How Nigeria can get out of economic crisis - IMF boss

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 62666

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

1, 500 traders displaced $2.1bn arms probe a hoax, aimed to destroy as Lagos demolishes 38-yr-old Oshodi market PDP— Dokpesi 16 42

How Nigeria can get out of economic crisis—IMF boss •Calls for removal of Fuel Subsidy, increase in VAT •Says Debt profile killing Nigeria, warns against borrowing •Silent on devaluation, calls for the adoption of a flexible monetary policy •Nigeria recorded slowest growth in 2015.

•Urges NASS to come up with laws that will address corruption

By Henry Umoru, Michael Eboh & Joseph Erunke

A

B U J A — MANAGING Director, International Monetary Fund, IMF, Christine Lagarde has asked Nigeria and Nigerians to brace up for harder times, following the massive fall in the price of oil globally, just as she said that the country since inception recorded the slowest pace of growth in the year 2015.

Lagarde, who called for increase in Value Added Continues on Page 6

DAVIDO VS BABYMAMA:

Hip-Hop star storms NAPTIP office, says it's family affair 15 Mr & Mrs

P.17

MODIBBO

JOSEF

KAWU

OMOROTIONMWAN

New year, old contradictions C M Y K

P.19

'Mutiny 66': Half a loaf is worse than no bread

COLUMNISTS:

FEC MEETING—From left: Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Kayode Fayemi; Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung and the Minister of State for Solid Minerals Development, Bawa Bwari during the meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

I collected N53m from Anenih — YAKASSAI 35

2—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016— 3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016— 5

C M Y K

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

POCKET CARTOON

BIRTHDAY—From left: Former Chairman of Punch Newspapers, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola; Mr. Biodun Shobanjo and Senator Akin Odunsi, during the Night of Music to mark the 70th Birthday of Sir Steve Bamidele Omojafor, at St. Gregory's College hall, Obalende, Ikoyi Lagos, Tuesday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi .

How Nigeria can get out of economic crisis—IMF boss Continues from Page 1 Tax, VAT, stressed that it has become imperative for the federal government to broaden the country’s tax base against the backdrop that Nigeria has the lowest VAT rate in the African continent.

According to her, “the current VAT rate is among the lowest in the world and well below the rates in other ECOWAS members—so some increase should be considered.”

Although the IMF Managing Director was careful not to endorse the devaluation of naira against major international currencies, she, however, urged the federal government to

adopt a flexible monetary policy that will better serve the interest of Nigerians.

Speaking, yesterday, at the National Assembly complex in Abuja during a meeting with Senate President Bukola Saraki and other senators, the IMF boss who called on the federal government to reduce cost of governance, said that the contentious fuel subsidy must be removed to allow government spend on infrastructure, housing, education, health, among others.

She, however, cautioned Nigeria against obtaining loans, noting that it was at the moment affecting the country and

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

T

HERE is a king and a fool in every man, the one you choose to feed is what the world will see. It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

If one must advance confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined; he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours — Henry Thoreau There is a glow deep within each one of us, sometimes we don’t recognize it, sometimes we ignore it. The awareness to follow one’s dream and bring into reality what we desire is crucial for survival.

It takes discipline and focus to make it come true.

Dream the dreams you want to make real, let go off what is no longer necessary. Step out into the world and live it like you own each moment, but with an attitude of gratitude for the opportunities you have been given.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE He who wants to prepare a medicine for the eyes must not add pepper.

C M Y K

subsequent borrowing could hurt the nation’s economy in the long run.

She said: “On recurrent expenditure, efforts should be made to streamline the cost of government and improve efficiency of public service delivery across the federal and sub-national governments. Transfers and tax expenditures should also be addressed.

For example, continuing the move already begun by the government in the 2016 budget to eliminate resources allocated to fuel subsidies would allow more targeted spending, including on innovative social programmes for the most needy."

Fuel subsidies hard to defend

She continued: "Indeed fuel subsidies are hard to defend.“Not only do they harm the planet, but they rarely help the poor. IMF research shows that more than 40 per cent of fuel price subsidies in developing countries accrue to the richest 20 per cent of households, while only 7 per cent of the benefits go to the poorest 20 per cent.

“The move by the government to remove fuel subsidy is good.

Those people who need the subsidy can receive cash transfer. Fuel subsidies are hard to defend. Subsidies are no longer good. But I hear that it will hurt the poor.

Forty per cent of fuel subsidies in rich countries go to rich families. The people do not really need the subsidy. Look at the number of people who stay in stations trying to buy fuel.

“There is a small acceleration expected in 2016. Growth in the last 10 years has slowed down in Sub-Saharan African countries. Oil prices will remain low and low for a long time. Oil producing countries must factor this in and model their economic policies towards this direction. Nigeria is facing mounting pressure.

There will continue to be abundant supply of oil, but low demands. It is very unlikely that we will see any rise anytime soon.

“Private sector investments will be affected. Higher interest rate will continue to rise.

Sub-Saharan African countries are facing immense pressure as a result of this. I can feel the hardship and pains as a result of activities of Boko Haram. The resources spent in trying to fight insurgency are supposed to be spent on infrastructure.

“Whatever happens in Nigeria will affect our neighbours because of the trading relationship.

There must be a fundamental change in the way government operates. It is not about how to divide proceeds from oil wealth. It is about how to deliver to Nigerians the basic services they deserve.

Hard decisions must be made. As the National Assembly considers the 2016 budget, these are the issues they consider.

“Moreover, the experience here in Nigeria of administering fuel subsidies suggests that it is time for a change—think of the regular accusations of corruption, and think of the many Nigerians who spend hours in queues trying to get gas (fuel) so that they can go about their everyday business.

“At the same time, we should not forget the huge challenges facing Nigeria’s state and local governments. These subnational governments— which account for the bulk of social spending—have only limited tools to manage the impact of declining oil revenues.

My message here is to manage better the smaller purse, while building capacity to increase internally generated revenue.”

Nigeria and West Africa

Lagarde then urged Nigeria as a country to build regional cooperation among West African countries because whatever affects Nigeria directly or indirectly affects other countries within the sub region.

According to her, “This is always a moment I cherish. My first visit to Nigeria was in late 2011.

At that time, Nigeria was emerging from the global economic crisis. Nigeria is the prime destination in Africa. Nigeria has gone through democratic transition which is a good thing. When investors know that transitions can happen successfully, they have more confidence.

“The richness of Nigeria has to do with the population. Nigeria is a huge market and people who are prepared to put their money here look at the population. Oil prices have fallen sharply. The geopolitical tensions have increased. These things are happening at a time the country needed to lift the standard of living of Nigerians. Nigerians are known for their courage and doggedness. Nigeria cannot waste time. There is no time at all.

“Government must step up revenue mobilization and reduce leakages.

Every 50 kobo collected from 30 per cent of the country’s revenue goes into the servicing of local and foreign debts. The government must focus on power, transportation and housing. These three areas will create wealth.

They are critically important. Efforts should be made to reduce the cost of governance.

“As I am told, Nollywood currently employs over one million Nigerians.

Poverty and inequality still remain high in many parts of the country.

Mortality rate is still high.”

Speaking on the need to strengthen institutions of government empowered to tackle corruptionrelated issues, Ms Lagarde revealed that over $1 trillion was given and received as bribes globally every year. She equally revealed that corruption makes up five per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The IMF boss who urged the National Assembly to come up with laws that will address corruption and block leakages in the system, said: “Corruption is touted to be five per cent of the global GDP and over $1 trillion is said to be given as bribes globally every year. Today, Nigeria

is looking ahead. The future is greater than the past in Nigeria. But the sooner the government delivers, the better it will be for Nigeria and Nigerians.”

Nigerian financial sector’s strong, solid, but needs to support real economy Meanwhile, speaking earlier during a meeting with officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and chief executives of financial institutions in Abuja, Lagarde emphasized the need for the financial sector to support the real sector and also contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

She said: “We had a productive meeting with representatives of the banking industry and we had the chance to discuss the stability and the sustainability of that particular sector. We also had the chance to debate together how the financial sector can better contribute to financing the economy and supporting the business and the development of growth in Nigeria.

“From my perspective, it was a very productive meeting, very open; we had the chance to really exchange and consider how the system can improve further.

“The financial sector of Nigeria is strong, solid and needs to continue to be so, but it also needs to lend to the real economy and to provide good terms of business.”

Also, Governor of the CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, stated that banks in the country promised to increase their support of the real sector and also play a major role in Nigeria’s economic development.

He said: “On behalf of the people of Nigeria and the bankers, I would like to thank the IMF and Lagarde. We had very fruitful discussions and she gave support to the

Continues on Page 14

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016— 7

C M Y K

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

order to make every Naira count, we have to know how much is coming in and you control how it goes out.

All the ministers concerned agreed that enough is enough and they even identified boards and agencies under them where they know that revenue is being diverted. "

Denies withdrawing 2016 budget

SWEARING-IN: President Muhammadu Buhari (right) congratulating the Head of Service to the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita after her swearing-in before the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

FG moves to block all revenue leakages Warns MDAs against funds diversion Denies withdrawing 2016 budget Confirms appointment of Oyo-Ita as HoS

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA — WORRIED by non remittance of revenues to the public coffers, the Federal Government has articulated moves to block all financial leakages in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, of government and make them more resourceful and accountable.

The decision was reached at the meeting of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, yesterday, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting was, however, preceded by the confirmation and inauguration of the Head of Service, HoS, Mrs. Winifred OyoIta, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Her confirmation as substantive HoS came three months after she was appointed by the President to take over from Danladi Kifasi, who proceeded on terminal leave in October 2015.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, and her counterpart in Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said FEC seriously frowned at the government agencies and parastatals that generated poor revenue or nothing to the Consolidated Revenue Funds.

Specifically, Adeosun said FEC had taken an initiative of compelling the MDAs to C M Y K

submit their budgets and operate within them.

She said: “The principal discussion in our meeting today was the initiative by this administration to plug revenue leakages in our MDAs that generate revenue. The presentation to FEC was to remind ministers who supervise these revenue-generating boards of their responsibilities under the Fiscal Responsibility Act, FRA. "Let me remind you that under FRA, these boards and corporations, who generate poor revenue, are supposed to generate and operate surplus, 80 per cent of which is to be credited to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

“But we have discovered that many agencies have never credited anything and never generated any operating surplus, including some whose salaries, overheads, capital are paid by the Federal Government. Then in addition to that, they generate revenue which they spend without any form of control.

“So, one of the big initiatives and changes of this administration is to bring all those agencies into line, to insist that they must submit a budget, that budget must be subject to approval and they must operate within that budget so that the surplus that is meant to come to the Federal Government can be seen to be used as appropriate.

“So for clarification, let me just explain that in econo-

mies that are non-oil economies, these are the revenues of government. It was because we had oil in the past, nobody has ever really looked at MDAs, NCC, and many other agencies and boards of government.

Warns MDAs against funds diversion

“We had issued a circular in December requesting that they send us their budget and what we discussed today was the responsibility of the ministers to ensure that whether those agencies have boards or not, those budgets are prepared and the Ministry of Finance is going to sit down with the supervising ministers and with the boards concerned where necessary to go through their budgets and make sure that they are reasonable, that the costs are not inflated.

“We are going to make every Naira counts and in

Speaking on the rumored withdrawal of 2016 budget from the National Assembly, the duo of Mohammed and Adeosun denied such a development.

Mohammed said: “When somebody from the Daily Trust called me, I told him categorically that there is nothing like that. When a story like this breaks, I believe it will help all of us to actually be able to pin point the source. I know for a fact that this administration has not withdrawn the budget from the NASS.” On her part, Adeosun said: “Let me just speak to you about the budget process. You know the budget is presented to the NASS and then there is what we call an interactive budget approval process and you know the agencies will still go and defend their budget at the NASS. So ordinarily, in budget processes, anywhere in the world, there can’t be amendments to the budgets arising from that interactive process, which is normal.

“But let me make it very clear that the budget is not being withdrawn or replaced, the budget has been presented and will go through normal process whereby MDAs defend their budgets. It is possible in the process of that, because as you know the legislature is not a rubber stamp, their job is to scrutinize the budget and to approve that budget.

"So there may be some changes that occur as a result of that interactive process, but that process is normal everywhere in the world where a budget is presented. So I think it is important to make that clarification.”

On agencies that generate dollars and remit Naira

Adeosun also said the Federal Government was not happy with agencies that generate monies in dollars and in some other hard currencies and remit same in Nigeria.

She stated that government had resolved to audit the books of the suspected MDAs with a view to sanctioning them.

She said: “We have done a comprehensive audit of all the agencies that actually collect money in foreign currency and remit in Naira, the requirement is that such monies should go

L

AGOS — GLOBAL stocks have continued to dwindle as the Nigerian stock market, yesterday, recorded another setback, with investors recording the highest loss in 13 months with 3.3 per cent to close at 27,180.76 points.

Specifically, investors lost

over N502.6 billion on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, for three consecutive days since the market opened this year.

The market capitalisation, which represents the total value of securities, traded on the NSE, yesterday, declined by N316.877 billion to close at N9.347 billion.

No padding of budget by MDAs

The minister also refuted speculations that the 2016 budget was padded by some ministries.

She said: “To answer that question, let me give as context, oil price has come down from $112 to $34-$35, anybody that is talking about padding any budget when there is no revenue, is just not serious.

Alleged N82 million dinner: Wole Soyinka reacts

N

OBEL Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka yesterday reacted to insinuations by Rivers State government that he may have benefitted from the N82m spent by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi to host him during his 80th birthday anniversary.

Rivers State Information Commissioner, Dr Austin Tam-George, declared that the state government would demand a refund of the N82 million expended by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi on Professor Wole Soyinka’s dinner if it confirms that the Nobel Laureate received part of the the funds in cash.

In his reaction yesterday, Professor Soyinka in a statement titled: Those who flounder in the sewage of corruption”, said “this morning, I saw only the headlines in one or two print media regarding the 80th Birthday dinner to which I was hosted by the former governor of Rivers State, the Honorable Rotimi Amechi, now Minister of Aviation. I ignored them. It was not, and remains not my business to probe into the catering and logistical implications of the hundreds of institutions and governments all over the world to whom I acknowledge an immense

Stock market: Investors lose N502.6bn in 3 days amidst global fall

By Peter Egwuatu

to CBN, which should exchange the money into Naira. What we discovered in some agencies, as you said have been doing that, we have stopped it, but we are now doing an audit to identify other agencies.

On Tuesday, market capitalisation dropped by 92.234 billion while on Monday it shed N93.521billion to close at N9.850 trillion from N9.850 trillion it opened in the year.

In the same vein, another stock market gauge, the All Share Index, yesterday, recorded a major decline Continues on Page 16

debt of unsolicited recognition over the years.

“Since then however, I have learnt of some unsavory statements by the insecure incumbent of the Rivers State government Lodge. These included a loose invitation to anti-crime agencies to investigate the potential crime of being honoured through any occasion.

“The unprecedented call by this governor is prescient of a warning I recounted in my recent pamphlet publication THE REPUBLIC OF LIARS, and was taken from my address to an anticorruption global conference that took place in Tunisia two years ago.

Those words were: CORRUPTION STRIKES BACK. In this ongoing instance, that expression translates most vividly as “Those who are neck deep in the sewage of corruption ensure that they splatter sewage in all possible and improbable directions.”

I do however fully support the Wikeleaks call for multi-directional probes. I recommend further that he involve the services of INTERPOL to guarantee its extension to all international organisations and governments to whom I owe uncountable events of recognition – including birthday luncheons, dinners, cultural receptions and events of real, fictitious, or simply opportunistic flavoring – to which I have submitted myself.

“The descent to this present level of abominable distractions makes one truly despair. It is one that even I did not envisage when I warned –CORRUPTION STRIKES BACK! Whether it brings honour or dishonour to the nation is another matter – I am saddened, but indifferent”.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016—9

C M Y K

10— Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 , 2016

Unskilled foreign prisoners taking jobs from Nigerians, not acceptable — Oshiomhole

By Henry Umoru

A

B U J A G OV E R N O R Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has asked the Presidency to as a matter of urgency, review the expatriate quota in the country to ensure that unskilled foreigners whom he described as foreign prisoners no longer take over jobs that ought to have been given to unemployed Nigerians.

The former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC who raised alarm of the increasing trend and ugly situation where a number of these expatriates take over menial jobs meant for Nigerians, stressed that foreign prisoners were gradually taking over the job market in the country.

Speaking in Abuja when he visited the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige in his office, Comrade Oshiomhole who warned that the situation was totally unacceptable to Nigeria as a country, said that at a time when the nation was grappling with addressing the unemployment situation in Nigeria, the country cannot be a dumping ground for prison labourers.

C M Y K

LFTZ TRIBUNAL: Our report contains Disu’s killer — CHAIRMAN

By Monsur Olowoopejo

L

AGOS—THE five-man Tribunal of enquiry set up by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State to investigate the cause of the civil disturbance that led to the gruesome killing of the Managing Director of the Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Alhaji Tajudeen Disu, yesterday, submitted its report.

Ambode had on October 22, 2015, inaugurated the Tribunal chaired by a Justice Adesuyi OlateruOlagbegi (retd) with the mandate to submit its report in

45 days after inauguration.

While submitting the report at the State House, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, OlateruOlagbegi said that the report contained 24 recommendations which covered many issues, including the question of who pulled the trigger that killed late Disu, as well as the remote and immediate causes of the unrest.

The chairman added that the Tribunal recommended the measures to adopt in forestalling a recurrence, as well as other miscellaneous matters incidental to the unrest, adding that there

was no majority or minority report, but just one team report of the Tribunal.

He said: “We took time out to visit the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ). We visited the Dangote Industries, Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, the villages and communities in the area including Okunraye where the trouble began.

“We saw a lot and we learnt a lot. From what was presented to us, from what we saw with our own eyes, our view is that LFTZ has vast potential to transform the economic landscape of Lagos State in terms of generating massive employment and revenue

AMBODE GETS LFTZ PANEL'S REPORTS: Justice Adesuyi Olateru Olagbegi (retd), Chairman, Tribunal of Inquiry into October 12, 2015 civil disturbance at Lekki Free Trade Zone (right) submitting the panel's report to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, as the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule looks on, at Lagos House, Alausa, Lagos. Photo by Bunmi Azeez.

and creation of wealth.

“Our findings reveal that the transformation would be on a scale that is hitherto unparalleled in Africa,” Justice Olateru-Olagbegi said.

He explained that 22 memoranda and 33 witnesses appeared before the tribunal during the public hearing held in Ikeja.

Responding, Ambode said that he was prepared to do everything to ensure the success of LFTZ. According to him: “The Report of the Tribunal has been submitted today and the State Government will give serious consideration to the recommendations of the Tribunal and take decisions to ensure that such an incident does not recur.

“Let me assure members of the public and investors alike that this Government will always uphold the Rule of Law and continue to provide a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive,” he added.

Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said it was noteworthy that the Tribunal had the inaugural sitting on November 16, 2015 and completed the assignment with the forty-five days given to it.

Kazeem said the civil disturbances which led to Disu’s killing in the Okunraye Community had slowed down the development of the LFTZ, and that the Tribunal was set up as part of efforts to ensure safety of lives and property, prevent recurrence and enhance the economic well-being of the state.

Ex-FIRS boss, Omoigui-Okauru heads N25bn ETF board

By Olasunkanmi Akoni, with Agency Reports

L

AGOS—GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday appointed a former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, to head the Board of Trustees for the N25 billion State Employment Trust Fund, ETF. The Governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, also approved the appointment of nine others to serve as members of the Board of Trustees of the ETF, which is geared towards addressing the challenge of youth

unemployment as well as promote wealth creation through entrepreneurial development in the state.

Other members of the Board include Mr. Dele Martins, Mrs. Bilikis Adebiyi-Abiola, Mr. Otto Orondaam, Mrs. Olufunmi Olatunde Daudu, Mr. Tunde Bank-Anthony and Mr. Micheal Popoola Ajayi.

Governor Ambode also approved for the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Mr. Tunde Durosinmi-Etti and his counterpart in Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi to be part of the Board, while Mr. Akintunde Oyebode is to serve as Executive Secretary of the Board.

The Employment Trust Fund, it would be recalled, was signed into law by Governor Ambode on Tuesday, according to him, was in line with keeping faith with the promise he made to the people during the electioneering campaign.

The governor had expressed optimism that the Fund will address the challenge of unemployment and promote wealth creation through

entrepreneurial development, adding that an annual contribution of N6.25 billion

will be injected into the Fund by the state government for 4years totaling N25 billion.

Ambode appoints Prof Fagbohun LASU VC

L

AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the appointment of Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun as the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo. Fagbohun, a Professor of Environmental Law, was until his appointment the Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of Lagos.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, announced the appointment in a statement yesterday.

Ayorinde said in the statement: “Following the expiration of the tenure of Prof. John Obafunwa as the 7th substantive ViceChancellor of Lagos State University on October 31, 2015,

the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Fidelis Olisamedua Njokanma, assumed the position of Acting Vice Chancellor.

Fagbohun was born on October 19, 1966 and hails from Akesan in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Prof Fagbohun.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016—11

C M Y K

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Bayelsa supplementary poll: IG assures on Police preparedness Deploys DIG, AIG, 3 CPs and 5, 000 policemen

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA—WITH 48 hours to the Bayelsa State governorship re-run election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, has said that adequate security logistics and manpower have been strategically deployed to achieve a conducive electioneering atmosphere.

The IG has subsequently, deployed a Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police to supervise security arrangements.

He will be assisted by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police and three Commissioners of Police. Over 5,000 conventional policemen have also been deployed for the election duty.

The deployment, according to the IG, is in line with efforts to ensure adequate security for the re-run government election that will take place in seven out of the eight local government areas, scheduled to hold on January 9, 2016.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Olabisi Kolawole, said: “Meanwhile, the Police have commenced extensive security operations in the state, including the deployment of plainclothes detectives and surveillance helicopters for aerial patrols, while gunboats and speed

boats will complement the Police Marine Unit to convey security personnel and election materials to riverine communities.

“Armed personnel from Police Mobile Force, Special Protection Unit, as well as Counter Terrorism Unit of the Force, are on ground to support the ongoing security operations in the state.

“In the same vein, the IG has

also placed an order banning movements in and out of the local government areas where election will hold with effect from 6am to 6pm on January 9, 2016.

“However, persons on essential duties such as ambulance service providers, INEC officials on-duty, security men, accredited election monitors/observers, accredited journalists, etc are not affected

by this order.

“While expressing his regrets over the inconveniences that road users and the general public may suffer as a result of this restriction, the IG appeals for the understanding and cooperation of the entire citizenry, as the restriction is essentially to ensure the effective security of citizens, election officials and materials.”

LUNCHEON: President, Commonwealth Association of Surveying and Land Economy, CASLE, Mr. Olusegun Ajanlekoko (right), with Queen Elizabeth of England, at a luncheon/ reception for Commonwealth professional leaders at St. James Palace, London, before the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta.

....As Police confirms arrest of 5 suspected political thugs in Bayelsa

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—AHEAD of S a t u r d a y ' s supplementary election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the state police command, yesterday, confirmed the arrest of five suspected political thugs allegedly planning to launch attack on an undisclosed location.

The suspects, according to the Police, were arrested last Saturday at 1500hrs by a team of detectives from the AntiKidnapping/ Anti-Vice Unit.

Spokesman of the command, Animin Butswat, who disclosed this in Yenagoa, said the suspects were nabbed at a hotel in the Swali suburb of Yenagoa, after a tip off.

He gave the names of the suspects as: Asupha Emeka ‘m’ 34yrs; Ebipre Ebebi ‘m’ 25yrs, Samuel Joe ‘m’ 27yrs, Okilo Matthew ‘m’ 25yrs, and Timiere Matthew ‘m’ 25yrs.

According to him, the suspects were drawing a plan

C M Y K

to launch an attack on a yet to be identified location when police operatives swooped on

them.

The spokesman said the suspects are currently

undergoing interrogation while investigation was ongoing.

PDP blames FG for Wike's inability to pay Dec salaries

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has blamed the inability of the state government to pay last month's salaries to civil servants in the state on the failure of the Federal Government to release money from the federation account to state governments.

Chairman of the party in the state, Mr Felix Obuah, in a statement, yesterday, accused the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government of lacking in vision and sound economic policies to direct the affairs of the country.

The statement by his media aide, Mr Jerry Needam, also berated the Federal Government for increasing electricity tariff through its Nigerian Electricity

Regulatory Commission, NERC, saying that the move would further pauperize Nigerians already impoverished by the policies of the government.

Alleged N82m dinner: Amaechi dares Wike to go to court

By Emmanuel Aziken

F

ORMER Rivers State governor and Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has denied allegations of misappropriating N82 million in hosting Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and dared his successor as governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to go to court.

Amaechi, in a statement, accused Governor Wike of running out of ideas on account of the electoral setbacks suffered by him and his associates in the state.

In the statement issued by his Media Office, Amaechi accused the Wike administration of spreading lies, criminalising legitimate transactions of government and doing everything to smear him.

While daring Wike to go to court if he found anything wrong in what was done by the Amaechi administration, he said: “Wike must stop these silly distractions. Rivers people are not interested in his lies and witch-hunt. Rather, Rivers people want to know what will happen to their children as he has stopped and cancelled the funding of their scholarships abroad. Rivers people want to know why the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency, RSSDA, an agency set up by law, is no longer functioning under Wike. Why, instead of quality education, a standard set by his predecessor, under Wike, weeds have taken over the beautiful schools built by Amaechi?"

It added that since Wike is blind to his responsibilities as governor of Rivers State and has insisted on attacking the person and clean reputation of Amaechi as his one and only project, then he should go to court to prove his allegations and stop the nefarious insinuations against Amaechi.

Edo 2016: Imposition of candidate, counter-productive credible name will help PDP to for PDP —Edebiri win back the people’s trust.

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

E N I N — A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2016 governorship election in Edo State, Chief Solomon Edebiri, yesterday, said that it was only through fielding a credible candidate in the election that the party could dislodge the All Progressives

Congress, APC, government in the state.

Edebiri, in an interview with Vanguard, in Benin, advised his party against imposition of a candidate, saying that the practice would be counterproductive for the party in the forthcoming governorship election.

He said that although the APC government in the state has had its fair share of governance after eight years in the state, “only a

Remember, it was Adams Oshiomhole’s name that won him the election in 2007 not his party. Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, sold the party using Oshiomhole’s name and it rode to victory even though it was a PDP government at the centre.

“PDP in like manner, should shop for a credible and trusted name with the zeal to serve the people to field in the forthcoming governorship election."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016—13

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

SEIZED— GOC 1 Div. Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade (R) inspecting some weapons allegedly seized from members of an Islamic movement in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

How Nigeria can get out of economic crisis—IMF boss Continues from Page 6 efforts of the CBN by also trying to encourage Nigerian banks to continue to support the real sector, support SME in Nigeria and indeed, also try as much as possible to boost lending at very concessionary pricing, just as we are doing.

