Ambode tops in Lagos as Tambuwal, Umana, Emerhor, others win

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62292

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Jonathan playing politics with national security—Buhari 13

APC GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARIES:

By Clifford Ndujihe, Austin Ogwuda, Jimitota Onoyume, Festus Ahon, Peter Duru, Daud Olatunji, Boluwaji Obahopo, Tom Moses & Francis Igata

Ambode tops in Lagos as Tambuwal, Umana, L Emerhor, others win •Govs Amosun, Ajimobi, Ahmed, Geidam clinch tickets •Free-for-all in Benue; Tilije walks out in Delta •Amosun’s deputy defects to SDP, Peterside wins

AGOS — AMID hitches here and there, the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, held governorship primaries across the country to pick its governorship candidates in 31 states where governorship elections will hold next year.

At press time, candidates that emerged from the exercises include Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe) and Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara).

In Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode, favoured candidate of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was set to Continues on Page 5

Olorogun O'tega Emerhor (left) receiving his Certificate of Return as winner of APC Governorship primary in Delta State. PHOTO: NATH ONOJAKE.

Chief Dakuku Peterside, APC governorship candidate for Rivers State.

COLUMNIST: Donu Kogbara

African stories •P.17 Mr & Mrs

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State (2nd right) receiving his certificate of return.

‘The rumble in the jungle’ of Lagos PDP •See pull-out inside C M Y K

Govenor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State addressing journalists after being declared winner. PHOTO: SHOLA OYELESE. More photos on page 16

9 My comments against Boko Haram invades Ashaka Jonathan not to him 11 cement factory castigate — OBASANJO

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

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POCKET CARTOON

VISIT: President Goodluck Jonathan (5th left); Vice President Namadi Sambo (4th left); Vice Chairman, General Electric, GE, Global Growth Operations, Mr John Rice (3rd right) and other members of GE delegation after a meeting with President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Ambode tops in Lagos as Tambuwal, Umana, Emerhor, others win encouraged.

Continues from Page 1

win the primaries yesterday when voting was concluded at about 10 pm and sorting of ballots began. By then, Ambode was the only aspirant of the 12 in the contest remaining at the venue as others had left before 10 pm.

Other APC aspirants who clinched the party's tickets include Hon Dakuku Peterside (Rivers), Aisha Alhassan (Taraba), Okey Ezea (Enugu), Olorogun O’tega Emerhor (Delta), Umana Umana (Akwa Ibom), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto).

The primaries were trailed by high-wire politicking, intrigues and violence in some states.

In Oyo, Governor

Abiola Ajimobi has secured the ticket of the party to contest the governorship race for the second time.

At the primaries of the party which lasted till 7:45pm yesterday, the governor polled 4,662 votes to defeat his opponents, Dr. Ayobami Wasiu and the son of late Alhaji Lamidi Adesina who polled 92 votes.

Ninety votes were declared invalid.

The third aspirant, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, who was on Monday cleared in Lagos to contest along with the two others withdrew after filing a suit at the Federal High Court, Ibadan asking the court to declare the congress invalid and illegal in view of the

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

I have stopped asking God to move the mountain for me; now what I ask God for is for enough strength to climb and cross it.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

“Be good and you shall always see the good in everything and everyone and mostly in yourself” A beautiful awareness for me is knowing that moment you actually are with people who smile across the dinner table at you because you matter and accept you for who you are because your presence exude inner light and love, these are aware Souls who recognize these virtues of love in themselves.

Whenever I come across situations that requires my patience and love, a better thing to do is give as much freedom and love to that person, when you light up from within, there is a flame of love constantly exuding and no one can steal your joy, unless you allow it…those who love and accept you are your friends and those who do not, have a right to choose their state of consciousness, love them anyway. It’s a beautiful way to live to walk each step with divine love is being constantly embraced in the protection that comes from loving divinely.

Keep your heart beautiful...no matter what is thrown at you...see the beauty in your life always.

manner the delegates were selected.

Ogun: Amosun’s deputy opts for SDP

In Ogun, the political atmosphere became charged as the deputy governor of the state, Prince Segun Adesegun declared his intention to run for the governorship on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on a day his estranged boss, Senator Ibikunle Amosun emerged the governorship candidate of the APC. The two political leaders who were elected on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011 held separate political g a t h e r i n g s simultaneously few kilometres from each other.

Amosun emerged unopposed as the APC candidate through the party primary held at MKO Abiola Stadium. He polled 3,861 votes in the rancour-free exercise.

While the APC primary was ongoing, the deputy governor, announced his defection from the APC to the SDP to the members of the state executive of the SDP at the Ibara GRA, Abeokuta private residence of former governor of the state, Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

Adesegun told reporters at his lodge in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta that his decision to run is personal.

Reacting to the defection of his deputy, Amosun said the gesture is one of the beauties of democracy that should be

Emerhor floors Tilije for Delta ticket

Olorogun O’tega Emerhor floored Fidelis Tilije in the battle for the Delta State APC governorship ticket held at the Oshimili Arcade, Asaba.

Emerhor polled 3,584 of the 3,752 votes to beat Tilije who polled 165 votes and Princess Nana who got two votes. Two votes were voided.

Declaring Emerhor winner, chairman of the primary election committee in the state, Alhaji Aliyu Saad said the election was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere devoid of rancour and it was free and fair.

Fielding questions from newsmen moments after his emergence, Emerhor said his victory was victory for all APC members including those who contested with him. He urged those who ran against him to join hands with him and other party faithful to win the general election for APC in the state. However, Delta State primaries were marred by a controversy, forcing Tilijie and his supporters to walk out in protest. The aggrieved Tilije described the event as a charade.

How Peterside won in Rivers

A member of the House of Representatives and Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s candidate, Hon Dakuku Peterside, picked the ticket in Rivers State in a contest that Senator Magnus Abe shunned.

The Rivers APC caucus last Wednesday adopted

Peterside as consensus governorship candidate ahead of Abe. Chairman of the governorship election panel for the state, Prince Austin Eweka lauded the party in the state for making the job of his panel a very easy one with the earlier adoption of Hon Peterside as its consensus governorship candidate.

Nevertheless, the party still went ahead to conduct the primaries. A total of 3,733 out of 4,321 accredited delegates voted for Mr. Peterside.

There were 3,914 valid votes and 140 voided ballots.

Speaking before the primaries, Governor Amaechi who expressed hope that Dakuku would sustain the legacies of his administration if elected governor also lashed at the Federal Government for allegedly ceding some oil wells belonging to the state to Bayelsa and Abia states.

The governor also explained that his loyalists in the state House of Assembly had to be returned in the House of Assembly primaries to reward their loyalty.

Ezea wins in Enugu

A renowned business man and shipping magnet, Chief Okechukwu Ezea, emerged unopposed as the governorship candidate of APC in Enugu State.

The primaries, held at the party ’s state secretariat was peaceful as a total of 3,467 delegates from 260 wards in the state, unanimously affirmed him as the party’s candidate for the 2015 governorship election.

In his acceptance speech, Ezea said: “It is a privilege. It is not a right.

You have the right to choose who you want. I feel honoured to be given this assignment. It is a joint assignment for all of us. The difference is that

my name is written there.

“They gave us mandate to ask Enugu people to vote for APC. For 16 years, PDP has failed our people.

They have stolen our money. They have made life difficult for our people.

Before 1999, life was better for our people.

Now, it is worse. From 2007, PDP government in Enugu State has earned N544 billion. If you look around the state, from Enugu to Oji River, from Enugu to Awgu, from Enugu to Nsukka, is it like a place they have spent N544 billion on?’’

Aspirants protest in Taraba

Three of the eight aspirants in Taraba protested the conduct of the primary in the state won by Jumai Aisha Alhassan.

The aggrieved aspirants, Mohammed Suleiman, Mohammed Ibrahim and Yusufu Akirikwen, alleged that the team conducting the election was doing the bidding of Alhassan.

They told journalists that they asked for the list of delegates prior to the election but they were kept in the dark on all the information relating to the conduct of the exercise held at Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo. Also, the name of one of the aspirants, Ezekiel Afukonyo, was reportedly omitted from the list of contestants. The head of the election panel sent from Abuja, Kola Shittu, promised to brief the press on all the issues later.

Free-for-all in Benue

The crisis rocking the Benue State chapter of the APC deepened yesterday resulting in a free-for-all by top officials of the party at its state secretariat in Makurdi.

The crisis also led to the confiscation of primary election materials by House of

Continues on Page 55

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Fisherman allegedly kills colleague over N3,500

‘How kidnapping made me a millionaire' zSays “My wife thought I was a welder”

By Esther Onyegbula

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33-year-old man, Anthony Egidi, has said he joined kidnapping business in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, out of frustration and had made millions from kidnapping no fewer than seven persons in Lagos, Benin, and in Delta State.

According to the Police, other suspects include Steve, Tony, Nyerowo, Steve and late Apopfure, who died during a gun duel with police in Lagos.

It was gathered that the suspects operated with two AK47 rifle and three local guns, which have been recovered from them.

Egidi was arrested on October 26 in Ekenwan, Benin, Edo State, by Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, led

by Abba Kyarri.

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A 37-year-old fisherman, Taiye Agbaje, was yesterday, remanded in prison custody by an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Oyingbo, Lagos, for allegedly killing his colleague, Monday Ukoro, 29, over N3,500.

Magistrate K. Ariyo, ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP. Agbaje was alleged to have killed Ukoro on August 13, at 1p.m., at Ogbun Village in Epe area of Lagos, by hitting him on the head with paddle, during a quarrel that ensued between them over N3,500.

The prosecutor, Inspector Richard Odigie, told the court that the defendant unlawfully killed one Monday Ukoro, aged 29, by hitting him with paddle on the head which led to his death.

According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is punishable under Section 221 of the criminal laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

However, the defendant, who is facing a count charge preferred against him, pleaded not guilty but his plea was not taken.

Odigie, while asking for remand of the applicant, which he said was pursuant to Section 264 of Administration of Criminal Justice of Lagos State, 2011, argued that same was to enable the office of Directorate of Public Prosecution issue a legal advice on the matter; and to enable the police recover the object (paddle), used in the commission of the said crime.

Meanwhile, counsel to the defendant Melda Adebambo, urged the court to discountenance the remand application, and grant the defendant bail.

In her ruling, Magistrate Ariyo upheld the prosecutor ’s submission and also ordered the police to duplicate the case file and forward same to DPP for advice, while the matter was adjourned till January 7, 2015.

His story

Mr. Anthony Egidi. PHOTO: Esther Onyegbula.

Egidi, who is a native of Delta State and married with two children, resides at Awoyaya Ibeju, Lekki Road, said his first operation was “ when we kidnapped a woman in Warri, Delta State on October 2011 and I got N280,000.

“During the first and second operations, the gang did not disclose the venue to me. They blindfolded me because I was new in the team.

“After the second job, we moved to Benin to kidnap a man. I was given N100,000. I believed it was a cool business.

“The third operation made me a millionaire, because I was

given N2.8 million.

“I drove the gang in that operation, but I did not know where they kept the woman. We collected N9 million in the fourth operation. When we kidnapped a man in Benin, I was also given N1.5 million.

“We moved to Delta State between Oroku and Abeh Road, where we kidnapped a man. I was given N3.5 million.

“After making millions of naira in South-East, we moved to South-West. Our sixth operation was at Eleko Junction, Ajah in June. We collected N1.6 million ransom from the person and I was given 300,000.

“The seventh operation was when we kidnapped a Keystone Bank worker on her way home. We were seven when we attacked her.

“We took her to a bush, where she spent six days. We did not rape her. We gave her everything she requested for and we usually buy her food from Mr. Biggs and some other places.

“We told her family to pay N6 million. Even the woman was ready to give us N10 million.

“One of our guys was arrested when he went to collect the money. When police arrived, we exchanged fire with them and lost two members.

“I used the money to buy a car, four plots of land in Benin, one plot in Lagos and opened a supermarket for my wife.

“My wife believed I was a welder. She only got to know what I do when I was arrested.”

Gun manufacturer nabbed in Enugu

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU—MEN of Enugu State Police Command have arrested an alleged gun manufacturer in the state (names withheld), who is said to specialize in selling arms to hoodlums operating within and outside the state.

State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed, said the arrest was made possible following what he described as “the high level of community relations and partnership between the command and the members of the public, which has cemented the synergy of sharing information between the command and the public as well as other sister security agencies.”

He assured the public that the command had embarked on several proactive measures aimed at achieving a crimefree Yuletide and 2015 general

elections.

The police boss warned criminals to change their ways and embrace meaningful ventures “as anyone caught in any unlawful act will be made to face the music according to

the law.”

The suspected arms manufacturer was arrested by operatives of the Police Area Command, Oji River, Enugu State Command.

When his hideout was

raided, which was more of a workshop located inside the bush, three double-barrelled guns, saw for cutting irons, one hand drill, four locallymade guns, among other tools, were recovered.

... as Delta Police recover arms, ammunition, stolen vehicles Motor Park, along Edosah barrelled gun with two live

By Akpokona Omafuaire

W

ARRI—DELTA State Police Command said, yesterday, that it had recovered arms, ammunition and two vehicles from arm robbers in Enerhen, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Celestina Kalu, in a statement, said: “On November 29, a patrol team from Enerhen Road received information about hoodlums around Enerhen Junction

Lane, Off Enerhen Road.

“The team responded and the suspected hoodlums, on sighting the Policemen abandoned one Toyota Highlander jeep with number plate LSD610CH (Lagos) and one Toyota car with number plate AG562ASB (Delta) and fled.

“The team went after the hoodlums and in the process one loaded, locally-made cutto-size double-barrelled gun fell from one of the criminals.”

Kalu added that items recovered from the fleeing suspects include one locallymade cut-to-size double-

cartridges, one Toyota Highlander jeep, one Toyota Camry car.

She said: “When the two vehicles were searched, one driver’s licence, bearing Debole Ebi Collins, was recovered in the highlander jeep, while one driver ’s licence, vehicle particulars, Delta State University Teaching Hospital and Shell Petroleum Development Company identity cards were recovered in the Toyota Camry car.

“Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects and locate the owners of the vehicles.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—7

We lose engines, 10 colleagues to pirates monthly— RIVERS BOAT OPERATORS

By Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT—BOAT operators in Rivers State have said that they lose no fewer than 10 of their members, passengers and engines to pirates and other water disasters in Rivers and Bayelsa waterways monthly They added that the state government had not done much to safeguard the lives of people travelling on the sea.

The operators, comprising speed and big boat drivers from Nembe, Bonny, Bile and Okirika, and fishermen spoke, yesterday, when the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, held its official formation of the National Waterways Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit, NWEPRU, in Rivers State.

The seafarers explained that there have always been issues of emergency on the sea and that the level of disasters occurring daily in the state was serious and needed to be controlled.

The boat operators lamented that their inability to manage

the situation had resulted to several unwanted deaths.

Listing their challenges, they said the activities of pirates and big boats owned by oil multinationals were among factors causing most water mishaps.

They called on the state

government and NIWA to provide some basic emergency equipment to help them manage any occurrence within 48 hours of such mishaps.

They also called on NIWA to train boats users on some basic driving precautions to reduce sea accidents.

Police smash 5-man robbery gang in Enugu

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—OPERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Enugu State Police Command, have arrested some armed robbery suspects that have been reportedly terrorizing residents of Abakpa-Nike and its environs.

The suspects, who gave their

names as Chibueze, Kalu, Nwadike, Onyekachi and Chigozie, were nabbed by the operatives at their hideout at 2nd Bus Stop, Abakpa, in Enugu East Local Government Area of the state.

According to Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, the suspects were arrested during a “raid in the early hours of December 1,

following information received about their nefarious activities.

“The suspects, believed also to be members of Viking Confraternity operating in Abakpa and its environs, were also fingered in the alleged murder of one Nonso Odenigbo, alias Oyina.

“They are now helping the operatives in their investigations.”

PVC: Registering for permanent voter's cards at Sari Iganmu community in Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Lagos, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Crime fighting, a collective responsibility, says Lagos CP

By Esther Onyegbula

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HE Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, has said that fighting crime and criminality was a collective responsibility and should not be left to Police alone.

Aderant spoke at this year’s edition of Merit/Recognition award presentation, an initiative of the Police Community Relation

Committee, PCRC, in Lagos.

He said: “Police cannot do it all. We need the useful support of the public, who should get to us on time, in conjunction with the PCRC in their various localities, to nip crime and criminality in the bud before it is committed.”

Represented by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abdulahi Kurawa, he appealed to the members of the

public to always avail Police with useful information in their bid to stem to the barest minimum crime and criminality in the state.

He lauded members of PCRC for their contribution towards the building project recently commissioned at Area C, charging other bodies affiliated to the various security agencies to emulate them.

Friends of late Okadaman demand justice

By Ifeanyi Okolie

F

RIENDS and colleagues of 37-yearold man, Ahmed Ojoola, who was allegedly shot dead by a Naval officer attached to the Ops Messa, at Mile 2 area of Lagos State, are demanding that his killers be brought to justice.

Ojoola, who is a staff of the Motorcycle Operators Association, a section of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, met his untimely death penultimate Friday, when a naval rating, whose identity is yet unknown, shot into a crowd at Durbar Junction Mile 2, killing Ojoola.

One of his colleagues, Amolwo Ojofure, told Vanguard that Ojoola had just finished having his lunch when he was killed.

He said: “He sat on the culvert opposite Durbar Junction and was drinking water after his meal when a bullet struck him on the back and he slumped. I was in my office when I heard the gunshot and I did not know it had killed one of my own.

“His killer, on realising what had happened, jumped into his Ops Messa pick-up van with number O22 and left the scene without showing concern.

“When we got to the scene, we discovered that Ojoola was dead and we contacted the police at Satellite Division, who came and removed his corpse to the morgue.”

An eyewitnesses, Taiwo Mustapha, said the Naval rating erroneously shot Ojoola as he had wanted to shoot a suspect, who escaped from the Ops Messa van.

3 in court for rape, theft

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Gusau Magistrate’s Court in Zamfara State, yesterday, remanded three men, Isah Garba, Rabiu Ahmed and Abubakar Muhammad in prison custody. They were arraigned for alleged rape, conspiracy and theft.

The accused persons are from Malikawa Village, Gidan Goga in the Maradun Local Government Area of the state.

The Prosecutor, Sergeant Daniel Longwal, said sometime in October, unknown persons entered the complainant’s

house at Malikawa Village and stole 23 sheep, valued at N460,000 and four donkeys valued at N120,000.

He said that on October 31, the accused persons went back to the complainant’s house and forcefully ordered his wife to follow them to a nearby bush, where they all raped her.

The Magistrate, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody and adjourned to December 24 for further hearing in the case.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Nyanya bombing suspect, Ogwuche, seeks N100m damages

J O I N T VENTURE : From

left— (sitting) Jay Ireland, President & CEO of General Electric, GE, Africa; John Rice, Vice-Chair of GE Global Growth; Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; and Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, President and CEO of GE Nigeria, and their teams as Heirs Holdings and GE sign oil and gas joint-venture agreement in Lagos, yesterday.

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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Jonathan playing politics with national security—BUHARI

By Clifford Ndujihe & Folu Adegoke

F

ORMER Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has accused the President Goodluck Jonathan administration of playing to the gallery on security, a reason he argued has made the Boko Haram insurgency assume a dangerous dimension in the last four years.

Reacting to a statement by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, accusing him of playing politics with the insurgency and unpatriotically refusing to join hands with Federal Government to address the problem until he is elected president, Buhari said he is “disheartened by the grotesque characterization of his personality” by PDP. He insisted that Boko Haram will be a thing of the past if he is elected, adding that he remains a patriot who played crucial roles in getting Jonathan sworn-in as acting president in 2010.

In a statement by Engr. Rotimi Fashakin, the presidential aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, said he is “horrified by the barefaced falsehood, insidious fallacy and scurrilous untruth contained in the statement of the ruling party, just for the purpose of cheap political agenda, bearing similarities with the despicable Emperor Nero, who was fiddling while Rome burned.

“It is an irreproachable fact that Boko Haram insurgency has assumed this intolerably dangerous dimension in the last four years, because this regime has chosen to play devious politics with a national calamity.

“The same known founders of the dreaded insurgency group have become the confidants of the President. On September 9, in Djamena, Chad, Nigeria’s President, Chadian President

zSays he contributed to making Jonathan Ag President in 2010 and one of these elements were photographed in a meeting together.

“At that time, APC, through its spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said inter-alia: ‘This action by President Jonathan confirms what APC has always believed. “‘That the President either knows more than he is willing to admit on the issue of those who are behind the Boko Haram insurgency or he is willing to sacrifice the battle against terrorism on the altar of political expediency’.

“While Nigerian villages, schools and markets were easily overrun with maniacal fury by the insurgent group because of inadequate security, this same individual enjoyed very large armada of security men provided by the government of Jonathan.

“Aside his show of undisguised patriotic love for Nigeria in his glorious career in the Nigerian military,

General Buhari has always shown statesman-like interventions at critical times in the nation’s current democratic order.

In January 14, 2010, whilst a tiny cabal tried to hold the entire nation to ransom, thus preventing the Vice President Goodluck Jonathan from assuming the role of Acting President, General Muhammadu Buhari led a delegation of patriotic Nigerians to the Senate, with a passionate plea to the Upper Legislative chamber to do the needful for the continuity of governance in the country.

“In May 8, after the abduction of over 270 school girls in Chibok, Borno State, and as part of rallying the citizenry towards cooperation with the Federal Government in the fight against Insurgency, General Buhari wrote interalia: “‘Let these people know that the entire civilized world is

united against their terrorist act. We are grateful to the world for standing by Nigeria at this trying time. We hope and pray that the young ladies will be reunited with their respective families in the days to come.’

Preaches unity

“Now is not the time to play politics. Now is also not the time to trade blames and amplify our ideological differences.

“The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and nothing should divide us as a people.

“Without a doubt, PDP leaders are awfully wrong in believing that their blinkered view of the nation’s affairs, due to the affliction of selective amnesia, can detract from the determination of Nigerians to use their votes to effect the desired change in the leadership of the nation in February 2015.”

OIL PRICES: Jonathan assures Nigerians, investors of stable economy

By Soni Daniel

A

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, has said that despite the falling oil prices, his administration was taking necessary steps to bail out the economy to deliver services to Nigerians.

Jonathan, who spoke while receiving officials of General Electric, GE, in his office, asked foreign investors to continue to repose confidence in the ability of the Nigerian government to weather the

storm occasioned by the global oil price crash.

Jonathan said the steps being taken by the administration would stabilise the economy before long and meet the expectations of Nigerians and foreign investors.

The President said: “We promise our people that even with the drop in oil prices, the economy will be stable.

“I assure you, other investors in this country and all Nigerians that the government will do everything necessary to stabilize the economy and that

the drop in the price of crude oil will not create so much distortions in our economy.”

Jonathan also welcomed GE’s decision to set up an oil and gas components manufacturing plant in Calabar, Cross River State capital.

GE’s Vice Chairman and CEO, Mr. John Rice, who led the delegation, said the company had committed $30 million to the development of the Calabar plant and begun the training of some Nigerians who would man the facility.

BUJA—THE alleged mastermind of the April 14 bomb blast that killed more than 75 persons and wounded 100 others at a crowded motor park in Nyanya, Abuja, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, yesterday, prayed the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Federal Government to pay him N100 million as damages.

Ogwuche said his continued detention by the Department of State Services, DSS, amounted to a gross abuse of his fundamental human rights.

He said Federal Government, having breached his constitutional rights, ought to be compelled by the court to pay him damages.

Besides, he prayed the court to order his immediate release from detention pending whenever government is ready to conduct his trial.

Ogwuche made the application yesterday through his lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN).

He relied on Order 2, Rule (1),(2),(3) of the F u n d a m e n t a l Enforcement Procedure Rule and Sections 34, 35, 36, 37 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution to seek for an enforcement of his fundamental human right.

Beside arguing that the ex parte order got by DSS to detain the applicant for 90 days was a miscarriage of justice, Raji said Section 27 of the Terrorism Prevention Act cannot override the provisions of Section 35 of the Constitution, which he said preserved the right to liberty of every citizen.

He prayed the court to compel DSS to release Ogwuche conditionally or unconditionally, admit him to administrative bail or arraign him within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, trial Justice Ademola Adeniyi has fixed today for hearing on the response of counsel to DSS, Mr. Clifford Osagie, to the application.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—9

Investors lose N1.8trn at NSE in November

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MERIT AWARD: President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), flanked by the winner of the 2014 Nigerian National Order of Merit Award, Professor Niyi Osundare and his wife, Kemi, Vice President Namadi Sambo (left) and Chairman Governing Board, NNMA, Prof. Etim Essien, at the investiture of Osundare as the 71st Laureate by the President at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Boko Haram insurgents invade Ashaka cement factory •Raid banks, burn police station, government building, party offices in Ashaka

A

SHAKA—SUSPECTED Boko Haram gunmen yesterday for the second time in two months stormed a French-owned cement company, Lafarge as they attacked two towns in Gombe state, Bajoga and Ashaka. The insurgents also raided banks and burnt government buildings as well as political party offices.

Scores of gunmen dressed in military uniform arrived in Bajoga, 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Gombe city in a convoy of 20 vehicles at about 7 am (0600 GMT). The terrorists were pursued by the military for five kilometres, from Bajoga to Ashaka, after three hours of fighting, which also included an Air Force jet that bombarded militant positions.

The insurgents thereafter drove towards the town of Ashaka five kilometres away near the border with Yobe state where the plant owned by French group Lafarge is located.

Both raids came after an attack on Monday on the Yobe State capital, Damaturu, to the north, which left more than 150 people dead including 38 policemen and six soldiers.

The latest raids suggested that Boko Haram fighters based in the Buni Yadi area of Yobe State may have been looking to replenish supplies.

In Bajoga, residents said the militants shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great) and fired

indiscriminately before burning down a police station in a three-hour battle with troops.

According to a resident of the town, Babani Ashiru; “They raided two banks and set fire to offices of political parties. They also set sections of the local government secretariat on fire.

Another resident, Sani Dankani, said the sound of gunfire and explosions forced him to flee into the nearby bush. “From where I’m standing, I can see billows of black smoke coming from different parts of the town,” he added.

A school teacher, Sa’adu Balarabe said troop reinforcements were sent from Gombe and a military jet which bombed the

militants and forced them to withdraw.

Residents in Ashaka reported heavy fighting between troops and the gunmen in the town from about 11 am.

A resident of Ashaka town, Samaila Adnan said, “The gunmen kept shouting ‘Allahu Akbar ’ (God is Great) and firing guns haphazardly. They went into the cement factory and took away some vehicles.

They didn’t touch anyone.”

Adnan added that after initial skirmishes in the town, the soldiers withdrew.

A staff member at the cement factory, who asked not to be identified, confirmed Adnan’s account and said the factory was evacuated before the attack.

He said, “Our fear was confirmed. They went into the

factory and headed to the administrative building where company vehicles were parked. They took away several Hilux (four-wheel drive) vans. They also went to the factory clinic and took away an ambulance along with drugs. They didn’t harm anybody.”

The same plant was attacked on November 4, when pick-up trucks and large quantities of industrial dynamite used in mining were also taken.

The staff member said the explosives had been moved since the last raid.

On October 31, at least eight people were killed in a triple bomb blast at a bus station in Gombe city, while in June a female suicide bomber blew herself up at a barracks in the state capital.

I staked my reputation to make SURE-P work —Kolade

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By John Nwaopkoku

AGOS—THE immediate past chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme, Dr. Christopher Kolade has said that he put his reputation on the line by accepting to chair the SURE-P committee.

He stated this while speaking at the 6th Christopher Kolade Symposium organised by the Nigeria Leadership

Initiative, NLI in Lagos.

Kolade said despite persuasion from close associates, relatives and well wishers not to accept the job, he staked his reputation by accepting it in order to show leadership and to prove that Nigeria needs such courage from good individuals to make things work.

He said that that was why he chose to serve in the committee without

remuneration.

“Many people warned me against taking up the role of chairing the SURE-P committee. They didn’t understand why I should accept to do it. They were worried about my reputation but I said to them, that whoever wants to destroy my reputation must first of all destroy me. So I had to accept the job because I want to continue to ensure that things work in this country,” he said.

By Ifeanyi Okolie

A G O S — INVESTORS in the nation’s bourse lost N1.18 trillion in November following pressure caused by drop in oil price at the global market. Statistics from the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, for the period under review showed that the market capitalisation dropped

by N1.18 trillion to close at N11.404 trillion against N12.579 trillion achieved in October.

The All-Share Index lost 3436.94 basis points or 9.04 per cent to close at 34,543.05 compared with 37,979.99 posted in October due to price depreciation.

A total of 9.08 billion shares worth N100.4 billion were transacted by investors in 93,875 deals against the 7.02 billion shares valued N73.56 billion traded in 85,372 deals in October.

The financial services sector emerged the toast of investors during the period, accounting for 7.37 billion shares worth N52.24 billion traded in 50,692 deals. It was trailed by the conglomerates sector which accounted for 542.61 million shares valued N2.62 billion exchanged in 5,903 deals.

Some stakeholders attributed the persistent market downturn to u n c e r t a i n t i e s surrounding the 2015 general elections and exit of foreign investors.

Mr Emeka Madubuike, President, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, ASHON, attributed the development to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, tight monetary policy in defence of the nation’s currency.

Madubuike said that macroeconomic changes made the fixed income instruments more attractive when compared with return on equities.

He said the market would not experience any major growth in December due to Yuletide and continuous drop in crude oil price at the international market.

10— Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

EKITI: APC lawmakers face ‘police crackdown'

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DO-EKITI—THE crisis in Ekiti State has taken another dimension, as police authorities are said to be searching for the 19 members of the All Progressives’ Congress for “interaction” according to Mr Wole Olujobi, the Special Adviser to the Speaker, Dr Adewale Omirin.

According to him; ‘’Before the current move, the members were in possession of intelligence that Governor Ayodele Fayose had enlisted the support of the police in the crackdown on the opposition politicians, including the lawmakers, in a swoop on the opposition politicians for total control of the state. ‘’So far, the police had dropped “invitation letters” in the homes of Honourable Folorunso Ogundele from Efon-Alaye and Honourable Tope Peter Agidi from Ilawe-Ekiti.’’

But the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Taiwo Lakanu, denied knowledge of the invitation, saying there was no basis for such invitation, as there was no complaints against the lawmakers from any quarters. He advised the Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin, to ignore such invitation.

With the denial by Lakanu, Omirin said the coast seemed set for the next phase of crackdown on the opponents by special police force in Governor Fayose’s administration.

FERMA decries bad use of Lagos/ Abeokuta Expressway

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AGOS—MR Kehinde Afolabi, an engineer with the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, yesterday, decried the diversion of water and dumping of refuse on the Lagos/ Abeokuta Expressway by residents.

Afolabi, the engineer in charge of Lagos West, said in Lagos that such acts were not expected of the residents of the area.

LAGOS APC GOV PRIMARIES: 6,200

delegates vote zAs Tinubu charges aspirants to accept outcome of the primaries

By Leke Adeseri, S-West Regional Editor, Olasunkanmi Akoni & Gbenga Oke

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AGOS—AS at 8.30 pm last night, voting was still ongoing at the All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos governorship primaries, with the National leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu charging aspirants to accept outcome of the primaries.

The Chairman of the Committee, Peter Obadan, former deputy governor of Edo State, while welcoming the delegates before the voting started, assured that all arrangements had been concluded to ensure a free and fair exercise.

He threatened that he would not hesitate to cancel the exercise if any untoward action took place, saying; “We look forward to Lagos State as a model for democracy.”

Voting by delegates

Voting started around 2.20pm and will not end until each of the 6,200 delegates has voted and this may drag on to around midnight.

Epe delegates were the first to cast their votes. There were 291 accredited delegates, Badagry was next with 313 accredited delegates. Eight delegates failed to cast their votes. Ikorodu was 498, Ibeju Lekki, 189, Ojo 252 delegates with 15 abstaining and Agege193 delegates. The total number of delegates is 6,200.

The exercise was peaceful free and fair As at 5:41pm, only delegates from six local governments – Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, IbejuLekki, Ojo and Agege- out of the 20 Local Governments of the State have voted.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu charged all the 12 aspirants to accept the result of the primaries His speech was read by the Lagos Publicity Secretary of the party, Joe Igbokwe. He said over 6,000 delegates had gathered to choose a governorship candidate among the 12 aspirants, saying the event marked the beginning of the march for democracy.

Tinubu reminded them that only one of them would emerge winner at the end of the day, saying that all of you are qualified but only one of you will win. We must join hands together to ensure the party wins at the general election. The way you conduct yourself will determine how Lagos State presents itself. All

of you should comport yourselves and accept the result of the primaries as the choice of the party,” he said, adding that the party had worked tirelessly to make “today possible.”

The former governor said the enemies of the party were waiting to see if the APC would fail, warning the aspirants not to destroy the party.

At the primaries held at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos Island over 6, 000 delegates showed up to cast their votes for the aspirants of their choices.

Security at the venue of the event was very tight as over 200 policemen led by the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti provided security at the event.

Anti-bomb experts

Anti-bomb experts ensured that people were thoroughly screened before allowed access to the stadium for the event.

Governorship aspirants at the venue were Olasupo Shasore, Senator Ganiu Solomon, Dr

Leke Pitan, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Dr Kadri Hamzat, Lanre Ope, Dr Tola Kasali, Abayomi Sutton, Tokunbo-Agbesanwa, Tokunbo Wahab, Tayo Ayinde and Akinwunmi Ambode.

Tinubu, Fashola absent

Governor Babatunde Fashola and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu were not at the event. Other APC leaders at the venue are Chief Henry Ajomale, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, Olufemi Pedro, Gbenga Ashafa, Abiodun Ogunleye, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo, Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, Yakub Balogun and several others.

The event started around 1.30pm with opening prayer by both Muslim and Christian clerics.

Ajomale tasks aspirants

Earlier, Henry Ajomale, Chairman, APC, Lagos State, charged the aspirants to maintain decorum.

“Only one of you will emerge among 12 of you. You are all

respected leaders of the party, but remember that only one of you will emerge. There is no winner, no vanquished, you are from the same family. Whatever result we have today, know that it is not a do or die affair. Let the battle begin,” he said.

Ajomale used the opportunity to debunk claims that he sent text messages to delegates to vote for a particular aspirant, saying the text messages did not emanate from him.

“I did not send text messages or tell anybody to vote for a certain aspirant, all the delegates are mine, vote according to your conscience, I denounce that text message openly here,” he said.

Ajomale described the bulk text messages as fraudulent and malicious, saying that he is not associated with the text messages.

He said in the light of the above, he had forfeited his right to vote at the primaries to show that his hands were clean.

BRIEFING: From left: Deputy Director of Information, Department of State Services, DSS, Mrs. Marilyn Ogar, Wing Commander Way Olabisi, Defence Headquarters, DHQ; Coordinating spokesperson, National Information Centre, NIC, Mr. Mike Omeri and Police Public Relations Officer, Commisioner of Police, Emmanuel Ojukwu, at a briefing on the state of the nation, at the NIC, Abuja.

