PDP in coma— Mark

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62400

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

APAPA-OSHODI ROAD TRAFFIC CHAOS

Anger as fuel scarcity defies solution •DPR, PPPRA, NNPC keep mum 54

NO ROAD!—

Motorists and residents continue to groan under the unending traffic chaos at the Mile 2 end of OshodiApapa Expressway caused by petroleum tankers. The road, yesterday, as captured by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor. More photos

Vanguard editors, other motorists stranded in OshodiApapa traffic chaos for 7 hrs 16

on page 16.

PDP in coma— Mark

By Henry Umoru, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke

•Says party heading for final self destruction •New status of opposition a challenge; calls for truce •We've recovered from defeat shock— PDP

A

BUJA—AS the P e o p l e s Democratic Party, PDP,

Continues on Page 5

We won't fail Nigerians — BUHARI •Says he'll obey traffic laws as President •Vows to reform electoral system COLUMNISTS: PDP: Of feuding factions, empty stomachs and power loss •P.17 syndrome C M Y K

Re-probing the 'missing $20 •P.19 billion'

3

Talk less, plan more, Presidency tells APC 4

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY THURSDAY,, MAY 7, 2015

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015—3

We won't fail Nigerians —Buhari

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA — PRESIDENTELECT, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) yesterday, reassured Nigerians that the incoming government of All Progressives Congress, APC, will not fail them.

Buhari, who hosted a delegation from Taraba State, also said by the end of his tenure in 2019, Nigerians would be confident of a society where elections would be free, fair and credible.

Also, to underscore his inclination to the rule of law, the President-elect directed security personnel attached to his convoy to always heed traffic regulations and stop at red lights.

Buhari’s assurance was sequel to lamentations from the governorship candidate of APC in Taraba State, Senator Aisha Alhassan, who led the Taraba delegation told Buhari that she was robbed of victory at the last gubernatorial election in the state.

Alhassan’s story, however, took Buhari down memory lane as he encouraged the candidate, who had earlier informed him of her journey to the courts to challenge the outcome of the election in court.

He recalled that he was in courts for several years over electoral frauds to fight for his rights.

My many election journeys

He said: “It is a battle well fought and I am very pleased that you have taken the honourable way out. According to the Nigerian constitution, you may go to court.

I was there three times and ended up in the Supreme Court.

"Sometimes, people wonder why I tried so hard. I tried so hard because it is a system I believe in. I believe that multi party democratic system is the best form of governance with a big caveat that election must be free and fair.

“Really, this is why I am in it. I was in APP, I joined partisan politics in April 2002 and on that date, at my ward, those who knew me, and have been following my career antecedent in the military, would not believe it that I will participate in partisan politics and I will not also believe it. But I found myself in it and I never turned back.

“Within one year, APP gave me the ticket. There were governors, senators and much older people than me, but all the same, I got the ticket. I lost, I was in court for 30 months. In 2007, we tried to have a limited merger and became ANPP and again, I participated and was told I lost.

“I went to court for 20 months up to the Supreme Court and I felt that my party was not fair to me. While I was in court, the leadership of the party proceeded and took two marginal ministries in late Yar’Adua’s cabinet and an C M Y K

zVows to reform electoral system zSays he'll obey traffic laws as President zExpectations of Nigerians are high, Anyaoku tells Buhari

that when leaders treat the country’s laws with contempt, they send the wrong message to the citizens.

Buhari lamented a situation where fellow citizens are punished at traffic points and public roads because of the “arrogant lawlessness of the leaders.”

Anyaoku to Buhari: Expectations of Nigerians are high

FACTS BEHIND THE FIGURES: From left, Group Managing Director, FirstBank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya; Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Group CEO, FBN Holdings Plc, Mr. Bello Maccido and General Manager, Listings, NSE, Mrs. Taba Peterside at the FBN Holdings Plc Fact Behind the Figures presentation at NSE, yesterday.

Adviser. For that disgraceful behaviour by the party leadership, I left the party and we floated the CPC. “Again, I attempted in 2011 and lost and again and I was in court for about eight months. I contested now for the fourth time under APC having successfully gone through with the merger of the three legacy parties.

“So, Aisha, don’t give up. You are younger and this is your first attempt. I contested three times and this is my fourth attempt. I hope that you succeed in court.

I am impressed by the quality of Taraba people you brought here."

2015 elections, a landmark

The President-elect also said the advent of the technology of card reader and the will of the Nigerians have redefined the electoral system in Nigerian.

He said: “I think that 2015 will go down in Nigeria political history as a glorious year.

Nigerians have deliberately understood what is multi party democracy. But we thank God for technology, PVC and card reader and the insistence of constituencies to make sure they are used.

"However, in two political zones where they were subverted, the people wanted to vote, but they were not allowed to vote and they continued with what they used to do in their party offices or their sitting rooms, where they would write the results, go to radio house and television house and announce the result and say whoever does not accept the result should go to court.

