Nigerian female doctor tests positive to Ebola

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62202

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 , 2014

Why we deployed 11 troops to Osun — FG

Jonathan not running clannish govt, Presidency replies Kwankwaso 8

Nigerian female doctor tests positive to Ebola •FG, Lagos Govt confirm result, quarantine victim •Appeal to doctors to call off strike •Another suspected victim flown into Nigeria

By Sola Ogundipe, Health Editor, Olasunkanmi Akoni, Chioma Obinna, Lawani Mikairu, Victoria Ojeme, Monsur Olowoopejo, Raphael Izokpu & Gabriel Olawale

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BUJA—THE Fed eral Government has confirmed the first case of Ebola Virus Disease in a Nigerian medical doctor, who was among the people that had the first contact with Mr. Patrick Sawyer, the deceased Liberian and first confirmed Ebola victim in the country.

Late Sawyer, a consultant to the Liberian Fi Continues on page 5

COLUMNISTS: Why Christians must stop supporting Israel against the Palestinians •P.17

Mr & Mrs ORDINATION—Pastor Olu Obanure, RCCG Western Coast, Ghana performing the ordination of Deacons and Deaconesses during the 62nd Annual Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG at Km46, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, yesterday.

Adebo Adeboyye announces changes in R CCG RCCG hierarchy 59

See 8-page pull-out inside

Monarch to Gov Akpabio: You've abandoned my kingdom

2— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

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4— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

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POCKET CARTOON

Warning on false cures

PROTEST—Indigenes of Nasarawa State resident in Lagos State , on a peaceful protest, yesterday, to Lagos Governor's office against planned impeachment of Governor Al-Makura. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Nigerian female doctor tests positive to Ebola Continues from page 1 nance Ministry was found to be infected with the virus when he arrived Lagos on July 20, 2014. He died in quarantine on July 25 and his body was later cremated.

Disclosing the development to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu said the new case was as a result of contact the said doctor had with Sawyer at the Lagos hospital, where the Liberian was admitted after he was brought in from the airport.

Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, accompanied by the Director, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Prof. Abdulsalam Nasidi, confirmed that it would be the second reported case of the virus in Nigeria in general and La-

gos in particular.

Chukwu, who was inaugurating the Treatment Research Group Committee on Ebola Virus Disease, disclosed: “When we met last week, I told you that we were still monitoring some of the healthcare workers and passengers who came in contact with the American-Liberian who brought in Ebola to Nigeria. There were others who attended to him; some have developed symptoms of Ebola.

As of today, we now have a case; this is the second case of Ebola virus in Nigeria. This is the doctor who attended to the Ebola patient in the Lagos hospital."

Monitoring Further, he said: “Three others are under watch; at the end of to-

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it —Mary Engelbreit

L

IVING life consciously means that we have set ourselves free from negative influences that stop us from making deliberate choices. Therefore, it is important to clearly identify what sources in our lives affect us negatively and do not want us to make conscious decisions. Besides knowing what affects you negatively you should also clearly know what sources can influence you in a positive way and help you to achieve your goals or simply motivate you. These positive sources could be conversations with your loved ones and friends, or simply speeches of motivational speakers that empower you. Furthermore, it is important to identify barriers that keep you from living your life consciously and barriers that keep you from accomplishing your goals. Whenever you find a negative influence try to find possible solutions that help you to reduce the influence or the effects of the influence.

day (yesterday) we will know the outcome. Eight of those who had contact with Mr. Sawyer have been quarantined, while 70 of those who had contact with the patient are on surveillance. ”All of these persons are being quarantined in Lagos, where the Lagos State Government has provided isolation wards.”

The minister said beyond Lagos State, the Federal Government was working with each state to strengthen isolation wards and emergency coordination of health workforce on Ebola around the borders.

He noted that places like Idiroko and Seme borders have received new directives and equipment to screen persons entering the country without having contact with such persons.

On the aspect of bringing in corpses from Ebola -endemic countries for burial in Nigeria, Chukwu said the Federal Government's order banning any airline or family members from bringing dead persons from Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone was still in force. ”In the case of Imo State, we have carried out the investigation and found out that there is a death certificate and it was not an Ebola case, so we have asked the Commissioner for Health in Imo State to go on with the burial of the person.

But for Anambra State and Akwa Ibom states, investigation is still going on. They are still under watch,” he said.

Chukwu, who disapproved of the panic being created on social media platforms, contended that contrary to widely-held opinion on social media that Bitter Kola was a suitable cure and as well prevents infection by Ebola virus, the minister stressed that there was no scientific evidence that the use of Bitter Kola cures or prevents Ebola infections. ”There is no proof yet,” he affirmed, noting that such claims emanated from previous “in-vitro research, which is in a test-tube (ongoing) where the samples were obtained from Bitter Kola, and tend to have some activities against Ebola.

Committee on EVD On the way forward, the Federal Government has inaugurated the Treatment Research Committee on Ebola Virus Disease.

Inaugurating the committee, Chukwu observed that Nigeria must get serious in the area of research as a strategic way of curtailing the spread of the virus.

The committee has the Director-General of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development NIPRD, Prof. Karniyus Gamaliel and the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Prof.

Innocent Ujah as coChairmen Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof.

Maurice Iwu is a member. Others include Prof.

Abdulsalam Nasidi of the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr Sani Gwarzo of the Port Health Services, Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Bridget Okoeguela and Director of Health Planning and Research, Mrs. Asa Ogu. The terms of reference of the committee include coordination of research on treatment and prevention of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD); receive and verify claims of Ebola disease; to collate all related research findings around the world on Ebola and advise government as may be appropriate on the matter.

Isolation & treatment centres Speaking in Lagos, the

state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, added that the state has established isolation and treatment centres to hospitalise the patients for strict surveillance.

“From our activities to stem the spread of Ebola virus in Nigeria, another patient has tested positive for the virus. The female doctor is one of the eight persons who were under critical surveillance and care for having contact with the late Liberian, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, who died after being infected by the virus.

“The state has established an isolation and treatment centre to hospitalise this patient. The staff at this Centre have also been trained on how to treat and handle the patients under their care.

The hospital is also provided with enough facilities to ensure that the officials and other patients do not contact the virus.

“The patients under our surveillance were those who had personal contact with the late Liberian. And the Rapid Response Team, RRT, had been in communication with these patients who developed fever and other symptoms.

“We will not stop in tracking all those who

had contact with the late Liberian. The contact remains in isolation until the confirmatory results are in and those who tested positive for the virus will remain in isolation until they are no longer infectious.”

Idris stated that the secondary cases were expected, given the nature of the contact with the affected people.

“This was because they were unaware of the patient's status, until the management of the hospital informed the state government of the development.”

Patient is alive Nasidi, when asked about the identity of the victim, declined to mention the name of the latest victim but confirmed it was a female doctor.

“We will not be able to release the name of the new contact but we know that the person is a doctor and a female.

“The patient is not dead. She is alive. Experts from the local and international organisations are attending to the patient. Of the eight that are under intensive surveillance, tests are still ongoing on others.”

Continues on pages 53& 57

6—Vanguard , TUESDAY TUESDAY,, AUGUST 5, 2014

CLASH: Wounded Fulani herdsmen rescued by Ebonyi policemen

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O fewer than 10 Fulanis were rescued in Abakaliki metropolis by a combined team of Anti-Cultism and Anti-Robbery men and officers of the Ebonyi State Police Command.

What led to many of them (Fulanis) being wounded and some unconscious is still sketchy as some observers alleged that it was a clash between them and some citizens of the state.

In a telephone conversation, the state Police spokesman, ASP Chris Anyanwu, who confirmed the incident, said the circumstances surrounding the incident was still sketchy as some of the Fulani herdsmen were unconcious when brought to the headquarters of the command.

He said: “Some of the Fulanis were brought to the command headquarters this evening; some were wounded. They are receiving treatment at the Police clinic.

“We are still investigating the story behind the incident,” he said.

According to him, the police will brief the press as soon as the remote and immediate causes of the incident are ascertained.

Meanwhile, security operatives have cordoned off the location of the incident.

Gunmen abduct Bayelsa Speaker’s brother •Speaker’s mother, in-law were earlier abducted, released

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA — THE abduction of Iniokpoemi Benson, younger brother of the Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr Kombowei Benson, in the early hours of yesterday by armed men has heightened fear among top politicians in the state.

No fewer than seven relations of top politicians in the state have been kidnapped in the last one month by persons suspected to be professional abductors.

Iniokpoemi Benson’s abduction, the latest in the series of kidnapping targeted at families of top politicians and public office holders in the predominantly riverine state, occurred at about 3 am at Korokorosei along the Ikebiri creek in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

Described as an easy going person by members of his community, the victim was the immediate past chairman of the Community Development Committee, CDC, of Korokorosei community.

He was reportedly seized from his residence, opposite the community waterfront by the armed men, who came in a speedboat.

A community source told Vanguard: “We were woken up by the sound of gunfire at about 3 am but nobody could venture out for fear of being hit by stray bullets. We were all terrified by the sound of gunshots.

“The victim’s house is in a secluded and sparsely populated area opposite the community waterfront, separated by the Ikebiri creek.

This, to a large extent, might have emboldened the kidnappers to go for him.”

He became the third member of the family and indigene of the community to be kidnapped

in recent times.

The first victim was the Speaker’s mother, Mrs Betina Okunwa Benson aged 79, who was kidnapped last January followed by Madam Ogboro Orumo, mother-inlaw of the Speaker.

Though the Speaker could not be reached for comment but a family member who pleaded anonymity said: “He was kidnaped this morning and we are yet to establish contact with his kidnappers.”

The upsurge in kidnapping was the subject of discussion among staff of the assembly when Vanguard visited the complex.

Media aide to the Speaker,

Mr. Priye Kiyaramo, confirmed the incident but declined further comment.

Contacted, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Hilary Okpara, said he was attending an emergency security meeting over the development.

But a senior police source confirmed the incident, adding that the police special antikidnap squad had swung into action.

Meantime, it was reliably learnt that the upsurge in kidnapping is now causing fear among politicians in the state with many of them relocating their loved ones to their official quarters and other parts of the

state capital.

“The situation in Southern Ijaw is worrisome, it is really difficult to effectively police the waterways because of its intricate network of canals.

Some of our politicians have started relocating their families from here because of the activities of ransom seeking gunmen,” an indigene of the area told Vanguard.

He called on the state government to deploy its newly constituted security outfit known as Bayelsa Volunteers to the creeks to complement the effort of the conventional security forces in tackling crimes in the hinterland of the state.

A commercial bus involved in an accident at Idi-Arere area where one person was burnt to death in Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: NAN

Pirates kill 4, injure 4 others in Ondo

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By Dayo Johnson

KURE — FOUR members of a private security outfit operating in the coastal area of Ese-Odo council in Ondo State have been shot dead while four others were seriously injured during a shoot-out with

Wreckage of a house destroyed by flood in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Sunday. Photo: NAN

suspected sea pirates.

During the shoot-out, three members of the suspected sea pirates were also gunned down by members of the outfit. Corpses of two of the three have been recovered while the third was still missing.

The security personnel were engaged to curtail the activities of oil thieves in the oil rich communities in the state.

Vanguard learnt that the suspected pirates killed members of the security outfit who have been challenging their operations in recent times.

Report had it that the suspects, while returning from one of their operations, sighted men of the security personnel at Bolowo junction and opened fire on them thereby killing four on the spot while others were seriously injured.

Speaking on the incident, head of the security outfit, Osaghale Aklugbemen, said the suspects escaped through Oroto-Ajapa road.

He said the suspects invaded the community at about 8 am

while returning from the Ilaje end of the coastal area of the state where they had gone for an operation.

According to him, his men made several attempts to resist them but were overpowered as they fired on board at their officers.

Chief Executive Officer of the security services firm, Chief Bibopere Ajube, who spoke on the development said the suspects had been terrorizing the coastal area for the past two years.

Ajube said his men arrested some of the hoodlums last year and handed them over to Police officers in Ese-Odo. The state Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, gave the name of the security officers killed as Elemi Obilu, Alimi Zeblon, Idowu Ajaiba and Ofo Etitan.

Ogodo added that divers were employed to recover the bodies.

He said six of the bodies had so far been recovered, while one has not been found Ogodo told Vanguar that investigation into the incident was ongoing.

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

LASU-SSANU suspends 2 month-strike

By Ikenna Asomba

zGives mgt ultimatum over unpaid salaries

courts still deserted

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AGOS—SENIOR Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Lagos State University chapter, SSANU-LASU, yesterday suspended its twomonth old, even as it gave the university management till today to pay its members their June and July salaries withheld during the strike.

The union's decision was contained in a letter addressed to the Chairman, Lagos State University Governing Council, Mr. Olabode Agusto, on August 1, 2014 after its congress.

SSANU said the decision was reached after it reviewed and considered among other things, the assurance by the university management and the council to resolve its demand on outstanding promotions at the next council meeting slated for August 29, 2014.

According to the chairman, SSANU-LASU, Mr. Saheed Oseni, the union decided to suspend the strike to allow the university to successfully hold its on-going 19th Convocation.

Oseni said: “It is true that we have suspended our strike to give the governing council of the university the time to resolve the issue of the outstand-

By Onozure Dania

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PREMIERE: From left; Prof Wale Omole; former vice-chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Mr Adewale Adeeyo, OON, Publisher, The Anchor newspapers and Dr Charles Diji Akinola; Director-General, Office of Economic Development and Partnership, office of the Governor Of Osun State during the premiere/official screening of the documentary film titled, ''Nigeria: Alternative Perspective, Inspirations and Lessons from Osun'' held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. Photo by Akeem Salau. ing promotions of our members for the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 sessions, at its next meeting on August 29, 2014. The council chairman spoke to us in person, so we

need not doubt his integrity and sincerity.

“However, for our June and July salaries that have been held up because we were fighting for the injustice met-

ed against our members, we have given the management latest by tomorrow (today), to pay us, so that the much needed everlasting peace will return to the university.”

Sympathisers throng Ayangburen's palace to pay condolence

By Bose Adelaja & Monsur

Olowoopejo

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AGOS—SYMPATHISERS including some eminent indigenes of Ikorodu, yesterday besieged the palace of the paramount ruler of Ikorodu, the Ayangburen, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi (Oguntade II), to pay their condolences.

The Oba died in London on Saturday at the age of 83 after months of battling ill-health.

Among the visitors were former Commissioner for Information in Lagos State, Lateef Ibirogba, Aremo Taiwo Alimi, Chief Olatunji Oyetayo, Baale of Eyitan, Chief Odubote, Oke Baale of Magodo, Chief Orepitan, Ajagun Baale of Ebanlo and Chief A.K Solomon Baale of Majidun/Awori.

A condolence register was yet to be opened at the time of this report.

However, speaking, the first daughter of the deceased, Princess Adeyinka Oyefusi, described the late monarch as kind-hearted, easy going and well-read who would be greatly missed by all.

She said her father was very sound and agile until his last moments, adding “my father always thanked God regardless of the situation. I am proud of him as a father. I cannot say he is no more because his legacies are there.’’

When Vanguard sought to know the reason behind the delay in opening the condolence

JUSUN STRIKE: Lagos

register, she said ‘’I do not want to comment on that but I assure you the condolence register is in progress.’’

He was a role model - Widow Widow of the deceased, Olori Taibat Oyefusi, described the late monarch as a role model, whose vacuum would not be easy to fill.

Her words: ‘’My husband was a role model who was worthy of

emulation. He only struggled to put things in order in the town but served earnestly to see others grow and become what God has made them.”

A custodian of cultural heritage - Commissioner Also speaking with Vanguard yesterday, a commissioner incharge of Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, Sanmi Odesanya, said the mon-

arch’s death was unfortunate, saying ‘’I have lost a guardian, father and mentor who I knew from childhood. Since he ascended the throne in 1970, Ikorodu had witnessed tremendous achievements incomparable with any other community in the state.

He was a custodian of our traditions and cultural heritage throughout his life time, a businessman and a traditional ruler who I pray to God to give a hardworking successor.’’

Lagos clears 107,350 metres of drainage channels

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—LAGOS State Government, yesterday, said it had maintained 108 primary, secondary and tertiary channel drains, totalling 107,350.00 metres across the state aimed at reducing cases of flooding in the state. Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, who disclosed this in Ikeja, said the measure was to intensify and sustain government's de-flooding programme consisting of pre-rain, mid-rain and post-rain strategies to provide relief to residents.

According to Bello, “Maintenance of primary channels, secondary and tertiary drains was carried out on 108 drains totalling 107,350.00m across the

state. In Agege Local Government Area, LGA, seven drains of 4,438.00m were routinely maintained; three channels of 4,034m were maintained in Ajeromi Ifelodun, while a total of 8,671m channels were maintained in Alimosho, LGAs, among others.”

Bello said the state government had kept faith with its de-flooding programme, which had been sustained by Governor Babatunde Fashola's dministration and had continued to yield positive results across the state.

He noted that while it had rained persistently in the last one month, the state had not recorded massive flooding and destruction of property that used to accompany past rainy season in the state.

According to him, the state government had been able to achieve

the feat through intensification of its mid-rain cleaning and maintenance programme which had reduced the incidence of flooding unlike the incessant flooding being experienced in other states of the federation.

Bello said “as we are in the peak of the rainy season, residents should cooperate with the state government by participating actively in cleaning of drainage channels in their immediate environment to allow for easy passage of storm water. ''We call on the people of the state to complement the efforts of the state government by cleaning tertiary drains/gutters in their frontages and neighbourhood regularly and not only on monthly environmental sanitation days, but on all days.”

AGOS—ACTIVI TIES at Lagos High Courts, yesterday, were still skeletal due to the absence of judges and magistrates, after the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN suspended its indefinite strike.

At the Igbosere High Court, it was only the security men and some cleaners that were seen on duty.

The same thing was noticed in almost all the courts, as none of them sat, when Vanguard visited.

They were empty as the judges and the court clerks were not on duty.

Some of the courts were Justice Opesanwo’s court, Justice Adebiyi’s court and Justice Taiwo’s court.

Osun youths drum support for Aregbesola ahead guber poll

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HEAD of August 9 election in Osun, youths, yesterday trooped out enmasse to canvass support for Aregbesola’s second term ambition, crippling commercial activities in the ancient city.

The youths in their thousands took to major streets of the state capital to show their support for the second term ambition of Governor Aregbesola.

The walk tagged “one million march for Aregbe” had people from all walks of life in attendance.

Many were clad in white T-shirt with the inscription of “1,000,000 man march 4 Aregbe” pasted on the front and “RAUFOMANIA” at the back.

In a carnival-like manner, the crowd of youths from the 30 local governments snaked through Okefia-Olaiya-FagbeesaStation road-GbeemuOluode to Orita Elelede.

The motorcade with music blaring from speakers mounted on trucks moved from Orita-Elelede to Abaaku- Ayetoro-IgbonaAjegunle and later stopped at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 —11

Why we deployed soldiers to Osun — OBANIKORO ...Steer clear, IGP warns politicians

By Ben Agande, Gbenga Olarinoye & Henry Umoru

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SOGBO—MINISTER of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, yesterday said the deployment of armed security operatives, including soldiers to Osun State for Saturday’s governorship election was to prevent breakdown of law and order before, during and after the governorship election.

This came as the Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, Suleiman Abba, warned politicians without legitimate business in the election to steer clear of the state during the elections.

Obanikoro, at briefing in Osogbo, said the soldiers deployed to the state were not to intimidate people, but to ensure peace in all parts of the state, noting that the main rationale behind the deployment of the security agents was for maintenance of peace and orderliness.

He spoke against the backdrop of alleged victimisation of residents of the state by the armed security operatives, saying “those you are seeing are trained security personnel who are after peace in the country.”

ensure the election was conducted under a conducive atmosphere.

According to him, “ when I took over on Friday, I met an operational order in place, I went through it quickly and made a number of adjustments, which include the fact that we need to be there early enough, so I adjusted the time that officers were directed to report. ''I made sure that by Saturday, they were there. The aim is that if anyone is training anybody to cause violence, we are telling him that we would make sure the law takes its course. ''In fact, my advice is this, if you don’t have any business to do with Osun election, just don’t go there be-

cause the law will catch up with you. This is my advice.”

PDP will win all South West States —Presidency Meanwhile, the Presidency said yesterday with the assurance of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Iyiola Omisore, winning the election, the entire south-west states would return to PDP in 2015.

The Presidency also explained that it became imperative for President Goodluck Jonathan to announce in Osogbo that Police would ensure security before and during the election as well as ensure heavy security presence following reports of planned mayhem during the election.

Speaking with journalists in

Abuja, Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Political Matters, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali, said it was necessary for the South West Zone to return to the PDP by 2015 to shake off what he described as the toga of opposition which it had long been identified with.

Alkali, who noted that Nigeria should be grateful for to President Jonathan for making the last governorship election in Ekiti peaceful, however expressed confidence that Osun election would also be peaceful, noting it was glaring that the PDP was the most grounded in the zone given the manner the electorate in the south west had been rooting for the ruling party lately.

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DO EKITI—GOVER NOR Kayode Fayemi, yesterday appointed caretaker chairmen for the 16 old local government areas, LGAs, as well as the newly created 19 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, in the state .

This came as the Governorelect, Mr. Ayo Fayose, vowed to review some of the policies of Governor Fayemi after his inauguration on October 16.

But Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the new council chairmen would

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KURE—ONDO State government yesterday dismissed insinuations that the N14 billion multi-purpose Owena Dam inherited from the late Dr Olusegun Agagu administration had been abandoned.

Agagu initiated the project in partnership with the Federal Government in the twilight of his tenure and paid N7 billion being 50 percent mobilisation to the contractor before he was removed from office.

Speaking in Akure, the Works Commissioner, Gboye Adegbenro, said government was committed to completing the project.

Adegbenro noted that the delay in completion of the water project was because of a fundamental error noticed in the contract agreement which left out the route survey in the reticulation of the water to the central Senatoral areas of the state.

By Dayo Johnson

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BOOK LAUNCH: From left—Author of the book, titled: 'Oranmiyan Phenomenon and the Trinity of Progressivism', Ogbo Mmuen Kpagane; Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori and former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa at the launching of the book in honour of Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola in Lagos at the weekend.

Fayemi appoints chairmen for 35 old councils, LCDAs

By Gbenga Ariyibi

By Dayo Johnson

Mimiko's former aides, APC supporters decamp to PDP in Ondo

Steer clear, IGP warns meddlesome politicians Similarly, Acting IGP, Mr. Abba, has warned politicians who have no business in the election to steer clear during the elections.

Speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with Vice President Namadi Sambo at the presidential villa, Abuja, the Acting IGP said he was already mobilising adequate security to

N14bn Owena dam not abandoned —ONDO GOVT

be sworn in today at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

The statement gave names of the chairmen as follows: Ifesowapo LCDA— Adeyeye Johnson; Oye LGA—Mr. Tope Longe; Ifeloju LCDA— Olumide Adeyanju; Efon LGA—Mr. Dipo Ogunleye; Ilejemeje LGA— Tope Ogunleye; Ajoni LCDA—Aribasoye Adeoye; Ero LCDA—Akinwale Alebiosu; Ifedara LCDA— Sina Ogunleye; Ekiti West LGA—Kareem Agunbiade; Ise/Orun LGA—Ayodeji Ajayi

and Emure LGA—S.F Adewale.

Others are, Isokan LCDA— Olumide Fadipe; Irewolede LCDA—Ojo Atibioke; Irede LCDA—Ipoti, Mrs. Remi Balogun; Ijero LGA—Chief Dayo Ajayi; Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA—Azeez Awolokun; Ikere West LCDA—Gbenga Omole; Ikere LGA—Femi Ayodele; Ido/Osi LGA—Rotimi Afolabi; Araromi LCDA— Bayo Akerele; Gboyin L C D A — D a m i l a r e Ajayi; Moba LGA—Sunkanmi Onipede; Ekiti East LGA— Rotimi Ajidara; Ayedire LCDA—Prince Fadumiye Ay-

odele; Ekiti South East L C D A — L a t e e f Akanle; Okemesi / Iso-Ile LCDA—Olatiboye Titus; Eka meta LCDA — Joshua Ayori n d e ; Ikole LGA has Razak Aladetuyi; Ikole West LCDA — Kayode Ogunsakin; Ado Ekiti Central LCDA — Raheem Balogun; Ado Ekiti North LCDA—Sunday Ibitoye; Ado Ekiti LGA—Tope Olanipekun; Ado West LCDA— Mrs. Omotunde Fajuyi; Ekiti South-West LGA — Richard Apolola and Igbara Odo/Ogotun LCDA —Ayodeji Abiodun Olaniyi.

HE ruling Labour Party, LP, in Ondo State and the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday suffered a setback as former political appointees and party executives dumped the parties.

At a rally in Ondo, home town of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, his former special assistants and executive members of All Progressives Congress, APC, joined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Some of Dr Mimiko's former appointees included immediate past chairman of Ondo West local government, Mr Aro Benard and former special assistant during his first term in office.

The former aides were led by Messrs Adewale Williams and Fred Ojo while about 50 APC members were led by the leader of the party in the local government, Mr. Valentine Ikusika.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Delta South PDP chair endorses Edevbie for guber

Why Ibori pleaded guilty — EMAMI

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HAIRMAN of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta South senatorial district, Sir Simeon Efenudu, has described Olorogun David Edevbie as the best governorship aspirant to succeed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2015.

Efenudu, a former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, gave the assessment when Olorogun Edevbie paid a consultation visit to the executive of PDP in Delta South.

He said the party wants a square peg for a square hole, adding that Edevbie has all it takes for the job.

Earlier, Olorogun Edevbie said: “I have thrown my hat into the ring to contest the governorship election because I am eminently qualified for the job.

“I have worked at the state and federal levels and I was in the private sector, locally and internationally; I am the only one with that blend and I have the ability to do 10 times more than what I did while I served in the state and at the federal levels, if elected governor.”

PROTEST: From left—Mr. Sebastine Agbefe, Chief Ayirimi Emami, Mr. Esimaje Awani and others during a protest as part of celebration of the 56th birthday anniversary of former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, in Warri, Delta State, yesterday.

3 YRS AFTER UNEP REPORT: MOSOP, civil society fault non-implementation

By Jimitota Onoyume, Michael Eboh, Jonah Nwokpoku & Ediri Ejoh

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ORT HARCOURT— MOVEMENT for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, yesterday, condemned delay on the part of the Federal Government to implement recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, on Ogoni areas three years after its release.

Spokesman of the body, Mr. Legborsi Esaen, told newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that it was regrettable that several years after the UNEP report, Federal Government

NYSC: Posting of Ijaw to North needless—IYC

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—THE Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, has kicked against what it described as “the deliberate and indiscriminate posting of Ijaw graduates to the Northern part of the country for the compulsory National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, scheme.”

In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, IYC said it will not accept a situation where Ijaw youths are killed in the North, while Northern youths enjoy work with multinational oil companies in Ijawland.

It described as reckless and unpatriotic the practice of posting youths from the Southern parts of Nigeria to the North given the high level insecurity in that region.

It said: “IYC maintains its earlier position that Ijaw

graduates and anybody from Southern Nigeria should not be posted to the North and that the NYSC scheme should be reviewed to ensure that youths serve in their region.

“The idea of national integration, which necessitated the posting of youths to different parts, cannot be used as a justification to post Ijaw youths to the North with the current security situation.”

had not considered it necessary to give it the desired attention.

He said: “MOSOP is shocked that today (yesterday), which marks exactly three years after the UNEP report on Ogoni land was presented to the Presidency, no arrangement had been made to save what is left of the Ogoni environment.

“We are concerned that our community members are still drinking water from wells contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen, at levels over 900 times above World Health Organisation, WHO, safety limit.

“Presently, the death rate of our people from cancerrelated sicknesses is extremely high, especially with very limited cancer screening centres in the country.”

Social Action

Executive Director, Social Action, Dr. Isaac Osuoka, said it was shocking that no serious step had been taken to implement the report.

He said: “When the British Petroleum, BP, oil spill occurred at the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, there was an immediate response by the President Obama-led government and the oil company responsible .

“It was a professional clean-

up exercise which involved thousands of people brought in by BP. High-tech machines such as remotely-operated underwater vehicles, ROVs, were deployed in the cleanup process.

“If after three years of waiting for the implementation of the UNEP report, the Nigerian government remains unwilling or unable to coordinate a thorough cleanup of Ogoniland, then the onus is on Shell, the polluter, to lead the clean-up process and bring in experts with the technical know-how to carry out a professional clean-up.”

Shell reacts

Meanwhile, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, yesterday, has blamed the Federal Government for the delay in the implementation of some of the recommendations of the UNEP report concerning oil spill incidents in Ogoniland.

“The majority of UNEP’s recommendations require multi-stakeholder efforts coordinated by the Federal Government,” Precious Okolobo, Corporate Media Relations Manager, Shell, said in a statement.

ERA/FoEN takes campaign to Sapele

By Brisibe Perez

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APELE— THE r o b l e m s caused by deforestation due to trees felling for furniture and charcoal were the focus of a one-day training workshop p

organised by the Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN in Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.

Speaking on the environmental and health implications of deforestation

and charcoal production, the Executive Director of ERA/ FoEN, Dr. Godwin Ojo, said deforestation and green house emission were the leading causes of climate change, which had manifested in increasing global temperature.

ARRI— A Niger Delta activist and leader of Concerned Deltans, Chief Ayirimi Emami, yesterday, said that former Governor James Ibori of the state pleaded guilty to money laundering charges at a United Kingdom Court, so that “political solution could be reached for his release.”

Chief Emami, who spoke in Warri during a peaceful protest organised by Concerned Deltans as part of activities to mark the 56th birthday anniversary of Chief Ibori, said that the Federal Government was not doing enough to secure Ibori’s release.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain vowed that members of Concerned Deltans will continue the struggle until the former Delta State governor and proponent of resource control was released.

He said: “We will keep on fighting until Ibori is released. We are still very loyal to him and we are calling on the President to secure Ibori’s release, because that is our interest.”

Aniocha leaders drum support for Olejeme

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NIOCHA people of Delta State at home and abroad have been called upon to embrace politics anchored on qualities like credibility, competence and ability to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people.

Making the call in Ogwashi-Uku, a group, Aniocha Leaders of Today, said: “The next governor must be a person with articulate vision and unquestionable credibility.”

The leaders, who described Dr. Ngozi Olejeme as the best hand for the governorship job in 2015, said the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, boss built a strong and purposeful relationship among the various communities in Anioma.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 — 13

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14— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

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Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 — 15

Native doctor shot dead by vigilante operatives in Anambra

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA—A traditional medical practitioner, whose identities are yet to be ascertained, was last weekend shot dead by some vigilante operatives for allegedly possessing some substances suspected to be charms and fresh animal parts.

The incident, which occurred at the Immaculate Heart Sisters’ Convent, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, during the first profession ceremony of 16 new Rev Sisters, caused a stampede as participants at the ceremony scampered for safety when they heard sound of a gun shot and the consequent death of a man after the shooting.

According to the source, trouble started when the victim, on arriving the arena, was refused entry to where the sisters were being professed unless he surrendered himself for a search by the security operatives, but he was reported to have vehemently refused to submit himself for the search.

It was gathered that as he was dragging his bag with the security operatives who

insisted on seeing what was contained in it, he abandoned the bag and fled.

Consequently, one of the operatives opened fire and gunned him down as he was trying to run away and he died on the spot.

On searching his bag, five padlocks, some pieces of fresh animal parts wrapped with polythene bags and powdered

substances suspected to be charms were found in it.

The operatives quickly alerted the police at Ogidi Division who removed the corpse to a nearby morgue.

Reacting to the development, some of the invitees and reverend sisters said the native doctor might have come on a suicide mission.

Confirming the incident, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, incharge of Idemili Divisional Police Headquarters, Ogidi, Mr Isa Abubakar, CSP, said the case would soon be transferred to State Investigation and Intelligence Bureau, SIIB, Awka, for further investigations.

BRIEFING: From left: Director General, NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, showing one of the counterfeit products, Dr. Umar Musa, Director, Veterinary Medicines & Allied Products, and Dr Monica Eimunjeze, Director, Registration and Regulation Affairs, during a brief on the arrests of some producers of wines and counterfeit cosmetic products in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Ofodile, ex-Justice Minister feared dead

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA—FORMER Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Chike Francis Ofodile, SAN, is feared dead.

He reportedly joined his ancestors on Sunday after a protracted illness.

Born on November 20, 1921, Ofodile, until his demise, was the traditional Prime Minister (Onowu) of Onitsha, second-incommand to Obi of Onitsha.

However, a close family source who spoke with newsmen on phone yesterday, said she could not confirm or deny the death because Onitsha tradition and custom did not permit any other person to confirm the death of a high chief as Ofodile, except the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred

Nnaemeka Achebe himself.

Efforts to reach Achebe on phone proved abortive as all the calls put to him entered voice mail, but his palace Secretary, Olisa, referred newsmen to Ofodile’s family for confirmation.

The member representing

Onitsha I Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Chugbo Enwezor, told newsmen on phone that he heard from the grapevine that Ofodile joined his ancestors on Sunday after a protracted illness, but that he was not in a position

to confirmed his death.

He, however, noted that it was the responsibility of the Obi of Onitsha to do so as demanded by the tradition.

Asked whether Ofodile died in Nigeria or overseas, Enwezor said he heard he died in Nigeria.

2015 POLLS: Ex-UNN Dep VC urges youths to shun violence

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By Chinenyeh Ozor

SUKKA—EX-DEPUTY Vice Chancellor, Administration, University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, Professor Malachy Okwueze, has called on Nsukka Zonal Youth Coun-

cil Forum to shun violence during 2015 elections.

Prof. Okwueze made the call at Nsukka on an event organised by NYCF to honour some distinguished sons and daughters of Enugu North senatorial zone, who excelled in politics and

commerce.

He said youth as future leaders, should be agents of peace and progress and as such, should avoid being used as thugs and other crimes associated with politics, mostly now the governorship ticket had been zoned to Enugu North senatorial zone.

