled in the resulting public odium his decisions would generate.

A public debate, delivered to Nigerians in a live broadcast, is important to Nigerians. It offers them a chance to have candidates under one roof and assess them, away from the sentiments and emotions that are being wrapped round issues that could decide the outcome of the elections.

It is a great platform that candidates should embrace to address the people. Nigerians are about to decide their future.

What better way is there to decide than to have the candidates in a debate among themselves?

People make the cases for most candidates.

We have read the endorsements, the advertisements. The jingles are on the airwaves. All over the cities and our hamlets, posters of candidates

Debating The Debate trail our eyes.

A debate is a natural sequence in communication between candidates and voters. A debate would reveal more about candidates for viewers and listeners to judge them. Is there a tenable reason for not participating in the debate with potentials to reach the largest numbers of Nigerians through a network created from public and private radio and television stations? Reasons could abound for the All Progressives Congress, APC and its candidate, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (ret) refusing to participate in a

debate with other presidential candidates.

A frequently given one is that a documentary some television stations aired about the APC presidential candidate was an indication of the type of treatment he could get at the debate. We think the links are too far-fetched. The Nigeria Election Debate Group, co-ordinating the debate, is different from the stations that aired the documentary, which one of the candidates produced, and bought air time for its airing. We hope APC would change its mind and permit voters a more direct assessment of its presidential candidate. No reasons are enough to justify his absence from the debate so long as his security and safety are not at risk. Since APC did not cite these as reasons for its proposed absence, it should be at the debate.

The change Nigerians want, the change that Nigerians need, includes attitude of our leaders. Change would begin with leaders listening to and engaging the people. There is hardly a better time for that engagement than now; there is hardly a better forum than a public debate that would pit the candidates against themselves.

OPINION

By Bobson Gbinije

“The lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime And departing leave behind us foot prints on the sands of time.” ANONYMOUS HE pendulum and gamut of time and history swung and turned full circle today February 4th 2015 as we gloriously mark THREE YEARS of the transcendental transition from terrestrial realm to celestial bliss of the incomparable Satyagraha- Late Chief Patrick Aghogin Gbinije – The Okpagha of Okpe Kingdom.

He was a quintessential statesman, Catholic communicant, political guru and the millennial Father.

Born in 1918 to the Gbinije Royal family of Okobia in Okpe Local government area (Paternal) and the Agbarha/Akpeta Family of Evwreyin-Ugolo in Okpe Local Government Area all of Delta State, Nigeria and consistent with the Achebian dictum that, “the chick that will grow old will be known the day it is born.” Chief P.A. Gbinije started displaying infantile vibrancy and unusual finesse at a very early age.

As a precocious child prodigy he got admitted into the Native Authority School, Sapele, where he excelled in academics and sports. He then proceed by dint of intellectual brilliance and the support of his maternal Uncle, Mr. Stephen Ogbogbo to St. Gregory’s College, Lagos (1944-1947) and became a London Matriculant in 1949.

Due to pecuniary doldrums he branchedoff his academic boulevard and joined BEWAC LTD as a Manager in 1949 and displayed his managerial skills till 1956.In

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Tribut e tto oP apa Gbinije ribute Papa his quest for greater laurels in the business field, he resigned honorably and become a dealer under Total Oil Products (Nig.) Limited and had his filling station at Mission Road, Benin-City. As an astute businessman, he gained dealership under Niger Motors Ltd (UAC Conglomerate) and specialized in the sales, repairs and distribution of Bedford Lorries, Lucas Batteries, spare parts and all their accessories. He was voted over 23 times as the Niger Motors (UAC) all-round dealer.

He went on to gain dealership with Walparmur Paints & NIDO GAS. His name

We take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled, honest and exemplary life

became a bye-word for efficiency and prudence in business. He was a transporter and dealer for AGIP (NIG) LTD. He changed from dealership logos and insignia to his own Limited Liability Company (PAGSON MOTORS LTD) and proceeded to expand and made more forays into the petroleum marketing area and became a licensed Independent Marketer of Petroleum Products with stations at the Airport Road and Udu Road.He was an investment guru and had investments in properties, stocks and bonds.

He is the owner of De Mustard Hotel, a three star standard Hotel Located at Effurun.

Chief P.A. Gbinije was an astute Lincolnian and consummate politician and one of the rare politicians who never lost in any election all through his political career from 1953 to 1983. He was the Mid-West Democratic Front (MDF) member representing Urhobo West IV (1955). He became the Action Group (AG) Councilor, Chairman Western Urhobo District Council, (1955-1962), Chairman Committee of Management Sapele Urban District Council, (1961-1962), Chairman Western Urhobo Divisional Council, Secretary Okpe Land Trust and Chairman Okpe/Sapele Land Trust.

He contested and won election under the banner of NPN to represent Ethiope South at the National Assembly (1979-1983). He was re-elected again in 1983, but the tenure ship was botched by the Buhari/Idiagbon Coup of 1983. He then withdrew from active politics and featured furtively as a political godfather and adviser to many politicians. It must be on record that Chief P.A. Gbinijewas in the

vanguard of those who fought for the creation of Mid-West Region/state from old Western Region and he stood and later worked assiduously to ensure that Bendel State and later Delta State were created. Indeed, he paid his political dues and championed state and national courses to ensure a progressive political template and ambience. We can rightly state that he was one of the veritable fathers of modern Delta State.

There is no way the history of Okpe nationalism and its traditional institutions are written without the name of Chief P.A. Gbinije being marked in the sands of time.

The Okpe Kingdom, Delta State and Nigeria will surely miss him.

Like a man in search of self, Chief P.A. Gbinije made religious adventures in life searching for the best way to worship and serve the Almighty true God. He made his mistakes, but at last became Born Again. He pitched his religious tent with the Catholic Church As we mark three years of his death we remain inconsolable in our grief over such an insupportable loss. We take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled, honest and exemplary life, from which we must all learn through the institutionalization of service to humanity as being the best work of life.

It is now the turn of all his children, relations, disciples and well-wishers to continue from where he stopped. We cannot say and give these clamorous plaudits to Papa Chief P.A. Gbinije, if we cannot continue to live in love, peace and unity. Fare thee well O’GOODONE•Mr. Gbinije, late Papa Gbinije's son, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015—19 —19

Did I hear Buhari does not want to debate Jonathan?

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HESE are political times and like in a war the first casualty is truth. There have, in the last few days and the many weeks leading to the February 14 presidential election, been a whole lot of untruths being peddled out there as the Gospel, and that too in the name of God. Not even socalled men and women of God who have become more partisan than the politicians they are ranged behind are exempt. Aside the presidential candidates of the two leading parties to whom false statements and actions are attributed by their opponents, persons not known to be cardcarrying members of political parties, or with no more connections to them than can be expected of concerned citizens, have had attributed to them statements and action they could not have made in their wildest dreams. The internet has become a major source of these incredible statements, many of them blatant lies that could be easily seen through by Nigerians literate and interested enough to follow developments in their country.

Documents have and are being forged and passed off as authentic by criminals obviously practiced

in their game of subterfuge. Little or no attempt is made to conceal the fact that an attempt is being made to tarnish another person's image in order to destroy their chances at the poll while enhancing the chances of their rivals. Statements are made and boldly attributed to other people.

Documents are randomly forged and authenticated with the presumed signature of the innocent victim to whom they are attributed and sent out on the internet. News is breaking with the rapidity of beer-room gossips.

One moment, a fabricated image is posted on the internet which goes ‘viral’ to be replaced by another within the hour or day- all by supporters and opponents of the people being maligned and/or approbated by those sending out the posts. The long and short of my point is that it is very difficult, if not dangerous, to know what to believe in the myriad of information that is thrown out in the public space in the course of the ongoing political insults and false attributions called campaigns. Nothing can be taken for granted.

It is for this reason that I am, as I write this at about mid-day on this last Friday of the month of January

By Patrick Dele Cole

W

HAT is the age when men and women can legally have sex in Nigeria? This is a round about way of asking what is the age of consent? A simple question; but an extraordinarily complicated one. The new Child rights Legislations stipulate that having carnal knowledge (sex) of a child below the age of 18 is a crime in twenty – four (24) States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

So would it mean that the age of consent is 18 in those States and the Federal Capital? Not so. For this purpose, Akwa Ibom and Kwara States specify 16years, whilst Jigawa State specifies 15 years.

Even so there are other complications. The traditional marriage systems stipulate generally the age of 12 – 14 years for girls. In some parts of Nigeria, the age is as low as 10 but there are other constraints which prevent consummation of the marriage even if the girl, her parents and the spouse’s parents have agreed. Among the Ibos, for example, child marriages from such ages below 10 years of age are permitted. But the girl remains under the protection of her father in-law until she reaches the normal marriageable age of the community.

Sometimes, these constraints are not really constraints, especially if the marriage is done under Islamic Law/Sharia. In such a case, marriage could be conducted by a mallam between a man and a 10 or 11, 12 year old girl, as we have seen recently. I am told that some of these “marriages” are really not marriages because the girl may have poor parents who would gladly give their 11 year old daughter in marriage because they cannot feed the girl anymore.

We have a former governor, and now a Senator, who is reported to have married a 13 year old girl from Nigeria and a 15 year old girl from Egypt. Is he a pedophile?

Apparently, not, because, according to his religion, he married and divorced them legally.

Who is a pedophile?

C M Y K

2015, taking yet with a pinch of the salt, the news that Mohammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the APC, has refused to take part in a debate with his leading opponent in the presidential contest and incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan. It is hard for me to believe but not unimaginable given Nigeria’s steep descent into infamy (no thanks to our politicians), that a candidate to the high office of president would refuse to debate an opponent in an event organized by citizens. I say I do not find this difficult to imagine even if I find it difficult to believe that any aspirant to any office, especially that of president, would spurn such opportunity to sell their programme to the electorate. The reason it is not difficult to imagine is that we have being for a long time in an era of impunity where everything and just about anything can happen without anybody being shocked. But it is difficult to believe or accept that at this material time somebody would dare contemplate such action.

Let the contestants be reminded that Nigerians are looking forward to the opportunity to assess them at close quarters. It is therefore not up to a candidate to choose to participate in a debate or not

I will therefore not believe the report yet that the APC and its candidate for president would refuse to debate an opponent. Not for a candidate whose campaign mantra is ‘change’- from what exactly somebody might ask, if the candidate will not abide by a simple convention of modern democracies? A party and a candidate that campaigns on the high crest of change, which I take to mean redirecting Nigeria from the unacceptable ways of the past, will not want to make the hubristic mistake of proving right opponents who have talked of a leopard not being able to change its skin. Mohammadu Buhari has been cast in the mold of an unbending jihadist by his opponent, a throwback from a better-forgotten era of military despotism. Would he make the mistake of committing the political crime of slighting the electorate by refusing to debate his opponent? I’d rather believe otherwise.

By the time the reader gets this, I believe the situation would have been made clear. But suffice to say now that no Nigerian aspiring to lead the country or the people of this country in any capacity deserves to be voted for if such refuses to present himself before them in a debate organized by the same people whose support is being sought. The reason any candidate can advance for not wanting to debate their opponents have been stated here in this column last week, and need not detain us any further. It has to do with the impartiality or lack of it of the organizers. This is a simple thing to overcome. A candidate needing assurance on this issue need only insist on the integrity of persons to be selected to be on the panel of interviewers and/or moderating the debate. That it is called a debate is

Sex in Nigeria It is stated that Mohammed the Prophet married a 9 year old girl and gave out his own ten year old daughter in marriage. It is also well known that the Prophet also instructed that young girls should be educated, and that marriage should never be at the expense of education. In both cases, the nine year old and ten year old, though married were made to have full education, and the marriage was not consummated until his wife was eighteen years, and his daughter was nineteen years! The question arises: Have the Nigerian Muslims, who cite these examples, exhibited any such discipline as the Prophet exhibited? The answer, of course, is no having regard to the cases of V-V+ we witness. Let us consider this case: Mayen is 15, and living with her uncle in Kano. Her uncle was a political officiando.

Alhaji Akali was a powerful figure who was able to dispense favours. He visit Mayen’s uncle and saw Mayen in his house. He was enamoured by her and sought her hand in marriage. The uncle was only too happy to give Mayen away; and Alhaji married Mayen. Soon thereafter, there was a riot in Kano, and Mayen escaped and went home to her father in Akwa Ibom. The father is now

Whilst the majority specify 18 years for both marriage and legal eligibility to consent to sexual intercourse; two States have specified 16 years, and one State, 15 years

not inclined to allow Mayen to leave the house. He locks her up and refuses all pleading from Alhaji that Mayen is his wife, and he has come to take her back to Kano.

What is the solution? Should the AttorneyGeneral of Cross River State not prosecute Alhaji for having carnal knowledge of Mayen who was 15 at the time of the marriage?

A similar situation happened between a Lagos girl, Abike, aged 15, living in Kano, who married under the sharia, but returned to Lagos where her father has refused to accept that she is married. The simple answer to this is to say that, on the face of it, there was no parental consent. Therefore, there was no marriage. But in both cases, a local uncle had stood in for the parents to give consent without which the officiating mallam would not have performed the ceremony.

Even so, there is a clear case of conflict of laws? The Child’s Rights Laws of Lagos State and Cross River State stipulate 18 as age of consent. The Law is clear that when conflicts such as these arise, the domicile of the father will be the domicile of Abike and that of Mayen.

But here, there is no conflict because the age 18 years for legality of sexual intercourse, marriage and betrothal has been made to override age by these Child Rights Laws.

The issue here has to do with the legality of the marriage in Kano. They would have been valid if the consent of the parents had actually been obtained. But there is no evidence in cited case that the parent’s consents were obtained. Accordingly, the purported marriages would be null and void. The problem now is, would the purported husband of Mayen and Abike be continually liable for defiling the girls, respectively? This raises a very complicated Legal issue which is not for discussion here.

However, there are still 12 States of the Federation (11 in the North and 1 in the South) which have still not passed the Child Rights

no reason for any candidate to assume that their opponent would dominate the argument unhindered, or crowd them out of the debate with a barrage of remarks. Such fantasy can only happen in the cacophonous atmosphere of paid supporters. The type of political debate the present one demands is timed, with each speaker allotted equal time. And no partisanship can be allowed either by way of questions asked or time given for such question to be answered by moderator(s). In short, not being an eloquent speaker is not necessarily a disadvantage. And who among those presently out on the rostrum has the eloquence of a Bill Clinton or a Barack Obama as to inspire fear in their rivals?

Let the contestants be reminded that Nigerians are looking forward to the opportunity to assess them at close quarters. It is therefore not up to a candidate to choose to participate in a debate or not. It may not be a constitutional requirement yet, but it is a global convention we would be worse off to ignore. Just this past Wednesday a call from an official of the Murtala Mohammed Foundation in Ikoyi, headed by Aisha Oyebode, daughter of the former head of State, Murtala Mohammed, informed me of the plans of that organization to hold a debate for the presidential candidates in Abuja. This official called in response to the call in this column last week for such a debate. This is to tell the two presidential candidates, Mohammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan that Nigerians are waiting and will want to hear them.

Legislation. In those States, the tenets of Customary Law and Islamic Law still hold sway.

There are Statutory Laws on rape (Criminal Code and Panel Codes) in those States. Even if we leave all that, how about the absence of a law of statutory rape like in the UK where the Criminal Law specified 16 for the age of consent, where the girl is unmarried; whilst the Penal Code specifies the age of 14 years.

On its own put, the Sharia Penal Code specifies the age of 13 years.

What the law in Nigeria says now is absurb.

Any carnal knowledge before 18 is a crime except where a marriage (traditional or religions) has taken place in which case, no crime is deemed to have been committed.

Nigeria is not the first place to have conflict of laws of this type. In the US, some States allow 16 year for marriage others 17, or 18.

Driving licenses are issued to 16 year olds in Texas, but no where else. During the miscegenation era, the laws in some States allowed interracial marriages; whilst other States forbade it. So, you may be legally be married in Boston, but in Memplus, the black man is sent to jail for attempting to marry a white woman. What will a policeman in Alabama say to a 16 year old Texan with a valid driving license?

Would it not be better to have a statutory rape age – all marriages must then follow that rule?

This is what the Child Rights Legislations have sought to do. However, true to the essence of Federalism, the ages specified by the respective States have not been uniform: whilst the majority specify 18 years for both marriage and legal eligibility to consent to sexual intercourse; two States have specified 16 years, and one State, 15 years. This shows that a lot more still needs to been done.

•Dr. Cole, a former ambassador, wrote from Lagos.

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

PVC wahala

How my cousin raped me — Six-month pregnant woman

By Gabriel Enogholase, Benin

M

RS. Juliet Justice, aged 20, an apprentice stylist at Uzebba, OwanWestLocalGovernmentArea of Edo State was at home last week tending her junior brother put under her care by her mother when she received a call from her cousin, Augustine Farawe, that he needed to see her urgently.

That call was, however, to prove traumatic as she was raped by the said cousin who has been arrested by the Police in the area.

Speaking with Vanguard Metro, VM, at the weekend on her alleged rape by the said Augustine Farawe, the six months pregnant woman said: “He(my cousin) called me at about 6.00 am to come to his house and I told him that I could not leave the house because my mother was not at home. But after much pressure from him to come and see him, I went there with my junior brother, my nine months old brother tied to my back.

Quarrel in the house “I went there because we had quarrel in our house the previous Thursday and he was one of those who intervened during the quarrel.

That Friday morning, he reported that on account of his intervention in the quarrel, some members of my family came to fight him. He described where I should meet him along Ifon Road. We met him there and he took us to his house. On getting to his house, I asked him about the people he claimed were fighting him, he said that they hadleftandpromisedtocome back. I told him that I was going back home since those he claimed were fighting him had already left and he should inform me if they happen to come back again. That was about 7 am.

“All of a sudden, he grabbed me and started to drag me outside. When my junior brother challenged him over his action, he shouted at the boy and asked him to keep quiet. My brother ran away to inform my mother of what Augustine was doing to me. By this time, he (Augustine) started to beat me and the baby on my back.

•Juliet I tried to run, he caught up with me, slapped me and dragged me into a nearby bush and raped me. He said if I don’t stop shouting, he would strangle me and the baby on my back to death”.

She added that after raping her, he forcibly removed her panties and ordered her to follow him to his house to swear to an oath with the underwear that the pregnancy she was carrying belongs to him. “When I refused to do it he started to beat me again. On our way to his house, I ran into a house for safety but the people there drove me out. On getting to his house, I ran to the back-

I tried to run, he caught up with me, slapped me and dragged me into a nearby bush and raped me; he said if I don’t stop shouting, he would strangle me and the baby on my back to death

yard where I met my mother and his(Augustine’s) mother and one man. My mum and his mother now collected the panties from him and I fainted”.

Juliet’smother,Mrs.Esther Monday, corroborated her daughter’s claim. According to her: “My son came to inform me that somebody was dragging my daughter and I ran to my sister’s house to find out what was happening to my children. Shesaid she has not seen them.

Report to the police Just then, I saw my daughter who rushed at me and started shouting, ‘Mummy, save me, I am weak, Augustine took me to the bush and raped me’.

“With the assistance of a man I met there, my daughter was rushed to my house.

It was his (Augustine’s) mother who collected the pant from his son and gave it to me. I reported the matter to the Police on Saturday morning and they gave me two policemen. But Augustine ran away to escape arrest. We reported to a doctor at Uzebba General Hospital who examined her. Before then, the mother of the boy told me that early that Friday morning, he had earlier raped a girl before that of my daughter happened.”