...as 9 aspirants storm out of venue midway one of the aspirants who walked primaries and they into exercise ofarethesetparty’s out from the primaries, Mr. to take the party to court

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T LEAST nine of the aspirants left the venue midway into the exercise, apparently unhappy with the level of conduct.

Three aspirants; Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Ganiyu Solomon and Mr Adekunle Disu, however, stayed behind, but by10pm, only Ambode remained.

11 aspirants may take APC to court

It was gathered from a reliable source that 11 APC governorship aspirants expressed dissatisfaction about the process

over allegation that the primaries was marred by a lot of irregularities.

“I can tell you that my principal and some other aspirants are not satisfied with the outcome of the primaries. In fact the 11 aspirants are going to write a petition to the party leadership. You know some of the aspirants are lawyers so they will address the matter constitutionally. They are likely to take the party to court if their complaint are not quickly addressed,” the source disclosed.

Speaking to journalists in a telephone interview yesterday,

Tokunbo Wahab, expressed his displeasure about the governorship primaries, saying that there are lot of lapses on the part of the committee saddled with the responsibility of organising the event.

He alleged that the party’s delegates’ list was not made available to aspirants until the day of the election.

Also kicking against the primaries, Mr Adebiyi Afolayan, the media aide to Dr. Leke Pitan , told Vanguard in a telephone interview that his boss is not satisfied with the primaries and tthat heisgoingtoaddressapressconference for the public to know his position.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 —11

My comments against Jonathan not to castigate him —Obasanjo

Ajimobi to probe Ibadan violence

zAs PDP govs visit former President

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By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—FORMER President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, held athree-hour- closed door meeting with five governors of the people’s Democratic Party, PDP, in his home and declared that, the problems facing the country are redeemable.

Obasanjo who hosted to Governors Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom, Babangida Aliyu of Niger, Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Isa Yuguda of Bauchi and Liyel Imoke of Cross-River states said the closed door meeting was to deliberate on the serious problems affecting the country.

The governors who were led by the Chairman of PDP governors, Akpabio, into the palatial private home of the former President located at Olusegun Obasanjo Hiltop, in Abeokuta at 12:noon went straight to one of the private rooms of the former President for the meeting.

They emerged from the meeting three hours after and addressed newsmen who had besieged the house of the former President.

NADECO route.

It is incumbent on us to do what is right , with men like them; Issa Yuguda, Godswill Akpabio, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu the Chief Servant, Sule Lamido and a very good Liyel Imoke, who are colleagues with whom I have worked, they will like to call themselves my sons.”

On falling oil price

When asked if he was scared over the dwindling price of oil and the attendant consequences on the economy, Obasanjo said, he was never scared but, lamented that Nigeria should have prepared for the rainy day.

He said “I am never scared by anything but I am concerned that firstly, when we had surplus, we did not remember the rainy day, now ,that the rainy day is staring us in the face, we must be honest and courageous enough to do what is right, to let the nation know and then to take the steps that will put it right as quickly as possible and you do not need to be an oracle or a world bank expert or an International Monetary Fund expert to know

that our economy is not what it should be.

“And this is not the first time we would hear it, we have heard it in the past when of course I came in in1999, the price of oil was about $9 and we realised that we had a problem, we even made budget that we could not fund but we realised that we were in a serious situation and we took steps, within two to three years, we were able to sail through, the price of fuel started moving up.

“Do not forget that there was a time during the Iraqi war, price of fuel rose to $42 and then it came down to $9, the one that we have now, we do not know when it would bottom and at what price it would bottom but we can weather the storm if we take measure that we should take it and when to take it”.

Akpabio speaks

While speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Akpabio said the governors who were elected on the platform of the PDP decided to pay a visit to the former

President because of the role he played in the emergence of the current democracy and the role he played both nationally and internationally.

He said: “So, we decided that it is important for us to come and consult with him, as he said, pay our respect, discuss the affairs of the nation and then to tap from his wealth of wisdom.

“The intention here is that all Nigerians are determined to reposition the country, we have no other country than Nigeria and so, no matter the challenges we may face today, we must work together as a team to redeem the situation. I want to thank our dear leader for receiving us and for what he said that the situation is redeemable and that we must also consult other leaders and work to ensure that the country is redeemed.”

Also speaking, Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu said: “ We have come to consult with the oracle of leadership and politics of this country and we have benefited tremendously with our coming."

B A D A N — FOLLOWING the recent violence that punctuated the peace which had reigned in Oyo State since 2011, Governor Abiola Ajimobi has promised to set up an inquiry to investigate and ascertain remote causes of the violence.

The violence which sacked some parts of Ibadan city led to the death of a police officer and left several other people injured.

Ajimobi, while addressing newsmen after paying a sympathy visit to Popoyemoja and Born Photo areas of the state capital where the violent acts were carried out, explained that the commission of inquiry would be charged with the responsibility of fishing out the perpetrators of the acts and recommending appropriate punishment under the law with a view to preventing further occurrence of the barbaric act.

Osun APC: Protests greet alleged planned imposition

By Gbenga Olarinoye

Security and economy

Addressing newsmen, Obasanjo thanked the governors for their concern for the nation, saying; “They were concerned about what you may call the situation of the nation-security and economy. ‘’I have raised most of what we discussed in my own public pronouncements in recent times, not to castigate anybody, not to bad-mouth anybody, not to run anybody down, but, out of genuine concern for the situation of this country and that is the same thing that brought them and I want to thank them.

“When we looked at these issues closely, very objectively, we came to the conclusion that, we have a bad situation, but, not irredeemably bad. Something can still be done and what now is required is the will and the courage to do something when and how it needs to be done. We agreed on that.

“I appreciate their coming to me because of the respect and honour they have for me, this task is not for one man and it is not even a task for one group, it is a task that requires all hands on deck and as they have said and assured me, they will hold this type of consultation with other leaders in the interest of this country which is ours and for which we have no alternatives.

“The other day, somebody told me he knows NADECO route but I do not want to follow

By Ola Ajayi

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VISIT: Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (right), his wife, Sherifat (left), and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, during the monarch's visit to the governor, at Government House, Osogbo.

S O G B O — PROTESTERS yesterday stormed the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Osun state chapter, over alleged plan by the party’s leaders to impose candidates for the 2015 general elections.

Specifically, an aspirant for the House of Representatives on the platform of the party, Mr Ayodele Kusamotu, accused the state leadership of the party of denying him the nomination form.

Several protesters, who thronged APC secretariat yesterday alleged plans by some influential members of the party to impose their preferred candidate on the party against the wish of other members.

Stomach infrastructure, health, 4 others top Fayose's 6-point agenda

By Gbenga Ariyibi with agency report

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DO-EKITI—GOVERNOR Ayo Fayose of Ekiti yesterday, unveiled a six-point cardinal programme which his administration would pursue with vigour.

The six cardinal programmes were health, education, agriculture, water, electricity, road and stomach infrastructure.

Fayose said this at the Cultural

Centre Ado-Ekiti when he declared open a meeting with top officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies on Medium Term Expenditure framework.

He said that the 2015 budget of the state would be designed to achieve objectives of the six cardinal programmes of his administration.

Represented by Dr. Modupe Alade, the Secretary to the State

Government, Fayose assured that his campaign promises of improving lives of the people would not be misplaced.

He stressed the commitment of the state government to the improvement of the standard of living of the people through planned economic transformation.

Fayose said his administration planned to stop fiscal expansion as well as reduce budget deficit in order to turn around the

fortune of the state during the 2015-2017 fiscal years.

He emphasised that only new and critical projects with guaranteed sources of funding would be accommodated in the 2015 budget.

Fayose, however, called on Ekiti indigenes both at home and in the diaspora to support and cooperate with his administration to successfully carry out its lofty vision for the state.

12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Implementation vital to good governance, says elumelu

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Delta State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Godwin Elumelu, has said that since policies and projects implementation was vital to good governance, his administration will use “critical variables and criteria for regular monitoring of performance,” if elected in 2015.

Lsting areas his leadership will focus on, he said women would get equitable representation in his government and the state party organs.

Elumelu, who represents Aniocha/Oshimili constituency in the House of Representatives, said he will make education compulsory and free to JSS 3 level; encourage agricultural credit schemes to boost commercial farming and establish micro and cottage industries to boost rural development.

The lawmaker, said while operating an all-inclusive government, his administration will prepare Delta State for a better, stable and secure future without oil.

Satu backs Uduaghan for Senate 2015

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HEAD of the senatorial primaries of the People Democratic Party, PDP taking place across the federation, the National Chairman of Amnesty phase 3, Mr Emma Satu, yesterday, endorsed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the Delta South senatorial seat.

Satu in a statement in Isaba, Warri South West Local Government Area of the state, also urged all delegates for the Delta South PDP senatorial primaries to come out enmass on Sunday to vote for Uduaghan.

He said “Our reason for endorsing Udughan for senate is as a result of his developmental strides since eight years in office.

Therefore, we are unanimously endorsing Uduaghan for the Delta South senatorial district for him to attract more federal projects to our district and also continue the good works in our areas.”

Delta PDP threatens to sanction aspirants parading fake results

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—THE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State, has threatened to sanction any party member or members involved in the circulation of fake results of last Saturday’s state House of Assembly primaries, conducted in the 29 constituencies of the state.

State Chairman of the party, Chief Edwin Uzor, who addressed newsmen at the party secretariat in Asaba, warned

against further circulation of such results, particularly in Sapele state constituency, saying that anybody apprehended would be prosecuted.

Speaking against the backdrop of some earlier circulated results of the state House of Assembly primaries of the party in the state in some national dailies and social media, Uzor expressed displeasure over the development and described same as total disregards for laid down rules.

He said such publications were

against the PDP election guidelines, adding that there were procedures for announcing results of every election conducted by the party.

Uzor who stressed the Sapele case, wondered why some persons should gathered themselves at a place outside the approved venue for the conduct of the primaries to organise a parallel election and announce results at the end of such illegal gathering.

Meanwhile, the PDP in Delta State has announced venues for

ROUNDTABLE: From left; Anthony Olukoju, Risk Advisory Leader, Deloitte Nigeria; Pattisson Boleigha, Chief Compliance Officer, Access Bank; Lara Nwokedi, Head, Information Security Management, First Bank and Tope Aladenusi, Cyber Risk Services Leader, Deloitte Nigeria at the 2014 Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) Roundtable.

Niger Delta group endorses Jonathan, Mutu

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OMADI–A Niger Delta group, Delta Izon Democratic Mechanism, DIDM, has endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan and Mr. Nicholas Mutu, the member representing Bomadi/Patani federal constituency in the National Assembly for their reelection to continue in 2015.

Publicity Secretary of the group, Seifegha Peter in a statement, said that both President Jonathan and the lawmaker, Mutu, have the group's support, noting that the move was in recognition to the

massive human and infrastructural development the people of the constituency and the country in general have witnessed under the President Jonathan’s administration.

DIDM also congratulated Mr Pius Labo on his victory at the PDP state House of Assembly primaries in Bomadi and appealed to delegates in a similar way to vote Mutu to continue in 2015.

The group called on delegates to vote for Mutu, whom it said remains the best candidate to lead the people.

“DIDM as a group through mobilisation of the people want to ensure good political atmosphere that will encourage collective participation to produce effective leadership in the land. We stand for the growth, promotion and defence of our democracy and the enthronement of good governance by tackling political office holders on accountability and probity. ''This is why we are canvassing the re-election of Jonathan and Mutu, whom the electorate can hold accountable,” Peter said.

How Obuh ‘ll tackle over-dependence on oil — DSI

By Dan Gumm

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ARRI — AMID growing anxiety over the downward slide in the price of crude oil at the international market, Delta Successor Initiative, DSI, has rolled out strategies on how Delta State guber aspirant, Sir Tony Obuh will create non-oil based wealth and open up the economic frontiers of the state.

Co-ordinator of DSI, Engr.

Peter Otomewo in a statement, called on Peoples Democratic Party, PDP delegates across the state to vote en-mass for Sir Obuh, noting that his economic blueprint which will encourage communities to concentrate on their areas of comparative advantage, was also geared towards seeking massive foreign direct investment, FDI, for the development of the state’s agricultural potentials.

DSI said that Obuh’s policy

thrust with his vast experience in government as a technocrat will “Focus on strategic agricultural production and support across the value chain through agro-business market identification and entry strategies, expert promotion and market development, agricultural extension and farming, including storage, processing, packaging as well as transformation of fresh and perishable produce to minimize post harvest losses.”

the conducts of the House of Representatives, Senate and gubernatorial primaries of the party in the state holding this Saturday, Sunday and Monday respectively.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Deinghan Macaulay in a statement said the House of Representatives primaries for Aniocha-Oshimili federal constituency, will hold at the Cenotaph, Asaba; Ika federal constituency, Township Stadium, Agbor; Ndokwa-Ukwuani federal constituency, Township Stadium, Kwale; Ethiope Federal constituency, Oghara Township Stadium; Okpe-Sapele-Uvwie, Sapele Township Stadium and Ughelli-Udu federal constituency, Township Stadium, Ughelli.

Others are Burutu federal constituency, Kiagbodo Town; Bomadi-Patani, Government College, Bomadi; Warri federal constituency, Warri City Stadium, Warri and Isoko federal constituency, Oleh Stadium, Oleh.

DELTA 2015: PDP decided on power shift, not zoning to Delta North — Akpeki

By Emma Amaize

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SABA—CHIEF of Staff to Delta State governor, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, said, yesterday, that the resolution of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, was that governorship should shift, and not zoned to Delta North senatorial district in 2015 in the interest of equity.

He was reacting to the claim by the deputy chairman of the party, Chief Emmanuel Ighomena and Vice Chairman, Delta Central, Chief Tom Amioku that he said that the party had zoned governorship position to Delta North.

“At no time did I say in the publication referred to by them that the position of 2015 governorship had been zoned. What I said was that the party leadership under the leadership of the former chairman, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, unambiguously stated after a meeting that the party had agreed that power should shift to Anioma in the interest of fair play and equity.

“The position of the party is that it was in the interest of the state for Delta North to produce the next governor and the message was passed to all the governorship aspirants. But if any of the aspirants claim he was not told, so be it unto him.''

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—13

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14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Dwindling allocation: Dickson warns communities against destruction of oil facilities

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA — BAYELSA State Government, yesterday, warned that it will not come down hard on communities that are in the habit of vandalising oil facilities in their domain at the slightest provocation.

Governor Seriake Dickson handed down the warning during the commissioning of 14 Shell Petroleum Development Company, sponsored projects executed by the Iduwini Development Foundation communities in Ekeremor Local

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Government Area of the state.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr Francis Ikio, the governor decried the continuous destruction of pipelines and oil wells by youths in oil bearing communities.

He said “Some communities at the slightest provocation vent their anger on oil facilities. They may think they are fighting the companies but they are fighting the state. We depend on oil for our revenue and currently, we are facing short fall due to destruction of facilities in the communities.

When oil production is disrupted,

we lose revenue that would have accrued to the state.

“The destruction of oil facilities has impacted negatively on the financial fortunes of the state and the government and its people are suffering. We are warning

communities now to restrain themselves and stop vandalising oil companies facilities in the interest of the state. Stop the unnecessary and incessant destruction of oil facilities in the state, “ Dickson said.

Enahoro’s people fear extinction of Esan culture

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HE ESAN, kindred of late foremost politician and elder statesman, Chief Anthony Enahoro, have

warned that their language and cultural values may go extinct if urgent steps are not taken to ensure that it was vigorously taught in schools.

Esan people at a n a t i o n a l conference, held under the aegis of Ikolo Esan, an umbrella socioc u l t u r a l organisation, formed to promote the interest of the people, in Ekpoma, Edo State, expressed fear that the Esan language may die because their children were not being encouraged to speak the language.

A communiqué by Professor Gabriel Oteze, Chairman of Ikolo Esan and Dr Onohoomhen Ebhohimhen, chairman of the communiqué drafting committee, said “Esan language is now threatened because it is not widely spoken. It is now dying because people believe it is some status symbol to speak English.

Unless our people speak Esan, it will die like Latin. At least you can still learn and read Latin. But Esan is not taught in any schools. Even those born in Esanland can’t speak Esan.

We need to speak and teach the language. People are also abbreviating Esan names in such a way that it is b e c o m i n g damaging.”

They also decried the collapse of agriculture in the area and the hijack of 70 per cent of the fertile land by moneybags.

I'll put an end to erosion with federal fund — Edo North senatorial aspirant

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DO NORTH senatorial hopeful, Major Francis Alimikhena, has assured the people of Edo North senatorial district, Edo State that the recent erosion menace in the area will be the last that will occur there, as he was determined to use his good office to attract federal presence and make Ecological Fund available to address the issue when elected as the senator to represent Edo North in 2015.

According to him, there will be lesser pressure on the state fund when the Ecological Fund is available to put an end to the hardship faced by the people of Edo North due to erosion.

Mr. Alimikhena expressed fear that the erosion was capable of wiping out the community someday as the available proactive measure that should be taken now was to vote for him in the forth coming All Progressive Congress, APC primaries.

2015: Anioma

group seeks support for Uduaghan

By Hugo Odiogor

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NIOMA VOICE Wo r l d w i d e Foundation, has called on Deltans to support Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s effort to ensure that power shift to Delta North was attained without rancor and violence.

Public Relations Officer of the group, Rev. Chukueku Ifeoma, spoke at its threeday programme, to persuade all the aspirants in the governorship race, including those of the Anioma extraction to see themselves as role models and nation builders in the family unit.

He called on Governor Uduaghan to invest more to the development of the media, as it will in turn attract the attention of the global audience. He also appealed to all Anioma politicians to put the overall interest of the people above personal interest as well as eschew acts of violence especially during the forthcoming elections.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 — 15

MAN wants economy diversified ...warns against external market forces

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI — MANUFACTURERS Association of Nigeria, MAN, has called for the diversification of the Nigerian economy, warning that a country largely dependent on a single source of revenue runs the risk of operating an economy that is dictated by external market forces.

President of MAN, Dr. Frank Jacobs, stated this in a 15-page lecture titled “preparing Nigerian youths for the challenging employment world”, which he delivered in Owerri, at the 2014 public lecture of the University of Jos Alumni Association, UJAA, Imo State Chapter.

Quoting the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, NBS, the MAN President said: “The nation’s economy still depends heavily on the oil and gas sector, which contributes 82.9 percent of export revenues, 70 percent of government revenues and 11.2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, in 2013.”

According to Dr. Jacobs, despite the country’s oil wealth and the relative improvement in the Gross Domestic Product, GDP growth, the United Nations Human Development Index, UNHDI, revealed that poverty was

widespread, with over 67.9 percent of the population living on less than $2 a day in 2013.

He argued that years of deficient planning and adverse policies led to the misdirection and under utilization of the nation’s huge resource endowment, saying “These resources have not been

effectively utilized to yield maximum economic benefits.

This is one of the primary causes of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.”

Addressing the participants, South East UJAA Zonal Coordinator, Sir Ned M. C. Ulelu, expressed worry at the

level of preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the forthcoming general polls.

“Ensuring that all Nigerians, who are eligible to vote get their permanent voters cards, is key to achieving free, fair and credible elections”, Ulelu said.

WEDDING: From left, Mr. Henry Boyo, bride's father; Rev. Magdalene Boyo, bride's mother; Oyebade Ayoade groom; Ayetu Boyo, bride; Mrs. Florence Ayoade, groom's mother, and Dr. Adegoke Ayoade, groom's father, during the traditional wedding between Oyebade Ayoade and Ayetu Boyo, at 3, Abiodun Olaiya Close, Opebi, Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

Don't build up sentiments for post-election violence, groups warn politicians

By Clifford Ndujihe

D

ISTURBED BY the do-ordie attitude of politicians ahead of 2015 general elections, a coalition of 40 Igbo groups, the South-East SelfDetermination Coalition, SESD, has urged politicians to desist from heating up the polity and preparing grounds for postelection violence and killings.

Recalling the killings that

trailed the 2011 presidential polls, the SESD Coordinator, Samuel Edeson and Assistant Coordinator, Greg Echewodo, in a statement, advised politicians to stop inciting their supporters.

They said: “Three months to the 2015 presidential elections, we find it absolutely necessary to raise our voice in warning over fears of post election killings expected to happen in Northern

Nigeria, in February, 2015. It is clear that only one winner will emerge from every contest, but the desperation for central power, usually blinds losers to this fact.

The April 2011 brutal killing of close to a thousand Nigerians and the statements about soakings dog and baboon in blood, confirm that should certain candidates lose the presidential polls, their already incited followers, will likely unleash terror on people they

Okorocha kicks off cleanliness, beautification competition in 637 communities

G

OVERNOR ROCHAS Okorocha of Imo State, yesterday, kicked-off the cleanliness and beautification competition among the 637 communities in the state, to revive the culture of village and community sanitation exercise.

It is also to be used to re-awaken the

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consciousness of keeping a clean and healthy environment in the rural communities.

Speaking at the flag-off, Governor Okorocha represented by his Chief of Staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu, said the programme was put together by the Imo State Orientation Agency, ISOA. He lamented that some of the core traditional values in Igbo land were fast fading off.

He appealed to traditional leaders, women organizations and other stakeholders in the communities to mobilize the youths to actively take part in keeping and maintaining clean and healthy environments.

The governor pointed that achieving the ‘Imo My Pride ‘ project required the collaboration of all and called on the citizenry to join hands with the state government to make Imo the cleanest state in the country.

perceived voted the other way. ‘’The unitary structure of Nigeria and the over powerful centre usually drives the stakes very high during power contest...

Since some people have already decided the results of the February 2015 polls in their hearts, even before the elections proper.

"It is easy to see how bloody their reactions will turn if things don’t turn their way. They will always claim elections were rigged to justify their plot to activate riots and killing of unarmed civilians, usually those from the other regions. ‘’The decades old culture of pogroms have been used in the past to successfully achieve regime change by force, hence we suspect the temptation to incite violence in February 2015 elections will be too strong for them to resist. While we appeal to the international election observers and our own security apparatus to monitor the polls closely, we assure those cold blooded murderers that this time, their blood thirsty campaign will not go un-replied. The die is cast, the prophetic year 2015 is here and the very survival of Nigeria may be decided in three months, as the desperation for power to return to certain region by all means might decide the fate of Nigeria.‘’

Obiano's wife advocates entrepreneurial training for women, youths

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA — THE wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, has advocated entrepreneurial training for women and youths to curb unemployment among school leavers and graduates of tertiary institutions.

Speaking after commissioning the Bakery and Knitting Centre of Saint John’s Vocational and Technical, VOTEC, Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state, Mrs. Obiano explained that such training would equip the beneficiaries to face life challenges.

According to her, many educated university graduates were not skilled due to absence of entrepreneurial programmes in institutions; hence the graduates roamed the street in search of non-existent or few white collar jobs, saying while “those with skills provide jobs for themselves make profit and employ others.”

Appreciating the vision of VOTEC in setting up the institute, she said “it is in line with the philosophy behind her pet project, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative, CAFÉ.

Oguikpu laid to rest

T

HE REMAINS of Mr. Jerome Oguikpu, a.k.a. Aje West, of Uruani Odida Abatete in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State, has been laid to rest at his Uruani Odida Abatete compound, yesterday.

He was interred after a requiem mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Odida Abatete and lying in state.

Late Oguikpu is survived by his wife, Mrs. Uche Oguikpu, his children, brothers, aged mother and other relations.

Late Mr. Oguikpu

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

APC picks governorship candidates nationwide

APC briefs on Corruption: National Chairman of APC Chief John Oyegun (right), addressing pressmen; Deputy National Chairman, South West, Segun Oni, and National Publicity Secretary, Lai Lagos APC governorship aspirant, Ganiyu Solomon casting his vote at the Lagos All Mohammed, during the briefing on corruption in Nigeria and the Progressives Congress, APC, primaries. way out, in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

From left, Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; his Deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru; Speaker, Otelemaba Amachree, and APC consesus governorship candidate Alhaji Yaya Saad, APC returning officer, presenting certificate to Hon. Dakuku Peterside, at Civic Centre Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. Photo: Olorogun Otega Emerhor as the winner. Photo: Nath Onojake Nwankpa Chijioke

Ogun State gover nor, Senator Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, casting his vote, at Lekan Ibikunle Amosun, casting his vote, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Salami Stadium Adamasingba, Ibadan . Photo: Shola Oyelese. in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Aminu Tambuwal, casting his vote,.

Delegates on queue for screening, in Kaduna State. Photo: Olu Ajayi C M Y K

Kwara State governor, Dr. Abdulfatah, Ahmed, receiving certificate after the primary.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 —17

I

AM in Paris at the moment. The editors of a foreign publication invited me here because they want me a) provide them with professional advice about the best way of covering the upcoming Nigerian elections and b) to add my voice to wideranging discussions about the publication’s African coverage in general.

Black Kenyan, South African, Zimbabwean and Ghanaian writers – and European journalists who have lived in or undertaken reportage assignments in Senegal, Guinea, Zambia, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Libya, Egypt, etc, etc, etc have also been invited to Paris to participate in these brainstorming sessions.

All of the above have talked at considerable length about multiple scenarios that are likely to be especially newsworthy in their respective countries next year…and have highlighted personalities who will probably play significant positive or negative roles. And I’m really enjoying the educational experience.

Map of Kenya

African stories Harvard graduate who possessed Kenyan roots - and was one of them in a sense was now running the most powerful nation on earth.

Much to his amazement, not every Kenyan shared his excitement. Obama’s family comes from the Luo tribe; and my colleague encountered quite a few Kikuyus who were half-hearted about Obama’s victory because he wasn’t a Kikuyu!...and some Luos who were equally unenthusiastic about Obama’s fantastic triumph because Obama was not from the same Luo clan as

Educational experience The nitty-gritty - and often gory - details that highly knowledgeable media folks are revealing about different African histories, cultures, social issues, economies, politicians, opposition activists and so on are very interesting.

My favourite stories revolve around Kenya.

The father of my Kenyan colleague was very friendly with Barack Obama’s late father; and he has been regaling us with hilarious and fascinating tales about Obama Senior – whom he describes as an immensely colourful character and extremely intelligent lover of whiskey and literature.

When Obama Junior became President of the United States, my colleague was jubilant and took a personal interest in recording local reactions to the fact that an accomplished C M Y K

Kenyatta

they were!

This story made me feel that Nigerians are not so tribalistic or clannish after all. I’m pretty sure that every single Nigerian on the planet would rejoice wildly if a Nigerian from any part of Nigeria became President of the United States!

Do Vanguard readers agree with me?

And, by the way, I have never criticized Obama before because he is one of my heroes and I just LOVE his wonderful wife; and I wept tears of sheer, unadulterated joy when they entered the White House with their lovely children. That momentuous day was one of the happiest days of my life.

But every hero is human and has feet of clay and I must tell you that I am absolutely furious with the Obamas for not visiting Kenya (or Nigeria for that matter) once since they were elevated. There is no excuse for this negligence!

As for President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, the son of the late great Jomo Kenyatta: What a terrible disappointment he has turned out to be!

Colonial shackles

None of the above are partisan or interested in our APC versus PDP political shenanigans. None of the above has anything personal against Jonathan

I expected the well-schooled heir of an iconic African Independence leader who liberated his people from British colonial shackles to be seriously impressive.

But corruption is rife in Kenya and bad governance is the norm. And it gives me no pleasure to say that Uhuru sounds downright irresponsible and callous! He is said to drink like a fish and has, because of the role he played during the 2007

election, been indicted by the International Criminal Court in the Hague for crimes against humanity.

Meanwhile, Kenya, thanks to Al-Shabaab, an Islamic terror outfit that is based in Somalia and regularly launches cross-border attacks on its neighbour, is suffering from the same kind of security headaches that Nigeria is enduring.

Uhuru happened to be in Abu Dhabi having fun with a bunch of cronies (they went there to watch the Grand Prix motor race) when Al-Shabaab hijacked a bus and butchered 28 Kenyans.

Security matters And guess what?

He didn’t rush back home the minute this tragic news was conveyed to him. He stayed abroad for 3 more days; and when he finally returned to Nairobi, he proceeded to blame citizens for not being more vigilant about security matters.

Why are so many African heads of state so chronically unsatisfactory?

Last week, President Goodluck Jonathan described himself as the best leader Nigeria has ever produced.

This claim was contained in a statement that was issued by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe. It was a response to exPresident Obasanjo expressing the view that Jonathan’s administration has been below-average.

Excerpts from Okupe’s press release: “We aver that Obasanjo’s comments are untrue, misleading and clearly do not tally with the

facts on the g r o u n d … We therefore wish to assert without equivocation that in terms of performance and achievements, no administration since 1960 when Nigeria gained independence from Britain, has done as much as that of President Jonathan.” “…While it is true that the…terrorists in the 3 northeastern states have become more deadly…government has made giant diplomatic strides with neighbouring countries…to checkmate the crisscrossing of the insurgents. “…The military and other security agents, which have engaged the insurgents since inception, have done a great job in spite of recent challenges…”

It is interesting that this government is praising itself at a time when others are reluctant to share its view that it is doing well!

Profound concerns Since I arrived in France, I have come across several individuals who know quite a bit about Nigeria. I have also come across a few individuals who know a lot about Nigeria.

And all of them have expressed profound concerns about the current state of Nigeria.

And these commentators aren’t only focussing on military stuff.

They are also referring to issues like oil theft.

None of the above are partisan or interested in our APC versus PDP political shenanigans. None of the above has anything personal against Jonathan. Some have even told me that they think he looks like a very pleasant fellow.

But the widespread perception is that he is failing woefully. Enough said.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 PRESIDENTIAL security is given high priority everywhere, so it is not out of place for the same rule to be applied to Nigeria. What we are finding out of place is the growing acceptance that lives of others would be disrupted, so often for the safety of the President, without any measures being taken to accommodate the convenience of the public.

There are several angles to these interruptions that appear more visible in Abuja, where the first sign that the President is making a trip is the number of policemen who litter the 40-something kilometre stretch from the Presidential Villa to the airport. They are at every junction, covering every spot that they consider a risk point.

Finally, the road is sealed off until the presidential fleet rumbles through to the airport. It takes another half hour for the impact of the disruption to disappear. More parts of Abuja than the expressway to the airport are affected, as any traffic heading to the expressway is stopped until the President passes.

Minimal VIP Disruptions The congestion gets into the city, creating avoidable traffic nightmares.

Abuja’s other security measures which have seen roads cordoned off in some parts and constructions, add to the traffic miasma that is becoming a hallmark of the city. Like in most things, those who lock up the city for the President do not consider the interests of other road users, some of who also have flights to catch at the airport, and who unlike the President, do not have their private jets waiting for them.

These disruptions also occur in the air.

Flights are either delayed from taking off or asked to hover, when they are close

to an airport which the President is about to use. Again, there are no considerations for people who need to make appointments or the extra cost of the fuel the airlines burn and the distabilising of their schedules. All that is important is that the President is using the airport.

We appreciate the importance of the attention paid to presidential security, more so with current security challenges, which do not explain some of the ancient methods of protecting the President. Is lining up hundreds of policemen on Abuja airport route, under inclement weather, the optimal security plan to get the President to the airport?

Have we considered using helicopters to ferry him from the Presidential Villa to the airport? Could that not be safer, possibly faster and cheaper? Would that also not stop frequent disruption of activities at the political city of our rebased economy?

The President’s safety is important. The lives of those who his movements interrupt are important too. What we need is a balance.

OPINION By

I

Tochukwu

Ezukanma

WAS recently a guest on a radio talk show. I was to discuss the Nigerian government’s inability, thus far, to contain and defeat the Boko Haram. At one point, the talk show host asked my opinion on the court marshal of mutinous Nigerian soldiers that heckled their divisional commander and shot at him. My opinion is that the court marshal that sentenced 12 of them to death was appropriate. A number of my listeners that called into the radio programme disagreed with me. They argued that due to the circumstances that provoked the mutiny, the military hierarchy should be lenient with the mutineers. But, to me, no special circumstance (even, if the commander is a saboteur) invalidates the need for them to be punished with becoming severity.

A Nigerian army general was once quoted as saying that, “if I am ordered to shoot (and kill) my father, I will shoot him as a soldier, and then, return home and bury him as a son”. There is something dreadfully weird about a man that shoots his father, and then, goes home and buries him. For he shot his father, not in the thrall of hate, fit of lunacy or flush of delirium, and not due to lack of a sense of filial commitment and responsibility or disdain for tradition and societal expectations, but in obedience to an order. Is it not evident that in obeying orders, his actions are totally devoid of reason, emotions and sentiments?

Having lost its patients with protesting students that had, for months, occupied Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the Chinese C M Y K

What if the commander is a saboteur? government ordered soldiers to forcibly eject them from the square. As the soldiers advanced towards them, an elderly woman knelt down before one of the soldiers, pleading with him not to shoot at the students. He shot her in the head, and moved on. To a crowd of on lookers, it was outrageous: mindless, heartless murder of an innocuous woman. However, to the soldier, he did nothing wrong. He was ordered to attack the students and anything that stood in his way was an impediment, impeding his doing his job, and needed to be removed. And it is this mentality that makes the military the military.

A man is a soldier not because he is proficient in the use of guns and bayonets, and is armed and outfitted with a military uniform, but because he has been drilled into obeying orders unquestioningly? The word infantry evolved from the French word for “child” because of the child-like compliance instilled in troops. And without this blind obedience to orders, no army can exist, as it cannot be a disciplined force but a band of uniformed and armed thugs.

So, when those soldiers at the Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri scoffed and shot at their divisional commander, Major General Ahmadu Mohammed, they were in gross violations of military conventions and ethics. A man that taunted his commander is not a soldier. He is, at the very best, a ruffian. But then, thugs, ordinarily, except for sociopaths amongst them, whose behaviours must therefore be psychotic, do not

shoot at their leaders. So, those that ridiculed, and shot at, their commandant are worse than thugs. They are essentially swashing bravos. The existence of such individuals in the Nigerian Army poises a mortal danger to the Nigerian military and the security of the country. So, their court marshal and sentence to death was most splendid.

Undoubtedly, the Nigerian military, like every other Nigerian institution is in a bog of ineptitude and graft. Not surprisingly, there are disquieting reports of corruption and inefficiency amongst the officers.

Consequently, troops are not paid their allowances and those in the battle field are denied adequate arms, ammunition and ration. And in fierce battles with terrorists, they are also sometimes denied back-up, reinforcements and air support. In addition, there are allegations that some officers are saboteurs, thus sabotaging the troops in their operations against Boko Haram.

The “peculiar environment and circumstances” that provoked the mutiny and should (according to the callers) necessitate clemency for the mutineers were that they were on a secret mission and were ambushed by the insurgents; they suffered causalities. Due to the secrecy of the operation, they suspected saboteurs must have tipped off the insurgents. After repelling the insurgents, they were ordered to return that same night through an insurgent infested territory. As they had

feared, they were ambushed again and their ranks decimated. It was seeing their dead comrades being brought into the Maimalari Barracks, Maiduguri, that prompted their jeering, and shooting at their commander whom they blamed for the deaths of their comrades.

