DIEZANI'S N24BN PAYOUT: EFCC grills Anyanwu, Ahamba over N700m cash

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 63022

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Pirates attacks: 6 floating corpses recovered from Bayelsa creeks Tinubu NASS hands over Alleged $49.8bn oil My role in 13 mourns as 2016 budget to theft: Ademola Sanusi's letter to Presidency 8 Jonathan — AMAECHI Adeniji-Adele dies at 60•P.6

DIEZANI'S N24BN PAYOUT:

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Adeniji-Adele

EFCC grills Anyanwu, Ahamba over N700m cash •Put bullet in my head if I'm guilty — Anyanwu •Also interrogates Former Ministers 10

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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BUJA—THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has quizzed two leading politicians in connection with the $115 million cash allegedly disbursed by Fidelity Bank on the instruction of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Competent sources in the commission confirmed to Vanguard, last night, that the duo of Senator Continues on Page 5

2 MajorGenerals to face court martial 9

Mr & Mrs TYPICAL LAGOS—Traffic gridlock at Ozumba Mbadiwe, along Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Lamidi

Bamidele

COLUMNISTS: B.I.Z.A.R.R.E: Prophet buries cow heads, tortoise in church See inside

Our sister called Moses •P.19

No quick fix to Nigeria's economic woes — Finance Minister 5

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 —3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

EFCC seeks dismissal of Metuh’s appeal

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, asked the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja to dismiss the case brought before it by the embattled National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh.

Metuh, who is facing a seven-count criminal charge with his company, Destra Investment Limited, over alleged N400million fraud, had gone before the appellate court to challenge the dismissal of a no-case submission he entered before Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

He is equally challenging the refusal of trial Justice Okon Abang to hands-off his case, despite allegations of bias raised against him.

Metuh and his firm lodged two separate appeals against Justice Abang.

Port lease: Dangote Group floors Honeywell

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USTICE OKONAbang of the Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday, dismissed $48million suit by Honeywell Group and its chairman Dr. Oba Otudeko against billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

Otudeko, through Honeywell, sued the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Dangote Industries Ltd, Dangote and Greenview Development Ltd. He prayed the court to declare him the valid owner of a land measuring over 10.841 square metres at the Lagos Ports Complex, known as the Fifth Apapa Wharf Extension.

Otudeko claimed ownership by virtue of a lease agreement between his company and NPA. But Dangote contended that the agreement was neither turned into a deed nor was it registered.

Delivering judgment in the 10-year-old suit, Justice Abang dismissed Otudeko and Honeywell’s claims.

“The plaintiff’s claims lack merit,” the judge held.

Alleged N3.1bn fraud: I helped Gov Suswam convert $15.8m —Witness

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

account number of his company -Fanffash Resources- through which he wired funds from Benue State treasury on six separate occasions.

He told the court that though he started buying and selling of currency since 1990, he opened his own company in 2014 with Suswam as one of his major clients.

Led in evidence by the prosecution, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, the witness said: “I know the 1st def3endant. In 2014, he brought so many businesses to me involving the change of money. In August 2014, I was in my office when i was called by the former governor. He asked me to meet him in his house at Maitama in Abuja.

“He called me with his number 08180505050 through

my own line 08062666661.

When I got to his house, the governor said I should give my account number to one fair lady. He told me that they will deposit money into the account. I was asked to use the money that will be deposited inside the account to buy and US dollars and bring it to government house.

“It was the former governor that gave me the instruction.

The first amount that was paid into the account was N413m. He asked me to convert the money to dollars.

The money was paid on August 8, 2014.

“When I converted the money I took it to the government house.

I remember that I made a statement to the EFCC. Money was transferred into my account six times. On September 12, 2014, two

payments were made into my account. The first one was N363m and then N637m. The BUJA— A Bureau De payments amounted to Change operator, N1billion.

Abubakar Umar, yesterday, “I was asked to convert the narrated before the Federal money into dollars by the High Court sitting in Abuja, former governor.

On how he helped the former October 14, 2014, N630m was governor of Benue State, Mr. paid into my account. After Gabriel Suswam, to convert two hours, N818m was also N3.111billion into dollars paid into my account. I between Au g u s t and converted them to dollars and October 2014. sent to the governor.

Umar, who was brought to “On October 17, 2014, testify before the court by the N1.68bn was paid into my Economic and Financial account. The total amount Crimes Commission, EFCC, paid into my account was said he converted the money N3.111bn. as at that time, which he said amounted to dollar rate was N197.

In $15.8million, and took same to total, I took $15.8m to the Suswam at Government House government house in Benue in Makurdi. state”, the witness added.

The witness, who spoke He however told the court through a Hausa interpreter, that Suswam did not told the court that the former personally collect the money governor requested for the from him each of the times he went to the government house.

Meantime, the prosecution, yesterday, insisted that the witness had in his statement before the EFCC, claimed that he handed the converted funds to Suswam at his Abuja residence.

Consequently, the EFCC lawyer asked for an adjournment to enable the agency to investigate alleged interference with the witness by the defendant.

“My lord the witness is being interfered with by the other party and we want to AGM: From left, Oluwole Ajimisinmi, Company Secretary, Wema Bank Plc; Adeyinka Asekun, investigate it. We need time Chairman, and Segun Oloketuyi, MD/CEO, at the Wema Bank Plc 2015 Annual General to put our house in order ”, Meeting, AGM, in Lagos.

Jacobs pleaded.

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State of the Nation: Buhari confers with Saraki, Dogara, APC leaders .Tinubu, Atiku absent, send apologies

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—IN what is fast becoming a routine, apparently borne out of the need to give his government a direction and also entrench good governance in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night met with the leadership of the National Assembly and some leaders of All Progressives Congress, APC, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting had the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and the National Chairman of APC, John OdigieOyegun in attendance.

Zamfara State Governor and Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, Abdulaziz Yari, Imo state governor and the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume were also in the meeting.

Similarly, the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, and former Minister of Information, Tony Momoh, Special Adviser to the president

on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu made it to the meeting APC Deputy National Chairman North, Shuaibu Lawali, and the Deputy National Chairman South Segun Oni were also in the

meeting.

However former Vice President and chieftain of APC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the national leader of APC and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu were conspicuously absent.

Why Rivers rerun's delayed —Yakubu, INEC chair

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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NDEPENDENT NATIONAL Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has listed conditions for the conclusion of outstanding elections in Rivers State, just as he reinstated the determination of the commission to enforce the establishment of an Electoral Offences Tribunal to prescribe sanctions for electoral offenders.

Speaking in Lagos, yesterday, he also said that 12 million Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs

belonging to the country’s 70 million voters had not been collected.

At an interactive session with editors in Lagos, Yakubu, said that commission was ready to embrace technology in its processes, including the incorporation of electronic transmission of results.

Yakubu, who decried the huge outlay on personnel cost during elections, said that 86 percent of election expenditure was mapped out for payment of election allowances to personnel.

He also noted the

inevitability of increasing the present 120,000 polling units used in the conduct of elections across the country.

Noting the outstanding elections in Rivers, Imo, Plateau, and Anambra, Yakubu who was flanked by senior officials of the commission, listed the constraints facing the completion of the elections to include judicial restraints and security.

On Rivers State, he said that the commission would need to satisfy itself that a suitable security arrangement had been made to enable it to conclude the outstanding elections.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6 , 2016—5

POCKET CARTOON Anyanwu denies role in Diezani's alleged $115m loot

BRIEFING—Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, briefing State

House Correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

EFCC grills Anyanwu, Ahamba over N700m cash Continues from Page 1 Chris Anyanwu and a legal luminary, Mike Ahamba, were quizzed for many hours, yesterday, to explain what they did with th e N700 million they allegedly received out of the Diezani cash.

The two PDP leaders were reportedly invited to the Enugu Office of the EFCC on Wednesday and questioned by the operatives on the said fund but granted administrative bail and asked to report back the following day for further investigation.

A top source in the commission said that the two politicians, who were working for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the time, received the N700 million from the Ikenegbu Layout branch of Fidelity Bank, Owerri.

“What we want them to explain to us is simple: Who authorised them to

collect the huge sum of money and for what purpose did they receive the money?

“We believe that the money the two politicians received was from the former minister ’s cash and meant to compromise the last general election in favour of a particular party. If they have any different position, they should tell us,” the official said.

The EFCC had, last week, arrested the bank chief executive who is now relieved of his post, for not reporting the receipt of the huge cash of $115 million from four oil companies and Diezani, to the commission as required by law.

But the bank has denied the claim, saying that the amount was duly reported to the Nigerian Financial and Intelligence Unit, NFIU. Diezani is said to have

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

I

T is personal transformation that leads to national transformation. The change we seek as a nation starts with the individual. Except you change, the nation wont. It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Destiny is not a matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited, it is a thing to be achieved —William J Byran

W

HAT is your life purpose, maybe you know it and are living your best possible life. But really to live a fullfilling life comprise mastering your gifts, talents, desires and challenges. Your destiny is what you do best, combined with what you want and what challenges you most. The process is the means to an end...as you overcome challenges and develop character strengths. You’re unfolding into greater opportunities in mastering your destiny.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE When the bread fruit reaches its ripe time, it falls.

summoned the bank chief to her Abuja home and told him to prepare to receive foreign currency running into billions of Naira from four companies and to convert same to Naira and pay them to designated beneficiaries on her behalf.

A day after the instruction from her, four companies stormed the bank with various amounts of cash in dollars and were promptly received by the former bank CEO. A breakdown of the funds given by the EFCC shows that Actus Integrated paid in $17,884, Northern Belt Gas Company slotted in $60m, Midwestern Oil and Gas, $9.5m while Laitan Adesanya paid $1.35million. Diezani on her own reportedly handed in $26 million cash.

It was learned that shortly after paying in the cash, Diezani’s son, Ugonna, now wanted by the EFCC in connection with the deal and others, approached the detained MD and furnished him with the list of beneficiaries of the cash as instructed by her mother.

A top official of the commission confirmed to Vanguard, last night, that the man had made useful confession to operatives.

The source did not, however, say when the bank official would be charged to court or if he would refund the money to the government.

Fidelity Bank has said it was willing to cooperate fully with the EFCC in the investigation and had assured its teeming customers of adequate protection.

Meanwhile, Senator Chris Anyanwu has denied ever being part of the sharing of the $115 million allegedly distributed by erstwhile petroleum minister, Mrs. Deiziani AllisonMadueke, challenging anyone with evidence to the contrary to put a bullet to her head.

Senator Anyanwu speaking on telephone said: “I had just joined the PDP and those who rejoined were not seen as the mainstream PDP and they had this thing about me being a journalist and whenever I came, they just shrunk. They just pulled away.

“I was not part of them and I was not assigned to share money and I was not there when they took their money and I did not go where they took their money and I did not get

any money and that is the truth. It is nonsense to be associating me with this.

I won’t shut up and allow people damage my reputation. Nobody is going to tell me that I ate what I didn’t see or saw what I didn’t see or touched what I didn’t touch. I won’t accept that nonsense.

“I believe that Udenwa and their major players who were in charge of

those things had their answers. If anybody claims that he saw me where they were distributing their money and saw me touch their money, let him look me in the eye and say so. If they are able to prove that I was part of the whole thing or touched their money, that I was part of sharing the money or spending their money, put a bullet on my head. It is ridiculous.”

No quick fix to Nigeria’s economic woes —Finance Minister

By Emman Ovuakporie, Yinka Kolawole, Peter Egwuatu & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—FINANCE Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, said, yesterday, that there were no quick solutions to the nation’s problems.

This came on a day Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. K ayode Fayemi, said the federal government was set to revive the steel and mining sector and provide intervention fund.

Similarly, Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Okechukwu Enalama, said Nigerians should expect industrial revolution to effect a change in the economy.

Adeosun, who spoke on Channels Television programme, Sunrise, in Lagos, was reacting to assertions of former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, that President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic policies were archaic.

Ezekwesili had, as guest on Platform, a programme organised by The Covenant Christian Centre last Monday, advised the President to review his policies, saying they were not benefitting the masses.

But speaking on the television programme, Adeosun dismissed Ezekwesili’s position, maintaining that the federal government had plans to revitalise the economy, noting, however, that there were no quick solutions to the

nation’s current economic woes.

Accusing previous administrations of failing to save when the country had massive revenue from high crude oil prices, the minister said things were currently difficult because the federal government inherited an empty treasury and a high debt profile.

She said: “I disagree with Mrs Ezekwesili….

The present government does not operate a command-and-control economic system as alleged by the former minister.

“What we are now trying to do is reset the economy so that we never end up in this situation again; and how do we do that? We have to have a more diversified economy, a more diversified revenue base.

“If you look at oil, its only 13% of our GDP but it represents 70% of government’s revenue, which means if anything happens to oil, it affects everybody.

“The question we are trying to now resolve is: The remaining 87% of GDP, why is it contributing so little to government’s revenue?

If we are able to have those other revenues, which are much more stable, predictable and less volatile, then if the oil price goes down, we’ll be able to maintain some level of stability.

“We have looked at what government has been spending money on; only 10% was spent on capital, while 90% was spent on recurrent

items as salaries, travelling, training and so on and those things don’t grow the economy; capital (expenditure) is what grows your economy.

“This budget that is being finalized has a 30% commitment to capital and we have said we want to maintain that commitment.

“There are no quick solutions to the current economic woes. We are going to pump N350 billion into the economy until we see growth. The job will be done painstakingly, and we will come out of it better.”

Speaking at a separate interface with the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, Adeosun said the N165 billion monthly salaries to federal civil servants was overbloated and could no longer be sustained by government.

She said the N165 billion being paid to federal civil servants monthly represented 40 per cent of the total spending of government.

The minister said the figure was too high and government was pursuing aggressive measures to detect and prosecute ghost workers and other saboteurs in the system.

“We spend 165 billion every month on salaries and when I came in there was no checking. Now, we have created a unit assigned with the sole responsibility of checking the salaries and catching those behind the over bloated salaries,” she said.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY MAY 6, 2016

NIMASA director insists former DG approved all funds looted

By Onozure Dania

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A G O S — A prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an Assistant Director in the Financial Services Department of NIMASA Mrs. Olamide Odusanya, yesterday, insisted that the former Director-General (DG) of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, approved all funds allegedly looted, especially the N498.2million and N318million.

Odusanya, while testifying yesterday before Justice Raliat Adebiyi, claimed the N498,200,000 and N318,000,000 were not retired by the former D-G. The witness affirmed that the N498.2million was approved in 2014 for the implementation of the Voluntary International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS) project

by NIMASA. Akpobolokemi and six others are alleged to have diverted the sum of N754,740,680 for personal use.

APC berates PDP

ALL PROGRESSIVES Congress, APC, yesterday, berated the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, saying, “we wonder what legacy a failed and corrupt party like PDP is talking about if not about the legacy of corruption, shameless looting, infrastructure wreckage, ineptitude, decay, disease, hunger and want.”

Reacting to a claim by the South-West chapter of the PDP that the ruling APC had reversed PDP’s legacies and accomplishments, APC through Lagos State spokesman, Mr. Joe Igbokwe said: “If a ruined economy and infrastructure collapse were the reversed, legacies of the PDP, then it is good riddance to bad rubbish.”

Recall PDP members in the South-West rose from a meeting, Wednesday, in Akure, Ondo State, lamenting that the APC had reversed what they called PDP's legacies and accomplishments.

Tinubu mourns as Ademola Adeniji-Adele dies at 60

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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ORMER CHAIRMAN Lagos Island Local Government Area, and Commissioner of Sports, in Lagos State, Prince Ademola AdenijiAdele is dead.

He was aged 60 years.

Adeniji-Adele, according to his son, Sultan Adeniji Adele, who confirmed the death, said his father passed on at about 6:00 am Nigerian time in an Indian hospital yesterday.

Sultan's message read: “Good

morning every one. My dad, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele this morning passed on in India.

May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus.”

Adeniji-Adele was a prince of Lagos ruling house and was very prominent in the politics and sports administration in the state and Nigeria.

He also served as a deputy gubernatorial candidate on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, political platform before joining the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Adeniji-Adele is survived by wife, Tawakalitu and children.

Reacting to his death, National Leader of APC and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lamented his untimely passage.

According to Tinubu, “his death at 60 saddens us all. He was of great capacity and a consummate politician. He put his heart into whatever assignment that was set before him. As a Commissioner of Sports in Lagos he excelled and our sports was the better for it. Even in politics, he loved Lagos

Late Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele

dearly. He was a champion for Lagos and Lagos will remember him well.”

Ambode signs LASIEC, LG Amendment bills, others into laws

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo

Council chairmen, councillors’ tenures now 4yrs

Lagos State, yesterday, signed the Local Government Administration HEAD OF the Local Amendment 2016, bill into law, Government elections, increasing the tenure of council Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of chairman and councillors from

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three years to four years.

The laws include: The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, (Amendment) Law, Local

SIGNING: From left, Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, signing into law of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, Local Government Tribunal and Administration Amendment Laws, at the Conference Room, Lagos House, Ikeja. With him are, Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Mr. Kehinde Joseph, yesterday.

SERAP drags FG to ECOWAS court over herdsmen's killing, raping across Nigeria gunmen in his house last Sunday.

By Abdulwahab However, in a suit with No ECW/ Abdulah & Luka Binniyat

S

OCIO-ECONOMIC RIGHTS Advocacy Project, SERAP, has dragged the Federal Government before the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja over failure to prevent and investigate alleged killings, and raping of defenceless Nigerians by herdsmen, the military and police across the country.

This came as Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, the umbrella body of the 56 ethnic nationalities of Southern Kaduna, called on the people of the area to defend themselves against “the brunt of countless attacks from suspected herdsmen.”

SOKAPU gave this directive in a Press Statement in Kaduna yesterday, in which it also condemned the murder of Mr. Bala Madaki, 66, the District Head of Fadan Karshi, Sanga Local Government Area, LGA, of Kaduna State by unknown

CCJ/APP/15/16 filed by SERAP, through its lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, the group contended that “the continuing attacks, killings, raping, maiming of Nigerians and other residents, and

destruction of property by the military, police, herdsmen and other unknown perpetrators across the country amount to serious violations of human rights of the rights to life, to the security and dignity of the human person, and to property.”

Security: Lagos advocates for state police

By Esther Onyegbula

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HE LAGOS State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, has thrown its weight behind the call for the creation of state police, saying it will guarantee security of lives and properties in the state.

Executive Secretary, of LSSTF Dr. Abdurrazak Balogun, made the call at a media parley with journalists in Alausa, on the activities of the trust fund.

According to him, the creation of state police was overdue noting that such would guarantee

security of lives and properties in the state, saying, “It would go a long way in ensuring safety and making Lagos and Nigeria investors’ haven. The right time is now , especially under the present administration in Lagos State. It is progressive and Nigerians must ensure that it is done.

"We are used to talking about issues and forgetting about them after two weeks but Nigerians must make concerted efforts to call on our representatives in the Senate and the lower House in Abuja to do something about.”

Government Administration (Amendment) Law and Local Government Election Tribunal (Second Amendment) Law. Ambode, speaking during the ceremony, expressed optimism that the newly amended laws would bring about a massive reform in the third tier of government, which would in turn translate into a renaissance to create prosperity and good governance for the people.

While describing local government as “unarguably’ the most critical level of governance in the state, the governor said the development necessitated the reforms.

Giving highlights of the laws, Ambode said the need to amend the LASIEC law to pave way for the regulation of election matters arose as a result of current trends in the political space and to prevent a lacuna in certain instances.

He said: “Some of the highlights of the amendments include the empowering of the Commission to review the delineation of wards in each Local Government of the State at intervals of every 10 years and division of each Local Government into not less than 10 Wards and not more than 20 Wards. Section 2 of the amendment replaces Section 5 of the Principal Law. "A new Section 62 created by the amendment provides that the Vice Chairman elected with the Chairman would be sworn-in as Chairman, in the event of the death of an elected Chairman before he is sworn-in as Chairman.

"The amendment to the law has also been proactive as Section 64 now provides that an incumbent Chairman who wins a re-run election would have the period spent in office prior to the re-run taken into account.”

On the Local Government Administration Law, Ambode said the purpose was to regulate administration of local authorities and other connected purposes, noting that one of the major highlights of the amendment was the increase of the tenure of the Chairman and the Councillors from three years to four years commencing from the date of taking oath of office.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016—7

3 PDP factions hold LG congress in Ogun

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—THE crisis rocking Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, yesterday, worsened as three factions held parallel congresses across the 20 local government areas in the state.

Vanguard observed that the exercise took the same pattern as Saturday’s ward congresses, which were conducted by three factions.

The three factions, which conducted the congresses at separate locations across the state, were led by the state Chairman, Mr. Bayo Dayo;

former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, and a member of House of Representatives, Ladi Adebutu, respectively.

In Abeokuta South Local Government, Bankole’s faction held its congress at the Ake Palace, Adebutu’s faction held its at the Centenary Hall, a distance of about 200 metres apart, while Dayo’s faction held its at Igbore Town Hall, at Igbore.

Vanguard checks revealed that the situation was the same at other councils in the state.

The congresses were, however, peaceful in spite of

the separate exercises where different sets of new leaders emerged at the various locations.

Some of the new executives, who spoke to Vanguard , expressed regrets at the development and called on the national body to wade into the crisis and re-unite the three factions.

There was confusion as the new sets of executives all claimed authenticity.

Chairman of the Congress Committee for Ogun State, Alhaji Mohammed Al-Yakub, however, denied knowledge of the parallel congresses, saying

that he was only aware of the congresses held at designated centres by his committee.

He added that he had divided the 11-man committee into three to monitor the exercise in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Al-Yakub, who said reports from the field had indicated that the exercise was smooth and peaceful across the state, said: “I am not aware of any parallel congress in Ogun because we have designated centres for each local government.”

I didn’t reject offer to contest PDP Chairman —Olajumoke

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

S

ENATOR Bode Olajumoke has refuted claims that he rejected a proposal by Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State to contest the office of National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Olajumoke, one of the leading voices of the party from the South-West and also a member of PDP Board of Trustees, BoT, also called for caution in the contention over the zoning of offices, saying the best material should be brought forward to lead the party.

Senator Olajumoke said: “As far back as August 27, 2015, Governor Fayose sent a text to me asking me to show interest in the national chairmanship of PDP at the next convention and I replied him the next day, saying he should let me know when we can meet to discuss. But he never did until today.

“When he said that I did not respond when I met him at Gbenga Daniel’s birthday and he was talking about my body language, I said come on what do you mean by my body language?

“I cannot be bothered with where the chairmanship is zoned to, as long as there is wisdom in what they are doing. If the leadership of the party is not conscious of the need to pacify all the zones, good luck to them.”

VISIT: From left— Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Professor Temitope Alonge; Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, and Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, UCH, Professor Adefemi Afolabi, during the governor's visit to the hospital to condole with accident victims, who were secondary school students of Kano State origin.

Obasanjo faults Yoruba monarchs on supremacy tussle

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—FORMER President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, condemned rivalry for supremacy among traditional rulers in the SouthWest.

Obasanjo spoke while hosting the new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, at his Hilltop Residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The former President, who described the hierarchical tussle as “a distraction which could result in setback,” noted that good governance and welfare of their subjects should be paramount to them.

He explained that the monarchs should jealously guard the honour accorded to their offices and also demonstrate mutual respect for each other.

His words: “I think that what is more important is to give good governance to the citizens and also have mutual respect for ourselves. When I was President and even now, I usually accord respect to all Presidents, particularly to the ones with small populations.

“I do this because I realise that no matter how densely populated a country might be, it has the same one vote at the United Nations just as a country with few people. For instance Nigeria with a population of about 180 million has the same vote with Sao Tome, whose population is

150,000.”

In his response, the Olubadan commended Obasanjo for his role in his emergence as the 41st Olubadan.

He called for unity among the monarchs in Yorubaland as part of efforts to move the race forward.

BAILOUT FUND: How we saved N86bn— Gov Amosun

By Gabriel Olawale

G

OVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has said that his administration’s decision to refund the Federal Government bailout fund within the stretch of 10 years has saved his state a total of N86 billion.

Speaking at the unveiling of Ogun State Investors Forum 2016, Amosun said that out of 27 states across the country that benefited from bailout fund, Ogun State was the only state that opted for 10 years, while others pleaded for the duration of 20 years.

He said: “People were

amazed; they asked how we were are going to meet up.

But we are confident that we would meet up with the target. Thanks to the people of Ogun State for their understanding, because in the last eight months we have been paying.”

Amosun hinted that there was no state that the current economic situation did not affect, as those states who did not take the bailout had gone for the bonds.

He, however, assured the people of the state that “once the state is able to grow its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, all the challenges will be a thing of past.”

Aregbesola, Ooni advocate youth empowerment

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By Gbenga Olarinoye

OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has said the only option open for states to stem the rising tide of criminality is to intensify efforts on adequate engagements of youths through various empowerment strategies.

He said this yesterday at a symposium organised by Adulawo Nigeria Network Limited, at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Governor Aregbesola, who was represented by the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Youth Engagement, Dr. Isaac Oluwabukola Aluko, described youths as central to the administration, saying the current government had successfully harnessed the potentials of youths in all its programmes.

Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, stressed the need for governments at all levels to prioritise the welfare of youths in the implementation of policies.

Oba Ogunwusi also called on the government to condemn medical tourism that is common among the rich.

N8.5bn fraud: How accused defrauded banks of N340m — WITNESS

By Ola Ajayi

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NE of the prosecution witnesses in the ongoing trial of three staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria and staff of other commercial banks over alleged stealing of N8.5bn, yesterday told a Federal High Court in Ibadan how the accused allegedly defrauded both the apex bank and Wema Bank of the sum of N340m.

While narrating how the shady deals were done, Mrs Abosede Oyelakin, a staff of Wema Bank Oyelakin explained that Ademola Oni and Esther Afolabi were instrumental to how the banks lost over N340 million in the mutilated currency deals between 2010 and 2013.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Niger gov, Andy Uba, Gobir, 107 others named in PanamaPapers reports L

AGOS— At least 110 Nigerian individuals and companies, including Governor Abubakar Sadiq Bello of Niger State, Senators Andy Ubah and Ibrahim Gobir have so far been identified in the leaked PanamaPapers to operate offshore shell companies in tax havens.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and his predecessor, Senator David Mark, among several other Nigerians had earlier been identified in the document.

The list, which also contained top business persons, politicians, and their family members, detailed names of companies, their owners and the particular tax havens the offshore firms are domiciled.

An online publication, Premium Times, which revealed the list, is the only Nigerian media organisation with exclusive access to the documents obtained

by German newspaper, Süddeutsche Zeitung, and shared by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) with over 80 media organisations around the world.

Since April 3, 2016, when the news of the unprecedented leak broke worldwide, the publication had published series of exclusive reports about the offshore assets of prominent Nigerians named in the database that is now globally referred to as #PanamaPapers.

Some of them, who are public officer holders, held the assets in violation of Nigerian law, failing to declare them to the Code of Conduct Bureau.

The investigation revealed the assets of some of Nigeria’s most powerful individuals, including Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote; President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; the boss of Oando, Nigeria’s biggest indigenous oil firm, Wale Tinubu, in tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands, Panama, and Seychelles.

The unprecedented year-long investigation involving 11.5 million secret documents, which stretch from 1977 to December 2015, exposed the hidden underground of the world economy, a network of banks, law firms and other middlemen that utilize shell companies, sometimes using them to hide illegal wealth.

The 2.6 TB files, involving 214,488 entities, also revealed hundreds of details about how former gun-runners, contractors and other members of the spy world use offshore companies for personal and private gain.