He said: “Be good ambassadors of the zone through exemplary conducts, seek advice from elders before engaging in any act of politics.”

He commended youths of the zone for deeming it necessary to honour sons and daughters of the zone who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour as well as contributed immensely to national development.

Ezza people endorse Elechi's senatorial ambition

By Peter Okutu

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BAKALIKI—EZZA nation has given its nod for Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State to take a shot at the National Assembly to represent Ebonyi Central senatorial zone in 2015.

In a communiqué signed

by Ezeogo Emmanuel Usulor of Amaezekwe community after a meeting held at Oroke Onuoha, Ezza North council area of Ebonyi State, Ezza leaders of thought, made up of traditional rulers of Ezza extraction, professionals, religious leaders, Catholic priests and pastors of Pentecostal churches, endorsed Governor Elechi for Senate and Laz Ogbee to represent Ezza South/ Ikwo federal constituencies.

According to the Ezza nation, the choice of Governor Elechi to represent Ebonyi central senatorial zone is informed by his contribution to the development of the state and the zone in particular and his leadership quality which had stood him out among other contestants.

Concorde Hotel still closed

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—THE fivestar Concorde Hotel, Owerri, ordered shut by Rochas Okorocha’s administration last May has remained comatose, despite agitation by the workers.

Some of the aggrieved staff of the hotel, who stormed Vanguard office yesterday in Owerri, lamented that the administration had unceremoniously sent all of them into the saturated labour market.

“Concorde Hotel remained open for business until the present administration came on board and sacked workers in installments,” the workers chorused.

They recalled that the first batch of workers were sacked in August last year, while the second and last batches were ordered out of the hotel premises this year.

16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

FG appoints Sultan of Sokoto as leader of 2014 Hajj

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By Okey Ndiribe

B U J A — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of members of the Federal Government delegation to the 2014 Hajj, with Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, as National Amirul Hajj and leader.

This was contained in a press statement issued yesterday by Mr Sam Nwaobasi, the Special Adviser on Media to Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The list of the Federal Government delegation to the 2014 Hajj is as follows: Alhaji Saad Abubakar (leader) Senator Bello Tukur, Hon. Ismaila Gadaka and Justice Tajudeen Ariwoola.

Others include Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, Minister of State II, Foreign Affairs, Emir of Suleja, Mallam Auwal Ibrahim and Oba Aderemi Adedapo.

Tension in Enugu over dethronement of monarch

By Tony Edike

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NUGU—TENSION is mounting at AmadimOlo in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, following the dethronement of the community’s traditional ruler, Igwe Hayford Agana, by Enugu State government for allegedly associating with the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu.

The state government withdrew the certificate of recognition awarded to the traditional ruler who had spent over 14 years on the throne when he reportedly declined to return the assets of Enugu West traditional rulers council, a Toyota Bus and sum of One million naira to the new executive of the council as directed by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Pastor Emeka Abugu.

Not satisfied with the explanation of the royal father, the state government recently dethroned him and went ahead to appoint another traditional ruler who was issued certificate of recognition two weeks ago.

But the development has caused division among members of the community as some condemned in strong terms the dethronement of the monarch, while others commended the government for the action.

'Government's action embarrassing'

A native of the community, Chief Clifford Ezeadi, told Vanguard that the action of the government was not only embarrassing to the community but “a desecration of the traditional institution.”

He said the community was highly insulted by the withdrawal of the recognition granted the monarch many years ago. He said the entire community had nothing against their ruler to warrant such shabby treatment.

"Amadim-Olo views the action of the state government as highly embarrassing and a desecration of the traditional

culture of our people. The government has no right to dethrone traditional rulers because they were not appointed by the government.

Traditional rulers are appointed by the people of the communities after necessary traditional rites and it is only the people that can say they don’t want their ruler or he can be replaced in the event of death,” he said.

Chief Ezeadi said the community was in support of the decision by the embattled monarch to seek redress in court “as we believe that justice would be done to enable our traditional ruler regain his throne.”

Monarch explains

The monarch had explained that the bus was not the property of Enugu West Traditional rulers council, saying it was given to him in appreciation of his support to the Deputy Senate President.

He also said the one million naira which Ekweremadu gave to him on the day of delivery of the bus for maintenance was equally shared with other traditional rulers.

Dethronement

BRIEFING: From left: Mr. Misan Eresanara, Mrs Nike Ibirogba, Mr Udeme Ufot, and Mr Charles Akindayomi, during the Special Olympics Nigeria 2014 National Games' briefing in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Rights activists protest poor state of Nigeria

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AFIA—MEMBERS of the Nigerian Human Rights Community, NHRC, yesterday, stormed major roads of Lagos to register their displeasure over the state of the nation.

They particularly condemned the ongoing plot by some lawmakers in Nasarawa State House of Assembly to impeach the incumbent governor, Tanko

Al-Makura.

The protest, which also had members of the Northern Youth Coalition, NOYCO, and the United Middle-Belt Youth Congress, UMBYC, marched from Ikeja to the state secretariat, Alausa, singing solidarity songs.

At the office of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, the protesters could not see the governor

who was said to be attending the weekly State Executive Council meeting.

President of the Coalition of Nigeria Civil Rights Group, Kehinde Adegbuyi, who spoke on behalf of the group, said they were in Alausa to present a letter to Governor Fashola for onward transmission to President Goodluck Jonathan.

NERDC decries NASS's approval of N30m, instead of N270m

By Laide Akinboade

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BUJA—THE Executive Secretary of Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, NERDC, Professor Godswill Obioma, yesterday, decried the approval of only N30 million of the N270 million appropriated for it in 2014 budget by the National Assembly.

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Prof. Obioma stated this at the public presentation of the revised 9-year Basic Education Curriculum and kick-off of the training school of school teachers on the use of the teachers guide for the implementation of the curriculum in Abuja.

He said: “Of the N270 million proposed in the 2014 budget and admitted by our parent industry, and office of the Senior Special Assistant to Mr. President

on MDGs to complete the printing of distribution of the outstanding books to primary 4-6, only N30 million was approved by the National Assembly.”

He said if the development was left uncorrected, “it will certainly derail the implementation of the revised BEC as approved by the NCE and thus affect the attainment of the transformation agenda of the federal government.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014—7

Ritualists pluck 9-yr-old boy’s eyes in Bauchi

By Suzan Edeh

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AUCHI — THE Bauchi State Police Command has disclosed that some unknown ritualists attacked and removed the eyes of a nineyear-old boy in Toro Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Haruna Mohammed, who

confirmed the incident yesterday, said around 2.30 pm, unknown assailants, suspected to be ritualists, attacked and removed the eyes of a nine-year-old Haruna Dahiru of Badiko ward in Toro Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that the victim was rearing cattle at Babujaye

in Gumau village when the ritualists trailed his movement to a solidarity area where they attacked him.

According to the Haruna, “the victim’s movement was trailed by the ritualists to a solidarity area before he was attacked.

“The scene was visited by the Police detectives

attached to Gumau Division and the victim was rushed to General Hospital Toro for treatment.”

He, however, assured that the police had commenced investigation into the matter and were also making efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Navy arrests deaf and dumb, 6 others for impersonation, robbery •I printed identity card for self-defence —Suspect •Says ‘I was down with hernia but Naval doctors performed surgery on me’

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By Evelyn Usman

AGOS— A 30-year-old deaf and dumb man and six others have been arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft , Apapa, Lagos, for impersonation, robbery and theft.

This is just as the Nigerian Navy declared that it was beaming its searchlight on activities of some individuals who hide under the cover of Merchant Navy to arm some Nigerians, threatening to close down such outfits and effect proprietors' arrest.

Recovered from the nabbed suspects, were fake Navy identity cards and an anchor allegedly stolen from an arrested ship kept under the watch of a naval personnel at the Atlas Cove.

Briefing journalists on the arrest, shortly before handing the suspects to the Police, yesterday, the Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore Emmanuel Uwadaie, explained that two of the suspects identified as Shadrack Esiobi and Victor Otu, were arrested at Cele bus-stop on Oshodi/Apapa expressway and Badagry respectively,masquerading as naval personnel.

He said the trio of Uzoma Osigwe, Tochukwu Atuegbu and Okey Sunday, allegedly aided the theft and purchase of an anchor stolen from an arrested ship.

He said: “Tosin Joseph and one Kurrma, said to be deaf and dumb, attacked a naval personnel who was on motorbike at Tego barracks on July 1, 2014 and took his motorbike. The personnel called for reinforcement at the end of which the suspects were arrested.

“Atuegbu and Sunday stole an anchor from a ship that is under naval custody. They were able to find their way there and tried to influence the personnel in-charge of the security of the vessel to get them the anchor and in the process they were arrested.

“This emphasizes the need for the Nigerian Navy’s image to be maintained and to ensure that miscreants do not use our name

The suspects to commit offence. We want to use this medium to also warn on this issue of impersonation.

“Although there are legitimate Merchant Navy which have their uniforms different from those of the Navy, there are some fake ones who are not in any way Merchant Navy officers and put on uniforms identical to those of the Nigerian Navy and they are always involved in one crime or another.”

I printed identity card for self-defence

One of the suspected impostors, Shadrack Esiobi, 40, was reportedly ill when arrested.

The treatment, as gathered, was carried out on the instruction of the Chief of the Naval Staff .

Esiobi told Vanguard: “I was down with hernia when I was arrested in May. But the authorities of Nigerian Navy treated it by performing surgery on me.

“I printed the identity card for self-defence. I am a casual worker and I used the identity card so as to avoid being molested or harassed.”

On his part, Victor Otu, 32, said: “I used the identity card to terrorise some thugs who usually come to drink at my bar without paying.

“Anytime they come, they would beat up my sales boys and would refuse to pay. In order

The fake identity cards to scare them, I printed the identity card and it did magic because anytime I brandished it, they would behave themselves. Unfortunately, I brandished it on a day a naval personnel came and when he saw it, he insisted it was fake

and brought me here.”

When Vanguard approached another suspect later identified simply as Kurrma, he tried to express himself through signs.

Curious, Vanguard asked for his name only to be told he was deaf and dumb.

IGP Abba has not banned use of hijab —PPRO

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BUJA — THE Nigeria Police Force has denied the rumour that the new Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleimon Abba has banned the use of hijab by Muslim women in the country.

The denial was made in a statement just posted on the Public Relations Officer of the Force Headquarters Abuja, ACP Frank Mba’s

blog.

Mba said the speculation was not true, adding: “For the purposes of emphasis, the new IGP Abba has not and is not contemplating a ban on the use of hijab.”

Mba, therefore, warned rumour mongers to refrain from the acts that could bring untold consequences to themselves and the entire society.

4-man gang murders 28-yr-old Onitsha trader

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BOSI — THE Police in Anambra State has swung into action to unveil the circumstance surrendering the murder of a 28-year-old Azubuike Nwankwo by suspected four-man-gang in AwadaObosi near Onitsha.

The incident which occurred about 5 pm last Sunday around Oraifite/ Umunze Street, Awada, Obosi, according to an eyewitness, started when the gang said the deceased dented their car with his motorcycle.

Nwankwo who hailed from Ogboji Egu-utu village Ezzagu in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State but resided at 10, Paul Okigwe Street, Oduke Layout, Obosi met his untimely death when he was on his way to a family meeting in brother’s house at Awada.

It was gathered that the gang leader (names withheld) who hails from Mbaise in Imo State is currently assisting police in their investigation.

According to a reliable source, trouble started when the gang stopped the deceased and the leader brought out a jack from his car and hit him on the head.

The victim, popularly called Tallest by his admirers while trying to run for his life when the beating was unbearable, was also blocked by the gang.

According to an eyewitness, one of them was said to have hit the deceased with a block on the head which led to his becoming unconscious.

According to the source, “on noticing the victim’s state, three others escaped while the crowd apprehended their leader and called the Police.

“The victim was rushed to one of the hospitals in Awada where he later died.”

Confirming the incident, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Awada Police Station, CSP Dimale Joseph said they have arrested one of the suspects while investigation was ongoing on how to arrest other.

He, however, confirmed that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Jonathan's govt, not clannish — Presidency ....Says Kwankwaso needs to be cerebral on national issues

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — THE Presidency, yesterday, tongue-lashed Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

of Kano State for accusing President Goodluck Jonathan's administration of running a government based on ethnic sentiment and religious big-

We'll never condone abuse of human rights by our personnel — Nigerian Military

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HE NIGERIAN military

said, yesterday, that it took the issue of human rights seriously and will never condone any proven case of abuse by its personnel.

Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, in response to allegations of war crimes against the military by Amnesty International, said in a statement: "Military authorities are deeply concerned about the set of video footage being circulated and which unfortunately has also become reference data for Amnesty International in its report."

Amnesty International, in its report, claimed to have "a fresh evidence of war crimes, including extrajudicial executions, and other serious human rights violations being carried out in North-Eastern Nigeria as the fight by the military against Boko Haram and other armed groups intensifies."

The military in its response said, "much as the scenes depicted in these videos are alien to our operations and doctrines, it has to be investigated to ensure that such practices have not crept, surreptitiously into the system.

"The Defence Headquarters considers these allegations too grievous to be associated with Nigerian troops, considering the doctrinal and operational contents of the training imparted to personnel on a continuous basis; emphasising the importance of respect for human rights and dignity of human person as well as observance of humanitarian laws.

"Notwithstanding the cases of impersonations that have pervaded the counter terrorism operations in Nigeria and many other related issues which cast doubts on the claims made in the video, the military authorities view those grave allegations very seriously, more so as it borders on the integrity of the on-going counter-terrorism operation, which must be sustained in the interest of our national survival.

"Consequently, the Defence Headquarters in addition to the already existing Joint Investigation Team, JIT, has constituted a team of senior officers and legal cum forensic experts to study the video footage and the resultant allegations of infractions in order to ascertain the veracity of the claims with a view to identifying

those behind such acts.

"This will further determine and stimulate necessary legal action against any personnel or anyone found culpable in accordance with the provisions of the law.

"The Nigerian Armed Forces cannot condone any action or inaction that tramples on the right to life of any Nigerian. The ultimate objective of Nigeria's counter-terrorism operation is the complete cessation of the heinous and barbaric activities of the terrorists and to stamp out every vestige of terrorism in our country with the application of international best practices in such operations.

"It will, therefore, be absurd for the Nigerian Armed Forces as an institution to perpetrate such unprofessional acts in the manner and level depicted in that video as alleged by Amnesty International.

"Indeed, that level of barbarism and impunity has no place in the Nigerian military. Respect for the sanctity of life is always boldly emphasiSed in our doctrinal trainings. It must thus be reiterated that the Nigerian military is a very well organized professional body of troops whose conducts in war and peace times are guided comprehensively by law."

otry.

The Kano governor, in an interview with newsmen, weekend, in his office, argued that the real cause of insecurity in the country was bad leadership, adding that the inability of President Jonathan to tackle the issue of insurgency has exposed Jonathan's incompetence to preside over the affairs of Nigeria.

In his reaction, yesterday, the Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said Governor Kwankwaso must be must in lacking mentally while commenting on national issues.

According to him: "Rather than expose himself continuously to public ridicule, Gov-

ernor Kwankwaso should spend his remaining period as governor in delivering on his failed promises to the people of Kano state."

In a text message to Vanguard, yesterday, Dr. Doyin Okupe, who accused governor Kwankwaso of having local mentality, stressed that the President was not running a clannish government.

Okupe said: “Kwankwaso must try to be cerebral when commenting on national issues. The “kwankwasiya” mentality may work for him locally in Kano, but definitely will not carry him far on the national platform.

“President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is not running a clannish government, neither is he playing any religious card.

"Are the ministers of Finance, Agriculture, Inspector General of Police; Group Managing Director of NNPC; Chief Justice of Nigeria; Chief of Staff and Principal Secretary; Special Adviser, Adviser, Media in the Presidency Ijaws or from the South South extractions?

“Kwankwaso should spend the remainder of his tenure to deliver on his failed promises to Kano people instead of exposing himself continuously to public ridicule.

From left, Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterpreneur, Mr. Benjamin Dikki; Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, presenting a 60th birthday card to the Vice-President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, during a National Council on Privitisation meeting, on August 4, 2014, at State House, Abuja.

Al-Makura appears before panel over alleged gross misconduct ....Vows to fight against abuse of his rights

By Abel Daniel

AFIA — GOVERNOR Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa state, yesterday appeared before the investigating panel over allegations of gross misconduct filed against him by the state House of Assembly and vowed to challenge violation of his rights.

Appearing before the 7-man panel which commenced its sitting at about 8;30, Al-Makura, complained that he had not been served with impeachment notice by the House but chose to appear on receiving the hearing notice out of respect for the panel.

The lawmakers however boycotted the panel and refused to send any representative.

Governor Al-Makura said, AI

intend to challenge the violation of my right to proper service of the notice of impeachment against me. I however decided to appear in order to clear my name@.

He also stated that his team of lawyers were very prepared to continue with his defence and urged the panel to do the right thing in the interest of the state.

Chairman of the panel, Yusuf Usman said that the state assembly was neither at the hearing nor sent representative after having been duly served with the hearing notice by the panel to substantiate their 16 counts charges against the governor. He thereafter directed the secretary of the panel to paste the hearing notice on the notice board of the panel as well as the gate of the state assembly.

Following the refusal of the Assembly to appear of send representative, Al-Makura=s counsel Chief Udechukwu Nnoruka Udechukwu, SAN, urged the panel to dismiss the allegations against the governor citing paragraph 7(c) of the ruled of the panel which stipulated that where the assembly fails or neglect to appear and lead evidence in proof of the allegations, the panel, upon proof of service may dismiss allegations.

He argued that the position of the law on the guidelines of the panel was in tandem with section 280 of the Criminal Procedure law, adding that the panel does not have to wait for three months to finish its work According to him, “since the state assembly members have

failed to appear to substantiate the allegations against the governor, the panel has no option than to dismiss the allegations and enter a no proof verdict.”

Udechukwu also submitted that apart from the publication in national dailies, the panel does not have copies of the impeachment notice as required by the constitution.

Consequently, the panel chairman Yusuf Usman said “having consulted, the panel does not disagree with the submissions of the Governor’s counsel.

Earlier the chairman of the House committee on information Hon Baba Ibaku condemned the sitting by the panel saying that the panel members cannot sit until the Assembly has supplied the panel with a guideline.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 2014 —9

Anenih, highly respected political icon — Jonathan

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, described the Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih as one of Nigeria’s highly respected political icons ever produced in the country, just as he said that they will eternally remain grateful to him.

In a one-page letter, entitled: 'Birthday Felicitations' and dated July 30, 2014 to rejoice with Chief Anenih as he marks his 81st birthday, president Jonathan, who hailed Anenih's uncommon leadership qualities, stressed that he had remained an icon over the years against the backdrop of his "uncommon leadership qualities, courage, forthrightness, and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation."

The President, who felicitated with the BoT Chair on behalf of his family, the government and people of Nigeria, further affirmed in the letter that he (Anenih) had contributed untiringly to the success of the PDP administration in the country.

President Jonathan said, "You have constantly given of yourself unstintingly in support of our Administration and in patriotic service to the Fatherland," adding that, "For this, we remain eternally thankful."

CEREMONY: The Federal Government College, Warri, held her Annual Speech Making & Prize-giving Day ceremony on Wednesday, July 23, 2014. Mr. Bolatsi Omatseye Dudu (left), Master Oghenekevwe Oghenechovwen, winner of the Eyoyibosan Dudu Memorial prize for Best Student in Geography (middle) and principal of the college, Mr. Abiodun Fabiyi.

Days of manipulating election results are gone forever — Jonathan

By Ben Agande

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RESIDENT GOODLUCK Ebele Jonathan declared, Monday, in Washington DC that the days when a few politicians, acting in concert with their hirelings and thugs, can hijack voters cards and other electoral materials, and manipulate the outcome of elections to their personal

advantage are gone forever in Nigeria.

Speaking at a meeting with Nigerian professionals in the United States, President Jonathan said that he remained fully committed to keeping the promise he made in 2011 that he will do everything possible to ensure that the elections in Nigeria become very free, fair and

credible.

The President assured the gathering that in keeping with that pledge which has been fulfilled in recent elections in Edo, Ondo and Ekiti States, the Federal Government will take all necessary steps to ensure that no individual, group or political party is able to thwart the legitimate choice of genuine voters in Saturday’s

Adamawa House of Assembly yet to notify INEC over impeachment three weeks after

By Umar Yusuf

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OLA — ADAMAWA State House of Assembly, has said that it is yet to communicate the Independ-

ent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on the impeachment of the immediate past Governor Murtala Nyako, to the effect that the office is now vacant and that necessary

arrangements should be made for rerun election.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Mr. Adamu Kamale, told newsmen in Yola Monday

Fintiri constitutes 7 man panel to probe Nyako's regime

By Umar Yusuf

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OLA — ADAMAWA State Acting Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has constituted a seven-man judicial panel of inquiry to undertake a comprehensive assessment of governance under the impeached Governor Murtala Nyako in Adamawa State from June 2007 to June 2014.

According to a statement signed by the secretary to the state Government, Prof. Liman Tukur in Yola Monday the panel is headed by the former Acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Bobbo Umar. The members include retired Deputy Inspector

General of Police, Leha Mala, Zira Maigadi, Engineer Suleiman Naiwa, Abubakar Abdullahi, Samuel Kyenson and Daden Nyari, a Director in the Ministry of Justice as Secretary of the panel.

The panel=s terms of reference are: to investigate financial accruals to the state form June 2007 to June 2014; investigate disbursement and application of funds to ministries, boards, and agencies over the same period, to examine the appropriateness or otherwise of disbursement and application funds over the period in reference; and identify those involved in appropriating financial disbursements and application.

It is also to unravel recruitment, deployment and administration of human resources including the setting up, financial and operation of extra ministerial units, and investigate any other issue that the panel may find relevant to its assignment and also make recommendation to thegovernment on all issues investigated.

The panel is expected to submit its report within four weeks from the date of its inauguration.

The Acting Governor has also approved the constitution of an investigative panel to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the Adamawa Homes and Savings Limited.

that the delay in transmitting the letter to the electoral body was informed by the fact that the house went on recess since 16th July,2014,coupled with the fact that some of the lawmakers, including the Acting Speaker, Mr. Kwamoti La’ori were at a conference of parliamentarians in Tanzania.

Kamale however said that the house being under obligation constitutionally would inform to the electoral body of vacancy in the office of the Governor of Adamawa State as a matter of urgency in the collective interest of the state.

He debunked the allegation in some quarters that the lawmakers decided to embark on the impeachment of Nyako because of his failure to release statutory constituency project monies as demanded by the lawmakers, saying that the process of impeachment embarked upon was a statutory function and not for vendetta as alleged.

governorship election in Osun State.

“The issue of credible elections must be institutionalised in Nigeria. Our electoral processes were not very good or credible when we came into office, but as I promised, we have been working very hard to change things and ensure that our elections are more credible, that every legitimate vote counts and that results are acceptable to the electorate.

“I promise you that the Osun governorship elections will be very free, fair and credible,” President Jonathan told the gathering while responding to questions and comments on topical issues in Nigeria.

Responding to other concerns raised by the Nigerian professionals, the President said that the Federal Government will continue to give the highest possible priority to policies and programmes that will lead to the creation of enough jobs for Nigerian youth.

“Job creation is a challenge to every government in the world.

We are doing all that we can to tackle the problem in Nigerian because we know that we have a very youthful population and if we do not create enough jobs to meet their needs, the country will be in trouble,” he said.

President Jonathan also spoke of his administration’s efforts to improve standards and access to educational institutions in Nigeria, address the national housing deficit and further empower women.

He thanked Nigerian professionals abroad for the patriotic support for his government and urged them to continue to show love and concern for the well-being of their fatherland."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 — 17

sophisticated weapons which are tested and used on hapless Palestinians. How then can they faithfully broker peace?

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UR very own Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, may not be a Christian, but in 1972 he made a statement that resonates with the heart of Christianity. He says: “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” This statement is in congruence with the second commandment which requires Christians to love our neighbour as ourselves.

We are witnessing today a tyranny that has gone on for far too long: the oppression of the Palestinian people and their massacre by a wicked and evil Israeli government that has come to believe “might is right.” Before our very eyes on our television screens, computers and cell-phone, we are witnesses to the callous bombing of defenseless Palestinian men, women and children by an unscrupulous Israeli army.

It is past time for Christians to stop silently supporting the Israelis because of outdated biblical norms, and to come out in support of our Palestinian brothers and sisters.

Holocaust betrayal It is a big indictment on Israel that a people who were subjected in the past to so much oppression and brutality; with six million of its people massacred in the German Holocaust; is now the one responsible for so much pain and anguish in others. By this reversal, Israel has

Why Christians must stop supporting Israel against the Palestinians attempt to signify their displeasure and perhaps orchestrate a break free from their gulag.

Occasionally they hit some target and even harm or kill somebody. In retaliation, the Israelis respond disproportionately with surface-to-air missiles and laser-guided smart bombs.

While the Israelis rely on the protection of the sophisticated Iron Dome defense-shield sold to them by the Americans, the Palestinians have nothing but the human-shield of their own civilian population. This is routinely disregarded by the Israelis who have little or no qualms about killing the defenseless.

The God who created the heavens and the earth is also the God of the Palestinians

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become an enemy of our common humanity. Christians can no longer in good conscience keep silent as Israel continues in its oppression of God’s people, and in this senseless massacre of the innocent in Gaza.

For over 60 years, Palestinians have lived in abject poverty in refugee camps. The Israelis have instituted an apartheid system where their human rights are violated and their homes systematically demolished to make more room for Israeli settlements.

With the active collusion of the Egyptians, the Israelis have maintained the largest prison in the world in Gaza since 2007. 1.8 million Palestinians are locked in this cell, blockaded by land, sea and air.

They are confined in abject poverty; denied basic human necessities. Their movement is restricted. Their economy is stunted. Their fishermen cannot even fish in their own waters.

This is the underlying cause of the current conflict. The Palestinians are frustrated but helpless. In exasperation, they fire home-made rockets into Israel from Gaza, in a pathetic C M Y K

Christian response

population is defenseless, densely packed into this besieged enclave with no place to run or take refuge from Israel’s indiscriminate military onslaught. The Palestinians have become sitting ducks to Israeli military might, with no place to hide.

This is outrageous. The implication here is that the lives of Palestinians are not important. By a jaundiced Israeli calculus, the life of one Israeli is equal to those of hundreds of Palestinians. That is why in avenging the mysterious death of three Israelis, thousands of Palestinians are now dead. But by a cruel hand of fate, the Israelis themselves have sustained scores of losses.

Targeting schools

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Disproportionate responses

The Israelis insist their disproportionate responses are designed to teach the Palestinians a lesson, and to make them think twice before firing new rockets into Israel.

However, the peace they seek to enforce is illusory, especially since their idea of peace would still retain the Palestinians in jail with the Israelis and the Egyptians as their jailers.

The current conflict arose over the abduction and murder of three Israeli teenagers. In retaliation, the Israelis have massacred Palestinians. According to reports, many of those killed are children. When they are not maimed or killed by made-in-America bombs, they are ravaged by malnutrition and lack of medicine. As a result, a voice is heard this time in Gaza. It is another Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted because they are no more.

The average age of those living in Gaza is 17 years.

More than half of them are under 16.

This civilian

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he Israelis have bombed the most incongruous of neighbourhoods. Locations like hospitals, clinics, refugeecamps, mosques and churches, which are normally off limits to warring factions, have become fair game for them. Even ambulances and medical-workers have not been spared. Israeli forces shelled an open market in the Shujaiya neighborhood of eastern Gaza City. This became the site of a grisly massacre.

Worse still are the Israeli attacks on schools. They bombed a United Nations school in the city of Jabalia in northern Gaza, killing many innocent Palestinians. Over 3,000 displaced persons were taking refuge there. Little did they know they were facing an enemy that would make even schools its target. Inevitably, according to reports, some of the victims were children; killed as they slept beside their parents on classroom floors.

In spite of the international outcry that followed this atrocity, the Israelis went head to bomb yet another U.N. run school in Southern Gaza. As far as the Israelis are concerned, the Palestinians have no rights.

Their children are not humanbeings.

Crime against humanity Clearly, the Israelis are bent on destruction in Gaza. They have bombed the only power-plant in this sliver of a territory,

plunging the entire place into darkness. As a result, even the injured cannot receive proper care in the strained and overburdened clinics and hospitals.

Mobile-phone networks were damaged or destroyed, ensuring that Gaza is effectively cut off from the outside world.

Internal communication is also virtually non-existent.

This siege on Gaza has gone on for the better part of a month, bringing untold hardship and suffering to the Palestinians. Nearly 2,000 Palestinians, have been killed so far, many of them women and children. Over 10,000 others have been injured.

According to the United Nations, over 240,000 Palestinians have since been displaced.

U.N. Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon called Israeli action in Gaza “a moral outrage and a criminal act.”

Pierre Krahenbuhl, a U.N. Commissioner, observed that Israel’s brutality is “an affront to all of us, a source of universal shame.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, declared the Israeli offensive “a deliberate defiance of international law.” The UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution calling for an independent probe into Israel’s war crimes in Gaza.

Impetus for terrorism

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sraeli heavy-handedness is a major headache for international peace and security. Israeli atrocities in the Middle East are fueling the Boko Haram and other incidences of world-wide terrorism counterfeited in the name of Islam. As long as the Palestinians continue to be denied of fundamental human rights and of their homeland, there can be no peace in the Middle East and beyond.

The United States pretends to be an honest-broker in the conflict, but in fact is now a hostage to the Israeli cause.

Israel flouts American pressure, confident it can always rely on the Jewish lobby in the United States to keep American governments firmly tethered to Israeli apron-strings.

The Americans give Israel

In the context of this slaughter, Christians cannot continue to be silent. Christians must wake up from the slumber of kneejerk support of Israel. Gone are the days when the enemies of the people of Israel were all expendable in the pages of the bible. Palestinians must not be confused for Amalekites or Jebusites that can be exterminated as a result of socalled divine ordinances. They deserve to have a place to call their own.

God is the God of all flesh; he is not just the God of Israel. We must stop subscribing to the Zionist Jewish propaganda that the Jews are God’s chosen people. God is not a respecter of persons and he is not a respecter of peoples. The God who created the heavens and the earth is also the God of the Palestinians.

Therefore, Christians everywhere must all rise up and with one voice condemn the massacre of Palestinians that is going on even as we speak.

The world is in a drought. It is rich in money, but short of mercy. There are more dollars outside the United States than in the United States. It is nigh impossible to mop up the funds.

But while the world is awash with money, it is short of goodness. It is lacking in righteousness, truth and compassion. Thus, Isaiah laments: “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street and equity cannot enter” (Isaiah 59:14).

The Palestinians are in dire need of Christian compassion.

The Israelis are in dire need of the righteousness of God. The people of this world need the truth. Since God birthed his children for his glory, it is our responsibility as those Christians who are truly children of God to provide what the world lacks. Our task is to salt the earth. We salt it with the riches of the kingdom of God. We are called to be merciful, compassionate, holy, righteous, truthful, honest, faithful, and just.

The Abrahamic covenant does not exclude the Palestinians. It includes them.

Indeed, some Palestinians are Christians; but that is really irrelevant here. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict should not be seen simplistically as one between the Judeo-Christian tradition and Muslims. It must be seen properly as a conflict between the strong and the weak. It must be seen as conflict between the oppressor and the oppressed.

In biblical days, the Israelites were the oppressed in Egypt, and God sent Moses with a message to Pharaoh to “Let My People Go.” Today, the roles have been reversed. The Israelis are the new Pharaohs.

The Palestinians are those that must be set free. Christians the world over must lend our heart and our voice to Palestinian freedom.

18— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 EKITI and Osun take too many things for granted. The victor or loser in the Osun State governorship election on Saturday would be decided by issues that are strictly Osun. They may not provide much comfort to either candidate because the electorate has questions to ask. The election may not be the opportunity to ask them.

Hype about people power, supposedly the outcome of the Ekiti election, has not reflected on the mode of the campaigns in Osun. The gladiators are busy attacking themselves instead of telling the people how they would improve their lot. The people are not the wiser from the campaigns.

Osun is bigger than Ekiti. At 30 local government areas, it is almost twice the size of Ekiti’s 16. The logistics would task the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which is already entangled with getting the voters’ cards to participants in Saturday ’s election.

Closeness of the distribution of the cards to the elections can easily disfranchise voters. It is a possible

Osun Unlike Ekiti factor that could affect the result of the election. It would also be difficult for INEC to explain that almost half the registered voters could not be able to cast their vote.

The election itself would be decided by issues that affect the people from one area to the other. The affinity of voters is determined by local issues, to the extent that where a contender has done well, by popular acclamation, he might not be seen in those lights in other parts of the State.

Differences in the characters of the contenders in Osun would be a factor, a stabilising factor. Unlike in Ekiti where one of the candidates could be

classified as a pacifist, the top candidates are rated as capable of matching each other ’s in the election.

However, we are not advocating for violence to determine the election. The people should be free to choose their gover nor, in an atmosphere devoid of militarisation that would scare voters, and in a setting that assures them that their votes would count.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola is show casing his projects. His arguments are simple enough: I have done this much in four years, in another four years, I would do more. He expects the people to so judge him.

Senator Iyiola Omisore makes a case for better use of resources for projects that are in line with the people’s yearning. He promises to re-connect Osun to national resources that are supposedly available only to States with the party at the centre.

All the arguments would end, hopefully with the decision of the electorate. Peace is essential for the votes to count. All parties should court peace.

OPINION

By Hugo Odiogor

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HE recent publication of a cartoon advert entitled ""Delta 2015, Governorship Race" ( Vanguard newspaperJuly 22,2014, page 61), to all intent and purpose is the onset of a series of smear campaign directed at assassination of the character of key political actors from Delta North who are considered to be strong contenders in the 2015 governorship race.

The advert was purported to have been put out by a group called "Ndokwa Coalition 4 Okowa." The cartoon character depicted one of the leading governorship aspirants promising to provide electricity while offering the electorate lantern.