“And the banks themselves have given their words that they would do their best to support, notwithstanding the risk as well as some of the challenges we had witnessed in the past.”

After the meeting at the CBN, Lagarde, who was accompanied by her husband, Xavier Giocanti, also visited Mother Theresa Children Home, Gwarimpa, Abuja, where she made a donation of $7,500, about N1.5 million, to the orphanage on behalf of the IMF. Speaking at the orphanage, Lagarde congratulated the management of the orphanage for their efforts at caring for the children.

She said this was her second visit to Nigeria as IMF president, but nothing was as touching as whenever she visits orphanage of the likes of Mother Theresa Children Home.

She said: “This is my second visit to Nigeria as head of the IMF and on every occasion I have visited presidents, governor of the CBN and legislators, but nothing is as touching as a visit like this one.

“And as you say, the future of Nigeria is bigger than its past. But the

future is built investing in youth and education. And that future is built one child at a time; and that is what this orphanage demonstrates. No child is left behind and you care about those who are left by the society. And for that, I really want to thank you.

“Nigeria is a country with oil, energy, entrepreneurship, resilience, but it should come to the reach of the youth as well. So please, keep doing what you are doing and we at the IMF, we care about the youths, poor and about those who are left at the side of the road.”

Lagarde's speech at NASS Lagarde’s speech at the National Assembly which was was titled, “Nigeria— Act with Resolve, Build Resilience, and Exercise Restraint”, read in part: “I would like to thank you for the gracious introduction, and Members of Parliament and the people of Nigeria for their incredible hospitality.

I have been looking forward to starting my new year here in Nigeria—and I am grateful for the special privilege to speak before this parliament.

"My first visit to Africa as IMF Managing Director was in late 2011, and the first country on my itinerary was Nigeria. At that time, Nigeria was emerging from the 200809 commodity price collapse and the banking

crisis that followed.

“Since that visit, Nigeria has been acknowledged as the largest economy in Africa—with a maturing political system. We saw a peaceful general election last year in which, for the first time in Nigeria’s history, there was a democratic transition between two civilian governments. It was a strong sign of Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, to a new Nigeria.

“At the same time, the external environment has changed. Oil prices have fallen sharply; global financial conditions have tightened; growth in emerging and developing economies has slowed; and geopolitical tensions have increased.

All this has come at a time when Nigeria is facing an urgent need to address a massive infrastructure deficit and high levels of poverty and inequality.

“So, Nigeria faces some tough choices going forward. Nigerians, however, are well known for their resilience and strong belief in their ability to improve their nation and lead others by example. I firmly believe that Nigeria will rise to the challenge and make the decisions that will propel the country to greater prosperity.

As the great Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe once said: “If you don’t like someone’s story, write your own.” This is exactly what you are doing right now.

And let me assure you that, as you go forward, as you develop your story,

the IMF will support your efforts.

“Today, I would like to offer my perspective—on your story and punctuate it with three R’s: resolve, resilience, and restraint. I will first identify the global economic transitions that are affecting Nigeria and the region. I will then turn to the importance of managing the near-term vulnerabilities facing Nigeria’s economy. And, finally, share my thoughts on what might help to achieve more inclusive and sustainable growth.

1. Global economic transitions and implications for Nigeria and the region "So let me start with the big picture. For more than a decade, growth in SubSaharan Africa was driven by an extraordinary combination of improved policies, stronger institutions, high commodity prices, and high capital inflows.

“The region has now entered a different phase, where commodity prices and capital flows are far less supportive. We are in the process of updating our forecasts, but broadly the IMF staff estimates that regional economic growth dropped from 5 per cent in 2014 to about 3.8 percent last year, with only a modest recovery expected in 2016.

“There is a similar picture at the global level—modest growth last year, with only a slight acceleration expected in 2016. Emerging markets, which propelled global growth after the 2008 global financial crisis, have slowed; advanced economies are still recovering from the impact of that crisis; and financial markets remain volatile.

In fact, both at the regional and global level, growth is affected by three major economic transitions. They include China’s move to a new growth model, the prospect of commodity prices remaining lower for longer, and the increasing divergence in monetary policy in major economies, especially since the recent rise in U.S. interest rates. “ U n d e r s t a n d a b l y, policymakers in this region are concerned— because these transitions can create spillovers through trade, exchange rates, asset markets, and capital flows.

“For example, spillovers are now affecting oilexporting countries, which generate about half of this region’s GDP. These economies, including Nigeria, are facing massive pressures and challenging prospects.

Over the medium term, oil prices are likely to remain much lowerthan

the 2010-13 average of more than $100 a barrel.

Why? Because of the huge oversupply in global oil markets. Think of the shale oil boom in the United States, and some historically large producers such as Iraq and Iran coming back to the market. Other factors include OPEC’s strategic behavior and the drop in global demand for oil, especially in emerging economies.

“Already, lower oil prices have sharply reduced Nigeria’s export earnings and government revenues. Both are likely to remain at depressed levels, reducing the space for policy interventions to address Nigeria’s social and infrastructure needs.

"Private sector investment will also be affected.

Investor confidence about the outlook has remained weak, and financing is likely to become more difficult and more costly for everyone. With U.S. interest rates expected to continue to rise, albeit slowly, the likelihood of capital outflows will increase, and exchange rate pressures could mount as investors reassess their appetite for risk.

“More broadly, SubSaharan Africa is also facing spillovers from geopolitical factors, including the fight against Boko Haram. The threat of terrorism is very real and never far from our minds.

Having been in Paris during the November attacks, I know firsthand the sorrow that so many Nigerians carry in their hearts.

In this region, terrorism not only takes a human toll but it also makes public finances more fragile. How? By widening budget deficits. Revenues are lower, including from lower growth, and spending needs higher, including for security and for supporting those impacted by the violence.

One immediate downside is higher financing needs that can crowd out other essential public spending.

“This brings me to my second topic—how can policymakers manage these near-term vulnerabilities?

2. Managing near-term vulnerabilities Let me start by underscoring the progress made in recent years. Nigerians have created a large and diversified economy that has grown by about 7 per cent a year over the last decade. This has been a remarkable achievement, a testament to Nigeria’s immense potential.

The outlook, however, has weakened. Growth in 2015 is estimated at about 3.2 per cent—its slowest pace since 1999—and

only a modest recovery is expected in 2016.

For a country with a rapidly increasing population, this means almost no real economic growth in per capita terms. On top of the slowdown, vulnerabilities have increased. The ability to manage shocks is restricted by low fiscal savings and reserves.

And the weakening oil sector could stress balance sheets and put pressure on the banking system.

"Reduced confidence and lower capital spending also impact the non-oil corporate sector.

Unfortunately, this sector looks less resilient today than during the downturn of 2008-09. Companies that have increased their leverage and US-dollar debt in recent years may now come under pressure as they face rising interest rates and a stronger dollar.

“Nigeria also has a large regional footprint, and its fortunes affect that of its neighbors, especially through trade. For example, it is estimated that a one per cent reduction in Nigeria’s growth causes a 0.3 percent reduction in Benin’s growth.

So what can policymakers do?

I see an immediate priority—a fundamental change in the way government operates.

What do I mean by that?

The new reality of low oil prices and low oil revenues means that the fiscal challenge facing government is no longer about how to divide the proceeds of Nigeria’s oil wealth, but what needs to be done so that Nigeria can deliver to its people the public services they deserve—be it in education, health or infrastructure.

“This means that hard decisions will need to be taken on revenue, expenditure, debt, and investment going forward.

My policy refrain is this: Act with resolve—by stepping up revenue mobilization. The first step is to broaden the tax base and reduce leakages by improving compliance and enhancing collection efficiency. At the same time, public finances can be bolstered further to meet the huge expenditure needs. For example, the current VAT rate is among the lowest in the world and well below the rates in other ECOWAS members—so some increase should be considered.

Build resilience—by making careful decisions on borrowing. Nigeria’s debt is relatively low at about 12 percent of GDP. But it weighs heavily on the public purse..."

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016—15

A- Court’s disenfranchisement

of 400,000 Abians can’t stand —Ikpeazu THE ABIA State Government has appealed to the judiciary not to play into the hands of some politicians who it said were toying with the lives and aspirations of the people of the state.

The government said that what the people of the state desired was good governance, which they had experienced in the first 200 days of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Mr Godwin Adindu, the decision of the Court of Appeal panel, which on December 31, 2016 ordered the removal of the governor from office, was capable of launching the state into anarchy, but for the peaceful disposition of the governor who continued to urge the people not to take the laws into their hands.

Noting that the governor was yet to get certified true copies of the judgment seven days after the ruling and seven days to the constitutional deadline for appeal at the Supreme Court, Adindu said, “Abia State is not for sale and nobody should trifle with the destiny of the people.

All the people involved in this grand conspiracy to cause havoc, anarchy and bloodshed in Abia, should steer clear of the state.”

Dasukigate: EFCC traces N400m to Army Officer’s account •Metuh faces more grilling, to be docked •More influential Nigerians on EFCC radar

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

T

HE ONGOING probe of the disbursement of the $2.1 billion arms cash by the Office of the former National Security Adviser, ONSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (ret'd), has led to more startling revelations.

Investigators from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have stumbled on an account said to belong to an army officer with N400 million traced to the slush funds.

This comes as the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, continued to face more grilling from his interrogators A top source in the Commission confirmed last night that thetop operatives probing the disbursement of the arms cash, which is now the subject of prosecution in a High Court.

The account, domiciled in a third generation commercial bank, had been frozen by the EFCC and efforts made to track the suspect and others yet to be summoned.

Vanguard learned that beyond the army officer, whose name was still being kept secret to avoid raising eyebrows, the EFCC had identified other military personnel, who had at one time or the other drawn money from the ONSA and was keen on getting them to account for it.

A source said that it was as a result of the discovery of the names of the military personnel that the EFCC formally wrote to the Defence Headquarters to release the identified officers and men to

PROGRAMME: From left, Head Teacher, Community Primary School, Amumara, Imo, Mrs. Amaefule Keziah; Primary 4 student of the school, Chiamaka Onwuegbuchulam, receiving a pack containing toothpaste and toothbrush from Airtel's Territory Sales Manager, Charles Alimikhena, during the Airtel-Unilever Oral Health programme, in Imo State.

the Commission for questioning.

An officer with the rank of a colonel from Delta State, said to have served as a PA to the embattled ex-NSA, had already been arrested and detained by the EFCC for over three weeks over the discovery that he took huge sums meant for arms procurement.

He is said to have been saddled with procurement under the former NSA and had used his position to acquire stupendous wealth, including the acquisition of imposing buildings in choice areas of the FCT. Attempts to speak with the spokesman for the EFCC on the new findings proved abortive, as he did not respond to calls by one of our correspondents.

Meanwhile, there were indications that the operatives of the EFCC were not in a hurry to free the embattled National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Metuh, arrested and detained,Tuesday, by its operatives.

More influential Nigerians on EFCC radar Meanwhile, the acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu has said that more influential people will be arrested soon.

According to him: “More influential Nigerians are on the radar of the EFCC and, in the coming weeks, they would have their days in court and Nigerians will be kept fully abreast of the results of the Commission’s investigations.”

Davido vs Babymama: Popstar storms NAPTIP office, says it’s a family affair Benjamin Njoku & Iyabo Aina

T

HERE ARE indications that the Hip-Hop star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and his Babymama, Sophia Momodu, are already working with the National Agency for the Prohibition in Trafficking of Persons, NAPTIP, in order to resolve the feud over the custody of their baby, Imade.

A source from the agency told Vanguard, yesterday, that the warring parties are cooperating with the agency to end the faceoff as soon as possible.

This is coming on the heels of the 23-year-old pop singer’s visit to the Lagos State office of NAPTIP, yesterday. His father, Dr. Deji Adeleke was said to have stormed the NAPTIP office earlier in the week. So also were Dele Momodu and Sophia.

Though the details of Davido’s meeting with the officials of the C M Y K

Davido, and his Babymama, Sophia Momodu agency are yet to be ascertained, it was, however, gathered that the pop star arrived the office of NAPTIP at 11:07a.m., yesterday.

When contacted on the telephone, Davido, who was recently hospitalised due to stress, declined to comment on the outcome of his visit to the NAPTIP office, insisting that it was a family affair and a personal problem.

However, speaking on a condition of anonymity, a source from the NAPTIP office, told Vanguard, yesterday, that the agency is still investigating the matter.

“I cannot tell you the outcome of the meeting because the agency is still investigating the matter and the parties involved are cooperating with us. We are talking about the future of a child

here, and everything has to be done to protect the child,” the source said.

It will be recalled that Sophia, through her lawyers, yesterday, requested the original copy of the alleged medical report that Davido published during the week from Clina Lancet laboratory.

The singer had alleged that a pathology test was conducted, in which it was determined that his daughter, Imade, was fed with breast milk contaminated with cannabis.

Meanwhile, in a series of tweets, Monday, Sophia, who is also a relation of the publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, challenged both Davido and his family to publish the alleged medical report, stating that she took cannabis which had infected her seven-month old baby.

Davido, last Sunday, rebuffed claims by his estranged lover, Sophia Momodu on the circumstances surrounding the

removal of their daughter, Imade, from Sophia’s custody.

In a statement released, yesterday, by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, the body urged the parties to sheathe their swords and use constructive and private means to find lasting resolution so as to respect and edify the constitutional dignity and fundamental human rights of the little baby.

“We have observed with considerable trepidation and disappointment the media brickbats and unnecessary spat between the highly successful celebrity musical performer known by his stage name of Davido and the high profile publisher and respected columnist/political activist, Chief Dele Momodu, over a child's custody disagreement involving the musician; his erstwhile female companion, Ms Sophie, who is reportedly the cousin to Dele Momodu over a child, little baby of seven months, called Imade.”

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Stock market: Investors lose N502.6bn in 3 days amidst global fall Continues from page 8 by 921.38 points to close at 27,180.76 points. On the Tuesday, the Index shed 268.18 points to close at 28,102.14 points, while on Monday, it dropped by 271.93 points to close at 28,370.32 points.

A cursory review showed that investors on the NSE had lost 5.10 per cent from the Yearto-Date, YtD, signifying weak economic activities.

Meanwhile, volume traded on the NSE, yesterday, increased by 3.45 per cent from 195.969 million to 202.724 million, while the total value of stock traded decreased by 21.73 per cent from 1.892 billion to 1.481 billion in 3,012 deals.

The Financial Services sector led the activity chart with 178.971 million shares exchanged for N0.917 billion.

Consumer Goods came next with 8.467 million shares traded for N 0.326 billion, Conglomerates, Services, Industrial Goods sectors followed in that order on the activity chart.

FCMB, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, FirstBank Nigeria Holding, FBNH and Guaranty Trust Bank were the most active stocks by volume.

WAPCO, Berger Paints, NAHCO, Fidson and Ikeja Hotel emerged the highest price gainers on the chart, while Dangote Cement, Union Homes, Skye Bank, Nigerian Breweries NB and Union Bank of Nigeria, UBN, topped the losers Chart.

Global stocks

Stocks fell around the world, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 200 points, while bonds gained with the dollar on haven demand as China’s unexpected weakening of its currency once again raised fresh concern about the strength of the global economy.

U.S. stocks headed for a three-month low and emerging-market equities fell to the cheapest since 2009.

Brent crude reached its lowest level since 2004, as oil supplies at a U.S. hub rose to a record. Developing-nation currencies sank to an all-time low, with Korea’s won weakening after North Korea’s claim of a nuclear test added to geopolitical risks already heightened by Middle East tensions.

The yen strengthened and Treasuries rose for a fifth session.

$2.1bn arms probe a hoax —Dokpesi Says it's aimed to destroy PDP As PDP youths vow to resist 'selective persecution'

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA— FORMER Chairman of DAAR Communication, owners of African Independent Television and Ray Power FM, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has described the $2.1 billion arms deal probe by the Federal Government that led to the arrest of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki and other members of People Democratic Party, PDP, as a hoax.

Addressing newsmen, yesterday, in his office in Abuja when he was honoured by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, youths under the aegis, PDP Youth Vanguard, as their patron with a certificate, Dokpesi, stressed that the $2.1 billion armsgate was not only a figment of the imagination of the Federal Government, but was aimed at destroying PDP. Dokpesi said: “I must hasten to assure you that there is nothing like the much flaunted $2.1 billion armsgate. The competent courts of our land would sooner or later prove this coinage aimed at decimating the leadership and membership of our great party to be nothing but a hoax.

“Some of us are reminded of the events of 1984/85 which by any stretch of comparison are similar to the unfolding events of today. As I have said not too long ago, we must stand resolutely united especially in the face of this momentary political adversity. For one thing, I say again that the PDP is not dead, is not dying and will not die.

“I wish to emphasise that the current ruling party is making efforts to impede our journey to political maturity through the manipulation of the federal system to serve purely partisan interest.

“Our party is indeed experiencing a massive persecution, political reprisal and vendetta, of the kind never before seen on our shores and targeted at the leadership, membership and indeed sympathizers of the PDP by the APC government of the day.

We'll not be weakened

“As you all know, so much political water has passed under the bridge since the general elections of April 2015. So much has been said about our members, many of whom have been publicly vilified even without being heard. I assure you that we will not be weakened or demoralised in playing our role as the important opposition voice which is a very critical ingredient in any democratic state.

"We may be harassed, we may even be bent, but we are resolute and will not be broken. Even as I speak, the relentless pursuit of our members across the country is being intensified and I can say with some measure of certainty that a lot more lie in stock for the PDP and its members.”

Speaking earlier, Coordinator of PDP Youth Vanguard, Ibrahim Bala

Aboki, who noted that the group will not relent in its struggle against selective persecution targeted against PDP members, however hailed the dogged spirit exhibited by Dokpesi in trying to galvanize action to ensure the

resuscitation of PDP. He said the APC-led federal administration had concluded that whoever joins their party has automatically transformed into saint.

He said: “The National Youth

Vanguard will always stand by you. We are truly aware that the struggle will not be easy but with God on our side we will surmount the antics and distractions of the APC. The APC has continued to victimize leaders and all members of the PDP through their selective and imaginary fight against corruption.”

MEETING: Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN (middle); Minister of State in the Ministry, Mustapha Baba Shehuri (3rd left); Permanent Secretary (Power), Mr Louis Edozien (3rd right); Director in the ministry, Mrs Grace Papka (2nd right); Managing Director, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, Peter Ewesor (right), Chairman, MEMMCOL, Kola Balogun (2nd left); Executive Secretary, Electricity Meters Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, EMMAN, Mr Muideen Ibrahim (left) and others during a meeting with the local electricity meter manufacturers, in Abuja.

NERC defies court order as new electricity tariff takes off Feb 1

By Chris Ochayi

A

BUJA— THE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has said that the take-off date of the new electricity tariff, MYTO 2015, still remains February 1, 2016.

The Acting Head of the commission, Dr. Anthony Akah, said in a statement issued by the regulatory agency that at no time did the commission change the date of the take off of the new tariff.

Akah explained further that it was in view of the February 1, 2016 take-off of the new tariff regime that the commission told distribution companies to abide by its directive not to connect new customers without first providing them meters.

It will be recalled that the new tariff regime was announced in less than 24 hours to the end of the tenure of the management team of the commission, consisting the Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, and his vice, Muhammad Lawal Bello, which ended on December 22.

Apart from the public outcry trailing the new tariff regime, the new tariff unveiled by Amadi also contravened the earlier court injunction and resolution of adhoc committee of the House of the Representatives stopping the NERC management from taking such action.

The NERC by this action flouted

an order by the Federal High Court in Lagos, granted by Justice Ibrahim Idris against any increment which was subsisting and had not been discharged.

Justice Idris made the order on May 28 restraining NERC from increasing tariff in June. The judge later restated the order, saying it subsists until the substantive matter is decided.

Already, the plaintiff in the case, Toluwani Adebiyi, has notified the Minister of Power, Mr Babatunde Fashola, on the development, noting, it was unfortunate that an order of court would be violated in a democracy.

But the commission insisted that the take-off date for the electricity tariff would commence effective February 1.

Oil price falls to 11-year low following Saudi/Iran row

T

HE price of oil fell more than four percent to 11-year low of $35.07 per barrel, yesterday, as the row between Saudi Arabia and Iran made any cooperation between major exporters to cut output even more unlikely.

The furore over Saudi Arabia’s execution of a Shi’ite cleric has stripped nearly eight per cent off the price of oil in the last three trading days, killing speculation that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, members might agree to production cuts to lift prices.

“There are rising stockpiles and the tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia make any deal on production unlikely,” said Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets.

Evidence of slowing economic growth in China and India has,

meanwhile, fuelled fears that even strong demand elsewhere may not be enough to mop up the excess crude that has resulted from near-record production over the last year.

Consequently, Brent crude futures were at $35.07 a barrel as at 13.18 GMT, down $1.58 on the day, and reached their lowest since early July 2004, having staged their largest one-day drop in percentage terms in nearly five weeks.

United States crude futures were down $1.25 cents at $34.72 a barrel after slipping 79 cents the previous day. Oil has slumped from above $115 in June 2014 as shale oil from the U.S has flooded the market, while falling prices have prompted some producers to pump even harder to compensate for lower revenues and to keep market share.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016— —17

2

016 is here! As the old year hurtled into memory, we can look forward to the portents for the New Year. Every country plans against the backdrop of expectations built within the context of the old year. We had exited last year with the excitement following the 2015 elections and change of government, tempered by the hard reality of a serious economic crisis. Household budgets have taken a severe knock as Nigerians go through a very difficult time; but we averted the danger that would have descended, if President Goodluck Jonathan’s PDP administration had achieved reelection. Nigeria pulled itself from the edge of a precipice, by voting for change, but for change to be more than just a slogan, there is a lot of work on hand for all of us. Nigeria must abandon the old ways and consciously make a different set of choices. But this is where the problem lies. The more things change, the more they have remained same in our country.

New year, old contradictions Our ruling elite cannot understand that sacrifices Nigeria require should start from them. Take the 8th National Assembly. It is shaping up to become the most self-serving and deluded since the return to civil rule in 1999. Its leadership came into position on the basis of controversy that continues to haunt it. This leadership spends far more time trying to ensure self-preservation that it cannot buy into the need for sacrifice. When the story broke that it is about to spend over N4.

7billion to acquire new cars, Nigerians were shocked. But the shock is coming from the fact that people have not deconstructed the logic of the National Assembly leadership.

The purchase of those vehicles has been excused on the basis of their need for oversight functions. In actual fact, a leadership that entered parliament, literally from the window, must continue oiling the wheels of membership loyalty to survive. Survival means far more to Bukola

Biodun Jeyifo (BJ) is 70

E

ARLY this week, the 70th birthday ceremony of Professor Biodun Jeyifo, known to his comrades, friends and students around the world as BJ, was celebrated. I placed a call to him in Ibadan where he has always lived, and is currently on holiday from his base at the Harvard University.

We have not spoken in a very long time! BJ is one of the most outstanding intellectuals in the world today, and certainly one of the most distinguished public intellectuals dedicated to the liberation of our country from exploitation and underdevelopment. I have tried to remember as much as I can of the various engagements that I had with this truly remarkable man over the decades. And these vary, but all were directly related to our collective engagements as militants of the Nigerian Marxist movement, especially during the 1980s. BJ has always been a consistent activist and intellectual whose commitment to the struggle for human liberation and progress defined his life and work as well as the many-sided relationships that he built with comrades and friends from all over Nigeria. As I write these lines, I remember BJ participating in a night of public reading at the former University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. It was in 1981. BJ had lost his voice and just before the reading, he asked me, as a broadcaster, what he could drink to clear his voice. The following morning, I was a passenger in his Volkswagen Beattle, as we drove from Ile Ife to Lagos. I was a student activist at the University of Lagos, while Biodun Jeyifo was then National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in its truly C M Y K

heroic phase. It was BJ’s generation that allied ASUU with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), thus helping to strengthen the class alliance between the Nigerian working people and intellectuals. They deepened the radical and progressive tendency within the Nigerian working class movement.

By the 1980s, the Nigerian left was making a frantic effort to unite its fractious movements from all over Nigeria. BJ played a leading role in an effort to create a National Democratic Movement (NDM), to provide a platform of basic unity. He would argue; cajole and do as much as possible to convince delegates from all over the country. As actively engaged as he was as an organic intellectual dedicated to the struggle for national liberation and progress, BJ never slackened in his intellectual output, in research and teaching. He produced very outstanding critical literary works that were acclaimed as remarkable contributions to knowledge. This is the life that this remarkable patriot has lived over the past fifty years as an intellectual. When the conditions degenerated within the university system in Nigeria, with SAP in the mid-

He is one of the best representatives of what is good in our country and one of the greatest examples of the intellectual that Nigeria needs ever more, to find progress

1980s and the oppressive ambience of military dictatorship, BJ joined hundreds of other intellectuals, to continue a life of scholarship outside of the country. Biodun Jeyifo became a professor at the Harvard University in the USA. But as a mark of his continuing engagement with our country, he has maintained regular weekly columns in Nigerian newspapers, dedicated to helping the Nigerian people to become ever more conscious of the social forces that condition our lives as well as being responsible for the continuing underdevelopment of Nigeria.

His dedication to the liberation and progress of our country remain central to the popular journalistic writings that he shares with Nigerians every week.

It is equally remarkable that BJ has never waivered in his dedication. Even when reaction seemed to have triumphed within the world system, with the collapse of the socialist experience in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, he did not abandon his vision to embrace reactionary values of religious obscurantism or ethnic chauvinism. BJ remains the organic intellectual, in the truly Gramscian sense of that description, working tirelessly for the Nigerian people, especially its working people and the poor. I think all progressive Nigerians can be very proud of the life of active engagement that Professor Biodun Jeyifo has lived. He is one of the best representatives of what is good in our country and one of the greatest examples of the intellectual that Nigeria needs ever more, to find progress. I feel proud to call BJ a friend, comrade and compatriot. Congratulations on your 70th birthday Professor Biodun Jeyifo!

Saraki and Yakubu Dogara, than the needs of Nigerians.

That the legislators seem to be singing from the same hymn book, in this matter of their creature comfort, underlines just how thin is the veneer of “principle” upon which they fought amongst themselves for leadership position, till Bukola Saraki’s “coup” of June 9th, 2015. And as if things cannot be any worse, last Sunday, January 3 rd , 2016, THE NATION newspaper reported that new houses costing N5billion would be built for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara. This is the pattern since Obasanjo’s harebrained idea to sell residences of principal officers to the occupants. Our ruling class cannot provide affordable social housing for the working people

and the poor, but will unconscionably build N5billion houses for three officials of state.