Inherent in their behaviours is a delirious notion that they reserve the right to suspect, arraign and sentence the divisional commander. Usually, most soldiers may not always understand the strategic doctrine of the military high command and the strategic and tactical plans of their officers.

Still, despite their ignorance of what informs the officers’ decisions and orders, they have no choice but to unthinkingly comply with them. If thousands of combatants are to make their individual determinations of the correctness and erroneousness of the professional conducts and orders of their commanders, and then decide on what orders to obey or disobey and what officers to punish or reward, the military will invariably crumble into anarchy.

So, irrespective of the limitations and supposed blunders and crimes of the commander, men under his command still must obey him without demur. It is in the purview of the commander’s superior officers, and not men under his command, to adjudicate him and penalise him, if need

*Mr. Ezukanma, a cmmentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014— —19

Kano bombings: Where is safe in Nigera?

By Clement Udegbe

If you talk to the ear and it does not hear, when the head is cut off, the ear follows it – Igbo Proverb.

T

HE peace, serenity, and piety of worshippers at the Kano Central Mosque was shattered on November 29, 2014, when a group of suicide bombers and killers invaded the mosque, violated the right of the people to worship and left over 200 persons dead, and even more wounded. It was a dastardly, yet cowardly act by the attackers. It is most cowardly because only a coward will pounce on innocent unsuspecting persons and start shooting; and only a hater of people and life would do such a thing.

The city of Kano was rudely attacked, and it stretched the medical facilities of the ancient city. The confusion that followed this attack in Kano, should help us as a people to identify with victims of such situations in all major towns and cities of Nigeria.

The first major religious or ethnic killings in Kano were in 1980, over 34 years ago during the Maitatsine riots. That riot targeted South Eastern Christians; other non-Muslims and nonNorthern ethnic persons, with casualties of almost the same

magnitude as this recent Kano bombings. Nigeria did not handle it well at that time, hence the violence like a virus, spread to other parts of the North. It has escalated to what we now call terrorists, insurgents, and finally Boko Haram.

The same wrong attitude, by our leaders, to the spilling of blood on our lands for whatever reasons has continued and brought us to this stage where any gathering, whether religious, political, or social, can be bombed. Yet we find time to criticise each other, play politics with each incidence, while the enemy's venom spreads in our system. If anyone told Kano indigenes 34 years ago that a set of Muslims would actually invade or attack their worship centre, killing several innocent people in the process, they would have dismissed such a prediction as unthinkable. But that attitude of treating the corpse of a person not related to us like a piece of log has culminated in the complete violation of over 400 years of safe and peaceful worship in the Kano Central Mosque.If Maiduguri, Gwazo, Abuja, Nyanya, Mubi, Yobe, Jos, and now Kano have been hit in such a big way, which city can we claim is safe in Nigeria ?

Mid last month, when Mubi fell into the hands of Boko Haram and was later retaken by hunters and

Our political and religious leaders, irrespective of their leanings, are expected to use the benefits of their knowledge and experience to tell us how we can win the war against Boko Haram ethnic local militia, which they call civilian JTF, the Emir of Kano in response, called on Nigerians to rise up and defend themselves in the face of the lifethreatening insurgency. Many commentators viewed that comment from political, ethnic, and religious prisms. The APC, to which the Emir has his sympathy, saw everything good and wise in the comment; after all, as the opposition party, it sees all the ills of this society from 1960 as having been caused and promoted by the ruling PDP, which on its parts, sharply criticised the comment. Some people thought that it was too political a comment to come from a Royal Father, and that it was a

2015: Why power must return to North

By Yusuf

T

Jubril

HIS is the last months of 2014 and in just about a month and three weeks from now, the country would be holding a general election of unprecedented significance given that since 1999 except for the brief period of the late president Yar’Adua, the presidency has been in the South. For the North, no other election in the history of Nigeria is capable of making or marring the political influence and position of the people of the Northern Region of Nigeria as the 2015 presidential election, especially now that Goodluck Jonathan is clearly the only likely candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. For the majority of Northerners who are by far more politically conscious of the two broad regions that make up Nigeria, it would have been unnecessary to remind our people. However, we have in recent times been witnessing a dangerous trend, a divide and rule tactics by the current government aimed at weakening the determination of the North to reclaim its traditional position of providing leadership for Nigeria.

As the election draws near, all manner of so-called respectable people are meeting with President Jonathan, pledging allegiance and promising to betray the North again for him in the 2015 polls. Even Tafawa Balewa’s son is withdrawing with a promise that it will be the turn of the North in 2019, something we can, and should claim in 2015. What a shame? The likes of AbdulJelili Tafawa Balewa are not relevant when we have committed elders like Dr. Junaid Mohammed and others who will not fail the North, like Governors Nyako and Kwakwanso. The same people like AbdulJelili who benefitted from the same positions and public offices that our fore-fathers laboured for which the North is being denied

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since the time of Obasanjo who betrayed the North.

The North is unapologetic because it is only asking for what it does best in Nigeria: leadership since we are more in number than the South and democracy is about majority. All regions of the country excel in one area or the other: the West, in education; Eastern region in business; the North has since independence by divine blessing provided leadership and administration which has kept the country stable and secure and would continue to work for a peaceful country. This is no accident; it is the Almighty Allah that has destined it so.

However, the current mediocre interregnum by the Jonathan presidency is an aberration. Apart from the six months when Aguiyi-Ironsi and his Eastern cohorts took the North unawares, the North has provided leadership for the country and even denied itself by installing a South westerner, Olusegun Obasanjo twice as a president from the South.

First, Obasanjo on the death of General Murtala Mohammed, even Chief Shonekan when Abiola attempted unsuccessfully to rule, and later Obasanjo again in 1999 till 2007 to help fulfill Allah’s will of the leadership role of the North for our country.

The North is unapologetic because it is only asking for what it does best in Nigeria: leadership, since we are more in number than the South and democracy is about majority

call to anarchy. But they forgot that no good father will like to watch helplessly while his children are killed daily by a socalled Boko Haram which appears to be on rampage in the North. It is only the tree that knows that it will be killed and yet stands on the same spot.

Nigerians are not trees.It will therefore be wrong for any person to expect people to stand and be killed like the fowls by mad, heavily demonized, animalistic insurgents, called Boko Haram. The Emir of Kano’s call for people to defend themselves may have accounted for the boldness exhibited by some of the worshippers which led to the killing of all the suicide bombers.

One very painful and unfortunate situation in our country is that we have allowed bad politicking, wicked religious doctrines and warped ethnic mindsets to affect the way we view and react to all situations, including the prevalent threat to the existence of Nigeria by Boko Haram.

It is bad politics for our beloved OBJ,for example, to reportedly define Boko Haram as a manifestation of a social situation tainted with religion. It is also wrong for General Muhammadu Buhari to blame every failure of the military on the President GEJ. As former military heads of states, these leaders ought to help us resolve the insecurity challenges which started to build up when they were ruling Nigeria, and not play the blame game of PDP versus APC while trying and scheming to control their parties. In the same

Obasanjo abused this privilege by attempting to go for a third term; his betrayal has been well described by our dependable leader Alhaji Ango Abdullahi, who described his ingratitude in the following words: "Somebody who was picked from the gallows waiting to die there, the same person is casting aspersion on those that picked him up from the gutters of prison, brought him out, cleaned him up, pardoned him his crimes and decided to put him forward to lead this country; in the hope that he would perform. But, Records show that this country has never received the kind of revenue or resources it got between 1999 and 2007. It is evident that Obasanjo received more revenue than those received from 1960 when he became president in 1999. But where did these revenues go? There was no power supply, nothing worked; The money was stolen.

There was no doubt about it, Obasanjo is unprincipled, both in terms of his social and moral behaviours.

For his betrayal of the North, Obasanjo tried to make amends for his actions, making sure that power returned to the North by handing over to the late Umaru Musa Yar 'Adua, his friend ‘s junior brother in the rigged 2007 election as opposed to Gen.Buhari that the Nigerian people feely want.

No matter the arrogance of the those in power now, the likes of Obasanjo know that without the North he could not have stepped into the office of the president where Chief Obafemi Awolowo who thought he could rule Nigeria failed woefully.

Another Yoruba leader who has shown wisdom and knowledge of history to achieve greater benefit for his people unlike the rigid Awolowo who was not flexible is Bola Ahmed Tinubu. After initial reluctance in 2011, he has since seen the light and realised the strategic wisdom in working with the North for a just and sustainable Nigeria.

It is against this background that the 2015 presidential election becomes particularly significant for the North. For now, power is in the hands of a zone which arrogantly believes that its entitled to it by virtue of the

vein, it is a wicked application of religious doctrine for Sheik Gumi to ask GEJ and Buhari not to contest the 2015 presidential election because Buhari’s followers in the North have been brain-washed to believe that their man would win the elections such that they would commit mayhem if Buhari loses; it seems obvious to the Shiek that he would.

Our political and religious leaders, irrespective of their leanings, are expected to use the benefits of their knowledge and experience to tell us how we can win the war against Boko Haram.

The truth which they know is that this is a war against Nigeria as a country.

These men should help to advise Nigeria to postpone the 2015 elections in order to focus on how to win the war first, rather than jump into the political arena throwing punches and shooting arrows of distractions and hatred in every direction.

The lessons from the Kano Central Mosque carnage include that no city in Nigeria should assume that it is safe from Boko Haram attacks now or in the near future.

Cities in the South should be more concerned with preventing and containing the threat of Boko Haram through managing the influx of strange-looking elements from the North.

•Mr.Udegbe, practitioner, Lagos.

a wrote

legal from

natural resources in their region, whereas every region has contributed its resources to the initial development of the oil they now claim ownership of. They fail to remember that politics is a game of numbers. How can a zone not larger than only two Northern states either in the North West or North East hope to retain power. This can only happen if the North allows it to happen. Our carefully selected delegates at the National Conference made this clear. This is why the 13 percent derivation should, in fact, be reduced to 5% for only on-shore oil when Buhari comes to power, because all mineral resources belong to the Federal Government; this has always been the case since the colonial period. If the North stands together with its allies in the South West we can ensure that local governments get 35% of federal allocations, while states get 39 percent. Let those who want 50% derivation get it only from those resources that were not located naturally, things they added value to.

As for the elections in February 2015, with the South West under Bola Tinubu with four states combined with our population in the North, we will show our superiority on Election Day in 2015. By teaming up with Muhammadu Buhari, the leader of the South West, Bola Tinubu has made the right decision, because whatever any one might say Buhari is currently the undisputed leader of the North, as there is no other person whom the masses in the North are willing to vote or even die for; he certainly merits it.

Moreover, he has over several years also been working hard to unite the entire Fulani people historically found in several countries across Africa: from Kenya through Rwanda, Central Africa Republic, Mali, Mauritania, Niger to Nigeria, etc.

The Jonathan people in the South believe they can win in 2015 with the support of the Middle Belt Christians. Trying to use religion will not work and in any case how many Christains are there in the whole of Nigeria compared to Muslims? And how many of them are left in the Middle-Belt with Boko Haram occupying Mubi?

•Mr. Jubril, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Kano.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, DECEMBER 5, 2014

By Jimitota Onoyume, Port Harcourt

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GBA Egbema Ndo ni Local Government Area in Rivers State has never been a stranger to tragic happenings. It was in the news again over mindless killings as unknown gunmen stormed the community at about 7pm last Friday, shooting sporadically. This time the scene of the act was Omoku, headquarters of the local government area.

Nobody could say what provoked the heinous act.

But at the end of it all, 12 persons were confirmed killed, according to a lady, simply identified as Roseline, who spoke with Vanguard Metro, VM. She said the gunmen who were armed with sophisticated rifles went from house to house, pulling out their targets and killing them on the spot.

Another eye witness said the invaders carried on as though they had no target.

“I am not too sure they had targets because the killings seemed unprovoked and not directed to particular persons,” this source said.

VM gathered that some members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC, lost their lives in the incident, a situation that ruled out political motive in the action of the assailants.

A Mobile P0lice officer was among those brutally murdered that fateful Friday night. The

KILLING OF 12 IN RIVERS COMMUNITY:

Residents blame cultists, politicians state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad who spoke on the sad development, blamed it on cult crisis, stressing that it was a battle for supremacy by rival cult groups.

A news source in the community who pleaded for anonymity said there had been problem among cult groups struggling to control rich resources flowing from oil majors doing business in the area. According to the source, Ice landers, Big 5 and Dewell are among cult groups engaged in battle for territorial control in the area.

“You know that this local government is host to Agip

The sad development was a battle for supremacy by rival cult groups

*Blood stained interior of a car caught in the attack by the killer gunmen. and Total; these are two big multinational oil companies. Certainly groups will

ROVING CAMERA

*Risky ride...A family of six aboard a motorcycle(Okada)

Pic: Akeem Salau

spring up in areas like this for attention,” the source said.

Continuing, the source said politicians had also keyed into the crisis to recruit some of the groups as private armies to rig the coming general elections.

The local government, according to findings, will certainly be a flash point area because it is where the state Chairman of the PDP, Bro Felix Obua, hails from and there are also key loyalists of Governor Chibuike Amaechi like the deposed state chairman of the PDP, Chief Godspower Ake who is also from the local government. “ So you can imagine what the elections will be like here next year,” , the source said.

Meantime, VM gathered that a youth who was identified as Chiboy was taken hostage on November 8 around the secretariat of the PDP and nothing had been heard about his whereabouts. Some feared that the disappearance of Chiboy had capacity to provoke conflict in the area.

“Chiboy was kidnapped over three weeks ago in front of PDP secretariat.

Nothing has been heard of him. Some say he has been killed. This is another thing that could trigger crisis in Omoku,” a source hinted.

The sources further appealed to security operatives to help locate the w h e r e a b o u t s o f C h i b o y, saying his release will douse tension in the area.

Recall that in July this year about 15 persons lost their lives when armed men on six motorbikes stormed several communities in Egi kingdom area killing innocent people.

Just as in this case nobody could explain the cause of their action.

Vanguard, FRDAY DECEMBER 5, 2014 — 21

FIRS goes tough on tax offenders in Bayelsa, Edo

By Gabriel Enogholase & Samuel Oyadongha

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HE Federal Inland Rev enue Service (FIRS) has intensified efforts to make tax defaulters pay up what they owe the Federal Government in Bayelsa and Edo State.

The FIRS in Yenagoa raided organisations such as hotels, restaurants, supermarkets among others that refused to pay their annual tax or fail to remit taxes collected by them on behalf of the Federal Government.

This was even as the Tax Controller, Micro and Small Tax in the Edo State office of the Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Addingi Iorfam, disclosed in Benin that no fewer than 20 companies operating in the state were owing the federal tax body the sum of N3million as unpaid taxes.

Mr. Iorfam who spoke with newsmen shortly after visiting some of the companies which he said have refused to file their returns and pay taxes, gave the names of some of the defaulting companies to include Kada Cinema Plaza, Edna Table Water, Okpara Electrical Company Limited, Romanian Hotels and Suits among others.

Annual taxes He said the FIRS would continue to visit defaulting companies to hold meetings with them on the need for them to pay annual taxes as well as the Value Added Tax (VAT) as and when due.

He also said that companies operating in the state would be offered professional advice on taxation in addition to sensitising them on the filings of their returns in order to encourage them.

He advised companies which have registered to do so within six months of operations and also filed in their returns just as he said that the companies visited by his tax operatives were cautioned and given seven days to pay their taxes and file their returns.

In Bayelsa, the agency, which arrested seven offenders raided over ten organisations in collaboration with officers of the Nigeria Police Force that refused to pay their annual tax or fail to remit to the federal government, the Value Added Tax (VAT) collected on its behalf C M Y K

Speaking to newsmen, the Tax Controller in Bayelsa, Mr. Patrick Iroro, said the exercise was to fish out recalcitrant tax payers, who have not only refused to make returns of their annual trading but have also refused to remit monies col-

lected on behalf of government.”Well, this is one of the resources government depends on for revenue and we have a lot of recalcitrant tax payers, they do not only refused to make returns of their annual tradings or the ones they col-

lected on behalf of government, but have also refused to remit same. He cited a hotel which after collecting VAT for their services instead of remitting these monies monthly to government withheld same.

“We have written them sev-

eral letters, we have visited them severally and so we have to ask head office to send us enforcement to help us collect these taxes.

“We have to enforce their compliance, the money they are owing and make them pay, and once they pay, they should start remitting regularly once they pay we let them go,” he said.

Iroro, who said the recent exercise was a warning to tax offenders, warned that any defaulters who refuse to pay will have whatever they owe now doubled as punishment or risk going to prison.

From left: Dr Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Mr Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman/Managing Director, Innoson Industries; Chief Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Dr Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor of Anambra State at the unveiling ceremony of Innoson made-in-Nigeria cars at Uru Umudim, Nnewi Anambra State.

Stakeholders must collaborate to end e-fraud in Nigeria — NeFF $183.5

By Hope Ofobike

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HE Nigeria Electronic Fraud Fo rum (NeFF) has said that joint effort by stakeholders including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), judiciary, law enforcement agencies and bank customers can reduce the level of electronic fraud in the country.

Chairman of the forum, Mr Dipo Fatokun, who spoke in Lagos at a dinner organised for members of the Forum, said the only solution to fraud is collaboration.

He said: “There is no solution to fraud other than collaboration. Our common enemies, who are the fraudsters, do not have boundaries, they don’t discriminate between banks, the fraudsters do not have all the time, they sit in the comfort of their homes and make things hap-

pen.

“We must break the barriers and focus on a common purpose which is to take out fraud. All stakeholders, including the law enforcement agencies, the regulators and the general public must come together.

“We are collaborating with the EFCC on investigation and prosecution of fraudsters as it relates to cash presence flow in non- EMB environment, we also plan to have training for the judiciary on financial crime, especially electronic payment.

“Next year, we plan to devote one week to antifraud activities, where all operators in the payment system will be involved in sensitizsing, educating and informing the banking populace on the activities of this fraudsters, so that people will be aware of how they can protect themselves, their account and assets,” he said.

Reading the forum score card for 2014, Fatokun who is also the CBN director of banking and payments system said stricter policies and guidelines that has strengthened the payment space has been put in place.

$2,905.00

$24.29

$1.2

$-28.00

$-0.01

$70.41 $-0.13 $67.43 CURRENCY BUYING

$+0.55

CENTRAL

DOLLAR 167 167.5 168 STERLING 261.8059 262.5898 263.3736 EURO 207.748 208.37 208.992 FRANC 172.485 173.0014 173.5179 YEN 1.4045 1.4087 1.413 CFA 0.2927 0.3027 0.3127 WAUA 239.3209 240.0375 240.754 RENMINBI 27.1536 27.2353 27.3171 RIYAL 44.4918 44.625 44.7582 KRONA 27.918 28.0016 28.0852 SDR 244.4045 245.1363 245.868

CBN Exchange Rate as 04/12/2014

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

NSE to commence trading on Derivatives in 2016

By Nkiruka Nnorom With Agency Report

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HE Nigerian Stock Ex change, NSE, has disclosed plan to commence trading in financial derivative in 2016.

The proposed introduction is in fulfillment of the exchange’s decision to introduce five asset classes in five years on the assumption of office by Oscar Onyema as the NSE’ Chief Executive Officer.

A financial derivative is one of the financial instruments used in any sophisticated stock market securities all over the world. The financial instrument’s price is dependent upon

or derived from one or more underlying assets. The derivative itself is merely a contract between two or more parties. Its value is determined by fluctuations in the underlying asset.

The most common underlying assets include stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates and market indexes “A lot of work is going on,” Onyema said, adding: “The market is considering futures and options on both single stocks and equity indexes among financial derivatives”.

The Nigerian economy is “highly diversified” and there won’t be a “tremendous impact” from falling oil prices, Onyema said. Investors outside the

country are projected to return following the vote in about two months, according to him.

It would be recalled that Onyema had while outlining the road map to be adopted by the Exchange to deepen the capital market in 2011 said that the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, had given the NSE the approval to undertake Index/ Exchange Traded Fund, saying that the Exchange would also consider addition of Options and Derivative in two years time.

“Today, we offer equities and bonds in our stock market. Just recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved for Exchange to undertake Index/Exchange Traded Funds.

FROM RIGHT: Guest Presenter of the Pearl Award and Honorable Chairman/ Chief Judge, Investments and Securities Tribunal, ( IST ), Dr. Ngozi Chianakwalam, Assistant Business Editor, Vanguard Media Limited, Mr. Peter Egwuatu, and Representative of Airtel CEO, Mr. Godfrey Efeurhobo, during Award Presentation to Peter Egwuatu as the winner of 2014 Pearl Capital Market Journalist of the year at the 2014 Pearl Awards in Lagos.

Shareholders caution banks over choice of investment competitions among Nigerian Stories by Peter Egwuatu banks that is making banks to increase their share capital frequently. More capital to do business has become the order of the hareholders under the ae day. It has lost of advantages but gis of Proactive Share- with their own challenges.” holders Association of Nigeria, The Group stated that experiPROSAN have cautioned ence had shown that from the banks operating in the country Austrian banks expansion that to do diligent analysis of the comes through organic and inorpolitical stability of the coun- ganic growth was better managed tries where they intend to ex- and result oriented than growth tend their operations. through frequent capital injection.

The warning is coming after According to PROSAN “One Austrian banks lost billions of major variable that can grow any Euro in their investment in financial institution to become a Ukraine and Russia that were world class institution is to focus hit with political crises. their energy to meet their customThe shareholders Group, in ers’ needs. The major secret for a statement signed by Mr. organic growth of the first five Oderinde Taiwo and Mrs. Tola banks in Austria is by focusing Adewusi, National Coordinator their professional banking servand General Secretary of ices to meet their customers’ PROSAN respectively said needs. Therefore, Nigerian banks “There are lots of rivalry and that desire growth should focus

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more on customers service satisfaction.”

While commenting on business development in banks, the shareholders Group said “One of the most valuable departments in any organization that will determine their future and how far they will go is the value giving to their business developed unit. This department has the responsibility of carrying out different tasks aimed at developing and implementing growth opportunities for the company. In developing an organization , the department also has the responsibility of carrying out different tasks and face different challenges aimed at maximizing the organization growth and potentials. Though, the business development department of an organistion may not be the one to take decision of embarking on a project but only recommend to the management and Board for vital decisions.”

Afrinvest pledges to grow NASD OTC portfolio

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FRINVEST Securities Limited (ASL), has pledged to increase its National Association of Securities Dealers Plc (NASD) Over The Counter, OTC portfolio.

This is coming following the increase in the volume of trading activities at the NASD trading platform OTC. The firm is calling on existing clients to come forward with their share certificates for dematerialization. The NASD OTC market is a technologically-driven trading platform where equities (shares) of companies that are not listed by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, can be traded.

Trading activities whilst starting with the trading of equities, will in the future embrace other financial instruments such as Bonds and Commercial Paper.

According to Charles Egbunonwo, Managing Director of ASL, “with our over 15 years membership of the NSE we are well positioned to support our clients’ understanding of the workings and intricacies of the NASD-OTC trading platform. We have knowledgeable professionals with deep insight of the market and we are able to execute our clients’ trades effectively under the platform.”

Through the platform ASL is seeking to create liquidity for investors of some public companies that are not listed on the NSE by trading their shares on the platform with transparency and safety, and without price restrictions.

“We have started reaching out to our customers to take advantage of the unique opportunities that the NASD OTC platform provides and submit their share certificates for dematerialization”, Egbunonwo said. Shares of companies that can currently be traded on the NASD platform include Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Niger Delta Exploration and Production Plc, Food Concepts Plc, Industrial and General Insurance Plc, Consolidated Breweries Plc and Geofluids Plc, SWAP Technology Telecomms Plc and BGL Plc. Others are Trustbond Mortgage Bank Plc, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Riggs Ventures West African Plc, Afriland Properties Plc, Arm Life Plc (Crystalife Plc), Partnership Investment Company Plc, Resourcery Plc and Jaiz Bank Plc.Inaugurated in July 2013, NASD is registered by the Securities & Exchange Commission as a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) to deepen the volume of Capital Market transactions in Nigeria. The platform allows trading of a broad range of instruments over-the-counter, including bonds and securities not listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Custodian emerges sectorial leader in 2014

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USTODIAN and Allied Insurance Limited has emerged winner of the PEARL Awards for Sectorial Leadership– Financial Services 2014.

The PEARL Awards is an annual event organized for and on behalf of the Nigerian Stock Exchange to promote excellence and honor deserving corporates.

Custodian And Allied Insurance Limited (CAIL), a registered member of the Nigerian Insurance Association is a member of the CUSTODIAN Group with other sister companies including Custodian and Allied Life Assurance Limited, Custodian Trustees Limited and Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited completing the highly specialized array of businesses in its fold.

Speaking at the event, the company’s head of Management Services, Mrs. Olubunmi Aderemi thanked customers and the investing public for their contributions.

The Managing director of the Company, Mr. Wole Oshin while receiving the award commended the organizers for sustaining the ideals of the Pearl awards in line with best practice, promising that Custodian will continue to apply itself towards its corporate vision and mission while consistently driving innovation, applying cutting edge technology and superior manpower to ensure we continue to exceed customer expectations at all times’ Furthermore, he congratulated the Board, Management and staff of Custodian for the feat, while charging them to continue doing their best for the overall good of clients and the industry.

Custodian was recently honored by Capital Finance International (CFI) a United Kingdom based standard bearer as the ‘Most Innovative Insurance Company in Nigeria’ for the business year 2014 and is also a previous recipient of the PEARL Awards for Sectorial Leadership.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 — 23

worm. You are not spending money as the toxin in the plant addresses the problem instead of you spraying chemicals.

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Addressing food security through biotechnology Biotech vitro techniques

By Jimoh Babatunde

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oday, more than 800 million people around the world are malnourished, meaning they do not get the minimum energy requirements set by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of 1,690 calories per day for an urban adult and 1,650 calories for a rural dweller.

The world’s population is projected to grow by 2.3 billion people from 2009 to 2050, to 9.1 billion. To feed this growing population adequately will require a 70 percent increase in food production globally and a doubling of food production in developing countries. There are natural limits to the productivity increases that can be obtained with conventional farming.

Scientifically advanced biotechnology could greatly benefit the world’s growing population, but governments have placed severe regulatory restrictions on the use of such technology.

David Weisser, a research associate with the United States based National Center for Policy Analysis, said the most controversial aspect of biotechnology is the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to increase crop yields per acre and to improve the nutritional quality of the food produced.

He argues that restrictions on the development and

cultivation of biotech crops have slowed global progress in conquering hunger.

Through advanced research and new farming methods, global hunger could be reduced.

Those opposed to biotechnology though have rights to question its role in food security, but they could be wrong to close their eyes to the potential contributions biotechnology can have on agriculture .

Professor Calestous Juma of Harvard Kennedy School also said food security depends on four interrelated factors: quantity of food, which involves increasing agricultural productivity; access to food, which is determined both by income levels and quality of infrastructure; nutrition; and overall stability of the food system, such as resilience to shocks.

According to Prof. Juma, Geneticallymodified (GM) crops or any other breeding methods on their own cannot solve the challenges related to food quality, access to food,

nutrition or stability of food systems, “but their role cannot be dismissed for ideological reasons.”

GM crops already benefit smallholder farmers in several major ways. For example, they help farmers control pests and disease. This leads to higher production and increased income, which in turn provides them with increased ability to consume more nutritious food.

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n example is pestresistant GM cotton. Bt cotton is able to ward off insects and pests without additional pesticides. Reducing the need for pesticides minimizes environmental damage while increasing agricultural yields.

Although GM cotton is not directly consumed, it indirectly contributes to food security by raising household income levels and Under certain improving access more nutritious conditions, the to food. technology has A recent study published

by Plos the potential to One found that contribute to households in increasing farm India growing GM cotton consumed incomes which significantly more in turn gives calories. Each hectare of GM farmers the cotton increased calorie opportunity to total consumption by 74 raise their food k cal per adult equivalent. purchases The study also

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showed that GM cotton adoption led to consumption of more nutritious foods – such as fruits, vegetables and animal products.

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he authors estimate that if the households that do not currently grow GM cotton switched, “the proportion of food insecure households would drop by 15-20%.”

These studies do not justify the widespread adoption of GM crops to address food security, but they show that under certain conditions, the technology has the potential to contribute to increasing farm incomes which in turn gives farmers the opportunity to raise their food purchases.

Nigeria might not be far away from joining other countries that currently grow BT cotton as the Minister of Agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina , said the country is right now testing biotech cotton.

“The countries that we are competing with like Niger, Mali, Togo, Burkina Faso and South Africa, all of them even India, Pakistan and United States are all into biotech cotton. We are the only country right now in West Africa that is not using biotech cottons.

“So, we have been testing BT cotton and the advantage of BT cotton is that you don’t need pesticide, because if you use it, it has negative impact on people’s health, but biotechnology allows you to grow your cotton not having problem of the cotton boll

t is this opportunity of giving farmers a chance to make their own choices that is leading Nigerian farmers and other stakeholders to ask for a bill for an act to establish the National Biosafety law for the country. The President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Arc. Kabiru Salman did not mince words recently when he told a gathering at the national Assembly that Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) will take his members away from subsistence farming to commercial farming.

Same position was echoed by the representative of the Cotton Association of Nigeria, who said they will become rich like farmers in other West Africa countries and developed countries that have taken to the cultivation of BT cotton.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, in an interview with this reporter in Arusha, Tanzania said wlive in a modern world and “ when you live in a modern world you cannot live in a pre-historic period, you need to modernize; you need to use science and technology.

“We have a rapidly growing population; by 2050 we are expected to be 400million people. How are we going to feed ourselves? Except we use modern tools of science and technology to increase yield, increase resistance of crops to drought and to diseases and pests. Adesina noted that the application of biotechnology is like the mobile phone technology, “if you like you can still be using NITEL, but we use mobile phone because it is better. In agriculture, we must use modern science and modern technology, of course in a way that human health is protected.

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igerian scientists are at the forefront of using biotechnology to solve local problems. For example, researchers at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike are using technology to boost cassava , just as scientists at Institute for Agricultural Research at Nigeria’s Ahmadu Bello University have developed a pest-resistant, transgenic black eyed pea variety using insecticide genes from the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium.

The techniques, adopted by the scientists at Institute for Agricultural Researc,h have the potential to address a wide range of agricultural, health, and environmental issues in African countries, leading to increased productivity and therefore contributing to increased food security.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Cabotage: Local shipowners set to tackle foreign dominance

By Godfrey Bivbere

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OCAL shipowners under the aegis of Nigeria Shipowners Association, NISA, are set to challenge the continuous dominance of shipping operation on the nation’s territorial waters by foreigners.

NISA recently concluded its election that brought in new leaders who stressed that the dominance of foreign operators have over the years deprived them from benefiting from the carriage of cargoes along the nation’s coastal area even with the presence of the Cabotage law 10 years ago.

Chairman of NISA, Capt.

Niyi Labinjo, explained that foreign operators, with the support of some unpatriotic Nigerians, have gradually taken over the operations that is suppose to be an exclusive for local shipowners as contained in the Cabotage Act. According to Labinjo, the focus of NISA under his watch is “To get our jobs back fast and to get it back from foreigners. I intend to do so by making sure that we drive away the foreigners that have taken over our jobs over the years.

“Since our services have been taken over by foreigners, whether we like it or not we

must ensure that we return our shipping services to Nigerians. It is at times like this that we must ensure that our physical law are not infringed by anybody under whatever guise.

“This is the right time to make sure that your services are provided by your people. This is what people do when they devalue their currency; you make sure that local production grow

to encourage local operators. “If we do not what to suffer because we will suffer greatly, if we want to limit our suffering, we must increase our production, local production because if you do not need dollar, you do not worry about the cost of dollar. But if you need dollar, you have to increase your local production.

“And one area you can reduce the effect is shipping, make sure that your shipping services are handled by your people,” he concluded.

Jimmy Enyeh, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of National Waves Newspaper & Magazine presenting Most Outstanding Government Parastatals, 2014 Award to Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary/CEO Nigerian Shippers’ Council

SON collaborates with maritime, manufacturers on bad products

By Franklin Alli, Providence Obuh & Joy Unuane

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TANDARD Organization of Nigeria (SON) has collaborated with stakeholders in the maritime and manufacturing sector of the economy to further bring down the level of substandard products in the country from the current 45 percent to zero level over the next four years.

The collaboration was reached during a stakeholders forum between

the agency, chieftains in maritime and the manufacturing industry, held separately in Lagos.

At the meeting, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, SON Director General, enjoined the stakeholders which he described as very critical to SON, in achieving the target.

Odumodu stressed the need for the collaboration, saying “There are only 1400 people in SON and even if we distribute one person to every market in the country, we won’t be enough to cover the markets, so we need collabo-

ration from brand owners, manufacturers, shippers, importers, freight forwarders, Customs Agents, etc. to do our works.” He disclosed that the rate of substandard products in the economy has reduced to 45 percent from 85 percent from 2011-2014.

“When I resumed office in 2011, the level of substandard products in the country was as high as 85 percent, as of today the number has dropped to 45 percent. So much has been done to stabilize but we are not where we should be now or where the rest of the world is. My conclusion is simple; all hands must be on deck and join the global standards train.”

Lift ban on practising fee collection – Freight Forwarding Council appeals

By Godwin Oritse

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HE Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has appealed the Minister of Transport to lift the ban on the collection of practising fees from from freight forwarders.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Council’s newly acquired headquarters in Lagos, Registrar of the Council, Sir Mike Jukwe, said, that the Council has been experiencing paucity of fund to execute its numerC M Y K

ous projects and activities.

Jukwe also said that the Council is aware that the Transport Minister is committed to lifting the ban on collection of practising, adding that the ban will be lifted as soon as possible. The Council’s Registrar also noted that the issue of training is another challenge that the Council has been facing due to funding.

He explained that the collection of practising fee is the only Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the Council.

Explaining further, Jukwe noted

that the collaboration and cooperation with stakeholders and other agencies of government is also of the Council’s mandate that is being vigorously pursued adding that the CRFFN is committed to professionalizing the freight forawrding and supply chain management in Nigeria.

He said “Inadequate funding to execute the numerous planned activities of the Council to be realized through the lifting of suspension on collection of Internally Generated Revenue. “We are aware that the appeal to the Honourable Minister to do so as soon as possible.

Shippers’ Council wins most outstanding parastatal award

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IGERIAN Shippers’ Council has won the7th Annual Waves Gold Awards.

The maritime regulatory agency received “Most Outstanding Government Parastatals, 2014” from National Waves Newspaper & Magazine.

The Publisher/ Editor-In-Chief of National Waves, Jimmy Enyeh who spoke on this development said that the 4-man committee critically assessed the activities/ performances of all the Federal government parastatals including the Central Bank of Nigeria and after their assessment the NSC’s activities in the year 2014 surpasses the other government agencies.

According to him, the Council has made tremendous achievements in the area of eradicating bureaucracy bottleneck and efficient service delivery. ‘’It is on this account of the superlative performance that the Federal Government recently appointed the NSC an interim Economic Regulator pending the passage of the Port and Harbour Bill to give it the legal status. It rightly deserves”, he added.