In the background of the cartoon is the issue of the N4.2 billion the controversial N4.2billion contract that was purported to have been shared by Principal officers in the House of Representatives Power Probe which looked into how the sum of $16.5 billion was spent in the power sector from1999 to 2007 with out any commensurate result.

Some members of the Power probe were alleged to have collected contracts worth N4. 2 billion which they shared amongst themselves at the time they were probing the power sector and the case was subsequently charged to court where the accused were acquitted. It was discovered that the REA ruse was a plot hatched by some persons who were heavily culpable in the scandal to kill the report of the House Power probe.

It was during the time of Prof. Bath Nnaji that it was discovered that at the time the money was alleged to have been shared was not even released at the time of the power C M Y K

Delta 20 15: The unf olding smear campaign 2015: unfolding sector probe. Some of the civil servants who were suspended on the account of this REA hoopla were recalled while the agency which was closed was reopened.

The events that transpired during the power probe is not the focus of this report, rather it is proper to put in context what the evil minds behind this smear tactics want to accomplish by racking up muck. It is also important to establish the premise of this argument.

Let it be stated that both Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Ndudi Elumelu are capable of handling this blow out directed at their campaign. It is not the business of this writer to hold their brief, but as a concerned Anioma person who is equally conversant with the power probe and the scheming that went into the ill fated probe to state a few points for posterity.

What is important to this writer is what this advert and the subsequent ones that are coming are meant to accomplish.

Granted that the advert presented itself as coming from the Okowa campaign group or by a group that supports the aspirations of Dr. Okowa, such advert with a vile content will not come out so brazenly against a fellow aspirant at this stage and it is doubtful that Dr. Okowa a consummate systems man, endorsed such advert for publication.

That is not to say that Dr. Okowa is not clean, given the less dignifying path he took to the Senate 2011 and the allegations of betrayal at the 2007 Ogwashi Uku. But his campaign team and associates would not as puerile or malevolent to drag

him into an open battle with Hon. Elumelu, without knowing the consequences of such an action in Ndudi's constituency.

It may seem that the Cartoon advert was designed to benefit Dr. Okowa but in actual fact, the brains behind the advert have the singular intention of dragging Hon. Ndudi Elumelu into a needless and energy sapping destructive battle against each other.

The political pygmies used Ndokwa land for their divide and rule tactics of pitching Ndokwa and Ika people are arch enemies of Aniocha and Oshimili people whom they call Igbos, therefore, unfit to be in Delta State. When Chief Godswill Obielum contested for the PDP ticket in 2007, he was reminded of his “Igboness”, unashamedly.

They played this card at the National Conference and an Ika man hired to work against the demand for a state of theirs now.

But the traditional rulers and majority of the sons and daughters of Anioma spoke with one voice and denounced this individual.

It is even ironical that those who are opposed to Delta North aspiration for the office of the governor would not want them to have their own state and end all the acrimonious relations.

Those who conceptualised this evil plot also have in mind the wider objective of sowing the seed of discord and suspicion among Delta North aspirants who would be fighting each other over the plot been orchestrated by the people who are opposed to the idea of power shift.

The same group that went after Hon. Victor Ochei as the Speaker, with allegations of

financial impropriety in the failed Delta Independent Power Project. They saw Ochei as some one they cannot pocket if he becomes the Governor hence they trumped up false claims that he was boasting that he could mobilise a heavily compromised and lily livered Delta House of Assembly to impeach their benefactor. Ochei was seen as one of the formidable aspirants. After his fall, they boasted openly that the likes of Okowa and Elumelu would fall before the contest.

So far, the aspirants from Delta North have shown that in terms of their credentials, experience and exposure, they are capable of giving the state quality leadership.

It is neither the interest of the Governor nor that of Delta central to promote this smear campaign against a people that have done more than their fair share to ensure that peace and development have prevailed in Delta state.

The idea of introducing “born to rule ideology in Delta State” is flawed because no ethic group has the demographics to monpolise political power in perpetuity and if other ethnic groups gang up against Delta North, today, they would have sown the seed of their political bondage.

That political power must rotate is a wisdom that holds out equity, justice and fairness for all, irrespective of tribal mark, mother tongue, faith, gender and ideology. There is no second class citizen in Delta Sate or in Nigeria indeed. *Mr. Odiogor, a journalist, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014—19

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HE Osun state gubernatorial election is here. There is excitement and tension in the air; will it end up like Ekiti? Or, the status quo will be maintained? The significance of the election to the two major contesting parties cannot be over emphasised; if the APC wins, it assures them of a hold in the West, which has been their strong base.

If they lose, it will be a continuation of the band wagon effect that started from Ekiti. In fact, it will be a very big blow on the aspiration of the APC to rule at the centre come 2015; when we consider the fact that, of all the states in the western region, only Aregbesola’s Osun gave Ribadu victory in the last presidential election. The assumption therefore, is that, Osun state is a foregone conclusion for the APC party. The Ekiti election result however, has changed the whole coloration of the coming election, pundits are now threading the soft path, in their projections of a clear cut winner, the mantra now is, “anything can happen”.

First, let us examine the importance of Osun state to the electoral victory of both parties; Osun state is at the heart of Yoruba land, bounded by all the

That is the situation; two strong parties and two strong politicians, who will emerge victorious? My take; Aregbesola has the edge but like they say "anything can happen”

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must be noted that; Ogbomosho, the hometown of late Ladoke Akintola, is a border town of Osun state, from the Oyo axis. The influence of Akintola to the political consciousness of the people, in this part of Yoruba land is huge. When Akintola parted ways with Awolowo, during the sixties, the people from this area supported him.

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o, at different times in their history, the people of Osun state have come under the rulership of both the conservatives and the progressive parties. The progressives in the form of AG, UPN, SDP, AD, ACN and the conservative parties, in the form of NPC, NPN, NRC and PDP. It is a state that also has an even

Lawyers, heaven and the moral high ground

BY BOBSON GBINIJE “A lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns” (Mario Puzo- THE GODFATHER).

S the fraternal and identical twins are cantankerously different, so also idiosyncratic incompatibilities transverse the totality of most societies. But the mechanics and dynamics of consultative initiative, sound education, good laws and socio-political engineering processes help to build multidimensional bridges aimed at making society a better place and man a more civilized and conscientious homosapien.

In building good societies all hands must be on deck towards ensuring justice, equality, rule of law, freedom, peace and progress for all. But the lawyer and the Judiciary have a fundamentally crucial role to play through the instrumentality of the law and fear of God. But not all lawyers and judges believe in God. Those who believe know that the ultimate judge is Jehovah God Almighty and that ultimately there will be a judgment(Heaven and paradise on earth for the adjudged good ones).

The ethics of the legal profession is fulcrumed and matrixed on the principles of equity, fairness and transparency in the dissemination of justice. Hence, it is the “NOBLE PROFESSION” and sunken in the groundswell, the moral high ground and grundnorm of NOBLISSE OBLIGE(Noble men must do noble things and all who must go to equity must come with clean hands). The United States Supreme Court Judge Antonio Scalia said “the good societies are not achieved by good laws, but are built upon the effect of one good person upon another and to expect more from law/Lawyers than good behaviour demeans virtue.”

All religions believe that there is reward for good and for evil. Religions and moral

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philosophy share a common concern with the question of what is good life for humanity?. - That is with morality.

However, the ways in which philosophy and the religions of the world answer this question differ. Whereas contemporary philosophers tend to discuss morality without reference to anything beyond the human, religions see good and evil within a wider cosmological framework.

The cosmological super structure transcends humanity and revolves around the activities of supernatural beings- God Almighty, gods, angels, ancestors, Satan, demons etc. Religions also maintain that the full significance of good and evil can only be appreciated in terms of beliefs about the continuance of human life beyond the grave. A good life is rewarded with evil, some say Hell. The Eckists, Buddhists, Confucianism, Rosicrucian teachings and Freemasons etc are sunken in esoteric nirvana, karmic laws, meditations , transcendentalisms and transmogrifications, etc.

Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism see human life in terms of an eternal cycle of birth and rebirth operating according to the moral laws of Karma. Under this law, observance of religious duty is rewarded by good birth, while non-observance is punished by a bad birth. It is now clear that all religions agree that the only way to divine upliftment is through good works. Heaven is heaven, but the expressivity index varies from one religion to another.

However, heaven is the dwelling place of God Almighty, faithful spirit creatures, spiritual bliss and afflatus. A place and realm invisible to the human eye.

The nuts and bolts of the legal profession make a lawyer prone and vulnerable to evil and good. But the modus operandi of carrying out his job makes the vast majority of lawyers to lean towards fraudulent manipulations, lying, deliberate falsehoods, Machiavellian legal

distribution of all three major religions in the country; Christians, Muslims and Animists.

Again, each one of them having an influence on the people in their own way. Recently, the state witnessed a situation where, students dressed to school in traditional uniforms, according to their various faith denominations.

Winning is therefore going to be a big deal to the parties concerned. Presently, the two major gladiators are Rauf Aregbesola of the APC and Iyiola Omisore of the PDP. If we are to cast our minds a little backwards; Omisore was in the same party with Aregbesola, as deputy governor to Akande , in then AD. So, he has moved from the “progressive” camp to the main stream conservative. Both of them are deeply involved in grassroots politics and both claim to have done enough to win the election.

Now, let us examine Aregbesola’s strength. On the one hand, he is the incumbent governor and that factor cannot be wished away, he is also, a mobiliser and a revolutionary, very much in a hurry to create change. He has also introduced radical programes to revive agriculture and education in the state, coupled with youth empowerment through his OYES initiative. As a mobiliser, his propaganda machinery is very effective, he is the type that stays on his course, even if he had to step on toes. Examples are controversial decisions he had

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BY SUNNY IKHIOYA

key Yoruba states of Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo and Kwara, with the exception of Lagos. This implies that; there is a direct intermix between the Osun people and their other Yoruba kiths and kins, through the sharing of common boundaries. Ife town, the cradle of the Yoruba race, is under the umbrella of the Osun state administration. As a result, very important Yoruba monuments and historical landmarks are located within the Osun state axis, amongst these, as posted on the internet are the following; The famous Ife bronze; The Oramiyan staff, which is believed to be the fighting stick of Oramiyan, the son of Oduduwa, who was a great warrior. It is the symbol of the popular Osun Osogbo cultural festival. Also included are; The Ife museum; Obafemi Awolowo University zoological gardens, Ile-Ase; Yeyemolu shrines and Oduduwa grove, Ile-Ife; Osun Osogbo sacred groovevenue of the internationally recognised Osun Osogbo festival and UNESCO world heritage site; Adunni Susan Wenger site; Genesis arts gallery; Nike arts gallery; Jalumi war site, Inisa; The Olumirin water falls, Erin Ijesa; Igbo Sango at Ede and the Ayikungba water falls at Oke Ila. The people of Osun are warm and hospitable. The state consist of politically conscious citizenry, who are aware of their rights. It

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The Osun guber election is here

But in our society, certified criminals in high places are being protected by lawyers, unsound and manipulated judgments from some judges

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technicalities to frustrate good judgment, double speak and apocryphal dealings with plaintiffs and defendants, frivolous application for adjournments, legal acrobatics, and manipulating evidences to truncate justice and constitutional pettifogging, etc.

Heuristically didactic books on legal philosophy and ethics like, ‘Dejure belli ac pacis’ by Hugo Grotius, ‘De Justica et De Jure’ by Lessius, De Jure Naturae et Gentium’ by Pefendorf and Tractatus De Legibus’ by Suarez have dealt consummately with the doctrine of necessity’ and the jurisprudential grundnorm of probity and integrity amongst lawyers and the judiciary .

But in our society, certified criminals in high places are being protected by lawyers, unsound and manipulated judgments from some judges. The noble profession is becoming a failed and depraved one because of placebo laws, poor and ludibrastic court verdicts and legal crash helmets are being provided for criminals by lawyers-stimulated by pecuniary inducements.

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here is consummate dearth of conscience and fear of God amongst many lawyers in their pursuit of mundane ideals. They capitalize on the ignorance of clients, and have become 419 king pins, political crooks and defenders for pecuniary reasons of confessed assassins, armed robbers, land speculators, ritualists and rapists etc.

taken in the areas of education and religion.

Aregbesola’s weakness tilts towards over zealousness in the execution of his projects. When your programes dabble into religious and educational controversies, it is not a good trait of a brilliant and strategic politician. Whether this will work to his disadvantage will be made obvious after the August 9, casting of votes.

Omisore, on the other, has the advantage of having been on both side of the divide, he knows the APC and the PDP networks very well and so can use that to his advantage. He was, at a time, a deputy governor of the state and a very influencial one at that. He was also a Senator of the Federal republic of Nigeria. Because he has not been opportuned to head a government, we cannot definitely say what his performance rating will be, but, from his antecedents, he is a dogged politician and a fighter.

His weakness is in the area of peoples perception of him, especially, as it concerns the Bola Ige’s affair. It is claimed that perception is stronger than reality.

That is the situation; two strong parties and two strong politicians, who will emerge victorious? My take; Aregbesola has the edge but like they say "anything can happen”.

*Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

They put their knowledge to illegitimate, immoral and criminal use under the guise of a criminal is innocent until proven guilt. Hence, Napoleon Bonaparte observed that “doth the wolf tamely relinquish his prey or the fox his booty?

How then expectest thou to rescue thy goods from the fangs of the man of law?”

The Warri Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association on Friday January 29th 2010 at the Dr. Mudiaga Odje Hall- Law Centre, Warri held its anniversary lecture in honour of John Alele Esq-50years of private legal practice. The occasion was simply glorious as legal gargantuans from all walks of life graced the occasion with their brilliant presence. Although the keynote address delivered by Late Hon.Justice Niki Tobi, JSC, OFR was titled “Legal Practice in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and the Need for Reforms”.

Lawyers in a lighter mood talked on this question of “Lawyers, the Moral High Ground and Heaven”.

Hon. Justice Niki Tobi, harped on the issue off integrity. He said “if at all any profession needs integrity, that one is the legal profession. A person cannot be a successful practitioner unless he is a person of integrity. A person of integrity is the one who has sound moral fortitude, faithfulness, honesty, fidelity, moral soundness, probity, propriety, righteousness, truthfulness, uprightness of character are all synonymous with integrity in the strict or large content of the word”.

The way and manner in which lawyers and the judiciary compromise integrity remains sordidly eldritch. Hence, Napoleon Bonaparte said “justice is blind, but not always deaf, for in many cases she loveth to listen to the sweet ringing of gold and silver”.

Most lawyers, legal officers and judges are quintessentially corrupt. Hon Niki Tobi further stated that “A legal practitioner who is interested in both the briefs of the plaintiff and the defendant is a person of no integrity. So also is one who is interested in both the briefs of the prosecution and the accused. *Mr. Gbinije, a social critic, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY TUESDAY,, AUGUST 5, 2014

*Deserted...Inhabitants of Obiakpu Egbema flee community following cultists’ invasion. INSET: CP Abdulmajid Ali

Cults clash: Residents flee Imo community T

C M Y K

herself as Nkechi: “Obiakpu is now a ghost town. The clash has left sorrow, tears and blood on its trail. The cultists are very deadly and they unleash mindless mayhem on innocent people”.

She recalled that signs of the current clash reared its ugly head on June 7, 2014, when dare-devil cultists, who were dressed in army uniform, invaded Nwari village in broad daylight.

“Again, about 6am, June 13, 2014, a faction of the cult group invaded Obiakpu with

ion that the rival cult groups are on the sponsorship and payroll of some supposed prominent personalities in the community, who arm them with varying types of weapons of war.

Meanwhile, the state government says it has not only declared total war against cultism, but has equally set up anti-cult task force, as one of te measures to stem cult activities in the state.

Governor Rochas Okorocha disclosed this during a meeting he held in Government

,

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, OWERRI HE sleepy rural commu nity of Obiakpu Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, is again in the news.

It is not that an indigene of the community has made any breakthrough in science and technology. The community is in the news because dare devil cultists have forced the hapless people to hurriedly desert the town following the deadly clashes of two rival cult groups, Degbam and Dewell.

Vanguard Metro, VM, gathered that as at the last count, about 21 people have been sent to their early grave.

Those reportedly killed included Chief Emmanuel Opara, while property worth millions of Naira have were destroyed during the deadly clash.

Our reporter, who made a spirited attempt to reach Obiakpu, was advised at Nmahu, Egbema, by some concerned escapees from the deserted community, to abort the trip.

“We are indigenes of Obiakpu. We are only taking refuge in Nmahu. Please, don’t attempt going to Obiakpu.

The community is very hot and dangerous for you to visit now,” they almost chorused in unison.

According to one of the escapees, who simply identified

About 21 youths have been killed by this cult action while the communities are now living in fear; government(should) quickly intervene to avert more loss of precious lives

sophisticated weapons, shooting, killing and maiming innocent people,” Nkechi said.

Another refugee from Obiakpu, who spoke on strict anonymity for security reasons, recalled with grief thus: “Despite the fact that most of the protagonists and perpetrators of the cult war were known persons, nobody has been arrested to answer for their crimes”.

It was his considered opin-

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House, Owerri, with the people of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Okorocha, who stated that the task force will comprise the Army, Police, Department of State Security, DSS, and the Imo Security Network, regretted the spate of killings by suspected cult groups at Ohaji/Egbema local council area. He directed the members of the yet-to-be established task force to shoot at

sight all cult members as well as discover and move into their den immediately for necessary action.

Okorocha equally directed immediate deployment of 18 men of Imo Security Network to the troubled area, and approved the release of Hilux vans for the police, 40 motorcycles for the local vigilante, as well as other logistics to ensure smooth operation for the group.

Governor Okorocha, who empathised with the family members of the victims, gave them financial support to alleviate their pains . H e charged the youths to beware

of those he tagged “evil men”, who will incite and use them for criminal activities and also enjoined parents to warn their children against engaging in cultism and other vices.

He further urged the communities to give the task force the necessary cooperation they need, pointing out that they should divulge all necessary information to the police for optimal operation.

Earlier in his speech, the President General of Obiakpu Community, Prince Ogwumaru Joseph, who spoke on behalf of his community, stated that the problem in their area was as a result of cult clash between two rival groups, “Day-Gbam” and “Day-Well”, which led to sporadic shootings and selective killings by the cultists.

“About 21 youths have been killed by this cult action while the communities are now living in fear and sleepless nights. We plead with the state government to quickly intervene in the matter to avert more loss of precious lives”, Ogwumaru pleaded.

Giving his own account of the damnable incident, the traditional ruler of Mmahu, Eze Augustine Iwueke, revealed that the warring cult members live and operate from the bush and have even threatened to kill more people.

The royal father further revealed that the communities worst hit by this deadly clash are Obiakpu and Abacheke, while neighbouring communities are also affected.

Speaking also, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, incharge of Egbema, Mr. Enihe Paul, disclosed that “about 12 suspected cult members are already cooling their heels in police net”, and requested for government’s assistance in the fight against the cultists.

Ogun set to prosecute traffic constitutes threat to security. offenders He said henceforth, any veBY BOSE ADELAJA

O

GUN State government has warned motorists and motorcycles who are in the habit of driving and riding vehicles with unauthorised number plates to desist from such or face the wrath of the law. A statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the State government on Transportation, Gbenga Opesanwo, said that the bureau has observed with dismay the use of inscriptions on vehicles instead of number plates which is against the law and also

hicle which contravenes the said law would be impounded while offenders would also be prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the state government has reassured that adequate measures have been put in place for safe motoring and protection of lives and properties of the people.

Opesanwo said the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE and other law enforcement agencies in the State, are at alert to ensure hitch-free traffic and to maintain law and order.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 — 21

FG, UKTI agree on boosting British investments in Nigeria

By EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

T

From left : Managing Director/CEO FBNBank UK, Michael Barrett; ED Public Sector South First Bank/Director FBNBank UK, U.K .Eke; Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and Chairman,FBNBank UK, Oye Hassan-Odukale during a courtesy visit by FBNBank UK Board and management to the CBN Governor in Abuja.

Lafarge Africa listing to boost NSE market value by over N468bn

BY PETER EGWUATU

F

ollowing shareholders’ approval and other regulatory processes, Lafarge WAPCO has formally notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE of the change in its name to Lafarge Africa Plc, paving the way for the impending listing of the consolidated shares, which are expected to boost market value by over N468 billion.

A cross-survey of leading investment experts and advisors showed a strong

-2.50 189.85 3,193.00 -14.00 16.32

-0.03

105.20

0.36

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING DOLLAR 154.73 155.73 STERLING 260.4415 EURO 207.3691 FRANC 170.4263 171.5277 YEN 1.5028 CFA 0.2966 WAUA 236.1789

155.23 261.2831 208.0392 170.977

262.1247 208.7093

1.5077 0.3066 236.9421

1.5125 0.3166 237.7053

CBN Exchange rate as at 04/08/2014

support for the decision of Lafarge to consolidate its Nigerian and South African businesses under a single entity. They described the move as a strategic move that could change the game plan in the Nigerian investment market, the cement industry and African mergers and acquisitions.

It will be recalled that Lafarge on July 9, 2014 received overwhelming shareholders’ approval to consolidate its cement businesses in Nigeria and combine these with Lafarge South African operations to create a leading sub-Saharan building materials giant to be known as Lafarge Africa Plc. The consolidation is being done by transferring Lafarge’s assets in South Africa and Nigeria to Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc. Under the transaction, Lafarge Group will transfer its direct and indirect shareholdings in Lafarge South Africa Holding Limited of 72.4 per cent and its equity stakes in three other cement companies in NigeriaUnited Cement Company of Nigeria Limited (35 per cent), Ashaka Cement Plc, (58.61 per cent) and Atlas Cement Company Limited (100 per cent) to Lafarge Wapco for a cash consideration of $200 million and the issuance of some 1.4 billion Lafarge Africa shares to the Lafarge Group.

Lafarge Africa, which would retain Lafarge Wapco’s subsisting listing on

the NSE is estimated to have an initial market capitalisation of over $3 billion (about N468 billion), making it the 6th largest company on the NSE by market capitalisation.

Equity advisors and market experts in several leading investment firms, which are not involved in the Lafarge transaction, said they believed the emergence of Lafarge Africa would create better values for shareholders through increased dividends and capital appreciation as well as the cement industry through a much more competitive pricing and quality scenarios.

According to them, the Lafarge Africa transaction could encourage other multinationals and Nigerian companies to further explore the potential for mergers and acquisitions, thus stimulating the investment markets and strengthening the Nigerian capital markets.

Investment advisors and analysts at Lead Capital Plc, Cardinal Stone Partners and Sterling Capital Markets among others agreed that the emergence of Lafarge Africa could directly and indirectly boost the Nigerian stock market through increased liquidity and returns on the Lafarge Africa stock and general inducement of mergers and acquisitions.

he Minister of State for Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda has urged the United Kingdom Trade and Investment, UKTI Agency to work towards attracting more British investments to the country as a means of deepening bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The Minister made this known while receiving representatives of UKTI to his office in Abuja. He stressed that the aim of the visit was consistent with President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda, which seeks to boost investments in the productive sectors, in order to make the nation’s growing economy more inclusive.

The Minister who observed that some UK firms may have departed Nigeria in the past, noted that the investment climate fostered by the present administration is now more supportive, and urged the UK Trade and Investment agency to encourage more firms to return to the country.

He further stated that the Nigerian economy is now on the rise, adding that some multinationals like Unilever are already taking advantage of the prospects of huge returns by scaling up their investments in the country.

In response, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, David Heath, who led the team expressed UKTI’s determination to expand business relationships between the two countries.

Heath, who is also a member of parliament and former Minister of Agriculture in the UK noted that the agency was also interested in promoting investment as a means of providing jobs for the young ones, adding that UKTI would work towards increasing trade and more British investment in Nigeria.

Yuguda further explained that the Federal Government had designed the Transformation Agenda to deepen economic growth in a manner that it would become more inclusive.

“The Government under President Jonathan is focusing on high job content areas of the economy so that we can create more jobs for our teeming population”, he said, adding that infrastructure, which embraces power, roads, airports and the entire transportation value chain,

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

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You as the customer must search for relevant knowledge in respect of products and services offered by the bank before you subscribe to them.

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INVESTORS

Top 10 performing stocks

INDEX MOVEMENT

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

n the top 10 performing stocks last week were shares of Evans Medical Plc, A.G Leventis Plc, Ashaka Cement Plc, 7up Bottling Co. Plc, University Press Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and Oando Plc. Others were Forte Oil Plc, Flour Mills Nig. Plc and Cutix plc.

Evans Medical led the pack with 9.71 percent or N0.20 price appreciation, rising to N2.26 from N2.06 at the beginning of the week.

T h e company listed on the pharmaceuticals sector of the Nigerian S t o c k Exchange, NSE, recently raised N1.22 billion through a rights issue of 486.47 million ordinary shares at N2.50 per share, fund that was meant to be directed towards strengthening the company’s balance sheet and refinancing existing debt in its current loan portfolio. According to the company, the rights issue was part of its long term strategic plan to strengthen its position, and put it in good stead to surmount the challenges of the evolving pharmaceutical industry. However, the company which is presently operating below the NSE post listing rules requirement for failing to submit its 2014 first quarter accounts and report, is still operating a negative financial position after the capital injection. Its nine months financial statement for September, 2013 showed that the company posted loss after tax of N401.1 million as against N60.6milion loss recorded in the same quarter in 2012. Its revenue dropped from N3.479 billion in 2012 to N3.135 billion. It had paid five kobo dividend in its full year ended December 31, 2012. Of the seven companies listed in the pharmaceutical sector it ranks fourth in terms of pricing.

A.G Leventis was the second with 9.70 percent or N0.13 price appreciation. It closed the market last week at N1.47 from N1.34 it started with. Listed on the conglomerates sector under diversified industries, A.G Leventis focuses on eight business lines, which include power, FMCG, logistics and real estate among others. For the year ended December 2013, it recorded improved financials on the back of effective cost control. Within the period, its revenue grew by e i g h t percent t o N11.91 billion f r o m N11.05 billion in 2012. Its profit after tax rose by 43 percent to N405.075 C M Y K

billion as against N284.17 billion recorded in corresponding period in 2012 as cost of sales margin reduced to 73.66 percent. The company has been able to sustain an unbroken record of dividend payment over the last few years, paying N335 million in 12013 financial year.

A.G Leventis is second to the least priced stock out of six companies listed on diversified industries subsector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, after John Holts Plc, which trades at N1.13 per share.

Ashakacem’s shares went up by 9.02 percent or N2.73 to close at N33.00 from N30.27. The company has over the last few weeks enjoyed tremendous support from investors, following some positive developments it has recorded. For instance, it was included in NSE 3 0 Index on June following the biannual review of the Index.

Stocks usually included in the index are selected based on their market capitalisation from the most liquid sectors, while the liquidity is based on the number of times the stock is traded during the preceding two quarters. Also, the cement manufacturer has also indicated interest to fast track the expansion of its US$617million cement plant in Ashaka, Gombe State, a development analysts believe will to add to its revenue.

For the second to June 2014, the company posted 7.74 percent increase in turnover as the figure rose to N6.505 billion from N6.038 billion.

The profit after tax for the period increased by 64.45 percent to N1.92 billion compared to N1.13 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2013.

7up Bottling Co advanced by 6.97 percent or N6.97 to close at N107 from N100.03; University Press followed with 6.76 percent or N0.28 to close at N4.42 from N4.14; Stanbic IBTC went up by 6.57 percent or N1.91 to close at N31.00 from N29.09; Oando was the next with 6.01 percent or N1.53 price increase to close at N27.00 from N25.47; Forte Oil advanced by 5.97 or N12.90 to close at N228.90 from N216.00; Flour Mills appreciated by 4.99 percent or N3.69 to close at N77.67 from N73.98, while Cutix closed the list of top 10 stocks with 4.74 percent or N0.09 to close at N1.99 from N1.90 per share.

Bank customers, it is your duty to know

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

T

he bank-customer relationship is defined by duties and rights on the part of the bank and the customer. One of the duties of the customer in this relationship is the Duty of Knowledge and Understanding.

This means that you as the customer must search for relevant knowledge in respect of products and services offered by the bank before you subscribe to them. This is because sophistication in the banking industry has tasked the understanding of even people that are financially literate. Hence the golden rule is “if you don’t understand it, don’t do it.”

A salient implication of this duty is that once you choose to patronise the service or product of any bank, you are entering into a contract with the bank based on terms and conditions guiding that service or products. For example, when you apply for ATM card, you are given a form to complete. Usually there is a segment

where the terms and conditions for the issuance of that card to you and how you use it, are spelt out. Most of the time, the bank staff attending to you would not ask or compel you to read these terms, and interestingly, most customers always ignore them.

However, those terms and conditions have been crafted by the bank to protect it, in case of loss of money through the card. When this happens, the customer rushes to the bank to complain, and at that point, the bank officials would point out the terms and conditions to him/her. Thus the bank cannot be legally held responsible for your loss.

This is the reason why banks and bankers get away with many unethical practices. Bank customers ignore or abdicate their duty to know everything possible, especially the terms and condition about the products and

MARKET NEWS

FMDQ renews board with fresh F

inancial Market Dealers Quotation, FMDQ OTC Plc, has announced appointment of new Board members following the retirement of six pioneer board members at the last Annual General Meeting.

FMDQ OTC Plc is a self-regulatory organisation licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, to supervise transactions on fixed income market.

Mrs. Sarah Alade was appointed the chairman, board of directors following retirement of Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede.

Alade was appointed acting governor

of the CBN on February 20, 2014 and served in that capacity till June 3, 2014. She has served as the Deputy Governor, Economic Policy of the CBN since March 26, 2007, where she superintends over the Economic Policy Directorate, comprising the research, Monetary Policy, trade & Exchange, statistics and financial Market Departments.

Mr. Bisi Onasanya, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited was also appointed into the board as Chair, Board Governance and HR Committee.

Also, Mr. Philip Oduoza, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank for Africa Plc was

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 — 23

T

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S FORUM

Just because a company experienced one negative event doesn’t mean that the company isn’t still fundamentally valuable or that its stock won’t bounce back

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VALUE INVESTING: How stocks become undervalued I

services offered by their banks. The gravity of this attitude is captured by the statement made by U.A Dutse, Director, Consumer Protection Department, Central Bank of Nigeria. “Crucially, we have discovered that the biggest recrimination against bank customers which in turn negatively affects the banker/ customer relationship is the fact that majority of bank customers abdicate their duty of knowledge”, he said.

The reality is that a significant portion of the jumbo profits made by banks is due to ignorance of their customers. Though banks also have the duty to disclose information about products and services offered to their customers, most times they do not. Such disclosure they know, would affect their income. This makes customers to make uninformed decisions that cost them good money.

As a bank customer, you need to realise that every transaction with your bank, is a legal transaction, guided by banking laws. Under these laws, you have the responsibility to know and understand the nature and cost implications of the transaction before you enter into it. If you choose not to know and understand, you are providing opportunity to the bank to make cheap money from you, or even defraud you, and the bank will not be held responsible for the loss.

appointments appointed as Chairman of Board Listings and Quotations Committee. Oduoza holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA (Finance), both from University of Lagos. He commenced his banking career in 1987 with International Merchant Bank as a Credit Officer, where he trained in credit analysis.

Mr. Peter Amangbo, Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, became member, Board Finance and General Purpose Committee.

Mr. Sadiq Mohammed, Managing Director/CEO, ARM Pension Managers (PFA) Limited, joined the Board as member, Board Regulation and Supervision Committee, while Mr. Bayo Adeyemo, Country Treasurer & Markets Head, Citibank Nigeria Limited, was appointed member, Board Markets and Technology Committee.

f you don’t believe in the efficient market hypothesis, you can find a number of reasons why stocks might be trading below their intrinsic value.

Many of these factors interact with one another to drag a stock’s price down or to push it up beyond what it should be. Here are a few.

Market momentum and herd mentality: Pe o p l e invest irrationally based on psychological biases rather than analysis of market fundamentals. They buy when the price of a particular stock is rising or when the value of the market as a whole appears to be rising. They don’t want to miss out on the gains that they assume others are achieving. They see that if they had invested 12 weeks ago, they could have earned 15 percent by now. They don’t want to miss out on future increases of the same magnitude. They hear other people bragging about their paper profits and they want in.

Likewise, when the price of a particular stock is declining or when the value of the market as a whole appears to be falling, myopic loss aversion forces most people to sell their stocks. They don’t want to lose everything, and they ’re afraid of the uncertain. So instead of keeping their losses on paper and waiting for the market to change directions, they accept a certain loss by selling. Such investor behaviour is so widespread that it affects the prices of individual stocks, exacerbating downward market movements. (Such behaviour also has a dramatic, negative effect on the portfolio returns of people who invest this way.)

Bubbles and market crashes: When market momentum and the herd mentality run to extremes, bubbles and crashes result. The early 2000s tech bubble and the mid-2000s housing bubble were fueled by dramatic levels of overinvestment that bid up the prices of tech stocks and real estate beyond what the underlying companies and properties were worth. When the unsustainable highs began to fall, investors panicked and a crash ensued, causing some stocks to be priced

closer to their true values and others to fall below their true values. (Bubbles are deceptive and unpredictable, but by studying their history we can prepare to our best ability.)

The stock is unnoticed: Companies might sell for less than they are worth because they are under the radar. Small cap stocks, foreign stocks, and any other stocks that are not in the headlines or are not household names sometimes offer great potential but don’t get the attention they deserve.

The stock isn’t glamorous: Everyone wants to invest in the next big thing or even the current big thing. Not only do investors think they can make a fortune this way, but it is a lot more exciting to say you became a millionaire by purchasing shares of a technology startup than by purchasing shares of an established consumer durables manufacturer. Media darlings like Microsoft, Apple and Google are more likely to be affected by herd mentality investing than conglomerates like Proctor and Gamble or Johnson and Johnson.

A company announces bad news: Even good companies face setbacks like litigation and recalls. However, just because a company experienced one negative event doesn’t mean that the company isn’t still fundamentally valuable or that its stock won’t bounce back.

