AMBODE: What i told igbo leaders-Oba of Lagos

...towards a better life for the people

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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VOL. 25: NO. 62378

N150

TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Boko Haram kills 25, sacks Borno Village

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AMBODE: What I told Igbo

leaders — Oba of Lagos zWe must build Lagos together — Ambode zBode George, Lagos PDP, others blast Akiolu zOhanaeze, Igbo leaders meet

By Leke Adeseri, Clifford Ndujihe, Austin Ogwuda, Anayo Okoli, Dapo Akinrefon & Francis Igata

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AGOS — AS outrage greeted the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu’s alleged death Continues on Page 5

2011 BONGA OIL SPILL: Victims fault Shell’s refusal to pay $3.6bn compensation •P.12

COLUMNIST:

•SEE PULL-OUT INSIDE

CLASS SESSION: Children holding a class session at an Internally Displaced Persons', IDPs, camp at Durumi In Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN

FAYOSE'S IMPEACHMENT: SAPELE:

See Inside

The collapse of Timber Town C M Y K

Ekiti dep gov, gov's aides lead citizens to occupy Assembly 11

Moral victory for Jonathan; an acclaim for Nigeria •P.44

Mr & Mrs

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POCKET CARTOON Outrage greets threat

VISIT: From left: The Emir of Borgu, Dr. Haliru Dantoro III; Presidentelect, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), during the emir's visit to Buhari at the campaign office, in Abuja. Photo: Sunday Aghaeze.

AMBODE: What I told Igbo leaders —Oba of Lagos Continues from page 1 he was misquoted and clarified what he told Igbo leaders, who visited him.

In a statement by Chief Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, Opeluwa of Lagos, the traditional ruler said he called on Igbo chiefs to show appreciation to Lagos State by supporting his candidate, Ambode, for continuity of excellence as they had earlier promised.

The statement read: "My attention has been drawn to a publication in a national newspaper where HRM Oba Rilwanu Akiolu was alleged to have threatened Igbo in Lagos to make them vote for Ambode.

"Last Sunday, all honorary Eze Ndigbo in Lagos paid a courtesy call to HRM Oba Akiolu.

At the meeting, the

visitors praised the Oba for his fatherly support for and co-operation with Igbo in Lagos. They assured him of their continued good neighbourliness with other tribes in Lagos and to support everything that will further strengthen that harmony.

"Oba Akiolu on his part acknowledged the enviable performance of Governor Babatunde Fashola and his contribution to the growth of investments in Lagos. He gave the assurance that he is not disturbed or angry with South-East and SouthSouth votes for President Goodluck Jonathan as perceived by the Eze Ndigbo.

"The Oba, thereafter, called on the Igbo chiefs to show appreciation to Lagos State by supporting his candidate, Mr. Ambode,

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

C

ULTIVATE the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude — Ralph Waldo Emerson This much I am learning in the moment… happiness is about awareness and it comes when if we quit struggling so desperately for it. Just imagine the person who swims across the ocean to ask a sage "How can I be more at ease and happier." Only to have the sage reply, "Next time take a boat."

I always choose to make my moments beautiful.

Whatever we seek from life will come when we are ready to receive the gift, but sometimes when the result of our expectations is contrarily, we give up too easily.

I have come to know this much, something delayed could mean, wait, there is something better just around the river bend, be patient. For when we can get passed the wanting in the waiting, the gift is received in even more abundance. Be aware of gratitude as a way of life.

for continuity of excellence as they had earlier promised.

"He assured them of his continued support and assistance and the meeting ended with the traditional breaking of kolanuts, alligator pepper, bitter kola and pouring of libation. It was within this context that the tradition of Lagos with regard to the lagoon came up. It was noted that whoever works against the throne and the interest and peaceful co-existence of Lagos would end up in the lagoon as per tradition.

"Oba Akiolu stated further that the Igbo people have not betrayed the throne. Lagos has also not betrayed the Igbo people. Lagos has done so much to make the Igbo comfortable and to prosper. For this, we expect reciprocal respect and understanding. The Oba of Lagos prays that the Lagoon and the throne will continue to bless and protect all those who reside and visit Lagos.

"Oba Akiolu is the father of all, irrespective of tribe, religion or political persuasion. In Lagos, we have an old traditional proverb that relates to the Lagoon.

The lagoon is unique to Lagos. The proverb stresses the need for unity and understanding when you do business in an environment and in this case when you live and do business in Lagos. Oba Akiolu prays for peace for the land of Lagos and prosperity for all its inhabitants."

Meanwhile, the polity was awash with outrage, yesterday, over the Oba’s reported threat. The umbrella body of Igbo socio-cultural organisations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, went into an emergency meeting yesterday over the issue.

Dr. Josef Onoh, son of former governor of old Anambra State, late Chief C. C. Onoh, vowed to drag the Oba to the International Criminal Court, ICC, over the alleged threats, even as Ohanaeze Youths Council, OYC, gave the Oba 48 hours within which to retract and unconditionally apologise to Ndigbo in Lagos over the threat.

Condemnations and criticisms also came from Chief Olabode George, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, Mr Tony Nwulu (Oshodi-Isolo Repelect), the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Afenifere, Igbo Youths Movement (IYM), Aka-Ikenga and Igbo Professionals Lagos (IPL), Oodua Youths Congress, Oodua Democratic Coalition, Yoruba Thinktank, Oodua Nation in Diaspora and United Self-Determination Platform of Oodua, among others.

We must build Lagos together — Ambode This came as Ambode restated his commitment to lead a government of inclusion where every Lagosian, irrespective of tribe or ethnicity, is carried along in the quest to make Lagos greater, if elected.

He spoke, yesterday, while receiving a donation of buses from the Nigeria Progressive Ambassadors at an event held at the APC party headquarters in Ogba, Lagos.

He said: “Every group in Lagos is safe in my hands as governor. I will not discriminate against any religious or ethnic group. It is our Lagos and we must build it together.

"In my acceptance speech after the primaries, I made this note that I will be a governor for all and Lagos will be safe in my hands. I want to build on the foundation of unity,

peace and progress and development laid by my predecessor.”

Ohanaeze, Igbo leaders meet Disturbed by the issue, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo went into an emergency meeting to take a stand on the Oba’s threats to allegedly make life unbearable for Ndigbo, if they did not vote for his candidate.

President General of Ohanaeze, Chief Gary Igariwey, said: “All the Igbo leaders in Lagos will meet tonight (yesterday) on the issue.

Once they are through, they will communicate me and an official stance will be made known.”

Meanwhile, political groups and individuals in Enugu State have lashed out at Akiolu over his comments, insisting that the royal stool had become political.

Reacting to the Oba’s stance, Commissioner for Inter-Ministerial Duties, Enugu State, Mr. Beloved-Dam Anike, said: “What this simply means is that the Oba is a political father. Igbo are true Nigerians and have the right to live and eke a living anywhere they like.

Igbo have contributed over 70 per cent of Lagos economic growth.”

A political think-tank, Enugu Unity Forum, EUF, spoke through its chairman, Chief Tahil Ochi, saying: "Igbo and Yoruba have had cordial relationship. The issue of election should not bring the relationship to a halt.

The Oba should remove politics from the relationship and preach peace, unity and not war.

As an Oba, he should be the father of all.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Josef Onoh, son of former governor of old Anambra State, has vowed to drag the Oba of Lagos to the ICC over the alleged

threats.

Describing the Oba’s utterance as a grievous incitement against the Igbo in Lagos, Onoh said: “Let it be known that whether Oba Akilou’s threat comes to fruition or not, I have concluded to take him to the ICC where he will keep company with the likes of Charles Taylor and answer to human rights charges that will be preferred against him.”

He stated that Oba Akiolu, by his threat of sinking Ndigbo into the lagoon if they voted against APC in the April 11 governorship election for Lagos State, should be condemned.

He, therefore, urged his fellow Igbo brothers and sisters to exercise their fundamental right and vote for who they wanted, irrespective of the threat.

On its part, Ohanaeze Youths Council, OYC, gave the monarch 48 hours within which to retract and unconditionally apologise to Ndigbo in Lagos.

The group in a statement signed by its National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said it was a despicable insult on the Igbo nation, home and abroad, lamenting that the statement was least expected of a royal father in the rank of Oba of Lagos.

The group said the Oba must come out to apologise, failing which the Igbo would take his statement as a declaration of war.

The OYC also warned that should anything happen to Ndigbo or their business interests in Lagos in the eventuality of APC’s defeat at the Lagos governorship race, the Oba should be held responsible.

The group said: “In as

Continues on page 53

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

7 die, 18 injured in Bauchi auto crash

By Suzan Edeh

B

AUCHI—NO fewer than seven persons were killed yesterday, while 18 others sustained injuries in a motor accident along Misau Road, about five kilometres from Azare town of Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State.

Confirming the incident, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Unit Commander in Azare, Sa’adu Funtua, said the accident happened around 8.30pm and involved a commercial bus with number plate KTG 50 YG, and a military armoured vehicle.

He said: “The 18-seater commercial bus coming from Bauchi town was conveying passengers to Azare when one of its tyres burst.

“The driver, who was speeding, lost control of the vehicle and rammed into a military armoured vehicle on the other lane.

Seven persons died on the spot, while 17 sustained injuries.”

The unit commander said some minutes after the crash, officials of Federal Road Safety Commission raced to the scene to control the situation.

Sa’adu said the dead had been moved to a morgue at the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, while the injured were taken to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention.

Residents rescue 2 siblings from parents' torture zStep-mother locks them in, while her childen go to school

By Esther Onyegbula ESIDENTS at Owutu in Ikorodu, Lagos, have been thrown into panic, following the discovery of two malnourished siblings, aged six and eight.

They were found lying in the sun, with blood dripping from injuries on the back of the eightyear-old, while the six-year-old looked pale.

It was learned that community leaders raised alarm to rescue the siblings, who were allegedly being constantly tortured and abused by their father, Seun Odebunmi, and step-mother, Adepeju Odebunmi The siblings, identified as Damilare Odebunmi, eight; and Michael Odebunmi, six; have consistently suffered different forms of abuse in the hands of their father and step-mother, who had made it a habit of starving the children, an act that had led the children to beg other tenants for crumbs when hungry.

sun on the septic tank till residents in the community were alerted.

“We decided to get the police involved because we realized that the condition of the children was deteriorating, especially Damilare, who had become unconscious. We had no option but to alert the police, who rescued the children.”

A co-tenant told Vanguard: “I was at home when a fellow tenant called my attention to what was happening in my compound.

“When I came out, I met Dami under the sun with severe wound and his back still bleeding.

“The sight was really gory. I had to call the attention of other residents who raised alarm and alerted the police.”

When Vanguard visited the victims at Ikorodu General Hospital, the children were still looking malnourished after over two weeks in the hospital, with scars on different parts of their bodies.

Beaten over Vitamin C

‘Our stories’

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Vanguard gathered that residents in the community raised alarm on the abuse suffered by the children when Damilare was found lying in the sun with blood dripping from injuries on his back after he was beaten by the step-mother for swallowing Vitamin C. It was gathered that when policemen came to rescue the children, they discovered that they were highly malnourished.

They were immediately taken to the hospital.

According to a community leader, Mr. James Solarin, “this abuse has been ongoing for too long. Residents had to speak out when it was obvious the couple had evil plans.

“On March 24, Damilare was seriously beaten by his stepmother and placed under the

Ironically, while her step-sons are constantly tortured, abused and deprived of food, Adepeju’s two biological children looked healthy and chubby.

Recounting his ordeal, sixyear-old Micheal Odebunmi, said: “I live with my father and step-mother, every little thing I do at home gets me a beating from daddy and my stepmother.

“Most times, they beat me with plank, stick and horsewhip. The scar on my leg is among the numerous injuries she has inflicted on my body.

“I got that scar because I shared my meal with my brother, Dami, who my stepmother refused to give food.

When she found out that I gave him part of my meal, she beat me with a wood that has nails;

Damilare's scars. PHOTO: Esther Onyegbula. it was one of the nails that tore my leg. Whenever she is going out, she locks us up.”

Recounting his experience, Damilare told Vanguard: “I was living with my grandmother before my father took me to his house.

Woman, 3 children die in oil blowout fire

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI—FIRE from an oil blowout on the SapeleForcados Trunkline, belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, has killed a mother and three children at Odidi, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Friday Deinghan, a community leader at Odidi, who spoke to Vanguard yesterday, described the magnitude of the spill and the

associated fire as “unprecedented.”

The alleged victims include Mrs Ebosine Photo, 36, her children, Siyafa and Gift Photo, 16 and 6 years, respectively, and an unnamed toddler, who was under a year.

Deighan said: “The mother and the children were out fishing, more than three kilometres away from the spill point, very unmindful that the crude oil had spread across the river. It was nightfall.

“She made to light a

hurricane lamp they usually use to illuminate their way as they mend their nets and fishing traps.

“Immediately she lit it and dropped the match stick on the water, fire engulfed the four of them.”

He said no Joint Investigation Visit, JIV, had been carried out to ascertain the cause and extent of damage since the community noticed bubbles on the blowout spot and reported to SPDC last Thursday.

Deighan said: “The community had promptly notified Shell, asking them to boom the place to arrest the oil from spreading wide, but they refused. That line is aged and that spot has undergone failure and contracted for clamping repeatedly.

“As I speak with you now, it is serious humanitarian concern in the community as the people are confused and in mourning. People cannot go for fishing and something urgent needs to be done.”

“Since we started living with him and my step-mother, we have not been going to school because he refuses to register us.

“While my step-brother and sister go to school, my brother and I stay at home. Most times, my step-mother would not give me food; she will beat me if I enter the kitchen or eat food when I am hungry.

“She beat me up because I took Vitamin C from the room because before going out with my daddy, she gave my brother Vitamin C. “She uses horsewhip and plank to beat me. She also used my daddy’s clutch to hit me on my back.’’

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident, saying the children had been rescued and taken to Ikorodu General Hospital.

“The case will be thoroughly investigated,” he assured.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—7

Police parade Owo bank robbery suspects, 76 others

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—POLICE in Ondo State, yesterday, paraded seven of the armed robbers that killed seven policemen in a recent robbery attacks on four banks at Owo, Ondo State, which also claimed the lives of four others and two bank officials.

The suspects were among the 84 others paraded for sundry crimes, including 76 suspected cult members, in the state.

Addressing newsmen in Akure, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Isaac Eke, said seven of the suspected armed robbers were part of those that attacked four banks in Owo and killed 13 persons, including seven policemen and two bank officials.

He explained that the cop killers were arrested by a combined team of policemen from Ondo, Edo and military personnel, adding that the robbers engaged the security

A laundry man at work. PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

personnel in a gun battle.

According to him, “ while Ondo State policemen were pursuing the suspects, those in Edo State blocked them.”

Recovered weapons

Items recovered from them include 12,000 rounds of ammunition, six assault rifles, 17 AK-47 rifles, three riot guns, one revolver pistol, one chief revolver pistol, 11 rolls of dynamite and 142 magazines.

Others include two submachine guns, six Beretta rifles, two scorpion guns, three large rifles, three Dane guns, Tarakov rifle and three pump action guns.

Eke said N9.3 million cash, a pair of police uniforms, 33 canisters of tear gas, police steel helmets and 13 vehicles used for the operation were recovered from the suspected armed robbers.

According to him, the arms recovered were parts of the arms carted away from IkareAkoko and Owo Police stations, when the hoodlums attacked the station last year and two weeks ago.

Also paraded were suspected

pirates, who were arrested at Ajapa in Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state, while a cache of weapons was recovered from them.

The police commissioner, who said the suspected pirates were arrested with the help of Gallery Security Service and military men, added that 16 of the unrepentant militants were killed in a gun battle with security personnel last week.

According to him, heavily armed hoodlums in military uniforms suspected to have been commanded by ‘General’ Ibori, an unrepentant militant, invaded and attacked Gallery Security base located at Akanaku community with five speed boats.

Eke said 16 suspected pirates were killed during a shootout, while seven of them were arrested with different rifles.

Those arrested included Ikes Omosebi, Akpos Atunwase, Uyeweri Zacchaeus, Augustine Goto, Ekuiwasemi Loghoga, Worifaifa Simon and John Omonipere.

Eke said 76 suspected cultists and one kidnap suspect were also arrested by police.

I took a risk; was unlucky — SUSPECTED DRUG MULE

By Evelyn Usman

A

37 year-old man, who was arrested alongside a mother of three and four others with 16.51kg narcotics at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, has said he had no regrets over his action, blaming his indulgence on frustration.

The suspect, Okoye Kelvin, was allegedly on the verge of smuggling 10.27kg cannabis to Doha, capital of Qatar, when he was arrested by officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. He reportedly showed no sign of remorse, saying he opted to take a risk since life itself was a risk.

According to Kelvin: “I was frustrated. When you are frustrated, you can do anything.

I took a risk, but I was not lucky.

Life is about taking risk.

“It is either you win or you lose. I have worked and suffered as a casual labourer in Doha for two years and I was desperate to change my status.”

On her part, the mother of three, Gladys Omari, who claimed to have left Spain where she lived, owing to financial hardship, was reportedly arrested with 1.670kg of cocaine, which she intended to export to Madrid, Spain.

I left my 3 children with a friend—SUSPECT

During interrogation Omari said: “I buy and sell clothes. I lived in Spain for about a decade. I came back to Nigeria because of financial hardship.

“I love to go back to Spain but I do not have enough money.

This was how I found myself in drug trafficking. The most painful aspect of my arrest is that I told my friend to look after my children for a few days.

“By my calculation, I thought I could quickly smuggle the drugs to Spain and return within one week. I felt so bad when the drug was detected at the airport.”

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU—A teenage boy has been shot dead in Enugu State by his cousin over an undisclosed issue.

State Police Command’s spokesman, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect had been arrested.

He gave the name of the deceased as Izuchukwu Ihejika, while the suspect's name was given as Ifeanyi Ihejika, said to be a cousin to the victim.

Police spokesman in a statement in Enugu, yesterday, said: “It was gathered that Izuchukwu, cousin to the suspect, had allegedly met his untimely death on Sunday morning at Amankpunato Oji River in Oji River local Government Area of Enugu State.

“The suspect shot him with a locally-made pistol over a yet to be established reason.

“It was further gathered that the suspect, after shooting the victim, took to his heels until security operatives of the Oji River Police Division nabbed him and recovered the pistol.

“The suspect is blaming the act on the handiwork of Satan, while Izuchukwu's remains is now deposited at Achi Joint Hospital mortuary for autopsy.”

Police investigate mysterious death in Onitsha

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

O

Drug in body cream

Explaining how the arrest was made, the NDLEA Commander, Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, said one of the suspects was found with liquid cocaine in body cream, while another excreted wraps of cocaine on board the aircraft.

He said: “The suspects include Nwodo Anthony, who was found with 3.260kg liquid cocaine concealed in body cream from Brazil; Ikebalum Ogochukwu , who excreted 36 wraps of cocaine weighing 570 grammes on board the aircraft.

“Madu Okey was caught with 975 grammes of methamphetamine, while going to Tanzania. Attempt by

Teenager kills brother in Enugu

Gladys Omari.

Nnadobe Anthony to smuggle 335 grammes of methamphetamine to South Africa also failed.

“Okoye Kelvin was found smuggling 10.27kg of cannabis to Doha, while the only female suspect, Nwaokolo Gladys Omari, was caught exporting 1.670kg of cocaine to Madrid.”

I was promised N1m

Ogochukwu, who excreted wraps of drugs, said: “Life has

been unfair to me. First, I lost my father at the age of five and I have been responsible for my upkeep since.

“Last year, I struggled to travel to Brazil with the hope that I would get a good job. I later met a Brazilian who decided to assist me.

“He gave me cocaine and paid for my ticket to Nigeria. He promised to pay me a million naira to start any business of my choice.”

N I T S H A — HOMICIDE detectives attached to Ogbaru Divisional Headquarters, Okpoko, near Onitsha, are now working round the clock to unravel the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a yet to be identified young man in the area.

A source said the deceased was found stone dead by the residents near the bank of the River Niger yesterday.

Another said the death may be in connection with a fight with a deaf and dumb over a girlfriend.

8 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Israel pledges to support Nigeria fight Boko Haram A

BUJA—ISRAEL has promised to assist Nigeria in fighting corruption and terrorism and also help to develop the agriculture sector.

A statement by Mallam Garba Shehu, Director, Media and Publicity, All Progressives Congress, APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, on Monday in Abuja, said the pledge was contained in a congratulatory letter by the Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin, to the President-elect, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

“The two countries face similar dangers and challenges in the daily struggle against those who wanted to terrorise their citizens. The latest news regarding the Boko HaramISIS alliance underscores the need for like-minded countries to unite in the fight against such radical terrorist organisations.

“I assure you that in this important campaign, Israel stands shoulder-to-shoulder

with Nigeria,” the statement quoted the Israeli leader as saying.

It expressed the hope that under Buhari’s leadership, the ties between both countries would become stronger. ‘’I wish you every success

in the challenging task ahead and trust that under your presidency, the relationship, friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Israel will continue to expand and strengthen,” it said.

T

HE fate of the Constitution Amendment bill passed on to the President for his assent was yesterday said to be in jeopardy following moves by alleged presidency minders to truncate its effective implementation.

At the heart of last minute intrigues reportedly being raised by officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice are objections to the separation of the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice.

Those objecting to the implementation of the new constitution as passed by the National Assembly and consented to by the required number of state legislatures were said to have also dragged in the president into the matter by their pointer to the proposal to push subsequent constitution amendments into law without presidential assent.

The intrigues led to confusion yesterday as there were conflicting claims as to whether the bill had been signed. Some stakeholders alleged that the bill had been signed by the president but that some officials of the ministry of justice were seeking to return it as unsigned to the National Assembly.

Other sources, however,

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

VISIT: Wife of the president-elect, Hajiya Aisha Muhammadu Buhari receiving All Progressives Congress, APC states women leaders at her residence in Abuja. Photo by Sunday Aghaeze.

Controversy, intrigues cloud Constitution Amendment

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

NSCDC strategizes for Saturday poll

alleged that the bill had not been signed. Presidency officials including direct aides of the president were, however, vague on the issue yesterday. Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Hon. Chijoke Edoga told Vanguard last night that he was not aware that the bill had been signed.

Section 150 of the 1999 Constitution as amended provides for the establishment of the Office of Attorney General of the Federation to be detached from that of the Minister of Justice.

The proposal in Section 174A-174H of the Constitution as forwarded to the president also set qualifications for the Office and granted financial autonomy, security of tenure, and other improved powers to the Attorney General of the Federation.

Part of the thinking in giving independence to the Attorney General of the Federation was to immune the office holder from the political influence of the government in power.

The proposal for the separation of the office at the federal level was also adopted at the state levels where the office of the commissioner of justice was

separated from the attorney general of the state.

Bureaucrats at the Federal Ministry of Justice it was learnt, were said to have rallied round to stop the new constitution from coming into effect on the assumption that it would deny them of their present advantages.

Towards that direction, they were alleged to have also successfully brought the attention of presidential aides to the fact that allowing the constitution to come into view would mean stripping the president of his power of giving the final say on constitution amendments.

Some sources said yesterday that the president was prevailed upon not to sign the bill as passed to him on the claim that he would weaken the presidency and future presidents who would be denied of the privilege and powers he presently enjoys.

A presidential veto of the Constitution Amendment Bill would, however, throw up constitutional issues as there is no room allowed for the National Assembly to override a presidential veto on constitution amendment bills.

Some members of the National Assembly, especially Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy president of the Senate had in the past canvassed that

the constitution amendment bill should not be passed on to the president for assent on the ground that it is a unique bill that ends with the legislature as is done in the United States.

However, such objections were played down four years ago when President Goodluck Jonathan signed into bill the first Constitution Amendment Bill to allow the first alteration of the constitution since the advent of democratic rule in 1999.

BUJA—THE Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Dr. Ade Abolurin has directed the Corps personnel to re-stratigise towards the April poll, thereby urging the electorates to be vigilant in order to fish out those that are out to ferment trouble.

He gave the directive while appreciating the personnel for their gallantry performance during the March 28, elections, by encouraging them not to relent in their doggedness, zeal, passion and desire to have peaceful, free and fair conduct of the various elections in the country.

In his speech, he said, the Nation need peace and the personnel should see themselves as agents and vanguard of peace based on their orientation and contributions through the various town hall meetings and stakeholders programme organized at different fora for the purpose of peaceful conduct of the elections as well as the co-existence of the Nation.

Abolurin charged the Zonal Commanders and State Commandants to ensure effective deployment of personnel to all nooks and crannies by replicating and doubling their efforts in providing adequate security at the forthcoming Governorship and House of Assembly election polls.

Aisha Buhari promises better deal for women

A

BUJA—THE in-coming First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has said women would enjoy a better deal under the President-elect, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, as soon as he was inaugurated.

In an Easter Message released in Abuja yesterday by Malam Garba Shehu, Director, Media and Publicity, APC Presidential Campaign Organisation.

The wife of the presidentelect assured Nigerian women that they would witness a better deal when her husband formally takes

office on May 29.

It said: ‘’I wish Christian women the abundant blessings of the Ea ster celebration.

“Nigerian women are among the hardest working social groups, but have remained economically and politically marginalised.

“Under my husband’s government, honest labour and hard work would be adequately rewarded, while corruption would be fought aggressively.”

In it, she advised Nigerian women not to despair as the Buhari-led administration would spare no efforts to promote and protect their welfare.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 9

By Ndahi Marama

M

AIDUGURI— SUSPECTED members of dreaded Boko Haram sect on Sunday invaded Kwajaffa community of Hawul Local Government Area of Borno state killing 25 residents, before setting ablaze many houses, shops and a local church, reliable source and fleeing residents said.

The insurgents numbering over 20 fully armed with AK47 rifles, petrol bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) stormed the community at about 10pm on Sunday using two Hilux vehicles and 5 motorcycles and had a field day as they wrecked havoc by sacking the whole people from the village.

Kwajaffa, a predominantly Christian community located in a valley had witnessed series of devastating attacks by insurgents in recent past with killing of many residents and the destruction of Church of Brethren (EYN church), the most popular church with highest number of worshippers in the village.

It is located south east and about 20km drive from Azare, the council headquarters of Hawul which is south and about 215km drive to Maiduguri, the state capital.

One of the residents, Ahmad Ali told AFP that, “the residents thought the Islamist insurgents

Boko Haram kills 25, sacks Borno village were going to preach and leave but in fact they opened fire on the crowd. They then went on setting fire to homes, burning half of the village before they left”.

Another lucky resident who fled the attack and did not want his name mentioned for security reasons, told our Correspondent that “the insurgents who stormed the area started chanting Allahu Akbar in Arabic (God is great) threatening residents that the new government of Gen. Mohammed Buhari will witness massive deadly attacks by insurgents more than what it was witnessed under the Jonathan led PDP administration”.

He noted that many people were killed and houses, as well as shops and a church were razed down by the terrorists, stressing that, most of those killed could not be buried as everybody was running out of the rocky community for his/her dear lives.

All effort to get confirmation from the security operatives proved abortive, but a credible security source who is not authorized to talk to the press confirmed the latest attack in Kwajaffa by Boko Haram sect, insisting that many lives were lost with property worth millions of naira destroyed on Sunday evening.

VISIT: Nigerian President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) receiving a letter of congratulations from the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Hattab Haddaoul during a visit to the President Elect at the All Progressives Congress, APC campaign office in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan

Junaid Mohamed to Buhari: Flush out politicians from armed forces …Vows to pursue suit seeking to disqualify Jonathan despite loss

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

K

ANO—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s fierce critic, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, has warned President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to take urgent steps to flush out political elements from the Nigerian Armed Forces in order to create room for genuine democracy to thrive in the country.

Mohammed, who spoke to Vanguard in reaction to the defeat of Jonathan by Buhari in last week’s polls, asked the new president to also work for the overall best interest of Nigerians instead of meeting the expectations of certain groups and individuals in the land.

The Second Republic lawmaker from Kano said the call had become imperative following the shameful action of military men who openly attempted to subvert Nigeria’s democratic march in the runup to the 2015 elections.

He recommended that henceforth recruitment into the army should be strictly based on merit and national quota while major appointments in the armed forces should follow laid down

tradition to prevent generating dissent in the system.

The Kano-born medical doctor pointed out that Buhari must also be firm in tackling corruption to pave the way for the development of the vital sectors of the economy and create jobs for the teeming unemployed in the country.

Mohammed said: “Given

what we have seen in the military lately, Buhari must move immediately to clear the armed forces of politicians and ensure that only dedicated officers and men, who are willing to work for the country, are allowed in the system.

“The president-elect must purge the army of politicians in army uniforms and further

recruitment should henceforth be based on merit and done in the overall interest of the nation and not made to appease certain interests, individuals and groups loyal to the government of the day.

Asked if he would withdraw a suit he and four others instituted against President Jonathan’s

participation in the 2015 election since he had lost, Mohammed said he would pursue the matter to a logical conclusion despite the defeat of Jonathan by Buhari.

He said the decision to take the case to press further with the case was to deepen democracy and get a judicial pronouncement on the matter so that it could help to deepen Nigeria’s democracy in the future.

Mohammed said that matter was not about Jonathan as a person but to help redefine the intendment of the Nigerian constitution on the matter of tenure of the president.

Pathologists responsible for delay in releasing crash report, says AIB

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KEJA—THE Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) said the inability of pathologists and coroners to submit their final reports on the Associated Airline crash was the reason for not making its final report on the accident public.

The Commissioner of AIB, Dr Felix Abali, made this known to aviation correspondents at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Monday.

It could be recalled that an aircraft belonging to the Associated Airline crashed immediately after takeoff at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, (MMA) Lagos on

October 4, 2013.

The ill-fated aircraft, which was transporting the remains of a former governor of Ondo State, Mr Olusegun Agagu for burial, claimed no fewer than 16 persons out of the 20 people on board.

Abali said that the Commission would have long ago released its final reports if the challenges associated with pathologists and coroners handling the plane crash had been resolved.

He said that it would be unprofessional for the commission to release the final report without looking critically at the inputs of

pathologists and coroners.

He, however, assured that such challenges would be resolved very soon.

“That takes us back to the problems we are having with coroners and pathologists.

We are actually still waiting for their reports. Accident as you know could be caused by a lot of factors.

“Assuming that one of the crewmembers was drunk, how do you determine this?

It is through pathological reports that you can know the true state of health of such crewmember.

“If we do not have such information then, the report is incomplete. We cannot go and publish something and

leave out some aspects.

“What we have been doing is that we try to come to an understanding with them. We have been trying to write a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with them,” he said.

According to him, the Commission is currently working with a major pathologist in Nigeria who had connections with some hospitals across the nation.

The AIB helmsman assured that the sector was safe for flying despite some accidents in recent time, adding that accidents could not be eradicated in the industry but can be reduced to the barest minimum, with more precaution.

10— Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Lagos chides Federal Inland Waterways over arbitrary charges

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

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AGOS—LAGOS State government has criticised the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, over alleged demand notices and imposition of fees on some residents and property owners in the Ikoyi and Victoria Island areas of the state.

In a statement by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for justice, Mr Ade Ipaye made available to Vanguard, the government denounced the alleged demand notices, stating that NIWA was not empowered under the constitution to make such demands.

According to Ipaye, NIWA was asking for the demand notices or payments in respect of NIWA’s supposed “Right of Way ” and “ regularisation exercise.”

The Attorney General also alleged that the property owners were “asked to pay various sums of money as processing fee, inspection fee, monitoring fee, shore utilisation fee, etc. and to grant NIWA’s field officers access to their private properties for purposes of measuring the shoreline for

accurate assessment of their NIWA tariff.”

Ipaye said: ‘’Having reviewed the applicable legislation setting up NIWA, it is our considered view that its functions do not extend to the assessment,regulation or taxation of properties that are not obstructing any

declared waterways.”

Ipaye further stated that the power to assess privately owned houses or tenements for rates, according to the constitution “is vested in Local Government Authorities by virtue of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of

Nigeria.

The Local Government Councils in Lagos State have neither delegated this power to NIWA nor appointed NIWA to act for them in this regard,” he said.

Efforts by the Vanguard to get NIWA react to the allegations proved abortive.

CAMPAIGN: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun ,being welcomed to Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area, during his re-election campaign tour of Ogun West Senatorial District, yesterday.

N500M: APC reminds Ladoja of threat to sue

Ajimobi

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By Ola Ajayi

BADAN—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, Oyo State has reminded a former Governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja of his threat to institute legal action against the state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for saying the ex-governor refunded N500 million to the state coffers from the alleged N6.5 billion that his administration mismanaged.

The party said yesterday that the state government was yet to see the court papers of a libel suit threatened by Sen. Ladoja who is the governorship candidate of Accord Party in the April 11 election.

According to the publicity secretary of the party in the state, Mr. Wale Sadare, the seeming silence of the former governor was “an indication of deceit of the public and acceptance of guilt in the allegation of refund of N500 million to the state coffers by Ladoja.”

The state government had alleged that Ladoja and some other persons, who are facing an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, trial over a N6.5 billion alleged complicity in the siphoning of the state money in a shares purchase deal, had refunded N500 million, as well as vehicles to government.

But the former governor had

denied the claim of the government and asked government, through a letter written by his counsel, to withdraw the claim within seven

days or be prepared for a legal battle with the Accord governorship candidate.

The APC, however, said that neither government nor the

governor of the state had received any court summons, more than three months after they made the allegation against Ladoja

POLLS: Controversy trails Epe constituency result

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By Esther Onyegbula

AGOS—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representative candidate in Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Chief Apeson Bola Gbabijo, has alleged that last Saturday ’s election was rigged by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the area.

Gbabijo, while addressing a press conference in Lagos, alleged that the mandate freely given to him by the electorate was “blatantly and brazenly taken away from him by APC and his opponent, Tunji Wale.

His words: “The just concluded election in my constituency was shrouded in so many controversies. It was coloured in so many political atrocities like; stuffing of ballot boxes, chasing away of opponent’s agents and not allowing the INEC ad-hoc staff to carry out their functions, rather they used thugs to direct the affairs of the elections

especially in my constituency.

“In Ise and Obada riverine communities, our agents who were on official assignment to monitor the elections were beaten and sent out of the units.

During the elections, the Kabeyisi was the supervisor that went round in the community.

He allowed them to manipulate the votes seriously at ward B1, this gave them undue advantage.

“When the INEC Ad-hoc personnel said the elections were a stalemate, she said she consulted with officers of INEC in Abuja and they told her to move all materials to Lagos and discontinue further counting and

stop any announcement of results.

But to our dismay, we later heard that she was forced to announce the results by those left behind, because we left immediately she gave reasons why they can’t continue with the counting of votes that were there.

“At the time when there was an impasse, the ad-hoc officer told us that they had a stalemate, which means no victor no vanquished and she went further and said that she had instructions from Lagos and Abuja that they should stop further collation and apart from that, that she should transfer all materials and documents to Lagos in the presence of the Police and DSS."

Court orders EFCC to produce detainee

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—THE Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to produce a detainee, Mr Uwem Antia, before him on April 16 unfailingly.

Antia and Alhaji Suleiman Yerima were arrested following a petition against them over alleged financial impropriety. They filed separate suits against EFCC, both before Justice Abang, challenging their arrest and detention.

Parties in Yerima’s suit have argued the case, while Justice Abang will deliver his verdict on April 14.

Antia, through his lawyer, Mr Kabir Akingbolu, is seeking a declaration that his arrest and continued detention at EFCC’s Ikoyi office since March 3 without being charged to court is unconstitutional and violates his right to dignity and human liberty.

He is praying for an order restraining the commission from torturing, humiliating or subjecting him to “inhuman and degrading treatment in order to achieve their ulterior motives.”

Antia is seeking an order directing EFCC to release him unconditionally without further delay or charge him to court if there is any complaint against him. He is also demanding N100 million as exemplary damages from the commission for allegedly violating his rights.

Akingbolu said since his client was arrested, his relations, including wife and lawyers, were not allowed free access to him, adding; “It is unlawful to detain a suspect or an individual beyond 24 hours without being taken to any court of competent jurisdiction.”

Buhari urged to pay attention to maritime sector

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AGOS—THE incoming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has been enjoined to pay particular attention to the maritime sector.

“This is in view of the tremendous contributions it can make to the economy in the face of decline in crude oil income.”

Capt. Niyi Labinjo, President, Nigerian Ship owners Association, NISA, stated this in a congratulatory message to Buhari in Lagos on Monday.

The message said the Nigerian maritime industry had the potential of generating N7 trillion annually for government.

According to the message, the Nigerian maritime is rich in hydrocarbons, minerals and aquatic resources.

“Unfortunately, the maritime potential of Nigeria has remained largely untapped over the years by past administrations, he said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 —11

FAYOSE'S IMPEACHMENT: Ekiti dep gov, gov's

aides lead citizens to occupy Assembly zNobody asked me to resign —FAYOSE

A

By Gbenga Ariyibi

DO EKITI—SOME concerned citizens of Ekiti State and particularly members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday laid siege on Ekiti State House of Assembly following the rumour that the 19 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers in the assembly were planning to hold a sitting on Monday to impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The concerned citizens had converged on the Assembly as early as 8.30 am and took over the complex.

They blocked all major roads leading to the House with the motive of preventing the APC lawmakers from gaining access.

They practically turned the premises of the assembly into a fun centre, as they brought tables, generators, food and loud music.

Some of those that occupied the assembly complex yesterday included Deputy Governor, Dr Kolapo Olusola, former Speaker, State House of Assembly, Hon. Tunji Odeyemi, Special Assistant

to the Governor on Information, Mr Lanre Ogunsuyi, his colleague in the Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, and a host of others.