And what about the “Curious Figures” of the 2016 budget, as analysed by THE NATION newspaper ’s editorial of January 3 rd ? The sum of N3.6Billion budgeted for BMW saloon cars “for principal officers”; N189 million for tyres and another N39.8M “for the purchase of unspecified number of 200 amps, 100 amps and 60 amps Mercedes Benz batteries for bulletproof vehicles”. The 2016 budget allocates N89M for purchase of kitchen equipment for the presidential kitchen, as against N83.1 last year. General renovation of Guest House gulps N387M; complete furnishing of Guest House is allocated N45M; N27. 5M will be used to purchase computers while Recreational Facilities will be procured in the sum of N764M. The presidency ’s internet facility will be upgraded for N114. 4m and internet servers will cost N22.5M! These are budgetary items in a season of recession by a government dedicated to change and doing things in a different way. The class bias that runs through these patterns of expenditure is so strong that even President Muhammadu Buhari should feel embarrassed about it. A review is an imperative!

Borno’s budget of reconstruction and development

A

T the end of 2015, Kashim Shettima, the Borno state governor, presented the 2016 Budget to the House of Assembly in Maiduguri. Tagged a “Budget of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement”, Borno proposes to spend N155 billion this year, but what was eye-catching was the decision to dedicate 70% of the budget to capital expenditure. That amounts to N103 billion, while recurrent expenditure takes the remaining 30% of the budget, at N51billion. The breakdown shows that education has the highest allocation of N27billion. I think this is commendable and is how it should be. The Boko Haram insurgency deliberately targeted the educational system, destroying schools infrastructure; murdering hundreds of teachers and pupils alike as well as abducting hundreds of boys and girls. It went all out to ensure that thousands of pupils could not attend school, in societies where enrolment had been poor, even in the best of times. The Boko Haram doctrine is one of barbarism and education is the greatest weapon to uproot it. When Borno chose to make allocation to education the highest single item of budget, it is an expression of the resolve to defeat the barbarism that Boko Haram represents.

Similarly, the newly created Ministry for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement is allocated N10 billion, which is meant for the reconstruction of infrastructure in destroyed communities. This is again a major part of the Boko Haram tragedy, because in community after community, the insurgency burnt houses, schools, health centres, police stations, government buildings, farms and even vandalised boreholes. There is therefore a lot of reconstruction work that must be carried out, in order to provide the minimum requirements for people to be able to return to their communities. Relatedly, agriculture was allocated the sum of N8 billion; N16 billion goes to work and transport; healthcare will gulp N10 billion, while N24 billion is earmarked for trade and investment, poverty alleviation and women empowerment.

All-in-all Borno state has signified intention to speed the reconstruction process this year, as part of a process to consolidate post-insurgency development. My hope is that this will not be the usual ritual of budgeting but a genuine process that will be followed through, because the perspective is right. And Borno state must consolidate the work already started to provide the conditions for people in IDP camps to begin a gradual return to rehabilitated communities to be able to pick up the pieces of their lives. By allocating 70% of the budget to capital expenditure, the Borno state government of governor KashimShettima has made the right decision that should redound to the benefit of the people.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

BEFORE 2003, there was progression in the incidence of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

Records show that from 1991 – 1999 the HIV prevalence increased from 1.8 percent to 5.4 percent. It dropped to 4.1 percent in 2011 and further dropped to 3.8 percent in 2013.

Nigeria is currently treating 800,000 people living with the virus with Anti Retroviral (ARV) drugs.

Currently the number of people living with HIV that are on Anti Retroviral Therapy increased from 359,181 in 2010 to 747,382 in 2014.

Regardless of all efforts, Nigeria still accounts for 55 percent of the new HIV infections in West Central Africa Region (WCAR), and with 3.4 million people living with the virus, the nation is rated as the country with the second highest burden of HIV in the world after South Africa. More worrisome is the increasing number of infected women and children, and the fact that most of the children infected with the virus contacted it from their mothers.

A 2014 survey showed a decline in HIV cases among pregnant women who attend

Ending AIDS in 2030: How achievable for Nigeria? antenatal clinics to 3.0 percent compared to 4.1 percent in 2010, but 10 percent of HIV infections are still as a result of mother-to-child transmission.

Of these, 154,920 new infections are in children out of an estimated 281,180 new infections and data shows that about 229,480 pregnant women are HIV positive annually.

The high morbidity and mortality associated with pediatric HIV infection has virtually eroded most of the previous gains towards elimination of mother-tochild transmission in Nigeria.

Worse still, the high prevalence of HIV among pregnant women, high total fertility rate, culture of prolonged breast

feeding, and non-use of modern health facilities for antenatal and delivery purposes have contributed to the high rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission in the country.

Nigeria has found herself in this precarious state as a result of sociocultural issues such as preference for Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) instead of orthodox health facilities. Gaps in coordination of partners and underutilization of maternal and newborn services contribute to the challenges.

The way forward for Nigeria is to be guided by the new UNAIDS target of 90:90:90, which is to ensure that 90 percent of the global population are tested

OPINION Lagos revenue, vehicles and road worthiness: bulldozers are licenced for N2,500. In all cases, An exercise in frustration(2) vehicle alerts issued to those who transact Continued from yesterday

By Udo Ibuot & Muyinat Akinyemi

A

T the moment, the MVAA performs its responsibilities through 46 licensing stations where owners of vehicles can register and renew their licences. These centres are located at Agege, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Etiosa, Ibeju-Lekki, Ifako-Ijaye, Ikeja, and Ikorodu.

The others include Kosofe, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Mushin, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu, and Surulere.

The extant official rates for motor vehicle licensing, number plates and change of ownership posted on the MVAA website as of October 10, 2013 indicates that registration of number plates in Lagos State costs N12,500 while renewal goes for N10,000.

Articulated vehicles number plates are registered for N20, 000 while Out of Series plates go for N40, 000. Fancy number plates (standard) are registered for N80, 000. In the case of motorcycles, fancy number plates go for N30, 000 whereas ordinary number plates costs N3, 000.

Number plates replacement (standard) costs N10, 000 while motor dealers plate (special) costs N30, 000 and N25, 000 for the ordinary cadre.

At the present rate, cost of motor vehicles registration which factor in weighing and registration fees is N5, 000 while it costs N1, N250 to register a motorcycle. For change of C M Y K

ownership, a vehicle owner coughs out N2, 500 while a motorcycle owner spends N625 only.

Capital gains tax for both motor vehicles and motor cycles cost N625 each while processing of police central motor registry (CMR) costs N1, 000, police inspection and customs processing fees take N500 each.

Processing of vehicle licences is tabulated according to the engine capacities of such vehicles. Thus, vehicles with engine capacity of below 1.6cc cost N1,250 while those with engine capacities of between 1.6cc and 2.0 cc cost N1,875. Vehicles with engine capacities of between 2.0cc and 3.0cc are registered for N2,500 while those above 3.0cc cost N2,125. Registration of private motorcycles cost N625 while commercial motorcycles are registered for N1,250.

Vehicle licences for mini-buses/pickups are registered for N2,500, Hiace buses for N3,125 and Coaster buses for N3,250.

Licences for tippers and lorries cost N3,750 while those for tankers, trucks and luxurious buses go for N6, 250. Sixteen-tyre trailers are licenced for N8,750 while tractors and

The bureaucratic bottlenecks that characterise most public offices need to be removed

business with the MVAA are charged at the rate of N200.

The MVAA, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, charges N6, 350 for new driving licenses and for the renewal, while learners permit and riders cards attract N50 and N800 respectively. Other revenue areas for the agency include that of registration of motor vehicle dealers and spare parts dealers. The agency charges motor vehicle dealers N100,000 and spare parts dealers N50,000 while procurement of motor registration forms attracts N5,000 each year.

What is absent from this revenue profile is the rate for the national certificate of road worthiness. Experience has shown that this rate varies between N2,500 and N5,000, with some vehicle inspection officers stressing that the difference is calculated on the basis of private and commercial vehicles.

However, a posting on the Stop The Bribes website entitled ‘Obtaining the National Roadworthiness Lagos State from Vehicle Inspection Officers’ indicates that the approved official amount is N1,000 made up of N500 for road worthiness test and the other N500 for renewal fees payable to the Ministry of Transportation on the agency Revenue Code 4390000.

The tendency towards exploitation of applicants for road worthiness may have accounted for the apparently deliberate decision to remove the charge on its acquisition. Otherwise, why would even the vehicle inspection officers not inform anyone

for HIV, 90 per cent of those who test positive have access to treatment and for 90 per cent to be virally suppressed.

The current drive to eradicate HIV/ AIDS by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals is instructive. Government agencies at all levels in Nigeria must review the visibility of eliminating HIV/AIDS with a view to integrating it into the broader Maternal and Newborn and Child Health agenda.

The argument for closer relationships between managers of HIV and AIDS control agencies and other stakeholders at the national and state levels cannot be overstated.

Tackling the root causes of vulnerability to HIV/AIDS remains the sure way to achieving the goals, even while creating strategic local funding initiatives and sound monitoring mechanism for transparency.

Nigeria can only achieve elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission through proper legislation, realistic policies and adequate resource appropriation.

about the rate and duration of the road worthiness certificates? On the road worthiness certificates, it is learnt that the holder carries it for a period of six months even though some of the vehicle inspection officers say it is for twelve months.

However, if we work with the 2009 data of the Motor Vehicles Administration Agency, MVAA, we can infer that the Lagos State government would have earned about N311, 638,128 from the 166,207 saloon/ station wagon cars registered that year, and N558, 775 from the 22,351 mini buses. An estimated N210, 798, 000, would have been raked from the national road worthiness certificates at the official rates of N1, 000 each in 2009. In the compilation of current figures, it is apparent that the rates might reflect a downward slope as there appears to have been a fall in the number of vehicles bought and registered in the country in the last couple of years. Even the 2009 data suggested this trend.

This calls for sincere intervention on the part of the Lagos State government and if Governor Ambode really means to live up to expectations of running a one day economy, then his best bet would be to make transparency his watchword. To start with, the bureaucratic bottlenecks that characterise most public offices need to be removed. This would not only resuscitate people’s trust in his administration but would have his name permanently written in the golden book of time.

Concluded •Messrs. Ibuot & Akinyemi, LASU School of Comm post -graduate students, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANAURY 7 7,, 2016 – 19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

‘Mutiny 66’: Half a loaf is worse than no bread T

HE debate over which is preferred, the death sentence or the life sentence, may never be resolved to finality. They are two sides of the same coin. In the case of the death sentence, punishment comes rather swiftly; but life sentence is punishment prolonged and postponed.

The nearest illustration on this can be located in what the military leadership in Nigeria did recently when it commuted the death sentence passed on 66 soldiers charged with mutiny, in the first quarter of last year, to 10 years imprisonment, which is the moral equivalent of a life sentence.

On assuming office, the new Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, promised to look into the petitions he had received on the issue of the death sentence. This was perhaps fast-tracked by the intervention of many civil society groups, human rights lawyers, international organisations and retired soldiers who considered the sentence and the procedures adopted as inhuman and high-

handed.

Gen. Buratai ordered a legal review on which he finally based the commutal of the death sentence to terms of imprisonment.

Surely, a legal review is good but still more expedient is a moral review of the circumstances around the said mutiny, if the end of justice is truly to be served. The soldiers had been charged with disobeying their commander after they were ambushed in Borno State by a band of marauding Boko Haram insurgents.

The soldiers resented when the Commanding Officer ordered them on a particularly dangerous night expedition. However, they still proceeded on the journey that eventually claimed the lives of their platoon commander, a young Captain and a number of their colleagues.

Enraged by the Commanding Officer’s poor sense of judgment that came at such a great cost; and more so, the soldiers were being sent on a suicide bid – ill-equipped for battle as they were given only

30 bullets each and no food ration – they confronted the Commander.

What we see here is a clear case of misplaced aggression: money voted to fight insurgency was brazenly diverted into private pockets by the military leadership that later turned round to dispatch soldiers to the war front, almost bare-handed and on empty stomachs, as it were, for them to go and perish. On refusing to proceed on the suicide mission, they were charged with insurrection. This is the very height of injustice, depicting that might still is right.

Here was a clear manifestation of total systems collapse being blamed on the innocent soldiers.

If nothing else, the sordid revelations in the ongoing Dasukigate scandals point in one direction – funds meant for the procurement of arms and ammunition were criminally diverted to other devious purposes.

The 66 soldiers deserve nothing less than an unconditional pardon.

Their conviction was patently defective and unjust. It is immaterial that their conviction was done by a military court. After

Having come this far, President Buhari should go the whole-hog of ensuring the unconditional discharge of the men

Open letter to presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina

By Yushau Shuaib Dear Femi Adesina INCE I am a victim of association to one of the most vilified and scandalised Nigerians through media trial, this Open Letter is the best opportunity for me to put some issues in proper perspective following some of your public remarks about your old friend.

As you are aware, I have been actively involved in cementing relationships between the media and security agencies in the recent past. Immediately after my premature retirement from the public service by the Jonathan administration, I was invited by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), under Col. Sambo Dasuki (retired), to help in changing the negative media narrative on Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaigns. It was at a period when Boko Haram was having the upper hand in the propaganda campaign of the war against Nigeria with a section of the foreign media castigating Nigerian troops as “cowardly” “undisciplined” and “ill-trained.”

Among other things, I have the responsibility of consulting for the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA), then Chaired by Major General Chris Olukolade, which has membership from critical public institutions including the military, security, intelligence and response agencies. We also created and sustained web portals for providing accurate and timely information to the public.

I must commend Mr. Femi Adesina for playing greater roles on the success of our campaign because as the President of Nigerian Guild of Editors, you also encouraged Editors to support our activities through occasional self-censorship to manage negative terrorists’ propaganda.

Being one of the closest Editors to former National Security Adviser, you were always sincere and frank when you met and discussed with Dasuki. You never hid your

S

C M Y K

hardened support for the candidacy of General Buhari of All Progressive Congress ,APC. I remember your annoyance over security clampdown on the media and when you sought Dasuki’s intervention for compensation for media organisations over their loss rather than engaging in prolonged court cases. I was with you on that occasion in his office.

Apart from interfacing between FOSSRA and media representatives at different levels and locations, which you encouraged, Sambo Dasuki too, as National Security Adviser occasionally hosted media debriefing sessions where sensitive information was disseminated with supported photos and video clips. Many of such sessions were classified, not for publication, where atrocities of terrorists; the gallantry of the Nigerian troops and sophisticated equipment deployed for counter-terrorism operations were disclosed or shown.

I am glad that not only were you adequately informed of those success stories of Jonathan administration’s war on terror, you even took the pain to pen an opinion article eulogising Dasuki for keeping to his promise of clearing all known terrorists’ camps before the handover to the new government.

As a respected columnist, your article of May 1, 2015 on the back page of the Daily Sun with the title “A little Late But Not too Late,” clearly exonerates Dasuki from some allegations and also reveals some concrete facts of achievements that were not being reported in the media.

It is therefore, baffling that the same Femi

Let the trial commence in open court to enable prosecutors and accusers present their arguments to remove facts from fictions

all, those concerned are citizens first and soldiers after that.

Besides, the Nigerian Army is a formation of State that is run on the tax-payers’ money and it cannot be higher than the society in which it exists. Neither can it exist as an island unto itself.

The inalienable right to life guaranteed under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not exclude soldiers.

Every living soul, including the soldier, has a right to selfdetermination. Everyone desires life over death. When the soldier enlisted in the army, it was clear to him that he was not signing for suicide; but for the defence of his nation’s territorial integrity.

Are there no limits to obedience?

In plain truth, not only is man under no moral obligation to always obey unjust laws, he is also under no moral obligation to always obey just laws.

Sometimes, it may be necessary in the interest of the greater good to violate a just and sensible law. A man who refuses to violate a sensible traffic law in order to avert a possible fatal accident would be a moral idiot. Even for a zombie, it would be fool-hardly to jump into a deep well simply because the commander has so ordered.

The military must also realise that legal absolutism – the position that one is never justified in violating any law under any circumstance – belongs in the past.

In military parlance, the soldier must obey the last order because, in their estimation, the disobedience of even a bad law is wrong as that fosters a general

Adesina, could brazenly contradict himself shortly after gaining public office in his official statements. Some of us who know your cordial relationship with Dasuki and information at your disposal are indeed baffled by your dramatic turn-around in so short a time.

Meanwhile, it is necessary to point out that not all funds in ONSA are meant for arms procurement. As you are aware, under its Special Service Office (SSO), funds are expended on training, espionage, communication, special interventions for special causes including NGOs. One of the successful programmes under ONSA is SoftApproach to countering terrorism, of which deradicalization without the use of force through economic empowerment, education, communication, rehabilitation and counselling were part. The Presidential Initiative on North-East (PINE) was conceived from the "soft approach".

As a media consultant who has distributed over 1000 releases on behalf of the military and security agencies, I can state the following as a fact from official documents and releases: On August 6, 2015, through PRNigeria, Dasuki named and provided pictures of sophisticated weapons bought for the military, which included: “Alpha jets, Armoured Personnel Carriers APCs, MineResistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, advanced artillery pieces, assorted arms and ammunitions, highly sophisticated surveillance drones, T72 Battle Tanks and modification of F7 supersonic jet fighters.” Even in his official response to your statement against him on November 18, 2015, Dasuki mentioned official acknowledgements of delivery of some of the equipment by the security chiefs.

It is therefore laughable when critics claim that no weapons were purchased when a video from Boko Haram leader Shekau displayed captured sophisticated weapons after alleged mutinous soldiers fled Baga At the twilight of Jonathan’s administration more than 22 towns in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states were recovered and confirmed with video and pictorial evidence through military press releases. Some of the towns recovered before

disrespect for all laws, including the good ones. We object to this because it is like insisting that children must be made to eat rotten fruits along with the good ones lest they get the impression that all fruits should be thrown away. But isn’t it also likely that someone forced to eat rotten fruits may because of that develop distaste for all fruits?

By far the greatest, but unsung, dividends of governance under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration could reside in the lives of the 66 gallant soldiers. Had the Jonathan administration continued in power, the men would have long been sent to the gallows, going by the impunity of that era as espoused by Marshall Alex Barde, “They could have been tried, condemned, executed and buried in the field – all in five minutes”.

Having come this far, President Buhari should go the whole hog by ensuring the unconditional discharge of the men. A season like this quickly reminds us of the need to paraphrase our Lord Jesus Christ; “Loose them and let them go”.

Again, there are worse offences than mutiny and one of them is the diversion of funds meant for the procurement of military wares, at war-time, into private pockets.

This explains why the merchants of death, those erring military leaders, besides being charged for corruption, must also be held accountable for the lives of the soldiers who were dispatched to their early graves. We are reminded of the generally accepted legal dictum that no one should benefit from his iniquities.

the coming of President Buhari included: Abadam, Askira, Baga, Bama, Biu, Buni Yadi, Damboa, Goniri, Gujba, Gulani, Gwoza, Hong, Konduga, Kukawa, Marte, Madagali, Michika, Monguno, Mubi, and others. A clear testimony to some of the accomplishments was the official DHQ release dated March 16, 2015 with reference No: DHQ/ABJ/901/32/DDI and a title: “Troops Finally Rout Terrorists from Bama and Last Stronghold in Yobe.”

Even though when you confirmed in the same article while you were still a columnist that “Sambisa Forest is falling” it was actually stormed by Nigerian troops where about 300 kidnapped women and children were rescued with video evidence before the emergence of the current administration.

In an attempt to indict Sambo Dasuki, some media leak unethically expose expenditures of sensitive agencies like National Intelligence Agency, Department of State Service and others to public ridicules. This is unfair. It was for sensitive nature of issues that we guarded the recruitment of Special M Forces to help in the air while Nigerian troops recaptured the ground. Some would rather label our technical advisers, South-African mercenaries. Even when Nigeria financially supported some neigbouring countries to participate in the Multi-National Joint Taskforce (MNJTF) it was deliberately done because they were initially reluctant as foreign powers were not helping Nigerian troops.

Since Dasuki and others are now being arraigned in court, rather than the continued media trial and planned secret trials, let the trial commence in open court to enable prosecutors and accusers present their arguments to remove facts from fictions and reality from illusions.

Sir, as you know that I have tremendous respect for you, I strongly urge you to use your good office to protect the integrity of critical institutions like security and the media from public ridicule as some patriotic officers, media organisations, and publishers are already being indicted without fair trial in the court of law.

*Mr. Shuaib, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Abuja.

20—Vanguard, THURS DAY THURSDAY DAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016—21

FG to generate $7.5bn from solar energy grid

By Prince Okafor

T

HE Minister of Environment Hajiya Amina Mohammed has projected that the country can generate $7.

5 billion (about N15 trillion) from the solar energy grid.

This is even as the Coordinator of Nigerian-German Energy partnership, Dr. Jeremy Gaines, lauded the Federal Government’s 13,000MW plans to generate electricity via solar energy over coming decades.

Speaking at the just held Conference of Parties on Climate Change, otherwise known as COP 21, in Paris, France, the minister said: “In particular, we plan to develop around 13,000 gigawatt of off-grid solar power, delivering energy access to the poorest communities in a cheaper and healthier manner with less emission.

Lower carbon oil and gas sector “We also plan to create a more efficient, lower carbon oil and gas sector. By ending gas flaring and using the gas for commercial purposes, including power generation, we could generate as much as $7.5bn worth of benefits.”

According to her, given the climate risks that Nigeria faces, this is the only way in which the government’s ambitious Agriculture Transformation Agenda can be delivered.

“Nigeria’s ambitious INDCs aim at reducing emissions by 20 per cent by the year 2030 with support from the international community. This will support the restructuring of the economy in a way that will facilitate inclusive

From left: Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State signing two of the bills into Law, Deputy Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni and Special Adviser to the governor of Civic Engagement, Mr. Kehinde Joseph, during the signing of employment trust fund and Lagos State University bill into law, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez growth with vast opportunities to diversify the energy mix, with emphasis on renewable energy and efficient gas power,” she added. However, Dr. Gaines commended the government for the ambitious, Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, INDCs, which have been set for Nigeria.”

He further added that promoting renewable energy as a pri-

-1.05

$122.85 $3,084.00

-40.00

$14.81

-0.16

$36. 28 -0.94 $36. 11 -0.06 CURRENCY US DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

BUYING

SELLING

196 196.5 287. 7084 288. 4424 210. 9548 211 .493 193.8866 194. 3812 1.6482 1. 6524 0.3056 0.3156 270.7026 271.3931 30.0466 30. 1237 52.2151 52.3483 28. 2641 28.3362 270. 382 271. 0718

197 289. 1763 212 .0311 194 .8759 1.6566 0.3256 272.0837 30. 2008 52.4816 28.4083 271. 7615

CBN Exchange rate as at 05/1/2016

mary sustainable development strategy for socio-economic inclusion that is good for the global environment, but is even better for ordinary Nigerians, while at the same time simply making business sense, the so called triple bottom line.

“A massive roll-out of on and off-grid solar power is one of the areas that the Nigerian German Energy Partnership and Germa-

ny’s GIZ (through its Nigerian Energy Support Plan) has consistently advocated.

“Through GIZ the German government has been busy supporting Nigeria with getting all the homework done to enable a strong rise in off-grid solar PV systems.

“The Paris climate summit has put longer-term financing mechanisms in place to assist here.

Such a roll-out is especially mean-

ingful if integrated with the deployment of agricultural facilities (irrigation pumps, etc.) as this could be a key to unlocking socio-economic growth in particular in the North of the country.

“It is probably too early to set concrete targets for the volume of off-grid solar until the various technical and financing challenges have been overcome. But the Minister’s determination to push the development of such systems shows the administration’s welcome resolve to embark down this path,” he added.

The managing director, Zaphnaah Nigeria Limited, Mr. Debo Adefolaju, added that, “It can be done, but a lot of things are attached to it.

“Is not just about clearing land and installations or putting the panels on a roof, it has to be attached to industries for it to be worthwhile.

“Meaning, either we are going to be using it for irrigation or we are going to set-up a plant to be manufacturing solar panels or batteries nearby, so that for the purpose of illustration, everything we are doing should be geared to employing our youth.

“Everything will have a value chain, either the installation; we have to train our boy and girls to install, to do the wiring, to maintain the system after it has been installed. As far as am concern it all about employment,” he stated.

He further said, “Nigeria is blessed with everything. We get between 12 and 14 hours of sunlight, our business should be first in the six geopolitical zones to start manufacturing solar panels.”

Heritage Bank boss urges Nigerians to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods

T

HE Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Ifie Sekibo has advised Nigerians to always patronise locally made goods and services so as to stimulate growth in the economy and preserve foreign exchange.

Sekibo, said this during the presentation of the Gold Sponsorship award for 2015 to Heritage Bank by the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) at the bank’s head office in Lagos recently.

He stressed the need for FICAN members to drive the conversation for Nigerians to change their lifestyles.

He added: “We can’t grow an economy where all we want to spend on are dollar-denominated and foreign goods. Left for Nigerians, they want to be doing all their spending on dollars, forgetting that the dollar is not our local currency. Everything they do with

dollars gives employment to somebody in another country and not in Nigeria. So, we must continue to have that conversation and it must be robust.

“So, it is important as a people to begin to educate our fellow Nigerians on these things and it is the financial correspondents that must drive this, because this is a very serious issue and if we don’t, we would all regret it.

Serious issue “You have members in print, electronic and online, if with 100 people on your platform alone, you can drive this change.”

Commenting on the award by FICAN, he said: “We are still very young in our development as an organisation. We didn’t step out to support FICAN with the intention of getting this award. People send all kinds of letters to us saying we

have been awarded this and that but we have been turning them down.

“We deliberately turned down all kinds of awards, but this one from FICAN is very special and I can’t say no to it. We didn’t ask for it and it came to us as a surprise, which is why we value it so much.

“You have been covering the sector for a while and we believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that the quality of information that comes from people that cover the sector is useful to the public and you have done a good job in doing that.

“So, we will continue on that to ensure that we improve on the ability of journalists to report the industry. This award will spur us to do more.”

This is an encouragement for us to engage more with you, especially when we begin to discuss financial inclusion and expanding the space of excluded people.

The ball is shifting; the days when only the formal sector understood finance are over.

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

This isn’t about whether the recruitment is done internally or by consulting agencies. It’s about having a rigorous, repeatable process that goes a long way to ensuring that business owners make the right decision every time

,

Top business tips for 2016

A

S 2016 arrives, business leaders around the world are now focusing intently on their aims and challenges for the next 12 months.

From implementing plans to further grow their companies, to dealing with the likely problems that will need to be overcome; this is the time of year when forward planning is the centre of attention.

In business, no two weeks are ever the same, but if your company has been in existence for a year or more, then analyse and learn from the previous 12 months.

Identify the surge periods and the quiet moments, and make sure that you have the proper staffing levels in place, as well as being ready to pre-empt problems and capitalise upon perennial opportunities.

As they grow, far too many businesses become rigidly hierarchical - the distance growing between senior management and the staff on the frontline.