A community leader, Mr.

Kakabu Austine, who spoke to VM, described the issue of raping as becoming too common in their locality. He disclosed that Augustine Farawe had in the past been involved in five rape incidents for which he was remanded in prison.

“He returned about three years ago before this incident happened. When this happened, I was informed and interviewed both of them. I discovered that the rape story was real, and I’m shocked such a man would rape a woman with six months pregnancy.

It is beyond my imagination. Furthermore, it is a fact that the girl was backing a kid and I look at it that the boy might be having a mental problem. The boy is so close to me. I have not seen such in him until now; but from what is happening, I believe he has a mental problem.

“I want the government or the authorities concerned to properly investigate the matter and take necessary action to make sure the boy is brought before the law. This is more than a taboo in the sense that the mother of the girl has a blood relation with the mother of the boy.

However, sources close to UzebbaPolicePostwhospoke anonymously to VM confirmed the rape incident and said that they have started investigations into the issue.

By Ebele Orakpo

‘S

O many people will be disenfranchised in the forthcoming elections for not having the permanent voter’s card, PVC,” said Iyke, a commuter in the Ikeja-bound bus this Thursday morning.

“Is that supposed to be INEC’s fault? People are simply nonchalant towards their civic duty and the same people will turn around to criticize any government in power for non-performance. Do your part and leave the rest, says an adage; but we will not do our part,” said Nike.

Said Mercy: “It is not entirely the fault of the people, I can assure you. I know a lot of people who left all they were doing just to get their PVCs but they were always told to come back. For God’s sake, for how long are they expected to leave their businesses to queue at INEC centres? I went to where I registered and voted in 2011 with my temporary card but couldn’t find my name on the list pasted on the wall.

In fact, many of those whose names were on the list were dead. Those of us who couldn’t find our names on the list were asked to come back three days later to register afresh. Lo and behold, we got there and there was no INEC person. It was frustrating. Right now, I have no PVC and unless we are allowed to use the temporary card, many won’t be able to vote.”

“See? Rigging has started already! Politicians are something else. It is true that even if you succeed in curing a mad man, you can never stop his eyes from twitching, so goes an Igbo adage. Politicians will never learn and the followers are even worse.”

Said John: “My friend told me that someone called him and asked him if he had collected his PVC and he said no. The guy asked him who he was going to vote for and he thought for a while and mentioned a name; he was asked to come and get his PVC instantly! You see the dimension the rigging has taken? May God in heaven help Why should it Nigeria.” take me weeks “Amee ooo,” chorused everyone. just to get my “But really, what’s PVC if going on? Some even had to pay to get their wuruwuru has PVCs here. If you don’t not entered the pay, you forfeit it. Some were frustrated into matter? giving up trying to get the PVC. Me ooo, I went several times without success. They kept telling me to come back. For God’s sake, I don’t have all the time. Why should it take me weeks just to get my PVC if wuruwuru has not entered the matter? said Iyke.

“Even many of those who got theirs may not vote because of fear of violence. But one thing I know, God in heaven is not asleep. Politicians and their followers would have perfected how to unleash mayhem on innocent people but God will surprise all of them. They won’t know what hit them,” said Nike.

“My prayer is that God will give us the best person for us and all those who want blood shed will shed their own blood and no one else’s blood. After all, these politicians who are ready to cause mayhem for their selfish goals won’t use their children and relatives to carry out their dirty jobs, they use the ordinary man on the street. I wish people would begin to ask them questions. You want me to kill and maim for you, where are your children and relatives? Until we begin to ask such questions, we will continue like this,” said Iyke.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 — 21

DIALOGUE: From left: President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, Mr Albert Okumagba; Chairman, Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria, AIHN, Mr .Victor Ogiemwonyi, and Chairman, Association of Stock Broking Houses of Nigeria, ASHON, Mr. Emeka Madubuike at a dialogue on the Capital Market and 2015 budget, in Lagos.

Naira gains N2 as CBN intervenes in BDC segment

By Babajide Komolafe

T

HE Naira yesterday appreciated

by N2 at the parallel market following announcement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to intervene in the Bureaux de change, BDC segment of the foreign exchange market by selling additional $30,000 to each them on Friday.

In response the parallel market exchange rate dropped to N207 per dollar from N210 on Monday, thus reducing the gap between the official and parallel market exchange rate to

$159.85

-2.60

$2,705.00

33.00

$14.52

0.30

$56.03

1.28

$50.64

1.07

CURRENCY

BUYING

DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

167 251.9529 189.4448 180.4448 1.4192 0.2689 233.3106 26.6999 44.4338 25.4569 235.2863

CENTRAL 167.5 252.7073 190.012 181.1202 1.4235 0.2789 235.2951 26.7974 44.5668 25.5331 235.9908

168 253.4616 190.5792 181.6609 1.4277 0.2889 235.9975 26.8778 44.663 25.6094 236.6952

CBN Exchange Rate as at 03/2/15

C M Y K

N39 from N42.

Meanwhile BDC operators have commenced moves to resolve the leadership crisis in the Association of Bureaux De Change of Nigeria (ABCON), which is the umbrella body of BDCs in the country.

The decision of the apex bank to

intervene in the BDC segment was announced in a circular signed by Mr. Olalekan Gbadamosi, Director, Trade and Exchange Department, CBN. The circular titled, “Special Intervention in the Bureaux De Change (BDC) segment of the foreign exchange market”, stated, “This is to inform all

licensed operators that in order to improve the liquidity in the BDC segment of the foreign exchange market, the Central Bank of Nigeria will be intervening in the market by selling $30,000 to interested BDCs on Friday 06, February 2015. This is in addition to the weekly sales to operators.

Interested BDC operators are therefore advised to fund their accounts on or before Wednesday 04, February 2015 to accommodate the proposed intervention”.

BDC operators commended the decision of the apex bank and resolved to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring stability of the exchange rate and forestall further depreciation of the naira in the BDC segment. Speaking at a stakeholders meeting of BDC operators in the South West zone, Aminu Gwadabe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sabil BDCs said that BDC operators had pledged to the apex bank to ensure appreciation of the naira and reduction in the gap between the official and parallel market rate.

Meanwhile, BDC Operators at the Stakeholders meeting adopted four resolutions aimed at resolving the leadership crisis in ABCON. Addressing the meeting, Mr. Abdul Rasheed Amao, CEO, A&S BDC, and a member of the stakeholders’ committee, which convened the meeting, said that the leadership crisis had denied BDC operators of a voice to speak on their behalf at a time such voice is needed most. He said the meeting was convened to allow BDC operators brainstorm on the way out of the leadership crisis.

Consequently, the meeting adopted four resolutions based on recommendations of the seven member stakeholders committee.

Industries not dying, says Aganga

By Franklin Alli

M

INISTER of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, has faulted industry critics who said that companies in the industrial sector of the economy are dying.

“People are saying industries are dying, but they are not, but growing every day,” said Aganga.

Speaking during a facility tour of Sparkwest Steel Industries Limited in Ogun State, he cited the following examples, “In the last four years, about 57 new industries came up in Ogun State. The president has visited Ogun State more than seven times to commission new factories.

“The same thing is happening in Abia State where Nigerian Breweries over the last five years has spent $1 billion for new plants in the country.

The brewery is the biggest and the best in Africa. The governor of the state was telling us that most of the industries that left Aba five years ago, are coming back to Aba,” he added.

We have to also commend the Ogun State government because without

them, none of the new 57 industries would have come up in the state. There is also the need for State and the Federal government to partner to achieve industrial revolution in the country.

Aganga said the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan, NIRP, was working but needs consistency and continuity for another 5 to 7 years to achieve its mandate, saying that if Nigeria continues with the initiative, it would diversify the economy, create millions

The brewery is the biggest and the best in Africa. The governor of the state was telling us that most of the industries that left Aba five years ago, are coming back to Aba

of jobs and earn more foreign exchange from export of steel products from industries such as Sparkwest.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Sparkwest Steel Industries Limited, Mr. Niyi Oyedele, said the company had grown out of an import business into a world-class manufacturer locally producing fabricated and galvanized steel structures, electrical transmission towers, power stations/substations, and telecoms towers and accessories for the Nigerian market. He added that the journey so far had been turbulent; pointing out that import duties on raw materials have continued to plague the growth of industrial activity. He commended the minister for having reversed the duty on raw materials to 5 per cent, thereby helping increased growth in their industrial operations.

Mr. Oyedele went further to say “The Ogun State Government has given tremendous support to our Factory and other Industries within the state.

Indeed, Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s support and cooperation constitute one of the reasons for our success.”

“Today, we are among leading

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

Insurance sector had often been instrumental to the growth of several economies in the world

,

FBN Life to provide group life, professional indemnity to gynecologists Stories by Rosemary Onuoha

“Now a person who has just lost somebody and is thinking of school fees to BN Life Assurance be paid, rent to be paid, Limited has signed a what the children are Memorandum of going to eat, and you dole Understanding, MOU, with out a cheque of one million the Gynecological Society of in front of the person, the Nigeria to provide life person could be mourning a s s u r a n c e / p r o f e s s i o n a l and crying, but definitely indemnity cover for their will say, ‘ahh thank God, members in Lagos. our father left something At the signing ceremony in good for us.’ This is why Lagos, AGM, Business they have embraced this Development of FBN Life, Mr. programme.”

Olasupo Sogelola said that it Sogelola said that the law is hoped that the cover will requires that every doctor go through to the national must have a professional body of gynecologists in indemnity cover, so FBN Nigeria.

Life is not only giving them Sogelola said that the policy professional indemnity will provide group life cover cover, they are also having to the tune of N1.5 million per a life cover for their family. medical practitioner and a “At FBN Insurance, we professional indemnity cover are not resting on our oars; of N1 million per medical we are making efforts to practitioner and the premium introduce insurance to has already been paid. every professional. We are Sogelola said that in thinking of even drivers, Nigeria, FBN is trying to carpenters and we are promote greater penetration currently working on of insurance, adding, “We are some. looking on to professional We are looking at big bodies to partner with in professional bodies order to enhance penetration, getting them on this. We that is, insurance to everybody intend to hit every because there are professional body advantages. For example, represented in this these doctors have seen country, “Sogelola said. advantages of insurance He said that FBN Life because at the beginning of has come to change the this programme they landscape of insurance announced that they lost underwriting in Nigeria, about four members. They adding, “What people told us during the first have not been doing meeting we had with them before, that is what we are that when they go for these here to do, that is why we burials, they don’t have much are doing this, we are to give to the families, maybe introducing something only about N100,000. We told new.” them that they don’t have to Marketing Manager, because insurance is there for Shola Osho said, “We are them. not just waking We told them up now, there are that they can processes we pay a small have to go amount of through before premium and this deal could we will kick off. We had provide them to go through with covers the focus on some processes ranging from micro insurance and these N500,000 up to processes take N5 million is exciting time.

This depending on because one of discussion has the premium the challenges been on since last they have paid. of our country is year, we only got You can give a that not as many a p p o i n t e d substantial because other of the 170 amount of N1 insurers also million to the million people came for the wife or to the participate in presentation, family of the the economy fortunately, we deceased. were on board.

F

C M Y K

,

INSURAN How micro insurance can enhance economic growth T

here is no gainsaying the fact that the insurance sector had often been instrumental to the growth of several economies in the world. It is therefore pertinent to state that insurance is absolutely essential to the transformation of the Nigerian economy.

Experts are therefore of the opinion that the transformation in the insurance sector which has given the sector a face lift from what it was years back, should be sustained.

According to experts with a market of 170million people, the market has enormous potentials.

An expert said, “I think the focus on micro insurance is exciting because one of the challenges of our country is that not as many of the 170 million people participate in

the economy and I believe that helping us to understand micro insurance better is important. What we want is for Nigerians to be able to participate in the economy and I believe that micro insurance is absolutely essential in that regard. If we do not focus on micro insurance, we will not transform our society.”

He said that the transformation in the insurance sector is critical for the transformation of Nigeria, adding, “I don’t think that despite the fact that we have had the insurance industry existing for several years that people realise the importance of insurance to our lives, whether it is agriculture, whether it is housing, among others. The housing sector in America was strengthened because of mono line insurance, because of credit

enhancement that insurance provides. Insurance has become critical for better living conditions including health insurance, which permeates society.

“The industry is replete with opportunities for the investing public. Reforms in the power sector, the oil and gas sector as well as housing sector are clearly an opportunity for insurance products to support these sectors.”

Also, technological innovations have assisted people to be able to reach insurance companies and purchase products that are relevant to them.

“What we expect is that the results of these reforms will make insurance entities become very well recognised institutional investors. Some of the large institutional investors around the world are insurance bodies.”

From left: Mr Deji Adewunmi, Chief Executive Officer, Jobberman; Mr Oluwafemi Taiwo, Founder, Private Property; Tomi Hodonu, General Manager, Cheki and Mr Chika Nwodi, Director, Cheki/Jobberman during a cocktail to open a new office complex for Cheki, Jobberman and Private Property at Broad Street, Lagos.

Ifaturoti outlines steps to check societal decay

C

hairman of Steps to Greatness Foundation, Mr. Ayodele Ifaturoti has said that there is so much moral decay in the society and the Foundation is out to gradually correct some of the ills of society.

Speaking during the launch in Lagos, Ifaturoti said that it is important that children and youth have good ethics and morals in their upbringing so that they can impact positively on the society where they belong, and the concept of the Foundation is to reach out to these people to start bringing the desired change.

Ifaturoti said that the mission of the Foundation is to provide a platform for reorienting the youth in Nigeria and beyond, through programmes targeted on renewing

their mind with the aim of nurturing a disciplined and corrupt free society.

He said, “Our mission is to continuously organise fora that would counsel, mentor, share knowledge, transfer skills, raise moral and ethical standards among the youth thereby transforming them and preparing them to be intellectual leaders of integrity, discipline and repute. “To promote programmes that address moral lapses among the youth by educating them on the right attitude to sexual issues and sexuality as well as discouraging or disabusing their minds of violent activities and civil unrest. At the same time carrying out actions for the purpose of eliminating injustice, oppression, abuse, discrimination and violence against the youth.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015,

,

CE & YOU

— 23

Insurance is absolutely essential to the transformation of the Nigerian economy

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Pension sector to be pivotal of Nigerian economy —Ideva

M

From left: Mr. Wison Ideva, Managing Director; Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Mr. Paul Usoro, Director; Mr. Aliyu Abdulrahman Dikko, Board Chairman, all of Premium Pension Limited at the send-forth of Paul Usoro, on account of the completion of his tenure.

STI to celebrate two decades of operation

S

overeign Trust Insurance Plc, which recently clocked 20 years, said that it has concrete plans to celebrate the company’s two decades of professional underwriting and a heritage of true entrepreneurship.

In a statement, the company said that the vision of Mr. Oluseun Ajayi came to fruition with the support of Ephraim Faloughi and together, their common dream became a reality. A veritable and formidable team was put in place under the leadership of the pioneering Managing Director, Mr. Oluseun Ajayi, supported by the incumbent Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Wale Onaolapo, as the Head of Technical Operations at inception.

“Two decades after, the underwriting company has become a force to reckon with in the comity of insurance companies in Nigeria and beyond; recording so many pace-setting initiatives as it journeys through the years, the company has never looked back since it commenced operation; ensuring that adequate cover is provided in the most professional manner to everyone that has at one point or the other embraced the Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc Brand,” the statement noted.

The company has metamorphosed a great deal in the span of its two decades of existence; having commenced business in 1995, following the restructuring and recapitalisation of the then Grand Union Assurances with an authorised and paid-up capital of N30 million and N20 million respectively.

The company’s corporate head

office is in Lagos, with 16 other offices spread across major commercial cities in the country.

The company attained the status of a publicly quoted company in 2004, and was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange on November 29, 2006.

Currently, the authorised share capital of the company stands at N5.2 billion divided into 10.5 billion units of 50kobo per share with a fully paid-up capital and shareholders’ funds of over N3.4 billion. Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has diverse shareholders from a wide range of individuals and institutional investors with a robust Board of Directors.

The company boasts of innovative products and services that can latch onto the avalanche of emerging opportunities in the Nigerian insurance landscape and beyond, just as it is always willing to collaborate with every relevant stakeholder in the industry such as NAICOM, NIA, NCRIB and other veritable business associates.

“Over the years, the company continues to invest in research

The company boasts of innovative products and services that can latch onto the avalanche of emerging opportunities in the Nigerian insurance landscape and beyond

aimed at developing top-ofthe-notch innovative products and services while deploying Information Technology to accelerate its operation in ensuring efficiency and as a means to reaching out to its teeming customers across the country.

The company has adopted several initiatives to develop the retail end of the insurance market,” the statement noted.

The company said it had put in place a five-year strategic blueprint which became operational in 2013 to take advantage of the opportunities in the industry which will enable the company, among other things, enlarge its business scope, reinforce its position as a reckoning brand in the comity of insurance companies in the country, increase its market share by enhancing and leveraging on strategic alliances to improve customer service, deepen competency and increase product range.

Gainers for Equities

Losers for Equities

anaging Director of Premium Pension Limited, Mr. Wilson Ideva has said that the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, is set to be the pivotal to the social and economic development of Nigeria.

Ideva, who made this assertion at the company ’s head office in Abuja, stated that the more people identify with and subscribe to the new pension scheme the more people remain assured of a secure future and the more funds are amassed under the scheme for national development.

He said, “Some of the remarkable infrastructural developments witnessed recently have benefited from pension funds invested through government bonds.”

Ideva pointed out that various other sectors would begin in no distant time to benefit from the scheme. “The previous unfunded defined benefit scheme remains a far cry from the new contributory pension scheme in terms of the advantages and possibilities unpacked by the latter. While the old defined benefit scheme left a deficit of over N2 trillion and contributed to the numerous huddles in the payment of pension benefits, the new scheme is closing in on the sum of N5 trillion as funds u n d e r management even with less than 10 per cent m a r k e t penetration.”

He further noted that while the old scheme was fraught with corruption and inconsistencies, the contributory pension scheme has made life more comfortable for retirees and kept corruption at bay. “Since 2004, I do not think that people still queue up to access pension benefits.

People now go to their pension fund administrators to get their benefits as soon as they retire,” He said.

Against the backdrop of the reviewed Pension Reform Act 2014 which has among other things extended the scheme to the informal sector, Ideva stressed on the need for increased public awareness to enable the industry to profit from the inherent immense opportunities and also erase the negative impression inherited from the old scheme.

“The unpleasant activities associated with the old scheme are still negatively affecting the attitude of some Nigerians towards the new

Technological innovations have assisted people to be able to reach insurance companies and purchase products that are relevant to them

scheme. We now have what we call transfer of negative impression in the industry,” Ideva stated.

He noted that there is every need to dissociate the n e w contributory p e n s i o n scheme from the old unfunded defined benefit scheme and position the industry for growth to the next level.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

Berger Paints MD steps down ...New director appointed

By Peter Egwuatu

T

he Board of Directors of Berger Paints Nigeria Plc has announced the disengagement of the Managing Director, Mr. Tor Nygard, from the services of the company at the expiration of his contract on January 31, 2015.

Mr. Nygard joined the company on the 2nd of November 2009 as the Deputy Managing Director (Designate), moved on to become an Executive director and was later appointed as the

Managing Director. His tenure was associated with a number of reforms, including the expansion of the color world centers and the factory modernization project that is currently being implemented.

In the interim, Mr. Jatin Madan, the Chief Operating Officer, will act as CEO, pending the appointment of a substantive Managing Director.