Over the years, Nigeria Shippers Council had received several awards from the news media in Nigeria.

Book on maritime capacity building for launch

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book aimed at x-raying efforts at developing capacity in the maritime industry is to be presented to the public next week in Lagos.

The book titled “MARITIME CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA” and written by the Maritime Editor of National Mirror Newspapers, Francis Ezem, will see top government officials and other maritime stakeholders converging for the event that will hold on Tuesday 9th of December, 2014.

The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar is said to have accepted the invitation as the Special Guest of Honour while the Senior Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Olugbenga Leke Oyewole will be the Guest of Honour. The event is billed for Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at the Rockview Hotel, Park Lane Apapa, Lagos at 10 am. Other dignitaries expected at the event include the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, who the book was also dedicated to and Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi. Also expected is the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Barrister Hassan Bello, among several others. The occasion will also feature a public lecture entitled: Capacity: The Future of Nigeria’s Maritime Industry to be delivered by Mr. Charles Okerefe, Managing Director/CEO KAMANY Marine Serviices Ltd., an indigenous oil and gas, freight forwarding and logistics firm.

Mr. Okerefe is also a lecturer with the Charters Institute of Shipping (CIS).

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—25

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Dicey senatorial race in Anambra Central

DELTA: I’m in the race to stop marginalisation of my people — Uwaka P. 26

P. 27

DELTA: Zoning is an insult to Urhobo — Gbagi P. 28

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R Nyesom Wike, a former local government chairman, erstwhile chief of staff to Governor Chibuike Amaechi and until recently, minister of state for education is a leading aspirant for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In this interview, he speaks on allegations by 16 other governorship aspirants of his party that he was behind their initial disqualification by the South South zonal screening committee of the party and other topical issues. Excerpts

want to do INEC job now?

By Jimitota Onoyume

W

HAT is your reaction to the claim by your 16 rivals that they were unjustly disqualified from the contest?

Let me say this straight away, I have said it before that the problem we have in this country is that we have not imbibed the spirit of real democracy, this is not a winner takes it all, it is not a do or die affair. It is about internal democracy. Now if they say the panel disqualified them to pave way for me to come in, you would recall that they talked about the ward congresses that they should cancel the congress, what that means is that they don’t have delegates. If they don’t have delegates, why would anybody disqualify them to pave way for me?

We have toured 16 local governments out of 23. By the grace of God by the time we get to the 5th of December, we would have toured the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

So we have made efforts to tour all the nooks and crannies of the state of all the Local Government Areas and you are telling me they should not allow me to run. That is not fair. So for me, I don’t think it is proper. We are getting the support and the endorsement of our people. Look at the whole Riverine area of the state, we are getting overwhelming support.

Are you not worried about the mounting opposition against you from both the PDP and APC? If you know the geographical spread of this state then you will

•Wike

Why they're against me — Wike RIVERS:

know it will not affect us. Let me tell you something, the Ogonis have four Local Government Area’s such as Khana, Gokana,

What is their business if I have commenced electioneering campaign, are they INEC? Why are they crying more than the bereaved?

What is wrong with somebody going to woo delegates to vote for him?

Tai and Eleme. Now I am Ikwerre man, we have four local governments. When you say the Ijaws, have overwhelming majority, it is not correct. The Kalabari’s have three Local Government Areas, Opobo is one local government, if you want to play ethnic sentiments, all the Riverine local government of the state, the total number of their voting strength, put them together, if you want to talk about sentiments, calculate all their votes and see whether they are bigger than Obio Akpor Local Government Area. Mind you if you are talking about local government area from Kalabari, Ogu, Bolo and Okirika is also there, Andoni is the local government area where the Deputy National Chairman of PDP comes from, Prince Uche Secondus. In the Riverine area such as Andoni where Secondus comes from PDP has overwhelming support. Obio Akpor where I come from has about 400,000 votes. Assuming

my people hate me, wont I have their votes? And mind you an Opobo man cannot give a Kalabari man deputy governor; you can’t give an Ogoni man deputy governor. The APC have excluded Ogoni and Kalabari, but we in PDP, the chances are there that a Kalabari man may become deputy governor. So it is the best opportunity the PDP has.

I am happy that it is my friend Dakuku Peterside that the APC gave its ticket. So the coast is clearer. So let’s see who will win.

Some of those opposed to you have accused you of violating INEC guideline on electioneering campaign. They said you have commenced campaign?

What is their business if I have commenced electioneering campaign, are they INEC? Why are they crying more than the bereaved? What is wrong with somebody going to woo delegates to vote for him? You

The governor has consistently accused you of diverting N3 billion meant for the construction of the Adokiye Amasiamaka Stadium Road.

What is your take on this?

I have responded to this allegation before; let me also respond to it again. You gave money to somebody to go and do road and the person pocketed the money and you did not arrest the person for prosecution. And he has consistently been saying that, does that show good governance?

The roads he said he gave to me, the commissioner for works then is the same man he is bringing up now as the APC governorship flag bearer in the state. Let’s watch and see.

I challenge Amaechi to come forth with the documents that proves that he gave contract to me.

He said he gave me contract for the stadium and there is no document to prove that, and you call yourself a governor. If you say you gave me a job, how did you give me the money? You gave somebody money to do a job the person did not do the job after seven years you come back to complain that such a person did not do the job.

In fact Amaechi would have resigned and put himself in jail for not jailing somebody he claimed pocketed money meant for a contract.

So you are saying that the governor never gave you any job?

He did not give any job to me.

Your critics say you do not have a blueprint for the governorship and that your aspiration is an accident arising from the crisis in the party?

If I may ask what is called a blue print. What is the definition of a blue print? What was Amaechi’s plan before he became governor and what has he accomplished based on his plans?

They said I don’t have blueprint but the blue print they have is a monorail project that does not have any socio economic bearing on the people. That he built a stadium where people are not living , is that the blue print you are talking? All the roads in the state have collapsed. Is that the blueprint?

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

THIS week is a decisive one for the hordes of senatorial aspirants in the 109 senatorial districts of the country especially in Anambra Central of Anambra State. The leading political parties will pick their senatorial candidates this week and next week.

Dicey senatorial race in Anambra Central

By Clifford Ndujihe

U

NARGUABLY, the contest for the Anambra Central senatorial stool is one of the fiercest if not the hottest in the country on account of many factors.

Most of the aspirants are wellread and vastly experienced.

Anambra Central is the only zone in the South-East where the All Progressives Congress (APC) has a senator in the person of Senator Chris Ngige. The National Chairman of the state ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, is from the area and is also running for the seat.

In this zone are Idemili North and Idemili South local councils, which are very populous and account for about 40 per cent of the voting population of the entire state. The three leading parties in the country – APGA, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are very strong in the zone.

Immediate past governor of Anambra, Mr Peter Obi, who recently defected to the PDP is from the district.

A host of those gunning for the senatorial seat are political giants, who have the financial wherewithal, contacts and network to aspire for any office in the land and it is no surprise it is referred to as the “zone of death” in the countdown to the 2015 senatorial polls.

The aspirants currently scrambling for the seat and who bought nomination forms of their various political parties are

•Ekwunife

•Annie Okonkwo

•Ngige

Ngige (APC), Umeh (APGA), Hon Uche Ekwunife (PDP), Senator Annie Okonkwo (PDP), Dr. Obiora Okonkwo (PDP), Dr.

Kodilichukwu Okelekwe (PDP) and Mr Sylvester Okonkwo (PDP).

From the list of aspirants, there will be no contests for the tickets of APC and APGA unless unforeseen events occur. Ngige is arguably, the consensus candidate of the APC. So also is Umeh for APGA unless the Supreme Court rules next week that Chief Maxi Okwu is the authentic national chairman of APGA.

be safely referred to as PDP state like Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu. It shares certain similarities with Imo State, whose governor, Rochas Okorocha, belongs to APC following his defection from APGA. Given the voters strength of the zone, President Goodluck Jonathan needs to win in the area if he hopes to win majority of votes in Anambra next year. This might be a pipe dream if the PDP makes the wrong choice of a candidate.

Besides, the party needs to field a candidate who can give Ngige and Umeh a run for their money and win the seat for the PDP. The last time the party occupied the post was between 2007 and 2011.

Annie Okonkwo lost the position to Ngige in 2011.

Currently, Ngige and Umeh are said to be waiting and hoping that the PDP will falter and field a lightweight, a mistake that will

A host of those gunning for the senatorial seat are political giants, who have the financial wherewithal, contacts and network to aspire for any office in the land

WARRI FED CONSTITUENCY:

By Egufe Yafugborhi

H

ON (Barr) Olivia T. Agbajoh was just three months into office as member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Reps when military takeover truncated her lawmaking career in 1983. In this interaction , Hon Agbajoh says 2015 is the set time for her to complete her mission on that truncated tenure.

Excerpts: You have been a recurring decimal in politics and public services for years, holding one office or the other. Which has

Scramble for PDP ticket With no contests expected in the APC and APGA, the focus now shifts to the PDP primaries where the various aspirants are locked in a battle of wits to outwit one another for the ticket.

Who the PDP decides to field may go a long way in shaping the outcome of the entire 2015 general elections in the state. In the South-East, Anambra cannot

pave the way for them for a seamless journey to the Senate.

Already, events in the PDP indicate that the party might approach the elections without a united front. Factions of the party in Anambra, at the weekend, released different lists of candidates for the State House of Assembly election. While those expected to vote at the primaries trooped to the earlier designated venues for the exercise in all the local councils as early as 8am, factional leaders stayed in hotels in Awka where they later released names.

At about 6pm on Saturday when it became obvious that there was not going to be any voting, those who assembled at the venues went home and yet names of winners still emerged.

A team from the national secretariat conducted its own primaries at Doris Hotels in a remote area of Awka. And another group led by Chief Kenneth Emeakayi held its primaries in another location in Awka.

In essence, three different groups conducted parallel primaries. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it recognised the primaries conducted by the Ejike Oguebego group, which is led

by Chief Chris Uba. Anambra INEC Spokesman, Mr. Frank Egbo, said the electoral umpire recognized and supervised the Oguebego-led PDP primaries.

As it is, the PDP is on the verge of approaching the polls as a disunited body. A reason, some stakeholders have urged the national hierarchy of the party to intervene and ensure that PDP fields a popular candidate, who can win the election proper.

Why I'm most fit — Agbajoh

been your most fulfilling public service engagement and achievement?

I would say when I was in the Federal House of Representatives in 1983. That was some 31 years ago in the Second Republic. I was there for only three months but I was able to actualize a milestone that is there today for all to see. That naval base in Warri was a structure I attracted to the Warri Federal Constituency by speaking to then President, Shehu Shagari. If in three months I was able to do that, you can imagine what I will do in four years because, quite frankly, I

intend to spend only one term in my aspired return to the House of Reps.

Why limiting yourself to only one term when the law allows for limitless terms?

I feel it is a position that should be rotated. There are many people aspiring to serve. I hate a situation where people want to sit tight doing two, three, and some even wanting to do four terms, for what? People argue about maturity with multiple terms, but that does not mean you should sit tight there forever. If you do one term, two terms, that is okay, but I don’t even want to

do two. Two is okay but not three.

How does party politics today compare to what it was when you got into the House of Reps then?

A lot has changed. In those days, it was normal to consult, reach to the electorates, and in doing that, present and wedge kolanut. It is traditional to go with drinks or give transport handouts for visitations and all that. But now money has become a mega thing. You see people spending money in billions because they want to contest an election.

Not everybody has this money, and the people who have it may

•Agbajoh not be right the people to lead, but because the electorates have

Continues on page 27

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—27

DELTA: I’m

in the race to stop marginalisation of my people

Chief Mike Uwaka is one of the aspirants for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. A retired security expert for Chevron, Uwaka during a courtesy call on Vanguard Media Limited expatiated on his purposes and plans if elected into office.

Excerpts:

By Gbenga Oke

W

HAT is the inspiration behind your aspiration?

Basically, it is service to humanity. Over the years during my career with Chevron, I had this inspiration to serve the people and to show my happiness for public service.

How long have you been a member of the PDP? I have been a member of PDP since 1999, though I won’t call myself a foundation member.

Nothing much has been heard about you politically.

Why? That is because I was working in Chevron and playing politics is not allowed when you are working for such organizations.

When did you start nurturing this ambition?

I have been nurturing this ambition since 2003. I gave this a shot during the Ibori time, I aspired but the ambition fizzled out.

Do you have a structure in place to actualize this ambition?

Of course we have a structure. We have been campaigning even though not openly. What we have been doing is consultation and that has been done and our structure that we used during that consultation is Delta Fresh Vision.

Most aspirants in Delta State have some big politicians behind them. Who is behind you?

I don’t know whether people are behind some of these aspirants but God is behind me and it is my hope and I am very confident that I will have the best with God behind me.

You talked about a 5 point agenda in your manifestos.

Can you expatiate on it?

The first is education. If you educate a child, you educate the nation. I can say all previous administrations have done what they could on education, but there are still more to be done. I also looked at the area of infrastructure in the state, it is my intent to make sure that I improve on all what my “predecessor” has done.

I will empower agricultural production effectively in Delta state. You will find out that all families will be able to feed themselves. It is not just a question of poultry or other things, there must be a follow up into President Jonathan’s agenda on agriculture.

Also, I have a special plan for women and youths. Security is my area of expertise and I am bringing that experience to bear in governance. So, all the experience I have gathered over these years including serving Chevron overseas in California where I was in charge of security for Chevron all over the world, so that is why security is my main agenda on the list. As governor, I believe I can eliminate illegal bunkering, kidnapping and all source of criminality to the barest minimum.

Will you say a level playing field has been provided by the incumbent governor for all aspirants?

That is one thing I have going for me. I hear a lot of people say a, b, c, for me, but I am going into that primaries believing that there will be a level playing field. I am going in there and I will get it. I am not there to negotiate, I am

— Uwaka

•Uwaka: I am a very strong independent PDP member going to the field to win the primaries.

PDP member and am going solo and I will get to the end and win the primaries.

What do you make of the communiqué issued by some of the aspirants at the home of Chief E.K Clark alleging that the incumbent governor wants to foist a candidate on them?

For me, I read it because I was not present at the meeting. That is their personal opinion and not my opinion. I don’t know the premise they are talking about but I know that when you want to fight such battle, people must come out to say one thing or the other. Have you seen me gang up with anybody? No. I am a very strong independent

Do you think what they accused the governor of is true?

I am not aware, I don’t know but they could say anything.

Everybody comes with a power of politicking. Everybody will say money is being given to that person or another but nobody can say money has been given to Chief Mike Uwaka because I am running with my personal funds and with the help of God. But I believe when we all get to field, I will realize whether what

WARRI FED CONSTITUENCY: Why Continues from page 26

I don’t know whether people are behind some of these aspirants but God is behind me and it is my hope and I am very confident that I will have the best with God behind me.

been deprived and believe that people who want to contest to represent them are not accessible after gaining power, they live with the mindset that they must grab all they are able to get from them at the point of aspiring. They say, “This is our only toll gate. Let us get what we can get now because we will not see them again after supporting them in.”

I am sorry to say, but we have really been retrogressing. I do not know when we are going to get out of this quagmire, but I think it is a mindset. There is a lot of hardship in the land. If the poor man has food and shelter, it

they said is right.

You claimed to be a party man. If the party asked you step down, will you do that?

The party does not tell people to step down. I am a very strong party man. What I mean by independent party man is that I am not ganging up with anybody.

What is your assessment of the outgoing administration of Governor Uduaghan?

It is difficult to assess what you don’t know. You have to be inside the government to able to assess the government.

I'm most fit — Agbajoh

would help a great deal in stabilizing the situation. As a result of mass hunger, people concentrate on taking what they can grab now, and the people who give the “now, now settlement” are often not the right persons to enthrone. They pay for their votes and they close the door to them.

In those days, I used to have breakfast with my constituents, but nowadays, somebody who is a member of the house will not even open his gate for you, not in the least having breakfast with you.

What is the motivation for gunning for return to the NASS

now after the short spell in 1983?

I want to go back because I believe that my people have not gotten much from the federal government. I want to be there to attract more federal presence to them. Secondly, in 1983 I was only 32 years. Today I am 63, more mature, a grandmother and all my children are grown up. I am no longer breastfeeding any baby. I am free to go where I want even at 2am for any meeting. I am not restricted to anything.

This is the right time for me to make more purposeful contribution to society when I don’t have any encumbrances bothering me. Upbringing of children takes time. I did that for five children, and now I am a grandmother.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Zoning is an insult to Urhobo — Gbagi

DELTA:

•Says removal of Tambuwal’s security was misadvised •Govs are a threat to our democracy OLOROGUN Kenneth Gbagi, a lawyer, criminologist, businessman and politician, was the Minister of State, Education and now a gubernatorial aspirant in Delta State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In this interview, Gbagi speaks on the issues surrounding his aspiration, the withdrawal of police security men from Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, President Goodluck Jonathan, security challenges in the country among others. Excerpts:

By Henry Umoru

A

S a lawyer, what is your take on the removal of security aides from Speaker Tambuwal?

Tambuwal’s decision to get away from the PDP to the APC is a constitutional right. Suffice it to say that, having done that, he has not vacated the seat of the speaker of the House of Representatives. To that extent, running faster than you ought to by removing his security details and all that does not add or remove that he is still the speaker.

In fact, a lot of people do so many things to drag Mr President into issues he ought not to be involved in. What is the benefit? What can Tambuwal with the few policemen that are attached to him do? Of what significance? So if you ask me, I just think that the Tambuwal issue is being played out of proportion just to heat up the polity in the Nigeria set up that we are not organized people, which is not true.

You cannot remove the security details from a governor, a speaker or people that are elected that enjoy these services because they are not in one party or the other. So the case of Mimiko is a clear example of what has happened and of course same should apply to every citizen of Nigeria.

The police are not the property or supposed not to serve at the beckon of anybody. They are supposed to be independent and are supposed to be doing the duties as assigned to them by the constitution. The issue of removing Tambuwal’s security is

uncalled for.

In Delta State, don’t you think that this is the time that power should move to the North?

Put it this way, when you say that power should move, one of the issues I have fought against is the mediocrity of power shift, zoning and then federal character and quota. It has made the whole thing look very funny, where people of no competence come to power. I have repeatedly said it that power does not have to shift anywhere.

We are in a democracy. We believe strongly in that democracy and we are saying without missing words, no time has the issue of power shift been respected in Nigeria and particularly talking about Delta, in Delta, never.

To my mind, (zoning) is an insult on us, it is a thing that they believe that every Urhobo man can be talked to or Urhobo man can be used, which of course brought us to the case of what happened in the newspaper (recently), where you saw Urhobos parading themselves have all been excommunicated or cursed by the UPU and all the traditional rulers in the state.

In Asaba, if you recall the election between the PDP and Ogboru, Ogboru won Asaba landslide. If you talk about Kwale, if you talk about Itsekiri, if you talk about Ijaw, if you talk about Isoko, take it.

Not to talk of in Kwale for instance, in Abbi you have strong

Urhobo presence. In Warri South, Warri North, you have strong Urhobo presence. If they want to vote, I tell you without wasting time, we will win the vote of Delta.

But the PDP on the basis of fairness and equality, went ahead to zone the governorship slot in Akwa Ibom. Don’t you think that should also encourage other states to zone the offices to allow for smaller tribes in those states?

The issue of Akwa Ibom as you know in PDP would be one, which in law is said to be an exceptional case and should not be cited as an example. If the party has a zoning policy, that zoning policy too would be at variance with the constitution.

You cannot strip anybody with his constitutional right to seek for an office. So to that extent it is a nullity.

The governors are riding on the back of the President, relying on the fact that having given him automatic ticket as sole candidate, they should also be allowed in their various states to hijack the party structure and produce whoever they want to produce both to succeed them as governors, those going to the Senate and even those going to the House of Representatives.

They believe that they have the right to now dominate affairs in those states. What is your take?

People must be very careful. In

•Gbagi: The governors are riding on the back of the President fact the pronouncement or request of that arrangement is the assassination of democracy in Nigeria. The word democracy ceases to exist with that particular comment you have made. Number one, Mr President is being blackmailed. As a serving minister, we conducted the primary where Atiku got no votes, here at Eagle Square. At a time when the president was just coming up we won landslide. So I do not see any gift or any arrangement. I see it as a contraption of just holding the president to ransom by saying that they are making the President a sole candidate.

Believe you me or not, nobody will win any primaries as it were today where the president is

concerned. We know what we did as ministers; we know how we have run this country. So it is a contraption for the benefits of the out-going governors to destroy democracy. You cannot say where then lies democracy that you should pick your successor.

Are you happy with the way your party has gone about endorsing some particular aspirants for high office?

I believe strongly that the president must not sit down and slaughter democracy on the altar of wanting to making friendship, it is not going to last. It (democracy) is the collective right of every Nigerian.

I’m out for meaningful change — Bank–Anthony M R. Babatunde Alade BankAnthony is throwing his hat into the ring to contest election into the House of Representatives, to represent Surulere Federal Constituency 2 on the platform of All Progressives’ Congress (APC) in Lagos State. Excerpts:

Why are you aspiring to the House of Representatives?

I am offering myself to serve my people in Surulere Federal Constituency 2 to bring about meaningful change and representation which had eluded them in the past 12years. The peple of this constituency have not been opportune to have selfless and committed representative who could bring them good dividend of

democracy in terms of quality representation. Look at what Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has been doing in surulere constituency 1, where he had represented the people for close to 12years and they are still glamouring for him, while his partly equally recognized his quality representation on the floor of the house.

The situation is not the same in Surulere Constituency 2 which I am aspiring to represent. What is on ground is certainly not good enough. Our present representative Hon. Aliu Kazeem is a friend and a big brother. He had served as local government chairman for two terms and had been in the saddle at the Federal house for 4years. But the truth is you cannot give what you

don’t have. Right now, he has seven challengers, while no one is challenging Hon. Gbajabiamila in Surulere Constituency 1, which clearly explains deficiency in his account of stewardship. Hon. Gbajabiamila gave his all, and had excelled.

Is it true you are a favoured candidate of Governor Babatunde Fashola?

His Excellency, Governor Babatunde Fashola SAN, is a father to all. I met and informed him of my aspiration, as well as our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, which is traditional to inform them and other party leaders, and they have all given their blessings.

How prepared is APC to face PDP in the 2015 general

election?

Nationally and locally you can see the handwriting on the wall.

The PDP at National Level is already panicking with the ongoing level of intimidation being meted out to their opponents.

Recent happening at the National Assembly and harassment of the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives and other APC legislators through instrumentality of the police. It is obvious sign of a desperate and panicking ruling party, which is a sinking boat. An attack on the National Assembly is an attack on the soverignity of Nigeria, and a gross mis-use of power by the President.

Vanguard, FRDAY DECEMBER 5, 2014 — 29

C M Y K

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMEBR 5, 2014

My plans for Delta, by Okubor CHIEF Festus Okubor is one of the Governorship aspirants in Delta State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Okubor was the Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan before he resigned few months ago to pursue his governorship ambition. In this interview with selected journalists, he spoke on why he wants to govern the state and his vision for Delta. Excerpts:

By Festus Ahon

H

OW far have you gone with your governorship aspiration?

We resigned to pursue an ambition to serve our people at home in the state and we are going about it in a very calm manner because I believe that I want to serve you is not a reason for me to become violent.

I want to serve you is not by force, it is not a reason for me to do things that may be regarded as evil.

I want to serve you presupposes that I will be enthusiastic to serve you, I will be humble in serving you and I should not give you the impression that once you admit me into your house, I am going to eat all the food in your house.

So, how prepared are you to clinch the PDP ticket?

I am prepared to receive the peoples mandate but the presupposition here is that the mandate is the people’s. So, maybe the question should go to the delegates in this instance to say how prepared are you to give him your mandate? But as an aspirant I can assure you that I am prepared to receive the mandate with the sacredness that it deserves. The sacredness to understand that it is a call to serve them, a call to deal with what they see as societal problem, it is a call to establish society and it’s members. It is a sacred call and I am prepared to receive it.

There were initial reports that you were the favoured aspirant, but we got to hear of another person. What happened?

Look, sometimes I really wonder and nearly get worried about the quality of our politicking. This is democracy we are operating, we are not running a monarchy and I have always said to people that the governor is a primus inter pares in the state and if it was in a company people may say that he holds the golden shares of the company and you know when you go for an AGM, whoever holds the golden shares knows that it is a very important vote at the company’s AGM, a meeting where votes will be required.

So, in Delta, I believe very strongly that every aspirant would have sought the support of all our leaders, Chief EK Clark, Prof. Oyovbaire and a whole lot of our leaders.

Members in the Senate, House of Reps, House of Assembly, party chairmen, you will seek their support. It is possible you get everybody’s support; it is also possible that you do not get everybody’s support. Like I said, if it is a democracy, you only require a majority of support. There are people who will influence the delegates, no doubt about that; you also desire their support but at the end of the day. What I have always said is that I want to cook for you and I have served the food, you have a right to say I will eat or not.

I do not know anything about me being preferred person; nobody has ever brought that to my attention anyway. So, I am not in possession of the information that you have but I will continue to desire the support of all our elders and I will continue to desire the support of Chief EK Clark, Dr. Uduaghan. Delta State is a very

•Okubor: I am prepared to receive the peoples mandate big state sometimes we fail to realize that because of the economic, political importance of Delta State to Nigeria that the decision or the process as to who becomes the next governor of Delta State must therefore necessarily involve people outside Delta State.

They have relationship here, if Mr. President who is also from the South-South says I know Mr. A who is contesting for the governorship of the

state, he is not a good person, I am sure that many people will believe without any investigation. Beyond the players within Delta, there are also stakeholders in the affairs of Delta outside of Delta State.

I will continue to seek their support.

I am sure that by the time we are going into the primaries, if God allows me to have their critical support, I will have the day and never you forget also

that the business of power is very important to God, He takes interest in it and He gives it to whoever he wishes. If I find grace in the eyes of God and He says my son you are the one that I want to be the governor, we will get all the critical support but in pursuing my ambition, I have also been very careful.

There is this speculation that the governorship has been zoned to Delta North. What is you take on this?

Between you and I, if I am told that I will be governor because I come from Ika, I will refuse to be governor because my aspiration is to become governor of Delta State and I will be qualified because Delta State wants a governor that will serve all of Deltans. I know that in politics, people want to take advantage of whatever they think is their strength at any point in time.

I want to be governor of Delta State, I want Delta State to be formidable and a united state and that is the only way our potentials as a people can be released. I have heard such things but I do not participate in such conversations because I desire and I am committed to building bridges, doing the necessary work and labour that is required to have a united and prosperous state where its people will speak with one voice, think, take decisions and execute them together. And of course as my Bible teaches me that whatever these people are united to do, nobody can stop them.

Opposition against Sen Adeyemi’s re-election selfish, says Fehinti

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru CHIEF Dada Fehinti was former Local Government Chairman of Ijumu Local Government and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi West Senatorial District. In this interview, he addresses the ongoing debate in the Senatorial District over the re-election of Senator Smart Adeyemi for the third term in the red chamber; insisting that the Senator’s re-election bid is a movement of the people. He declares that a few elders opposed to the Senator’s reelection are doing so for selfish reasons. Excerpts: There are reports that the defection of some chieftains of the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently has largely depleted your party

especially in Kogi West, what is the situation right now?

In politics, especially in Nigeria, defection, decampment or whatever you call it is usually something that people use to make noise, either to seek relevance or for purpose of mischief. I want to say that those who defected to the APC in Kogi State generally and in Kogi West have done so because they think their interests cannot be accommodated in the PDP. They think that the APC being a new party is looking for people and that they can get their interests accommodated. I am of the view that if those people said they left the PDP because they said the party is bad, they contributed a lot in making the PDP bad at that time because when you look at them, they all benefited in one way or the other and you cannot be having it all the time. There are a thousand people that are

qualified for whatever position you occupy or you are aspiring to occupy. So, if you’ve had it once and you are not lucky to have it smooth again, the whole world should not collapse. The party should not collapse. That is the problem with Nigerian politicians; if it is not me, let us destroy it.

The third term ambition of Senator Smart Adeyemi seems to be the bone of contention, what is your take on that?

The issue of third term for Senator Adeyemi is the people’s agenda because we are educated people in that area and because of our education; we can see what is going on in contemporary Nigeria. Those who are opposed to third term are self anointed or appointed leaders. So, the issue is the people versus self acclaimed leaders; leaders that have failed their people over

•Fehinti: time; leaders that are no longer relevant; leaders that are only known outside, but back home, they are not relevant politically.

For example, the leader of the opposition against third term is Senator Tunde Ogbeha.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—31

Come Saturday, December 6th 2014 ‘Legends of Nollywood’ will come to town again to take the centre-stage of world’s attention. Unlike the two previous editions, this third edition promises to be different, more rewarding and momentous. At least those are the aspirations of Paul Obazele, the initiator of the award which started some eight years ago as a programme on TV. Many would remember him in popular soaps like Checkmate, Ripples and movies like Black Maria, Set-up, Wanted Alive to name a few.

Despite having everything ship-shape, with all the support he could hope for, Obazele is not a very happy man. He is of contrary view that Nollywood is on the upward progression.

In this encounter with Weekend Groove, he talks about the industry and award ceremony coming up tomorrow:

•Obazele

By Damilola Sholola & Maureen Nwanze

Y

ou’ve disappeared from the screen for some time now.What happened?

I went on sabbatical for about four years or thereabout. I was about staging a comeback to the screen, but had to put it on hold because I am not satisfied

with what we are watching on our television in recent times.

What we are seeing is not our own, I call it a ‘Cultural dislocation’. What we see in movies now depicts nothing of our own culture but that of the White man. We are a wonderful story telling nation with folktales passed down from generation to generation. All of a sudden we stopped and

My most challenging movie role —Samuel Ajibola C M Y K

started looking at the White man. Now, every scene shot on television is about kissing and smoking.

What is that thing we are willing to teach our children?

What is that thing that makes us tick as a society? What is that thing that distinguishes us as Nigerians, as a morally sane nation? I’m not saying nations who smoke and drink are not

The myth of hidden call broken

morally sane but that is their culture but when you bring in what is not our own to our own system, you get people confused and that is what you’re seeing today in our society.

Get me right, I am not a racist, they have their things. I respect them for their culture.

I respect the average Briton for defending what is his own, his

own culture. I respect the average American for defending his own, why would an average Nigerian not defend his own culture?

So what you’re saying is wrong cultural acquisition?

Yes, and it becomes a problem in our system and the only custodians and teachers of what culture is are the filmmakers, actors, producers and directors. When you approach me with such scripts and I try to make you understand and you refuse, I don’t bother you, I just stay on my own. If you’ve seen thrillers of films like Invasion 1897, I acted in that film.

Invasion 1897 is a Lancelot Imasuen film, well-crafted, articulated and well executed.

If you watch Iyore by Frank Continues on page 32

32— Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Synopsis Invasion 1897

Nollywood is facing extinction Continues from page 31

Rajah, it the same thing; well scripted and articulated. If you watch St Mary

by Matthias Obahiagbon, it’s human trafficking. If you watch Upper Creek by Tharila Thompson, it’s the same thing; I can reel them out for you. Most of them are in cinemas and therefore I select the things that I do because I do not have an excuse to fail my fans and my admirers, to fail Nigeria, the true Nigeria we have What do you think should be done, is it the scriptwriter’s fault or the producer’s or it’s just a commercial thing?

It’s a venture. In storytelling, everybody has the right of expression; they have to express themselves whether rightly or wrongly. But truth be told, because we have a nation and because we have a culture, the onus is on us to defend what we have, to defend green white green, to defend what our cultural heritage and backgrounds are, to see how we can further strengthen what our belief system is, that is why we are filmmakers in the first place. If we are not ready as filmmakers to defend that then we have failed in our professional duties Don’t you think that it is what is sellable, film production is an investment and because our society has consciously shifted from traditional norms…?

(Cuts) Are we selling? We are not selling because the truth is Nollywood is nose-diving. Nollywood is facing an extinction so it is not what is sell-able, this is total perversion. We are forcing down the throat of people what we think is sell-able. What makes you think Aba riot women is not sellable? What makes you think the Okija shrine thing is not sellable? What makes you think our epic stories, Madam Tinubu is not sellable?

So, it is now somebody who sells cocaine, who goes in for sex that is sellable? We are forcing it down the throats of people What inspired the ‘Legend’ of Nollywood Awards?

Let’s take it like this, it’s a deliberate act. I’ll go back to ‘Legends of Nollywood’ talk show, Legends of Nollywood talk show is 8 years old and it metamorphosed into Legends of Nollywood Awards. For you to be on that talk show, you must have had a mark of 10 years in the industry. We deal with people behind the scenes; the producers, directors, cinematographers, writers and we probe their mindsets.

B e f o r e Nollywood there were filmmakers that were there, b e f o r e Nollywood, there was Television that was there. These were people who gave birth to the existing Nollywood right now. If you do not

honor them and this new generation of filmmakers see what they have done before that made the nation tick as it were, then you will not be able to correct them about this perversion that is happening and we therefore decided to visit the yesterday of Nollywood. This is the 3rd season of Legends of Nollywood Award and we found out that most of these veterans were extincting just like that.

Why, because they did what they did as at that time as a result of passion, as a result of what they could do for the nation, what they could do for their people. If this veterans stop today, what is it the new ones would take? Nothing, so we decided to visit the yesterday of Nollywood. Another thing is we want to try and see how we can give back to them, looking at what our National Anthem is. That was where we derived the theme of this year ’s award ‘The Labors of our Heroes Past shall not be in vain’. Now you have found out that most of them have never been given an award, never And they are very poor?

Very very poor; most of them died out of poverty and sicknesses they couldn’t treat. Legends of Nollywood is now looking to to take care of that by partnering with Insurance companies that will provide health insurance. The first Lady of Lagos State has supported us. There are so many people coming in to support us You mean the awardees have a lifetime health insurance scheme to take care of them?

As they win it, as they pick up that plaque, we sign them on What is the criteria for winning an Award?

Like I said, the yesterday of Nollywood; Nollywood is a hierarchy thing, they’ll tell you the year the person joined, the first film and all that. We are looking at movies like Mirror in the Sun, Behind the Clouds, Ichoku, Zebrudaya, Hotel De Jordan, Mind Bending, Second Chance, Samanja, all these things are reeled out and when they are reeled out, they look at the years they’ve done them; they look at the actors and all those things. For example, somebody showed me something about Sonny Irabor. Sonny Irabor was the youngest teacher in Second Chance, he had Afro then. He is now the CEO of Inspiration FM and people never knew he was an actor. He has done series of things. We are looking at someone like Julie Coker; people do not even know that Mama G was into broadcasting before she came on Television, she was doing radio dramas.

Those are things we look out for; the moment any name pops up, we run a c o m p l e t e research on that person. You find out that everybody that is being given this award has stayed put.