Though, they conducted themselves in a peaceful manner, the mobile policemen that were drafted to the area came in nine Hilux vans and officials of the Department of State Service , DSS, who were heavily armed were stationed at the two entrances of the Assembly Complex.

The invaders danced to the music supplied in front of the old Assembly Complex, where they were restricted by security agencies.

They, however, vowed to keep a vigil in the assembly, asking the APC lawmakers to impeach Fayose in their presence.

Briefing newsmen on why they converged at the Assembly, Ogunsuyi said the Omirin-led lawmakers erred in law by claiming that they sent a notice of impeachment to the Governor, saying it was a complete misfire

for Omirin to be claiming speakership while also challenging his impeachment in the court of law.

He said: “The new Nigeria which President Goodluck Jonathan and Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari all campaigned for is the one that would respect the rule of law. ‘’With this convergence, you can see that the people are standing by their governor.

They are ready to defend their mandate.

“Nobody asked Omirin and other APC lawmakers not to come to the Assembly, they only decided to abdicate their duties since last year November 17.

Impeachment procedure does not start and end with Assembly alone. The judiciary is involved, so this plan is highly condemnable.

“We want to emphasize that they are welcome as long as they are concerned about making laws for the progress of the state, but if it was meant to come and impeach Governor Fayose, we won’t allow that.”

Ogunsuyi, however, said the governor as the leader of the state will continue to spread olive branch to the lawmakers for the state to remain in peace and harmony.

“We don’t want any unwholesome issue because the task of developing Ekiti is an onerous task that needs to be pursued with vigour. The governor doesn’t want any distraction and that is why he has been pursuing peace at all times.

“We want some measures of decorum in Ekiti. We are not proud of the era whereby we had three governors within a week. We want a stable government and that we will continue to pursue for Ekiti to be at peace.”

Also commenting on the current tension in the state, former Speaker, Hon. Tunji Odeyemi, advised the APC lawmakers to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign.

Nobody asked me to resign — Fayose

Meantime, Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday dispelled the rumour making the rounds that the President Goodluck Jonathan has advised him to resign from office, saying nobody has advised him in that respect.

The governor who featured in the popular monthly programme tagged ‘Mr Governor Explains’ on statebased media in Ado Ekiti yesterday equally said it was not true he was hiding from the state, saying he has always associated and mingled with his people even during his difficult days.

PDP accuses Amosun of purchasing 400,000 PVCs

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—THE People’s Democratic Party in Ogun State has accused the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun of procuring some unclaimed Permanent Voters Cards ahead of the governorship election in the state.

The PDP in a statement issued by Director of Media and Publicity of Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka Campaign Organisation, Ifekayode Akinbode, stated this, claiming that it was a plot to rig the coming election in the state.

But, in a swift reaction, Amosun described the allegation as outlandish and malicious that was aimed at misleading the

people of the state.

The deputy directorgeneral of Senator Ibikunle Amosun C a m p a i g n Organisation, Chief Bisi Adegbuyi, who spoke on behalf of the governor, challenged the PDP to prove the allegation beyond the reasonable doubt.

PDP said: ”It has come to our notice that the Ogun State governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun has purchased many of the uncollected PVCs for underhand use of the APC. While, Ogun INEC said about 400,000 cards remain uncollected, many of these cards are now in the possession of Amosun."

OPC crisis worsens

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By Ola Ajayi

BADAN—THE crisis between Chief Gani Adams, National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, and some members led by the estranged Publicity Secretary of the congress, Mr. Sina Akinpelu, worsened yesterday as the latter asked Adams to explain what happened to the alleged mobilisation fee and his inability to garner six million votes that the embattled leader allegedly promised President Goodluck Jonathan in the March 28 election.

The faction within the OPC under the aegis of the National Coordinating Council of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, in a statement signed by the spokesman of the council, Adesina Akinpelu, said that one of the factors that led to President Jonathan’s defeat in South West was his romance with people like Gani Adams.

Akinpelu, who the faction loyal to Adams, had purportedly suspended over allegations of working for the Peoples Democratic Party, argued that as one of the founding fathers of OPC, he had contributed in so many ways to the liberation of the Yoruba racefromtheshacklesofoppressors, and it was based on this that he and some conscious members of the congress challenged Adams’ decision for allegedly sacrificing the Yoruba race for pecuniary gains.

Group backs Amosun's re-election

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AGOS—OGUN Professionals for Development, OPD, a socioeconomic group, has thrown its weight behind the reelection of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in Saturday ’s governorship poll.

It premised its support for the governor on the prevalent peace and security in the state, which is conducive to growth and development, noting that “Ogun cannot afford to return to the dark days of insecurity, violence, mismanagement of public funds and other atrocities that scared away investors and stagnated development.”

The group, according to a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Prince Dele Taiwo, said: “The actions of Governor Amosun since mounting the saddle of leadership in 2011 are in synch with democratic norms."

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

2011 BONGA OIL SPILL: Victims fault Shell’s refusal to pay $3.6bn compensation

By Emma Amaize

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ARRI—SHORELINE communities and fisherpersons in Delta and Bayelsa States, affected by the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, SNEPCo, Bonga oil spill of December 20, 2011, have described as bizarre, an alleged refusal by the company to pay $3.6 billion compensation to the victims of the crude oil spill, as directed by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, on grounds that some persons took the firm to court over the spill.

The communities said: “SNEPCo’s allegation that some persons took them to court as the only reason why they are refusing to settle the said crude oil spill compensation bill is unacceptable because the said shoreline communities and fisher-persons affected by the said crude oil spill are not in court with SNEPCo since they voluntarily agreed not to engage in any litigation with SNEPCo and submitted to Federal Government-led peaceful settlement.”

The communities/fisher-persons in a statement by HRH I.B Ojukonsin and two others, said: “The representatives of the said shoreline communities and fisherpersons are prepared to sign undertaking to indemnify SNEPCo against any loss and/or damages it may incur for any money paid as compensation to

‘Why I stepped down as Delta SDP House of Assembly candidate'

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S A B A — CHAIRMAN of Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr Kurex Osife, yesterday, explained why he decided to drop his House of Assembly ambition for Ndokwa West constituency for Mr Emeka Ukpe, saying it was due to the antecedents of the latter as regards the welfare of their people.

He explained that Ukpe is a household name in the area, therefore, it will be better he step down for him so as to ensure victory for SDP in the area.

According to him, “I am the SDP flag bearer but I felt that Ukpe is the best option for the party."

affected victims within their respective communities along the shoreline of Delta and Bayelsa States.

“It is on record that SNEPCo accepted spilling 40,000 barrels of crude oil at Bonga field in December 2011 into the sea where fisher-persons carry out their fishing and other means of economic livelihood due to equipment failure.

“As a follow up SNEPCo carried out Environmental Post Impact Assessment, PIA, to determine the

effects of the said crude oil spill and chemical dispersant used to disperse the spilled oil within the sea and the outcome of the said PIA revealed among other things that ‘reversible and irreversible damage’ was done to ecological resources within the fishing areas of the sea impacted by the said crude oil spill.

“Consequently, concerned stakeholders met severally with the House of Representatives Committee on Environment during which it was resolved that

pursuant to the said PIA Report and other relevant information, NOSDRA should carry out damage assessment of identified communities and fisher-persons affected by the said crude oil spill as well as determine compensation payable to persons that fish at the sea and/or depend on the ecological resources of the sea for a living, and it is on the basis of the foregoing that NOSDRA asked SNEPCo to pay $3.6 billion as compensation to the shoreline communities."

BIRTHDAY: Dr. Joe Ebhomenye, Group Managing Director of Market Trends International, celebrator; his wife Dicta, (middle) with children and grand-children, during Ebhomenye's birthday dinner in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

DELTA GOV POLL: Urhobo insists on Ogboru

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HE emergence of Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd) as President-elect, on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, notwithstanding, the Urhobo nation, yesterday, said it will ignore a plot by some elites to dump the candidate of the Labour Party, Chief Great Ogboru, for that of the APC, Chief O’tega Emerhor, as the new consensus candidate of the ethnic group.

According to an Urhobo

youth leader, Chief Precious Daniel, the Urhobo nation’s stand of not shifting ground from its support for Ogboru came from their resolution that the Urhobo support for Ogboru is not on party basis but on the individual’s unwavering popularity across the three senatorial districts.

In a chat with newsmen on the inconclusive nature of the meeting that would have nailed the scheming of the Urhobo elites, the Urhobo

Progress Union, UPU, President General, Chief Joe Omene, said there was no response yet as they were still in crucial discussion to take a final decision on the issue before the governorship election on Saturday.

Meanwhile, some top leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are said to be moving to APC in order to seek relevance before Saturday polls.

Group tasks Okowa on promises to Itsekiri

By Daniel Gumm

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ARRI—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Delta State, Mr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has been asked to state what his administration will do for the Itsekiri nation, if he wins the gubernatorial election which comes up on Saturday.

An Itsekiri group, Benin River Forum, after its council meeting at Koko in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, lamented that

since the inception of the current democratic arrangement in 1999, the Itsekiri nation has remained committed to and given their bloc votes to PDP candidates, but sadly has nothing tangible to show for it.

President of the group, Mr. Esimi Nanna, noted that such a mistake will again not be repeated, and thus the PDP should no longer take the Itsekiri for granted.

“Though the PDP is relatively popular among the Itsekiri in comparison to other

contestants, it is painful that for whatever reason, Okowa up till now has not made any promise to the Itsekiri nation, particularly which of the top government positions his party has zoned to the Itsekiri,” Nanna said.

The group noted that while the Ijaw ethnic group, for example, has got the deputy governor slot zoned to it, the PDP has kept the Itsekiri nation in utter suspense with no iota of promise besides the vague slogan of Prosperity for all Deltans.

Edo REC vows to sanction Electoral Officers for tampering with result sheets

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—THE Resident Electoral Commission, REC, in Edo State, Mr. Mike Igini, yesterday, said that the Commission will sanction Electoral Officers who allegedly tampered with result sheets in the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

Igini told the Electoral Officers at a meeting, that results sheets were made available to them prior to the elections and wondered why the sheets disappeared in some areas on the day of the elections.

Vanguard gathered that two EOs may lose their jobs before this weekend's House of Assembly elections in the state following their alleged involvement in the disappearance of the result sheets which the REC described as very embarrassing to the Commission.

Delta councillors vow to deliver Okowa

By Festus Ahon

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S A B A — D E LT A State Councillors Forum, has vowed to deliver their wards to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and all candidates of the party in April 11 elections in the state.

The councillors in a communiqué by their Chairman, Kema Egenu, expressed their resolve to mobilise their people across the 25 local governments areas in the state for the PDP. The Forum said: “We have agreed that all councillors in Delta State should go out and mobilise their respective wards en-masse to protect our mandates for good governance by voting for Dr Okowa.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—13

RIVERS GOV POLL: Wike alleges APC's plan to call for postponement

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNORSHIP candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike, alleged yesterday in Port Harcourt that the All Progressives Congress, APC, was planning to stage a protest in the state capital to demand the postponement of Saturday’s election so that it could be conducted when General Muhammadu Buhari had been sworn in as President.

Assuring his supporters that his party will win, Wike said the elections slated for Saturday would hold.

He said: “Nobody can stop us from winning on Saturday.

Let them (APC) be in charge of the Army, Navy or anything, they cannot win this election. If (Governor Rotimi) Amaechi likes, let him bring Secretary General of the United Nations (Ban Ki moon) or (Attahiru) Jega, the chairman of INEC, to conduct the election, APC will fail again on Saturday.

“They don’t want the election to be conducted until Buhari is sworn-in. It will not work.

We must hold the election in Rivers State.”

The party also disagreed with Senator Magnus Abe,

who represents Rivers South East senatorial district, over allegation that the party rigged the elections in his senatorial district.

Chairman of the PDP in the state, Mr Felix Obuah, who spoke through his media aide, dismissed Senator Abe's allegation as tissues of lies.

“The Rivers State chapter of

PDP, has asked the senator representing Rivers South/ East in the National Assembly, Senator Abe, to stop spreading falsehood in his bid to curry public sympathy.

“This unfounded allegation of thumb printing is only an emotional outburst of an aggrieved loser. The PDP is so firmly grounded in Rivers

State, as in other parts of the South-South region, that it does not need to cut corners to win the election,” the party said.

The party asked Senator Abe to show the video proof of his allegation, stressing that it was part of allegations hurriedly put up by the APC against the PDP.

DEFECTION: Maj-Gen Charles Arhiavbere (rtd), the governorship candidate of the PDP in the 2012 election in Edo State, flanked by Governor Adams Oshiomhole (right) and Rev. Michael Egharevba, during Arhiavbere's defection to the APC, on Sunday.

Dakuku decries alleged killing of APC members

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNORSHIP candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside, has decried the alleged killing of members of his party in the state.

Peterside, in a statement, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, said several members of his party were being harassed and murdered for political related reasons.

He listed some of the attacks on members of his party to include the alleged murder of nine persons last Friday in Obrikom community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area.

“Political rights and freedom of expression are inalienable rights.

As citizens, we must work to ensure that these rights remain unchallenged. Sadly, we have all watched helplessly in the last couple of years as our freedom of thought and association have suffered one form of infringement or the other.

“We have also witnessed, like never before, persistent killings, torture, disappearances, harassment and intimidation of APC members. There is no way development can come to a

C M Y K

people who are intolerable of other views. That is why we must work towards enthroning a system that can tolerate criticism and opposition.

“It may interest you to know that in recent times, APC members have been attacked and killed in local government areas like Asari-Toru, Khana, Onelga, Ikwerre, Eleme, Port Harcourt City, and the list continues.

“Our people are still in shock over the murder of Chief Christopher Adube, a chieftain of our party in Onelga. His wife, Madam Adube has already accused a PDP chieftain of ordering the murder of her husband. I understand the gunmen also killed five other APC supporters and razed the house of another APC chieftain.

“The chairman of our party has

already reacted to the killing of a monarch and nine others in Obrikom by PDP thugs. Even Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s convoy was attacked at Eliprianwo a few days before the presidential election.

‘After the announcement of the presidential result, we also witnessed another round of killing and attack of our members. in different parts of the state.”

POLLS: Edo Police Command warns against thuggery

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—AHEAD of weekend's state House of Assembly election in Edo State, the state Police Command has warned that it would not entertain any form of thuggery and advised politicians to abide by the rules of the game.

The Command's Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joseph Edoigiawerei, gave the warning in Benin, yesterday, amidst speculations that politicians in the state were arming their thugs with a view to causing mayhem during the

election.

He said: “We advise all politicians in the state to play according to the rules of the game.

We will not tolerate thuggery in whatever ramification during the election. Politicians should not try the Police because we are capable of dealing with the situation.

“We have resolved to ensure that we have a hitch-free election in the state on Saturday as we did during the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Our strategies are to ensure that the electorate are protected and we have a hitch-free election.”

POLLS: Emerhor demands use of card readers

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HE governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to use only card readers to accredit voters before voting in the April 11 governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.

Emerhor, in a statement, said he was vindicated in his opposition to manual accreditation by the number of votes credited to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidates in the presidential and National Assembly elections in Delta State.

He said “The PDP candidates did not get those votes credited to them in Delta State. They were simply cooked up. I, therefore, urge Professor Attahiru Jega and his team to sort out all the problems with the card readers and use them for accreditation in the April 11 elections.

The Delta State APC is totally against the use of manual accreditation and we shall resist same.

“People say card readers disenfranchise voters when the card reader does not recognise the voter’s card.

They forget that more people are disenfranchised when their will is subverted through rigging."

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Cancel poll results conducted without Card Readers, CNPP urges INEC

By Chris Ochayi

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HE CONFERENCE of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, yesterday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to cancel any election result conducted without the use of the card reader for accreditation of voters during Saturday ’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.

This step by the CNPP is in support of insistence by INEC to use the card readers for the conduct of the April 11 state elections, which is the last of the 2015 general polls.

Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Osita Okechuckwu, via a statement, yesterday, in Abuja, the CNPP noted that card reader remained the remedy for ballot box stuffing, ballot box snatching and padding of votes as well as other electoral irregularities.

The umbrella body of registered political parties, however, called on INEC to urgently rectify and take adequate measures to plug all the identified challenges and malfunctioning of the card reader device during the last national elections.

REMEMBRANCE : From left, Mr. Tunde Fisayo, Mrs. Omotunde Fisayo, Mr. Kehinde Imoyo, Mrs. Toyin Imoyo, Mrs. Kemi Ajayi, and Chief Iyabo Foresythe, widow, during the 10th year thanksgivimg service in remembrance of Mr. Charles Foresythe, at The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, with reception of guests at The Red Carpet Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

Buhari's presidency'll take Nigeria to greater heights, says Anenih ...urges aggrieved politicians to emulate Jonathan

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA—CHAIRMAN, Board of Trustees, BoT of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, said yesterday that with the election of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari, (retd) during the March 28 Presidential election, thee was hope that the administration of the President- elect would take Nigeria to greater heights.

Anenih in a two- page statement, titled, “Marching on with Hope” in Abuja, urged those who might still be aggrieved by

the outcome of the March 28 Presidential Election to emulate the selflessness and magnanimity of President Goodluck Jonathan who conceded victory.

Anenih, who congratulated Buhari on his victory, hailed President Jonathan’s statesmanship in conceding defeat.

He also noted that with the action, the President made an indelible mark on the sandsw of time, adding that President Jonathan accepted the outcome of the polls to ensure that Nigeria enjoyed peace, and march to greatness and prosperity.

He said: “A keenly contested

Presidential Election, which many predicted would spell doom for Nigeria, has ended, gloriously, with everyone a winner.

“I congratulate the PresidentElect, General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on his victory.

Nigerians are expecting great things from him; it is my hope that he will take this great country to greater heights in the journey towards our manifest destiny.

“I salute the statesmanship of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, in conceding defeat, even before the official declaration of results was done.

By this noble act, President

Jonathan has made an indelible mark on the sands of time.

History will be very kind to him.

“President Jonathan has worked, selflessly, to deepen democracy in Nigeria. His consistent advocacy of the rights of the people to freely choose their leaders had earlier yielded free, fair and credible elections in some States of the Federation. Now, a peaceful transition is expected to follow after the general elections.

“The 2015 Presidential Election, in which the incumbent President lost to the opposition, has become a source of pride to Nigeria. It has portrayed to the world that democracy in Nigeria compares to the best anywhere.

We ‘ve lost 55 persons to political terror in Rivers—APC

By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA—ALL Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, said killings targeted at its members and supporters in Rivers State had so far claimed 55 lives.

It also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies of conniving with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state to rig elections.

Consequently, the party called on the international observers and the civil society organisations to beam their searchlight on the state in Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly polls.

National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said at a press conference in Abuja that it had written a petition to the appropriate quarters calling for thorough checks of the PDP's schemes against APC members in the state.

He said: “We have lost 55 C M Y K

persons so far in the run-off to this election. You all saw what happened in Rivers state during the last election. ‘’If you did not see anything, at least, you saw when the Returning Officer was asked to read the results, he could not because it was not written by him.

“Our party is a party that believes in the rule of law. They have the police, the DSS and INEC. They have these three groups which they are using to subvert democracy in Rivers state. Everyday, they are killing our people and nobody is being held responsible.

“Last week, nine members of our party were killed in cold blood, while many others were injured, when armed PDP thugs invaded Obrikom and Obor communities in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni local government of Rivers State.

“These same thugs set ablaze the residence of Vincent Ogbagu, our candidate for the House of

Assembly election.

“Dozens of our members have been arrested on frivolous charges, just to put them away.

At least, four persons were arrested just because they defected to our party.

“APC members have been

subjected to persistent harassment and intimidation across the state, using the Police in Rivers and the Zone 6 in Calabar. Over 150 prominent members have been victims of this unprovoked persecution.

“Just today (yesterday), we

received another sad news from Rivers. An APC chieftain, Christopher Adube, was reportedly shot dead, weekend.

Adube, who hails from the Egbema Local Government Area, was said to have been shot dead in his residence

Abuja natives congratulate Buhari ...seek appointment of indigenous FCT Minister, scrapping of land swap

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA—NATIVES of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuj,a under the aegis of Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja, OIDA yesterday congratulated the Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari and Vice PresidentElect, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, on their victory in the March 28 polls.

According to the group, the incoming All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government should ensure that all Nigerians have a say in the people-elected government.

The group in a statement yesterday in Abuja by the President, Pastor Danladi Jeji, urged the President- elect to appoint an indigene as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and political aides to ensure that the incoming

government did not have a crisis of confidence between it and Abuja original inhabitants.

The original natives, while calling for the immediate scrapping of the Landswap programme of the outgoing Minister of FCT, Bala Mohammed, said it had become imperative for the incoming government to do so because “ it is a conduit pipe for allocation of massive lands to cronies of the outgoing PDP-led federal government.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—15

We welcome merger in gov election, says APGA candidate

By Peter Okutu

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BAKALIKI—THE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Ebonyi State, Senator Anthony Agbo, yesterday, stated that the party was ready to welcome any merger with opposition parties in the April 11 governorship election in the state.

In a chat with newsmen at his home-town in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state, the APGA governorship candidate, who alleged that the March 28 National Assembly elections were marred by massive electoral irregularities, described the election as a great crime against humanity and will of the people.

He further alleged that the party was aware of plot by a political party to rig the governorship and House Assembly polls.

According to Agbo, APGA remains the instrument of hope for Ebonyi people as "it is the only political party in the governorship race that has

a rich and well articulated vision and programmes for the state.

“All the political parties in the race for the April 11 elections have approached APGA for talks on possible cooperation.

And this is exciting to us because it shows that APGA is

the party to beat here.

“We are already in deep talks with a particular political party that is desiring to join us in this regard. But our position in such matter is that we welcome any political party that will want to merge with APGA in support of

APGA governorship candidate, Senator Anthony Agbo.”

The APGA governorship candidate added that the party was getting ready to challenge the outcome of the last National Assembly elections in the state.

ANNIVERSARY: The celebrant, Elder Taye Ayorinde (3rd from right), joined by other personalties to present his autobiography, entitled, 'Unveilling the Enigma,' during 80th birthday and 21st anniversary of the installation of Elder Ayorinde as the Baale of Ekotedo, in Ibadan, and book presentation, at the Civic Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, last Sunday. Photo: Dare Fasube

Police rule out arson in Mbaitoli, Imo INEC office fire

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI — IMO State police command has ruled out sabotage or arson in last weekend’s inferno that

completely destroyed the Nwaorieubi, Mbaitoli Divisional Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Reacting to the incident during

a telephone interview, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, explained that preliminary investigations into the matter revealed that the fire might have resulted from a faulty electrical gadget in the

Electoral officer caught with ballot materials

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA — THE police in Anambra State have arrested the Electoral Officer in charge of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mrs Cecilia Arinze, for allegedly sneaking into her officer with the help of her security man and removing electoral materials on Easter day, a work -free day.

Luck was said to have ran out on the woman when the security men at the council headquarters refused to allow her pass through the gate unless she gave good reasons for removing the materials on Easter day when nobody was in the council.

Consequently, a heated argument ensued between her and the security men which resulted in the security operatives alerting the council chairman, Douglas Egbuna, who rushed to the scene to also inform the state chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Mike Kwentor, and Chief Rommy C M Y K

Ezeonwuka, APGA trustee, who stormed the council on the development.

In her defence, the Electoral Officer told them that she was merely taking the materials, result sheets of the recently concluded presidential and NASS elections to Awka, state capital, as directed by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner.

On why she was doing that on Easter day, she said: “I don’t come with my car to evacuate them so I have to use public

transport . ‘’These are used documents; they are duplicate copies of the conducted presidential and NASS election result sheets held on the March 28, 2015. So, I am taking them to Awka as directed by the REC.” Reacting, APGA trustee, Ezeonnwuka declared: “This development is a clear manifestation of how APGA was rigged out in the state by PDP, police and the the soldiers.

office.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the disaster was largely due to faulty electrical appliances in the office,” the PPRO said.

On what the police did when the fire was noticed, Mr. Enwerem said they quickly alerted the Fire Service personnel.

Vanguard recalls that the fire incident, which source was not very clear at press time, started in the early hours of last Sunday.

It was not also clear whether any sensitive or non-sensitive electoral materials for next weekend’s governorship and House of Assembly elections were consumed by the fire.

A source, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, told Vanguard that “the community woke up Sunday morning to behold the calamity.”

ASSEMBLY POLL: APC cautions voters in Osun

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LL PROGRESSIVES Congress, APC, in Osun State has warned that the state will be at risk of halting the remarkable development it has experienced in the last four years, if it allowed any candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to become a member of the state House of Assembly.

This, the APC said, "because the PDP in Osun, the Jonathan-led Federal Government were sworn

enemies of the nature and scope of the socio-economic and infrastructure development which the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesolaialed APC government had effected in the state.

"Any PDP candidate in the House of Assembly, therefore, will have only one mission - to frustrate and stall whatever project Ogbeni plans to implement for the benefit of the people," the party said.

According to the APC, since 2011, the PDP had been boasting that it would reverse all the gains made in the state under APC governance, if they won the governorship election.

"But PDP lost. Then they resorted to federal might to starve the state of funds, to frustrate a lot of projects. But God, in His absolute mercy, used the Nigerian people to vote out the PDP government," APC said.

Archbishop lauds Jonathan for preserving Nigeria’s unity

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA — THE Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for laying down his position and ego for Nigeria’s unity.

Okeke, who gave the commendation yesterday at Onitsha Prisons during his visit and special Easter Mass celebration with the inmates, noted that it took a man filled with trust in God to sacrifice such an exalted position no matter any amount of pressure.

He, therefore, urged Christians to always allow the will of God to prevail rather than deciding and following their own will.

The cleric said: “We still hold God a lot of gratitude that President Goodluck Jonathan has the humility to bow to God’s own plan.

'Why education has flopped in Imo State'

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI — IMO people have been urged to ascertain why the educational fortunes of Imo students have nose-dived, despite the free education programme of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s administration.

A former member of the defunct National Conference, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, made the appeal yesterday, while addressing a press conference in Owerri.

“It is sad to note that despite the fabled free education programme, no public secondary school in the state can boast of a functional laboratory, library and enough teachers in the core subject areas like Mathematics, English Language and the sciences,” Ahamba said.

“The governor funded education from the proceeds of privatisation and deductions from workers’ salaries. ‘’The sad thing is that he has not told anybody how much has been spent in this regard,” Ahamba said.

16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

APRIL 11 POLLS: Enugu PDP vows to win landslide

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—ENUGU State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has dismissed the existence of opposition parties in the state, assuring that its governorship

candidate,Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, will win the April 11 poll on a landslide basis.

This is even as the emergence of Gen. Muhammed Buhari (retd) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as President-elect appears to have instilled

impetus to the party ahead of the poll.

In a chat with Vanguard, PDP chairman in Enugu State, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, who was upbeat about his party’s victory said: “We will win the governorship election with a wide margin.

“Enugu people have no option

than to embrace PDP for consolidation and continuity of what we have started. We are not entertaining any fears.

“On that day, the masses of Enugu know where their heart is. They will vote massively for PDP. No party will make a cheap incursion into Enugu State.

“It will be a landslide victory.

Our candidate is popular, people-oriented and loved by all. The election will be a mere work over. ‘’We want to guarantee our people of the continuation of developmental strides of the party in the state.”

APC is confident and has the capacity to win,” he said.

Flanked by the party ’s governorship candidate, Chief Anyim Nyerere and the state and Local Government executive committee members, Nwankpa said that APC and it supporters were determined to vote and protect their votes.

He said: “We should see the Saturday election as a challenge.

We should reclaim our position in the nation’s polity; Abia cannot afford to be in the opposition this time.

“We condemn the manner the National Assembly election was conducted in the state on March 28 which featured late materials arrival at the polling units, maltreatment and intimidation of election officials and Parties Agents among others.

....We'll not tolerate rigging in Abia —APC

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIIA—AHEAD of Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly election, Abia State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has warned that it would not tolerate rigging and manipulation of election results as played out in the presidential and National Assembly election of March 28 in the state.

The party also tasked the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Selina Oko, to cancel the National Assembly election result announced by the commission or in the alternative produce the authentic results in its custody.

Abia APC also called for a stakeholders meeting of the

REC, security operatives and election/poll officers with political party representatives to discuss the modalities to ensure free, fair and credible governorship and State Assembly polls on Saturday.

The party warned that it would resist any acts of intimidation, harassment and arrest of its polling agents as allegedly done in the last election.

The party also called for total overhaul of the electoral officers in the state.

Speaking to journalists yesterday in Umuahia, state chairman of the party, Mr. Donatus Nwankpa, described last week’s election in the entire South East as a mockery. ‘’We have petitioned INEC and are questioning INEC’s capacity to conduct credible election that

Pray for continued peace, unity in Nigeria, Gov Orji urges Christians

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—AS Nigerian Christians join the world to celebrate the Easter, Abia State governor; Chief Theodore Orji, has called on Christians in the country to use the period to pray for continued peace and unity of Nigeria.

Governor Orji in his Easter

message to Abia people, also urged Nigerians, irrespective of religions or tribes, to pray for peace and unity of the country.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, Orji said: “The lessons of love, humility, selflessness, forgiveness and perseverance shown by the Lord Jesus Christ through his death on the cross

and resurrection should be emulated by all Nigerians at all times, especially at this critical period in our nation’s history.”

He said that despite the fact that Christ passed through very trying and difficult times on the cross in order to bring salvation to man, He never gave up but persevered and triumphed in the end.

The governor also cautioned

that the salvation brought by Christ should not be taken for granted and admonished Nigerians to look up to God for solutions to their problems.

He charged Nigerians to let the love of Christ continue to pervade the country just as he implored all to also use the Easter period to reflect on the life of selfless service lived by Jesus Christ.

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu celebrates Easter in Lagos

C M Y K

From left, Professor Duro Oni, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos; HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, and Dr. Violet Arene, during the 2015 Easter celebration organised by HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, in Lagos, last Sunday.

Photos: Akeem Salau

From left, Chief Opral Benson, Iya Oge of Lagos; Mrs. Monisola Ani, Amb. Olufemi Ani, Mrs. Amina Ahmadu, and Princess Abba Folawiyo.

From left, Father Joseph Iwobi, Mrs. Francesca Emanuel, Father Emmanuel Ubi, and Very Rev. Father Henry Omonisaye.

From left, Mr. Seni Doregos; Mrs. Ronke Dosunmu, Mrs. Yeside Doregos, and Dr. Ajibade Dosunmu

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 17

C M Y K

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 IN the ingenuity of the politician, the future is about elections. When politicians engage in phased discussions of Nigeria, they are not contemplating legacy projects that would enhance the development, as we have seen in most of the states that would be up for grabs on Saturday. Politicians’ concerns are elections, power, who becomes what, and those marked for nothingness.

The reduction of the country to this contracted vision is the biggest failure of civil rule since 1999 and shows more glaringly in the states. Every administration, from the local governments, through the states to the centre, sees office as a platform to perpetrate either itself or its interests in power. When it leaves, the damage endures.

It appears the most important ambition of the politician is to grab power. He wants to stay in office as long as he can, produce a successor that would do his bid, and retire to continue manipulating the system.

Most administrations in the states did nothing, other than engaging in schemes to hold power, which for them is an end in itself. Power is

The oy With Our Theyy TTo States everything the politician wants. He gets it first, before thinking of what he would do with it.

Rarely do we have candidates espousing their ideas, in realisable forms about the future of the states they intend to govern and expending their energies in ensuring their realisation. It is not surprising that most of those who gain access to any notch of power in these circumstances, abuse them. The abuses stem from ignorance, sometimes.

In some instances, outright greed and an obnoxious contention for narrow interests. The evidences include governors who have no

agenda for their states. Their state assemblies lie behind them in despoiling public resources.

Do politicians realise that each year they spend in their quest for frivolities wastes opportunities for the country’s progress? What is their vision for their states beyond elections? When people vote them in on Saturday, how would they use the mandate the people gave them? Would the present be different? We should build our states to last for decades.

The future of its institutions, for the benefit of its peoples, should be the primary concern of its leaders. The well-being of its peoples should be at the centre of policies. Our future is not about elections; in the sense, politicians see them.

Elections are useful as part of the quest for democratic governance. The democratic importance of elections is over-emphasised where the people play minimal roles in them. What is important – always – is what people want to make of their country. Elections can produce change if the elected change from the well-known ways of our politicians.

OPINION

By Jacob Hammanjoda

Adamawa’s

HE choices between the people of Adamawa state in the April 11 gubernatorial election are as clear as they are extremes. The contest which in reality is between four contenders, is at the same time a two-way game between what is right and its opposite. The four frontline candidates are Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Modibbo of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Engr. Marcus Gundiri of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and, of course, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). To any fair mind, the ideal choice, from the roll call above, is very clear.

As the people overcome the outcome of the March 28 presidential election, with eyes now set on the gubernatorial and House of Assembly election, it is a moment people of Adamawa state should tarry and reflect. This state cannot continue to be the way it is. The level of decay and deplorable condition of governance and infrastructure require a drastic turnaround. Nobody needs to be told that this radical shift begins with having a true leader.

Leadership is not some titular ritual for self-aggrandizement or pomposity. True leadership presupposes that the leader is capable of leading, not some puppet that will be controlled by a third force. True Leader possesses certain qualities which, in no particular order include adequate training (education) and experience,

exposure, passion, patriotism, strength of character, commitment, compassion and boldness.

Any reflection of the history of our dear state, especially in the recent past, one would conclude that lack of these qualities in most of the people who governed the state is responsible for where we have found ourselves today. It is therefore high time that we shed off whatever sentiments we have individually and put our state and collective interest forward.

From the array of contestants for the coveted gubernatorial seat currently marketing themselves to the people, PDP’s Nuhu Ribadu stands out when it comes to a non-romantic, dispassionate choice.

Ribadu has governance and public sector experience more than any of the candidates on display because he was tested with not only running a federal government agency but starting it from a piece of paper and taking it to global reckoning. He was also a key member of the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Economic Management Team that steered institutional and economic reforms from 2003 to 2007.

His personal attributes of integrity, honesty, incorruptibility and passion are rare virtues that we should stake all to

T

C M Y K

Buhari cannot do his work and do someone else’s

clear

options

have in a leader especially in corruption battered Adamawa state. Forget whatever anyone says, for a man who fought the high and mighty doggedly and brought them down, and having being fought by the federal government at a time, the fact that no one has come out with any genuine corruption or moral lapse against Ribadu tells a lot about him.

Yes, Nuhu Ribadu’s party, the PDP, has suffered monumental defeat in the hands of what I would call the Jega effect. But this does not spell the doomsday especially looking at the voting trend in our increasingly maturing political space. It is also not irredeemable in terms of the outcome of the next election as several times voting pattern do change from one election to the next.

If the people of Adamawa would want to borrow a leaf from Kano people, one will see that the Kanawa massively voted for General Muhammadu Buhari in 2011 but at the gubernatorial poll they stayed away from Buhari’s party. Instead, the people hugely gave their votes to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the PDP then. And this how Kano come to witness what it can boast of today – myriad of infrastructural and administrative revolutions under the leadership of Kwankwaso of the PDP. But in the same election, Nasarawa State voted a “Buhari governor” of the CPC stock that is. But if you ask today the people of Nasarawa would tell you there is nothing to write home about in terms of development in the state in the last four

years. In this parallel, there is a huge lesson for our people.

We can therefore not afford buying a book with a glittering cover whose content is very much grotesque. We also dare not return a dark dynasty of the recent past back to power through the back door. Our civil servants suffered greatly in the hands of those people who prioritised frivolous expenditures to the actual governance. We cannot repeat the mistakes of yesterday.

We can also not to afford to have someone who is bent on dividing our harmonious people just to take himself to power. If one’s selling points are not past records of service and clear achievable campaign promises but ethnic and religious credentials, such a man should be rejected by even his immediate people. Whoever whips primordial sentiments to get to leadership position, you can bet your last kobo that such a man is not worth a minute in that position.

The April 11 governorship election in Adamawa, is a decision moment. It is a choice between continuity – which has dubiously changed its name to change and a new chapter. The biggest lie sold to people in this run off is that electing somebody under the APC will help Gen. Buhari govern better.

That is a fat lie. Buhari cannot do his work and do someone else’s. As a president he also has no powers over governors. After the polls, it is everyone to himself. If Buhari is just and fair enough to give what is due Adamawa, is he the one to ensure expenditure and implementation? *Mr.Hammanjoda, a social critic, wrote from Yadeem, Fufore LA, Adamawa State.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015— —19

What is happening to the world?

By Sunny Ikhioya

S

UNNY, what is happening to the world? That was the question my big brother Barrister Ballantyrne Ugege, of Faith chambers, Warri, threw at me as we sat reflecting on global issues generally. Thomas Hobbes' life in the state of nature is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short” but with the advancement of the human mind capabilities and interaction of people from diverse cultures, coupled with the influence of positive religion, the brutishness of man has been tampered. The whole world has become a global village and the concern of one has become the concern for all. The establishment of the United Nations organization immediately after the bitterly fought Second World War ensured that the arrangement was formalized and documented.

No individual or nation can, on its own flout UN rules and regulations at will; at least that is the assumption. The world was happy and full of expectations but barely a century after, it is as if things have gone hay wire.

Human lives have become worthless; killings and destructions everywhere.

Nothing, no matter the value is too precious to be destroyed; man, material, edifices, all.

Suicide bombings we viewed from far flung places like Sri

Lankan - the Tamil tigers invented the suicide vest- have been taken over by the Arabs who have transported it into other parts of the world; Palestine, Afghanistan, Somalia, Kenya, Pakistan and the Nigerian Boko Haram. It is a challenge the whole world is battling to contain, as it is now, no nation is safe; whether on air, land and sea.