In a related development, the company has announced the appointment of Mr. Sanjay Datwani (British) to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Sanjay Datwani

graduated from Boston University, Massachusetts, USA with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration.

He is the Managing Director of Clayton Finance Limited, a company which specializes in export of raw materials for Industry to West African region. He also works as a property consultant and developer in the United Kingdom.

With over 18 years experience in International Trade, Finance and Banking, Mr. Datwani brings a wealth of experience to the Board.

From left: Mr. Thomas Ayorinde Securities Africa Financial Limited; Managing Director, SAFL, Mr. Afolabi Folayan; and Head, Research, Miss. Eniola Taiwo, during a press conference to introduce “Real Trade” in Lagos.

SEC intensifies capital market literacy programme for students

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Nigeria), apex regulator of the Nigerian Capital Market has intensified its capital market education programme among school pupils in the year, 2015. The intensification is in pursuit of the SEC‘s dual mandate of market regulation / oversight and market development as spelt out in its enabling law, Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007.

Two groups of students from different educational institutions have paid excursion visits to the SEC’s head office premises in Abuja. The groups are the National Association of Accounting Students from the University of Abuja who visited on Thursday, January 22, 2015 and the National Association of Banking and Finance Students of the Federal Polytechnic, Nassarawa.

During the two visits, staff of the SEC Nigeria who were drawn from various departments and roles in the institution facilitated discussions for the benefit of the students on themes such as the “Role of the Capital Market in Wealth Creation and Socio – Economic Development”, “Role of the SEC as apex regulator of the Nigerian C M Y K

capital market”, “How to Invest in shares, bonds and other capital market products”, “Capital Market Institutions and Operations”. The students were also treated to telecasts of various investor education movies sponsored by the SEC in conjunction with “Nollywood”, Nigeria’s internationally acclaimed movie industry.

According to the Co coordinator of the programme, Mr. Obi Adindu “ The Catch ‘em Young” series is the kernel of the capital market regulator’s drive to instill financial literacy in formative school pupils as well as induct them into a culture of saving and investing in the capital markets. This will foster the role of the Nigerian capital market as an enabler of individual and corporate wealth creation leading to sustainable socio – economic development. The series includes a national quiz competition on capital market for secondary school pupils; the infusion of capital market studies into the curriculum for secondary education in Nigeria; as well as capital market educational outreaches which are specifically targeted at school pupils; and excursion / educational visits to SEC offices nationwide by students.”

The Nigerian securities industry and the 2015 national elections

T

here has been over the took place in 2008 and it was past few months a steady attributed to the global decline in the share prices of financial crises. However, with companies quoted on the the appointment in 2009 of a Nigerian Stock Exchange, new Governor at the Central NSE. This decline has been Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the attributed to a number of CBN intervened in eight factors. In the first place, it has Nigerian banks with the been suggested that the shareholders of these banks politicians were selling their essentially losing their shares so as to meet their investments in these banks. expenditure for the 2015 The Asset Management elections. Also, foreign Corporation of Nigeria, investors are said to be selling AMCON, was put in place to their holdings in order to acquire the non-performing minimize their losses following loans in all the Nigerian the devaluation of the naira banks. The banks were with respect to the United expected to operate under States dollar. There is also the guidelines that kept their nondecline in crude oil prices performing loans to a which would imply that the minimum. Early 2010, a new economic prospects for Nigeria Director-General was are not very good. appointed at the Securities We should therefore expect and Exchange Commission. in the future that politicians By the time of the 2011 national would invest in shares after an elections, recovery of share election and that they would prices on the NSE above presell these shares before the 2008 levels was limited to a few next election. We should companies in the breweries, therefore tell the politicians conglomerates and food/ what legislation we expect beverages sectors. them to pass into law and what Between the 2011 national policies we expect them to elections and the present, follow for our investments to share prices on the NSE first give us good returns. We rose to new levels for some of should note that savings the companies to be followed deposits with banks attract an by a price shakedown with an interest of 3.6% which is higher average price loss of about 40% than the dividend levels paid from peak values for by most companies. The companies that had given good attraction of the shares traded results during the period. on the NSE is the expectation Again, the banks give cause of price rises but we have for concern as non-performing finally arrived at a moment of loans are expected to show truth with the Access Bank significant increases. If one rights issue. It was announced reads all that is stated in the during the previous week that annual reports of companies the rights issue would be at about credit risk management, N6.90 per share while at the one would not expect to have close of the week, Access Bank substantial individual nonshares traded at N5.18 per performing loans. The share on the NSE. This is the prosperity of individual reverse of what we would companies should aggregate normally expect which would to the prosperity of the NSE. be the issue price being lower If the banks grant the than the market price. preponderance of their loans to companies that The national fail, then the banks elections often and the companies lead to We should that are performing changes of the tell the would give weaker p e r s o n s politicians results. When we occupying what ask candidates for political political offices legislation we o f f i c e s what they would do accompanied expect them when elected, by changes in to pass into questions are in the policies. The law and what areas of education, two most policies we health, security, r e c e n t expect them social infrastructure elections took but hardly any on to follow for place in 2007 the securities and 2011. The our industry. first major investments TO BE shakedown of to give us CONTINUED share prices good returns on the NSE

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 —25

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Preview Hoverbike, the flying motorcycle •Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson recently received award for guiding the development of the ICT sector

I

NVENTORS say that they combined the simplicity of a motorbike and the freedom of a helicopter to create the world’s first flying motorcycle.

When compared with a helicopter, the Hoverbike is cheaper, more rugged and easier to use - and represents a whole new way to fly.

The Hoverbike flies like a quadcopter, and can be flown unmanned or manned, while being a safe - low level aerial workhorse with low ongoing maintenance.’

Although the current prototype is one-third of the futuristic one, inventors say they are almost ready to begin flight testing of the full sized version. The futuristic prototype has the potential to travel up to 92 miles or for about 45 minutes on one tank of fuel and is expected to come with a hefty price tag of more than £45,000.

So far the bike, which weighs 270kgs, has only been tested while tethered to the ground to prevent it flying too high. But plans to test it’s capabilities without any restrictions are set to go-ahead soon.

C M Y K

It'll be foolhardy to abandon guidelines of Comtech ministry

By Prince Osuagwu

A

LL things being equal, the current Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson may not be in office after May 29. By then her appointment as the minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will have elapsed.

Unless she is re-appointed, what would remain of Johnson in the newly created ministry after May 2015, would be the legacies she left behind.

The minister seems to know this fact and has been keeping records of her milestones since the ministry was carved out in 2011 and entrusted to her to manage.

Four years after, Johnson has looked into her books and apparently what she is seeing is a tremendous leap from where the

country used to be in terms of technological development. No wonder, she is stoutly claiming that it would be foolhardy for anybody taking over the mantle of leadership of the ministry after her to dump the developmental index and guidelines the new

Nigeria did not get to where it is at the moment by accident and sheer luck

I N S I NOTAP unveils D tech storyboard, E book

ministry has consistently thrived upon.

She believes that these guidelines have achieved a great deal for the country and that the Federal Government has made Information and Communication Technology, ICT, the catalyst for economic transformation.

Presenting her four-year score card to a cross section of ICT industry stakeholders in Lagos recently, Johnson predicted a prosperous future for the country; one which ICT will drive growth and development and a future where so many countries of the world would model their economies from.

However, she was quick to caution that all these things would come to pass if continuity and focus on purpose are maintained.

She also added that Nigeria did

Prepare for massive cyber attacks, Deloitte warns Nigerians

not get to where it is at the moment by accident and sheer luck.

She shared some of the building blocks that have together, resulted to the level of development which sees Nigeria continually regarded as the fastest growing ICT economy in the world.

Taking a look backwards, Johnson recounted having at the beginning of her appointment aggregated efforts of attached establishments and agencies to the ministry, including the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT, Nigerian Postal Services, NIPOST, Galaxy Backbone and Universal Services provision

Continues on page 27

Spectra Wireless, Microsoft launch first commercial TV white spaces in Africa

26— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

DStv Eutelsat Star awards hosts in Zambia

By Maximilian Anosike

I

T’s “All Systems GO!” for the winners of the fourth edition of the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards to be announced at the awards ceremony in Lusaka, Zambia on February 10. This unique pan-African schools competition has attracted over 3000 entries from 19 countries across the continent and has invigorated a passion for science amongst the younger generation. The top entries from each country will be judged by a distinguished jury that will select a winner and a runnerup for each category.

For the 2014 edition, MultiChoice and Eutelsat have once again enlisted European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli to lead the continental awards judging which will take place in Livingstone, Zambia on February 9. Nespoli, an aerospace engineer from Italy, is an astronaut of the European Space Agency, and flew in space twice: with NASA on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2007 in a 15-day mission to build the International Space Station, and again in 2010-2011 when, after a launch with the Russian vehicle Soyuz, he spent five and a half months in space carrying out a variety of scientific, technological and educational activities.

With astronaut Paolo Nespoli there will be a panel of distinguished industry and education experts from across Africa, including: Dr. Jacob O Ashong, Director (also Higher Education Consultant) at the Ghana Science Project and Planetarium; Christine Mugimba, Head of Spectrum Management at the Uganda Communications Commission; Professor Steve Simukanga, Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia as well as a representative from MultiChoice Africa and Eutelsat.

Commenting on his second year of chairing the jury, Paolo Nespoli said: “It was an uplifting experience last year to engage with African students and to discuss their ideas and optimism with the jury members of the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards. I look forward to this year’s event in Zambia and to helping inspire students to dream big and reach for the stars.”

Zambia, the host country, is hoping for a repeat of last year’s awards ceremony in Ghana where Zambian teenager Francine Mazala scooped top honours in the essay category.

She has since gone on to visit a rocket launch site in French Guiana as part of her prize.

NOTAP unveils tech storyboard, book

By Emmannuel Elebeke

S

marting from its technology transfer agreements registration activities, particularly related to the manufacturing industries, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, NOTAP, last week, launched an educational and instructional tool aimed at planting the seeds at the basic educational level.

The idea is to ultimately produce the critical mass of highly skilled Science and Technology manpower needed by the country for future technological and economical development.

The initiative, NOTAP said is intended to arouse and sustain the interest of school children in science and technology at the basic education levels for breeding the future workforce needed representation of the technological process of transforming raw materials to

GADGET SENSE

final products.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdu Bulama, in his remarks at the occasion of launching the Technology story board programme and unveiling of Technology Story Book Project Initiative by NOTAP in Abuja, said the project was another demonstration of NOTAP’s commitment to ensuring that science and technology is made the engine that steers development.

Pictorial representation With this initiative, he said, NOTAP has demystified science and technology through a simplified pictorial representation of products production and manufacturing processes.

“Interestingly, most of these products, the raw materials and the final products are both well

•Storyboard known to children in Nigeria, while the intermediate processes remain a mystery,” he said.

The concept was developed in close consultation with many

motivated cyber-attacks, 2015 being an election year.

“With the coming elections in 2015, there may be an increase in the cyber-attack on the websites and information technology (IT) infrastructure of political organizations and public institutions possibly as a means of expressing grievances.”

“Insider threats are seen to increase “as companies take austerity measures such as downsizing and salary slashing due to the falling crude oil prices and the devaluation of the Naira.

By Adekunle Adekoya

U

NLESS adequate measures are taken, such as completing the National ID card and other biometric-based identification projects, Nigeria, an emerging market is likely to witness cyber-security issues on a large scale this year.

This follows indications from a report, Nigerian Cyber Security Outlook 2015, by Deloitte. The global consulting firm said in the report that “in 2015, we are expecting newspaper front-page headlines to include issues around cyber security incidents.”

Claiming that most predictions in its 2014 cyber security outlook were accurate, the firm cautioned that its 2015 outlook must be taken seriously as “hackers are always one step ahead; this is a gap that must be bridged.”

Cyber threats As a result the firm predicted that the cyber attacks may reduce towards the year-end if there is “a successful implementation of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and electronic ID by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).”

The most likely cyber threats, according to Deloitte, will come from phishing and

manufacturing companies which resulted in the development of the Technology-Storyboards and Story books.

Devaluation of the naira

Prepare for massive cyber attacks, Deloitte warns Nigerians insider operations as crude went on to define phishing as a “form of social engineering that attempts to acquire sensitive information such as user names, passwords, and ATM card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an

electronic communication.

Phishing is a continual threat that keeps growing to this day.

The risk grows even larger in social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etc.”

Other threats identified by Deloitte in the report include socially and politically

There is a higher risk that employees, former employees or contractors resort to cybercrime as a means to maintain their standard of living,”the report added.

The firm warned in the report that companies will hold their senior level executives more accountable and possibly fired for security breaches if adequate measures are not in place.

It also added that “the unending battle in cyberspace calls for a more proactive, predictive and robust system that can match tools and techniques used by cyber criminals.

Organizations need to ensure they increase vigilance of their assets, learn from previous mistakes and deploy appropriate countermeasures in order to survive in 2015.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015—27

Spectra Wireless, Microsoft launch first commercial TV white spaces in Africa

By Emeka Aginam

A

s part of the efforts to bring more widespread access to the African continent and help enhance productivity, Spectra Wireless in partnership with Microsoft 4Afrika have launched Africa’s first commercial service network utilising TV white spaces in Ghana.

The initiative would allow University students to get fast, affordable internet bundles and receive zero-interest financing when purchasing a new device.

Accordingly, the cheapest data package starts at just two Ghana cedi per day and provides 24 hours of access. It would allow students to buy affordable, high speed internet bundles and devices.

The commercial service builds on the success of the initial TV white spaces pilot launched in May 2014. Spectra Wireless is the first company in Africa to offer a consumer broadband Internet access service leveraging TV white space technology.

Under the commercial pilot service, university

From left: EVC of NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah; Minister of Communication Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson; Permanen Secretary, Ministry of Communication Technology, Tunji Olaopa and Post Master General of the Federation, Mallam Ibrahim Moribaba at the ICT stakeholders meeting in Lagos where Johnson presented her scorecard.

students will be able to purchase high speed internet bundles, use relevant apps, including Microsoft Office 365 and The Microsoft Virtual Academy and apply for zero-interest loans in partnership with UT Bank to purchase select, internet-enabled Microsoft, Lenovo, Dell and HP devices.

Meanwhile, according to the International Telecommunications Union, Africa led in Mobile-broadband growth with penetration in the continent reaching

close to 20% in 2014, up from 2% in 2010.

“Research by the Wi-Fi Alliance in the United States has revealed that 90% of students view access to Wi-Fi as critical to their success,” Fernando de Sousa, General Manager Africa Initiatives at Microsoft, said, adding that, “high speed broadband offers students and teachers a way to access learning resources from all over the world, bridging the divide between developed and developing nations.

Cross section of participants at the event.

MD/CEO, Phase One Telecoms, Stanley Jegede; EVC of NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah; Minister of Communication Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson; Permanen Secretary, Ministry of Communication Technology, Tunji Olaopa at the event.

It'll be foolhardy to abandon devt guidelines in ICT Continues from page 25 Fund, USPF among others, as well as designing ways of sustaining their single and collective achievements.

The reason for adopting the strategy, according her, was having discovered, upon resumption, that the ICT industry was dominated by telecommunication sector and multinational corporations which allowed a meagre contribution of approximately 5.46 to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP. "There was a fragmented IT sector with small domestic players made up of approximately 350 companies. Domestic value added in key areas was sub-optimal and it was characterized by consumer preference for global brands and high levels of importation of inputs and finished products. The tariff regime and challenging operating environment for manufacturing encourages ensured that this was so.

"Meanwhile, $360m was transferred out in purchase and maintenance of software on products and services" she added.

Critical interventions: With this situation, Johnson said the min-

istry realized there was great need to make some critical interventions. First of all it needed to lower the barriers to entry and increase the participation of Nigerian companies in the ICT industry; and stimulate job creation.

The ministry also urgently needed to increase the adoption of ICTs by government to achieve greater transparency, efficiency and productivity in governance and citizen engage-

The ministry has created IT centres in tertiary institutions, known as Knowledge Access venue

ment; as well as provide a predictable and stable environment that supports the development of ICT industry.

With all these in mind, the ministry said it immediately pursued the formation and implementation of a national broadband strategy and roadmap that seeks to increase broadband penetration from 6 percent to 30 percent by 2018.

It also created smart states initiatives which would significantly reduce Right of Way fees, standardize state levies and taxes on ICT infrastructure and consolidate licensing through the dig once pay once philosophy.

The minister said that through establishments and agencies attached to the ministry, a lot of achievements were also recorded.

Through NCC: The ministry was able to supervise the licensing of Infrastructure Companies, InfraCos, to provide efficient wholesale bandwidth services on a non discriminatory, open access and price regulated basis as well as provide metropolitan fibre and transmission services.

It also facilitated increased in-

vestment in ICT infrastructure with the licensing of 2.3 Ghz spectrum in March 2014 and a planned 2.6Ghz auction by first quarter of this year.

Through NITDA: The ministry has created IT centres in tertiary institutions, known as Knowledge Access venue. This has seen up to 1.5 million students yearly, benefit in the 271 centres already set up. There is also the Public Access Venues, PAVs which provide shared access to ICT facilities in under served and unserved locations to various other demography.

NITDA also has about 395 Rural IT centres nationwide which have the potential to impact the lives of over 2 million rural dwellers.

Through NIGCOMSAT The minister said her ministry has been able to complement the fibre/ terrestrial networks in Nigeria for the deployment of broadband networks in rural areas and other sectors including health, security, education, Agriculture, and other applications with wide ranging geographical

distribution.

NIGCOMSAT also generates money to the coffers of the FG through the leasing of its 5 KU transponders, C-band, broadband sale and the leasing of direct to Home platform to private strategic partner.

Pushing for ICT bills: It also has a number of legislation developed and being pursued to ensure sustainability of the industry growth, like the critical national infrastructure bill, cybercrime bill and the NIPOST bill among others.

The minister contended that NIPOST bill was so important because it has a role to play in the digital inclusion the country was seeking for. It helps the rural people to access ICT easily. Financial inclusion can not also be achieved maximally without NIPOST. Currently it is providing cash management and third party digital payment services providing financial services on a PPP arrangement.

In the estimation of Johnson, these developmental strategies cumulatively has given rise to a different rating of the industry which by the end of 2014 was already viewed as critical, ranked with oil and Gas and power..

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Aruma Oteh

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ast week, one of the issues that took attention away from the on-going tensionsoaked political campaigns by the presidential candidates of the two leading political parties was the exit of the former Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh.

Oteh became head of the regulator in January 2010 as the market recovered from a 2009 financial crisis triggered by loans given to stock speculators and fuel importers in the country. .

The Abia State born Oteh was nominated by President Yar ’Adua to take over from Mr. Musa Al-Faki whose tenure ended in April 2010 but her resumption was however delayed by a prolonged Senate confirmation process which was concluded in November same year.

Despite the turbulence, Oteh would be remembered for her passion, purpose, articulation and implementation of reform measures driven by the vision to transform the Nigerian capital market into world class.

SEC said in a statement to announce her exit last week

Oby Ezekwesili

F

ormer minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili was also trending last week, but this time not for her ongoing battle with the Jonathan administration. The World Bank scribe took to twitter

Azeezat Oshoala

Aruma Oteh that “She was in a hurry to see Nigeria achieve a world class capital market that will drive development and make Nigeria one of the most attractive investment destination”.

Some of her accomplishments, according to the statement, included restoration of investor confidence through strong

N

igeria was so focused on the African Player of the Year award that we forgot about a Nigerian that made us proud at the just concluded Glo-CAF awards.