Beyond the obvious fact that layers of bureaucracy are an enemy to innovation,

Consumers want a digital experience across all elements of any business they engage with, and they want it to be seamless listening to all staff members, irrespective of their position, is crucial. Not only does such engagement prove good for morale, but the insights that staff can offer could be the thing that changes your business for the better.

Having landed a big contract or launched a new service, it is entirely understandable that maintaining this new workload becomes a priority for a business. However, it should not do so to the complete detriment of maintaining company growth.

Keep on implementing new business strategies and growth plans at all times. It may seem an obvious point to make, but so many companies become wholly dependent on one big client or project that they suddenly find themselves in deep trouble should they lose the work.

Be digitally minded - digital is a vital part of any business now, and it goes beyond just having a good website and being on social media.

Consumers want a digital experience across all elements of any business they engage with, and they want it to be seamless.

Diversify - think about how your business can grow and diversify in to new areas, but always ensure these new areas reflect your customer demographic.

Listen - this is a tip that’s relevant every year, never stop listening to your customers. They are the most vital source of information and their feedback is invaluable.

,

BUSINESS

Nearly half of small businesses don’t make it past the first five years, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Optimistic owners may underestimate the costs of starting a business, run up too much debt or have bad personal credit that keeps them from getting a business loan. Then it’s curtains.

In honor of the New Year, here are five smallbusiness mistakes to avoid in 2016, so you’ll still be around in 2021.

1

. Not repaying expensive variable-rate debt The Federal Reserve’s first interest rate hike in nearly a decade means small-business owners will pay more on existing variable-rate debt, such as business credit cards and adjustable-rate mortgages, in 2016.

Business owners should only borrow money if they are confident they’ll earn a higher rate of return than what the debt costs. And that’s pretty tough to do with credit cards, which typically carry an annual percentage rate in the mid- to high teens. APR is the true annual cost of borrowing, including all interest and fees.

Think about it: If you carried a credit card balance of $10,000 at 17.75 percent APR, it just went up to 18 percent with the Fed’s rate hike of 0.25 percent. You’ll have to earn an annual return greater than 18% to earn a profit. The debt is costing you $1,800 in interest annually, and if you make a minimum monthly payment of $200 each month, it will take you seven years and seven months to repay the debt in full (and you will have paid more than $8,000 in interest). Ouch.

Repaying a $10,000 balance at 18 percent APR earns you a guaranteed 18 percent annual return on your cash — where else can you earn 18 percent guaranteed?

The same thinking applies to

Business mistakes to avoid this year adjustable-rate mortgages: If you’re paying a high APR, it may be time to repay the remaining debt (if you can) or refinance into a fixed-rate mortgage at a lower rate, but only if your expected savings outweigh the costs of refinancing.

2

. Neglecting your personal credit In a lender ’s eyes, poor personal credit indicates you don’t handle your finances

well, so you likely won’t handle your business finances well, either.

Improving your personal credit score can increase your chances of landing small-business financing.

It starts with making all payments — credit cards, student loans, car loan and mortgage payments — on time; payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. It’s also wise to keep your total debt low in relation to your credit limits, as credit utilization comprises 30% of your score. In general, you should keep your credit utilization below

The hidden costs of underperforming staff

I

’VE been researching articles on the impact of having poor or no business processes on SME survival and while the literature is full of sage advice about digitising, managing cash flow etc, no one has mentioned the tremendous damage a poor hire can inflict on a business, especially a small one.

We see the impact of this phenomenon a lot. Owners who are working twice as hard to fix mistakes, other staff who lose their motivation because they have to work with the idiot in the Sales/ Finance/ Warehouse department. And bizarrely, the owner/manager frequently leaves the person alone to continue to create mayhem, because they don’t know how to deal with it!

“Yeah, we know Kevin/Melissa is difficult to deal with on (Monday/Tuesday/ Wednesday/) about screwing up orders/ insulting customers/shouting at fellow workers... but it’s a lot less hassle than confronting him/her because he/she shouts/cries/swears.”

So when we ask how come this destroyer of worlds is in their business, we frequently hear “He/she is a friend of x in the warehouse, so we didn’t interview them.” “They were cheap.”

“They said they knew about digital...”

“They reminded me of me...”

And we don’t have a rigorous process for deciding exactly what we want them to do, what kind of person will fit into the team, what we want them to be accountable for, how we’ll measure their performance and how we’ll select the best fit. Not to mention how we’ll on-board them. Actually, owners are a bit too embarrassed to mention that bit!

Biggest risk item Incredible, really, when you think how little effort is made to hire the right people to propel their small businesses into the wide blue yonder.

It’s probably the biggest risk item on

the business agenda, and it gets the least press.

Money doesn’t disappear...people steal it or waste it. Customers don’t just leave; people treat them badly, ignore them or screw up the orders. Inventory doesn’t just hide; people forget to account for it in the system.

This isn’t about whether the recruitment is done internally or by consulting agencies. It’s about having a rigorous, repeatable process that goes a long way to ensuring that business owners make the right decision every time.

There used to be a saying...”If you want it screwed up, give it to a person. If you REALLY want it screwed up, give it to a machine!”

How totally wrong that is... people are endlessly inventive when it comes to screwing up, way more imaginative than a machine and 100 times more difficult to fix.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 — 23

,

& YOU 30%. For example, if you have $10,000 available credit on all accounts, keep your debt at $3,000 or below.

But your personal credit score may also be suffering due to errors on your credit report. Federal research has shown 25 percent of consumers have errors on their credit reports that might be affecting their credit scores.

You can get your credit reports for free once per year at each of the three major credit reporting bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you find any errors, you can dispute them online through all three credit bureaus’ websites. This may take some time and effort, but getting errors removed should improve your score.

3

. Not opening up a line of credit in advance As a small-business owner, emergencies happen. Your roof is leaking. The plumbing is busted.

obtain a cash advance or a line of credit.

4

. Mixing personal and business finances Like oil and water, your personal and business finances do not mix.

Muddling them together is one of the biggest financial mistakes you can make as a small-business owner, for a few reasons: It makes it more difficult to track your profits and losses for the business, and budgeting and tracking business expenses can become a nightmare.

Lenders will want to know how your business is doing and may require separate income and bank statements.

The lender also may not take your business as seriously if you commingle finances; they may think it’s just a hobby.

It can be harder to identify legitimate business expenses and separate them from personal expenses, which makes taking the proper business deductions at tax time difficult.

The IRS may audit your business if there’s no clear separation between your business and personal expenses.

It can be harder to identify legitimate business expenses and separate them from personal expenses, which makes taking the proper business deductions at tax time difficult.

A piece of equipment breaks; that’s why having access to extra funds is critical.

But waiting until the moment you need cash is not smart. What if you can’t wait several days for funding? Or what if you’re denied financing? Take out a revolving line of credit in advance.

A business line of credit gives you access to cash that you can borrow as needed. You can continue to borrow and repay from the credit line, as long as you don’t exceed the credit limit, and you only pay interest on what’s borrowed. This makes it useful for emergencies or managing cash flow.

It also makes sense for seasonal businesses that experience financial peaks and valleys throughout the year. You can draw from the line of credit during slow months and repay it in full when business picks up.

For businesses with unpaid invoices, another short-term financing option is invoice factoring, where you sell your invoices to a third party for upfront cash, minus a fee; or invoice financing, where you use your unpaid invoices as collateral to

To avoid this mistake, never use business credit cards for personal reasons, and keep a separate business bank account for all your business transactions. You should also establish a legal entity for the business (an LLC, or an S or C corporation, for example) and obtain a federal business tax ID, if you haven’t done so already.

5

. Failing to shop around for financing A Lending Tree survey found that 58 percent of smallbusiness owners did not shop around when searching for smallbusiness loans online. You’d shop around for a mortgage or a car loan to get the best rates and terms, so why not shop around for a small-business loan? It doesn’t hurt to see what your options are.

Besides APR, factors to consider when comparing small-business loans include: Are there extra fees or charges added to the loan, such as prepayment penalties, application fees, and loan processing or underwriting fees?

Is the interest rate fixed or variable?

If it’s variable, it can change based on an underlying benchmark index that fluctuates with the market.

Does the lender report payment activity to the credit bureaus? If so, that could help you establish good credit for your business.

Do you meet the lender ’s minimum requirements? Some lenders require a minimum personal credit score, annual revenue and time in business; others place more value on your cash flow.

Do you need collateral? That’s an asset, such as real estate or equipment pledged as security for repayment of the loan. Find out all of the requirements before applying to save yourself time and stress.

For a CEO to achieve the organisation’s vision, everyone in the organisation must begin to see the “big picture”

,

Whose role is it to run your organization's vision?

“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”…Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I

T is a big risk when the leaders are the only people that understand the vision of an organisation. There is yet a bigger risk when they chose to run with the vision alone.

Developing the vision is the first step; the second and most important step is running with the vision. Two pertinent questions to ask are: who owns the vision of an organisation, and who runs with the vision?

The CEO (with the board or senior management) is expected to develop the vision of any organisation. The vision helps them to know where they are going to, and what their end state results will look like. That does not mean that the CEO or senior management owns the vision.

As soon as any vision is being developed, it ceases to be the CEO’s “property”.

Everyone in the organisation now owns the vision.

Core strategies

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE When this happens, the people involve might not work with their minds and hearts the way they ought to.

Points to ponder: For a CEO to achieve the organisation’s vision, everyone in the organisation must begin to see the “big picture”. Mildly speaking, some employees do not know what their vision statement is. They also do not know what their core values are, so what guides them and what have they been doing?

Leaders and Managers must avoid “DAD” syndrome when running the affairs of the entire organisation.(“DAD” stands for:

Running with the vision is akin to implementing core strategies that will help organisations achieve their end state. The CEO’s job is not to implement the core strategies, his primary roles are planning and change.

Employees implement the change, in order words they Leaders are run with the vision.

Deciding – Announcing I am disturbed. Why is it to lead and – Defending). that in most organisations, navigate only the senior management But rather must enforce sees the organisational “big change in a “Parallel Involvement Procpicture”? These people way that will ess”- where the views of constitute about 20-30 employees are valued. Bepercent in population. What yield ing a leader does not conhappens to the other 70 sustainable fer us the right to use veto percent who are middle powers on subordinates. results officers? These groups of Remember people support people in one way or the what they help create. other are expected to run with the vision. Can you see why I am Final Note: disturbed? Why is it easier for senior It is not enough to have a vision. management to see the big picture? The We need to have processes and answer is because they have been taken structures in place that will help us to a “helicopter ride” and from 5000 feet achieve the vision. Remember above the ground level they were able to structures influences behavior. The see the big picture. roles of leaders are to lead and The CEO must ensure that everyone in navigate change in a way that will the organisation sees and knows where yield sustainable results. the organisation is going to – this is a These results are achieved critical task. collectively. Senior management and Whenever I am teaching Strategic the collective workforce should not Thinking to organisations, I always focus on their personal goals but include a slide titled “Danger”. Why rather on the goals of the danger? Yes, there is a big danger when organisation. It is much easier to the CEO or Senior Management thinks achieve one’s personal goal(s) after that his/her idea is best and only idea. helping the organisation’ achieve its Nobody has the monopoly of best ideas. goal first.

When the ideas of some group of people Call or email us for your views or (younger officers) are disregarded and perspectives. slighted, it negates the true fact that Email: uju@hainescentre.com “people support what they help create”.

Mobile: 09091142093

C M Y K

24—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

but it’s efficiency.”

In disagreement is Dr. Shinaayomi Akintolure of the Department of Science and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, Lagos State University, who said “the reduction tells us that the people we have in government do not care about education in this country. The general budget is a budget of deficit, and by and large, it tells us the problems we are going to have this year “The reduction is not a step in the right direction because it is as if we are retrogressing.

Right now, all we can do is appeal to members of the private sector, business associations, conglomerates and multinationals, to see how they can help support public education.”

Fees higher than minimum wage: For the National Coordinator, Education Rights

Campaign (ERC), Mr. Hassan Soweto, 2016 will be a year that Nigerians will begin to ask for the promised change.

He said “for seven months, Nigerians waited with baited breath to give the Buhari government time to settle down.

Although the development will not be uniformed but definitely people, particularly students and workers in the education sector, would want to begin to see the promised transformation in the area of funding and all of that.

“For instance, students would want a categorical position from the President on the issue of astronomically high fees in public tertiary institutions as students pay as high as N150,000 in public universities? We want to know why should fees be higher than the minimum wage?

Working class families

A room in Emerald Hostel, a private hostel at the University of Lagos, on fire as a result of power surge, Monday

Education in 2016: Nigerians want change •Want training for teachers and reduction in fees

By Amaka Abayomi & Tare Youdeowei

A

S activities in the country kick off in 2016, concerned educationists are optimistic that Nigerians will begin to demand for the promised change, especially in the education sector, after having waited with baited breath for seven months to give the Buhari administration time to settle down.

Budget: The year 2015 ended with the passage of the N6.08 trillion 2016 budget presented

by President Muhammadu Buhari, of which N369.6 billion allotted to the education sector for recurrent expenditure, which educationist say the reduction would help curb corruption.

On recurrent allocations to sectors, Education received the highest - N369bn; followed by Health, N296bn; Defence, N294bn; Ministry of Interior, N245bn while the merged ministries of Power, Works and C M Y K

Housing received N433bn.

Reacting to the reduction in the amount allocated to the sector, the National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign, Mr. Hassan Soweto, said though it is improper to comment since the budget is incomplete, he called on government to improve on the capital expenditure to ensure that the budget makes meaningful impact on the sector.

Meaningful impact For Dr. Ambrose Uchenunu, a Lecturer with the University of Benin, “If the reduction would cut back corruption, then chances are that the sector would be fine, particularly with Treasury Single Account, TSA, which has helped checkmate corruption.

In agreement is Mr. Agbarakwe Godwin, a retired Director of Education who said “the cut is fine as a bogus

budget might end up in people’s pockets. It is better we reduce it to achieve something as budgets isn’t about the size

As an immediate step, government should implement a drastic reduction of all fees to a level affordable by working class families

“ERC’s position is, as an immediate step, government should implement a drastic reduction of all fees to a level affordable by working class families. We make this demand because we know and are convinced that Nigeria’s resources, if democratically and judiciously managed on the basis of a socialist economic plan, can ensure the provision of a free and quality public education at all levels.

“But if government fails to reduce fees, then what exactly is the change all about? This is very crucial because any socalled increment in budgetary allocation to education that is not immediately manifested in Continues on Page 25

SoftCom partners Mountain Top varsity on mobile learning

By Dayo Adesulu

A

N information technology firm, SoftCom Solutions Limited, has introduced a mobile learning app for students of the newlyestablished university, Mountain Top University.

The app, developed in conjunction with Samsung Business, is a revolutionary portable mobile device bundled with EduSocial apps that allow students access course materials, lecture notes, case studies and varsity libraries via their mobile devices.

Speaking at the launch, Managing Partner/CEO, Softcom Solutions Limited, Mr. Yomi Adedeji, said the device was a strategic initiative aimed at encouraging students,

having realised that mobile learning is the future of education globally.

He said ‘’everybody knows that the country’s educational system is a bit short in terms of global competitiveness. There is a need to improve education service delivery through technology adoption which will improve learning experience and boost the overall academic outcome of students in Nigeria.

"Mobile learning is the future of education and having seen

it worked effectively in some selected varsities that have adopted it, we are motivated to extend this across the country.”

Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Adebowale Elijah, who said the institution would provide infrastructure, facilities and a conducive environment for the students to excel, added that the introduction of the mobile learning device is part of the resolve to provide top-rate education for the new in-takes.

Nigeria gets sports Mimiko orders recruitment of university to teachers, promotes boost youth skills 2,500 PG. 27 PG. 25

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016—25

Mimiko orders recruitment of teachers, promotes 2,500

O

FRONT ROW: The Director, Institute of Education, Ireland, Mr. Andrew Kearns; Vice Chairman, Board of Governors, Olashore International School, Prince Taiwo Olashore.

STANDING: From left: Principal, OIS, Mr. Derek Smith; Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Mr. Simon Coveney; CEO, Enterprise Ireland, Mrs. Julie Sinnamon; and Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Mr. Sean Hoy at the MoU signing between Olashore International School and the Ireland Government on Education.

Education in 2016: Nigerians want change Continues from page 24 the lowering of fees and other financial burden being borne by students and working class parents is simply a ruse.”

500,000 teachers: The ERC boss expressed optimism that the 500,000 unemployed graduates who would be absorbed as teachers, as promised by President Buhari, would help improve teaching outcomes.

Soweto said “we would be putting forward the demand this new year that the promised 500,000 teachers be properly trained, fully employed on the basis of the minimum wage and other legitimate entitlements and that they have trade union rights.

“This is because we don’t want the employment to be modeled after the temporary slave labour schemes established in some states like Osun (OYES), Oyo (YES-O) where youths, including graduates, were employed to cut grass for a poverty wage of N10,000.

“Moreso, the expected impact on the quality of teaching and education would not happen if these teachers are not properly paid and motivated to do their job diligently.”

Better infrastructure: Expectant that the Buhari administration would improve on infrastructural development in the tertiary institutions, the ERC boss said “apart from TETFUND, there wasn’t any spending from the 2015 budget on any project in any higher institution.

“In 2013, ASUU won an agreement with the Federal Government for the annual release of tranches of money (about N200bn annually) as intervention fund to begin to tackle the infrastructural deficit C M Y K

in the varsities. But aside the first 2013 tranche which was released, nothing has been heard of that again.

“This is something we hope the Buhari government to do as these are some of the areas stakeholders in the education sector will be looking to see what difference, if any, the new government can really make.

And once there is any disappointment, then we should expect mass protests, demonstrations, boycotts and strikes to resume.”

Teachers training

A teacher with the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, Mr. Torniye Lezigha, and Akintolure of LASU both agree that teachers training should be top priority so as to improve teaching and learning.

They said “Teachers at all levels should be sent for research, in-service training, conferences and workshops to improve and equip themselves. They should not be stagnant because the same thing they learnt in 1932 is what they are teaching today.”

NDO state Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has ordered the recruitment of additional 1,050 teachers in the state even as no fewer than 2,500 teaching and non-teaching staff of the Ondo State Teaching Commission (TESCOM), have been promoted.

Governor Mimiko, at a stakeholders meeting in Akure, said government will also do everything within its power to encourage teachers in the state to enable them perform to expectation.

Mimiko had earlier relayed the recruitment order through his deputy, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo, at the flag-off ceremony of the presentation of letters of promotion to the staff of public secondary schools in the state where he described the exercise as a clear demonstration of the commitment of the present administration to the welfare of workers in the state.

He said “as we all know, education is the holistic training of the child to fully integrate him as a social being in the community. Hence, in every human society, the education industry takes the greatest investment of all and this has remained the guiding principle of my administration.”

He said the event was vital and important because it was meant to appreciate “our men and women, who have continued to render selfless services and completely dedicated themselves to the upliftment of education in the state.” The Governor posited that promotion is an employee’s reward for good performance,

and it is therefore very important for beneficiaries to know that promotion is the recognition of their good deeds and they should reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that they put in their best to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

Mimiko, therefore, assured that the state government will continue to ensure that the welfare of workers are accorded its rightful place in the scheme of things and also make sure that teachers are well trained and rewarded to enable them selflessly rededicate themselves to their duties.

Selfless rededicate Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Education, Arc. Jide Adejuyigbe, appealed to the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them by reciprocating the kind gesture.

In his welcome address, the TESCOM Chairman, Prof.

Francis Igbasan, said the government of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has been promoting eligible teaching and nonteaching staff as at when due since 2009.

He said inter-cadre transfer, career reconstruction and conversion cases are being looked into and letters would be given to successful teachers within the shortest time.

Igbasan disclosed that since he assumed office, about three principals have been suspended and 23 teachers placed on suspension for not doing what they should do.

CDSS Ojo excels in quiz, debate competitions

By Tare Youdeowei

L

T Col Usman Ndana, Commandant, Command Day Secondary School, Ojo, Lagos, has lauded the efforts of students of the school who participated in at least four competitions, debates and recitations, describing it as commendable feat.

He made this known as he received the prizes won in the various competitions from Quiz Master Towoeni Jimoh who disclosed that within the just concluded first term, the students participated in three Koranic recitations and came first in all three.

His words; “The Royal Exchange in partnership with Foundation for Youth Education held its Annual Leadership Conference/Competition for secondary school prefects in Lagos State and out of the over 60 secondary schools that participated CDSS Ojo placed sixth with Miss Tobiloba Akinmameji of SS3 Marble winning the poetry recitation price.

“Marking its Humanity Week, Loral International School, Festac Town, had a quiz and debate competition titled; The Government, not Governed, is to Blame for Corruption in our Polity, where CDSS Ojo came first in the quiz competition and third in the debate, with Miss Rita Nwodoh of SS3 Emerald as lead speaker.”

CDSS Ojo equally came first in the individual category of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN/ ATS) Annual Quiz Competition in November 2015, with the head boy of the school, Master Olagunju Olaniyi topping the list as the best overall student.

Lauding the efforts of the Commandant in making the successes possible, Quiz Master Jimoh enthused; “The academic achievements of the school can be traced to the indefatigable support of the Commandant Lt Col Usman Adamu Ndana, a man who has transformed the school since his assumption to office late last year. He has not only rewarded the students, he has also turned the school around for good."

26 —Vanguard, THURS DAY THURSDAY DAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 — 27

Nigeria gets sports university to boost youth skills

By Dayo Adesulu

N

IGERIA has joined the league of nations with sports universities, bringing the total global number to fourteen. Countries with such universities include Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand.

Others are Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom, England, Wales and United States.

In Nigeria, the Sports University, which is cited at Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta State, is founded by a philanthropist, international lawyer, author and politician, Prince Ned Munir Nwoko.

Because the visionary aims at making sports the varsity’s focal point, he named it ‘Sports University of Nigeria’, SUN, the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The founder disclosed that his vision is to produce international standard sportsmen and women who would ultimately compete at the Olympics and other world forums with exceptional results, as well as focus on teaching research and community development.

Nwoko stated that SUN will seek to provide an enabling high tech environment for the training of world class sportsmen and women, adding that the university will produce a crop of young men and women who will rule the world in sports and be models of excellence in sports.

Founder, Sports University of NIgeria, Prince Ned Munir Nwoko. rugby a n d cricket and one stadium f o r events/ competitions.”

As a sports university, he

Proposed football field of the Sports University of Nigeria

Models of excellence According to him, “The curriculum of SUN is structured along National University Commission (NUC) syllabus.

Being a Sports University, we have enriched our curriculum with what obtains in similar institutions outside the country, as well as local content.”

Sports University of Nigeria, he explained, was established January 2016 to train professionals in sports, sport management and other disciplines, stating that it will correct the monumental failure of Nigeria as a country to achieve its potential in international sporting events.

“It is expected that this varsity will prepare and propel our sportsmen and women to the desired heights and also provide an environment for our coaching experts to maximize their efforts with the right results,”he said.

According to him, SUN will also equip professional sportsmen and women with adequate training to excel in C M Y K

Proposed golf course of the Sports University of Nigeria sports and earn additional qualifications that would enable them face the challenges of life and contribute positively to national development.

Asides the individual benefits, he disclosed that the varsity has also been established to facilitate Nigeria’s rise to the enviable position as a leading sports nation.

Academic discipline “It is designed to produce alumni, each of whom must hold a degree in Physical Education and some other academic discipline of their choice,” he added.

With the Chancellor ’s wealth of experience as former adviser and Chairman for the Boxing Federation, Abuja, Legal Adviser to the Nigerian Government at the United Nations/International Court of Justice on Bakassi boundary

dispute and at the Human Right Commission in Geneva, many believe he will succeed as founder of sports university.

While stating the obvious about the uniqueness of SUN, he pointed out that the institution's multi-disciplinary curriculum is aligned with the needs of the sports industry, with rich and diverse offerings in the areas of global sports, physical education, health sciences, business operations and management.

"It will provide a strong foundation of core courses that enable the students with passion and training to excel in a highly competitive sports industry,” he added.

He said: “There will be eight major football size training pitches for separate sporting activities. One female and male football pitches, one for field athletics, one for track events, one for female hockey, one for male hockey, one for

noted that a specially designed sports centre that will be the hub of all sporting activities that will cater for all and sundry will be located at the heart of the varsity.

“The sports centre complex will have facilities for all the different sports, including a properly equipped gymnasium, basketball hall/valley ball, badminton, fencing, squash and weight lifting,” he promised.

Nwoko, who vowed to maximize student’s performance by researching and providing scientific methods for natural progression in their sporting strengths, said, in doing this a highly sophisticated Research Centre properly staffed and equipped will be available for all students.

To boost international knowl-

It will provide a strong foundation of core courses that enable the students with passion and training to excel in a highly competitive sports industry

edge of students, he said there will be compulsory exchange programmes for second year students in foreign varsities and academies lasting for a minimum of six months.

Meanwhile, for a start, six Departments have been penciled down for effective take-off. They include; Duke Nduka Odizor School of Physical Education, Demas Nwoko School of Creative and Performing Arts, Edwin Chinye School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ibe Kachikwu School of Law, Gabriel Ogbechie School of Humanities and Management, and Faculty of Education.

The courses at the Physical Education Department made compulsory are: archery, sports management, sports marketing education, sports law, sports technology, exercise physiology, s p o r t s nutrition, sports p s y c h o l o g y, s p o r t s sociology, sports coaching and training and sports biomechanics.

Compulsory courses Other compulsory courses are football, lawn tennis, table tennis, swimming, golf, shooting, wrestling, boxing, athletics, gymnastics, hockey, basketball rugby, cricke t , m a r t i a l arts, handball, volleyball, cycling, rowing, canoeing, weight lifting and fencing.

However, for any student to graduate from Sports University of Nigeria, such must have attended lectures, seminars, practicals and trainings that are mandatory for all students.

Just as every student is required to make a minimum of 75% attendance before he/she is allowed to sit for the semester examination.

“Any student with a record of less than 75% attendance may be disqualified from sitting for the examination of that semester,” he warned.

Nonetheless, for prospecting students to gain admission, five SSCE credit passes including English Language and Mathematics are compulsory.

28—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Supreme Court

Judiciary: Some events that shaped 2015 For the Nation’s Judiciary, the year 2015 was as eventful as it was controversial . Vanguard Law and Human Rights recaptured some of the landmark cases and activities that unfolded in some parts of the country up till the fading hours of the year. Excerpts:

By Dayo Benson & Bartholomew Madukwe

2

015 undoubtedly ended in a dramatic note at the Court of Appeal where previous election victories declared at the tribunal were upturned in the last day of the year. Precisely December 31st, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja set aside the November 7 2015 judgement of the Taraba State governorship election petition tribunal which nullified the election of Governor Dairus Ishaku of PDP. The tribunal had earlier declared the APC candidate Hajiya Aisha Jumai Alhassan, the current minister of women affairs winner of the election. Elsewhere same day, the appeal court sitting in Owerri quashed the earlier victory of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, of PDP at the election petition tribunal and declared the candidate of APGA Alex Otti, as winner of the April 11 2015 governorship election in Imo State.