How did things come to this soory pass? Every nation in the world now live in fear, where the freedom of exploration and tourism have been curtailed and where the world is going into very sharp divisions along religion, ethnic, racial and cultural lines. Has freedom become a problem, where people are freely allowed to express their preferences; sex, religion, ideology, etc? What role did the internet play in all of these? Is total freedom the solution to the world’s problems or has it become its albatross? Was the world happier in the middle of the 20th century than it is today? Even with technology, the world has not been able to find solution to the problem of corruption; these are mind boggling issues.

Individuals are not content with what they have, nations are not satisfied with what is theirs.

This is why we have cyber internet wars and espionage all round. Since nations and people are not satisfied with present positions and acquisitions, the world will continue to remain

under tension. It is not a matter of emotions or morals; it is a matter of interest. That is the situation of the world today. If America can give both physical and material backing to the insurgents in Syria, Libya, Iraq and Ukraine, why didnt they give support the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria?

It is all about interest.

The UN laws are very clear; every sovereign state has complete control over its domain and no foreign power can come in without been given clearance by the incumbent government, that is to say; every country is independent. And, before any intervention can be made, it must have the backing of the Security Council with the backing of the General assembly.

If this is so, why did America invade Iraq? What are they doing in Libya, Syria and other places boiling over now because of their meddlesomeness? If this is so, what is Russia doing in Crimea Ukraine? Because the big powers are increasingly suppressing the small and weak nations, the people are therefore, finding

The problem of the world is lack of sincerity of leadership in nations

2015 presidential polls: Goodluck the real winner

By Benjamin Obaji

P

RIOR to the rescheduling of the Presidential and National Assembly polls to the 28th of March, there was palpable fear, mistrust and general feeling of insecurity by Nigerians culminating to the relocation of other ethnic groups from their hitherto place of residence ahead of the elections.

This fear and lack of trust was justified by the level of preparation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) coupled with cases of insurgency in some parts of the country.

These, and some other reasons led to announcement of a new date. This shift actually allowed INEC to distribute more Permanent Voters Card and the Joint Task Force to curb the menace of the insurgents in the North Eastern part of the country.

Thus, creating a more conducive atmosphere for the election to hold.

When President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan decided to deplore the military to monitor activities during the elections, many critics presumed it was another tactics to play foul and distort the electoral process. The introduction of the card reader machine by INEC was also seen as another devise to disenfranchise Nigerians and deprive them from choosing their preferable leader.

Events during the elections of March 28 and the subsequent peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that prevailed after the exercise has proved Mr. President right and the critics wrong.

The credibility and transparency of the exercise could be adduced to some reasons which can be traced to the stance of the man, saddled with the responsibility of keeping the oneness and unity of the nation as onewhich is Mr. President himself, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan(GCFR) When he said that Nigerians, especially those seeking political offices should bear

C M Y

it in mind that no personal ambition is worth the blood of a Nigerian, he concretized this by signing the now known “Abuja Accord” alongside other contenders that the process must be devoid of any form of violence before, during and after elections.

This exercise curtailed what could have been the excesses of some politicians who see politics as a do- or- die affair. Cases of minor electoral violence were however recorded in some places, but it was nipped in the bud as soon as it erupted, due to the agreement signed by the leaders of the participating political parties in the race.

Few days to the presidential elections, the two main gladiators in the race: President Jonathan and Major General Mohammadu Buhari (Rtd) were personally committed to the earlier signed agreement, pledging that the result of the election will be accepted by either party and when dissenting view occurs, it shall be expressed through the proper channel, that is, challenging the result in court.

It was no surprise then that on the night of Tuesday 31st March, having followed the pattern of the announcement of the results, President Jonathan did not wait for the final announcement of the winner

When he said that Nigerians, especially those seeking political offices should bear it in mind that no personal ambition is worth the blood of a Nigerian, he concretize this by signing the now known “Abuja Accord”

solutions for themselves through unconventional methods of fighting war. There is no doubt that the UN goals and objectives are good intentions to bring peace to the whole world but, unfortunately, they lack the capacity for enforcement. The Security Council is the body empowered with this responsibility but I cannot remember a time that they voted unanimously on an issue, even on issues as little as declaring Boko Haram a terrorist organization.

That is the problem of the world. The problem of the world is basically premised on injusticeof man to man and nation to nation. It has been there from time; the brutalization and subjugation of the black race through slavery, the pogrom against the Jews during the Second World War, the massive exploitation of colonialism, they have all been there, only now they are taking different forms and shapes. Small states like Myanmar are still under the over bearing threat of China, so, how can the world make progress, if the strong intent is to exploit the weak.

That is the challenge of the world today; justice and equity, until this is determined appropriately, it will continue to boil until Armageddon comes to consume all of us.

In Nigeria, it is not different; every arrangement at leadership, right from the time of our independence has been a battle of ethnic interests. Every single change of government,

when he put a call to General Buhari congratulating him on his victory and himself conceding victory. What a show of sportsmanship.

In the following morning, Wednesday 1st of April 2015, after the official declaration of General Buhari as the winner of the presidential elections, President Jonathan in a nationwide broadcast again reaffirmed his stance, accepting defeat and congratulated Buhari dousing the tension that would have enveloped his followers, faithfuls of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the whole country at large.

He painstakingly remind Nigerians and the PDP followers that history has being made as his administration has not only succeeded in conducting the most peaceful election in the history of the nation, but also to be the first that will be handing over baton of power to another political party in a democratic setting in Africa- what a feat!

There are several lessons to be learnt from the tutelage of the President.

First, Goodluck Jonathan is a living example of “rising from grass to grace” a man from one of the remotest part of one of the smallest states in Nigeria, who once had no shoes to go to school, a man who has being deputies under various henchmen, serving without being desperate for power, a man who consider his personal interest not relevant when it comes to national coexistence, rose from Mr. Nobody to become Mr. Somebody, actually the president of the most populous African country and black race.

Second, President Jonathan has clearly shown that God, as the creator, will take any individual to any level without much struggle. Unlike most African leaders, and like Nelson Mandela of South Africa, President Jonathan did not do anything “humanly possible” to perpetrate himself in power; rather he chose to allow the aspirations and desires of the people to determine his fate. As young as he is, he has achieved what many could not, compared to some of the past and present Nigerian leaders, who have been in the corridor of power for over four decades and

whether civilian or military has confirmed this. If the north is in power, you find the predominant ministries under the control of northerners and when the south is in power, the same thing happens. Unfortunately, this kind of arrangement does not encourage good performance, as the best is subsumed under ethnic and other interests and that is why Nigeria has not been able to realize its potentials and take its proper place in the comity of nations.

We have just finished a very bruising election. Is the incoming government going to shun ethnic, religious, regional and other sentiments in favour of meritocracy? Is the president going to embrace equity and fairness as the cardinal point of his regime? Is he going to highlight the very secular nature of Nigeria? All the hidden talents, in all fields of human endeavour that the nation possess, are they going to be identified, encouraged and put to use? Will the president eradicate religion from state affairs and allow every individual to fund his or her own pilgrimage to whatever holy land without government input ? If the people see transparency in the leadership they have, they will follow suit. The problem of the world is lack of sincerity of leadership in nations.

That is the only guarantee to peace in Nigeria and the world. *Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

if still given chance, will like to be there again.

According to the analysis made in the “mandate studio” of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) as anchored during the elections, the emergence of General Buhari as the president-elect should not be seen as a personal victory, but a collective victory for Nigerians as we have boldly written our name in the book of “democratically viable countries” having successfully conducted five presidential and general polls on a roll.

Allthough, President Jonathan was defeated at the 2015 presidential polls, his defeat amounts to oneness, progress, and viability of Nigeria as one nation which is indivisible.

As for the winner- Major- General Mohammadu Buhari, his courage and resilience should be appreciated, having contested the position for a number of times.

He should however try as much as possible to drop the slogan “once a soldier will always be a soldier” now that he has been elected a president under a democratic arrangement.

This appeal becomes imperative as he will still occupy the position of the Commanderin Chief of the Armed force as he was when he served as a military head of state. Like President Jonathan, he should be able to swallow some bitter pills of insult and abuse especially those that may come as criticism and published on the pages of our dailies (remembering the Freedom of Information (FOI) law).

The president- elect should proof critics wrong by allowing democractic values to prevail in the coming years.

Nigerians will still like to see the continuation of some of the programmes and projects include SURE-P, reintroduction of the railway transport system, diversification of the economy through industrialization and agriculture, improvement in the Health and education sector, etc •Mr. Obaji, is the public secretary of the PDP in Ebonyi State.

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY TUESDAY,, APRIL 7, 2015

Epe boat tragedy:

How two brothers, Epe prince, others drowned zOne of the Mogaji brothers had premonition of death

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

A

BIODUN Dina, an au thor and public relations consultant aptly described them in a touching tribute as the silent heroes in the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as Presidentelect. Others prefer to see them as martyrs of the current quest to consolidate on the gains of democratic governance in Lagos, nay, Nigeria. But while political actors were either celebrating their victories or sulking over their losses in the March 28, 2015 presidential and National Assembly elections, not many were aware of how these acclaimed “heroes of democracy” met their tragic end.

Heroes of democracy Yet tragedy struck on that fateful election day when a boat carrying some All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftains who were returning from a polling booth in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, capsized, killing five persons including two blood brothers.

Those who lost their lives in the ill-fated boat ride have since been identified as Prince Kunle Adewale, son of Epe traditional ruler and Deputy Director, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lagos State; Mr. Olawale Mogaji, a consultant with Lagos Eko Education Project; Mr. Gbolahan Mogaji, a former public servant with the Lagos State Agriculture Development Authority.

Others were Mr. Muiz Bello, a former staff of Chevron and a chairmanship aspirant of Epe Local Government C M Y K

Council, and Mr. Shamsideen Agoro, the Personal Assistant to Mr. Muiz Bello.

They were in their mid and late 40s. The boat operator and his two sons, however, survived the mishap.

The unfortunate incident immediately threw Epe, which is noted as a quiet and peaceful area, into loud mourning involving the old and the young. Indeed days after, many are still lamenting as they are yet to come to terms with the shocking reality of the tragedy.

All attempts to speak with members of the bereaved families were unsuccessful as they were said to be in “mourning mood and too shocked to speak with anyone.”

But an eyewitness, Mr Shi-

Wale Mogaji had premonition of his death when he related a terrible dream he had to one of his uncles; Wale was, however, unperturbed; unfortunately, few weeks after the dream, tragedy struck and took him away to eternity

Top left(in red shirt)Olawale Mogaji; directly under him, Gbolahan Mogaji; Top right in bowler hat, Prince Kunle Adewale and Muiz Bello, chairmanship aspirant: Pix: Olasunkanmi Akoni. na Adeyemi, an indigene of Epe, said the APC members who were working as independent monitors met their tragic end while returning from Ereshe riverine community in Epe. According to him: “The martyrs were volunteers working to deepen democracy in Nigeria.”

Adeyemi narrated: “They did accreditation at Epe and then went to monitor the election at Ereshe riverine area. While making their way back to Epe to come and vote, their boat capsized due to the turbulence in the lagoon following a heavy wind storm.

But before help could come from any rescue team, they gave up the ghost.

“Wale Mogaji who recently relocated to Nigeria from the Republic of Ireland was a public relations consultant.

Gbolahan Mogaji also only recently relocated from the United Kingdom to Nigeria to contribute his quota to the development of Nigeria.

Muiz Bello, on the other hand, resigned from his plum job at Chevron to venture into politics and was aspiring to become the Chairman of Epe Local Government.

“They have chosen to be different from the crowd who merely sit on the fence and complain about public affairs without acting; they rather acted as change agents by advocating and canvassing their ideals.”

It was also gathered that Wale Mogaji who recently relocated to Nigeria from the Republic of Ireland had premonition of his death when he related a terrible dream he had to one of his uncles.

Remains of the deceased Wale was, however, unperturbed because he believed that most of his dreams never came to pass. Unfortunately, few weeks after the dream, tragedy struck and took him away to eternity.

Meantime, the remains of the deceased had since been buried. The Fidau Prayer was held last Saturday April 4, 2015 at Popo Oba Ground, Epe. A former state House of Assembly member, Alhaji Abdulateef Abdulakeem, delivered a lecture after prayers had

been offered for the deceased.

Abdulakeem in a lecture titled, “Death The Inevitable End,” urged the people not to despair too much over the departed souls as it is a reminder to all on the need to live everyday as it if it is the last and to live a life worthy of emulation.

He stressed that death is a necessary end for all but the day and manner it will come are unknown to humans.

“May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace,” intoned Abdulakeem.

It was a sentiment shared by friends of the deceased at the Lagos State Secretariat. A visibly sad General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Agency, LASEMA, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said he was too shocked to comment on the tragic boat accident as the late prince was his close friend.

“It is sad that we recorded a boat mishap on that election day. Kunle was too close to me; we attended the same secondary school and we did our A level together.

I’m too shocked to comment on the incident, please,” he said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

— 21

he said.

The effect of the strong U.S. dollar on offshore operations and creeping inflation, in the form of higher labor costs, have also taken a toll, one that some strategists think is too pronounced.

In Friday’s abbreviated trading session, equity futures fell about 1 percent.

“My guess is we’ve overdone it in terms of concern,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at Wunderlich Securities in New York. “We always price in the bad news first.”

He said that both energy companies pummeled by concern about the sharp drop in oil prices and multinationals suffering from the impact of a stronger dollar might actually be set for positive surprises.

“In terms of knee-jerk reaction, surprises are going to come from where we slashed estimates the most.”

Stocks hold amid sour mood LAUNCH: From left: Anabel Leadership Academy’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nicholas Okoye; Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Engr. Ernest Nwapa, at the launch of Youth Empowerment Strategy, Oil and Gas Sector, in Abuja.

Stock markets hope earnings may offset weak economic data M

ARKET focus will shift from macro to micro next week, and investors betting on gains in stocks will hope coming earnings reports will be somewhat stronger than recent disappointing economic figures.

Earnings expectations have been falling sharply in the past weeks, with the most recent estimate showing a 2.8 percent decline in earnings growth, squeezed by dwindling expectations for the energy sector. The concern about economic growth will increase following Friday ’s weaker-than-

$146.20

5.30

$2,806.00

38.00

12.72

-0.00

$56.98

2.03

$50.93 CURRENCY BUYING DOLLAR 196 POUNDS 290.4132 EURO 212.3268 FRANC 203.8906 YEN 1.6378 CFA 3022 WAUA 269.7465 RENMINBI 31.6263 RIYAL 52.2472 KRONA 28.4161 SDR 271.0484

1.79

CENTRAL 196.5 291.1541 212.8685 204.4107 1.642 0.3122 270.4347 31.7074 52.3804 28.4886 271.7399

CBN Exchange Rate as at 6/4/15

197 291.8949 213.4101 204.9308 1.6462 0.322 271.7885 31.7885 52.5137 28.5611 272.4313

expected data on jobs growth.

Energy companies’ earnings are now expected to fall nearly 64 percent

Positive guidance can change the tone of the market quite rapidly

year-on-year. Investors saw the sector drop 3.6 percent in the first quarter, bringing the nine-month decline to 22 per cent.

Market bulls say softening economic data, including US private sector jobs, factory activity and consumer spending, have weighed on stocks lately. While weak figures keep the Federal Reserve from raising rates - a positive for markets - the negative factors are a concern, said Daniel Morris, global investment strategist at TIAA-CREF in New York.

“We view this payroll number as more negative than positive for U.S. equities,”

Despite the rising concern about the earnings season and the weaker data, stocks showed resilience to start the year.

This past week the S&P 500 closed its ninth consecutive quarterly gain, even if it was a meager 0.4 percent rise.

“Estimates are down and the market has already absorbed that,” said Quincy Krosby, market strategist at Prudential Financial in Newark, New Jersey.

“All you need is some positive surprises for shorts to have to cover,” she said, speaking of investors who borrow a stock to sell it, betting on a price decline.

“Positive guidance can change the tone of the market quite rapidly.”

Chipmaker Micron set a negative early tone on Wednesday, forecasting lower revenue for the current quarter on waning customer demand. More than 80 percent of the earnings preannouncements this season were negative, according to Thomson Reuters data, setting the bar lower than is usually the case toward the start of earnings season. In a typical quarter, about 63 percent of companies beat estimates and just above 20 percent miss.

Lagos traders shun insurance policy, say operators not sincere

D

espite heavy losses incurred by traders in Lagos in some recent major market fire outbreaks, many of the traders are still reluctant to insure their products and businesses, investigations by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has indicated.

Over five major markets in Lagos have experienced fire outbreaks in the last one month, resulting in losses worth billions of naira.

However, in separate interviews with NAN in Lagos, many of the traders said they would not insure their businesses because they believed that insurance companies were not sincere.

Mr. Lekan Oguntunde, the market leader of Oluwagbemi Market in Lagos Island, said most insurance companies delayed in paying compensation over property insured whenever tragedy occurred.

“The experience of few of our

members that registered with them is unpleasant. “ These insurance companies are diligent in collecting premiums but when it is time for compensation, they will start demanding for unnecessary things.

“One of our members was asked to bring receipts for goods bought many years before the fire outbreak that gutted his shop,” Oguntunde recalled. A victim of a recent fire outbreak at Ereko Market on Lagos Island, Mrs Remix Bakinson, said the confidence many Nigerians had in insurance companies, was gradually fading away.

Bakinson said she stopped insuring her business five years ago because she did not see the need for it.

“All that insurance people are concerned about is the collection of premiums, after that, nothing else.

“At least, they should be able to tell us what happens to the money if no losses

are recorded after a period of time,” he said. She , however said she regretted not insuring her business, adding that she lost goods worth billions of naira in the fire outbreak.

Mr Silva Okereke, the Leader of fabric sellers at the same market, said he distrusted insurance companies because of their high premiums, especially, for comprehensive insurance.

According to Okereke, the insurance companies demand up to N500,000 per annum on business valued at N5 million. “This is just too high; some of us collected loans from the bank to float our businesses and we are still repaying with interest. “We pay almost five million naira per annum as rent on our shops; this is apart from other expenses.

“So, it will be good if insurance companies can bring down the premium they demand,” he said.

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

,

The three months also allowed for rendition of returns also amounts to indulgence on the part of SEC and implies weak commitment to getting operators attend to customers’ complaint.

TOP 10 PERFORMING STOCKS

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

N the top 10 performing stocks last week were the shares of Fidelity bank plc, National Aviation handling Company, NAHCo Plc, Zenith International Bank Plc, Oando plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa, UBA Plc. The rest were International Breweries Plc, UACN Property Development Co. Plc, Glaxosmithkline Consumer Nig. Plc and National Salt Company, NASCON Plc. Fidelity Bank Plc came tops on the list, rising by huge 38 percent or N0.57 price appreciation to close at N2.07 from N1.50. Just like other bank that have been churning out their results, Fidelity Bank last week released its 2014 full year financial report and account, which showed an impressive performance in key financial indicators along with declaration of 18 kobo dividends.

According to market watchers, the impressive result just announced has been propelling the interest in the stock.

For instance, the bank announced 72 percent growth in its profit before tax from N9.028 billion recorded in 2013 to N15.5 billion. Similarly, the profit after tax increased by 79 percent to N13.796 billion from N7.271 billion in 2013. The bank’s interest income also increased by 21 percent to N104.3 billion in the year under review, as against the N86.3 billion recorded in the same period in 2013.

Just recently, the bank took steps to revamp its ATMs across the country as part of efforts to adapt to emerging changes in the operating environment, in a move that is meant to enable the bank deliver better services to its teeming customers.

The bank said the innovation is a catalyst for growth and success because it enables business adapt and grow in the market place, and it helps to further satisfy the needs and expectations of customers.

The bank has among other things won “Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2014” in the global private banking awards organised by Professional Wealth Management (PWM) and The Banker magazines; publications of the Financial Times Group, Best SME’s Support Award 2014 and just last week, it won the Green Era Award in recognition of its Green initiatives during the 2015 Green Economy Forum in Germany.

NAHCo, related services listed equity, trailed behind with 33.93

percent or N1.71 gains to close at N6.75 from N5.04. Last year, Global Credit Ratings affirmed the long term and short term national scale Issuer ratings assigned to NAHCo of A(NG) and A2(NG) respectively with the outlook accorded as stable.

Concurrently, GCR affirmed each of the Senior Unsecured Series 1 and Series 2 Bond ratings at A-(NG), with a stable outlook. The rating(s) are valid until September 2015.GCR claimed the rating was accorded the company due to its ability to maintain a leading position in the domestic aviation services and cargo handling sectors, servicing more than 30 passenger and cargo carriers across seven Nigerian airports. The company recently released its 2014 full year financial statement with 20kobo dividend to cheer the shareholders. It recorded marginal increase in revenue to N8.133 billion from N8.09 billion in 2013. However, the profit after tax nose-dived to N568 million from N817 million in 2013, representing 43.8 percent decrease.

Zenith Bank, which was one of the early q u o t e d companies to submit their 2014 financial statement, followed with 32.93 percent or N6.15 appreciation, closing at N25.05 from N18.90 per share. Due its compliance to early submission of the result, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, accorded it recognition as one of the companies that imbibe high ethics of corporate governance.

The bank posted 14.76 percent growth in its gross earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014 from N351.5 billion in 2013 to N403.3billion. Its profit before tax rose by 12.8 percent to N120 billion compared to N106 billion posted in the previous year, while the profit after tax rose by 8.6 percent to N99.5 billion from N91.5 billion achieved during the year ended 31 December 2014.

Oando’s shares appreciated by 31.34 percent or N4.20 to close at N17.60 from N13.40; GTB advanced by 30.87 percent or N7.52 to close at N31.88 from N24.36 per share; UBA followed by 29.82 percent or N1.13 increase to close at N4.92 from N3.79; International Breweries went up by 27.06 percent or N4.87 to close at N22.87 from N18.00; UACN Property Development rose by 24.32 percent or N2.23 to close at N11.40 from N9.17; GSK advanced by 21.52 percent.

,

INVESTOR

Why SEC’s complaint framework may not work (2)

By Babajide Komolafe

T

HERE is a prevalence of poor attitude to customers’ complaints in the capital market. The experience of many investors in this regard is reflected in the email received from Investor Oyekunle, published in the last edition.

The Complaint Management Framework for the Capital Market issued by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is supposed to address this poor attitude. The framework may however not be

efficient in achieving this purpose. This is because the framework has some gaps, which can easily be exploited by operators in the market.

The first issue is the inherent latitude of the framework. The way the framework is designed and its language is devoid of any sense of urgency and compulsion. It conveys the impression that complaints resolution is something that operators should do when they don’t have anything to do again.

For example, while the circular directs operators to

establish complaint management policies, it does not specify a deadline for them to do so. This gap becomes more apparent when the provision in the SEC’s framework is compared with the directive given by Central Bank of Nigeria to banks and discount houses on Customers Complaints in 2011.

According to SEC, “All Capital Market Operators and listed Public Companies shall be required to establish a clearly defined Complaints Management policy to handle and resolve complaints from

MARKET NEWS

‘SEC’s rules on unlisted securities’ll engender transparency in OTC market’

By Nkiruka Nnorom

N

SAD Plc has said that the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, new rules on trading in unlisted securities will introduce new levels of transparency to the Over-the-

Counter, OTC, market in Nigeria.

NASD Plc is the promoter of a trading network that regulates transactions on all securities of unquoted public companies in the Nigeria capital market.

SEC had recently released

six new rules which include code of conduct for rating agencies, code of conduct for underwriters, code of conduct for trustees, rules on securitization, rules on National Investors’ Protection Fund, as well as that on trading on unlisted securities.

From left: Ogechi Umez-Eronini, Unit Head Internal/External & Digital Communications; Mr. Benedict Anyalenkeya, Group Head, E-Business; Chukwudi Essele, Group Head, Internal Control; Mrs. Theodora Amechi, Head, Corporate Communications; Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, GM, Operations & IT; Mrs. Patricia Ahunanya, Chief Financial Officer; Olubowale Ogunrinde, GM, Corporate Banking and Mrs. Martina Ike, Unit Head, Events/Brand Management & CSR (all of Unity Bank Plc) at the City People Media Group Awards for Excellence in Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 23

their clients. The framework shall deal with complaints against operators by clients or other operators, shareholders/ public companies and investors.

The policy should be defined and endorsed by the company ’s/firm’s senior management, who should also be responsible for its implementation and for monitoring compliance.

Companies/firms shall provide information on complaints and complaintshandling to the relevant Competent Authority on a quarterly basis.

Financial institutions This data should cover the number and nature of complaints received and should be differentiated according to their various criteria.”

The CBN said, “All financial institutions must submit monthly returns on all customer complaints received (whether resolved or not) to the CBN starting from 31st October, 2011.”

While the CBN directive conveys sense of urgency, that of SEC does not. The CBN circular was issued on August 16th 2011, but it specified when financial institutions must start

In their weekly News Letter of the NASD OTC Market for week ended April 2, 2015, the securities exchange stated that in addition to engendering transparency, the new rules will enable best practice operators, protection of investors and improve best price discovery for the market in general and a much deeper and more liquid capital market.

“We believe a dynamic and responsive rule making process is also a vital ingredient for rapid but organized growth and we look forward to the continued development of our markets,” the securities exchange said.

Some of the justifications for the new rules on trading in

The new rules will enable best practice operators, protection of investors and improve best price discovery for the market

sending monthly return on customers complaint, hence allowing two and half months for setting up of the customers’ complaint desk. This is not so in the case of the SEC. Furthermore is the fact that while the apex bank stipulated that returns on customers’ complaint must be sent every month, in the case of SEC it is every quarter (three months).

Capital market operators have a notorious negative attitude to customers’ complaint. They don’t like to hear or receive complaints, hence they would rather dodge or ignore a complaint or dribble the investor except if he/she is influential.

Hence asking them to set up complaint management policy or process without articulating deadline would be ineffective.

The three months also allowed for rendition of returns also amounts to indulgence on the part of SEC and implies weak commitment to getting operators attend to customers’ complaint.

The Commission should realise that three months is too long for investors to suffer, before it knows that an operator is or nor addressing their complaints. (Please send comments, suggestions to vanguardinvestorsforum@ gmail.com)

unlisted securities, according to SEC, include ensuring that all securities of unlisted public companies are traded within securities exchanges that are registered with the commission.

To ensure that all securities of unlisted public companies are bought, sold or transferred only by means of a system approved by the commission and under such terms and conditions as the commission may prescribe from time to time.

Thirdly, to ensure that no person shall buy, sell or otherwise transfer securities of an unlisted public company except through the platform of a registered securities exchange established for the purpose of facilitating over-thecounter trading of securities.

According to the commission, “any unlisted public company, director, company secretary, registrar, broker/dealer or such other persons who facilitates the buying, selling or transfers of the securities of an unlisted public company otherwise than through the platform of a duly registered securities exchange, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than ¦ 100, 000 in the first instance and not more than ¦ 5, 000 for every day of default.”

,

S FORUM

I have been in the USA, I stayed in New York, I have never heard where they will tell you to open an account in British pounds sterling

,

INVESTORS SPEAK

Seplat dollar dividend: CBN now alive to its responsibility

•Taiwo Oderinde

Before now, shareholders had expressed differences over Seplat's ruling that they should open a domiciliary account in order to access their dividend. In this interview shareholders said that the CBN has just woken up to its responsibilities by saying that every transaction in Nigeria be made in naira.

•Gbadebo Olatokunbo

Nigeria with my naira and now that they want me to get my dividend in dollar by opening a domiciliary account. If they have dollar why don’t they put the dollar in the bank and let the bank use the dollar for the economy and pay us in naira. Why are we not helping our economy? Anyway am happy that the CBN Governor just wakeup from slumber to stop this nonsense. What CBN said is that transactions in Nigeria should be made in

By Providence Obuh naira, so if you are paying me dividend in Nigeria, it should be in naira.

HAREHOLDERS Activist, Alhaji It is things like this that are discouraging Gbadebo Olatokunbo: When I raised the local investors, because they know that the issue, some people came up and said the people who are suppose to care for them, they were the ones that approved it at the don’t care, rather they are looking for money Seplat's Annual General Meeting, AGM. for themselves. SEC wouldn’t tell me they don’t Are these shareholders' opinion greater know what is going on. than the constitution of Nigeria? Even if Chairman, Proactive Shareholders shareholders approve something at the Association of Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oderinde: AGM, it is the duty of the company to say Since the CBN is also a regulator, they monitor well, this decision does not tally with the the activities of the economy, constitution of Nigeria and so what they say has to take Seplat knows that they effect, so we cannot ask our were the ones that brought company to go against the this idea to the floor of the law because we are talking of house even if shareholders the rule of law. We just have approved it at the AGM. to abide with the CBN’s The currency recognized in regulation.

Nigeria is naira, I bought I agree with what the CBN my shares in naira, so why I don’t know is doing because in other must I open a domiciliary what our country you cannot have that account before I can get happen, you can’t be in UK problem is in my dividend. and be spending naira, so I have been in the USA, I this country, we that is what happened, you stayed in New York, I have cannot be in one country and are the ones never heard where they be using another country’s will tell you to open an relegating currency. account in British pounds The regulator have spoken, ourselves to the sterlings, they value what so the shareholders have no is their own. I don’t know background other option than to comply, what our problem is in this because of our the account they opened can country, we are the ones be used for other things or relegating ourselves to the love for foreign they close it if they don’t have background because of our things any transaction to make. That love for foreign things. I is transaction they want to bought something in make in foreign currency

S

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 25

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 27

28—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

•Festac Town estate... No more of such public buildings

FCTA hands over 21 hectares of land to Abuja City Centre developers

By Henry Umoru

M

Real estate: Always the crumbs

By Paul Ojenagbon

T

HE real estate sector has taken on the harshest side of the stick for decades.

Though very important, it is often the forgotten sector that takes a dismal share after all other sectors have taken their fat portions. It is a paradox of some sorts because real estate which connotes houses, roads and other infrastructural facilities that make modern living worthwhile, ought to be given the priority it rightly deserves because housing follows quickly on the heels of food as the greatest needs of man.

A man without a home is a drifter, unstable as the wind, no wonder the highest amount of social unrest can be found among the homeless in our midst. Housing, a subset of real estate conjures a metaphor of survival, some natural protection from the cruel elements of nature.

But for the activities disparate groups of private sector developers, there would have been next to zero activity in the housing scene as the government whether federal, state or local, have long abandoned this sector to the private sector operators. Long gone are the days when the government built cheap,

affordable houses for the teeming low income group at local, state and federal levels.

In fact, the last known effort to provide public housing dates back to the second republic that ended in 1983 when the government at the centre undertook several housing estates at the states. Some state governments also vigorously pursued their housing programmes in their various states.

Jakande houses

operators are also contending with the constraints of the Land Use Act, which long awaited amendment is yet to materialize.

Also because most components of these houses are imported from abroad, the devaluation of the naira means higher cost of construction to the operators.

When a developer finally churns out some houses from his stable, he would have transferred the added cost of the houses to the end users. How then can we have adequate

In Lagos for example, the Lateef Jakande administration built the popular “Jakande houses”that are now housing thousands of Lagosians. Now, when the government builds through an agency, which is even rare, their motives are just as profit driven as the private operators’.

Unfortunately, private sector operators do not have much backing of the government in several ways. Governments are hardily meeting their own responsibility of eking out access roads to link housing estates or providing the necessary infrastructure which becomes an added huge responsibility to these private sector operators. Many

A man without a home is a drifter, unstable as the wind, no wonder the highest amount of social unrest can be found among the homeless in our midst

and affordable houses in Nigeria, a country with a UN housing deficit of 17 million units? The picture is really grim.

The infrastructure subsector has not done any better. The government being the major driver here – because of the dilemma facing them, many would readily sacrifice providing infrastructure to operate and survive within the lower revenue which the reduced oil price entails.

Besides, several components of infrastructure delivery being imported from abroad will also witness price increases that will spur higher cost of infrastructure provision in days ahead.

In the light of the foregoing, this analyst sees much less activity in this area during the year especially at the centre which is desperately grappling with the insurgency menace to which mega bucks are continually being committed and it remains to be seen if it would be any different in the states. Real estate thus appears consigned to the crumbs once again.

INISTER of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed has handed over 21 hectares of land in the Central Business District for the N700 billion (about 3.5 billion US Dollars) Abuja City Centre project.

Handing over the plot of land to the consortium in Abuja, Senator Mohammed explained that the project which was for a mixed-use development, would define the character of the new Federal Capital City.

Represented at the event by the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority FCDA, Mr. Adamu Ismaila, an engineer, the FCTA Minister said the over 21 hectares of land was on plots 1532 and 1533 within the Central Business District, Abuja.

“The project, which is to attract a private investment of N700 billion (about 3.5 US Dollars) will comprise a National Mall, condominiums, shopping and office complexes, five-Star hotels and recreational facilities,” he said. He explained that the architectural philosophy is in tandem with the modern and contemporary design concept of Work, Live and Play, adding that besides providing critical infrastructure for the Federal Capital Territory, the project would generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Senator Mohammed remarked that since the declaration of interest by the investors, the FCT Administration has been able to execute a development agreement with the consortium and has also incorporated a special purpose company, ‘City Centre Development Limited’, to execute, operate and manage the project. The consortium had obtained the approval of the Development Control after it finalized the structural and other associated designs of the City Centre in addition to securing robust technical and financial partnerships for the effective execution of the project.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Chicason Group, Chief Alex Chika Okafor noted that the Abuja City Centre project was designed to be a premium mixed-use real estate development with multiple towers including Upscale Residential, First Class Developments for offices and retail spaces, 5-Star Hotels and a World Class National Park at the centre of the development.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—29

By Jude Njoku

A

FRICA will take a common position on the Third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, (Habitat III) slated to hold in Quito, Ecuador in October 2016.

The Chairperson of Africa Union AU, Ms. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who spoke at a dialogue organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, ECA, UN-Habitat and the African Union Commission, AUC. explained that the continent’s heads of state will also give a focused attention to the subject of urbanization at their next two summits to ensure that the issues are well internalized.

The two summits are billed to hold in Addis Ababa and Kigali.

The AU chairperson stated that time has come for the Africa Urban Agenda to be embraced

by Africa’s highest policy making organ – the Summit of Heads of State.

The high level panel dialogue which held in the last weekend of March, was in response to Africa’s rapid urbanization and the consequent development challenges.

Development challenges It was convened to share experiences and propose recommendations related to urbanization and structural transformation in Africa in line with AU’s vision and agenda for the next 50 years, also known as AU Agenda 2063.

UN-Habitat’s Programme Officer, Mr Paul Okunola explained in a release that the event brought together policy makers, senior officials from the African continental organisations, senior African government officials and policy makers from Finance and Planning Ministries, urban planners, the private sector and individuals from the academia.

The Director of Political Affairs, Africa Union, Dr

•Aerial view of Lagos Island

African leaders plan to take common position at Habitat 111 Khabele Matlosa represented the Commissioner of Political Affairs of the Africa Union and delivered the opening remark.

He explained that there is a desirable goal which has been taken on the path of structural transformation and is achievable, with the collaborative effort from all stakeholders especially, the ECA. Africa’s urban projections have been estimated to increase from the current 400 million to 1.2 billion with the majority of

There is a desirable goal which has been taken on the path of structural transformation and is achievable, with the collaborative effort from all stakeholders

this growth in informal settlements or slums. Although Africa is the least urbanized region in the world, its rapid urban growth warrants attention beyond the rhetoric. It needs a political agenda that would influence accelerated policy implementation.

In his speech, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat Mr. Akin Oyateru said African leaders in a bid to lead their own process of transformation have decided to embark on a

Magodo landlords seek S'Court’s intervention to repossess 549 plots

By Kingsley Adegboye

A

PPARENTLY determined to get back their land despite the many challenges confronting the execution of a Supreme Court judgement which ordered the release of 549 plots of landed property in Shangisha-Magodo Town Scheme II in Ikosi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, LCDA in Lagos State, the original owners of the property have begun a new move to repossess their land.

In their fresh move to repossess their land, the land owners under the aegis of Landlords’ Association of Shangisha-Magodo now want the Supreme Court of Nigeria to wade into the matter by making a judicial pronouncement that will give effect to C M Y K

the execution and possession of their landed property. They were represented by Chief Adebayo Adeyiga and six others.

Originating summon In an originating summon pursuant to Order 113 Rules 1 and 3 of the Rule of the Supreme Court in England, the applicants among others are asking for an order of the court for the recovery of the 549 plots of land in the Shangisha Village Scheme II in IkosiKetu LCDA of Kosofe Local Government of Lagos.

The apex court had in its ruling, affirmed the judgements of the Lagos State High Court and the Court of

Appeal, Lagos Division, which ordered the state government to immediately allocate 549 plots to the landlords under the Shangisha/Magodo Estate Scheme 2.

The Supreme Court held that the Lagos State High Court and the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal came to the right conclusion in 1994 and 2001 respectively when they ordered the state government to re-allocate the same 549 plots to the landlords or allocate plots of their choices to them elsewhere.

The five-man panel in a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Olufunlola Oyelola Adekeye, held that it could not disturb the concurrent findings of the High Court and Court of Appeal as they were premised on sound legal footings.

process of transformation that suits the African context with deliberate mobilisation, planning, training and collaborating, in preparation for the forthcoming conference.

Mr. Marco Kamiya, of Urban Economy Branch of UNHabitat stated that today, Africa provides a snap shot of where Asia was in the 1960s and Latin America in the 1920s. He however noted that there is still an opportunity to learn from the mistakes and good practices of both regions.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Mr Madala Masuku gave an insight into the historical antecedents of exclusion which African cities have suffered as a result apartheid in South Africa and colonialism in many African countries, which restricted the movement of people within a country and across borders.