“How many people can go to court when they are struggling

to get the next day’s meal? Where will they get the millions to give to those Senior Advocates of Nigeria. I was able to do it because of the goodwill of Nigeria which again demonstrated itself this year.

“People agreed that I am not a very rich man, but I was lucky that Nigerians believe in me and they put their strength together, voted and made sure that their votes count. I say thanks to the technology. Please continue to support those among you that you feel will go and work for your state and for the country. I assure you that the government of the APC, when eventually put in place, will be a competent Nigerian government.

“We will never betray the people because they have risked everything. Some even lost their lives in this course to make sure that APC succeed and that we have a leadership in place that they can trust and that is what multi party democracy is all about.”

How I became born-again democrat

Buhari also gave an insight into his conviction to become a democrat, saying: “I will tell you what made me a multi party democrat. In 1991, after coming out of detention, I was sitting at home and the Soviet Union collapsed. They were the world power fighting the western world.

They had more sophisticated weapons, but something happened.

“There was confusion and everybody went away. Today, there are 18 countries from the former Soviet Union. That was when I believed that multi party democratic system is a superior form of governance and that is

why I joined democracy.

“We have made a big stride this year and I assure you, God willing, if we survive the next four years, Nigerians will be in a position to confidently raise their head and elect their representatives and leaders.

“They will choose those they want as their representatives from local government, states and to the centre. I will fight for free, fair and credible election because that is why I remain in politics. I thank you very much for the sacrifices you have made to make sure we succeeded."

I'll obey traffic regulations as president — Buhari

Meanwhile, to underscore his inclination to the rule of law, Buhari has directed security personnel attached to his convoy to always heed traffic regulations and stop at red lights at traffic points.

“Without leadership by example, the ordinary citizens would become copycats of the lawlessness of their leaders,” Buhari was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his media office last night.

The President-elect, who currently stops at every traffic light, promised to continue with the tradition as president as a way of demystifying the arrogance in power.

Buhari was further quoted as saying that the “arrogance of power, lawlessness and disregard for the rights and convenience of fellow citizens would have no place in his government.”

The statement quoted Buhari as saying that for leaders to inspire respect, they must obey the laws of the country, adding

In a related development, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, yesterday, told Buhari that the expectations of Nigerians from the incoming government were high, urging him not to fail the people.

The expectations, Anyaoku said, were hinged on the campaign promises of the president-elect.

Speaking to journalists during his congratulatory visit to Buhari at the Defence House in Abuja, Anyaoku also extolled the virtues of the incoming president, saying he is a disciplined man who is averse to corruption.

He said: “I had useful discussions with President-elect, congratulated him on his victory and told him he’s coming in as president on a very high wave of expectations throughout the country. I also told him that the high expectations are based on the promises he made during his campaign to the people but more importantly on the general perception of his character.

“He is perceived as a man with very strong sense of discipline, a man who is truly averse to corruption, a man whose lifestyle has been frugal not ostentatious or opulent and above all a man who is very committed to the welfare of the masses. I believe that if his administration reflects these qualities that the country’s challenges and problems would be effectively tackled.”

Asked by journalists to offer a diplomatic advice to the incoming government with regards to the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Anyaoku said the president-elect should continue to work with the South Africa president.

He advised Nigerians living in South Africa to be law-abiding in their host country.

He said: “I think that Nigeria’s relations with the world at the moment is quite good. We have had a tiff with the South African situation but not with the South African government. I think the xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa has been condemned by the South African government.

“I believe that the way President Jonathan has handled the issue has been very good.

So I would suggest that the incoming president will continue the personal relationship with the President of South Africa so that when incidents like that occur, the two governments will have a dialogue."

4—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

Groups endorse Dogara, Iriase for Speaker

By Emman Ovuakporie

A

BUJA — THE North Central Caucus of the yet-to-be inaugurated 8th House of Representatives, yesterday, endorsed Rep. Yakubu Dogara for the office of Speaker.

Also yesterday, the Conference of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly endorsed Rep. Pally Iriase from Edo State for the same position.

Besides Dogara, others in the race include the outgoing minority leader, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The North-Central Caucus, in a statement issued by representatives of the states of the region, said members from the zone would vote as a bloc for Dogara in the leadership contest.

The statement was jointly signed by a group of serving and elected members of the House of Representatives from the six states of the North Central and the FCT. According to the statement, “the North Central zonal caucus of the House of Representatives hereby announces its endorsement of Hon. Yakubu Dogara as Speaker of the House in the next assembly.

“We have resolved to deliver bloc votes to Dogara during the election and ensure that we further canvass for votes and supports for him from other zones."

The statement was signed by Herman Hembe, Benue, Zaphaniah Jisalo, FCT, Umar Bago, Niger; Samson Okwu, Benue; Umar Buba Jibril, Kogi; Zakari Mohammed, Kwara; Davematics Ombugado, Nasarawa and Golu Timothy, Plateau Addressing newsmen at the National Assembly, Chairman of the Conference of Former Speakers of State Legislative Houses, Rep Friday Itulah said Iriase as former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and twoterm member of the House of Representatives member possessed the requisite knowledge and experience needed to lead the House in the 8th Assembly.