Igie Ehanire a research student on African Art history gets touched, he gets more perturbed about the injustice of the British invasion of Benin. It gets more worrisome for him on leaning... that the art work was more than just art works but a historical documentation of the records of the Benin people... He wants to return the priceless work of history and records to its original owners... but went about it wrongly and the law catches up with him... in trying to justify his action he painstakingly narrates the events and series of events that led to the globally renowned epic story of one of the greatest king of Africa Oba Ovonramwen of the great Benin kingdom... who until 1897 was the only king and kingdom still standing in the whole sub-Saharan Africa... a major misunderstanding ensued that lead to some deaths...and because of some deaths more deaths are recorded... destruction and more destruction... and the carting away of priceless works of arts which in truth was more than decorative pieces, they are tagged spoils of war... then Banishment takes place... a people left without a king...

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK • 30 Days In Atlanta • A Place In The Stars • A Most Wanted Man • 7th Dwarf • Ninja Turtle

Movie schedule from 5th – 11th December, 2014 SILVERBIRDCINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Invasion 1897 : 2:20pm,4:55pm,7:10pm What If : 11:00am,3:00pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 4:30pm,6:40pm,8:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, Invasion 1897 : What If : A Most Wanted Man : 30 Days in Atlanta :

IKEJA 10:45am,2:40pm,6:40pm 12:45am,4:45pm 1:40pm 11:30am,4:00pm,6:10pm,8:20pm

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, Invasion 1897 : What If : A Most Wanted Man : A place in the Stars : 30 Days in Atlanta : The Equalizer :

SEC 12:30pm,2:30pm,4:30pm,6:30pm,8:30pm 1:00pm, 2:55pm,7:00pm,9:00pm 200pm,6:20pm,8:40pm 2:50pm,4:50pm 12:00pm,2:10pm,4:20pm,6:30pm,8:50pm 12:00pm,4:40pm

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Invasion 1897 : 12:25pm,4:30pm,6:50pm What If : 1 2:30pm,4:45pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 4:50pm,8:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, Invasion 1897 : What If : A Most Wanted Man : A place in the Stars : 30 Days in Atlanta :

PORT HARCOURT 11:50am,2:00pm,4:10pm,6:20pm,8:30pm 11:10am,1:05pm,3:00pm,4:55pm,6:50pm,8:45pm 6:15pm,8:25pm 11:30am,1:50pm 4:00pm,6:20pm,8:30pm

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, Invasion 1897 : What If : A Most wanted Man : 30 Days in Atlanta :

WARRI 2:05pm,6:30pm 12:40pm,4:45pm 7:00pm 10:10am,2:35pm,7:00pm

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, Invasion 1897 : A place in the Stars : 30 Days in Atlanta : The Equalizer :

UYO 12:20pm,2:30pm,4:40pm,6:45pm 11:45am,1:15pm,2:45pm,4:20pm,5:50pm,7:20pm 12:00pm,2:10pm,4:20pm,6:30pm 1:00pm,3:45pm,6:20pm

GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS Invasion 1897 : 12:00pm,4:15pm A Most Wanted Man 11:00am,4:55pm,9:45pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 2:05pm,6:20pm,7:30pm,8:30pm,10:45pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Invasion 1897 : 12:30pm,4:45pm,9:00pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 10:20am,2:35pm,6:50pm,11:05pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU Invasion 1897 : 3:10pm,6:45pm A place in the Stars : 6:20pm,8:30pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 10:50am,1:00pm,4:45pm,8:10pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, LAGOS Invasion 1897 : 3:05pm,4:25pm,5:55pm,7:55pm 30 Days in Atlanta: 11:00am,5:10pm,9:15pm The 7th Darf : 10:50am,12:30pm,12:35pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS,HERITAGE MALL, IBADAN Invasion 1897 : 10:25am,12:25pm,3:00pm,5:05pm,8:35pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 2:30pm,4:30pm,6:30pm,8:30pm The 7th Dwarf : 10:40am FILM HOUSE CINEMAS Invasion 1897 : 30 Days in Atlanta : The 7th Dwarf : 1

SAMONDA 10:25am,12:10pm,2:10pm,3:30pm 10:00am,4:15pm,8:10pm 0:00am,11:35am

FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR Invasion 1897 : 10:00am,12:00pm,2:00pm,4:00pm,6:00pm,8:00pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 10:00am,12:00pm,2:10pm,4:10pm,6:10pm,8:10pm The 7th Dwarf : 10:20am KADA CINEMAS, BENNI Invasion 1897 : A most Wanted Man : A place in the Stars : 30 Days in Atlanta :

11:00am,1:15pm,6:00pm,8:15pm 3:30pm,5:30pm 1:15pm,5:45pm 11:00am,3:30pm,8:00pm

VOL. 1: NO. 4

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Obanikoro VS Bode George:

‘The rumble in the jungle' of Lagos PDP

By Charles Kumolu

F

OR a party that had for a long time, sought to reinvent itself in Lagos State, the seemingly frosty relationship between a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and former

Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George, is likely to shape the conduct of the party’s governorship primaries.

Famed for being an old rivalry, the resurgence of the clash of interest between the duo did not take observers aback. But the

pattern it has assumed has not stopped being a source of anxiety for party faithful.

The fact that the development makes the party’s dream of presenting a sellable governorship candidate vague, makes the matter more worrisome.

For a disagreement that has so much polarised the fold ahead of the primaries, it is believed that the PDP is again about to self-destruct in Lagos.

Like in the past, the growing impasse is largely unconnected with who the party’s flag bearer should be in the next gubernatorial election in the state.

Current storm in the party The decision of Obanikoro to participate in the race again, is

believed to have exhumed the carcass of the feud that had existed between them, leading to the current storm in the party.

Accordingly, the George group, which is believed to be an alliance of other hitherto factional blocs, has not spared any of its political arsenals in its bid to ensure that the former minister did not participate in the race.

While this had earlier existed in the realm of speculations, it Continues on Page 2

IN THIS EDITION

C M Y K

OTAN AYEGBAJU:

Two palaces, one king •Page 2

•Page 5

LAGOS 2015: Intrigues that foreshadowed APC governorship primaries •Page 7

Ekiti insecurity: Worried Fayose meets police authorities

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

EKITI STATE

Ekiti insecurity: Worried Fayose meets police authorities

By Gbenga Ariyibi

A

DO EKITI—Worried by the recent cases of mayhem threatening the security of lives and properties in Ekiti State, Governor Ayodele Fayose, on Monday, swiftly called a meeting of the police authorities in the state, among other stakeholders, so as to take a proactive measure to address the problem.

Recall that in the last few weeks, no fewer than three bank robbery operations were recorded in different parts of the state, leading to the loss of lives, among whom were police officers and a female member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. This is even as no fewer than six persons including three nurses,and a Director of Administration in Ado Local Government, Mr. Tayo Olawuyi were abducted by agents suspected to be kidnappers.

The height of it at the moment was Sunday’s attack on the Federal Prisons, Ado Ekiti, which saw an official of the prison and about 20 sniffers killed by a yet to be identified group.

Against this backdrop, as the chief security officer of the state, Fayose,who could not hide his displeasure immediately summoned a marathon meeting of the state Commissioner of Police, Area Commanders,

Divisional Police Officers, DPOs among other stakeholders.

The meeting was said to have provided an opportunity for the governor to have a better understanding of the problems, as well as seek lasting solution to them.

At the meeting Fayose called on security personnel to always advise and furnish the State

Government with information that will ensure peace and safety for the people of the State.

Fayose, who however commended the state Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu for being professional and dedicated to duty, however, acknowledged the fact that police have been working round the clock to ensure the safety of the people of the state.

Pledging to collaborate with

them for a peaceful and safe atmosphere, the governor charged the officers to redouble their efforts to meet the current security challenges in the country, saying each challenge is meant to fortify the officers for greater challenges.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lakanu described the visit of the Governor to the police headquarters as first of its kind in recent times.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose (right) addressing officers of the Ekiti State Police Command when he visited the command in Ado Ekiti on Monday, while the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu (middle) and the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olubunmi Olusola-Eleka watch

'The rumble in the jungle' of Lagos PDP Continues from page 1 became much of a reality when an alliance was forged under the leadership of George with the perceived objective of stopping Obanikoro’s governorship ambition.

This unusual unity is undoubtedly around a new entrant into the party, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, whose ambition is being championed by George against the wishes of the traditional PDP family in Lagos.

George, it was gathered, sees Agbaje as a non-controversial candidate, with no baggage against Obanikoro, who he had always opposed for yet to be known reasons.

The George group has not failed to back its support for Agbaje with claims that there was a gentleman agreement that Obanikoro, having been made a minister, would forego his long held ambition.

The former Ambassador, has however, denied that and is insisting on pursuing his ambition despite the seeming C M Y K

According to him, the governor has been up and doing to ensure adequate security for the people of the state since his assumption of office.

He noted that the visit will further reassure the officers of the readiness of the State to support them in ensuring a crime free society.

Lakanu, who noted that the killing of some officers in the command will never deter them from being dedicated, but rather energize them, however appealed for adequate compensation of the those who lost their lives in the attack.

consensus by party chieftains that the 2015 candidate should be a Christian in order to frontally confront Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s alleged plot.

Similarly, the recent attempt by three members of the party seeking the disqualification of the erstwhile Minister of State for Defence from the governorship race, was linked to George by Obanikoro’s supporters.

In like manner, the outcome of ward congresses held across the state, pitched the supporters of the duo against each other.

So obvious was the backlash arising from that exercise that Obanikoro wrote a notice of complaint to the PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’Azu. Bode George’s undue interference In the notice, Obanikoro pointedly alleged that George had unduly interfered with the conduct of the congresses.

While stating that the ward congresses were manipulated

by George, he urged the party’s leadership to check George’s influence ahead of the party’s primaries. He also added that no cynic in the state could stop his governorship ambition come 2015.

Amid the ensuing battle, Obanikoro has remained upbeat about his chances of clinching the ticket, on the strength of his grassroots popularity

“PDP needs a free and fair primary that is devoid of Bode George’s undue interference as seen during the ward congresses. What I see is a greater Lagos, where the hopes of the little girl growing up in Mushin are the same as the dreams of the child in Victoria Garden City. Cynics have perfected the art of telling us that the Lagos of our dreams is not possible. We refuse to agree with them! One million cynics cannot stop the dream of a greater Lagos. While they focus on impossibilities, we focus on a greater Lagos,” he stated.

Notwithstanding, George’s body language, is such that suggests that he stands against everything Obanikoro stands for politically.

For instance in a recent interview with Vanguard the retired Naval officer had this to say about Obanikoro: ‘’He said that he resigned as Minister because the President endorsed him, that is the greatest lie.

Quote me. That is the greatest

lie. And when you build your house on lies, it cannot stand a little storm, not now. Who asked him to be Minister? I think the president has made his statement when he came here and I queue up behind that statement. ‘’He is still very much alive.

Wike too in Rivers, is it the president who asked him to resign? Did he put his name on the paper? Who signed the paper? Is it the president?

People lie. That is a blatant lie.

And you can put it down that I said that.’’

Amid the ensuing battle, Obanikoro has remained upbeat about his chances of clinching the ticket, on the strength of his grassroots popularity.

With his campaign slogan titled: Greater Lagos, the former Ambassador to Ghana, has repeatedly noted that he would not be detracted by the perceived conspiracy against him, adding that having associated with the defunct Alliance for Democracy,AD, he is the best man to defeat the APC.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 —3

OGUN STATE

•Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Ishola

•Hon. Dimeji Bankole

•Gboyega Nasir Isiaka

Remilekun Bakare

Faces of PDP aspirants eyeing Amosun’s job THE battle to oust the incumbent governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is becoming fierce as the party has lined up an array of political heavy weights for the battle ahead of the 2015 election.

The people of the gateway state are anxiously watching to see who the umbrella party would present to face the incumbent governor.

From the credentials of all the eleven governorship aspirants of the PDP, there is no doubt that they all have the pedigree to challenge Amosun at the poll.

By Daud Olatunji

A

LHAJI Sarafa Tunji Ishola He was the Minister of Power and Steel during late President Umar Musa Yar ’adua administration between July 2007 and October, 2008 and former Secretary to Ogun State Government during Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s tenure (2003 and 2007).

He is a grassroot politician who started as Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government Area (1997-1998) and later Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Finance (1999-2003).

It would be recalled that he had first expressed his ambition to govern the state in 2009 when he joined the governorship race for the 2011 election but could not secure the party’s ticket because of the zoning to Yewa division of Ogun State by the party. He is in the race again .

Hon. Dimeji Bankole He is a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who lost his bid to contest for the third term as the representatives of the people of Abeokuta South Federal

Constituency in 2011 .

He is also eyeing Amosun’s job. He is leveraging on his last position as the former number four citizen in Nigeria.

Being the son of a powerful Egba Chief, he is believed to be enjoying a very cordial relationship with the Alake of Egbaland. He is now an aspirant from Ogun Central, the same place, the governor comes from. His candidacy, according to some political analysts would give Amosun good run for his money.

Gboyega Nasir Isiaka: He is popularly known as GNI by the people, Prince Isiaka who also hails fromYewa, Imeko Afon to be precise once contested the governorship post under the platform of PPN in 2011 but came third and eventually lost to Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

He is a former Managing Director of Gateway Holdings.

Being a first class chartered accountant from the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, he is said to be the best brains from Yewa division of Ogun State.

His being a product of Ogun West, the region that had never produced a governor since the 38 years existence of the state is an added advantage. His

ability to warm himself into the minds of some leaders of the party shortly after he returned to the party also gave him an edge.

Hon Kayode Amusan: He is a two-term member of the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2011. He first made known his desire to govern the state towards the end of his tenure as a federal lawmaker in 2010, but because the PDP has zoned the governorship ticket to Yewa, he quickly joined the race for the senate which he also lost.

Other aspirants who are frontliners in the race Omoba Segun Adewale, a Yewa man, Remilekun Bakare, a game changer, who is a political godson of former governor Aremo Segun Osoba

Amusan is an Egba-born politician who is also jostling for the governorship ticket of the PDP again. Whether he will get the ticket or not, political observers are watching, believing that Amusan could spur a surprise if he is allowed to test his popularity, owing to to the fact that he is said to have penetrated some of the delegates.

Majekodunmi is an Egba chief that is also in the race, hoping to get the PDP ticket to confront the incumbent governor in the 2015 general election.

However, his decision to join the gubernatorial race against Amosun was said to have been facilitated by his former boss, who reportedly saw the leadership trait in him.

Hon Isiaq Akinlade: This is another federal lawmaker in the struggle for the governorship ticket of the PDP. He is one of the longest serving members of the House of Representatives, having been representing his people of Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency since 2003 till date.

He was in PDP in 2003 but later defected to the then Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, with the hope that the party would zone the governorship ticket to Yewa . When ACN gave the ticket to Amosun he opted for the House of Representatives and won.

Realising again that Amosun will want to contest for a second term and with crisis already rocking the party, he returned to the PDP for the purpose of realizing his gubernatorial ambition come 2015.

Engineer Tony Ojesina: He is a former Commissioner for Environment during Governor Gbenga Daniel’s first term between 2003 and 2007.

He is also in the governorship race. His decision to govern the state was reported to have been sanctioned by God, who he said had told him that he is the next governor of the state.

He is from Owu-Egba that is said to be making efforts to confront Amosun, his Owu brother. Would he make it to the primaries? This is a big question as the party holds its primaries very soon.

Dr. Yomi Majekodunmi A seasoned banker and brilliant administrator, is from the Majekodunmi dynasty of Abeokuta. He is a former Chief of Staff to Governor Gbenga Daniel, during the latter ’s second term in office between 2007 and 2011.

Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye: This is a former Deputy Governor during Chief Olusegun Osoba’s first administration between 1992 and 1993 , he is also in the race. He is an Ijebu man and one of the aggrieved members of the ACN who left when the internal crisis between Amosun and Osoba’s factions of the party deepened and solution to the crisis could not be found.

Meanwhile, other aspirants who are frontliners in the race Omoba Segun Adewale, a Yewa man, Remilekun Bakare, a game changer, who is a political godson of former governor Aremo Segun Osoba.

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

OWA'NBE... THE SOCIAL LIFE OF YORUBA

*Rowena Akerele and Niyi Adeyemi‘s traditional engagement ceremony and reception took place on the 4th of May 2013. The event was a totally vibrant and fun celebration of the couple with their families and friends gathered to share in Rowena and Niyi’s special day.

*Funlola and Molade literally met each other like 20 years ago when they were in school but they never knew they would end up as husband and wife.

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 — 5

OSUN STATE

By Lateef Dada

B

OLUWADURO- Otan A y e g b a j u , headquarters of Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State is an historic town in Yorubaland founded about 500 years ago by some of the direct descendants of Oduduwa, who migrated from Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race.

History has it that Owa of Otan Ayegbaju was the 26th child of Oduduwa and despite all the inter-tribal wars, the town was never subdued by any external power.

Also, the succession to the throne of Owa of Otan Ayegbaju has remained unbroken until 1982, when Oba Adeniran died, leaving the Owa stool empty.

However, since the demise of Oba Adeniran, Prince Edward Adeniran, popularly called Dodonso has since been laying claim to the stool and is loved by all sons and daughters of the town due to his harmonious relationship with them and his efforts in promoting and developing the town.

It was gathered that Dodonso has since been going to court to claim the title, leaving the town without a king for almost 22 years.

It was learnt that Dodonso has won the court case but due to the unfriendliness between him and some elites in the town, his effort was truncated even when all had set for him to ascend the throne.

Entrance to the town Vanguard’s visit to the town shows that Dodonso has built his own palace that he will use and has designed it to cash eye at the entrance of the town.

It was learnt that Dodonso’s effort was truncated by the elites who later approached Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola when he became the Governor of the state in 2003, and presented another person to him as the next king in the town.

However, Oba Anthony Adegbite Okeyode was installed on July 22, 2004, thereby ending the 22 years interregnum.

Vanguard learnt that Oyinlola’s intervention was not unconnected to his relationship with them as it was gathered that his mother hails from the town before she was married to Olokuku of Okuku.

However, both the young and old of the town have since been making frantic efforts to build a new palace for the new king as the old palace used

by Oba Adeniran, having just been modernised by Susan C M Y K

•The new ultra-modern palace under construction

OTAN AYEGBAJU:

Two palaces, one king Wenger and Ulli Beier, was burnt down in mid-1960s in the heat of the then political turmoil that engulfed the country, when political parties engaged in supremacy battle Oba Okeyode that led to the did not live long f a m o u s as he also died ‘OperationWetie.’

Meanwhile, Oba in 2008, hence Okeyode did not the emergence live long as he also died in 2008, hence of Oba Lukman the emergence of Adesola Ojo Oba Lukman Adesola Ojo Fadipe, Fadipe, Arenibiowo Arenibiowo Olatanka III. While Dodonso Olatanka III •Owa of Otan Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Adesola Ojo Fadipe still lives in his palace without interfering or participating in Celebration and N100 million Modern Palace for the town all of you as indigenes to make other programmes by the fund raising for the had started since 2012, calling solid financial contribution people of the town, struggles completion of the palace on the sons and daughters of and be part of this history that and plans are afoot to build a project, the national president the town to be part of the we know. By the grace of God, new palace for the present of Otan Ayegbaju Progressive historic event by contributing this will culminate in a Owa of Otan Ayegbaju.

Union, OAPU, Prince their quota to the completion modern and architectural Speaking at this year’s 17th Olayemi Ademola, disclosed of the palace. masterpiece that we shall all He said, “We humbly invites be proud of.”

Otan Ayegbaju Day that construction of Ultra-

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

ONDO STATE

How robbers exposed Police Inspector's illegal duty in Ondo

By Dayo Johnson

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LEMOSHO—For leading an illegal duty, a Police Inspector and three other police officers are in soup in Ondo state Police Command.

The four police officers with two drivers and a cash officer are being detained and quizzed for embarking on an illegal duty by escorting a bullion van conveying an unspecified amount belonging to a new generation bank, penultimate Thursday, from one of its branches in Ondo town to its headquarters in Akure, when the hoodlums struck.

The two drivers drove the bullion van and the escort vehicle while the cash officer is a staff of one the bank.

Vanguard gathered that the suspects may have been embarking on such illegal duties before now to make brisk business until nemesis caught up with them.

The bullion van is marked Lagos FST 945 AL, while the escort vehicle has registration number PF 344 SPY. It was also gathered that the four policemen who embarked on the illegal duty without official approval from the operation unit of the command, are currently being detained and interrogated for conspiracy in the robbery incident which took place at Elemoso village, Ondo East Local Government area of the state.

due process before escorting bank bullion van, even as it was said that they did not fire a single bullet when the robbers waylaid them.

It was learnt that the policemen fled the scene of the robbery immediately the

fished out the suspects while combing the bushes in the village where they fled to.

The bullion van and the escort vehicle were riddled with bullets, while their tyres were deflated by gun shots

Escort police vehicle According to one of the villagers who pleaded anonymity, “a red car pretended to overtake the bullion van while it slowed down because of the speed breakers, only to double cross it and fired volleys of gun shot into the air and on the two vehicles.”

Confirming the arrest of the seven suspects including the four policemen, the state Command image maker, Wole Ogodo said the suspects are

•Isaac Eke, Ondo CP robbers double-crossed them and fired volleys of gunshots.

Their desperate bid to make quick money for the weekend that fateful day may not only cause them their jobs but send them behind bars.

It was gathered that the mobile policemen deployed to the scene of the robbery

Dismisssed officers If culpable, the four police officers may face orderly room trial and may be dismissed from the force before they are prosecuted.

A top Police source said “On a good day, whenever banks want to convey money from one town to the other, they usually write to the operations unit of the state police command and eight policemen would be approved for them.”

However, only four policemen escorted the bullion van last Thursday, which fuelled suspicion of conspiracy. The State Police Commissioner, Isaac Eke confirmed that the command smells conspiracy as the policemen who escorted the van were on illegal duty.

Eke told Vanguard that the suspects failed to follow the C M Y K

fired by the robbers.

Speaking to Vanguard, some of the villagers said the robbers were trailing the bullion van from Ondo town until it got to the village where some speed breakers were made before attacking the van and the escort police vehicle.

The four policemen said to have embarked on the illegal duty are currently being detained for conspiracy in the robbery incident which took place at Elemoso village, Ondo East Local Government area of the state

•Damaged bullion van

helping the command on the investigation.

Ogodo said: “The four of our men that escorted the bullion, the cash officer and the two drivers that drove the bullion van are already with us to help us in the investigation that is already ongoing.

“We will do everything possible to get to the root of the matter and as I am talking to you right now, the Officer in charge of the State Anti Robbery Squad has gone to Bolorunduro where the incident happened as part of the ongoing investigation.”

However, a school proprietor, in the area, who was driving a Sienna bus marked OSUN AA 733 FTD was shot in the eye, when he attempted to make a u-turn at the scene of the robbery.

Sources said the robbers after carting the large sum of money, escaped in their car through a village to Ile-Oluji.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 — 7

LAGOS STATE

Cross section of APC governorship aspirants and delegates at yesterday's primaries in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

LAGOS 2015: Intrigues that foreshadowed APC governorship primaries

By Dapo Akinrefon

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HE National leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola were yesterday locked in a final battle over who becomes governor of Lagos next year.

The final battle culminated at the party ’s governorship primaries at the Onikan Stadium.

It was, however, obvious from the ambience that the usual harmony that had existed among the party faithful was absent given the perceived frosty relationship among the aspirants.

Such manifested when former Accountant General, Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, who was the last of the aspirant to arrive the venue came in shortly before the commencement of voting.

It was noticeable that all was not well in the APC given the expression on the faces of the other 11 contestants when moved around to felicitate with them.

Earlier indication were rife that 11 aspirants jostling for the plum job might boycott yesterday’s exercise.

Reason: As at 12: 31 pm, Vanguard received an invite requesting for its presence to cover a press conference scheduled to hold at 3pm.

Given the timing of the event, it indicated that boycott was imminent.

The text read: “Good C M Y K

afternoon sir, Barr Tokunbo Wahab and 10 other aspirants will be hosting a live press conference at Southern Sun from 3pm today (yesterday).

Kindly help inform your colleagues. Thanks from Lekan Lawal.”

The Ambode factor While Tinubu rooted for Ambode to succeed Fashola, the incumbent governor was queuing behind his former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Supo Shasore to succeed him.

It was gathered that at the primaries, Ambode was clearly the favourite, against Fashola’s disposition.

The governor first put forward his Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Hamzat as his choice, but dumped him for Sasore.

Though 12 governorship aspirants indicated interest to participate in the primaries but 11 of the aspirants vying for the party’s the ticket opposed to a primary scheduled yesterday to choose its candidate.

In a statement before the

exercise, the aggrieved aspirants described the primary as a ruse orchestrated by former Tinubu to impose his candidate, warning that they were prepared to resist the scheme.

They demanded a halt to the primaries.

Rather, they called for either a consensus arrangement or the election of delegates who will then constitute an electoral college to vote on December 4.

Those who participated in the primaries yesterday, include Senator Ganiyu Solomon,

House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Yemi Ikuforiji, Mrs. Tokunbo Agbesanwa, the only woman in the race, former Health Commissioner Dr. Tola kasali, and former AccountantGeneral and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode.

Others are Commissioner for Works Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, former Health Commissioner Dr. Leke Pitan, former AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice Supo Shasore (SAN), Tokunbo Wahab, and Mr. Tayo Ayinde.

Lagos churns out 32 trucks to combat fire incidents

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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S part of efforts to ameliorate the human and investment casualties lost to fire outbreaks in the state, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has handed over 32 customized and purpose built fire fighting trucks, two maintenance vehicles and firemen apparels for the use of Lagos State Fire Service.

The trucks consist of 15 Fire Eagles, 15 Rapid Eagles, two Aerial telescopic turn-table ladder and 2 Maintenance vehicle workshops on wheel, as well as fire fighting apparels for the personnel.

The arrangement to provide the state of art equipment commenced in 2011, with a contractual agreement between the government, W.S Darley and

Company of Itasca Illinois, United States of America. The agreement covers the purchase of 32 fire trucks.

The initiative also provided for a comprehensive training of the fire service personnel to ensure optimal use and maintenance of the fire trucks. In furtherance of this maintenance purpose, the manufacturer also built two fully equipped and multipurpose maintenance workshops on the wheel which can function for 24 hours to effect repairs on any of the fire trucks.

Multipurpose workshops So far, government had already trained a total of 570 young men and women, 10 from each of the 57 Local Governments Areas and Local Council Development

Areas of the State as first emergency service responders to work in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency in the case of emergencies in any of the council areas.

At the 2014 Ministerial Press Briefing in Ikeja, the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mr. Oyinlomo Danmole, disclosed that the government saved N106.44 billion worth of goods and property from the 1,774 fire outbreaks in the last one year.

Meanwhile, reacting to the controversy that trailed this project, Fashola said: “There was initial controversy on the genesis of the new fire engines and equipment. When the present administration wanted to buy them, government critics and opponents were quoted in some National Newspapers saying the

government had gone to raise foreign loan. But government maintained that the equipment were manufactured from scratch by a company in the United States and financed by an Export and Import (EXIM) Bank loan.

Fashola, while absolving government of any wrong doing, expressed joy that a representative of the manufacturers, Mr. Peter Daley was present at the occasion to testify to the claim.

The Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Kunle Fadipe, who commended the governor for keeping to his promises, said: “Without mincing words, the commissioning of these new state-of-the-art equipment has brought me to a conclusion that the promise made by the governor is now promise fulfilled.”

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

BITS Briefs With IKENNA ASOMBA

Ladoja campaigns against violence

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•The Idanre hills

Mare Festival: Ondo eyes UNESCO slot for World’s Heritage sites

By Dayo Johnson

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Ogun PDP Primaries: Kashamu warns against imposing Bankole

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he Chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the South West, Buruji Kashamu, has said that the crisis in the Ogun State chapter of the party may pave the way for the All Progressives Congress, APC, to sweep the South West in the 2015 polls.

Kashamu, who sounded this warning during a press briefing in Abeokuta, also warned the national chairman of the party, Adamu Mu’azu and the national organising secretary, Abubakar Mustapha, to steer clear of Ogun State PDP. According to Kashamu, the duo are scheming to force the former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, on the party as its gubernatorial candidate for Ogun State.

He said the call to cancel the House of Assembly aspirants primaries held in the state on Saturday will weaken the party.

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DANRE—The Ondo State Government has concluded plans to hold the annual Mare Festival (mountain climbing), holding between December 11 and 13, in the hilly ancient town of Idanre of the state.

Barely six days to the festival, celebr1ated to showcase the Idanre hills to international tourists with the ultimate aim of attracting direct investments for the state, the government has expressed its readiness to ensure the Idanre hills get listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, as one of the World’s Heritage sites.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, who spoke on preparations towards the hosting of the event, said the UNESCO had already approved the Idanre Hills nomination dossier and had dispatched independent inspectors to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the facilities at the site as contained in the dossier.

Akinmade, who pointed that organising the festival was imperative owing to the global attention it has already to Idanre, however stated that the state Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko had vowed not to leave any stone unturned to make Idanre the best tourist centre because of his firm belief that there is no other hills anywhere in the World that is comparable to the Idanre hills.

Stating that the governor describes the lovely rock formations as special gift to Ondo State and Nigeria in general, the commissioner disclosed that the 3-day event will feature the launch of Idanre

he National Leader of Accord Party, Senator Adewolu Ladoja, has advised the people of Oyo State to shun violence as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially lifted ban on electioneering for the 2015 national elections in the state.

Ladoja urged the people to come out en masse to attend rallies organised by Accord Party in every nook and cranny of the state in an orderly and peaceful manner.

The Accord national leader said the party’s campaign would be issues-based that would bring about change and development in Oyo State.

Ladoja said: “The desire of the party is to make our people the centre of development for the progress of the state, Accord is a party of peace and will not encourage acts of thuggery during and after the campaign.”

Osun Tribunal accepts Omisore’s ballot papers •A mountain climber at a previous Mare Festival Hills resort, Habitat 1 and Tourism zone, wrestling competition, musical cultural display, mountain climbing, cycling, hiking, marathon race, float display, musical concert among others.

Also assuring tourists to the event of accommodation as well as enjoyable facilities, he said: “The Habitat is arresting and the entire Tourism zone is what tourists will find irresistible especially the accommodation that have been provided on the

hills. That is why participants will be taken on a guided tour as soon as they arrive.

“Since the last Mare festival and now, great transformation has been witnessed in the state’s tourism sector, especially the Idanre axis of the sector. Now, I can confidently tell you that we have a world class tourism centre in Idanre and it is still evolving as a lot of things will still be put in place despite the commendable stage the place is now.”

THE TEAM Editor: Adeleke Adeseri

Correspondents: Ola Ajayi Gbenga Olarinoye Dayo Johnson Gbenga Ariyibi Dapo Akinrefon Daud Olatunji Olasunkanmi Akoni Monsur Olowoepejo Ikenna Asomba

Ibadan Osogbo Akure Ado Ekiti Abeokuta Lagos

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he Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal hearing the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the August 9 governorship election in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has admitted in evidence as exhibit a subpoena and four sacks of ballot papers used during the election in Ilesa East local council.

Senator Omisore is challenging the result of the election won by Governor Rauf Aregbesola in 17 local councils including Ilesa East.

At the sitting, a star witness and forensic expert in the petition Mr Pius Bakare appeared before the Tribunal to testify.

Ondo PDP chairman insists his exco hasn’t resigned

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he Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman, Chief Ebenezer Alabi, has debunked the rumour that the state executive committee of the PDP has resigned.

Speaking in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Alabi who pointed that perpetrators of such rumour do not mean well for the party, however, said, he as the state PDP chairman, has not resigned his appointment, Adding that other members of the state executive committee have also not resigned their offices, he said: “There is no resignation whatsoever either at the ward, local government or state level,” he stressed.

He, however, warned members of the state executive of the PDP not to trade-in their positions, adding that anyone who does that will be replaced with immediate effect.

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—33

Nume steps out with Silifa U

BY ANOZIE EGOLE

p and coming artiste, Kehinde Samuel Ogunsola, a.k.a Nume is indeed, one of the artistes to watch out for as his latest single, Silifa, is fast becoming every DJ’s favourite barely few weeks after its release.

The Carter Music Entertainment

artiste who is putting everything together for the shooting of his musical video revealed that things around him inspired the title of his single. “I got the idea for the single when I stepped into the studio with my producer. As he was giving me the instrumental, chorus entered into my mind and that was how I got the track Silifa.

Though I started music when I was in primary two, I still did not study music in the higher institution. Music has always been something I have in mind, I started as a chorister. I am promising my fans better singles ahead

•Nume

My most challenging movie role —Samuel Ajibola

By Anozie Egole

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ITH his educational background in Political Science from the University of Lagos, Samuel Ajibola seems not to be interested in any political party or position but very much comfortable with interpreting roles which is where his passion lies.

The actor who started making waves in the 90’s with many awards to his credit, has opened up on the most challenging role he has played in a movie since he joined the industry.

“My most challenging role since I delved into acting is Spiff, a character in the television series “Johnson’s”. I would say that it was most challenging because I never saw myself as a comical character. It required a lot of daftness and stupidity and more of gestures and facial expressions. At the end of the day, my fans taught I was dumb in real life. But I knew I had to deliver an excellent result and I am so happy that people appreciated what I did,”.

•Samuel Ajibola

•Rose Okonta (4th left) with other contestants for the Africa Students at Vitebsk

Nigerian wins Queen of Africa Students in Russia

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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DJ Neptune boasts about latest video on

#OFFICIALNAIJATOPTEN …As Timaya’s Sanko displaces Dammy Krane’s Amin

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ELEBRITY Disc Jockey Neptune is this week’s co-host on the MTV Base’ Official Naija Top Ten with MTV VJ Steph. The DJ shunned his DJ’ skills for rap as he freestyled during the chart.

The versatile DJ whose song “Believe” feat Sarkodie & Phyno debut on the lucky number eight spot this week as a sole new entry, gushed about his new video during the freestyle which got Steph blushing all through.

Timaya’s hit song Sanko finally displaces Dammy Krane’s Amin off the number one spot while Iyanya’s ‘Mr Oreo’ remains number 3 and Sean Tizzle’s ‘Loke Loke’ maintaining the number 4 spot.

Cynthia Morgan’s I’m Taken makes rapid progress moving up from number 6 to number 5 on the chart, as Waje’s No be you exits the OfficialNaijaTopTen chart.

Other artistes that made it to this week’s chart include, Phyno, and DJ Jimmy Jatt FT Banky W & Phyno, Patoranking, and Mr 2Kay.

•DJ Neptune

Nigerian schooling in Russia, Miss Rose Okonta, has won the Queen of Africa Students at Vitebsk State Medical University.

Okonta, a 100 level student of Foreign Language for Medical Department, contested with 10 students from Africa and emerged winner.

The 22-year old Nigerian who hails from Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State got as winner, among other things, a Diploma to add to her certificate for work and recognition from the institute.

She described her victory as one that was unbelievable, saying “I never thought I could make it. It was really wonderful and I give God thanks even though I never expected to be picked as winner in the Queen of Africa Student competition.”

Vitebsk State Medical University was founded in November 1934. The University is situated in the center of the city of Vitebsk and it is one of the biggest establishments of the city.