Therefore Africa’s response to urbanization would need to take into consideration profoundly social and economic inclusion. National Development Plans should define new growth paths that encourage industrialization, Research and Development, innovation, the green and knowledge economies.

30—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Experts seek measures to stem environmental degradation

By Bose Adelaja

E

NVIRONMENTAL experts have called on oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria to adhere to best environmental practices in order to minimise the rate at which their host communities suffer from environmental pollution. They also made a strong case for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB. The experts which included the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of the Environment, Mrs Fatimoh Mede, Bayelsa State

•Dearth of safe waster supply is responsible for several deaths in Africa.

WaterAid launches campaign on dangers of lack of safe water, sanitation

By Jude Njoku

W

ATERAID has launched its new four-year “Healthy Start” campaign showing the devastating impact that a lack of safe water and sanitation has on the health of children in developing countries. The launch which was part of activities to mark the 2015 World Water Day, shows that annually, nearly half a million babies die in the first month of life because they are born into unhygienic conditions and one in five deaths of newborn babies in the developing world are caused by infections strongly linked to dirty water or unhygienic conditions.

Specifically in Nigeria, nearly 52,000 newborn babies are believed to have died from sepsis, tetanus and other infections linked to dirty water and lack of hygiene in 2013 alone.

Reliable supply of clean water A report recently released by the World Health Organization, WHO, reveals that nearly half of hospitals and clinics in Africa do not have access to clean water. About 58 percent of healthcare facilities that have some access, only half are able to count on a safe and reliable supply of clean water.

The WHO report which was titled “ Water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities: status in low and middle income countries and the way forward’, shows that across 18 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, access to water in healthcare facilities is as low as 20 percent. It is the first survey of its kind and shows that in the 54 developing countries studied, 38 percent of C M Y K

healthcare facilities do not have clean water and 19 percent do not have safe toilets.

WaterAid in the briefing, highlights the risks presented to babies by healthcare facilities that do not offer a hygienic birth environment. It outlines measures needed to ensure that every healthcare facility has clean running water, safe toilets and sinks with soap available to staff and patients. ”The goal for “Healthy Start” is that decision leaders and policy makers ensure that survival rates and health outcomes are improved for children by integrating water, sanitation and hygiene within their policies, activities and rhetoric. In particular our aim is that the health sector joins with the water and sanitation sector in delivering water, sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030 as an essential requirement for increasing the numbers of children who have healthy childhoods, better prospects for healthy lives and for leaving poverty behind,” the NGO stated.

Its Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Michael Ojo noted that “Being born into unhygienic conditions

There must be individual and collective responsibility for ensuring hygienic conditions in health centres

condemns too many babies in the Nigeria and the developing world to a tragically early and avoidable death and their parents to needless heartbreak.

Tragically for these one in five babies who die in their first month in the developing world, just being washed in clean water and cared for in a clean environment by people who had washed their hands, could have prevented their untimely deaths”.

Ojo posited that “The ability to keep a hospital or clinic clean is such a fundamental basic requirement of health care that you have to question whether a facility without clean running water or basic sanitation can adequately serve its patients” . He appealed to the global community to commit to ensuring everyone has access to safe water and sanitation by

2030 – which is an ambitious target but an achievable target.

“There must be individual and collective responsibility for ensuring hygienic conditions in health centres. We need everyone involved in leading and shaping health services to work together to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society do not have their life expectancy reduced to mere weeks because facilities are unable to meet the most basic standards of clean and safe care,” he said.

World Water Day is a United Nations designated global day for action to illustrate the importance of water in our lives. In 2010, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognising the human right to water and sanitation as “essential for the full enjoyment of the right to life”.

Commissioner for the Environment, Iniruo Wills, Deputy Chancellor (Admin) University of Benin and former Director of Finance, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Naphitalli Iringe-Koko, explained that these measures will minimise the degradation of the environment being suffered by host communities.

They spoke recently at the public presentation of a book ‘’Balancing the Commercial interest with Environmental and social Economic Responsibilities in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry.”

The Commissioner frowned at the level of environmental degradation caused by gas flaring and pollution. He stated that the time has come to hold oil and gas companies responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer especially in the Niger-Delta region.

Iniruo said his state was working on modalities to compel oil companies to ensure environmental friendliness. ‘’Environmental degradation is not something we can cure overnight but we are doing something worthwhile to make the companies accountable for their misdemeanour because we are the environmental trustees and the closest to the host communities who feel the pulse. We shall explore every explorable opportunity within our reach but if otherwise, then the wrath of the law shall be invoked upon the defaulters,” he said.

“We will press for the audit of the pipelines, a comprehensive assessment and environmental legacy of the oil and gas industry in Bayelsa state,”Inuro said.

Corruption has made facilities management difficult — Adedeji

By Kingsley Adegboye

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FACILITY management expert, Mr Afolabi Adedeji, has described corruption and the neglect of facilities management as the bane of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Adedeji, an engineer and and the Managing Director of Ethical Business and Management Associates, a Lagosbased facilities management outfit, opined that corruption has made facilities management difficult in the country, Adedeji who spoke to Vanguard Homes & Property, described the corruption and neglect of facilities management as symbiotic evils in the sense that each one ‘feeds upon’ the other.

He illustrated this assertion with a state government official who allows a key access road to deteriorate badly so as to justify the award of a major rehabilitation

contract, from which he will get his or her own ‘cut’ to contest the next election’ for another four- year term in office.

He noted that this problem is not limited to the public sector as the malaise of corruption seems to have eaten deep into the very fabric of our society.

“We are blessed and rich in natural resources, and yet we are apparently so poor with the middle class that was vibrant up to the late 1970s, rapidly disappearing. What we are all witnessing in the country by way of its development and maintenance, is less than perfect condition of our infrastructure whether in terms of road, power, water supply, solid waste management, transportation and railway sectors. This is principally due to the cumulative effect of decades of neglect of planned, preventive and routine maintenance,” he said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—31

By Theodore Opara

4008, Peugeot’s gift to 4x4 world P

EUGEOT 4008 sport utility, vehicle. This is an unusual Peugeot. The renowned French car maker is not known for making sport utility vehicles (SUVs). It is a master, when it comes to the production of sedans and estates. But as the saying goes, necessity is the mother of inventions, Peugeot has taken advantage of the current trend in the automobile industry whereby sport utility vehicles have become the way forward to launch itself into the SUV category.

The launch of the 4008 into the market marks yet another beginning for Peugeot in the automobile world.

Having established itself as one of the leading automobile makers in the world, Peugeot has brought its many years of experience to bear in the new 4008 sport utility vehicle which was among the vehicles it rolled out for a media test drive recently from Lagos to Kaduna. The 4008 adopts a clearly distinctive style.

It asserts a personality with audacious lines and a genuine all-terrain attitude that is both expressive and dynamic.

Compact and solid, the Peugeot 4008 is an offroad vehicle with a strong personality. It combines outstanding handling with comfort. The versatility according to Peugeot was achieved through a high quality suspension system and a range of transmission mode. Peugeot did not build the 4008 like a new comer in this segment. It masterfully crafted it to take any tough task. The 4x4 mode of the 4008 overcomes every terrain when the need arises while the two-wheel drive is at home with dry tarmac road. In poor road like sandy or muddy road, the 4WD Lock mode tackles the road with ease.

The 4008 is available with a 2.0 litre engine which delivers 150 brakehorse power. This engine is marched with a continuously variable automatic transmission, CVT, combined with steering wheel paddleshift controls for driving

pleasure.

The adventurous personality of the 4008 comes hand-in-hand with an interior that is enhanced by the quality of the trim and the materials used such as chrome. Other details like the LED lighting on the side of the glass panoramic roof contribute to the perceive quality of the interior.

The 4008 is fitted with efficient and practical equipment, devised for occupants pleasures, safety and driving comfort. For instance, with the 4008, the traditional key has been replaced by an electronic recognition system that simplifies using the 4008.

With the identifier still in your pocket or hand-bag, you can access your 4008, start it, and top it simply by pressing the button.

The vehicle can be locked again simply by pressing the button on the front door handle or boot as you leave.

There is generous legroom and headroom for all occupants.

The 4008 also offers occupants comforts worthy of the finest saloon cars: numerous storage comportments, automatic air conditioning, a refrigerated glove box, electric windows, quality sound system etc.

Peogeot didn’t leave anything out in ensuring safety in the new 4008.

The 4008 uses an ESP that incorporate traction control and hill assist functions. The car is also fitted with automatic light illumination based on the

exterior level, with fog lights built into the front bumper, Xenon headlamps combined with headlamp washers and an electric attitude correction

system that reduces dazzle for other road users.

The 4008 is fitted with seven air bags, ISOFIX, as well as front and rear

audio park assist system.

The customer can choose from a variety of interior trims.

Be defensive, considerate on wheels, FRSC boss tells drivers

T

HE Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi has admonished Nigerians to hold tight to the spirit of peace and safer road culture during the Easter celebration and beyond.

In his Easter message, Corps Marshal Oyeyemi stressed the need for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, enjoining them to be defensive and considerate to other road users while driving during the period, adding that it is through such virtues that the much desired national

stability can be sustained.

According to him,

FRSC will continue to work hard to ensure that the road environments remain safer throughout the period of the celebration and beyond

Easter season is one of the critical periods when human and vehicular traffic heighten in the country. This, he said, poses challenges of ensuring safer road environment for the FRSC, warning that extra caution must therefore, be taken by those traveling from one location to the other for the celebration.

The Corps Marshal however, assured that in anticipation of the heightened traffic movements, FRSC has taken proactive measures by deploying adequate men and providing necessary logistics at strategic locations across

the country to address any of the road safety challenges that the travelers might face.

“We just concluded the presidential election duties, and in continuation of our statutory responsibility of ensuring safer road environment, especially during such celebrations like the Easter, we have deployed adequate number of officers, marshals, vehicles and relevant logistics at some of the identified black spots across the country to keep the road safe for all for crash and obstruction-free Easter celebration,” he stated.

“Let me also use this

opportunity to congratulate the Christians who are observing the feast, and assure all Nigerians who are part of the celebration, that FRSC will continue to work hard to ensure that the road environments remain safer throughout the period of the celebration and beyond.

“Consequently, our call centre remains open to receive distress calls for prompt mobilization of rescue operations, while our road side clinics and zebra points across the country have been put on alert in case of emergencies,” he further stated.

32 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

By Theodore Opara

Organisers of Lagos Motor show search for oldest car O

WNERS of motorable and driveable automobiles that are over 35 years old, have a unique opportunity of showcasing the cars at the forthcoming 10th Lagos Motor Fair.

Announcing this as one of the special features of the event the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, said that this will attract special recognition and reward from both the organizers as well as the owners/manufacturers of the brands of such classic vehicles. The idea behind this is for our people especially the young ones to see the models that were in vogue before their birth and also for the owners of such long lasting brands to know that their product still exist in the country. I am sure some of the brand owners will highly appreciate the people for keeping such brand alive and well.

According to the chairman of the organizing committee for the event, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu in a chat with newsmen; “We are introducing some special features to make this edition highly successful and beneficial to all. These include:

Special live interactive radio programme featuring the Managing Directors of some key participating companies; Miss Lagos Motor Fair Beauty Pageant among the participating companies; Raffle draws in which a brand new car is the star prize; Fun and joy filled weekend featuring: Live performance by a famous m u s i c i a n ; comprehensive family and children e n t e r t a i n i n g programmes; Fashion shows by popular and Award of Certificates of Excellence in recognition of supporters of the Fair as well promoters of the development of the automotive sector in Nigeria will equally be amongst the packages”.

The Chairman noted that the beauty of trade shows is that they take organisations beyond their supposed dreams and into the expected ground of realities. This they do by taking participants to higher levels by consistently keeping them [the exhibitors] in the minds of their target audience.

In what has become an Auto mundial and show of strength among the indigenous and foreign firms in the automotive business, more firms are

1960 Peugeot 404

Rolls Phantom

Royce

confirming their participation in the events.

Over 40 indigenous firms have confirmed their participation while about 100 foreign firms from all parts of the world are storming the Federal Palace Hotel Victoria

Island venue of the event with different world-class products and services from their stables. .

Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu revealed that “virtually all the major brands of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, banking, insurance,

New York Int'l Show 2015: World premiere of Boxster Spyder

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ORSCHE is beginning the 2015 convertible season by celebrating the world premiere of the new Boxster Spyder at this year ’s New York

International Auto Show (312 April). The new top model in the open twoseater series retains the independent character of the previous Spyder, which has already attained cult

Hyundai builds fourth plant in China H

YUNDAI Motor broke ground on its new 4th plant in Changzhou, Hebei Province, today. Hyundai Motor’s Vice Chairman Euisun Chung, Governor of Hebei Zhang Qingwei, Korean Ambassador to China Jang-soo Kim and other 600 distinguished guests were present at the ground breaking event today. Vice Chairman Chung said, “We will rewrite the legacy of ‘Hyundai Speed’ and ‘Hyundai Miracle’ with our Chinese partners by the construction of this plant.”

Changzhou Plant, built on 1.92 million square

meter site with a floor space of 250,000 square

The construction for Changzhou Plant will be completed at the end of 2016 with capacity of 200,000 units, producing strategic small cars

regulatory and policy making agencies and bodies are taking part.”

He further noted that the growing number of exhibitors confirmed for this event can be attributed to the importance attached to it by the participants.

“We cannot but attribute the increasing number of participants for the show to the strategic importance attached to it by all the stakeholders in the industry who have been hardworking and consistent with us. It has been a collective effort and all hands have continually been on deck, starting from the private sector to the various agencies of government both at the state and federal level.”

Our aim is to make Lagos the hub of automotive business in West and Central Africa; using the platform of the Motor Fair. We need the co-operation of all and sundry as we cannot do it all alone. The resultant success of these efforts will rub off positively on all the stakeholders.

meter, will be a fully equipped plant with press, body, paint and assembly lines, in addition to an engine plant.

The construction for Changzhou Plant will be completed at the end of 2016 with capacity of 200,000 units, producing strategic small cars.

Changzhou plant is planned to expand its capacity to 300,000 units in 2018.

Hyundai Motor will establish high-tech a u t o m o t i v e manufacturing facilities and know-how to make Changzhou Plant a smart, environment friendly plant. By

installing the latest automation facilities in press, body, paint and assembly lines, a flexible production system will be in operation. Also, Changzhou plant will implement recycling system, including recycling gas emission, water and waste discharge.

In addition, Hyundai Motor will break grounds on its Chongqing Plant in the second half of this year to advance into Midwest China, which is expected to surge in demand for cars through government in-land development efforts.

status. The classic fabric roof is opened and closed by hand, and the sports car is only available with a manual transmission.

As a true original roadster, the Boxster Spyder offers a traditional sports car driving experience but with c o n t e m p o r a r y performance. This means a firm sports suspension with a 20-mm lower ride height, brakes taken from the 911 Carrera, more direct steering, and a 3.8-liter sixcylinder engine with an output of 375 hp. Drivers and passengers can look forward to outstanding driving dynamics in the

lightest yet most powerful Boxster available. It only takes around 4.5 seconds for the Boxster Spyder to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h; the model’s top speed is 290 km/h. NEDC overall fuel consumption amounts to 9.9 l/100 km.

The distinctive design of the Boxster Spyder includes stylistic elements typical for the legendary sports and race cars from Porsche. As a tribute to the 718 Spyder from the 1960s, the new Boxster Spyder has two prominent streamlined bulges that extend down along the long rear lid behind the headrests.

•Porsche Boxster Spider convertible

Jonathan’s Peace Park abandoned

IYA: Okirika rite that makes woman husband's property

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PAGES 3

VOL. 1: NO. 44

TUESD AY, APRIL 7, 20 15 TUESDA 201

SAPELE: The collapse of Timber Town

Moribund AT&P. INSET: Some roads in Sapele.

By Godwin Oghre SAPELE—THE urban settlement of Sapele in Delta State, one of Nigeria’s oldest cities legendary for its timber production and thriving economy, is currently a shadow of itself, suffering serious challenges of infrastructure decay, unemployment and resulting social vices of mind-boggling proportion.

Sapele was, indeed, a happening town

in the old Midwest Region and defunct Bendel State with a flourishing economy and passable network of roads.

Companies such as African Timber and Plywood, AT&P, United Africa Company, UAC, also companies known as Leventis, John Holts, Nigeria Air Line Ticket Office, Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, had their footprints in the municipality.

There were jobs to do: AT&P alone had over 4,000 workers on its payroll,

employed from all over the country. The Sapele Athletics Club, one of the oldest sports club in Nigeria, was a place to be and the Sapele Buma Boys brought glamour to the social activities in town.

The markets were also functional, while buyers and sellers were satisfied, as ships berthed from other parts of the globe.

Undeniably, it was one of the most serene cities in Nigeria, which the white men found comfortable to stay.

At that time, it played host to ‘who is

who’ across Nigeria’s political and economic firmaments and beyond. The patriarchs of most of many top shots in the country today once sojourned in Sapele.

Downfall According to Sapele historian, Dr. Vincent Ekariko, it was from the 1980s that the grandeur and razzle-dazzle of

Continues on Page 7 C M Y K

2 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Windstorm wreaks havoc on C-River communities CROSS RIVER… THE PEOPLE’S PARADISE

By Ike Uchechukwu

A

KPARABONG— NO fewer than 50 villagers have been wounded and 120 buildings destroyed by windstorm at Akparabong and Mbarakom communities in Ikom and Akamkpa Local Government Areas, Cross River State.

Akarabong is the home town of the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba. The community was in ruins when Niger Delta Voice visited, weekend, with wreckages of devastated homes and damaged household property scattered all over the place.

It was gathered that the victims were injured by zincs, planks and other hazardous objects blown off the affected buildings, including the Presbyterian Primary School, Akparabong and Saint Theresa Primary School by whirlwind, which also pulled down economic trees.

Deputy leader, Ikom

The remains of a house.

This was a Church.

*50 injured, 120 buildings destroyed

ravaged school to enable our children go back to school when they reopen.

“As it stands now, they cannot resume; they would have to stay at home after the holidays as part of the school went down completely.”

Legislative Council and councillor representing Akparabong ward, Hon Neji Nkonang, told Niger Delta Voice that what the people require urgently were building materials like roofing sheets, planks, cement and relief materials to enable them put back their structure and go back to their normal lives.

NEMA, SEMA inspect damage ”I have written to the

National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA. They have done an on- thespot assessment with a view to ascertain the extent of the damage but nothing has been given to us yet,” Nkonang said.

He said: “I have also written to the Senate Leader but we have not received any help from any quarter yet. Our major concern is to give our people shelter then rebuild the

We’ve no place to sleep—VICTIM A victim, Obi Ojong, who spoke with Niger Delta Voice, said, “It was like a war zone with cries and screaming everywhere amidst the unabated rumbling of the storm.

My main concern was the

We earn more money with C-River Basin project—FARMERS because it has assisted so many of us (farmers) in this area a lot.

“Our communities have also benefited because we have farm produce in the market all through the year. People like buying from us, like now we have maize, vegetables, even cucumber in the markets all the year round,” he added.

Oniong Edem Irrigation Farm, Onna LGA.

AKWA IBOM...

LAND OF PROMISE

By Chioma Onuegbu

U

YO—FARMERS at rural communities in Onna Local Government Area, AkwaIbom State say the Oniong Nung Edem irrigation project established by the Cross River Basin Development Authority, CRBDA, a federal agency, has provided financial succour to them.

The farmers who spoke separately to Niger Delta Voice at their different farms also said the project has aided them in various ways, especially in the upkeep of their families.

Mrs. Emah Eshiet from Ikot Ebe Ekpo village said, “It has C M Y K

been 10 years since I started farming under this project and it has helped me to train my children in school. Also we feed from what I make from my farm here. I farm waterleaf, scent leaf, pumpkin melon, in fact, I like farming vegetables and I make good profit.”

I started irrigation farming 10 yrs ago—NSEOBONG Similarly, a middle aged farmer, Mr. Idongesit Nseobong from Ukanafun local government area resident in Onna, said, “I enjoy cultivating vegetables on this irrigation farm and it has really helped me a lot because farming is what I do for a living.

Since I started this irrigation farming, 10 years ago, I have made money especially as we also farm during the season.

“And I am happy to be a beneficiary of this project

Grow food crops all year round Miss Magdalene David from Ukpana village said she did not have to go looking for menial work to further her education, adding that from what she has been able to save working in the farm, she would be able to fund her tertiary education and also assist her family in her own little way.

She added, “What I like much about this irrigation is that it makes it possible for food crops, mainly vegetables, maize to be available in the market throughout the year.

“And when farmers cultivate during dry and rainy seasons, it also means that food will be available in the market and we also make more money. If you look around you can see that we the farmers here are very happy and I am happy too.”

Good effort- Daniel A youth from Ikot Annang village, Mr. Peter Daniel, said “The irrigation project has brought a lot of awareness on mechanized farming to our people because government uses machine to clear the farm and make ridges before giving out portion to the villagers to farm.

“People come here from nearby local government areas to buy the farm produce in bags, so I think it is a good effort of government to improve farming and I feel it should be replicated in many other areas.”

137 out of 388 hectares developed so far—NTEKIM The project officer, Mr. Osung Ntekim, corroborated the claim the project has been of tremendous assistance to farmers, particularly those who did not have their own lands to farm on, adding, however, that only 137 out of the 388 hectares of land has so far been developed.

Ntekim urged unemployed youths to take advantage of the project by keying into the ‘Go back to Agriculture agenda’.

His words: “When they come here, the irrigation project apart from serving as a great assistance in provision of farmland to them also removes the drudgery associated with farming because CRBDA not only clears, it ploughs and makes ridges on the lands. All they now do is to come and plant.

Opportunity for idle youths “And from what I am seeing here, the irrigation project is going to turn around the fortunes of this community, impact positively on the life of the people, principally farmers and I think that it is something that can be encouraged. And I call on more idle youths to key into this laudable effort,” he said.

safety of my wife and children.

“As we speak, we have no place to sleep. Government should come to our aid.”

Another victim, Rosemary Agba, asserted that over 20 occupants of their uncapped house were squatting with neighbours and relatives, recounting the disaster as traumatizing.

Cold is affecting my little children—MANYO Love Manyo, a mother of three, said, “It is only God that saved us that fateful day as we spent the night under the heavy rains with our children, who are now suffering from cold and cannot even go to school because of the condition of the school.”

SEMA asks Imoke for money The Director-General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Vincent Aquah, during the on the spot assessment described the destruction caused by the storm as shattering.

Aquah who promised that concerted efforts would be made by the state government to address the situation put the value of the damage at N300 million.

He lauded public- spirited individuals who came to the rescue of the victims by offering them shelter.

The agency has since forwarded its report to the governor, seeking approval of funds to immediately address the plight of the victims.

THE TEAM Emma Amaize, Editor Jimitota Onoyume Samuel Oyadongha Simon Ebegbulem Gabriel Enogholase Festus Ahon Egufe Yafugborhi Emmanuel Una Akpokona Omafuaire Godwin Oghre Tom Moses Chioma Onuegbu Ike Uche Davies Iheamnachor Emem Idio Brisibe Perez Barnabas Uzosike Nath Onajoke Chijioke Nwankpa

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—3

Jonathan’s Peace Park abandoned BA YELS A ...

BAYELS YELSA THE GLORY OF ALL LANDS

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—LOCATED at the heart of Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State is the iconic Peace Park, the most fascinating open landscape in the city overlooking Creek Haven, the seat of power in the state.

Sadly, however, the leisure epicentre initiated by the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan government when he was governor of the state and completed by the former Governor Timipre Sylva administration, is today a shadow of its old self.

The park is custom-made with a giant television screen, basketball, lawn tennis, volley-ball courts, tabletennis boards, concrete seats for couples, slings for children and a mesmeric water fountain, beheld several kilometres away from the city centre when lit at night due to its striking colours.

With its giant crescent-shape roofs, the edifice could be mistaken for a fable in an Arabian tale.

Baffling mockery In a predominantly civil service state with a blend of construction employees, the residents, especially fun seekers hardly wait for dusk to set in before besieging relaxation joints in town to unwind after the rigors of day, but the Peace Park, which should have been the chosen destination for most residents is basically deteriorating.

Only the section designed as an arena fitted with the status of the “unknown soldier” is being put into optimum use.

It hosts the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration and the symbolic laying of wreath for the nation’s fallen heroes and is often used for political gatherings.

Niger Delta Voice findings showed that the park could have been a money- spinning edifice for the state government if put into good use, as there is no standard recreational facilities in the entire state.

Neglect But, the artificial lake which snakes through the park, a fascination for lovers of nature, is now a breeding ground for mosquitoes due to years of neglect.

The once alluring water fountain with its illuminating light which was the cynosure of all eyes has ceased to function with most parts of the park in darkness. Also, its once lush grasses and vegetation

*Patronage nose-dives as lush vegetation dies away *Artificial lake turns breeding ground for mosquitoes are gradually withering away like flowers in autumn due to neglect.

Misdirected supervision The Capital City Development Authority, which hitherto was saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the facility instead of investing on the park and making it more children friendly, resorted to leasing the space for trade fair.

This poor management of the space, it was learnt, was responsible for the transfer of the overseeing of the park to the office of the Chief of Staff, Government House, a development that has also failed to turn around the fortunes of the park.

Poor organization The number of fun seekers that thronged the park has dwindled due to what many blamed on poor management of the facility.

A resident, who simply identified himself as Oscar said: “The government appeared to have forgotten that place. It beats my imagination that we have this wonderful work of art here lying waste. We do not need to travel outside to neighbouring states to catch fun if this place is taken good care of.

“The place is infested with mosquitoes due to poor management. This facility, if properly managed will boost the state internally- generated revenue.”

Another resident, Ebidou

John, who spoke to Niger Delta Voice , said: “If the government had put the place into proper use, it would have been the best relaxation place in town.

“Who do you think would have love to go to those car wash- turned relaxation spots at night if the park were to be operating at optimal capacity with its enthralling lighting system and water fountain?

“Nobody, it is not enough using the place for political ceremony alone and the annual armed forces Remembrance Day celebration.

“The only time the fountain was seen working was during the Timipre Sylva administration and even at that, it appeared the contractor was test running the facility.

“I believe President Goodluck Jonathan had an idea of making the place tourists’ destination when he conceived and awarded the job for the project to a Chinese firm during his time as governor of the state before he became the Vice President.

“Good a thing the immediate past administration managed to maintain the facility, but the reverse is the case today. Aside the Arena area that is clean, the other end has been taken over by weeds and the artificial creek not taken care of.”

Outrageous Lamenting the deplorable state of the park, Loveday Andrew said, “The much acclaimed tourism

promotion in Bayelsa State by the government would have been taken serious if the Peace Park was upgraded and its facilities put into optimum use, thereby improving the state revenue.

“That place should be limited to promoting tourism and not for political use as being done by the government.”

For Marshal Owei, “it is a shame to know that just opposite the Government House, we have a unique space to call a recreational area, yet the place is underutilized for any purposeful reason.

“Our children do not even have where to call ‘fun,’ go round the state; there is nothing to call fun, zoo, park or relaxation places. What do we tell our children? The Peace Park if well managed could boost the state internally generated revenue.”

Privatization option Renowned environmentalist, Mr. Alagoa Morris, said though the place is attractive, its proximity to the Government House would not make the place conducive for leisure, as according to him, some government officials, who would have loved to patronize the place, may be discouraged because of its location.

He said: “Agreed the place is attractive but government is not a good business man. The best that could come out of the place is to allow private

hands to take it.

“Government can only give guidelines on what should be allowed at such places if given to private individuals to manage.”

Though, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Talford Ongolo, whose office, oversees the management of the facility could not be reached for comment, a government official who pleaded anonymity, reacted.

The official said: “The best bet is to concession the park to a private hospitality firm to manage.

“Government is never a good businessman, look at other assets like the stated- owned Bayelsa Palm and Niger Delta Sea Food Company; they are as good as moribund.”

Isoko youths allege exclusion from NNPC pipeline jobs BA YELS A ...

BAYELS YELSA

THE GLORY OF ALL LANDS

By Emem Idio

Y

ENAGOA—ISOKO youths under the aegis of Isoko Youths Dynamic Association, IYDA, an umbrella body of Isoko youths in the Diaspora, Delta State, has accused the Federal Government of sidelining them in the pipeline surveillance contracts awarded recently by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. In a statement issued in Yenagoa, the group’s president, Mr. Blessing Jamnogo, said Isoko youths have tolerated their marginalization long enough, emphasizing they would react if left out of the pipeline surveillance contract.

The youths denounced the situation where people from other areas were given contract to secure the pipelines from Irri to Okpai communities in Isoko, while the indigenes of the area were excluded.

They said: “Isoko youths will resist any further imposition of contractors from other communities on us.”

They insisted that no amount of intimidation would make them rescind their decision and urged the Federal Government to review the contract so that the people from oil-bearing communities in Isoko could benefit.

C M Y K

4—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

F

By Simon Ebegbulem

CELEBRITY How Buhari can peacefully stop wasting money on ex-militants, by Sunny Ofehe

OUNDER of the Hope for NigerDelta Campaign, HNDC, Delta State-born Mr. Sunny Ofehe is one of the environmental activists that had internationalized the crusade for a better deal for the Niger-Delta region through his advocacy programme in The Netherlands, where he is based and other parts of the world.

He was in the creeks in the days of militancy in his search for peace and had led many foreign organizations to Nigeria in the quest for a better understanding of the problematic and assistance to the people.

While some Niger Deltans are beating the war drums over the victory of President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) in the March 28 presidential poll, he told Niger Delta Voice in an interview from this Rotterdam base in The Netherlands that if the governors of Niger-Delta states had managed the 13 per cent derivation fund properly, there would have been no hue and cry in the region over the emergence of Buhari or any other Northerner.

•Sunny Ofehe.

N-Delta govs failed the people His words: “We must not forget that despite the regions complain of marginalization, the states from the region still receive the highest share of federal revenue allocation. Besides that, it is only the states in the region that gets 13 per cent derivation from profit made from crude oil. If these resources are well managed, our dependence on who becomes the President of Nigeria will be insignificant.

“His (Buhari’s) election should rather be a wakeup call for the people of the region to remain steadfast and appreciate the fact that their votes counted. The country has elected a new leader and since that leader has called for unity, we must look beyond regional lines and embrace the new administration for the betterment of a united Nigeria.

“Those who lost are those who were looking for ways to foment trouble and create disunity. Nigerians rose above that and the people of the region have refused to be drawn into their plot, thanks once again to President Goodluck Jonathan’s quick response to the election result.”

Don’t terminate amnesty programme On what should be the presidentelect’s agenda on Niger Delta, he said, “I think the first thing the new president must do is recognize the significance of the region to the Nigerian economy and admit the suffering of the people while promising to steer up policies that will provide basic infrastructure and social amenities.

“Unlike previous administrations, it should not just be promises but policies that will lead to accomplishment.

“He has promised to tackle corruption, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Any success in this area will surely benefit the people of the Niger Delta. Many are calling for the end of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, which provides monthly stipend to the absorbed ex militants.

“I will advise him not to end it because that will make them see his administration as being against the exmilitants and that can cause chaos.

“My advice will be for him to engage the private sector and make those exmilitants to get jobs for the current free money they now receive. The culture

of free monthly money for the exmilitants must stop some day and I think this should be the best way to stop it.

“The new president should also address the corruption at the state and local government levels, including government agencies like NDDC and even NIMASA. These are the agencies whose oversight and programmes can have lasting positive effects on the lives of the people.

“There is the local content law that has given greater opportunities for indigenous company’s participation in the oil and gas industry. This has provided jobs for youths in the region.

“His policy towards the region should enable government funding support that will make it easier for these companies to own equipment needed for the execution of contracts and projects.”

The HNDC Executive Director stressed: “Buhari must ensure that the oil majors adhere to strict internationally accepted environmental standards while operating in the region. He should also expedite the implementation of the United Nation Environmental Protection (UNEP) report on the Ogoni region. A clean

Messenger promoted from Level 4 to 12 in Delta

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—THE head messenger at Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Ms Akpogwaye Onajite, has been promoted from grade level 04 to 12 by the Local Government Service Commission in the state.

Chairman of the commission, Mr. Olumami Oyibo, who confirmed the promotion, dismissed the claim of irregularity in the promotion, saying that Onajite, elevated with 1, 405 over other workers within four months deserved it because she went back to the school and got her qualification as a medical doctor but was denied promotion.

Oyibo, who also debunked the allegation that the commission extorted money from those that benefited from the exercise, said, “On resumption, I and members of the commission took this issue of promotion very seriously and in C M Y K

actualizing this feat, we sat for four straight weeks.

“In the end, we successfully implemented the promotion of 1,405 staff of the commission spread across the 25 local councils in the state.”

He explained that Onajite was not promoted despite the fact that she has acquired higher qualification and was due for it until he came on board.

His words: “As for the case of the messenger, while she was serving as a staff of the commission, she enlisted in the University of Benin, UNIBEN and after graduation as a medical doctor despite pleas for her promotion, she was still working as a messenger, but with the resumption of this commission, she was converted and subsequently promoted.

“For over 10years, staff of this commission who attended the Bekumo Training School in Edo State and are due

for promotion were stagnated despite series of protest letters they had written to previous commission.

“We also discovered that some local government councils in the state, including Uvwie, Patani, Burutu, Warri South West, Ughelli South, among others have no head of personnel managements.

“As the chairman of the commission, without any form of lobbying, I picked out the most senior officers in these council areas and they got their appointment letters as HPMs.” Oyibo, however, charged workers of the commission who are having problems with their promotion to approach the Secretary of the commission to seek redress, adding that the commission, in the past four months, has surpassed the achievements of previous commissions of the service.

Niger Delta environment will help improve the people’s main occupation of fishing and farming.

“One of the areas the administration of Jonathan failed the people of his own region was the government’s political contracts to ex-militants, particularly in the area of pipeline surveillance and security. This created a divide among the people. Buhari must be seen to deviate from this and create legitimate opportunities that will embrace those qualified for jobs and contracts.

“In appointing political leaders from the region to his cabinet, he must choose characters with proven dignity among the people of the region. This will restore confidence in his administration.”

Buhari won’t victimize N-Delta Ofehe ruled out vendetta against Niger Delta by Buhari, saying, ”There can never be any political isolation of the Niger Delta region despite the support of the people for Jonathan. The region is very significant to the nation’s economic and political stability.

Remember Nigeria is the 8th largest exporter of crude oil to the world and nearly 90 per cent of the country’s revenue comes from crude oil which is largely from the Niger Delta region.”

“The President-elect Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in his acceptance speech has even stretched his hand of cooperation to the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan. He has also promised to revamp the oil and gas sector, a sector that is pivotal to economic development and social advancement of the region.

“Buhari also talked about tackling the security issues of the country. Apart from the threat posed by Boko Haram, the Niger Delta region has had its fair share of insecurity despite relative peace achieved in the last years because of the government Amnesty.

“I think it will also be his priority to ensure that the region maintains this same peace knowing that insecurity in the region will affect oil output and consequently unsettle the economy.”

Why Buhari should never compromise According to him, “Buhari as a person does not have the characteristics of a divide and rule character and that is why majority of Nigerians made him their choice of candidate.

“As a man who has ruled the country before as a military Head of State, he must not compromise now with his second coming. I am hopeful and optimistic that he will lead a government with a principle ambition of uniting all the regions in other to ensure the promotion of a peaceful and united country.

“It is only in this way that the dividend of his policies can affect the people who elected him positively.”

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—5

IYA: Okirika rite that makes woman husband's property

By Perez Brisibe

O

KIRIKA—“TILL death do us part” is a matrimonial catchphrase, which indicates that with the demise of either husband or wife, the other is free to marry again. But not so in Okirika, Rivers State, where by Iya (betrothal) tradition, a woman remains married to her deceased partner unless “released” by the family of the man after specific rituals.

The Iya, also known as Ohurikaka, was initially introduced to checkmate adultery and divorce among couples in Okirika and transmitted from one generation to the other. Today, it has become the tradition of the people to observe it in the 15 villages of Okirika, including their kinsmen in Port Harcourt and Ogu/Bolo Local Government areas.

Derived from two words, Ohuri, meaning ‘raffia,’ and Kaka, meaning ‘tie’, Ohurikaka is the symbolic tying of raffia around the waist of a bride, flanked by her groom, implying the total bonding of the couple for eternity.

For the Okrika people, Iya is the climax of all marital rites and its practice differs among the various Okrika clans.

Sacred marriage bond Shedding light on the tradition, an indigene of Wakirike clan, Chief Tamuno Ajubo, said in performing the Ohurikaka, the groom is required to produce three to five pieces of Kano cloth or Ikpo, one piece of real India cloth, or Injiri, four yards of raffia palm cloth sewn together (Okuru), and another separate yard of the same material.

Other items are four large pots of palm wine, 24 manilas and various food items.

These offerings are placed in the shrine of the family ancestors, with the bride and groom standing side by side in front of the shrine.

An elderly person in the family takes the single yard of raffia cloth and ties the knot round the waist of the wife seven times, each time uttering some incantations that invoke blessings on the couple.

After this, palm wine is poured in a cup for the bride and groom to drink from simultaneously.

All these signal a virtually impossible room for divorce as the single yard of raffia cloth is the essential thing to make the marriage binding. If there is room for divorce, without “release” any child the woman gives birth to by another man, belongs to her former husband who performed the Iya on her.

In case of unavoidable divorce, the parents of the wife are bound to return double the cumulative expenses of the husband, which must be willingly

•A makeshift Iya shrine. accepted by the family of the man.