The investigation unveiled the cloak of secrecy provided by Mossack Fonseca, the Panamanian law firm that specializes in creating offshore companies, some of which had been used by con men and women to hide Ponzi schemes,

predatory lending scams, and other financial frauds from their victims and from the authorities.

Contacted for his reactions, Gobir, who is Senate Committee on Senate Services, was said to have travelled out to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj.

His Media Assistant, Bala

Kassim, said his boss left the country yesterday, adding that there was no way he could be reached for responses to the allegation.

On his part, Vanguard sent text messages to the three lines of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Andy

Uba, PDP (Anambra South) to comment on allegations, but there were no responses.

Also, efforts made last night to reach Governor Bello and the two senators proved abortive as calls made to their mobile phones remained unanswered.

VISIT: Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State (left) receiving a souvenir from Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers' Council, Mr. Hassan Bello (right ) while Katsina State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf watch when the management of the council paid the governor a visit, in Katsina, yesterday.

Anti-corruption war: AGF, Sagay disagree over Buhari’s strategy

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA —There was a sharp disagreement between the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, and Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN, yesterday, over anti-corruption strategy of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The duo expressed divergent views at an anti-corruption summit the Federal Ministry of Justice organised in Abuja, in collaboration with the Open Society Initiative for West Africa, OSIWA, and One Campaign.

Whereas Sagay, in his remarks after a presentation on "Nigerian Anti-Corruption Effort with Challenges and Opportunities," insisted that it was wrong for people to insinuate that President Buhari had no clear cut strategy in his fight against corruption, he was immediately countered by the AGF, who told the audience that the government was yet to come up with a strategy.

Both Malami, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Justice Reform, Office of the AGF, Mrs. Juliet

Ibekaku, and Sagay, responded to questions from members of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, that participated at the summit.

Reacting to a question on whether President Buhari had jettisoned the rule of law in his bid to rid the country of corruption, Sagay said: “Nobody has jettisoned the rule of law. Anyone we have arrested so far has been taken to court. The whole system is taking proper legal procedure and the right of each person is being protected.

“Buhari’s integrity is relevant in this fight. It is the absence of a leader with integrity that has run us down. He cannot do it alone; others of like-mind must join him. ‘’You cannot develop if you have corruption. There is no way you can talk about economic development when corruption continues. Buhari stands as the symbol of the fight, but he is not a direct participant in the fight.

“He is not directly involved.

Others he has invested authority on are the ones doing it, maybe he gets report. It is the work of the anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC, ICPC, our Committee and others.

“It is wrong to say that Buhari

has no strategy. There is a major plan to have a national consensus on corruption. There is also a national plan to combat corruption. We intend to use television and radio jingles to make Nigerians take over the whole struggle as their own rather than that of the government alone. It is therefore wrong to say that we don’t have anti-corruption strategy”, Sagay argued.

However, as he was returning the microphone to the moderator, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, who is the Executive Director of African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development, representative of the AGF, Mrs. Ibekaku, requested for it, saying there was need for some clarifications to be made.

She said: “Let me come in on what Prof has said. The fact is that we don’t have anticorruption strategy currently but work is going on and the report could be ready before next month. Hopefully, by the end of the year, Nigeria will have a formalised document to fight corruption.”

NASS hands over 2016 budget to Presidency

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—FINALLY, the corrected version of the 2016 budget was, yesterday, handed over to the Presidency through the Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters Senate (Senator), Ita Enang.

The final conclusion and onward transmission of the corrected version of the budget, which had suffered delay, was disclosed by the Deputy Chairman of House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Jonathan Gaza, while briefing journalists at the assembly complex.

Though Gaza did not give details on how and when the budget was transmitted to the Presidency, sources close to the Presidency confirmed that it was Senator Ita Enang who collected the budget from the 10-man committee of the National Assembly, headed by the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Yusuf Lasun.

Recall that earlier in the day, it was scheduled that the deputy speaker would hand over the corrected version of the budget in the presence of journalists, but the plan was later cancelled and was submitted quietly.

While fielding questions from journalists on the position of the budget, Gaza said: “It is the same media that has kept the whole country abreast. Don’t forget that we are equally Nigerians and it is our desire for the country to move forward.

“A committee was set up, which was in the papers and was headed by the deputy speaker. Members from the Senate as well as the executive arm looked at the budget and I believe the resolutions have been transmitted or rather the resolutions have been submitted to the President.

“I am quite optimistic and I enjoin all other Nigerians, including yourselves, to be as optimistic as me that in the very near future, this budget will be signed into law.”

On when the budget was submitted and whether it was an amendment that was submitted, the House Deputy spokesman said: “Well, I honestly believe that we have to be quite careful with our choice of words.

“Over time, there have been differences and both arms of government had sat down to look at what those issues are.

Most importantly, what we want is to see our country and our economy moving forward."

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016—9

2 Major-Generals to face court-martial Over offences contrary to service discipline

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA— CHIEF of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, has ordered the military trial of two Major Generals of the Nigerian Army for what military sources said were offences contrary to service discipline.

The senior officers are Major General Ibrahim Sani, former Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation Centre and Major General Patrick Falola, former Commandant, 68 Military Hospital, Yaba, Lagos. He was also the Commander, Armed Forces Hospital, Kano.

Inaugurating the Special Military Court Martial at the Mogadishu Cantonment, yesterday, in Abuja, President of the court, Air Vice Marshal James Gbum, who is the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) at NAF Headquarters, noted that the senior officers would be tried pursuant to a convening order emanating from the office of the Chief of Army Staff, adding that the powers of the court were derived from the Armed Forces Act. AVM Gbum listed other members of the Special Court Martial as Air Vice Marshal Iya Abdullahi, who is the Chief of Training and Operations at NAF Headquarters; Rear Admiral Peter Agba, a former Chief of Naval Transformation, Surgeon Rear Admiral Edwin Elechukwu and the Judge Advocate, Colonel Saeed Musa.

Navy Captain Chris Anushiem is the Defence Counsel for MajorGeneral Ibrahim Sani, while retired Wing Commander Enokela is the defence counsel for Major General Falola. Lieutenant Colonel Ukpe Ukpe is the prosecution witness for the Nigerian Army.

Speaking shortly after members of the special court were inaugurated, defence counsel, Navy Capt. Anushiem, drew the attention of the President of the court, AVM Gbum, to the fact that his two clients, Major General Sani and himself had not been served with copies of the charge sheet spelling out the offences

committed, list of evidence or list of witnesses which could lead to an ambush when General Sani’s case begin.

He then requested the president of the court to direct the prosecution to provide the defence counsel of both accused the convening order, accompanied with the charge sheet, list of

witnesses and list of evidence to enable them prepare adequately for their defence.

Air Vice Marshal Gbum, subsequently, directed the prosecution to provide the documents to the defence counsel not later than 24 hours before the arraignment of the senior officers.

The case was adjourned till Monday by 9 am at Mogadishu cantonment.

Vanguard gathered that this is the first time since the advent of democracy in 1999, that senior officers of the ranks of two-star Generals are facing court-martial in the Nigerian

Alleged N1.9trn fraud: Why FG terminated George Uboh’s contract—AGF

By Soni Daniel & Henry Umoru

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BUJA — THE t t o r n e y General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has written to President Muhammadu Buhari to ignore the claim

by Mr. George Uboh, Chief Executive Officer of Public Alerts Security System that he had discovered N1.9 trillion stashed away by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and other public agencies in Nigerian banks.

Uboh, who was last week jailed for three years by an FCT High Court for being implicated in a Police Equipment Funds related fraud, had accused Malami of blocking his efforts to recover the huge sum of money for the country.

He also accused the minister of shielding some banks and entities from being exposed for robbing the country of cash to execute its programmes.

Under the contract, Uboh was to earn five percent of the cash recovered and paid the balance into dedicated Federal Government accounts.

But in a detailed response sent to the President with Ref: HAGF/ SH/2016/Vol. 1/20 and dated May 4, 2016, the minister said Uboh never recovered a dime, despite being appointed by the Federal Government to do so but merely wanted government’s recognition to collect underserved cash.

In the 19-page letter addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, Malami also said Uboh was appointed in error, having not personally known that he had previously been convicted in the United States for bank fraud and was recently jailed

by Federal Capital Territory High Court for fraud related issues.

Malami said he had to revoke the authority given to Uboh’s firm, Panic Alert Security Systems, PASS, to retrieve alleged trillions of naira stashed away in banks and other government agencies when he exceeded the brief to harass other entities to open their security systems for him to obtain vital encrypted information.

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AGM: From left, Executive Director, Shared Services & Products, Fidelity Bank Plc , Chijioke Ugochukwu; Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Alhaji Mohammed Balarabe; and Chairman, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Christopher Ezeh, at the bank’s 28th Annual General Meeting, in Lagos, yesterday

I'm not hiding from EFCC, says Fani-Kayode Says he awaits formal invitation from EFCC

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA— FORMER spokesperson to exPresident Goodluck Jonathan’s Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has denied hiding from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, saying he was not a coward.

Fani-Kayode, who described the report as totally absurd, said in a statement that he was not hiding, noting that he had been in his Abuja residence in the last few weeks.

He said the EFCC never wrote

or called him on phone to explain his role in the presidential campaign funds of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the 2015 presidential election.

According to him, others alleged to be involved in the campaign funds were invited in a civilised way, treated in a humane and decent manner.

He wondered why he should be treated differently, criminalised in the newspapers and not even afforded what he termed common courtesy of a formal invitation by the EFCC. The former Aviation Minister said he was waiting for a formal letter from the anti-graft agency or their call and handed over those saying he was running to God. The statement read: “I have just read some absurd media reports which have quoted sources in the EFCC as saying that I had gone underground and that I was hiding from them.

"This is false; I have not been invited by the EFCC by letter, neither have they phoned me or attempted to reach me in any other way. I have been in my Abuja home for the last few weeks and I am not hiding from anyone.

“I am not a coward and this attempt to further demonise and

humiliate me by the EFCC will fail. If they have any questions for me, why don’t they just write to me or call me, give me a date and I will be in their office.

"I have made my position clear on the issue of the presidential campaign funds.

I have written an essay about it in my various columns about two weeks ago and I have been waiting for the EFCC to reach me ever since then.

"They have invited others but they have not invited me. I do not believe that I have done anything wrong and this latest attempt to criminalise me and make me look like a fugitive from justice will fail."

“Others that were invited to the EFCC over this same campaign funds issue were sent letters of invitation and were reached. I appear to be the exception and now these hideous lies are being fed to the newspapers to make it look as if I am in hiding or that I am running from them just to sensationalise the whole issue.

“This is also to justify that what the EFCC wishes to do which is to arrest me in public, humiliate me or to storm my home and lock me up indefinitely."

10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY MAY 6, 2016

Pirates attack: 6 floating corpses recovered in Bayelsa creek

By Samuel Oyadongha

Man, 50, nabbed for allegedly raping toddler A

50-YEAR-OLD man, Adebayo Attahiru, has been arrested by the Police in Niger for allegedly raping a threeyear-old.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Bala Elkana, Police made this known to newsmen in Minna yesterday.

Elkana said that the incident occurred last Friday.

The spokesman said the accused resides around Mobil area of Minna, the state capital.

“Investigation into the case has commenced and the law must take its course,” Elkana said.

He advised parents and guardians not to leave their wards

where they could not guarantee their safety.

An eyewitness, who pledged anonymity, told journalists that Attahiru raped the toddler when she was left sleeping on her mother’s bed.

The source said that the mother of the little girl had left her to go to the market unknown that her

Y

E N A G O A —S I X floating corpses have been reportedly recovered along the Brass River in the Bayelsa East senatorial district.

The decomposing corpses were believed to be those of victims of Tuesday violent attack on a boat conveying some oil workers on a visit to an oil facility in the Nembe creek.

The victims including two naval ratings, according to sources, met their untimely death Tu e s d a y morning when they were attacked by some unknown gunmen suspected to be sea pirates.

A police source in the area said the floating corpses were recovered Wednesday afternoon by a naval team deployed in the area with the assistance of some local divers.

It was also gathered that a senior oil worker and his pregnant wife simply identified as Mercy were among the victims.

Some indigenes of the Nembe community have expressed concern over the rising incident of violence along the Nembe creeks and waterways.

Contacted, spokesman for the Central Naval Command, Lt. Commander Edward Yeibo, who confirmed the attack in the Nembe creek said a naval craft, NNS SOROH had been deployed in the area.

He, however, dismissed the claim that naval ratings were among the personnel the casualties.

FIRE: One of the offices at Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State Secretariat, after being gutted by fire, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

Protest in Aba as soldiers allegedly kill two butchers

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

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BA—WHAT would have been a major ethnic clash was averted yesterday in Aba, Abia State following protests over alleged killings of two Igbo butchers at the Waterside abattoir by soldiers.

Vanguard gathered that penultimate week, an unnamed soldier in mufti, reportedly went to the abattoir to smoke Indian hemp after which he refused to pay, claiming he was a soldier.

The situation led to a fracas with some boys in the area, who insisted he must pay, without knowing that the man was a soldier. The said soldier reportedly came to the abattoir yesterday with four of his colleagues in a Hilux patrol van and started shooting in-

discriminately.

There was commotion in the area as butchers and those who came to buy meat scampered to safety and when the shooting died down, a pig rearer, identified as Ojukwu, was found dead.

It was gathered that when some of the butchers, who saw what happened, sought to know from the soldiers what led to their action, that the trigger happy soldiers shot and killed another butcher.

The soldiers reportedly beat

Mob lynches robber

By Esther Onyegbula

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HE LAGOS State police Command have recovered one Para English pistol with nine expended and 10 unexpended .9mm ammunition from suspected robbers who shot three person in Lagos. It was gathered that Adewale Adeyemi of 28 Shosanya St. Onipanu Lagos was attacked by a gang of armed robbers after he with-

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four others to pulp and forced them into their van and drove off to an unknown destination.

Their action angered the butchers as they were joined by other people in a protest that spread to all parts of the city.

....Police recovers arms and ammunition

drew the sum of three hundred thousand naira. (#330:000.00) from a branch of a bank located in Apapa.

Vanguard learned that he was accosted by two armed men on a motor bike who demanded for the money he had gone to withdrew , but he refused and was shot on his right leg in the process.

The sound of the gun shot attracted passers-by who rushed to the scene and the bandits sensing danger shot

at Olatunji Ogundele and Sanjo Akintoye.

One of the culprits was, however, over-powered by the crowd and lynched, while the other escaped on a motor bike.

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Spokesperson, SP Dolapo Badmus, said the three victims were rushed to Smith Hospital for treatment while the corpse of the armed robber was deposited at Yaba General Hospital mortuary.

EFCC quizzes former Northern Ministers, others over Diezani's N24bn fraud

By Soni Daniel

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HE Economic and Finan cial Crimes Commission, EFCC in continuation of its investigations into the 24 billion Naira laundered by the former Minister of Petroleum

Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison Madueke during the 2015 General Elections through Fidelity Bank plc, has so far unravelled how a total of N 5,097,064,000 was disbursed and received by representatives from seven states in the Northwest zone of the country.

Preliminary investigation into the matter has shown that a total of N 1, 356,620,000 was allegedly received by two beneficiaries from Kano State of which a total of N950,000,000 was allegedly received by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs in the last dispensation,

Accident: 7 Kano students, driver buried amid tears HE SEVEN Kano State stu dents and their driver, who died on Tuesday while returning from Lagos after attending a national quiz competition along Iroko road, via Ibadan, Oyo State, were buried at the Tarauni Graveyard, Kano yesterday amid tears.

Among those that attended the prayer conducted at the

neighbour had ulterior motive towards her baby.

“As soon as the woman left, Adebayo Attahiru sneaked into the room where the baby was sleeping and forcefully had sex with her,” the source added.

Another female eyewitness and family friend to the victim’s mother said the accused could have applied some grease on his private part to make penetration easy but he did not.

She said the cry of the little girl attracted other neighbours to the room where they met the girl in pain and blood splashed all over the room.

The woman said before neighbours could get to the room the suspect ran away but neighbours caught him and handed him to the police.

She said the suspect was subsequently handed over to the Women and Child Protection Unit of the Police at the Paiko road police station, which is now investigating the matter.

The accused, who was initially detained at the Paiko road police station, has been moved to the state Police Headquarters for more interrogation.

Emir’s Palace, Kano, around 9 am are: Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the state Executive Council, other top government officials as well as parents and sympathisers.

The funeral prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Kano, Prof.

Sani Zahraddeen, who prayed God to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest and

Jannatul Firdaus (The highest Paradise).

He also prayed God to give their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Governor Ganduje had on Wednesday received corpses of the students and the driver, and described the incident as shocking to the Government and people of the state.

He also described the deceased as heroes who were on a mission to do the state proud.

He prayed God to grant them Jannatul Firdaus and urged their families to take solace in the fact that all mortals would inevitably die. The seven students and their driver died on Tuesday while returning from Lagos after attending a national quiz competition.

Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali while the balance of N406,206,000 was allegedly received on behalf of the late Kano State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Mukaila Abdullahi by one Sani Isa who is retiree of INEC, Kano State.

They all according to investigations collected these monies from Fidelity Bank plc after due certification of various means of identification as requested by the bank.

Also one of the representatives from Jigawa State who was the former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs Dr Nurudeen Muhammad allegedly received a total of N 500,000, 000 out of N 750,000,000 disbursed to Jigawa State.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 — 11

C M Y K

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

IG takes over investigation of attack on Odubu

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—EDO State Commissioner of Police , Mr. Chris Ezike, said yesterday, in Benin, that the office of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has taken over investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

It will be recalled that the deputy governor was allegedly attacked at the All Progressives Congress, APC, local government secretariat, in Auchi, during his Meet the Delegates tour, during which six people, including two security aides, were injured.

Mr. Ezike spoke shortly after his meeting with representatives of 20 political parties, including the APC and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the September 10 governorship election in the state.

Also present at the meeting were the State DSS Director, Mr. Ibrahim Haliru, Commandant of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Walter Akubuiroh, and state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Sam

C M Y K

Olumekun.

Meanwhile, former President of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr Peter Esele, has called for the enactment of a code of conduct to regulate the behavioural pattern and limit of aspirants, saying that anyone who violates the laws of the land should be punished He also called for an urgent meeting of all governorship aspirants on the platform of APC, with a view to resolving all thorny issues in the party.

Esele, who is also an aspirant of the party for the September 10, 2016 governorship election, described the attack on the deputy governor as unfortunate, just as he advised co-aspirants to eschew violence and other vices during their campaigns.

It will be recalled that while the campaign organisation of Odubu, who is a governorship aspirant of APC, alleged that the deputy governor was the target of the attack, the state government maintained that the

claim appeared false and hasty.

However, the Police Commissioner explained that the IG had resolved to set up a highpowered team of policemen from the Force Headquarters Criminal and Investigative Department to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, in the interest of justice.

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner said that the commission had improved its operations, through an upgrade in technology.

High Court takes over trial of ex-Rivers LGA boss

By Davies Iheamnachor

P

ORT HARCOURT—A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, yesterday, took over the trial of the former Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area in the state, Mr. Ojukaye Amachree, who was accused of murder.

Amachree was arraigned before a Port Harcourt Magistrate Court, last month, by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Musa

Kimo, on two counts charge of murder.

The Magistrate Court on Wednesday declined to continue with the matter, noting that the charges against the accused were capital offences.

At the first appearance at the High Court, yesterday, counsel to the accused, Mr. Emenike Ebete, moved a bail application before the court after the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him.

However, the Attorney

General of the State, Emma Aguma, who is now the prosecuting counsel in the matter, outside the court room, told journalists that the bail application would be argued on the adjourned date.

Meanwhile, the trial judge, Justice Margaret Opara, gave the prosecuting counsel four days to file responses to the bail application and also gave same to the defence counsel.

Justice Opara adjourned till May 14, for hearing of the bail application.

Resident doctors in Bayelsa declare three days warning strike

By Samuel Oyadongha

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E N A G O A — RESIDENT doctors at the Federal Medical Centre in Bayelsa State have declared a three days warning strike to draw government’s attention to irregularities in the payment of their salaries.

The resident doctors, under the aegis of Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, ARDN, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, yesterday, said that the strike action was an open rejection of the 48 per cent salaries paid them by the Federal Government in the last four months.

President of ARDN, Dr. Okoye Chukwunonso, said information at their disposal was that it was only in the FMC Yenagoa that resident doctors were paid 48 per cent of their salaries since January this year.

“We have been having the challenge of being paid only 48 percent of our salaries in the past four months," he said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016—13

Alleged $49.8bn oil theft: My role in Sanusi's letter to Jonathan —Amaechi M

INISTER of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, yesterday, denied media reports that he surreptitiously and clandestinely leaked a letter written by former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, governor and now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammad II, to then President Goodluck Jonathan on the non-remittance of $49.8 billion from oil sale to the Federation Account.

Amaechi, in a statement by his media office, said: “To put the records straight, we want to categorically state that a concerned and patriotic Nigerian who felt sufficiently troubled with what was happening then, gave a copy of the Sanusi letter to Amaechi, in Amaechi’s capacity, at the time, as Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF. Like Amaechi, we should appreciate that concerned Nigerian’s patriotism.

“When Amaechi got the letter, he spoke with Sanusi, who was still the CBN governor, to confirm the authenticity of the letter. Sanusi confirmed to Amaechi that he wrote the letter. During their conversation, Amaechi made it abundantly clear to the then CBN governor that the bleeding of the nation had to be stopped, all nonremitted funds remitted and that he (Amaechi) was going to use the letter to do whatever was in the best interest of the nation and Nigerians, which was the stoppage of the non-remittance and the recovery of all the nonremitted funds from oil sale. The CBN governor didn’t agree with Amaechi on the way forward.

“Considering that the letter was given to Amaechi as Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, he shared

the letter with his colleague governors first, and with Senator Bukola Saraki (now Senate President), who before and around that period, was doing some work or/and investigation around the oil sector in the Senate.

“Around that period, a delegation from the United States of America government, from the offices of the Secretaries of State and Defense, visited Amaechi in Port Harcourt to discuss the issue of oil theft in Nigeria. From their records, they gave Amaechi figures of about $7 billion, annually, that was being lost to oil theft in Nigeria.

They were discussing the issue and figures of oil theft, and that was how the CBN governor’s

letter to President Jonathan came up.

“In the presence of journalists covering the visit, Amaechi brought out the Sanusi letter to the visiting American delegation to buttress the point that Nigeria was losing far more money to non-remittance of proceeds from oil sale into the Federation Account, which everyone seemed to concur, was in itself, another form and another dimension to the issue of oil theft.

“To suggest, infer or even extrapolate that Amaechi surreptitiously, clandestinely or underhandedly ‘leaked’ the CBN governor’s (Sanusi’s) letter is indeed most unfair, disrespectful and uncharitable

to his person. Amaechi did what he did because he believed that the theft and corruption was just too much.

“He was propelled by his patriotic zeal to put Nigeria first, do what was in the best interest of the nation, and stop the bleeding of our collective resources by a few. The mind boggling corruption revelations in the recent past, that is still ongoing, clearly justifies and vindicates Amaechi’s stance on the issue and the actions he took.

Faced with the same situation, under similar circumstances, Amaechi will not act differently.

The good of Nigeria, putting the nation and Nigerians first, will always be his guiding principle.”

U

GHELLI—SUSPECTED militants in the Niger Delta have continued their onslaught on oil installations with the blowing up of Chevron Valve Platform in Abiteye, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident, it was gathered, occurred at 10:40p.m., on Wednesday.

Though the company ’s Public Affairs Manager, Deji Haastrup, could not be reached for comments on the incident, an official of the Department of State Services, DSS, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, adding that the platform was totally destroyed with dynamite.

The security source further hinted that the platform is a major connecting point where all other platforms are linked and also serves as a fulcrum to Chevron BOP and the Chevron Tank farm thereby halting all operations of the C M Y K

A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—AGAINST the backdrop of rumours of his planning to quit office, Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, has said that he had never contemplated resigning from his job over the alleged depletion of his ministry.

Denying the rumour in a chat with newsmen in Asaba, Ukah said he loves his job and the people he is working with.

Describing the rumour as unfounded and wicked, the commissioner said he never threatened to resign his appointment when the Department of Orientation was removed from the Information Ministry and made a Directorate under Governor’s Office.

AAU V-C race: Esan group demands transparency

B BURIAL: From left: Rt. Rev. and Mrs. Samuel Nortey, Bishop of Methodist Church, Nyanya, Abuja; Arch. V. U. Udoh, immediate younger sister of late Deaconess Nunu;Misan Bemigho Paige and Temi Jaiye Nunu, during the burial ceremony of late Deaconess Gladys Eduwirofo Nunu, nee Amayo, at Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Edo/Delta, Sapele Circuit.

Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

N-Delta militants blow up Chevron Valve Platform

By Perez Brisibe

I’ve never contemplated resigning —Delta Information Commissioner

company in the region.

Meanwhile, claiming responsibility for the incident, Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group in the region, in a statement, attributed the incident to the effort of its strike Team 6, adding that the attack on the facility was in line with its promise to the Nigerian government to cripple the

economy.

The group, which had earlier claimed responsibility for attacking the Forcados 48-inch Export Pipeline, also threatened to attack oil facilities in Lagos and Abuja, the nation’s capital.

“We want to pass this message to all international oil companies operating in

Bayelsa dep gov assures investors of govt partnership

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—DEPUTY Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd), has said that the state government was willing to partner any investor that wants to do business in the state.

Jonah stated this in Yenagoa, when he granted audience to the Chairman of Tonwei Refinery Limited, whose company is building a refinery in the state.

According to the deputy governor, the state government was ready to create the enabling environment for businessmen to invest in the state, pointing out that the issue of security would be sorted out when the company commences operation in the state.

Earlier, Chairman of Tonwei Refinery, Prince Tongubor Timi, recalled that the refinery project, started in year 2000, was delayed due to some challenges that include finance and security.

the Niger Delta that the Nigerian military can’t protect their facilities. They should talk to the Federal Government to meet our demands else more mishaps will befall their installations.

“Until our demands are met, no repair works should be done at the blast site,” the group added.

ENIN—ESAN Youths for Good Governance and Positive Change, a sociocultural organisation in Edo State, has appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, to ensure that the process of electing a new Vice Chancellor for the university was transparent so as to avoid crisis in the institution.

In a letter to the governor , the President of the group, Benson Odia, noted that since the Tayo Akpata University of Education, Ekiadolor and the Edo State University Iyamho, were manned by indigenous Vice Chancellors, it expects the state government to appoint an Esan man as Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Austrian bizman sues EFCC over court order

Global Fund uncovers fraud in malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS grants to Nigeria

By Sola Ogundipe, Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

By Innocent Anaba

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N Austrian businessman based in Nigeria, Wolgang Reinl, has initiated contempt proceedings against Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, over allegations of disobedience of the orders of an Abuja High Court, which ordered the commission to pay him N10 million for his unlawful detention for over two months.

Trial judge, Justice Peter Affen, had on April 20, after listening to the counsel to Reinl, Mazi Afam Osigwe in an application for the fundamental rights enforcement, held that the detention of the applicant at the EFCC’s office at Wuse 2, Abuja, from December 28, 2015 to February 5, 2016 was u n l a w f u l , unconstitutional and constitutes a gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental right to dignity of the human person and personal liberty.

T

HE Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, GFATM, an international financing institution that invests the world’s money to save lives, has suspended disbursement of funds for malaria, HIV/ AIDS and Tuberculosis, following discovery of large scale fraud by recipient organisations in Nigeria.

The discovery of the fraud, involving millions of dollars, was uncovered after an audit of grants to Nigeria by the Office of the Inspector General, OIG, an arm of the Fund.

A message on Nigeria audit reports by the Executive Director, Global Fund, Mark Dybul, said findings showed that “the audit report on Nigeria covered US$889 million of Global Fund grants, and found systemic weakness in the controls in various government entities.