Thanks to social media activists for reminding us that Falconets star Azeezat Oshoala won two awards: Youth Player of the Year and Women African Footballer of the Year. Azeezat Oshoala is one of the heroines of the Falconets who won Silver medal at the 2014 Under-20 Women World Cup in Canada.

Big congratulations are in order.

enforcement actions and improvement of rules and regulations and investor ’s education.

Before SEC, she had served as the Vice President of Corporate Management and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School as well as a first class honours degree in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria.

Linda Ikeji

T

he undisputed queen of the Nigerian blogosphere herself is trending on account of the big figures she is raking in via her Linda Ikeji blog, which was in the eye of the

storm just a few months ago.

This quiet lady of beauty and brains is supposedly raking in a good 40 million naira a month while jobless people are busy reading the gossip on her space. A competitor posted- and it was shared widelyI don’t know if you guys are aware that while you are sitting in your office doing a lot of work, Linda Ikeji is making millions off you and you don’t even know it. It’s crazy like that. The annoying part is that some of this is extremely low-key so nobody knows about it well enough.

Observers ascribe this to bad belle.

Zahra Buhari

M

eanwhile Photo of Zahra Buhari, one of the daughters of General Muhammadu Buhari hit the Internet last week, and Twitter erupted as users identified her handle and started tweeting at her. She immediately became the talk of Twitter and emerged the top trend in Nigerian Twitter.

Her sister, Halima, has also been on the campaign trail to rave reviews.

Zahra, who seems to have a thing for modellike photos, and Halima Buhari are the daughters of the former Head of State; and they obviously inherited their parents’ good looks. So good, that blogosphere is madly in love. A commentator tweeted: Dear Zahra I can even change my surname to Buhari just to show you how much I love you already.

Ine Simeon

M

eanwhile it was a respite for Mr. President last fortnight as he gave away another of his adopted daughters in marriage. While this paled in comparison with the other wedding which held last year according to commentators, it was love in a time of cholera and though this new couple did not get 60 cars as wedding gifts, the wedding pictures and some of the wedding guests cheered everyone up.

C M Y K

to celebrate the January 14th birthday of her twin sons, Chine and Chuba Ezekwesili.

She wrote, January 14th, a forever unforgettable day since Chin and Chuba came into our lives. Glorious B-day.

Happy birthday to them.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 — 35

C M Y K

36 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 28, 2015—37

in the series of town hall meetings taking place in six locations across the country.

The town hall meetings kicked off in Lagos on Monday with interaction between Buhari and Osinbajo with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) during which he unfolded his plans to revive the economy and fielded questions from members of the public.

Interactive session

country where he said he would raise issues with Nigerians face to face.

That withdrawal was to stir more controversy.

In 2011, Buhari, who alongside Ibrahim Shekarau of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Malam Nuhu Ribadu of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) boycotted the NEDG presidential debates. Only President Jonathan attended the honoured the invitation of the NEDG in 2011.

Buhari, Shekarau and Ribadu, however, honoured a private sector organised debate spearheaded by NN24 which was, however, boycotted by Jonathan. In again opting out of the debate organised by the private sector, are now focussed

Buhari said his party was compelled to chart this course because of the need to have a person-to-person interactive session during which pertinent questions will be posed to the candidates and responses provided.

“Our campaign decided to chart this path because we cannot afford to shy away from the more pressing urgency to have oneon-one interactions with Nigerians through town hall meetings,” Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu said.

Buahri’s move has elicited mixed views in the polity.

Participating in debate can’t determine a good leader—Tsav Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav said: ‘’I don’t think that Buhari is dodging debates as some people are thinking. He is a retired military officer, who commanded troops in the past.

Having attained the rank of a general, it will be wrong for anyone to accuse him of not having the confidence for public debate. ‘’APC has explained that the questions had been leaked to the PDP, that reason is genuine enough. I am not defending anyone of them but the truth is that Buhari has been campaigning on the key issues of insecurity, economy and corruption.

The PDP was wasting its time discussing Buhari, his daughter, his health and wife. Participating in debates cannot determine who will be a good leader or not.

If Jonathan participates in the debate, it will not change the fact that he has failed as a leader.''

Buhari should participate in presidential debate—Ajulo

If Jonathan participates in the debate, it will not change the fact that he has failed as a leader — Abubakar Tsav

Any candidate who boycotts an election debate has something to hide and should be voted out — Bode George

• APC presidential candidate, Maj-Gen Muhammudu Buhari (rtd) and PDP presidential candidate, Dr Goodluck Jonathan in a warm embrace

CAMPAIGNS: Debating the Debate THE furore over the withdrawal of the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari from the scheduled debate proposed by two media groups has unsettled some. But it is nothing new.

By Clifford Ndujihe, Dapo Akinrefon & Charles Kumolu

S

INCE the 1993 presidential debates between the late Chief MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC) debates have become a recurring and important feature of our electioneering process.

THE 1993 presidential debate helped undecided voters to make up their minds on who to vote for in the famous June 12, 1993 elections.

It was thus with this hope that the polity awaited the debate proposed by the National Election Debate Group (NEDG) in collaboration with the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Africa Independent Television AIT and Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).

However, a few days to the debate, the APC's presidential candidate, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) opted out of the debate alleging that the organisers had taken

position against him. Buhari was particularly vexed by the repeated one hour documentaries cast by NTA and AIT which he alleged were laced with lies and personal venom against him and his family including allusions to his late dauther and late former wife.

In the face of what he claimed were clear indications of bias that he would not participate in a debate organised by the two bodies.

Buhari’s decision to opt out of the debate raised dust in the polity. Leaders and supporters of the PDP hecklied and taunted him with the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation boasting that President Jonathan was ready to meet and debate with General Buhari anywhere he chooses.

While the boycott of the NEDG’s debate was still generating furore, the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Channels Television and Arise TV fixed another debate.

Buhari again opted out saying that he had scheduled a series of town hall meetings across the

However, National Secretary of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Kayode Ajulo, said Buhari should participate in the debate, which he said would help put issues in proper perspective devoid of propaganda.

His words: “The excuse given by the APC candidate that the organisers were government parastatals and agencies is not tenable because INEC too, by law, is a government agency. It then follows that if Buhari should boycott the debate, then he ought to also boycott the election, since it is being organised by a federal agency. The expectations of Nigerians and the international community will be dashed if Buhari should stay away from the debate.”

Come out and debate, Bode George tells Buhari In like manner, former Deputy National Chairman South West of the PDP, Chief Olabode George urged Buhari to join the debate.

Wondering “why is Buhari refusing to come and debate,” he added that “debate is part of democracy. Any candidate who boycotts an election debate has something to hide and should be voted out.

Planned programmes Let the APC candidate come and defend his planned programmes for Nigeria and his records as former head of state for he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. Buhari needs the support of Nigerians to win so he must come and defend the controversies surrounding him.”

All presidential aspirants must answer questions from Nigerians –Dayo Adeyeye Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, picked holes in Buhari’s boycott of the debates saying, “Buhari and other presidential aspirants must answer questions from Nigerians that they want to govern.”

The minister said “it is obvious that Buhari is empty intellectually and is avoiding the presidential election debate so as not to ridicule himself.”

Adeyeye, in a statement, urged Nigerians to pressure Buhari to attend the debate, saying: “If Buhari is not comfortable with the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), he should tell Nigerians under which platform he wants his competence and mental alertness to be measured.

“Buhari can even choose which organisation to organise the debate and the venue. He can choose CNN, Aljazeera or BBC. All we are demanding is to see Buhari, who has been unable to speak for more than five minutes in any of the APC presidential campaign rallies respond to questions from Nigerians for three hours.”

38—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

BAYELSA: Why I won't talk about Patience Jonathan — Gov Dickson Governor Serikae Dickson, famed as the countryman governor was steeped in leftist political inclination at the onset of the Fourth Republic and was chairman of the Bayelsa State chapter of the Alliance for Democracy, AD. He subsequently defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and was commissioner for Justice in the Goodluck Jonathan administration in Bayelsa State and subsequently a two term member of the House of Representatives and became a key member of Team Jonathan in the days of the wilderness when the incumbent president was vice-president. Reward came his way when he was picked by the team for the governorship election in 2012.

Following his ascent and the initial cordiality that saw him appoint Mrs. Patience Jonathan as a permanent secretary, allegations of rancour have recently cropped up to undermine that cordiality.

In a session with the state owned radio station, the governor responded to issues concerning the First Lady, his management of the state among others. Excerpts:

By Samuel Oyadonga

C

AN you identify the challenges you have faced and how you are facing up to them?

I have been in political service for quite some time and I had been exposed to service for our people even before I ventured into partisan politics. At no time did I believe that being the governor of Bayelsa State was going to be a bed of roses. I knew clearly what the challenges were but there are things I have come to find out that I didn’t imagine before.

When you look at the way they behave; even leaders, elected officials, the way they take governance as if it is the responsibility of only one man, the governor, it is simply amazing. If you are in the National Assembly you don’t owe any obligation to anybody, to your state and even that much to your constituency.

our people except the governor? So we don’t have this shared vision of promoting development.

What is the government doing to ensure free and fair election?

This state has less political challenges. We are far more stable politically than many other states around and the reason is obvious.

Firstly, because of our mature tolerance and approach to handling political issues. Secondly, the political calendar is such that the governorship election is not coming up right now and sometimes that is why we wonder why some people have started getting unduly

Steering the vision If you are a Minister you just stay far away and do your job, in whatever office.

Even within the state our attitude is to stay far from the problem and then worse still, throw bricks at the governor and the government. We do not have the intention of sharing the vision and supporting anyone who is steering the ship of state.

If you are in the National Assembly, you think of how many roads you will put on the federal budget, if you are having a position of influence, you do so but when you see this small state and the opportunities we have at other levels and you sit down here as governor grappling with these developmental challenges, you are trying your best and you turn around and all you see and hear are complaints.

What of these other people? So nobody owes responsibility for development of

I have a policy of not discussing my boss’s wife. She is our mother, our sister and our wife and she is entitled to all courtesies and respect due her and I enjoin everybody to extend that to her

excited.

After all there is no governorship election or nominations right now to take place in this state.

All those who mean well for this state should be rallying round me as leader of the PDP, the President’s party, to solidify the home-base and then mobilise support for the President. But unfortunately, you are aware of the deliberate acts of distraction that are going on.

But as I said we are not distracted, we are committed to doing what is right and proper. I am a tolerant politician and a democrat. I have always believed in the fact that people should be encouraged to exercise their franchise freely and that has been demonstrated in so many ways unlike the situation that existed before we came.

People were attacked at political rallies even within the same political parties; thugs were after people. You know what happened, for example, when in 2011 the CPC Presidential candidate, now APC Presidential candidate visited Bayelsa.

You know what the government at that time did and how that rally was disrupted. In contrast you saw the steps my government took to ensure their safety and guarantee their right under the laws and constitution and thus peacefully had their political rally. Any other outcome would not have sent out the right message to Nigeria from the President’s home state.

Need for reconciliation You can see what is going on in other states which we condemn but you can imagine what would have happened if there had been some violence right here.

They would have used whatever would have happened here as a justification.

The polity is charged

•Dickson: I have a policy of not discussing my boss’ wife in the state. Since Bayelsa is a PDP state and there seems to be grievances here and there with the party what are you doing about reconciliations?

Secondly epar ed Secondly,, how pr prepar epared is the state for the presidential rally?

We came up with the reconciliation committee to talk to members who have one grievance or the other.

Even though the political challenges that arose from of the primaries were not as much as you have in other states we felt there was still need for reconciliation.

The preliminary report I have is very reassuring and that members are keying in and I am also available to talk with them. In politics you can’t have your way all the time.

It is unfortunate that we have some group of people in this state who believe that their will should prevail at all times. They can’t come to terms with the fact that there is a government here.

They imagine that they will stay away and still have things done over and above their governor’s head.

Some of them are very young people who grew up in the midst of negative politics so that is what they

know how to do; blackmailing, manipulating people, disseminating falsehood and propaganda, but those ones are very few.

Discussing boss' wife It is our hope that as the campaigns start and we get into the general elections PDP candidates will be victorious.

The media has been recently awash with reports of groups threatening and warning the First Lady Dame P aPatience Jonathan not to join her husband, the Pr esident, for the F ebr uPresident, Febr ebruary 5 PDP Presidential rally erally.. What is your r reaction to this?

I have a policy of not discussing my boss’ wife. She is our mother, our sister and our wife and she is entitled to all courtesies and respect due her and I enjoin everybody to extend that to her.

My office has issued a statement condemning the activities of these faceless persons who are said to have issued that type of mindless statement.

We are looking at it as a government and the security agencies are also doing so and in no distant time those behind it will be unravelled.

I know that it is the activities of some of these desper-

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015—39

CHIEF Olisa Metuh, lawyer, politician, real estate manager, from Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State has without break been on the National Executive Committee, NEC of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Presently the national publicity secretary of the party, Metuh in this interview with journalists responds to issues emanating from the campaign.

Excerpts:

We're not entertaining losing this election — Metuh, PDP spokesman

By Henry Umoru

A

S one who travelled with the PDP team in the on going campaign train to the states, what is your reaction to the way and manner President Goodluck Jonathan was attacked in some Northern States?

The truth is that in all the campaigns we have been especially in the north, we have seen widespread reception for the president. The people have shown that they are happy with the president’s performance and his visit to these states.

You will not rule out that in every society there are the miscreants. So the opportunity of one or two individuals or a few individuals to make headlines or to create diversion is not worrisome. It is a wrong thing for anybody to feel that the president has not been treated well in these states. We debunk it and we say it is not true.

The people of the states have received the president very well and they are happy with their performance and the people showed it by coming out

•Metuh: We have seen widespread reception for the president

enmasse, welcoming, dancing and singing. And you noticed that in this campaign, the people of Nigeria have changed the whole idea and the motto of our campaign to, “Nigeria sai Goodluck”. In the north that was the chant. ‘’Nigeria, sai Goodluck.” If you say Nigeria, they will say Goodluck.

And they have said and they keep on emphasizing it forward Nigeria, forward Nigeria. This government is about moving Nigeria forward and the people are happy with him.

Even in Bayelsa or Cross River, you can still have any mad man, one or two people that are insane to throw stones at our convoy. It doesn’t mean that the people of

Cross River, or Akwa Ibom have treated the president badly.

You cannot judge with a miscreant or trouble maker, an isolated case and say that we have not been fairly well treated.

I want to say that we have been received very well across the country and we are happy with the treatment we have gotten.

Then, how do you react to the claim by Governor Yuguda that the minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed who is a member of your party sponsored the stoning of the president’s convoy in Bauchi?

You know we have a constitution and we are guided by a

constitution. It is curious; it is not a very welcomed development if we have leaders of our party bickering in public. I will refrain from making any comment on it, but we have already directed our members accordingly to be mindful of publicising internal party dispute.

PDP has just lifted the suspension on Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. What informed that decision?

What informed that decision beside the facts that suspensions are for specific periods for the 30 days in the first instance which was not renewed, in spite of that we have to make it public, as a mark of honour to the former chairman, where he has displayed undue restraint, respect for constituted authority.

He has shown loyalty, he has shown his commitment, he has shown his dedication to our party, our programmes, our policies and to the president who is the leader

The truth is that in all the campaigns we have been especially in the north, we have seen widespread reception for the president

Yobo preaches violence-free elections

By Jacob Ajom

T

HE atmosphere was electrifying as a small crowd of select personalities representing the various proJonathan groups in Lagos from different sectors of the Igbo community gathered at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac Town, Lagos.

Ambassador of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Ward to Ward Initiative and former captain of the national team, Joseph Yobo had called for the gathering and offered to host them to a dinner. Those present at the event included the coordinator of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, Prince Eke Obi, Executive Director TAN, Ifeanyi Ekwulugo, Dan Edokwe, ED, TAN, Mrs Uche Obiora, Women Leader, TAN,, Joseph Anurukem, Presidents of Enugu and Ebonyi States town unions, among others

Yobo’s message was clear as he told them that being their in-law (Yobo is married to an Igbo woman), he flew all the way from Abuja to meet and interact with them on issues of common good.

As an ambassador of PDP Ward to Ward Initiative, Yobo did not hide his intentions – to woo every Igbo man and woman to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan. He said this could only be achieved in a peaceful and convivial atmosphere, where there is no rancour.

Desperate politicians He therefore challenged Nigerians, particularly the youths to resist any attempt by those he described as desperate politicians to use them to foment trouble before, during and after the forthcoming presidential elections.

“Nobody should allow those

who want to cause trouble have their way. The youths of this country must stand up and support what is good and say no to evil.” He added, “all Nigerian youths must work towards a free, fair and violence free elections.

Those fanning the embers of war have taken their families abroad.

So, don’t be deceived.”

The former Everton star said his support for the President was total. “It is my personal conviction because I believe he is the best man to lead Nigeria. He has achieved so much despite the countless distractions, and he has promised to do more,” Yobo said.

“When you hear the President speak, you hear facts, realities and achievements.”

He thanked members of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria and promised to be present with members of the PDP Ward to Ward Initiative at the mega rally planned for Lagos on Sunday by TAN. “We will join them in solidarity because we are

•Yobo pursuing the same cause.”

Responding, coordinator of the TAN, Prince Eke Obi welcomed Yobo, noting that being an in-law, he was now one of their own.

“You are now our son and we have realised that we are on the same page. Even before you came to us, we had since declared our support for President Jonathan to continue for another term,” he said.

of the party, he has been campaigning and he has shown complete loyalty to Mr President.

So we are happy, we believe he remains a father figure in our party and we admire that in him.

Just few days ago the members of the party like Asari Dokubo, Tompolo, said there will be no peace in Nigeria if Jonathan loses February 14 election. We didn’t hear the party condemn that statement. Is the party in agreement with that statement?

Well, we have noted that whilst we are not responsible for the utterances, statements of some of our support individuals, groups and organizations, we are cautioning them to be mindful of what they are saying. Ours is a national party. We cover all zones, all local governments. No individual owns our party, no group, no people, no zone owns our party. And being a national party, we caution some of our people, some of our supporters to be mindful of the zeal that they exhibit. Let the wrong impression not be given.

So if the president loses this election...(cuts in) We do not entertain losing the election. We will not lose this election because we have done well. We will not lose this election because our party is loved by the people. We won’t lose this election because we have achieved.

Propaganda and allegations We won’t lose this election because the opposition and its leaders in spite of their false promises, propaganda and allegations, have shown that they are not an option at all, an alternative to what we have on ground, the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

General Theophilus Danjuma said that Tompolo and the rest should be arrested. Do you agree with him?

We have ended our statement with cautioning some of our supporters to be mindful of what they have done. We ended it with that. We are not a law enforcement agency and we will not delve into such controversial issues. We do not believe that such will be repeated by such individuals.

Danjuma is your member, are you cautioning him to be mindful of his statements too?

No, we are talking about the people that issued the statement.

He mentioned the people that should be arrested. My reaction to those people is what I said, not my reaction to what Danjuma said. I made a reaction to the people that he said should be cautioned.

40 — VANGU ARD, WEDNESD AY, FEBRU ARY 4, 2015 ANGUARD, WEDNESDA FEBRUARY

How do I stop sleeping with her step-mother?

I don't have much luck with women Dear Bunmi, ’M in my mid 40s and need to know how to be more successful with women.