This is followed by some rituals at the family shrine, where the marriage was originally consummated. Then the woman is “released.”

Why men perform Iya One of the major implications of the Iya marital rites is that children given birth to by the couple that fails to perform such rites belong to her paternal brothers of the family of the woman.

In a situation where the woman has been married, according to other marital rites but not the Iya, whoever performs her Iya in the future as her husband, automatically becomes the father of her children.

'Hire-purchase marriage' Speaking further on the intricacies of Iya, a public commentator and indigene of Ogu/Bolo, Mr. Dason Minieboka, likened it to a hire purchase contract.

He said: “If you do not complete payment of the lease, the property reverts to the original owner. With all of these, you are allowed to take her, but if you do not do the second, at the death of the woman, you are not allowed to bury her as the husband.

“Her people would take her for burial without your permission or involvement in the funeral rites and her people would take her children, with them having no privileges in their father’s place.

“They might stay with him or see him whenever they feel like as the case might be.

But they would not have rights in their father’s

... from the legal angle, according to the Nigerian Matrimonial Cause Act, following the death of her husband, she is free to remarry if she so decides but, the constitution also gives credence to traditional institutions; this is where we have hitches

place, especially with considerations to chieftaincy titles, family headship, lands, and so on and they would have little or no say when it comes to family issues.

“As a man, you lose some ego because your children would not be counted as yours in your family resulting to them being adopted by the family of your wife. In avoiding this, the groom struggles to meet up with it in making themselves and family relevant.”

Property According to the practice, the rite creates ownership mentality of the woman by the man. As an owner, he has to release his property for her to stop being his property.

In the time of old (and in most cases till date), the Iya was performed in the family shrine which is owned by every family.

The ritual is witnessed by the oracle and the gods (ancestors), where the spirit, body and soul of the bride are given to the groom.

I'm stuck to my husband in death—WIDOW Speaking on her plight as a widow, 43year-old Mrs. Tamuno Sodienye lamented the inability of her and her immediate family to return the Iya expenses and the refusal of her husband’s family to free her from the Ohurikaka rites.

She said: “I cannot marry another man even if I want to and I cannot afford to take the risk.

“For now, I bury myself with taking care of my children and ensuring that they become persons of repute in the society in the future.”

Her solicitor, Mr. Akin Ayodele, asserted: ”Speaking from the legal angle, according to the Nigerian Matrimonial Cause Act, following the death of her husband, she is free to remarry if she so decides but, the constitution also gives credence to traditional institutions; this is where we have hitches.

“She would get respite from the court but

might fallout with her folks back at home having gone against an age long tradition; this is where we have the crux of the matter. ” Debunking the assertion of counsel to Madam Danagogo, a native, Chief George Emar ’Otua, said: “No amount of legal action can change the position of things as regards the Iya tradition.

“The law respects the custom and tradition of the people as they have been existing ages before the enactment of such laws; so she has no option than to abide by the tenets and tradition guiding the Iya ritual.”

I would give an arm to be Iyaed—BRIDE While Mrs. Sodienye is lamenting the sacred traditional bond with her husband before he died, Mrs. Ibiene Dayokanu said she has not been accorded the respect she deserves by her peers because her husband did not perform her Iya ceremony.

She said: “Right now, my husband cannot lay claim to our children and my children cannot stand up to other children whose mothers have been Iyaed, no thanks to the harsh economic situation of the country.

Personally as an Okrika woman, I would give an arm to be Iyaed.”

It’s a pride for a man to perform Iya—EMAR’OTUA On the benefit of husbands, who performed the Iya rites on their wife, Chief George Emar’Otua, said apart from him having total custody of his wife and children, the custom is a thing of pride and ego for husbands.

He said: “My children are not denied their privileges. It gives me my pride as an Okrika man amongst other men and I get the privilege of total marriage to my wife.”

6—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

PODIUM…

By Perez Brisibe & Ochuko Akuopha UGHELLI- AT the last check, no fewer than 12 persons have reportedly lost their lives, over 20 shot, injured and raped by Fulani herdsmen, who have run amuck at several communities in Ughelli and Isoko areas of the state in the last four months.

Residents of affected communities, including Assah, Uto, Etefe, Omafuvwe, Edjekuo, Ewu, Uwheru and Ewen, have cried out to the government and security agencies to come to their rescue.

But, what is quite disturbing to the Uto Federated Community, predominantly farmers, is that the police were not providing adequate security for people even when reports of the attacks and destruction of the farmlands by grazing cattle were made.

The governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, while commissioning a network of nine internal road projects at Ovwor-Olomu in Ughelli South council area, recently, reaffirmed that his administration would not tolerate situations where herdsmen would continue to make farmlands unsafe for farmers, saying government was doing a lot to secure the lives of all residents, especially farmers in the state.

Community discover remains of 2 youths President General of Uto Federated community, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe told Niger Delta Voice that the remains of two male youths identified as Power Ekpejuku and Gideon from the community were recently discovered in their farmlands with a third person simply identified as Amacka still missing.

Lamenting neglect by the state government, Egedegbe stated that the communities had on numerous occasions sought assistance from the government and the state Police Command, but to no avail.

Ewu community writes govt President-general of Ewu Clan Development Union, Sir Sunny Ziregbe, in a letter to the governor bemoaning the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the area, said, “We have several instances and proofs where these cattle rustlers raped our girls with impunity and are ready to visit terror on anyone who dares question them. Threatening our source of livelihood while wielding assault rifles and other dangerous weapons,

... they come to the town, break into stores and make away with goods and valuable items. This recent one was severe. It is even by God’s grace that we rescued a lot of persons

Herdsmen go haywire in Delta communities *Maim, rape, kill *Govt sets up task force *Police working for peace—PPRO

Edafe, another victim from Assah community, in hospital after attack by herdsmen.

BELOW: A female attacked by herdsmen at Assah.

A

victim attacked in Ewu community by herdsmen.

Pastor Edewor Egedegbe. they lead their cattle into farmlands, destroying crops, molesting women and attacking others who dare stand across their paths,” the community said.

In neighbouring Uwheru community and its environs in Ughelli North local government area, the same scenario is playing as farmers in the agrarian community have abandoned their farmstead for fear of Fulani herdsmen.

They came like armed robbers—VICTIM Narrating his ordeal to one of our correspondents, Mr. Alex Ughellicha, who is at a private hospital, said, “The herdsmen stormed our community on Friday, 16 January, 2015 like armed robbers and started chasing the people away.”

Community leaders, Mr. Orotu Itule, Mr. Sunday Ogagamre and Mr. Arthur Umukoro who spoke on behalf of Etefe, Edjekuo and Omafuvwe communities respectively, described the incident as shocking, saying the herdsmen took the unsuspecting villagers unawares.

They steal our goods According to Ogagamre, “they (the herdsmen) have been causing a lot of problems in our community for a long

time now. They rape our women in the bush and destroy their crops. “ Apart from that, they come to the town to break into stores and make away with goods and valuable items. This recent one was severe. It is even by God’s grace that we rescued a lot of persons.”

The Niger-Delta Youth Council after a recent unprovoked attack by herdsmen on Ewen village, Isoko South local government area, which left one dead and seven others critically injured, called on the federal government to do everything possible to stop the spate of incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen on Niger Delta communities or risk a reprisal attack on Fulani settlements across the region.

The group in a statement by Comrade Jator Abido, said they would no longer fold their hands and watch their people killed and communities destroyed, adding that at least 10 farmers lost their lives in Ewen community alone following bloody attack by Fulani herdsmen.

Council boss intervenes Chairman of the Ughelli South Local Government council, Hon Paul Etaga, said he had reached out to the

Chairman of the Delta State Cattle Dealers, saying the feuding parties would meet to look at the complaints.

“If the arrangement we are trying to put in place with the Chairman of the Delta State Cattle Dealers is able to materialize, we will ensure that they order their people to evacuate from those communities totally. What we want is peace in our communities.”

He disclosed that vigilance teams had been put in place to assist security agencies to maintain peace and order in the communities.

Govt task force To combat activities of herdsmen, Delta state government, April last year, set up a high-powered security committee to control the movement of cattle in the state, as a pre-emptive measure aimed at curtailing the menace by herdsmen.

The task-force which is headed by the State Commissioner of Police includes two members of the State House of Assembly, two commissioners and representatives of security agencies, traditional rulers, council chairmen and representative of the Hausa community.

Policemen on ground- PPRO Contrary to the verdict of the people, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Delta State Command, DSP Celestina Kalu, stated that the task force through the police has achieved a lot in bringing respite to these communities.

She said: “Our policemen are on ground and are working tirelessly towards bringing respite to these affected communities. All hands are on deck in trying to help the police as regards information gathering.

“Of late, there have not been any form of crisis between any of these communities and herdsmen, this is because the police are very visible in these communities where Fulani herdsmen are operating and the state police command is doing everything within its power to ensure that peace is maintained in all parts of the state.”

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—7

Continues from page1 companies going moribund and the existing infrastructure, especially roads, caving in due to lack of maintenance.

He said: “As if it was a machination, all the companies went moribund, while the contracts awarded by Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and the state government to construct dilapidated roads were abandoned with startling indifference on the part of contractors.”

Europeans vanish Dr. Ekariko said the Europeans, who were the pioneer owners and founders of the prestigious Sapele Athletics Club, also disappeared into thin air, leaving the club to gasp for breath until it finally crumbled.

He, however, said that some new black members gave it a kiss of life, recently, making it to currently accommodate skeletal social events and golfers.

Niger Delta Voice gathered that like the canonical Exodus movement of the children of Israel, nearly all the top-notch Nigerian citizens, who once lived in Sapele, also fizzled out, turning their oncelionized homes to antiquated sights, the same disease that plagued the municipality.

Ancient look Few modern/brick houses owned by a number of politicians and the rich stand out in the city’s landscape, which still wears an old look with mostly dilapidated structures.

Dr. Ekariko, who led this reporter through some of the deplorable roads in Sapele, lamented the downturn of the metropolis.

He said: “The worse hit roads in Sapele, a city devoid of a functional higher institution of learning, include Gana and Ugbekoko roads. But for the grace of Seplat Petroleum, those roads would have been impassable by now.

“Others include, Reclamation Road, Benin Road (now cut off and completely impassable), Old Eku Road (now cut off and completely impassable), Community Road, Nana Road (now blocked and built upon, foreclosing all possible chances of rehabilitation), Court Road (now abandoned and already built upon), Adeola Road, now almost cut off at its New Road junction and others too numerous to count.”

An Okpe chief, Godwin Edeki, said the people were totally disappointed at the turn of events, adding “the contracts for the rehabili-tation of these failed infrastructural projects, like abandoned roads, health

Okadamen rule Sapele roads.

LEFT: Sapele historian, Dr. Vincent Ekariko.

RIGHT: Mr. Julius Egbedi, former Chairman, Sapele LG.

centres and school fences have at different times been awarded

by DESOPADEC, NDDC and the state govern-ment.

“But most of the self-interest seeking politicians and their cronies, using different contractors, disappeared into thin air after receiving various mobilization funds. A typical example of such roads is the Old Eku Road in Amukpe-Sapele.”

The Commissioner representing Sapele, Okpe and Ethiope West on the board of DESOPADEC, Dr. Henry Ofah, said the commission was doing its best to ensure that the bad roads were properly reconstructed and other infrastructure brought in to alleviate the plight of the people.

Generates power, but has no electricity Power generated from Sapele power plants serves parts of the country, but the people have no electricity. The electric poles mounted years ago have become old and decrepit,

falling often at the slightest move of the wind and rainfall.

Recent efforts by the state government to line up street lights along some major streets in the city, though commendable, have not yielded the desired result, as they were poorly erected by contractors.

The poles fall like pack of cards, constituting danger to citizens most of the times.

Uduaghan/NDDC's modest efforts To worsen the recession, the Sapele main market went up in flames. But it is on record that the government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan rebuilt it and had commenced allocation of stalls to traders.

Chief of Staff to the Governor and former Com-missioner for Housing, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, is instru-mental to the rebuilding.

Besides, NDDC has undertaken surface lifting work on the ever busy Sapele/ Warri Road, starting from the Amukpe Round-about to

Okirighwre junction.

Rebuilding Sapele Former chairman of Sapele Local Government, Sapele, Mr. Julius Egbedi, said the cost of bringing Sapele to the position of its previous glory, particularly rehabilitating the roads was beyond what the council can afford.

He, however, said the state government was already restoring a number of infrastructures in the area, including market, stadium, street lights, waste control and some roads, while the council was tackling smaller projects like the health centre and minor road patching.

While expressing dissatisfaction at the conduct of contractors, who vanished from site after receiving mobilization, Mr. Egbedi was noticeably expectant that the glory of Sapele will be restored in due course.

LG cash strapped — ODEBALA

Current chairman, Mr. Ejaife Odebala, told Niger Delta Voice: “The council has no money. The little allocation we are getting can hardly pay the workers’ salaries.

“At the end of the day, there is no money to do projects and bring infrastructure that will palliate the plight of the people of the area. We are hoping that things will improve.”

To tackle the crime wave, the Delta State government like it did in other cities, outlawed the use of motor cycles, popularly known as Okada, for com-mercial transportation, fol-lowing intelligence report that criminals used it to perpetuate crime.

It issued a September 1, 2014 deadline, which was later shifted to October 1, 2014.

Checks by Niger Delta Voice showed that rather than drop, the use of motorcycles for transportation has amplified in Sapele, instead of tricycles approved by government.

8—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

AGENDA

Buhari ‘ll protect Itsekiri— Chief Ayirimi Emami

By Emma Amaize ITSEKIRI leader and entrepreneur, Chief Ayirimi Emami, in this interview, argues that the victory of President – elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) in the last presidential poll had nothing to do with regional conspiracy against the Niger-Delta, as mouthed by some ex-Niger Delta agitators, insisting that the Itsekiri ethnic nationality in Warri, Delta State, would benefit more from his presidency.

Excerpt.

You were very quick to commend the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) on his victory, though you also praised President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat.

This is contrary to the position of some Niger Delta activists, including Dokubo-Asari, who are alleging regional conspiracy against the Niger Delta and threatening a possible return to militancy?

It is sportsmanship. We must learn to accept defeat, because when you concede defeat, you learn from your mistake and brace up to the challenges ahead. From my interaction with President Goodluck Jonathan, I can tell you that he is a good person and it is the people around him that are the issue. I can categorically say there was nothing like regional conspiracy, particularly in the last election.

In the Niger Delta for instance, there are so many ethnic nationalities, but since President Goodluck Jonathan has been in power a few people have been acting as if he is their personal property without minding the feelings of other ethnic groups in the region.

Worse still, he was shielded from others by the few who held sway.

Do you see a new deal for the Itsekiri ethnic nationality under Buhari government better than it was during Jonathan?

I believe with General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), the rule of law will be reinforced in all parts of the country, whether in the North, South, West or East. Permit me to note that with all sense of modesty that agitation does not mean threat to life, kidnapping and other forms of violence.

I believe the Itsekiris will be more secured under General Buhari, especially because he promised the Itsekiri people that much when he led other APC stalwarts to the Olu of Warri palace in Warri during his campaign visit to our monarch and members of the Warri Traditional Council.

What agenda would you want to set for the President-elect for a successful tenure as far as Itsekiri and NigerDelta are concerned?

As a businessman, I can tell you straight away that if the environment is in-secure no meaningful development can take place. The incoming administration should ensure absolute peace, create jobs and provide basic amenities like reclamation as well as shore protection, especially in the coastal areas of the Niger Delta.

I am optimistic he will address these begging issues because he promised that much when he visited Warri for campaigns. The Buhari administration

can effectively fight corruption if it tackles insecurity, ensure the rule of law and provide justice and equity for every tribe in the country.

Can you advise Niger Delta agitators, war mongers and ethnic nationalities on what should be their approach with the incoming government?

I do not believe that anybody wants to fight and if anyone is nursing such thought, which I strongly advise against, the result will not be good for the hunter and the meat. I was first Itsekiri before becoming a PDP member, a point I have always stressed.

Whatever will give Itsekiri security and joy is where I belong. We are in a party (PDP) that even though an Itsekiri man is a governor, we have been sidelined. I have submitted my umbrella to Buhari and collected Itsekiri flag.

You are a PDP stalwart, do you see Buhari victory as the death of your party, as some people are saying and even carrying its mock coffin?

I do not know if the PDP still lives, my concern is my Itsekiri people, the well-being of Niger Deltans and Nigerians in general.

Chief Ayirimi Emami.

Upata communities to invoke gods' anger on anti-Dakuku voters

By Davies Iheamnachor

U

PATA—THE nine communities of Upata in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, have vowed to invoke the anger of the gods on any indigene that votes against the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Peterside Dakuku, in Saturday’s governorship election.

Secretary of Upata communities, Mr. Fredrick Uwame, spoke on behalf of the leaders, including HRH, Eze Mene of Epkeye kingdom and Eze John Wilson, during a mop-up campaign of the APC candidate in the area.

He said the communities could not afford to play opposition against the government of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), already being constituted at the centre.

His words: “Everybody in Upata will not deviate from thumb printing to ensure the victory of Peterside at the poll come April 11. We shall go on oath that the nine communities in Upata must vote Peterside.

“We are going to invoke our gods to deal with anyone who refuses to vote for the APC governorship candidate.”

Also, the Etche Council of Chiefs has reaffirmed the resolve of Etche people to vote Dakuku.

Speaking when Dakuku and his running mate, Mr. Honourable Asita, visited the area at different times, the Onye-Isi Ala Igbo, Etche Kingdom, HRM King Samuel Amaechi, said the people would vote APC candidates

because of the worthy leadership provided by the state by Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Royal fathers in Ikwerre Kingdom under the umbrella of Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers have also urged Ikwerre people to vote for Dakuku.

They made the call when the APC candidate visited the palaces of Nyewe Eli Oduoha Ogbakiri, in Ogbakiri, Emohua Local Government Area, HRH Eze Ferdinand Eleni Ekenta, HRH, Eze Emmanuel Eliko and Eze Charles Obeleme.

Vows to respect traditional rulers, institutions Meanwhile, Dakuku’s running mate, Asita, has pledged that if voted into power, the APC government will give due respect to traditional institutions and rulers in the state.

Asita made this vow at Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government areas during separate visits to the traditional rulers of Ogba kingdom, HRM, Eze (Dr.) Chinedu Igwe of Iguru and HRM, Eze (Dr.) Allen Osoh, Eze Usomini.

On his part, Dakuku assured the people at Ihugbogo community, Ahoada East Local Government Area that he would run an all-inclusive government, if elected.

He promised to ensure that all the wards in the state were fully represented in his government, stressing that his leadership will provide equal opportunity for all.

At Bonny Local Government Area, Dakuku asserted that he would engage in land reclamation and shore protection, which is a major challenge for communities in the riverside areas of the state.

Ughievwen endorse Okowa, Izeze

W

ARRI—THE Ughievwen Political Assembly, UPA, a pressure group of Ughievwen community, an Urhobo ethnic group in Delta State, has endorsed the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and House of Assembly candidate in the area, Mr. Reuben Izeze, for Saturday’s elections.

Addressing a crowd of over 30,000 Ughievwen sons and daughters, leader of the group, Mr. Johnson Boro, said Ughievwen people have to re-strategize in the clamour for a better Ughievwen nation.

He took the assembly on a voice affirmation of the elective positions before the respective candidates were finally approved.

Boro stated that electing Okowa and Izeze would ensure an articulate political repositioning of the Ughievwen nation and attraction of the dividends of democracy to the people.

His words: “Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as governor of Delta State and Mr. Rueben Izeze would guarantee prosperity for all.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 33

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34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

THIS WEEK April 7, 2015 World Health Day 2015.

A media chat to commemorate the Day with the theme “Food Safety” takes place at Protea Hotel, Alausa, Lagos. It is put together by the Lagos chapter, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, APHPN, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur.

April 11, 2015 World Parkinson's Day, supported by the European Parkinson's Disease Association.

The aim is to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease, promoting a greater understanding of this condition and how it can affect a person.

Science World

FDA approves new prostate cancer treatment

T

HE Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has approved a new product that protects prostate cancer patients from the side effects of radiation. Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in men in Nigeria.

Called SpaceOAR (Space Organs At Risk), it is a hydrogel used as a spacer to protect the rectum, bladder and intestines in men undergoing prostate cancer (PCa) radiotherapy.

The SpaceOAR System is intended to temporarily position the anterior rectal wall away from the prostate during radiotherapy for PCa, creating space to protect the anterior rectum (the Organ At Risk) from radiation exposure.

Placed through a small needle, the hydrogel is administered as a liquid, but quickly solidifies into a soft gel that expands the space between the prostate and rectum. The hydrogel spacer maintains this space until radiotherapy is complete.

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What Buhari must do to revamp the health sector S

By Sola Ogundipe

OON after emerging victorious in the 2015 presidential election, President-elect Mohammadu Buhari, was immediately taken to task over the fortunes of the nation’s fledging heath sector.

No doubt one of the biggest challenges awaiting the Presidentelect, is managing the plethora of expectations by the teeming millions of Nigerians concerning virtually every aspect of the nation’s health care delivery system.

Nigerians expect much of the incoming administration because their (Nigerians) healthcare needs are much. Buhari is not just expected to turn things around, but turn things around fast.

Nigerians are desirous of healthcare services that are robust, affordable, available and accessible, even as they look forward to a realistic and sustainable national health insurance scheme that will rescue them from the everlasting bondage of out-of-pocket payment for even the most basic health requirements.

Basic health requirements The people are tired of endless health worker strikes and perennial health sector crises and expect a permanent solution to the inter and intra professional wranglings.

The reduction of newborn, infant, maternal and child mortalities, in addition to better health indices and improved overall life expectancy, amongst several others,are high on the list of expectations.

This development is hardly surprising following the long years of decay and decadence that the sector has witnessed.

“As President, Buhari must work hard to restore public confidence,” said a former President, Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, and Vice President, West African Region of the Commonwealth Medical Association, WAR, Dr. Osahon Enabulele.

Urging the President-elect and his team to work hard to restore public confidence in governance through institution of an all-inclusive and participatory government, Enabulele gave a retinue of policy changes including adherence to the rule of

FOOD SAFETY: How safe is food in Nigeria?

Page 35

•President-elect Muhammadu Buhari. law, restriction of Government’s funding of travels for foreign medical treatment by political and public office holders, as well as improved political commitment to Nigeria’s health sector.

Included on the list of expectations from Enabulele, is the respect for fundamental health rights of Nigerians, particularly through strict and committed implementation of the National Health Act, 2014, and institution of globally competitive wages for medical doctors/health professionals backed with a robust and dynamic health human resource development plan, amongst other progressive steps.

In its own contribution, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, expressed willingness to partner with the President-elect “to ensure the achievement of good health for all citizens in Nigeria.”

President of the PSN, Olumide Akintayo, called for attention to

Respect for fundamental health rights of Nigerians, particularly through strict and committed implementation of the National Health Act 2014

Boy, 10, seeks N7m for heart surgery Page 36

what he described as the “perennially volatile health sector in Nigeria”, as pertains to the nature of appointment of those who preside over the Federal Ministry of Health.

“In the current dispensation the thrust of the dislocation was the appointment of two members of the same profession in a multidisciplinary sector to prevail. This was unprecedented and logically the many aberrations that still dot our lives are also unprecedented.”

Akintayo, who urged the Presidentelect to be open minded to embrace global realities which have opened up the hitherto restricted borders in healthcare, worried that the norm, today, is to appoint seasoned administrators and managers of cognate experience to run the business of healthcare which is similar to any other business. In an Continues on Page 37

Why deaths from HBP, Heart Attack, stroke are increasing globally

Page 37

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—35

Zainab Akanji, in an interview noted that despite presence of regulatory agencies in the food safety and health sectors, there is poor enforcement of the processes.

Akanji blamed incidence that occurs daily in the areas of food poisoning and safety on handler error or non-compliance with food hygiene procedures. “We have food safety laws but most of them are there accumulating dust. If you ask a food business operator to tell you about food safety law and what he or she is meant to do as a food operator under the law, you will see that they won't be able to tell you what the law says."

She said for a complex nation like Nigeria, a well-designed and implemented safety and quality management system can reduce risk and improve performance and profitability.

In a statement, the WHO says a new data on the harm caused by foodborne illnesses underscore the global threats posed by unsafe foods, and the need for coordinated, cross-border action across the entire food supply chain.

• How safe is the food you eat out or preparde at home?

Food safety:

Food supply chain

How safe is food in Nigeria?

By Chioma Obinna OOD security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. It is common knowledge that the condition of foods from the farms and handling by food processors are major determinants of nutritional status of a given society. But how safe is food in the country today?

Former Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, once stated that malnutrition contributes over 50 per cent of mortality among children under five years in Nigeria, hence the need to improve the quality of food processing in Nigeria.

Unfortunately, recent events have underlined the importance of food safety in Nigeria and Africa at large. An unprecedented number of food-borne disease outbreaks have been reported in Nigeria.

Experts say contamination of food and feeds arising from naturally occurring toxicants, microbiological contaminants, chemical contaminants such as additives used above the permitted levels, pesticide and veterinary residues in food or as toxic components from food processing could have deleterious effects in humans and animals.

Bacterial contamination: Also, bacterial contamination, fungal toxins, pesticides and toxic metals have also been linked to food contaminants of major health concerns. Bacterial food-borne diseases caused by species of Salmonella, Clostridium, Campylobacter and Escherichia

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are of major health concerns in Nigeria. The presence of mycotoxins produced by toxigenic fungi in food and feed exacerbates endemic diseases such as malaria, hepatitis, HIV with consequent acute and chronic effects.

The lead poisoning in Zamfara state which caused the death of dozens of infants and children shows the poor attention given to toxic metals in food consumed in Sub Saharan Africa.

Improper use of food additives Similarly, improper use of food additives such as artificial sweeteners, could result in various ailments ranging from gastrointestinal disorders to carcinogenesis and death.

All these have been blamed on the lack of or inadequate application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and the abuse of agrochemicals by farmers and during storage.

This week, WHO is issuing the first findings from what is a broader ongoing analysis of the global burden of foodborne diseases. The full results of this research, being undertaken by WHO’s Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG), are expected to be released in October 2015.

Some important results are related to enteric infections caused by viruses, bacteria and protozoa that enter the body by ingestion of contaminated food.

Unfortunately, the African region which Nigeria is part of recorded the highest disease burden for enteric foodborne disease, followed by South-East Asia over

40 percent people suffering from enteric diseases caused by contaminated food were children aged under 5 years.

In the report (yet to be released), unsafe food poses major economic risks, especially in a globalised world. Germany’s 2011 E.coli outbreak reportedly caused US$ 1.3 billion in losses for farmers and industries and US$ 236 million in emergency aid payments to 22 European Union Member States.

These unprecedented occurrences may not be unconnected with the decision by the WHO to anchor this year’s World Health Day today, April 7 on Food safety related issues, with the theme: “From farm to plate, make food safe.”

A WHO manual for Integrated Food borne Disease Surveillance, notes that ensuring food safety is

The public plays important roles in promoting food safety, from practising safe food hygiene and learning how to take care when cooking specific foods that may be hazardous to reading the labels when buying and preparing food

a critical and fundamental component of public health and food security. The manual states that efficient food safety and quality programmes reduce food losses by about 30 percent, which is important for food security.

Strengthening food safety: Furthermore, strengthening food safety will help minimize the burden of food borne diseases, reduce poverty and contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, 1, 4 and 8.

Sadly, while a number of countries and sub-sectors in the African Region have achieved notable progress in implementing food safety improvement strategies, many including Nigeria are still struggling to tailor their traditional food control systems to current food safety challenges.

The WHO manual shows that key response gaps include lack of policy coherence among the different sectors, inadequate food safety capacities, inadequate financial investments, fragmented food control systems, weak food borne disease surveillance, obsolete food regulation and weak law enforcement and the inability of small- and medium-scale producers to provide safe food.

In Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has been in the forefront of ensuring food safety standards in the country.

However, health watchers are unsure of the Agency’s end role.

A consultant on safety in health and environment, and Managing Consultant at First HACCP System Limited in Nigeria, Mrs.

The WHO Director General, Dr. Margaret Chan argues that a local food safety problem can rapidly become an international emergency. “Investigation of an outbreak of foodborne disease is vastly more complicated when a single plate or package of food contains ingredients from multiple countries,” she states.

She suggests that efforts to prevent such emergencies can be strengthened, however, through development of robust food safety systems that drive collective government and public action to safeguard against chemical or microbial contamination of food.

“At the consumer end of the food supply chain, the public plays important roles in promoting food safety, from practising safe food hygiene and learning how to take care when cooking specific foods that may be hazardous (like raw chicken), to reading the labels when buying and preparing food.

Safer food: The WHO Five Keys to Safer Food explain the basic principles that each individual should know all over the world to prevent foodborne diseases.

Food safety is a cross-cutting issue and shared responsibility that requires participation of nonpublic health sectors (i.e. agriculture, trade and commerce, environment, tourism) and support of major international and regional agencies and organizations active in the fields of food, emergency aid, and education.

However, as the world marks this year’s World Health Day, there is need for assent to the food science and technology safety bill before the presidency to reduce food poisoning and reposition Nigeria for global competitiveness.

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

•Regular blood pressure checks are essential to early detection of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disorders.

Why deaths from heart attack, stroke are increasing

By Sola Ogundipe, Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

A

S the global population rises over seven billion, a new report has shown that the number of deaths from hypertension, stroke, heart attacks and other circulatory diseases is on the rise, climbing from 12.3 million deaths to 17.3 million.

The report also showed that efforts to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases appear to be working as the rise in deaths is slower than the overall growth of the population.

This is coming on the heels of a recent survey that shows that hypertension rates in Nigeria jumped from 11 per cent in 1997 to 40 per cent in 2013.

5 millon deaths in 13 years Globally, the number of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases increased by 41 percent between 1990 and 2013, climbing from 12.3 million deaths to 17.3 million deaths. Over the same period, death rates within specific age groups dropped by 39 percent, according to an analysis of data from 188 countries. Death rates from cardiovascular diseases were steady or fell in every region of the world except western subSaharan Africa, where the rates increased.

The study, published last week in The New England Journal of Medicine, and the "Demographic and Epidemiologic Drivers of Global Cardiovascular Mortality," was conducted by researchers led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, IHME, at the University of Washington.

South Asia, which includes India, experienced the largest jump in total deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, with 1.8 million more deaths in 2013 than in 1990 -- an increase of 97 percent. In line with global trends, the increase in deaths from cardiovascular disease in India is driven by population growth and aging without the decrease in age-specific death rates found in many other countries.

"This pattern is reversed to some extent in the Middle East and North Africa, which includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Jordan. In these regions, population growth and aging have been offset by a significant decline in age-specific death rates from cardiovascular disease, which has kept the increase in deaths to just fewer than 50 percent.

"Taken together as a region, the United States and Canada were among a small number of places with no detectable change in the number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases, because aging and population growth balanced out declines in agespecific death rates. The same was true in southern Latin America, including Argentina and Chile, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

"Two regions-- central Europe and western Europe--have managed to do what their global peers have not by significantly reducing not only the death rates but also the total number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases, which fell by 5.2 percent and 12.8 percent, respectively, between 1990 and 2013. When looking at cardiovascular death rates, the high-income Asia Pacific region,

which includes Japan, achieved the greatest decline globally.

A persistent global threat: In the views of Assistant Professor at IHME from the Division of Cardiology at the University of Washington, Dr. Gregory Roth "Cardiovascular diseases will remain a global threat as the population grows and people age but the progress seen in some regions shows that reducing the toll of cardiovascular diseases is possible."

Researchers found that population aging contributed to an estimated 55 percent increase in cardiovascular disease deaths globally, and population growth contributed to a 25 percent increase. These demographic factors are not the only drivers behind the trend of increasing deaths and falling death rates.

The lifestyle and diet of the average Nigerian has changed. We eat more processed foods than ever, yet we are the ones suffering from the diseases they cause because of our genes

Changes in the epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases are another factor.

Ischemic heart disease is both the leading cause of death worldwide and accounts for almost half of the increase in the number of cardiovascular deaths, despite a 34 percent decrease in age-specific death rates. Several other types of cardiovascular causes of death followed the same pattern, including aortic aneurysm, hypertensive heart diseases, and endocarditis, among others.

Two conditions that were exceptions to this pattern are atrial fibrillation and peripheral vascular disease, for which deaths have jumped significantly since 1990, due to both higher death rates within specific age groups as well as general aging and population growth.

Only rheumatic heart disease, which had a death rate decrease of more than 100 percent, had a lower number of total deaths in 2013 than in 1990; deaths fell by an estimated 27 percent over the 23-year period of the study.

Researchers also examined whether wealthier countries fared better than lower-income countries when it comes to cardiovascular deaths and found there was not a strong correlation between income per capita and lower age-specific death rates.

The dramatic improvement in the death rates seen in some regions was attributed to prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, in part by reducing risk factors including smoking.

Primary care management of other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as elevated blood pressure and blood sugar, are also important.

IHME Director, Dr. Christopher Murray however said: "Addressing the range of factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease will help ensure that fewer people around the world die from it prematurely.

Investments and policies aimed at targeting preventable risk factors can reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease."

Jump in rates: Research shows that hypertension rates jumped from 11 per cent in 1997 to 40 per cent in 2013. A World Cardiology study conducted in Oyo, Katsina, Kwara and Enugu states, shows that estimates that the prevalence of people living with hypertension is about 27 per cent in Katsina, 36.6 per cent in Ilorin, 20.8 per cent in Ibadan rural, 46.6 per cent in Enugu rural.

Speaking on the issue, Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Oladipo Akinkugbe, noted that unmanaged and undetected hypertension or high blood pressure was the major reason why more Nigerians were suffering and dying of stroke, heart disease and chronic kidney failure.

"The lifestyle and diet of the average Nigerian has changed.

We eat more processed foods than ever, yet we are the ones suffering from the diseases they cause because of our genes," Akinkugbe lamented.

High blood pressure In the views of Associate Professor of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Dr. Amam Mbakwem, Nigerians suffer from the effects of high blood pressure due to ignorance.

Ignorance: Mbakwem, a cardiologist, argued that more than 60 per cent of Nigerians, who are hypertensive, do not know they have high blood pressure. Her words: "Many Nigerians with heart diseases do not know that they have high blood pressure till their hearts start failing. They wait for symptoms before they go for check up, which is deadly. If you have high blood pressure and you don't know, by the time you are feeling dizzy or weak or breathless in the morning, some organs, such as the kidney and the liver, may have been damaged.

"We are not just worried that the number of hypertensive patients is going up. We are more worried that Nigerians do not know how to manage it. The statistics has been going up in the last 15 years, yet there is no special plan to check it. High blood pressure is fatal to the heart, kidney and brain when left unmanaged." Recent surveys show that heart and cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in the world. Findings show that death rates are higher generally in developing countries, including Nigeria due to the late detection of cases and other risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking; diabetes, obesity and sedentary living.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—37

Boy, 10, seeks N7m for heart surgery

By Chioma Obinna

H

AVE you ever watched children play around your neighbourhood? Can you recall how the boys among them play their games? Unfortunately, some children like 10-year-old Abdurrahman Alabi have never experienced such and may never experience it if nothing urgently is done to salvage his failing heart.

Since his birth, he has suffered from one illness to another which has affected his growth. At 10, Abdulrahman looks like six -year -old child. No thanks to the ailment which medical doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH has diagnosed to be congenital heart diseases, medically known as Tetralogy of Fallot.

Medical report

A medical report from LASUTH signed by a Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. B.A Animashaun, stated that Abdul Rahman requires urgent life saving corrective surgery to live a normal life like any other child of his age.

The boy is said to have been suffering from birth. His parents said he managed to walk when he was almost three years. Apart from the heart defect, he has speech problem and also confirmed Down Syndrome symptoms. yed. It was at LASUTH he was diagnosed of heart problem with symptoms of Down Syndrome.”

What Buhari must do about health Continues from Page 34

•Abdul Rahman Alabi Since diagnosis, he has been on drugs, the cost of which is alos a struggle to cope with.

“Presently, our problem is compounded as the drug he is on is difficult to obtain. The last time we bought, the tablets were counted across the counter. He is on Propanadol 10mg, but we bought that 40mg and break it into four pieces.”

Praying for divine intervention Musliudeen said the cost of the surgery is beyond his capacity as a self employed, Arabic teacher.

“I am appealing to all Nigerians, notably the Lagos

State Governor, Babatunde Fashola to help rescue my son from certain death. I beg you all to assist me financially in taking care of this boy’s heart problem. I believe he has a bright future.

He is intelligent and if given opportunity of this surgical correction there will be better improvement in his life.”

If you are touched by the plight of Abdul Rahman Alabi, kindly send your donations to UBA account number: 2080884084, account name: Alabi Abdul Rahman Adebowale or call 08080437834.

agenda presented to the incoming President, the PSN is demanding action plans in several areas including Universal Health Coverage incorporating fully Community Based Social Health Insurance Programme, CBSHIP, a welldefined welfare package for health workers and a robust Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) initiative for selected services in the health system.

In his views, the PSN spokesperson argued that “for the pharmaceutical sector, government at the centre must come up with reforms that will usher a petrochemical industry which is the precursor for genuine industrial revolution across board.

Other requests include investment in research and development through substantial financial rates for the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, and regular consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders in health notably the professional associations and trade unions to foster unity and harmony as consensus positions can be effectively implemented by government at the centre.

On their own part, members of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN, was optimistic that the

President-elect would appoint credible, competent, unbiased and experienced administrators to lead the Federal Ministry of Health.

Presenting this position, National President and National PRO of the Association respectively, Messrs. Toyosi Raheem and Adeyeye Adetunji Tam, said such move would put an end to incessant crisis in the health sector in Nigeria.