“The investigation report found fraud and collusion in the amount of US$3.8 million.”

According to Dybul, the audit reviewed multiple grants in the period 2013-2015 and identified significant problems with internal controls at

government entities, in particular relating to procurement conducted by the National Agency for Control of AIDS, NACA, and the National Malaria Elimination Program, NMEP. The audit identified US$20 million as expenditure for which NACA was unable to provide supporting documentation during the audit.

He said: “In addition, the audit identified a lack of

documentary evidence related to human resources and payment approval processes, with US$7.65 million identified as unsupported expenditures.

“Following work performed by a third party fiscal agent, US$5.1 million has now been verified, based on a review of supporting documentation that was not available during the audit; US$1.0 million requires further clarification, and US$1.5 million of

expenditure that has not yet been reviewed due to timing.

“We expect to be able to provide a final, comprehensive view of these expenditures by 10 May.” Dybul explained that the investigation examined the work of a sub-recipient, Nigeria’s Department of Health Planning, Research & Statistics, DPRS, where it found evidence of systematic embezzlement, and identified US$3.8 million of irregular spending.

Recovering stolen funds has become tedious—BUHARI

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, in Abuja, said the process of recovering stolen funds had become tedious.

The President made the statement while receiving the Executive Secretary of United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime, Yury Fedotov, and stressed that the process had “become tedious” to the consternation of Nigerians.

He urged the UN agency to facilitate faster recovery of the stolen wealth stashed abroad.

“We are looking for more cooperation from the EU, United States, other countries and international institutions to recover the nation’s stolen assets, particularly proceeds from the stolen crude oil,” the President said, according to a statement issued by Garba Shehu, his spokesman.

“It is taking very long and Nigerians are becoming impatient,” he added.

Buhari told Fedotov that his government had worked very hard in the past 11 months to reverse the very negative global perception of Nigeria.

He said: “Our genuine efforts to deal with corruption and drugs have earned us international respect and this has encouraged us to do more.

“We know that by fighting the scourge of drugs and corruption and rebuilding trustworthiness, integrity, good business practices and imposing discipline on youths to avoid drugs, we are not doing a favour to the international community; we are doing a favour to ourselves.”

Fedotov told Buhari that UNODC had chosen Nigeria as a pilot country for support and cooperation in the fight against drugs and corruption.

NEWSPAPER PROPRIETORS MEET MINISTERS

From left— General Secretary, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, Dame Comfort Obi; Minister of Environment, Hajia Amina Mohammed; Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; President, NPAN, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena; Alhaji Ismaila Isa-Funtua; Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka, during the meeting between the ministers and NPAN in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTOS: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

From left— Publisher, Abuja Inquirer, Mr. Dan Akpovwa; Managing Director, The Sun, Mr. Eric Osagie, and Chairman/Editor-in-Chief, The New Diplomat, Mr. Oma Djebah.

Mrs Adeosun (left) and Mr. Amuka.

From left—Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Champion Newspaper, Dr. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa; Dame Obi; General Manager/Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye; Alhaji Mohammed and Mr. Ray Ekpu.

From left— Managing Director, Thisday Newspapers, Mr. Eniola Bello; Managing Director, Telegraph Newspaper, Mrs Funke Egbemode, and Dame Obi.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016—15

Anambra introduces POS to block revenue leakages

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By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

NEWI—THE Anambra State Government has stopped the use of revenue agents to collect levies, taxes and fees in the state to avoid a situation where unsuspecting citizens are defrauded by the agents who also defraud the state by short-paying the state after collecting the revenues.

The state is now using Point of Sales, POS, located in different locations in the Local Government Areas and towns in the state, by the banks that won the contracts of collecting revenues after a ballot conducted for banks operating in the state for revenue collection.

Consultant to the Government and Stanbic IBTC bank Plc, Chief Raphael Nnabuife disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Onitsha.

He said that following the dwindling oil price and the short falls on revenue accrued to the state from the Federal Government, many states decided to enhance their Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, and the Government of Anambra State decided to enhance its own through direct payment by individual companies of their taxes, levies and fees into the bank's POS. He said: “No levy, tax or fee paid in the state has been increased since over five years now. The change people are seeing is that the government decided to drop the agents, intermediaries, and middle men.”

Biafra: A-Court reserves judgment on Kanu, others’ appeal

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—THE Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, yesterday, reserved judgment on the appeal lodged before it by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu and two other proBiafra agitators, David Nwawusi and Benjamin Madubugwu, had gone before the appellate court to challenge what they termed “strange procedure” adopted in their trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The trio, who are answering to a six-count treason charge the Federal Government preferred against them, in their consolidated appeal,

O

WERRI—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, caucus in Imo State House of Assembly, has summarily removed the member for Onuimo state cnstituency, Mr. Chinedu Offor, as the Deputy Majority Leader of the House.

Announcing the change during plenary, the Speaker, Chief Acho Ihim, also said that the member representing Obowo constituency, Mr.

by security operatives on his arrival from his base in the United Kingdom.

The defendants were alleged to have committed treasonable felony, an offence punishable under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Government alleged that they were the ones managing the affairs of IPOB, which it described as “an unlawful society.”

Kanu was alleged to have illegally smuggled radio transmitters into Nigeria, which he used to disseminate “hate broadcasts,” encouraging the “secession of the Republic of Biafra”, from Nigeria.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge on January 20, even as the court ordered their remand at Kuje Prison, Abuja.

75 illegal immigrants arrested in Abia

By Anayo Okoli

U IMO PEACE CORPS: From left— Commandant General, Imo State Peace and Conflict Resolution Bureau, Mr. Peter Ohagwa; Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, and former Deputy Governor of old Imo State, Chief Francis Orji, during the official launch of Imo Peace Advocate Corps.

Enugu attack: Imo police read riot act to herdsmen

By Chidi Nkwopara

I

MO State Police Command has warned that it would not deal kindly with anybody or group of persons that will ignite any form of crisis in the state.

The Commissioner of Police,

Imo House Dep Majority Leader removed

By Chidi Nkwopara

alleged bias against trial Justice John Tsoho who not only declined to grant them bail, but also permitted the prosecution to shield the identity of eight witnesses billed to testify in the matter.

Justice Tsoho had equally rejected application praying him to discharge and acquit the three defendants in line with Section 351(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Meanwhile, a three-man panel of Justices of the appellate court, led by Justice Abdul Aboki, yesterday, adjourned to deliver judgment on the appeal after both counsel to the appellants, Chief Chuks Muoma (SAN), and the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mr. Mohammed Diri, adopted

their briefs of argument.

While Muoma urged the court to not only allow the appeal, but to also release his clients on bail, the DPP contended that the appeal lacked merit and ought to be dismissed.

Basically, Kanu and his codefendants argued before the appellate court that trial Justice Tsoho erred in law “when having refused the application for the witnesses of the prosecution to testify behind screens or masked” on February 19, then “suddenly varied the said order in the ruling delivered on March 7, on a mere oral application by the respondent.”

Kanu, who was hitherto the Director of Radio Biafra and Television, has been in detention since October 14, 2015, when he was arrested

Kennedy Ibe, is the new Deputy Majority Leader.

Meanwhile, a six-man panel headed by the Deputy Speaker, Chief Ugonna Ozuruigbo, has been set up to properly investigate the activities of the three lawmakers recently suspended by the Assembly.

The other members of the probe panel are Marcel Odumze, Arthur Egwim, Mrs. Uche Ejiogu and Emma Orie.

Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, read the riot act yesterday while addressing Okigwe royal fathers and representatives of Fulani and Hausa communities in the area.

He said: “The prevailing circumstances in parts of the country call for restraint and caution. We have been hearing rumour of attacks and counterattacks. I must warn that the Command will not hesitate to fall heavily on perpetrators of such a crime.

“If I have a farm, I will look forward to a bumper harvest. I will not be happy to see people take their cows into my farmland.

“Similarly, I would not like anybody to kill my cows. There are very unruly people around us. If there is any problem, do not take laws into your hands.

Please report to the nearest police station.”

Speaking also, the Chairman

of Okigwe Traditional Rulers’ Council, Eze Bernard Alisi, said they had been living in peace with the Hausa/Fulani in Okigwe for years, but quickly added “what we are seeing these days is fearful and distasteful.

“We are sad that these days, herdsmen carry assault rifles. What do you expect farmers to do when they go to their farms and see herdsmen carrying AK-47 rifles? Herdsmen should please drop their guns.”

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Alhaji Yahaya Biu appealed to the royal fathers and indigenes to report any herdsman they see carrying assault rifles to the nearest police station.

“We do not want the things that happened in Nasarawa, Benue and Enugu states to happen here in Imo,” Alhaji

MUAHIA— ABIA State Command of Nigeria Immigration Service has paraded 75 aliens, mainly from Niger Republic, arrested in parts of the state, saying they would be deported to their country.

They include 70 males and five females.

Among them were a 30year old herbalist, Jau Marusa, his wife and their little baby girl.

Jau Marusa, who hawks herbal medicines, admitted that he came into Nigeria without the relevant documents because he did not have money to procure them.

He said that it is his love for Nigeria that made him to come, pointing out that Nigeria is a fertile ground for his kind of business.

Parading the immigrants, Abia State Controller of Immigration, Antonia Opara said that her command carried out a mop-up exercise in Aba and Umuahia areas, where they were rounded up.

According to her, “before they were brought here, we made sure that all of them were from Niger. There were some of them who had valid documents; we asked them to go and continue their jobs here.”

16 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016—17

Elder Emmanuel Nweke (1936-2016)

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Creating scapegoats: A dysfunctional anti-corruption strategy

By Lindsay Barrett OW that a year has passed since the historic Presidential election that brought former General Muhammadu Buhari to power and recorded the first ever electoral defeat of an incumbent President in Nigeria, it is only to be expected that concerned analysts will try to comprehend the nature of the new order.

One thing that President Buhari cannot be accused of is hiding his determination to make the fight against corruption the centerpiece of his mandate. In a short but profoundly focused commentary, published in the authoritative British journal The Economist’s 2016 preview, he stated this in no mean terms.

In the piece which was published in December 2015 and entitled “All Change In Nigeria” President Buhari declared that “…we also note that most nations that have achieved rapid economic growth in recent decades have one thing in common: they first addressed their breakdown in governance, cracked down on corruption and demonstrated to their own people and the world that to invest in that country is safe. That is where we must also begin.” With such a forthright declaration President Buhari signaled many of the events that have occurred in the arena of the search for public probity since he took the reins of power.

It can hardly be denied that some examples of incredible profligacy and financial dysfunction have already been uncovered.

Revelations of hoarded caches of foreign currency recovered from unlikely locations such as a false soak-away pit in the residence of a former high official boggle the mind.

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Political strongmen Vital questions have also been raised over the domiciling of funds, which were clearly released from official sources, in the personal accounts of some political strongmen, and it is imperative that these issues be investigated thoroughly. It would be unfair for anyone to suggest that these revelations were manufactured to divert attention from the new government’s own problems, but the conduct of some security operatives in the process of following these allegations tend to support such suspicions. It will not be helpful to the overall process of fighting against corruption if the process is itself corrupted by irregular and vindictive conduct.

A few weeks ago, sometime in midFebruary the home of a close friend of former President Goodluck Jonathan was invaded in Abuja. The reports that emanated from this incident were revelatory. The occupant of the home was described as a “close associate of the former President” and the source of information on the home invasion

was identified as a member of the Department of State Service (DSS).

The motivation for this i n c i d e n t appeared to be less than circumspect, however, since the homeowner was not present and had not been told that the DSS was intending to search his premises. According to the reports that followed, a negligible amount of foreign and local currency was recovered in the house and a number of rudimentarily described documents were taken away.

The individual concerned is a retired Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State civil service, a businessman, and a traditional ruler. The provenance of the incident appeared to be based only on his purported friendship with the former President rather than on any activity connected to his professional or personal concerns.

This perception has been reinforced by official silence over the matter and the failure of the DSS to take further action related to this incident for nearly two months after it occurred. Conduct of this nature, on the part of official agencies, tends to suggest that their motivation includes a greater measure of bias and vindictive presumption rather than credible evidence of illicit conduct. A recent posting on several internet sites further strengthened

The tactic of scapegoating exleaders and prominent citizens is a dysfunctional act if deployed as part of a strategic policy in the fight against corruption this perception when it was reported that an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had allegedly commented on another case in which an individual described as a “close relative of former President Jonathan” was involved.

Close scrutiny of this particular case unveils even more cause for concern over the actions of those who have the task of carrying out genuine investigations aimed at exposing corrupt practices. This case involved a lawyer who is indeed a relative of Dr. Jonathan, but the circumstances under which he came to be held for more than a fortnight in a detention cell of the EFCC raises serious questions about the impartiality and fairness

the buildings done by him

By Kelechi Igwe lately include the office of the ATE Elder Emmanuel Vice Chancellor, Ebonyi State Nwali Nweke (Truth is University, Ebonyi State Life) was an accomplished University Staff Nursery/ man of many parts; born 70 Primary School and years ago into the family of great Chief Arena Ugbaloma of NkalekeEnyibichiri Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He was the third child and second son among his four siblings from his immediate mother because, his father married about 16 wives of which his mother was the last and the youngest.

Late Elder Emmanuel Nweke He was about four years old when his School biological father died and Secondary due to this situation, his late complexes; and one of the mother, Mrs Ogboji Arena, ward blocks in Federal left her husband’s place with Teaching Hospital Abakaliki; all her four children to her to mention but a few.

As a mechanized farmer, father, Chief Nweke Onelemy father performed Odo’s Village, Ndiagu Echara, for greener pasture. meritoriously well in It was there that she brought cultivation of rice, yam and up all her children including cassava. In 70’s and 80’s, he my father. Consequent upon was one of the highest and this, her children adopted wealthiest farmers in his and began to answer Nweke, community and local their maternal grand fathers government area at large. He name instead of Arona, their had 48 servants that worked for him and a tractor for fathers name.

Late Elder Emmanuel ploughing. As a transporter/ Nwali Nweke had great business tycoon, Papa had interest in school, but due to lorries and tippers that were lack of a sponsor, he had no working for him which he option than joining his peers gave the inscription “TRUTH to start working for people in IS LIFE” because of his the farm. After a while, he sincerity in business.

Moreover, due to Papa’s saved some money and proceeded to learn the skill peaceful disposition and of building construction honesty, he was in 1994, made the Chairman, (mason).

Transport unit of the Rice Skill of building Mill Owners Industry Nig Ltd, and he performed construction creditably well. As one time He learnt this work very village chairman, papa well under the tutelage/ received an award as the best guidance of late Mr. in the whole of the State, in Igwebuike from Anambra Community Development in state. This skill took him to the year 1983/84 by the Sole so many places in Enugu Administrator of the old State, Anambra State and his Anambra State, Col. John own state Ebonyi. He Arthur Mkpere due to his eventually enrolled in adult excellent performance. education where he obtained During this time also, many First School Leaving were given scholarship Certificate, FSLC, with through is influence.

Papa was ordained an distinction.

Elder of the Presbyterian Around early 70’s he worked for the Norwegians church of Nigeria in the year at the former NORCAP, Ikwo 1973 and remained active as from there they went to leader in various capacities Iziogo, in Izzi Local in the church till he took ill Government Area. When in 2011. He had served as they saw his skills, they made Elder Commissioner for years, Board attempt to take him along many Chairman, Men Christian back to their country but, this (MCA) became aborted by his Association president, Chairman, mother, who was afraid that she might lose her son. My Building Project for many father continued the building years, etc; both in his home construction work until he church, former Ndiagu became fully registered as a parish, and in Town, Ebonyi major contractor under the Parish. Elder Emmanuel then Anambra State Nwali Nweke is survived by Government in late 70’s. many Children and in-laws Many buildings and bridges including Barr. Eric Kelechi were constructed by him until Igwe, Ph.D. Deputy he took ill in 2011. Some of Governor of Ebonyi State.

Nigeria

of the agency’s methods. The individual had been questioned about the performance of his companies in the execution of several large contracts won by them during Dr. Jonathan’s term in office. These inquiries have been widely reported both at home and abroad.

However when he was invited to clarify some points concerning one particular contract by the EFCC he was surprised to be told that he would not be allowed to leave the premises of the agency as he had been used to.

His wife who had accompanied him to the agency’s premises was also detained for a few hours before being released.

Internet report The most worrisome aspect of this particular case emerged after he had been in detention for more than ten days when the internet exploded with a story claiming that the lawyer had revealed information that might very well lead to the arrest of Dr. Jonathan before the 29th of May as a socalled “Democracy Day gift” to Nigerians. Some local media have now repeated this internet report so that it is firmly in the public domain, and yet the EFCC has not seen fit to deny or confirm that any member of its staff did make such a statement.

Any attempt to institute legal action over contractual performance that might arise as a consequence of the incident related above could certainly be regarded as tainted by the partisan bias of the agency, if Dr. Jonathan were to be called as a witness. One wonders if those who are behind the release of such sensational statements as those attributed to the faceless EFCC officials are not knowingly corrupting the case before it becomes a reality.

The tactic of scapegoating exleaders and prominent citizens is a dysfunctional act if deployed as part of a strategic policy in the fight against corruption, and official agencies should be very wary of falling foul of this. In seeking to improve accountability and transparency in governance what Nigeria needs is solutions not scapegoats.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 RESOURCE disbursement is a fundamental issue in Nigeria’s federalism. The nation has federating units with their respective constitutional responsibilities to execute.

They also have taxation powers.

Revenue sharing has been a subject of hot debate because of its political nature. Many commissions/committees have been set-up at different times and saddled with the responsibility of examining and recommending the best principles and formulas to meet the expectations of stakeholders.

Some of these Commissions include: The Phillipson Commission (1946), The Hicks-Phillipson Commission (1951), The Raisman Commission (1958), The Binns Commission (1964), The Dina Interim Committee (1968), The Aboyade Technical Committee (1977), The Okigbo Commission (1980), The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC, 1989) and various military decrees, particularly the1970, 1971, 1992 versions.

Time to rejig revenue formula All the Commissions/Committees were ad hoc in nature except for the RMFAC, which was established as a legal and permanent entity to deal with fiscal matters on a more regular basis as the need arises.

During the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency, the formula proposed

by RMAFC gave the Federal Government 41.3 per cent, State Governments 31 per cent and Local Governments 16 per cent.

We believe that the call for a review of the formula is timely as an interim measure. In the new formula the Federal Government should have 36 per cent, State Governments 36 per cent, Local Gov-

ernments 25 per cent, Federal Capital Territory, one per cent and Ecology two per cent.

This is far more realistic than the current vertical allocation formula which was based on an executive order in which the Federal Government takes 52.68 per cent, State Government 26.72 per cent, Local Government 20.60 per cent. This is because the lower tiers of government are closer to the people.

For the long term, however, we reiterate our call for a return to fiscal federalism. This central command structure for the economy which is a legacy of our past under military rule, can no longer be sus-

tained in our democracy.

The various national conferences we have held in the recent past have called for the restoration of fiscal federalism which we practised before the civil war with distinction. Nigeria’s economy depended heavily on renewable agricultural and industrial ventures, which ensured more stable and predictable economic outlooks for the nation rather than the cycles of oil booms and busts we have faced since the war.

The call has been thwarted by the various federal administrations and interest groups which feel favoured by the current structure.

But it is now even more obvious that we can longer postpone the “evil day”.

If, however, the Buhari administration, which promised fiscal federalism during the campaigns is unwilling to implement it, then it must be prepared to keep on bailing out the states and local governments.

OPINION Nigerians:Docile

By Emma Jimo

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IGERIA is possibly the country with the greatest appellations and accolades in the world. Nigeria is called the giant of Africa, the world’s most populous Black nation, the nation with the highest number of malaria victims , etc. What about Nigerians? Some people have their own way of describing certain other persons. One of the most recent ones I have heard is the expression that ‘Nigerians are docile’! I think this is highly debatable, not to say annoyingly nauseating.

An expression of this magnitude of indictment has its root in the perception that Nigerians remain calm often in the face of clear case of misrule or uncomfortable policy or some other unprintable happenings.

Against this backdrop, it pays to peep into semantics and epistemology. Semantically, to be docile is to be ‘quiet, not aggressive and easily controlled’. This is certainly helpful to arrive at my own viewpoint that Nigerians are resilient father than docile. A writer Thomas Carlyle defines genius as the infinite capacity for taking pains; that is, limitless ability for perseverance and capacity for endurance. I think seriously that tolerance, seemingly limitless capacity of Nigerians to endure pains and yet remaining hopeful against all clear signs of lack of hope in sight, all things being (un)equal are marks of ingenuity rather than docility. Since it is the relationship between the governed and the government that generated the

or

resilient?

assertion about docility, a politics – based example should not be out of place or off-tune here.

Since Nigerian political independence in 1960, governance or rulership has oscillated between military and civil rules sharing almost equal number of years until 1999 when a 16–year-at-a-stretch civil rule began. In Nigeria’s political history, no government, whether loved or hated, military or civil, imposed or voted legitimately has spent more than nine years,

Nigerians are not easily pushed around for long being also the maximum spent by the General Yakubu Gowon-led administration, by far the most economically comfortable, though arguably. At least, the civil servants who got Udoji award would think about economic buoyancy even if academics would consider the same event as an (un)economically misdirected prodigality.

Anyone who has got his ears close to the political realm should have heard, seen or read how in spite of nationally-acclaimed dribbling skills of a military ruler was fought to a stands till by a combined civil forces ofthe then very virile Nigerian Labour Congress and the National Association of Nigerian

Students (NANS) with patriotic collaboration of the press, including the defunct clandestine and nocturnal Kudirat Radio, among others. The campaign or huge public relations gimmick by the militarised economists at promoting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agenda branded Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) was deflated by home-grown economists, although the reality was that eventually the dictator rammed the imperial and colonial agenda down the throat of Nigeria.

This was achieved against armoured tank rolled on the street to crush oppositions. This couldn’t have been docility. It must have been hard core patriotism and legitimate desperateness to break loose from the shackles of dictatorship and imperialism.

History reminds us that the Late General Sani Abacha frantically attempted to metamorphosed into a ‘bloody’ civilian president, but the scheme only enriched some sycophants and ‘economic parasite cum cankerworm’, while the schemer himself was consumed or he hastily existed from the stage before the curtain was drawn.

Somewhat, he had to pay for his dictatorship with his life.

Regardless of the five-million-man match in support of General Abacha’s statustranslation or transformation agenda, the wish of the over 100 million other Nigerians then prevailed. The saying that the pen was mightier than the sword was very famous and popular then. The will of the people became more forceful and fruitful than the brutal force of the armoured personnel carrier or armoured tank. This must be very far from docility; it must have been

resilience.

In spite of the epochal military-civilian power shift anchored by General-turnedChief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1979, he could not scale through the hurdle of attempted manipulative third-terrorism. His appeared to be a case exemplifying the Yoruba aphorism that the man who is being chased by a masquerade should persevere, because just as masquerades get weary so do humans. The masquerade of Owu ran fast, far and wide but he was wearied by the resilience of a people who could draw the line between emotion and reason.

There are African countries where their presidents have held on to power for three decades at a stretch. In fact, Africa is blessed with the world’s oldest and longest serving president at age 92. Third term bid was cleverly manipulated in Burundi (the world’s saddest nation going by a 2015, University of Columbia Survey) by Pierre Nkuruziza, who is still tenaciously hanging on regardless of more than 400 needless deaths. I do think that our resilience, love for life, peace and sanctity of human life as a people (excluding of course pockets of bloodless terrorists and cold-blooded murderers) make it look like we are docile, but I think seriously we are not a docile people.

If you still have doubts, listen to radio station, dissect comments, you need no further conviction that Nigerians are not docile (stupidly quiet). Find out the response of Nigerians to government policy, you soon find out that Nigerians are not easily pushed around for long. *Mr. Jimo, a public affairs analyst, wrote from saintlyemmajimo@gmail.com

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com tag was placed on her head, but that did not deter her as she dreamt of a future egalitarian, non-racist America. The type of America Martin Luther King Jnr envisaged half a century later when he said: "I have a dream that my four children

Our sister called Moses O

UR sister, Araminta Ross who became famous as Harriet Tubman, was born a slave in Maryland, United States (US) in 1820. She lived the American nightmare but decided at 29 to change her life of programmed servitude to that of a free person to whom hundreds of slaves directly, owed their freedom. One hundred and three years after her 1913 eternal departure, her country of birth has decided to honour this unique humanist and great liberator of slaves who took up arms to realise her dream of an America free of slavery and inequality.

When the new $20 bill is produced with her face on it, she will be the first woman and first African American to be so honoured. She will be replacing on the bill, President Andrew Jackson who will now feature on the reverse side of the currency. The new currency bill is likely to go into circulation in 2020, the centenary of the Nineteenth

Amendment which gave American women the right to vote.

In 1849 when she decided to make a bid for freedom, her husband, John Tubman refused to go with her while her two brothers who agreed, developed cold feet and turned back.

She escaped to Philadelphia, and rather than ‘enjoy’ her freedom, worked, saved money and returned the following year to rescue her niece’s children. She made another journey in 1851 to guide her brother and two men to freedom. She returned a third time, to persuade her husband to move North with her, only to discover that he had married a fellow freed slave, so she took along, other slaves. In 1853, she came for her three brothers, and four years later, for her parents who she resettled in New York. She freed many slaves through the network of anti-slavery activists and safe houses which became known as the Underground Railroad. She was the most famous ‘conductor’ on the Railroad, and did not lose a single ‘passenger’. A price

One day, we shall also have the face of Malcolm X on an American currency bill; it is then, we shall be convinced that all men and women are born equal in America will one day live in a nation Where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin But by the content of their character". It is a dream that has produced Barrack Obama, the first African American President of the United States. It is a fitting tribute that the decision to honour Tubman by putting her face on the $20 bill, was taken under his presidency.

In later years, Tubman, who for her far sightedness and work of liberating slaves became known as the woman called ‘Moses’ was to say “ Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

The Education Curriculum: The glaring deficiencies

By Anthony Okogie

I

N a statement bearing the title “NERDC and the 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum”, published in The Guardian Newspaper of Tuesday, April 26, 2016, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) responded to what it described as “certain insinuations and misinformation” regarding the Religion and National Values Curriculum.

According to the NERDC, reactions to this Curriculum have been “speculative, false and unfounded.” Having judged them misinformed and mischievous, the NERDC wrote: “For the avoidance of doubt, the management of the NERDC hereby states categorically and unequivocally to all Nigerians that the Religious Studies and other components of the Religious and National Values Curriculum under Basic Education are distinct.”

The Council’s response completely fails to address serious and glaring deficiencies in the curriculum, and the danger it poses for interreligious harmony in an already fragile Nigeria. In fact, a careful examination of the contents of the book, Religion and National Value for Junior Secondary Schools 1, published by Heritage Integrated Link simply contradicts the Council’s categorical denial.

In one and the same book, to be used by young and fragile minds, can be found “Christian Religion Knowledge” (pages 1-49); immediately followed by “Islamic Studies” (pages 50-81).

This curriculum raises at least two sets of issues. One borders on contents, the other on quality. First, on the issue of contents, although the NERDC told the public that the curriculum was developed with the involvement of “curriculum experts” and “subject specialists”, among others, there are good reasons to question the pedagogical principle that informs including materials to be taught in the two subjects in one and the same book to be placed in the hands of our young pupils.

What is a Christian pupil in possession of the C M Y K

book to make of the content of Islamic Studies in one and the same book? And what is a Muslim pupil in possession of the same book to make of the contents of Christian Religious Knowledge in the book. Well founded fears of confusing the minds of our children are simply glossed over by the NERDC’s statement when it said the subject listings “should be taught and studied separately”, and that pupils would not be “coerced or compelled to learn or be taught” any religion other than that professed by the child and his or her parents.