Presenlty about 630 foreign students from the different continents such as Asia (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia etc.) Europe (Greece, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania etc.) Europe (Greece, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania etc.) Latin America and Africa are studying in the University.

The overseas students are studying at the University since 1981. For this period of time more than 900 specialists graduated from Vitebsk State Medical University. They successfully work in different institutions, public health, clinics of 109 countries of the world.

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Ali Baba plans new year gift to Nigerians

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n a bid to give Nigerians a most memorable start to year 2015, Nigeria’s King of Comedy, Ali Baba, is set to organize a unique comedy show laced with music on January 1, 2015, at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The show, which is aimed at giving fun lovers a wow moment, will feature 24 popular comedians as well as sensational music acts in the country.

Speaking on the event, the multi-talented comedian said, “I have attended several shows in the country and what I have noticed, most of the times, is that they follow the same pattern.

Different acts come on stage at intervals and do their individual business. But I believe Nigerians deserve much more. In other words, Nigerians deserve something different, something out of the ordinary. But most importantly, Nigerians need to be entertained with jokes woven around issues that everyone is familiar with. The issues will range from politics to sports and to major events that made headlines in the year past.”

He also disclosed that the night would feature no fewer than 12 top comedians who will each review, in the most comical way, events of the past year from January to December. “The rest will then analyze the events as presented. The show will further have a different set of 12 comedians reviewing different people and personalities,” he added.

With an imposing 3D 2015 sign on the stage, the show to be produced by Bunmi Davies will also witness the presentation of awards to deserving people who are pioneers in their different fields of •Ali Baba endeavour.

•Tiwa savage

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la virus giving the African continent, especially Nigeria some fright, giant strides by the Nigerian-born filmmaker and director, Nnaemeka Andrew Madueke in far away America is indeed encouraging.

The prolific film director with

•Olamide

Tiwa Savage, Kcee, others shine at Channel O Music Video Awards 2014

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o Channel O Music Video Awards 2014 went down in Soweto, South Africa last Saturday night.

South African rapper Cassper Nyovest stole the show beating Diamond Platnumz’s “Number One” and Davido’s “Aye” to bag the Most Gifted Video of the year Award.

Cassper Nyovest also won Most Gifted Male award and Most Gifted Southern Award.

Also winning big was Diamond Platnumz with the Most Gifted Newcomer award, Most Gifted Afro Pop award and the Most Gifted East award.

Other winners include Tiwa Savage (Most gifted female award, Kcee won the Most Gifted Duo, Group or Featuring award for his song “Pull Over ” which features one of Nigeria’s best selling artists Wizkid, beating K.O,

Nigerian director makes giant strides in America ith the Boko Haram sect and the scourge of the Ebo-

•Kcee

four outstanding films in his kitty recently won yet another award for the “Best Filmmaker ” with his latest film Take the Spotlight at the 2014 Peachtree Village International Film Festival in Atlanta Georgia in America.

Madueke whose film, The Mystery of Birds won the best film by an African in Diaspora at the 2012 African Movie

*Cast of the film

Academy Awards (AMAA) has apparently paid his dues in the industry. ‘With Take the Spotlight’ featuring notable actors and actresses from Hollywood like Lynn Whitfield from movies like “Eve’s Bayou”, and “A thin line between Love and Hate”and some Nollywood stars like Chinedu Ikedieze, the filmmaker believes that with the right attitude that the sky is the limit.

His debut film Night to Fly, in 2008 and Okra Principle in 2009 also made significant impact.

The film, parades other Hollywood actors like Glenn Morshower from movies like “Black Hawk Down”, “Transformers” and “After Earth”. The film also features Allen Warchol, Megan Glover and Nigerian-Diaspora actors like Nene Nwoko, Roy Nwakamma, Uju Egbuji, Hayley “Gigi” Polak from South Africa and a host of others from other parts of the world.

BY ANOZIE EGOLE

who undoubtedly has had one of the biggest songs of the year. The awards for the equally competitive categories, Most Gifted Kwaito and Most Gifted Hip Hop went to Uhuru featuring Oskido and Professor for “Y-Tjukutja” and

A.KA for “Congratulate” beating Khuli Chana and Cassper Nyovest respectively.

Davido who didn’t win any award posted a video on his Instagram saying, “Shout out to team Davido, we didn’t win yesterday. It happens, but trust me, we are coming back harder and harder. I love you guys for all the support.”

Cross River flags off Calabar festival, promises spectacular outing

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ross River State Government has flagged off the 15th edition of Calabar Festival, sunday with the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Millennium Park, Calabar.

Speaking at the well-attended ceremony, the state Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Efiok Cobham, disclosed that, “This year ’s event which is very dear to us because it is the last in the life of this administration will be better and more colourful. We will do our best in ensuring that we give you the most memorable event.”

“It’s been 15 years of lofty presentation, of spectacles and innovation by young and vibrant youth and a veritable ground to showcasing the innate talents of our young ones some of which have become force to reckon within Nigeria,” he reiterated.

He maintained that “Never before have you had what we have packaged for you this year. Once again, we have declared open a veritable platform to discover more budding artistes who will eventually become world beaters in the entertainment industry and I urge the youth to avail themselves of this memorable event to actualize their dreams.”

While commending the major sponsor First Bank Plc. for the confidence it has on the brand since its entrance seven years ago, the governor stressed that, the attending benefits of the partnership cannot be overemphasized especially the positive impacts on youth development and economic growth of the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—35 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

The myth of hidden call broken

2015 TECH TRENDS:

...Truecaller lays it bare

LG sees wearable tech as top W

information.

In addition to the surge in the user base, Truecaller also receives more than 1.5 billion search requests per month.

The app has been fully redesigned to provide easier discovery and simpler navigation, and rebuilt to make it much lighter in terms of memory consumption. Truecaller offers some of the following new features: Receive Suggested Contacts: Truecaller can now predict who you may want to reach and make relevant suggestions based on call history, time, or location.

The more you use it, the smarter it gets, and the app will eventually be able to help do the work of knowing who to call so you no longer have to scroll through unnecessary tabs.

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T happens quite often; someone calls you with a hidden number pretending to be calling from outside your location. He escapes because you can not read the numbers or decode the call. You can even fall victim to the sharp schemings of a local fraudster who claims to be smatter just by adding the #23# code before his mobile numbers to make it private at the receiving end.

But today, the myth is broken.

It takes technology to demystify the myth of technology. With Truecaller app on your mobile phone, that secret number is not so to you. The little thief is now naked before you.

Truecaller is a search technology company which transforms users’ phonebook to make it more intelligent and useful.

Consumers use Truecaller to identify unknown numbers, block unwanted calls, and search contact information among people and businesses.

Truecaller aims to solve a huge pain point for billions of consumers who use their phonebook on a daily basis, but often need to go outside of their app to find useful information they need.

Similar to how Google has been able to combine information and intelligence, Truecaller uses its proprietary search technology and social graph, and combines it with hundreds of different sources such as Yelp! and social networks to create a smarter way for users to access current information across all social channels, platforms and devices.

Truecaller uses algorithms to personalize searches and suggest relevant contacts you might want to get in touch with based on call history, time and place. As an example, at 5pm before you leave from work, Truecaller might suggest you call home, if that’s what you would usually do at that time and place.

Over 100 million users for Truecaller recently the company, said it has recorded over 100

million users following its new updates and launch of the app on Google Play. The new update focuses on predictive style features, which transforms users’ phonebook to make it more intelligent and useful. The new feature suggests who to contact based on call history, time of day, and place, making it convenient, so the user never have to leave the app to find the right contact

Complete Contact Profiles: Truecaller keeps your phonebook up to date with relevant information by adding social media profiles and photos so you have all the contact information you need in one central place. Users can choose how they are being displayed in their friend’s Truecaller phonebook by updating their profiles.

Smarter Search and Discovery: Now you can search within your contacts as well as names and numbers beyond your existing phone book with an extensive list of more than 1.5 billion contacts. There’s no need to switch between searching for people inside and outside of your phonebook or constantly updating the information, as Truecaller will always give you the most relevant and personal results.

New online retail store for launch

BY Josephine Agbonkhese

M

yLuxeDeals, MLD, an online retail and ‘flash sale’ store designed to allow customers easy access to a horde of quality and luxury brands online, is set for launch.

The online store, according to founding partners, will not only provide luxury items at prices that are unbelievably cheap but will also promote indigenous craftsmanship, home-grown and home-based designers and manufacturers.

Project Manager, MLD, Nkyru Ilewi, explained during a chat with newsmen in Lagos: “We are opening up to consumers from the second week in December 2014, and thousands of products are

available on our site already, for every age and sex. We also carry high end luxury goods from world-class designers like Versace, Moschino, Fendi, Chloe and many more.

“True to our policy, we also have flash sales on a weekly basis.

However, the best part is our clearance sale known as ‘DEALAMANIA’” According to Nkyru, MLD started after teaming up with a number of reputed designers and manufacturers of apparels, household products and other collectors.

“Though we have our headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, products showcased on our site are shipped from Europe and the US, apart from indigenous brands,” Nkyru added.

ith the curtain gradually falling on 2014, the question is: What technological trends can we expect to shape the business world in 2015? Tech aficionados are increasingly on the lookout for answers. To make headway, reflections on the major advances in a wide range of technological fields are being made and used to set the stage for an eagerly anticipated 2015.

Prognosticators have poured over mountains of data, analyzing market trends and consumer habits in order to gain greater perspective on what 2015 holds for the tech industry. Often, when looking at future trends it is easy to compartmentalize emerging technologies and imagine them as living separately to one another. The truth is somewhat different – many technologies burst on to the scene as complementary to one another and combined they create the notable shifts in human lifestyle and behaviors which are the talking points of the day.

The challenge for many leading manufacturers of new technologies is how to help consumers understand how these new innovations will impact them as a whole and also identify a common benefit to the technology they see as providing better solutions to everyday life. One of such companies is LG Electronics with its forward-looking products.

Context-based computing, the internet of things, fashionable wearables, increased potential for mobile computing and optimized cloud solutions are expected to be the defining trends of 2015 and will all be highlighted at consumer technology’s traditional 2015 curtain- raiser CES. The next CES will also be its most connected ever, with virtually all attendees sure to be packing the latest smart devices, ready to serve as elite tastemakers by share their opinions on the new products.

At IFA 2014, LG unveiled an engaging catch-all term for the suite of new products showcased in Berlin back in September.

‘Innovation for a Better Life’ encapsulates just how integrated LG has become in consumers’ lives and sees the company further position itself as a brand that delivers a refined, smart user experience across its entire line-up of consumer electronics and home appliances, including the world’s first commercial 4K OLED TV, G Watch R featuring Android WearTM, CordZeroTM vacuum cleaners and appliances that respond to natural language text messages.

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY,DECEMBER 5, 2014

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head of the fast approaching 2015 general elections, the Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre, WARDC, recently engaged male leaders of various political parties, as well as human rights groups, in a summit that pursued the opening of a new vista for women in Nigerian politics.

Executive Director, WARDC, Dr.(Mrs)Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, who argued while speaking at the opening of the summit that Nigerian women had been faced with lots of obstacles preventing them from participating in decisionmaking and political participation, noted that this was regardless of their predominant population.

Explaining reasons for her disappointment over the status quo and why change is essential, the foremost women’s rights activist noted that women around the world presently play increasingly visible roles in the democratic processes of their various countries, as mothers, caregivers, voters, candidates, representatives, peace mediators and civic educators in the home, community and beyond.

“We believe that for us to ensure gender equality in Nigeria, attitude must change and political parties must show strong disposition to gender equality, women’s political participation and empowerment,” Abiola said.

However, National Publicity Secretar y, All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, while speaking at the

From Left: National Publicity Secretary, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Executive Director, WARDC, and Samson Davies, Managing Director Investcorp Medicare, representing PDP, during the one-day male political leaders summit organised by WARDC in Lagos. Photo by AKEEM SALAU

WARDC, male political leaders parley over women’s political advancement

By Josephine Agbonkhese summit, swiftly denied that political parties were culpable for the challenges facing women in politics.

“The challenges facing Nigerian women can be blamed on governance.

Frankly speaking, they have been very disadvantaged and have not enjoyed a level-playing ground, but the solution to this is not in the hands of political parties. In many

parts of the world, issues such as this are settled with legislation.

Nigerian government must make laws that would cushion the plights of women.

“Women should also come out with a bill of demand on gover nment, and lobby, if necessary. However, I feel most importantly that government should, on its own, make certain legislations that will give women a levelplaying ground. That law can,

for instance, say, of every State’s senators, there must be at least one woman.

Otherwise, which party would like to bring out a female candidate when another party is presenting a male candidate for a seat with the way things presently are?” Lai said.

Others who also spoke were Lai L abode, Youth Leader, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; Director, International Press Centre,

Lanre Arogundade; Comrade Ayodele Adewale, former Chairman, Amuwo Odofin LGA; Comrade Ayodele Akele of the National Conscience Party, NCP, and L anre Suraj, Executive Director, Human and Development Agenda, HEDA, who argued that there was need for gender democracy to be fundamentally entrenched in the political party system.

Gender Mainstreaming: NCWD advocates women political party for female aspirants

By Funmi Olasupo

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s the 2015 general election draws near, the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) has called on Nigerian women to collaborate in forming a political association that can support female aspirants win elections.

Speaking in Kaduna at the opening of a three-day capacity building programme on Gender Mainstreaming for the Media in partnership with UNICEF, the Director General, of the center, Lady Onyeka Onwenu stated that

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the association will also provide financial supports to fund political processes and mobilization.

According to the DG, women holding political positions are often influenced by men in the political parties they recognize with, adding that this is against women right.

She noted that the political aim of the theme is to liberate women from being “ wiped out” in her words, especially by silencing or excluding them from public life, hence repressed in the private sphere.

In increasing the temp on

the actualization of the 35% Affirmative Action of Women in Governance and Decision Making, she commended efforts of the President, Goodluck Jonathan and First Lady Patience Jonathan at ensuring that women take their place in the scheme of affairs.

Gender and Development Specialist, (UNICEF) Mrs Olasunbo Odebode in her remarks condemned the incessant negative representation of women in the media stressing that this calls for concern.

She said supporting the NCWD to improve capacity building for media practitioners

is to ensure that they report women activities from informed perspectives.

She said: “Women holding political positions lies in their hands. Political Parties should know that they are not given them their rights. We should have women political parties but this may be against the law because it is not in the legislation.

“We are looking at women political associations where women can be rallied round in monetary aspects to fund political process because they may not be able to do the funding like men do.

“The monetary aspect is not to bribe people but you can

not expect to take market women away from the businesses for nothing, there is need for mobilization. We want more women to be brought in, it must be inclusive, and the sky is large enough for all of us.

“We cannot but appreciate the Transformation Agenda of our gender sensitive President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in the drive for the optimal promotion and protection of women’s rights, reduction in the prevalence of discrimination against women, increased investments in the girl-child and women’s development issues.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 —37

Are you guilty of violence against women?

By Vera Samuel Anyagagfu & Prisca Sam-Duru

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atrick Stewart was quoted to have said that ‘the people who could do most to improve the situation of so many women and children are in fact the men”, adding that, “It is in our hands to stop violence towards women.”

And as Nigeria continues its 16 day activism against gender based violence, many more questions are seeking answers following several devastating measures and marginalisation of women in the country.

Violence against women is universally recognized as human rights violation and as such leadership of countries is often advised against such practices that intend to rip a woman of her rights as bonafide citizen of a given country.

Studies show that over 40 per cent of women and girls globally experience various forms and levels of violence, and the consequences of the violence often result in death.

Addressing this issue, and speaking out for total eradication of various unimaginable violence against women, the United States embassy in collaboration with Nigeria’s change seekers in the likes of Laila Saint Mathew Daniels, of ACTS generation, Women Arise President, Joe Odumakin and many other well meaning Nigerians gathered to give voice to the voiceless to say stop violence against women.

In her keynote massage, the US acting Consul General and Public Affairs Officer, Dehab Ghebreab, pointed out that gender-based violence is a global issue which cuts across boarders and impacts on all people and societies, regardless of ethnicity, race, socio-economic status and religion.

She said that the proliferation of small arms, which include guns, machetes and knives increases the threat of injury or death for women and children and normalizes masculinity with acts of violence.

“In a palace where there are competing power structures, women and girls are also vulnerable to being bartered and traded to settle disputes, to pay of debts or improve social, political and business relations, “Violent conflict increases

the vulnerabilities of women and girls, where rape, sexual slavery, mutilation, forced impregnation and forced marriage occur against them at a higher rate than during times of relative peace.”

Sharing some examples that demonstrate that violence against women has no boundaries, the Acting CG charged all with the responsibility of reaching out and ensuring that there are no more harmful acts against women and girls across the globe.

In a similar development, the President ACT generation Mrs. Laila Mathew Daniels, while challenging the federal government of Nigeria to legislate laws that ensure that perpetrators of violence against women are prosecuted and also provide shelter and supportive services and national hotlines for victims of domestic violence.

She said that physical and sexual violence are the two main forms of violence that women and young girls are often subjected to, both in the public and private spheres.

According to her, “There are various laws and instruments put in place by various government bodies and individual Nong o v e r n m e n t a l Organisations (NGOs), but it is very important that these laws are reviewed

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BUJA - The F e d e r a l Government, the United Nations (UN) and an Expert in conflict resolution, Mr. Fred Eno have called for inclusion of women in every stage of conflict resolution in the country.

They were of the opinion that absence of women in conflict resolution processes had been the factor, responsible for little achievements in the past peace talks.

The trio were speaking during a Peace Talk Abuja 2014, organized by the Hayi Mark Godwin (HMG) Foundation, held at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

To this end, the UN Women in collaboration with the Federal Government is implementing a threeyear programme:

continuously because these crimes against humanity do not seem to be abating, “We need to have a ‘Holistic Intervention Center ’, where essential intervention areas can be addressed under one rooflife skills trainings, financial empowerment, mental health counseling for traumatized survivors, legal aid and so on.

It is essential to have a mid-way safe place, a shelter for ‘at risk’ survivors.”

The awardee, Women of Courage and President Women

Arise, Dr. Joe Odumakin also shared the views of her counterparts in respect of variety of violence against women globally.

Citing 3 levels of various violence, ranging from violence within the home, violence within the general community and violence perpetrated against women by the state, she encouraged all not be silent and speak out.

She said that women should lead by example and

never disregard, excuse, commit or remain silent about any violence, and particularly violence against fellow women and girls.

She said, “We can teach our children to be respectful and never be abusive towards women, which goes to confirm that peace from the home brings peace to societies, peace to the world and a world free of violence of any forms against women.”

Sharing information on the Mirabel Centre with the Lagos State Governor and His Deputy; other partners at the signing of the Executive Order establishing the Sex Offenders Register.

Our Goodwill Ambassador Bimbo Akintola was there!

FG, UN, others canvass women inclusion in conflict resolution

By Caleb Ayansina ‘Promoting Women Engagement in Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria’.

The UN Women Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Grace Ongile said: “The programme is designed to support the Nigerian government at federal level, three northern states and selected constituent local government areas, to strengthen women’s leadership, advance gender equality and improve protection for women and children in conflict settings.”

Represented by Mr. Peter Mancha, she said there had been less policy recognition of women, as agents of change at national and the community

levels, in spite of their robust participations through the lens of peace processes.

In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina explained that “It is important to recognize that women’s role is not only in the home, but also at the negotiating table.”

The Minister, represented by the Director of Women and Gender Affairs, Mrs. Iran Ajufo, maintained that “Decision made without women are likely to perpetuate further inequality and fuel violations against them.

“Women must be involved in early dialogue, meditations, negotiations,

and peace building, because they are the one that lose their husbands, sons and their daughters are the victims.”

Marina added that with current situation in the country, “It is the duty of every individual to contribute his/her quota to solving the problem.”

The Keynote Speaker from the International Crises Communicators Network Geneva, Switzerland, Mr. Fred Eno, said the importance of women’s participation in every stage of conflict resolution could not be over emphasized.

“If we say their absence from past meditations, negotiations and peace building had been responsible for little success recorded in the past, we are not far from the truth,” he said.

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38 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER

5, 2014

L-R: Commandant, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corp, HQ, Major General Adekunle Abdullahi Martins, newly promoted Brigadier General Martin Elendu and Mrs. Elendu, during the official decoration of two officers of Nigerian Army Ordnance Corp by the commandant,

From left: Dr. Ngozi Akpokene, Fred Agbato and Olanrewaju Adeniyi during free eye screening by Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria, SOEHPON, at Lagos Ministry of Transport approved mechanic workshop, Ilubirin, Okesuna.

Ogun guber aspirant sues AGF, EFCC over property

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LEADING governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Mr. Kayode Amusan, has sued the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the sealing of his campaign office located at the Oke Ilewo GRA in Abeokuta.

Also joined as codefendants in the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, are the Federal Government and the owner of the said property, Mr. Felix Oriyomi Ewulo.

In his statement, Amusan, a former member of the House of Representatives, said sometime in November 2012, he bought the property in dispute from the fourth defendant, Felix Oriyomi, for N30 million and immediately took possession of the property, a bungalow located at 19a, Gbadebop Street, GRA, Oke Ilewo in Abeokuta.

The plaintiff added that in May 2013, he commenced the renovation of the property for the purpose of converting it to its campaign office for the forthcoming

2015 governorship election.

But to his consternation, however, the plaintiff claimed that on May 19 this year, the EFCC, which is the third defendant served him a notice, indicating that the property had been temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government pursuant to a

court order.

The plaintiff is asking the court for an order restraining the defendants from further disturbing, harassing and intimidating him from possession of the property; the sum of N2 billion as damages from the first defendant and a letter of apology from all the defendants.

I'm destined to represent Ethiope fed constituency —Nani

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AJORITY Whip of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. John Nani, currently on consultation tour to stakeholders on his aspiration to contest the Ethiope federal constituency election, has said he was destined to defend and address the plight of his people at the National Assembly.

He said that accordingly, the people of the area had demanded from him to represent them at the House of Representatives.

Nani reaffirmed the commitment of his people to the declaration by President Goodluck Jonathan to re-contest the 2015 presidential election, adding that the President’s

declaration was not only democratic but one which met the yearning of the generality of the populace.

“First, we practice rotational representation in Ethiope West state constituency, where I must bow out in 2015 to enable Eriatake, Chief James Ibori’s first daughter who hails from there and who every one presumes will win, to replace me.

"The people have asked me to represent them in the House of Representatives, where there is currently a vacuum, following what they described as my track record of meritorious service in the state House of Assembly. I must respect the wishes of my people.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—39

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he Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Sally Mbanefo is a barrister at law, a banker and a technocrat. Since her assumption of office at the tourism house, she has not hidden her desire to attract investment into the sector .

In this chat after delivering a paper at the 8th national conference of the Hospitality And Tourism Management Association of Nigeria(HATMAN) in Abuja recently, Mrs. Mbanefo shares her plans for a tourism bond in the country.

Here is an excerpt

On how to attract investment into tourism Tourism is about providing assets for people to invest in.

But people will not invest in assets unless there is a revenue stream from that investment and a return on their capital.

What are the assets we have in Nigeria? Nigeria is blessed with waterfalls, caves, hotels, parks, sandy beaches, large lakes, and historic sites.

Nigeria is able to offer a range of tourism experiences applicable to the general holidaymaker as well as the traveller looking for something off the beaten track.

To invest in tourism there must be clarity on how people can invest their tourism dollars for a fixed period, how they can monetize this tourism investment and how they can see a clear path for exit or onward – sale of their investment if need be.

On identifying tourism projects across the country My idea is to identify for investment, tourism projects aimed at specific tourists and to create an enabling environment that respects and encourages this investment.

We are a friendly nation welcoming of visitors. Once identified, I intend to put the six (specific) projects into a prospectus which should be a document that forms the compendium of opportunities we are inviting people to invest in.

To generate revenue we would need to achieve a world standard tourism experience.

To do this we will target for cooperation those who have had experience managing emerging markets tourism experiences and turning those into benchmarks that attract hundreds of millions of tourism dollars annually.

Tourism in Nigeria is where telecoms was, say twenty years ago. Today as an investment proposition Nigerian telecoms is probably the best in the world. The same will be said of tourism in 5 – 10 years from now if appropriate measures and initiatives are taken On what the investors stand to gain The investors will be given C M Y K

Sally Mbanefo

Why we need tourism bond —Mbanefo long term tenure for their investment and where applicable the underlying asset will either revert back to the government after the project investment period lapses or continue with the pioneer investor once revenue has been created for the government and a generous return on capital achieved for the investor.

With this plan we can achieve Nigeria’s goal of being tourism destination hot spot where people come to spend their dollars and this is achievable within 5 – 10 years But first, we must define what makes the world class standard experience unique to Nigeria.

We cannot be everything to

We have a fast growing middle class who want to enjoy their lives and want to spend their hard earned money but want in turn, value for their money

everyone from day one but we can entice them by knowing what they want and what their alternatives are.

What we want to create is a must – have experience that meets a world –standard benchmark for these tourists and investors.

For example, a tourist may have seen the slave trade story from other African countries’ perspectives but the story is not complete until they have visited Nigeria for the last part jigsaw.

They may enjoy golf and so want to be playing in sunshine which we have in abundance of, but be surrounded by firstclass amenities at a price that represents value.

The tourist may want to travel across water to an offshore beach resort just as he does in Tanzania or Zanzibar. He or she may want an ecological experience and yet know that when they get back to base they too have comfort, a great meal and seamless internet connections.

The tourist may want a wellplanned tour of durbars and festivals but know that at each place he will be spending the night in comfortable world – class accommodation that enhances the experience.

We want to create family – holiday destinations whether these are at beaches; water parks or even focused around

Nigeria’s numerous lakes.

There are ideas that we need to focus and galvanize to create a product that meets all health and safety requirements.

On the need for tourism bond

We intend to launch a tourism bond underpinned by what will be a secure revenue –stream generated from a prospective tourism development levied on departures.

The bond will give us the money we need for investment in the six projects today and these investments will create jobs; careers, transfer of skills and the right product. The yield on the bond will recognize that we want investment and recognizes where we are on the tourism ladder today.

We have a fast growing middle class who want to enjoy their lives and want to spend their hard earned money but want in turn, value for their money. They do not want to be cheated. We need to create and develop top quality tourism products for them and their families. That is why we want to launch a bond.

In 2015, we intend to form a tourism committee, and I would like for Mr President and the minister to form a committee with people with international exposure to contribute to the new tourism journey. I would like for Mr President to give them a 6 – month tenure to come up with a template.

My role and the role of the committee is to answer the tourism question in terms of creating viable business opportunities for investments that enhance the Nigerian tourism experience. Being a business, we must not forget that investors must see appreciable value and a handsome ROI (return on investment).

For the investor it is not just about a Durbar, a Sango Festival, a New Yam Festival, or a beach, it is about a sustainable business with handsome returns.

Calabar carnival kicks off with tree lighting

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he organizers of the annual Calabar Festival have revealed that they are expecting thousands of visitors over the next few weeks as the streets of Calabar came alive weekend for the annual Tree Lighting ceremony.

The Tree lighting ceremony on Sunday kicked off the muchcelebrated Calabar Festival and was followed on Monday with the HIV/AIDS Walk to commemorate World AIDS Day. Speaking during the event on Sunday, Mr Nzan Ogbe, Chairman, Calabar Festival Planning Committee, said “We are expecting thousands of visitors over the next few weeks. Hotels have reported an increase in bookings and several are almost full in the days leading up to Carnival Calabar, in the latter part of December.

“In anticipation of the increased number of travellers, some airlines have increased the frequency of flights to Calabar, including Arik Air which now operates two flights daily.

Similarly, bars and sit-outs around the city have reported increased patronage, with tents and canopies being erected to accommodate the growing numbers of fun-seekers.

According to the Chairman, this year ’s Calabar Festival, promises to be best in terms of packaging, organization and security, despite being the last to be held under the administration of Governor Liyel Imoke.

“This year’s festival promises to be another 32 days of nonstop entertainment, anchored by Africa’s biggest street party, Carnival Calabar. Adequate security has been put in place to ensure a hitch-free celebration and we guarantee that the ‘green, clean & serene’ ambiance of the city will be maintained.”

40— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 Bismillahi-RahmaniRaheem

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AST Friday ’s Mosque bombing was one of the most bizarre we have ever seen. As over 500 worshipers gathered in the most populous mosque in Kano, Emir ’s Mosque for their Friday worship, the forces of evil had other ideas; bombed the worshipers and took away many lives. This senseless killings of innocent persons highlights not only the bankruptcy of of the Boko Haram’s idiosyncrasies which is killing with reckless abandon but also highlights utter mystification of the warped Islamic orientation they think or people believe they have. Muslims not only in Nigeria but all over the world have continued to say that these devils are not Muslims, not even a bit of it. The fact that they speak Arabic, read the Qur ’an does not entirely make one Muslim especially with this satanic mindset of destruction.

Muslims have been the major victims of Boko Haram attacks since 2009.

If you take a cursory look at the data since the devils began their operations in the Northern part of the country, one will marvel at the rate with which Muslims lost their lives especially those who spoke against their ideals. But the Christian propaganda have given erroneous impressions not only about Muslims but about the activities of the terrorists in the Northern part of the countr y, albeit with the complicity of some of the media men. When hundred Muslims are killed, the pogrom does not make the headlines, but when a few Christians usually in the single digit are killed, it becomes a big story with several angles to it, - they want to Islamise Nigeria and exterminate the

Mosque bombing: We know where bombers belong •The Fidau at Epe Christians, the Muslims kill in order to buy heaven, it is a religion of violence and other nonsense.

Only few appreciate the fact that once there is an attack anywhere in that part of the country, the Muslims have their own share of loses. Even with the last head count in the country, the Muslims are more in number in that region than the Christians. So, it follows that an attack in any part of the area will also affect the lives of Muslims.

In one one episode in no too distant past, the devils had stormed a village in Kudunga killing hundreds of people who had gathered for prayers. Reports from victims said the insurgents stormed the village before the dawn prayers and went to a Mosque, call out people for prayers. As soon as the came out for prayers, they were all massacred. Not all the deaths were reported.

Recently too, a displaced Muslim cleric narrated how he escaped from the hands of terrorists in his village.

He stated that in one of the house to house attacks, he hid himself in a dungeon and asked his wife to cover him with mats. When the terrorists came, the wife told them they had killed her husband in one of their attacks and he had been buried pointing to the

dungeon. They smiled and left but not without raping the poor woman to death.

In most part of the world too, Muslims have been the major hit in the appellation “Islamist terrorists” attacks. Apart from the September 11 attacks which mainly killed non-Muslims in America.

The vast majority of what they called Sunni Islamist terrorist attacks have killed mainly Muslims.

Often, Muslims are the main victims of many ‘Sunni or Shia Islamist terrorist attacks’ in countries like Iraq and Pakistan. In Syria, then Alewives and the Shia are targeted based on sectarianism.

Sunni

...the greeting of peace is the right of the Muslim and it is an obligation upon whom it is conveyed to that he returns the greeting

From right: Alhaji A. Abdullai, Imam Alhaji Abdul-Kabir Ekemode, Imam of Atini Ratibi Mosque Epe and other Ulamas during the Fiday prayers for late Alh Hamzah BalogunAjeniya held at Epe Central Mosque, Epe Lagos recently.

Muslims are also killed for being loyal to the government of Syria. In fact in cases of forceful conversion in that country, Muslims have laid down their lives in defense of that crude manner of conversion, just as the Qur ’an clearly stated that there is no compulsion in religion.

H o w e v e r, irrespective of the Muslim sect as it were, it is clear that Muslims are the main victims of terrorism.

Going by the misdemeanor of the Boko Haram activities and what the leader of the group had been saying, a rational being would be able to juxtapose the activities of the terrorists sect with the tenets of the religion they seem to profess. That is why Muslims all over the world denounce them as true adherents of the religion.

For the worshipers who lost their lives in the Kano Mosque bombing, they have ended up very well, they are the martyrs and the shall be in bliss in the hereafter. May Almighty

Allah forgive their sins and grant them eternal bliss in Al-janah Firdaus. We also pray that Allah grant their families the strength and wherewithal to bear the loss. Amin.

Now, coming back to the bombers, it is only God that can give the appropriate punishment for causing hundreds of innocent people and families to suffer. Even if we have a government that has lost control of security to the insurgents, we have a God that knows how best to deal with the evil-doers, mischief makers and sat ans in the garb of human beings. We have rescinded our fate to Him and whether now or later, justice will be done.

Hamzah Balogun’s burial W E thank Allah for all the mercies and blessings on us. It is a great blessings to live a fulfilled life, and it is much greater blessings to be honoured in death. Our beloved father was fulfilled and honoured in death.

There is nothing as honourable as having Muslims to attend the burial rites of another Muslim.

We were overwhelmed by the turn out of people both at the burial and the fidau prayers. HRM, the Olu Epe of Epe, Oba Adewale Olatunji, Eshinlokun Bamgbopa I was very supportive including many others. Even those who could not make it to Epe bombarded us with calls and text messages. May Almighty Allah reward and honour you all.

When you visit a dying Muslim

BY HARUN RAZAQ

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uslims are highly encouraged to visit the sick as stated in the Sunnah.

When visiting a ill person Islamic etiquette must be observed. This include visiting at proper time, saying good words, supplicating for the sick, advice the sick person to be patient, render necessary assistance (religious, moral, financial ) etc. If you observed that the sick is about to die, it is recommended to make him/her lie facing the direction of the Qibla, lying on his or her right side. If this is not possible, then it is sufficient to let the person lie on his or her back with the face and soles of the feet facing the direction of the Qibla. When doing this, the person’s head should be lifted slightly to allow the face to be directed towards the Qibla. And to recite: ‘’La illaha illallah’’, near the person continuously. After death, recite: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raaji’uun…” (We are from Allah and unto Him we

return…) (Muslim 2/632). If the eyes of the deceased are opens, one should close the lids by passing the hands over the eyes of the deceased, cover the body with a sheet and give it great respect at all times. Make immediate preparations for Ghusl (bathing) of Janazah, Janazah Salat and bury at Muslim cemetery. These acts for the deceased are all ‘Fardu-Kifaayah’ (A compulsory action which is to be performed by all. Inform all relations, friends, the Mosque and others, about the time of the Janazah Salat and bury the deceased without any delay.

Expenses for the funeral for the deceased must be taken from the property of the deceased. If the deceased did not have any property, then the responsibility is on the next of kin, e.g.father, mother, sons, brothers, etc. If none of the relatives are available, or if they are too poor, then the expenses Continues on page 41

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014— 41

Fidau for late Hamzah Balogun Pix by Kehinde Gbadamosi

Perfecting your ablution “O you who believe, when you rise to observe the Salat, you shall wash your faces and your arms to the elbows, and wipe your heads and your feet to the ankles.” 5:6

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EFORE we perform Salah we must first prepare ourselves. This preparation includes making sure that we are clean from any physical impurities and performing Wudu.

Wudu (ablution) is required for performing Salah. We cannot offer our Salah without first making Wudu.

Here are the steps to take: •First, make the Niyyah (intention) in your heart that this act of Wudu is for the purpose of preparing for Salah, and say: “Bismillah” (in the name of Allah).