When I think about women, it isn’t only for sex but desperation to fmd some tenderness in a relationship. I’ve hardly ever known this. Even as a child, I was raised by a mother who didn’t show us that much love. I

I

am a graduate, polite and caring and resent this unkind attitude women have towards me. They either ignore me or treat me very casually. Even though I’m big, tall and not ugly, women don’t seem to fancy me.

In spite of the education, I haven’t really been that successful in life and I believe this is why they don’t fancy me.

Dad is having an affair with my aunt Dear Bunmi, AD’S always had the reputation of being a Jack, the lad and has had open affairs the family knew about. Now I have this conviction he is having an affair with my aunt. I’m a guy of 32 and my parents have been married for over 35 years. I thought his philandering days were over but recently, I helped him get on-line and now he seems to be constantly checking his emails.

He’s also started going out more, saying he is pursuing his hobby of playing golf. One day, I followed him and saw his car parked outside my aunt's - my mum’s sister - for three hours. My gut instinct

D

told me something is goingon. I had suffered in silence all these years, the thought of her sister sleeping with her husband would definitely devastate her.

Laz, By e-mail

Dear Laz, Playing detective rarely helps save a marriage. You need to sit your dad down and have a manto-man talk with him and tell him what you’ve seen. If you’re right about the affair, tell him to end it or you will have no option but to tell your mum.

Hopefully he’ll realise the risk he’s running. He might be a chronic philanderer as you said, but grazing near home is not a done deal!

The few I’ve had dropped me as soon as they realized I wasn’t a cash register.

It’s obvious that women are really interested in a relationship because of the money they can get out of it. My life has been horribly desolate and I have a low self-esteem. Is there a way out of my situation?

Samuel, By e-mail.

Dear Samuel, A woman will eagerly give her affection to a man who is penniless if he offers her passion, protection and love. Instead, you seem to be on an endless seatch for the love you felt your mother denied you. This sends the message that you are someone who, although gentle and nice, has little to give. Also, the anger you feel towards women because you have been unable to win their affection shines through. That’s why they turn away.

Your childhood greatly influences you, but it doesn’t dictate the adult you become.

So, push aside the urge to measure your worth by the love you receive from women, take stock of the person you are and learn to love yourself. Then ask yourself: ‘In what sense am I a failure?’ Our worth is measured not by money but in the love we give to ourselves and others. You’ll soon discover that women are attracted to a self- confident man.

I can't give both of them up!

Dear Bunmi, My friends have the impression that I lead a rather exciting life with a wonderful wife and a beautiful, young lover but the truth is, I have two half-lives!

I am 38 and have been married for 12 years to a woman I cherished but who sees me more as a companion than a lover. We have four children - three girls and a boy. We live in our own house as I have a high-profile and well paid job.

My life changed forever about four years ago when I met a young, attractive, intelligent actress who fulfilled my every dream. She’s an ambitious 27year-old and we got on well right from the word go. She is attentive and affectionate, loving, fun in and out of bed. She’s taught me a lot about love-making and in wild form most of the times. We also like the same things - music, food and movies - and we truly are soul-mates.

It was inevitable that my wife got to know about my lover but she hasn’t pressured me to give her up, though secretly, both women want me to ditch the other, but they offer me different things. Staying with my wife

means security but the other woman offers me true love. My lover swears she’ll be with me forever and now wants my child but at just 27, who knows how long her love will last? I love them both but can’t make a choice.

Osa, by e-mail.

Dear Osa, It must be obvious to you by now that you are at a cross-roads and whichever road you take means leaving something behind. You might toy with the idea of having it all, but then, you might lose it all. You paint a picture of a dull marriage but played a part in creating that too.

Your lover now wants a child, but

what about the ones you already have who need their father?

Before you get carried away by the lust this actress offers, remeinHer she’s professionally trained to play roles and you might not really be certain of what you’d be letting yourself into by fathering her child.

You’ve learnt a lot from your actress ’teacher’ about sex, why don’t you pass some of this to your wife?

Who knows, behind what you think is a cool exterior might be a fire waiting to be lit. Like most men, you seem to prefer a humdrum wife and a wild mistress but you just might have both qualities in your wife.

It must be obvious to you by now that you are at a cross-roads and whichever road you take means leaving something behind. You might toy with the idea of having it all, but then, you might lose it all. You paint a picture of a dull marriage but played a part in creating that too

Dear Bunmi, I’m almost 23 and in love witlh a girl who lives with dad and stepmother. About two years ago, this woman threw herself at me so shamelessly that we eventually ended up in bed. She was in her 30's and had been coming on so stronng that I really fell under her spell. Since then, whenever I see her with her husband, she makes a fuss of him by kissing him, then she smirks at me. It breaks my heart whenever she does that. She also sends me text messages teiling me she likes me and what she will like to do to me when next we meet.

We’re still sleeping together though she’s turning me into a basket case. I’m lost as to what to do, please, help.

Frank, by e-mail.

Dear Frank, Simply ignore her - she’s totally bad news. She’s just boosting her own ego by playing around with your feelings. It gives her a kick to think a young virile man like you is lusting after her. Don’t reply any of her texts and walk out of the room when she’s trying to make you jealous with her husband. Once she sees she can’t mess with your emotions any more, she’ll probably stop. She wouldn’t want to be caught in a scandal by being too daring!

16 years, he wants separation Dear Bunmi, “When I met my partner over 16 years ago, we were both separated from our spouses. He made it clear at the onset he wasn’t getting married again. He swore he’d always love me, so I moved in with him whilst my mum looked after my two children. Now after almost 16 years together, he’s determined to separate even though he says I’ve done nothing wrong. I am now 48 and he is 53.

He’s made it quite clear he wants his independence which is a joke because he’s always done what he wants. I’ve asked him if he’s met someone else, but he denies it. I have given 100 per cent to our relationship. I have changed myself for this man and accepted his ways. I still love him and have tried reasoning with him. Now we still live under the same roof and he’s offered to pay the rent for a new flat so I could move out. He’s behaving like a total stranger.

I just don’t understand what’s happened to him. I don’t want to lose him. I’m hurting so much right now.

Bianca, by e-mail.

Dear Bianca, Being rejected is painfuL Like you suspected I also think it’s likely he has someone else, but he’s not giving you any explanation something you deserve. He prefers to take the coward’s way out.

It’s a horrible situation, but if he’s adamant this is what he wants, there’s not much you can do. You are stuck in limbo and can’t move on emotionally while you live under the same roof.

Simply put, the earlier you leave the sooner you can start healing.

It is a fact that, just as much as you can’t help who you fall in love with, you can’t also help it when you fall out of love. You need to pick up the pieces and move on. You’ve had 16 years with this man.

Cherish that and cut your losses.

Age difference now a draw-back Dear Bunmi, I am six years older than my husband. When we met, I had a good job and he was into contracts. Now he’s been employed as a bar manager of a sophisticated night-club. He’s naturally made a lot of friends and has changed. He’s completely over-hauled his wardrobe, bought a second hand car and stays out most nights. His excuse is that he works erratic hours and since he has a room at the club, it was safer for him to sleep over.

Recently, when I complained that we don’t behave as a couple any more, he told me what he does is his business and that I didn’t own him. I’m so unhappy. The age-gap is obviously a draw-back and I have this feeling that, something is going horribly wrong.

Help! ‘: Iquo, by e-mail.

Dear Iquo, I’m afraid I have to agree with you that your marriage is in trouble.

For some reason, the new job means your man is exposed to the finer and wilder side of life and the people that make it tick, and is now feeling trapped in a relationship with an older woman. He obviously has started moving with sophisticated night crawlers that come into the club and is wishing he is one of them. He could also be regretting pairing up so young and is making up for lost time.

A man who stays away for days without even inviting his wife to spend the night from time to time is no longer committed to his relationship. You need to have a heart-to-heart talk to know if he really still wants to be with you. If he does, tell him he need to change. If he doesn’t, then you need to come to terms with your marriage being over.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015— 41

Babatunde Raji Fashola:

Success in tackling challenges head-on

By Adekunle Adekoya, General Editor

I

N 2006 when he emerged the favourite of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, then incumbent governor of Lagos State, as well as governorship candidate of then Action Congress, not many people gave him a chance, least of all residents of the bustling metropolis of Lagos.

“Who is he? Where is he coming from? Where did Tinubu get this one from?”were some of the questions that greeted his emergence as AC governorship candidate.

As events would later show, his choice by Tinubu was not misplaced, as the duo would later be addressed by the sobriquets — The Pathfinder and The Actualizer.

Indeed, Fashola as the thirteenth governor of Lagos State had actualized many things.

Some of them were quite ordinary; but the fact that people had lived with their impossibility for decades meant that they were not ordinary, afterall.

Others were not ordinary, really.

Take Oshodi, for instance. Here was a commercial hub in the heart of the city that everybody, residents and visitors alike dreaded — especially after 6pm.

Spectre of daylight robberies Oshodi was a snarling, twirling, gnarling hub of road and rail routes where traffic was permanently at a standstill as traders took at least half of the road on both sides to display their wares.

If you add the spectre of daylight robbers, pickpockets and felons of various other descriptions, Oshodi was somewhere to tread with caution.

But Fashola changed all that by clearing the traders from the roads and to make the place safer, emplaced a 24-hour security watch through a task force that ensured the place remained free for movement.

And then, the one that is not ordinary: he lit up Oshodi with halogen street lights that ensure felons could no longer hide under cover of darkness to perpetrate their evil, and thus, Oshodi rejoined the rest of Lagos as a place people can use at any time of the day. In Nigeria’s generator economy, that was quite a feat, since people no longer had to detour several kilometres just to avoid the Oshodi gridlock.

Making the traffic move in Lagos has been and still remains

an issue, but the Fashola administration had emplaced measures, from strengthening LASTMA (started by Tinubu) to repairing existing roads and building new ones.

The Lekki-Epe dual carriageway, as well as access roads linking villages and towns like Imude, Shibiri, Etegbin, Ajangbandi,Ilogbo-Eremi, Agboroko, and Igbo-Elerin roads are some cases in point, which had boosted the connectivity index of these communities.

Realising that Lagos metropolis had attained mega-city status, F a s h o l a embarked on a metro project w h i c h incorporates a 1 0 - l a n e carriageway starting from •Gov Babatunde Fashola Iganmu to B a d a g r y.

Though the project, still in phase one may not with radios are common sight. If be completed during his tenure, all the roads in Lagos are in top it is a start towards giving the city condition, it is a fair guess that one of the features of a 21st the Police would make their century mega-city. presence felt everywhere In terms of security, the But it would seem that Fashola achievements have been quite is an accomplished crisisimpressive. While the problem of manager, as his management of armed robbery and sundry two epidemics would testify. The felonies still remain, Fashola first was bird flu, which his health moved to empower the Police officials managed adroitly such Command in Lagos with funds that the outbreak did not exert mobilized and administered by a damaging impact on poultry security trust fund. The fund had business in the state. But by far, purchased operational vehicles Governor Fashola’s management and other equipment to the Police of the Ebola crisis in Lagos was running into billions of naira. responsible for the nation’s ability Nowadays, police patrols in to contain the virus, an glittering pick-up vans equipped achievement that attracted global acclaim.

Global acclaim

As the governor logs out in May, he will be signing out with a standing ovation

The other state that also had a robust response to Ebola was Rivers, under Governor Rotimi Amaechi. In areas like sports, public health, education, water resources and others, the governor has made his presence felt by providing the necessary leadership.

As a result of an interplay of so many factors, buildings collapse quite frequently in Lagos.

Managing this crisis has been tasking, but the Fashola administration had responded with a number of initiatives targeted at ensuring buildings do not collapse anyhow again. One of such is the materials testing laboratory, a facility where

building owners and developers can certify quality of construction materials. Another is the setting up of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, tasked with conducting stress tests on buildings towards averting tragic collapses.

The list of the governor ’s achievements seem endless, but there is space for improvement. It is said that there are a little over 10,000 roads in Lagos State. 117 of these are said to be federal, more than 3,000 belong to the state government, while about 6,400 belong to the local governments.

If the local governments are able to do their roads, perhaps everybody won’t have to be on the state and federal roads, thus minimizing traffic jams.

A major challenge of successive administrations has been in the area of providing potable water, despite the existence of a water corporation with a massive bureaucracy. Perhaps if the governor had tackled the reticulation of water supply infrastructure with greater zeal, maybe larger sections of the population, especially in the suburbs, will have access to treated water.

For now, people rely mostly on wells and for those who can afford it, boreholes, for water.

Improvement beckons, thus providing challenge for Fashola’s successor. As the governor logs out in May, he will be signing out with a standing ovation.

42 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

By Esther Onyegbula

A

RE you a car dealer who usually give supposed customers cars to test drive before they are bought? Then, you have to be careful, as robbers have devised this means to snatch vehicles from car mart across the country.

This warning is coming on the heels of a recent incident that occurred last November at Kilometer 52 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Berger. An undisclosed customer reportedly called a car dealer ; Thomas Nwaonicha, on phone, informing him that he was sending his mechanic to check a Toyota Venza Saloon car valued at N4.5 million. On his arrival, the mechanic requested to drive the car around, with a view to ascertaining its true state, only to zoom off without any trace of him.

However, three weeks later, four suspected members of a robbery gang that specialized in snatching vehicles and selling same at give away prices in Cotonou, Benin Republic, were arrested in connection with the stolen Toyota Venza saloon car.

Surprisingly, one of them was discovered to be a former employee of the car dealer. The suspect identified as Ekeoche Bright, confessed during interrogation to have masterminded the operation.

Sign of remorse In this interview with Crime Alert the 25-year-old Bright who did not show any sign of remorse, said he was on a revenge mission.

Reason? He claimed he was short changed by his former boss several times, an action he said forced him to resign,with the hope to get his money back but to no avail..

Hear him : “ I was forced to resign from my former place of work because of the poor remuneration. I was paid just N17, 000 as salary which was very poor when compared to my job description at the car mart.

Even when I stopped working for him, prospective buyers kept contacting me and in-turn, I took them to my former boss, Mr Thomas Nwaonicha popularly called old soldier .

The first time I brought a customer who bought a vehicle worth N4.3million, my former boss promised to give me N100, 000 as commission. But he never kept to his promise.

Any time I called to ask him for the money, he would give me another date to come for the

•From left the suspects: Adebayo Peter, Ekeoche Bright, Adebayo Peter and Raoul Dedavi

I was on a revenge mission, says suspect who snatched boss’ N4.4m car money. At a point, he gor infuriated and asked me not to call him again.

Again, another customer contacted me that he wanted to purchase a RS330 vehicle. I notified my former boss but, I told him that I would take the customer else where since I was yet to get the first commission from him. He assured me he would pay the it and even said he would increase the second one to N150,000 if I brought the customer. But to my consternation, after the customer bought the car, my former boss gave me only N5,000 instead of the agreed N150,000, saying that the customer was not originally brought by me.

I was so angry that I rejected the money”.

Revenge mission: Bright said he left his former boss’s office dejected. In his search for someone to pour out his emotion to, he reportedly met one Ifeanyi, whom he said promised to help him strike a deal. “ After listening to me out of compassion , Ifeanyi agreed to assist me. We concluded we were going to seize one of my boss’s car to enable me recover what he owed me. Ifeanyi then linked me to one Aziza , whom he said would perfect the plan.

I bought two new sim cards for the operation so that I won’t be traced. I used one and gave the other to Aziza. On the day of the operation, I called my former boss, pretending to be

a prospective buyer. I told him I was in Ibadan but would send my mechanic to him. Later Aziza went to the car mart to inspect the vehicle on my behalf. We agreed that, while inspecting the vehicle Aziza should speed off with the car.

Luckily everything went as planned as he was able to zoom off with the Toyota Venza.

“We parked the vehicle along a street in my neighbourhood around Agege area while Aziza kept the car keys. My initial plan was to call my boss after Christmas to pay me the money he owed me and thereafter, release the car to him”.

Twist of fate: Continuing,

Unknown to Bright, Ifeanyi and Aziza had driven the car to Cotonou, Benin Republic , where they sold it to a ready buyer at N1. 1million

Bright said : “To my shock, on December 27, 2014 I noticed that the car was missing from where it was parked at Aziza’s neighbourhood. Efforts to reach him failed as his line was switched off. I even visited his house but he was nowhere to be found” Unknown to Bright, Ifeanyi and Aziza had driven the car to Cotonou, Benin Republic , where they sold it to a ready buyer at N1. 1 million.

When Crime Alert approached 23 year-old Aziza Ekwueba, an auto mechanic turned music artiste from Imo state, he admitted to have driven the vehicle from the car mart .

He gave a starling revelation on how he drove the car to Benin Republic where he sold it and schemed Aziza out of the sharing formula. “ I drove the vehicle from Aziza’s area to my area on December 17, 2015. two day later, I drove it to Cotonou in the company of Ifeanyi,where we sold it to one Alhaji at the rate of N1.1 million. But he gave us N800, 000,with a promise to pay the balance of N300, 000 later. I took N500, 000 and gave Ifeanyi N300, 000.

I used part of my share to pay my house rent and sent N150,000 to my pregnant wife in the village . I used the rest to launch my album. I stayed away from Aziza during this period because I did not know what to tell him. My intention was to give him the

outstanding N300,000.

balance

of

I didn’t know the car was stolen — Peter But on his part, Adebayo Peter (38) who admitted to have linked the buyer in Cotonou to Aziza calimed he never knew the car was stolen.

“Aziza told me that his rellation who is abroad sent the the vehicle to him and that he needed a buyer. If I knew it was a stolen vehicle I wouldn’t get involved”, he said in an emotional laden tone.

I buy stolen cars from Nigeria- receiver When approached, the receiver, Raoul Dedavi (45) disclosed that he had bought three stolen cars from Nigeria in the month of December 2014 alone. “I receive and sell stolen cars from Nigeria. But sometimes, those who bring the cars do not let me know they are stolen. For some I knew they were stolen because of the prices I bought them. I was arrested when peter called me to come and receive a vehicle.

But on getting there, I discovered he was with some policemen”.

The suspects according to spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, would be charged to court soon.

VANGU ARD, WEDNESD A Y, FEBRU ARY 4, 2015---43 VANGUARD, WEDNESDA FEBRUARY

Sam

B y

Eyoboka

sam.eyoboka@gmail.com

I

Author dedicates proceeds of book launch to research on Alzhemer's I T was an impressive gathering at the Metropolitan Club on Kofo Abayomi Street in Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday for the public presentation of a book titled The Blood of Jesus Christ: My only plea in the journey of life. The book, originally a doctoral thesis, was written by a retired Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Selina Ventures Limited, Dr. (Mrs.) Abisola Gabi Williams.

In his welcome address, Ambassador Albert Omotayo, described the event as a “refreshing climax to the string of festivities that has festooned this New Year.” He went on to present this national scenario: “Our nation is beset with a general underdevelopment that negatively affects all aspects of living and life expectancy. Her citizens are daily decimated by the Islamist Boko Haram, she has the second highest number of internally displaced persons in the world, she is among the most corrupt nations in the world, she contributes as high as 13 per cent of global maternal deaths, she ranks 13th in the global infant mortality rating and she has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world. There are, in addition, widespread incidences of sectarian violence, armed robbery, kidnapping, persistent poverty, stunted infrastructural development and varying degrees of individual lawlessness and general laxity.

body of Christ which is the church.

According to her, Dr. Williams advanced three reasons for writing the book: The first of the reasons is associated with the importance of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. In the preface, she asserts, and I agree, that there is no gift given to us by God that is more important than the Blood of Jesus Christ.