The briefing was attended by 16 members from Niger, Ondo, Edo, Nasarawa, Delta, Kogi, Cross River, Sokoto, Abia, Imo, Anambra and Bauchi States.

“All of us are in support of any of our members becoming the Speaker of the House of Representatives."

C M Y K

Talk less, plan more, Presidency tells APC

By Ben Agande

A

BUJA — THE Presidency, yesterday, chided the All Progressives Congress, APC, over its claim that President Jonathan is running the economy aground before handing over, saying “the allegation is immature, reckless and out of tune with the President’s desire and patriotic commitment to a peaceful transfer of power.”

Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof. Rufai Alkali, who reacted to APC’s allegation, yesterday, urged the party to talk less and plan more as the nation moves towards May 29 inauguration date.

Alkali reminded APC that “governance is a serious business,” adding that “ with the sudden and unexpected concession of victory to them, it appears that the APC is beginning to face the full reality of managing the great challenges of a complex nation.

“Their recent, frequent and unnecessary attacks on the President clearly shows that they are losing their nerves and are beginning to lay foundation to justify their failures in the near future and we want to remind them that Nigerians are not ready to accept any excuses for their failure.

They promised to bring change, so they must bring positive change to the wellbeing of Nigerians and urgently too.

“Nigerians will recall that shortly after the results of the Presidential elections were announced, President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated a high powered transition committee to plan and organise a hitch-free transition programme for the inauguration of the incoming administration.

Surprisingly, it took the APC more than three weeks to wake up to its responsibility to constitute its own transition committee. How then can they turn round to accuse the government of frustrating the transition programme?

“Since the setting up of the committee, the President and the entire machinery of the Federal Government have been put on the transition mood and all government officers have been giving maximum cooperation to the incoming transition committee.

"By the Constitution of the Federal Republic of

zSays Nigerians not ready to accept any excuse for failure zFEC approves draft National Policy on Renewable Energy zMarks Jonathan's 5th year in office with special prayers

AWARD: President Goodluck Jonathan (left) receiving an ANCOPPS award from Education Minister, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, during the FEC meeting to mark President Jonathan's 5th year in office, at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Nigeria, President Jonathan remains in office up to May 29, 2015 when he formally hands over to the incoming President. The machinery of government cannot be put on hold or frozen because the country is in transition”

FEC approves draft National Policy on Renewable Energy Meanwhile, the Federal Executive Council, FEC, yesterday approved a draft National Policy on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for the country even as the council offered special prayers to mark the 5th anniversay of President Goodluck Jonathan in office.

Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, Minister of Information, Mrs Patricia Akwashiki and Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said the country was blessed with vast hydro, solar, wind and other sources of energy, hence the need for a policy for renewable energy.

According to Nebo, the policy would promote increased access to electricity by Nigerians and improve energy mix as well as energy security. He said the policy would also create jobs for the nation’s teeming youths.

He said: “The overall policy objective is to

increase access using renewable energy mix, create new business opportunities and new jobs, support global efforts towards green economies and addressing climate change problems.

“I addition, the policy will also promote and encourage efficient use of energy and energy conservation in Nigeria.

“After due consideration, council approved the Draft National Policy on Renewable Energy and Efficiency for Nigeria.”

Special prayers to mark Jonathan's 5th year in office Meanwhile, the special prayers to mark the 5th anniversary of President Goodluck in office, took most members of the council by surprise as most of them, who did not remember the date, saw the Minister of Labour, Chinedu Nebo, an ordained minister in the Anglican Communion and Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, offering Christian and Muslim prayers respectively.

President Jonathan was sworn-in on May 6, 2010 by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, following the death of President Umaru Yar ’Adua.

Jonathan, who came into the council chambers, announced the news of his swearing-in five years ago.

After the National Anthem and National Pledge, Jonathan threw a poser at the ministers that one of them was marking his birthday.

He said instead of the usual national prayer, two members of council, a Christian and a Muslim, should offer prayers for the council member before the meeting would continue with the day ’s business.

The ministers looked round at each other in surprise, wondering who the celebrant was without any clue.

Jonathan then reminded them that May 6, 2015 marks his 5th year as substantive President.

All cabinet members clapped joyfully before Nebo, said the Christian prayer while Yuguda said the Muslim prayer.

After the National Pledge, Jonathan said: “Today, we will not say the national prayer. Somebody is celebrating birthday so we will offer special prayers for him. Two very Godly people will pray, Nebo and Yuguda.

Do you know the person?”

When they could not answer, he said: “On May 6, exactly five years today, I was sworn-in as substantive President.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

VISIT—President-Elect Muhammadu Buhari with Young Leaders who visited him in Abuja.