•Wash both hands up to the wrists (starting with the right hand) three times, making sure that water has reached between the fingers.

•Take water with your right hand, put it into your mouth and rinse thoroughly three times.

•Take water with your right hand, splash it into your nose and blow it out three times.

(Use the left hand if necessary to help blow it out).

•Wash your whole face three times repeatedly. (The whole face includes: the right ear to the left ear, and the forehead to the bottom of the chin).

•Wash the right ar m thoroughly from wrist to elbow three times, and make sure that no part of the arm

has been left unwashed.

Repeat with the left arm.

•Move the palms of the wet hands lightly over the head, starting from the top of the forehead to the back of the head, and passing both hands over the back of the head to the neck, and then bringing them back to the forehead.

•Move the palms of the wet hands lightly over the head, starting from the top of the forehead to the back of the head, and passing both hands over the back of the head to the neck, and then

Check your water of ablution

Water by itself is pure.” If impurity enters it the rule is based upon predominance.

If on the whole impurity predominates, the water is ritually impure

ASK Y OUR IMAM YOUR Question: A person used to make mistakes in the way he performed his ablution and ghusl. After many years, he realizes his mistakes. Would he repeat all the prayers again?

Answer: If he was ignorant not out of negligence and therefore made mistakes and did not follow the proper sequence in ablution or ghusl, then his wuduh and ghusl will be considered correct; and, consequently, his past prayers and ibadaah will also be considered correct.

But if he was told and he refused to learn out of negligence or deliberately leave out some places and did not follow the steps, then there the prayer is invalid. That is why Allah emphasized on learning about Him before worshiping Him. May Allah forgive us.

Continued from page 40 should come out from the mosque or an organization responsible for the welfare of the community. The family of the deceased must follow only the authentic rules of Janazah (burial) as contained in Shariah and must avoid all unIslamic custom and practice.

Crying with small tear drops out of love is allowed but crying

bringing them back to the forehead.

•Finally, wash both feet to the ankles three times, starting with the right foot.

Make sure that water has reached between the toes and covered the rest of the foot.

•At the end of the above steps recite: “Ashhadu alla ilaha illallahu, wa ash-hadu anna muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu.” This means: “I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.”

It should be noted that natural discharges: urine, stool, gas, etc vitiate ablution as well as falling asleep and unconsciousness of any kind.

aloud by beating the chest is not allowed. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: those who weep, tear their clothes, scream upon the dead body are not from us.

(Bukhari) Also, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is reported to have comforted a bereaved person and encouraged Muslims to follow suit.

The water that flows or has a source such as a stream, a river, a well, or rain is pure so long as its essential qualities, that is its colour, smell and taste do not change. The water of ocean is pure for ablution. But if the impurity overcomes the water and it is manifest in the hue of the water, or its stench, or in its taste, then it is impure for ablution. A pool of water that is not deep or flowing can be easily rendered impure if any impurity alters its colour, taste or smell, then the water cannot be used for ablution.

The water that is not potable but can be used for ablution is sea water. The water that is potable and can be used for the ablution and bathing is rain water. Water that is potable but has fragrance or taste is unfit for ablution. If the change in water is due to weeds growing in it or remaining stagnant for a long period, or any other means that is not a cause of impurity, and it thereby becomes greenish or changes in colour, then the water nevertheless is fit for ritual purification.

Indeed water becomes impure only by direct impurity polluting it.

Allah says, “Water by itself is pure.” If impurity enters it the rule is based upon predominance. If on the whole impurity predominates, the water is ritually impure; if, in the course of time, the impurity decreases and purity prevails, the water becomes pure.

From left: Hajia Mutiat Ishola (daughter), Alhaji Muslideen Balogun- Ajeniya and M.I Otun, representative of HRM, Olu Epe of Epe, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale Eshinloku, Bamgbopa 1 of Epe, during the Fiday prayers for late Alh Hamzah Balogun-Ajeniya held at Epe Central Mosque, Epe Lagos recently.

From left: Alhaji Muslideen Balogun- Ajeniya; Haroon Ishola Balogun of Vanguard(son) and Alh Isa Balogun Ajeniya aduring the 8th-day prayer in Epe recently.

From left: Alhaji Muslideen Balogun- Ajeniya and M.I Otun, representative of HRM, Olu Epe of Epe, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale Eshinloku, Bamgbopa 1 of Epe and some of the children of the deceased.

From left: Alhaji (Otunba) Nurudeen Oresanya; Haroon Balogun-Ajeniya (son of the deceased) and Alhaji Kamardeen Abolaji during the event.

42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—43

Snake bite, fibroid, hernia treated free in Langtang

Global Fund backs plan to end AIDS by 2030

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• Pharmacists dispensing drugs during the free medical outreach in Zamko Comprehensive Health Centre in Langtang North LGA, Plateau State, recently.

By Sola Ogundipe

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HIRTY three snake bite victims including a 60year-old woman, Hanatu Dashe and 11-year-old Satya Ventnom were among 4,560 persons with various health challenges that accessed free comprehensive medical care during the 4th edition of the GEJ Medical Outreach in Zamko Comprehensive Health Centre in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The patients were rushed to the Centre and administered Anti-snake venom-EchiTAbG 10ml, depending on the level of complication. It was gathered from nurses on duty

confirmed that cost of treatment of about N90,000 per patient and administration of the Anti snake venom at N20,000- N25,000 a dose, were made possible through the quick intervention of Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochekpe, who convened the Medical Outreach.

During the five- day free medical care initiative, a 230strong medical team of doctors, nurses, lab scientists/ attendants, pharmacists and other volunteers , traversed six Local Government Areas, 126 people had eye surgeries while 348 reading glasses were given out. A total of 118 major and minor surgeries including hernia, fibroid and

appendicitis were carried out successfully.

Also, there were 3,833 HIV Treatment & Counseling services and over 4,000 treated mosquito nets distributed to nursing mothers and children. Ochekpe who expressed joy at the commitment and passion of the volunteers wished the patients speedy recovery.

The Lead Consultant on the Outreach, Dr. Talemoh Wycliffe Dah said minor surgeries cost between N30, 000 to N40, 000 while the major ones cost between N60, 000 to N70, 000 in rural areas like Langtang and could cost much more in the city.

HE Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria declared its strong support for a new roadmap developed by UNAIDS, Fast Track: Ending the AIDS Epidemic by 2030. UNAIDS argues that the pace of responding to HIV in the next five years will be fundamental to ending the epidemic.

“Countries will need to use the powerful tools available, hold one another accountable for results and make sure that no one is left behind,” Fast Track states. A speedier end to the epidemic demands a smart and aggressive approach combining biomedical, behavioural and structural interventions.

Rapidly increased HIV testing, prevention and treatment and eliminating stigma and discrimination are key parts of the

solution. With clear mileposts to measure acceleration, Fast Track strives to have 90 percent of people living with HIV knowing their HIV status, 90 percent of people who know their status receiving treatment and 90 percent of people on HIV treatment having a suppressed viral load by the year 2020.

The plan, referred to as 9090-90, should be boosted to 9595-95 by the year 2030. These indicators, coupled with zero discrimination, can reduce new adult HIV infections in low and middle income countries from 2.1 million in 2010 to nearly 200,000 in 2030. That would lower the epidemic so significantly to a level where it is no longer a global threat.

Call for entries on sexuality reporting

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HE call for entries for intensive capacity development of Nigerian journalists on gender and sexuality reporting training seminars has been issued by Projekthope, a body focused in developing capacity of media practitioners.

Sponsored by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, CFLI, the 4part seminar series which is a certificate programme that combines formal education with infield reportage is open to all Nigerian journalists with flair for

reporting on gender and sexuality issues. Coming up in Abuja and Lagos between December 20, 2014 and January 24, 2015, the programme is designed to equip selected participants with advanced skills in gender and sexuality reporting.

In addition to a modest transport allowance, successful applicants will be in position to bid for grants to pursue stories jointly pitched with an in-house media specialist.

NATURAL HEALTHCARE WITH PROF. DAYO OYEKOLE, PH.D. (IBADAN), NMD, FNCP TEL: 0803-330-3897 E-mail: info@holisticlifecare.com (ADVERTORIAL)

Diabetes (1)

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HE term diabetes, when not specified, refers to Diabetes mellitus, a serious metabolic disorder characterized by defects in the body’s use of carbohydrates.

The other kind of diabetes is Diabetes insipidus, which is quite a different and relatively rare condition, in which an individual passes large quantities of pale, dilute urine, with consequent dehydration and excessive thirst.

Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome in which the basic defect is the absence or shortage of the hormone called insulin.

This hormone is carried by the blood to the kidneys, where it limits the outflow of water in the urine.

The great majority cases of Diabetes insipidus are due to a tumour or inflammation in the region of the pituitary gland, thereby suppressing ADH production. Physical damage in form of fracture of the base of the skull or surgery in the pituitary area can also cause Diabetes insipidus. In addition, there is a rare inherited form of Diabetes insipidus where the production of Anti-Diuretic Hormone is normal, but the kidneys do not respond to the circulating hormone.

As earlier stated, in Diabetes mellitus, an organ in the body (called the pancreas) is found not to be functioning properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the Beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin is carried by the blood to all parts of the body. The body’s cells use glucose (blood sugar) as their fuel. They have receptors to which insulin becomes attached. This binding of insulin enables the cells to use glucose by converting it into energy or storing it as fat. Any defect in this process, either in the pancreas, where insulin is being produced,

or at the sites of attachment of insulin to the cells, would interfere with the body’s use of fuel to produce energy.

Apart from the malfunctioning of the Pancreas, one other cause of this disorder is unbalanced diet. Most of us consume denatured food in one way or the other. Also, food additives and unhealthy drinks, whether soft drinks, teas, coffee or liquor may predispose one to metabolic imbalance.

The symptoms of diabetes include: frequent urination, loss of flesh, inordinate appetite, constant hunger, mental depression, progressive weakness, great thirst, dry tongue and impaired vision. The person could be irritable, restless and morose. The loss of energy is due to the loss of sugar, which is needed to generate the energy for daily activities.

In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advised that imported styles of living (i.e. cooking, eating & drinking) must be looked into especially on the use of food additives and colourants in fast foods and so-called take-away. Heavy starchy foods should be cut down drastically, if they cannot be avoided, pending total recovery from the ailment. As we make efforts to repair a malfunctioning pancreas, there are some fruits and vegetables known to be helpful. These include carrots, paw-paw, cucumber, onions, garlic and lettuce, combined with soya-milk mixed with guinea-corn pap or porridge.

Control: The Holistic remedy that has been popularly suggested for the control of Diabetes is a combination of the natural extracts of some herbs scientifically called Anchomanes difformis, Pergularia daemia, Vinca rosea and Viscum album.

For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases,

Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan.

Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be.

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—45

Delta PDP Primary: Ijaw Democrats congratulates Labo

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OMADI — Ijaw Democrats, ID, has congratulated Mr Pius Labo on his emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, state House of Assembly flag-bearer in Bomadi Local Government Area at the just concluded party primaries.

It said that Labo's emergence was not surprise to the people of the council.

President of the group, Binaebi Ewurudje, who spoke in Bomadi, said: “Political decisions on the right candidate are hard to make. But I can make bold to say that the choice of Labo to represent the constituency is a decision well thought out.”

He also called on his members and other delegates to vote for Mr Nicholas Mutu’s re-election bid, appealing to the leadership of the party, delegates and stakeholders to replicate the stride achieved during the state Assembly primaries at the House of Representatives.

He said: “We are appealing to all delegates in the Saturday PDP National Assembly primaries to collectively vote for Mutu."

Group hails new Isoko North council chairman

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HE Isoko Professionals Association, TIPA, a gathering of professionals from Isoko North/South Local Government of Delta State has congratulated Mr. Emmanuel Egbabor, the newly sworn-in chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area.

President of the association, Mr. Karo Akene, in the congratulatory message during a courtesy visit of TIPA to Egbabor in his office at Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North council, said the emergence of Egbabor, who is the immediate past president of TIPA, as chairman of Isoko council, will spur growth and development in council.

He commended the people of Isoko North council for choosing wisely, noting that with the wealth of experience Egbabor had gathered in business and community level, transparency and accountability are assured in the daily running of the council.

EPZ CRISIS: Ugborodo'll not cede inch of its land —Olaja Orori

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN — AS controversy continues to dog the Export Processing Zone, EPZ, in Ogidigben over what it should be named after, the Olaja Orori and Spiritual leader of Ugborodo community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr Benson Omadeli, has said that his community will not cede an inch of its land to anyone.

Explaining that various courts in the country have affirmed in their judgments that the land in question belongs to the Ugborodo community, he called on the Federal Government not

to deny his people the ownership of the land.

The Olaja Orori in a statement said that it was disheartening that President Goodluck Jonathan cancelled the groundbreaking ceremony of the EPZ in Ogidigben, adding that it was more worrisome that 14 media practitioners, who came to cover a protest by the Ugborodo people were kidnapped on their way to Warri.

“As the Olaja Orori and spiritual father of Ugborodo, while acknowledging that the EPZ ground-breaking ceremony needed be done in an atmosphere devoid of violence and rancor but of peace, I will

also say that it is highly regrettable that the President cancelled the ground breaking ceremony considering the level of preparation and expectation of the Ugborodo people.

“Much furore has been engendered and provoked under the guise of the naming of the project after Ogidigben.

I suggest that it be named Escravos EPZ while the jetty should also be named after Escravos without objection.

“I urge our Ijaw neighbours to choose the part of peace as no development can come to the area with threats and violence.

I urge the President to quickly fix another day for the ground breaking ceremony.”

DANGER: Okada rider under a container trailer on Oshodi-Apapa expressway, Lagos.

PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

INSECURITY: Ogiemwonyi expresses fear over 2015 elections

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN CITY—FORMER Minister of State for Works, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, yesterday, expressed fears over the 2015 general elections, warning: “We cannot have a credible election with the persistent violence across the nation.”

Ogiemwonyi at the opening ceremony of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Press week, with the theme: “Credible Elections, Insurgency and the Nigeria Media: The Way Forward,” urged journalists to demand credible elections and ensure that people with quality credentials are voted into office.

“We have been talking about credible elections but every day we hear about bomb blast, violence, political crisis here and there. We cannot be talking about having credible elections in an atmosphere of violence.

"The government must first of all find solution to the violence, to the ongoing killing of innocent Nigerians before we can have a credible election.”

Noting that the media must stop promoting mediocre in order not to destroy the nation’s democracy. He attributed some of the problems bedevilling the country to the emergence of mediocre in the corridors of

power.

He said: “As we are heading towards 2015, the media must stop propagating mediocrity.

The media must evaluate the candidates, issues of integrity trust must be emphasized. The media must be critical of those who want to govern us so that our people can get the best of governance.”

Govt urges police to enforce Okada ban in Delta

By Festus Ahon

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SABA — DELTA State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Ben Igbakpa, has appealed to the state Police Command to help in the enforcement of the ban on motorcycle operations in seven local government areas of the state.

Igbakpa, when he led officials of the ministry on a courtesy visit to the new Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Akali Usman at the command headquarters in Asaba, said that despite the ban on motorcycle operations in seven local government areas, which he named as Oshimili South, Warri South, Uvwie, Ethiope East, Sapele, Ika South and Ika North East, some persons still move around with motorcycles in the affected areas.

Igbakpa said aside the flag off of the ban in these areas by the state government, enforcement lies on security agents, but feelers from the command showed that nobody had instructed the Police to be part of the enforcement.

He, therefore, appealed to the Police Commissioner to do so without further delay, saying the command should work in synergy with the ministry to succeed.

He also observed that most of the persons flaunting the ban order were security personnel.

Igbakpa restated government reasons for the ban of motorcycle operations in the seven council areas, maintaining that the action was in line with relevant federal and state laws on traffic management as well as crime prevention.

Salvation Army urges concerted fight against HIV/AIDS

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AGOS— AS the world marks World AIDS Day, the Salvation Army Church has called on all to unite and fight the HIV/AIDS scorch ravaging the world.

Territorial Public Relations Officer of the church, Captain Godspower Anozie, during the church’s awareness campaign as part of activities to mark the World AIDS day, said: “The pandemic is still very evident. Therefore, the

church calls for caution in the life style of individuals.”

The event at the church’s Territorial Headquarters, Onipanu, Lagos, featured a rally through major streets in Shomolu, distribution of free HIV/AIDS booklets and fliers to increase awareness, education on HIV/AIDS and to also reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with the virus.

A symposium on “Focus,

Partner, Achieve: An HIV Free Generation,” was also held.

Speaking at the event, Project Officer, HIV/AIDS Programme Unit of the church, Major Bessie Udoh, urged the youths to abstain from sex until they were married. She advised husbands and wives to avoid extra-marital affairs and be faithful to one another, noting that by so doing, the spread of the disease would be reduced.

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Contract mess halts NECA/ITF project

‘Deltans need Opone'

By Victor Ahiumayoung & Kelechi Azubuike

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ELTA Grassroots Mass Movement has said the people of Delta State need Chief Johnson Opone to govern them in 2015 so they can experience purposeful, peopleoriented governance and an all-encompassing development.

Speaking in Asaba, National Chairman of the group, Mr. Goodluck Akpobome, said Chief Opone was the most credible aspirant.

While soliciting for support for Opone’s candidacy, Akpobome said: “Chief Opone has the vision to take Delta State to the status of pacesetter through building a sustainable economy, if elected.”

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IGERIA Employers C o n s u l t a t i v e Association, NECA, has expressed disgust that nonperformance of a contractor appointed by the Federal Science and Technical College, FSTC, Yaba, Lagos, has stalled NECA/Industrial Training Fund, ITF-funded technical and vocational training centre in the institution.

At a meeting of the technical committee comprising NECA, ITF and FSTC, to review the project, NECA’s Director of Technical Skills Development Projects, Mrs. Helen Jemerigbe, lamented that most of the equipment bought for the centre were lying fallow.

She told the management of FSTC at the meeting that until the issue of the contractor was sorted out, the project would not be completed, saying a project of four months completion time frame had not even passed the foundation stage.

Transition

Vanguard gathered that though the school had disengaged the contractor, he had continued to threaten NECA officials with litigation among others.

Mrs Jemerigbe said: “Two months into the project, the contractor had barely laid the foundation. He claimed that the site had not been handed over to him.

“When we intervened, the college said the contractor had

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ARRI—A governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Mr. Tony Obuh, has advised delegates in Monday’s governorship primaries to vote wisely.

Obuh gave the advice during a whirlwind tour of the 25 local government areas of the state to canvass support for his governorship bid.

He said he was the best candidate to take the state to a higher height.

Speaking at Kwale, headquarters of Ndokwa North Local Government Area

ROPHET Johnson Daramola, Founder of Christ Apostolic Church Ko Sohun ti Jesu Kolese, 72, is dead.

Christian wake is tomorrow at his residence, Egbewa Quarters, off Ijero Ekiti Road, Ekiti State.

Sunday is outing service at Christ Apostolic Church, Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Reception follows at St. Stephen’s Primary School Compound, Egbewa Quarters.

probably have gone down the drain. So we terminated the contract after about eight months, in a four-month contract, and he has been pestering us with threats from lawyers and threatening our lives.

“We have asked the school to sort him out. If not, we will not resume because he has collected 80 percent of the contract sum and not up to 50 percent of the job has been done. He is also threatening us.”

Abia PDP chair tasks delegates on votes

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—AHEAD of tomorrow ’s House of Representatives primaries, Abia State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Emma Nwaka, yesterday, warned delegates not to use their voting power for personal gain.

According to Nwaka, the fate of the people of Abia State depended on the choices the delegates made at the

OBUH TO DELEGATES: Use your mandate wisely

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not completed the building a department is supposed to relocate to, so he can commence work on the project.

“We asked the contractor, if you do not complete where the department will relocate to, how can they move?

“Three weeks after paying him, he had not mobilized to site. We were lucky we paid through a bank. If we had not done that, our money would

of the state, he said: “First and foremost, I want you all to know that power comes from God and as delegates, you must know that your mandates come from God. So you have a responsibility to use it wisely for the good of our dear state.

“There is a commitment I have made to myself and that is to leave a legacy. I am not looking for money at 57 years.

“What I want is an avenue to make an impact and leave marks that people can make reference to for years. I will do something that people of the state will be proud of.”

election, hence the need to vote wisely.

Nwaka, who said Abia PDP had been adjudged the most peaceful chapter, urged members, especially the delegates, to make good choices for the good of the state.

He also urged those who would emerge winners to be magnanimous in victory and those who might lose to remain faithful to the party, saying “this is not the time to

jump ship. It is always easy to think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

“Those who switch party randomly have always come to grief. We do not want that to be your lot.

“We have three more primaries, namely Federal House of Representatives, Senate and governorship, coming up December 6, 7, and 8, respectively. I urge delegates not to use their voting power for personal aggrandizement.”

Anglicans vote against ordination of women

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HE Anglican Church has voted against ordination of women. It took the decision at the General Synod held in Enugu.

Presided over by the Primate of the Anglican Church, His Grace, the Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, the General Synod overwhelmingly voted against the proposal for ordination of women in the Anglican Church.

The vote was contained in a report from the Synod presented by the Bishop of

the Anglican Diocese of Ughelli, Rt. Revd Cyril Odutemu during the Joint Boards of the Diocese at the All Saints Cathedral Ughelli.

According to the report, participants at the Synod, comprising the House of Bishops, House of Clergy and the Laity, shut the door at the proposal.

Bishop Odutemu said of the 514 participants in the Synod, 482 voted against the ordination of women, while 32 voted for.

The Laity, comprising women from all walks of life, also voted, with 211 against and two for.

On threats to impeach GEJ

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hen President Jonathan was facing criticisms, they were silent. Now that things are working, they are rearing up their head and calling for his impeachment. The 2015 elections will be tough.

Mr. Izebhokhae StanleyBusinessman

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hen a group of dogs sees another group of dogs that do not belong to their GROUP, they will start fighting them.

That is what is unfolding.

Mr. President is far better than those calling for his impeachment. Mr. Fimber Zobam- Businessman

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o organ of government is performing. All the three organs of government (Executive, Legislature and Judiciary) have failed the masses. It not just about President Jonathan alone. Mr. Nweze Paulinus- Worker

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od help us in this country. The solution to our problem is revolution. I think that is only what will make our leaders to start treating us with respect, because they will know we will always react. Mr. Bosah Victor- Businessman

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n the first place, how many of those leading us today were truly chosen by us? No wonder you could see the type of drama of National Assembly members climbing the complex's fence and no reaction from the people. Mr. Okie Darlington- Graduate

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f impeaching anybody, whether the President or any other person, will make things better, then let them go ahead. As far I am concerned, they have all contributed to this degrading position we are. Mr Ndubuisi IgweEngineer

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014— 47

Gov Yari advocates increase in taxes G

By Salisu Maradun

USAU—GOVERNOR Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State has called for increase in taxes by the three tiers of government as part of measures towards addressing the current financial crisis rocking the country as a result of the fall in global oil price.

Yari spoke in Gusau, the state capital during a day sensitization workshop on taxpayer identification number yesterday.

The governor explained that the current fall in oil prices should compel governments at all levels to think of how to generate revenue for its normal activities.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the Internal Revenue Board, Alhaji Mustapha Isah, Yari also, noted that the problem underscored the need to diversify the sources of revenue in the country.

On “what do we do now,” he said there was the need for those in government to look inwards by placing more emphasis on taxation.

The governor stated that individuals and organizations

should start thinking of paying their taxes as the only way out of the woods.

To this end, he enjoined all tax payers at all the three tiers of government to pay their taxes as and at when due in order to tackle the current financial problem.

Also speaking on the occasion, the Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, JTB, Alhaji Lawal Abibakar, who was represented by a director of the board, Hajiya Zainab Gobir, said that about 30 states in the country had not faired well since the cash crunch

occasioned by the fall in oil prices began.

He, however, commended the management of the state Internal Revenue Board for its determination to improve revenue generation in the state.

LAUNCHING: From left: Zainab Baruwa-Abiola, Head, ANI and HV Acquisition Strategy, Airtel, Mr. Nitin Anand, Vice President, Data and Digital Services, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Olubunmi Ekundare, Country Manager, Intel, Mr. Frances Ebuechi, Vice President, VAS, Airtel, and Mr. Alex Dadson, MD, Blue Management Group, during the media launch of Airtel’s Catapult-a-Startup entrepreneurial initiative in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

2015: Enugu youths call for prayers for Jonathan,

Ayogu Eze

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By Francis Igata

NUGU—THE Enugu State Youth Movement, EYM, has called for prayers for both President Goodluck Jonathan and Senator Ayogu Eze to realise their ambitions as president and governor of Enugu State, respectively in 2015.

The EYM made the call for the prayers after its meeting in Enugu yesterday.

In a communiqué’ signed after the meeting which started at 9am ended at 6pm and attended by all prayer warrior units of EYM, Coordinators from the 17 local government of the state, women wing leaders, as well as the entire 17 executives members and the

EYM representatives from UK, USA and Germany, the union said: ‘’The EYM received reports from the 27 members of EYM prayer warrior units who had just ended their 14 day fasting/ prayers; the women leaders and the 17 local government coordinators.

According to the communiqué signed by the National Leader of EYM, Chris Agu, the

ARRI — THE Tony Obuh Patriots, TOP, has commended the National Working Committee, NWC, o f the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for accepting the results of the November 2014 Ward Congress in Delta State and the recent clearance of Tony Obuh for the governorship race to Government House come 2015.

TOP also stated that the clearance has put to rest the unfounded speculations that he was not qualified to contest the governorship election on the platform of the party.

In a statement made available

Jonathan for President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu for Enugu west Senatorial Zone. ‘’That based on the overall reports from all the units and the prayer warriors’ revelation, we unanimously endorse Senator Ayogu Eze as governor Enugu State come 2015 and urge our members to swing into action to actualize our hearts’ desires."

Plateau teachers kick against autonomy for LGs of near total collapse of public against the proposed

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By Marie-Therese Nanlong

OS—THE Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT has kicked

TOP lauds PDP C'ttee on clearance

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following resolutions were reached: ‘’To intensify the sensitization of the people to safeguard their civil and political rights against the imposition of unpopular candidates on them by detractors, their agents and class beneficiaries in the state.

We re-affirm our Saturday, October 11, endorsement and total support for President

to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, yesterday and signed by the Chairman of TOP, Mr. Bawo Emami and Vice-Chairman, Mr. Akpofure Omirobo, the group, who believes in the leadership qualities of Obuh said he is determined to deliver dividends of democracy to the people if elected Governor of Delta State.

TOP has also resolved to see through the aspirations of President Jonathan and Obuh at both the federal and state levels as both aspirants are perceived to present sustainable policy thrust that can re-model Nigeria and indeed, Delta State in the next dispensation.

amendment of the 1999 Constitution to accommodate local government autonomy as well as the scrapping of the State/Local Governments Joint accounts.

The teachers who spoke through their state chairman, Comrade Gunshin Yarlings, at a news conference, explained that they were no longer willing to go through the experience

primary schools where salaries were owed by the councils for over 12 months.

Yarlings said that they would not support the local government autonomy as teachers would be worse of under such arrangement as experienced between 1990 and 1994 when the primary schools came under the control of local government councils.

WAR ON TERROR: Group

T

HE NIGER Delta Riverine Movement, a None Governmental Organization in the Niger Delta has urged the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, to support the President Goodluck Jonathan’s war on terror rather than always engaging on abusive comments against the presidency.

This was made known in a statement signed by Comrade Mulade Toluwa, the public relation officer of the organization. The group was

counsels APC

reacting to comments from the Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who accused the President of lacking what it takes to tackle insurgency.

The statement described as unfair and unacceptable, unfair comments from political leaders against the government of the day, saying its capable of heightening the already tensed situation in the country.

We made N38.9bn from satellite images, tech registration — Minister

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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BUJA—MINISTER of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdu Bulama has disclosed that the ministry made more than N38.9 billion from donation of satellite images and registration of foreign technologies.

The minister made the assertion in Abuja at this year’s Ministerial Platform on the achievements of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in the past one year.

Bulama said that the ministry is working hard towards the realization of the 25 years road map for Nigeria’s space programme in 2030, saying that the plan is irreversible.

He stated that the ministry is committed in making Nigeria one of the acknowledged leaders of the scientifically and technologically developed nations of the world come2030, which it had demonstrated by putting the measures in motion through the launch of the NigeriaSat2 (Nigeria Sat-X) and NigeriaSat-X in 2011.

Kogi women decry exclusion from contesting elective positions

By Boluwaji Obahapo

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OKOJA—WOMEN in Kogi State have decried what they described as a deliberate attempt by the state government to sideline them from contesting elective positions in the state.

Thy spoke against the backdrop of reports that all the eight female aspirants in the just concluded PDP House of Assembly primaries lost the election.

The women under the aegis of PDP E-Women Network said the result of the party primaries showed that the government was firmly against the affirmative action which provided that 35 percent of such elective positions be reserved for women.

With the primary said to have been characterized by series of complaints, one of the female aspirants said at a news briefing that she was forced to step down at gun point.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

SEMINAR: From left, disscussant Chief Folake Sholanke, SAN, key note speaker; Mr. George Etomi, Chairman, Sterlin Bank Plc, Chairman of the occasion; Ogun State Attorney General, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, and Chairman, Bi-courteny Nigeria Limited, a disscussant, Dr. Wale Babalakin, during a two-day seminar with the theme , 'From Ibadan to the Utermost Parts: Developing Expertise in Emerging Sectors,' organised by the NBA (Ibadan Branch). Photo: Dare Fasube

AWARD: Founder of Centre for Ability Rehabilitation and Empowerment, CARE, Nigeria, Dr. Chike Okogwu (middle); Founder, Disability Empowerment Forum, NADEF, and career diplomat in New York, Dr. Chris Nwanoro (right), presenting 2014 Distinction Award to Vanguard Senior Photo-journalist, Mr. Gbemiga Olamikan, on behalf Vanguard Newspapers, for supporting the Persons Living with Disabilities in Nigeria, during International Day of Disabilities celebration, in Abuja.

DECORATION: Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Peter Agba (left), decorating the VISIT: From left, Public Relations Officer, Ijeoma Nwala; Customs Area Controller, CAC, Commander, NNS DELTA, Commodore Musa Gemu, with his Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS; Commissioner of Police, CP, Oyo State, Mr. Kola Sodipo, Mr. Oteri Richard, and senior officers, during the courtesy visit by new rank, assisted by Mrs. Musa Gemu. the CP to the Command, in Ibadan.

PRESENTATION: From left, Senator 'Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East, Chairman of the APC Serving Senators' Screening Committee; Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, and a member of the Committee, Victoria Chukwuani, during the presentation of Screening Certificate to Senator Ashafa, at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.

EVENT:Veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Obileye (right); MC Little GIANT (middle), host of the Intercontinental Distilllers Ltd Music & Lafta Chapter, and Mr P. Otteh, CEO, Springforte Resources Int'l, at White House Hotels Ltd, Ikeja, at the music and lafta event.

VISIT: From left, John Ubueme, Brilliant Anaro, Karo Akene, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor, Chairman of Isoko North LGA, Delta State, Benson Anaro, and Martin Ugbegwo, during a courtesy visit of the Isoko Professional Association to the chairman in his office, in Ozoro, Isoko Local Government headquarters.

HARVEST: From left, Senior Evangelist Oluwatoyin Ajayi; Senior Superintendent G.F. Akinadewo; Prophet Segun Oduneye, and Superintendent James Akinadewo, at the second Adoption Service (Adult Harvest) of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Restoration Parish, Akute, Ogun State.

BLESSING: House of Representatives aspirant for Warri Federal Constituency, Mr. Ada Val Arenyeka (left), Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, the Igban of Warri kingdom (2nd right) and others, during Val Arenyeka's visit to the Igban of Warri, in Warri, Delta State, Wednesday.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—49

PDP suspendsTukur •I was not part of the suit against Muazu — Tukur

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has suspended its former National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, for dragging the party and its current chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu to court.

The decision to suspend Tukur from the party was taken by the party’s leadership at the meeting of the National Working Committee, NWC, held yesterday.

Tukur was elected the PDP National Chairman in March, 2012 and resigned in January this year to give way for Adamu Muazu to become the national chairman.

Muazu’s chairmanship which was approved at the National Executive Committee, NEC meeting, would be ratified next week at the party’s national convention. He was appointed the chairman, board of the Nigeria Railways Corpiration, NRC, and following his

resignation as PDP national chairman and President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him an ambassador at large.

In a statement by PDP National Legal Adviser, Barr.

Victor Kwon, the PDP said yesterday, “the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at its 395th meeting reviewed recent national developments as they affect the party. Among others, the NWC deliberated on the court case instituted against

the National Chairman of the Party, Ahmed Adamu Mu’azu by the former National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur.

“The NWC reasoned that for instituting a claim and counter claim in suit FHC/ABJ /821/ 2014; Gurin vs PDP & 3 others without first exploring and exhausting the party’s internal mechanism of redress and for attempting to stop the forthcoming national convention to nominate the party’s presidential candidate as well as regularize the position of the national chairman and other members

of the National Working Committee is unacceptable. The NWC hereby suspends Dr. Bamanga Tukur and Aliyu Abuba Gurin for one month and refers them to the National Disciplinary Committee for infringing on section 58(1)(a)( b)( h)( l) of the PDP Constitution 2012 (as amended).”

Earlier Tukur had denied knowledge of the case that he dragged the party and Muazu to court, with the hope of taking over from the national chairman, where he was said not to have resigned properly. A statement by his spokesperson, Oliver Okpala, read, “It has come to the notice of the Special Assistant on Media to Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the misrepresentation of facts bothering on the case instituted against the National Chairman of PDP and three others by a member of the Party, Alhaji Aliyu Buba Gurin. It must be put forward in its proper legal and historical perspective that Alhaji Bamanga Tukur never initiated or filed any case against Alhaji Adamu Muazu contrary to reports making headlines in National Dailies and waves in social media.

Distortion of facts “The wrongful report and misrepresentation of facts to the effect that Alhaji Bamanga Tukur filed a case urging the court to oust Alhaji Adamu Muazu out of office as National Chairman of the PDP is not only untrue but gross distortion of facts relating to the case instituted and filed

by Alhaji Aliyu Gurin.

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was joined in the suit as a codefendant in the suit and as is required in law filed his own counter affidavits stating his own side of the case in relation to the suit filed by the plaintiff, Alhaji Aliyu Buba Gurin.

"A co-defendant in a case cannot by any imagination in law be deemed as a plantiff who initiated and filed a suit before a law court. Let it be also noted that at no time did Alhaji Bamanga Tukur react to the Court judgement and did not inform any reporter or journalist as being erroneously reported that he “has vowed to challenge the judgement at the Court of Appeal. The important legal argument hereinafter is how can a co-defendant who was also sued in a case by the plaintiff vow to challenge the judgement of a case he did not institute on appeal. For avoidance of doubt, this case was instituted by Alhaji Aliyu Buba Gurin a PDP member against PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Alhaji Adamu Muazu and INEc as 1-4 defendants.”