Companies with real value can experience a significant drop in share price when something bad happens. However, investors often over react to the magnitude of the information, opening up buying opportunities for value investors who strictly follow fundamental principles. Those who are willing to consider the company ’s longterm value and ability to recover

can turn these setbacks into profit opportunities.

The stock doesn’t meet analysts’ expectations: Analysts do not have a great track record for predicting the future, and yet investors often panic and sell when a company announces earnings that are lower than analysts’ expectations. This irrational behaviour can temporarily depress a stock’s price.

One part of the company is underperforming, but other parts are still strong: Sometimes a company has an unprofitable division that drags down its performance.

If the company sells or closes that division, its financials can improve dramatically.

Value investors who see this potential can buy the stock while its price is depressed and see gains later.

The stock is cyclical: It’s common for companies to go through periods of higher and lower profits. The time of year and the overall economy affect consumers’ moods and cause them to buy more or less. Their behaviour might affect the stock’s price, but it has nothing to do with the company ’s long term underlying value.

For these and other reasons, stock prices can become depressed despite that the company continues to create value for its shareholders. Such situations present profit opportunities for value investors.

CULLED From Investopedia.com C M Y K

24—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

FG to drive economic development through digitisation

BY MICHAEL EBOH

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HE Federal Government yesterday said it plans to bridge the urban-rural infrastructure gap, as well as drive Nigeria’s economic development with the digitization policy.

Speaking at the KPMG Digitisation forum in Lagos, Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, lamented the fact that an unacceptable number of Nigerians are excluded from infrastructures that are supposed to meet their basic needs.

Johnson, who was represented by her Special Adviser on Policy, Mrs. Abiodun Ajagun, said digitisation serves as a base for inclusive development, especially as it helps a large number of individuals interact with a wide range of service providers.

According to her, increasing the spread of information and communication technology, including digital television, can be a means through which the rural-urban infrastructural gap can be corrected.

She further stated that job creation, infrastructure development, connectivity and new economy will emerge from digitization.

“Jobs will be created with the assembly and sale of products that will drive digitisation and also in support services that will arise there from,” she added.

Johnson explained that the

Federal Government, through a number of agencies of government is working towards the development of local content in television programming and broadcasting.

She said, “Innovation in wireless technology will help in delivering broadband to a wide range of people. The spectrum to be vacated by analogue television stations will be explored for broadband development, which will in turn spur economic development.”

She further stated that penetration of television and internet will increase with the digitization programme, as people will be able to use their television devices to also access the internet.

Also speaking, Mr. Jhil Thakkar, Partner, Media and Entertainment, KPMG India, said the new technology will spur the creation of new products, bringing about a 7.5 per cent growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product per capital and a 1.5 per cent drop in

unemployment.

According to him, digitisation is set to open new frontiers of opportunities in Nigeria, providing the required impetus for economic growth.

He said, “Digitisation will bring about increase revenue to the government in the area of the licensing of the freed up spectrum; broadcast license fee will be gotten from additional channels, while it will bring about a growth in tax revenue to the government.”

From right: Executive Director, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Mr. Tolu Osinibi; Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Mr. Wale Tinubu; President of Afrexim Bank, Mr. Jean-Louis Ekra and Manager of the bank, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, at the agreement signing ceremony of Oando’s acquisition of the Nigerian Upstream Oil and Gas Business of ConocoPhillips, which took place in France. FCMB Capital Markets was the Mandated Lead Arranger and Technical Bank for the transaction.

FDI: Peterside tasks African leaders on conducive environment

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr. Atedo Peterside, has called on African leaders to create a competitive and conducive environment to attract more investment to each country following the renewed interest in the continent.

He spoke at the ongoing Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, United States, saying that the current global spotlight on the continent is well deserved.

He stated that with the consistent improvement in political governance, an expanding middle class, huge consumer market and economic growth rates averaging five percent in the last decade, Africa provides enormous business opportunities that can no longer be overlooked by any discerning investor.

According to him, Africa has steadily moved away from an era of wars, famines and vio-

lence to a continent of huge economic potential and definite rapid growth.

“People are coming to Africa generally to invest and to share in this last frontier where they expect rapid growth. If the British and the French were the first to come, as Africa has become more important and looks like a new favoured destination, other Western powers obviously want to accelerate their entrance into the game and get to the forefront.

That is why you see the Chinese have made their presence felt,” Peterside stated.

He said with the renewed interest in the continent, the challenge for its leaders is to create a competitive and conducive environment to attract investment to each country. “I try and look at the big picture generally and the big picture is to improve governance in Africa generally; to improve the economic policy direction.

When you take all those big steps, each country will find

its own way to operate in a particular sector and even if one country does not have the best domestic policies to attract a particular investment, then perhaps they will move instead to a neighbouring country”.

In Stanbic IBTC and its parent company, Standard Bank Group, Peterside said Nigeria will find a willing partner to help in crystallising the country ’s developmental aspirations through financing and interventions in critical sectors of the economy.

“The future holds great promise for all stakeholders as the Stanbic IBTC Group continues to seek opportunities in strategic sectors of the economy to grow its business in line with its future growth strategy. We understand that our long-term sustainability is dependent on the consistent provision of excellent service to our clients and we are committed to ensuring that their needs

are met. Meeting the needs and expectations of our clients will remain our main priority,” he stated.

iROKOtv introduces Hollywood, Bollywood contents in Africa

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

i

ROKOtv.com, Nigeria’s Internet TV platform for African entertainment has unveiled a brand new international content package for its subscribers on the continent.

These new content categories introduced on the platform include Hollywood, Bollywood, Telenovelas and Korean programming.

The new package will be available to subscribers in Africa only, with all international content geo-locked to the following countries: Botswana, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe The international package will cost $15, about N2, 500.00 for a three month subscription, that is, $5 per month or $30, about N5,000 for 12 months, that is, $2.50 per month.

In a statement, the company said it is to complement the platform’s extensive Nollywood catalogue of over 10,000 hours.

Speaking on the development, Co-founder and CEO of iROKO, Jason Njoku, said, “We have been passionate about bringing affordable content to viewers across Africa. This is just another milestone towards that. Internet TV will enable hundreds of millions of fans across the continent to finally be able to access awesome content.

“We see the web and mobile platform almost as equal to DTH and DTT platforms in the next few years and our focus is on achieving this in Africa.

Saipem wins $540m offshore drilling contract in Nigeria, others

BY EDIRI EJOH, with agency report

I

TALIAN oil services group Saipem has won a new offshore drilling contracts worth over N86.4 billion ($540million) in Nigeria, Indonesia, the Arabian Gulf and West Africa inclusively.

According to the company, the contract for the second generation semi-submersible rig Scarabeo in West Africa, capable of operation in water depths of 1,500ft, has been extended to March 2015.

Saipem, however said that apart from the offshore deals, it was also awarded new onshore contracts worth approx-

imately $310 million relating to 31 drilling rigs in South America, which include 21 in Venezuela, seven in Peru, two in Colombia and one in Ecuador.

Although, the new management of Italy ’s Eni had planned to press on with the sale of a controlling stake in oil services subsidiary Saipem so it can focus on the more lucrative business of finding oil and gas.

Former ENI CEO Paolo Scaroni had inked in plans to dispose of Saipem but they were put on hold when Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi drafted in new management to run the state-controlled oil giant.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014—25

Osun:

When Jonathan returned home Osun State as a birthday gift for him.

Speaking further, President Jonathan said “we don’t want to bore you about the Federal Government projects that we are doing in this state and across the south west. We are coming back to give you our report card so that we don’t keep you waiting. The people of this state have spoken that they love PDP and that they want PDP.” Soliciting support for the party’s candidate, he said “Omisore is somebody well known to you, he is a grassroots man, he is not one of those who stay on the hilltop or in ivory towers to look down on other people as mere mortals and them as little gods. Omisore and the government at the centre, will work together to develop this state.

We need somebody at the grassroots.”

T

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP last Saturday formally handed over the party flag to its gubernatorial candidate in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore. The flame and flavour of hope was overwhelming at the rally

By DapoAkinrefon IT was a sort of homecoming for President Goodluck Jonathan to Osun State last Saturday. Not too far away from Osogbo, the state capital in Iresi in Boluwaduro Local government area, was home to the young Jonathan many years ago when he partook in the compulsory National Youth Service Corps scheme. But this time around, Dr. Jonathan was in for a purely political event, to fan the momentum for his own political ambition to stretch his hold on the Nigerian presidency in 2015.

President Jonathan is not ignorant of the fact that a win for his PDP this Saturday would break the backbone of the opposition APC and properly position him as the man to beat next year.

As early as 8am, members and supporters of the PDP from across the 30 local government areas in Osun State, began trooping into the 20,000 capacity stadium in Osogbo, the state capital.

The little rain shower did not deter them from witnessing the official hand over of the PDP flag to the Osun State governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

Security in and around the stadium was tightened to forestall any form of violence at the rally.

Fierce looking security operatives, were on ground to frisk all who converged at the stadium.

Aside this, as side attractions, two Fuji music maestros, Abbas Obesere and Taiye Currency were on hand to thrill the

audience.

Saturday’s rally also coincided with the 60th birthday anniversary of Vice President Namadi Sambo, who has turned out to be one of the leading combatants in the PDP against the APC. Fittingly, a birthday song was rendered in honour of the number two citizen by party supporters at the stadium.

Goodwill messages

T

op PDP leaders took turns

to give their goodwill messages. Among them were the PDP National Woman leader, Dr. Kema Chikwe, PDP national youth leader, Mr Abdullahi Maibasira.

Former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, in his remarks said the election of Omisore would help to stop what he described as the defilement of the state treasury.

Speaking in Yoruba, he said “all the money being carted away to Lagos must come to an end.

Enough is enough because our eyes are open.”

Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Akwa Ibom governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio on his part said “we are here to commend the people of Osun State for returning to mainstream politics.

I know that the people of Osun State are ready to experience uncommon transformation.”

Governor-elect of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose was also on ground to encourage the people of Osun State to cast their votes for the PDP candidate.

We’ll get back our mandate— Adamu Mu’azu

P

resenting the party flag to

Omisore, the PDP chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu expressed optimism that the PDP will coast home to victory come August 9.

He was categorical that “that PDP is Osun and Osun people are PDP..”

Speaking further, the PDP chairman said “You have been patient, you have been waiting for the great day, come August 9, the Almighty God will use you to bring back our mandate under the able leadership of our flag bearer and candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore.”

We’ll deal with thugs, miscreants—Jonathan

P

resident

Goodluc

Jonathan, who arrived late for the occasion first apologized for

his late arrival saying he first had to pay courtesies on some prominent traditional rulers in the state including the Ooni of Ife, Ataoja of Osogbo among others.

He subsequently threatened that miscreants and thugs who attempt to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election would be dealt with by security operatives.

He also appealed to the people of Osun state to vote for the PDP and its standard bearer, Senator Iyiola Omisore, promising to bring more developmental projects to the state.

He urged the people to deliver

We’ll vote Aregbesola out— Omisore n his response, the candidate, Omisore said the people of Osun State are prepared to vote out the administration of Mr Rauf Aregbesola.

He said “on behalf of Osun State PDP and indeed the entire people of Osun state, I thank you most sincerely for this visit and the opportunity given to me to fly the party’s flag. I want to assure you by God’s grace, on August 9, we shall emerge victorious. To end Aregbesola’s regime in Osun State, what we are going to do is to use our voters’ card which is our power

I

ROLL CALL President Goodluck Jonathan Vice President Namadi Sambo Emeka Ihedioha—Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Adamu Mu’azu—PDP National chairman Tony Anenih—chairman, Board of Trustees Godswill Akpabio—Akwa Ibom governor and chairman PDP Governors’’ Forum Gabriel Suswam—Benue State governor Ayodele Fayose—Governor-elect, Ekiti State Mukhtar Yero—Kaduna State governor Akinwumi Adesina—Minister for agriculture Dimeji Bankole—former Speaker, House of Representatives Adebayo Alao-Akala—former governor of Oyo State Femi Fani-Kayode—Former Aviation minister Erelu Olusola Obada—former Minister of State for Defence Uche Secondus—deputy national chairman of PDP Olisa Metuh—PDP National Publicity Secretary Professor Wale Oladipo—PDP national secretary Kemm Achikwe—PDP national women leader Jubril Martins Kuye Abiodun Olujimi—former deputy governor of Ekiti State Mrs Bucknor Akerel—former deputy governor of Lagos state Chief Bode George—BOT member Prince Kashamu Buruji Mr Jimi Agbaje—PDP governorship aspirant in Lagos state Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi Shuaib Oyedokun

Absentees

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo—former President of Nigeria Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola—former governor of Osun State C M Y K

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

OSUN GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION FACE-OFF Why Osun poll will not be APC is more about like Ekiti —Salaam, Osun Speaker propaganda

zSays Olasehinde-Mustapha

BY DAPO AKINREFON

H

on Funmilayo Olasehinde-Mustapha, served as a local government chairman of Ifedayo on the platform of PDP between 1998 and 2002. She was a member of the Osun State House of Assembly from 2003-2007. She is currently the Director of Organisation, the Omisore/Bello Campaign Organisation. In this interview she takes a swipe at the APC, among other issues. Excerpts:

M

r Najeem Salaam is the Speaker of the House State House of Assembly. In this interview, Salaam maintains that the outcome of the Ekiti State governorship election will not have any impact in Osun State. The Speaker also chided the Federal Government for allegedly stifling the state by deducting it’s allocation. Excerpts: How do you respond to President Goodluck Jonathan’s remarks that his party, the PDP, will reclaim Osun State? ell, people are entitled to their opinions. As a politician and as president who belongs to a political party, he is entitled to his own opinion. He can say whatever he wants whichever way he wants to say it. But that is not the reality on ground in Osun state.

That will also lead me to react to what the Vice President, Namadi Sambo said that the man who came through the back door, will surely go through the back door. He was referring to the judgement of a competent court as a back door judgement. That is the implication of what he is saying. It is a bad signal he is sending to the judiciary and to the country.

President Jonathan has a right to speak on. Behalf of his party, but he should be mindful and careful of what his utterances in order not to cause chaos.

What effect do you think the Ekiti poll will have on Osun governorship election?

It does not have any serious impact in Osun State as far as we are concerned but it boosted the ego of the PDP. The PDP knows that Osun is unlike Ekiti State. What the governor has done so far will give our party victory on August 9. We know and the PDP knows that Ekiti and Osun states differ and the outcome will be in our favour.

Are you not worried over the growing level of attacks at the campaign rallies?

I am worried because of the violence that the PDP has introduced to the campaign rallies. I am also worried when the candidate of a political party is being guarded by masked persons. That is not democracy.

Look at the number of troops deployed to Ekiti State and from what we are hearing, they want to double the troops to be deployed to Osun state.

Are you kicking against the use of troops deployment for the August 9 elections?

Yes. We do not need it. What we are saying is that we have soldiers at Ede, they can make use of those rather than importing troops and security personnel into the state. If troops are imported, no one will detect real or fake soldiers.

In the constitution of our country, the only person who can declare curfew in a state is the governor unless there is a serious crisis. We are not at war, we are only preparing for elections. Why should

W

Your party has been consistently accused of carrying out attacks on other political parties especially on the APC, how true is this? his is very untrue, everyone is aware APC is just about propaganda; they make up stories in their favour at all times and they are full of condemnation whenever the situation does not give them room to take charge.We are peace lovers in PDP;there is no record of such on the side of PDP except for APC attacks on PDP members in some council areas. As PDP campaign train left Ifetedo for other places at the council area, a heavy and intimidating crowd received Omisore. It was overwhelming, APC members began to attack PDP members after we left, calls were received and the police was notified for necessary action.

Some have disagreed over your party’s insistence that the current administration has failed.

Many of us in PDP Osun State permanently reside in Osun State, we live with the people. This enables us to understand the people and what it requires to develop the people and the environment.

Unlike the present administration, the appointees do not live with the people, they are Lagos residents working in Osun. Their little knowledge of the environment resulted in the inability of Governor Aregbesola’s administration to get to the heart of the good people of Osun State. Some of Aregbesola's projects did not go down well with the people of Osun State. One is merging of schools, students of all public primary and secondary schools were instructed to wear the same uniform to every school in the entire state.

What new initiative will your party be bringing on board if elected?

Our party shall restore dignity to the education sector by separating merged schools, all schools shall return to their old school uniforms for proper identification.

Thereafter, schools shall be given face-lifts such as employing more teachers, and adequate provision of all educational material for students. Senator Omisore as governor of Osun state shall put an end to O’YES programme by APC government, whereby all university/polytechnic /NCE graduates who are recruited to serve as labourers on our roads on O’YES programme shall be given proper employment in their various disciplines, while the less educated shall be recruited to take over the labour duty.

Aside this, why should the people of Osun State cast their votes for your party and candidate?

The policy of the present administration is too harsh on the people of Osun State. I live here in Osun, and I listen to what many

T

•Salaam they say people should not move from Friday, August 8 till Saturday night.

Movement should not be restricted, they should not unnecessarily heat up the polity in Osun state.

But there have been insinuations that some members of your party have been using the State Boys to cause mayhem?

I have not seen where the State Boys were used to cause mayhem in the state.

But some members of the State Boys were arrested after a rally at Ilesha?

Those that were arrested were coming from a rally, they were not involved in any vice, they were stopped and picked up by the security agencies. Let me tell you that the plan of the PDP is to implicate some APC leaders in order to get them arrested.

Your party has raised an alarm over a plan to assassinate the governor.

In every rumour, there is an element of truth. Not only the governor, most of us have been listed.

Have you made any formal report to the Police?

We are waiting because we do not know what is wrong with the system. We do not know who to report to, we do not know who to trust or who can secure you.

One is scared to report.

The government has been accused of not doing any new basic infrastructure?

People that are blind cannot see what we are doing. If one is blind, he or she will not see the development going on in Osun State. There is no local government in this state that does not have a tarred road inspite of the meagre resources we have.

Not minding the dwindling allocation to the state, we are moving on. We have managed to pay salaries and execute developmental projects. The federal government does not give us money because they do not want us to perform, all in the name of politics.

That is against the principle of true federalism. We have been denied funds to uplift our people. Some people are jittery because Aregbesola is performing.

•Olasehinde-Mustapha say, people feel enslaved. A PDP government shall bring succour to our people in many ways. We understand the environment better, we are sure of what is best for the growth of our area, we shall make life worth living for the people, government is about the people and for the people.

But the opposition insists that your candidate is not popular.

Haba! I disagree! Osun people love Omisore, Omisore has been in this system for many years, he served as deputy governor at the time I served as local government council chairman, he served the people at the Senate twice. He won the senatorial seat while he was held in prison at the time of investigation, the people of Osun love him more, the song in Osun at the moment is in favour of Omisore. The response from people at the campaign ground is an evidence to this, coupled with positive comments from individuals and groups over Omisore’s candidature. I am very sure Osun people shall stand before the entire nation to present Omisore as Osun State governor on Saturday 9, August 2014.

Many see the recent expulsion of six chieftains of your party as a wrong decision which may affect the fortunes of your party on the day of the election. What is your opinion?

You know PDP is a very big family, expulsion of some people from the party is like off loading burden from an over-loaded vehicle.

The opposition has accused your party of collaborating with INEC and the Federal Government to manipulate the election in your favour, what do you have to say to this allegation?

They based their allegation on the recent redeployment of Mr Akeju, the former REC. I cannot understand why APC complains of provision of adequate security at the poll.

I wonder why. Security men are expected to ensure peace at this period. They cannot vote, so how would they manipulate the election in favour of PDP? What are your expectations from INEC and security agencies on the day of the election?

We look forward to a peaceful, free and fair election as it was in Ekiti.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014—27

I am destined to succeed Akpabio – Umana M r. Umana Okon Umana was a two time Commissioner for Finance in the Victor Attah administration in Akwa Ibom State and served as the Secretary to State Government under Akpabio’s administration until last year. He is one of the leading gubernatorial aspirants in the race to succeed the incumbent. In a session with newsmen in Uyo, he spoke on his aspiration and allied issues.

Excerpts:

While you were Secretary to State Government it was severally alleged you had a pact with the incumbent to succeed him. Is it true? hat is important is that I am in the race and I am committed. It does not matter who could have made suggestions to me in the past or who offered to support me in the past. I think that is academic because whether the incumbent governor offered to support me in the past, with other people, or whether he has changed his mind today, what is important I believe is that I will be running for the office of the governor because I believe I have something to offer in that regards, to make my contributions that is to better the lots of our people, so I will not want to focus on whether the governor promised that he would support me in the past or whether he is no longer supporting me. That is all in the past.

W

Is it true that the wife of the governor forced you out of office?

I believe that based on my letter of disengagement, if we have to go by that, the governor thanked me for my services and for my contributions to the development of the state and wished me well, so that will show that we have come to that point where we felt we had to separate. When I also heard reports that my office had been sealed up by Police and SSS and in fact it was on AIT, on Channels and on NTA, it couldn’t have been mere speculation…because I severally saw on the news bar of AIT, Channels and NTA that my office had been sealed up by Police and SSS and I believe that may be the Commissioner of Information must have issued a statement or must have contacted those news platforms before they could go ahead, and they had that running for two to three days. So it couldn’t have been speculations. So I wasn’t in the office when that happened so I am not in the

position to confirm who led the operation. But just like you, I also read that it was the wife of the governor who led the operation then, I was not an eyewitness so I am not in the position to confirm whether that was true, but I also read the story.

According to reports sometime ago you petitioned the human rights commission about threat messages to you can you give clarification into this?

It is our petition, and it is not a personal thing. It is not about Umana Okon Umana. It is about all of us who have been threatened or who feel threatened and we stated why we felt the appropriate authorities should carry on with investigations.

The issues of kidnapping, assassinations you are now raising are not new and were raised while you were a key part of government. So, why

,

BY CHIOMA ONUEGBU, UYO

latform you are running under did not give you the ticket, what will be your next option?

Well if you are an aspirant you will be running of course to win, you do your best and you then believe that the del-

You think that because I served in the last administration that whatever transpired then I must have been the one who gave the advice

are you raising them now?

You think that because I served in the last administration that whatever transpired then I must have been the one who gave the advice. I don’t think that I can give advice for murder, assassination, or criminal issues. I don’t think it so. I only operated and acted within the mandate of my office. And let me also point out that even in government it is the governor who is the Chief Security Officer, because all the security chiefs report to the governor. And as the governor who is vested with the executive powers to run the state constitutionally, that means he must take responsibility and that is why nobody will talk about the Umana or Udom administration because they were SSG. Assuming that the ruling party PDP which is the party

,

egates will support you to emerge as the flag bearer of the party, so I am contesting to win and of course I believe that with the consultations going on already give that indication that we have massive support from all over the state and that by the special grace of God we are looking forward to my victory at the primaries, so the issue of plan B does not arise at all.

Is it true that you are planning to join forces with other aspirants against the interest of government?

Well, I don’t know why government should have an interest as government. I don’t know why because when we say that there should be a level playing field we are saying that everybody should be given an equal opportunity, then let the people of Akwa Ibom state vote and decide.

That is all that we are asking for. And we have been very consistent with our position.

And we have also made references. We made reference to the past, even when the incumbent governor also contested the primaries against 57 other aspirants in 2006.

The then governor did not interfere, he did not issue threats. We did not have report about former Governor Attah threatening aspirants or delegates that they will die or that they will not come near the venue where the primaries will be held, within 4 kilometers radius, you see there was nothing like that, everybody was given an opportunity to go round to make consultation, to reach out to the delegates, to reach out to the party.

Is it true that you were offered appointment to the position of Managing Director of NDDC and you rejected it?

You cannot reject something that is not there. That is the truth, you only reject something unless it is a concrete offer then you can say you rejected the offer and you can only have an offer when your name goes to the Senate. Was my name sent to the Senate for the position of MD of the NDDC? If my name was never sent to the Senate then there was no offer, so I couldn’t have rejected something that was not there, that is the truth.

Zoning of Governorship position Even the governor himself in the past had said that he is not a product of zoning. He said so on national television when the Minister of Information came for the good governance tour. During the town hall meeting when the question was put to him about zoning he said he was not a product of zoning and that in 2006 they were 58 contestants from the three senatorial districts and that it was not zoned exclusively to any particular senatorial district. The party did not bar anybody, so you had aspirants from all the 3 senatorial districts. That was in 2006. Again in 2011 we had Frank Okon from Eket Senatorial district, we had Imoh Udo from Uyo senatorial district and I think Frank Okon is still in court, he is still contesting and some of his supporters are very optimistic, they are even hoping that he may be declared governor.

Can you clear the air on insinuation in some quarters that you were rejected by Abuja?

This is the kind of story they tell you in palm wine joints, with isiewu and dog meat. So there is no such thing. Even the national chairman said that the race is open. You see the race cannot be open and then someone is rejected, so there is no such thing. The race is open.

28—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Defection: Oyinlola on edge •We Are Not Bothered — PDP

BY Gbenga Olarinoye

A

NXIETY over the political direction of erstwhile governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola was at feverish pitch yesterday with claims that he would be defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP today.

Oyinlola it was learnt is expected to defect at the scheduled mega rally of the APC in Osogbo today.

Contacted on the development yesterday, Oyinlola told Vanguard over the telephone “you will get the action tomorrow (today).” Pressed further, he said: “You will get the action tomorrow. I can confirm to you that it is true”.

The PDP in the state was, however, dismissive of the development describing it as inconsequential.

•Oyinlola The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Bola Ajao said “the PDP will win the governorship election in the state whether Oyinlola leaves the party or he remains there,” adding “ we are not bothered

with the defection of Oyinlola.”

Oyinlola was said to have met with the leadership of the APC and his expected to defect to the party alongside his supporters in all the 30 Local Government Areas of the state.

APC directs officers to swarm Osun

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

I

N a seeming determination to show muscle this Saturday, the APC yesterday directed all its elected office holders to flood the state. The move is coming as the national secretariat of the opposition party was temporarily moved from Abuja to the battleground state.

The national officers who are expected to report in the state from today are to remain till the Saturday election, a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed yesterday.

The party said the move is part of the effort to show solidarity with the party candidate, Governor Rauf

By Dapo Akinrefon

T

HE protests by the APC nonetheless, the military was yesterday deployed around strategic locations around the state.

Already, soldiers have taken strategic positions across the state. Vehicles and motorcyclists were yesterday being frisked at checkpoints mounted by the soldiers.

The soldiers were very conspicuous in Osogbo, Olorunda, Kajola, Ilesha areas of the state when Vanguard correspondents moved across the state.

Reacting to the development yesterday, the APC through a statement issued by its publicity secretary, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi

•Aregbesola Aregbesola.

Mohammed,

said

the

directive covers all political appointees in states under the control of the APC, especially Special Advisers and Commissioners.

Also expected in Osogbo are members of the party ’s national exco and the national elders’ caucus.

APC said it perceives the forthcoming election as a celebration of democracy and a harvest time for the party, whose candidate has worked so hard to implement his mandate and make life more abundant for the people of the state.

The party also called on its members in Osun to be vigilant ahead of the poll, considering the myriad of desperate tactics being perfected by the PDP to reap where it claimed the party did not sow.

The former governor was conspicuously absent at the campaign rally of the PDP where President Goodluck Jonathan and other national leaders of the party including the party ’s National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu addressed the gathering.

Oyinlola was seen in Osogbo yesterday in a motorcade after he had reportedly met with some of his loyalists and some APC leaders in the state.

Oyinlola was Governor of Osun state from 2003 to November, 2010 when Governor Rauf Aregbesola took over from him following a judgment of the Court of Appeal which nullified Oyinlola’s re-election in 2007.

He later contested for the post of the PDP National Secretary and won but was later suspended and replaced by Professor Wale Oladipo who is also an indigene of the state.

Omoluabi Garment clarifies ownership status

T

By Dapo Akinrefon

HE management of Sam and Sara Uniforms, makers of the school uniform used throughout the state has expressed displeasure over the news that its subsidiary company, Omoluabi Garment is fronting for Osun First Lady, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola.

The CEO of the company, Mrs. Folake Oyemade described the rumour as not only malicious, but also a damaging falsehood capable of misinforming the public and the good people of the state.

She spoke at a press conference in Osogbo yesterday.

Soldiers take strategic positions said the move was aimed to prevent today’s planned mega rally of the party.

“Information reaching the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress indicates that security forces have started a planned

lock-down of Osogbo capital of the State of Osun to prevent crowds of supporters from attending the APC rally slated for tomorrow Tuesday August 5th, 2014.”

“Road blocks and checkpoints

have been mounted on all roads leading to Osogbo from within and outside the state causing traffic bottlenecks and logjams.

This will also increase in intensity between today and tomorrow.”

Governorship debate: Aregbesola, Omisore, Akinbade absent

T

HE PDP, APC and LP candidates, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola failed to show up the debate organised by the Osun council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ in collaboration with broadcasting

stations in the state.

The trio were among the six candidates short listed for the debate by the NUJ. In his address, the state NUJ chairman, Mr Biodun Olalere, who gave reasons for their absence, said “ we received messages from candidates of

the Labour Party, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade and the PDP, Senator Iyiola Omisore excusing themselves from the programme due to other political engagements.”

The governor, who was to join the debate, also failed to show up.

APC plans to disrupt Osun poll—PDP

BY Dapo Akinrefon

•Omisore

T

HE PDP candidate, Senator Omisore yesterday accused the APC of planning to rig the election.

Speaking through his director of Media and Strategy, Prince Diran Odeyemi, Omisore said: “our attention has been drawn to a directive by the APC that all its members from all the states under the party’s control should converge on Osogbo as from tomorrow (today) for Saturday’s election. This is the latest in series of the attempt by the APC to cause mayhem and disrupt the August 9 election.”

It flayed the directive as “reprehensible for a party that claims his candidate has done so well and will win Saturday’s election convincingly to now turn itself to an army of occupation.”

It further alleged that “this has further lent credence to the fact that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has perfected plans to use his standing army codenamed ‘state boys’ and other unscrupulous elements to rig the election.”

Besides, it stated that “It is an open secret that some of these states have more than a thousand political appointees.”

“We are not surprised by the antics of the APC because just last week, the party was calling for postponement and this is a clear indication of their level of unpreparedness.”

“We want to urge all the security apparatus to be vigilant and should not allow any desperate politician to turn Osun to war zone in the guise of winning by hook or crook”, it alleged.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 , 2014—29

C M Y K

30 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

By Theodore Opara

Jaguar set to unveil XE model J

AGUAR will unveil the latest addition to its sports saloon car family, the Jaguar XE, in London next month. The event will mark the unveiling of a true driver’s car; one that redefines the concept of the sports saloon – a segment that Jaguar created over 50 years ago with iconic models like the Mark II. A statement from Jaguar says that the company will bring levels of innovation never seen before in this segment – with its lightweight construction expertise and sophisticated chassis technology in addition to the new family of Ingenium engines – all designed, engineered and

manufactured in the UK. Built around an all-new, aluminium-intensive architecture, the XE combines thrilling performance, agile handling and precise, responsive steering, with outstanding levels of refinement. Like Cross, Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity, said: “Jaguars have always been renowned for a balance of precise handling and a high-quality ride.

The XE is the culmination of everything the company has learned over the years. The Integral Link rear suspension provides a combination of supple ride and crisp handling that is unmatched in this segment. We are on tar-

get to deliver a vehicle that dynamically outperforms our rivals.”

The Jaguar XE is equipped with Integral link rear suspension.

Unique to this segment, the Integral Link suspension delivers major benefits over conventional multi-link designs. By providing lateral and longitudinal stiffness, the integral link delivers sharp response and handling while retaining a refined, luxurious ride.

Many components of the Integral Link suspension have been forged or hollow-cast in aluminium.

These are the optimum production techniques to produce a strong, light-

weight solution.

The XE’s front suspension is based on F-TYPE sportscar.

Mounted to a subframe with cast aluminium suspension towers, the XE’s double wishbone front suspension delivers the highest levels of handling and road holding.

The advanced design is based on Jaguar’s flagship

PSA Peugeot Citroen enters deal with PAN P

AP France Vice president, Mr. Yves Moulin (2nd right); Managing Director, PAN Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Boyi (2nd left); Zonal Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Andre Lorgere (right) and PSA Director of Programmes, Alejandro E. Gonzalez moments after signing commercial and technical agreement in Paris, France.

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F-TYPE sportscar and includes some key components designed to deliver Jaguar XFR-levels of stiffness. These ensure the XE enjoys a similar level of agility and ‘connected’ steering feel. Like the rear suspension, many components are made from cast and forged aluminium and some are produced using a patented process.

Class-leading steering feel is one of Jaguar XE attributes.

Jaguar is renowned for its steering feel and this will now move to the next level as the XE becomes the first Jaguar to be equipped with the latest generation Electric Power Assisted Steering.

Our latest software algorithms now allow much greater scope for tuning than hydraulic-based systems and deliver better quality steering feel. Other benefits include variable steering damping, ease of low-speed manoeuvring and the ability to adapt to Jaguar Drive Control settings. EPAS also enables a range of Active Safety and Driver Aid features.

All Surface Progress Control is another Jaguar XE’s attributes.

Even with the best traction control, rear-wheel drive cars can struggle to pull away from rest on very slippery surfaces.

For that reason, Jaguar has developed All Surface Progress Control, a completely new feature in its class.

Developed with the input of decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, ASPC can electronically gain traction with far less drama than a human driver can achieve. The system works like a low-speed cruise control to deliver optimum traction in the most slippery conditions without skidding and without the driver using the pedals.

SA Peugeot Citroën and PAN Nigeria Limited have signed an agreement on assembly and sale of cars agreement in Nigeria. According to a statement from PAN Nigeria, the first vehicle concerned by the agreement will be the Peugeot 301, the assembly of which will begin in the second half of 2014 at the Kaduna plant.

Under the terms of the agreement, PAN Nigeria Limited will also be able to assemble the Peugeot 508 and the Peugeot 308.