The Council’s argument that the curriculum was put together with the input of “critical stakeholders including policy makers, curriculum experts, subject specialists, teachers, parents, faith based organisations and civil

The problem with this curriculum is not just with the table of contents.

There is also a problem of quality liberty organisations” does not stand. If indeed, these “critical stakeholders” were involved, why is it that reactions to this curriculum have been overwhelmingly negative? Instead of seeing mischief in these reactions, the Council should ask itself if it is carrying along the real stakeholders. There are well-meaning Nigerians—Christians, Muslims and African religionists—whose voices are raised against this curriculum. To simply label them as “peddlers” who “operate from the oblivious side of information” amounts to utter disrespect on the part of a government official even if he is signatory to a document emanating from a government organ referred to as “the Think Tank of Nigerian Education”. Politeness is an attribute of an efficient public servant.

When in 1858-59, the unforgettable freedom fighter and humanist, John Brown decided to lead an armed insurrection to free slaves and secure a state for ex-slaves, Tubman assisted him to raise funds and recruit former slaves into the liberation army. The insurrection failed, Brown lost two sons, and was hanged along with six other freedom fighters. But he became one of the most famous men in history.

Tubman looked back at her efforts to free slaves and said: “I freed a thousand slaves, I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”

Then came the American Civil War and Tubman joined the Union Army where she served as a scout, spy, nurse and soldier. Her most famous battle was when she led the attack on Combahee Ferry. General Hunter wanted to destroy bridges, railroads and rebel supplies along the Combahee River which had a large slave population and asked Tubman to do the job. She agreed but requested that Colonel James Montgomery, one of John Brown’s fighters, be appointed to command the expedition. This battle was carried out by the African American Second South Carolina Regiment.

On June 1, 1863, three gunboats set out on the river and after successfully carrying out their mission, they freed and took on board over seven hundred slaves. Tubman described the scene of the slaves evacuation: "I nebber see such a sight…Sometimes de women would come wid twins hangin' roun' der necks; 'pears like I

The problem with this curriculum is not just with the table of contents. There is also a problem of quality. The section on Christian Religious Knowledge simply misuses the Bible and ridiculously misrepresents the Christian religion. For example, on page 39 of the book being referred to, one of the roles of the father in the family is to “love his wife or wives as Christ loved the Church”. This is a misrepresentation of what is really said and meant in the Letter to the Ephesians chapter 5, verses 21-33. It would take a reading out of context to interpret the passage as suggesting that Christian marriage can be polygamous.

Apart from polygamy, polyandry, endogamy, exogamy are listed among types of marriage (pages 8-9) in teaching Christian religious knowledge. Treating consequences of lack of repentance (pages 24-25), the author of the section on Christian religious studies listed divine rejection from God, untimely death, and oppression from enemy. In other words, untimely death and or oppression from enemy are symptoms of lack of repentance. Many young Nigerian soldiers have died at war, defending their fatherland. Was their death a consequence of their lack of repentance? What of many who have died in bomb blasts? What of those oppressed by Boko Haram? What has just been listed here is not exhaustive but illustrative of the caricature of Christianity in this curriculum. Who then are the mischiefs, those who express grave concerns about this curriculum or its authors?

The theme of repentance in Christian religion is surely richer than what is being presented in this curriculum. It was in fact the first thing Jesus Christ preached in the first Gospel to be written—the Gospel according to Mark. But it got such superficial treatment in the curriculum because the curriculum largely ignores what Christ teaches. Of the 58 references to Biblical passages, only 17 are taken from the New Testament. Of these 17, only two are direct references to the teachings of Christ. In other words, this curriculum very rarely refers to the teachings of Christ. Can such a curriculum be said to represent the Christian religion? The answer to the question would have been in the affirmative if it were

nebber see so many twins in my life; bags on der shoulders, baskets on der heads, and young ones taggin' behin', all loaded; pigs squealin', chickens screamin', young ones squallin'."

When the gunboats with the liberated slaves set off, Tubman broke into a song “Of all the whole creation in the East or in the West, The glorious Yankee nation is the greatest and the best. Come along!

Come along! don't be alarmed, Uncle Sam is rich enough to give you all a farm.” She might have been too optimistic that capitalist America will cater for all, but for her it was an optimistic embrace of the future. After the war, she struggled financially as her request for compensation by the American Government for the years spent fighting in the war, was rejected.

Author, Sarah. H. Bradford wrote an authorised biography “ Scenes in the Life of Harriet Tubman” which was published in 1889. This eased her financial difficulties. Finally in 1899, the Congress approved a $12 monthly stipend for her services as a nurse during the war.

She was quite active in the Women Movement as part of her pursuit for an egalitarian and equitable society and the continued sustenance of family life. She was one of the greatest Americans who ever lived and richly, deserves her face on the American currency bill. One day, we shall also have the face of Malcolm X on an American currency bill; it is then, we shall be convinced that all men and women are born equal in America.

possible to teach Christianity without the teachings of Christ.

The curriculum is totally silent on the death and resurrection of Christ, a belief that is at the heart of the Christian religion. As a result of this deafening silence on the death and resurrection of Christ, in its treatment of the call to obedience (pages 26-29), the curriculum makes no reference to the obedience of Christ who, for the Christian, is the perfect example of obedience.

A good teacher not only knows what to teach, but also to whom it is to be taught, when it is to be taught, and how it is to be taught. These are imperatives of pedagogical prudence. But on each of these scores, the much advertised basic curriculum fails. Its misrepresentation of Christian religion means it is not teaching the right thing. It is not teaching Christianity. Its inclusion of Christian religious studies and Islamic religious studies in one and the same book meant for primary and secondary school pupils, and within each other’s proximity, flies in the face of pedagogical prudence. This abuse of Sacred Scripture is simply intolerable. It bears the potential of breeding religious fanatics in a country that is already overstretched by fanaticism.

The Council concluded its statement by assuring Nigerians that it stands for “integrity and excellence in educational research”. But the arrangement of the contents of the curriculum, the methodological over-ambition of the curriculum, and the poor representation of Christianity in the curriculum all combine to show that the Council has a long distance to cover in order to attain its ideals. And the Council is yet to start the journey.

However, since the Council says it is “very receptive to good suggestions”, it would not be out of place to ask that this Curriculum be discarded. If its intention is to show the relationship between our venerable religious traditions and national values, its severe deficiencies and highly questionable pedagogy make the intention unattainable.

But, will the Think Tank of Nigerian Education show intellectual humility and withdraw this problematic curriculum? That is the question.

*Cardinal Okogie, Archbishop Emeritus, wrote from Lagos.

20— Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

ASPAMDA:

Rival groups in crisis-ridden association flex muscles

By Fredrick Okopie & Chizoba Ezeh HE popular Auto Spare Parts & Machinery Dealers Association, ASPAMDA, located within the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, was the scene of confusion last weekend when members of a rival group within an association presently torn by leadership control crisis embarked on a protest. It all began when traders and importers belonging to the United Allied Spare Parts Dealers Association, UASPDA, stormed the complex in a convoy of 13 LT buses to demonstrate solidarity and support with eleven members of their group, described as coordinators, said to have been invited by the Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, on allegations of threatening the life of one Mr. Bartholomew Achukwu.

The development immediately grounded all trading, indeed business, activities at the usually commercially-busy complex.

T

Communicating their grievances Some of the visibly agitated protesters carried placards and tree branches through which they tried to communicate their grievances. Some of the placards read: ‘’The general will supersede the parochial interest of few disgruntled element’’, ‘’We are saying no to dictatorship’’, ‘’We are calling on ICPC to investigate Mr. Bartholomew Achukwu, Mr. Simon Uzoeto and cohorts.”

When Vanguard Metro accosted the leader of the coordinators, Evangelist Fredrick Mmegwa, on why his group was protesting, he had this to say: “United Allied Spare Parts Dealer Association, UASPDA, is an association that deals on motorcycle parts, generators and parts. Actually, we were formerly at Idumota and Ebute Metta. We left because of the challenges we had with indigenes and social miscreants. It was on account of this we decided to relocate to ASPAMDA here at the Trade Fair complex. We held a meeting and appointed a committee that will collect funds to rent and pay for shops in ASPAMDA. Everything went smoothly initially.

Then things later fell apart and the once happy stakeholders were no longer at ease leading

to the present crisis. Evangelist Mmegwa blamed the development on the committee leadership which, according to him, had after 12 years of appointment, failed to orgainse any elections while the monthly meeting was not held regularly.

According to him, trouble started when the association proposed to build a market in 2007/2008 solely for its members.

But due to the fact that there was no prior election and meeting, no proper accounting was done. ‘’At the completion of the shops, we were expecting the committee led by Mr. Bartholomew Achukwu to allot the shops through balloting as it is done everywhere. But we were shocked that the shops were allotted to the highest bidders, and these bidders were given shops at the choice ground floors,’’ he alleged.

He told VM that the bone of contention was the vote of no confidence passed on the leadership of the association on March 3, 2016 during a general meeting which subsequently inaugurated an 11-memberinterim government to conduct elections for the association, the first in 12 years.

Protesting members of UASPADA at the ASPAMDA market complex,Trade Fair, Lagos interested party to the matter,’’ Evangelist Mmegwa said.

But telling his own conflicting side of the story to VM, an embattled Mr. Bartholomew Achukwu refuted all the allegations levelled against him by the 11 members of the interim government and their members.

Disgruntled supporters He said the problem at hand which the Police is handling was the threat to his life and property by some disgruntled supporters of some people who are against his effort. Achukwu spoke even as the interview was intermittently interrupted by a visibly angry man in his 50s who kept urging him to say nothing and also heckled our reporters in a bid to abort the interview.

According to him, the matter in

dispute is in four courts in Lagos, but he refused to mention the courts. He used the opportunity to challenge those who alleged that he has been the head committee of the UASPDA for the past 12 years to bring receipts of payment or contributions they made to the union, or their identity cards to show whether there was a union in place.

He said: “We have been in ASPAMDA for ten years, and we all are members of ASPAMDA. We have no union, but we have an agreement with ASPAMDA which gave us a 10 year lease agreement. We were there till May last year; that was when our agreement expired. With the expiration of our agreement, all our revenue goes to ASPAMDA. There was no subscription, no revenue, no dues for UASPDA, until June last year when we opened the complex; that was

Unjust imprisonment: Woman seeks intervention •Says begging is not my choice but necessity for survival

By Esther Onyegbula

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We were shocked that the shops were allotted to the highest bidders, and these bidders were given shops at the choice ground floors ‘’Instead of the Mr. Achuwuled committee to accept the outcome of the meeting, they resolved to petition AIG Zone 2 Onikan. The 11 us invited by the police agreed to honour the invitation and others traders said they cannot allow us to go alone and insisted on accompanying us since as members they are

when our union commences. So, there was no union when we were in ASPAMDA, we only had an agreement with ASPAMDA, not a union.”

Vanguard Metro observed that the crisis may have started taking its toll on business activities at the 11-month-old complex as there were only few traders displaying products for sale. A female shop owner confided in VM that patronage was low because some of the members have relocated back to their ASPAMDA complex and customers from within and outside are not aware that there is new place for UASPDA. ‘’I pray they resolve this crisis amicably for the good of us all,’’ she said.

All effort to reach the Police Public Relation Office, PPRO, of Zone 2 was abortive due to network challenges.

LUWATOYIN Akano, 40, a mother of two is calling on Nigerians to assist her so she can put her ugly prison experiences behind her and move on in life. Toyin was one of the 15 inmates released from prison in Ogun State last year but she said she is homeless and in dire need of a job.

She said though her plight is not different from that of many Nigerians struggling to eke out a living in the sun and in the rain, but she has been forced to go begging following her "illegal" imprisonment for murder, a crime she said she did not commit but which has stigmatized her as a result of which all her efforts in seeking justice and getting a job have proved abortive.

Narrating her plight to Vanguard Metro, Toyin said she was arrested and charged to court for allegedly "killing" a neighbour, simply identified as Bose. She said: “My name is Oluwatoyin Akano. I am 40 years old, a divorcee and mother of two children. My predicament started sometime in May 2013 when a lady called Bose stole my Black-

•Toyin berry phone from my friend's room. ''I was squatting in the friend’s apartment and charging my phone in the room at Iyana Iyesi in Ota, Ogun State when this lady Bose, also a divorcee in our neighourhood and whom I had assisted, walked into the apartment and stole my phone.

“Everybody in our community at Iyana Iyesi knew that Bose was a thief. I started looking for my phone but Bose had disappeared with it. I went out looking for her from Moshalashi Bus-Stop down to Bells Hotels and for two hours, I was looking for her. Some boys in our area saw me walking up and down and they called me with my alias Mama T. They asked me why I was agitated,

walking up and down. I told them I was looking for Bose and the next thing they asked me was if Bose had stolen from me. I said yes and left them to look for her".

Toyin said shortly after she left where she stood talking with the boys, she learnt Bose walked by and the boys descended on her in a bid to retrieve her blackberry phone but the boys beat Bose up badly and after some weeks she died.

She said: "After walking around in search of Bose, I decided to go back home but to my shock, I walked into Bose and the boys. I then asked Bose if she had my phone and she said yes. She took me to the engineer she had taken the phone to change the password for her. I retrieved my phone and warned her against stealing. Bose went her way and I also went mine.

“I saw Bose two days later and I travelled to Ilesha in Osun State.

However, two weeks after my stay in Ilesha, I received a call from my neighbours that I should not return to Iyana Iyasi. They told me that Bose is dead and her brother who is a Mobile Police man stormed the area with guntotting policemen and they were looking for me.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

AMCON steps up recovery effort, partners debt resolution firms A

sset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON in a bid to resolve over six thousand accounts with loan balances N100million and below has flagged off its induction programme for successful firms that qualified as its Asset Management Partners (AMPs). The AMPs are consortiums with specialist skills required to ensure recovery and debt resolution; banking, legal, valuation and accounting.

Speaking at the event in Lagos yesterday, Mr. Kola Ayeye, AMCON Executive Director, who represented Mr. Ahmed Kuru, Managing Director/CEO said collaborating with AMPs had become necessary because the Corporation has a total loan portfolio of over twelve thousand of various sizes and sectors that are still lingering six years after AMCON was established.

According to him, when this is compared to AMCON’s staff strength of approximately three hundred, it was obvious AMCON surely needs a strategic approach to improve coverage and results. Ayeye explained that this trend to strengthen recoveries is the rationale for appointing AMPs stating that, “That is the reason we are all here today to work together in resolving the over six thousand accounts with loan balances of N100million and below. We are convinced that the AMP programme is key to the success of AMCON, and we

$ 119.15 $3,158.00 $ 16.76 $46.29 $45.72 CURRENCY BUYING US DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

196 284.494 225.5764 205.0424 1.838 0.3266 278.986 30.1344 52.2583 30.3124 278.3004

will give you all the necessary support to make you succeed in this exercise.”

While reminding the participants that the job of debt recovery was never an easy task, he promised that AMCON would during the course of the event share a set of rules, practices and processes, which would help

Declining oil prices threat to indigenous companies—Stakeholders

By Clara Nwachukwu & Sebastine Obasi, Houston, Texas

I

1.94

SELLING 197 285.9455 226.7273 206.0885 1.8473 0.3466 280.4094 30.2891 52.5249 30.4671 279.7203

CBN Exchange rate as at 05/05/2016

C M Y K

seriously because AMCON intends to nurture its transformation into the preferred model for recovery and resolution of nonperforming loans in the banking sector and financial services industry. A new subsector should emerge with desirable job creation and multiplier impact.

From left, Mr. Victor Famuyibo, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries NB Plc; Mr Nicolaas Vervelde, Managing Director, NB Plc and Mr Mark Rutten, Finance Director, NB, during the 70th Pre- AGM of Nigerian Breweries Plc in Lagos Photo:Diran Oshe.

ndigenous companies operating in Nigeria, yesterday said that declining oil prices may derail the local policy of the federal government as international oil companies, IOCs continue to defer or cancel theircapital projects.

Speaking at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, taking place 0.55 in Houston, Texas, they -20.00 advocated for low maintenance and operational costs of existing 0.11 assets, elongating lives of assets through proactive local supports, cost effective implementation of projects and 1.67 utilizing local resources to reduce the overall cost.

196.5 285.2198 226.1519 205.5654 1.8426 0.3366 279.6977 30.2117 52. 3916 30.3897 279.0104

each AMP deliver optimally, adding, “We will provide you with a feedback channel that will attend to all your professional needs and also provide necessary guidance.”

Assuring that AMCON will not let them walk alone in this assignment, the Executive Director urged the AMPs to take this novel initiative

According to them, there should be cost reduction of operations and projects through local capacity development, indigenous working assets acquisitions, developing local expertise, low maintenance and operational costs of existing assets and elongating lives of assets through proactive local expertise.

Chairman of Petroleum

Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN, Mr. Bank-Anthony Okoroafor, said there is need to leverage on existing in-country capacity,addingthatNigeriashould vigorously focus on reserves and production growth, which has been on the decline.

According to Okoroafor, if the country can leverage on proven Nigeriancompaniesandin-country capacity building, proper implementation of the Nigerian oil and gas industry content development will significantly drive

There should be cost reduction of operations and projects through local capacity development indigenous working assets acquisitions, devloping local expertiseand operational cost of existing assets

down the cost of doing business in the oil industry and cushion the effects of the low prices.

“The industry has operated under the local content Act regime for six years now.

There is the need to take a closer look at the implementation strategy to ensure it is delivering the desired value to various industry stakeholders in particular and the Nigerian populace in general, proper implementation of local content will lead to massive economic transformation of our great nation”, he said Also speaking, the Acting Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr. Daziba Obah, said that with the right support and environment, indigenous companies are in a better position to provide services and processes at much lower cost without compromising standards.

He explained that there will be much more cost savings if operators develop increased project management capabilities to manage projects. “Operators will save costs by optimizing existing facilities and improving maintenance efficiencies” he said.

— 21

NB’s local content ultilisation rises to 50%, declares N38bn dividend

By Peter Egwuatu

N

igerian Breweries, NB Plc yesterday, said its local content utilisation has increased to about 50 per cent, just as it has proposed a dividend of N38.06 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2016.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, NB Plc, Mr. Nicolaas A. Vervelde, who disclosed this at the pre Annual General Meeting, AGM media briefing in Lagos said that the Board had proposed a dividend of N38.059 billion, representing N4.80 per share, subject to shareholders’ approval at the forth coming AGM scheduled to hold next week.”

According to him “Nigerian Breweries started backward integration in 1980 during the Structural Adjustment Programmre, SAP.It is a continuous process, right now we are nearly about 50 per cent utilising local materials. We are encouraging development of Sorghum in the country, and once we see development in sugar production in the country we will key in.”

Commenting on the operating environment, he said that it has been very tough as the federal government had short fall in its revenue expectations following lower oil and non oil revenues. “ As import dependent nation, the lower oil revenue as you all know was due to fall in international oil prices, reduced oil production output arising from shut in some oil wellheads as well as short down of some vandalised pipelines among others.”

Commenting on the financial results for the year ended December 2015, the NB boss said “ NB did well despite the harsh operating environment. The cost reduction agenda really had impact on the profit. Our objective was to ensure that we run our business in the most efficient way and that no cost was toosmalltobeignored.Theturnover increased by 10.3 per cent from N266.4 billion in 2014 to N293.9 billion in 2015, our results from operating activities (Operating Profit) fell by 6.3 per cent from N66.9 billion to N62.3 billion. Our Profit After Tax, PAT equally fell 10.5 per centfromN42.5billiontoN38billion.

Inflation, high interest rates, low disposable income and the fall in the value of naira led to more consumers down trading as well as high operating cost. Nevertheless, we were able to record a strong performance over all.”

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

‘Nigeria should adopt India’s model of shipping development’

By Godfrey Bivbere

F

ORMER National H y d r o g r a p h e r, Comdr. Joseph Abulu (retd), has called on the Federal Government to adopt India’s model of using the shipping industry for its technological, military, transport and economic development.

Abulu who spoke with Vanguard in his office in Lagos, said that the Indians were strategic in the development of their maritime industry from where its technological expertise acquired today started from.

According to him, “I am aware that India started by awarding contracts (for ships) and ensuring that countries that won the contracts went to India to build the ships and that way they developed all the paraphernalia that are associated with the ship building like electronics, mechanical, steel plate manufacturing.

“All these are fall out of the contract for the required Navy ships in the 70s. Government should seriously be thinking towards encouraging their contractors for every contract awarded to source their materials and technology in Nigeria.

“India technology developed from the maritime industry just like the British industry developed through maritime. At a point, the English used the industry to develop even the railways. From there they went on to develop other technical aspect of their life.

“The British government still promotes development

of the maritime industry as the basis of development of the entire technology not only for the military but for the economy at large.

“The British government has a hand in the design of vessels, that is what helped them during the Faulklands war of those days. The Navy

couldn’t have all the vessels; theyacquired allthemerchant marine ships because right from inception they had a hand in the design and so theycouldeasilybeconverted for military use.”

Theformernationalhydrographer said he had warned governmenton theneglectof

the sector and its importance for the development of the economy but his advice was not considered.

“Those in authority have neversteppedonboardaship beforetheygottopower,therefore they do not understand the dynamics of the maritime industry. That is the unfortu-

PRESENTATION: Mrs. Mfon Usoro (right), Secretary-General, Abuja MOU, presenting a plaque to Mr. Gordian Ihuoma, Director, Corporate Planning and Research, on behalf of Nigerian Shipper’s Council (NSC) as the Best Maritime Agency of the year 2015 at the inaugural transport leadership lecture organised by Kings Communications Ltd in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Transport, in Lagos.

75 agents risk suspension of licences over non-payment of duties Stories by Godwin Oritse

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HERE are indications that seventy-five clearing agents operating at the Ports and Terminal Multi-

purpose Services Limited, (PTML) risk losing their clearing licenses following their refusal to pay imports duties on goods between January and December 2015.

The affected agents and

companies had made some down payment of import duties and cleared their goods from the ports with a promise to pay the balance as soon as possible.

This was disclosed by the head of PTML Customs

Trade facilitation: West Blue introduces e-payment to fasten cargo clearance

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EST Blue Consulting, operators of Ghana’s National Single Window Project, has introduced an online payment system to facilitate faster clearance of cargo and lower cost of doing business at the country’s ports.

The online payment solution for cross border trade, the first of its kind in the sub region, was successfully launched last week. It offers shippers (importers/ exporters) easy and flexible payment options - card payment (Visa and MasterCard), mobile money powered by telecoms operators and the various online payment platforms of C M Y K

nate thing and the maritime industry is one industry that cansavethiscountryfromthe situation we are in today.

“Wecanearnbillionsofdollars, trillions of naira from the maritime industry if properly harnessed because the maritimeindustrypromotestrade.”

commercial banks.

The new system comes with multiple advantages such as secured transactions, increased transparency, financial inclusion; it frustrates the use of cloned or

forged trade documents.

The system has rendered obsolete paper invoices and bank confirmations with the attendant delay and inconvenience to members of the trading community.

Perhaps what is very significant is that the new addition to the single window project will make it possible for port users to clear and take delivery of their consignments within 24hours.

Customs smashes smuggling cartel, seizes N26m banned cargoes Other prohibited items

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HE Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ (FOU) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos has smashed a smuggling cartel that specialises in cross border movement of prohibited items.

The operation by operatives of the unit also led to the seizure of a large quantity of smuggled rice loaded in five trucks.

Disclosing these to newsmen, FOU Comptroller, Mr. Umar Mohammed Dahiru, said that the FOU ‘A’ Surveillance team led by Deputy Superintendent of Customs Ohagwu Jude, invaded the volatile terrain of Iteku waterside, based on intelligence reports that smugglers were using the axis to illegally bring in rice into the country.

seized from the smugglers include 3,071 cartons of frozen poultry products, 1,499 bags of 50kg parboiled rice and three thousand and seventy one (3071) cartons of smuggled frozen poultry products with a duty paid value of twenty six million, four hundred and eighteen thousand, seven hundred naira (N26,418,700.00) only.

Post Clearance Audit (PCA), Assistant Comptroller Naigwan C.K on 27th of April 2016.

The report which was sighted by Vanguard, showed that some notable names and clearing agencies are affected.

It was gathered that the agents had assessed Single Goods Declaration (SGD) forms, but refused to pay the difference in duty, hence, a special committee of the PCA known as Committee for the Recovery of Unpaid Assessment had to step in to recover the money.

Part of the report reads “In the course of auditing the system for compliance, it was discovered that the listed agencies therein have accessed SGD but they have not effected payment.

The representatives of these agencies should report to the PCA on or before 6th of May 2016 or risk having their agencies blocked”.

Also confirming it to our correspondent yesterday, Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Steve Okonmah said there were infractions in the jobs cleared at the port with these practising licences.

B-r-i-e-f-s Stakeholder condemns negative comments on OGFZs

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ONTRARY to media reports, that the Oil and Gas Free Zones in Lagos , Warri and Brass are illegal establishment, a legal practitioner Iyobosa Egerin has described such as “cruel, unfortunate, misleading and disheartening”.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday in Lagos on the sidelines of Labour Day celebrations, Egerin said he was disappointed that such insinuations are now being published by some national dailies with the latest coming from a law lecturer at University of Lagos, Dr. Amokaye Oludayo. He said that Oludayo’s exclusive interview was published by the Nation Newspapers on April 20, 2016.

He said the insinuations had negatively impacted on the morale of workers in the OGFZs as they believed they would be thrown out of their jobs soon, adding that such observation informed his decision to reach out to the public with the necessary information to counter the media bashing being sponsored by some stakeholders in the maritime industry.

Apapa-Oshodi traffic hindering loading of products

By Godfrey Bivbere

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HE Customs Area Controller, CIAC, of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, KLT of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Aber Benjamin, yesterday blamed the traffic situation in Apapa-Oshodi partly for the scarcity of fuel in the country.

Benjamin said most of the tank farms located in the area are not dispensing products to their capacity because tankers that are supposed to load cannot find their way to the farm to load.

He told journalists that tank farm owners who are members of a committee presently working at finding solutions to the problem, that they (tank farm owners) are complaining that they can only load three to four tankers daily instead of 17 and above.

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FRIDAY, MAY 6 , 2016 of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state effected his arrest and detention. Speaking with Vanguard, the state commandant of the corps, Mr. Fasiu Adeyinka said the suspect aged 34 hails from Esa-Oke in Osun State.

Adeyinka confirmed that the suspect was picked up following a tip-off that he was suspected to have buried •The suspect with fetish something suspected items recovered from his to be human head inhouse side his church.

“The men of NSCDC quickly swung into action, went straight to the church and he was asked to dig in specific spots inside the Church where various items suspected to be charms such as cow head, pigeon head tied with kolanut, big clay pot wrapped with white clothes and other numerous fetish items were exhumed from the ground both at the entrance and inside the church.

According to him the self accows full of maggots, pigeon heads tied with kola nuts, clay claimed clergyman was subsepots wrapped with white clothes quently picked up after his officand the dead tortoise were dug ers were able to make the discovout by the prophet in the pres- eries about the illicit activities of ence of security operatives and the pastor. The commandant said members of the public who got investigation is still on-going to wind of the development in the unravel the pastor's motive of burying fetish items in strategic church.

Reports had it that the youths places inside the church .

He said that the suspect would in the area descended on him but security operatives prevented soon be charged to court after the them from setting him and the conclusion of their investigations.

As it stands, no member of the church on fire when the fetish church showed up for the Sunitems were dug out .