C M Y K

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—51

C M Y K

52— Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—53

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2015: PDP inaugurates Convention Committee •As Haliru Bello heads 51- member Committee

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA— NATIONAL leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, inaugurated a national convention committee saddled with the responsibility of planning and conducting the December 10/11 Convention.

The 51-member Committee has the former acting National Chairman of PDP and the immediate past Minister of Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bello Haliru, as Chairman, former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, as Deputy Chairman, with former National Legal Adviser, Chief Olusola Oke as Secretary and Political Adviser to the President, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali as Assistant Secretary.

Addressing members of the committee, PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu who hailed them for honouring the invitation of the party to appear for the inauguration despite the short notice, said that they have exhibited high level of commitment and loyalty to the party.

Muazu who urged them to work together as a team towards the successful conduct of the national convention where President Goodluck Jonathan will be formally ratified as the presidential candidate of the party, however, declared that the national leadership of the party has confidence in their ability to organize a hitch-free convention and assured them of the support of the leadership of the party.

In his response, chairman of the committee, Dr. Mohammed Bello Haliru, who noted that the task before the committee was a daunting one that requires their working 24 hours till the convention date, added that notwithstanding the onerous task, they would deliver on their mandate.

He assured the national chairman that the committee will commence work immediately they leave his office where the inaugurated took place.

Present at the inauguration were some PDP governors and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali.

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Why Nigeria cancelled US military training – FG

By Caleb Ayansina

A

BUJA—THE F e d e r a l Government, yesterday, gave reason for the cancellation of the training of Nigerian soldiers by American security experts, attributing it to logistic problem.

The U.S. Government, through its Embassy in Abuja on Monday said in a statement that “At the request of the Nigerian government, the United States will discontinue its training of a Nigerian Army battalion.”

But Nigerian government explained that it did not cancel the training, but that the condition placed down

by US government was not healthy for the security of lives and property of its citizens, particularly those in the north east region.

The conditions, according to it, include withdrawing of some military equipment from the battle field, so that the American could use them to train the soldiers.

The Coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, who stated this during a routine briefing on security situation in the country, in Abuja, said the government would not expose its citizens at the mercy of insurgents because it wants to train its solders.

However, Omeri maintained that the two countries were not at variance as being insinuated by some people in the country. “Nigeria and America have strong military relation till date. It’s still ongoing and strong,” he said, disclosing that Nigerian soldiers had concluded two phases of the training out of the three.

Omeri explained that the third phase had to do with logistical components which the Americas did not provide but instead relied on Nigerian Military equipments, which was currently in use in the troubled states.

PDP govt represents corruption—OYEGUN ...‘APC will eliminate graft'

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA—NATIONAL Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Oyegun has lashed out at the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, accusing it of condoning and permeating corruption in the land.

Oyegun said that evidence of widespread corruption abound throughout the length and breadth of the country with little or no effort by the president to curb the situation.

According to him, the last six years of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the saddle has seen more corruption, stressing that national development and security have been massively undermined under the Jonathan administration.

He stated that the various reports of investigation of corrupt practices in the national pension scheme, the power sector, the NNPC, the Central Bank, government ministries and departments were yet to see day light.

Oyegun spoke at a press conference in Abuja.

He said: “Nigeria since independence has experienced varying degrees of corruption to the extent that it has been one of the recurring reasons for change of national leadership. In spite of strong public disapproval of corruption, the cancer of

corruption has continued to spread.

“In the last sixteen years, corruption has grown exponentially to the point that the world has come to stigmatize Nigeria and Nigerians as synonymous with corruption.

Our national institutions have been compromised and the continued survival of the country is threatened.

“The operation of the national budget and the maintenance of the military forces have been so severely compromised by

corruption that national development and security have been massively undermined under the Jonathan administration of the last six years.

What APC will do for Nigerians

Giving Nigerians an insight into APC’s plan to eliminate corruption, Oyegun said the anticorruption agencies would be strengthened just as the party would give zero tolerance to the social malady.

“We declare corruption as evil and the APC will fight it with every resource and vehemence

that can be mustered. We will promote personal integrity, government integrity and national integrity. In line with the public statement of one of our national leaders that a “fish rots from the top”, any officer in an APC government accused of corruption shall be thoroughly investigated and severely sanctioned if found guilty.

“Our government shall lead by example and signal, through its explicit conduct, a zero tolerance for corruption. All APC governments at all levels shall mandatorily operate an open budgetary process with quarterly report of budget performance. ''

L-R: The Archbishop of Kaduna Diocese, Most Revd Josiah Idowu-Fearon with the Bishop of Zaria Diocese Rt. Revd Cornilius Salifu and the Archbishop of Kaduna Province, Most Revd Emmanuel Akanya at the Ecclesiastical Province of Kaduna Anglican Communion Advent Convention 2014 in Kaduna. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

2015: Opposition could kill Jonathan to take over govt — Clark

By Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—IJAW leader and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, has expressed fears over President Goodluck Jonathan’s safety, preparatory to the 2015 presidential election, saying the opposition politicians could go all out to kill the president in order to be in power.

The elder statesman said recent statements from the party’s chieftains were worrisome, suggesting that they would stop at nothing to harm the president to get to the seat of power.

Clark said this yesterday, in Abuja, at a conference organised by a group under the aegis of Peoples Democratic Party Ward2Ward Initiative.

H e alleged that the opposition politicians in the A P C w e r e

celebrating the heightening of insecurity in the North East, with the belief that such development would not only degenerate into anarchy but make the president and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led administration unpopular so that their dream of winning the hearts of Nigerian electorate to get into power in the forth coming elections could be realized.

He said such expectation by the APC politicians was an

indication that they were not only unpatriotic but never believed in the Nigerian project.

He said: “I appeal to the national chairman of APC, who is my very good friend, who in those days, we regarded as super permanent secretary not to join those who want to take office at all cost. If they have their way, they can kill Jonathan, they can poison him, provided they will go into office. If Nigeria falls, there will be no country for the

opposition to take over.

“The mere fact that you are in opposition, you are not in the government party, is not enough to destroy your own country, if you do that, then you are unpatriotic, you are not a Nigerian.

“I pray that the opposition should identify itself with the government in tackling the problems in the North East which is a Nigerian problem. It is not an Hausa problem, or Kanuri one, it is a problems for all of us.

Bi-Courtney urges FG to restructure aviation sector

B

I-COURTNEY Aviation Services Limited, operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport has urged the Federal Government to restructure the aviation industry to allow the private sector to lead and thereby attract massive investment.

Pledging to continue to make the nation proud, Bi-Courtney in a statement yesterday said: “Across the world, airports are being privatized outright, or given out as concessions to private operators. If Britain can concession Gatwick Airport

terminal to a Nigerian, Adebayo Ogunlesi, what more do we have to say? What the industry needs desperately is a thorough liberalization and overhaul of the regulatory agencies to make them more efficient and more professional so as to be able to stamp out corruption.

“The reforms at the seaports, though incomplete, provide a precedent, just as the success of the telecommunications sector liberalisation programme has delivered 110 million telephone lines, created hundreds of thousands of jobs and drawn in

millions of dollars in foreign direct investment in 12 years. This demonstrates the enormous power that can be unleashed by leaving critical sectors to private capital.”

Bi-Courtney noted that it had spent over N2 billion upgrading its facilities in 2014, adding: “The MMA2 with about 4.5 million/ annum passenger capacity and a land area of 20, 000m2, is the first BOT project in the area of infrastructure development in Nigeria that has been completed successfully by a Nigerian company.''

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 — 55

Ambode tops in Lagos as Tambuwal, Umana, Emerhor, others win Continues from page 5 Assembly aspirants (names withheld) who also burnt them.

Vanguard gathered from one of the victims of the altercation and House of Assembly aspirant, Mr. Mike Utsaha, that he was at the party secretariat for the party primaries as directed by the committee in charge of the exercise.

He said, “I saw a Hilux van drive into the secretariat that was initially restricted only for aspirants and delegates. It was at that same time that I saw the state chairman coming down from his office upstairs. He started shouting and went straight to where the electoral committee members were. He forcefully grabbed the electoral materials, tore them into shreds and ordered everybody out of the secretariat.

“One of the female members of the committee, who attempted to protest was pounced upon by the thugs that accompanied the chairman. I started recording everything that

was happening and in the process, one of the boys informed the chairman of my action. The chairman violently approached me and blew me on the mouth insisting I must give him my iPhone. When I resisted, he directed the boys to ensure they took the phone from me. I was beaten up mercilessly”, he further narrated.”

Sources at the secretariat who craved anonymity confirmed the incident adding that but for the intervention of police officers at the secretariat who shot severally into the air, the fight would have escalated. All efforts to reach the state chairman of APC, Mr. Abba Yaro, at the time of this report failed as his mobile phones were switched off.

Umana wins in Akwa Ibom Former Secretary to Akwa-Ibom State Government, SSG, Obong Umana Okon Umana, yesterday, emerged as the APC candidate in AkwaIbom State. He polled

2,444 voters against six votes scored by Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, two by Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong and one by Group Captain Sam Ewang (ret).

The primary election was almost scuttled by thugs allegedly brought in by Senator Akpanudoedehe at about 7.45 pm as the thugs carted away materials meant for the election.

This development forced the electoral committee members sent in from the APC National Secretariat headed by Alhaji Ahmed Sasiwo to adopt Option A4 for the conduct of the election.

After a total number of 2,453 delegates filed out to queue behind their candidates, Obong Umana emerged victorious.

Hon. Ekpenyong had earlier stepped down for Umana even as Ewang did not show up.

Tambuwal clinches Sokoto In Sokoto, Speaker of the House of Representa-

Parties, Obiano clash over alleged malpractices in APGA primaries

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—INTER Par ty Advisory Council of Nigeria, IPAC,, an umbrella of all registered political parties in Anambra State, yesterday threatened a showdown with Governor Willie Obiano, over alleged malpractices in the primaries of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the state.

In a communiqué after its meeting in Awka, the group urged the governor to intervene in what it described as the glaring attempt to impose unpopular candidates of the party on the electorate. It was gathered that virtually all the APGA aspirants that contested the primaries on Wednesday including some incumbent lawmakers and popular aspirants for the House of Representatives and senatorial seats in the state were affected by the alleged imposition.

The communiqué was signed by Bartho Igwedibia, (chairman), Prince Isaac Onuka (Secretary), Sir Peter Okala (Chairman NCP) and Noble Ifeanyi Mmuo (Kowa party).

The communiqué read: “IPAC cannot fold its hands and watch our democracy suffer an untimely death in the hands of men and wom-

en entrusted to care for it.

How can a man who prides himself as a symbol of transparency use the executive power on the electorate who have toiled to produce the most popular candidates in the respective wards and constituencies only to observe that all their efforts do not mean anything to the Governor and leadership of the party” “The only lawful way to achieve good governance in all levels of leadership is transparent election and

any nation that fails to get it right has failed.We call on the electoral umpire (INEC) to reject the outcome of the purported primaries conducted by APGA. In the same vein, we call on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to intervene in this ugly scenario playing out in Anambra State so that the South East will not be consumed in political quagmire which may undermine his re-election in the whole South East.”

Ugwuanyi's support group donates gifts to Enugu prison inmates

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU—WOMEN Support Wing of one of the governorship aspirants in Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has donated gifts worth thousands of naira to inmates of Enugu prisons.

The donated items which included sewing machines and mattresses were presented by the Coordinator of GburuGburu Door 2 Door Campaign organization, Mrs. Amaka Anajemba.

Handing over the items, Mrs. Anajemba said, “We are here to visit the

prisoners to put them in the limelight, to let them feel that we are still with them and that we are not forgetting them. We want to let them know that we are not leaving them out in what we are doing out there.''

“People should know that prison inmates are not the worst people on earth, their reason for being here is for a purpose. I know some of them are here because they are victims of circumstance and not because they commit one crime or the other.

But for whatever reason they are here, I believe God wants to remould them and they will come out as great people.

tives, Aminu Tambuwal, polled 3,446 votes to defeat his opponent, Senator Dahiru Umar who polled 23 votes. Other contestants were Bello Gada, Lawal Bashir and Yushau Kebbi.

Chaos in Kogi The primary for Lokoja 1 and Lokoja 2 election which took place at the Amusement Park in Lokoja ended in a fracas with aspirants accusing one another of trying to sabotage the exercise.

The returning officer who conducted the exercise in Lokoja 2 had to cancel one of the ward list after two of the aspirants admitted that the list had been tampered with. By 6pm when delegates from some of the wards were being called in, some hoodlums forced the gate open, a development that compelled security operatives to fire tear gas into the venue to scare them away. Journalists, aspirants, party members had

to scamper for safety.

Yari returned in Zamfara In Gusau, Zamfara State, delegates who trooped into the Trade Fair Complex along the Sokoto Road bye-pass for the primary election, ratified the adoption of Governor Abdulaziz Yari as the sole candidate of the party.

Kwara: I’ll do better if re-elected – Ahmed In Kwara, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has been declared winner of the governorship primary.

He was sole candidate at the primary, and the election was mere formality.

He addressed delegates after being declared winner, promising to do more for the state if re-elected governor in February.

Geidam endorsed inYobe Similarly, chairman of the APC Electoral Committee in Yobe State, Babagana Tijani, announced that the delegates to the party’s primary election had endorsed Governor Ibrahim

Geidam as its governorship candidate in the 2015 election.

Al-makura faces stiff test in Nasarawa Unlike in most APC states where the incumbent governors were endorsed as sole candidates, it was a different kettle of fish in Nasarawa where Governor Tanko Almakura faced a stiff challenge from James Angbazo, Reuben Audu and Stanley Buba for the ticket. Late arrival of materials delayed the primaries, which were still on at press time.

Kaduna: El-Rufai, Ashiru in tight race In Kaduna, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nasir El-Rufai and Mohammed Ashiru were reported to be in a tight race for the APC ticket in the primaries adjudged to be free and fair but allegedly characterised by financial inducement. Other aspirants in the race are Salihu Lukman, Haruna Kajuru and Shamsuddeen Abdullahi.

56 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—57

Bi-Courtney tasks FG on restructuring of aviation sector

B

I-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA2, has urged the Federal Government to buy into the wisdom of restructuring the industry to allow the private sector to lead and thereby attract massive investment.

Pledging to continue to make the nation proud, Bi-Courtney said in a statement, yesterday, that “across the world, airports are being privatized outright, or given out as concessions to private operators. If Britain can concession Gatwick Airport terminal to a Nigerian, Adebayo Ogunlesi, what more do we have to say? What the industry needs desperately is a thorough liberalization and overhaul of the

regulatory agencies to make them more efficient and more professional so as to be able to stamp out corruption.

“The reforms at the seaports, though incomplete, provide a precedent, just as the success of the telecommunications sector liberalisation programme has delivered 110 million telephone lines, created hundreds of thousands of jobs and drawn in millions of dollars in foreign direct investment in 12 years. This demonstrates the enormous power that can be unleashed by leaving critical sectors to private capital.”

Bi-Courtney noted that it had spent more than N2billion upgrading its facilities in 2014, adding, “The MMA2 with about

4.5 million/annum passenger capacity and a land area of 20, 000m2, is the first BOT project in the area of infrastructure

development in Nigeria that has been completed successfully by a Nigerian company. The preeminence of MMA2, in the nation’s aviation industry, is hinged on its distinct features

with unparalleled state of the art facilities including a terminal building, a multi-storey car park, hotel, conference centre, and an apron.

Julius Berger to build GE assembly plant in Calabar

J

ULIUS Berger Nigeria Plc has emerged as the preferred bidder to build General Electric’s multi modal manufacturing and assembly facility in Calabar, Cross River State.

Julius Berger is also to build a training facility on the manufacturing site that will ensure on-going employee development.

In the facility, GE will provide one-year to four-year training programme locally and

internationally for repair engineers, welders, fabricators, machinists and special processing.

Vice Chairman of GE, Mr. John Rice, who made the announcement in Abuja, during a courtesy visit on the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, said that the emergence of Julius Berger in a competitive bidding process was in fulfilment of the pledge made last year by GE

Chairman, Mr. Jeff Immeltm, who in January 2013 announced a $1billion investment plan in Nigeria, out of which $250 million will be earmarked for capital expenditure that will make Calabar a regional hub for manufacturing, service, and innovation. The facility will have an improved ability to support a broader range of product lines in power generation as well as oil and gas exploration and production.

58—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 , 2014

BRIEFS Israelis equate election as referendum on Netanyahu

T

Putin defends foreign policy in state address

R

USSIAN President Vladimir Putin has defended the Kremlin’s foreign policy, seen by western govern-ments as agressive, saying that its actions are necessary for his country’s survival.

In his annual state-of-thenation address at the Grand Kremlin palace on Thursday, Putin defended the annexation of Crimea in March and accused the West of using the crisis in Ukraine as a pretext to slap sanctions on Russia.

“The policy of containment wasn’t thought up yesterday, it’s been the plight of our country for many years.

Whenever anyone thinks that Russia is getting too strong and independent, then these instruments are applied,” Putin said. Russia

Vatican uncovers millions of hidden euros

T

•Putin has also been accused of supplying pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine with ammunition

and manpo-wer in a conflict that has killed more than 4,300 people. In response, the European Union

imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russia that targets Russia’s finance, defence and energy sectors.

Mugabe sacks deputy once seen as successor

N

inety-year-old Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe purged the deputy seen just months ago as his most likely successor, denouncing her before party loyalists as leader of a “treacherous cabal” bent on removing him from power.

In a thunderous speech to 12,000 cadres of his ZANU-PF party, Mugabe threatened to turn the law on Vice President Joice Mujuru, whose status as presumed successor for Africa’s oldest head of state has evaporated in the past three months since she

cabal parallel to the party, planning their own future, planning how to change the

HEY have made enemies across the globe and endured three months of U.S.-led air strikes, but Islamic State fighters have surrendered little of their self-declared caliphate to the broad sweep of forces arrayed against them.

Across thousands of square miles in Syria and Iraq, the radical Islamists face an unlikely mix of Iraqi and Syrian soldiers, Shi’ite and Kurdish militias and rival Syrian Sunni Muslim rebels.

While they have lost towns on the edges of their Iraqi realm, especially in ethnically mixed areas where their hardlineSunni

leadership, planning about kicking the president out of power,” Mugabe said.

Jeb Bush weighs chances in US presidential contest

I •Mugabe became the target of attacks in state media.

“As we thought we were working together, they were doing their own thing, a

US-led air strikes yet to harm ISIL’s capabilities

T

HE coming Israeli election amounts to a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu — hardheaded defender of Israel to some, the man who buried dreams of peace to others.

Early polls suggest Netanyahu, an enigmatic leader who has already served three terms as prime minister, is likely to be returned for a fourth on March 17. But new developments, especially the emergence of an array of unpredictable centrist parties, make things difficult to predict.

Under Netanyahu, Israel is a nation in bunker mode: The mindset is one of furrowed brows, distrust of outsiders, and vigilance against anti-Semitism. Despite some ideological feints, he and his Likud Party essentially represent continued occupation and settlement of the West Bank — a territory captured in the 1967 war that is the heartland of the would-be Palestinian state.

theology holds little appeal, they have consolidated power in parts of their Sunni Muslim heartland.

In August, Islamic State’s attack on Iraqi Kurdish regions was repulsed and two months later its fighters were driven from the town of Jurf al-Sakhar, south of Baghdad. It was also pushed out of two towns near the Iranian border last month.

But with a few exceptions, such as the army’s breaking of an Islamic State siege of the country’s largest oil refinery in Baiji, the militants’ hold over predominantly Sunni provinces north and west of Baghdad has not been seriously challenged.

T’S become standard practice for presidential candidates to run away from the governing establishments of their parties. So it was a little odd this week to see the latestcould-becandidate with the last name of Bush (you can’t get more establishment than that) sucking up to an audience of business execs and reporters at the Four Seasons in Georgetown (OK, maybe you can). It was like Jeb was readying to run for the presidency of Congressional Country Club instead.

In case you missed it, Bush gave a speech extolling the virtues of pragmatism and practic-ality, which are more often insults in Republican politics these days, and said that a less extremist candidate has to be willing to “lose the primary to win thegeneral.”Hispitchstrikes

•Bush a lot of political analysts as hopeful bordering on naive — the kind of selfcongratulatory thing you say just before you become the next Fred Thompson.

To me, it says something different, which is that whether or not he has the skill or the drive to mount a serious challenge, Jeb remains the shrewdest political strategist in the family.

Kenya army plane crashes in Somalia

A

KENYAN plane has come down near the Somali town of Kismayo, defence officials told Al Jazeera.

There are reports that the pilot is dead and two of the crewaremissing.AlJazeera’s CatherineSoi,reportingfrom

Nairobi, said that after carrying out airstrikes in the southern part of Somalia at around 3:15pm local time.

But she added that a spokespersonfromSomalia’s armed group al-Shabab told Al Jazeerathatthegroup had shot down the fighter jet.

HE Vatican’s economy minister has said hundreds of millions of euros were found “tucked away” in accounts of various Holy See departments without having appeared in the city-state’s balance sheets.

In an article for Britain’s Catholic Herald Magazine to be published on Friday, Australian Cardinal George Pell wrote that the discovery meant overall Vatican finances were in better shape than previously believed.

“In fact, we have discovered that the situation is much healthier than it seemed, because some hundreds of millions of euros were tucked away in particular sectional accounts and did not appear on the balance sheet,” he wrote.

Protests in US over chokehold death case

P

ROTESTS have been held in US cities after a grand jury decided not to indict a white police officer in the By Olsasunkanmi Akoni & of an unarmed black man who videotaped chokehold death Gbenga Oke had been stopped on suspicion of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes. In New York City, angry crowds gathered on Wednesday in Manhattan and Staten Island, near the site where Eric Garner was killed on July 17.

Police said early on Thursday that more than 60 people have been arrested, most for disorderly conduct.

Garner’s father Ben sought to keep demonstrations nonviolent, telling one angry bystander: “Let’s keep the peace, we all are hurting.” The decision not to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo threatened to add to the tensions that have simmered in the city since Garner’s death - a case that sparked outrage and drew comparisons to the fatal police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Missouri.

Gun battles in Chechen capital claim 19 lives

S

ECURITY forces in the capital of Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Chechnya stormed two buildings, including a school, in fierce gun battles with militants early Thursday that left at least 19 dead, authorities said.

The fighting, which punctured the patina of stability ensured by years of heavy-handed rule by the Kremlinappointed leader, erupted just hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin was to give his annual state of the nation address in Moscow.

In his address, Putin said he was confident that local Chechen forces were capable of dealing with the “rebels,” who he suggested were receiving support from abroad.

The National Anti-Terrorist Committee said militants traveling in three cars entered the republic’s capital, Grozny, at 1 a.m., killing three traffic police at a checkpoint, and then occupied the 10-story Press House in the center of the city. The federal agency said six gunmen were killed inside the building, which was gutted in a blazing fire that also spread to a nearby market.

More gunmen were later found in a nearby school and security forces were sent to “liquidate” them, the agency said. No students or teachers were in the school when it was seized by the militants, RIA Novosti quoted vice principal Islam Dzhabrailov as saying.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—59

Aguero named Player of the Year M

ANCHESTER City forward, Sergio Agüero has been named the Football Supporters’ Federation Player of the Year.

He held off competition from Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling, Branislav Ivanovic also of Chelsea, Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin and team mate, Yaya Touré.

Luis Suarez won the award last year for his s c i n t i l l a t i n g performances with Liverpool.

“It’s a really special award as it’s from the supporters and I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club.

“Not just the players but the coaching staff and technical team as well,” stated the 26year-old on receiving the coveted award.

He is currently the leading scorer in the English Premiership.

N

LAN Pardew hopes Newcastle United can deliver what he feels is an inevitable setback to unbeaten Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Chelsea are yet to suffer defeat in any competition this season, and travel to St James’ Park on Saturday six points clear of defending champions Manchester City at the top of the table.

The London club were beaten 2-0 in the corresponding fixture last season, too, although the scorer of Newcastle’s second goal on that day Loic Remy - now plays for

•Pardew

EW Ghana boss Avram Grant says the door is open for banned pair Sulley Muntari and KevinPrince Boateng to return to the national team.

Both are suspended indefinitely for gross misconduct while on duty with Ghana at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

But Grant, who was appointed last month, said: “The door is open for everybody, but there are criteria.

“I’ll respect the team and the players must respect me, too. I’ll speak to the players and we’ll see what to do.”

Muntari was punished for allegedly assaulting a member of the Ghana Football Association during a row over

•Aguero

bonuses, while Boateng paid the price for what the GFA called gross acts of insubordination towards then-coach Kwesi Appiah.

Grant added: “They need to show they want to come and want to play.

But the national team is not a like any club team.

Everybody needs to support it. The national team is more important than any individual.”

•Muntari

Drogba lined up for backroom role S

TRIKER Didier Drogba will have a role to play at Chelsea

Pardew hopes for upset against Chelsea

A

Grant may recall Boateng, Muntari

Chelsea.

Newcastle approach this clash on a run of just one defeat in their last nine matches in all competitions and, following a midweek 11 draw with an improving Burnley side, Pardew is of the belief that his players can find weaknesses in a formidable Chelsea team.

“Mentally we are in a strong position and our confidence is high. We have good spirit and are learning lessons along the way,” Pardew said.

when he quits playing, says Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

The 36-year-old Drogba, in his second spell at the club, scored as Chelsea beat Tottenham 3-0 on Wednesday.

“The important thing is he is here and will finish his career with Chelsea,” said Mourinho, whose team top the Premier League by six points.

Mourinho added: “It looks, for me, that he’s going to stay doing other things when he finishes his career.”

Drogba won 10 trophies in his first spell at Chelsea between 2004 and 2012, and scored 157 goals in 341 games. He rejoined the club at the start of the season after leaving Turkish side Galatasaray.

Since returning to Stamford Bridge, the Ivorian has netted five times and set up Eden Hazard’s opener against Spurs.

The league leaders are now unbeaten in 23 games in all competitions, equalling a club record.

“It’s remarkable,” said Mourinho, when asked about Drogba’s displays.

“First of all, he’s a team

player. He’s not selfish, not vain. He’s a humble guy who plays for the team, fights for the

team. He’s fantastic.

“I was expecting exactly this. I played against him at Real

Madrid and I could feel the kind of potential he still has.”

•Drogba

Bruce heap praise on Aluko

A

GOAL from secondhalf substitute Sone Aluko saw Hull City draw their English Premier League tie away to Everton on Wednesday night.

Romelu Lukaku had given Everton the lead in the 34th minute before the Nigeria international leveled matters in the 59th minute, barely six minutes after his introduction by Steve Bruce. “It’s been a

frustrating time for Sone, but now he’s 100 per cent fit - which has always been the big issue. He had a horrible Achilles injury which left him out for a year,” said Steve Bruce.

“In my experience it takes another eight-ten to twelve months to get back playing, especially when you rely on twisting and turning like Sone.

“It’s good to see him reproduce the form from

when, for me, he was easily the best player in the Championship when we got promoted.

“He’s been plagued by this injury but we hope he stays injury free because he looks like himself again which is good to see.”

Sone Aluko has netted three times in his last three games for club and country, including his brace against South Africa in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.

60 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

Siasia invites Iheanacho, 46 others for Dream Team C

OACH Samson Siasia has invited 47 foreign based players to the camp of the national U-23 men’s football team, Dream Team VI. Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho leads the pack of former members of the victorious Golden Eaglets team, that also includes Isaac Success, Taiwo Awoniyi, Musa Yahaya, amongst others.

All the players are expected to arrive the FIFA Goal Project camp of the team from Saturday, December 6.

The NFF, according to the Media officer of U23 team, Timi Ebikagboro, the NFF would not be responsible for the flight tickets of those invited for the screening exercise, but would refund those selected after the exercise.

•Iheanacho

Gumba, Gaiya endorse NFF Electoral Committee report

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HE report submitted to the NFF Secretariat by members of the NFF 2014 Electoral Committee, upholding the NFF 2014 Elective Congress held in Warri on Tuesday, 30th September has been endorsed by prominent and relevant authorities and bodies across the globe, including the sports committees of the National Assembly.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba said his committee will stick by the report of the majority of the members of the NFF 2014 Electoral Appeals Committee.

All four members of the NFF 2014 Electoral Appeals Committee on Wednesday conveyed to the NFF Secretariat their decision throwing out the appeals and upholding in its entirety, the NFF 2014 Elective Congress of

Nigeria’s elite referees arrive London, excited at ‘quality programme’ N

IGERIA’S 11 elite referees for a two – week capacity enhancing programme in the United Kingdom flew into London on Wednesday, excited at the quality of the programme and the resource persons at hand.

NFF President, Mr.

Amaju Melvin Pinnick, had secured sponsorship from insurance firm, Senforce Insurance Limited, for the programme, which will see the referees engage in question-and-answer sessions to analyse English Premiership

games, get involved in mini-workshops and visit top playing grounds Wembley and Emirates as well as the offices The Football Association.

Led by the President of Nigeria Referees Association, Alhaji Ahmed Maude, the

NFF: Ajunwa disagrees Continues from BP Also removed from office is the first vice president, Barr. Seyi Akinwumi as well and two board members, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu from the South East and Alhaji Innua Rabiu from the North West.

But in a swift reaction, a member of the Appeals Committee, Dotun Coker told Sports Vanguard that the action of the chairman was a mere academic exercise because he did not work in tandem with the other members of the committee.

Coker said that Barr.

Ajunwa acted alone and that explained why the two members of the committee as well as the three alternate members all came together on Wednesday to release

the report which he said was the majority report.

“What the chairman did by calling the media to give his own version of the report was a mere academic exercise because he acted alone. He wanted to introduce a kangaroo method by inviting one or two members without the consent of the others.

“After the public hearing on 13 November, we agreed that we will take about three days to converge and consider the submissions started from the day of arrival. The second day and the third day was to be the verdict but the chairman subverted that. In any case all he did was a nullity which cannot change anything”.

Recall that other members of the same Election Appeals Committee had

on Wednesday issued a statement where they endorsed entirely the September 30 election which took place in Warri, Delta State.

But the position of Ajunwa who was alone during the presentation of another version of the report of the committee now underscores the fact that all is not well with the nation’s football.

Ajunwa in his submission ruled that he annulled the election of Pinnick because for the election to have taken place in Warri his home town afforded him some undue advantage over the other contestants.

The Appeals chairman further ‘sacked’ the NFF president because of the disqualification of a candidate to the election, Shehu Dikko who was absent from the election

delegation traveled through the Murtala M u h a m m e d International Airport, Lagos and landed at London Heathrow in the evening.

They commenced the two – week exercise on Thursday.

“Honestly, I am highly impressed by the

venue.

The chairman of Enyimba International, Chief Felix AnyansiAgwu according to Ajunwa lost his seat because of the presence of the chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Chief Emeka Inyama who is also from the same Abia State. The same reason was given in the case of Inua because of the chairman of the Nigerian Nation Wide League (NNL), Ahmed Kawu who are from the same zone.

He therefore ordered for a fresh election for the position of president, the vice president and for two members representing the South East and North West within the next seven days and at a neutral venue preferably Abuja to ensure fairness to all the parties.

•Maude richness of the programme, the content as well as the resource persons who will be handling the various aspects.

Obafemi Continues from BP Nigeria any longer, includes the sour relationship that he has with some of his Super Eagles teammates.

Adding that some people no longer want him in the set-up.

Despite his fine form in Major League Soccer for his club, Martins has been overlooked by the Super Eagles technical crew, and the 30-year old believes that it is time to hang up his international boots.

“No, I am done with

•Gumba Tuesday, 30th September, 2014.

In any judicial body, the opinion of every member counts. The chairman merely reads the decision, which may be against his own considered view and position. A ruling is either unanimous or split, and even when the chairman’s position is in the minority, he has no choice but to read the majority decision.

Chairman of the House of Reps’ Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya added his voice on Thursday, saying that he has never seen anywhere in the world where one prevails over four.

“It is a moot point. The decision of the majority is what the House Committee on Sports will stand by. Any other claim is minority opinion that does not have any leg to stand on.

“Personally, I was at the election in Warri, and it was to me one of the fairest and freest you can see anywhere. It was appropriately conducted, in line with the Statutes and regulations governing the elections, and we should simply forget dissenting voices and move on with our football administration. “

my national team, I will not go there any more. I do not have good relationships with some companions, “ Martins said in an interview with Italian daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“If they do not want me anymore, patience.

“I love my country, I have given so much. But there are problems and although I am summoned, I do not go.”

Martins made 39 appearances for the Super Eagles, netting 18 goals in the period that he played for the national team.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—61

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014—63

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62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014

NFF: Ajunwa disagrees with 3 Appeals Committee members

By Jude Opara, Abuja

T

HE drama in Nige rian football continued yesterday in Abuja as the chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Election Appeals Committee, Barr.

Okey Ajunwa announced the removal of Amaju Pinnick as the president of the NFF. Continues on page 60

Gumba, Gaiya endorse NFF Electoral Committee report — Pg 60

•Gaiya

•Obafemi Martins

•Pinnick

Obafemi retires from Eagles O

BAFEMI Martins has revealed that he won’t be playing for the Super Eagles any more as he has called it quits with the national

team.

The Seattle Sounders striker has been on the fringes of the national team since 2010, and has made only two

appearances for Nigeria since 2012.

Some of the reasons Martins outlined why he won’t be playing for Continues on page 60

Dream Team: Siasia invites Iheanacho, 46 others — Pg 60 QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS: 1 Beg (5) 5 Lithe (6) 8 Perch (5) 10 Sterile (6) 11 Paradise (4) 14 Sullen (6) 15 Corrupt (7) 18 Obtain (3) 19 Lubricate (3) 21 Notch (4) 23 Sensational (5) 24 Seam (4) 27 Fixed (3) 29 Fish (3) 31 Fall (7) 32 Trader (6) 34 Insect (4) 35 Diminished (6) 38 Flower (5) 39 Ordain (6) 40 Cogs (5)

DOWN: 2 Meadow (3) 3 Come (6) 4 Rabbit (3) 5 Staunch (4) 6 Gazed (6) 7 Anticipate (6) 9 Burdensome (7) 12 Cur (3) 13 Observe (4) 16 Relaxation (4) 17 Weary (5) 20 Prosaic (7) 22 Mid-day (4) 24 Jammed (6) 25 Petal (4) 26 Cashier (6) 28 Abrade (6) 30 Shelter (3) 33 Speed (4) 36 Nipped (3) 37 Consume (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Crease 5, Fast 8, Rival 9, Art 10, Nous 11, Ilex 12, Ebony 13, Barter 16, Tern 18, Evil 20, Tom 22, Mad 23, Dam 24, Hero 25, Amen 28, Defied 30, Piano 32, Lout 33, Idle 34, Hug 35, Mound 36, Tear 37, Studio.

DOWN: 1, Crabby 2, Exterior 3, Sonnet 4, Disbanded 5, Fainted 6, Ally 7, Taxi 8, Rue 14, Remaining 15, Vim 17, Ram 19, Vanished 20, Tea 21, Monitor 26, Newest 27, Adagio 29, Slit 30, Puma 31, Odd.

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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