They recalled that when an experienced, professionally unbiased health economist/ administrator was in charge, the health sector in Nigeria ranked 4th in the whole Commonwealth of nations and how, regrettably, decline set in drastically from 1985 soon after Buhari’s exit as the then Head of government.

“Health sector is made up several professional groups all of which have the capacity to perform optimally when given a level playing field, the needed motivation, necessary tools and enabling environments. This will in turn, promote Universal Health Coverage, reduce out of pocket health expenditures for all Nigerians, promote achievement of health related MDGs among others.”

Like the other professional associations, the AMLSN pledged to be readily available and willing to contribute professionally towards the revamping of the health sector.

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Keep up the good work – Mary Dear Mary, thanks for the compliments. Unfortunately, the world can never put an end to prostitution because for starters, we cannot even define prostitution. Who is a prostitute? The dictionary definition of a prostitute is a person you pay to have sex with, right?

Now if paying for sex is what makes it prostitution, then what we are saying is that all women and some men are prostitutes because they all get paid for the pleasure of their company. Is that what we are saying? I hope not. If the payment aspect of a physical relationship is what worries law makers, well I have news for you.

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38—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Rivers: APC, PDP dig deep for votes

By Davies Iheamnachor

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ESS than four days to the governorship and House of Assembly elections, the two major political parties, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) have intensified their campaigns and strategies to win the polls in Rivers State.

Amid the violence and enormous challenges confronting the two parties, they have painstakingly resorted to drawing up strategies and travelling to the nooks and crannies of the state wooing the electorates.

Over the years, politicians never had time to take campaigns to the people at the rural communities and even when they did, it was without seriousness.

However, this time, the candidates have deemed it necessary to go down to the grass-roots for votes.

Campaign styles Currently, the PDP and APC are locked in serious campaigns ahead of Saturday’s polls. After the presidential polls, the two

parties are on edge moving about for support.

Campaign strategies being adopted by the two parties include ward rallies, door-todoor, mouth-to-mouth, the use o f religious leaders to woo worshippers and moving market visits.

Ward rallies The candidate of the APC, Dr Dakuku Peterside, his running-mate, Honourable Asita and their

Greater Together Campaign Organisation have travelled to over 312 wards in the state in their ward rallies. The team has succeeded in making itself relevant in all the wards in the state.

The PDP has also adopted this approach and is touring all parts of the state.

Ward-to ward rally is one of the tactics that the APC and the PDP have introduced again into their campaign system.

Through this approach the two contenders have travelled to the wards that make up the state. They use this medium to ask questions about the communities as well make campaign promises. In their visits to the wards, they ensure that the crowd is actively mobilized to represent the strength of t h e i r support in that area.

T h e candidate of the

APC who has concluded a tour of all the wards in the state has boasted that he has immense support in all the wards.

Door-to-door campaign The PDP Candidate, Barr Nyesom Wike through his Campaign Council introduced Door-to-door campaign. This tactic is targeted at meeting families in the communities.

The APC too has also adopted this strategy. Door-to-door is put on ground for the party leaders in each ward to perfect.

The leaders use this medium to meet with the families in their wards to tell them the

Currently, the PDP and APC are locked in serious campaigns ahead of Saturday’s polls

Why APC may triumph in Bauchi National Assembly election in the state, Governor Isa Yuguda, during his campaign tour with Auwal Jatau, had appealed to the people of the state to vote for the party governorship candidate, saying that he would bring the much-needed development to the state. Many political pundits at that time expressed optimism that he would win the governorship election because of certain factors to his advantage such as power of incumbency and endorsement by powerful stakeholders in the state.

By Suzan Edeh

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F the outcome of the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly polls in Bauchi State and the political atmosphere is anything to go by, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will record easy victories in Saturday’s Governorship and State Assembly elections in the state.

Following the overwhelming victory of General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) of the APC, the political atmosphere in the state has become saturated with the aroma of victory for the party.

Currently, there is what appears as a two-horse race for the governorship between Auwal Jatau of the PDP and Mohammed Abubakar of the APC. With the twist of political events in favour of the APC, many believe that it will be difficult for the PDP governorship candidate to clinch the most exalted office in the state.

As it stands, APC supporters in the state are still celebrating Buhari’s victory, a development that dampened the morale of PDP supporters. To this end, the PDP campaign offices have been under lock and key with their leaders no where to be found. To worsen the matter, campaign

Powerful stakeholders

billboards of the PDP bearing the picture of President Goodluck Jonathan, PDP National Chairman, Ahmed Mu’azu, Governor Isa Yuguda have been destroyed.

The popular proverb that failure is an orphan aptly captures the political situation as many supporters of the PDP are finding their ways to the APC to avoid discrimination and criticism and the development may hurt PDP at the April 11 governorships polls.

Before the Presidential and

Currently, there is what appears as a two-horse race for the governorship between Auwal Jatau of the PDP and Mohammed Abubakar of the APC

Indeed, Jatau, the anointed candidate polled 368 votes in the governorship primaries to defeat four aspirants in the contest.

On the other hand, APC governorship candidate, Mohammed Abubakar based his campaigns on the lines of the need for a change of government by the people due to the injustice perpetrated by the ruling PDP, popularity of General Buhari and the support the people gave CPC in 2011 general election.

Abubakar, a lawyer from Bauchi North, won the APC governorship primaries in Bauchi State after scoring 934

need to vote for their candidates.

Person-to-person campaign Similarly, the mouth-tomouth or person-to-person campaign as called by both parties is used to get to individuals. The parties are ensuring that they speak to individuals in each community before Saturday.

Religious leaders in the state are indirectly being used as campaign channels by the two parties. Although, the campaign of both parties started from the church, the candidates have intensified their visits to the churches in the state seeking for endorsements from the men of God and support of the congregation.

Market visits In an unusual manner, the candidates and their deputies are also going to markets to canvass for votes. Some traders have expressed surprise that politicians now enter the same markets with them.

Multi-lingual campaign To make the campaigns sink deeper, Dakuku and Wike now speak all the languages that exist in the state. They do these to gain the attention of their listeners. Before going to any ward, they ensure that they know the language of the people to be visited that day.

This is to get the crowd directly in their own language. votes to beat seven other aspirants.

Now that destiny has smiled on the APC, many of the electorates have pledged their support for the Abubakar, saying they need a change of government right from the presidency to the state level.

For Sani Mainoma, a civil servant in Bauchi State, voting only APC candidates is the right thing to do to usher in a new government.

“Voting for only APC candidates in subsequent election is the right thing to do because when our leader General Buhari visited the state on two occasions during his campaign tour, he told us to vote only APC candidates from the top to the bottom. He told us not to leave anything for the PDP, even a position of a councillor should not be given to them and that is what I am going to do.”

Sanusi Gabas, who resides in Bauchi local council, said: “I can never vote for any candidate in the PDP because of what we experienced under their leadership in the state. This is not about sentiments or because Buhari won, but we suffered under their reign. There were problems in the state ranging from poverty, insecurity, unemployment, non-payment of workers allowances among others” Sanusi lamented.’’

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—39

Akwa Ibom: PDP, APC intensify strategies

By Chioma Onuegbu

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S the country gets ready for the governorship election on Saturday, April 11, 2015, the two major political parties in Akwa Ibom State, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and All Progressives Congress, APC, have once again commenced traversing the nooks and crannies of the state to woo the electorate.

There have been serious confusion among PDP supporters since the emergence of Major -General Buhari’s of the APC as president-elect as many fear that his win could affect the outcome of the governorship elections.

However the current situation in the state is that both political parties seem to be targeting and focusing their campaigns on those areas they perceive as seriously challenging to their chances of clinching the governorship polls.

Group Capt Samuel Ewang, a member of the Board of Trustees of the APC said on Monday in Uyo that the President-elect, Buhari who is presently touring some including Rivers, Imo and Akwa Ibom on a thank you visit will also use the opportunity to talk to Akwa Ibom people as

part of strategies to encourage them to vote the party during the April 11 governorship polls.

Also, on Sunday, APC supporters marched round the streets of Eket Federal constituency where the PDP Candidate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel hails from to woo the electorate to identify with the APC which is going to become the ruling party at the centre.

Apart from Oron Federal constituency of the Oro nation, the APC views it important to capture the Ikot Abasi and Eket Federal constituencies making up Eket Senatorial district where the PDP has zoned the governorship to.

Similarly the PDP also commenced rallies from

However the current situation in the state is that both political parties seem to be targeting and focusing their campaigns on those areas they perceive as seriously challenging to their chances of clinching the governorship polls

yesterday a tour of all the major streets in Uyo Federal Constituency where the APC governorship candidate Umana Okon Umana hails from and by extension the senatorial district as part of continued effort to educate their supporters and indeed Akwa Ibom electorates on why they should remain in PDP despite the change at the centre.

Apart from being the home of the APC governorship candidate, the district which comprises Uyo, the state capital, Uruan, Ibesikpo, Itu, Ibiono Ibom, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Ubium has consistently posed serious threats to Akpabio’s government since 2011.

Mrs. Comfort Williams, the chief press secretary to Unoma Akpabio, the governor’s wife, said yesterday in Uyo that Akwa Ibom women campaigners were not deterred by the development as they have continued their sensitization of the grass-roots women ahead of the

governorship polls.

She revealed that the emergence of the APC as winner of the presidential election has actually spurred the PDP women campaigners to intensify their efforts.

Also the Director General of Udom Emmanuel Campaign, Idongesit Nkanga

Abia: Why Ikpeazu will win – Emereuwa Assistant Director, Media Abia PDP Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kingsley Emereuwa, in this interview speaks among others on why Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu will emerge tops in Saturday’s polls

By Clifford Ndujihe HAT are the chances of the PDP flag bearer, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu in the election considering the level of disenchantment that trailed his emergence?

There is nothing to look at as far as the governor ship election in Abia State is concerned. Okezie Ikpeazu is the next governor of Abia State. His victory in the contest is already fait accompli. On the issue of how he picked the ticket, it is on record that Abia PDP had the freest party primaries in December which none of those who lost challenged.

A further demonstration of how transparent the exercise was, is the support he is getting from those who contested with him who have queued behind him. How do you reconcile that with what happened in the other mushroom parties?

Politics has a pattern which makes it run on certain instruments. Such instruments are oiled to sustain base. A man cannot quit his job in July and want to govern a state he knows little or nothing about in a the next few weeks. This is not an estate.

On why he is confident confident of Ikpeazu’s victory at the polls

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It is because we are talking about Abia where I have lived all my life and I know the 184 political wards in the 17 local councils. We are talking about a state that has just recovered from the stranglehold of a rapacious enclave. We are talking about a state that has witnessed honesty in service and in governance even when it is not appropriate or politically expedient to say the truth.

The governor has never lied to Abia people. Not for We are one day did he deceive the talking about people. Here is a state that one governor that owns up to has witnessed anything that honesty in goes wrong service and in under his watch without playing governance politics with the even when it people of the state and that has is not given him the appropriate courage to be a or politically better leader.

During the era expedient to of kidnapping,

say the truth

•Mr. Kingsley Emereuwa Governor Theodore Orji never passed the blame like Governor Amaechi was doing. And because he owned up, he was able to surmount that challenge.

Today, Abia is a model in security. Look at the issue of salary arrears of two months which the opposition hyped was in

said “we cannot go to sleep because there is a lot of work to do before the April 11, 2015 election.”

He said they are currently educating the people to understand that even Lagos State which had been running an opposition government since 1999 has been doing well in developing the state and therefore the issue that Akwa Ibom state plays national politics does not come in, but the fact that the people must vote a candidate who will be prudent enough to put into use the funds coming into the state and to consolidate on the uncommon transformation of the state But publicist to Umana Okon Umana and a one time Commissioner for Information in the state Mr. Ita Awak was of the opinion that Akwa Ibom people will key into the government of Buhari and also will vote APC on Saturday election.

His argument is that Akwa Ibom State since inception of present democracy have always played national politics which explained why the state had been predominantly PDP over the years even as he recalled how governor Akpabio has variously during the campaign advised the people not to play opposition party.

neighbourhood of eight months and thought it could fetch it sympathy, the government admitted owing and promised to clear it which it has done and everybody is on the same page. That is where we draw this confidence you observed.

The facelift in the health sector, judiciary, education, hospitality civil service, etc are the reasons behind the confidence we exude. More so, of all the so-called opposition candidates, Ikpeazu is the only one the common man in Abia will see his face and recognise. I want to challenge you to name any serious Abia son or daughter you have seen with Alex Otti?

Politics is about people and a game of numbers. He does not have it and will never have it because his ambition was built on false foundation, lies and deceit.

And the people are no fools.

On comments that contrary to his views the governor has not done much It would have been foolhardy for even the governor to expect total acceptance from the traditional critics. Those frustrated loafers who peddle that information have failed to sustain or prove it. When we talk about the achievements of the governor, we are not referring to things that cannot not be proved or ascertained. The landmark projects in the judiciary, primary and secondary schools, the e-library, International conference centre, the health sector revolution, the malls are there for all to see. Orji is the only governor in Nigeria today still commissioning projects at the twilight of his administration. Have you heard anyone of them fault the Continues on page 40

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Olorogun Olori Magege is the chairman of the Delta State Waste Management Board and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. In this interview he affirms that the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the presidential election would not benefit the local chapter in Delta State. Excerpts:

By Emmanuel Aziken WHAT do you think may have led to PDP defeat in the presidential election?

President Jonathan’s government believed in the promotion and nurturance of democracy through vibrant opposition. This gave room for the birth and growth of opposition parties. APC was given room to thrive by Jonathan’s tolerance for the rule of law and respect for human rights. But most importantly he believes in free and fair elections. These enabled Nigerians to exercise their right to free choice and the outcome is victory for Democracy and the entrenchment of globally accepted democratic ethics,standards and practices in Nigeria. Nigeria owes President Jonathan a big gratitude for this legacy, one that no one can turn back or reverse.

What implications would Jonathan’s loss have for the South-South?

Jonathan got elected on a national platform and a national spread. Every geo-political zone voted massively for him. It is true Mr President is from the

Delta APC can't benefit from Buhari’s victory — Magege south-south region and therefore a minority. The current election result is the outcome of regional alliances akin to the first and Second Republic. one can even say a coalition of western and northern regional interests against south-south and southeast interests. South-south region is sidelined in current political dispensation at the national level but it is too early to say how the region will fare. One thing is for sure; we must go back to the drawing board. We just have to begin the practice of politics of regional alliances.

With APC at national level, can Okowa of PDP still make it as Delta governor considering the so called band wagon effect?

There are several convergences in PDP in Delta State and indeed in the politics of the State. I dare say that Delta State is a PDP state and that the cornerstones of all the opposition parties in the state are rejects at PDP primary elections. Having failed at PDP primary elections these aspirants rush to opposition parties to seek political relevance. So PDP sets the political tone in the state.

We must understand the forces of convergences at play in Okowa governorship bid. First is his party PDP. PDP believed in

power rotation among the constituent parts of a geo political entity.

But the party does not force zoning down the throat of its members.

It gives everyone the opportunity to contest whatever position he wishes to contest for.

The PDP guber primary in Delta state was thrown open to everyone within the party in the state to •Olorogun Olori Magege contest. The result acknowledged that kind gesture. Thirdly Delta Cenpower should rotate to Delta tral has realized that zoning has North. Secondly in 2007 and come to stay in Delta politics 2011 guber elections Delta North and for it to be relevant in it, it contributed immensely to the has to key into it; albeit grudgemergence of a governor from ingly. Fourthly Delta North did Delta South. Now is the turn of not approach this zoning issue Delta South to reciprocate the with arrogance of a right but by

APC was given room to thrive by Jonathan’s tolerance for the rule of law and respect for human rights

subtle plea to fellow Deltans to let equity and justice prevail.

Their campaign is a case study in humility, sturdy character, honesty, finesse, logic and integrity. One cannot help but be convinced of their case.

Finally the person of candidate Okowa. He is the embodiment of simplicity and humility, tenacity and doggedness, honesty and sincerity, purposefulness and high intelligence. You

Epic battle looms in Imo

By Chidi Nkwopara

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ext Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections in Imo State is going to be a battle royale between the All Progressives Congress, APC, the ruling party and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Already, there are fears that morality and decency may be thrown overboard, as APC would not want to be disgraced again during the electoral outing.

On the other hand, the leadership of the PDP in the state is determined to repeat the electoral feat that culminated in the colossal defeat of APC in the state. The PDP sees winning the governorship outing as its only hope of remaining relevant in the democratic equation and has therefore resolved to wage the battle of its life to win the polls.

As at last weekend, Governor Rochas Okorocha launched what observers called “last minute campaign’’ to shore up his support base by wooing some embittered loyalists of the PDP to his side.

There is no doubt that Okorocha would like to partner with these politicians because of his calculations that they not only played important roles

during the last elections but are still relevant politically and could pull the necessary strings to deliver APC. Reacting to the alleged defection of some PDP loyalists to APC, the Head, Media and Publicity, Emeka Ihedioha Campaign Organization, Chief Enyinnaya Onuegbu, described them as “visiting politicians from Warri, Lagos and Abuja, whose weight would not have any negative impact on the PDP project of dislodging Okorocha from Imo Government House.”

Continuing, Onuegbu said: “Imo people know and believe that O k o r o c h a ’ s shortcoming as a governor can be measured in terms of the total collapse of virtually all public amenities, poor quality of executed projects, continued failure of Imo students in external examinations, loss and lack of accreditation of courses and faculties in the state’s tertiary institutions.”

come from him strongly convinced that he has something to offer Delta State and he should be allowed. So when all these forces converge the outcome is very predictable; victory all the way no matter what is going on in Abuja.

You had said in previous interview that a UPU endorsement is a death sentence on ones’ political aspiration. Why do you think so?

How many UPU’s endorsed candidates have ever scaled through? Even in the case of Ibori, his money gave him victory not any endorsement. So those who want their political ambition truncated should keep wasting their money and time wooing UPU for endorsement.

As a bona fide Urhobo and stakeholder in your own right, would you have any advice for UPU for the benefit of the future?

Stay out of partisan politics. Be for any government in power…

As Uduaghan leaves office, how would you assess his 8 year tenure?

If there is a governor who had no reprieve from vampires of opposition it is Dr Uduaghan. The man had no peace even for one minute of his eight years. Within this antagonism he performed creditably. I was at Eku Baptist Hospital a few days ago and I was amazed at what Uduaghan government has done there.

Renovation of schools and hospitals went on at unprecedented levels in his tenure. Look at roads in Warri, Sapele, Ughelli, Agbor, Asaba and across the state

Why Ikpeazu will win Continues from page 39 projects of the present administration? Wait till tomorrow when you will see this same loafers use today as reference points.

On the chances of other PDP candidates The PDP will sweep the polls in Abia considering the goodwill the people enjoy from the governor. The honour to him will be translated into electoral victory for his party. He set record in 2011 as the first to return 100 percent to his party. The party has no problem in the tree senatorial zones.

What is your take on the reports of recent violence at a town hall meeting between the PDP and APGA? There was never a face-off between the PDP and APGA or any party as the case may be. That was the creation of some elements in APGA who are desirous of creating false impression of a contest between them and the PDP. The truth is that any day the PDP and APGA members in the state will physically descend to the arena will mark the requiem of APGA. But we will ensure that it will not get to that point so that the peace which the present administration has laboured to build in the state will not be rubbished. The event you mentioned was the latest in the spate of violence being unleashed on the peace-loving people of Abia by one of the factional APGA governorship candidates.

Their victims were hapless villagers who were going about their normal business. Take the case of citizen Frank Dickson who was said to be on his way to buy food and was caught in the melee. As we talk now, the young man is still lying at the emergency unit of the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia with his legs shattered. This is as a result of shots he received from armed men being paraded the factional APGA candidate. So there was never a case of PDP engaging APGA in any physical duel.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—41

A-Ibom: The peoples votes must count!

Oke Ogun and Ladoja's Oyo State governorship ambition

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By Segun Ajuwon

E the people of Oke Ogun have waited in vain since the inception of regions and states creation to have one of our own son or daughter to be appointed as the chief executive officer of a region or a state, as military administrator or civilian governor. The best and the closest we have had is deputy governor of Oyo State despite the fact that we have always had pockets of individuals that could be considered.

It is a fact that with the prevailing situation where there is not enough resources to give every part of the Western Region at first and Oyo State now a fair share of development, coupled with the relative rarity of endowed sons and daughters of Oke Ogun to finance big enough developmental projects or attract their associates, the likes of Aliko Dangote and cement/sugar/salt, Mike Adenuga and Globacom/Oando, Femi Otedola and Forte Oil, Oba Otudeko and Honeywell etc.

The only hope of the desired development and relevance of this geographical enclave known as Oke Ogun in Oyo State made up of 10 of the 33 local government a r e a s (LGAs) and 60 per cent of the total land mass of the state will have to be at saddle as the CEO of the State. Yes. Oyo state We have to map be the Governor of the State, and it is about time this happened after such a long time. No good roads, no university, no polytechnic, no college of education, no school of survey, no institute of mineral resources, and there are at least 20 of such in Oyo State. No functional dam, no functional radio or television station at the State level, and none of these at the Federal level either!

Our recent ranting, grumbling, hue and cry has made the current State Government to make pretentious moves and statements at addressing these obviously glaring and unfair treatment.

Promising to upgrade the Ibadan Polytechnic Campus in Saki to We need a a degreeawarding status, a leader that is broken promise to date. There is no not proud but doubt that Ibadan rather one as a people are big that is ready in number, around which democracy to listen and (and power) to reason revolves. They also have a sizeable with the number of well to people do individuals who are well connected within Nigeria and outside the country to call the shots all the time, which is what has been and still happening in Oyo State except the once or twice that providence smiled at Ogbomoso.

Military administrators and State

•PDP gov candidate, Emmanuel

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•Accord Party gov candidate, Ladoja governors have always come from Ibadan.

It is true that power is usually not easily given up by the man in power, one has to take it, this either by force or by negotiation. It is only God Almighty that gives power even to the weak and the disadvantaged. Oke Ogun as a group is big in population and the number of LGAs though not as big as Ibadan. We should get a better deal than we have so far.

Former Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, currently contesting again for governorship in Oyo State under Accord Party is the most understanding and considerate presently to the above mentioned plights of Oke Ogun people.

He is the only one that has openly declared such in his campaign and personal interactions. Ladoja is the only one of the all current aspirants to the coveted seat of the governor of Oyo State that has promised to assist and support Oke Ogun when the time comes for negotiation with the Ibadan majority and the other segments of Oyo State to be given the opportunity to also govern the State. And we believe him.

He has publicly declared that his government if successful, will focus on developing Oke Ogun area that is blessed with abundant arable land and spaces instead of further crowding the already crowded Ibadan and Ogbomoso.

Oke Ogun has a big river dammed in Atisbo LGA but not being used for anything for years now, be it irrigation farming, fishing or power generation.

Ikere gorge dam in Iseyin LGA can be made to generate power, irrigate and supply drinking water to the whole of Oke Ogun, this has been abandoned since the early 70s. It now supplies raw water to Iju Water Works in Lagos.

Similarly, we have the Oge dam in Saki West LGA, adequate and envisaged to generate power and to support agriculture all-the-year-round and to supply drinking water but has been abandoned. We have several mineral resources in commercial quantities untapped and/or being currently pilfered unregulated: Amphibolites, marble, dolomite, kaolin, tantalite, granite, red clay, gemstone, sand and gravel. Our soil supports virtually all crops and plants. All begging to be developed.

Oke Ogun people are industrious, trustworthy, friendly and good.

Democracy is about people, it is about lobbying and negotiations. We need a leader that is not proud but rather one that is ready to listen and to reason with the people. Not one that is greedy and heady. Governor Rashidi Ladoja of ACCORD Party is matured and sincere, he is accommodating and truthful. Let us, the OKE OGUN people line up him come April 11, 2015 governorship election.

By Uwem Ankak

OR almost eight years, the people of Akwa Ibom have been under the suffocating influence of Barrister Godswill Akpabio, the governor of the state, who, in active connivance of the federal might had subjugated the people to an unbearable level of mental and emotional torture, self doubt and humiliation in the name of governance. They persevered, prayed and hoped that someday and somehow, and by some touch of providence, they will have a Daniel come to judgement and free them from the internal slavery which they are subjected.

The few daring ones who attempt to voice their concerns and raised a voice in protest are either in a permanent silent mode or have traumatic tales to tell. Make no mistake, Akpabio and his goons are no respecter of persons or institutions. Ask Obong Victor Attah, the former governor of the state, whose regime gave Akpabio the leeway to state and national limelight, and you would be regaled of what he went through in a state he can, at best, be referred to as one of the founding fathers. Chief Don Etiebet, undoubtedly, a veritable face of the Akwa Ibom people, whose company offered Akpabio a job and was one of the referees for his march to governance as a state commissioner, has unpleasant tales to tell. For Obong Attah, I am sure he won’t forget in a hurry the humiliating experience he got while going to attend the burial ceremony of Chief Tony Emenyi, the pioneer State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party.

If the people were frightened of untimely deaths, they were overwhelmed by the quantum of financial Akwa recklessness in Ibom state the state. Apart map from the published accruals to the state from the federal account, the income from internally generated revenues has always been, in the almost eight years of Akpabio’s reign, in the realm of speculation and gossip by the citizens of the state. An insight into the way the administration spends the state funds could be gauged by the comment of the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who, in a convocation speech at Babcock university, Ogun State, told an astonished audience that Akwa Ibom State had not spent up to 10 percent of its revenue from the Federation in the development of the state. Every Akwa Ibom person knows this truth to be absolute. For those who follow the uncommon transformation series on television across Nigeria, and who may have been hoodwinked by the aesthetics and colouring of that

•APC gov candidate, Umana Umana programme, you would have noticed that since 2009, you have been watching the same pictures with different narratives and from different angles.

You probably must have seen the concentric flyover, few kilometres of roads, e-library, underground water drainage (hmmm.. IBB road, Uyo and other places were flooded during the rain last week), Ibom Tropicana, completion of airport (started by the Attah administration), Ibom power plant which the previous administration had commissioned a section, etc. These were projects you were seeing in the uncommon Transformation series since 2009. After that, the major project you will see would be the football stadium in Uyo, the one aptly tagged ‘The nest of Champions (really?) The ongoing project, I will like to add charitably, are the specialist hospital, which contractors have moved out of site for non payment, the Uyo – Ikot Ekpene highway, a less than 22 kilometre stretch. Decorations, roundabouts dots a few places. But, the most debilitating is the debt profile of the state, put conservatively at about N600b. Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State governor gave an insight some weeks ago on the state of debt and a state which is moving steadily to a debt slavery.

Social safety nets In all these, the Akwa Ibom people have not seen any industry, even at cottage level which the administration has built. The few ones which late Dr Clement Isong, former governor of old Cross River State sited in now Akwa Ibom state such the Battery, Biscuit, Ceramic, Qua Steel mill, Paint Industry are moribund and we are told, have been sold out to the brothers and cronies of the state governor. It is on record that in the eight years of the Akpabio administration, no economic enhancing projects have been initiating in the state to help the teeming population of university graduates who daily pound the streets of Uyo, with forlorn faces without any hope or access to social safety nets.

Rather, what we see are white elephant and entertainment spots like the Tropicana (a cinema house), an e-library which are not even equipped for the benefit of even those who need it. But, this is a state which earned more than five trillion naira from the federation account in the last eight years! This sum is almost equivalent to the revenue that accrues to all the five eastern states of Nigeria!

In Anambra State alone, we have seen a state that not only established Orient Petroleum but made the environment very conducive for one of the biggest brewing companies in the world to establish a plant! In the neighbouring Cross River State, big businesses are pouring in also, and thanks to the former governor Donald Duke, the world biggest electric company is building a plant there.

42 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

•Ayobo-Ipaja Road, yesterday

After 4yrs, Lagos starts palliative work on Ayobo-Ipaja road

By Ikenna Asomba

W

ITH less than one-week to the April 11 Governorship Election, the Lagos State Government, last weekend resumed palliative work on the seven-kilometre Ayobo-Ipaja road, in Alimosho Local Government Area of the state, which has been undergoing construction for over four years.

The administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola, awarded the reconstruction of the dual-carriage road to an indigenous construction firm, Plycon Construction Company, in May 2011, and the project was initially billed to last for 18 months, thus to be completed in November 2012.

The only access road into Ayobo-Ipaja, which links 10 communities in the area, also links Ogun State, through the Idiroko out-skirt, as well as Cotonou, the largest city and economic centre of Benin Republic, through Aiyetoro Itele.

This road is also the fastest link to Ikotun-Igando community, but owing to lack of motorable concrete bridge across the canal, residents make use of a wooden bridge made by them to have easy passage. While pedestrians are said to pay N30 to access this

wooden bridge, motorists pay between N200 and N300.

Four years down the line, with this project yet to be completed, it has become a source of worry to motorists and other road users, as countless re-assurances by the state government that the project will be completed soonest has met brick-wall.

When Vanguard visited the area, on Sunday, some workers were seen laying large stones and rubbles on the road, as a palliative measure .

Some of the residents who spoke to Vanguard, apparently described the state government’s action as coming too late, adding that it is a firebrigade approach made in order to capture the area’s votes. At least two million residents, the highest number of electorate in the state use the road.

Failed promises: In what has been described as failed promises, sometime in June 2013, two years after the commencement of the project, residents of the community thought respite had come their way, when the current Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, gave government’s commitment to deliver the project in November 2013.

According to Hamzat, the

government was committed to delivering a standard road at the end of the day, saying “the situation has attracted the attention of Governor Babatunde Fashola who is interested in early completion of the project”.

At that time, Fashola, paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the project site, giving an ultimatum to the contractor to deliver. This saw the contractor mobilised more personnel and equipment to the site in apparent response to the executive order even amid the rains.

On his part, the Project

The state government’s action is coming too late. It’s a firebrigade approach made in order to capture the area’s votes

Manager, Mr. Leke Adeniji, who assured that the project would be completed by the new November 2013 deadline, said: “This month represents the 18 months of construction of the road project. We have completed 60 percent of the median, 90 percent of the drains and 65 percent of the walkways. From this section of the road, Ipaja Road, what we will be doing next is the paving work.”

“Most incredibly is the amount of rainfall experienced yearly in the community. The rain posed a serious challenge for road construction.. From Baruwa to Megida Bus stop, we have completed 90 percent of the drains which represent the most challenging aspect of the project.

“What we are doing now is to raise the carriage way up to the required level before we commence the grading of the surface. We have been able to more or less complete that.

And we have opened the section of the road, from Ayobo to Megida Bus stop. However, from this section of the roadOluwaga, to Megida Bus stop, this is where we have a Herculean task. It required utmost concentration,” he disclosed.

Blame-game: Apparently worried by the barrage of

criticisms poured against the State government for failure to complete the project three years after, a lawmaker representing Alimosho 1 constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, in July 2014, accused the federal government for the delay in the completion of the project.

According to Yusuf, the construction of the road, has been stalled from the Abesan Gate point to the entrance into Gowon Estate allegedly because of a demand by the federal government that the contractor working on the road should pay the sum of N290 million to protect the pipeline in the area.

Yusuf said, “The situation on that road is really bad; some people might not know the politics that is involved. The federal government is using the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to stall work on the road; they are saying that the contractor should pay N290 million for that very small portion of the road to protect the pipeline there and that is why today, only that portion of the road is left, while all other parts have been completed.”

Persistent traffic gridlock Lamenting the situation, a resident, Olujimi Ojo said: “The government has really tried and the road is improving but I don t know why it’s taking so long to complete the road, especially the Abesan estate gate which is the major route for anybody going in and out of Ayobo- Ipaja.

“The estate gate road has become so bad that vehicles going in and out of Ayobo to Iyana-Ipaja divert before getting to gate and either go through the estate or command road just to avoid it. Motorists, not minding the stress, prefer to merry-go-round through Command axis and coming out at Abule Egba. The worst part is that there is always a chaotic traffic gridlock on this same road. You can be there for hours, because of potholes which motorists find difficult to manoeuvre. This chaotic gridlock causes confusion along the road, so I am pleading on behalf of Ayobo residents that the state government should change our status and quickly complete this project.”

Meanwhile, efforts to get the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat to react to the issue proved futile, as several calls put across to his phone rang without him picking up.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 43

Lagos kicks off new licensing scheme for cab operators

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

only such vehicles that have passed the road worthiness certification of the Vehicle Inspection Service would be allowed to be deployed on the road as licensed taxis.

The state government also endorsed the decision of the stakeholders to allow all unpainted taxis that have collected the uniform license to get into the scheme and be painted yellow to operate in the state.

“The state’s transport policy bill is now before the State House of Assembly where work is progressing on its consideration prior to its passage and subsequent

assent by the Governor,” Fashola disclosed.

He reiterated that the present administration in Lagos had always ensured that all stakeholders are carried along in the process of policy formulation through the holding of public hearings before such bills become laws.

While speaking on some of the giant strides of the state government in the transportation sector, Fashola sought to know what the experience of the taxi drivers have been on roads like Mile 12 to Ikorodu, the Eko Bridge, Yaba to Alhaji Masha flyover portion and WEMPCO road.

They all chorused they now have smooth motoring experience as a result of the exertions and investments of the administration.

He stressed that a comparison should be drawn between what the Lekki- Epe Expressway looks like now and what it used to look like as at 2002, adding that the place where the Toll Gate is located now on the Lekki-Epe Expressway is where the former Maroko was.

He said the Toll Gate which had provided jobs to several unemployed people, is the same one that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje has promised to demolish if he gets into office.

He said President Goodluck Jonathan similarly has not succeeded in repairing the road that leads to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport which he promised to fix four years ago.

Several residents of Lagos aired their views about the March 28 elections and the upcoming governorship election this Saturday.

Ogenekhewe Onovre who lives in Victoria Garden City said: “The Presidential and National Assembly Election went well in some parts of Lagos, but there were several hitches in my own area. The

election did not commence till 3pm. People living in VGC were requested to come with flashlight before voting as darkness enveloped the polling centre and INEC officials could not make out the names on the list.

“What can we do? We had to bring the lights to fulfil our civic duties and it is our right to vote.

A

S part of efforts to sanitise the state’s transport sector, the Lagos State Government has commenced issuance of the newly introduced provisional Taxi License Allocation Letter and badge to operators.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State had on Thursday, February 26, unveiled the plan at an interactive session with all Lagos State Taxi and Cab Operators (Yellow and Modern) on the introduction of a new uniform licensing for all taxis operating in the state.

However, following the state government’s endorsement, it was unanimously agreed by the stakeholders present for the state to bring all taxis under a single uniform licensing scheme.

Licensing scheme Through this uniform licensing scheme, government has said it is in line with global best practices, thus, the essence of introducing the innovation in the state.

Some of the merit of the scheme include: Vehicles can get old but the uniform license will not get old and can even be used as collaterals to obtain loans.

Speaking to taxi cab operators, modern cab operators, the taxi section of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and

•Cabs in a parking lot Oredegbe Taxi Transport Service, Fashola also endorsed the unanimous decision of the stakeholders that the state government should change the five years date of manufacture limit placed on all vehicles to be used as taxis in Lagos to 12 years in view of the downturn in the nation’s economy.

The state government also agreed to permit taxi operators who have the capacity to purchase new cabs to be used as yellow taxis to do so but would not insist on only the use of new ones to operate.

However, there was a proviso by the state government that

Fashola endorsed the unanimous decision of the stakeholders that the state government should change the five years date of manufacture limit placed on all vehicles to be used as taxis in Lagos to 12 years

Echoes from Lagos residents on elections

By Dotun Ibiwoye

B

EING the second fastestgrowing city in Africa and the seventh in the world, with a population of over 21 million habitants, the Presidential and Federal legislature elections hindered several activities of the state.

The Governorship and State House of Assembly election coming up in four days time will also be the major activity this week.

Due to the importance of the elections, several businesses have not been able to operate optimally and have not drawn a budget due to the uncertainty of the new government.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, last week at a forum said that with the state of things in the country, every hands should be on the pump to build the country. Fashola who spoke at the Ikoyi residence of the national

leader of the , Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said the two main parties ran a very fierce campaign in the build up to the March 28 elections.

“I think both sides ran a very fierce campaign. So you can imagine as they say: The fiercer the conflict, the sweeter the victory but what is important now is building Nigeria really and so it is every hand to the pump really,” he said.

During the weekend, the governor also said that the state needs support from the federal government in several sectors and departments. “When Lagos was the capital, it used to get support for bridges, roads, security, ecology, among others. In the last 16 years, all federal government roads were maintained by the state government. We have spent N51 billion to maintain federal assets in the state,” he affirmed.

The Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Akin Orebiyi said: “Again, INEC regrets this and at the same time we also at the right time allowed manual accreditation which was also to all parties and not just one. So to that extent, I don’t think a single party can now accuse INEC of undermining its fate at the expense of another.

“We are going to look at the workings of the smart card readers, see where things had gone wrong, and look for ways to improve. We need to understand the guidelines for the conduct of elections, “If for example, in a polling unit, there was something untoward, it is at that polling unit you raise objection. And by the time we take the results from the ward, you can also object there so that polling unit result will not be collated at the ward level.”

•Security operatives barricaded major streets

44—Vanguard,

TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

M.D.Yusuf : Prince of the masses TRIB UTE TRIBUTE

By Owei Lakemfa

I

Moral victory for Jonathan; an acclaim for Nigeria

T

HERE was an undercurrent of you can’t pull it off in a number of newspaper headlines in U.S. press as Nigerians went to the polls to elect their president. Three examples will suffice, two of which were published on March 28. The Washington Post proclaimed that “The Nigerian presidential vote is extended amid glitches and fears of violence.” The Los Angeles Times published a story that was laced with some cynicism.