February 11: Gov. Fashola (former) sworn-in 3 judges Immediate past Governor of

Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) swore in three more judges into the State judiciary with a charge that they should do justice to all men without fair or favour.

The new judges were Justice Olabisi Ogungbesan, Justice Adedayo Akintoye and Justice Obafemi Adamson. Until their new appointments, Justice Ogungbesan was the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP); Justice Akintoye was the Registrar of Titles while Justice Adamson was senior state counsel in the Ministry of Justice.

Number of judges The new addition brought to 57, the number of judges in Lagos State, made up of 41 female and 16 male.

February 17: Fashola commissioned new magistrate court complex in Ikeja Fashola also on February 17 commissioned the new High Court and Magistrate Court houses at Ikeja named the

Roseline Omotosho Courthouse and equally commissioned the newly-built magistrate court complex in Ogba, Agege on May 5 . The court complex with 22 courtrooms was named after a former Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Samuel Ilori (Rtd).

June 17-18: Lagos CJ freed 37 prison inmates The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, on June 17 and 18 freed 21 inmates of the Medium Security Prison, Kirikiri, and 16 inmates of Ikoyi Prison, Lagos. The inmates who were set free by the Chief Judge were still awaiting trial .

June 22: Court struck out N25.7b criminal charge against Atuche, others A Lagos High Court in Ikeja on June 22 struck out a N25.7 billion criminal charge brought against Francis Atuche, a former Managing Director of the now defunct Bank PHB, his wife, Elizabeth and a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Mr. Ugo Anyanwu.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had instituted a 27-count charge

E-Law repor ting enhances lawyers, judges efficiency – Law Pavillion boss

C M Y K

Pg 30

including stealing and conspiracy against Mr. Atuche; his wife, Elizabeth; and the bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Ugo Anyanwu.

In his ruling, the trial judge, Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, said the EFCC failed to prove that the defendants stole money from the bank, adding that the court was duty bound to comply with the decisions of Court of Appeal in the appeal of Okey Nwosu and Erastus Akingbola.

July 8: Coroner indicted SCOAN and Contractor A Coroner inquest instituted by the Lagos State Government to look into the collapse of a Guest house by the Synagogue Church of All Nations on July 8 indicted the Church and the Contractor handling the collapsed building for negligence.

The Guest house collapsed in September 2014, killing 114 persons, mostly South Africans.

He (Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe) thereafter ordered the prosecution of SCOAN and Contractor for negligence

The Presiding Coroner, Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, began proceedings in October 2014 and invited many witnesses.

Chief Magistrate Komolafe summoned the General Overseer of the SCOAN, Prophet T.B Joshua, several times to the proceedings but he failed to show up. He thereafter ordered the prosecution of the Church and Contractor for negligence.

December 4: EFCC arraigned former NIMASA DG The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on December 4 arraigned a former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, Executive Director, Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Amechee Juan, Blockz and Stonz Limited and Al-Kenzo Logistics Limited before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on twenty-two count charge of conspiracy, fraudulent conversion and money laundering.

Fraudulent conversion The accused persons were alleged to have fraudulently converted the sum of N2, 365,600,000 meant for the implementation of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code which NIMASA was the designated implementation agency. The former DG was said to have got presidential approval for the release of the said monies through the office of the National Security Adviser to Goodluck Jonathan (former President), Colonel Sambo Dasuki.

December 14: EFCC rearrested NIMASA DG outside court premises The ex NIMASA DG was rearrested by security agents outside the premises of the Federal High Court, Lagos, shortly was adjourned.

The former NIMASA boss’ rearrest was in connection with fresh allegations of fraud worth over N12bn meant for a maritime university.

December 18: NCC filed criminal charges against MTN The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) on December 18 filed criminal charges (FHC/ ABJ/CR/379/2015) against MTN Nigeria Communication and its Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Ferdi Moolman, over alleged copyright infringement. In the two-count-charge signed by NCC Prosecutor and Copyright Inspector, Marypauline OlereLuma; MTN and Moolman were alleged to have infringed on copies of the musical work of an Abuja based musician, Dovie Omenuwoma-Eniwo (aka Baba 2010). Earlier in the year, Baba 2010 had filed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/

Continues on page 29

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016—29

Judiciary: Some events that shaped 2015 Continues from page 28 CS/895/15 against MTN Nigeria seeking N500M for copyright infringement of his musical works.

December 18: EFCC rearraigned 5 for subsidy fraud EFCC, on December 18 rearraigned three persons: Ifeanyi Anosike, Emeka Chukwu and Ngozi Ekeoma and their companies, Anosyke Group of Companies Limited and Dell Energy Limited, before Justice Lateef Lawal Akapo of the Lagos State High Court sitting at Ikeja on an amended 35-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, attempt to obtain property by false pretence, conspiracy to forge documents, and forging document.

The accused persons were said to have conspired among themselves to obtain the sum of N324,780,567.53 by false pretence from the Federal Government as subsidy payment for the importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS. December 21: Lagos Court’s Registrar jailed 10 years for defrauding former Chief of Army Staff of $330,000. Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of an Ikeja High Court on December 21 sentenced

a court registrar, Mrs Oluronke Rosolu, to 10 years imprisonment for defrauding a former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi of 330,000 dollars.

Rosolu was convicted on all the two counts charge of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences brought against her by the EFCC. December 21: Edo Government removed its Customary Court of Appeal The Edo Government on December 22 repealed the act establishing the Customary Court of Appeal in the state.

Charge of conspiracy Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who signed the Amendment Bill into law said that the Customary Court of Appeal had ceased to exist in the state and the judges there were transferred to the State High Court thereby increasing the number of the State High Court judges from 24 to 30.

December 29: Court awarded N7m damages against Police over violent disruption of rally An Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama, awarded N7 million damages against the Inspector General of Police, Commissioner

Supreme Court of Police FCT, Ministry of Police Affairs and the Police Service Commission, over the violent disruption of a peaceful rally in Abuja, November 21, 2013.

The court order followed a suit marked CV/1624/2013, filed by a non-governmental organization, the Centre for Social Justice, Mr. Eze Onyekpere and five others.

In his judgement, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf held that the violent disruption of the applicants’ meeting and peaceful assembly at the Millennium Park in Abuja on November 21, 2013 by armed officials of the respondents “was a wanton violation of the applicants’ fundamental rights guaranteed

by Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.”

The court said the respondents acted against the spirit and provisions of the constitution when it forcefully prevented the applicants from marching to the National Assembly to lodge their complaint.

Court strikes out fraud charges against Kads Farms CEO

By Onozure Dania

M

RS A. T. Omoyele, of an Ikeja Magistrate Court, has struck out a fraud charge filed against the Chief Executive Officer of Kads Farms Limited, a livestock company, Ken Ogiamien, for want of diligent prosecution.

Ogiamien was arraigned on charges of obtaining money by false pretence following a complaint by a policeman, Agha Tobias.

The complainant had claimed that he bought a plot of land at Isheri North residential scheme in 2006 through Ogiamien, who is also a real estate agent, adding that when he discovered that the land was waterlogged, he asked for a refund of his money but that Ogiamien refused to pay back the money.

Ogiamien, during the trial had told the court that he was already

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com C M Y

repaying the money, stating that the land was affected by flood water, which was not the case when he sold the land.

Recalling the transaction, he said: “At the point of the transaction, there was no water on the land. But the land was later flooded with water from Ogun River.

“Because of the water, Tobias said he was no longer interested in the land. He asked for a refund. We took the matter to the then Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Frank Mba. “Mba said I should refund Tobias themoney.Basedontheagreement, I started refunding the N2million. I had paid him N1million in cash. It wascollectedonhisbehalfbyPPRO, and he was remitting the money to Tobias.

“Maybe because he was a police officer, he took the matter to the State Police Command having received N1million of his money. The

command then decided to take the matter to court.”

“He never appeared in court for one day. The whole thing was just to humiliate and embarrass me. I have all the evidence of the payments I made to him because PPRO always acknowledged the

money I brought.

“The PPRO even told me he was ready to come and testify in court that I was already paying back the money. But Tobias never came to court,” Ogiamien said.

The businessman further stated that he was making effort to raise

the balance of N1million, when the complainant instigated his arrest.

Ogiamien had pleaded not guilty to the five-count charges bordering on fraud when he was arraigned. He said he was ready to prove his innocence.

Property: Court sentences 2 to 3yrs imprisonment

By Bartholomew Madukwe

A

LAGOS High Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced two men, Waheed Ishola and Ayodele Omoniyi, to three years and 18 months imprisonment, respectively, after they both pleaded guilty to demanding property in public at Oshodi Oke Bridge.

The trial judge, Justice Atinuke Ipaye, after acknowledging the plea bargain entered by the duo,

said the period of their custody which commenced since 2014 shall be taken into consideration.

According to the charge, Waheed Ishola, on December 28, 2012 about 8p.m., at Oshodi Oke Bridge Oshodi Lagos in the Ikeja Judicial Division was found whilst armed with offensive weapon demanding property in public with intent to steal.

“Ayodele Omoniyi on December 28, 2012 about 8p.m., at Oshodi Oke Bridge Oshodi

Lagos in the Ikeja Judicial Division was found to be an accessory after the fact to misdemeanor.”

The prosecutor, Mr Hafeez Owokoniran, informed the court that the offence of demanding property with intent to steal was contrary toguilty on 299 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2001.

“The defence counsel, Mr Worker Obuagbaka, applied to the Attorney General, dated October 7, 2015 for plea bargain,”

30—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

E-Law reporting enhances lawyers, judges efficiency —Law Pavillion boss As lawyers and judges embrace information technology in their professional engagements, electronic law reporting is gradually gaining more acceptability in the legal profession.

Pioneer e law reporting firm, Law Pavillion is poised to provide the latest technology that will go a long way in enhancing the efficiency of legal practitioners and judicial officers. In this interview, Law Pavillion Managing Director Mr Ope Olugasa, spoke on the importance of e law reporting to the justice sector and other related issues.Excerpts.

L

By Dayo Benson

AW pavilion has dedicated a lot of resources to train Judges in the use of Technology in the performance of their duties. Having conducted these trainings across several States of the Federation, what has been the attitude of Judges and the Legal industry at large?

Indeed, we have expended a lot of resources, both human and financial to advocate for the adoption of technology by all stakeholders in the Legal Services and Administration of Justice sectors. By God’s grace, we have successfully trained Justices of the Court of Appeal across all divisions, High Court Judges of Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun and several other states which time would not permit us to go into full details.

We have also collaborated with some branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to train legal practitioners on the use of Law Pavilion especially and we are pleased with the response we have received over the years since we started.

However, there is still so much more to be done in the areas of enlightening even more Judiciaries and legal practitoners about the immense and incomparable benefits of adopting technology in the provision of legal services.

Provision of legal services For those we have trained, we do not relent in carrying out follow up programs and plans are underway to do more of followup in the coming year. With regards to training outcomes, the trainings have benefitted participants immensely, touching all end-users the Judges, the Magistrates, Lawyers, Solicitors and Law students etc.

A recurring feedback has been that LawPavilion has changed their lives and they really wonder how they were able to cope without our products. This is especially so for those who have LawPavilion products before or after the training. They have been able to derive maximum benefits from the use of our flagship LawPavilion C M Y K

Electronic Legal Research software.

Our initial series of trainings also influenced our decision to introduce LawPavilion on smaller mobile devices such as the iPad and Android devices. We discovered that by the nature of what Judges and Legal Practitioners do, a significant amount of flexibility and portability is required to enable them derive maximum advantage from the use of LawPavilion and this is best achieved by accessing the software on our iPad and Android versions.

Availability of LawPavilion A good number of our Judge subscribers have told us in confidence that they have been able to deliver more Bench rulings because of the availability of LawPavilion on devices like the iPad and Android.

How do you assess the success of the training of Judges?

The trainings have been quite successful, I must confess. Even if not immediately resulting in financial gains, we have witnessed policies and directives lending enormous credence to our advocacy propagated through our trainings for Judges and Legal practitioners.

I will therefore say Rome was not built in a day. We are not solely focused on profitability in the immediate, so we know that we cannot make all the profit in one day. For us, it is a long term investment, which needs time to grow before it begins to yield, so we operate with the “farmer’s mentality”.

However, we are quick to point out that because our trainings for Judges and Legal Practitioners are free,if we had a better structure in our society perhaps Government at various levels or donor organizations could have assisted in bearing the huge costs of providing such trainings across the Federation.

Yet, enlightening the Legal Services Industry about adopting and using Technology in the administration of justice is a passion for us at LawPavilion, so

Law Pavillion MD, Mr Ope Olugasa we keep on doing it without being discouraged, knowing full well that the investment would yield returns at the end of the day.

Why do you think the Legal Industry should embrace e-Law reporting?

I prefer to look at this question from the perspective of what is happening around the world.

There is hardly any sector that hasn’t been touched significantly

by Technology, in fact new sectors have been created and how society functions now is so different from what obtained just 10 years ago principally because of the impact of Technology on all spheres of human existence. So to me, the impact of information and communication technology on human existence, is akin to a Tsunami, either you willingly go with the flow or get swept away by it. Now in response to your question about why the legal services industry should embrace e-law reporting, I will propose a few reasons. First is ease and speed of access to decided cases.

Through our interaction with Judges of various courts, and going by our records of cases that we receive from the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases emanating from the Courts. Our model allows us to be able whatever is destroyed is lost forever. But with LawPavilion, there are multiple

Another reason for adopting elaw reporting is the all important attribute of efficiency

back up servers containing and preserving our contents so that no matter what, our subscribers are never at a loss. Lastly, I would like to also say that another reason for adopting e-law reporting is the all important attribute of efficiency. It is no brainer that the contest of the 21st Century is not a contest of strength evidenced by physical exertion and hardwork, rather it is a contest for working smart, using smart tools to achieve exceptional results whilst still having timeto pursue other interests.

It is good that LawPavilion is bringing Information Technology into the Legal Profession. As you had earlier mentioned that it is a Tsunami.

Do you see your role as more of Complimentary to hard copy law reporting?

Well, when I mentioned that it was a Tsunami, it was to illustrate the pervasive nature of modern technology. In some ways, the role played by LawPavilion Electronic Legal Research toolis complimentary, yet not completely complimentary because the rules of engagement in the industry are changing and giving more prominence to electronic legal research resources, of which LawPavilion is a frontrunner.

Research resources If you do a comparison between Encyclopedia Britannica and Wikipedia, it is obvious that Wikipedia has overtaken the Encyclopedia.

Which category of people in the legal prefession, would you say have embraced your product LawPavilion the most?

Naturally, you would expect that the young lawyers would embrace it more, however, many of them do not have the financial capacity but we have created more pocket friendly versions of our products to accommodate Young Lawyers. Surprisingly though, many very Senior and

experienced Legal Practitioners and Judges have embraced our products. In fact a Judge, who is elderly, still called me up recently and expressed his love for the product as that is what he uses. So from the highest cadre, to the lowest, they have all embraced it, most especially the judiciary at the Federal and State level.

I’m sure you are aware of the new e-Service of Court processes. What do you think about it? How can LawPavilion be a part of that? Have you also tried to train the members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)?

We are always available for training and we have trained some at the branch level. A couple of NBA Branch Chairmen have called us for trainings and we have also been at all the Law school campuses to train the Law School students. We also participate in seminars or workshops organized by the NBA Section on Legal Practice (SLP).

We are always available, subject to invitation to come and train them. On e-Service of court processes, I think it is a welcome development for this country as we need to start believing in ourselves as a country.

Robust solution Nothing is impossible and we are always ready for new heights.

It was in anticipation of a situation like this directive from the Supreme Court that had motivated us to develop our Court Management System, about two years ago.

The Court Management Solution is a very robust solution and we have integrated aspects of e-service into it. Not only that, through our Court Management Solution, Judges and Judicial Officers can proactively manage their courts and matters pending before the Court.

We have also included the National Judicial Council (NJC) Performance Evaluation Form into the Court Management Solution. So we have the competence and expertise to assist any Court that approaches us in this regard.

We are available to work on this with any willing Court or Court administration. In fact, this directive is a further testament to our vigorous campaign for adoption of technology in the industry and we are very glad about the directive. We hope that all stakeholders would cooperate to make the operation realistic and seamless.

What is your vision?

To be the most cited, authoritative Law report and Technology Partner to the legal services industry in Africa by 2025. We are not just focused on Nigeria alone, we are looking at Africa as our chief focus.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016—31

National Troupe rekindle hope of IDPs with Murna

By Japhet Alakam

I

T was a promise, which many thought would not be kept, but Artistic Director of the National Troupes, Akin Adejuwon, proved the doubting Thomases wrong when he took the troupe’s annual end of year season of theatrical stage performances, which it normally stages at the National Theatre to the Internally Displaced People (IDP) settlement in Bauchi.

The performance, a dance play titled Murna was performed in solidarity with those displaced by the insurgency, which the Nigerian military has successfully tamed.

Artistic direction Written by Mike Anyanwu and directed by Josephine Igberease with artistic direction provided by the Director General of the National Troupe, Akin Adejuwon, Murna which in Hausa means Joy throws the spot light on different communities that found themselves together because they were forced out of their homes with no hope for the future.

Dressed in the Hausa attire with the Nigerian flag in their hands, the troupes sang, drummed and danced around to the admiration of the audience. The play ends with heavy singing and dancing as all

those in the IDP camp spread the message of hope. The performance by the troupe took a different dimension when some displaced persons joined in the singing and dancing. It was as though the drumming and singing reminded them of how they used to do it before they were displaced.

The performance at the IDPs coincided with the visit of the Chief of Defence Staff and other high ranking government officials including the Minister of Information who paid them and the troops a surprise visit which made them realise that they have not been forgotten by the government. During the visit, the IDP’s are assured as a government of change they will be catered for and that in no time they will be re-settled.

Speaking after the performance and shortly after he made

The performance by the troupe took a different dimension when some displaced persons joined in the singing and dancing. an action that reminded them of how they use to do it before they were displaced

• Artistes of the National Troupe on stage performing the dance drama, Murna for the IDPs in Bauchi

some donations of gift items to the IDP’s, the artistic director recalled that on assumption of office as the new Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, he had given a hint as to what the directive principle of his tenure as Chief Executive would look like.

Directive principle According to him, ‘’I had hinted that our repertoire at the Troupe will be organised in such a way that the policies and all the things that the Federal Government represents must be showcased in a way that will add value to government.

So what we have done is to support the effort of the Federal Government in providing succour and in identifying with our displaced compatriots.”

Indeed when Adejuwon took

over as Artistic Director last year, he promised to lead a National Troupe that will ‘’be very proactive” and very aggressive in its drive to generate superior quality products that will impact the lives of the people, government and the collaborators of the troupes.

The performance in Bauchi is one among the many proactive steps that Adejuwon has led the troupe to take. The first is the four state performance tour, the troupe undertook shortly after he took over as CEO. He has also led the troupe to perform outside Nigeria.

The performance of Murna in Bauchi and in other IDP locations across the country is in line with the proactive steps he has resolved to take especially as regards using performances to resolve conflicts in the country. ‘’If you have been following me since I assumed office, you will realise that I have been

working on the theme of ‘Performative Expression in a Conflict Environment.’ The idea is to take edifying performances to conflict zones in the country, to IDP camps and even to the barracks so that we can entertain the military when they return from the field and so we can perform the out reach function of theatre as a tool for conflict resolution and change. So our performance here today is in line with that objective and funds permitting, we shall cover all the other areas,” he said.

On the next stop for the Troupe, Adejuwon disclosed that the troupe would head further north with the dance-play as soon as it finalises logistical arrangements with its key collaborators, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Federal Ministry of Information and the Armed Forces.

Seyi Shay, Naeto-C,Tekno others thrill fans at COPA Lagos

By Prisca Sam-Duru

C

OPA Lagos, Nigeria’s highly entertaining international beach soccer tournament organised by Kinetic Sports Limited, which ended recently, may have come and gone but the soccer event would go down in history as the finnest blend of fashion, music and football that most fun seekers crave for.

Rapped up with a mind blowing music concert featuring Alist artistes such as Seyi Shay; Naeto-C; Falz; Lil Kesh; Tekno amongst others, the event held music lovers spell-bound till the wee-hours of Monday morning, dancing to songs from these music maestros.

The ambiance of the area around Eko Atlantic Beach front, venue of competition was all through the duration of the competition, a dazzling sight to behold as fun seekers mainly youths, thronged the venue daily to experience unlimited entertainment.

Inspite of the thrills as well as the ambience of the majestic C M Y K

sun-bathed Eko Atlantic, which ordinarily shouldn’t have given anyone a moment to visualise anything negative, some people who knew what Bar Beach was like, lived through the show silently, nursing some trepidations knowing or rather feeling they were standing on water. If only they knew how wrong they were!

But then, it was fun all the •Performance by Avalanche at Muson Centre, Lagos

The ambiance of the area around Eko Atlantic Beach front, venue of the competition was all through the duration of the competition, a dazzling sight to behold

way as the tournament was spiced with other lifestyle events which included a fashion and celebrity match, which all added to making the annual event a memorable one that will not be easily forgotten by all lovers of beach soccer and entertainment.

Filled with glitz and glamour, the fashion show in which models, clad in different beach wears embellished with an African touch, hit the runway to the excitement of the audience.

Designers such as Ejiro AmosTafiri, Andrea Iyamah, Okun Beachwear, Tzar, Iconic Invanity had their clothing lines showcased to the admiration of fashion lovers.

Fans and spectators trooped in large numbers to watch the celebrity match as ex-internationals squared up against entertainers. Entertainers such as Sound Sultan, Mozez Praiz, and Shina Rambo made a team line-up while ex -internationals such as Mutiu Adepoju and

Victor Ikpeba also featured in the celebrity match.

Copa Lagos which is in its fifth year, has been greatly improved for participants to have a memorable event annually.

The entertainment session of COPA Lagos was indeed, a burst of spell binding performances from entertainers, especially Guinness Book of Records holder, the ever energetic Kaffy who left the mammoth crowd, yearning for more of those electrifying choreographic cum scintillating dance moves.

She and her dance group had the crowd on their feet, dancing, screaming and whistling for over 40 minutes.

Aside performances by a bunch of up coming artistes and the A-list artistes who owned the centre stage at different periods, there was a dance competition involving 5 volunteers.

It was indeed a charged moment and at the end, the youngest among them, little Rachael took the day and went home with the winning prize.

32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Men over 60 who pay for sex use less protection, pay more — SURVEY

By Sola Ogundipe

M

EN aged 60 and above are likely to pay more for sex and use less protection, a new study suggests.

The study published in the American Journal of Men's Health (a SAGE journal)surveyed American men between the ages of 60 and 84 who pay for sex found that the older they were, the more frequently they paid for sex and the more likely they were to have experienced unprotected sexual intercourse multiple times with commercial sex providers.

Using various sex provider review websites and discussion boards, Dr. Christine Milrod and University of Portland sociology professor Martin Monto surveyed 208 men between the ages of 60 and 84 who solicited sex workers in order to assess their condom use and sexual risk taking.

Protection According to the survey, 59.2 percent reported not always using protection with sex workers. 95 percent reported avoiding protection for manual masturbation and 91 percent reported avoiding protection for oral sex.

Further, 31.1 percent reported having been diagnosed with a STI at some point during their lifetime. Men who reported more unprotected sex acts perceived their HIV risk to be higher and were more likely to have been diagnosed with

a STI. Being more emotionally attached to sex workers was positively related to more unprotected sex.

Of the 60- to 84-year-old men surveyed, advancing age was also positively associated with unprotected sex acts; 57.2 percent reported talking with a doctor about sex since turning 60, though 82.2 percent of these conversations were initiated by the patients, not by their doctors.

To reduce the incidence of STIs among

sexually active older men, Milrod and Monto suggest that health care providers ask their older male patients about their sexual partners and discuss protective strategies for avoiding STIs. There is a nearly universal perception that older men do not pay for, or even engage sexually with regular frequency.

This may contribute to a false sense of security for both clients and sex workers, and may lead to less protective strategies than with younger purchasers of sex.

LAUNCH: Project Manager, Vono Nigeria Plc, Mr. Rapheal Oshinubi in a demostration of the new hospital bed and other hospital furniture launched by the company in Lagos recently.

Reload rewards customers

By Chioma Obinna

I

N a bid to promote intake of good multivitamin to cope with the stress of daily life, and complement daily feeding, Reload Multivitamin has awarded the optimal winner of the 2015 raffle draw an all expenses-paid fiveday trip to Dubai. This was part of its Christmas gifts and consolation prizes to its customers.?

At the Reload Multivitamin Christmas Raffle draw event in Lagos, the Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuemeka Obi said: “We live in a very stressful environment. And, if you look at our eating habit, there is possibly no way you can get all your daily benefits out of your meals. You just have to supplement it with multivitamin.”

He said the draw was aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to use Reload multivitamin for nourishment and to appreciate its consumers. At the event, 28 people emerged winners of consolation prizes. The grand prize, an all-expense-paid five-day trip from Lagos to Dubai was won by Iykemavian Pharmacy.

“I must say the whole objective has been achieved. The event is aimed at rewarding people who have been there for us all this while, in the market places and reaching out to the consumers. The multivitamin is for all phases of life. It contains food and veggies blend and Colin for the children which helps with cognitive as well as eye development."

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

M

Y name is Nneka. I am 36 years old and married with two children. Please I have been experiencing dryness during love making and that has made sex not enjoyable anymore. Is there anything that I can do or use to relieve me of that? I am tired of using Ky Gel. Is there anything I can take or do to make sex pleasurable and interesting?

I also need something to make me experience orgasm – Nneka Nneka, there are various causes of vaginal dryness and for younger women like you, it can be as a result of a drug you may be taking which contains antihistamines. But more commonly, the lack of effective foreplay before intercourse is the major cause of inadequate or total lack of lubrication in women.

But having read your mail, I suspect your experience also has to do with not enjoying the intercourse you are having especially as you indicated the need to have an orgasmic sexual experience. Ordinarily, it takes two to have great sex so if you are not enjoying it, your husband certainly has some explaining to do but let us not get too critical because that doesn’t always help. Calmly discuss this matter with him. I always advice women to decide on the kind of lovemaking they desire and then communicate that to their husbands or lovers.

Never assume that he should know what to do. Most men want to pleasure their women but they still need to be directed because what feels right to one woman doesn’t necessarily excite another. So if you know exactly what you like and what feels good to you, then you need to communicate this to your husband.

However, I happen to know that not all men are approachable when it comes to sexual matters and if your husband is not the type of man that can take instruction or a little suggestion, then you will have to take matters into your own hands for now. This is where adult novelties like erotic films, novels, magazines, arousal supplements and sex toys can be C M Y K

very useful. In an ideal world, we wouldn’t need these things and our partners will be the ones fulfilling our every need. But life is never ideal and everybody needs a little help here and there.