Security operatives had to day and Tuesday mid-week servcordorn off the church premises ices last week, ostensibly to show following the influx of people who that all is no more well with the trooped in to have a glimpse of so called church.

CAC disowns cleric the discoveries from the “House Meanwhile, the national body of God.” The church became deserted of the Christ Apostolic Church has after the exposure of the prophet disowned alleged fetish clergywhile his co-workers in the man.

The Public Relations Officer of “vineyard” have equally the NSCDC Kayode Balogun told disappeared into thin air.

Vanguard gathered that the Vanguard that some people from prophet also reportedly confessed the national headquarters of the that same fetish items were church came to the office to disburied in his house where he own the suspect.

He said a team from the C.A.C equally held consultations with members of the public and his asked him several questions about when and where he was church members.

Security operatives who escorted ordained as a pastor of the church, him to his house made him ex- but he could not give any answer.

The Church leaders have promhume all the fetish items.

Vanguard learned that officials ised to charge the suspect to court for impersonation.

B.I.Z.A.R.R.E:

Prophet buries cow heads, tortoise in church

•The prophet exhuming a cow head he buried inside his church

By Dayo Johnson

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HE craze for money, affluence and fame has landed a self acclaimed prophet of an old generation church in deep trouble in Ondo State.

Aside the allegation of being fetish in his ministerial activities, the prophet, Moses Abiodun was equally accused of obtaining money under false pretence from unsuspecting members of the public, who thronged his church for miracles and deliverance from poverty and satanic attacks.

His Church, Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Agbala Dagunduro located at Kilometre 5, Ijare Road, Ikota Junction in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state has been sealed by security operatives in the state.

This followed reports of his alleged “unholy” activities made to security operatives by one of his lieutenants who had disagreements with him over the booty that accrue to the Church.

Also his neighbours who were perturbed by what they noticed was happening in the “House of God” reportedly lodged a complaint to members of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, who later involved officials of the Security and Civil Defence Corps

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in the state.

Findings by Vanguard showed that acting on a tip off by a confidant of the suspect who reportedly fell out with him when the church started making waves and the church's bank account started swelling, officials of the corps who later swooped on him some scary discoveries at strategic points inside the church.

Sources said that the suspects’ confidant, who knew about the activities of the prophet was sidelined and all his efforts to convince the prophet to allow him partake in the booty were rebuffed.

strategic places inside the church.

This allegation prompted the invasion of the church by officials of the Security and Civil Defense Corps who later discovered that the prophet actually buried heads of a cow, tortoise, cowries, divination board and other fetish items on the altar and all the entrances of his church.

These discoveries were made when he was interrogated and he reportedly confessed and took the security agents to the church. He was also forced to excavate all the fetish items buried in the church.

The decomposed heads of the

Security operatives Vanguard was informed that the prophet called the bluff of the confidant when he threatened to expose him to the church members and security operatives.

When he discovered that the prophet was unperturbed by his threat and having felt cheated he spilt the beans upon which the suspect was picked up, interrogated and detained.

Vanguard gathered that the prophet's close ally actually told security agents that the prophet allegedly buried human heads in

The church became deserted after the exposure of the prophet while his coworkers in the “vineyard” have equally disappeared into thin air

24 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

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2016

OWAMBE

How Kingmakers, Governor clashed over emergence of 10th Alake — BANKOLE

By Daud Olatunji

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•From left, Acting Executive Secretary, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Bola Eniola; Master Rokibu Oyewo; and State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, during the personal donation of school uniforms to the 400 pupils of the school by the governor, in Ibadan.

•Senator Iyabo Anisulowo the victim thanking people who rallied round her when she was abducted, while the Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, CP Mojeed Ali(right) Governor Ibikunle Amosun (2nd right) and Chief Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga (left) listen.

• Lagos State Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem (middle), signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the DNA Forensic Centre in his office, Ministry of Justice, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja on Wednesday, May 04, 2016. With him are Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Funlola Odunlami (left) and the Representative of ITSI Biosciences LCC, Dr. Richard Somiasi.

HOUGH, the incident occurred in 2005 few days after the late Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oyebade Lipede joined his ancestors, the memory remains fresh in the minds of many people in Ogun State.

Revelations about how the remains of late Oba Oyebade Lipede disappeared few hours after the monarch passed on was made by Chief Alani Bankole, father of former speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, at the launch of his book titled "Alake of Egbaland: The Succession Dynamics" The launch attracted prominent people such as former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; incumbent Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; ex-Speaker of House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; former Minister of Mines & Steel, Chief Sharafa Tunji Ishola, among others .

In his confession-like narrative, Bankole who is Seriki Jagunmolu of Egbaland and Oluwo of Iporo Sodeke /Iporo Ake, said he witnessed one of the most heartbreaking violations of long-held conventions during the performance of traditional rites of passage for late Oba Mofolorunsho Oyebade Lipede, the ninth Alake of Egbaland when the location of the remains of the late Oba got enmeshed in controversy.

“In the days of old, nobody would dare make such move,” Bankole said.

Late Oba Lipede ascended the throne in 1972 following the transition of Oba Adesina Samuel Gbadebo on October 26,1972. He died February 3rd, 2005, after spending 33 years on the throne, aged 90 years. His death occured a few weeks after he celebrated his 90th birthday.

Missing corpse While revealing how the corpse of late Oba Lipede got missing shortly before the burial rites could begin, Bankole in his book said the transition of Oba Oyebade Lipede did not go on without some drama. Indeed, there was a mild drama between the kingmakers and the family of the late monarch, particularly the youngest Olori who was alleged to have taken the remains of the Oba away to the Kabiyesi’s pri-

'No plan to build hotel at Ijaiye housing estate'

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CONTRACTOR with Jotito Vanni limited has faulted speculations that a piece of land beside Keke High School sold to Jotito Vanni Limited by the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, LSDPC, is intended for an hotel describing it as mere fallacy, deliberate distortion of fact and a planned campaign of calumny.

A resident of Ijaiye Low Cost

Housing Estate,Lagos had petitioned the LSDPC of alleged plans by the company to convert the plot of land beside the housing estate to an hotel.

The Project Manager, Jotito Vanni Limited Mr. Seun Olukoga, explained that “we acquired the land since 2006, we have building approval for blocks of residential flats. Lagos State Government will never approve

the siting of an hotel within a residential estate such as this.”

Speaking further, Olukoga said, “LSDPC has the certificate of occupancy for the entire estate of which this particular land forms part of. We have all our documents obtained and registered with LSDPC and Lagos State Government, they are all verifiable.”

vate residence in the Government Reservation Area, GRA, in Ibara, Abeokuta.

“Traditionally, as soon as an Oba joins his ancestors, his family ceases to have control. So, the Olori (wife or wives) or family, do not have the authority to go near his remains, let alone take it away.

The impasse was resolved when the kingmakers found the oba’s remains in one of the rooms in the palace, but that was not without a thorough search .

“If such thing occured, I would not blame the Olori or whoever was involved in such abomination because as it is popularly said, if you give a hoe to a mad person, he will till the soil to his side. I think that, we, the kingmakers should take full responsibility for all the drama that happened.

“I make this statement on the grounds that we should have been more proactive in our responsibilities. Ideally, the moment we begin to sense that the health of an Alake is deteriorating, all the occupants of the palace are supposed to be sent packing and the palace taken over by the ‘OmoIya-Marun.'

“Perhaps, I should state here that the palace does not belong to the Alake because it is actually owned by the entire sons and daughters of Egbaland and kept under the care of the “Omo-IyaMarun.

“Aside the fact that we did not act according to the dictates of our culture and tradition, most of us arrived the palace late. So, we provided the ground for those traditionally ignorant individuals to violate the tradition or mildly put, make attempts to do the unexpected. In the process of searching for the remains of the oba, we were shuttling between the palace and the Government House for consultation because the Alake is not an ordinary Oba,” Bankole disclosed.

Intrigues However, while revealing the intrigues that greeted the selection of the new Alake, Oba Gbadebo, the kingmaker claimed that the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel had wanted another person as Alake.

Bankole said Daniel wanted the younger brother of the incumbent, Adeleke Gbadebo, instead of his brother, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

He said that the former governor had tried every possible means to impose his choice and

install his candidate as the monarch.

According to him, “Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo became Alake not through my effort alone. During the struggle, one of the contestants came to my house and told me that I was the only one blocking him and that everyone had agreed except Sarafa Ishola and the deputy governor.

“On the eve of the election, I got an anonymous telephone call who told me that the governor and the then commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs have decided to either scuttle what we wanted to do or make sure somebody else was chosen.

“I reported to Sarafa Ishola who called the then commissioner, the commissioner confirmed to him that they were taking some steps to install another person, but, I told them none of them was from Egba and that they should leave the Egba sons to handle their affairs.

“On the first day we wanted to do the election, the then governor was outside the country; Ishola ran to us in the palace around 12 midnight and that they have come to plead with us that the governor wasn’t around and wouldn’t want us to be on a collision course with the government, and we eventually listened to him.

“The truth was that the governor wanted somebody else and he didn’t hide it. After the election, the governor phoned me around 12 midnight accusing me of announcing the result of the election; and I told him I only announced the result of the election and not the choice of Alake and that he has the audacity to disagree or allow it."

“He went ahead to write it in one of his books that the present Alake was not as popular as Adeleke, but most of you here are witnesses to what happened when the new Alake was announced and I have never seen such a tremendous support for Alake.

“He also revealed how he scuttled the plan by the then administration to announce the Alake-elect within seven days as against the provision of law which stipulated 14 days within which petitions are entertained.

According to him, the decision of the then administration was to create a lacuna and good ground for other interested parties to fault the selection of the Alake-elect.

THE TEAM EDITOR: Adeleke Adeseri 08054682557 (sms only) CORRESPONDENTS: Dapo Akinrefon Lagos Ola Ajayi Ibadan Gbenga Olarinoye Osogbo Dayo Johnson Akure Daud Olatunji Abeokuta Olasunkanmi Akoni Lagos Rotimi Ojomoyela Ekiti Monsuru Olowoepejo

Vanguard, FRIDAY, May 6, 2016 — 27

Labour to Buhari: Nigerians losing faith in your change mantra Hassan Sas HE difference is clear. Ni gerians should be patient, Buhari is doing his best.

Good things do not come in easy way.

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Urrah Junior Things are declining drastically in all ramifications. The price of commodities are rising astronomically. People are maimed and brutally slaughtered. Security agencies can no more protect the citizens.

Where are we heading to ?

PatrickNnate This government doesnt care about Nigerians. No economic team, no think thank group. One year is gone and they are only interested in singing their song of change mantra. Our hope is in the Almighty God Abdullahi Saidu President Muhammad Bu-

hari has started paying workers’ salaries before the end of the month (April) which is a good development and also show that he is now serious about the change he promised Nigeriians.

Explosion rocks Onitsha market, 12 persons injured

Pastor Taiwo Even the Disciples of Christ lost faith. Peter denied him three times, Thomas refused to believe until he saw Christ himself. Let us give government more time.

Aliyu Adamu I HOPE no one is trying to play any game with the lives of innocent . Enough of this killing . Nigeria must unite against the killers. At the end , the poor majority are the losers Bigzy The government has finally completed their game.

Bombing the most important market in West Africa is sad.

Fulani herdsmen must go home.

I’mMythical Government’s plans towards South South and South East are gradually unfolding. Nnamdi Kanu, your God is a living God. You cannot touch God’s people without consequences. The world can see the bad intention of these evil people. This can only lead to outright war. Enough is enough

Witchcraft: Boy, 17, kills mum for rituals Pastor Taiwo HIS is nothing but the lie, deception, and hand of Satan to destroy a family by getting a mother killed and her son perpetually destroyed.

This can happen when the devil who wanted to kill the mother of the boy manipulated the boy to go to one of his agent (oracle priest) who gave him satanic report against his mother.

This is similar to a case of Satan calling a thief to steal from a farmer’s farm and later call the farm owner to apprehend the thief

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Chidi martins If this boy wasn’t a herdsman, he wouldn’t have owned ‘a locally made pistol’ giving to them by evil men. . Now, these herdsmen are tired of killing and sacking communities, they are now killing their parents, brothers and sisters.

Amakachude Impotence confirmed at 17 years? What on earth will a 17 year old child be doing with a potent manhood? His mates are busy writing pre-requisite

exams that will ensure their admission into the various higher institutions while others are learning different trades that will empower them. What a wicked and devilish child The one Nigeria The false accusations and the murder of innocent people because they are suspected witches are one of the evils plaguing Africa. It is very shameful that at this age we are still backward with our stone age beliefs.

Nigeria starts crude oil production in Lagos Oyinkro Timbuodo OOD development. I pray there will be another discovery in the northern part of Nigeria, as it will help to douse unnecessary tension and subjugation.

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Umehmax I hope that comes with ecological responsibility. We have a duty to protect the environment. Our experience in Niger Delta is not encouraging.

Animashaun Ayodeji Opeyemi Welcome development.

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Nigeria is a blessed country, virtually all the States have oil but we shouldn’t depend on that. Diversifying the economy should be our priority.

perhaps we will have a peace in this country. We have been called all sorts of names because of crude oil. Oil is like a rain, sometimes it drops in your farm, next time to others.

Dan Minister Congratulations, Lagosians. I am very happy for you people. I pray that we too in the northern part of the country have our own one day,

Keneri Dan Minister The north does not need oil to grow, agriculture itself is greater than oil. Right now, the north feeds Nigerians with their agricultural products.

Tayoijebu I thought Boko can’t strike South East. Please must we attribute every bad incident now to terrorism? Let us be guided.

We don’t want Fulani herdsmen to leave our land — UMAHI Fidel Kastro Mota THE people from Ebony State are also cattle rearers. May be that is one of the reason the State Government does not want the Fulani Herdsmen to go. I am sure the government will regret their action someday as the herdsmen are not to be trusted.

Ugwu Emmanuel This is not a good statement. May be you go and have a look at the pictures and see how pregnant women’s bodies were separated from their head,and how people were butchered. Such set of people should vacate the state and never to return.

Ajah Chuks C Other Governors from the Southeast should call the governor to order. We cannot continue like this.

Solomon Nwayemiken Okoh Failed political strategy. It is intended to get the support of the north for his vice presidential bid in 2019 under PDP. GEO omoyooba Basically, Governor Umahi has removed Ebonyi from Ndigbo. They have no solidarity with their Igbo kinsmen who were killed in cold blood.

GEO Okafor The constitution protects citizen’s right to live anywhere, but it does not say you must give them land for free, especially grazing land under current circumstances. So aggression and savage killings of other citizens are not acceptable.

Okworld GEO Umahi is speaking for himself as the governor of the state but referendum needs to hold for such consideration •UMAHI

28— Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Drama, as Omawumi flares up while being interviewed

By Kehinde Ajose

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ild drama ensued yesterday as popular singer and actress, Omawumi Megbele stormed out of an interview session on Da Chat produced by HF TV. The award-winning singer who hails from Itsekiri, Delta State, was disappointed and lost her cool when asked about her smoking and drinking habit.

The host, Zinna of HF TV asked her: “There has been a controversy about you in the industry, I don’t think you know about it.“People say she is a mother and it’s amazing because young girls want to be like her but she has this smoking and drinking habit, how does she keep that away from her kids?”Omawumi, who could not hide her frustration immediately flared up, as she exhibited her anger on air while the interview was ongoing.

Reacting, she said, “I won’t honour you with a response, I feel that it is a taint to my character. Have you seen me smoke before?” she asked the presenter who said she had not.“Then why would you say that, have you seen me smoke before? “Now you see me as an artiste, I contribute what I can; I produce music the way that I should and I come here and honour your invitation and then you sit down and talk about my smoking and drinking habit to people that are listening and you are supposed to mean me well.

“When these people are supposed to be the ones buying my music; now when you say that sort of thing, do you mean me well?

•50 “You cannot ask me to kill a rumour that you are not sure about, you have said it’s a rumour so you need to go and dig and get your facts right before you ask me.

“I maintain that if you have not seen me smoke and you come out and say it on •Imelda J national TV, it means that you don’t mean well for me and that is the end of this interview.”

While walking away, the embittered singer added, “And you will publish it too.”

•Omawumi

Is there still any chance for D’banj ? ...as 50 Cent professes love to Imelda J

BY IYABO AINA

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TeeBillz free from drug abuse?

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By Iyabo Aina

ontrary to the allegation leveled against her estranged hubby,Teebillz by Tiwa Savage that he’s into cocaine and other hard drugs, the latter has tested negative to hard drugs.

Teebillz was said to have been taken to Lancet Laboratories in Victoria Island, Lagos, Wednesday, by his friends to test him for drugs and he tested negative to not only cocaine but also other hard drugs. Teebillz said he hadn’t touched drugs in two years.

Popular OAP, Freeze also confirmed the news on his Instagram page. “This comes from an unconfirmed source, who saw them at a lab in VI. Furthermore, an insider who chose to remain anonymous, said he tested negative to cocaine and every other hard drug. We C M Y K

should continue to keep them in our prayers as we await a proper confirmation from his camp!”

Reports had it that sources close to Teebillz revealed that they were working to help him recuperate and get rehabilitation. The report had said, “Close friends have now moved Teebillz to an apartment in 1004 estate in Victoria Island, Lagos, with the support of Paul Okoye, Psquare‘s Peter, Banky W, Cecil Hammond and Omawumi‘s husband, Tosin Yusuf.

“Teebillz is in a good place now, getting all the love and support he needs. They want him to have his life back. He’s definitely going into rehab,” the friend was quoted to have said.

all it 'infatuation' or “social media madness”, you may not be wrong. But the truth is that American rapper, Curtis James Jackson a.k.a 50 Cent is crushing openly on the charming Nigerian songstress, Ada Jane Okwori popularly known as Imelda J.The New York-based rapper cum businessman publicly confessed his love for the Nigerian Afro pop star on his Instagram page when he responded to her comment on his page to the consternations of his ten million followers. “I love you back @imeldajmusic”, 50 Cent said with ecstasy. Basking in the euphoria of new found love, Imelda J in return posted on her Instagram and Facebook pages that she admires the American rapper a lot.

“People, @50 Cent just made my day. I’m blushing right now. He is a legend with a large heart. He is so humble and talented. That’s why I will respect him for life. I admire him a lot. Plenty kisses up in the air for you. You are very humble”, Imelda J screamed. Before now, the award-winning singer is said to have made some incredible appeal to the American rapper to revisit the country again, after he was in Nigeria for the first time during the Star Mega Jam in 2004.

Apparently, many fans have expressed fears that this latest crush on 50 Cent, may pose a serious threat to the smooth feelings that have been angling between Imelda J and Koko master, D’banj.The Benue Stateborn singer who just released her new single, ‘OwoYato’ ft Small Doctor has always had a crush on D’banj. At one time, she was captured through the paparazzi's lens as the ‘Lady in Red’ at D’banj birthday party in Abuja recently. With 50 Cent already falling head over heels in love with her, it goes to ask if Imelda J still has any soft spot in her heart for our Koko Master?

We won’t be surprised if 50 Cent flies into the country any time soon to ask for Imelda J's hands in marriage.

Who knows!

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016—29

Former Republican presidents’ll not endorse Trump

Zimbabwe to print own version of US dollar including the South out of the country.

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•L-R: Former US presidents, George Bush and George W. Bush; behind them is a former Republican presidential aspirant, Jef Bush at a recent function.

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ORMER US presidents George H W Bush and George W Bush will not endorse Donald Trump’s candidacy for president, aides have told local media.

This marks a first for the 91-year-old former

president Bush, who had endorsed Republicans in the past five elections.

Republican politicians are struggling to define their support, or lack thereof, for Donald Trump.

Mr Trump’s remaining opponents dropped out earlier this week leaving

Turkey’s PM quits amid rift anger against anyone. with Edorgan noHis successor will be

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URKEY’S Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu says he will stand down at an extraordinary congress of his ruling AK Party later this month.

Mr Davutoglu is believed to have fallen from favour because he disapproved of Mr Erdogan’s plans to move Turkey to a presidential system of government.

But in a speech, Mr Davutoglu pledged his loyalty to President Erdogan, saying he bore

chosen when the congress meets on 22 May. Earlier on Thursday, presidential aide Cemil Ertem said there would be no snap elections following the appointment of a new leader.

He also told Turkish TV that the country and its economy would stabilise further “when a prime minister more closely aligned with President Erdogan takes office”.

him as the presumptive Republican nominee.

Both Bush men had previously campaigned this year for former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who exited the race in February.

They had each supported past Republican presidential nominees John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012. Although neither former president has openly attacked Mr Trump or his policy proposals, George W Bush made a veiled criticism at a campaign event for his younger brother saying, “The strongest person usually isn’t the loudest one in the room”.

“I understand that Americans are angry and frustrated. But we do not need someone in the Oval Office who mirrors and inflames our anger and frustration,”George W Bush told the South Carolina audience.

Bangladesh opposition leader loses death penalty appeal

A

FINAL appeal by the leader of Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party against a death penalty for involvement in a 1971 liberation war has been rejected, his lawyers said, clearing the way for his hanging.

The Supreme Court on Thursday passed the order against Motiur Rahman Nizami, head of the banned Jamaat-eIslami party, which opposed the war for independence from Pakistan.

The 73-year-old, who was also given life sentences for four other war crimes convictions, has exhausted all legal options and only a presidential pardon could now save him.

Jamaat called a 24nationwide strike for Sunday in a response published on its website.

The Supreme Court in January upheld the death

penalty for Nizami on convictions of genocide, rape and orchestrating the massacre of top intellectuals during the war. The Jamaat leader, in jail since 2010, was originally handed the death sentence by a war crimes tribunal in 2014.

AUDI security forces have launched a security operation near the city of Mecca, killing four men suspected of belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), Saudi media have reported.

The Jeddah-based alOkaz newspaper said on Thursday that the forces surrounded a group of men in the Wadi Noman area south of the city where four wanted

African rand and the Chinese yuan.

The governor stressed that the issuing of bond notes was not the first step on the way to reintroducing the defunct currency, the Zimbabwe Herald newspaperreports.

Mr Mangudya also introduced a number of other measures to steer people away from using US dollar cash.

This includes setting a $1,000 limit on how much cash can be taken

He wants to encourage people to make greater use of the rand since a large portion of Zimbabwe’s trade is with South Africa.

But our correspondent says that people are reluctant to hold rands as they are not confident that the currency will maintain its value against the dollar.

He adds that not all shops and traders accept the full range of currencies officially in use.

Uganda bans media coverage of election result protests

U

GANDA has banned live media coverage of opposition protests against the re-election of President Yoweri Museveni.

The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has called for a “defiance campaign” against the 71-year-old leader extending his 30year rule.

Security forces have sealed off the home of its leader Kizza Besigye, who described February ’s vote as a “sham”. The government says media organisations could lose their licence if they cover the protest.

Those who cover the event on social media would also be punished, the head of Uganda’s Communications Commission said.

•Mugabe

S/AFRICA: Opposition parties boycott Zuma’s parliamentary speech

S

OUTH African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday asked for more orderly debates by lawmakers in parliament after most opposition parties boycotted his speech in the assembly.

Several MPs from the ultra-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) were forcibly ejected from parliament on Wednesday as they sought to prevent Zuma from giving a speech.

On Thursday, the main opposition Democratic Alliance party, the EFF and six smaller ones were

absent as Zuma gave a speech in reply to issues raised during the previous day, saying the president was “discredited” after court rulings against him.

Zuma last month survived an impeachment call in parliament after the Constitutional Court in March found that the president had breached the constitution. On Friday, a High Court judge ruled that Zuma should face 783 corruption charges that had been dropped in 2009 by state prosecutors.

KENYA: More survivors freed from rubble, six days after •Nizami

Saudi forces kill ISIL fighters near Mecca men were killed in a gun

S

IMBABWE is set to print its own version of the US dollar in order to ease a cash shortage in the country.

Central bank governor John Mangudya said the cash, known as bond notes, will be backed by $200m (£140m) support from the Africa ExportImport Bank.

The specially-designed two, five, 10 and 20 dollar notes will have the same value as their US dollar equivalents.

Zimbabwe introduced the US dollar after ditching its own currency in 2009 following sustained hyperinflation.

Since then Zimbabweans have been using the dollar as well as a number of other foreign currencies

battle.

State TV al-Ekhbariya also reported that “security authorities had succeeded in their operation against a number of Daesh partisans holed up at a recreational area in Mecca,” using the Arabic acronym for ISIL. In an operation that ended on Sunday, two ISIL suspects were killed and a third was wounded in the southwestern Bisha province.

F

OUR people have been rescued from the ruins of a residential building in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, six days after it collapsed in heavy rains. Kenya Red Cross says a woman who was first to be rescued on Thursday is now receiving hospital treatment.

Since her rescue, three other people have been pulled to safety.

Thirty-six people have been confirmed dead following the collapse of the six-storey residence last Friday and more than 80 people are still missing.

The building’s presu-med owners have been released on bail after being arrested on Monday.

Rescuers worked to get the first survivor free after

she was found Thursday morning.

on

MLW identifies threat to parties in public officer who will Africa reengineer intra-party affairs

T

HE critical challenges affecting the survival of intra-party politics at the grassroots in Africa especially Nigeria, have been identified as greed and impunity.

This was the submission of a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, pressure group, Movement for the Liberation of Warri South LGA, MLW. To change the trend, it threw its weight behind the candidature of Mr. Erebo Lori for the position of PDP Chairman in Warri South LGA, describing him as a

for democratic growth.

According to the group, his dynamic personality, the clarity of his mind, the catholicity of his ideas and his remarkable talents as an organizer and a community leader infused a new life and determination into the polity and the people’s hope to dream anew.

A statement by its Convener and Secretary, Mr. Alfred Atigolo and Comrade Femi Okum-agba, shortly after the LGA Congress, stated that the greatest threat to the party in the LGA, is greed and impunity.

30 —VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

L

AST Sunday about 300 Imams gathered at the Lekki Central Mosque for a special capacity-building conference. It was an uncommon gathering. In fact not only was it the maiden edition of the organisers ýbut also the first of its kind in the state.

Another dawah initiative of the Lekki Muslim Ummah, LEMU, themed:‘SoundImam,SoundJammah’ meant to develop Muslim leaders which will ultimately develop the followers apart from the quarterly dawah workshop where contemporary issues affecting the society are examined and solution proffered.

Participants were drawn from EtiOsa, Lagos Island and Lagos Mainland while Shaykh Abdullah Shuaib and Shaykh Imran Eleha were the speakers at the conference with other notable discussants.

The Commissioner of Home Afffairs, Dr. AbduLateef AbdulHakeem who was a special guest charged Imams and preachers to always consider capacity building as a regular exercise in order to develop their jamaah adding that “no one can give what he does not have.”

He commended the Lekki Muslim Ummah, LEMU for the initiative, noting that government though is neutral in religious affairs but will always support initiativse that will ýbring about societal development.

Rajab 29, 1437 A.H.

Lekki Imams conference: Develop yourselves, commisioner tells Imams •Why we instituteLEMU annual parley— LEMU President •Participants react Addressing the gathering, the President of LEMU, Dr. Waliu Braimo said: “we instituted the conference as part of our efforts to enhance the capacity of Imams and other Muslim preachers in the state with a view to reforming the society and ensuring religious tolerance.”

“We believe that if our religious leaders are sound, the society will be sound. Religious leaders have a great role to play in arresting the growing decay in our society, hence the need to constantly renew their knowledge and Dawah methodology. ShaykhGbajabiamila who represented the Chief Imam of Lagos state said: “the programe

is laudable; it is something we should have been doing long before now, but I thank the organisers for their wonderful idea.ý I appeal to the imams to imbibe what

they have learned here today. I also want such forum to be organised for the Baba Adinis where they can also learn as they are also indispensable individuals in the propa-

gation of Islam.