Its intro stated that “After widespread failures of a new electronic voter ID system aimed at preventing ballotrigging, Nigerian election officials extended voting through Sunday in a tightly contested presidential race that some worry will prove a prelude to violence.” And, an Associated Press story (March 29) informed the world that “Nigerians continue voting Sunday, after technical hitches and despite some extremist violence.”

All masked doomsday prophesies did not come to pass. Who knows what the headlines might have proclaimed if the elections had actually resulted in the type of violence suggested prior to, and during polling, in the foreign press?

At the end of polling, Jonathan ran out of Goodluck and lost the vote. But, he quickly etched his name in history books by his post-election humility and decision to put Nigeria far above personal ego and lust for power.

Post election attitude This is how President Obama, through a White House press release, responded to President Jonathan’s unprecedented postelection attitude and show of moral courage: “President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating President-Elect Buhari on his victory. I look forward to working with President Jonathan throughout the remainder of his term, and I thank him for his many years of service and his statesmanlike conduct at this critical juncture.”

INEC which conducted the election was equally singled out for some praise by the U.S. president. Here is what he said: “Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Attahiru Jega, deserve special recognition for what independent international observers have deemed a largely peaceful and orderly vote. I commend INEC for its extensive efforts to increase the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.”

As expected, part of the felicitations went to the in-coming president when Obama said that “On behalf of the American people, I extend congratulations to the people of Nigeria and to President-Elect Buhari and look forward to

continuing to work with the newlyelected government on our many shared priorities.”

It appears the Associated Press, with a reporting presence in Nigeria, was at the forefront of coverage of the presidential election. From its insinuations of possible violence, it went into the reality of the polls in headlines such as “Obama praises Nigeria’s president for conceding defeat” and “Obama urges unity in Nigeria after historic election” (both, on April 1, 2015). In the latter, the news agency reported that “Obama spoke separately on Wednesday with Muhammadu Buhari, who was declared the winner, and outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan.”

What all these strands of coverage indicate is that despite all negative things that are written and broadcast about Nigeria, the U.S. knows that it is hard to talk about Africa without mentioning and reckoning with Nigeria. It is not even an option to choose to ignore a country with close to 180 million people, and with such vast, if often mismanaged, potential.

There was a time in Nigeria’s fairly recent history when the country so commanded international recognition and respect that at various international forums, whoever was Nigeria’s foreign minister got more attention than a number of African presidents.

The restoration of that greatness appears to be the main message in the presidential election. Goodluck Jonathan has his legion of critics, but one can reasonably argue that his final act, bowing out of the stage in an unprecedented peaceful manner, might well be the foundation for taking Nigeria back to its deserved pre-eminent position in Africa and beyond. As the VOA editorial eloquently said, Nigerians now expect the fulfillment of the promise of a great nation.

It may not be realistic to say that Nigeria will soon get back to the 1980s situation when one Naira fetched almost two American dollars.

But, it is a realistic expectation that the three-pronged issues of security, corruption and the economy must be seriously The addressed by the inBuhari world is coming administration. It is waiting clear that the world is waiting and watching and Nigeria’s next watching footsteps, in the belief Nigeria’s and expectation that the new government next will not squander the footsteps goodwill it got at the polls.

WAS in the late 1990s, a frequent visitor to the home of pioneer film maker and veteran journalist, Dr. Ola Balogun in Yaba, Lagos. In late 1998 with the unfolding of another Transition Programme to civil rule following the death of General Sani Abacha, he raised with me the desire of former Inspector General of Police, Muhammadu Dikko Yusuf to establish a political party. Could I assist in the development of the party programme, structure and manifesto?

On this day, Dr. Balogun was screening for me a film on the bloody 195462 Algerian War of Independence and how the French colonial intelligence infiltrated the cells of the resistance National Liberation Front, FNL. It was coincidental because MD, as the respected Yusuf was fondly called, was a sort of super spook in Nigerian history.

Indeed, he was to me an intriguing personality. He was born a prince, but strived to identify with the commoners.

He was an insider in the military regimes of Generals Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo, yet had the appearance of an outsider holding a mirror to these regimes. He served in conservative regimes, but had the image of a radical.

Image of a radical

Potuguse colonies such as the FRELIMO in Mozambique and PAIGC in Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde.

MD is also credited with winning many trade unionists like Pascal Bafyau, Paul Epuh, Armstrong Ogbona and Morgan Anigbo to the side of the regime while alienating the more radical ones like Michael Imoudu and Wahab Goodluck. This eventually led to a split in the Trade Union Movement and its subsequent ban by the military regime.

After his retirement, MD joined the small but radical Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) founded by the late champion of the Talakawas (the poor) Malam Aminu Kano. There, he was at home with radicals like Bala Usman and Imoudu and writers like Chinua Achebe.

It was in the late 1990s that MD had quite some impact on the country’s politics. The then military ruler, General Sani Abacha, brooked no opposition.

Those opposed to his regime were mainly in exile, prison, underground or dead. The rest trod with caution. In his brand of Transition Programme, Abacha licensed five political parties all of which were run by his lackeys. It was assumed that he would be returned unopposed as none dared challenge him. It was at this most repressive point in Nigerian history, that MD emerged to challenge Abacha to an electoral contest.

At first, many were skeptical; was this not a contrived challenge designed to give the Abacha transition from a military ruler to an ‘elected’civilian some credibility? Until today, there are those who hold this view. But what MD did in those days, was give some hope to those on ground who continued to challenge that regime. He told Nigerians that if the Abacha campaigners brought gifts

In his prison memoirs, The Man Died, Professor Wole Soyinka made a favourable portrayal of an interrogator named only as Malam D. This interrogator was identified as MD. In 1975, as an intelligence officer, he detected a coup plot against then military Head MD was bold and fearless and of state, General Gowon.

The plot and those said to many wondered why a regime that be involved seemed so incredible that Gowon was so intolerant would allow him rejected MD’s suggestion to mobilize against it that the identified plotters be interrogated. A few weeks later, Gowon of money, salt, rice or other commodity was overthrown by the same people MD they should collect them, but vote against had identified. Ironically, he was one of Abacha. MD was bold and fearless and the main beneficiaries of that coup as the many wondered why a regime that was executors picked him as the new Inspector so intolerant would allow him roam the General of Police. country mobilizing against it.

In another irony, the new military ruler, It was while this contest was being General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, a awaited that Abacha died in 1998, and known conservative, decided to pursue a another military regime with its own radical foreign policy. In this, MD with Transition Programme emerged. It was his radical predispositions, found himself at this point that Dr. Balogun in familiar territory. He is credited to have approached me about MD’s desire to reached out to a number of radical establish the Movement For Democracy elements in the country and mobilized And Justice (MDJ) as a political party them for the regime. The result on the that could contest the scheduled 1999 foreign policy level, was a lionized general elections. Although I was Nigeria, leading Africa towards an politically partisan, I was not inclined to independent foreign relations path in being partisan to any political party. But which against the expressed wish of the given MD’s antecedents and Dr. United States, the Organisation of African Balogun’s insistence, I sat with the latter over days producing a paper on the MDJ. Shortly after, Dr. Balogun said MD wanted us to meet on the paper. He was his usual humble self. Made me feel at home. He discussed his vision and why he wanted to serve as elected president of the country.

MD went on to run for the Presidency.

I watched from the side lines in 2003 as he squared off for the Presidency against two of his former colleagues in the Murtala regime; retired Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu M. D. Yusuf Buhari. He was to become Chairman of Unity, OAU recognized the radical MPLA the Arewa Consultative Forum, as the legitimate representation of the Chairman of the Liquefied Natural Angolan people in their anti-colonial war Gas Board and member of the against Portugal. This was further Presidential Advisory Board under strengthened with the recognition of other President Goodluck Jonathan. On radical liberation movements in then Thursday, April 2, 2015, MD bid the world an eternal goodbye.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—45

2011 BONGA SPILL: 168,000 fishermen in 350 Delta, Bayelsa communities impacted

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—THE Bonga 2011 oil spill from an offshore oil field operated by Shell Nigeria Production and Exploration Company, SNEPCO, affected 168,000 victims in 350 communities in Delta and Bayelsa states.

Chief Howells Levi, paramount ruler of Olobia community in Koluama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, said in Yenagoa that the oil spill victims were fishermen ordered by oil industry regulators to withdraw from fishing activities to avoid catching contaminated fish.

He lamented that the fishermen, who were deprived of their livelihood while the oil spill response and cleanup activities lasted, deserved to be compensated for the loss of their income.

Levi said the just concluded verification of claims of impacted people revealed that six local government areas along the Atlantic coastline in Delta and Bayelsa states were negatively affected by the incident.

“The Bonga spill incident

Group hails Jonathan's concession

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political pressure group, Ebosa Political Front, EPF, has joined Nigerians and the international community in extolling President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat in the March 28 presidential election and congratulating his chief opponent, President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate who emerged victorious.

Coordinator of the group, Mr. Jolomi Esiategiwa, said that the APC presidential victory notwithstanding, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will sweep the polls in the April 11 governorship election in Delta State.

He praised President Jonathan for not taking the presidential election as a do or die affair. He described the action as worthy of emulation by other African leaders.

The EPF coordinator urged all Deltans to massively cast their votes for Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the PDP governorship candidate and Mr. Michael Diden, House of Assembly candidate in Warri North in the April 11 elections.

elicited a lot of claims many of which were frivolous. Initially more than 2,000 communities inundated Shell asking for compensation, but when we appointed attorneys and conducted a verification exercise it was streamlined and we found out that 168,000 persons in 350 communities suffered the negative impact of the spill.

“The impacted local government areas are Ekeremor, Southern Ijaw and Brass in Brass while Warri North, Warri South and Burutu in Delta and each of the councils had about 28,000 victims,” he said.

The royal father explained that the coastal settlements affected by the Bonga spill in Delta and Bayelsa states resolved to set up a Spill Impact Verification Committee to fashion out a framework for compensation by SNEPCO. He added that the victims were scrutinised to ensure that only fishermen who reside along the Atlantic coastline were verified and each person was made to depose to an affidavit.

“The purpose was to verify the claims before they are submitted to SNEPCO for payment because we do not want people with frivolous and unsubstantiated claims to endanger the case of genuine victims,” Levi said.

It will be recalled that an operational error at SNEPCO in 2011 led to the discharge of 40,000 barrels of oil into the Atlantic

Ocean.

The House of Representatives and National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency,

NOSDRA, had in December 2014 recommended a compensation of $3.96 billion for victims of the incident.

BRIEFING: APC governorship candidate in Delta State, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor (holding a broom, the APC symbol), addressing party supporters and newsmen at Osubi Airport, Delta State, after the victory of APC at the presidential election.

INEC declares Delta Central senatorial poll inconclusive

By Festus Ahon & Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—THE election for Delta Central senatorial district held last week Saturday, has been declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Returning Officer, Prof.

Greg Okagbare.

Declaring the election inconclusive, Prof Okagbare, who addressed newsmen at the INEC office, Ughelli, said: “Having looked at the total number of wards in the various local government areas cancelled, it is impossible for me to declare a winner in the election.

“I can’t say what areas are inconclusive for now, but I will file my report and send to the office (INEC office, Asaba) and the office will furnish all the parties involved all the needed information.”

In his remark, the Labour Party, LP candidate, Obarisi Ovie OmoAgege, who alleged a grand conspiracy by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to outwit

him via result falsification, said: “I am disappointed in the position of INEC because I am supposed to be declared winner of this election.

“PDP tried to make away with the votes given to me by the Urhobo nation but we have been able to reassure the Urhobo people that it is not business as usual, we will surely protect their votes in all the elections. For now, we will go back to the drawing board and restrategise on what is

ahead.”

On his part, the PDP candidate, Chief Ighoyota Amori, who accepted the verdict by the Returning Officer, said: "I commend the INEC officials for the meticulous manner they have handled the entire collation process. Whenever the re-run is called, we will be ready.”

Meanwhile, the result of the National Assembly election for Burutu federal constituency has been declared by INEC.

Delta community urged to vote Okowa

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prominent chief of Uhurie Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe, has called on the people of Uhurie clan to vote for the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa in the April 11, governorship poll.

Chief Okitiakpe, the Otemunoruemu of Uhurie Kingdom, at his Ekakpamre country home, maintained that Okowa, the PDP governorship candidate, has all the credentials, experience and was more capable to govern the state.

He said: “I want Uhurie people to know that Okowa's administration will benefit them more than candidates of other political parties. Senator Okowa is the best material for the governor of the state."

College of Education Warri hosts language confab

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HE 4th National Conference of the School of Languages, College of Education, Warri, kicks off today. The conference with the theme, Language, Arts and Culture in the Resolution of National Issues, will witness varieties of poetic and dramatic performances by students.

A statement by the Conference Organizing Committee said that the conference which promises to be a festival of literary and linguistic engagements, will have Prof. Nolue Emenanjo, as the Keynote Speaker.

Ugbome vows to contest Edo North senatorial poll result

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, senatorial candidate for Edo North, Edo State, in the just concluded National Assembly elections, Mr. Pascal Ugbome, has said that he will contest the outcome of the election, noting that it was falsified and manipulated by his opponents in collaboration with security operatives at the collation centres.

He specifically mentioned Owan-East, Etsako- West and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas where he said the results were allegedly manipulated and falsified in favour of his opponent.

He advised the leadership of his party not to lament the loss of the presidential election to the All Progressives Congress, APC, but should embark on a soul searching exercise to determine what actually went wrong while

noticeable mistakes should be corrected.

Ugbome who spoke with Vanguard yesterday in Benin, said: “During the collation, according reports from our agents and party members in Etsako West, Akoko-Edo and Owan- East councils, some of our opponents and their agents utilised their relationship with the security men on ground to deal harshly with our people and chased them out of the collation centres."

46—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Buhari visits Owerri

Shipowners congratulate Buhari

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—BARRING u n f o r e s e e n circumstances, Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) will visit Owerri today on a thank you tour.

A Government House statement, which brought this to light, was signed by Governor Rochas Okorocha’s media aide, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, and made available to media men in Owerri.

“His Excellency, General Muhammadu Buhari, the President-elect on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, will be visiting the state to thank the people and government of the state for their unalloyed support that contributed greatly to his resounding victory at the polls on March 28, ” Onwuemeodo said.

While noting that God used Okorocha to make the state and the South-East geopolitical zone to be part of the success story of General Buhari’s victory, Onwuemeodo assured the people that they would be carried along in the unfolding dispensation.

“In the new emerging

By Godwin Oritse

T

HE Nigeria Shipowners Association, NISA, has congratulated the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), over his electoral victory, pledging to optimally support his administration to transform the economy of the country through a more functional shipping industry.

The NISA President, Capt. Olaniyi Dada Labinjo, said in a statement that the country ’s maritime endowments, though capable of turning the fortunes of the country around, had remained, largely untapped.

Labinjo also said the next government could use maritime potentials to turn the economy around.

He said: “The Nigerian maritime frontage is rich in hydrocarbon, minerals and aquatic resources.

Unfortunately, maritime potentials of Nigeria have remained largely untapped over the years by past administrations.

“This is evident in our crude oil sale policy, which is on Free on Board, FoB, basis while the over 170 million population depend largely on imports which are on Cost Insurance Freight, CIF. “We enjoin the incoming administration to pay attention to the maritime sector in view of the humongous contribution it can make to the economy in the face of the decline in the crude oil income.”

order, everybody will be carried along and people will not be discriminated against on ground of their political

leaning,” Onwuemeodo said.

Although the state government described Buhari’s visit as a thank you

Group hails rejection of Gov Chime's N11bn loan request

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU—A rights group, Centre for the Vulnerable and the Underprivileged, (Centrep), has described the rejection of N11 billion loan request sent to the State House of Assembly for approval by Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State barely 50 days to his exit as uncommon courage.

Reacting to the rejection of the request, Executive Director of Centrep, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi said in a press statement made available to Vanguard, yesterday that “ we do hail honourable members of the Enugu State House of Assembly for exhibiting uncommon courage at its recent plenary session when it turned down the request of the outgoing governor of the State, Mr. Sullivan Chime for

a loan of N11 billion from an undisclosed commercial bank for the payment of contractors in the state.

“We note that the above gesture, has portrayed the Enugu State House of Assembly as an independent legislative arm of government as opposed to being a rubber stamped legislature.

“We call on other state legislatures in the federation to emulate the Enugu State House of Assembly in checking reckless abuse of executive powers by state chief executives, which said act of impunity is currently pervading our polity ceaselessly.

“We make bold to state that the idea of Governor Sullivan Chime requesting approval for a loan of 11 billion naira for the

od knows the best for Nigeria. Let His will be done in Nigeria that is all I have to say. Jonathan is a hero of Nigeria, we really thank God for everything that happened. GEJ is a great leader who has shown Nigerians the way to peace. Miss Anucha Augusta- Travel Agent

payment of contractors owed by the state barely 50 days to his handing over to a new governor in the state, does not portray probity, transparency and accountability in governance.

“Same amount to a reckless abuse of executive powers in the sense that government is a continuum, as the incoming government can as well be allowed to pay the said debt.

LYF lauds Jonathan, congratulates Obasa

A

coalition of youths, under the aegis of the Lagos Youth Frontiers, LYF, has lauded President Goodluck Jonathan on his “statesmanship that ensured peace and unity in the country by accepting the verdict of the presidential election.”

A statement in Lagos by LYF’s Coordinator, Mr. Opeyemi Ahmed, said: “Jonathan has further shown the world that politics in Africa is not door-die.”

While urging other African leaders to emulate Jonathan, the group also congratulated Mr. Tajudeen Obasa, who won Ojo Federal Constituency seat, Lagos.

Bishop Nwokolo sets agenda for Buhari

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

N

NEWI—BISHOP on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, yesterday reminded the President- elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) that he must keep to his campaign promises to Nigerians, and specifically asked him to fight corruption as the main agenda of his incoming administration.

Bishop Nwokolo in an

interview after Easter service at the All Saints Cathedral Onitsha, Anambra State, noted that “corruption is the bane of this country and Buhari made it a campaign issue, promising that he will fight the canker worm of corruption head-on so as to liberate the country from its menace, if he wins the election.”

The bishop also urged Gen. Buhari to ensure the maintenance of existing

infrastructure in the country, which he said, have gone into deplorable state nationwide.

He said: “Specifically, most Nigerian roads are death traps, and the impact of privatization of power is yet to be felt by Nigerians.”

He told Gen Buhari to frontally address the infrastructure deficit in the country and strive to build Nigeria to be truly Africa’s leading economy.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

G

tour, close political watchers in the state believe it would be a campaign stunt for Governor Okorocha.

On Jonathan's reaction to Buhari's victory

J

onathan is, indeed, a hero; he deserves to be applauded by all, especially by those who have been truncating the democracy of Nigeria and those who refused to accept defeat and to congratulate winners in past elections. Mr Peter Ekpo- Worker

I

salute GEJ for this uncommon gesture.

Without wasting time, he conceded defeat and called Buhari to congratulate him.

He is a true gentleman.

Nigerians will remember this legacy and I hope leaders will learn from him.

Mr Amuta Anthony- Student

I

am trying to understand why Goodluck is being hailed for doing what he is supposed to do by law. I guess the people are used to resistance and so when people do what they are required by law, they are surprised and hail the person. Mr Masha HoustonCommenter

H

e said it ‘my ambition is not worth the blood of Nigerians’. GEJ laid down the ground of a greater Nigerian by allowing Card reader, allowing Jega and INEC to be independent and finally conceding defeat. Mr Princebaileys Agbonlahor- Businessman

I

never supported Jonathan’s candidacy but I swear to God, we can never have a better human being in Nigeria.

Jonathan is a man of peace and with this singular, uncommon gesture, he should be termed the father of Nigeria’s democracy. Mr Anyambuba Innocent- Student

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—47

Kaduna gov visits injured persons in Buhari victory celebration

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BRIEFING: From left, Pastor Segun Babatope,Pastor Jerry Asemota, Secretary, Deeper Life Christian Ministry, and Pastor Alfred Ogene, Senior Pastor, during a media briefing in the on-going National Easter Retreat, at the Church's headquarters, Lagos-Ibadan expressway, weekend. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

13 political parties adopt Kwara APC gov candidate

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN — AHEAD of the weekend governorship polls in Kwara State, 13 political parties and their governorship candidates have adopted the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate the incumbent governor, AbdulFatah Ahmed as their candidate.

With this development, the race now is between Ahmed and the candidate of the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Simeon Suleiman Ajibola as well as the Labour Party, LP, Dr. Mike Omotosho.

The parties, under the aegis of Congress of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, hinged their decision on the need to be in the mainstream of the nation’s politics.

Speaking at a news conference in Ilorin, yesterday, the chairman of the CNPP, in the state, Alhaji Adebayo

Lawal, said the decision to adopt Ahmed was borne out of development of the state.

His words: ‘’We, in the CNPP of Kwara State, identified the need to be in the mainstream of the nation’s politics by ensuring that our governor, Alhaji Ahmed also emerges on the platform of APC to enable us recoup all the losses we have sustained under the punitive policies of the administration of the outgoing President in the last two years.

“We are, therefore, unequivocal in our resolve to fully support the incumbent APC governor, Alhaji Ahmed, on April11, 2015 and we call on all our teeming members to cast their votes APC on that day.

Principal officers of all the political parties, six governorship candidates and one deputy governorship candidate were present at the event.

Some of the parties involved

are Action Alliance, Progressive Peoples Alliance, United Progressives Party, United Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party, Citizen Popular Party, African Peoples Alliance, African Congress of Democrats and All Progressives Grand Alliance among others.

....LP gov candidate promises to reduce KWASU fees if elected

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN — THE Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate for Kwara State, Dr Mike Omotosho, has said that he would reduce tuition fees in the Kwara State University, KWASU, from N100,000 to N50,000 if elected into office.

He spoke while addressing his party supporters at the Palace of Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji A. Aliyu, during his campaign tour of the

ABIA GOV RACE: NUA chair, Ubani-Ebere canvasses

support for Ikpeazu

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HE CHAIRMAN of the Ngwa United Alliance, NUA, Dr. Obinna Ubani-Ebere, has called on all Abia indigenes to support the election of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in the State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, during the governorship elections scheduled for April 11, 2015.

The NUA Chairman, while addressing a gathering of Ngwa/ Ukwa indigenes in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, weekend, thanked voters in Abia State for voting PDP during the presidential and National Assembly elections and urged them to complete the work C M Y K

by voting for the PDP candidate as governor of the state.

He stated that the PDP candidate is a well-educated and highly accomplished Ngwa man whose heart truly lies in the equitable development of Abia State.

“Dr. Ikpeazu has promised to modernise Aba, the heart of Abia State, and to ensure that its citizens and residents enjoy the full dividends of democracy.”

Speaking further, the Ngwa group leader noted that equity and fairness demand that a true Ngwa person should be voted into power considering that no Ngwa or Ukwa indigene had

ADUNA STATE gover nor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has visited those injured while celebrating the victory of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari shortly after the declaration of the results in Kaduna, last week.

Yero had earlier directed that those injured during jubilation across the state should be treated free in state hospitals while condoling with families of those that lost their lives.

He also visited the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, ABUTH, Zaria where 26 persons who were injured during the celebrations were on admission for various degrees of injuries on Easter day.

Conducting the governor and his entourage round the wards, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, CMAC, of the hospital, Professor Abdullahi Mohammed said of the number admitted at the hospital, 12 persons had been discharged while the remaining 14 were still receiving treatments.

Yero told the hospital that the state government would pay all the hospital bills, while

governed state since its creation in 1991, even though the Ngwa/Ukwa people constitute about 60 per cent of the population of the state with nine of its 17 local government areas.

community.

Omotosho said he would reduce the fees to ensure massive job creation and infrastructure development for the community.

Responding, Alhaji Aliyu commended Omotosho, whom he described as a philanthropist and prayed for God to reward him.

At Lafiagi, Omotosho was received by the Emir, who also prayed for his success at the polls and peaceful elections in the country.

Omotosho and his team also visited Dumaji, Sancitagi, Chigangi, and Waripu communities to sensitise them on the governorship polls.

He promised to address the poverty and neglect being experienced by the people of the area and urged them not to sell their votes but use them to secure a better future for their children.

calling on people of the state to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of their perceived political and religious differences.

Group urges INEC to uphold electoral rules in April 11 polls

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS — AHEAD of April 11, governorship and House of Assembly elections, the Coalition of Plateau Professionals, CPP, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to adhere strictly to the rules guiding the conduct of elections as anything short of that would not augur well for democracy in the state.

The CPP warned that irregularities that characterised the Plateau North senatorial election conducted 10 days ago should not be repeated or else, the outcome of elections would be rejected.

Speaking, yesterday, in Jos through its spokesman, Kevin Nedim, the CPP said that it was aware that some dubious politicians were collaborating with bad elements in the state INEC office to subvert the wishes of the people and their expectations in the April 11 elections.

Nedim said: “The CPP is aware that some INEC officials are collaborating with some dubious PDP members to deny the Plateau electorate value for their votes like in the case of Plateau North senatorial election which the governor, Jonah Jang was declared winner under absolutely q u e s t i o n a b l e circumstances.

CAN enjoins Christian to imbibe Christ's love, tolerance

By Suzan Edeh

B

AUCHI — THE Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Bauchi State, has urged Christians in the country to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and love as demonstrated by Christ.

Chairman of the association, Rev. Joshua Maina, gave the advice during an interview with newsmen in Bauchi, Sunday.

“This year ’s Easter celebration is unique because it coincided with an ongoing democratic transition in the nation that has so far been

peaceful, especially for Christians in the northern parts of the country.

“We have been praying for a peaceful Easter celebration, now it is here. Christians should imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and forgiveness so that there will be peace among us,” he said.

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

VISIT: From right: Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Director General, Bureau of Social Services, BOSS, Mr Femi Ifaturoti, Permanent Secretary, Osun State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Mr Fatai Kolawole, and Head of Project Monitoring, BOSS, Wole Idowu, during the Governor's visit to the on-going fabricated school building, at Community Elementary & Middle School, Dada Estate, Egbedore Local Government Area, Osun State.

EASTER PICNIC: From left: Mrs. Elizerbeth Sonubi, Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, Ogun State First Lady, Organiser, Mrs Abibat Modupe Adekunle, Head of Service, and Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, SSG, Ogun State, at the female public service Easter picnic 2015, by Ogun State government functionaries in Abeokuta, yesterday. Photo: Wunmi Akinola.

SERVICE: From left: Reverend in-charge, Church of Christ in All Nations, COCIN, Kagadama, Rev. Zakka Bayero, North East Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. Shuaibu Byal, and CAN Chairman, Bauchi Local Government Area, Rev. John Madaki, during the Easter Monday Service, at COCIN, Kagadama, Yelwan in Bauchi, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

BLESSING: Akwa Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Udom Emmanuel, receiving divine blessings by pastors of Assemblies of God Church, Odiok Itam camp ground,Uyo during the Easter camp meeting of the church.

SERVICE: Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke (middle), Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Asoanya (right) and Chaplain in-charge of Catholic Chaplaincy in Onitsha Prisons, Rev. Fr. Pius Nwankwo, during a service.

HONOUR: From left: Bishop Peace Okonkwo, Miss Ugwu Josephine, cleaner at the airport who found over 12 millions Naira at the Airport and returned it back to the Authority and Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM, when the Bishop honoured the good samiritan with a Plaque and undisclosed amount of money in Lagos.

Photo: Akeem Salua.

CARNIVAL: From left: Mr Samson Eden, Mr Sunday Amorioye Miller, Members of Choir of Deeper Life Chiristian Ministry, performing during CSO, Vanguard, Mr Dan Gumm, Night Editor, Vanguard, and Rear Admiral Franklin Otseneye Neslama, during the 21st Annual Masquerade Carnival the National Easter Retreat, at the church's headquarter, Lagos-Ibadan of Otu-Oma Iwere Cultural Society of Nigeria in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe. Expressway. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 49

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50 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 51

C M Y K

52 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015—53

AMBODE: What I told Igbo leaders—Oba of Lagos Continues from Page 5 much as we do not want to get involved in Lagos politics, we want to sound a note of warning that no Igbo should be vilified or persecuted for his or her electoral choice in Lagos or any part of Nigeria. Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside in any part of the country and participate in the electoral process based on one’s convictions, and electoral choice is not a crime."

Lagos threat, a plunge to anarchy —PDP Also reacting, the national leadership of the PDP condemned "in the strongest possible terms the emerging height of political recklessness in Lagos ahead of Saturday ’s governorship and House of Assembly elections and calls on all Nigerians to stand up

against such antidemocratic tendencies.’’

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the PDP said the Oba’s threat is barbaric.

His words: "Our response to the Oba of Lagos is that he cannot play God and can never be God. God owns the universe and every part of it and can never share His glory with any human no matter how highly placed.

"We, therefore, call on

all Nigerians in Lagos State, all Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and people of other tribes, all northerners and southerners, all Christians and Muslims to turn against this unpatriotic stance, by coming out enmasse to vote for the PDP candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, on Saturday.

"Undoubtedly, this antiNigerian position reminds one of the 2013 inhuman and callous arrest, detention and

eventual ‘deportation’ of non-indigenes by the APC-led government of Lagos State and confirms fears that the APC is indeed on a mission to destroy our national unity, balkanize the nation and obliterate the personal freedom Nigerians enjoy today.

"Already, the APC has started terrorizing supporters of the PDP with vows to make life unbearable for them when it eventually assumes power. Our investigation reveals that many of our prominent supporters have been marked. The process has already started with threats to the life, family and business of the Chairman of the Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, for supporting PDP candidates and helping non-indigenes win some Lagos seats in the National Assembly on the platform of our great party.

"Indeed, if these threats on a duly elected state governor and innocent Nigerians constitute the picture or foretaste of the order of the day when the APC finally assumes power at the centre, then the nation is in serious danger. However, the PDP states in very unambiguous terms that Nigerians would not accept such under any guise whatsoever. ‘’This is more so because in the last 16 years, our citizens from all walks of life have seen civility and decorum under the PDPled administration and would not accept any attempt by anybody to institute a reign of terror in the country.

"We, therefore, urge General Muhammadu Buhari, as the leader of the APC, to call his members and supporters, particularly in Lagos to order, especially bearing in mind that it was the peaceful atmosphere and the level playing ground nurtured by the PDP-led administration that created the room for his emergence at the presidential polls.

"Our country cannot at this moment afford to slide into anarchy, reign of terror and deliberate

schemes to divide the people for selfish political reasons. The PDP will completely resist all anti democratic forces from any quarters.

"We, therefore, charge Nigerians, especially those in Lagos State to stand up fearlessly and reject the unpatriotic stance of the Oba of Lagos."

Oba crossed the line –Afenifere, Yoruba groups Faulting the comments credited to the Lagos monarch, a coalition of Yoruba groups said Akiolu had crossed the line.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Afenifere spokesperson, Mr Yinka Odumakin said: “We say with all sense of responsibility that if these were truly the words of Kabiyesi, he has clearly crossed the line of royal decency, desecrated the royal stool and violated the electoral laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and engaged in promotion of hate speech capable of fuelling ethnic tension and clashes which are against the spirit of peaceful co-existence which we have achieved in recent years.”

Odumakin, however, assured Igbo and other non-Yoruba in Lagos that the conduct of Oba Akiolu is “totally strange to Yoruba culture and a negation of our democratic character as a people."

He noted that one of the most cherished values of proper Yoruba people is the respect for freedom of choice.

His words: “We respect the right of Oba Akiolu to drop the crown at Iga and become Director of Mobilisation for the leader of his party if he so desires, but we detest his hiding behind the throne to fan the embers of disunity which could put Yoruba people in harm’s way wherever they are living as settlers.

"Yoruba people are too civilised to support the primitive intimidation of fellow Nigerians just as we will not accept such action being visited on our people in any part of Nigeria.”

54—Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

PDP can't lose in Delta—NANI

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HE Majority Whip of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. John Nani, has said that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, will win the election with a landslide victory, in spite of results of the presidential poll.

The lawmaker also stated that President Goodluck Jonathan conceding victory to General Muhamadu Buhari (retd) was a sacrifice of a leader, who means well for the country.

Nani, who in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area, explained that Delta State was the home of PDP, insisting that there was no way the party will lose the governorship election in the state.

He described Senator Okowa as the most qualified candidate with huge credibility, “a bridge builder across ethnic divide. He is one detribalized Deltan that everybody has come to love.”

... as Tsekiri congratulates Oboro

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HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Delta State candidate for House of Assembly for Uvwie Constituency, Mr. Matthew Tsekiri, has congratulated Chief Evelyn Oboro on her reelection as member representing Sapele/ Okpe/Uvwie Federal Constituency, noting that the victory was a reflection of the wish of the people.

Tsekiri, who appealed to the electorate to vote en mass for him and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, got a boost as Uvwie young ladies, under the aegis of Uvwie Concerned Girls, adopted him as the candidate for the constituency.

Leader of the group, Miss Elohor Anuya, said their support for Tsekiri was based on his sterling qualities, which she noted were required of a candidate that will represent a civilized local government area like Uvwie in the state House of Assembly.

Mr. Ben Osaka, the Co-ordinator, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Special Marshals and Partnership (left) and Mr. Obinani Ezekannagha, Acting Commander, FRSC Onitsha Unit Command, during Special Marshals’ Easter Monday public education at the bridge-head axis of Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Shonekan, Lemo task Nigerians on national transformation

By Latona Olayinka

F

ORMER Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, has implored Nigerians to put aside ethnic, political and religious differences and join hands to build a united and peaceful nation where everybody will feel free and safe.

Shonekan made the call during the annual Easter Concert of Apostolic Faith Church at West Africa and Central Africa, WECA, Headquarters Campground Road, Anthony Village, Lagos, with the theme Look to Calvary.

He said the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ should renew faith and bond of unity as one people and one nation, diversities notwithstanding.

He urged Nigerians to be apostles of love and peaceful co-existence between and among citizens and move closer to God. In his words: “As a nation, we must love each other, be our brother’s keeper. Miracles has been happening in the country for the past few months, before the presidential election, most people were afraid. The election took place without any

rancour or crisis.

“I am pleading to Nigerians that we must continue in this spirit, move closer to God and pray that the almighty God will continue to guide us in the right path of righteousness.”

Shonekan said the nation’s economy was currently doing well as he urged the incoming administration to sustain the momentum.

He said: “Our country is doing well economically. We are the leading economy in the whole of Africa and we must sustain it.

“The only way we can sustain it is to love each other and individuals in the country has a role to play in moving the country forward; it is important that we all play our

parts and the incoming administration.”

Former Deputy Governor (Operations) of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Tunde Lemo, who was also one of the guests at the concert called on Nigerians to make sacrifices in transforming the nation’s economy.

He cited Singapore as one of the countries whose economy transformed significantly through the sacrifice and diligence of Lee Kuan Yew. His words: “Just as Jesus Christ made sacrifice thousands of years ago to save mankind, Nigerians can sacrifice for our country to be great.”

Yoruba Unity Forum salutes Buhari

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EYE Oodua, Chief H. I. D. Awolowo, the Chairperson, Yoruba Unity Forum, the umbrella body for all Yoruba socio-cultural organizations and the entire members of the forum, have congratulated the Presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), on his victory.

The forum said the electoral contest was a hard fought one, “particularly as you contested against an

incumbent.

“We appeal that you carry all Nigerians along in the new dispensation as the hopes and aspirations of our people are very high and we pray you will fulfill these expectations.”

The forum said the task of rebuilding the country requires the cooperation of all Nigerians and it pledged to support Buhari to restore Nigeria’s greatness.

Methodist Church commends Nigerians on presidential polls

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HE prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Kanu Uche, has commended the peaceful outing and maturity exhibited by Nigerians during the presidential election.

Uche made the remark at the second edition of the Solemn (Prayer) Assembly organized by the Archdiocese of Lagos Methodist Church, Nigeria, at the Hoares Memorial Methodist Church Cathedral, Sabo Yaba, Lagos.

Noting that the Assembly, which focussed on prayers for the peaceful execution of 2015 elections, was testament to the efficacy of prayers, which he posited as the only spiritual antidote to the fears and tension, which sometimes, characterized the result of previous elections.

He said it was why the Archdiocese of Lagos organized the assembly to usher in the much expected peace, before, during and after the polls.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 55

Buhari's election has shamed doomsayers — GOWON

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OS—FORMER Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said the peaceful conduct of March 28 presidential poll won

by Maj.-Gen Muhammadu Buhari, has shamed doomsayers that Nigeria would break up in 2015.

“No one will ever repeat that wild and arrogant prediction that Nigeria will go under; those doomsayers have been shamed and Nigeria will grow from strength to strength”, Gowon told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Jos. While recalling the prediction that the country would disintegrate in 2015, Gowon declared that those that made the prediction did not reckon with Nigeria’s ability to solve its problems.

“The nation has always had the mechanism to tackle its concerns and this election and its peaceful outcome have proved that a united and focused nation would always survive and move toward greatness”, he said.

The former Head of State expressed happiness that the polls were adjudged free and fair

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BRIEFING: National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed addressing pressmen on the killings of APC members in Rivers State while an aide, Mr Lanre looks on at the Party Secretariat Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan. by local and international observers, and commended the patience and resilience of the voters, who defied rain and the scorching to cast their votes.

“During the elections, I visited polling units in

Asokoro, Karu, Nyanya, Maitama and Wuse; the people came early and in many cases waited for INEC officials that came late. I was touched by such commitment.

“I was also touched by the

PDP boots out Jigawa deputy gov over alleged anti-party activities D

UTSE—THE deputy governor of Jigawa, Alhaji Ahmad Mahmud has been expelled from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for alleged anti-party activities.