So to solve your dryness and orgasmic problems yourself, a good vibrator and an arousal supplement can help you. I can also recommend an arousal gel but you sound like lubricants annoy you so let’s leave that off for now. Get the G Female Arousal Supplement for women and a very good rabbit vibrator like the Ovo K5, Ovo K2 or even the Thrusting Rabbit vibrator.

And then get a good movie. Feature films like Teacher’s Pet and Au pair come highly recommended. All of these combined will get you wet and climaxing in no time. But don’t forget to have that chat about what you want with your husband because clearly, you are disappointed with the sex you are having and it shouldn’t be. One of the benefits of being married is not having to depend on sex toys like single girls do – Uche I need a product that will assist me in having stronger erections and going more than a round of sex. Please note that I have high bp – Clement That’s alright Clement. What you will need is a mild erection enhancer like Sex Voltz or Man Up Now. But they work gradually for your own good so you need to be patient too – Uche I have a huge premature ejaculation problem. I am forty two now but it still happens - Roy Combine the Stay Hard Desensitizing Cream with a Penis Sleeve during sex. That will fix it good – Uche And that is all for today. Happy New Year to you all. Zee Virtual Media has reopened for business and adults in need of these treatments/novelties can now call us on 08171912551, 08027901621 or 07086754515 for help or visit www.zeevirtualmedia.com to place their orders. Zee Virtual Media delivers all over Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com- Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016—33

Edo 2016: Bini elders task APC on free, fair primaries

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—BENIN Leaders of Thought, an umbrella body of elders and political leaders in Benin Kingdom, yesterday, warned the leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state against imposing any governorship candidate as Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s successor.

The group, led by the younger brother of the Oba of Benin and Enogie of Obazuwa, Prince Edun Akenzua, stressed the need for the leadership of the APC to ensure free and fair primaries so as to produce a popular candidate that will be generally acceptable to the people of the state.

In a communique by Prince Akenzua and Secretary of the BLT, Tosa Ovonranwe, the group stated that anointing a particular candidate as governor as it was being rumoured in the state, may amount to re-introducing god- fatherism in the state, which according to them, must be discouraged.

“BLT believes that godfatherism in Edo politics was detrimental to the social,

economic and political development of the state. Godfatherism is not acceptable to BLT and the good people of Edo State. It should not be reintroduced under any guise.

“The people of Edo State should be given free hand to

determine their next governor.

Popular participation bestows responsibility for governing one’s own conduct, develops one's character, self-reliance, intelligence and moral judgment. In a democracy, there is no substitute for

popular participation. Even a benevolent despot who could govern in the public interest, would be rejected by the classic democrat. Man can only know the truth by discovering it himself,” the group said.

VISIT: From left: Mr. Ehigie West-Idahosa, Mr Peter Okundaye, Mr. E.J Agbonayinma, US Embassy Economic Officer, Kelly Moon and Political Officer, Mr Martin Hardenger, during a working visit to Agbonayinma at the National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday.

Market yourselves before electorate, Edo APC tells gov aspirants

By Stephen Mmadukwem

A

LL Progressives Congress, APC, governorship aspirants in Edo State have been advised to eschew politics of bitterness and aspersion but to market themselves before the electorate.

A chieftain of the party, Mr. Ogedengbe Eseosa, while reacting to statements credited to some aspirants on the alleged support of Governor Adams Oshiomhole for the aspiration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki said, “Let the governorship aspirants not conduct themselves in a manner that will reduce this contest to personality issue.

Let us rather debate the issues of development, youth inclusion in governance, unemployment and the infrastructure challenge confronting us.

"Recently, one Blessing Aigbomhere alleged that billions of naira was released and job was not done under Edo State Economic Team for investment by a company.

One begins to wonder if government now doles out money to companies to invest.

“This is why I said

C M Y K

sometimes you don’t respond to all issues. However, let it be on record that at no time was any money released to the Economic Team of Edo State to give to any investor. Rather, the Economic Team, under the leadership of Mr Godwin Obaseki, has been working hard in the last few years to

establish acceptable framework to make the state an investors' haven. This has yielded a lot of results with the coming of several foreign and local firms to the state in the area of agriculture, oil and gas, power and fertiliser and expansion of capacity by existing firms.

“Mr Obaseki is a welltrained technocrat with traceable credentials in the various sectors that he has worked in the last three decades and therefore, could not be said not to be eligible to run for the governorship of the state."

A-Ibom Speaker urges support for Gov Emmanuel

By Chioma Onuegbu

U

YO—FOLLOWING the Appeal Court order for governorship re-run election in Akwa Ibom State, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr Onofiok Luke, has advised the people of the state to defend the mandate given to Mr. Udom Emmanuel as governor of the state.

Luke, who spoke on behalf of the youths during an enlarged meeting of elders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Akwa Ibom State chapter, yesterday, at the party's secretariat on Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, said that Eket senatorial district should be allowed to produce a governor for equity, justice and fairness.

He urged the party not to succumb to the antics of the government at the centre, saying that Akwa Ibom people

should stand up to defend the state from any form of intimidation and interference.

“Since 1999, every time a governor emerged in Akwa Ibom State, we always join

hands to support that governor to succeed for eight years. Therefore, it behoves on us to support Udom Emmanuel to also succeed for eight years,” he said.

Emerhor lauds Deltans for support

T

HE 2015 Delta State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, has felicitated with Nigerians and the people of Delta State in particular on the New Year, even as he thanked them for their continued support and prayers before, during and after the governorship election in the state.

He assured all progressives, party faithful and supporters of his determination to work harmoniously with other party chieftains for the consistent advancement of the change

agenda which Deltans earnestly yearn for and would come to fruition in the near future.

Emerhor, in his New Year message through his Director of Media and Political Communication, Dr. Fred Oghenesivbe said: “Year 2016 will be a lot better because of positive socio-economic measures already being worked out by the Muhammadu Burari’s administration to tackle corruption and return the nation to the path of greatness.”

Rivers NYCN makes case for payment of ex-militants

By Davies Iheamnachor

P

ORT HARCOURT— NATIONAL Youth Congress of Nigeria, NYCN, Rivers State branch, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the delay in the payment of ex-militants, which it said, was threatening the fragile peace in the state.

The youth body also called on the President to redirect the payment system of the amnesty stipends in order to ensure that money gets to the ex-militants on time to forestall further breakdown of law and order in the state.

The ex-militants, in two separate agitations for their payment, closed down Heritage Bank on OluObasanjo Road, Port Harcourt, the bank commissioned to make the amnesty payment in the new administration. They also grounded business activities in Choba, the community that plays host to the University of Port Harcourt.

Three months after the angry ex-militants disrupted activities at the Heritage Bank, customers and officials of the bank are yet to resume services.

Isoko union vows to expose erring contractors

By Ochuko Akuopha

O

LEH—ISOKO Development Union, IDU, the apex sociocultural organisation of Isoko ethnic nationality, has vowed to expose contractors who received payments and abandoned projects awarded to them in Isokoland by the state government and its agencies.

Speaking during his inauguration as the new President-General of the union, in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Iduh Amadhe, reiterated the determination of his administration to monitor the quality of jobs carried out by the contractors in the various communities in Isoko nation.

He charged community leaders to ensure that projects sited in their domains were properly executed, and warned all contractors who had collected money for the projects awarded to them to return to site in their interest.

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Biafra: CD gives Buhari 7-day ultimatum to release Kanu, Metuh

Royal fathers wade into Ifeanyi Ubah, Gabros' feud

...accuses FG of cracking down on Igbo leaders

By Vincent Ujumadu

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

A

WKA—Nnewi Royal Cabinet has waded into the dispute between two prominent sons of the community, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah and Chief Gabriel Chukwuma, over the ownership of the Ifeanyi Ubah International Football Club and stadium.

Ifeanyi Ubah acquired the former Gabros Football Club and bought the stadium and the surrounding large parcel of land from Chukwuma for expanding the stadium.

Trouble, however, started when Chukwuma allegedly decided to take back the club and the stadium over alleged noncompletion of payment of the agreed amount.

Apparently worried by the dimension the matter was taking, the Nnewi Royal Cabinet decided to resolve the matter between them and at the well – attended meeting in the presence of the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu.

O

NITSHA—Campaign for Democracy, CD, South East Zone, yesterday, joined other human rights bodies in the call for the immediate release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, the

Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisah Metuh and the former National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) In a statement in Onitsha, Anambra State, CD also expressed concern that Buhari had formed the habit of cracking down on Igbo leaders at any

slight provocation.

In the statement by its chairman in the zone, Dede A. Uzor, CD recalled that Kanu was arrested on October 17, 2015 and a court of competent jurisdiction granted him bail, yet Buhari refused to release him, just as he also refused to obey the court order which granted Dasuki bail to travel abroad for his medical check-up.

N86.50 fuel price: Enugu, Anambra residents lampoon DPR officials

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—WORRIED by the refusal of independent marketers in Enugu and Anambra states to comply with the new N86.5 per litre pump price for fuel as directed by the Federal Government with effect from January 1, residents of the two states have vented their anger on officials of Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, for not enforcing the new pricing regime for fuel within their areas.

Vanguard checks showed that filling stations in Enugu and Anambra states have been selling fuel for N150 per litre despite

directives from Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, and Federal Government for them to sell at the approved pump price of N86.50 per liter.

Amaechi Ukwuani, a motorist in Enugu regretted that DPR officials had been moving about enforcing the new pricing system and sanctioning defaulters in other parts of the country, but in the South-East geopolitical zone, especially Enugu and Anambra states, it had remained business as usual for the marketers, who continued to sell fuel at N150 per litre.

Ukwuani challenged relevant

authorities to take necessary action on the matter as it seems that DPR officials in the two states had been compromised by the marketers.

“One is shocked to see that all filling stations in Enugu and Anambra states have been selling fuel above N86.50 per litre despite the directives from NUPENG and FG for them to sell at control prices.

“Daily, we see stations being sealed off by DPR for selling above N86 all over the federation.

Why is the DPR in these South East states not saying or doing something? It looks like they have been compromised as usual."

CD regretted that up till date, the duo are still languishing in the dungeons of the Department of Security Services, DSS, adding that Tuesday’s arrest of Metuh was viewed as a clandestine move to silence opposition.

The statement, therefore, gave Buhari a seven-day ultimatum within which to release the above named individuals from detention or else CD would mobilize more than 70 million Ndigbo, both home and in the Diaspora, to carry out a mass protest against their continued detention.

The statement noted that CD was not against arresting any corrupt public officers, but reminded Buhari of the need to obey the sanctity of court orders or rulings, which he swore to uphold, adding that it was very dangerous when such leaders like Buhari disobey court orders.

“Buhari should tell us how many All Progressives Congress, APC, members he has arrested for corrupt practices or does it mean that APC members are all clean, including the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who allegedly spent over $16 billion on power sector reform without anything to show for it?”

Vandalism: NSCDC arrests 52 suspects, prosecutes 4 vandals, resolves 11 cases

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC,

yesterday, explained that in the year 2015, the command arrested 52 suspects, instituted legal action against four vandals and resolved 11 cases

bordering on vandalism and other related matters in line with the mandate of the Corps.

Addressing newsmen at the Command’s headquarters in

Abakaliki on how the Command faired in 2015, the state Commandant of the Corps, Shuayb Jibril expressed the readiness of the Corps to nip

Okwagbe describes late Chief Alice Ahwinahwi’s death as rude shock

O

LOROGUN OKIEMUTE Okwagbe, a top political stalwart in Delta State, has described the death of late Mrs. Alice Ahwinahwi (Nee Obayendo) as a rude shock, adding that, she was a jewel of inestimable value.

Olorogun Okwagbe eulogized the sterling quality of the deceased, describing her as a very successful business tycoon.

Briefing newsmen, Okwagbe recalled how she was rated by the Warri Banking Industry as the wealthiest Warri woman in the

early 80's.

Okwagbe, who is also the Director General of the Campaign Organisation of Hon. Solomon Ahwinahwi, son of the late matriarch of the Ahwinahwi family, noted that, late Mrs. Alice Ahwinahwi lived an exemplary

life that is worthy of emulation.

Describing her as a pillar to the Anglican Women Organisation, the Adam Preaching Society, the Anglican communion Warri Diocese, Okwagbe said a broad spectrum of these people will surely miss her motherly care.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

I

hope Biafra have enough land for mass burial because this time around it will be worse than Ojukwu’s war. All those people pushing the youths on this issue will run away with their families and leave them to suffer the pain. Mr. Mohammed Kabir, Businessman C M Y K

On recent Biafra struggle

T

he Federal Government should handle the issue with care. We should learn from the experiences of Boko Haram, the killing of the agitators by security forces will compound the already tense situation. -Mr. Anthony Ocheokewu, Lecturer

I

could recall that our founding fathers believed in divide and rule system of government known as regional government. What have we achieved after many wasted years of unity/federal system of government? Miss Bukola Afor, Student

H

ow hard is it for a leader to call his people for a discussion about the things that are upsetting them? Is this not what Buhari is supposed to do as President? I do not support Biafra. -Miss Brenda Olanma, Self Employed

the activities of vandals and illegal petroleum dealers.

The Commandant, who explained that most cases of petroleum pipeline vandalism were reported in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, noed that it recorded huge successes because of the existing collaboration between it, communities in Ebonyi, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and other sister agencies across the state.

T

hat war happened over 45 years ago and had since been forgotten.

Igbo are currently not doing badly in Nigeria. I would say they are being betrayed by their own politicians. Biafra agitation is a myth that will do no good.

-Miss Juliet Ekwunife, Student

M

y advice to Nigerians is not to allow these people (government/protesters) to divide people. It is important to understand that if things turn to sectarian violence, innocent, ordinary Nigerians are going to suffer. -Miss Nwosu Jane, Worker

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 — 35

Myself, 8 other prominent Northerners collected N53m from Anenih — YAKASSAI ...Says money was for northern traditional rulers to mobilise their subjects

K

By AbdulSalam Muhammad

A N O — E L D E R Statesman, Tanko Yakasai yesterday confirmed that Chief Tony Anenih gave him and eight other prominent Northerners N53m for advocacy visit to northern traditional rulers.

Yakasai said he received the money after Anenih had asked him to suggest nine apolitical but respected individuals from the north who will help mobilize their subjects for hitch free 2015 general election.

In an exclusive chat with Vanguard, Yakassai said that “Yes, myself and 8 others collected N53m from Chief Tony Anenih to pay advocacy visit to prominent northern emirs to mobilise their subjects for a hitch-free 2015 general elections.”

One of the named beneficiaries, Chief John Mankilik has denied knowledge of the source of the money.

The former Special Adviser to President Shehu Shagari declared that the N53m disbursed to his team by the former Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) leader catered for the group’s members allowances, transportation and accommodation on a tour that took them to 18 states in the north.

Yakasai, who vehemently denied linkage between the fund and campaigns for former President Jonathan, listed former minister of state, Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Anka, Barrister Bitrus Gwada and Alhaji Suleiman Lawal as beneficiaries of Anenih's largesse.

Other top respected northern individual, according to him that benefited from the largess included Dr Bahago, Chief John Macklink from Plateau, and Senator Sodangi.

Yakasai had last week denied ever receiving financial patronage from the Jonathan administration

By Chris Ochayi

A

THANKSGIVING SERVICE: From left: A former Governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Founder of First City Monument Bank, FCMB Group, Otunba Subomi Balogun; Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona and wife of Otunba Balogun, Olori Abimbola Balogun, during the thanksgiving service organised by the FCMB Founder at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. in an interview with Vanguard.

He had, in the interview, said; “I want to make it categorically clear that no officials of the last regime either Mr. Jonathan, his lieutenant, agents, contractors or person having links or relationship with the last administration gave me cash on behalf of that regime.”

Yakasai, who celebrated his 90th birthday last year disclosed that they visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, the emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris and the emir of Gwandu.

Others visited were the emirs of Anka, Ilorin, Nassarawa, Minnie, Bauchi, Zuru, Kebbi, Katsina, Dutse, Hadejia and representatives of emir of Daurawa.

Also visited were the Tor Tiv, the Gwom Gbom Jos, Ohimege Igu, Kotonkarfe, Etsu of Abaji, Etsu Nupe and Atta Igala.

But the Secretary of the Committee, Chief John

‘Declare Faleke’s House of Reps seat vacant' be a member of the constituenBy Charles Kumolu

A

GROUP, Ikeja Stakeholders’ Forum ,ISF, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, to declare the House of Representatives seat of the running mate to the late Prince Abubakar Audu in Kogi State, Mr. Abiodun Faleke vacant.

A statement by its coordinator, Mr. Olanrewaju Osundairo warned that should the commission fail to do so, the group would resort to legal action.

The statement partly reads: ‘’By virtue of the fact that Faleke had transferred his franchise away from Lagos to Kogi State, he ceases to C M Y K

BOKO HARAM: Peace advocate hails Buratai’s gallant fighting

cy. He lacks the moral and legal rights to speak for us in Ikeja at the lower legislative chambers.”

It further stated that the decision of the lawmaker to contest the governorship has impacted negatively on the representation of the area in the lower chambers, saying the trend must be reversed in the interest of the people of the area.

“You don’t need anyone to tell you that Hon. Faleke has been distracted from representing us at the House of Representatives, all that concerns him now is how to become the governor of Kogi State and not to represent us.''

Mankilik, when contacted by Vanguard yesterday denied knowing the source of the fund or how it was spent.

According him, “I was in the Committee, he (Yakassai) was the Chairman and I was the Secretary. He never gave me any money except when we were

traveling, he only gave us the money we needed for the journey.

“He never told me the source of the money or how he was spending it, he was the one who knew everything, he should explain how he spent whatever was given to him.”

...As Fani-Kayode denies receiving money from Jonathan, Dasuki

By Jimoh Babatunde

F

ORMER Minister of Aviation, Femi FaniKayode, has denied ever receiving any money from former President Jonathan, Colonel Dasuki or any other member of President Jonathan’s government.

Reacting to an online publication that he received N1.7 billion cash from President Goodluck Jonathan, FaniKayode said “ this is false. A few hours later they changed their story and said that I received 1.7 billion naira from the office of the former NSA, Colonel Sambo Dasuki. This is also false.

“I have never received one kobo from President Jonathan himself, Colonel Dasuki or any other member of President Jonathan’s government. I have not ever been in receipt of any public funds and neither was I the beneficiary of any payments in cash, transfer, cheque or otherwise from any government official during the tenure of President Jonathan.

Fani-Kayode explained that as Director of Media and Publicity of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign organisation that he received money on behalf of the Directorate he headed from private individuals and

companies during the election campaigns.

While noting that those were not public funds but rather private contributions specifically for the Presidential and other campaigns, he said such moneys were transferred into his account by the Director of Finance of the Presidential Campaign Organisation and "that account was specifically set up for the purpose of running the publicity and media aspect of the campaign for the whole country and his Directorate.

“These private individuals and companies paid their contributions into a designated account which was provided and controlled by the Director of Finance and from there she transferred it to the accounts of the various Directors and various individuals that were running for public office that the PCO supported.

“The money that was sent to me for my Directorate by the Director of Finance was used in a lawful and responsible manner and by the time the campaigns were over my Directorate had paid all of its bills for services rendered and was not owing any media house or anyone else one kobo.”

BUJA—ADVOCATE of Peace and Egalitarian Society, led by Abdullahi Yanga, has commended the gallant and doggedness of the military under the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, in confronting the dreaded Islamic sect, the Boko Haram insurgents in the North East zone.

Yanga said in a goodwill to Nigerian military that the Gen. Buratai-led army deserve commendations on their selfless service to our country and nation, adding, “We should support their military engagements in making Nigeria safe and peaceful for all to live in safety as free citizens.”

Yanga who, also spoke on the recent bloody clash between the Nigerian Army and the Shiites group in Zaria, Kaduna State, said move by the members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria to block the army from using the highway was capable of sending a strong signals to enemies of Nigeria from within and outside to trample on Nigeria’s integrity.

“We all should learn to put national interest and our collective peace and security above that of individuals or group, an attempt to block road for a serving chief of the nation’s army is declaration of war against the only institution shouldered to preserve and protect the nation and its citizenry.

“Should the Army allowed itself to be cowed? If the nation’s Army Chief can be blocked from using public roads and made to retreat, it will be a doom for our dear nation and it will send a strong signals to enemies of Nigeria from within and outside to trample on Nigeria’s integrity.''

“We should not be unmindful of the fact that only an Army under able command of people like General Buratai that terror activities like that of “Boko Haram” and other related treasonable crimes will be combated to a halt.''

36—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

INAUGURATION: Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (right) and Chairman, Judicial Commission of Enquiry on Share/ Tsaragi Communal Clash, Justice Suleiman Akanbi, during the inauguration of the commission at Government House, Ilorin, yesterday.

CELEBRATION: From left (back row): Mr & Mrs Folarin Olujembola, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Minister Lawrence Ebhodaghe, Minister Tony Onyemaka, with the St. Stephen Homes children, during the New Year's celebration at Trinity House in Lagos.

EMPOWERMENT: Hon. Oghene Egoh (right) and his wife, Grace, during the donation of empowerment materials to 140 youths in Lagos.

STOMACH CARE: Okpa sellers attending to their customers at the new Peace Motor Park in Enugu, yestetrday. Photo: NAN. C M Y K

TOURNAMENT: From left: Founder and sponsor of Mark D'ball Basketball Tournament, Sen. David Mark, his son, Master Mark Mark, his wife, Helen and Coordinator of Mark D'ball Tournament, Mr Igoche Mark, at the grand finale of the 2015 Mark D' Ball Basketball competition at Otukpo, Benue State. Photo: NAN.

BIRTHDAY: The celebrant, Comrade Amitolu Shittu (right), exchanging pleasantries with some beggars, during the celebration of his 51st birthday, at his residence in Osogbo, Osun State.

INAUGURATION: From left: Wife of RCCG Pastor, House of God Parish, Surulere, Mrs Toyin Zino, CEO, Mathilda’s Day Care Centre, Mrs Olayinka Ogunlaja, Pastor Tony Zino, and Executive Director, JSP Communications, Mrs Aderonke Adebule at the inauguration of Mathilda’s Day Care Centre in Lagos.

DEDICATION: From left: Blessed Ehiagwina's father, Mr Andrew Idemudian, his mother, Mrs Adesewa Idemudian and Pastor John Umoh, during the dedication of Blessed Ehiagwina, at MFM, Maryland, Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016—37

2 bandits killed in Delta, 4 injured

By Emma Amaize

A

SABA—POLICE killed two suspected bandits, while four escaped with bullet wounds, in separate gun battles with two armed robbery gangs at Ughelli and Oghara, Delta State, in the last few days.

One of the gangs, whose members boarded a bus going to Warri, Delta state, from Benin, Edo State, shot the driver and commandeered the vehicle along SapeleBenin Road at Oghara.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, said a police team engaged the robbers, killing one of the robbers, while two escaped with bullet wounds.

On the other crossfire at Ughelli, she said: “The DPO, ‘A’ Division Ughelli received information that some suspected armed robbers who escaped after a robbery operation were sighted at Oteri bush in Ughelli.”

Abductors of Delta monarch yet to make contact

By Festus Ahon

D

AYS after the kidnap of HRM Akaeze Edward, Ofulue III, traditional ruler of UbuluUku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, the family members said nobody had contacted them.

The traditional ruler was abducted with his driver at about 4p.m. last Tuesday evening at the bad spot between Igbodo and Obior by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

When contacted, Delta Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said the kidnappers were yet to establish contact with the palace and that their motive was still unclear.

Kalu said police was yet to determine if the monarch was abducted by herdsmen as being speculated.

C M Y K

3 die in Lagos-Ibadan road accident

By Bose Adelaja

L

AGOS—THREE people died, with one injured, yesterday, on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, when a pepperladen Mitsubishi truck, plate number ZUR 901 XA, with four

occupants somersaulted at about 5.30a.m. on its way to Lagos.

Three of the occupants were said to have died on the spot, while the fourth was rushed to a private hospital in the area.

Confirming the development, Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, Babatunde Akinbiyi, attributed the accident to over-speeding.

VISIT: From left— Mr. Godwin Udoh, survivor; President, Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, and Commissioner of Police, Owoseni Fatai, during the police boss' visit in respect of Idongesit Udoh's murder.

Man, 25, rapes 5-yr-old boy in Lagos

By Evelyn Usman

L

AGOS—DOCTORS at a private hospital in Alakuko area of Lagos State are currently battling to save the life of a five-year-old boy, who was allegedly raped by a 25year-old man.

This is just as a robbery suspect was yesterday shot dead during a gun duel with a team of policemen in EbuteMeta area of the state.

Report said the boy (names withheld) was playing with other children at Hanson Street when the suspect (names withheld) reportedly lured him with a packet of biscuit, took the boy into his apartment, where he allegedly sodomised him.

Eyewitnesses said the boy’s cry attracted curious neighbours, who noticed that his pants were stained. On closer observation it was discovered that blood was gushing out from his anus.

When asked what happened, the boy reportedly mentioned the suspect's name, consequent upon which he was apprehended by the Police.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, who

confirmed the incident, said the case had been transferred

to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja.

Police arrest 3 robbery suspects in Lagos, recover 2 rifles

By Ifeanyi Okolie

T

HREE suspects, alleged to be members of a robbery gang terrorizing Mushin and other parts of Lagos State, have been arrested by operatives of the anti-robbery section of the State Criminal I n v e s t i g a t i o n Department, SCID, Panti, Lagos.

Vanguard gathered that the suspects were apprehended when the SCID operatives received an intelligence report linking them to several armed robbery cases and gang-related killings within the area.

It was gathered that an AK-47 rifle, which was snatched from a policeman, murdered in 2013 at Isolo area of Lagos and an unlicensed pump action gun were recovered from the suspects.

Police sources disclosed that the rifles were recovered from the roof of a popular bakery in Mushin, where the suspects were arrested.

The suspects told Vanguard that they could not give an exact number of people they had killed with the guns.

Policeman kills father of 2 in Aba

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

A

BA—A policeman attached to Eziama Police Division shot dead a father of two (Ikeokwu Onyemachi), while attempting to seize his motorcycle at Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State, yesterday.

Late Onyemachi, a Port Harcourt-based businessman, and his friend, Okike, who hails from Abala community in Obingwa council area, were on their way home after depositing the body of one Pa Okike at Group Medical Practice, GMP, mortuary near Azuka Police Division when the killer policeman and his colleagues, who were in an ash-coloured Peugeot 504, attempted to seize their motorcycle.

It was learned that several efforts by the deceased and his friend at explaining to the Police team that they just deposited the corpse of Okike’s father at the mortuary fell on deaf ears as one of them, whose name could not be

gotten at press time, pulled his gun and shot Onyemachi on the forehead.

The Police team were said to have fled soon after.

The late Onyemachi, it was gathered, was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the Abia State Teaching

Hospital, ABSUTH. When contacted, Abia state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ezekiel Onyeke, who confirmed the incident, told Vanguard that the State Commissioner of Police, Habila Joshak, had directed the arrest of the killer policeman.