Peugeot will leverage a network of roughly a dozen dealers that will be capable of rapidly implementing the quality standards required by the Brand and supporting its business growth in Nigeria.

The agreement is aligned with the new automotive industry development policy established by the Nigerian government.

Africa’s most populous nation with about 170 million people, and its largest economy with GDP of €372 billion in 2013 and growth of 7.4% forecast for 2014, Nigeria is emerging as a key growth driver at the level of the entire continent.

Commenting on the signature of this new agreement, JeanChristophe Quémard, Operations Director, Africa-Middle East said: “This assembly agreement perfectly illustrates what the Group aims to achieve with its new region-based organisation.

As announced in the “Back in the Race” strategic plan, we are going to focus more on growth markets. The assembly of the Peugeot 301 in Nigeria, a growth pillar in Africa, will enable the Group to take full advantage of growth opportunities in the market.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 — 31

By Theodore Opara

Stallion NMN expands Nissan network, opens Abuja facility S

TALLION NMN, au thorised Nissan Sales Company has restated its commitment to the Nissan brand and its growing customers with the inauguration of a State-of-the-art 3s (sales, spares & service) facility in Abuja.

Stallion NMN who was in April 2013 inducted as the Nissan Sales Company, described the new Abuja 3s facility as one of its core strategies of delivering world-class consumer experience, adding that the growing consumer base will soon become increasingly motorised with Nissan at the forefront of initiatives to capture the Nigerian automobile market.

Parvir Singh, Managing Director, Stallion NMN, who gave these remarks in his keynote address at the ceremony said: “Nissan’s three-year objective conveys the responsibility of repositioning and enhancing Nissan’s influence in the Nigerian market” He said Stallion NMN has “consistently intensified efforts to make Nissan Nigeria’s preferred brand and that was why we rolled out in April the first set of made-in-Nigeria Nissan vehicles including Nissan Almera / Sunny, NP300 pickup and high end SUV Patrol at our plant in Lagos.”

“We also told the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan at the presentation of these vehicles in Abuja recently that we aim to reaffirm our commitment to the New National Automotive Policy, initiated by the Government of Nigeria.”

NAC Policy seeks to encourage vehicle assembly against importation of fully built vehicles, thereby giving better value to customers’ and saving valuable foreign exchange for the country while generating local skills and employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, Stallion NMN has expanded the Nissan line-up with the addition of iconic models like GT-R and 370Z with some recently introduced exciting B, C, D, SUV and LCV segment (Almera/ Sunny, Sentra, Teana/Altima, Pathfinder and Urvan) vehicles.

These vehicles are competitively priced and are capturing significant market share, Mr. Singh added.

He said Stallion NMN is already reaping the dividend of Nissan global C M Y K

mid-term plan - Power 88, which he described as proactive.

“Even though we were inaugurated only last year, we took off on a high note with favourable growth indices that are significant to our achievement. Our sales

volumes are consistently growing due to the favourable patronage that we have received from our valued customers” He enumerated plans to expand Nissan service network through the appointment of more dealers to enhance customer

satisfaction by providing high quality service at a reasonable price.

“We wish to add value to the lives of our customers by providing uniformity of user experience through standardisation of high quality service” he added.

Also adding that Nissan is a global brand with reputation for excellent performance with pride in meeting global quality and service standards, Mr. Singh said “we are committed to upholdingthe reputation of Nissan by making the brand

one of Nigeria’s most sought after vehicle.”

Plans are however ongoing to open more ultramodern showrooms in Victoria Island and PortHarcourt with the launch of two additional exciting models this year, he noted.

Hyundai targets Mercedes, BMW markets with all-new Genesis T

HE Koreans are mak ing frantic entry into the luxury car segment where premium carmakers like Cadillac, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi have for some time now enjoyed unrestricted access.

But the coming of Hyundai Genesis into the fold could change the trend and somewhat reposition the Korean Hyundai automaker as the new kid-on-the-block.

The USNews’ rankingsandreviews.com acknowledged this revelation in one of its recently released analysis of 2015 luxury cars, where it ranked the inventiveness of the redesigned Hyundai Genesis No. 3 out of 14 luxury large cars.

It also described as inviting thewell-crafted cabin and powerful engines of the fully redesigned Genesis which offers luxury amenities at a lower price than most rivals.

“This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of reliability and safety data of the Hyundai Genesis” USNews explained.

Hyundai has no doubt

taken a wisely conservative approach with the new Genesis that offers what exactly buyers are looking for in an executive sedan bold grille treatment, with some neat detailing around the lights, a sharp crease running down the side and a sleeker rear end.

The refinement is sincerely impressive; even when you really push the V6 engine it makes a good noise and the gearshifts are superbly slick to ensure better handling.

Powered by either a 3.8litre 311Hp V6 GDI engine or 5.0litre 420Hp V8 engine both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Genesis produces ample power to satisfy most drivers and it idles smoothly and offers immediate throttle response.

International automotive journalists report that the Hyundai Genesis offers a comfortable ride over rugged roads with sharp steering and well-controlled handling in turns.

Its striking design and inspired craftsmanship with innovative safety technology have to some extent given the Genesis an edge over rivals. This is in addition to the spacious, comfortable seats for all passengers and a stylish interior that features premium materials and excellent fit and finish.

Auto writers report that the Genesis’ audio, phone and navigation settings are easy to access, with buttons and a control knob that operate similarly to Audi’s

MMI infotainment system.

Patrons in Nigeria according to Hyundai Nigeria Motors, custodian of the brand said patrons can get the Genesis on order with optional features such as a rear-view camera, dualzone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touch-screen navigation system, Bluetooth, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, proximity key, push-button start, satellite radio, HD Radio and a USB port.

32 — Vanguard, TUESDAY TUESDAY,, AUGUST 5, 2014

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 — 33

By Theodore Opara

Peace Mass Transit, FRSC parley on road safety T

HE upward spiral of accidents on Nigeria roads has been a sore point in our national life.

In this report, FRANCIS IGATA writes on the efforts of Peace Mass Transit,PMT, in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corp,FRSC, to halt the burgeoning rate of accidents and instill high standard in the company’s drivers.

From empirical statistics globally, it has been adduced that road accidents

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are the fourth leading causes of deaths.

In Nigeria, the poor transport infrastructure in the country has over stretched the land transport system which is responsible for the movement of over 70 million Nigerians to their various destination.

Recently, a leading land transport company in Nigeria, Peace Mass Transit,PMT, organized a one-week training exercise for its 4,000 drivers

in the company’s fleet at the company’s headquarters, No 2, Destiny Layout, Emene,Enugu.

Peace Mass Transit, a subsidiary of Peace Group Limited, founded in the year 1995, could be regarded as a “national career” in terms of land transport, as it moves over 45 million Nigerians around the six geopolitical zones of the country annually.

With regular staff strength of over 4,000, the

company operates motor parks in 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Primed to ensure and maintain safety on roads, PMT, recently in collaboration with FRSC, embarked on its third quarterly training of the company drivers.

Tagged: “Safety Consciousness as a habit,” the training serves as a continuous reminder to drivers on the inherent need to imbibe high safety

From left: Representative of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Sector Commander, Enugu State, Mrs Rose Anosike; Managing Director, Peace Mass Transit, PMT, Mr Samuel Onyishi and Training Officer, FRSC Enugu Sector, Mrs Josephine Oranegbo during a training programme for PMT drivers in Enugu.

driving standards while plying the highways.

Declaring the exercise open, the Sector Commander, FRSC, Enugu, Corps Commander, Abayomi Olawoyin represented by Assistant Corps Commander, Rose Anosike, noted that,”FRSC has a vision of making roads safe in Nigeria. Road Transportation plays a very important role in the socio-economic development of Nigeria, but like other developing economies of the world,the national efforts of economic development are being thwarted by threats of road traffic crashes, most of which are caused by human factor. ”Road crashes and fatalities have become a common sight on our highways and cities. The waste of human and material values which generally characterizes accidents may constitute a great deal of problems/ concern to the employer. ”Road safety you will agree with me is a shared responsibility better achieved when all the key group share a culture of road safety. Road users must take responsibility for complying with traffic laws and engaging in safe road behaviors/culture. Unfortunately, this level of commitment is yet to be achieved. ”Accidents are predictable, and very few indeed are the fault of either the road or the vehicle, in most cases, it has been found that the causes of the road traffic crashes was due to ‘human error’ or in other words, ‘the driver failed to cope with situation which confronted him’.”

She however revealed that the aim of the training therefore is to enable PMT drivers to drive to such acceptable standard that they cannot be criti-

cized or faulted by others and that their methods of driving will set an example and gain the respect and cooperation of other drivers and the general public. ”In addition to driving to high standard, PMT drivers at the end of this training,must exercise restraint, patience, tolerance,discipline and show consideration towards other road users and most importantly drive at all times to the recommendations of Highway Code” said the Sector Commander.

Responding, the Managing Director/CEO, Peace Group, Dr. Samuel Onyishi, maintained that,”the company is determined to ensure the safety of its passengers as a leading transport company in the country. ”We equally have an inhouse safety department that ensures the continuous training and re-training of our drivers. ”We are bent on eliminating the human factors in road crashes among our drivers. We will continue to remind our drivers on the need to imbibe these driving ethics so that safety consciousness will always be in them.

Said Onyishi” He maintained that PMT is the first mass transit company to introduce Speed Control Device,SCD, in all its mini-vans in 2009 even as he expressed gladness over the partnership with FRSC which has placed the company on a pedestal of safety.

In his remarks, the General Manager, PMT, Mr. Sylvanus Ozioko, assured its teeming customers of the company ’s readiness to sustain the quarterly training of its drivers which will ultimately lead to drastic reduction of carnages on our roads.

34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

New Adiyan waterworks targets 733 gallons daily

By Kingsley Adegboye

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UE to increased demand for water consumption in Lagos State, the government has approved an ambitious plans to commence the construction of Adiyan Water Works Phase II. When completed, it will double the existing 70 million and bring the water work to 140 million gallons per day.

The new plan is coming on the heels of the state’s water corporation LSWC plans to meet the 733 million gallons per day water needs for the projected 29 million population in Lagos in 2020. The target, if met, would give a surplus of 12 million water in the state.

These plans and strategy were unveiled at the media parley last week at the Ijora headquarters of the Corporation.

The corporations Group Managing Director, Mr. Shayo Holloway disclosed that the plan to meet the water needs of the emerging mega-city had fully commenced. He said the first phase of the plan was the completion of 15 additional miniwater works, with only five that were yet to be officially commissioned.

Holloway said that the decision was in line with the international community’s requirement for water consumption. According to him, the scope of expansion is influenced by size in population at any given time.

Size of population “For example, the current water needs in Lagos today is 500million gallons per day, whereas, we are able to provide above 200 million gallons, thus with almost 45 per cent deficit.

However, this deficit is already being addressed with the construction of the additional water works, the provision of independent power project that was completed late last year,” he said.

According to him, the seeming shortage of water supply in Lagos Island was as a result of collapse of transmission trunk under Carter Bridge some years ago. “But as a remedial measure, what we did was the laying of two 600 mm pipes to serve the affected area. But as a final measure, the Corporation has embarked on the laying of 1200 mm pipe that can effectively serve the affected consumers in Lagos Island,” he said.

Holloway described the award of engineering design of Odomola Water Scheme which C M Y K

The new Adiyan water works. has also received the approval of the Governor, as “ the ultimate goal”.

The scheme, when completed is to provide 210 million gallons per day and would be dedicated to serve Ikoyi, Lekki corridor, Epe and Ibeju axis, including the Export Process Zone, EPZ, all along the Epe-Maroko Expressway.

“When this project is completed, Adiyan would be divested from serving several areas, but would solely concentrated in serving only one senatorial district. While Odomola scheme

would be serving mostly Lagos East Senatorial District, Adiyan would be serving the West, while the conglomeration of majority of the existing water works would be serving the Central,” he said.

The corporation, however, urged consumers to tap into its mains instead of patronising water vendors. “Although, we realised that there are some areas that are yet to be connected, but when we must have fully completed the water mains expansion project, most of the areas that are yet to be connected would have the opportunity,” said Hol-

loway.

In a related development, Governor Babatunde Fashola has assured Lagosians of his administration plans to provide steady water supply for them till 2020.

The governor made this promise during an inspection visit to the ongoing expansion of Adiyan Water works. The water works would deliver 70 million gallons of water per day when completed.

Fashola, after the inspection, said the water projects which the administration was implementing would take the state to the

level of sustainable and efficient water supply.

He said, “currently, there are reticulation contracts that have been issued including pipe networks and pipelines being laid across the state to receive the supply of water when it is done.

The planned expansion work at Adiyan, which has been on the drawing board since the 1970s, is expected to give the state 70 million gallons of water per day which is the combined capacity of all the mini water works and micro water works.”

Kogi to build $85bn municipal solid waste recycling plant

By Funmi Olasupo

T

HE Kogi State government last week, unveiled plans to build a solid waste recycling plant worth $85 billion to help curtail the myriad of environmental challenges facing the state.

The proposed plant with has a capacity of 225, 000 tonne annually, would be built in partnership with Cana Resources Nigeria Limited.

Vanguard Homes and Property gathered that the plant will use solid waste to produce energy, organic fertilizers and other bye products.

Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam who is bothered by the insanitary environmental conditions in the country and the

attendant problems that arise from them, said the project would be the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of the plant which was also used to commemorate the 2014 National Environmental Sanitation Day, NESD, Mrs. Mallam said when completed, wastes would be turned into wealth at the plant.

On the theme of this year’s NESD - My Environment, My Health, the Minister said it was chosen to highlight the fact that illnesses such as malaria, cholera, typhoid fever and scabies, occur because of poor environmental practices.

She called on all state governors in the country to emulate the Kogi State government, by building waste recycling plants in their respective States.

“Development is coming to the area where the factory will be sited as this is being done for the benefit of the people... Environmental health problems can be effectively brought under control by instituting effective collaborative measures at Federal, State and Local Government levels through the development and empowerment of environmental health units nationwide,” she stated.

Responding, Kogi State Governor, Capt.

Idris Wada said the sensitisation program is significant, particularly at this period of the year when a lot of unhealthy materials are moved around and dispersed indiscriminately as a result of rain fall and the attendant debris and storm water that flow along with rain water.

Aside from providing a clean environment for Kogi State, the governor said the plant would provide employment for people of the region.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 , 2014—35

An ongoing housing project... Will the 10,000 units be of assistance?

By Jude Njoku

E

IGHT months ago, during the launch of the Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company, NMRC, the President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan promised to provide affordable housing to the millions of homeless Nigerians by the end of the second quarter of the year.

This pledge was made good last week when the government launched the first 10,000 mortgages for the commencement of the presidential Initiative on the delivery of affordable housing

FG tackles 17m housing deficit with 10,000 units to Nigerians.

Nigeria, according to the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QSRBN, requires a whopping N56 trillion to bridge the nation’s housing shortfall estimated to be around 17 million units. The construction cost experts also posited that

the country would need to beef up its current annual housing production from 100,000 units to 700,000 units if the Millennium Development Goal, MDG in the housing sector, would be attained.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Abuja, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the launch was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to fulfil its promise of providing affordable houses to Nigerians.

“The launch today is the actualisation of the promise to move on the road to affordable housing finance for Nigerians,’’ she said, adding that the launch was the kickoff of the first initial 10,000 mortgages to be provided by lenders.

Vanguard Homes & Property

learnt that the scheme would be implemented in partnership with 15 pilot states and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Nairobi-based Shelter Afrique and other development partners such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, ADB and DFID are also lending their weight to the programme.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala outlined the advantages of the new initiative. According to her, the NMRC would provide mortgage lending with access to more liquidity and long term funds. The initiative would also address the limitation faced by banks to deliver mortgage services.

Noting that the ability of banks to deliver mortgage services is limited in view of the fact that about 80 per cent of their deposits are for 30 days

only, the Minister declared, “this does not make for great strength or sustainability in providing resources for the housing sector. The NMRC provides greater access for financing of tenures from 15 to 20 years, instead of people buying houses and paying up in either, 12, 24 or 36 months, it is changed’’.

In her own remarks, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi, described the scheme as a mile stone in the housing sector. He explained that the programme was part of President Jonathan’s transformation agenda to evolve a plan for the timely delivery of affordable housing units to Nigerians.

Mrs Eyakenyi said the ministry has received support from some state governments through the provision of land documents for the provision of the housing units. She appealed to those who are yet to identify with the programme to do so. trajectory of house prices The Managing would be influenced by Director of the Federal the supply of new Mortgage Bank of homes.

Nigeria, FMBN, Mr Earlier shadow Gimba Ya’u Kumo, housing minister Emma described the initiative as Reynolds said that the beginning of a Britain was likely to revolution in the housing have a shortfall of 1.3 sector in the country. homes by 2020 unless FMBN, he said, has more homes were built, concluded arrangements and that would-be to introduce a housing buyers would need to scheme for Nigerians in raise a £72,000 deposit the Diaspora before the to buy a typical property. end of 2014.

New rules on mortgage lending increase UK house prices

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OUSE prices in the UK rose by 0.1 percent in July, the smallest increase in 15 successive months of rises, as new rules on mortgage lending hit the supply of new loans, the UK’s biggest building society said on last week.

The latest figures from Nationwide, according a report published by the Guardian of London,

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showed prices had risen by 10.6 percent since July 2013, a lower rate of annual inflation than in June, when prices were up by 11.8 percent year-on-year.

Despite the slowdown, the average cost of a home reached a new high on Nationwide’s index, hitting £188,949, and the society’s chief economist, Roberty Gardner, said the

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

We are responding well to increasing housing demands —Fashola

By Kingsley Adegboye

A

S the commercial hub of the country, the demand for housing in Lagos is ever increasing. This is mainly due to continuous influx of people into the nation’s commercial capital on a daily basis. These immigrants whose main reason for coming to Lagos is to seek greener pastures, however end up residing in the city that is already over congested.

Despite the ever increasing

involvement in the provision of housing and other related services. He added that a significant number of first class housing developments have emerged across the state.

According to him, the demand for housing continues to remain strong as supply falls short of expectations, thus providing several opportunities to investors.

Governor Fashola noted that the Ministry of Housing has delivered the 256-unit

,

In order to address this trend, we envisioned for ourselves the task of a sustained transformation of Lagos into Africa’s model mega-city

housing needs across the state, the government insists that it is responding well to the challenge. Governor Babatunde Fashola who made the declaration at a recent event in Lagos, explained that his government is providing various forms of housing opportunities for Lagosians, especially those in the lowincome bracket.

The Governor said his administration has also encouraged private sector

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,

Igbogbo Housing Estate at Ikorodu. The estate is sited on 3.352 hectares of land and was built under the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme.

A further break-down shows that the estate comprises 96 units of two-bedroom flats in three twin blocks of 32 units each and 160 units of onebedroom flats in five twin blocks of 32 units each. Each one-bedroom flat has a floor area of 55.80 square meters,

while the two-bedroom flats occupy 97.30 square meters.

Facilities in the estate include a health centre with three consulting rooms, a police post, a miniwaterworks with 35,000 cubic liters daily capacity, shopping complex and security post.

The Governor disclosed that there are other completed and ongoing housing projects across the state to meet the increasing housing needs of Lagosians.

His administration, he said is ready to partner with the private sector in the provision of housing.

According to him, the current Lagos Mortgage Policy was designed to protect the public as the Lagos State Mortgage Bill 2009 was promulgated to provide mortgages for development and acquisition of homes.

The governor maintained that such collaboration would not just ensure the provision of sustainable human settlements, but will also increase productivity, reduce operating costs and attract private capital.

“The result is that while the public will have access to quality and affordable houses, the private sector will

benefit from new business opportunities,”he said.

Business opportunities Fashola hinted that the development of housing estates in parts of the state is predicated on the move to meet the challenges of the Lagos mega city, arguing that it would amount to to nothing if housing programmes are not vigorously pursued.

“In order to address this trend, we envisioned for ourselves the task of a sustained transformation of Lagos into Africa’s model mega-city.

Hence we put in place sustainable human settlement development programmes that will create a better habitat for ourselves and our children”, he said. He added that the state government is not concentrating on urban areas alone, but would also spread development to the sub-urban and rural areas.

He stressed that the future for housing delivery should be private sector driven with government strengthening the operational environment and legal framework for the private sector participation.

Builders storm Ilorin next week for 44th AGM

N

IGERIAN Institute of Building (NIOB), the professional body comprising builders and would-be builders in Nigeria, will be holding her 44th Annual Conference/Annual General Meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State between 11th and 15th August.

The theme of the five-day event is Construction Industry Development Collaborations: Innovations and Capacity Building.

A statement from NIOB made available to Vanguard Homes & Property explained that the choice of the theme is deliberate because it comes with opportunities to explore the potentials of research, collaborations, innovations and professionalism, towards the positive growth and development of the building industry.

Sub-themes slated for discourse include; Construction Industry Development, Research and Technology Development, Strategies in Large Scale Construction Industry, Gender Issues in Construction Industry, “Globalisation and Local Construction Industry”, “innovations and Research in Construction”, “Sustainability in the Built Environment” and “Professional Organisation”.

These sub themes will provide opportunities for peer review in global best practices.

“As builders, our foremost concern is that the construction of buildings will not be left in the hands of quacks, but that builders in Nigeria will continue to play their role effectively as the critical link in production management.

Builders are more apt in imbibing professional technicalities in order to forge professional competences and interface with other building industry practitioners in joint efforts to harness resources for sustainable development.

The professional builder must master the science, management and technology of building practice to sufficiently create innovations and adoption of world best practices as a means of relevance and developmental progress.

Due to modern constructional trends, large scale projects and professional complexity, enormous demands are thus required for higher collaborative synergy and proactive multi-facet task across defined professional roles and responsibilities rather than divisive rivalry and unhealthy competition”, the builders said.

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Vanguard, TUESD AY, AUGUST 5, 2014 — 37 TUESDA

Experts say transmission of Ebola virus by air possible

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

T

HE Ebola Virus is essentially transmitted from human-to-human through direct contact with infected patients, or through contact with body fluids of a victim. However, scientists are not ruling out the possibility of transmission by air through aerosolised particles.

Previously, Canadian scientists have shown that the deadliest form of the Ebola virus (the Zaire Ebola) could be transmitted by air between species.

Although no human over-ther-air transmission of the lethal viral disorder has been recorded, but the Patrick Sawyer incidence in Lagos, Nigeria, has reopened worries over the implications of the possibility of its transmission in an enclosed environment such as an aircraft cabin.

EBOLA WATCH

in liquid or dried material for a number of days. Infectivity is found to be stable at room temperature or at 4 degrees

Level 4 biohazard

Ebola, considered a level-4 biohazard, is very infectious, requiring special protective biohazard suits, containment Level 4 facilities, equipment, and operational practices for work involving infectious or potentially infectious materials, animals, and cultures. To date, according to the World Health Organisation, the Ebola virus has caused 1,323 cases of the disease and

Human vaccine trials begin Sept

Transmissible from pigs to monkeys by air

Studies show that the Ebola virus is transmissible to monkeys from infected pigs without them coming into direct contact. The Ebola virus survives for days outside infected hosts and can “ride” on aerosolised droplets to spread to potential victims.

In a demonstration of the infectious dose of the Ebola virus, the Public Health Agency of Canada says 1 - 10 aerosolised organisms are sufficient to cause infection in humans.

In demonstrating the transmission from pigs to monkeys without any direct contact between them, the scientists housed the pigs carrying the virus in pens with the monkeys in close proximity but separated by a wire barrier.

After eight days, some of the macaques (monkeys) were showing clinical signs typical of ebola and were euthanised.

According to the Canadian Public Health Agency: “The virus can survive

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PIX

Courtesy :International SOS

Prevention hurdles before Nigerian govt

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

A

S the worst outbreak of Ebola Vi rus Disease, EVD, holds the world in its grip, experts are lamenting that the rules of infection control have long been abandoned. In particular, washing of hands with soap and water, is no longer the norm.

Simple basic hygiene such as washing of the hands regularly could actually stop the outbreak of the virus.

Hygiene according to WHO refers to conditions and practices that helps to maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases.

Medical hygiene therefore includes a specific set of practices associated with this preservation of health, for example environmental cleaning, sterilisation of equipment, hand hygiene, water and sanitation and safe disposal of medical waste.

Also to prevent Ebola spread experts have said that the key word is constant hand washing with soap and keeping

celsius for several days, and indefinitely stable at -70 degrees celsius . Infectivity can be preserved by lyophilisation.

Hence, it is implied that Ebola viruses can survive for several days on common objects such as door knobs or household surfaces. If an infected Ebola victim runs around touching such common objects after cleaning blood or mucous from his nose, another innocent victim can easily infect himself by touching the same objects and then eating some food that places the virus in his mouth.

to infection control. Hand washing is a cheap and effective method of limiting the spread of health care associated infections, but compliance has been reported to be low worldwide, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.

Personal hygiene and cleanliness is paramount but in a country where water remains a scarce commodity even in the hospitals, this is a huge challenge.

A study conducted by Dr. V. Omuemu and colleagues on "Hand hygiene practices among doctors in a tertiary health facility in southern Nigeria" and published in the Journal of Medicine in the Tropics,disvovered that only few doctors practise hand hygiene.

In the study, which was to determine the knowledge and practice of hand hygiene among medical doctors in a tertiary health facility in southern Nigeria, 108 of the 326 doctors who participated were directly observed. Less than half had good knowledge (43.9 percent) and good practice (48.2 percent) of hand hygiene.

However, on direct observation, the overall compliance rate was 16.7 percent. Among reasons mentioned for noncompliance included: Lack of hand hygiene materials like soap and water (65.0 percent), forgetfulness (35.0 percent), too busy/insufficient time (19.3 percent), inconvenient location of sinks (16.9 percent), the use of gloves (7.1 percent), and skin irritation from washing agents (4.6 percent).

With the result of the study and the fact that there is no regular supply of water in hospitals and the country at large, observers oipine that if doctors find it difficult to maintain hand hygiene, what is expected of the common man?

While alternatives such as hand sanitisers cannot be provided to all hospitals or citizens, the hurdle before government is to ensure adequate and regular water supply in all health facilities across the country, while institutions embark on hand hygiene promotion campaign.

N early-stage chuman linical trial for an Ebola vaccine is likely to begin as early as September, 2014, the US National Institutes of Health has disclosed Though not the first human vaccine trial for the virus, the study comes after mounting pressure from health organisations to allow experimental treatments to be used on people at high risk of developing the disease.

The vaccine, developed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIAID, Vaccine Research Center, contains no infectious Ebola virus material. Instead, it is a chimpanzee adenovirus vector vaccine containing an insert of two Ebola genes.

Adenovirus vectors are attractive delivery models for vaccine candidates because the virus can be easy manipulated. As a nonreplicating viral vector, the vaccine works by entering a cell and delivering the new genetic material. The new gene inserts cause a protein to become expressed, which in turn elicits Continues on page 39

Ebola Emergency Operation Centre opens in Lagos

T

HE Lagos State government in col laboration with the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, the World Health Organisation, WHO and UNICEF have activated an Emergency Operation Centre in Lagos to tackle Ebola.

The Centre has established an Isolation Unit and Rapid Response Team to track persons exposed to the virus directly or indirectly.

To carry out surveillance, an Ebola reporting system has been activated in to facilitate early identification of suspected cases. Enquires for information can be directed to 080326524357, 0800-EbolaHelp and www.ebolaalert.org. Others are twitter: @EbolaAlert, Mobile App: EbolaCheckUp.ebolaalert.org and facebook: www.facebook.com/ EbolaAlert.

38—Vanguard, TUESD AY, AUGUST 5, 2014 TUESDA

LUTH conducts open heart, kidney transplant surgeries

BY CHIOMA OBINNA & GABRIEL OLAWALE

A

I

N its bid to end medical tourism and save huge capital flight lost by the country following rush by Nigerians to obtain medical treatments overseas, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, has successfully performed open heart surgeries and kidney transplant on three patients. The feat is a first by the apex referral institution.

Disclosing this last week at a media briefing, the Chief Medical Director, Prof Akin Oshibogun, said with the landmark achievement, the hospital has joined the league of global hospitals which perform heart surgery. He said the School of Medicine has long been on the list of hospitals that perform renal transplant.

His words: "The first of the three was an 18-month -old girl who was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease with multiple dose of the heart. This has been corrected by surgery.

"The second patient is a 23-year-old undergraduate who had partial retrovascular section effect. This is also a hole in the heart and tears the heart walls: all has been corrected. The walls have been repaired, the tears have been repaired and she is ready to go home.

The third one is a seven-year-old boy who also had a congenital heart disease and hypertrophy right ventricular. He has had total heart correction and can live as long as any of us because it is totally corrected.

"These are the three patients we operated upon during the cardiac surgery. It is a milestone in the life of this country.

Other hospitals that have attempted open heart surgery are University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Nsukka and University College Hospi-

• The medical team at LUTH during one of the open heart surgeries conducted at the health institution recently. tal, UCH, Ibadan,” he said.

Oshibogun also said that his institution successfully carried out a renal transplantation in the hospital the same period.

"During the same period, we successfully carried out a renal transplantation in the hospital; everything happened simultaneously, he said, adding;” This isvery good news for Nigerians. The Lagos University Teaching Hospital has now joined the league of Nigerian hospitals with the capability for open heart surgery.

"Of course, we know that we have joined the league of hospitals which carry out renal transplantation since.

Researchers eliminate HIV from human cells

H

IV-1 the most common type of the virus that causes AIDS, has proved to be tenacious, inserting its genome permanently into its victims' DNA, forcing patients to take a lifelong drug regimen to control the virus and prevent a fresh attack. Now, a team of Temple University School of Medicine researchers has designed a way to snip out the integrated HIV-1 genes for good.

"This is one important step on the path toward a permanent cure for AIDS," says Kamel Khalili, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Temple. Khalili and his colleague, Wenhui Hu, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Temple, led the work which marks the first successful attempt to eliminate latent HIV-1 virus from human cells. "It's an exciting discovery, but it's not yet ready to go into the clinic. It's a proof of concept that we're moving in the right direction," added Dr. Khalili, who is also Director of the Center for Neurovirology and Director of the Comprehensive NeuroAIDS Center at Temple.

In a study published July 21 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Khalili and colleagues detail how they created molecular tools to delete the HIV-1 proviral DNA. When deployed, a combination of a DNA-

Nigeria eyes 2014 Health Innovation Award

snipping enzyme called a nuclease and a targeting strand of RNA called a guide RNA (gRNA) hunt down the viral genome and excise the HIV-1 DNA. From there, the cell's gene repair machinery takes over, soldering the loose ends of the genome back together -- resulting in virus-free cells.

"Since HIV-1 is never cleared by the immune system, removal of the virus is required in order to cure the disease," says Khalili, whose research focuses on the neuropathogenesis of viral infections. The same technique could theoretically be used against a variety of viruses, he says.

The research shows that these molecular tools also hold promise as a therapeutic vaccine; cells armed with the nuclease-RNA combination proved impervious to HIV infection.

Worldwide, more than 33 million people have HIV, including more than 1 million in the United States. Every year, another 50,000 Americans contract the virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has controlled HIV-1 for infected people in the developed world over the last 15 years, the virus can rage again with any interruption in treatment.

We are strengthening the hospital to be able to offer these services to Nigerians so that the reason for medical tourism outside Nigeria will now reduce. The open heart surgeries were carried out in collaboration with some of our foreign partners and of course some Nigerian experts took part in the procedure," the CMD said.

He said LUTH is collaborating with experts from other countries to ensure effective transfer of technology and safety of patients.

"Whenever you are starting a new programme, it is always important to collaborate with another institution that has had experience in that area. Prior to this, we have sent our staff for training with our collaborating hospital in India. We have collaboration with the Frontier Lifeline Hospital, India.

“We have made this decision to ensure the safety of the patients; else, we would have depended on our freshly trained staff. But, the number one goal of the hospital is patient safety and because of this goal, we would continue to partner with these institutions so that the technology would be properly transferred.”

S the August 25, 2014, the closing date for entry stage of this year's $1, 000, 000 Health Innovation Award draws close, participants are encouraged to send in their entries.

The entries, to be submitted on http:// myg.sk/HealthcareInnovationAward, are open to organisations and individuals across Africa, with innovations used for the benefit of people within eligible countries.

Recognising that innovation can take many shapes and forms, the criteria for the Healthcare Innovation Award are broad and include approaches that focus on any aspect of healthcare, including science, nutrition, research, education or partnership working. These approaches must have resulted in tangible improvements to under-5 child survival rates, be sustainable and have the potential to be scaled-up and replicated.

Chief Executive Officer, GSK, Mr. Andrew Witty, "We are committed to working in partnership with other organisations and our work with Save the Children is a great example of how we can use our scientific expertise and reach to help improve health outcomes for people around the world. As a direct result of this award, last year's winners have already had a tremendous impact and we want to continue to support them as they develop innovations that can be scaled-up and replicated to help reduce child deaths in the world's poorest countries."

The Chief Executive, Save the Children, Mr. Justin Forsyth, said "We know that in order to bring life-saving healthcare to the hardest to reach children, ambitious new ideas and approaches are needed. We look forward to discovering more exciting approaches this year that will make a bigger impact for the world's most vulnerable children."

The Healthcare Innovation Award, which was formally flagged-off in May 2013 following the launch of GSK and Save the Children's partnership, was established in 2013 to identify and reward innovations in healthcare that have proven successful in reducing child deaths in some of the world's most vulnerable communities.

This scanning electron micrograph revealed the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) (spherical in appearance), which had been co-cultivated with human lymphocytes.

Vanguard, TUESD AY, AUGUST 5, 2014—39 TUESDA

20m Nigerians living with hepatitis

BY CHIOMA OBINNA & GABRIEL OLAWALE

A

MEDICAL researcher at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Dr Rosemary Audu, says over 20 million Nigerians are living with Hepatitis B Virus, HBV. Audu, who is the Head, Human Virology Laboratory, of the Institute described Hepatitis B as a silent disease which could infect people for many years without clear manifestation or symptoms.