The second reason From left: Dr. Abisola Williams, author of the book, The Blood of Jesus Christ: advanced is that not all My Only Plea In The Journey; her husband, Dr. Gabi Ayodele Williams and believers know the power Dr. Olusola Abiodun during the presentation of the book in Lagos in the Blood of Jesus Christ.

She afflict Nigerian citizens who in acknowledges outright with Williams was screened at the her words are reacting more like appropriate humility that neither launch, in this interview, the “victims – confused and beaten” she nor anyone can claim to fully author attested to the fact that rather than like the “victors they understand the blessing in the “The Blood of Jesus Christ” has are called to be.” indeed been written in response Blood of Jesus Christ which is a Dr. Williams stated that the book mystery with overwhelming to the country’s overall malaise sought to reaffirm the triumph of depth and intensity. and particularly in relations to Jesus Christ against evil powers terrorism which continues to The third reason is a practical at the cross of Calvary. The and urgent one. I quote “Too chairman of the occasion, Elder many Christians are living Pastor Fola Aboaba spoke defeated lives with no real joy, graphically of the physical torture peace or power in their lives.

The book endured by Christ at the cross – They allow themselves to be an endurance which spoke of submerged in a sea of troubles. sought to His courageous, everlasting love These Christians have not been reaffirm the for man, the crown jewel of His adequately tutored on how to creation. engage Satan the defeated foe triumph of Jesus Dame Prof. Sarah Oloko, in spiritual combat, using the Christ against evil delivered a thorough review of Blood of Jesus Christ as the the book which successfully offensive and defensive spiritual powers at the reflected the sweep of the weapon against principalities cross of Calvary author’s knowledge of the subject and evil powers in dark places. of the Blood of Jesus Christ in all its functions and impact in the

Survival strategy "Perhaps, for the reason of the national socio-economic maladjustment catalogued above, our country is a country of the stronger, where there is no conscious consideration for the weak and help is not common.

Everybody finds his feet, in his/ her own way and adopts a survival strategy, fair or foul, or dies, and nobody asks," he maintained, concluding by asserting that “Dr. (Mrs.) Abisola Williams has today demystified time. When she started writing this book, which might be after her 70th birthday, time was, most probably, telling her, again and again, how old she was.

"Dr. (Mrs.) Williams refused to be swayed or intimidated by the antics of time. Now the book is completed and it is about to be presented to the public. She is alive and healthy. She has thus practically put time to shame! She will, by the grace of God, live for many more decades, working and producing good fruits, in the mighty name of Jesus," he prayed.

The video of an interview with the author, Dr. Abisola Williams, conducted by Ms. Olatoun

ICCAM prays for the will of God to prevail NTERNATIONAL Com munion of Charismatic and Apostolic Ministries, ICCAM, an international non-partisan communion Fellowship of full gospel, Bible-based, Charismatic and apostolic ministers, Monday held a special prayer session for the peace of the nation and especially the 2015 general elections.

A statement at the end of the session and signed by the prelate, Bishop Olanrewaju Obembe, Apostolic presbyter, Bishop Taiwo Akinola and the ministerial president, Bishop Aniete Etukudoh and obtained by Vanguard, said though some ministers of the gospel have predicted the return of President Goodluck Jonathan in the forthcoming elections, the body says only the will of God will prevail.

The statement maintained that some senior ministers had prophetic reveletions that the incumbent president would be returned at the polls, stating, however, that they will not be swayed by such prophecies but instead would pray for the will of God to be done.

According to the group of charismatic ministers, after several moments of prayers, fasting and supplications "we hereby enjoin all the actors and gladiators in the forthcoming elections to display high sense of responsibility, decorum, discipline in their campaigns and utterances."

The group appealed to politicians to shun character assassination and address national challenges in their campaigns.

"Campaigns should address national challenges and should take on problems that had bedevilled the nation over the years.

Political parties should identify our problems with synthetic, forensic and professional solution to all national challenges," the Fellowship maintained.

It's sorrow to joy at Lord's Chosen

T

*Rev. Mrs. Akinola, Bishop Taiwo Akinola, Bishop Olanrewau Obembe and Bishop Aniete Etukudoh at the ICCAM meeting.

Church plans university for Kogi

By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

G

OD'S Care Mission Church plans to establish a university, Evergree University in Etutekpe, Okpo, Olamaboro Local Government area of Kogi State.

This was disclosed to Vanguard through a press statement from the church signed by the chairman, ground breaking committee and chairman, publicity committee; Elder. Dickson Itodo and Elder Paul Omale respectively. The statement main-

tained that the groundbreaking ceremony for the university will be performed by former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, on February 7 while the state governor, Capt. Idris Wada will be the special guest of honour.

According to the church, the Atta Igala who doubles as the president, Kogi State Council of Chiefs, HRM, Idakwo Ameh Oboni II will be the royal father of the day while Rev. Samson Ajetumobi will be the guest speaker.

The statement also said the programme which is expected to commence by 10.00 am is expected to host 2000 guests, with four other state governors are expected to also grace the occasion.

Inaugurating the ground breaking Committee recently, the Vissioneer of the proposed institution and founder of God's Care Mission, Evangelist Sunday Oguche disclosed that the establishment of the university was a divine directive from God.

HE Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries holds a 2-day annual inter-denominational power-packed international crusade entitled, …FROM SORROW TO JOY on February 7-8, 2015 at the Chosen Revival Ground, Along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos. Time: 8.00 a.m. daily.

Designed to address the challenges of humanity and consequently turn every sorrow to joy, a statement by the church PRO, Pastor Loius Chidi said God will in the two days arise even in the political and economic circumstances of this country and douse the tension that has enveloped the horizon of the country hitherto.

At the end of the crusade which will feature the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Lazarus Muoka , he said, "it is certain that all tension of sorrow shall be no more, as the programme is a proactive spiritual measure to checkmate the anticipated ugly political challenges of the country."

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

Big war against cancer in Nigeria third of all cancers can be prevented; another onethird can be effectively cured with early diagnosis; whilst palliative care can improve the quality of life of the last third.

Cervical cancer in particular, underscores the fact

T

ODAY, February 4, is World Cancer Day. It is a day set aside by the United Nations and World Health Organisation to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The Day is part of the Big War against the global cancer epidemic.

Theme for World Cancer Day 2015 is “Not Beyond Us,” which takes a positive and proactive approach to the fight against cancer, highlighting that solutions do exist and that they are within reach.

Cancer is the world’s No. 1 killer disease. One out of every three persons will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The worldwide burden of cancer is set to double again by 2020 and nearly triple by 2030. It is projected that by 2030, one in every two persons will be diagnosed of cancer in their lifetime.

The story of cancer burden in Nigeria is a sad one. At least 70 percent of cancer deaths take place in developing nations like Nigeria. According to the WHO, over 100,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer annually, and about 80,000 die from the disease; this comes to 240 Nigerians every day or 10 Nigerians every hour, dying from cancer. The Nigerian cancer death ratio of 4 in 5 is one of the worst in the whole world.

It is documented that cervical cancer which is virtually 100 per cent preventable kills one Nigerian woman every hour. Breast cancer now kills 40 Nigerians daily (up from 30 daily in 2008).

Prostate cancer kills 26 Nigerian men daily (up from 14 daily in

• Mobile Cancer Centre.

2008). These three common cancers alone, kill 90 Nigerians daily.

This alarming death rate is mainly due to poor infrastructure to deal with the problem.

One of the challenges of cancer care and mangement in Nigeria is the lack of Mobile Cancer Centres, MCCs. Most Nigerians have no access to basic cancer screening. Likewise, Nigeria has no single Comprehensive Cancer Centre, CCC; therefore, most Nigerians have no access to optimal cancer treatment. A Comprehensive Cancer Centre costs about $63 million, while a Mobile Cancer Centre costs about $600,000. Radiotherapy which is one of the essential equipment needed to manage cases of cancer is unavailable in most tertiary hospitals and only four public hospitals and one private hospital have such facilities in Nigeria. At the moment some of these are not functional.

Consequently, Nigerians spend $200 million annually on treatment abroad. Incidentally, $200 million is the approximate

amount needed to establish three Comprehensive Cancer Centres or to acquire 300 Mobile Cancer Centres. Unfortunately, the outcome for Nigerians who embark on cancer-related medical tourism is often poor, because of late detection.

According to the WHO, one-

According to the WHO, over 100,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with cancer annually, and about 80,000 die from the disease; this comes to 240 Nigerians every day or 10 Nigerians every hour, dying from cancer

that cancer is preventable, and epitomises the cost-effectiveness of investing in preventive health care. It is the easiest of all cancers to prevent. Cervical screening is the best cancer screening test in the history of medicine and the most cost effective of all medical screening tests. The screening is painless and takes only about five minutes. Pre-cancer changes are easy to treat by an outpatient procedure lasting 15 minutes.

Consequently, cervical cancer is now a disappearing disease in the western world, while it remains the number one cancer killer of African women.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, most women are not aware of the need for cervical cancer screening; most have never had cervical cancer screening in their lifetime. Consequently, cervical cancer kills one woman every hour in Nigeria. The rural Nigerian woman is worse off, because of the near total absence of facilities for screening.

To combat this cancer menace, the mass medical mission, a non-governmental initiative, pioneered community-based mass cervical cancer screening campaign in Nigeria. This initiative, renamed the National Cancer Prevention Programme, NCPP, has enabled over 100,000 Nigerians to be directly screened and treated and through the awareness created, the NCPP is helping to protect millions of Nigerians from cancer. This sacrificial effort significantly contributed to a 15 percent reduction of cervical cancer deaths in Nigeria, from 26 women dying daily to 22 daily, between 2008 and 2012 . This improvement is significant given the fact that the WHO had projected a 25 percent increase in cervical cancer deaths within 10 years, in the absence of widespread intervention. The improvement in cervical cancer survivorship in Nigeria is proof positive that we can win the Big War if we scale up the effort.

The champion of the Big War Against Cancer is the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, CECP-Nigeria, a privatesector led tripartite (private, social and public sectors) collaboration, aimed at mobilising Nigerians to unite in tackling major national problems.

This campaign has been on for about two years but is yet to receive enough support to acquire the first Mobile Cancer Centre.

This is a clarion call for all individuals and organisations to enlist as soldiers in the Big War against Cancer, by giving their time, talent and treasure to the cause. To enlist, contact the CECP through info@cecpng.org or calling 08095553555.

The message of today is that if we join hands, we can win the Big War against cancer.

Another facet of back pain T

HE human spine is like a ladder made up of 24 steps, called vertebrae, stacked on top of one another to create the spinal column. This ladder gives the body its form, our main upright support.

In the middle of each rung of the ladder lies a hook, the spinous process, that hangs downwards. These are the bony points you press when you run your fingers down someones mid-back.

Now imagine this "ladder" with ropes and rubber tied around its connections. These are the ligaments, tendons that aid movement and the nerves that carry electrical signals to and fro. The friable joint capsules and the tough muscles and fascia act like clothing and leather that isolate and protect all these structures.

Now for the wonder of this structure: this ladder can bend forward, backwards, and rotate on its own base.......and is expected to do so thousands of times daily for over a hundred years!!

"Oh dear!" my patient said. "No wonder things go wrong with our backs."

One of the many things that can cause back pain are the facet joints.

These lie at the ends of each step of the imaginary ladder, in the area where you would hold as you climb up with both hands.

The facet joints of the lower back allow you to bend forward and back. Their surfaces are covered by articular cartilage, a smooth, rubbery material that covers the ends of most joints.

Causes of Facet Arthritis

As a vertebral disc thins with aging and from daily wear and tear, the space between two spinal vertebrae shrinks.

This causes the facet joints to press together. Facet joints can also become arthritic due to a back injury earlier in life. Fractures, torn ligaments, and disc problems can all cause abnormal movement and alignment, putting extra stress on the surfaces of the facet joints.

Symptoms develop slowly when degeneration is causing the problems. However, rapid movements, heavy twisting, or backward motions in the low back can injure a facet joint, leading to immediate symptoms.

Pain from facet joint arthritis is usually worse after resting or sleeping. Also, bending the trunk sideways or backward usually produces pain on the same side as the arthritic facet joint. hyperextend the spine.

Pain may be felt in the center of the low back and can spread into one or both buttocks. Sometimes the pain spreads into the thighs, but it rarely goes below the knee.

Numbness and tingling, the symptoms of nerve compression, usually occur when bone spurs and disk issues are encroaching the holes (neural foramen) through which the nerves pass.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of facet arthritis start to form from listening to the details of your complaints. Physical examination confirms or excludes other possibilities. An Xray, CT or MRI scan may show definitive evidence, however a negative radiology doesn't rule out facet arthritis.

doctor@lagospainclinic.com A test injection into the suspected joint may also confirm the diagnosis if the pain is relieved.

Treatment

Facet joints are the primary cause of chronic low back pain 15 percent of the time. Generally conservative treatment suffices. Mild to moderate strength pain medicines, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and other supportive drugs are usually enough. Bed rest and physiotherapy may be necessary before and after injections of the specific facet joints.

The joints are injected with local anaesthetic and steroid mixtures under Xray guidance. This may give relief lasting weeks to months, and is often repeated.

If these injections work well, the nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints can be destroyed by heat, a process called radio frequency ablation.

This treatment can give relief for a year or more, until the nerves rejoin again, and can be repeated.

Radiofrequency ablation has been shown scientifically to be very effective. It is available in Nigeria.

Surgery, though rare, will involve either a facet rhizotomy or posterior fusion. Rehabilitation may take many months and the risk of a new pain condition is very high.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 — 45

Okogie warns against mixing politics with religion

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—AHEAD of this month’s general elections, former Archbishop of the Lagos Metropolitan See of the Catholic Church, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, has frowned at the attitude of some Nigerians whom he accused of mixing religion with politics.

Cardinal Okogie, who spoke shortly after commissioning the Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu Resource Centre, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Ugbor, GRA, Benin, Edo State, said that what Nigeria needed now was a leader who would make improvement of the lives of millions of Nigerians a priority, notwithstanding his religion.

He described the act of influencing the voters through financial inducement as wasteful, because Nigerians “are wiser today.”

Urging the electorate to examine the credibility of the presidential candidates before making a choice, he said: “We are looking for the welfare of the nation, somebody who will be the father of the nation, not just a Catholic, a Muslim or whatever.”

He blamed the challenges

facing Nigeria on “sycophants,” who are out to “destroy the country,” adding that the leadership of the country has been under the influence of individuals who were not interested in the overall well-being of the masses.

He said that a good leader

must be conscious of those around him, as some of them were not interested in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

He said: “Look at the kind of leadership we have been having. The leader may be good in himself, but those around him are sycophants.

They are the ones who destroy the country and any good leader should beware them.

“If he hasn’t got the capacity, then don’t vote for him. So, we have to test them. And those who are wasting their money buying (votes), Nigerians are even wiser than that today.

They will eat your money for nothing.”

COMMISSIONING: From left: Obi Nwogogu, CAPIC Fund Manager; Patrick Illodianya, Managing Director, Skye Shelter Fund; Ambassador Mokgethi Sam Monaisa, South African Consul General; Fraser Johnston, General Manager, Protea Hotel Select, Ikeja and Mr Dave Oguejior, CAPIC Vice President, Real Estate Professional, during the official opening of Protea Hotel Select, Ikeja, weekend.

Postponing elections'll be disastrous —NAIG

By Daniel Gumm

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ARRI—THE National Association of Itsekiri Graduates, NAIG, has warned that it “will be more disastrous to postpone the February 2015 polls,” than to go ahead with same, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to redouble its efforts in the distribution of permanent voter cards, PVCs, especially in the coastal communities.

In a statement at the end of its meeting in Warri, Delta State, the Itsekiri graduates’ association condemned the call by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), for the postponement of the polls and enjoined INEC, the Federal Government and other relevant agencies to ensure peaceful and nonviolence polls by providing a level playing ground for all political parties.

National President of NAIG, Alero Tenumah, in a statement, said that INEC should make sure that the votes of the electorate count while politicians should guard their utterances in the buildup to the polls, so as “not to plunge the nation into violence.”

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She thanked Chairman of Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILOT, Pa. J.O. Ayomike, Daniel Reyenieju of the House of Representatives, Project Coordinator of Niger Delta Environmental Restoration

Project, Prince David Omaghomi, Dr. Alex Ideh and former Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Area, David Tonwe among other distinguished Itsekiri sons and daughters for their

contribution towards the achievements of NAIG in 2014 and advised politicians to make their campaigns issue based and jettison trivial issues such as religion, ethnicity and regionalism.

Commital proceedings initiated against Jega in Delta

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, may commit the Chairman of Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attaihuru Jega, to prison for failure to restore the Ughelli South 1 and Isoko North 1 constituencies as ordered by the court.

The trial judge, Justice Shitu Abubakar, had, on October 31, 2014, ordered INEC to restore the Ughelli South constituency 1 and Isoko constituency 1, which were suppressed in 1999.

The plaintiffs, Chief Felix Onowakpokpo, Friday Ferife, Dr Peter Emanziye and Richard Isagba, in a notice of consequence of disobedience of court order addressed to Prof.

Jega, said: “Take notice that unless you obey the directions contained in this order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”

The court had held that “The defendant does not have any

power and/or discretion whatsoever to suppress the existing Ughelli South constituency 1 with constituency code No. SC/33/DT and Isoko North constituency 1 with constituency code no SC/17/DT in Delta State House of Assembly lawfully created and approved by the National Assembly.”

They are arguing that the defendant's omission, failure, refusal and/or neglect to restore and recognise the Ughelli South 1 and Isoko North 1 constituencies by including the two constituencies in the approved list of state constituencies previously suppressed by the defendant, was in contempt of the court's orders.

Vanguard’s Ebegbulem, Dokpesi, symposium slated for others bag award IYAMIDR February 6, in Abuja where the

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ENIN—VANGUARD’s corresopondent, Mr. Simon Ebegbulem, Tosin Dokpesi, General Manager, DAAR Communication Limited, and Benin billionaire, Captain Hosa Okunbor, have been bestowed with the Award of Excellence by the Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Re-integration, IYAMIDR, a non-governmental organiaation.

Mr Gbenga Aruleba, the Chief News Producer AIT, is also one of the awardees in this year’s

awards will be presented.

A letter by the President of IYAMIDR, Mr Okoduwa Solomon, said the award was in recognition of the contributions of the awardees to the growth and development of Nigerian youths.

It said: “We are recognizing some notable personalities who have distinguished themselves in their various profession, people with outstanding and remarkable character, who have used their wealth, experience and platform to transform the Nigerian people, especially our youths.”

Wike gets Opobo/Nkoro monarchs' endorsement

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IVERS State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Mr Nyesom Wike, has led senior PDP chieftains to Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of the state, where he was endorsed by the traditional rulers and political leaders to govern Rivers State.

Thousands of people in Opobo/Nkoro council who turned out in their numbers escorted Wike to the Palace of King Jaja of Opobo, King Douglas Jaja, where the royal father offered his traditional blessing for Wike’s governorship aspiration.

All the political leaders of the area announced a joint endorsement of Wike ahead of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Mr Dakuku Peterside, who hails from the area.

King Jaja after offering his blessing to Wike urged him to ensure that he executes key projects outlined in his development blueprint.

Delta, Edo oil producing communities send SOS to Jonathan

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ARRI—A RIGHTS group, Peace, Development, Security and Humanitarian Rights Association of Niger Delta, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to rescue Egbema oil producing communities across Edo and Delta states from hardship due to absence of basic infrastructures and environmental degradation.