Participants react: The secretary of Eti-Osa Council of Imams and Alfas, Sheikh AbdulLateef Balogun reacted thus: In fact, we commend LEMU on this programme. No doubt, the imams need regular educative conferences like this. Our Imams say the same thing over and over again every Friday, but this programme will help them to perform better. For me, having listened to the lectures, I know it will have positive impact in the imams and the overall beneficiaries are the jamah.

Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi who chaired the occasion remarked that it was one of the best Muslim conferences he had attended. He charged the organisers to document the programme, collate the thoughts of the speakers for references, adding that by this, knowledge espoused at the conference will go far and wide.

Use Zakat for human devt — Ajimobi

G

OVERNOR Abiola Aji mobi of Oyo State has urged Muslims to use the institution of Zakat to promote equitable redistributionofwealthandfosterasense of solidarity among Muslims.

Ajimobi gave the advice recently during the annual distribution of Zakat by the Elders Consultative ForumofSupremeCouncilforShariah in Nigeria, Oyo state chapter in Ibadan.

The governor, who was represented at the event by Mr AbdulJelil Busari, PermanentSecretary, Oyo state Teaching Service Commission, said Zakat was considered by Muslims as an act of piety through which one expresses concern for the well-being of fellow Muslims.

Ajimobi called on the Muslims and groups to address the effective, efficient collection and management of Zakat fund.

He urged the forum to ensure that indigent Muslims have access to Zakat fund and other items and are managed in a sustainable way in order to get adequate reward from Allah. In his contribution, the Minister of Communication, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, said that poverty was too rampant among the Muslims because the rich among them were not paying Zakat.

Shittu said that he was planning a poverty alleviation programme which was not politically motivated but aimed at assisting the lessprivileged and would be done purposely for the sake of Allah.

‘Terrorism is not related to Islam’

By Aderonke Adeyeri

T

HE Multi purpose hall of the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, Alausa recently played host to eminent Islamic personalities who converged for the 2016 Biennial Get-together and Investiture of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Muslim Alumni OOUMA with the theme “Global Terrorism: Unmasking the Conspiracy”.

The National President, Independent Hajj Operators of Nigeria and guest lecturer, Ustadth AdulFattah AbdulMojeed expressed that terrorism in any guise is not related to Islam and not to be allowed by Muslims, rather Muslims should fight against terror in all ramifications quoting Qur’an 2:190-191. “ He also stated that this verse was first C M Y K

revealed in connection with Jihad, but it was supplemented by another verse 9:36)].”.

He continued, “To unjustly take a life, the holy Qur’an suratul Maidah, 5:32 states, Because of that We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind. And indeed, there came to them Our Messengers with clear proofs, evidences, and signs, even then after that many of them continued to exceed the limits (e.g. by doing oppression unjustly and exceeding beyond the limits set

by Allah by committing the major sins) in the land.”

From left: Shayk Abdullah Shuaib; Shayk Ridwan Jamiu, Imam Lekki Central Mosque; Adeniji Raji, immediate past President of LEMU; Alhaji Waliu Braimo, LEMU President and Dr Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, Lagos State Commisioner of Home Affairs during the conference of Imams, in Lekki.

Olowo-Oribi inaugurates ‘Ikorodu Muslim Community’ •Says ‘We’ll record more giant strides’

T

HE Chief Imam of Iko rodu Division, Sheikh Seifudeen Olowo-Oribi has said that with the inauguration of the Ikorodu Muslim Community, the division was poised to record giant strides.

Thereligiousleadersaidthiswhile inaugurating the executives of Ikorodu Muslim Community, an umbrella body of the entire Muslim groups in the area.

According to Sheikh Olowo-oribi: “ThiswillfoasterunityamongMus-

lims.

Oneofourmajorconstraintsbefore now was the disunity and segregation among Muslim groups and individuals but this initiative will bring all Muslims together, we will do things as one and as a result, there will be peace and development of the ummah. In the newxt few years, we will begin to record more giant strides.

He stated that the new initiative is being done in other divisions in the state adding that all other bodies

From left: Alhaji Abiodun Wahab, Baba Adini of Ikorodu; Alhaji Abdulhakeem Adetoro, representating Commissioner for Home Affairs; Sheikh Seifudeen Olowo-Oribi, Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division; Sheikh Zhikirullah Andu, Chief Imam of Igbogbo and Sheikh Abdullah Owoyemi, Chief Imam of Imota during the inauguration of Ikorodu Muslim Community.

and groups are subsumed under the Ikorodu Muslims Community.

The Imam who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the community urged the newly inaugurated executives to be steadfast and uphold the principle of unity just as he charged all communities and local council development area within the division to be united.

In the same vein, speaking at the occasion,thecommissionerofHome Affairs, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef who was represented by Alhaji AbdulhakeemAdetorochargedthe board of trustees and excutives not to see themselves as individuals adding that the essence of the the initiativewastobringallthereligious groupstogethersothattheycanspeak with one voice. “Government will alswayspreachtoleranceandco-existenceamongallreligiousgroups.”

The Commissioner warned that mosques should abide by government regulation on noise pollution by limiting their activities only within the mosque premises, adding that government was poised to reducing noise pollution in all religious houses.

He advised Muslims to always obey the law on construction of houses to stem the tide of building collapse just as he warned against indiscriminate parking and obstruction for free flow of traffic.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016—31

By His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar

T

RADITIONAL and religious institutions had played and continue to play varied and dynamic roles in various parts of the world, includingourcountry,Nigeria.These institutions provided the cohesion and harmony required to sustain the functionality and dynamism of our local communities and the relevance of our socio-cultural traditions and values in the wider arena of national discourse.

Itisthereforevitallyimportanttoprovideourtraditionalinstitutionswiththe enabling environment to adapt and respond more efficaciously to the emergingchallengesofnation-buildingaswellastotheexigenciesofpeace, securityandsocio-economicdevelopment.

Our task in this preliminary discourse is to highlight the character and essence of our traditional institutions, with particular reference to my domain, the Sokoto Caliphate.

This may help us gain greater insight into the characteristics of our traditional institutions, the values they cherish, their transformation during the colonial period and how they could be repositioned to play effective roles in National Security. It is ourhopethatthisdiscourse,albeitabbreviated shall go a long way in complementing other discourses on the subject matter.

Sokoto intellectual culture The Sokoto Caliphate was the result of a socio-political and religious movement which was led

by Shaykh Uthman Ibn Fodio and ably assisted by his brother, Shaykh Abdullahi and his son, Shaykh Muhammad Bello.

The physical confrontation with the Gobir authorities which marked the commencement of the Jihad began in 1804 AD and set into motion one of the most extensive political transformations in the West African sub-region and created a polity which encompassed much of Northern Nigeria, Northern Cameroon and significant positions of Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso.

But the legacy of the Sokoto Caliphate lies not only in the expanse of territory it had controlled but in its wider contribution to scholarship and learning in the sub-region and beyond. The Sokoto triumvirate, consisting of Shaykh Uthman Ibn Fodio, Shaykh Abdullah and Shaykh Muharnmad Bello, were veritable Islamic scholars who had contributed, between the three of them, over three hundred scholarly works.

These contributions focused not only on Islamic Jurisprudence and Qur’anic Exegesis but also on Principles of Politics, Astronomy, Pharmacology and Medicine. It is worthy of note that when Hugh Clapperton visited Sokoto in the 1820s, the major items of interest which he presented to Sultan Muharnmad Bello was a Greek astronomical treatise, the Euclid, a work on Medicine by Ibn Sina and portions of the Old Testament, including the Psalms of David.

Sultan Muhammad Bello remarked to Clapperton that he lost his copy of the Euclid to a C M Y K

Rajab 29, 1437 A.H.

Traditional, religious institutions in Nigeria:

Implications for national security Being a lecture delivered by His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of 1 Sokoto; President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) at the National Defence College, Abuja, Nigeria fire incident. He also attempted to engage Clapperton in discourse on biblical history, only to find his guest not well tutored in the subject.

It is also pertinent to point out that the Sokoto Caliphate leaders had also held the position that governance must be predicated on knowledge and learning. It was a view strongly held by Shakhy Uthman Ibn Fodio, the Caliphate’s founder, that a person should not be charged with responsibilities of leadership. unless he is properly tutored in the rudiments of Law and Jurisprudence as well as Good Governance and the proper management of human affairs. In the words of Shaykh Uthman Ibn Fodio, in his Bayan Wujub alHijrah, written as early as 1804, “A man without learning is like a country without inhabitants.

The finest (qualities) in a leader, •His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar in particular, and in people in general, are the love of learning, preparations and made himself the use of coercion. The crown of a leader is his integrity, his stronghold the desire to listen to it and hold- ready for these matters?

Other people do not lack those ishisimpartialityandhiswealthisthe ing the bearer of knowledge in great respect - this is in fact the who oppose them, point out their welfare of his people”. In addressing surest way for a leader to be be- shortcomings and hold contrary the Governors of the Caliphate, loved of his people. On the other views. That helps a man to train Shaykh Abdullahi Ibn Fodio, also hand, if the leader is devoid of himself and learn where the right stressed on the same principle: “TheGovernorhastoseetothewellearning, he follows his whims way lies. A leader, on the other hand, does not encounter any of fare of the people ......... The Governor and leads his subjects astray, like these things because his high po- must not think that he is the owner of sition cuts him off from the province over which he is apthem, since the only people who as- pointed to govern, whereby the land sociate with him are those who glorify becomes his personal property his status, conceal his drawbacks and which he can give to whom he likes praise him for what he does not pos- and refuse whom he wishes. Such sess. Their only reply to him is, “the action is misguided and belongs to leader is right”. the era of Ignorance (Jahiliyya). He should realize that he has been entrusted to take charge of the affairs Values and of the people only for the purpose of collective security looking after their religious and Oneofthedistinguishingfeaturesof temporal interests‘’.

Caliph Muhammad Bello, The first principle theSokotoCaliphatehadbeenitsemwho succeeded to the Sokoto phasis on key societal values which extolled by the Caliphate afterthedeathofhisfather, the Caliphate leaders took pains to Sokoto Caliphate enunciateintheirvariouswritingsand Shaykh Uthman Ibn Fodio in 1817, pronouncements. The upholding of took a developmental approach to the leaders is safethese values was deemed essential in issue: The Sixth Principle (of guarding the welsustaining the continuity of the State Governance) is that the leader or the and ensuring the collective security, Emir or the Governor should provide fare of the human and physical, of the citizenry. publicamenitiesforthepeopleofhisState citizenry and the In my speeches at various fora, in- for their temporal and religious benefit. cluding Columbia University, New For this purpose, he shall foster the primacy of the York, Harvard University, Institute for artisans and be concerned with Public Interest Security Studies, Bwari, Abuja and tradesmenwhoareindispensabletothe National Institute for Policy and Stra- people, such as farmers and smiths, tailors and dyers, physicians and a riding beast with no halter, wan- tegic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, I had oc- grocers, butchers and carpenters and casion to draw attention to these dering off the path and perhaps seminal values and their strategic all sorts of trades which contribute to spoiling what it passes over ... (stabilize) the proper order of this world.

For a leader has set up himself significance to nation-building and The ruler must allocate these to deal with people’s natures, to national security.

The first Principle extolled by the tradesmen to every village and every settle their disputes and to unSokoto Caliphateleadersissafeguard- locality. dertake their government. All He should urge his subjects to seek ing the welfare of the citizenry and the these require outstanding learnfoodstuff and keep it for future use. He ing, keen insight and extensive primacy of the Public Interest. In the must keep villages and countryside in words of Shaykh Uthaman Ibn Fodio, study. How would he get on if he prosperity; construct fortresses and had not made the necessary “seeingtothewelfareofthepeopleisa bridgesmaintainmarketsandroadsand moreeffectivetoolofgovernancethan

realize for them all what are of public interest so that the proper order of this world may be maintained. “ The second Principle enunciated by theCaliphateleadersistheimperativeof Equity and Justice in the attainment of goodgovernanceandcollectivesecurity.

“Oneoftheswiftestwaysofdestroying a State, “ according to Shaykh Utham Ibn Fodio, “is to give preference to one particular tribe over another or to show favourtoonegroupof peopleratherthan anotheranddrawnearthosewhoshould bekeptawayandkeepawaythosewho shouldbedrawnnear...Otherpractices (destructive to Sovereignty) are arrogance and conceit which take away virtues. There are six qualities which cannotbetoleratedinaleader:lying,enry, breachofpromise,sharpnessoftemper, miserliness and cowardice. Another is the seclusion of the leader from his people, because when the oppressor is sure that the oppressed person will not have access to the leader, he becomes even more oppressive. A State can endurewithunbeliefbutitcannotendure withinjustice.“ Shaykh Abdullahi Ibn Fdio, putting it in more legal terms, admonished: “The Sultanisalsounderobligationtoobserve justice and goodness. Justice is that he restores to everyone his right. It is all the samewhetherthatrightisextractedfrom himself or from others. “ TheThirdPrincipleessentialforthesustenance of Good Governance and engenderingPeaceandMutualCo-existence is Consultation and Consensusbuildingonmajorissuesofstate.AccordingtoShaykhUthmanIbnFodio,“The [next] principle is to adhere to consultation ... because the person, who seeks advice, if he is of sounder opinion than theoneconsulted,confirmshisownview; if he is less knowledgeable, he benefits from another opinion. A certain leader once said: Your own high status should notstopyoufromaddingotherpeople’s points of view to your own.

Intolerance of Corruption Forifyouseekadviceandarethereby successful, people will praise your opinions,butifyoumakeamistaketheywill share the consequences of your error.

Oneoftheworstqualitiesinaleaderisto be self-opinionated and to neglect consultation. “ The Fourth Principle enunciated by the Caliphate leaders and deemed essential in the realisation of Good Governance is the Intoierance of Corruption on the part of the leaders as well as public officials. “A governor”, according to Shaykh Abdullahi Ibn Fodio, “is forbidden to touch property acquired unjustly such as bribes obtained for appointing a judge or any other officer. The use of such property is unanimously regarded as illegal. It corrupts the Religion and leaves the door wide open for other briberies and the oppression of the poor.

Itisalsoillegaltoacceptanygiftfrom the common people, for such an action is the door leading to all types of calamities.Whenagiftfindsitswayto a man in authority, justice and goodness find their way out of him. “ As for the employees, Shaykh Abdullahipositsthatthe“rulershould be to his employees like a shepherd among wild lions; they look after his subjects for him and he looks after them. All corruption comes from evil employees.”

Caliph Muhammad Bello was equally emphatic on this issue: “The ruler must be resolute in being on his guard against the employees.

To be continued

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

LEISURE

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

LEO; Whatever your endeavour you stand good chance to record very good result today, although 11.07am to 4.15 can bring minor disappointment.

Many of you’ll today receive important gifts from your loved ones.

VIRGO; Better than yesterday, yet you will need to be more practical when the Moon fluctuates between 11.07am and 4.15pm today. There are possibilities of remarkable achievements for those who are more ambitious LIBRA; Here is day you can consolidate on progress made recently. Domestic related issues must be taken more seriously. Prepare to protect your image.

SCORPIO; Better than yesterday, yet you will need to do away with unnecessary argument. Respect the law and its’ agents. Watch what you tell others

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

L

IFE is all about relationship. It is all about how you relate well with the other man or woman. For ex-

About Relationship? ample, a successful father should be able to relate well with his children, a successful leader

TERROR MUDA

should be able to relate well with his followers.

Similarly, a good manager should have a good rap-

in “Never say goodbye”

port with members of his workforce.How well you relate with people could determine how far you will go in life.Think about it.

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS; Unlike yesterday when friends failed to live up to expectation your close allies can assist your cause; the more friendly you are today the better CAPRICORN; You’ll continue with the aggressive approach adopted by you yesterday to the resentment of others. Watch your steps between 11.07am and 4.15pm AQUARIUS; Your concentration level looks suspect, that is why you will need to re-examine most of what you are doing between 11.07am and 4.15pm PISCES; You’re willing to go after your heart desire aggressively but you will need to be as practical as possible today, especially between 11.07am and 4.15pm ARIES; Your being co-operative will go long way to win very important supports needed by you; watch carefully happenings within your base before 4.15pm

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

TAURUS; You’ll fare better if you continue to avoid unnecessary argument. Don’t expect to much from promises between 11.07am and 4.15pm. Be family minded.

GEMINI; This is not your best day you can gamble with money and go free; Money calls for proper protection and wise management from you..

CANCER; Minor opposition may continue their operation within your base but they can’t sustain the tempo for a long time. Exhibit maturity within your base, you may be lucky with money.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Part of second quarter of the year pls!!!

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Joshua, I am interested in your work, particularly on how you predict events in many people lives as they always come to pass. Please tell me everything the months May and June 2016 have for me.

Mooftau, Kaduna.

Dear Mooftau, Here-under are what space can allow. During this period, major emphasis will be on your personal enterprising endeavour particularly in the business world. Are we talking of stock speculative venture here?.

Although, you will have the needed opportunities to assert and express yourself, it’s important you know that you can not be an island on your own in the business world, thus you will need to give room for co-operation in all you do as there are indications of good people willing to come to your horizon provided you are willing to give them the chance.

Aggressive foreigners (especially males) will feature in many of your activities during the period, and if you are more co-operative(that is the way it’ll pay you I mean to your own advantage) the whole thing will work in your favour There are indications of successful movements probably inform of travelling that will put smile on your face.. Matters-of-the-heart having to do with emotional ROMANTIC/ SEXUAL LOVE will make you happy. Relationship with the minors (youngsters) and recreation activities are favoured..

Throughout the period you will need to take no old friend for granted especially on money and movable possessions (being foreigner or local friend does not matter). Paying good attention to your health will do your world lots of good.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016—33

Odubu: I never chased away APC delegates at Fugar —Akhigbe

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—A chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, and Senior Special Assistant, Protocol, to Edo State Government, Chief John Akhigbe, has described as untrue, an allegation by the campaign organisation of the deputy governor of the state, Dr Pius Odubu, that he chased away APC delegates who were meant to meet with the deputy governor at Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state.

Saying that most of the allegations made by Odubu's campaign organisation were fabricated, he said: "God will expose the lies being told about some of us following the Auchi incident,” adding that the police must investigate the allegations made by Odubu’s campaign organisation in the interest of the general public.

According to him, “I am not a lunatic that will be chasing people away. I was not even in Fugar when the incident happened as I was in far away Udaba. I was at Udaba attending the burial ceremony of Damien’s grandmother. He is the member representing us in the state House of Assembly.

“In fact, I was at Udaba when the deputy governor and even Samson Osagie came for the burial. I was surprised to see my name in the papers that I prevented them from entering the party’s secretariat when I am not a party executive. I have no access to the delegates, so

I wonder why I will chase away people I have no control over.

“The allegation is just a figment of their imagination.

I don’t know how somebody who does not have the keys of the secretariat can order the locking up of the secretariat in Fugar. In fact,

I saw the deputy governor at Udaba and we greeted.

Samson Osagie who alleged that at his press conference sat with me at Udaba and we exchanged pleasantries, so I wonder why they went back to say things that are false against me. That is unfair fair.”

VISIT: From left: John Stoddart, musical director; Kirk Whalum, gospel artiste; Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor, Trinity House; and Earl Stone, manager, during the recent visit and performance by Whalum at Trinity House in Lagos.

Utomi, others make case for national devt goals

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— PROFESSOR Pat Utomi has called for an organised drive towards achieving the nation’s development goals.

Utomi, who spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Repositioning Universities as Drivers of National Industrial Development, at an event to mark the retirement of Professor Anthony Arinze from active service at the University of Port Harcourt, said it was time the nation constructed a system to move from the point of misery and underdevelopment.

He said that the nation should evolve a clear national strategic plan with appreciable focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

According to him, weak institutions were largely responsible for failures in Africa, noting that sound leadership has the capacity to change the country and the African continent.

Utomi who made reference to Singapore, said its development history could also be applied to achieve

similar feat in Nigeria.

He said it was sad that a nation that was producing 5,000 megawatts of electricity under the tenure of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon in the 70s, has suddenly dropped to below 2,000 megawatts about four decades after, noting that the foregoing was a reflection of

A-Ibom govt clamps down on illegal motor parks

U

By Tom Moses

YO—AKWA Ibom State Government has frowned at the irresponsible conduct of commercial vehicle touts across the state, stating that it intends to set up the Akwa Ibom State Road Transport Marshall Unit in the state’s Ministry of Transport

to check the activities of touts.

Equally, the state government has declared war on illegal motor park operations so as to bring to an end, the activities of hoodlums who use such motor parks as hideouts.

The state Commissioner for Transport, Prince Godwin

Delta monarch accused of hindering community's progress

E

By Godwin Oghre

WU-OTOR—THE people of Ewu-Otor in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, have accused their monarch, HRM Jabin Ogaga, of hindering the progress of the community for 49 years, with his alleged refusal to sign and implement the constitution of the community.

The people, in a communique at the end of their recent general meeting, by the Chairman of the C M Y K

the inconsistencies in Nigeria’s growth plan.

Retiring Professor Arinze in a chat later with newsman enjoined government to effectively fund university education in the country, saying that a situation where science practical’s are taught without the needed tools was unacceptable.

community’s leader and eldersin –council, Chief Andrew Ikrechero, and President General, Etaga Ogaga, said: “Our monarch sat on the first draft of the community's constitutio from 1965 to 1998, and the second draft from 1998 to July 2014, by not signing them, and when he eventually signed the second one, he had expunged two vital clauses affecting him.”

They also called on the

monarch to account for some money which accrued to the community from oil related sources within the period, saying, “We do not know what has been happening to our collective wealth from the government and the oil sector.

We are sure that the funds are going into private pockets rather than being used to develop the community, and we want to know from our monarch where the funds are going into.”

Ntukudeh, disclosed the government’s decisions, yesterday, while appearing as guest of the Correspondents Chapel Arena, in Uyo, noting that the activities of touts were causing the state government serious concern.

Ntukudeh expressed optimism that with the proposed Road Transport Marshall Unit to complement the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, the unwholesome activities of the touts would be checked.

The commissioner also disclosed plans by the state government to float a taxi scheme that will be regulated by trusted government agents so as to sanitise the taxi transportation system, just as he said that a special task force would be set up to check overloading of vehicles by taxi and bus drivers.

Ex-militant leaders call for calm over stipends

By Innocent Onoja

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OMADI—NIGER Delta ex-militant leaders, under the Federal Government's amnesty programme, have cautioned their followers to ignore the misinformation making the rounds that the Amnesty Office under the leadership of BrigGen. Paul Boroh (retd), has removed some names from the payment list of ex-militants in the programme, describing the rumour as false.

The call became necessary, according to the group, as some sections of ex-militants did not receive payment alerts from their banks when the Amnesty Office paid one month stipend out of three months arrears a fortnight ago.

Rising from an emergency meeting, the ex-militant leaders under Phase 2 of the amnesty programme, some of whom were also affected by the delayed payment, urged their followers to remain calm and disregard the rumours that their names had been removed from the payment list of the programme, saying the claim was false.

The statement by Delta State Chairman, Phase 2 exmilitants, Kingsley Muturu, his Edo State counterpart, Lord Agbuke, Godspower Mabiko (Delta) and Solomon Audu (Provost-Delta), noted that the misinformation was as a result of communication gap between the Amnesty Office and ex-agitators.

Pa Jim Ufuoma passes on

P

A Jim Ufuoma, a r e n o w n e d educationist in Delta State, is dead, aged 81. He died on April 28, 2016. He was the proprietor of Our Saviour Group of Schools, Sapele, Delta State. He is survived by a widow, four children and seven grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Late Pa Jim Ufuoma

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6 , 2016

EIF gives scholarship to 40 students in Abia

DPR probes diversion of petrol

By Chidi Nkwopara & Anayo Okoli

T

HE OWERRI Zonal Office of the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has commenced serious investigations to unravel how 50,000 litres of premium motor spirit was diverted to De Amity filling station, Bende Road, Umuahia, Abia State.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the Forte Oil branded tanker with registration number, Bauchi, DBM 37 XA ,

By Onozure Dania

L

AGOS—EMEKA I k w u a g w u Foundation, EIF, is sponsoring no fewer than 40 indigenes of Abia State at secondary and primary schools in Umuobiala Isiukwuato Local Government Area in the state.

The founder of the foundation, who is also the president of Holmes VIU Group of Companies, Mr. Emeka Ikwuagwu, at a briefing said the scholarship would soon be extended to the tertiary institutions in the state.

Mr. Ikwuagwu explained that his foundation planned to give grants to the rural farmers faced with several challenges and would also commence programmes in empowerment and entrepreneurial skills acquisition in Abia State.

“The truth is that the masses are suffering and the only way to alleviate their suffering is by rendering helping hands in the most vital aspect of their economic concern and effectively addressing situations that have negative impact on them,” Ikwuagwu said.

He urged the government to look into other areas like agriculture to develop the economy rather than total dependence on oil.

According to him: “Nigeria is endowed with natural resources, and with the growing population of the country, there is an urgent need for the expansion of development activities across the sector.”

was loaded at NIPCO Plc Dockyard, Lagos, on April 27, 2016.

It was also gathered that “the tanker was billed to discharge its manifested content to Alagbede Nigeria Ltd., Old Motor Park, Gengeri, Jos, but ended in Umuahia.

Vanguard equally gathered that the Abia State Command of the Department of State Security, DSS, initially intercepted the truck and when the truck driver could not expressly explain his mission in Umuahia, the DSS

forced them to empty the entire content in the station and promptly sent the situation report to DPR management.

When the high powered DPR team, led by the Zonal Controller, Ogbuefi Morrison Nwokedi, arrived the scene of the alleged crime, the owner of the consignment, Mr. Ikedinachi Moses, a retired tanker driver, claimed he rented the outlet from the rightful owner.

Explaining how he came by the fuel, Ikedinachi said: “I gave one Kalu money to buy fuel for me. I

Abia govt faults Sen Akpabio’s claim on kidnapping

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—ABIA State government has attacked the Senate Minority Leader and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio, over a statement credited to him that kidnapping in return for money started in the state.

The government said that Akpabio’s claim was “erroneous and misleading.”

Akpabio was said to have made the claim, Wednesday, on the floor of the Senate while contributing to the debate on Joint Committee Report on Police Affairs, National Security and Intelligence.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Godwin Adindu said that Akpabio was trying to rewrite history.

“This declaration by the Distinguished Senator is an

attempt to re-write history whilst history remains constant. The most anti-human crime of kidnapping in all its ramifications, either for ransom or as a form of protest, remains a child of the Niger Delta. It was born and nurtured in the Niger Delta. Its

RS. GRACE Mogo, who died on February 27, 2016, aged 80, will be buried today, in Uruana Umuanum, Nibo.

Late Mrs. Mogo became a teacher in a class of her own as a government scholar in 1940's, and headed many primary schools in Eastern Nigeria.

She was a community leader and a very active member of

hy try to leech on other people's lands and use your institutional power in government to corner other people's ancestral commonwealth? No sane state governor or serving legislator should support such a bill. -Miss Ebereke Kelechi, Student

from the national amnesty programme.

“The creek warlords had long started kidnapping for money before President Umaru Yar’Adua introduced the pacification and rehabilitation programme."

EMC introduces Unity solution to simplify, modernize data centre

By Emeka Aginam, in Las Vegas

O

NE OF the global leaders in storage facilities, EMC Corporation at the ongoing 2016 forum in Las Vegas, the United States of America, has released EMC Unity, a new family of storage systems that helps to simplify and modernize the data centre.

Designed specifically for small,

Mrs Grace Mogo for burial today

M

roots go deep into the creeks.