Speaking during a symposium to mark World Hepatitis Day with the theme: “Hepatitis: Think Again”, she said:"The viruses which caused hepatitis are known as viral hepatitis and the most common forms in Nigeria are the B and C variants.

Hepatitis B is, however, more prevalent than Hepatitis C. “HBV is 100 times more infectious that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

"The infection has reached hyper-endemic levels in Nigeria, with the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus estimated to range from 10 per cent to 40 per cent.

Further, she said it means in every 10 Nigerians one and four will test positive for HBV and over 20 million Nigerians are living with the infection."

Audu advised the public to go for screening to aid prompt treatment and prevent mortality due to hepatitis.

health of the nation Hepatitis: unknown silent killer disease Also, Chairman, Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, SOGHIN, Lagos State chapter, Dr. Charles Onyekwere remarked that ."This debilitating disease kills more than the dreaded HIV/ AIDS. But surprisingly, not many people know much about hepatitis. More than 350 million people are infected globally with hepatitis B and more than 150 million people are infected with hepatitis C. Onyekwere who spoke at a rally and hepatitis test session in Lagos, said in “In Nigeria, up to eight per cent of our population are infected with

hepatitis B and up to four percent are infected with hepatitis C, hence the need to create awareness on the causative organism of this disease and to let people know about and how to prevent the disease.

“Let us think about people who do not know what causes hepatitis and let us think again about what we need to do to ensure that our people get information on the killer disease," Onyekwere added.

Onyekwere said there are two aspects of curbing the disease: “One is the reservoir- people who are infected. You’ve already given me the statistics, with ‘C’ at about three million and ‘B’, close to 18- 20 million.”

Ebola vaccine • Screening for Hepatitis in action at NIMR last week during the World Hepatis Day activities.

Director-General, NIMR, Prof Innocent Ujah, said Hepatitis B is one of the most infectious diseases in the world and a major public health problem.

He said as the world’s eighth biggest killer, viral hepatitis is remarkably neglected. “HBV as a silent killer in our environment; unfortunately, the people’s knowledge of the virus is very faint.

"We as a medical research institute will continue to intensify our research efforts on Hepatitis, especially the conduct of surveys to establish the burden

of Hepatitis in Nigeria.``We have a national reference Human Virology Laboratory that provides services to patients from all parts of the country.

"We also recently commenced a Hepatitis clinic in the institute with senior consultant physicians to curb this menace.``We need to create more awareness so that people can go for screening and know their status before it is too late,"he said.

Ujah called on the Federal Government to invest more in health research to prevents disease outbreaks and secure the

Continues from Page 37 Dr. Anthony Fauci, said the NIH's Ebola vaccine has been studied in monkeys.”If it is successful, it will take until midto late-2015 before a limited number of vaccine doses would be ready to administer to health care workers, he said.

The clinical trial participants won't be exposed to the Ebola virus, Fauci said. Instead, they'll stay in the United States, where they'll be given a dose of the vaccine and tested to see if their antibody levels match the levels shown in monkey studies to protect the monkeys from Ebola. Scientists will also be watching for adverse reac-

tions to the vaccine to make sure it is safe.

Meanwhile, health campaigners have petitionedo the US Food and Drug Administration, FDA, asking it to speed up the authorisation of a new drug called TKM-Ebola which is widely believed to be a cure for EVD. TKM-Ebola is a promising vaccine on trial.

In the petition entitled "Fast track Drug and vaccine research for Ebola Hemorrhagic fever", the petitioners said given that at least one patient has transferred the disease from Liberia to Nigeria by air travel, the possibility of a global pandemic becomes increasingly likely.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

I

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uintuplets mark a year, Nordica pledge hope for childless couples

By Gabriel Olawale As minutes turn hours and months to year, Sofunlayo quintuplets - three females and two males born to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wale Sofunlayo on December 16, 2011 turn a year.

Overwhelm with the joy of seeing their babies’ clock a year; the couple did not even remember their years of barrenness.

Her Word: “Although these children did not came at expected time and we had almost lost hope, but God later be our hope as will did not remember our years of bareness any more.”

Olayemo, the mother of the babies noted that they already had a male child before God added another five children.

“We already had one boy which was not up to two years before we had the quintuplets. So between three years, God made

40—VANGUARD, AUGUST 5, 2014

IMPEACHMENTS:

Doomsday conspiracy?

I

By CHIOMA GABRIEL

T was Hamumurabi of Babylon who instituted a code of behavioural laws and this covered a range of areas of human conduct. The rules state that if a house collapses and kills the owner, the builder will be put to death.

If the house kills the owner’s son, the builder’s son will die.

If a gentleman breaks another gentleman’s bone, he shall have his own bone broken but if he breaks the bone of a commoner, he shall pay one mina of silver.

It was a severe code but they were hard times and the code ensured a high degree of law and order in the land which had been fraught with internal strife for a long time.

Nigeria has her idiosyncrasies as a nation and cannot be compared to Babylon. If there should be any comparison, the situation in Nigeria has gone far beyond what was obtainable in ancient Babylon before Hammurabi gave his set of

ings of Boko Haram as a way of depopulating the North. If even Jonathan is not perceived in many quarters as a political colossus, Nyako’s letter would definitely have brought him to reality.

When Gov Nyako’s memo to Northern Governors’ Forum first leaked to the press, there was a huge argument on whether the letter was real or forged.

The memo titled On-Going Full-Fledged Genocide in ‘Northern Nigeria’ dated April 16, 2014 was sent to Vanguard’s mailbox on Friday April 18 and it triggered off an argument in the newsroom as to whether somebody forged Nyako’s signature; whether the memo was real or fake and other security questions.

The first paragraph of Nyako’s memo read:“The adverse security situation in Northern Nigeria in particular and Nigeria in general is being felt by all of us. While every State Government is doing eve-

,

If ex-governor Nyako of Adamawa had been given a prophesy of his impeachment, he might have dismissed it with military fiat

rules.

In the recent times, rivulets of impeachments have enveloped the nation and no one seems to know the next state.

One thing is clear though. The general elections are close by and impeachments are happening all around the country mainly for perceived selfish reasons .

If ex-governor Nyako of Adamawa had been given a prophesy of his impeachment, he might have dismissed it with military fiat. But those who could read political undertones knew his days were numbered from the time he began to pally with strange bedfellows in a state where controversy had continued to remain the order of the day. Nyako had gotten things muddled up in so many ways irrespective of the code of laws that governed democracy.

First, he wrote the controversial letter where he alleged that the presidency is on the verge of breaking Nigeria and even connoting that President Jonathan was behind the kill-

,

rything possible using virtually all its resources to stem the tide of near disaster facing all of us especially in the North, it is a well-known fact that the present Federal administration has now become a government of impunity run by an evilminded leadership for the advancement of corruption that is apparently enjoying the protection of the Federal administration but is being denied by the administration using its mass murderers/cut-throats imbedded in our legitimate and traditional Defence and Security organisations.

Protection of life and property It is very clear that the protection of life and property of innocent citizens in Northern Nigeria and recognising their Human rights and Voting rights in the forthcoming general elections is no longer a cardinal principle of the administration. ”The memo went ahead to allege that the victims of

Jonathan administration’s evilmindedness are substantially Northern Nigerians, accusing the administration of determination to bring wars to the North between Muslims and Christians and within them; and between one ethnic group and another or others in various communities in the region. Nyako claimed that cases of mass murders by Jonathan administration’s bloody minded killers and cutthroats are well known and accused the government of attributing the killings to BokoHaram.

In other words, Nyako perceived the killings to have been carried out not by Boko Haram but Jonathan administration’s henchmen.This memo was perceived as most irresponsible and very inciting and many think that such a governor in other climes, ought to have been arrested and tried for sedition and treason.

But Nigerian government didn’t take any serious action against him.He wrote further:“Thousands of our young girls and boys have been kidnapped by clearly organised militia in the last few years and kidnapping is now a random affair all over the far North.

Random affair These organized kidnappers must have the backing of the Federal administration for them to move about freely with abducted children just as those who convey ammunition and explosives from the Ports to the safe-houses of so called BokoHaram in the North.

“We no longer accept let alone believe that our prominent Mallams in the Mosques in Kano and Zaria have been killed by ‘innocent’ BokoHaram members or Christians in the North, nor do we believe that the killing of the Pastor and other worshippers in the Christ Apostolic Church in Jimeta-Yola was done by any Muslim or Boko-Haram members.

We know where we are now pointing our fingers. There have also been attempts to assassinate the Senate President

(Northerner) in Imo State, two Executive Governors of States in the North (the Governor of Benue State and my humble self), two of our most prominent Traditional leaders (Shehu of Borno and the Emir of Kano), Senators and others too numerous to mention, all from Northern Nigeria. This is in line with the demonic policy of the evilfew in and around the administration that have advocated how Northerners, both Christians and Muslims, are to be so dealt with, ill-treated and oppressed!

Arbitrary arrests

“No wonder, we in the Northern Nigeria are now facing an organised ethno-religious campaign of hate fuelled by the Federal administration to make communities which hitherto have remained peaceful for centuries to start killing the minorities in their midst and to facilitate mass killings of the innocent and the arbitrary arrests and torture of elders of minority ethnic groups in the various Northern communities…

“Fulani communities in parts of the North who have been in their locations for over 100 years are now being raided and uprooted by paid killers within the Nigerian Army for the satisfaction of the Federal administration instead of being protected as citizens with their rights and dignity safeguarded. This has happened to those communities at Keana L.G. in Nasarawa State and Laddoga and Kachia in Kaduna State.

It is presently extended to Benue, Zamfara and Katsina States. Furthermore it is a wellknown fact that virtually all the soldiers of Northern Nigerian origin recently recruited to fight Boko-Haram have been deceived in that aspect. They are being poorly trained, totally ill-

equipped, given only uniform and are killed by their trainers in Nigerian Army training centres as soon as they arrive in the Nigerian Army camps being used by so-called BokoHaram insurgents. Virtually all the Nigerian Army soldiers killed/murdered in these operations so far are of Northern Nigerian origin. The administration has also hired militia from all across especially North Africa who have been deceived into accepting to come because they were made to believe that they would be fighting infidels…”

It was an irresponsible letter to have been written by a serving governor? What did Nyako intend to achieve by those frivolous allegations?

But Nyako escaped that show of rascality.

Show of rascality However, his doomsday came with allegations of corruption that came from his own quarters.

Although impeachment is constitutional, many expressed dismay at how the dramatis personae handled the issue. It was perceived as the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob and as expected, the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC), the political party to which Nyako belongs went to court.

The APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun alleged the offences for which Nyako was impeached were committed five years ago.

He went further to allege the entire ‘impeachment’ was fraught with irregularities, bias, judicial contradictions and in violation of every procedural and constitutional provision that it is the worst manifestation of impunity.

Enter Gov Tanko al-Makura The file of Nyako’s impeachContinues on page 41

VANGUARD, AUGUST 5, 2014

—41

Doomsday conspiracy?

Continues from page 40 ment had hardly dropped when his contemporary, Gov. Tanko al-Makura of Nasarawa State began to get impeachment threats over allegations of extra-budgetary expenditure.

Governor Tanko Umar AlMakura, despite protests over impeachable offences he allegedly committed got served impeachment notice.

The Speaker of Nasarawa House of Assembly, Musa Mohammed, on perceiving that Al-makura was dodging receving the letter in person directed that the governor be served the impeachment notice via substituted means.

Governor al-Makura is facing charges of gross misconduct and financial misappropriation to the tune of N30 billion.

The 16-count charge being leveled against him includes missing Local Government SURE-P funds and extra-budgetary expenditure among others. The impeachment notice was signed by 20 PDP lawmakers. The state Chief Judge so far has inaugurated a sevenman probe panel directed by the State Assembly less than 24 hours after the meeting between the Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers in the state

Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State

Ex-Governor Murtala Nyako

ably supporting his Chief of Staff, Ifeoma Nwobodo, for the position currently occupied by Gilbert Nnaji.

The centre could no longer hold between the governor and his Deputy since the former returned from a medical trip overseas. One of the allegations by the governor against his Deputy was that he plotted to remove Ms. Nwobodo while Chime was on the trip. The battle is still on.

Meantime, a pressure group,

,

One of the allegations by the governor against his Deputy was that he plotted to remove Ms. Nwobodo while Chime was on the trip. The battle is still on

and the President, where it has hoped to broker peace.

Whether the lawmakers will make good their threat to impeach Governor Al-Makura for alleged gross misconduct and misappropriation of the SureP and UBEC funds which accrued to the state under his administration or not is still blowing in the wind.

Gov Chime’s Deputy joins the fray In Enugu State, the House of Assembly would not be left out in the impeachment fray.

Hence, it commenced impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor of the state, Sunday Onyebuchi.

The 22-member House dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, served impeachment notice on the deputy governor and 20 out of the 22 lawmakers signed the impeachment notice.

Accusing fingers are pointed at the governor, Sullivan Chime who is believed to be behind it due to his alleged ambition of his deputy to contest the Enugu East Senatorial election next year. According to reports, the governor is believ-

,

Enugu Rescue Group, ERG, is protesting the alleged decision by some members of the Enugu PDP Stakeholders that the embattled Deputy Governor should resign since Governor Sullivan Chime no longer wanted to work with him.

The Group expressed dismay over the meeting held at the Governor’s Lodge in Enugu on July 27, 2014 as a kangaroo arrangement contrived by Governor Chime to legitimize his unpopular directive to the State House of Assembly to impeach his Deputy; insisting that even though the Deputy Governor was a member of the PDP, he was elected by the generality of the Enugu people, not only by the PDP. The group described as unconstitutional and the height of impunity, the pressure on the Deputy Governor to either resign or face impeachment and wondered why such a meeting was held without involving the Deputy Governor to tell his on side of the story.

The group urged that the alleged offences of the Deputy Governor be weighed to determine if they constituted gross misconduct and abuse of office as conceived by the 1999 Con-

stitution.

And Ebonyi wakes up Ordinarily, Ebonyi state has not attracted any mind-blowing political upEnugu State dep gov, Onyebuchi heaval in a long time to the extent that many wondered if the state still exists. But the Enugu State governor Chime state woke up from a deep political slumber recently when the State House of Assembly impeached its S p e a k e r, Chukwuma Nwazunku.

Eight out of the 24 members of the Assembly reportImo State governor Okorocha edly voted out the Speaker in don’t think anybody is plotting a commandoany impeachment. How can Ebonyi State governor Elechi like style after they impeach a governor who lifting the suspension of three is performing. It’s not true my clear the bill, he had failed to members :Hon Frank Onwe, brother,” he said. do the needful.

Hon Eni Uduma Chime and The House Committee ChairThe lawmakers allegedly Deputy Speaker, Hon Blaise man on Information, Mr. Acho vowed not to accept any payOrji. Hon Frank Onwe moved Ihim, also had dismissed the ment which is not inform of the motion for the Speaker’s imalleged impeachment plot as cash, adding that “if the peachment which was sec“baseless and malicious, conspeaker stands in the way, he onded by the minority leader, firming however, the disparity would be bulldozed along with Hon Enyi C. Enyi. in the salary of the current lawthe governor. makers and the former ones, But the Senior Special AsImo tries adding that “during the last sistant, SSA, to the Governor administration of Chief Ikedi a dance on Media, Mr. Sam Ohakim, the House took a Onwuemeodo dismissed the loan and it was deducted In Imo state, the speculation allegation, saying Okorocha monthly from the salary of the over Rochas Okorochas imhad a good relationship with lawmakers. So when we came peachment for failure to clear members of the state assemin, the Clerk of the House was the outstanding salaries and bly. changed and the new one who allowances of lawmakers was “There is no iota of truth that was ignorant of any such dequickly dismissed by none such a thing was in the offing. ductions, started paying with other than the governor himYou can verify from the assemthe records he met on ground.” self through his Media aide. bly members.The state governWho is the next target ? Only The Imo lawmakers were alment has a good working retime will tell. legedly irked that despite spirlationship with them and I ited attempt to make Okorocha

42 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Lagos govt, rainstorm victims tango over relief fund

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

S

OME victims of April 13, 2014, rainstorm and occupants of defective buildings in Jakande Estate, Oke-Afa, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, are currently at crossroads as the Lagos State Government is yet to disburse relief fund earlier promised the affected people

roofs blown-off by raging rainstorm which lasted for about 15 minutes.

Governor Babatunde Fashola had pledged the state government’s assistance to the rainstorm victims.

Recently, the state government at the presentation of cheques worth N50 million to another set of rainstorm victims in Surulere, disclosed that it has expended

They are afraid that government might not allocate their flats to them upon completion of the buildings moreso, that the MoU has not been signed

,

It will be recalled that a similar tragedy struck in the early hours of February 13, 2013, when rainstorm destroyed properties worth several millions of naira belonging to occupants of the estate.

At the council area alone, over 288 buildings, including Low Cost Housing Estate Primary School, Oke Afa Junior and Senior Colleges and area office of the council in Jakande Estate had their

,

over N87 million on victims of the April 13, 2014 disaster, whose roofs were either damaged or completely blown-off by the thunderstorm, as well as owners of defective buildings.

The victims were classified into two groups, the primary victims and secondary victims. The secondary victims were the landlords of the affected buildings, while the primary victims were the tenants.

General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA Dr. Olufemi Oke Osanyintolu, explained that government had expended about N50 million on the renovation of the houses destroyed by the storm through the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, LSDPC, which is handling the renovation project.

He added that tenants of the affected houses were given N50, 000 each to cushion the effect of the storm on them.

The cheque presentation exercise, involving 30 per cent of Oke-Afa beneficiaries was however suspended by LASEMA following absence of most of the victims under the aegis of Residents Association of Jakande Low Cost Estate.

Litigation Osanyintolu, explained that government halted the payment of the last batch of the affected residents owing to the latest exposure to court case on the issues, adding that the state government would wait until the residents

agree to the MoU earlier signed by the residents.

Beneficiaries in court “The cheques are ready for presentation as approved by Governor Babatunde Fashola, but we cannot go ahead with presentation because we have just been informed that the beneficiaries are in court over the relocation from their properties.

“Hence, we will go back to the drawing board to meet our lawyers to advice us appropriately on what action to take later; until then, further presentation is hereby suspended.”

LASEMA boss explained that the delay in signing of the MoU was because of inter-ministerial activities involved in the process.

“The process for signing MoU involves Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Housing, Justice, Special Duties, Land Bureau, among others. This is what was responsible for the delay in signing the MoU. But it is ready,” he said.

But president of the

association, Alhaji Taiwo Olabanji, who spoke on behalf of the victims, while expressing appreciation to the government, explained that most of them stayed away because they were already in court over the matter.

Olabanji explained that the aggrieved group refused all entreaties to settle out of court because government kept them incommunicado over Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) supposed to have been signed by both parties, (Government and victims).

“They are afraid that government might not allocate their flats to them upon completion of the buildings; moreso that the MoU has not been signed. We are going to hold another stakeholders’ meeting aimed at arriving at a truce. I hope something positive will come out of it at the end of the day,” The president said.

It was however learnt that the truce parley held last Saturday ended in a deadlock as no concrete decision was reached.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

T

WO years after the technical committee set up by the Federal and Lagos State governments to address issues affecting businesses in Apapa, the regeneration plan is yet to be fully implemented.

The regeneration plan is to help return the roads and the environment that had deteriorated to its original state and reduce the traffic gridlock in the axis.

It will be recalled that in 2012, both government set up the technical committee to fashion out strategies that would help revive Apapa from its bad state.

The committee, which was cochaired by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefilure and the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala, who led the Federal Government team in the committee.

Other members of the committee were: Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, his former transport counterpart, Mr. Idris Umar and Chairman of the Ports Monitoring Committee, Mr. Sylvester Monye while the state team includes the deputy governor, Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello and his transportation counterpart, Mr. Kayode Opeifa among others.

Checks by Vanguard showed that the 64-page report stated clearly the role of each government, and was submitted in June 2012 to the National Economic Council, NEC for onward consideration.

Apapa regeneration plan remains in limbo, 2 years after •At least N11bn required for implementation

*Marine Beach after clearing

Ijora, henceforth. Road signs are to be erected immediately to redirect traffic; provision of vehicle inspection terminals for clearance on road worthiness before the trailers can access the ports and the ports authority should ensure that trailers do not spend more than two minutes at the gate, since all the paper works would have been done at the parks.

“Dedicated lanes for trucks going into the ports will be provided on Tincan access road.

The designs for both roads are ready for immediate implementation by the federal government,” the committee stated.

*Marine Beach said would be borne by the federal and state government.

The fund is expected to help in rehabilitating the bridges and roads, bio remediation of the degraded areas, rehabilitation of abandoned trailer parks, dualisation of Wharf, Creek and Tincan roads, procurement of monitoring and heavy duty equipment, landscaping and beautification, among others.

It earmarked N56.50 million for bio-remediation of degraded

,

Road signs are to be erected immediately to re-direct traffic; provision of vehicle inspection terminals for clearance on road worthiness before the trailers can access the ports

The committee stated that the central government would be responsible for 75 percent of the total cost, while the Lagos State government will bear the 25 percent of the cost.

Sources also said that two years after the technical committee submitted its 12 recommendations on Apapa regeneration plan, the response of both governments on the recommendations culminated into the current traffic gridlock experienced in the axis.

Vanguard learnt that while the Lagos State Government has commenced 25 percent of its responsibility on the plan by sanitization of cleared areas, landscaping & beautification of some open spaces under the bridges at Marine beach road and Leventis area of Apapa.

However, the central government, which has larger per cent of the project, was yet to commence action.

The committee estimated the total cost of Apapa regeneration plan at N11.60 billion, which it

— 43

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areas; N1.42 billion for public lighting solution; N2.11 billion for landscaping and beautification; N97 million for initial cost of clearing; N585.25 million for procurement of monitoring & heavy duty vehicles; N466.91 million for security personnel; N33.24 million for sanitisation of cleared areas and N108.95 million for wire mesh fencing.

The committee earmarked N100.45 million for rehabilitation of Kirikiri trailer park; N114.40 million for rehabilitation of drainages and culverts and N6.49 billion for rehabilitation of roads (Creek, Wharf and Commercial) and Marine Beach service lane.

The committee noted that the state government bore the initial cost of N97 million, which it said was spent to clear criminal hideouts; dismantle shanties and unlock traffic gridlocks in April 2012.

The committee explained that the state government would bear 25 per cent of N694.20 billion meant for the erection of fence

wall, procurement of heavy duty clean up exercise. But the equipment and other logistics situation eventually returned and N38.90 million for monthly with traffic bottle neck sustenance, which it put at particularly in the evening N466.90 million for a period of caused by tankers/trailers mainly 12 months period. as a result of delay at the entrance Appealing to both parties, the of the ports and deplorable committee said both roads, among others.” governments should, “take It recommended that no trailer immediate action on the “will enter into Apapa through execution of the Apapa Regeneration Plan as presented in the report, in order to prevent operating in less than 500 of them. And business

By Monsuru Olowoopejo the reason was for the health of the riders paralyses, he ruling All Progressives and the passengers. And today, the loss of Congress, APC, in Lagos has come out number of motorcycle related accidents revenue with a damning verdict that policemen of have dropped drastically.. accruable to the Lagos command have defeated the “But inspite of this achievement, the the Federal intention for which the state’s traffic law was officers of the Nigerian Police are Government, promulgated. misapplying the law. They impound r e Speaking at the grassroots empowerment Okada on the roads that were not listed occupation programme organized by the council among the 475 roads in the schedule II of the chairmen popularly known as Conference of the 2012 Road traffic law. cleared 57, the chairman of the party in the state, “They collect their money. We have areas and Chief Henry Ajomale said that the activities spoken to the Governor and he has called forestall the of the officers of the Nigerian police have the commissioner of police, Umar r e not helped the state as far as the Manko to warn the police officers to emergence implementation of the law is concerned. desist from such act, but they have of traffic Ajomale who was represented by the Vice refused to change” he added. gridlocks Chairman APC experienced Lagos West, Chief on the Funsho Ologunde access at the event held routes to in Alausa A p a p a Secretariat, Ikeja p o r t s , explained; “In a m o n g Lagos, there are others. about 10,500 It added, roads. Of these “In 2012, roads, commercial traffic motorcycle gridlock o p e r a t o r s w a s popularly called reduced by Okada riders were 70 per cent banned from immediately after the

ROAD TRAFFIC LAW Two years after: Lagos APC faults police misapplication

T

44 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

LIBRA; Similar to yesterday but, today more emphasis’ll be on money. Thus those of you who are more financially ambitious’ll have better and rewarding day than others. However that is not to say you should neglect your health.

SCORPIO; Positive things are happening from (and around) you. The more enterprising you are the better for you today. And some of you will be mixing business & pleasure without harm. Lovers can have their way moderately.

SAGITTARIUS; This is your day when things’ll go according to your plans. And you’re advised to hit very hard not minding minor pressure from your base.

CAPRICORN; Once again success would come if you experiment with good ideas rightly at the right time. Those of you travelling are in for an exciting day.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

T

HE holy writ ad monished us not to call the name of our creator in vain.

I guess you are asking, does that mean we should not call on Him even in time of crisis? Far from

Calling His name...... that. We can call His name but it should not be for unserious issues.

For example, how will you feel if your

TERROR MUDA

son is calling your name in vain every time? When he is in the toilet he calls you, when he is playing with his

in “Never say goodbye”

mates, he also calls you for no just cause, will you be happy?

Call on Him only when necessary, for example in time of trouble and He will deliver you.

By Lanre Kehinde

AQUARIUS; Early part of the day may bring you good opportunity along your business/business lines. Work and your health must be taken very seriously PISCES; Like yesterday the Moon will operate from your Star sign again to the betterment of your cause.

Think of both your immediate and far future now.

ARIES You can still count on the supports of your tried and trusted friends. But it’s imperative you keep secrets as much as you can positively do.

TAURUS; The more receptive and willing you are to give and take co-operation the better for you today.

It’s wrong of you to neglect your friends in need now.

GEMINI; You’ll have the needed opportunity to consolidate on progress you have recorded yesterday along your career/business lines. Try to work harder.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

CANCER; Element of luck will work favourably for you. Therefore you’re advised to expand the scope of your tentacle for better results. It’s another fairly favourable day for lovers who are more enterprising today.

LEO; Joining forces with other people is not a sin but it’s important everybody knows the clear term of the venture , be it of short or longer duration. Be very practical.

VIRGO; Many of you’ll travel either physically or within your mind; whichever one you’re involved with the out come will be favourable. Be more receptive, especially if your priority is commercial success. Take your new ideas more seriously today.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF AQUARIUS Aquarius is ruled by freedom loving Uranus-the planet of unpredictability, eccentricity and genius.

Aquarius is friendly, loving, hopeful and very altruistic in nature. That is why they are nice persons who truly care for others, especially the less fortunate ones. They are loyal friend willing to belong to powerful social clubs or reasonable community.

The quality of Aquarius is fixed. That means it is important for them to watch the way they change their minds on important issues; Uranus factor makes all Aquarius natives freedom loving and whoever tries to impose any idea on you will be resented The element of Aquarius is the air. That makes you an intelligent person with fair share of sense of humour. Aquarius is the star sign that rules considerable social influence, and the natives of this star have better chances to have at least some influential friends. Then, Aquarians are truly good friends and bad enemies; it is not in the best interest of anybody to frustrate an Aquarian..

Aquarius being a scientific sign. Aquarians can be inventive. Any Aquarian who falls to take his sudden flashes of ideas seriously is doom (to fail eventually) because, Uranus the ruler of Aquarius, usually bring success to Aquarians unexpectedly through ideas that come suddenly, and unexpected luck usually accompany their sudden inspiration and/or ideas.

The most dangerous weak points of Aquarian are the tendencies to procrastinate things and willingness to take opponents or enemies for granted I mean you must not believe that some body you might have had heated argument with will not try to undermine your progress after what will look like intervention of peace makers.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 —45

We'll open new doors of hope for women — Obiano T

HE ANAMBRA State gov ernor, Chief Willie Obiano, has assured the women of the state of greater opportunities to contribute their individual and collective quota to on-going efforts to reposition the state for greater heights.

Speaking at the 2014 Mothers’ Summit that took place at the Women Development Centre in Awka, the state capital last weekend, Chief Obiano said some of the developmental challenges that the Nigerian society was facing today could be traced to the few opportunities available to women, pointing out that his administration had a high regard for women.

According to him, it is in view of this that conscious effort is being made to ensure that women were given a fair representation in his cabinet.

“I took time to find the best of our women and place them in positions where they will make the most impact in the lives of our people.

“I appointed these women because I know that Nwanyi bu ife (Women are priceless) This belief is actually not new. It is embedded in our culture,” Chief Obiano explained.

The governor lauded the theme of the summit, “Women and Progress in Anambra State – a Priority Agenda,” and further assured that under his watch, Anambra State would continue to expand the frontiers of excellence for Nigerian women.

He said: "We shall open more doors for the endless talents of our women to flourish,” explaining that it was his wish to shore up the value of the womenfolk that informed his choice of Chimamanda Adichie, the famous novelist, as the keynote speaker at the special lecture that was held to commemorate his First 100 Days in office.

“Some of you were here on that day and you bear witness to the intellectual power of the Anambra

woman that was on display that day. That is who we are!”

Further emphasising the importance of women in national development, Chief Obiano explained that he had an abiding faith in Anambra woman.

“I expect great things from you. As we continue our bold efforts to change Anambra State, we recognise the fact that we cannot make much progress without rebuilding the fabrics of our society. And this is where we need your assistance the more,”

he declared.

Describing women as the pivot of the family and the true agents of civilisation, Chief Obiano argued that no child ever forgets the values its mother handed down to him/her.

“I still hear the voice of my mother in my head to date whenever I find myself drifting below the standards that I have set for myself. This is why we need you to plant the values that will return the lost glory of our people,” he said.

INSTALLATION: Rot. Babatunde Williams, decorating the President, Rot. Tolulope Onalaja, and Rot. Bolaji Ogunlari, during the installation of Rot. Onalaja as the 32nd President of Rotary Club of Lagos West District 9110, at Country Club, last weekend.

2015: Group endorses Obaze for Senate

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA — THE Equity Group, a socio–political organisation based in Anambra State, has endorsed the former Anambra State Commissioner for

Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Dubem Obaze for Senate of Anambra North senatorial zone in 2015.

Addressing reporters in Awka, yesterday, the chairman of the group, Mr. Tony Ifeanya said that Obaze's Ogbaru Local Govern-

Tears flow as Ekwunife gives reasons for dumping APGA

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA — MANY women shed tears in Awka, yesterday, as the member representing Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia federal constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, gave reasons for finally dumping the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. As the women tried desperately to make her change her mind, Ekwunife told them that there was no going back, confirming that she had already returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. At a meeting with APGA offiC M Y K

He said the menace of criminals his administration had been fighting since he assumed office was a reminder that, “we must wake up to our role as a child’s first contact with civilisation. Our mothers must plant the right values in children.”

He urged the women of the state to support the programmes that have been mapped out for them under the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative, CAFE, the pet-project of his wife, Chief Ebelechukwu Obiano.

cials in the three local government areas that make up her constituency and some of her supporters at her campaign headquarters in Awka, the federal lawmaker handed her resignation letter and APGA membership card to the party’s chairman of Nri Ward 1 in Anaocha Local Government Area.

There had been concerns about Ekwunife’s future in APGA since she lost the party’s governorship ticket to Chief Willie Obiano, who eventually won the election last year, with speculations that she might return to PDP, the party on which platform she won her first election to the House of Repre-

sentatives in 2007.

Ekwunife, who was the leader of Anambra caucus in the House of Representatives and chairman of the House Committee on Environment, said that four members of APGA in the National Assembly hadalso left the party.

Ekwunife said she decided to inform the people about her decision at a formal meeting so they won’t be surprised if they saw her in another political party.

She added that political parties were only vehicles for achieving a purpose, saying she was grateful to them for helping her achieve her purpose in APGA.

ment Area deserved the slot because the area had not produced a senator since the creation of Anambra State in 1991.

According to him, while the Omambala and Onitsha zones of the senatorial district had produced senators in the persons of Dr. Chuba Okadigbo (1999 2003), Emma Anosike (2003 2005), Joy Emodi (2005 -2010), Ubanese Igbeke (2010 -2011) and Margery Chuba Okadigbo (2011 –to date), Ogbaru area had not produced any.

Ifeanya said: “In consonance with our emphasis on the principle of equity, we call on well meaning persons and groups to rise to the occasion. We urge our brothers and sisters with impeccable character to step out and contest.

“As a first step, Equity Group calls on Chief Dubem Obaze to come out and become the next senator for Anambra North. Since the Governor Willie Obiano comes from Omambala part of Anambra North, it is only just, fair and indeed equitable that the senatorial slot goes to Ogbaru.”

Akanu Ibiam Fed Poly matriculates 4,066 students, warns against cultism

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI — THE Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Ebonyi State, recently matriculated 4,066 students, with a charge for them to shun cultism.

The students were admitted into programmes in 28 academic departments cutting across the five schools of the institution.

In a remark, the Acting Rector of the institution, Engr.

Emmanuel Igweonu, who stated that the institution had no room for lazy students, stressed that any student found to be a member of any secret cult will be expelled from the polytechnic.

Igweonu, enjoined the students to be worthy ambassadors of their families and the polytechnic.

He said: “The management of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana has zero tolerance for secret cultism and any student found to be a member of a secret cult will be expelled from the polytechnic.

Peace boss tasks youths on empowerment

By Chinenye Ozor

T

HE MANAGING Director/CEO, Peace Group, Dr. Samuel Onyishi, has urged Nigerian youths to imbue themselves with requisite skills that will empower them towards self-reliance.

The business mogul spoke during the inauguration of the executives, Rural Empowerment and Advocacy Project,REAP, Enugu State Chapter at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, secretariat, in Enugu, yesterday.

According to Onyishi: “The youths in the country should arm themselves with the requisite skills that will place them in a vantage position for employment and self-reliance.

“If you have not prepared yourself with the knowledge and skills, when the opportunity comes your way, you will not be able to grab it."