65-yr-old nabbed for allegedly impersonating Army General

By Esther Onyegbula

L

AGOS—A 65-year-old man is currently being investigated by operatives of X-Squad, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, for allegedly impersonating an Army General and defrauding victims in different part of the state.

The suspect, Imowo Bassey, also known as General Morgan, was caught after one of his victims, who had been on his trail, raised alarm at Fola Agoro in Shomolu

area of Lagos.

It was learned that Bassey, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, used a fake identity card to impersonate General Morgan (Rtd) as National Security Cocoordinator, Southern Zone for the Presidency, Aso Rock Villa.

Vanguard gathered that the suspect, who was paraded as a criminal by the Akwa Ibom Police Command, had been detained several times at different divisional police stations, including Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon.

38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

But is that how security fund in other parts of the world is utilised?

We are hearing from one side, we have not heard from the man. Let the judgment commence openly. Let us hear from the other side, that is just the practicality of the situation.

Buhari shouldn’t push Dasuki to say all — ABDULSALAM, LP CHAIR THE National chairman of Labour Party, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, in this interview with Vanguard criticised the 2016 Budget proposal presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the N6.08 trillion proposal as unrealisable. Alhaji Abdulsalam also bares his mind on recent happenings in the country. Excerpts:

By Chris Ochayi

W

HAT is your reaction to the budget, of N6.08 trillion presented by the President before the National Assembly?

The budget presented by President Buhari to the National Assembly does not make sufficient meaning to people like us. On what basis did the budget of N6.08trillion come about? Buhari told us that he met an empty treasury, so from what is he basing the budget of N6.08 trillion?

Why is Lai Mohammed crying everyday that Jonathan did this, Jonathan did that? We were aware that Jonathan did this, Jonathan did that and that was why when they called for a change. Nigerians voted for change. But today they keep on hammering on Jonathan and PDP. I think if they don’t have anything to do, if their agenda is not strong enough, we need to address certain issues with regards to Buhari and the APC. I do not see to which extent this budget will not create additional problem, additional suffering to Nigerian people.

Additional problem But I want to tell you the fact, it is clear that General Buhari who knows nothing about the economy, has no economic team that can address fundamentally the issue of the enormous economic situation in Nigeria.

He has no economic team?

He has no economic team.

First he has no knowledge of economy at all and secondly he has no sound economic team that can fundamentally address the economic situation of Nigeria, else they will take us backward and it will be dangerous and it will terrible.

What is your stance on the fight against corruption?

And the corruption, the fighting of corruption by Buhari and the APC is discriminatory, it is sectional, it is selective and it is unguided because what is the difference between the ways Obasanjo fought corruption, Jonathan fought corruption and Buhari is

fighting corruption. In Buhari’s own, the situation is worse because he is fighting them either you didn’t support him or you jailed him when he was in the military or you intercepted him when he was in the military.

So the corruption team by Buhari is not guided by any principle, it is just guided by selfishness, by self aggrandizement; they just want to punish people for the sake for punishing them. Did you ever hear anywhere in the world, where you subject security into this kind of disgracing insult. Buhari has no, if he has, he has no advisers or he doesn’t listen to advice.

What do you say about the evidence so far of the money

•Abdulsalam paid through the office of the NSA, the Arms scandal?

The paid money to the NSA man, also the NSA man said he gave Buhari car, so what are they telling us. And you know the man said if he opens up, he will open up canker worms. So leave that aspect of

NSA because it is not good for our image, it is not good for our security; no nation ever subjects its security to this kind of thing. And it is not done with sincerity of purpose, it is for selfishness, you want to create something out of the man.

Was security fund in the past used for campaign?

You see, security vote was never subjected to questioning.

You can use security vote for media, you can use security vote for whatever but it has never happened in the history of Nigeria that people are questioned on how security votes are spent.

Let me ask you, is it only security votes that is the problem? What is the situation in NNPC? What is the situation with the state governors who carted our money away?

There is a difference between the security vote and money earmarked for arms to fight insurgency.

That is what I said, that is what you heard from the APC people or PDP people, we want to hear from the man both the former president and Dasuki.

Let’s hear from Dasuki himself in court openly. Did they give you $2.1billion dollars? What did you do with it? Who and who touched it?

Akwa Ibom: Can Eyiboh turn the tide for APC? THE testy political condition in Akwa Ibom State at the beginning of the year took another twist after one of the state’s more intellectually endowed

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

M

R. Eseme Eyiboh is remembered as the Dean of the Initiatives, the discussion platform through which a number of vibrant members of the Sixth House of Representatives sought to project the House. Even more, Eyiboh served as the spokesman of the House having been elected to represent Eket/Onna/Esit Eket/ Ibeno Federal constituency of Akwa Ibom State.

However, given the nature of politics in Akwa Ibom State in recent times, it was not surprising that Eyiboh became the object of political harassment reportedly instigated by one of the top politicians in the state.

Given his high visibility in the Sixth House of Representatives, it was alleged in some quarters that Eyiboh was either preparing himself or being packaged as a replacement for the former governor of the state in 2015.

The suggestion gained currency given the clamour at the beginning of the second term of Godswill Akpabio that the governorship of the state should be zoned to the Eket Senatorial Zone where Eyiboh comes from.

Supporters of Eyiboh and some other neutral observers allege that his visibility and speculations that their man could be an aspirant who could fight his way to get the ticket of the PDP made it imperative to cut him short early and so, the legal and other political campaigns that eventually truncated Eyiboh’s second term in the House of Representatives in 2012.

Willy-nilly, Eyiboh remained in the PDP. However, a number of other political stakeholders who were believed to have been sacrificed or similarly cut down ahead of the alleged moves to impose a candidate for the PDP in the 2015 election fought back.

Political machine The most prominent of them was Umana Umana, Akpabio’s former right-hand man who was at one time the backbone of the Akpabio political machine.

Ahead of the 2015 election, Umana defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Senator Ita Enang, who had also been reportedly stopped by Akpabio from returning to the Senate, also defected after the PDP Senate primaries to the

•Eyiboh APC. While Umana and Enang formed a prop for the APC in Uyo Senatorial District, the Etiebet brothers, Donatus and Donald held sway in opposition to the PDP’s dominance in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.

Last weekend, a third prop for the APC emerged in the person of Eyiboh, who announced his defection from the PDP to the APC. Announcing his defection, Eyiboh in a statement said: “Having had the privilege of the membership of Peoples Democratic Party which platform I became its State Financial Secretary, Executive Chairman, Akwa Ibom Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM)and later member of the House of

Representatives bespeaks the foundational vision of the progenitors of PDP as a leadership recruitment nursery.

“Today, that party has conducted itself in breach of the visionary philosophy of its founding fathers, instead of intended leadership nursery guided by the principle of social justice and a platform to promote content analysis of its manifesto and implementation strategies of its programmes to government as an enabler for good governance, it has rather, thrown up economic choristers and social misdemeanours who have converted our common wealth into private franchise thus turning the party and the state into ‘behemoth of monstrous proportion’.

“Its present system has produced unprecedented crop of political ‘dealers’ instead of inspirational leaders occasioning the increasing deficits in revenue yielding assets and sundry incentives to trigger community growth and prosperity.

“It is worthy to note that, as the reign of development eclipse, poor ethical integrity and deteriorating institutions subsists, it is imperative for people with development orientation and appropriate mindset to come together and inject a “new deal” to stimulate the collective urges and aspirations of our people with functional confidence.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016—39

C M Y K

40—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Essential Hassan Sunmonu (HA) @ 75 T R I B U T E

By Issa Aremu

Bayelsa elections test resilience of popular vote

By Lindsay Barret

A

S the New Year begins, the people of Bayelsa State are preparing to engage in a repeat of the most important political exercise that they •Dickson: PDP candidate •Sylva: APC candidate engaged in last year. The Independent National exercise.

Electoral Commission, INEC’s The major obligation of INEC in the declaration that the December 5, 2015 forthcoming exercise will be to ensure gubernatorial contest was inconclusive, that the integrity of the popular vote in in spite of the fact that its own declared the supplementary elections will be results showed that the incumbent PDP protected. Incidents of interference with Governor Henry Seriake Dickson was the actual voting process by outside forces leading in six out of the eight LGA’s in including members of the security the state at the end of the first day’s agencies have to be guarded against. voting, has created a lacuna in the This imposes an imperative obligation political arena there. on INEC to ensure that the strategic The revelation made by the INEC preparations for this weekend’s exercise Representative in charge of the are implemented with exemplary December polls that he was approached vigilance and ethical credibility. It is by supporters of one of the contestants, important that the eventual result of the and offered a bribe to deliver a fake result entire exercise should reflect the genuine has raised serious issues. In a expression of the will of the majority of stakeholders’ meeting convened by the voters.

INEC, one of the contestants actually requested the removal of the INEC Qualified Representative thus raising further anticipation public anxiety over allegations of irregular conduct by that contestant’s Many voters in Bayelsa State felt that supporters. This scenario might strike the earlier exercise was proceeding outsiders as a surprising interpretation smoothly and with unprecedented of the facts but Bayelsans have become success until the irregularities in accustomed to hearing fantastic claims Southern Ijaw caused the polls to be of influential support from the centre for halted. As a result they are wary of the irregular conduct being bandied about consequences arising from the by supporters of the APC. forthcoming exercise.

In the period between the last exercise In an unusual move, the APC stalwarts and now while the incumbent have adopted the strategy of direct visits government has been battling to to communities that was crafted by the overcome the PDP Governor for his campaign. They consequences of the have, however, undertaken these visits national economic with much less fanfare than the Governor crisis, especially as it did because their objective has been to has affected payment of portray his substantial achievements as workers’ salaries and being less effective than their promises. pensions, the They must convince the electorate that challenger’s supporters Sylva whose record of infrastructural have mounted an development was noticeably deficient underground when he was Governor will operate propaganda blitz. differently if he is given a second chance.

Reports from remote Utterances Quite likely because they are carrying a rural communities message that is difficult to sell they have like this indicate that the chosen to operate with cautious G o v e r n m e n t ’ s coming subterfuge rather than openly. Over the opponents are holidays they mounted a series of events out since exploiting communal with musicians accompanying key rivalries and fears with the last stalwarts and distributing gifts of rice and a campaign of calumny electoral vegetable oil in rural communities where implemented by the they spread the word about the supposed spreading of rumours. exercise certainty of their forthcoming victory.

In addition to this, have At one of these events in Southern Ijaw, reports have also come the APC candidate along with his in from Southern Ijaw raised running mate and his party’s Chairman LGA of major anxious was reported to have promised that intimidation being change would come on the crest of a mounted by the worries in victory that would be crafted from the supporters of some the minds results from Southern Ijaw LGA alone former militant warlords whether the rest of the state voted for of who have been warning them or not. Utterances like this coming voters who wish to ordinary out since the last electoral exercise have support the PDP that raised anxious worries in the minds of citizens in they will not be allowed ordinary citizens in the state. to vote in the the state •Barret is an independent writer supplementary based in Bayelsa.

C M Y K

T

candidates on the participants list of NIPPS, Kuru Jos. A witty wag and a “mobile library”, Trade unionists and comrades alike globally cannot wait for his compelling memoir! As the President of the NLC, he was a resource fellow at the seminar series of Senior Executive course (SEC 2) of 1980.

After the usual Q & A session, he demanded for the labour participant at the executive course initiated by Obasanjo military regime meant to build capacity for executives drawn from the tripod of government, business and labour communities with the objective of working Towards A Better Society.

HA was almost an activist by birth. And he is still organizing at 75 (not agonizing as most young ones do today!). He was a star matcher at late last year’s NLC mass protest rallies in Abuja for good governance and against corruption. The rally led by NLC President, Ayuba Wamba took off from Labour House down to Eagle Square, traversed the EFCC office at Maitaima, the National Assembly and terminated at the office of the new Secretary to the Federation. I bear witness that HA never paused for as long as the 20+ kilometers match lasted addressing

ODAY, January 7, 2016 all roads lead to Oshogbo, for the 75th birthday celeberation of the pioneer founding president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and twice elected NLC President (1978 to 1984). Comrade Alhaji Hassan Adebayo (HA) Sunmonu OON, is the longest serving former Secretary-General of Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) based in Accra .

Born with his identical twin brother, Engr Hussein Sunmonu on 7th January, 1941 at Oshogbo, in Osun State, the Sunmonus are the most spectacular identical twins to see any day! It seems age sharpens their similarities in mannerism and outlook. In 2010, HA (as he is fondly and comradely addressed) was hounoured by Micheal Imoudu Labour Institute, Ilorin. His twin brother Engr Hussein Sunmonu represented him.

As a privileged reciter of the profile of the receipent, only me and the Director General of the Institute, John Olanrewaju knew it was Engr Hussein Sunmonu who took the centre stage not comrade HA! Many were in disbelieve when Engr Hussein disclosed he was receiving the award on behalf of his twin brother. The difference was not clear in their voices, gestulation and jokes.

HA is an acknowledged tested, committed trade unionist, a patriot, a pan Africanist and a global citizen of profound integrity. He was raised and mentored in a developmentalist Nigeria. A product of the then functional public schools, he started his education career at Ansar-UdDeen School in Oshogbo between 1948 – 1950. He attended All Saints School, Oshogbo between 1950 – 1954, where he got his First School •Sumonu Leaving Certificate in December 1954, the rallies interminenetly with others.

1955, from Oshogbo Grammar School then Following the recommendations of the to Yaba Technical Institute in September, notorious Justice Adebiyi Tribunal of 1957.

Inquiry into the Activities of the Trade He obtained General Certificate in Unions in 1977, some unionists including Education (GCE) Ordinary Level in Chief Micheal Imoudu were “banned” 1961,later bagged the Secondary from trade union activities. Under the Technical Certificate, moved to Yaba controversial policy of “guided democracy” College of Technology between 1961 to and “limited government intervention”, 1964, obtained the Ordinary National the military regime of Obasanjo had aimed Diploma (OND) in Civil Engineering, the at cultivating a tamed and subservient Higher National Diploma (HND) in Civil labour centre.

Engineering. HA proceeded to Italy for a However the workers reaffirmed their Post-Graduate Diploma Course in preference for independent organization Highway Engineering. HA’s educational by electing Hassan Sunmonu as the first grounding shows that contrary to the false President of the restructured Congress in class assumption of the ruling (ruining!) 1978 with others like Mr D.C. Ojeli, Mr elite, the labour movement is indeed P.O. Ero-Philips, late M. E. Mpamungo, knowledge led. One essential imprint of Deputy President, treasurer and deputy HA is cultivating a knowledge based treasurer respectively. movement. As the the founding President NLC under HA fought and won the of the NLC, he battle to make May 1 a public holiday, consciously attracted fought and won the struggle for a new first class conscious minimum wage of N125 ($240) in 1981 graduate activists to after a successful nation-wide strike under NLC under the NLC as full time President Shehu Shagari’s administration. officers. I am a living HA fought Given the current poverty of knowledge testimony.

On and won the on the imperatives of national minimum graduating in the late wage among most state governors, 80s, he single battle to legislators (and surprisingly some notable handedly pulled me make May 1 journalists who should know better!) at 75, out of equally fulfilling the best tribute to HA at 75 is immediate media job to the NLC a public commencement of a new minimum wage. to swell the ranks of holiday, The current N18,000 ($90) is miserably the NLC Secretariat shot in nominal and real terms than HA’s ably led by late Dr fought and N125 ($180) of 1981 which today Lasisi Osunde, won the ammounts to N35,000 (no thanks to supported by tested criminal Naira devaluation and serial struggle for comrades like Lawson energy price increases of IMF’s inspired Osiagie, Dr yahaya a new SAP of the mid- 80s). Happy 75th birth Hashim, Salisu day to both Alhaji HA and twin brother, minimum Muhammed, Femi Hussein Sunmonu!!

Aborishade and a wage of •Aremu, mni, is Secretary General, number of others.

N125 ($240) Alumni Association of the National He pioneered the Institute, Kuru, JOS inclusion of labour in 1981

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 , 20 16 —41 2016

N559.3 million housing project fraud rocks PENGASSAN •Two senior officials placed on six months suspension

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

E

VEN when Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, is battling to address close to N3 billion housing project scam involving it and Christon-Lally, another housing project fraud has hit the labour movement.

This time around, it is the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, that is enmeshed in over Five and fiftynine million, three and eight thousand, seven hundred and ninety (N559,308,790.00) housing project scam.

The said amount is alleged to be unaccounted for after an internal investigation of PENGASSAN Housing Project between 2009 and 2015.

The project on the platform of “PENGASSAN Abuja Housing Project”, situated in Lokogoma, has three sites.

According to investigations, while subscribers to site1 had taken possession of their houses, subscribers to sites 2 and 3, have not and to worsen the matter, the project has been stalled.

Unsatisfactory developments Findings revealed that following unsatisfactory developments, subscribers started asking questions without getting appropriate answers. This was said to have forced some subscribers to ask for refund and were refunded, while others kept faith with the project.

However, when the houses were not delivered as promised, months after due date, subscribers were said to have become restive prompting investigation.

An outcome of preliminary investigation revealed suspected huge fraud, forcing the matter to be reported to the anti- fraud unit in Panti, Yaba for further investigations.

Sources at Panti said two senior officials of PENGASSAN (names withheld) are currently being quizzed.

The sources at Panti equally confirmed that all immediate past executives of the union were invited by anti-fraud operatives to make statements.

While investigation is still going on by Panti operatives, PENGASSAN internal auditors’ report to the association’s National Executive Council, NEC, meeting on November 12, 2015, in Abuja, and attended by over 100 leaders across the C M Y K

A cross section of Oil workers

country, claimed that not less than N559,308,790.00, could not be traced.

The report was said to have angered members of NEC, who threatened to take the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, if nothing positive was achieved when NEC reconvened early this year (2016).

Auditors findings: The internal auditors that investigated the alleged fraud, in their report to the Association’s NEC, recorded 14 findings or observations.

According to the report: “During the course of carrying out this assignment, we observed the following that: (1) Generally, records were not properly kept. (2) Too many bank accounts were used for the project.

(3) Releases of funds particularly to the main

Findings revealed that following unsatisfactory developments, subscribers started asking questions without getting appropriate answers.

This was said to have led to some subscribers to ask for refund and were refunded, while others kept faith with the project

contractor/ others were done without due consideration to the milestone attained.

(4) Loans were taken and utilized without consideration to the time value of money. For instance , a loan of N100million taken in September 2012, was not used till the end of February 2013.

Also, at the end, only N40million was utilized and the balance was used for capital and interest repayment.

(5) Transfers were made from other PENGASSAN non-housing accounts to finance loan repayments.

Finance loan repayments (6) PENGASSAN gave Aso Savings & Loans Plc a guarantee on behalf of the main contractor (name withheld) which led to PENGASSAN inheriting a loan of over N297million at 27 % interest rate . The current balance on this loan account is over N322million (after repayment of over N152million).

(7) Two units of 3 Bedroom Fully Detached, BDFD, at the cost of N19,946,000.00 per unit were sold to Chevron branch at N17,696,000 per unit, bringing a shortfall of N4,500,000.00.

(8) The sum of N200 million was moved out of the Aso Savings & Loans account on December 30, 2009 and a charge of N1.050.00 was made but the same amount was later returned on January 5, 2010 without any form of interest.

(9) Monthly bank reconciliations were not done on all bank accounts used for the project. (10) Regular prepayment audits/checks were also not done before payments.

(11) There was no registration of contractors with PENGASSAN

prior to the award of contract for the project.

(12) The current balances of the accounts used for the project are as follow: (i) Aso Savings & Loans N22,041,214.00. (in) Stallion Homes N20,186,245.22. (iii) Zenith Bank 41,565.24. (iv) Keystone (Account 2) N384,761.39. (v) Keystone (Account 4) N7,620.42. This brings the total to N42,646,165.43.

(13) There is a shortfall of N559,318,790.00 between the amount recorded as individual contributions and amount lodged into the four banks used for the project.

(14) The sum of N845,799,800.00 being the different between expected total contributions and payments made by subscribers is still outstanding.”

Recommendations: According to report, the auditors recommended that: “ (1) The shortfall of N559,308,790.00 should be investigated further and recovery made as soon as possible.(2) Subscribers who have not yet paid fully for their houses should be made to pay so that the outstanding balance of N845,799,800.00 can be recovered and used for the project.

(3) Names of those who collected refund for opting out of the project should be verified with various branches for proper identification and recovery should be made if it is discovered that some names who collected refund are not PENGASSAN members or did not subscribe to the project.

(4) Proper explanation should be obtained from those who handled the project on how subcontractors were hired , the nature of contract agreement and type of work done by each subcontractor. Effort should be made

to actually ascertain whether all the companies earned the money that were paid to them. If any company is discovered to have received money for not doing any job, then such should be recovered immediately and the officers or officials involved should be investigated further.

(5) The credit balance of N42 million in the bank accounts should be used to offset part of the outstanding loan in Aso Savings & Loans of over N322 million.

(6) It is also advisable to obtain a soft loan from any bank to fully liquidate the balance of the loan in Aso Savings & Loans since the interest rate of 27% is considered to be too high.

(7) Fund transfer from the housing accounts to other accounts should be traced.

(8) Statement of bank account maintained with FHA Homes where N20 million was transferred into should be provided and transferred from other PENGASSAN nonhousing accounts made for the purposes of housing project should also be investigated .

(9) Those who made over payment amounting to N4 million should be refunded .

Housing project fraud (10) Any other action(s) needed to enhance the resolution and continuation of this project to completion should be pursued with every seriousness it deserved so as to avoid dragging the name of our noble Association in the mud.

(11) We advised that henceforth, prepayment audit should be carried out before large sum of money can be paid to third parties.”

Many unanswered questions: Investigations confirmed that it is not just the housing project fraud that has plagued PENGASSAN, there are a lot of unanswered questions on finance and general administration to the extent that it culminated into the association’s inability to pay staff salaries and meet other obligations after the delegates conference that brought the present leadership into office in June 2014.

Findings revealed that staff pensions took about a year to be cleared as money deducted from staff salaries were not remitted. It was discovered that there was eight months arrears to Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, before it was cleared.

A former officer of PENGASSAN, told Vanguard that because of political reasons, a very viable PENGASSAN Cooperatives and Thrifts was wounded up years back without due process, saying “only contributions of members were paid to them, while the assets have remained unaccounted for till date.”

42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 , 2016

L

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

AGOS—LAGOS State Government yesterday demolished the 38-year-old, Owonifari Market, Oshodi axis, displacing about 1,500 traders. Also, goods worth several millions were destroyed.

Confirming the number of affected traders, Prince Issa Kayode, former chairman of the market, said that there were over 400 shops and over 1,000 klee-klamps in the market.

When Vanguard visited the scene, it was gathered that the market, established in 1978, was demolished six days after it was shut by the state government.

This came barely 24 hours after the state government explained that the market was shut with the aim of making it conform to the Megacity status of the state.

Sources said that the state government had on December 24, 2015 issued a two-week quit-notice to the traders. But a week after, the state government shut the market before it commenced the demolition exercise at about 12am yesterday.

After shutting the market, the traders alleged that over eight of their members were arrested and detained by the Lagos State Task-force on Environmental and Special Offences unit.

The traders also alleged that they were deprived the opportunity to remove their goods before demolition, even after they rushed down to the market with the aim to salvage same.

Vanguard gathered that large percentage of the traders whose property were demolished with the market had travelled to their home town for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

It was learned that over eight years ago, the traders dragged the State Government to Federal High Court, Ikoyi to stop it from

RAGE OF BULLDOZERS: One of the bulldozers at work during the demolition of Owonifari Market, Oshodi, by the Lagos State Government, yesterday. Photos: Monsuru Olowoopejo.

1,500 traders displaced as Lagos demolishes 38-year-old Oshodi market demolishing the market inline with its Oshodi redevelopment plan.

Sources said that former governor, Babatunde Fashola, now Minister for Works, Power and Housing, had commenced the Oshodi redevelopment but the court injunction restricted his redevelopment to a section of Oshodi.

Traders lament

Speaking to Vanguard, a trader in the market, Mr. Ola Ganiyu, lamented; “We have more than a thousand

DEMOLISHED: Some traders sifting through the rubble.

traders here. I have been trading here for over 38 years. And over the years, we were trading in peace.

“This place was approved by the Federal Government.

The issue is still in court because initially, they claimed that due to the filthy state of the market, it would be shut.

The case is still at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi. And few days after the state government issued quit notice, our counsel warned that the market must not be demolished.”

All I worked for over the years demolished — Trader

Suraju Ariyo, who deals in decoders sale and installation, lamented; “I wish I was allowed to remove my goods before demolition,” adding that all he had worked for in over 10 years were demolished within an hour."

Suraju whose shop was located on line A, shop 7, said; “The issue was that they gave us two weeks quit notice on December 24, 2015. But on Thursday, December 31st, 2015, they shut the market.

“Whoever complained was arrested by officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline and Lagos State Task-force on Environment and Special Offences Unit. Even the chairman of the market, one Mr. Sammy and eight others were arrested.

“It is pathetic that a larger per centage of us (traders) had travelled for the Yuletide and New Year celebration. While we were still appealing to the government to allow us remove our goods, we came here earlier today to see bulldozers demolishing the market. I rushed here with the aim of salvaging my goods but it was pathetic that I was not allowed to do that,” he added.

Suraju alleged that they offered the officials N100,000 to reopen the market so they could

remove their goods. “But the officials turned deaf ears to our plea,” claimed Mrs. Francisca Nwoke, an electronic dealer, alleged that the assurance from the government made her to return her goods to the market. But on Sunday, she was alerted that the market had been sealed. "We came here at about 12 am today (yesterday) and found they’ve demolished the market. We don’t have any where to go. Where the government promised cannot contain us,” she said.

For her part, Mrs. Oby Obinna, said: “The market they intended to relocate us to is not safe for habitation. When our leaders visited the market, they told us the space could not accommodate the entire traders.”

Ambode should rescue us—Traders executives

Former chairman of the Market, Prince Issa Kayode urged the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode to provide succour to the affected traders.

His words; “We want him to come to our aid. We don’t have anywhere to go. This is where we get our source of livelihood. We believe in him and we want him to come to our aid.”

constinues on page 43

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 , 2016—43

1,500 traders displaced as Lagos demolishes 38-year-old Oshodi market Continues from page 42

Information Commissioner speaks

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, argued that the market constituted a menace and an eyesore within the locality.

Ayorinde noted that they have relocated affected traders and shop owners to the newly built Isopakodowo market stalls at Bolade area in Oshodi.

He stated that the government has commenced the fencing of the set-back on Agege Motor Road that will stretch from Ilupeju end of Oshodi all the way to the PWD/Ikeja GRA end of the area.

Ayorinde explained that the Owonifari loop will be transformed into an ultra modern bus terminus with new bus shelters that are befitting of a structured park in a mega city.