This is contained in a statement signed by the PDP chairman of Galagamma ward in Gumel,

Jigawa, Alhaji Ibrahim Kafinta, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Dutse The chairman said the decision to expel Mahmud was taken during a stakeholders meeting held in his ward.

Kafinta alleged that the deputy

governor had sabotaged PDP during the recent National Assembly election.

He said the Gumel Local Government headquarters of the party, had endorsed the expulsion.

Efforts by NAN to get the comments of the deputy governor

Fear of post-election violence slows maritime business

By Ifeyinwa Obi

T

HE Nigerian Maritime industry may have this week, functioned at less than 30 per cent, as a result of the March 28 presidential election and its results, with most operators consciously keeping their eyes on security and protective measures.

Traffic within Apapa, the nation’s major port area, unlike a week ago, was very thin, as several port users, who travelled out of Lagos were yet to return, while those around merely come to work to ‘talk politics’, do half-day, and go home.

A freight forwarder, while responding to our telephone call, confirmed he was still in his village, not just to keep the company of his family, but to allow what he described as “post election shock” to wane.

“I am still in the village. I’m with my family. If my sense of history is anything to go by, I know there could be post election shocks with various degrees of pockets of violence. And this could be from either the election losers, or

Kwankwaso hails Jonathan for conceding defeat to Buhari

winners; or even the touts, wanting to exploit the poor security situation”, the agent said, speaking on conditions of anonymity.

An importer, Anthony Emeordi who did not travel out of Lagos however said it was not because of business, but because he was yet to recover from the heavy expenses he incurred during the Christmas season, when he was in the village to celebrate the season.

“Traffic in Apapa is very, very light. Most people have taken off to the villages. Its the fear of post election violence. I too, would also have travelled, but for all the expenses I incurred while celebrating the Yuletide, in December.

“It's normal. Election cannot come and go, and you won’t see small, small violence,” he said, even as news filtered in that supporters of a party, suspected to be APC were already crowding through some towns in the North, particularly Minna, marching through Dutshe Kura,

London Street, etc; tearing other political parties' posters and flags, in celebration of the party’s electoral victory.

good spirit and camaraderie amongst the voters as they waited to vote; I was also happy that they were very friendly and did not allow their political differences to tamper with the fact that they all had one destiny”, he said.

Gowon also commended INEC officials, especially the NYSC members, for insisting on doing the right thing, and urged Nigerians to keep that spirit so that democratic governance would come of age.

He specially praised President Goodluck Jonathan for quickly calling to congratulate the winner, and described that step a “very soothing balm that ended all fears and anxieties.”

“The President’s gracious congratulation saved Nigeria from violence. That good wish was very timely and saved Nigeria’s democracy.

“There is no doubt that it set the tone for peace because the situation would have been otherwise if he had remained silent and allowed his supporters to interpret that silence their own way.

Aondoakaa resigns from PDP

By Peter Duru

M

AKURDI—FORMER Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mike Aondoakaa, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Aondoakaa told Vanguard, yesterday in a telephone interview in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, that he was leaving partisan politics to take care of his personal businesses as well as engage fully in his law practice.

He said, “I am leaving politics to fully engage in a bigger law practice and also tend to my businesses. I have already tendered my resignation letter to the party.”

On the allegation making the

rounds in the state that he intended to decamp to the All Progressives Congress, APC, Aondoakaa said it wasn't true.

“I am not joining any party, it’s not true. I am leaving now before anyone starts saying anything or insinuating anything, I am quitting partisan politics,” he said.

Aondoakaa also debunked allegations that he worked against PDP during the last elections, describing them as not only unfounded but baseless.

“I never worked against the PDP, on the day of the elections. I only went to the polling booth and cast my votes. All I told the people was that they should vote according to their conscience and also defend their votes. I never worked against any party. The allegation is baseless.” he added.

A N O — GOVERNOR Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano, has applauded President Goodluck Jonathan for his magnanimity by conceding defeat to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28 presidential election.

The governor commended Jonathan on Sunday while briefing newsmen in Kano, on the outcome of the last Presidential and National Assembly Elections in the country.

“I want to commend the President’s action in conceding defeat. This shows that President Jonathan is a true statesman,” he said.

Why Delta can't be in opposition — ODIKPO

A

S A B A — COORDINATOR of Buhari Campaign in Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State, Dr Iyke Odikpo has said that the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) as Presidentelect is an opportunity to liberate Nigeria from the the grip of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Asaba, he noted that the only way to replicate the significance of Buhari’s victory is for Nigerians and Deltans in particular to vote for the All Progressives Party, APC in the April 11th elections.

His words: ‘’Nigerians yearned for change, worked for it and finally got it. That signifies a milestone in our journey as a nation.

Electing Muhammadu Buhari, a man with zero tolerance for corruption and impeccable integrity is a statement that we want holistic change in this county. ‘’For us in Delta, that change should be replicated here. Our reasons are found in every community in the state and in the life of every resident in Delta.

PDP only succeed in creating a super-rich class in our state at the expense of our collective future.

The time to bring change is now, and that should be done by electing Emehor as our next governor.’’

56 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 57 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 ARIES: Challenges of yesterday will today bring you good opportunities along your career/business lines to the betterment of your finances seek supporters of powerful ones.

TAURUS: Think of the best way to improve on your working pattern in order to enhance your career prospects if you listen to your creative self, things will work out fine for you. Be more loving.

GEMINI: Success is boldly printed on your cards today. Think of both immediate and far future while you are savouring goodies offered you but mother nature.

CANCER: You should not have it tough while trying to win the needed supports of others. Take good advice from some of your friends who are creatively gifted.

LEO: Your creativity ...... is enhanced today and if you demonstrating this within your working arena, you’ll earn success and consolidate on your recent progress.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Is any condition normal?

I

T is not uncommon to find man reeling out a catalogue of why he could not do anything. It is an a b n o r m a l condition, he will say. But if we must face the truth, man

will be nothing without challenges confronting him.

Do you think God couldn’t provide everything for us?

Why do you think

TERROR MUDA

God commanded us to have dominion over all things? Everyone of us have a huge sense of satisfaction

in “Never say goodbye”

anytime we overcome a major challenge. That is the joy.

There is no normal condition anywhere. But the condition will be normal when the man is normal.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

VIRGO: As mercury goes on backward motion, it is important you don’t take things for granted. Watch carefully what you agree to do. But this is a good day for lovers.

LIBRA: Better than yesterday. Others will be willing to give you the needed co-operation both at home and within your working arena. This is a good day for lovers.

SCORPIO: Those of you who are more enterprising will have much to show for your efforts. The more cooperative you are the better for you. Don’t neglect love.

SAGITTARIUS: You will need to re-examine both your personal ideas and advice given to you by other people.

Be family minded.

CAPRICORN: Provided you don’t allow others to mislead you, things will not go wrong. The more willing you are to take the initiative the better for you. Take your love life more seriously.

AQUARIUS: This is your day. Although you will need to be as secretive as you can, your success will attract others’ attention to you to the betterment of your cause.

Be ambitious.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

PISCES: People who more influential than you will be willing to support your cause but you will need to make the necessary move. The more self assertive you are the better.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Would I succeed ?

Dear Joshua, I don’t want you to publish my data. However, I want to know how the planets lined up when I was born.

And which day of the week was I born, would I record success in life because many eyes are on me? When would my success coming?

Anonymous, Lagos.

Dear Anonymous, You were born on a Jupiter ruled day - Thursday. You’ll succeeded earlier than you think.

Your Horoscope Data DAY OF BIRTH: SUN SIGN = PISCES: SUN IN 25TH DEGREE OF PISCES MOON SIGN: PISCES: MOON IN 21ST DEGREE OF PISCES MERCURY IN 28TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS VENUS IN 28TH DEGREE OF ARIES MARS IN 7TH DEGREE OF CANCER JUPITER IN ZERO DEGREE OF AQUARIUS SATURN IN 27TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN URANUS IN 22ND DEGREE OF LEO NEPTUNE IN 11TH DECREE OF SCORPIO PLUTO IN 6TH DEGREE OF VIRGO NORTH NODE IN 6TH DEGREE OF PISCES CARDINAL AND MUTABLE STAR SIGN HOSTED THREE PLANETS EACH, FIXED AND WATER FOUR EACH, FIRE EARTH AND AIR HOSTED TWO EACH. PUSHFUL INFLUENCE = 40% NON-PUSHFUL INFLUENCE = 60% HIGHLY HIGHLIGHTED STAR SIGN = AQUARIUS FINAL DISPOSITOR = SATURN ANALYSIS OF THE HOROSCOPE DATA Saturn as the final dispositor-the most influential planet at home when you were born, pointed to you as an ambitious person who must have a well developed career. You are throughly a disciplined person with higher degree of leadership quality in yourself. Although, you can be emotional, you are stable and reliable. Less than 50 per cent of pushful influence in you is an indication of your being an amiable person. Both your natal sun/moon in Pisces and Aquarius are indications of characteristic of star signs are highly pronounced in your innerself Having your hands on public pulse will always bring you unexpected success and fulfilment.

Around your 33rd birthday an endless cycle of great success and achievements will start for you. Oil-petrol chemicals will feature in your life when the predicted great cycle gets started for you so also fishing or fish farming.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

58 — VANGUARD, TUESDAY, APRIL 7 , 2015

UN : State of Syrian refugee camp ‘beyond inhumane’

Israel: Military action against Iran still P

ALESTINIAN fighters clashed with Islamic State militants in a heavily contested Palestinian refugee camp in the Syrian capital yesterday as a United Nations official described the situation in the embattled camp as “beyond inhumane.”

The fighting in Yarmouk began Wednesday after the Islamic State group muscled into the camp, marking the extremists’ deepest foray yet into Damascus. The heavy clashes that have raged since then have added

possible A

senior Israeli government minister yesterday warned that taking military action against Iran’s nuclear program is still an option, despite last week’s framework deal between world powers and the Islamic Republic.

The comments by Yuval Steinitz, Israel’s minister for strategic affairs, reflected the alarm in Israel over last week’s deal, which offers Iran relief from economic sanctions in exchange for scaling back its suspect nuclear program. Israeli leaders believe the framework leaves too much of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure intact and could still allow it to develop the means to produce a nuclear weapon.

Steinitz, a confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s, said the government would spend the coming months

Russia hosts boycotted Syria peace talks From left: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Yuval Steinitz lobbying the world powers negotiating with Iran to strengthen the language in the deal as they hammer out a final agreement.

While stressing that Israel prefers a diplomatic

solution, he said the “military option” still exists.

“It was on the table. It’s still on the table. It’s going to remain on the table,” Steinitz told reporters.

“Israel should be able to

defend itself, by itself, against any threat. And it’s our right and duty to decide how to defend ourselves, especially if our national security and even very existence is under threat.”

Fighting in Yemen leaves ‘114 dead’ R

EPORTS say 114 people killed in 24 hours in city of Aden as Red Cross faces delays in delivering vital supplies.

Shia rebels fighting for the control of Yemen and forces backing President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi have engaged in fierce clashes in the country’s south, leaving more than 100 people dead in 24 hours, as the Red Cross faces delays to deliver vital supplies.

Yesterday ’s clashes happened in Aden, Yemen’s third-largest city and a power base for Hadi who fled to Saudi Arabia as

yet another layer of misery for the nearly 18,000 Yarmouk residents who have already endured desperate conditions marked by a lack of basic food, medicine and water.

The deteriorating situation prompted the U.N. Security Council to call an emergency meeting Monday to discuss Yarmouk. The Security Council was scheduled to receive a closed-door videoconference briefing by the head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, Pierre Krahenbuhl.

the rebels, known as Houthis, expanded their control across the country.

Citing unnamed officials, the AFP news agency reported that 17 civilians were among 114 killed in Aden, where fighting continued as rebels tried to seize a port in the city.

The clashes came amid reports that Hadi had sacked three of his top military officers. The officers include General Abdullah Khayran, the Chief of Staff; Deputy Chief of Staff General Zakariah al Shami and Head of Sepcial forces, General Abdularrazak Almrouni.

Relief workers have

warned of a dire situation in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula state,

where a Saudi-led coalition is waging an air war on the Iran-backed rebels.

Pope to world: Don’t ignore killing of Christians

P

OPE Francis yesterday again pressed the international community to do something about the killing of Christians in several parts of the world and not “look the other way.”

He has been increasingly vocal about the fate of Christians being targeted by Islamic extremists in parts of the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

People wait in the departure lounge at Sanaa International Airport, where foreigners are being evacuated from Yemen

Addressing pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter’s Square, Francis praised those who were “sensitizing public opinion about the persecution of Christians in the world.”

While not suggesting any particular course of action, he urged “concrete participation and tangible help in defense and protection of our brothers and our sisters, who are persecuted, exiled, slain, beheaded, solely for being Christian.”

The pope was building on his Good Friday denunciation of what he then called “complicit silence” about the targeting of Christians.

“They are our martyrs of today, and they are many.

We can say that they are more numerous than in the first centuries,” Francis said.

“I hope that the international community doesn’t stand mute and inert before such unacceptable crimes, which constitute a worrisome erosion of the most elementary human rights."

R

USSIA is hosting talks involving the Syrian government and some rival figures, but the main opposition group has stayed away, limiting the chance of any breakthrough towards ending the country’s conflict.

Delegates yesterday said they expected the four-day meeting to focus on humanitarian issues, and the aim was largely to build confidence after four years of conflict that have killed more than 220,000 people in Syria.

The Western-backed Syrian National Coalition, based in Istanbul, boycotted the meeting, saying it would take part only if the talks led to the stepping down of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Russia.

Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, said Moscow still hoped that agreements reached at talks in Geneva in June 2012 would be implemented and suggested the absence of one opposition group should not be overstated.

10 killed after dad refuses to let daughter marry in Pakistan

A

man killed his uncle, aunt and their eight children after the uncle refused to let him marry his daughter, Pakistani police said.

Gul Ahmed Said is accused of shooting and killing the family of 10 in the Charsadda district of northern Pakistan on Sunday, district police Officer Shafiullah Khan said.

The quarrel stemmed from an argument over the amount of gold that would

be offered for the daughter’s marriage, Khan said.

The daughter, whom the suspect wanted to marry, was also a cousin of the suspect.

Deputy Police Superintendent Tangi Rashid Marwat said Said apparently killed the family with the help of others.

Authorities are now searching for Said, who is also wanted for the November 2014 killings of his own parents, his brother and his sister-in-law.

Sudan adjusts election dates

S

UDAN’s National Election Commission has adjusted its timetable for expatriate voting in presidential elections to April 17-19, while domestic voting will remain April 13-15.

Commission member Gen. Al-Hadi Mohamed Ahmed told official news agency SUNA

that the adjustment was made to accommodate requests by expatriates to allow them to vote on the weekend.

According to a previously announced timetable, campaigning will last until this Friday, followed by a two-day break, while results are slated to be released on April 27.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, APRIL 7 , 2015 — 59

S/Africa ready to help immigrant victims of attacks

S

Kenya strikes al-Shabab in Somalia after Garissa attack K

ENYA’s military has launched air strikes against al-Shabab bases in Somalia following an attack on a Kenyan university that killed 148 people.

Colonel David Obonyo, a military spokesman, said yesterday that warplanes had attacked positions of the al-Shabab group on Sunday afternoon and early Monday morning.

Al-Shabab, which is based in Somalia, claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attack on the Garissa University College campus in northeastern Kenya.

After besieging the university, the al-Shabab gunmen lined up nonMuslim students before executing them in the armed group’s bloodiest attack to date.

The attack claimed the lives of 142 students, three police officers and three soldiers.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday pledged that the attackers would face justice for the “mindless slaughter” and vowed to retaliate for the killings in the “severest way”.

Yesterday’s air strikes were not the first launched by Kenya against al-Shabab

Kenya’s president vowed to retaliate for the ‘mindless slaughter’ at Garissa in the ‘severest way’ targets.

In June last year, Kenyan fighter jets

attacked two bases belonging to al-Shabab fighters in Somalia, killing at least 80 of them,

...As Pope prays for affected Kenyan students, decries persecution

P

OPE Francis prayed for an end to the persecution of Christians in his Easter Sunday address, commemorating the students massacred by Islamist militants at Garissa University in Kenya.

Francis, after saying Mass for thousands of people in a rainy St. Peter’s Square, delivered a mostly somber and grim “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) message.

Attacks on Christians in Africa and the Middle East have been the grim backdrop of all Holy Week ceremonies leading up to Easter. “We ask Jesus, the victor over death, to lighten the sufferings of our many brothers and sisters who are persecuted for his name, and of all those who suffer injustice as a result of ongoing conflicts and violence - and there are many,” he said.

French free Dutch hostage in Mali four years after kidnap November 2011, was

F

RENCH special forces yesterday rescued a Dutch train driver kidnapped nearly four years ago in Mali

by Al-Qaeda’s north Africa arm in an

according to African Union (AU) peacekeeping troops deployed there.

operation that killed several jihadists.

France’s defence ministry said Sjaak Rijke, kidnapped in Timbuktu in northern Mali in

French soldiers patrol in Kidal, northern Mali

freed during “military action carried out by the French army ’s special forces.”

“This combat action has also led to the capture of several individuals,” added the ministry, referring to the dawn raid against Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

French President Francois Hollande also spoke of the operation, saying the freed hostage had been transported to a safe location and that a number of suspected jihadists had been killed.

He said the French soldiers were not aware of the hostage’s location before the raid against the extremists.

•Pope The pope spoke as churches in Kenya, where al Shabaab gunmen massacred nearly 150 people, singling out Christians for point-blank executions, turned to armed guards to protect their congregations on the most important day of the Christian liturgical year.

“May constant prayer rise up from all people of goodwill for those who lost their lives – I think in particular of the young people who were killed last Thursday at Garissa University College in Kenya - for all who have been kidnapped, and for those forced to abandon their homes and their dear ones.”

The 78-year-old Argentine pope, celebrating the third Easter of his pontificate, spoke from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after saying a Mass below for tens of thousands of people wearing plastic ponchos and holding umbrellas against the driving rain.

OUTH Africa’s government said at the weekend that it would help foreigners driven from their homes by anti-immigrant violence, a week after hundreds were attacked near the eastern city of Durban.

Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba, visiting victims at a sports ground where they are currently living in tents, said the government would help them return to their home countries if they wanted to.

“Our constitution says that everyone who is within the borders is entitled to dignity, to shelter, etc. So unless that is amended we have

no right therefore to victimise people from other parts of Africa,” he told public broadcaster SABC. Most of the 250 victims of the latest outbreak of xenophobic violence at Isipingo, a city on the south Indian Ocean, come from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gigaba added that he and his ministry are also ready to help immigrants who are determined to stay in South Africa.

The minister stressed that he was working with local authorities so the immigrants can return “to their communities where they have residence to continue with their lives.”

Opposition, rights group demand investigation into Congo mass burial

A

rights group and an opposition lawmaker yesterday called on the government of Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate the late night burial of at least 421 bodies last month.

The government said on Friday that local authorities had buried the corpses overnight on March 19 in the rural commune of Maluku, saying they were dead fetuses and still-born babies as well as unclaimed corpses.

But U.S.-based Human Rights Watch suspects the bodies might belong to people killed in antigovernment protests in

January or a crackdown on Kinshasa criminals.

At least 40 people died in the violent protests against a proposed law to require a national census before an election - a move that opponents said was an attempt to delay the vote and extend President Joseph Kabila’s mandate.

Ida Sawyer, senior researcher for HRW in Congo, said bodies went missing both during the protests as well as in an anti-gang operation in late 2013 and early 2014, in which the group says at least 51 people were killed.

S/African girl’s ‘plan to join IS foiled’

A

South African girl has been taken off a plane in Cape Town on suspicion of planning to join Islamic State (IS) militants, a minister has said.

Her relatives contacted authorities after she disappeared from her parent’s home on Sunday, the minister added.

In February, local media reported that a South African had joined IS in Syria, and was trying to recruit other South Africans via social media.

It was the first reported case of a South African joining the group.

The 15-year-old had been taken off a British

Airways flight, and had been “returned safely to her parents who are very happy” that her attempt to join IS had been thwarted, State Security Minister David Mahlobo told South Africa’s privately owned eNCA news channel.

Social workers would help her overcome the “damage” caused to her

by IS propaganda, he added.

“The girl over the past period has been actually using technology, the social platforms, interacting with strange people and reading some material that suggested that she is actually getting an interest to join the terror group,” Mr Mahlobo said.

60 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 61

Chukwu: Keshi, NFF situation confusing W

ITH the Nigeria Football Federation yet to come to terms with Stephen Keshi over the vacant Super Eagles coaching job, former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu has described the relationship between the NFF and Keshi as ‘confusing’.

And with both parties yet to come to terms over a new contract, Chukwu says it is becoming difficult to describe the situation, and also difficult to talk about.

“I think the whole situation is confusing because I really don’t understand what is going on there,” he told sl10.ng.

“Does it mean Keshi is now their boss, or is the NFF the boss? Honestly I’m confused; I really don’t understand

what is going on.

“I have talked enough about this issue and I don’t think I want to talk anymore about it,” he added.

Stephen Keshi, had through his agent, Emmanuel Ado issued a statement last week that sought to dismiss any suggestions he was having problems with the Glass House, especially

with the embattled president, Amaju Pinnick.

Even though it wasn’t stated in the statement – which has now been famously described as Keshi’s ‘love letter’ to Pinnick – it is believed Keshi’s camp is growing cold feet, after his alleged major backer, Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan lost his re-election bid.

P

•Keshi

•Chukwu

Eboigbe to watch Edo FA Cup final F

ORMER Nigeria defender, Sunday Eboigbe, who has been suffering from a stroke attack, is among exinternationals, coaches and government officials expected at the final of the 2015 Edo FA Cup, scheduled for the Samuel

Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City tomorrow..

Giant killers Kukuruku Dragons of Auchi and BJ Foundation of Benin will engage each other in what promises to be an exciting final at 4pm, while Fortress Ladies battle Edo Queens earlier on at 2pm.

Edo governor, Adams Oshiomhole, will lead a

government delegation to the venue while former national coaches Alabi Aisien, Sebastian Brodericks, Godwin Izilein, Shuaibu Amodu and retired stars like David Aigbovo and Monday Eguavoen are also expected to grace the occasion.

Edo FA chairman, Frank

Ilaboya, who paid Eboigbe a visit, appealed to fans across the state to join the ex-Green Eagles star in making both finals memorable.

He said, “Eboigbe is excited to be back and he wants to watch the final games. We have made arrangement to take him to and from the stadium.

Fenerbahce bus gun attack: Turkish SuperLig suspended “We decided to postpone

T

U R K E Y ’ s SuperLig and domestic cup matches have been suspended for one week after the Fenerbahce team bus was shot at by a gunman on Saturday.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced the decision after a meeting with the sports minister on Monday.

“We believe the incident was a terrorist attack, targeting not only Fenerbahce but Turkish sports,” said TFF chairman Yildirim Demiroren.

•Eboigbe

Manu

Continues from BP Cup — winning manager has kept faith with all the players that made the African Youth Championship squad list, including Porto youngster Chidera Ezeh, who is battling to overcome a hamstring complaint.

In the goalkeeping department, the shaky display of Olorunleke Ojo in Senegal has earned Flash FC glovesman, Adamu Abubakar, a berth on the 35-man provisional roster.

Granada starlet, Isaac Success missed the AYC after the Andalusian outfit failed to release C M Y K

him, but coach Manu Garba will be relying on him even beyond the training camp, having included the 19-year-old on the list.

Barring any last-minute changes, El-Cruzeiro sensation Michael Auta and Plateau United midfielder Saviour Godwin will both be observed during the training camp.

The Nigeria Football Federation submitted the preliminary list to FIFA before the April 1, 2015 deadline .The Flying Eagles are in group E of the U20 World Cup, alongside Brazil, Hungary, and North Korea.

all league and cup games for a week.”

Champions Fenerbahce were travelling to Trabzon airport, following their 5-1 victory over Rizespor, when the shooting happened.

The driver was taken to hospital but no players were injured in the attack.

In a statement on the TFF website, sports minister Akif Cagatay Kilic said the bus driver, named as Ufuk Kiran, was “recovering quickly”.

Fenerbahce had called for the league to be suspended saying: “We think it’s unavoidable to

Enyimba Continues from BP Chinedu Udoji said that even though he prefers not to comment on refereeing, he has no choice but to blame the referee for the loss at Smouha.

“The referee planned our defeat to Smouha.

The penalty was not to be, he manufactured it for them and that sent us crashing because it destabilized the team,” Udoji alleged.

But the Enyimba skipper admitted Kingsley Sokari ought to be sent off.

“The red card given to Sokari was a deserved one because he was on

Pepsi Academy lights up Gidi Cultural Festival

yellow card and the second infringement was a foul and so he was booked again,” Udoji told AfricanFootball.com Enyimba goalkeeper Femi Thomas further said the referee was biased against them.

“We ought not to have lost the game, we gave it all within us to get the needed result to go through, and we are almost doing that when the referee awarded them a penalty, which was not right,” Thomas argued.

“He also frustrated us with seven bookings and a red card to us.”

suspend the league until this dark attack is enlightened.”

EPSI Football A c a d e m y underlined its rising profile in beach soccer with a commanding performance in this year ’s edition of Gidi Cultural Festival at the weekend in Lagos. This is coming on the heels of a sterling performance last December against the Brazilian Beach Soccer team at COPA Lagos beach soccer tournament.

The supremacy of the youngsters in terms of experience was glaring on the field of play as they dominated their opponents in matches that saw them win the trophy and more importantly, put smiles on the faces of football lovers.

In the first match, Pepsi Academy boys whitewashed JK team in a game that ended 6-1.

CAF Continues from BP powerful 25-man cabinet of world football’s ruling body.

Tunisian Tarek Bouchamaoui and Constant Omari Selemani of DR Congo are favoured to finish top in the ballot.

They look likely to sweep Ivorian Jacques Anouma from the committee where he has served for eight years.

Delegates from 54 countries are also being asked to remove an age limit from the organisation’s statutes in order to allow Caf president Issa Hayatou to stay in power beyond the end of his existing term.

Caf requires officials who reach 70 to step down but a proposal to scrap the rule is expected to go through.

It would open the door for Cameroon-born Hayatou, who is 68 and in his seventh term in power, to continue his leadership of African football beyond his current mandate which is due to end in 2017.

Anouma was previously a potential rival for the leadership of Caf but is

now expected to join the list of Hayatou challengers who have been squeezed out of football politics.

Algerian Football Association president Mohamed Raouraoua, who once expressed an interest in taking over Caf ’s top job, has withdrawn from the elections and loses his place in a dramatic fall from grace.

Raouraoua was elected as one of Africa’s four representatives four years ago but has since lost Hayatou’s support and decided in January to pull out of a re-election bid.

The 54 delegates are also due to vote in Cairo to formalise rules on future elections.

From 2017 Africa will reserve one seat for the Caf president, one for a French speaker, one for a candidate from an English speaking country and one to be shared among the Arab-speaking and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The pair elected on Tuesday will serve for two years and then have to stand again.

62 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Cavani: I can’t be friends with Ibrahimovic

•Ibrahmovic

J

UVENTUS target Edison Cavani hints he doesn’t see eyeto-eye with Zlatan Ibrahmovic - ‘ we can’t all be friends’.

The Paris SaintGermain striker hinted

•Cavani

Rodgers: We’ve not been overworked B

RENDAN Rodgers insists Liverpool have not been “ worked out” by opponents.

He said: “I don’t think it’s about being worked out. We didn’t start well (against Arsenal), and it doesn’t matter what system you are playing if that happens.

“The last two games we’ve played, or the last four really, we haven’t created much, and that is on ourselves. Of course you can give the opposition credit, for pressing and defending well, but we

haven’t created as much, and that is something we want to reinforce.

“It’s a difficult system to play against, but it’s one of a number of systems we’ve played here and played very well.

“It’s my job to always look to find solutions.

That’s what I’ve tried to do in the games where we haven’t played well and haven’t looked like scoring. It’s about finding a way to win.

“I don’t think it’s a mental barrier that the team has. It’s just something that we need to continue and develop as a team.''

•Rodgers

that he could leave in the summer, with the Bianconeri believed to be among those interested.

While insisting he’s happy in Paris in an interview with Canal Plus, the striker appeared to offer some credence to rumours he doesn’t get along with his strike partner at Parc Des Princes.

“My relationship with Zlatan? It’s not easy to talk about,” Cavani admitted.

“Each of us has our own character, we’re footballers who play for the same team, it takes mutual respect.

“We can’t all be be friends, but we must respect each other. I hope he’s not banned in Europe, we need everyone available.

“I’m happy in Paris, I’ve had some hard times but everything is falling into place now.

The fans have always backed me, I think this is one of the best clubs in the world.”

Rodriguez backs Real to win all games

R

EAL Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez believes his team are still in with a shout of winning all their remaining games this season.

“I’m happy. After 60 days out I think I had a decent game. I’ve been doing physical and cardio work to make sure I’d be okay and it’s been possible thanks to the doctors and physios, who have helped me a lot.

“I wanted to come back as soon as possible and I was working with them

•Rodriguez

Juve will attack us— Montella

F

IORENTINA Coach Vincenzo

Marchisio, Pirlo to return soon — Allegri C

•Pirlo

L A U D I O Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo are close to Juventus returns, but Massimiliano Allegri is not sure whether to risk the former tomorrow.

The Bianconeri are facing Fiorentina in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tonight, and the Coach told his pre-match Press conference that the injured midfielders will

soon return.

“Marchisio is doing well,” Allegri assured.

“He’s returned to the squad, however he’s been working separately. Considering the number of games he’s played from the start of the season to now, I think four or five days out of the team did him some good.

“He’ll be available, so I’ll have to assess today

from the morning to the afternoon and into the night.

“We are all fit now and that’s good news if we want to achieve things, regardless of who plays.

We’ve got what it takes to win the lot between now and the end of the season.

“Every match is important and the game against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League is going to be special as we want to beat them and win the competition,” he declared.

whether to play him or not.

“As for Pirlo, the day after tomorrow he should be part of the group, and then we’ll slowly evaluate his physical condition.

“I’ll assess him once he returns to the group, but the important thing is to have him available.

I hope he’ll be in good condition, because he’s done well in training.''

Montella says they face a ‘very difficult’ game against a Juventus who will ‘attack at full strength’.

The Viola hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg of their Coppa Italia tie, with Mohamed Salah scoring twice at Juventus Stadium.

“I think it will be an open game, and a very difficult one,” Montella predicted in his pre-match Press conference.

“We’ll face a very strong team, who are very competitive both home and away. However, we want to play. It’s the kind of game to play openly, without trying to make any calculations.''

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015 — 63

Warri Wolves dedicate Confed Cup win to Owumi W

ARRI Wolves have d e d i c a t e d qualification to the second round of CAF Confederation Cup to the club’s general manager Davidson Owumi.

Wolves held Dedebit in Ethiopia to a goalless draw on Sunday to progress in the competition on aggregate having won the first leg in Warri 20.

They will now tackle

•Owumi

MK Etancheite of DR Congo for a place in the money-spinning group phase of the competition.

Midfielder Ichul Lordson said their latest result was a birthday gift to top official Owumi, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday and requested the team to give him a befitting gift by qualifying to the next stage.

“It was not an easy game but we thank God for the outcome of the game,” said Lordson.

“This was a special birthday present to our general manager Davidson Owumi. He told us during the prematch talk that we should give him a birthday present with a positive result to complete his celebration, that we have done. “Our qualification was also a special Easter gift to the team’s fans and Nigerians as a whole. “

CHEERS! Warri Wolves players, Nigeria's flagbearers in the CAF Confederation Cup acknowledging cheers from fans after sending the Ethiopians packing.

Ehiosun scores 4th league goal S

•Ehiosun

Ighalo’s strike lifts Watford

S

UPER Eagles for ward, Odion Ighalo, was on target for Watford, as they defeated Middlesbrough 2-0 to go top of the English Championship standings.

The first among many Easter Monday game in the Championship, saw Watford open scoring through Ighalo’s strike partner Troy Deeney.

25-year-old Ighalo, who scored in the

team’s weekend game with 16 minutes left to play, scored his 19th goal of the season but his side second of the game to take the scores to 2-0.

The victory moved Watford ahead of Middlesbrough, although Ighalo’s side might still lose top spot pending on results elsewhere in the English Championship later in the day.

UPER Eagles striker Ekigho Ehiosun scored the fourth goal for FK Qabala in their 4-0 win over AZAL PFC Baku in the Azerbaijan Premier League on Sunday.

The substitute scored in the 86th minute for Roman Grigorchuk’s side at the AZAL stadionu in ^üvYlan.

The former Warri Wolves and Samsunspor star grabbed his fourth goal of the season with the strike.

Other goals were netted by Javid

•Ighalo

Huseynov, Victor Mendy and Javid Huseynov.

Ehiosun had earlier insisted that he had no regrets swapping Genclerbirligi S.K for Gabala last summer.

Many eyebrows were

raised when the attacker joined Gabala on a season-long loan in the close season, drawing down the curtain on his three-year association with Turkish clubs, given that he becomes a free agent by June 2015.

The physical forward bagged nine goals in 29 appearances in the

2013/14 season while wearing the red and white colours of Samsunspor.

After training with the Nigeria National B team, he was called in as an emergency replacement for Victor Anichebe in the Super Eagles friendly against Sierra Leone in 2012.

CAF Champions League: Kaita blames late start to season for Pillars, Enyimba exit

N

IGERIA midfielder Sani Kaita has e x p r e s s e d disappointment in the c o u n t r y ’ s representatives in this year’s CAF Champions League, Kano Pillars and Enyimba, who have been eliminated at this stage of the competition.

Both Pillars and Enyimba crashed out of the Champions League on Sunday in the first round after they lost on aggregate to Moghreb Tetouan of Morocco and Smouha from Egypt, respectively.

Former Pillars and Enyimba star Kaita said Nigerian clubs still have a long way to go if they

are to make appreciable impact on the continent.

“It is so unfortunate that Pillars and Enyimba who we were counting on have failed again on the continent,” Kaita said.

“After I watched all Nigerian representatives in Abuja during the Super 4, I said they were not ready for the task on the continent.”

Kaita said he expects a lot more to be done in the domestic league to ensure the country’s top clubs are a lot more competitive overseas.

“If our teams were to win the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, a lot has to be done,” he said.

“Our clubs must play at a standard which is higher than that of the Nigeria league and be better prepared.

•Kaita

Vanguard, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2015

Caf set to elect new Fifa exco members •No Nigerian in contention

T

WO new members will be elected as Africa’s representatives on Fifa’s executive committee on today. No Nigerian is in

contention.

The Confederation of African Football congress is to choose its candidates for the allContinues on Page 61

FIFA U-20 W/Cup

•Adamu former FIFA EXCO member

Manu lists Iheanacho, Success in W/Cup squad •Provisional list to be made public today

F

WORKAHOLIC: Kelechi Iheanacho (l) on duty for Man City. He has been included in the U-20 squad for the World Cup in New Zealand.

LYING Eagles coach, Manu Garba, is set to hand recalls to Manchester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho and Tottenham Hotspur trainee Musa Yahaya when he announces his provisional World Cup roster today.

Manchester City loanee Chidiebere Nwakali, who played alongside the offensiveminded pair during the 2013 FIFA Under 17s, will also be called up for a training camp ahead of the tournament in New Zealand.

While Iheanacho and Yahaya missed the trip

to Senegal for the African Youth Championship on account of injury, Chidiebere Nwakali was unavailable because he was finalizing his loan move to Malaga during the team’s training camp.

The Under 17 World Continues on Page 61

•Manu

Enyimba blame ref for dramatic ouster

E

NYIMBA have cried foul after they lost 2-0 to Smouha in Alexandria, Egypt, to crash out of the CAF

Champions League, saying the referee caused their defeat.

Enyimba captain Continues on Page 61

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Lustre (6) 5 Torn (6) 9 Domesticated (5) 10 Deserved (6) 11 Noisier (6) 12 Decoration (5) 14 Scorch (4) 17 Gender (3) 18 Otherwise (4) 20 Consumed (5) 22 Mix (5) 23 Cut (7) 24 Send (5) 26 Singer (5) 29 Paradise (4) 30 Border (3) 32 Mature (4) 33 Broader (5) 35 Charm (6) 36 Molluse (6) 37 Storehouse (5) 38 Deposited (6) 39 Required (6)

DOWN 1 Penetrate (6) 2 Lasso (6) 3 Staunch (4) 4 Hell (5) 5 Ease (5) 6 Hero (4) 7 Pool (6) 8 Dashed (6) 13 Erased (7) 15 Loathed (5) 16 Sap (5) 18 Senior (5) 19 Pry (5) 21 Entrap (3) 22 Wager (3) 24 Disclose (6) 25 Repaired (6) 27 Pinched (6) 28 Halted (6) 30 Rented (5) 31 Fruit (5) 33 Paddle (4) 34 Ceremony (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Stray 7, Precis 9, Cur 10, Mad 12, Rural 13, Iced 15, Reset 17, Resist 19, Heed 20, Greet 22, Tar 24, Desired 27, Pot 28, Erode 31, Stop 33, Dulled 35, Irate 37, Wide 38, Erase 39, Ear 41, Tan 42, Demure 43, Adder,

DOWN: 1, Spring 2, Severe 3, Vim 4, Sure 5, Truth 6, Awakened 8, Sari 11, Destitute 14, Deed 16, Star 18, Step 21, Restored 23, Reel 25, Soda 26, Drew 29, Odious 30, Eleven 32, Piste 34, Lead 36, Rear 40, Rep.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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C M Y K