PDP in coma — Mark Continues from Page 1 continues to bicker over its poor performance at the last general elections, Senate President, David Mark, yesterday, warned that the party will die if the leadership, stakeholders and members did not urgently nip in the bud all internal squabbles and media hostilities.

The Senate President said the party is already in coma and haemorrhaging, warning that further squabbling by its leaders would lead to the death of the party.

Mark painted the sad picture when the Chairman of the PDP post-election assessment committee, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, visited him.

Mark spoke as the national leadership of the party said that the PDP has overcome the shock and trauma it suffered at the polls and urged members to embrace peace and work with the Ekweremadu committee.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others —Ayn Rand

I

F we want our speech to be powerful and to make change in ourselves and the world, these virtues are very necessary to cultivate. They are honesty, being true in what you say, being straight and clear.

The second is authenticity, just being yourself, it is described as standing in your own truth, a lovely way to put it is, the eye of integrity. And finally love, not just the mushy feelings for someone we care about but the charitable love which we extend to other family members, friends, neighbours, and co-worker acquaintances.

Seeing the good in people is a beautiful way of looking at life. It simply means that you believe every person has some redeeming quality. For example, your co-worker might appear to be a very challenging person to relate with, but that doesn’t mean that’s just who they are. To a loved one, they might be the best person in the world. But seeing the good in people can be a little challenging, especially if you’re not used to it.

Be honest. You’re not always such an angel. At times, you couldn’t care less about the world and its problems. At times, you even have a tendency to be rude to others. But you’re not always selfish and you’re hardly ever rude. In fact, you’re actually quite charming and generous to your friends.

So why can’t other people be the same? By looking at your own wonderful characteristics, you’ll have an easier time spotting the same traits in other people.

PDP in coma, bleeding Senator Mark expressed worry over the continued acrimony among factions in the party and warned that, “unless we halt the bleeding and find the necessary therapy, we may be heading for the final burial of the party”.

His words: “The party is already comatose and we should do all we can to resuscitate the party rather than this unnecessary rancour and buck-passing.

The emerging factions are absolutely unnecessary.

The combatants must sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue. My appeal is that we should not do anything further that would damage the already fragmented house.

“Everybody should come together and rebuild the party. We have gotten enough bruises. We need not inflict further pains on ourselves with continuous bickering.

Enough of this blamegame. We should return to the drawing board and need not wash our dirty linen in the public any more.

“I believe a useful lesson has been learned from the PDP electoral misfortune. As for me, it is time to put on our thinking caps and chart a new course. I trust Senator Ekweremadu that he and his team will

do a good job and unearth the remote and immediate causes of our misfortune and make recommendations that will enhance the future of the party. I have worked closely with the Deputy President of the Senate over the years and I know his capability and capacity to handle issues.”

Senator Mark, however, called on all stakeholders to rise above the present circumstances and work hard to rejuvenate the party, adding that the new status of the party as an opposition will be a challenge that must be faced with all honesty, sincerity of purpose and dedication to duty.

He said he had the belief that democracy and the nation would be better for it, “if we play credible opposition to ensure good governance and delivery of dividends of democracy to Nigerians.”

We’ve overcome post-election shock– PDP Meanwhile, the national leadership of the PDP said that it has recovered from the shock and trauma it went through following its massive loss at the 2015 general polls.

Apart from losing the presidency to the All Progressives Congress, APC, the ruling PDP lost its 16-year dominance of Senate and House of Representatives and control of its traditional states like Plateau, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, Bauchi, and Jigawa.

Now it has 46 senators to APC’s 60 and the same scenario applies in the House of Representatives.

In a statement in Abuja at the end of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said that the timely intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan paved the way for the party ’s quick recovery from the trauma.

Jonathan's intervention The NWC also hailed the President for his mature and timely intervention in ending the bickering among leaders of the party as a result of the outcome of the 2015 general elections.

Metuh who noted that the leadership of the party will abide by the counsel and has instructed all its executives at all levels to comply accordingly, however urged members, stakeholders and leaders who have complaints about the election and the way forward to submit such to the Post -election Assessment Committee headed by Ekweremadu.

According to him, the leadership of the party has asked all members to join forces to ensure that the core values and vision of the founding fathers were sustained, even as it directed all organs of the party to focus only on party administration in a manner that would rekindle zeal and commitment among members and supporters at all levels.

Regrets Metuh said: “The leadership of the PDP regrets any

embarrassment the avoidable skirmishes may have caused the members of our great party, especially our founding fathers and teeming supporters across the country. We are aware that this unfortunate development is a consequence of postelection trauma arising from our first ever defeat.

We however note with relief that we have now overcome this challenge.

“The National Working Committee assures that in the new spirit of harmony in the PDP family, the reengineering process which began on Tuesday with the inauguration of the Post-Election Review Committee will be vigorously sustained to restore the lost glory of our great party.

“We therefore urge all our members to ensure that they henceforth guard their utterances and actions no matter the provocation and distortions in some section of the media while channelling their energies and ideas towards the rebuilding process.