In a petition to the President, by its Chairman, Mr. Mike Tiemo and Ohwahwa Ovigue, Acting Secretary, the rights group said that inhabitants in the coastal area are pained that after repeated assurances, government was yet to take action on the UdoOfunama-Ogbudugbudu Road, bridge construction and canalizations from Gbokoda to Tsekelewo (Polobubo) town in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State.

46—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

Maritime workers want Jonathan re-elected

Delta APGA backs Ochei for Senate

By Kelechi Azubuike

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HE All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in Delta State has adopted Mr. Victor Ochei of the Accord Party, AP, as their candidate for Delta North senatorial election.

Chairman of the state chapter of the party, Ogbueshi Eboka, made the declaration at a rally in Ibusa, saying the decision to adopt Ochei was premised on his antecedents as an experienced legislator with over 12 years in the state legislature and rising to become Speaker.

Responding, Ochei described his adoption as a positive step in enhancing the living standard within Delta North senatorial zone through effective representation.

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ERVING and retired workers of the nation’s seaports, yesterday, lauded the achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan's administration in the maritime industry, saying the it had not only positively affected human capital, but also material resources in the sector.

At a briefing on the platform of Maritime Watchdog of Nigeria, MWN, the workers listed what they considered as outstanding achievements of the present administration, contending that they wanted the administration to continue and do more for the sector.

Speaking on behalf of MWN, its Legal Adviser/ General Secretary, Mr. MacJohnson Odey, enumerated parts of the achievements to include programmes on the development of Nigeria

Transition

seafarers, capacity development, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Shipyard and Dockyard, Satellite surveillance centre.

The group noted that the present government was building a shipyard/dockyard for repairs and maintenance of ships, barges, among others in Delta State.

Achievements

He said: “The government's dogged war against piracy led to the establishment of satellite surveillance centre to fight piracy, oil theft and smuggling within our water ways and other maritime crimes within our territorial waters.

“These crimes have today been drastically reduced through the presence and operations of the satellite surveillance centre in NIMASA.

“With the current level and effort of capacity building, infrastructure development and drive for improved performance, give hope for Nigeria as a future maritime nation of note.”

Scholarship

MWN noted that in the last four years, the government had sponsored no fewer than 2,500 youths from the six geo-political zones of the country under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programmes, NSAP, to achieve the dreams of becoming a seafarers.

Odey said: “The Federal Government is solely responsible for the sponsorship of over 70 percent of this number.

“The NSDP scheme currently has students in the following institutions: Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt; Amet University, Chennai, India; University

of Perpetual Help Dalta, Philippines; University of Cebu, Philippines.

“Others are South Tyneside College, Newcastle, UK; John Moores University of Conseanta, Romania.

“Seventeen cadets have graduated from the John Moores University Liverpool with B. Sc in Nautical Sciences and have concluded sea time training.”

“Eleven cadets have graduated from the South Tyneside College Newcastle with B. Sc Marine Engineering.

“So far, 17 states have keyed into the programme. NorthEast— Borno, Yobe and Gombe; North-West— Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina; North Central— Benue, Kogi, Niger, Plateau, FCT; South-East— Ebonyi; South-South— Akwa Ibom, and South-West— Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo.”

Transition

Minister advocates inclusion of Health Act in varsities' curriculum

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—MINISTER of State for Education, Professor Viola Onwuliri, has called on the management of the nation’s universities to incorporate the National Health Act 2014 in medical training.

Professor Onwuliri made the appeal while delivering a lecture entitled Nigerian National Health Act 2014: Implications and Applications, at the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the

C

HIEF Boniface Omesuh, 82, is dead.

The Chartered Quality Surveyor, was based in Enugu, Enugu State.

Interment is March 12, at Enugwu Ukwu, Anambra State.

National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, Imo State branch, at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri.

Onwuliri said: “There is the need for the incorporation of the National Health Act 2014 into the medical programmes of our universities, while undergraduates in all areas of medical training should be made to study and understand it, and develop skills of implementing the provisions of the Act.” The minster, who described

the Act as “a good legal document and a masterpiece of legislation,” said it was equally imperative for medical professional bodies to incorporate the full knowledge of the Act into the qualifying examinations for their practicing licenses.

Quoting the sponsor of the bill, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP, Delta State, Onwuliri said it would help to achieve the Universal Health Coverage, meet the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, among others.

C

HIEF Okey Dillion, 53, is dead. He died January 17. Until his death he was an executive member the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, Area 'B' Command, Kirikiri.

Wake keep held Janauary 29, at 6, Dillion Street, Kirikiri Town.

Interment is next Tuesday, at his compound at Isieke, Awo-Idemili, Imo State.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

Should the general elections be postponed?

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E need God’s intervention now more than ever before, so that the will of Nigerians is not subverted by a few persons in power who have decided they can speak for us. Those who mean well for this country will never think of postponing these elections.—Miss Blessing Uba, Student.

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think Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is just dilly-dallying on the issue of Permanent Voter's Cards delivery. However, the general elections must hold. No time will be enough for INEC to deliver. So, no going back.— Mr. Enwezor Earl-James, Public Affairs Analyst.

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EGA has had four years to distribute the Permanent Voter's Cards, PVC, and has only two weeks to distribute millions of cards. Whether good or bad, the February 14 fixed for the presidential election should not changed.—Mr Christopher Asonye, Businessman.

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HE Federal Government should declare two days as public holiday for people to go and collect their PVCs. There is no reason whatsoever that will justify postponing the general elections, because many would misinterpret it and others might cause violence.—Mrs Ifeoma Anyambuba, Trader.

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NEC needs more time to adequately prepare for the elections and also allow eligible voters to collect their PVCs. If we need to be sincere with ourselves, the elections should be postponed. It will give all stakeholders time to prepare to avoid unecessary troubles such as violence.—Mr Isaac Obiyor, Worker.

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NE of the dangers in shifting the elections is that it will bring up constitutional crisis, as there is no provision in the constitution to support postponement of elections. I would suggest that the elections should go on as sheduled to avoid legal issues.—Mr. Babatunde Owolabi, Worker.

Vanguard, WEDESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015— 47

ATTACKS: APGA warns APC, others in Zamfara G

By Salisu Maradun

USAU—WORRIED by the incessant attacks and intimidation on political office seekers on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in Zamfara State, the governorship candidate of the party, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has described the situation as barbaric, inhuman and ruthless.

Shinkafi called on the Federal Government and other relevant agencies in the country to as a matter of urgency, act fast before the break down of law and order in the state in view of alleged provocations by paid agents of certain parties.

Shinkafi spoke in Gusua, the state capital in an interview with Vanguard, yesterday.

He explained that the current political direction in the state was taking another dimension as opposition parties were being intimidated and harassed thereby depriving them of the opportunity to exercise their political right as enshrinement in the 1999 Constitution.

He accused the ruling APC in the state of allegedly planning to harm the opposition parties and their supporters through the use of thugs among others, pointing out that machineries had been put

in place by the ruling party to ensure that opposition parties were knocked out of existence through crude methods in the state.

According to him, APGA had lost much in terms of human and material resources due to incessant attacks by agents of the APC, which had even gone to the extent of establishing an illegal nongovernmental organization in

a form of traffic policemen known as ZAROTA, in a bid to deal with no constitutional backing aimed at attacking the opposition, especially during the coming elections.

Sani recalled how his four campaign offices in Maradun, Mafara, Bungudu and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas, as well as 15 of his campaign vehicles were destroyed by political thugs believed to have been sponsored by the ruling party ,

asking, “is this democracy?”

He further revealed that his party has on several occasions lodged complaints to the appropriate authorities but noted that nothing was done to remedy the situation, “because up to this time that I am talking to you, (Vanguard) no action had been taken towards addressing the burning issues.’’

BRIEFING: From left: Mrs. Titilope Owolabi, Director, Drug Evaluation and Research, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Mrs. Maureen Ebigbeyi, Director, Port Inspection Directorate,and Dr. Paul Orhii, Director General, displaying the fake Alomo Bitters confiscated from a counterfeiter, during a briefing in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Mark wades into Benue govt, striking lecturers dispute

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI—THE Senate President, Senator David Mark has promised to intervene in the six months old industrial dispute between the Benue State government and striking lecturers of state-owned tertiary institutions.

Mark spoke yesterday in Oju and Obi Local Government Areas of the state, in the course of his campaign for re-election, adding that the resolution of the dispute would better serve the interest of youths in the state.

He said: “In view of the resolve of the present administration to ensure steady growth in the education sector to effectively empower our youths and prepare them for future responsibilities and leadership of our state and the country, I will not allow that dispute to linger.”

On the coming elections, Mark urged the people to vote President Goodluck Jonathan and all Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidates in the state.

Isoko Patriotic Alliance endorses Emerhor

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SOKO PATRIOTIC Alliance, in a statement signed by Hon. Fejiro Agadama, Mrs Stella Ogba, Hon. Jetta Idigbe and Chief Bonaventure Mukoro, has endorsed Delta State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, O’Tega Emerhor, as the next governor of the state, with a declaration to vote him into office.

The statement reads in part: “The unfair treatment perpetrated against the Isoko ethnic nationality in recent political developments in Delta State by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, now calls for serious soul searching and a thorough reassessment of the place of the Isoko nation in the political configuration of our beloved Delta State.

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In spite of our peaceful disposition and commitment to live and let live, Isokos are not considered to be worthy of any post of real political significance."

“We must at this time send a powerful message to Delta PDP and force them to understand that we are Isokos and no one has the right to relegate us to the background or treat us as second class if not third class citizens fit only to be followers and never leaders.

“O’tega Emerhor has always been our brother from another mother. He bears a name similar to our names; he reasons like us and understands our pain and we have decided to stand by him in the coming election."

“We have delivered on the promises we made to Nigerians, no matter what the opposition claims, the ruling PDP has ensured the stability of our democracy and also ensured the sustainable growth of our nation.”

In his speech, the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro urged Nigerians to support and vote for the ruling party in the coming elections to “reciprocate

the resounding accomplishments of the present administration in the country."

“The combination of President Goodluck Jonathan and Senator David Mark has delivered democratic dividends to our people and the country.

They both deserve our support, we cannot be fooled by the many lies of the opposition.”

Moro said.

NAC, others empower 33 auto-mechanics in Enugu

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NUGU—THIRTY-three automobile mechanics were presented with modern diagnostic tools in Enugu last Friday after undergoing a three-week training aimed at closing the skills gap in modern vehicle repairs.

The training was a private-public partnership involving the National Automotive Council, NAC, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SMEDAN, SURE-P, the National Automotives Technicians Association, NATA, and Chibueze Motors Nig. Ltd, Enugu.

Addressing the trainees, the Director-General of NAC, Mr Aminu Jalal, said the training became necessary after the council realised from a skill gap analysis that Nigerian mechanics lacked the skills and equipment to properly maintain modern vehicles.

Jalal, who was represented by a

director in the council, Mr Chika Nwokoye, said the collaboration with other agencies and the private sector was to bridge this gap and place the mechanics in a good stead to move with the trends.

“Technology in the auto sector advances continually and at a very fast pace. Most cars on our roads today are built with a lot of electronically controlled systems.

“The only way to meet up with this advancement is training and re-training, which is one of the main aims of the national automotive industry development plan,” he said.

He said that 1002 mechanics were involved in the training nationwide, adding that 1004 persons were trained in a similar programme last year.

PDP records low turn at Bauchi campaign rally

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By Suzan Edeh

AUCHI—THE Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, campaign rally held yesterday in Bauchi State recorded poor turn out in three local government areas of the state.

The rallies which took place at Ganjua, Warji and Ningi Local Government Areas of the state were greeted with poor enthusiasm from the residents in the local governments.

There was hostility from All Progressives Congress, APC, supporters in the three local governments as they chanted slogans in Hausa language like “Sai Buhari,” “Bamu yi,” (We don’t want PDP).

Others expressed their anger by sweeping the streets of the local governments where the PDP campaign train passed through.

Investigations conducted by Vanguard revealed that the poor turn out by residents may not be unconnected with the recent visit of the APC presidential candidate, General Muhamadu Buhari to the state, where told his supporters to vote the PDP-led government out of power.

The APC is fast gaining the support from the electorate in the state as the party has intensified its campaign strategies to win in the election.

Efforts to reach the PDP Campaign Director, Umaru Dahiru to react to the development proved abortive.

Group backs Okowa

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SABA—THE Ogbe Political Movement for Change has endorsed Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State governoship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming election.

The convener and president of the group, King Ufuoma Onokpite, made this known during its meeting at Ugolo, Okpe Local Government Area, saying that after interaction between the leadership of the group and all those in the governorship race “ we discovered that only Ifeanyi Okowa could carry Urhobo and Delta youths along.

His words: " I stand here on behalf of OPC and Urhobo youth association to endorse Dr. Okowa as Governor of Delta State. He is the person we will work with, we have to support the minority, that was how Jonathan became President of Nigeria.”

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

PDP presidential campaign in Gombe

President Jonathan being welcomed by party chieftains, during the visit of the PDP presidential campaign organisation to the Emir's palace, in Gombe , yesterday. Photos: State House.

PDP supporters at the Gombe rally.

From left, Kogi State governor, Capt Ibrahim Wada; President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President,Namadi Sambo, and PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, at the Kogi State Stadium, Lokoja, for the PDP presidential rally, yesterday. Photos: State House

President Jonathan, Vice President Sambo, and PDP National Chairman Muazu at Lokoja

APC presidential raliies in Adamawa, Gombe

From left, Wife of All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candiadate, Hadjia Haisa Buhari; Deputy Governorship Candidate in Adamawa State, Hon. Martins Nasir Babale; former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; APC Presidential candidate, General Mohammadu Buhari; APC Governorship Candidate in Adamawa State, Senator Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla, and the National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, during the presidential campaign, at Ribadu Stadium, in Yola, Adamawa State, Monday. Photos: Joe Akintola

Supporters of APC in Adamawa.

Buhari, addresing party supporters in Gombe

From left, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; APC Presidential Candidate, General Buhari, and the Party Governorship Candidate in Adamawa State, Senator Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla, in Yola.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 — 49

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 — 51

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015—53

Nigeria safe in Jonathan's hands —IBB

By Wole Mosadomi

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INNA — Former Military President, Gen, Ibrahim Babangida has said that the leadership of President Good luck Jonathan had been a symbol of unity and that Nigeria will continue to be safe in his (Jonathan) hands.

Gen. Babangida who was

speaking when President Jonathan and other PDP stalwarts paid him a courtesy visit after the PDP presidential rally in Minna yesterday said the present administration had been noted for peace since it came to power pointing out that this was the same vision he pursued during his administration.

According to him,”All presidents that this country has produced have come to Minna for blessing and now that you

have also come for blessing, I will offer you that blessing,” president Babangida remarked.

President Jonathan thanked Gen. Babangida for the audience saying that Babangida remains the Pillar of the country.

“As a deputy governor, you took me like a son and since I came on board as vice president to this moment, you have been a Pillar and a Charismatic leader. In fact, you have been

a stabilising factor in this country in many ways and I hope you will remain so. You are not like other leaders and that is why Nigerians will continue to pray for you for long life to continue to guide us aright”, President Jonathan stressed The president, his host and few PDP leaders later went into a closed door meeting.

President Jonathan later paid homage on the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umaru Farouk Bahago at his palace.

RELIEVED: A patient at the male surgical ward of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, waiting for treatment as Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, calls off its strike, in Bauchi, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Islamic State video shows Jordanian pilot burned alive

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video circulated by Islamic State supporters on social media, yesterday, appeared to show captive Jordanian pilot Mu’ath al-Kasasbeh being burned alive.

The video was posted on a website used for official Is-

lamic State announcements.

The video showed the 26year old pilot standing in a cage wearing a drenched orange jumpsuit.

A masked militant, identified as the commander of a position bombed by the United

States led coalition against the jihadists, then sets light to a trail of flammable material leading to the cage.

The scenes are interspersed with footage of what appears to be the aftermath of an air raid, with bodies of militants

Argentine prosecutor laid to rest amid mystery over his death

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HE special prosecutor whose mysterious death set off a political firestorm in Argentina was laid to rest Thursday, as an investigation tries to determine whether he died by his own hand or was murdered.

Alberto Nisman, 51, was buried in a Jewish cemetery on the outskirts of Buenos Aires near several of the victims who died

in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish charity known as AMIA. Nisman had spent the last 14 years of his life trying to unravel who carried out the horrific attack, which killed 85 people and injured another 300. But on January 18, one day before he was to have appeared before a congressional panel to present evidence in the case, Nisman was found

Policeman, 2 hoodlums killed in Bayelsa shootout

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ENAGOA—ARMED men, suspected to be pirates, opened fire on a police patrol team, killing one of the officers at new Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, Monday. Two of the hoodlums were reportedly killed.

The incident, it was learned, occurred at about 4.10pm, close

to Obioma Bridge on Ogbia stretch of the road in Ogbia Local Government Area.

While the deceased policeman was identified as a sergeant, the identity of the dead hoodlums could not be immediately ascertained as their bodies were reportedly taken away by their gang members.

dead at his home of a single bullet wound to the head.

People familiar with his investigation said Nisman had planned to make a bombshell accusation — that President Cristina Kirchner shielded Iranian officials implicated in the bombing. At his funeral, hundreds of protesters, convinced that he was a victim of foul play, gathered in front of the cemetery, some holding placards demanding “Justice for Nisman. It is a great injustice. He was threatened,” said Cristina Paredes, 53, who said Nisman’s death “is the straw the broke the camel’s back” for Argentines fed up with Kirchner and accusations of corruption by her administration.

The death was mourned as far away as Israel, which hailed Nisman — son of a textile merchant who had studied law at the University of Buenos Aires — as “courageous.”

being pulled from rubble. AlArabiya television reported that the Jordanian military had informed al-Kasasbeh’s father of the pilot’s death.

The 26-year old was captured by the militants in December when his fighter jet crashed near their stronghold of alRaqqa in eastern Syria.

Negotiations in recent days in which Jordan sought his release in return for freeing failed suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi came to nothing, with the Jordanian authorities saying they had seen no proof he was still alive.

Islamic State Saturday announced it had killed Japanese journalist Kenji Goto, whom it had proposed exchanging for al-Rishawi.

Police Service Commission redeploys 16 commissioners

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HE Police Service Commission, yesterday approved the immediate redeployment of 16 police commissioners in the country in line with its drive to reposition the police for optimal performance. Those affected in the exercise include the Commissioner of Police for Ekiti State, Fredrick Lakanu who has been moved to Ogun State.

Others include Ibrahim Idris formerly in charge of Police Mobile Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja who was redeployed to Kano State command, while Musa Katsina Mohammed, was moved from Jos to Oyo State. Also, Usman Tilli Abubakar, was moved from Jos to Jigawa State Command; Olufemi David Ogunbayode, NIPSS, was redeployed from Jos to Zamfara State, Mohammed Sani Usman, CP M.S moved from ‘F’ Dept. FHQ to Nasarawa Command; Nyats Nyehsu Jatau, CP Railway Lagos moved to Taraba State Command; Mohammed K. Mohammed, Dep. CMDT, PSC, moved from Jos to Bauchi Command; and Karma Hosea Hassan moved from Anambra State to Rivers State. Similarly, Joshak Habila, was redeployed from CTU, FHQ to Abia State; Salisu Fagge Abdullahi, from SFU, FHQ to Sokoto State; Damilola Samuel Adegbuyi from SFU, FHQ to Edo State Command; Adeyemi O. Samuel Ogunjemilusi from Interpol FCID to Ekiti State; Dibal Paul Yakadi; FC2i/c Anambra State to CP Anambra State; Tonye Ebitibituwa from ‘A’ R&P FHQ Abuja to Cross River State, and Danladi Mshelbwala EOD FHQ, Abuja to Kebbi State. Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mike Okiro wished the newly redeployed police commissioners success in their new postings.