46— Vanguard , TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

NUT pulls out of labour's strike in Benue M

By Peter Duru

AKURDI—THE ongoing industrial action by organised labour in Benue State may have run into a hitch following the decision of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, to pull out of the action.

When Vanguard visited some of the primary schools in Makurdi, the state capital, yesterday, it was discovered that the teachers were at their duty posts.

Speaking on the position of the NUT on the ongoing strike, state chairman of the union, Godwin Anya said the union had not joined the ongoing action by the NLC because the congress abandoned them to their fate during the minimum wage struggle with state government.

Anya said: “You remember that for over eight months that our strike lasted, the NLC did not do anything to support us; they abandoned us to our fate, just because government slashed workers’ salaries to add to our members’ they now embarked on strike. For now, we are not ready to join them but we are trying to see the leadership of NLC concerning the issue but to be sincere, we are disappointed in the mother union on how they

abandoned us during our trials.

This (minimum wage) is what they have been enjoying for over three years now but which was just implemented in June for primary school teachers.”

Anya said teachers were concertedly working hard to meet

up with the new academic calendar that was recently rolled out by the state ministry of education to regain lost time during the prolonged teachers’ strike.

The Benue state council of the NLC last week directed all

Nasarawa to recruit 2,000 teachers

workers to down tools and began an indefinitely over perceived deductions in their monthly salaries by the government to augment the salaries of aggrieved primary school teachers.

From left: Mr. Igiehon Emmanuel, Head, Creditors Relationship Unit, Lapo Microfinance Bank Ltd, Mrs. Osayi Itohan, Secretary, Lapo Scholarship Board, Mr. Omorinbola Adewale, Chief Education Officer, Lagos State Ministry of Education, and Mrs. Candy Iriaye, Regional Chief Relations Officer, Surulere Region, during the Lapo 15 regions nationwide qualifying scholarship examination, organised by the microfinance bank in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

INSURGENCY: Ihejirika seeks deployment of soldiers to borders S OKOTO—FORMER Chief of Army Staff , COAS, retired Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, has called for the deployment of military personnel to the country’s porous borders.

Ihejirika told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Sokoto that such deployment would prevent illegal arms importation into the country.

He said the military would

work hand in hand with other security agencies in preventing and arresting all those involved in the illegal business.

He explained that illegal arms importation posed threat to the country ’s corporate existence.

Ihejirika also called on traditional leaders to complement the effort of the security agencies by

sensitising the people on the need to be security conscious and report dubious characters.

He said that the active support of the royal fathers would enable members of the public to come forward with information on bad eggs in the society.

He explained that since security officers could not be everywhere all the time, Nigerians should develop the

habit of offering information that could lead to the arrest of insurgents.

Ihejirika said the Nigeria Army and other security agencies were in dire need of intelligence reports from members of the public.

He explained that such information would enable the security agencies to come out with a formidable security method for peace, progress and political stability.

AFIA—THE Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, said it had concluded plans to recruit no fewer than 2,000 teachers to fill vacant positions in schools in the state.

Executive Secretary of the board, Malam Abdulkarim Abdullahi, made this known at a meeting of the board and local government councils’ chairmen and education secretaries in the state in Lafia, yesterday.

Abdullahi said the board had set up a committee to collaborate with the councils’ chairmen and the education secretaries to identify areas where the teachers were needed.

He said that the committee was also charged with the responsibility of working out modalities of ensuring that only competent hands were employed.

He said that the committee would complete the assignment shortly, adding that the recruitment of the teachers would commence before the end of August.

Abdullahi stated that the state government had, through the board, constructed model schools and provided basic infrastructure in them to ensure qualitative primary education for all citizens.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

L

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On Liberian's death in Nigeria of Ebola

H

ONESTLY, I think the federal government should screen anybody that is returning from any country where there is wide spread of this deadly virus called Ebola. In this screening, there should be no issue of office, status, age and popularity.

Mr. Maxwell Eze - Worker C M Y K

T

HIS Liberian victim is really a bad actor. He made sure that he carried the dreaded disease to all the countries of West Africa before finally succumbing. According to reports, His plane made a stopover in Ghana and Benin Republic before finally landing in Lagos. Mr. Nelson Azubuike - Clergy

D

EAR God, please forgive us and have mercy on us. Quarantine officers, need to be empowered with all scientific gadgets to diagnose inbound travelers.

And Western press is not saying that Ghana and Togo are in trouble but the focus is only onNigeria.MrHorlarheetan Crownfitme- Businessman

T

HE best policy at our level of understanding of the causes and treatment of Ebola disease is to ban the movementofpeopletoandfrom the countries affected. We are grievingtheonslaughtofcorruption, armed robbery, kidnapping, bokoharamandshouldbespared thenightmareofEbola!Mr.Ogwu Nwachukwu-Student

J

IM Iyke should be screened at the airport, please. I understand that he was in Monrovia, Liberia for business and left a few hours ago, following reports of the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in Liberia. Mr. Idris Mohammed- Self Employed

E

VERYTHING is use forfunhereinthiscountry and showmanship even serious case like this.First whoever that is coming from affected countries should be kept and observed in a quarantine before allowed into Nigeria. Ebola is a serious and deadlyvirus.Mr.Ogbonnaya Oka - Self Employed

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 —47

EFCC seeks support in anti corruption campaign

Jigawa HOS tasks heads of federal agencies on cleanliness

K

D

ANO — THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday in Kano, urged Nigerians to support ongoing anti-corruption campaign by various government agencies in the country to ensure its success.

Chairman of EFCC, Alhaji Ibrahim Lamorde, made the call at the opening of a one-day workshop on “Economic Crimes” organised by the commission for journalists in the North-West zone.

Lamorde was represented at the occasion by Mr Osita Nwaja, the Deputy Director in charge of Public Affairs in the commission.

“The reality is that regardless of the efforts of the EFCC and other anticorruption agencies, without the people embracing this fight, lasting success will remain a mirage,” he said.

He said the commission was aware of the danger which the wave of insurgency and crossborder crimes posed to the collective destiny of Nigerians.

“This challenge calls for concerted effort by law enforcement agencies and the entire citizenry.

“As a commission, we have stepped up financial intelligence and tracking of illicit transactions across our borders,” he added.

According to Lamorde, the policing of the major entry and exit points in the country have recorded the seizure of huge sums of money, especially at the three major airports in Lagos, Kano and Port-Harcourt.

He disclosed that some of the suspects arrested in connection with the seizures and other cases had been prosecuted and convicted.

He said: “The EFCC is unwavering in its determined effort to bring to a logical conclusion, many of the cases that it investigated in other sectors, including pension and oil subsidy cases.

“I expect the media to lend its investigative skills to helping the EFCC to fight corruption by exposing incidences of graft and drawing attention to some of the inherent challenges to the anti-corruption campaign in Nigeria.”

By Aliyu Dangida

From left: Chairman, Conference 57 of Lagos State, Mr. Suleiman Hakeem; Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State, Chief Funsho Ologunde; and a beneficiary during the distributions of empowerment items to members of the party by Conference 57 of the 30 local governments and 27 Local Development Council Areas (LCDAs), in Lagos.

PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

2015: Kwara APC accuses PDP of destroying billboards •Billboards do not win elections —PDP

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN— ALL Progressives Congress, APC, in Kwara State, yesterday urged the state police command to bring to book those behind the destruction of its bill boards erected at some strategic locations in Ilorin, the state capital and ensure that the matter was not swept under the carpet.

APC chairman, Alhaji Ishola Balogun-Fulani, at briefing in Ilorin, warned: “If this violent trend is not arrested, it is capable of turning the state to a war-ridden zone.”

He accused some thugs allegedly sponsored by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state of being responsible; noting that his party had lodged a formal complaint on the development with the Department of State Services, DSS, in the state and would officially write the state police command on the issue.

In a swift reaction, the opposition party, PDP, dismissed the allegations, saying it did not believe billboards could win elections.

However, Balogun-Fulani listed the areas where the APC’s bill boards were destroyed to include General Hospital area, Queens School area, Garin-Alimi roundabout and Offa garage area, all in Ilorin metropolis.

He alleged that after the failed attempt to instigate the impeachment of the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed “as the PDP did in Adamawa State, events in Kwara State in the past few

days point to a desperate attempt by the PDP and its sponsored political thugs to make Kwara State ungovernable through PDPinstigated political unrest and crises.

"Daunted and frightened by the rising popularity and acceptability of the APC and the APC-led performing government in Kwara State as shown by Kwarans during recent town hall meetings and the failure of its frivolous and inflammatory press statements to incite Kwarans against the government and the APC, the PDP which is renowned for thuggery and gangsterism has embarked on criminal activities.

“As we speak, billboards with inscription of APC logo and imprint of APC manifestos sponsored by APC members and erected at the frontage of their houses and junctions of their streets in Ilorin metropolis have been massively destroyed by PDP thugs in a clear attempt to provoke retaliation from APC members in order to set the ground for its evil plot to burn Kwara

State.

"Kwarans have not heard the last of these criminal cases and we warn the police command not to sweep these pure criminal cases under the carpet. Kwarans deserve justice in the interest of peace in Kwara State.

Billboards do not win elections —PDP

But spokesperson of the PDP in the state, Chief Rex Olawoye, dismissed the APC’s allegation, saying “that is what they have always been saying. They are not yet aware that they are becoming unpopular even among their members. If they are sure of their facts, let them publicly parade anyone caught in the act. Our party has no belief in billboards because that does not win elections.

“However, we can only be offended if the posters of candidates are defaced. We believe in peace even at the highest level of provocation.

We have a focus and the focus is to occupy the Government House come 2015.”

Governor’s Education Award holds tomorrow

L

AGOS Eko Secondary Education Project will tomorrow hold its 2014 Governor’s Education Award.

The award by Governor Babatunde Fashola is taking place at the Ten Degrees Event Centre, Billingsway Road,

Oregun Industrial Estate.

First held June 2011, Governor Fashola said the award was one of the many diversified strategies for improving the quality of education in the state.

UTSE — Disturbed by the spate of refuse dumps at the federal secretariat, Dutse, the Jigawa State Head of Service, HoS, Alhaji Mustapha Aminu, has urged heads of federal agencies working in the state to imbibe the culture of environmental cleanliness.

The HoS, who spoke at a meeting with heads of federal agencies working in the state, organised by Governori Sule Lamido, said: ”There is compelling need for you to learn on how to keep the state secretariat clean and healthy as well as keep your environment clean and neat, as one of the cardinal objectives of the present administration for public health and enabling environment for effective public service delivery.”

On his part, Governor Lamido commended the federal civil servants working in the state and security personnel for their dedication in making the state the most peaceful and secured in the federation.

Why we support Delta Speaker — Hausa, others

H

AUSA and Nupe communities among other non indigenes in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, have said their support for the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Peter Onwusanya, is based on his achievements as member representing Oshimili South Constituency in the House of Assembly.

They gave the explanation while receiving a representative of the speaker, Mr. Eugene Chukwurah.

Alhaji Auwalu Tukur, Special Assistant to the Governor and Alhaji Idris Kuta, the Etsu Nupe of Asaba who represented the Hausa and Nupe communities respectively, said the speaker had impacted on the lives of their people and given them sense of indigeneship in the area.

Tukur who paid glowing tribute the Onwusanya, pointed out that his efforts at transforming the local government area were appreciated by the residents.

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

COLLATION OF ARCHDEACONS: From left; Dr Tunde Onipinla, Otunba H.O. Afolabi and Chief Dr Dehinde Akinsete at the ceremony. BELOW: Ven Emmanuel Oritseweyinmi Fregene and Mrs Lizzy Fregene at the ceremony.

COLLATION OF ARCHDEACONS: The Most Revd (Prof) Adebayo Akinde,Bishop, Diocese of Lagos Mainland (centre) flanked by the newly-collated Venerable Archdeacons; from right; Ven Christian Ilekanachi, Ven Emmanuel Oritseweyinmi Fregene, Ven Dotun Otubanjo and Ven Olusegun Ososanya during the Collation of Revd Canon Emmanuel Oritseweyinmi Fregene as Venerable Archdeacon in the Diocese of Lagos Mainland (Anglican Communion) at the All Saints' Church, Yaba over the weekend. Photos by Biodun Ogunleye.

(BELOW) RETREAT: From left: Rev. Abraham Olusola-Niyi; member, Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR; Mr. NIKKAH: From left: Chief (Mrs) Oluwatoyin Adejobi, groom's mother; Chief Jonathan Adejobi, Balogun Kabiri George; President, NIPR; Dr. Rotimi Opa of Ile-Ife, groom's father; Alhaji Muyideen Badru, bride's father and Alhaja Kudirat Badru, bride's Oladele; past Chairman, Lagos State NIPR Chapmother, during the nikkah and engagement ceremonies of Dr. Ayisat Abiodun and Arc. Olakunle Opeyemi, held ter, Mr. Jide Ologun and Chairman, NIPR Education Advisory Board, Prof. Emmanuel at Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. RIGHT: The couple. Photo by Bunmi Azeez.

Dandaura during the NIPR presidential retreat for Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries, in Lagos.

(BELOW) WEDDING: From left; Groom's father, Commander Oluseyi Sosan (rtd); Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, (SAN); the groom, Gbenga Sosan, his bride, Adesuwa; groom's mother and former Deputy GovLAUNCH: MD, Osun State Investment Company, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of ernor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Sosan; bride's mother Osun State; Regional Director, Rlg Communications, Mr. Tosin Ilesanmi; and an Oyestech graduand and her husband, Mr & Mrs. Osazuwa, during Gbenga and Adesuwa's wedding in Lagos at the weekend. during the launching of OYESTECH Empowerment Scheme at the Government House, Osogbo.

PRIZE GIVING DAY: Mr Olufemi Julius, Chairman, Supreme Basic schools, Magada, Ibafo Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Mrs Kehinde Julius, Proprietress with graduands of the school during the school's prize giving day ceremony held within the school premises. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014—49

Delta PDP crisis deepens as stakeholders storm nat'l secretariat

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA— THE faceoff between the Delta State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, and Mrs. Mariam Ali, a member of the party ’s Board of Trustees and wife of former National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, has worsened, as a party stakeholders in the state stormed the National Secretariat of PDP to protest what they termed injustice and marginalisation.

The protesters, who were at the national secretariat of the party, under the aegis of Oshimili South PDP Stakeholders, insisted that Nwaboshi should go.

National Director of Administration, Alhaji Gurama Bawa, who received them and collected their letter, thanked them for the peaceful nature of the protest and promised that the PDP National Chairman will look into their grievances and take appropriate action.

Reason for Boko Haram insurgency— JONATHAN’s AIDE

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN— SENIOR Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youth and Student Affairs, Mr. Jude Imagwe, yesterday said Boko Haram’s plan was to plunge the country into full blown religion war. He urged Nigerians not to play into their hands.

The Presidential aide said that the nation will come out stronger after the prevailing security challenges.

He spoke at a SouthSouth youth rally in support of the 2015 presidential bid of President Jonathan in Sapele, Delta State.

1,000 PDP members join APC in Warri North

By Festus Ahon & Godwin Oghre

S

APELE— NO fewer than 1,000 members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta

State, have decamped to All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the October 25 local government elections.

Leading the decampees during a consultative visit of Prince Temisan Omatseye, a former Director General of

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to Koko, headquarters of the council where he declared his intention to contest the forthcoming Delta South senatorial district election in

MOU ON ENERGY: Governor

Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (left) and Mr. Oti Ikomi, Executive Vice-Chairman, Proton Energy, during the presentation of the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on the joint development by Bayelsa State and Proton for the construction of a 500Mw power plant in the state, at the justconcluded Bayelsa State Investment & Economic Forum in Yenogoa.

the state under the platform of APC, Bawo Wesley Edema, Desmond Oyowe and Amorighoye Mene, said APC was the leading light in the country’s politics.

Receiving the decampees, chairman of APC in the area, Chief Markson Ebiareneyin assured them of the party’s support and recognition, adding that they will enjoy equal opportunities with old members of the party.

On his part, the senatorial aspirant, Omatseye, decried the high rate of poverty in the senatorial district, blaming same on the ineptitude and corruption of political office holders in the area.

... as Rep dumps APC for PDP

By Gabriel Enogholase

Oshiomhole blasts striking doctors, calls for sector's overhaul

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN— GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said, yesterday, that there was need to overhaul the nation’s healthcare system for better service delivery.

Oshiomhole, who decried the incessant strikes by medical personnel in the country, said “even blue collar workers do not resort to strikes as frequently as our medical doctors do.”

Speaking at the inauguration of the Hospitals Management Board; Land Use and Allocation Committee; Traditional Medicine Board

and Edo Arts Council, Oshiomhole said: “To get the best from the health sector, I am convinced that we need to completely overhaul the system.

“We need a healthcare system that operates in accordance with world best practices. This means that it cannot be business as usual because the system has not been working.

“As at today, many of our doctors are putting in few hours into government work and the remaining hours into their personal work.

‘Not in this situation’

“It hurts me that people that the world is focusing on,

INEC tasks politicians on partisanship, PVCs distribution

By Austin Ogwuda

A

SABA— EXISTING political parties in Delta State were, yesterday, advised not to politicise the forthcoming issuance of permanent voters’ card, PVC, in the state.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Delta State, Dame Gesila Khan, who gave the advice at an enlarged stakeholders’ forum in Asaba, explained that those who either misplaced their temporary voters’ card or lost same during crisis should not worry because they have

another opportunity to get a permanent voters’ card provided they avoid multiple registration.

According to her “the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has taken delivery of the Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, meant for the registered voters in Delta State except for the Ika South Local Government Area and other two registration areas in two councils.

“In Warri South-West Local Government Area, the PVCs for registration area II and Aniocha North Local Government Registration Area I are being awaited.”

especially in this period when we are talking about Ebola Virus which has no cure yet, are on strike.

Though it is not and cannot be in Edo State, all of us must pray that it does not get into our state.

“Nigeria must live beyond where the medical doctors walk out of their jobs and patients are left to die. I do not think that we can continue in that way.

“We can play with everything, but we should not play with human lives. The most important resource of any government is the people. Without life, if we construct roads, who will drive on them? If we build schools with fine roofs, who is going to attend the schools?

“So, we need a robust debate on how to reposition the health sector and it will be your lot to ensure that those who receive money from government in the name of service, put in commensurate work.

“A situation where somebody who is supposed to be at the Central Hospital or at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital or at the Auchi General Hospital or other general hospitals is diverting patients to private clinics will certainly be unacceptable.”

In their various responses, the Chairmen thanked the governor for the honour done them and promised to justify the confidence reposed in them.

B

ENIN— THE member House of Representatives, representing Etsako Federal constituency, Mr. Abubakar Momoh, has defected from All Progressives Congress, APC, to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, along with his supporters and some other leaders of the party in Edo North senatorial district.

Momoh, who said he could no longer remain in APC because of its anti-democratic tendencies, defected at a rally in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, along with about 2000 former APC members.

At the event, Edo State Chairman of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, congratulated the defectors for identifying with the party he described as the vehicle that would bring about change in Edo State.

He said: “The governor has brought hardship on the people, especially the workers. For some strange reasons, he has handed the Edo Line to a rival transport company to manage.

“The state-owned Bendel Brewery, which in the past was the pride of the state is now dead. The workers are now being owed 31-month salary.

“Electricity supply to the company was cut over unpaid bills. Under Osunbor, they were producing 180,000 cartons of beer per month, but now they can hardly produce five.”

50— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 — 51

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52— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014—53

EBOLA Death toll hits 887 T HE death toll from the worst recorded outbreak of Ebola has reached 887, the World Health Organisation has said. It is an increase of 158 since the global health body released figures on July 31.

The WHO said there have been more than 1,600 cases of Ebola since the disease emerged in Guinea earlier this year. The news comes as Nigeria announced that it had confirmed a second case in Africa’s most populous nation. The patient is a doctor who treated the man who died in Nigeria last month.

According to the WHO, there has been 358 deaths in Guinea, 255 deaths in Liberia, 273 deaths in Sierra Leone and one in Nigeria. In Liberia, the government said the bodies of all Ebola victims must be cremated as fears rose that the disease could be spread by burials in residential areas.

The order came after a tense stand-off erupted over the weekend when health workers tried to bury more than 20 Ebola victims on the outskirts of Monro-

via. Authorities said military police officers were called in to help restore order so that the burials could take place. At least 17 bodies have been abandoned on Monrovia’s streets in recent days, health officials said.

Meanwhile, plastic buckets are selling at a record pace to people who fill them with chlorine to disinfect their hands. “This situation has gotten worse. We need our concerted effort, this country needs everybody right now,” information minister Lewis Brown said.

Never before has the disease with a fatality rate of at least 60 per cent become so entrenched in urban population centres in Africa.

HARMACEUTICAL com panies are unwilling to invest in vaccines and research to cure the deadly Ebola disease because it is only killing Africans, a leading UK doctor has claimed.

Professor John Ashton, president of the UK Faculty of Public Health, has claimed no cure for the disease has been discovered because it so far has only affected powerless minorities.

He likened the response to that of AIDS, for which treatments were developed only when it started affecting western countries.

The current Ebola outbreak which has no vaccine, no cure and kills up to 90 per cent of victims, is currently ravaging the West African countries of Guin-

Scare at Gatwick Airport after woman on West Africa flight collapses and dies

G

ATWICK was struck with an Ebola scare, weekend, after a woman collapsed and died after arriving from West Africa. The passenger, in her 70s, showed no symptoms on the flight from Gambia but became unwell on arrival at the south England airport on Saturday. She had flown with Gambia Bird.

The woman was taken to hospital where she died, though subsequent tests for Ebola came back negative. There have been no confirmed cases in the UK thus far.

Dr Brian McCloskey, Director of global public health at Public Health England, said: “There was no health risk to other pas-

South Korea bars Nigerians from varsity confab

A

SOUTH Korean universi ty has rescinded an invitation for three Nigerians to attend a conference and a group of volunteers called off a trip to West Africa amid growing concerns about the spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

Ebola vaccine ‘does not exist because it mainly affects Africans’

P

•Plane carrying the woman, who was tested for Ebola arriving at Gatwick on a Gambia Bird jet from Sierra Leone, yesterday.

ea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Liberia.

There have been 729 deaths from 1,329 confirmed cases of Ebola in this year’s epidemic making it the largest Ebola outbreak in history. Writing in the Independent on Sunday, Professor Ashton said: ‘We must respond to this emergency as if it was in Kensington, Chelsea, and Westminster.

‘We must also tackle the scandal of the unwillingness of the pharmaceutical industry to invest in research to produce treatments and vaccines, something they refuse to do because the numbers involved are, in their terms, so small and don’t justify the investment.

Dr Kent Brantly, Nancy Writebol who worked for US aid groups Samaritan's Purse and SIM in Liberian

The Duksung Women’s University in Seoul said in a statement that the school “politely withdrew” its invitation for three Nigerian students to attend an international conference that it is co-hosting with the United Nations starting from Monday.

Fears about a possible spread of the deadly virus had prompted a student from the university to post a plea on the country’s presidential office Web site asking for the cancellation of the entire event.

The university has said it was going ahead with the conference to be attended by students, including 28 from Africa.

South Korea on Monday advised people to refrain from vis-

iting Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, while a group of South Korean medical volunteer workers scrapped an annual trip to African countries including Ivory Coast and Ghana scheduled for August.

South Korean bloggers have posted online petitions, including one urging South Korean missionaries working in the region be barred from returning home.

West African leaders agreed last week to take stronger measures to try to bring the worst outbreak of Ebola under control and prevent it spreading outside the region, including steps to isolate rural communities ravaged by the disease.

sengers or crew, as the passenger did not have symptoms during the flight. “It was considered very unlikely to be a case of Ebola but testing was done as a precaution, and was negative. The correct procedures were followed to confirm there was no reason to quarantine the airplane, the passengers or staff.”

Airport staff spoke of how the woman was apparently sweating and vomiting before paramedics, immigration and airfield operations turned up to take everyone’s details. The staff member said everyone’s just petrified. No, the woman who died at Gatwick did not have Ebola. “We’ve all seen how many people have died from Ebola, especially in Sierra Leone, and it’s terrifying.”

The flight, carrying 128 people, had reportedly travelled from Sierra Leone, then had stopped at Gambia before carrying on its journey to the UK. A spokesperson for Gatwick said: “As a precaution, the aircraft was isolated, as were relevant airline and airport staff. At every stage, we took advice from Public Health England, which cleared the aircraft for its return journey.”

US Missionary Nancy Writebol leaves Liberia today

N

ANCY Writebol worked as a hygienist as part of the same mission as Dr. Kent Brantl A second American missionary stricken with Ebola is expected to fly today to the U.S. for treatment, following a colleague who was admitted over the weekend to Emory University Hospital’s infectious disease unit. A Liberian official, Information Minister Lewis Brown, confirmed plans for Nancy Writebol to depart with a medical evacuation team. The official said the evacuation flight was scheduled to leave the country between 1 a.m. and 1.30 a.m. local time.

Writebol’s son, Jeremy Writebol, said his mother “is still struggling” but that “there seems to be improvement” and that the family is optimistic she will recover amid a spreading Ebola outbreak that has killed at least 729 people in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

The Writebols’ mission team partner, Dr. Kent Brantly, also was improving Sunday after he was admitted to Emory’s quarantine unit a day earlier, according to a statement from his wife.

“Our family is rejoicing over Kent’s safe arrival, and we are confident that he is receiving the very best care,” Amber Brantly said, adding that she was able to see her husband Sunday.

Brantly and Nancy Writebol served on the same mission team treating Ebola victims when they contracted the virus themselves.

Brantly was serving as a physician in the hospital compound near Monrovia, Liberia, when he became infected. Writebol worked as a hygienist whose role included decontaminating those entering or leaving the Ebola treatment area at that hospital.

There is no cure for Ebola, which causes hemorrhagic fever that kills at least 60 per cent of

the people it infects in Africa.

Ebola spreads through close contact with bodily fluids and blood, meaning it is not spread as easily as airborne influenza or the common cold. Africa’s underdeveloped health care system and inadequate infection controls make it easier for the Ebola virus to spread and harder to treat.

Any modern hospital using standard infection-control measures should be able to handle it, and Emory’s infectious disease unit is one of about four in the U.S. that is specially equipped to test and treat people exposed to the most dangerous viruses.

Patients are quarantined, sealed off from anyone who is not in protective gear. Lab tests are conducted inside the unit, ensuring that viruses don’t leave the quarantined area. Family members can see and communicate with patients only through barriers.

54—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

“Confab must approve more than 13% derivation or...”

AWARD: From left— Mr. Ola Ijimakin, GM, Marketing, Fidson Health Care; Miss Oluwafemi Beauty of Adeleye Primary School Mushin, an awardee; Mr. Alabi Kareem, Chief Education Officer, SUBEB, and Mr. Femi Ajala, Brand Manager, Astymin, Fidson Health Care Plc, during the presentation of Astymin Brilliance Reward by Fidson in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: Joe Akintola, (Photo Editor).

By Tom Moses

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HAIRMAN of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnics Governing Council, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, has said that antagonism by the North to the agitation for increase in derivation for oil-producing states will not work, warning that Nigeria will become history if the 13 percent derivation was not raised.

Nwoko, a lawyer, who spoke in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said the Nigerian Federation was founded on established principles among which was fiscal federalism and as such, failure of the national conference to approve and adopt a percentage more than 13 would be vehemently resisted.

He said: “It is instructive to note that the 1963 Republican Constitution stipulated 50 percent derivation principle. This was a fundamental content of the federation.

“I want to note, as a South-South, man that the failure of the confab to approve and adopt an increase to the 13 percent derivation has put Nigeria at crossroads.”

PDP lawmakers bar Edo traffic agency from federal roads

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, legislators in the Edo State House of Assembly, yesterday, passed a resolution calling on the Edo State Traffic Management Agency and its officials to stop and desist from the management and control of traffic and arrest of suspected traffic offenders on federal trunk roads in the state.

It listed some of the roads to include Benin-Ore Road through Oluku down to Dawson Junction at Akpakpava; New Lagos Road; Akpakpava Road; Sapele Road; Benin-Sapele Road;

Delta LG chairmanship aspirant faults ‘politics of opposition'

By Festus Ahon

U

GHELLI— A local government chairmanship aspirant in Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Emmanuel Egbabor has advised the people of the council against playing politics of opposition.

Speaking with newsmen in Ozoro, headquarters of the council, Egbabor commended political leaders in Isoko North for their performance and contribution to the growth of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Isoko nation and development of the area.

He said: “I have come to say thank you for accepting my candidature under our beloved PDP umbrella. I implore you all to remain supportive so that this dream will be actualised.

“I also appreciate our leaders in government positions, who made this race very easy for us all. I want to specially thank Mr.

Ovuzourie Macaulay, Secretary to Delta State Government, Mr. Leo Ogor, and Mr. Tim Owhefere for their role in encouraging oneness in Isoko North in particular for the interest of the party.”

Benin-Asaba Road; Murtala Muhammed Way; Benin Byepass and Upper SakponbaAbraka Road.

They passed the resolution during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Chief Festus Ebea, following a motion on matter of urgent public importance by Kingsley Ehigiamusor, Emman Okoduwa and six others.

The legislators warned that any official or employee of the state traffic management agency found performing, working or controlling traffic or arresting suspected offenders or doing anything on the aforementioned federal trunk roads in the state would be arrested and prosecuted.

Relevant authorities

It said that the Federal Ministry of Works and its agencies such as Federal Emergency Road Management Agency, FERMA, should ensure and undertake the maintenance of all federal trunk roads in the state in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, which

it noted were constitutionally and statutorily empowered to control, direct or maintain traffic on the said roads.

Meanwhile, in an address marking the end of first quarter of the Fourth Session of the

Delta govt, DSIEC urged to ensure free, fair LG polls

By Godwin Oghre

S

APELE—THE Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, has been called upon to conduct free and fair local government elections in the state, come October 25, and to provide all the contestants, irrespective of party affiliation, equal opportunity and level playing ground.

Mr. Bawo Edema, a lawyer, made the call, following allegations that some councillorship and chairmanship aspirants were involved in the printing and smuggling of fake party membership cards across the state, with the connivance of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and government officials.

Gbagi can transform Delta, says Chief Egbuwoku

By Emma Amaize

E

MEDE— FORMER Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Chief Tom Egbuwoku, has described the erstwhile Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, as a credible Deltan, who can transform the state if elected governor.

Chief Egbuwoku stated this when Gbagi, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,

governorship aspirant visited him at Emede, Isoko.

He said: “I have known Gbagi for a very long time and have found him to be a sincere, honest and credible person, who always stands by whatever he believes in.

“He has good leadership qualities and will turn things around if elected governor of Delta State.”

Egbuwoku recalled how he, Gbagi and some others

House, Chief Ebea blamed the crisis rocking the Assembly on the executive, saying that the Mr. Uyi Igbe-led faction hurriedly read the script written by the executive and threw caution and due process to the wind.

worked closely together to form PDP in the state, but regretted that there seem to be attempts to sideline and relegate the founding fathers of the party.

Gbagi, in his response, hinted that he will run an allinclusive government where inputs from the various segments in the state would be required and taken into consideration to meet the aspirations of the people.

He urged law enforcement agencies to be at alert for any one contravening electoral laws.

NUPENG to fight adulteration of fuel products

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— NIGERIA Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has assured that it will continue to take necessary measures to guide against supply of adulterated petroleum cargoes.

National Chairman, Marine Equipment and Oil Suppliers Branch of NUPENG, MEOS, Mr. Best Enuyiese, who gave the assurance during the inauguration of the Bonny, Okrika-Onne, Port Harcourt units, Rivers State branch of the body, lauded the new executive of the Port Harcourt unit with Henry Nwonodi as Chairman and Emeka Mbata, secretary.

Enuyiese charged the new executive to work with appropriate government agencies to check oil theft and other related challenges facing the petroleum sector.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 —55

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS:

BUHARI, SHEIKH BAUCHI BOMBING:

Investigative report absolves FG

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA — INSPECTORGENERAL of Police, Suleiman Abba, yesterday, declared that the Federal Government had no hand in the deadly attacks on former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, and Shiekh Dahiru Bauchi by Boko Haram insurgents two weeks ago.

Speaking in his maiden meeting with all Assistant InspectorsGeneral, AIGs, and Commissioners of Police at Force headquarters in Abuja, the IGP said findings from a high-powered delegation of police officers to Kaduna by his predecessor found that the Federal Government had no hand in the bombings that targeted the two prominent Nigerians.

He said: “They went to Kaduna, conducted a very diligent investigation; a team that was made up not only of general duty detectives, but also forensic experts, visited the scene; visited some of the victims in the hospital and even those in the mortuary.

“They conducted interviews with victims and witnesses, including the highly respected General Muhammadu Buhari, those that were with him when the incident happened and did a lot of

other things that maybe we need not mention all of them here.

“So far, the findings do not indicate that the Federal Government was involved in either of the two incidents.”

He noted that the military had in their custody one suspect, who was arrested at the scene of the second bombing, adding that the said suspect was previ-

ously arrested twice by police at a station close to the incident.

Recall that 48 hours after the twin Kaduna bomb blasts, former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, deployed a high powered team to investigate the terrorist acts.

The team of investigators, which worked in close collaboration with other security agen-

cies, was headed by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Legal Department at Force CID, DCP Nwodibo Ekechukwu.

Other members of the team included DCP Chris Ezike of the Federal SARS, DCP Dan Mallam of the IGP’s Monitoring Unit and DCP Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi of the Interpol Unit.

PRESENTATION: Chief Creativity Officer/CEO, X3M Ideas, Mr. Steve Babaeko (middle); Principal, Oregun Senior High School, Lagos, OSHS, Mrs. Toyin Kuti; Vice Principal, OSHS, Mrs. Idowu Deniga, and HR, Manager, X3M, Mr. Sunkanmi Atolagbe; flanked by other staff and students of the school, during the agency’s presentation of ICT tools to mark its 2nd anniversary of CSR intervention project, in Lagos.