“Kidnapping in other places was an off-shoot of the failure of the management of the Amnesty Programme, when non-indigenes who were recruited to the barter trade of oil in exchange for arms and hard currency were excluded

Young Women’s Christian Association, YWCA. She is survived by brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, and great grandLate Mrs. Mogo children.

mid-sized and departmental enterprise IT deployments, the new product is the addition to the company’s all flash portfolio delivering highly affordable file and block storage.

Speaking on the new product, Jeff Boudreau, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mid-Range Solutions, Core Technologies Division at EMC said that, “EMC Unity offers modern data centre simplicity and all-flash performance in an affordable package."

Designed specifically to get the most out of all-flash media, he said that EMC is making it simpler and more affordable for both SMEs and enterprises to modernize their data centers.

Customer’s experience: Speaking on the product, Sean Wedige, CTO, Global Enterprise Solutions at Rackspace, said that, “at Rackspace, we deploy a lot of storage arrays - we have to in order to support our customers’

growing needs for storage. And it’s a business critical for us to do that quickly, simply and without downtime.”

Analyst’s experience: For Mark Peters, Practice Director and Senior Analyst, ESG, “Businesses with midsized IT needs don’t want a stripped-down or supposedly-simplified enterprise storage array. Instead, such businesses need a solution that is built from the ground up with their needs in mind.”

Partner’s experience: From the partner’s perspective, Jack Rondoni, Vice President of Storage Networking, Brocade, testified that, “Legacy networks were not designed to achieve the maximum potential of flash.

Brocade has created innovative networking solutions that can be combined with EMC storage arrays to deliver simple management, incredible performance and flexible deployment options."

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

W

don’t know where he bought the fuel. The Kalu also owns a station on the express road. At the end of the day, I heard that the oil belonged to Forte. When I started calling the Kalu later, he was no longer picking my calls.”

On the sealing, the DPR Zonal Controller said: “The station remains sealed. The product source is now known. Product diversion is a serious crime.

Penalty is N200 per litre and payable to the FG. This is a team work between DPR and other relevant stakeholders.”

What is yyour our vie w on Grazing R eser view Reser eservve Bill?

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hese so-called activists have kept quiet, preferring to play the ostrich as if all is well. Only Professor Wole Soyinka spoke up against the killings by Fulani herdsmen belatedly.

However, that bill should not see any light. -Mr. Onuigbo Emeka, Engineer

C

reating grazing re serves in every state means creating Fulani Empire in every state. This will spell doom for our generations yet unborn because they would overrun our communities and forcefully convert our people to Islam. -Mr. Ndubuisi Igwe, Engineer

T

he bill would be an other way government would contribute to agriculture in the country.

With this grazing bill, cattle rearing would not be mostly a Northern thing.

I urge Nigerians to see the opportunity in this. Mrs. Morayo Simeon, Self Employed

C

reating grazing reserve for Fulanis is for what?. Who are they and what are they? Why special preference? It is their personal business and they should bear the brunt of it as other businesses do. -Mr. Emmanuel Iyoke, Worker

T

he Fulanis are known to be blood-thirsty and their cattle roaring is a private business, why should the government give them preference? Or would they give such preference to Yoruba farmers in north by giving land to these farmers? -Miss Ruth Owolabi, Student

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016—35

BoI, Sokoto govt seal N2bn MSMEs funds deal

By Favour Nnabugwu

S

OKOTO— THE Bank of Industry, BOI, and Sokoto State government have signed an agreement to raise N2 billion for Micro Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.

Acting Managing Director, BoI, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, said in Sokoto that the state would be required to provide N1billion which would be matched in like sum by the bank for on lending to entrepreneurs in the state.

Apart from Sokoto, the bank is already having a subsisting matching funds arrangement deal with 18 state governments across Nigeria.

According to Olagunju, “we look at our mandate of transforming Nigeria’s industrial landscape and we realise that we cannot do it alone. Finance is just one of the factors of production.

There are other things that needed to come into the fore before we can support entrepreneurs across the country.

"Entrepreneurs are located in the states. They must have a piece of land before they can do business. And under the Land Use Act, land is vested in the governors. That makes partnership with the state governments an indisputable part of our business.”

Meanwhile, the bank which earlier commissioned its office at the state’s capital, noted that it had so far disbursed N1.6 billion to 25 industrialists in the state.

On the significance of the bank’s state office in Sokoto, Olagunju said: “With BoI’s presence in the historic city of Sokoto, we believe the developmental impact of the bank will be greatly enhanced in support of the real sector and also complement the state government ‘s socio-economic development objectives.”

Speaking, Governor Aminu Tambuwal expressed delight at the establishment of the bank’s office in his state, stressing that the proximity to customers would boost business activities in Sokoto.

He promised to abide by the terms of the agreement and pledged to provide the state’s counterpart funding of N1billion as earlier as possible to enable entrepreneurs in the state begin to enjoy the facility.

Yuguda, ex-perm sec, others asked to refund N700m

By Suzan Edeh

B

AUCHI — FORMER Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and his former Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Alhaji Abdu Ilelah, among others, have been asked to refund over N700 million, allegedly spent from the security vote without valid documents.

According to a statement by Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar's Press Secretary, Abubakar Al-Sadique, this was part of the recommendations of the committee on the recovery of public property taken without due process under the chairmanship of Air Commodore Ahmed Gamawa (retd).

The committee was set up by Governor Mohammed Abdullahi to investigate the activities of Bauchi State Agency for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, BASOVCA; State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs from May 2007 to May 2015.

The former governor and others named are to refund N716,892,500 being the amount claimed to have been spent on

security without valid documents.

The former Bauchi State Accountant General under Isa Yuguda, Alhaji Adamu Umar Gokaru, former Auditor General, Alhaji Abdu Usman Aliyu and former Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Abdu Aliyu Ilelah, have been recommended for sanction for alleged gross misconduct.

According to the chairman, the committee discovered that due process was not followed in the award of contracts at the State Universal Basic Education Board where N110,126,373.64 was released for the payment of October 2015 teachers salaries and the board utilised only N109,351,476.71 in paying 3,216 newly recruited teachers but could not account for the balance of N774, 897.47.

The committee also alleged that N858 million loan was fraudulently taken by SUBEB from Sterling Bank Nigeria Plc to fund projects already counterfunded by the state government in 2012 while the contractor that handled the contract of the elibrary project awarded by the SUBEB in the Institute of Education, was the Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Aminu Mohammed

Ibrahim and had not executed the project fully.

The committee said: “The contractor failed to supply and install the Integrated Science Laboratory equipment for which he was paid the sum of N4 million at the same Institute.

“The accrued interest of N79million from the fixed deposit account in Sterling Bank Nigeria Plc should be jointly refunded to the state government by the former Chairman of SUBEB, Alhaji Abdullahi Dabo and the former Chief Accountant of the Board, Alhaji Kabiru Malami Sidi while all signatories of SUBEB accounts be made to refund the illegal loan collected from Sterling Bank PLC as well as the associated charges amounting to N933, 604, 619.57.”

The committee also recommended that the Chief Accountant Local Education Authority Accounts at the Board, Alhaji Mohammad Alhaji, should be made to account for N774,897,47 being balance of N110,126,373.64 released to the Board for the payment of October 2015 salaries.

FORUM — From left, Deputy Director, Spectr um Administration, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, O. Y. Asaju; Commission Secretary, Mr. Felix Adeoye; Director, Special Duties, Mrs. Iyabo Sholanke; Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, representing Executive Vice Chairman; Director, Licensing & Authorization, Ms. Funlola Akiode; Director, Projects, Ms. Ayodeji Shofolahan and Director, Technical Standards, Fidelis Onah at the stakeholders consultative forum on licensing of 38GHz & 42 GHz spectrum bands and re-planning of the 23GHz band in Lagos, yesterday.

Troops destroy Boko Haram administrative base

By Ndahi Marama, with agency reports

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AIDUGURI— NIGERIAN troops assisted by Civilian JTF on patrol at clearing remnants of Boko Haram terrorists at Ngula and Kukuruk villages in Alagarno general area, discovered and destroyed a perceived Boko Haram administrative base.

The troops made up of 156 Task Force Battalion and 29 Task Force Brigade, engaged Boko Haram terrorists in a gun battle that lasted hours, following which some terrorists escaped with gunshot injuries.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director, Army Public

Relations, in an email message to Vanguard said the troops made startling discovery in the area, as they found out that it served as the terrorists’ administration and harbour area, field hospital and Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, making factory.

According to him, “the troops recovered the following items at the base: six motorcycles, two bicycles, four machine gun mounts, one power generating set, three Armoured Personnel Carriers, APCs, among others.

Meanwhile, the Theatre Commander of the ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ Major General Lucky Irabor, has said only two

soldiers were killed and few others injured while quiet a number of the insurgents were killed and their hideouts destroyed in the last one week when troops embarked on operation crackdown, in the Sambisa forest, This came as Boko Haram insurgents, yesterday, attacked troops in Borno State with antiaircraft guns.

Gen. Irabor, who spoke yesterday, noted that the morale of the troops was high as they continued advancing to the heart of Sambisa forest in search of elements of insurgents in their enclaves, rescuing over 300 hostages including two Cameroonians.

Hunt for 2016 Three Crowns Mum of the Year commences

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S part of the activities to round off the 2016 Mother’s Day celebrations, Three Crowns Milk, Nigeria’s leading low cholesterol milk brand from the stables of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, has commenced the search for a distinguished mother to be crowned the 2016 ‘Mum of the Year’.

The Three Crowns Milk Mum of the Year campaign is aimed at recognizing and celebrating the unique roles of mothers in a family by identifying and designating a mother as the ‘Mum of the Year’.

According to the Senior Brand Manager, Three Crowns Milk, Mrs. Maureen Ifada, the campaign was the brand’s special way of “rewarding mothers who are the key target consumers for their unalloyed support and patronage to the brand in sustaining its leadership position in the category over the years.

"The mothers are as invaluable to Three Crowns Milk as they are to their families. The mothers are our primary target as the key decision makers and influencers through which the brand connects to other stakeholders. Hence, the brand places a very high premium on identifying and celebrating them.”

Ifada explained that mothers were expected to compete and win amazing prizes for themselves and their families during the ‘Mum of the Year Competition’ which would take place on Monday, May 30, 2016.

She announced that the winner of the 2016 ‘Mum of the Year’ campaign would get an all-expense paid vacation .for herself and four members of her family to a yet to be disclosed destination.

Passage Mrs Maria Ajoke Olajide, 77, is dead. She died on April 13, 2016. Wake keep holds Thursday, May 12, 2016 at the family compound, 7, Fadu Avenue, Orilowo, Ejigbo, Lagos, while interment follows on Friday, May 13, 2016 to be conducted by Divine Christ Apostolic Church (Iya Ijo).

She is survived by her widower, Mr, Paul Olajide.

Late Maria Olajide

36 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 —37

VANGUARD EMO YOVWIHR O EMOY VWIHRO I, formerly known and addressed as Emoyovwihro Amos Fidoro now wish to be known and addressed as Emoroghene Amos Fidoro. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGIEHON

MBA

I, formerly known and addressed as Mba Ugochi Appolonia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mbamaonyeukwu Ugochi Appolonia.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADIGUN

FAPOHUNDA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mojisola Mayomi Fapohunda, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mojisola Mayomi Alonge. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEKA

The names, Igiehon Owen Fidelis and Igiehon-Ogbebor Fidelis refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Igiehon Owen Fidelis.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Adigun Adekeye A., now wish to be known and addressed as Adekeye Adigun Jimoh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Onyeka Chika Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Unachukwu Chika Chioma. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Education, lagos and the general public please take note.

IWUAMANAM

SAMSON

AKO

I, formerly known and addressed as I w u a m a n a m Ugochukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Nelson Orji Ugochukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Abimbola Gladys Samson, now wish to be known and addressed as Abimbola Gladys Ado. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Felicia Ese Ako, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Felicia Ese Diji. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OFFIONG

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Efiom Eyo Offiong, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Efiom Eyo Henshaw. All former documents remain valid. Faculty of Engnrg, Dept. of Mechanical Engnrg., Cross River University of Technology, the Mngmt. of UNICEM and the general public please take note.

KINGSLEY I, formerly known and addressed as Agudike Chigozie Kingsley, now wish to be known and addressed as Agudike Chigozie Livinus. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GBAJUMO

I, formerly known and addressed as Adetutu Jennnifer Gbajumo, now wish to be known and addressed as Adetutu Jennifer Arueyingho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANTHONY

RAHEEM

CLASSIFIED TUESDAY I, formerly known and addressed as Abiomon Oseluonamen Tuesday, now wish to be known and addressed as Abiomon Oseluonamen Cleanseth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUDU I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Ogudu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Joe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBEMBE

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Obembe Olawale Ebenezer, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Ajenifuja Olawale Ebenezer. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MICHEAL

AGWASIM I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agwasim Gladys Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anyanwu Gladys Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

WOLE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Linda Lelegi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Leleji Linda Omaretseye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSUNDE

AIYANYOR

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliet Osunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Juliet Oyemike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogu Kelechi Genevieve, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abiola Kelechi Genevieve. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Raheem Rukayat Omolara, now wish to be known and addressed as Agbabiaka Rukayat Omolara. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Omoyele Adewale Micheal, now wish to be known and addressed as Omoyele Adewale Oluwasegun.

All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and the general public please take note.

OKE-OGHENE

MODUPE

CHIBUIKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Paul Janet Modupe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Janet Modupe SmithAsohro. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Elighachukwu Chibuike Emmanuel.

Now wish to be known and addressed as Elighachukwu Ifeanyi Don. Fidelity Bank Plc and the General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Madubugwu Nneka Salome, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwajiobi Nneka Salome. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, United Bank of Africa Plc and general public please take note.

MICHAEL

OSIFE

MUKORO

The names, Beauty Mukoro and Oyibosu Beauty refer to one and the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Oyibosu Beauty. All former documents remain valid. Ecobank, Wetland Micro Finance Bank and the general public please take note.

UYO

I, formerly known and addressed as M i s s U f u o m a Uyo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okumagba Ufuoma Gladys. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Michael Austine, now wish to be known and addressed as Akpekioko Augustine.

All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank, First Bank and the general public please take note.

LELEGI

I, formerly known and addressed as Dare Isaac Wole, now wish to be known and addressed as Dare Isaac Taiwo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Comfort Uwem Anthony, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Udoutun, Comfort Anthony. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Akpobome OkeOghene Kelvin and Akpobome Oke now wish to be known and addressed as Akpobome Oke Kelvin.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABIKE

The names, Ayeni Taibat Abike and Ayeni Mosunmola Taibat refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Ayeni Mosunmola Taibat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MADUBUGWU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osife Blessing Ufuoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Efevwerha Blessing Ufuoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abiemwense Aiyanyor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abiemwense Solomon.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MEJEBI

I, formerly known and addressed as Michael Mejebi Rume, now wish to be known and addressed as Rume Prince Orogun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okanke Dennis Okoi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okanke Rose Eze. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PHILIP The names Utoro Afor Court Philip, Utoro Philip and Utoro A. C. Philip refer to one and the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Utoro Afor Court Philip. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

38 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

CHANGE OF NAME EMENE

OKPARA

The names Emene Oghenerukevwe Stanley and Emene Oghenerukevwe refer to one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as Emene Oghenerukevwe Stanley. All former documents remain valid. Ecobank, First Bank and the general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okpara Anna Nkechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ihezie Anna Nkechi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EHIGUESE

MORDI

I, formerly known and addressed as Mary Ebosetale Ehiguese, now wish to be known and addressed as Mary Eboseyale Okumagba.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JOHN

I, formerly known and addressed as Taiwo Ijaodoro John, now wish to be known and addressed as Taiwo Ijaodoro. All former documents remain valid. GT Bank, Julius Berger Plc and the general public please take note.

ONIYINDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Irene Edili Mordi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Irene Edili Modunkwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHUKWU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obumnaeme Mirabel Chukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ukeje Obumnaeme.

All former documents remain valid. FRCN and the general public please take note.

JOHN

CHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eziafa Kelechi Chukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eziafa Kelechi Obi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSEMEKA

ADETAYO

IGBOZ

ONOGURE

RUKEME

The names, Prosper Onomroba Edu, Prosper Rukeme Edu or Prosper Onomroba Rukeme Edu refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Prosper Onomroba Rukeme Edu. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and the general public please take note.

EGBEJULE

WILLAM

I, formerly known and addressed as Egbejule Jeneth now wish to be known and addressed as Dodo Janet. All former documents remain valid, Zenith bank, UBA and the general public to take note.

These names, Iteye John Atiku and Emuakpor Willam belong to the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as John Atiku Emuakpor Iteye.

All former documents remain valid, first bank and the general public to take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajieh Lilian Okwudili, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uwadione Lilian Okwudili. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ASOGWA

NWANNEKA

OBIORAH

PRINCESS

This is to confirm that the names Attah Happiness Bamiyo and Attah Happy Sarah refer to one and the same person. All former documents remain valid. Zennith Bank Plc and the general public please take note.

MOYEDE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebola Esosa Moyede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebola Esosa Oluwadeyi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Adetayo Esther Dolapo, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogunjobi Esther Dolapo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwagwu Princess, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ebisue Princess. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJIEH

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amelia Chinyelu Nwoji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amelia Chinyelu Ugochukwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr Osemeka Anthony, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Osemeke Anthony. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

The names Akanbi John Faithfulness and Akanbi Faithfulness Anuoluwapo refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Akanbi F a i t h f u l n e s s Anuoluwapo.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Okwuchukwu Igboz, now wish to be known and addressed as Victor Okwuchukwu Ikemezuo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BAMIYO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Asogwa Ngozi Maryrose, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osita Ngozi Maryrose.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluseyi Oniyinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluseyi Yusuf. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obiorah Martha Ifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dike Martha Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWOJI

This is to notify the general public that Grace Onogure and Grace Anyadike refer to one and the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Grace Anyadike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMAMODE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Harreth Nwanneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Harreth Harrison Tochukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGE I, formerly known and addressed as Ige Margaret Adedolapo, now wish to be known and addressed as Sanya Margaret Adedolapo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OK OME OKOME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rose Okome now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osakwe Rose. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and the general public please take note.

OVUOMARIE

OWEN

OKONKWO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Happiness Letura Owen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Happiness Letura Gibson Manikpo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okonkwo Patricia Nwakaego, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ukazie Patricia Nwakaego. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BABATUNDE

AHMED

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss B a b a t u n d e Oluwafisayo Abosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okafor Oluwafisayo Abosede. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Isah Ahmed, now wish to be known and addressed as Isah Emmanuel.

All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc, GT Bank and the general public please take note.

NWANKWO

DOMINIC

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Anulika Nwankwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Anulika Ezenagu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

The names Obiageli Patience Dominic and Patience Dominic refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Obiageli Patience Dominic. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMENWA

RIT A RITA

The names Ogochukwu Lynda Mmaduka, Ogochukwu Lynda Umenwa and Ogochukwu Lynda Okoye belong to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Ogochukwu Lynda Mmaduka. All former documents remain valid.

Ecobank Plc. and the general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Evwierhurhoma Rita Nkiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odobor Rita Nkiruka Evwierhurhoma All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ISAAC

ENDURANCE

I, formerly known and addressed as Isigba Omamode, now wish to be known and addressed as Isigba Omamode Festus. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ovuomarie Justina Uyoyou, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayemo Justina Uyoyou. All former documents remain valid.

Local Government Education Authority and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uloma Josephine Isaac, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uloma Josephine Eze. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Akpan Aniekan Endurance, now wish to be known and addressed as Akpan Aniekan Amadu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ESABUNEFE

SUSAN

AGBEBAKU

AWORANTI

I, formerly known and addressed as Esabunefe Emmanuel now wish to be known and addressed as Udovieme Emmanuel.

All former documents remain valid, any authority and the general public to take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iduh Susan Oowo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Inalegwu Susan Oowo.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agbebaku Blessing Oshua, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okoye Blessing Oshua. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aworanti Tolulope Awonihun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akin- Ojo Tolulope Awonihun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 — 39

CHANGE OF NAME UDEH

EY ANKW ARE EYANKW ANKWARE

ONWUJEI

EBOIGBE

EGHEN

ORISAREMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eboigbe Doris, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojoma Doris. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police Force and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eghen Anna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osawe Anna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mary Oremeyi Orisaremi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Oremeyi Isibor.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss E y a n k w a r e Oghenerukevwe Ruth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ulakpa Eyankware Oghenerukevwe Ruth.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onwujei Edith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwafor Onwujei Edith.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ELEH

IFEBUDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rose Uwazuluoye Ugbodu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rose Newton Orumwense. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eleh Joy Uzoamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eze Joy Uzoamaka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifebude Charity Chinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oguine Charity Chinyere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoro Caroline Uloma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uwaje Caroline Uloma.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Onwukwe Prince Ikenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Alozie Prince Ikenna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALOKE

ECHEBIRI

COUPLE

NEBO

OGBONNA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nebo Nnenna Deborah now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onuoha Nnenna Deborah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nkiruka Jacinta Ogbonna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nkiruka Jacinta Mume. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Udeh Oluchi Kindness, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyeka Oluchi Kindness. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UGBODU

OK OR O OKOR ORO

ONWUKWE

APOFOU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyinpreye Blessing Apofou, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyinpreye Blessing Afolabi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EPHRAIM

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ephraim Comfort Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyia Comfort Oluchi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Priscilla Kelechi Aloke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Priscilla Kelechi Ajiero.

All former documents remain valid. First Bank and the general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Echebiri Eucharia Chidi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ehiobu Ugochukwu Eucharia Chidi. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Defence and general public please take note.

This is to certify that the names Amadi Couple and Blackman Amadi refer to one and the same person as Blackman Amadi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKPALA

OGWALE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adaobi Nkiruka Okpala, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adaobi Nkiruka Nwogbo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogwale Irene Chidinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nworie Irene Chidinma.

All documents bearing former names remain valid. General public please take note.

EKISA

The names Christiana Ekisa, Christiana Moses, Christiana Roland Emem and Mrs. Christiana Emem refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Christiana Akpaboere Emem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ala Timiepere Cornelius, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Timiepere Faith Ogaga. All documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Pastor Ezeanya Justice Izuchukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Pastor Eugene Justman Izuchukwu.

All documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Fortune Ifeoma Eze, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Wori Fortune Tony. All documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IDOWU

ABIODUN

IBRAHIM

OGBU

EZE

TANIGBOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Idowu Bola Toyin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olusodo Bola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Abiodun Mobolaji, now wish to be known and addressed as Abiodun Olumuyiwa Karaki. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Ibrahim Jibrin Noma, now wish to be known and addressed as Ibrahim Jibrin Tanko. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and the general public please take note.

INALEGWU

IKANONE

OWUEKA

This is to confirm that Inalegwu Edwin Daniel, Inalegwu Daniel and Edwin Daniel refer to one and the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Inalegwu Edwin Daniel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

WAREBI

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Warebi Ekiyokeyei Janet Kehinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Zuokumor Janet Kehinde Ekiyokeyei.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and

addressed as Ikanone

addressed as Jephthah

Joy, now wish to be

Owueka, now wish to

as Okotie Joy Onome.

All former documents remain valid. General

be

known

and

addressed as Owueka Jephthah Chijindum.

All former documents remain valid. General

public please take note.

public please take note.

OVADJE

FINEBOY

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ovadje Oghenemudia Lawrenta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. L a w r e n t a Oghenemudia Emeyese. All former documents remain valid. State UBEB, Asaba, Ethiope East LEBA and the general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. Ogbu Chinedu Conqueror, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Ogbu Joseph. All former documents remain valid. Corporate Affairs Commission and the general public please take note.

YERHOME

I, formerly known and

known and addressed

ALA

I, formerly known and addressed as Okozi David Fineboy, now wish to be known and addressed as Okozi Unuobozeya David. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

My name was wrongly written in my voter ’s card as Ogbotor Oghenenyerovrome K., and also as Ogbotor Yerhome Kelvin, instead of my correct n a m e Ogheneyerovwome Kelvin Ogbotor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ELEODIMUO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eucharia Nkechi Eleodimuo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Iruke Eucharia Nkechi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EZEANYA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eze Uju Jessica, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amuka Uju Jessica. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the general public please take note.

OGODO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogodo Blessing Oghale, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Otuwho Blessing Oghale. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

WANOGHO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oke Wanogho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oke Okeme. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank Plc, FBN Plc and general public please take note.

EZE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwaseyi Tanigbola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akintade Seyi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OZOEMENA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinaza Faith Ozoemena, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezidiegwu Chinaza Faith. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABIPAMINI

I, Abipamini Emmanuel Ebidinana hereby confirm that the name Emmanuel Ebidinana as it appears on some of my documents refer to one and the same person.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

40—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

IMEBUOGU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Imebuogu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Ojor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BUKOLA I, Miss. Madariola Omolara Bukola is also the same person as Madariola Omolara Olajumoke. I now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinbiyi Omolara Olubukola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADED APO ADEDAPO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adewumi Temitope Adedapo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adewumi Temitope Olusanya. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMOGBAI I, formerly known and addressed as Omogbai Lillian, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogunfeyimi Lillian Charity. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FELICIA This is to confirm that Adebayo Felicia Olaitan is the same person as Adebayo Falilat Olaitan. I now wish to be known and addressed as Adebayo Falilat Olaitan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OL OWOLA YEMO OLO OLAYEMO I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kudirat Doyinsola Olowolayemo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kudirat Doyinsola Ogunkunle. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBABIAKA The names Agbabiaka Olukayode Ekhikoeme and Abgabiaka Kayode Emmanuel refer to one and the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Agbabiaka Olukayode Enahoro.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

G

OVERNOR Ayodele Fayose’s surprising appearance at the meeting of Southwest leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Akure, Ondo State on Wednesday was shocking to many of the Yoruba PDP leaders at that occasion.

It was even more so that at the same time, a parallel meeting of Southwest •Sheriff •Ekweremadu leaders supposedly facilitated by Fayose and his political buddy, Senator Buruji Kashamu was taking place in Ijebu-Igbo, in Ogun State.

The essence of the two meetings was to deliberate on the zoning of national offices especially as it pertained to the region, an issue that had viciously divided the leaders.

•Wike •Shekarau Senator Kashamu and Fayose had to the displeasure of those gathered at Akure led the •Dankwambo national campaign for the office of national chairman of the party to be zoned to the Northeast at the expense of the Southwest, which is the only geopolitical zone yet to •Govs Mimiko and Fayose have produced a candidate for that position.

It was even more irksome that Chief Bode George, the erstwhile deputy national chairman of the party was believed to have been angling for the position. Besides, even Governor Fayose had earlier tried PDP leaders across the country are positioning themselves and their protégées to nudge Senator Bode for places in the next National Working Committee, NWC, of the party. The Olajumoke to show interest in the ensuing plans are laced with much intrigues and conspiracies. office but along the way demurred as he apparently did not follow Bode George, you can see me sitting vowed to contest the zoning of up on his supplication. next to him on the top table, all what the National Chairman to the axis given the assumption that However, the Governor Udom you read in newspapers are just Northeast easily recanted as they the outgoing National Secretary, Emmanuel led zoning committee sensationalism by them to sell their submitted to the allocation Prof. Wale Oladipo will not be contesting upon submissions had in its report as ratified by the papers. formula that was being pushed that incumbent members of the National Executive Committee, “We are bound to agree whether it’s by Fayose’s allies who were NWC should not re-contest.

NEC to the fury of the George meeting at the same time in For the position of National group zoned the position of Ijebu-Igbo.

Publicity Secretary, Fayose’s national chairman to the The sub-zoning has By that allocation, the Man Friday and spokesperson, Northeast.