The way forward “In this regard, all members who have reports, grievances and suggestions on the way forward should transmit same to the Post-Election Review Committee for an all inclusive roadmap in the overall effort to regain power in 2019.

“Our members should be wary of the activities of some mischievous persons within and outside the PDP family who are bent on frustrating this peace effort. Such individuals and groups have found the social media a veritable tool for their mischief through distortion of facts, false allegations and fabrications against our party.”

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

NDLEA arrests pastor with 1.978kg of heroin

By Ifeanyi Okolie

L

AGOS—OPERATIVES of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, AIIA, Enugu, have arrested a Lagos pastor over drug trafficking.

The suspect, Daniel Lanre Akintola, 43, was caught with 1.978kg of heroin concealed in the false bottom of his luggage.

This is coming just a few weeks after a Lagos-based pastor was arrested for smuggling narcotics to South Africa at the Lagos Airport.

Vanguard gathered that another suspect, Onwuegbusi Tochukwu Victor, 48, was also arrested with 51.5kg of ephedrine found inside his luggage.

NDLEA commander at the Enugu Airport, Mr. Nsikak-Abasi Udoh, disclosed that the 43-yearold pastor wanted to abandon his luggage at the arrival hall for fear of arrest.

He said: “Mr. Daniel Lanre Akintola unlawfully possessed 1.978kg of heroin, while returning from Entebbe, a major town in Central Uganda.

“He wanted to abandon the luggage, but we detected his intention. The drug was carefully concealed in a false bottom of his luggage.

“The second suspect is a businessman who had parcels of ephedrine weighing 51.5kg, which he wanted to smuggle to Maputo, Mozambique. They are being investigated.”

Akintola, who claimed ownership of the bag containing heroin, said he was returning from a pastor’s conference.

He said: “I am a pastor with one of the pentecostal churches, at Ipaja, Lagos.

I attended a minister ’s conference in Uganda.

“This bag, where heroin was found, is my bag but I am a pastor and not a drug trafficker.”

The suspect, who hails from Oyo State but lives in Lagos, could not produce evidence that he actually attended a minister ’s conference in Uganda.

Besides, he also did not give any reason for leaving Entebbe, Uganda, en-route Addis Ababa, to Enugu.

Unknown policeman kills DPO's relative, Keke Marwa operator

By Bose Adelaja

L

AGOS—TRAGEDY struck, Tuesday, at Akowonjo area of Lagos as an unidentified policeman in mufti allegedly shot a tricycle (Keke Marwa) operator to death.

It was learned that the policeman boarded the tricycle at Kareem Laka Street en route Unity Estate, but was held down for some time due to traffic gridlock.

Vanguard gathered that the Divisional Police Officer, Yaba Division, is a relative of the deceased.

An eyewitnesses’ account said the policeman, who could not withstand the situation, asked the tricycle operator to find his way to the main road at all cost, which almost led to a collision with another tricycle and an argument ensued.

The deceased, identified as Akeem, was said to have intervened between the cop and the tricycle operator, but was attacked by the policeman.

An eyewitness, Isiaka Yekini, said after pummelling the deceased, the policeman shot him in the chest. He died instantly. He said people ran

helter-skelter as the deceased bled to death.

Another witness, Rahman Lawal, said the unidentified policeman threatened to shoot anyone who dared to come near him and then fled the scene.

Some sympathizers, who claimed the policeman lived in Unity Estate, said he was a superior officer with two stars.

At press time, the matter had been incidented at Area ‘M’ Command.

Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, said the suspect was yet to be apprehended.

Late Akeem.

Driver, conductor pelt policemen with faeces in Imo

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—A weird drama unfolded, yesterday, at the ever-busy Control Post, close to Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, Owerri, Imo State, as a commercial vehicle driver

and his conductor pelted policemen with faeces.

An eyewitness told Vanguard that a policeman flagged down the commercial driver for allegedly driving recklessly, after which a war of words ensued between them.

Footballer, 2 others arrested over kidnap of Lagos bizwoman

By Evelyn Usman

L

AGOS—MRS Kudirat Adeboye, the 52-year-old businesswoman who was rescued from a forest used as kidnappers den along Epe Road, Lagos, two weeks ago, by operatives of Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS yesterday, gave a chilling account of her six-day ordeal in the hands of her abductors.

The woman said she neither ate nor drank during her sixday ordeal.

Her account followed the arrest of three suspected members of the kidnap syndicate that abducted her at about 7pm, along Eleko Epe Expressway, on April 4.

Among them, was a popular DJ around Sango-Tedo area of Lekki and an electrician.

The suspects, Ifeanyin Chukwuleta, 25; Kolawole Alani, 26, and Rasheed Adetunji, 28, confessed to be responsible for the kidnap of persons within Lekki-Ajah, Epe and Ijebu-Ode areas of Lagos and Ogun states.

Their leader, one Niyi Omosola, reportedly died after an exchange of gun fire with the operatives, while he had gone to pick the N3 million ransom for the release of Adeboye , two weeks ago, along Ijebu-Ode

The kidnap suspects. road.