Osun guber: PDP accuses APC of deceit on security matters ....Says, Police deployed to stem thuggery

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA — NATIONAL leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, tongue-lashed All Progressives Congress, APC, accusing the opposition party of plans to deceive Nigerians regarding its role in the deployment of officials of the Department of State Service, DSS, to Osun State, ahead of the August 9 governorship election.

The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, who described the move as shameful and disgusting, said: “In turning to accuse the PDP-led government of moving operatives of the DSS to terrorise the people of the state when, in actual fact, the APC governor of Osun State also formally requested for their deployment, the APC has again displayed a penchant for deceit and lies for which it has become notorious.

“Nigerians may recall that last Friday, the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, issued a statement querying the presence of DSS officials in Osun State.

“We find in this statement the

height of hypocrisy, especially as it is incontrovertible that it was the Osun APC governor who, in a letter dated July 4, 2014, and addressed to the Director General of the DSS, requested for the deployment for the purpose of security and general protection ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State and to help secure peace and make the election hitch-free, as security is beefed up for the election.

“It is, therefore, shocking and utterly despicable for the APC to turn round to point accusing fingers at the PDP and the Presidency when the DSS officials arrived and commenced their duties in line with the request of the governor.

“While Nigerians have continued to express shock over this act of deception, we in the PDP ask: Is it a question of APC dishing out statements without cross-checking internally? Or is it a question of the party adopting lies, deceit and propaganda as ideology?

“These questions have become necessary, given that the APC has become infa-

mous for fabrications as means to curry the support of unsuspecting Nigerians.

“We recall a similar statement by APC in June wherein it alleged that a plane carrying Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso to attend an APC rally in Ekiti to support

Governor Kayode Fayemi’s reelection bid was denied landing permission in Akure, only for Kwankwaso’s Director of Press Affairs, Baba Dantiye, to announce that his boss was at another event in Kano and had no plans to travel to Ekiti State."

NESREA introduces training manual in Police colleges

By Funmi Olasupo

A

BUJA — NATIONAL Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, has concluded plans to, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, introduce environmental training manual in the three levels of command of the force.

The training, Vanguard gathered, would be in three modules, including one for police constables and non-commissioned officers, module for police inspectors and detectives and another for police academy and senior command officers.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Ngeri Benebo, said the aim of the training programme was to introduce Nigeria policemen to key issues in environmental compliance, monitoring and enforcement.

She explained that the training would also expose them to the existence and activities of relevant international environmental organisations and institutions, as well as local laws and global agreements on environmental protection.

The DG said: “It is a common knowledge that environmental issues are now recognised as worrisome security matters globally."

Confab not a failure, says ex-Gombe military gov

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA — FIRST military governor of Gombe State, Group Captain Joseph Orji (rtd), has declared that it would be lack of understanding and knowledge for anyone to suggest that the 2014 national conference was a failure.

Orji spoke against the backdrop of sundry insinuations that the conference’s recommendation for the constitution of a technical committee by the Presidency to resolve the deadlock on derivation and resource control marred the four months old conference.

Speaking with Vanguard in Abuja, Orji stated that the conference recorded over 90 per cent consensus on all the rec-

ommendations of the 20 standing committees, except on derivation.

Justifying the decision, the former military administrator, who is also a delegate to the national conference on the platform of the Federal Government, said the government was in a better position to know the appropriate percentage it would approve from its revenue base to boost the current 13 per cent for Niger Delta states.

He said: “It would be lack of understanding and knowledge by anyone to suggest that the National Conference 2014 was a failure because it referred the issue of derivation to the Federal Government.

"It should be noted that the issue of derivation was an insig-

nificant item compared to the wide range of national challenges successfully treated on consensus by the conference delegates. ”It would be recalled that the derivation fund is already in existence and has been applied by the Federal Government of Nigeria at least 13 per cent from the Federal Government’s share of revenue.

“The reason, amongst others, that encouraged the national conference to refer the issue of derivation to the Federal Government is to allow the Federal Government through a technical committee to workout what would be the affordable increment, since this would come from the Federal Government’s share of revenue."

56— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Nigerian female doctor tests positive Continues from page 5 Appeal to NMA: The joint Federal and state medical team therefore, appealed to Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, to call off the ongoing nationwide strike in the interest of the general public.

“Given the state of the outbreak of Ebola virus in Lagos State, we are appealing to the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA who are on strike to please sheath their sword and call off their strike; join our team to fight this scourge.

“We will also welcome volunteer from the health profession and those who accept volunteer shall be given incentive. We also appeal to residents to support the government in fighting the scourge,” Idris stated.

Reactions: In a reaction to the development, a professor of Medicine and Former Direcor Human Resources West African Health Organisation, WAHO, Prof. Kayode Odusote, noted: “I’m concerned about anything that happens as a result because the man that came from Liberia and the trail of events. “We know the risk is there because of frequent travel and both the public and health workers must be prepared to pick up the first signs of this infection.

Let us be prepared and not have a repeat of what happened in Li-

beria where there was denial at the beginning.

Odusote, this exemplifies what we have been saying that anybody that has contact with a victim must report to the quarantine unit at once. Don’t wait. What this means is that we have to be vigilant. The earlier the signs can be picked up, the better. Anyone who has had contact with Ebola victim and is exhibiting any of the signs should just quarantine himself of herself so as not to put their family and the public in danger,” he affirmed Also speaking,. National President Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners, AGPMPN, Dr. Anthony Omolola, stated that the development was a signal. “It is a signal that we have a challenge on our hands now knowing full well that the mortality with Ebola is as high as 90 percent.

“Government should put all its apparatus into ensuring that the disease does not spread in Nigeria. And the political will must be doubled now. There must be serious enlightenment programme now about Ebola virus.

The treatment itself and there must be a very serious campaign, jingles in different languages and different media. It should also be

ensured that all contacts with the late Patrick Sawyer has to under serious surveillance to ensure that there are no further contacts.

Another Ebola suspect flown in: Another Ebola victim was yesterday allegedly brought in to Muritala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, from Ghana.

The victim identified as Mr Nwosu Nnaji was allegedly flown on aboard Arik Air flight from Ghana which landed at about 12.00 noon.

But a top official of Arik Air who was contacted, but pleaded anonymity, said the airline has stopped going to Ebola infested countries and that the airline could not have allowed an Ebola victim to be on their flight. Efforts to speak with the General Manager, Public Affairs, Arik Air, Mr Ola Adebanji failed as his mobile numbers were switched off.

A Port Health official at the Lagos when contacted to speak on the issue said all enquiries on Ebola should be directed to Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN. But the Coordinating General Manager, Public Affairs , Aviation Parastatals, Mr. Yakubu Dati did not pick his calls when contacted.

Meawhile, death toll from the world’s worst Ebola outbreak had

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014—57 risen to 887 by August 1, while bank officials said on Monday as the total number of cases in the African leaders gathered for the four West African countries affect- first day of a U.S. summit.

African Development Bank ed stood at 1,603 on the same date, the World Health Organi- President Donald Kaberuka told Reuters his institution would imsation said on Monday.

Guinea has suffered the high- mediately disburse $50 million to est death toll with 358 fatalities the three countries where governout of 485 confirmed Ebola cases ment resources and health sysso far. Sierra Leone has had the tems are being stretched by the largest number of cases, 646 over- worst outbreak of the virus.

The World Bank is set to anall, and 273 deaths, while Liberia has had 468 cases and 255 deaths. nounce funding for each of the Nigeria, the latest country to countries after approval by its import the disease, has had four board, bank officials said. “We’re cases, of which three are classed putting together a substantial as ‘probable’ Ebola and one as emergency package for the three ‘suspected’, the Geneva-based countries and will announce it early this week,” a bank official agency said in a statement. said. The funding is part of a $100 million emergency response plan Courier launched by the World Health companies Organization last week. WHO The case of Patrick Sawyer, an chief Margaret Chan has warned American who died shortly after that Ebola was outpacing efforts flying from Liberia at Lagos air- to contain it and warned of “cataport via Togo and Ghana, is still strophic” consequences if the sitclassed as “probable”. The WHO uation deteriorated.

Sierra Leone and Liberia depreviously said it had not managed to check his sample because ployed troops on Monday under courier companies had refused to an emergency plan to fight the transport it to the Institut Pasteur spread of the virus. The latest outbreak began in the forests of in Dakar.

The other two probable Ebola remote eastern Guinea in Februcases in Nigeria were a health- ary. On Monday, Nigeria’s care worker and a Nigerian who health minister reported a second had been to Guinea, WHO said. case of Ebola in Lagos in a doctor Nigeria itself has reported only who treated U.S. patient Patrick the cases of Sawyer and, on Mon- Sawyer, who died last month. The day, one of the doctors who treat- impact of the outbreak and assisted him. International financial in- ance for affected countries to try stitutions are preparing funding to contain it will be discussed on packages for Liberia, Sierra Leo- the sidelines of the African Sumne and Guinea hard hit by the mit attended by nearly 50 African deadly Ebola virus, development leaders, U.S. official said.

58 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 BRIEFS

Ukrainian troops cross into Russia to avoid fighting

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Ebola drug maker’s stock surges •Second American Ebola patient heads to US

S

HARES of a Vancou ver-based company working on a drug to treat Ebola surged nearly 40% last week.

Tekmira Pharmaceuticals (TKMR) popped on much higher trading volume than usual because investors are hopeful that health agencies in the United States might approve its drug, known as TKMEbola.

But investors buying this stock now need to be extremely careful.

CNN reported Monday that two Americans who were infected with the Ebola virus in Liberia were treated with a drug made by privately-held San Diego company Mapp Biopharmaceutical.

Shares of Tekmira, which were up as much as 26% at one point Monday, gave up all of their gains following the CNN report and were down nearly 7% in afternoon trading. Mean-

Burkina Faso President Blaise Campaore (L) and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry deliver brief remarks to the news media before a bilateral meeting during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the State Department August 4, 2014 in Washington, DC. Photo: AFP while, shares of BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (BCRX), another small biotech working on a drug that could be used to treat Ebola, were up 6% Monday.

Meanwhile, Liberian officials have said that plans have been concluded to fly the second American infected with the Ebola virus in west Africa to the US for treat-

ment.

Nancy Writebol was expected to leave on a specialised aircraft for Atlanta at 01:00 local time on Tuesday.

Israel resumes Gaza assault as truce ends I SRAEL has resumed air strikes on Gaza after its declared sevenhour humanitarian truce ended, pledging that there would be no end to its bloody military campaign in the strip without achieving long-term security for its people.

Late on Monday, Palestinian officials said an Israeli air strike hit a target next to a desalination plant in Gaza, killing two people and wounding 16 others.

Images of the bloodshed in Gaza, which has claimed more than 1,800 Palestinian lives and 67 in Israel, have sent tensions soaring

across the region, earning Tel Aviv strong criticism for the soaring numbers of civilian casualties.

“How many more deaths will it take to stop what must be called the

carnage in Gaza?” asked French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.

Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov also added his voice to growing calls for an agreement

to end the violence, his ministry said on Monday.

In Cairo, truce talks between a Palestinian delegation and Egyptian officials were ongoing.

ISIS takes control of Iraq’s largest hydroelectric dam Col. Herash said.

F

IGHTERS with the militant group the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria reached the triangle border between Iraq, Syria and Turkey, it said in a message posted on Twitter. ISIS took control of Iraq’s largest hydroelectric dam on Iraq’s Tigris River, which pro-

vides power to the city of Mosul about 50 kilometers (31 miles) to the south, the commander of the Peshmerga Kurdish fighters who had been defending the facility said Sunday. The dam workers remained inside the facility, which fell after a 24-hour battle, Lt.

ISIS — known for killing dozens of people at a time, while carrying out public executions, crucifixions and other acts — has taken over several cities as it seeks to create an Islamic caliphate that encompasses parts of Iraq and Syria.

Royal Navy ship takes Britons from Libya to Malta

A

ROYAL Navy ship helping Britons to leave Libya amid worsening violence in the country has arrived in Malta, according to the Foreign Office (FCO).

HMS Enterprise helped 110 people, the majority of whom were British. None are understood to be diplomats.

The FCO temporarily

closed its embassy in the capital of Tripoli on Monday. It had urged Britons to leave the country.

It comes amid fighting between rival factions in Libya, which has killed hundreds of people in recent weeks.

‘Food and shelter’ The Plymouth-based ship left the UK in June for an 18-month survey

deployment and had been on operations in the Mediterranean.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon confirmed the Royal Navy operation had been launched following Foreign Office advice.

“I thank the crew of HMS Enterprise for their support and professionalism in carrying out this

important task,” he said.

About 110 people were registered to leave on board the ship including two Irish citizens and one German.

During the operation, it is understood HMS Enterprise moored just off Tripoli and a smaller vessel was dispatched to transport people from shore to deck.

KRAINE said on Monday it was in talks with Moscow over the return of 311 Ukrainian soldiers and border guards who had been forced by fighting with separatists to cross into Russia, but Russian border authorities said the troops were seeking asylum.

Both sides seemed set to use the fate of the troops to score propaganda points as Ukrainian government forces extended steady gains it has made against the pro-Russian separatists since a Malaysian airliner was downed over a rebel-held area on July 17.

Ukrainian defence spokesman Andriy Lysenko said a group of soldiers and border guards, who had been caught between the Russian border to the east and rebel positions in the west, had crossed into Russia in the early hours of Monday.

He put their number at 311, telling a news briefing they had retreated into Russia for safety reasons after helping their comrades break through rebel lines.

Kiev, he said, was now negotiating with Russian authorities for their return.

In Moscow, authorities acknowledged that Ukrainian troops had crossed into Russian territory though they put the number at 438 - and Russian border guards said they had crossed during the night seeking asylum.

Spanish police arrest two women suspected of heading for jihad

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WO young Spanish women, one of them un der 18, have been arrested in the Spanish North African enclave of Melilla on suspicion of trying to join an Islamic State militant cell in the Middle East, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

The women were detained on Saturday trying to cross from Melilla into Morocco, where they planned to make contact with a network that would transport them to conflict zones in Iraq or Syria, the ministry said.

The older one was 19. The younger one was not identified but media reports said she could be as young as 14.

Thousands of young people have set off from European countries to join Islamist rebels fighting in Syria, often finding recruitment agents through social media.

Islamic State began as an al Qaeda offshoot in Iraq, seized territory in Syria after joining the rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad, and has now extended its area of control in a spectacular push across northern Iraq, declaring an Islamic of

James Brady, who received bullets for Reagan is dead

J

AMES Brady, a former presidential press sec retary critically wounded in the assassination attempt on U.S. President Ronald Reagan, has died, a spokeswoman told Reuters on Monday.

He was 73.

Brady became a leading gun control crusader after the March 30, 1981, attack that left him partially paralyzed due to brain damage. Jennifer Fuson, deputy director of media relations for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said staff members were still waiting to learn the circumstances of his death.

Brady spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair after being shot, but, with wife Sarah, campaigned for a gun law that would be known as the “Brady bill.” The law, which was passed in 1993, required a mandatory five-day waiting period for purchase of handguns and also background checks for would-be gun buyers.

Reagan was two months into his presidency when John Hinckley Jr. drew a $29 handgun outside a Washington hotel and wounded the president, Brady, a Secret Service member and a Washington police officer.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014—59

RCCG 62ND CONVENTION

Pastor Olu Obanure RCCG Western Coast, Ghana performing the ordination of Deacons and Deaconness during the 62nd Annual Convention of Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG at Km46, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, yesterday.

Pastor J F Odesola, Special Adviser to the General Overseer, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, performing the Ordination of Deacons and Deaconesses

Adebo deboyye announces changes in RCCG hierar ch hierarch chyy

By Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona

G

ENERAL Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, after a meeting of the Governing Council of the church, yesterday, announced some changes in the church hierarchy with the retirement of two members of the council after attaining the retirement age as stipulated by the constitution.

A statement by the head of Media and Public Relations, Pastor Segun Adegbiji, said the two officers retired include Pastor Oluwalogbon and Pastor C.O. Osho and two members of the church who have served the church meritoriously have been appointed to replace them. They are Pastor Johnson Funso Odesola who had served the church for 40 years and Pastor Remi Akintunde following 38 years of meritorious service.

Highest organ The statement explained that the Governing Council, the highest organ of the church is made up of 18 members with Pastor Adeboye as chairman. Other members now include Pastors Kuo, Ezekiel Odeyemu, Elijah Daramola, Gbadebo Lawal, Joseph Obayemi, Johnson Odesola and Remi Obayemi.

The number of special assistants to the General Overseer has also been increased from 12 to 19 with the inclusion of seven other members including; Pastor Kola Bolanta in charge of South America; Pastor James Fadele in charge of North America; Pastor Agu Irukwu in charge of United Kingdom and Pastor Olowu in charge of Europe. Others include Pastor Tosin Macaulay in charge

of North Africa; Pastor J.K. Loaded in charge of Region 10 Abuja and Pastor Charles Adegoke on his way to the Middle East.

Adeboye also announced the constitution of a World Advisory Council which is expected to meet every December to give proposal for the consideration of the Governing Council. Members include all former members of the governing council and all special assistants to the G.O. The foreign outposts have been restructured as follows: Europe which has been divided into three smaller regions with headquarters in Holland, Spain and Sweden.

North America has been divided into Canada -one region and USA - five regions. UK has been

divided into four regions including Wales, Scotland, Northen Ireland and England. Similarly, Asia/Middle East has been divided into Malaysia and United Arab Emirate. This came just as the church announced tremendous growth in Nigeria within the last two years as the church planted 28,582 parishes in the year 2012-2013 and 32,036 parishes in 2013-2014.

In Nigeria within the period under review, a total of 332,800 souls were won for Christ in 20122013 and 507,472 others gave their lives to Christ in 2013-2014. Consequently, six new regions have been created in Nigeria, making the number of regions in the country to 24 just as 28 new provinces have been created.

EW deacons and deacon esses were, yesterday, enjoined to be of good character, one of the cardinal qualifications of a minister who is determined to succeed in the vineyard of The Lord. The charge was made by Rev. Charles Achunwa at the end of the ordination ceremony of 8,622 deacons and deaconesses at the Arena of the Redemption Camp.

Preaching a short sermon to adminish the new ordinands, the Senior Pastor/founder of Doulos Ministries who was born again in 1971, and is also renowned in his music ministry, enjoined the new ministers to remember always that the ministry believes in revelation.

According to him, anyone who lobied to get ordained should not forget that God would ensure that such a one would be found in the loby when the trumpet is sounded, warning that as ministers they must be above board at all times because the people of the world

Fir st fruits of the con First convvention

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HREE boys and one girl born between 4.30 a.m. and 8.15 a.m. yesterday became the first fruits of this year’s annual convention. A girl delivered by Mrs. Elizabeth Adebayo, who came from Ikorodu in Lagos State at 4.30 a.m. weighing 3.1 kilograms was the first baby of the spiritual fiesta. rather mirror the Church through Mrs. Adebayo got married earthe behaviour of the ministers and ly October last year and when she no longer the Bible. became pregnant, registered in He further warned then against a private hospital in Ikorodu for eye service, because “if a man pro- the normal anti-natal treatment, motes you, a man can also bring but her husband, a member of you down. It’s only God’s promo- the Redeemed Christian Church tion that isermanent. You are or- of God was determined to have dained because you believe in the his first baby delivered in the misHoly Spirit and the call of God is sion’s maternity. His wish came upon your life. We want you to to pass yesterday when 10 grow in wisdom, not forgeting months after their marriage his that character is the foundation wife was delivered of a baby girl.

The second baby of the convention is a boy who was delivered at about 6.45 a.m. by Mrs. Titilayo Emmanuel who came to the Ministers’ Conference from Abeokuta in Ogun State with her full time pastor husband. Her husband had just been posted to Aiyepe in Ogun State and she took advantage of the conference to accompany him to the camp where she Mrs Titilayo Emmanuel with her baby was delivered yesterday

Achonwa tasks new ordinands

N

Mr Phillips Adebayo and his wife with their baby girl born on the first day of the 62nd Convention of RCCG

boy

morning. She would want christen the boy, the fifth of her marriage, Wonderful.

Mrs. Abosede Adebowale, 28, resides in Pakuro, Mowe from where she commutes everyday to Access Bank, Ilupeju where she works. In 2012, Abosede was delivered of her first baby girl who became the first baby of that year’s convention. This time around, she was delivered of a baby boy who is the third child of the 62nd convention. If she has her way, she would want to christen the baby, Enoch because he came without much hassles in less than 30 minutes of her arrival. And the fourth child was delivered by 38-year old Akinlagun Adegeju of Lagos.

According to the mother of four, the hospital where she registered had told her she born on of about July 27 and when that day came and the baby didn’t come, she decided to join the train of people going to the camp for this year’s Ministers Conference.

She first came to the maternity on Saturday but was told it wasn’t time and Sunday evening she returned when the pains became severe and at 8.15 she delivered a baby boy. She would want her baby named, Mission because several fellow worshippers laughed at her at the mission field because she was carrying pregnancy.

60 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

PSG want •20m for Lavezzi E

ZEQUIEL Lavezzi would be willing to move to Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain are thought to have told the club their price.

The Argentina international has been attracting attention from clubs all over Europe this summer, as he seems surplus to requirements in the French capital.

With Angel Di Maria likely to arrive from Real

I

NTER sporting direc tor Piero Ausilio has categorically denied reports that the club have made a bid for Barcelona’s Dani Alves.

It has been reported in the Spanish Press yesterday that the Nerazzurri are keen on signing the Brazilan defender, who has only one year left on his contract with the Camp Nou giants.

“Dani Alves is not a part of our plans,” Ausilio is quoted as saying during a brief exchange with reporters yesterday fternoon.

Madrid, the former Napoli man has been linked with Juve, Inter and Milan.

But Sport Mediaset believe that the forward would prefer a switch to Turin, and is pushing PSG for a sale.

It is suggested that Laurent Blanc’s men have told the Bianconeri that a bid of €20m would be enough to get Lavezzi.

Vermaelen close to joining Barca knowledged that Vermaelen is likely to leave the club this summer, 12 months before his contract expires.

Barca have signed Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia but Luis Enrique is said to want another centre-back, with Vermaelen now at the top of the list.

Inter deny Alves link

Xavi suffers calf injury

X

AVI Hernandez has suffered an injury to his calf in training, with the Barcelona veteran waiting on results of a scan.

The club’s official website confirms the mid-

•Laverzi

Monaco: Falcao is staying •Vermaelen

M

ONACO’S Coach and Vice-President have both insisted reported Real Madrid target Radamel Falcao is going nowhere.

Speaking after the Emirates Cup win over Arsenal, Monaco VP Vadim Vasyliev also offered his thoughts on Madrid’s Diego Lopez, who has been heavily linked with a move to the principality - particularly now Madrid have signed Keylor Navas.

“Falcao will be in Monaco for the 2014-15 season,” AS quotes Vasyliev as saying.

“Danijel Subasic did incredible things against Arsenal so I don’t think goalkeeper is an issue…yes, Diego

R

EPORTS in England and Spain have claimed Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen is getting closer to joining Barcelona.

Marca cites stories from England that say La Blaugrana will pay • 12.5m to sign the Belgium international, with Manchester United also lurking.

But Arsenal would prefer to sell to Barca rather than strengthen a domestic rival and the good relationship between the Catalans and the Gunners, established during the transfer of Alexis Sanchez, could be a factor.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ac-

•Falcao

Rodriguez in loan talks with Bastia S •Rodriguez

C Bastia are in talks over a move for Chelsea’s teenage forward Joao Rodriguez.

French newspaper L’Equipe report that the 18-year-old Rodriguez is close to joining the

•Alves

French team on loan, as Chelsea continue their policy of loaning out their top young academy stars.

Signed in 2013, Rodriguez was picked up by Chelsea after a two-

month trial with the Stamford Bridge club in 2013. He signed a fiveyear deal on his 17th birthday, and has since spent time on loan with Deportes Quindio and Uniautonoma in Colombia.

fielder picked up the injury in training yesterday,only a handful of days since his first game of the summer.

Xavi played the second-half of the 1-1 draw with Nice, scoring from the penalty spot to level the match.

The club’s medical staff will assess the injury in the coming days.

Lopez is a great goalkeeper, one of the best.”

Leandro Jardim, the Monaco Coach, added that in his opinion, Falcao is ‘un-transferable’ and ‘indispensable.’

•Suarez

•Xavi

Chiellini wants Suarez’s ban revised

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IORGIO Chiellini has again come to the defence of Luis Suarez, asking for the Barcelona forward’s biting ban to be revised.

Suarez was banned for four months from all football for biting Chiellini during Uruguay ’s World Cup win over Italy.

The player and the Uruguay federation are appealing the ban to the

Court of Arbitration for Sport and they have received the backing of Chiellini, who feels Suarez has been harshly treated.

“I said what I thought about it even after the incident. I would like the penalty to be revised,” AS reports the Juventus defender as saying.

“No decisions depend on me but I find it exaggerated.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 — 61

C’wealth Games 2014: Obisia slams Nigeria Boxing Federation

BY JACOB AJOM

F

ORMER national boxing coach, Obisia Nwakpa has assessed the performance of Nigerian boxers to the just-concluded 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and concluded that the country did not deserve a better result than the two bronze medals she got.

The former national and Commonwealth champion said in an interview with Sports Vanguard that boxing suffered from lack of adequate planning, poor funding and above all, the absence of of trained technical hands to handle the boxers.

“You don’t elevate amateur boxers to become coaches overnight and expect them to achieve anything meaningful at an international championship

NFF congratulates Sports Minister on Glasgow success

T

CHARGING . . . Nigeria’s Efetobor Apochi ( L ) tames Australia’s Jai Opetaia during their Men’s Heavy (91 kg) Quarter-Final boxing bout at the just ended 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Photo: AFP like the Commonwealth Games,”Obisia said.

“No matter how good a boxer is, he can never function as a coach except

he is trained for that task.”

He said boxing administrators failed to plan ahead. “The normal thing to do was to organise

an open screening or a national championship from where boxers would have been picked. Camp the selected boxers and go on training tours before they travel to the games,” Obisia said.

“This was not done.

Instead, boxers were handpicked to go to an important assignment like the Commonwealth Games.”

He proffered that unless sports administrators adopt a new approach, boxing will continue to suffer in the hands of amateurs.

HE Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated the Honourable Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Danagogo on the tremendous success achieved by Nigeria’s athletes at the just –concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

NFF’s Acting President, Chief Mike Umeh said on Monday that the glorious outing deserved praise from all lovers of excellence, and said the success was a reflection of the hard work and total dedication that had been encouraged by the Commission’s engine room.

“The Honourable Minister, Dr. Tammy Danagogo is the head of the unit that has brought us this global glory, and we must praise him accordingly. It is on

•Umeh, NFF boss

record that our athletes to Glasgow did a little better than what the contingent to New Delhi, India four years ago did.

“We also commend the Director General, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and his Directors for the preparation of the athletes.”

Umeh contended that Dr. Danagogo, who came into office less than five months ago, has proven to be a positive force for Nigeria sports, recalling Nigeria’s glorious run at the 2nd Africa Youth Games in Gaborone, Botswana (where the country’s youthful footballers also won gold) and the Super Eagles’ Round of 16 berth at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, the first in 16 years. The Commonwealth Games came to an end on Sunday evening with Nigeria finishing in eighth position after scooping 11 gold, 11 silver and 14 bronze medals – highlighted by delectable Blessing Okagbare’s superlative sprint double.

It is the second best performance by Nigeria at the 84 –year old quadrennial Games, slightly edged by the 11 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze medals won at the Games in Victoria, Canada in 1994.

Sports Minister, Dr Tammy Danagogo is followed by President of the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports, Paul DePace during the opening ceremony of the 2014 IWAS Junior Games in Stoke Mandeville stadium, England, yesterday. Nigerian athletes on wheelchairs are taking part.

62— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 — 63

NFF election Continues from BP Nigeria football federation, eventually culminating in a FIFA suspension, and then the impeachment of Aminu Maigari as president of the Nigeria Football Federation.

One aspirant said, “It has been difficult to get the forms and it is clear that they are working on a script.

Some individuals are being favoured because those individuals have since gotten their forms whereas people like me are yet to get it,” he said.

Similarly, executive board member of the present NFF board and also a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Suleiman Kwande have expressed disappointment at the development.

He said, “I haven’t got

the form and you can imagine how difficult it will be for some other person out there who wants to purchase the form also.

“Despite me being a member of the current board, and also a serving member of the Federal House of Representatives, it has been difficult,” he Monday morning.

No official reasons have been given for the delay in the release of the forms, but insinuations are rife that ‘certain elements’ are being ‘prevented’ from winning seats into the glass house.

The date for the elections remain unchanged as communicated by the NFF, but will now hold in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja, and no longer Warri, in Delta State.

Continues from BP that a new contract will take in an official house and car, which was not the case in the first contract.

He also maintained prompt payment of his monthly salary and the need for him to pick his backroom staff.

There were suggestions by top NFF technical com-

Keshi mittee members Paul Bassey and Garba Lawal on Monday that former Nigeria coaches like Shuaibu Amodu and Christian Chukwu could well handle the national team in a temporary capacity till negotiations have been concluded with Keshi.

Umeh

Continues from BP

2010 finals in Germany, where we reached the Final.

“It is going to be tough, but our girls are as tough as they come and they will surely deliver the goals that will give them the three points ahead of the clash with Korea Republic and England,” Umeh assured.

The Falconets take on Mexico on Wednesday at the Moncton Stadium in Moncton, where they also play Korea Republic

on August 9 before flying to Edmonton to play England four days later.

In their opening match of the tournament in Japan two years ago, the Falconets turned back the Koreans 2-0, with goals from Ngozi Okobi and Oparanozie.

However, both clashes involving Nigeria and England at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup have ended 1-1 - in Coquimbo, Chile in 2008 and in Augsburg, Germany two years later.

Nigeria host Rwanda on September 7 in their first qualifying match for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. South Africa and Sudan are the other teams in this group.

Keshi’s initial contract ended with the World Cup

in Brazil.

In his three years in charge, he led the Eagles to win a third Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and qualified the country to a fifth World Cup. Nigeria also reached the Round of 16 for the third time at Brazil 2014.

Ideye gets British visa

S

UPER Eagles strik er, Brown Ideye has finally been cleared to join his English Premiership side, West Bromwich Albion.

The former Bayelsa United striker, who has been kept from his new club by paper work at the British embassy, revealed via his social network page that the clearance has finally come through.

An obviously happy Ideye tweeted: “So Happy to announce that my Visa has been issued,will join the team ASAP #wba”.

•Ideye

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: Umeh charges Falconets to crush Mexico

A

CTING President of Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Mike Umeh has called on the U-20 Women Na-

Super Eagles job: Keshi sends in letter of intent C

OACH Stephen Keshi on Monday sent a formal notice to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) accepting to continue as the country’s coach.

An assistant of the coach was seen submitting the letter at the NFF office in Abuja yesterday The NFF three-man committee assigned to open contract talks with

tional Team to start their campaign in this year ’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada with an emphatic win over Mexico, whom they also overpowered in Japan two years ago.

In one of the best matches of the 6th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Desire Oparanozie’s bullet header in the second half of extra

time separated Nigeria and Mexico in the quarter finals in Tokyo, sending the Falconets into the semi finals and the Mexicans back home.

“The Mexicans are no strangers to our girls in this competition. I remember also that our girls played a 1-1 draw with the Mexicans at the

Continues on Page 63

Keshi formally sent him a letter of intent and it was this letter that Keshi replied to.

Keshi has already said that he has unfinished business with Nigeria and so his wish to continue as Super Eagles coach.

However, he has made it very clear he wishes

Continues on Page 63

NFF elections: Confusion over sale of forms

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HE electoral com mittee of the Nigeria football federation headed by Amoni Biambo has been accused of hoarding electoral forms and favouring certain candidates, as the August 26 NFF elections fast approaches.

Some disgruntled aspirants for positions in the next NFF board have

•Keshi

been speaking on the condition of anonymity of how it has been impossible for them to obtain election forms from the electoral committee.

Of course, it hasn’t been plain sailing for Nigerian football over the last month, with crisis rocking the Continues on Page 63

BLOCKED: A Nigerian defender blocks her Mexican counterpart at the last FIFA U-20 Women' s World Cup in Japan. Nigeria play Mexico tomorrow in Canada

C'wealth Games 2014: Obisia slams Nigeria 1 Boxing Federation —P.6 QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Abrade (6) 5 Staunch (4) 8 Soar (5) 9 Whim (3) 10 Destroy (4) 11 Dash (4) 12 Composition (5) 13 Clergyman (6) 16 Gull (4) 18 Cheese (4) 20 Elderly (3) 22 Child (3) 23 Immerse (3) 24 Liberate (4) 25 Detail (4) 28 Modest (6) 30 Frogman (5) 32 Noisy (4) 33 Naked (4) 34 Obtained (3) 35 Calm (5) 36 Require (4) 37 Heavy (6)

DOWN 1 Hunting-trip (6) 2 Deride (8) 3 Bird (6) 4 Agreed (9) 5 Calmed (7) 6 Salver (4) 7 Companion (4) 8 Fasten (3) 14 Reserve (9) 15 Knock (3) 17 Decay (3) 19 Revealed (8) 20 Sphere (3) 21 Determined (7) 26 Slightest (6) 27 Tenderly (6) 29 Family (4) 30 Cheat (4) 31 Regret (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Timid 9, Walker 10, Dispel 11, Noted 12, Nice 15, Babe 17, Enticed 20, Try 21, Drain 23, Ever 25, Rota 26, Royal 28, Ask 30, Delayed 33, Leap 35, Done 36, Along 38, Orange 39, Easter 40, Entry.

DOWN: 1, Swine 2, Elect 3, Ten 4, Ironed 5, Idea 6, Did 7, Sprat 8, Alley 13, Intense 14, Eider 16, Broaden 18, Dread 19, Fir 22, Nomad 24, Row 27, Leaner 28, Allow 29, Kayak 31, Youth 32, Deary 34, Glen 36, Age 37, Gay.

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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