Southwest is to have the princely Lere Olayinka is said to be helped to knock out Indeed, the saying among PDP positions of National Secretary, favoured as Governor Mimiko of chieftains is that the office of some candidates National Publicity Secretary and Ondo State apparently does not National Chairman has been National Auditor. who had been seem to have a candidate for the zoned to Senator Sheriff’s ward.

Remarkably, the positions have position. aspiring for So when Fayose surprised his also been further sub-zoned Mr Diran Odeyemi, the party’s critics by showing up at the Akure within the zone. positions in the Director of Media and Strategy meeting hosted by Governor Vanguard gathered that the in Osun State was believed to new National Olusegun Mimiko many were position of National Secretary has have been interested in the surprised by his seeming bravery Working been sub-zoned to the Osun/Oyo contest, but is now speculated to and bravado. It was especially so axis, National Publicity Secretary be threading softly upon what is Committee, NWC that days earlier, the governor had to Ekiti/Ondo axis and the office assumed as the seeming in a television programme asked of National Auditor to Lagos/ determination of Fayose to push George to retire from politics.

Ogun axis.

Olayinka is now said to be having But last Wednesday as Fayose Sub-zoning second thoughts. sat with his “enemies” the bad convenient for us or not when it is in The sub-zoning has helped to Zoning configuration: Also blood was almost gone. the collective interest of the Yoruba knock out some candidates who being pushed out by the zoning In fact, the governor sought to race and the Party. had been aspiring for positions configuration is Segun Sowunmi, put the blame for the problems “Chief Bode George will forever in the new National Working between him and George to the remain our leader in the PDP. We are Committee, NWC. Alhaja who served as media aide to the media saying: “For me and ready to speak as one and indivisible Mulikat Akande, the immediate governor during the Gbenga Daniel administration in Ogun Governor Mimiko we are one and members of the same PDP.” past leader of the House of State. In the South-South the same on party issues do not Whether it were those shocking Representatives from Oyo State mind what the newspapers are words or whatever, the leaders is said to be the candidate who geopolitical zone, the apparent Continued on page 42 saying. “As for our leaders, Chief gathered in Akure who had hitherto has emerged from the Oyo/Osun

How PDP leaders are battling for political survival

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016—41

The story of the assault by prison service officials — REP. MRAKPOR REP. Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor, Aniocha/Oshimili, Delta State was in the national spotlight after she was recently involved in an altercation with officials in the convoy of the Comptroller General of the Prisons, Ezenwa Ekpendu within the premises of the National Assembly. In this interview, the lawmaker and an independent teleevangelist speaks on the issue.

Excerpts:

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

Y

OU were recently involved in an altercation with prison service officials in the convoy of the Comptroller General of Prisons at the National Assembly. What is the situation now?

Well, as we speak, the Comptroller General of Prisons said when he came to the public hearing that he was going to appear the next day with the Deputy Comptroller and the Assistant Comptroller, budget,

REP. Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor who refused to appear on the day of the public hearing.

But till today the officers have not appeared and given their statements to the police. The only thing I heard is that two of my colleagues, told me that the officer has threatened to take the House to court if the House upholds the report of the

committee that recommended sanctions and demotions to the main culprit, that is the senior officer that led the assault. But one thing I know is that no Nigerian is above the law, I am not above the law and nobody that I know that is above the law.

What I know for sure is that the law will take its course.

What happened to the report of the Committee?

The Deputy Comptroller of Prisons and the Assistant Comptroller who assaulted me, who were banging on my car harassing my driver in an attempt to attack the driver made the junior officer, the Inspector to have the effrontery to come down to assault me. The Inspector has apologised and his apology was published in two national dailies, Leadership and Daily Trust and he also apologised to Nigerian women for the assault.

I also think that whatever happened on that fateful day, was as a result of the unrefined behaviour of the Deputy Comptroller and the Assistant Comptroller.

If he (Inspector) had not seen his bosses, the Deputy Comptroller and the Assistant Comptroller coming down to bang on my car and verbally assault me, he would have not have gone that far.

While a descent VIP is supposed to caution members of his entourage or convoy, the Deputy Comptroller and the Assistant Comptroller, personally encouraged their junior officers to behave indecently and in an

ignominious manner.

What happens to the Comptroller General in this matter?

Well, it was his convoy, at the public hearing he accepted that he was at the National Assembly with the officers and men who assaulted me. The Commissioner of Police has assured me that before next week, he must have concluded investigation and then charge the matter to court.

The prison service officials involved will also hear from my lawyer but I will follow what the House recommends on this matter. However, in this case, justice will take its course. It would have been any other person, it would have been any other woman, it would have been any other innocent Nigerian, I think, I want to pursue this matter until I am proven guilty or otherwise.

I do know that there is no law that says that on a four lane road, incoming or outgoing vehicle will not be allowed to overtake another vehicle including convoys. There is no law that prohibits that especially in the National Assembly which has a four lane road. I simply maintained the second lane of the outgoing, there is no law that forbids me or indeed any other Continues on page 39

42—VANGUARD, FRIDAY,

MAY 6, 2016

EDO ASSEMBLY CRISIS: How plot against Edoror unfolded

•Oshiomhole: His peace offer was snubbed

•Edoror: Impeached speaker

ON June 8, 2015, Mr Victor Tiger Edoror from Esan Central Constituency emerged as Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly having served as deputy speaker in the preceding assembly.

By Simon Ebegbulem

H

E was, however, not the most popular person for the position But among the members elected on the platform of the APC, Edoror was not the most popular but because he hails from Edo Central, he was favoured to be anointed Speaker since the Governor, Adams Oshiomhole is from Edo North while the Deputy is from Edo South.

Vanguard learned then that Governor Oshiomhole prevailed on the members to elect Edoror particularly after Edoror exhibited loyalty during the war between the PDP and the APC in the last Assembly.

Dictatorial tendencies But majority of the members preferred Elizabeth Atvie as Speaker but the governor was said to have explained to them that his deputy is from Edo South, and it would amount to injustice to also elect a Speaker from the South. That was how Edoror emerged Speaker of the sixth Assembly.

But Vanguard observed that majority of the lawmakers kept

accusing the Speaker of dictatorial tendencies and failure to carry members along. Adoror’s situation was worsened with the paucity of funds that hit the states.

Though members understood the financial situation but their stand was that any fund that came to the Assembly must be known to members. As a matter of fact, majority of the lawmakers had not been happy with the governor, whom they accused of starving them with funds.

In fact, one of the lawmakers who confided in Vanguard after they went on induction course in Asaba, that "we were all ashamed of ourselves when we saw the kind of cars Delta lawmakers were using meanwhile, we don’t even have Volkswagen. We arrived Delta with our bus looking like school children. But Delta lawmakers use Prado, it was very embarrassing."

After the induction, majority of the lawmakers came back angry.

That was what led to the rowdy session witnessed on Tuesday March 3, 2016 when the lawmakers adjourned sine di,over unpaid bills from the Executive.

After the incident, the governor invited the lawmakers for a

meeting and appealed to them to be calm as their vehicles will be provided when the funds of the state improve.

Indeed, Vanguard gathered that Toyota Camry vehicles have been ordered for the 24 lawmakers while their constituency fund projects will soon be released to them.

However, some of the lawmakers have been hearing the rumour that despite the paucity of funds, that money has been reaching the Speaker and his Deputy but not to the knowledge of the members.

In all these, Vanguard learned that while the Deputy Speaker remained comfortable with the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Ogedengbe Vanguard learned was left out by the Speaker.

Allegations against their Speaker Meanwhile, there was an earlier plot to remove the Speaker sometime in February, but the Majority Leader foiled it after he pleaded with the aggrieved members to sheath their swords as most of the allegations against their Speaker were untrue.

But trouble heightened prior to the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Chairmen of Local Government Areas in the state, when it was rumoured that most of the chairmen provided money to the House to coerce them to extend their tenure.

The Majority Leader travelled outside the country when the rumour came up and upon his arrival, he became confused of the situation. It was learnt that the both the Speaker and his Deputy denied receiving money from the chairmen.

But few days to the expiration of the council chairmen, Governor Oshiomhole invited them for a meeting where he tongue lashed the chairmen who allegedly parted with some money with a view to get extension from the state House of Assembly.

The governor shocked the

Why Oshiomhole, Odubu should bury the hatchet — YESUFU

By Charles Kumolu S the crisis of confidence between Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole and his Deputy Mr. Pius Odubu deepens, the Chairman League of Patriotic Lawyers and former President Student Union, University of Benin, Mr. Abubakar Yesufu has called on the duo to bury the hatchet and look elsewhere to ensure victory for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the governorship election.

Yesufu, who is the Head

A

Resource Centre of Chris Ogiemwonyi Campaign Organisation, said Ogiemwonyi is a sure bet for the "crisis of confidence” to be resolved.

Briefing newsmen, the former student leader called on party elders, traditional rulers, opinion moulders, caucus members and the governor to commence the search for a neutral and visionary leader to sustain his legacies.

His words: “It is apparent that with the alleged attempt on our amiable Governor and the authentic or pretended assassination attempt on the

deputy, the recent impeachment of the Speaker and his deputy are ominous signs that all is not well in the house of the ‘’Broom of Change” in Edo State. Thus, both the governor’s anointed choice and Odubu are now “poisoned chalice” in our political space. ‘’Edo needs a visionary, non aligned, tested and trusted character to take the state to the next level. Ogiewonyi and Ogiewonyi alone present these unbeatable credentials for the healing balm that the party urgently requires."

chairmen whom he described as greedy people for parting with money for extension even when some of them could not pay their workers’ salaries. He reminded them that if it were other PDP governors they would have since been dissolved but that he decided to allow them complete their three years tenure but it was sad that they were still seeking for extension.

After the meeting with the chairmen, Oshiomhole met with the lawmakers where he expressed dissatisfaction over the on goings in the House. The governor used the opportunity to make some disclosures about what was getting to the Speaker, revelations that shocked other members.

But unknown to the governor, some of the disclosures he made sparked off rebellion in the House. The House leadership became polarized while majority of the members who had been looking for a clear opportunity to

remove the Speaker grabbed it.

Vanguard learned that the plot to remove Edoror was perfected Monday night, after the lawmakers concluded their meeting at about 2am Tuesday.

Ironically, the Majority Leader Ogedengbe who moved the motion to elect Edoror Speaker on the 8th of June, 2015,was the same man who moved for his impeachment yesterday, a clear indication that things have fallen apart. The Speaker came late when the House proceedings started last Monday.

The new Speaker Elizabeth Atvie was already seated when Edoror attempted to force her out of her seat, but received resistance from the lawmakers who protected the new Speaker and she was sworn in by the clerk of the House.

His deputy, Bright Osayande was equally impeached and replaced by Justin Okonobo, representing Igueben constituency.

The story of the assault by prison officials Continues from page 41 Nigerian from using either the lane to the left of right because the Comptroller General was using any of the lanes.

Some of your colleagues in the House under the aegis of House of Commons had threatened to drag the CGP to court for the alleged assault.

What is the position now?

The House of Commons is a group in the House, we got our name from where we sit in the chambers, it is made up of people of like minds. We maintain and insist that only bills that will be in the interest of Nigerians will go through on the floor of the House. We are for the common people, ordinary Nigerians for a better society. Our Chairman, Rep Prestigious Ossy and the leadership of the House of Commons are also making efforts to support my course in this

assault.

They are waiting for the Police to conclude their investigations so that they can go to court. They also felt that the House would have taken up the consideration of the report before initiating any court action. When the report of this matter was presented to the House, we now decided to wait for the report from the police.

The Police told us that the Comptroller General of Prisons has not made available the Deputy Comptroller who assaulted me for interrogation or interview to get his statement.

But having now spoken to the Divisional Police Officer, DPO and the Commissioner of Police, I also expressed my displeasure to the police because up till this moment, the police have not taken the matter to court, though they have assured to do that as soon as possible.

How PDP leaders are battling for survival Continues from page 40 determination of Governor Nyesom Wike to return Prince Uche Secondus to the position of deputy national chairman is now troubling party chieftains from other parts of the region.

Chieftains from the Edo/Delta axis are protesting that virtually all the prize positions allotted the region are almost always monopolised in the Rivers/ Bayelsa axis. They affirm that the Rivers/Bayelsa axis has produced president, vicepresident, deputy speaker twice, and now the deputy national chairman in the person of Secondus since 2012.

Besides the plan to also appoint an erstwhile Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau as the deputy national

chairman (North) is also said not to have posed much of a problem to the people of the Northwest where the office has been zoned to.In the Southeast, the contest for the position of National Organising Secretary is believed to be a straight fight between Chief Uche Nnaji and Col. Austin Akobundu. Chief Olisa Metuh, who had been widely speculated to be a shoein for the post, has ruled himself out of contention for any position in the NWC after 17 straight years in the party’s NEC. The intentions of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, are presently not known given his stature as the party’s highest elected public official.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 — 43

International duty sapped me – Ighalo W

AT F O R D Forward, Odion Ighalo, has attributed his goal drought to the tiring International duty he’s had with Nigeria.

Although he enjoyed a fruitful first half of the season, 2016 has not been the best of years for Ighalo whose goal drought has extended over four games in a row now since he last scored against Arsene

•Ighalo

Wenger’s team.

“The international week is tiring,” Ighalo told From The Rookery End Podcast.

“After you play at the weekend you have to fly to and play with the national team. You then play twice in six or seven days after a long flight. I remember that [in March] I flew from here to Nigeria. It was seven hours. Then we flew to Egypt, back again to

Nigeria and then back to England,” he continued.

The striker also said that the travelling is really telling on him as well as his teammates.

“It was really difficult and telling on me. We are humans, not robots. So it’s really tiring. But what can you do? It’s your national team. We are all working to represent the national team,” he said further.

Sunshine Stars draw Giwa FC in Federation Cup

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HE Federation Cup round of 64 draw has pitched Sunshine Stars against Giwa FC in an all-NPFL fixture – the only one in the round – even as holders Akwa United, finalist Lobi Stars and NPFL champions Enyimba all drew bye.

The draw done Thursday in Abuja also saw the Women’s edition of the competition settle the pairings for the round of 32.

10 teams will wait their turn after 6 fixtures which pitched Albato Queens vs Osun Queens, FC Robo Queens vs Rivers Angels fc,

Abia Angels vs Rising Queens; Ibom Angels vs Edo Queens; Sure Babes vs Gift of Life and Martins White Dove vs Tokas Queens.

Sunshine Queens, Delta Queens, Katsina Queens, COD Utd Ladies, Pelican Stars, Bayelsa Queens, Capital City Doves, Moscow Queens, Nasarawa Amazons and Confluence Queens were drawn bye.

According to the NFF Head of Competitions, Mr. Adesanya, the games will kick off May 25th and 26th.

Warri Peace marathon gets royal blessings

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S preparations for the Warri Peace Marathon gather momentum, traditional ruler of the Warri Kingdom, HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli has given his approval and prayed for a successful debut of the event billed for May 28.

The marathon, first of its kind in the city, is meant to promote peaceful coexistence between communities in Warri and environs, and also to encourage healthy living for people of the State. The Delta State government has already thrown its weight behind the race as part of its sports and youth development programme.

The newly enthroned Monarch, who was speaking while the organizing committee of the Warri Peace Marathon paid a courtesy call on him yesterday, welcomed the novel idea and pledged his support.

•Seyi Akinwunmi (l) conducting the draw.

HE third and final phase of the 2016 Zenith Bank women Basketball league, tagged Final 8 2016, will dunk off in Lagos tomorrow at the indoor sports hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Listed for action are the eight teams that scaled the hurdles at the

J

UST like his compatriot Stephen Kiprotich did four years ago at the London Olympics where he scaled Kenyan and Ethiopian hurdles to make history as the first Ugandan man to win an Olympic marathon gold, Timothy Toroitich will also be aiming to make a little piece of history at the fourth IAAF Bronze Label Okpekpe

first and second phase play-offs held at the Federal Capital Territor y, Abuja and Asaba, the Delta State capital.

These include the defending champions, Dolphins of Lagos that have been drawn in group A alongside IGP Queens, Delta force and Plateau Rocks while

Team Nigeria Continues from BP team, it was time for Nigeria to recreate its football potentials by winning the gold medal, because it failed to qualify for the last Olympics football event in London.

The working team also tipped top Nigerian athletes like Blessing Okagbare and Tosin Oke

to shake the Olympic Games with other eyes on the wrestling team and the male basketball team, the D’Tigers.

Gradually, we shall be releasing our desire to make Nigeria the best African team that will take part at the forthcoming Olympics.

We believe we are better than the Kenyans

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ORMER Lagos Island Local Government Chairman and Commissioner of Sports, in Lagos State, Prince Ademola AdenijiAdele is dead. He was aged 60 years. AdenijiAdele, according to his son, Hon, Sultan Adeniji Adele, who confirmed the death, said his father passed on at about 6:00am Nigerian time in an Indian hospital today..

Adele-Adeniji Sultan message reads: “Good morning every one, My dad Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele this morning passed on in India, may almighty Allah grant him Aljanah fidau. Hon. Sultan Adeniji-Adele.”

Adele, fondly called Papa is a Prince of Lagos and was very prominent in the politics and sports administration in the state and Nigeria. He

•Late Adele also served as a deputy gubernatorial candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, political platform before joining the All Progressives Congress, APC. His remains according to family sources would soon be flown home for a befitting burial. AdenijiAdele, he is survived by wife, Tawakalitu and children.

Toroitich set to ruin Kenyan, Ethiopian party at Okpekpe international 10km road 2016 Olympic Day Run for May 25 race as the first Ugandan to win the title.

Kenyans have won two of the last three titles on offer courtesy Moses Masai’s win (29 mins 39 seconds) in 2013 at the inaugural edition of the race and Korio Alex Olotptip win last year while Ethiopia’s Teshome Mekonnen won in 2014, setting a new 28 minutes, 35 seconds All-Nigeria and Course record.

Zenith Women Basketball League Final 8 dunks off

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Prince Adeniji Adele dies

of this world, the Ethiopians and others, it’s time to show our stuff and there can’t be a better time to prove our strength than now”.

Plans are already in the pipeline to involve Corporate Nigeria in the buildup to the Olympic Games, as the Games are now less than 100 days to commencement.

former champions First Bank of Lagos will be facing the Nigeria Customs Ladies, Ahip Queens from Kano and the never say die Benue Princess of Makurdi.

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IGERIA will join the rest of the Olympic family to celebrate the 2016 Olympic Day celebration on May 25, 2016. The event is expected to be celebrated in the 36 states of the federation; including the Federal Capital territory, Abuja.

Chairman of Sports for All Nigeria, Prince Henry Amike who disclosed this in Lagos yesterday said this year’s event promises to be bigger, better and more glamorous, if words coming from their esteem partners are anything to count on.

Directors of sports from

the 36 states of the federation including Abuja, have since embraced the programme during the two-day workshop held in Lagos.

Prince Amike called on states that are yet to register for the Olympic day celebration to identify with the programme so as to be captured in the 2016 activities.

He also pleaded with corporate bodies to support the programme through sponsorship while explaining that Aerobic, cultural display, keep fit and jogging exercises will be prominent in this year’s programme.

Giwa

Continues from BP Okere was in goal throughout Giwa’ s campaign in the Nigeria National League and played a leading role towards helping the team to gain promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League three years ago but later lost his first team shirt to Flying Eagles goaltender Ojo Olorunleke at the commencement of the team’ s campaign in the NPFL. He was reported to have sustained a back injury in training two

years ago and was hospitalized at Bima hospital in Jos was later discharged but readmitted following a relapse.

The Media Officer of the team, David King, had confirmed the unfortunate incident yesterday morning but said the club was awaiting communication from the player’s family on the burial arrangements.

Timothy Okere had played for Mighty Jets before crossing over to Giwa FC.

FIFA ranking Continues from BP world, Algeria remains Africa’s best playing nation on the 33rd spot.

The continent’s top ten team remind unchanged, with Cote D’ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, Egypt, Cape Verde Islands, Tunisia, Cong DR, Guinea and Congo.

With no grade A international matches played in April, the world’s top ten teams were also unchanged.

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Kroos: Madrid have more quality than Atletico T

ONI Kroos has stoked the fire ahead of the Champions League final, claiming Real Madrid have “more quality ” than rivals Atletico.

The two Spanish capital clubs will contest the competition decider at San Siro on May 28 in a rematch of the 2014 final after Madrid accounted for Manchester City 1-0 in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

Madrid - winners of ‘La Decima’ at the expense of their city rivals two years ago - are without a win against

Mikel’s Chelsea future uncertain

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Atletico this season, and they trail Diego Simeone’s men and Barcelona by a point in La Liga.

But while acknowledging Atletico’s route to the final via victories over domestic champions Barca and Bayern Munich, Madrid mid-fielder Kroos insisted his team-mates are the superior outfit heading into the showpiece in Milan.

“We know that the final against Atletico will be tough,” the Germany midfielder said after Gareth Bale’s deflected cross off Fernando sent 10-time champions Madrid into a 14th European Cup final.

‘I don’t want the big names’ —Ranieri decisions they make are big mistakes, from the team to the manager,” he laughed.

Guardiola: Not up to me to judge my Bayern record P •Ranieri

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LAUDIO Ranieri says he doesn’t want to bring any big names to Leicester City this summer because it would disrupt his team’s spirit.

The Italian was given a round of applause as he held his first press conference since his side went from 5,000/1 shots to Premier League Champions last Monday night.

He said: “No I don’t want the big names, I don’t want to break my dressing room.

“My lads are special and of course we have to bring, to buy some good players but whoever arrives must have the same spirit.

He also warned against believing the bookies saying they have form in getting it wrong with Leicester.

“Don’t believe the bookmakers, the

EP Guardiola says his record in charge of Bayern Munich is “is not up to me to decide” following the German club’s Champions League exit.

Bayern beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the Allianz Arena last Tuesday night but went out on away goals after a 1-0 defeat in the first

leg of their semi-final clash clash week.

Guardiola, who will take over as Manchester City boss in the summer, has now lost in four consecutive Champions League semi-finals, first with Barcelona in 201112 and then in each of his three years at Bayern.

Guardiola has been

•Guardiola—Not for me to judge

criticised for his perceived failure in Europe’s elite competition but is on

the verge of a third straight Bundesliga title as his time in Germany draws to a close.

EW Chelsea boss Antonio Conte wants to offload Nemanja Matic and several other Chelsea stars, including Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi. According to media reports in England, John Obi Mikel “has an offer from Turkey and he may be encouraged to take.”

Conte also plans to bring winger Juan Cuadrado, 27, back from a loan spell in Turin, but he is not convinced by Matic, 27, who has struggled to repeat his form from last season.

The Blues paid Benfica £21million to re-sign the holding midfielder in January 2014 and he was a revelation as Chelsea won the title, but he has feature only sporadically this term and if the club can recoup the money they paid for him they will sell him to Juve.

Midfielder Oscar and striker Diego Costa could also be told their futures lie elsewhere.

Conte though is keen on retaining midfielder Eden Hazard, 25, and he also wants to be part of Conte’s regime at Stamford Bridge after deciding to stay at Chelsea rather than pursue a possible move to Paris St-Germain or Real Madrid, says the Daily

Man U job: Mourinho tired of waiting

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OSE Mourinho will not wait for Manchester United if they decide to postpone bringing him in to replace manager Louis van Gaal beyond this summer.

Despite a difficult season clouded by speculation, Old Trafford staff believe Van Gaal will now stay on for the final year of his contract.

That would mean Mourinho having to hold off taking the United hot seat until 2017-18, a wait he is not prepared to put up with.

Van Gaal could still depart if United lose the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace and fail to finish in the Barclays Premier League top four, but staff at the club expect him to stick around.

Another issue for Ed Woodward and the United board to consider is the future of assistant manager Ryan Giggs.

The former Welsh winger would consider leaving if he is overlooked as Van Gaal’s successor and United are wary of losing a longstanding link to past successes.

Mourinho had long been expected to take over this summer after six months off following his sacking from Chelsea.

•Mourinho

Tiago boost for Athletico

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FTER a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Tiago has received the go ahead to return to first-team action with Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid received a timely fitness boost as Tiago was given the green light to return to action after more than five months on the sidelines with a fractured tibia.

The Portugal midfielder underwent surgery in

November after sustaining the injury in a 1-0 win over Espanyol.

However, Tiago has made promising progress in his recovery and is available for head coach Diego Simeone ahead of a crucial runin. An Atletico statement read: “The Portuguese midfielder Tiago Mendes has been medically discharged after more than five months away from the playing fields."

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 — 45

C M Y K

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 — 47

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Giwa FC goalkeeper passes on

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IWA FC of Jos have lost their goalkeeper, Timothy Chichi Okere to the cold hands of death after a

prolonged spinal cord related ailment. The goalkeeper died Wednesday in Jos. Continues on Page 43

Team Nigeria ‘ll better Atlanta ‘96 record — NOC •Okagbare to recreate Ajunwa A S preparations gather momentum for the forthcoming Rio Olympics Games in Brazil, the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, along with potential sponsors and other stakeholders say they foresee a surprise performance by the Nigerian team at the Games.

“In fact, we foresee Team Nigeria performing better than the team that we took to the Atlanta ’96 Games, because we’ve got the talent and officials to help redefine Nigerian sports, especially as we

RARING TO GO: Okagbare

are not going to the January Nations Cup”, Tony Ubani, the NOC Image Maker quoted the body ’s President, Mallam Habu Gumel, as saying.

The NOC leadership,

says with Samson Siasia in-charge of the Dream Team 6, they were sure that after a silver medal effort at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 by the Nigerian U23 football Continues on Page 43

•Late Okere

FIFA rankings: Super Eagles static

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HE Super Eagles of Nigeria remain unchanged in the latest FIFA rankings for the month of May. The Super Eagles retain the 14th spot in Africa and 67th in the

Continues on Page 43

Prince Adeniji Adele dies — Page 43

Super Eagles in their last outing in Kaduna.

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S PUZZLE

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS

DOWN ACROSS 1 Respect (6 1 Rogue (6) 2 Fighting (6) 5 See-saw (6) 3 So be it (4) 9 Parrot (5) 4 Subsequently (5) 10 Attic (6) 5 Domesticated (5) 11 Repaired (6) 6 Pitcher (4) 12 Fresher (5) 7 Boredom (6) 14 Gap (4) 8 Blush (6) 17 Colour (3) 13 Occidental (7) 18 Rage (4) 15 Irritated (5) 20 Fear (5) 16 List (5) 22 Female (5) 18 Market-place (5) 23 Relative (7) 19 Manufacturer (5) 24 Respond (5) 21 Parched (3) 26 Adjusted (5) 22 Damp (3) 29 Inactive (4) 24 Tape (6) 30 Sphere (3) 25 Fish (6) 32 Lake (4) 33 Booby-trapped (5) 27 Tidy (6) 28 Wreckage (6) 35 Nuptial (6) 30 Lubricated (5) 36 Rota (6) 31 Cap (5) 37 Spree (5) 33 Horse (4) 38 Required (6) 34 Distribute (4) 39 Ball-game (6)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Padre 7, Amazed 9, Led 10, Per 12, Rinse 13, Itch 15, Eerie 17, Hearse 19, Ugly 20, Creep 22, Cad 24, Defiled 27, Den 28, Least 31, Opus 33, Addled 35, Water 37, Mode 38, Under 39, Dog 41, Act 42, Patent 43, Death.

DOWN: 1, Maniac 2, Gauche 3, Pep 4, Peri 5, Adieu 6, Restless 8, Deer 11, Rescinded 14, Heed 16, Real 18, Aped 21, Response 23, Dell 25, Feat 26, Deem 29, Adored 30, Treaty 32, Sweet 34, Drop 36, Arch 40, Gap.

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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