Describing the six days in the kidnapper’s den as the most horrible experience in her life, Adeboye, who also gave her

name as Titilayo Kettle, said: “I really appreciate the police for their support, without which I could not have come out of that forest alive.”

The man recounted: “The policeman eventually gave the driver a slap and the driver retaliated immediately.”

The eyewitness said the developing drama attracted the attention of other policemen on the beat, who quickly pounced on the driver and his conductor.

The policemen, it was gathered, called for reinforcement. The additional hands did everything possible to subdue the driver and his conductor, who were already half naked at that point.

The eyewitness said: “The drama took a different shape when the duo pulled off what remained of their torn trousers, defecated, scooped the faeces with their hands and splashed the mess on the faces of some of the policemen.”

He said the strange act forced every person around the scene, including the policemen, to scamper for safety, while the battered driver and his conductor were scavenging for more faeces to further pelt their attackers with.

“As the confusion continued, the driver and his conductor quickly jumped into their vehicle and disappeared before other security teams arrived.”

Ex-Delta Commissioner’s brother killed in Warri

By Akpokona Omafuaire

W

ARRI—SUSPECTED armed robbers have shot dead Mr. Christopher Timinimi, brother to Mr. George Timinimi, former Commissioner for Transport, while reversing his car near Idiaregbe Junction, Okere/Ugborikoko Road in Okumagba Layout of Warri.

Timinimi was later rushed to a nearby private hospital,

where he died.

Timinimi, a middle aged man, is from Kunukunuma in Gbaramatu kingdom.

A family source said: “The incident occurred at 7:30p.m. around Idiaregbe by Okere Ugborikoko Road. According to an eyewitness, my brother was shot by gunmen suspected to be armed robbers.

“He was rushed to nearby clinic by some good Nigerians.

When I got there, he was

being treated and he was revived that Saturday night.

“It was unfortunate that next day, Sunday, at about 9:30a.m., the doctor invited another doctor he called a bone specialist, who operated on him and that was how the man bled to death.”

Contacted on phone, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu, said she was yet to be briefed on the matter.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015—7

Two killed, property destroyed in Delta intra-communal crisis

By Ochuko Akuopha

A

SABA—NO fewer than two persons have been killed and property worth millions of naira destroyed at Olomoro in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, following an intra-communal crisis that erupted in the area.

It was gathered that the crisis was triggered by the alleged killing of a member of the community’s vigilance team from Egbo quarters, while trying to mediate a fracas between three suspected cultists from Uruabe quarters.

Sources said the deceased, who was renowned for his anticultism activities in the community, was allegedly clubbed to death after he was overpowered by his assailants who also inflicted gunshot and machete injuries on him.

A source, who sought anonymity, said tension heightened when angry youths from Egbo quarters went on rampage, killing the father of one of the suspected cultists and burning buildings belonging to their families.

Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer of Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident, saying the situation had been put under control by the police.

She added that the police had commenced investigation into the cases of murder and arson.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has described the incident as sad, regrettable and senseless.

He assured that the council would work closely with security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the crisis to book, advising the people of the community to be calm and go about their lawful businesses.

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

FAKE DRUGS: Mr. Victor Dimka, Area Controller of Customs, Federal Operations Unit, Zone C (left), presenting 1,225 cartons of fake Mebendazole tablets to Mr. David West, National Food and Drug Adminstration and Control, NAFDAC, Coordinator for Benin Zone (2nd right), in Owerri, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

2 siblings killed, 15-room apartment razed by fire from candle light

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—ANGUISH was the lot of the people of Ulakwo, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, following the death of two sons of the same parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Ishiguzo, in a fire disaster that reportedly began from a lit candle stick.

Vanguard investigations revealed that apart from the death of the duo, property worth millions of naira were also consumed in the raging inferno, which completely destroyed the

15-room building that housed the Ishiguzos and other tenants.

An aggrieved tenant, who identified herself as Miss Oluchi Echeibe, recalled that the fire started from a candle lit by the Ishiguzos in their room.

She said: “The fire was caused by a lighted candle stick. Our neighbour, Mr. and Mrs. Ishiguzo, lit a candle stick, locked up their five children in their room and went out. ‘’The candle burnt out and ignited the rug and other materials in the room.”

According to the lady, while

27-yr-old generator repairer stabs security man to death

By Esther Onyegbula

A

27-year-old generator repairer has reportedly stabbed one Tochukwu Ejika, a security man, to death in Lagos.

The suspect, identified as Abimbola Azeez, who is from Ikire in Osun State, reportedly stabbed the victim several times on his belly during a misunderstanding in God’s Own Estate, Ijanikin.

Vanguard learned that the suspect was on his way out of the estate when the Chief Security Officer accosted him at about 8p.m. An exchange of words followed, which degenerated into a fight.