Ondo riverine communities seek Chevron’s direct dealing

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HE people of Awoye and Molutehin communities in Ilaje, Ugbo kingdom of Ondo state have demanded that oil company, Chevron Nigeria limited should henceforth commence relationship with the communities through their accredited representatives and registered trustees of Awoye and Molutehin Development Foundation. The communities made the resolution

at a meeting with all the accredited stakeholders held at Molutehin Town Hall.

The meeting frowned at imposition of oil representatives of Ilaje Regional Development Council (IRDC) against the collective heritage of the people of the GMOU communities as well as alleged politicisation of an already established community driven process by Ondo state government

54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4,

2015

Ajibola challenges Gov Ahmed to live debate on performance I

National Conference in 1995.

Ajibola said government’s failure to provide basic infrastructure informed many of his contributions and interventions in community self-help projects in order to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

The PDP candidate said it was disheartening that social infrastructure have collapsed under the APC-led government in the state.

He lamented the dire financial situation of the local councils due to the Joint Account system.

“I challenge Gov. Ahmed to point at any project executed by the state with over N3 billion so far deducted by his administration from LGA Accounts in the last four years,” Ajibola added.

Ajibola also said all the state owned t e r t i a r y institutions were living on the funds drawn from FORUM: From left; Mr. Matthew Willsher, CEO Etisalat Nigeria; Chief the Federal Leo Stan Eke, Chairman Zinox Group and Conference Chairman; Mr. Government Segun Ogunsanya, CEO Airtel Nigeria; Mr. Bernard Najim, Head Of intervention Europe Middle East & Africa, Nokia Networks at a Stakeholders Forum, i n i t i a t i v e s themed Connect Nigeria: Exploiting ICT Potential For Growth - t h r o u g h Challenges & Opportunities For Operators In The Nigerian Market TETFUND. Through 3G & LTE, held in Lagos.

LORIN—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate in Kwara, Sen. Simeon Ajibola, has challenged Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to a live radio and television debate over performance claims.

Ajibola threw the challenge on Sunday in Ilorin while addressing women and youths from the 16 local councils in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajibola and Ahmed of the All Progressives Congress, APC have been trading words over performance.

Ajibola said he was ready to confront Ahmed with proof of his contributions to capital projects and developmental initiatives in the state.

The PDP flag bearer said he was ready to prove that

he contributed N1.5 billion to the construction of the Ilorin Cargo Terminal, the International vocational Centre at Ajasse-Ipo and the Kaiama-Kosubosu highway.

He said evidence of payments such as cheques would be made available to members of the public for their appraisal.

Ajibola insisted that he had done more for the people of the state than the APC-led government given the fact that he had no executive control over funds like the governor being only a lawmaker.

The PDP candidate also said he was instrumental to the creation of two additional local governments out of the defunct Irepodun and Ekiti as an elected member of the

FEB POLLS: Don't truncate Nigeria’s democracy, CLO warns politicians

By Ikenna Asomba

L

AGOS—THE Civil L i b e r t i e s Organisation, CLO has warned politicians, political parties and their supporters against statements and actions capable of truncating the nation’s democracy.

Speaking yesterday at a news conference, in Lagos, CLO stated that it was currently taking stock of persons making inflammatory statements as the countdown to the February polls begins, noting that it would not hesitate to drag such persons to the International Criminal Court, ICC. President of the CLO, Igho Akeregha and the Executive Director, Ibuchukwu Ezike, who spoke on the occasion said the warning became imperative against the backdrop of increasing incidents of political C M Y K

violence across the country in the build-up to the polls.

Akeregha said: “The CLO interprets current developments in the country as deliberate actions by politicians to undermine the huge gains Nigeria has made since 1999 in our collective

march to democratic stability. Majority of Nigerians are now very worried about their safety and enjoyment of their democratic freedoms with escalating incidents of political violence and general insecurity.''

OIL SLUMP: NBCC projects tax increase for entrepreneurs

By Naomi Uzor

L

AGOS—THE Nige rian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), yesterday, projected a reduction in profit, increase in tax, reactionary policy change, higher cost of funds and reduction in purchasing power for entrepreneurs following the recent fall in oil price.

Speaking at the NBCC Members Evening in Lagos, tagged “The Impact of Falling oil prices on Private Sector Economic Activities”, the Managing Director, Afrinvest (West Africa)

Limited, Mr. Ike Chioke, said following the recent fall in oil price at the international market and the impact on Nigeria economy, the NBCC is concerned over Nigerian economy, which is about 70 per cent dependent on oil revenues and with oil price falling as low as $45 per barrel, even below oil benchmark for 2015 budget, entrepreneurs should expect reduction in profit, increase in tax, reactionary policy change, higher cost of funds and reduction in purchasing power.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015 — 55

56 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRURY 4, 2015

Rapists on rampage:

Shocking stories of how minors have become endangered in Plateau

By Marie-Therese Nanlong, Jos

A

S you approach her, she averts eye contact, preferring to look at the ground; call her name, she nods her head without saying a word. She is equally not forthcoming when you try to engage her in a conversation. Yet this is a girl who was said to be outgoing and playful before her most recent traumatic experience.

But after much prodding by Vanguard Features, VF, 13-yearold Sadia (not real name) and a primary five pupil of a private school in Jos, the Plateau State capital, was able to tell her story, albeit amidst tears.

Residents in shock A middle aged man was caught defiling her at about 7am on the fateful day of October 12, 2014. It was an ugly incident that has since turned her life upside down and left residents in the neighbourhood reeling in shock.

She said it was not the first time the man raped her, adding that she had before this time allowed him to have his way because he gave her money to meet her urgent need, which is food. So their being caught in the act, booed and sniggered at by a curious crowd of residents, was a “shame C M Y K

too much” for her bear.

Narrating her ordeal, she said: “Papa Emeka always sent me to buy things for him and he would leave the change with me. One day, he asked me if I had started seeing my menses and I asked him what that means, but he said I should forget it. Another day, he called and told me to enter his room and clean it. As I entered, he came in, pushed me on the bed and held my mouth. I was scared but he was pleading with me not to shout that he wants me to start seeing my menses.

“As he was trying to rape me, I bit him and he left me alone.

Because he locked the door, I could not go out, so he started begging me not to tell anyone and he gave me N500. I did not tell anyone because I was confused and I was scared of telling my stepmother because she would beat me.

“After many weeks, he asked me to buy a bottle of soft drink for him. When I went in to give him the drink, he poured it inside a cup for me. After drinking it, I started feeling tired and had to lie on the floor. I did not know what happened thereafter, but when I woke up, he said I should go before my stepmother would start looking for me. I was feeling pains and did not know anything but I could not tell

anyone.”

Sadia added: “About five days later, he called me, put me on his leg and started touching my body. He asked me if I told anyone that I slept in his house, and I said no. Though I was scared, I could not tell anyone because immediately he finished, he gave me N500 and said I should go home and have my bath. Since I did not eat, I used the money and bought food

While the stepmother was looking for the girl, a neighbour knocked at the randy man’s door, opened it and caught him in the act

at the roadside.”

However, luck ran out on the randy man on the third day (October 12, 2014) when he called the girl at about 6.30am not knowing that the stepmother was yet to leave the house and suspicious neighbours took note when the girl entered his apartment.

While the stepmother was looking for the girl, a neighbour knocked at the randy man’s door, opened it and caught him in the act. She drew the attention of others but before the culprit could be apprehended, he escaped through the back door and the poor girl had to face the shame of neighbours openly reprimanding her.

Ever since the incident, she keeps to herself, plays with no one and endures the trauma of daily scolding from her stepmother. She confessed she felt like dying as she knows people are yet to forget the incident and are talking behind her back.

Long list of girls raped, traumatised But unknown to Sadia, she is one in a long list of young girls who have been raped in recent time. On September 13, 2014, in Mangu Local Government Area, another minor, eight years old Nankling (not real name), a pri-

mary two pupil, was defiled by a teenager at Mangu Halle. On the same day, a 10- year-old girl in Mararaba Pushit was raped by a married man who has two children. At Jakatai, a nine- yearold was raped on September 22, 2014 by a 38-year-old father of four.

Telling the story to VF, the mother of the eight-year-old victim, Mama Nankling, said she is yet to overcome the trauma of having her daughter being defiled in that manner. She added she never imagined the neighbour could be so wicked to do such to her baby.

According to her: “He always came around here to play with my children. One day, he took this girl to one uncompleted building in our area and started sleeping with her. I did not see my daughter around so I thought she was playing in the neighbourhood, but she came home, limping and crying. When I asked what happened, she told me what Aminu did to her. When we got to his house and he confirmed he did it, we got him arrested. He is there with the Police and they had charged him to court. No matter the result of the judgement, I will still be sad that this happened to me and I feel guilty that I did not do enough to keep my child from harm’s way.”

At Kwata, Zawan in Jos South Local Government Area, a 17year-old girl was on July 7, 2014 raped by a neighbour who also threatened to kill her if she told anyone. There was also another case at Barkin Ladi where a security personnel attached to the Special Task Force, STF, raped a four-year-old girl in the neighbourhood. Though the randy Mobile policeman had been dismissed by the Police authorities and charged to court, the parents of the girl still lament the situation.

Relationship with victims Within three weeks in November 2014, three different incidences occurred at Corner Shagari area of Jos North. First, a teenage girl was raped by six men and then at Tudun Wada in the same local government, a three-year old was raped by a middle aged man. At Bukuru in Jos South, a five year old girl was raped by a man in his 30s.

The case is not different in other areas like Kanam and Qua’an Pan where VF investigations reveal that rape of minor is on the increase across the religious divides in the local government areas. It was also established that most of the assailants had some form of relationship with the victims and this, most times, hinders the cases from being reported.

To be continued

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015—57

AFCON 2015: Ghana, Ivory Coast eye final showdown N

EIGHBOURS Ghana and Ivory Coast start as overwhelming favourites to set up a mouthwatering African Nations Cup final but must first get past semifinal opponents who have exceeded expectations.

Ivory Coast take on Democratic Republic of Congo in the first semi in Bata today, followed a day later by Ghana’s meeting with hosts Equatorial Guinea in Malabo.

Ghana and the Ivorians boast heavyweight squads, in terms of experience, ability and profile, plus a pedigree that makes them hot favourites for Sunday’s final in Bata.

It is Ghana’s fifth successive appearance in the last four while the Ivorians have reached the semi-finals four times in the last six tournaments.

But both ties are likely to be anything but routine assignments.

Equatorial Guinea have taken a fairytale route to the last four, albeit with the assistance of some soft penalties which has taken some of the shine off their performance.

Tiote back for Congo DR

I

VORY Coast midfielder Cheik Tiote may feature after recovering from an ankle injury that has kept him out of the last two matches. Coach Herve Renard said: “Tiote has started light training. It will be difficult for him to start the game, but he is in the squad.”

DR Congo coach Florent Ibenge said he will not risk playing captain Youssouf Mulumbu, who he says is “70% fit”. Defender Gabriel Zakuani is out after spraining his ankle against Congo.

G O V E R N O R S Emmanuel Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio of Delta and Akwa Ibom States have been invited to the final of the 30th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations coming up Sunday, February 8 at the Bata Stadium, in Equatorial Guinea.

The duo have recorded numerous achievements in sports, with Uduaghan winning numerous awards to his name. As special guest to the Glo-CAF Awards night in Lagos last

Afcon

INJURED ... Asamoah Gyan of Ghana (3) after being injured during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations football match between Ghana and Guinea at the Malabo Stadium in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

LORENT Ibenge, the Democtratic Republic of Congo Coach has said they are going to keep the same mentality against Cote d’Ivoire that they used to come from two goals down to eject Congo Brazzaville in the quarters.

DR Congo who have won the AFCON trophy twice (1968, 1974) ejected Congo Brazzaville 4-

•Ibenge

2 and face the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire today at the Bata Stadium in the first semi-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

The 52-year coach who

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UINEA captain Ibrahima Traore has revealed his retirement from International soccer following Sunday’s 3-0 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final defeat to Ghana.

Traore has decided to take a break from international football so as to concentrate on his club career.

“The time has come for

also led AS Vita to the CAF Champions League final said that they are not worried about any team and their mentality is to keep positive and take every game as it comes.

Ghanians panic over Gyan’s injury

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HANA will know the extent of Asamoah Gyan’s injury today to determine whether he will be available for tomorrow’s semi-final clash against hosts Equatorial Guinea at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Gyan arrived in the Equatorial Guinea town of Mongomo on Monday for an MRI scan on his hip injury.

The Al Ain striker suffered a career-threaten-

me to reconsider my international career in order to focus on my club,” Traore said after their elimination.

The 26-year-old star, who plies his trade with Borussia Monchengladbach in the German Bundesliga after several seasons with VfB Stuttgart, has over 30 caps for Guinea and has scored eight goals for his country.

month, Dr Uduaghan had the singular honour of presenting the 2014 African Footballer of the Year Award to Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfield gem, Yaya Toure.

Akpabio on his part built the ultra-modern stadium, the Nest of Champions last year, an arena that host Super Eagles final 2015 Afcon qualifier against South Africa. The encounter ended 2-2 but was not enough to qualify the team to the finals.

Continues from BP fired a wonder goal against Cameroon for the 1992 African champions to win Group D in Equatorial Guinea and he said Ivory Coast want to go all the way after they were regarded as favouritesinpreviouseditions of the competition without ever lifting the trophy.

“It is going to be a good game.DRCongodefeatedus

in Abidjan during the qualifiers, but this time it will be different. We are going to prepare well to get through,” he predicted.

“It’s together that we are going to go all the way. We are going to work to finish the job.”The clash could not have come at a better time for both teams as they appear to have hit peak form after indifferent starts to this tournament.

Continues from BP “With the Super Eagles not being in the tournament, my interest is not there,” he explained, saying that he would not be the best person to talk about the tournament, which is in its semi final stages.

After being informed of the last four countries in the

semis, Yobo did not think twice in tipping the Black Stars of Ghana as the probable champions.

“I tip Ghana to win the tournament. As our brothers and long term allies, I would like them to win the tournament. Above all, I think they have a good team,” Yobo assessed.

We shall keep same mentality — Ibenge Yobo F

Traore quits Guinea

•Tiote

CAF invites Uduaghan, Akpabio to Afcon final

FIFA elections

•Gyan ing lunge from Guinea goalkeeper Naby Yattara at the death of Sunday’s 3-0 quarterfinal win in Malabo. Gyan missed the opening group game against Senegal due to a bout with malaria.

He played through the pain barrier and scored the only goal against Algeria which ensured they revived their campaign. Ghana are making a fifth consecutive AFCON semi-final berth.

Continues from BP about a lack of support from within the Asian Football Confederation, whose president, Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, has pledged his support to Blatter.

Ali, FIFA vice-president for Asia, revealed that he had received nominations from the national associations of Belarus, Malta, England, Jordan, the United States and Georgia.

But although the Jordan FootballAssociation,ofwhich

he is president, was the only Asian federation to support him, he said he was confident of attracting support from around the world. “Obviously there is a bit of a culture of intimidation — let me put it that way — within FIFA,” Ali told a press conference at a London hotel. “But having said that, this is a candidacy for the whole world. I do know also that there are confederations who have their own elections coming up in the next couple of months."

Ronaldo Continues from BP with the BBC. “If for any reason the club decide to sell him tomorrow for 300 million pounds, someone will pay,” Mendes added.

But the agent said there was no danger of his 29year-old compatriot, voted

the world’s best player for a third time last month — beating Barcelona’s Lionel Messi to the award — leaving Real’s Bernabeu Stadium.

“Cristano Ronaldo? One billion. His buyout clause (is) one billion, so it is one billion. It is impossible to find someone like him.”

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Ronaldo is worth N111.5b — Agent

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RISTIANO Ronaldo will finish his career at Real Madrid, the Portuguese superstar ’s agent says, as he has put a $578 million (about N111.5b) tag on the world

footballer of the year.

“He is the best player ever in the world. You can’t compare him with anybody else,” agent Jorge Mendes said of Ronaldo in an interview Continues on Page 57

Afcon 2015: Elephants eye revenge over DR Congo k ic •K

I

VORY Coast will be gunning for revenge in today ’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Bata after a stunning home loss in a qualifier between them last October.

“We hurt their pride when we beat them at home, the big Ivory Coast. They had not lost at home during the generation of Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure.

They will now want to avenge that loss,” said DR Congo coach Florent Ibenge, referring to the famous 4-3 qualifying triumph.

“But we are also armed with the motivation to reach the final. That is our target.”

Max-Alain Gradel

Continues on Page 57

TODAY'S

pm 8 f of •Ronaldo

I don’t watch Afcon — Yobo F

•Toure

•Mbokani

FIFA elections: Ali challenges Blatter to debate

F

IFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein criticised the organisation’s “culture of

intimidation” and challenged incumbent Sepp Blatter to a public debate as he kickstarted his campaign on

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

Continues on Page 57

•Blatter

•Ali

Tuesday.

The Jordanian royal dismissed concerns

Continues on Page 57

CAF invites Uduaghan, Akpabio for AFCON final —P.57

PUZZLE

tournament in neighbouring country.

One of those who don’t care a hoot is immediate past captain of the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo. “I don’t watch the Africa Cup of Nations,” the former Everton defender said, when asked of his opinion on the tournament, so far.

OLLOWING Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the ongoing 2015 Africa Cup of Nations most Nigerians don’t seem keen on what has been going on in Equatorial Guinea. People who, ordinarily would have spent hours glued to the television if Nigeria had qualified, don’t seem to bother about the

ACROSS: 2 Gritty (5) 7 Gemstone (5) 8 Rings (5) 10 Walked (5) 12 Ignited (3) 13 Pension (5) 15 Withdrew (7) 17 Deteriorates (6) 19 Recline (3) 20 Attain (7) 23 Direction (4) 25 Whirlpool (4) 26 Idea (7) 30 Spike (3) 31 Beat (6) 34 Flew (7) 37 Relaxes (5) 38 Beetle (3) 39 Demon (5) 40 Gem (5) 41 Sheet (5) 42 Employ (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD

DOWN: 1 Giver (5) 2 Cut (5) 3 Shrub (6) 4 Animal (4) 5 Suppose (7) 6 Change (5) 9 Broadcast (3) 11 Please (7) 13 Chopped (5) 14 Cook (5) 16 Link (3) 18 Cleaned (7) 21 Borders (5) 22 Stories (5) 24 Proposition (7) 27 Cereal (3) 28 Excite (6) 29 Remains (5) 32 Retransmit (5) 33 Alloy (5) 35 Moo (3) 36 Profound (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Dance 5, Nickel 8, Arise 10, Penman 11, Wart 14, Tweaks 15, Parlour 18, Lap 19, Bed 21, Less 23, Tubes 24, Byri 27, Sea 29, Inn 31, Clients 32, Dictum 34, Hene 35, Nought 38, Aegis 39, Ruined.

DOWN: 2, Awe 3, Camels 4, Era 5, Newt 6, Cereal 7, Losses 9, Incubus 12, Awl 13, Disc 16, Ally 17, Rebec 20, Dealing 22, Slot 24, Bagder 25, Rich 26, Intern 28, Refuse 30, Nun 33, Mead 36, Oil 37, Has.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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