He added that the fencing-

C M Y K

off of the long stretch of the set-back is being undertaken to assist the Federal Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation in particular with a view to beautifying it and safeguard lives along

the railway corridor by discouraging street trading and indiscriminate use of the space.

Ayorinde said the ongoing fencing-off and beautification of the road set-back from Ilupeju bypass to PWD/Ikeja

Mr. Suraju Ariyo, one of the affected traders.

GRA would constitute the first phase of the transformation of the Oshodi area. The second phase, he added, would begin from PWD/Ikeja GRA and stretch all the way to Agege/ Pen cinema axis.

He stated further that

Another bulldozer at work.

Lagosians should expect from this transformation exercise, a new Oshodi that will be sane and safe and where both traders and commuters would be pleased to visit and trade.

The commissioner assured that the traders being relocated have been properly allocated shops within the Isopakodowo market and that the demolition of the loop is in the best interest of the people who should expect a world-class bus terminus there.

44 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Outrage, scepticism greet N/Korea’s nuclear bomb test N T E R N AT I O N A L Idemnation scepticism and conhave greeted North Korea's claim to have successfully carried out an underground hydrogen bomb test.

If confirmed, it would be North Korea's fourth nuclear test since 2006 and mark a major upgrade in its capabilities.

But nuclear experts have questioned whether the size of the blast was large enough to have been from an H-bomb.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemned the test "unequivocally", calling it "profoundly destabilising for regional security".

South Korea called the test a "grave provocation" but said it was difficult to believe it was an H-bomb.

Hydrogen bombs are more powerful and tech-

•South Korean President Park Geun-hye, (center), presides over the National Security Council at the presidential house in Seoul where he spoke on the alleged testing of hydrogen bomb by North Korea.

nologically advanced than atomic weapons, using fusion - the merging of atoms - to unleash massive amounts of energy.

Atomic bombs, like the kind that devastated two Japanese cities in World War Two, use fission, or the splitting of atoms.

Bruce Bennett, an analyst with the Rand Corporation, was among those casting doubts on Pyongyang's test: "The bang they should have gotten would have been 10 times greater than what they're claiming.

Iraq offers to mediate in Saudi Arabia-Iran row

I

RAQ is willing to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia, its foreign minister said, as a deepening diplomatic row between the two regional heavyweights continued.

Ibrahim al-Jaafari was speaking on Wednesday in a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who appeared to indicate that Tehran was open to resolving the stand-off.

Zarif said Iran "wants no tension in the region and would always welcome dialogue with its neighbours".

Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic relations with Iran after its embassy in Tehran was stormed by protesters angered by the kingdom's execution of a prominent Shia cleric, who was put to death along with 46 other mainly

Sunni convicts on terrorism charges.

Though, thousands of Iraqi Shias took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the execution of Nimr al-Nimr, Baghdad has taken a more cautious line.

Iran is a key ally of the Shia-led government in Baghdad, and has helped

Bangladesh court upholds Islamic cleric’s death sentence

B

ANGLADESH'S Supreme Court has upheld a death sentence against a top Islamist political leader for crimes committed during the country's 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.

Motiur Rahman Nizami - leader of the country's biggest Islamist party,

Oil price falls below $35 a barrel to fresh 11-year low

O

IL has continued its rollercoaster ride into the new year, with Brent crude falling below $35 a barrel for the first time in 11 years.

Brent crude sank by 4.2% to $34.88 a barrel, surpassing its late December fall, and taking the price to its lowest level since 1 July 2004.

The price of US crude dropped 3.3% to $34.77 a barrel.

The sharp falls followed a short-lived rally on Monday after Saudi Arabia broke diplomatic ties with Iran.

Analysts said fears over the worsening relations

it in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group, and supports powerful Shia militias in the country.

At the same time, as the fight against ISIL enters its second year, Iraq is grappling with its worst political and security crises since the withdrawal of US troops in 2011.

between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which had initially raised concerns about possible supply disruptions and boosted the oil price, had now been overtaken by pessimism over oil cartel Opec ever agreeing on a production ceiling.

Historically, Opec has cut production to support prices. But led by Saudi Arabia, by far the group's most powerful member, the group has resolutely refused to trim supply this time. Rising tensions over Saudi Arabia's execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr mean that any agreement is now deemed less likely than ever.

Jamaat-e-Islami - was convicted by a special war crimes tribunal last year of a raft of offences that included genocide, murder, torture and rape.

Four opposition politicians, including three leaders of Jamaat-eIslami, have been convicted by the tribunal and executed since late 2013.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina set up the tribunal in 2010 to investigate crimes committed during a war of independence in which Bangladeshi authorities say about three million people were killed and more than 200,000 women raped.

Islamists have denounced the tribunal as part of a politically motivated campaign aimed at weakening the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami, a key ally of the country's main opposition party.

Nizami is accused of setting up the Al-Badr militia, a paramilitary unit accused of collaborating with the Pakistani army in large-scale killings and targeting Bangladesh's Hindu minority and intelligentsia.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 — 45

Chiefs promotion not meant to rubbish Ajimobi – OLUBADAN

By Ola Ajayi

I

BADAN—THE Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, has said that the promotion of nine high chiefs, which caused a stir in the city was not meant to denigrate the office of the governor nor rubbish the directive of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The monarch said this through his son, Prof. Allan Femi Lana yesterday in his appreciation message for the understanding that the governor showed.

Governor Ajimobi, after a truce was brokered by the Ibadan Elders’ Forum, had said that the government was uncomfortable with the triviality with which they treated the directive.

To clear any wrong impression, Prof. Lana said, “Olubadan did not ask the high chiefs to disobey the governor but they did it to beat any form of injunction which the Seriki line may want to use to stop the promotion exercise.

“If they had done the promotion exercise for the high chiefs on Saturday, the promotion might not have been allowed to hold.

According to him, there was an issue some years ago when two high chiefs died the same time in Ibadanland, one member of the Seriki line should be brought in to replace them in either the Balogun or Olubadan line.

Whereas Seriki line which is the third line and cannot become the Olubadan because their line was not recognised before. But, it was the supreme court judgment that made them to be recognised.

By Evelyn Usman

L

OONI VISITS AREGBESOLA: From left; The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; his wife, Sherifat and Speaker, State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam, as the monarch presents a gift to the governor, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Osogbo, yesterday.

“That has happened again because we have lost high chief Omowale Kuye and Omiyale the same time. So, the high chiefs anticipated that the Seriki line may go to court to stop their promotion. But, the mistake which the high chiefs made was that they did not inform the governor about their plan. They should have even acknowledged the governor’s letter and promised him that they would follow due process later.”

While thanking all members of Ibadan Elders Forum for their

intervention, he said, “The consultation before the meeting that resolved the issue was explosive, especially on the 48 hour ultimatum given by the governor. We thank God that our elders and notable individuals stepped into the matter and resolved it amicably. But, before it was resolved it was tough for the Ibadan elders who had to call separate meetings for the parties involved to pour out their grievances.

“Different people came in with their own bitterness, concerns and

unfavourable impressions about the high chiefs and the governor.

But in the end, the high chiefs agreed that there was one step missing before their promotion which they did not take.

“But, yesterday each of the parties had identified their lapses, and the high chiefs had accepted where they were wrong and promised to follow due process in the promotion.

The governor too given provisional approval for them to retain the positions but that they should follow due process later.”

AREGBESOLA TO OONI OGUNWUSI: Unite Yoruba sons and daughters •As monarch lauds gov for promoting Yoruba culture assist youths and rebuild the

By Gbenga Olarinoye

O

SOGBO—GOVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, has charged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II to use his position to unite all Yoruba sons and daughters world wide.

Similarly, the Ooni also commended the governor for

promoting the Yoruba culture and ethos by adopting the Oranmiyan for the state’s logo.

Oba Ogunwusi during a “Thank you” visit with other Ife monarchs and chiefs to Governor Aregbesola at the Government House in Osogbo yesterday called on Ife Chiefs to praise the governor for bringing unity to the cradle of Yorubaland.

The monarch informed the governor that Ife and Modakeke have come together with a resolve that there will no longer be rivalry and war between the two communities during his reign.

He called on the governor to support the initiative of the two communities setting up a trust fund by House of Oduduwa to

Police grant amnesty to 12 repentant cultists in Ogun

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—OGUN State Police, yesterday, publicly granted amnesty to 12 cultists after they had denounced their membership of various cult groups in the state .

The state Police Commissioner, Abdulmajid Ali presided over the amnesty programme organised in Ewekoro local government area of the state.

There was a mild drama during the programme as four more cultists joined eight members who had been taken to the venue in

295 cops died, 1171 suspects nabbed in Lagos last year — CP

handcuffs by policemen.

All of them who were residents of Ewekoro local government were then granted amnesty and asked to shun any cult activities.

The Police arrested eight cultists few weeks ago and paraded them at the state Police Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Vanguard gathered that, some prominent people in the state prevailed upon the Police to give them amnesty which was granted.

The twelve cultists were made to swear by two holy books; Qur ’an and Bible and then signed an undertaking against

going back to cultism.

In his remarks, the state Police Commissioner said the amnesty programme was going to be held in all the 20 local governments in the state for cultists that renounce their membership.

He said after the exercise, the Command would no longer grant amnesty to anyone caught for cultism.

He said “ I want to warn that, I will not come back to this local government again for this programme. It is the last chance for any cult member to come out an renounce their membership.

ruins of war in the area.

The traditional ruler called on the people of the state to pay their taxes for government to continue with her developmental projects in the state.

In his remarks, the governor urged traditional rulers in the state to help government in educating people on the need for the payment of tax and in addition urged Cocoa farmers in the state not to sell their produce out of Osun.

Aregbesola noted that for the state to experience abundance, citizens and residents alike must be ready to fulfil their civic duties to government by promptly paying their taxes.

He emphasised that the time has come for everybody to realise that Osun has nothing serious to expect from the Federal allocation accruing to state monthly.

The governor stated that government and citizens need to look inward for the prosperity and development of the state.

AGOS State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni yesterday said the command lost 295 policemen last year .

Some of the policemen according to him, died while carrying out their constitutional duty, while others died through ailment.

Briefing newsmen on the achievement of the command last year, Owoseni also stated that two robbery suspects were killed during shoot-out with policemen in the state while 1171 suspects were arrested for various offenses from December 11 till date.

He said that the command also recovered 16 arms, 40 ammunitions, 24 vehicles and 1, 055 motorcycles.

A breakdown of the number revealed that out of the 1171 arrested suspects, 47 were robbery suspects, 14 were suspected cultists while 1110 were apprehended during raids of criminals’ hideouts.

Out of those arrested during raids, he said 82 persons were profiled and screened out, 1,028 others were charged to court while 745 of them had been convicted.

Madam Ojo for burial tomorrow

T

HE burial ceremony of late Madam Grace Ekowigho Ojo of Uhie-Okha community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State will commence today with Service of Songs at her husband’s compound in Etiosa-Okha community, Benin by 4pm.

The body will leave Stella Obasanjo Hospital tomorrow by 9am for St James Anglican Church, Obaretin, Benin city for funeral service at 10 am.

On Saturday there will be reception for the guests at Imaguero College, Sapele road, Benin city at 12 noon while thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday January 10 by 10 am.

Late Madam Grace Ojo

46 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Glo-CAF Awards: Renard ahead of Amuneke

F

IFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach Emmanuel Amuneke will most likely surrender the CAF Coach of the year 2015 award to Herve Renard, who led Cote d’Ivoire to win a longawaited AFCON trophy in Equatorial Guinea in February.

The 2015 AFCON win was after 23 years of wait by the Ivorians who last celebrated AFCON success in 1992.

Renard also led unfancied Zambia to win the 2012 AFCON in Gabon, incidentally at the expense of Cote d’Ivoire.

Former FC Barcelona winger Amuneke, on the other hand, led Nigeria to win the FIFA U17 World Cup in November in Chile.

Many had written off the team after they failed to win the CAF U17 championship in Niger Republic but the former African Footballer of the

Onobi worsens Eagles injury crisis

S

UNSHINE Stars midfielder Paul Onobi has worsened the injury problems of the CHAN Eagles after he was forced out yesterday ’s warm-up game against Angola.

The midfield Trojan, who famously benched Chelsea star Mikel in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Swaziland in Port Harcourt, was an early substitute after he suffered a knock in the 35th minute and was replaced by U-23 ace Usman Mohammed.

E

VA Carneiro has failed to reach a settlement with Chelsea over her constructive dismissal case against the club after the first tribunal hearing.

Carneiro, accompanied by husband Jason De Carteret, declined to speak to the assembled media as she quickly moved inside the London South Employment Tribunal in

•Amuneke Year proved his critics wrong by making the team unbeatable at the World Cup. The team showed they are well-coached with their display and Amuneke proved to be a technically

Wednesday.

Midfield Trojan Paul Onobi was an early substitute as he sustained a knock in the 35th minute and was replaced by U-23 ace Usman Mohammed.

Angola later missed a penalty just before half time.

The Negras, silver medalists at the 2nd African Nations Championship in Sudan five years ago, tried to pile pressure on the Eagles in the second half, but five substitutions made by Coach Sunday Oliseh kept the 2014 bronze medalists in the C M Y K

•Etebo

•Osimhen

sound coach to the extent that the FIFA Study Group noted his tactics.

Etoile du Sahel coach Fawzi Benzarti led the Tunisian club to successful season in 2015 by winning the CAF Confederation

Cup and Tunisia President’s Cup. CAF Champions League-winning coach with TP Mazembe Patrice Carteron is also a nominee for this award category.

CHAN: I can’t shoulder Eagles burden alone — Chikatara team, I am sure the

S

UPER Eagles a t t a c ke r, Chisom Chikatara said the team must not revolve around one man at the CAF Africa Nations Championship starting January 16 in Rwanda.

Chikatara, picked up a muscle strain during training, and could not play in the warm-up match against Angola yesterday. He stated that pinning the hope of the team on him could be counterproductive. ‘ I don’t think its a good idea to build the team around me as a striker. I could cop an injury and that will turn things on its head dramatically. Its not a wise thing to build a team around a single player,” said the player.

However, coach Sunday Oliseh assured that he has good team that can win the tournament.

“We have a very good

Super Eagles will do well in Rwanda,” he said.

Nigeria will play its opening match against Niger Repbulic on January 18, before tackling Tunisia and Guinea in the group stages.

ascendancy.

Nigeria took the lead in the 84th minute when Ibrahim Attah Salau was upended in the Angolan box, with midfielder Bartholomew Ibenegbu making no mistake from the spot.

Angola equalized from a corner kick with only two minutes left in the game.

The Super Eagles have another top-notch friendly – against Cote d’Ivoire – in Pretoria on Monday. The Nigeria delegation is expected to arrive in Kigali on January 15 – three days to the Eagles’ first match of the 4th African Nations Championship, against Niger Republic.

I

AAF president Lord Coe has vowed to “ride out the storm” at athletics’ beleaguered world governing body.

The organisation is set to be hit with further blows to its credibility when Dick Pound presents the second part of the World AntiDoping Agency’s report on doping.

The first part revealed

Dalung Continues from BP Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the assassination yesterday if the Head of Protocol of the football house, Ibrahim Abubakar said the brazen manner by which he was killed leaves much to be desired.

The Minister who arrived the NFF Secretariat in the company of some of his directors added that he was worried because the victim could have been anybody.

“This is a very tragic death and I am particularly worried because this young man was killed right on his bed and I dare say that

And leaving court after the three-hour hearing, Mary O’Rourke QC, representing Carneiro, said no settlement had been reached and a date had been fixed for the next hearing.

The Blues filed their defence in the case last month. Carneiro also has a separate personal legal action against former Blues manager Jose Mourinho.

Rio 2016: Brazil set to name overage players held in South America.

B

RAZIL is said to be close to selecting its three overage players for Rio 2016 and Barcelona superstar Neymar is one of the favorites to make the Brazilian Olympic team.

According to Universo Online, who cite the Brazilian soccer federation and Olympic and national team coach Dunga, Inter Milan center back Miranda and Internacional goalkeeper Alisson are also expected to be selected for the first summer Olympics to be

Neymar, 23, has repeatedly spoken of his interest in representing his nation at the Olympics and it seems like he will get his wish,

•Neymar

WADA to reveal more athletics dirty deals

•Chikatara

Angola Continues from BP

Chelsea, Carneiro disagree on settlement Croydon.

it could have been anybody including me.

“I also believe that our security agencies should buckle up to ensure adequate protection of lives and property because it is not a good tale that people should be easily murdered by evil men without any trace.”

Ibrahim Abubakar joined the federation during the early days of former President of the NFF, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdulahi.

According to sources at the NFF, the deceased was murdered alongside his security man at his Kado estate residence around 2 am on Wednesday.

state-sponsored doping in Russian athletics and resulted in the country being suspended by the IAAF. The second part of the report - held back because of a police investigation focuses on the conduct of IAAF officials and will be presented in Munich any time from now. Pound has promised it has a “wow factor”.

Coe has endured a baptism of fire since being elected IAAF president last August, but, in an interview with GQ magazine conducted 10 days after the publication of the first part

of the report, he said he had no regrets about taking on the role.

The IAAF has faced corruption allegations over the Russian doping scandal, with Coe’s predecessor as president Lamine Diack the subject of a police investigation over claims he took money to cover up positive drugs tests by Russian athletes.

Coe’s right-hand man at the IAAF, Nick Davies, has stepped aside from his role as the director of the president’s office while he is investigated by the IAAF’s ethics commission.

Ballon d’Or

Continues from BP and Sasic would not be surprising winners.

Messi spearheaded Barcelona to the treble last season, scoring 48 goals in 53 games for his team.

He is competing against Neymar, his Barcelona team-mate, and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo for the gong and if Messi is the winner, it will be the fifth time he has held the Ballon d’Or. Sasic, meanwhile, won

the women’s World Cup with Germany in 2015 and was also top scorer for Frankfurt as they won the Champions League.

But she retired from the game in July at the age of 27, saying she wanted to pursue new challenges.

‘I am looking forward to many new things in my life: my university studies, a new orientation job-wise and starting a family among many other things,’ Sasic said.

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016 — 47

Federations 're on their own — Dalung

Mikel not spectacular —Wilkins R

AY Wi l k i n s h a s l i k e n e d Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier toChelsea counterpart John Obi Mikel due to the E n g l i s h m a n ’ s ‘unspectacular ’ contribution in the centre of the park.

Dier started his career as a defender but has been deployed in a deep-lying midfield role

by Mauricio Pochettino this season.

“At times it’s vitally important [to have an understanding with Dele Alli] especially in the defensive areas,” Wilkins told Sky Sports.

“He’s a bit like John Obi Mikel, nothing spectacular but he understands the role and he does it to a very good effect. He just sits in front of the back four.”

By Solomon Nwoke

T

•Mikel

Money delays Angel’s mum's burial •Sponsorship drive hangs

By John Egbokhan

N

EARLY three months after the murder of a former tennis player, Beauty Nwankwo by a mobile policeman in Victoria Island, it has emerged that the 39 year old deceased remains in the mortuary because of the lack of money to execute her burial.

Angel’s mother was reportedly killed on October 26 after a scuffle ensued between both in the late hours of the night. Outrage greeted the murder of Nwankwo, who hailed from Anambra State, with fears being expressed over the tennis career of her 14 year-old daughter, who a fortnight back told Sports Vanguard that she was shocked that her dead mother was yet to be buried.

“In countries like India, they burn the dead without unnecessary delays.

Even in Nigeria, they don’t waste time to bury young persons. My mother was a young woman when she died, so I was expecting a quick burial. But it is taking forever for her to be buried and her soul is not resting in peace. I feel her spirit moving about”, Angel has said in an earlier interview.

And fresh investigations by Sports Vanguard have shown that the late Nwankwo was yet to be buried because of financial constraints on the part of her family members, who we reportedly learnt have sought the financial assistance of Governor Willie Obiano Our usually authorita-

tive source told us that Gov. Obiano, who met Angel’s uncle, told the family to route their letter seeking financial support through Senator Andy Uba, who is the senator from where the late Nwankwo hailed from. It was however unclear if the family complied with the Governor’s directive.

And concerns have continued to mount over the welfare of Angel, who since her mother’s death is yet to get any meaningful help from those masquerading as friends, guardians wellwishers and tennis promoters.

Indeed, the young teen, during her last chat, said she was unsure of her tennis career, praying that the founder of the Chevron Tennis Academy, Chris Enahoro would come good on his promise to send her to the International tennis Federation High Performance Centre in Morocco.

But we have since gathered that Enahoro has been meeting brick walls in his drive to turn the page around for Angel, prompting tennis faithful to call for a more robust approach to secure the future of Nigeria’s brightest tennis prospects.

“The future of Angel is of paramount interest to us and we must address this matter headlong””, said President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Sani Ndanusa, whose body has invited Angel to the Abuja camp of the forthcoming African Junior Tennis Championship.

HE minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung has told sports federations that allegedly ‘borrowed’ money to prosecute international championships to source funds and repay those loans without expecting help from the ministry.

“We are not giving any money for debt repayment. We cannot pay such debts because we were not part of their discussion. When corporate bodies give them money they don’t come back to tell us. They should go to corporate bodies to source funds and repay the debts,” he said.

He frowned at the rate of infighting in the various sports federations, pointing out that the development was not good for the country in an Olympic year.

“I have never seen a battalion preparing for war and among their ranks, officers will foment trouble within their ranks. How can they win against any external aggressor under such state?” he asked He called on all warring factions in the various federations to sheath their swords, at least, for the sake of Nigeria. “Let us make peace so that we can channel all our energies toward our preparations for the Olympics.”

Alli for £20,000-a-week Spurs deal

D

Angel Macleod ... Crying for help

ELE Alli is set to be handed a new contract after making a spectacular start to his career at Tottenham.

The 19-year-old midfielder earns about £10,000-per-week and can expect to see that figure at least doubled as Spurs move to reward their player for his outstanding form.

Tottenham have a record of improving the terms of players who perform well. Since July 2014, Harry Kane has signed two new deals, elevating his salary dramatically to about £50,000 a week.

In the current firstteam squad, Erik Lamela, Hugo Lloris and Mousa Dembele are thought to be at the top of the tree, collecting between £70-80,000 a week.

•Alli

FIFA extends Valcke’s ban by 45 days T

HE FIFA ethics com mittee has extended the ban on Jerome Valcke for another 45 days while it processes a case against him.

•Valcke

Valcke faces a nineyear ban after being charged with violating the FIFA code of ethics while serving as President Sepp Blatter’s secretary general since 2007.

FIFA ethics judges are expected to hear the case within weeks.

The French former television presenter and marketing executive was first suspended by the ethics committee in October. That suspension expired on Tuesday, the same day ethics investigators recommended a nine-year ban.

In his final investigation report, ethics prosecutor Cornel Borbely

also asked that Valcke be fined 100,000 Swiss francs ($100,000).

The prosecution file charges Valcke with ac-

cepting gifts, conflicts of interest, breaches of confidentiality and loyalty, and failing to cooperate with investigators.

Ozil happy at Arsenal —Flamini game. I believe he is

A

RSENAL midfielder Mathieu Flaim-ini feels team-mate Mesut Ozil is happy and comfortable at the club as he proves his status as one of the game’s top players this season.

“I am very pleased for him,” Flamini told Arsenal’s official website.

“We all knew he was a top player but I am glad he is proving it every

[happy] here and we have such a great atmosphere here that it makes it very easy for him to feel comfortable.

“We are close friends and we have a good time on and off the pitch. That is very important because, if you want to be able to perform, you have to feel happy in your head and feel confident off the pitch.''

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016

Angola hold Eagles in Pretoria A Black Wednesday at Glass House

N G O L A ’ s Palancas Negras held the Super Eagles B to a 1-1 draw in a preAfrican Nations Championship friendly in Pretoria on Continues on Page 46

Robbers kill NFF official T

•Late Abubakar

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) family woke up on Wednesday with the sad news of the sudden death of its Head of Protocol, Ibrahim Abubakar.

Abubakar, 43, was murdered by armed robbers in his home at Kado Estate near Gwarinpa in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“He was full of life when he left the office yesterday (Tuesday). The Federation has lost a dedicated and assiduous staff. This is so painful,” said a traumatised NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi yesterday.

‘Ibro’, as he was fondly

called, joined the Nigeria Football Federation in 2007. He was buried yesterday at his residence in Kaduna, according to Islamic rites.

Abubakar is survived by a wife and three children.

Blunder: FIFA leaks Messi’s name as Ballon d’Or winner F OOTBALL fans across the globe have been left wondering if FIFA accidentally leaked the winners of the Ballon d’Or on their website on Wednesday.

Football’s world governing body momentarily placed Lionel Messi

Dalung tasks agencies on national security

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja Barr. Solomon Dalung has called on security INISTER of agencies in the country Youths and to ensure adequate Sports Development, surveillance of the entire

M

country at all times.

Dalung who spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the Continues on Page 46

Eagles midfielder: Paul Onobi

and Celia Sasic at the summit of their list of winners on their website, alongside the year 2015.

Their names were swiftly removed.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 11 but Messi Continues on Page 46

Glo-CAF Awards: Renard ahead of Amuneke •Messi

— Page 46 QUICK CR OSS WORD CROSS OSSWORD

TODAY'S PUZZLE

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Shoot (6) 5 Fight (6) 8 Fleet (8) 9 Mislaid (4) 10 Hatchet (3) 12 Fish (5) 15 Weep (3) 17 Prohibit (3) 18 Moo (3) 19 Centre (3) 20 Solemn (5) 21 Fish (3) 22 Stretch (3) 23 Solidify (3) 24 Bow (3) 26 Corroded (5) 29 Statute (3) 33 Island (4) 34 Final (8) 35 Coma (6) 36 Scold (6)

*Renard

DOWN 2 Flowers (5) 3 Curse (4) 4 Claw (5) 5 Quarrel (5) 6 Story (4) 7 Lariat (5) 10 Pale (5) 11 Receded (5) 12 Wrath (5) 13 Mirror (5) 14 Dirge (5) 15 Dilate (5) 16 Under (5) 25 Start (5) 27 Complete (5) 28 Pulsate (5) 30 Asunder (5) 31 Retain (4) 32 Jetty (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Chic 4, Sip 4, Lack 8, Prison 9, Nature 10, Dog 12, Shrub 14, Broom 15, Miser 18, Accede 20, United 24, Total 26, Snout 28, Glade 30, Ale 32, Proper 33, Dreamt 34, Slur 35, Dim 36, Sure.

DOWN: 2, Harsh 3, Costume 4, Send 5, Pang 6, Later 7, Corrode 11, Ore 12, Sea 13, Bid 16, Set 17, Rut 19, Control 21, Nag 22, Illness 23, Die 25, Owl 27, Upper 29, Demur 30, Arid 31, Edam.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821. Abuja Advert Hotline: 09-2921024. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Ag.Editor: EZE ANABA. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K