Before residents could intervene, Abimbola had stabbed the victim leading to the

2 dead, as herdsmen attack more Plateau communities

Abimbola Azeez. loss of blood and eventual death.

The suspect was taken to Ijanikin Divisional Police Station, while the corpse was deposited at the mortuary.

Azeez said: “I live with my friend, R. Kelly, in Ayetoro, Ijanikin. Last week, I went to

my customer's house to repair his generator.”

He said he wanted to live with the customer but was told it was not possible.

He said while he was leaving the estate, a man accosted him and asked him to go back, but that he did not know he was the estate security officer.

He said it was when he refused to go back that the scuffle started, adding “although I regret what happened, he attacked me first with the dagger and would have killed me. I did not mean to kill him.”

Vanguard learned that the case has been transfered to the homicide section of State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, Lagos.

three of the children were successfully rescued from the burning room, two of their siblings were burnt to death.

6-month old dead

While giving the ages of the two boys as three years and the other, six months, Miss Echeibe also lamented that “nobody knew when the room went up in flames because we had all retired to our respective rooms.”

On how they got wind of the inferno, Echeibe said it was one of the children in the yard that heard the distress cries of the Ishiguzo kids inside the room and alerted the neighbourhood.

Echeibe lamented that she lost everything she had laboured for over the years in the fire.

She said: “Before we knew what was happening, the entire building went up in flames and we ran out, leaving everything behind in our respective rooms.

“I do not know where to start from. All my belongings were lost in the fire.”

Corroborating Echeibe’s account, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Kingsley Okere, of Agballa Police Division, recalled that he had already gone to sleep when he was suddenly woken up by an unusual noise from within the compound.

Okere said he also lost certificates, official documents, Motorola walkie talkie and three handsets to the fire.

OS—RESIDENTS of Foron District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State have raised alarm over renewed attacks by Fulani herdsmen.

The attacks have reportedly left no fewer than 32 people dead, cattle carted away and houses burnt.

On Monday, two attacks at Vat and Zakupang villages left 30 people dead and another attack on Tuesday claimed the lives of two men.

The recent attack took place at Kakpwis village of the District and Ward Head of Kakpwis, Dagwom Ahmadu Hwere, said it occurred at about 11p.m.

One Emmanuel Joshua, 32, and Bot Joshua, 30, were killed in their residents and 20 cows belonging to the late Emmanuel carted away.

While confirming the incident on phone, the councillor representing Kakpwis Ward, Istifanus Dung, condemned the attacks, describing them as a strategy to eliminate Berom people in the state.

Dung decried the alleged nonchalant attitude of the Special Task Force, STF, saddled with the responsibility of keeping peace and protecting lives and property for not arresting the perpetrators.

However, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3rd Amoured Division, Rukuba, Colonel Texas Chukwu, directed Vanguard to get a reaction from the STF whose spokesman, Captain Ikedichi Iweha’s number was not going through.

However, a resident of Foron, Sarah Ayuba, told sia don phone: “We are living in fear. For some time there was no attack and we were sleeping well.

“Now we can nolonger sleep because you do not know whose house is next.”

A socio-cultural association, Ngwang Ishi O’tarok, an umbrella body of Tarok people in Plateau State, has condemned last Saturday’s killing in Tarok communities in Wase council.

8 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 9

C M Y K

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

Fashola delares NYSC orientation course open

OSHODI - APAPA GRIDLOCK: We're helpless — LAGOS ASSEMBLY

By Ebun Sessou

By Ikenna Asomba

L

A G O S — GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State will today, declare open the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), 2015 Batch ‘A’ Orientation course open, at the Lagos camp of the scheme, in Iyana-Ipaja.

The exercise, which commenced on May 5 nationwide, will hold in two streams of I and II in Lagos.

While the first stream holds from May 5 to 25, the second stream will commence from June 2 to 22.

According to the NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Cyril Akhanemhe, “The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola is expected to declare the orientation exercise open, while the swearing-in ceremony of prospective corps members will be done by the Lagos State Chief judge.”

Over 2000 corps members are expected to take part in each stream.

L

AGOS—THE Lagos House of Assembly has said, it wont be able to legislate against trucks and tanker drivers who park on Apapa/Oshodi expressway.

The House through its Chairman House committee on works and infrastructure, Rotimi Olowo, said, the fact that the road belongs to federal government makes it impossible to make law that would stop the trucks from parking on the road.

The House gave directives last

week that trucks parked at Lagos Apapa/Oshodi expressway be removed with immediate effect.

Olowo, who is representing Somolu constituency 1, explained, that, it is regrettable that the FG has not taken any concrete step to correct the situation, in spite of all the interventions made by the state government to finding lasting solution to the problem.

He said, the attitude of the drivers who practically park on the road is disgusting adding that they are too unruly and the only way they can be curtailed is to

engage the various stakeholders including NUPENG, depot owners and petrol marketers to draw up a schedule and list of tanker drivers on weekly basis such that loading on a daily basis wouldn’t be a problem.

According to him, Lagosians especially those who live and work in that area have been put under unnecessary hardship that have affected both individual and the State’s economy, trade and business. Adding that, it is imperative that all stakeholders should live up to expectations.

“When we gave the directives,

it implies that the tanker drivers should reorganize, reschedule themselves, reschedule their loading, park at the designated stations and when they are called upon, they should always be on a single line and not on two or three lanes such that other vehicles drivers would be given way,” he noted.

Asked if, the directives would be acknowledged by truck and tanker drivers, he said, “Nigerians will only comply if they are forced to do so.’’

On the issue of approval of tank farms by state officials, he said, while building a new tank farm is capital incentive, it will be difficult to dismantle and relocate the existing ones.

According to him, “Already there is a plan to build Lekki free zone and Dangote is proposing a refinery and a depot which will be completed by 2016. Therefore, taking those tank farms and depots to another place is a total waste of resources. ‘’

We're not involved in crisis – LASU STUDENTS

...Lists conditions for Africa to overcome poverty

By Onozure Dania

G

O V E R N O R Babatunde Fashola, has said that for the African continent to be truly independent and snatch millions from the jaws of poverty, there is a need to get the African governments to make the right decisions so that Africa can play a major role in the world economic order.

Fashola, who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Ade Ipaye said this while delivering his keynote address at the Opening Plenary of the 3rd African International Economic Law Network Biennial Conference and Prince Claus Chair Round table on Development and Equity in Africa.

He said that the challenge is how to sustain the momentum of increasing the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), even as oil becomes cheaper and less attractive as an energy source. File Lagos

By Monsur Olowoopejo AWARD: From left; Nkechi Naechi, CEO, Businesstoday Online Ltd; Mr Rotimi Hussain, DG, Lagos State Pension Commission receiving Recognistion award on behalf of Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos State and Mr Sunday Thomas, DG, Nigeria Insurance Association during the 2nd Businesstoday Online Insurance and Pension Industry Award 2014 held in Lagos. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele.

LAGOS GOV: Some of my relations wanted Agbaje – OBA AKIOLU

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo

L

AGOS—BARELY 23 days to the inauguration of Lagos State governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu I, yesterday, narrated how some of his relatives wanted the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje and not Ambode to succeed Fashola.

According to the monarch; “On May 14, 2014 when I first told all residents of Lagos that the next governor of the state will be Ambode, many didn’t believe me.

“I knew all the waters that have passed under the bridge, including my own blood relations, who without consulting me went with others to say that Bola Tinubu, Fashola and Oba Akiolu have pocketed Lagos, saying that this time, they will not allow that. And I told

them that Jimi (Agbaje) will never be the governor. I still maintain it. There is no going back,” he added.

The Oba continued, “I have no doubt in my mind, with the cooperation and prayers of everyone, Ambode will perform very well. I told many people that Bola Tinubu planted the seed, Fashola came and watered the seed and it started germinating in geometrical progressions. We have just started.”

In his own speech, governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, said the monthly Federal Allocation and the monthly Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, will not be enough to fund the Lagos 2015 budget of N489 billion.

The governor and the monarch spoke at the public policy lecture organised by the Institute of Directors, IoD and launch of the book edited by Mr. Sam Omatseye titled, ‘The Example: The Era of Babatunde Raji

Fashola as Governor of Lagos State,’ in Lagos.

Fashola in his lecture titled, ‘My stewardship-Eight years of delivering excellence,’ said the number of migrants into the state daily has constantly increased its population.

Earlier, while explaining the reason for writing the book, Omatseye stated that the next generation would need answers to certain issues in the state and would want to know those who started the developmental work in the state.

He said “I felt that it was important that those people who saw it, who experienced it, worked and who were insiders were able to tell their stories and that was the reason why I started this project. I knew that about two or more years into his reign, people especially, his colleagues other governors started to see him as a kind of example. I started calling him the governor of example.”

L

AGOS—STUDENTS of the Lagos State University, LASU yesterday reacted over allegation by the state government that they were party to the reason for the continued closure of the institution, saying; “We have never been part of the crisis that led to the continued closure of the school.”

The students’ reaction came barely 24 hours after the Special Adviser to the state governor, Babatunde Fashola, on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga said the reason for the continued closure of the institution was the inability of the parties involved in the crisisstaff, students and the school management, to reach peaceful agreement.

Public Relations Officer of LASU Students’ Union, Mr. Fatai Adebanjo, in a statement , lamented the sudden inclusion of the students who have being pleading with the parties involved in the crisis to sheath sword.

Adebanjo said the comment by the state government was erroneous and could further escalate the crisis rocking the institution.

According to him, “We can state authoritatively that, this statement was made obviously to indict the Students’ Union of LASU because, the Students’ Union protested against the continued closure of our school.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 11

EXCLUSION OF MPPP CANDIDATE: Party urges tribunal to nullify Amosun’s victory

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—THE Mega Progressive People’s Party, MPPP, has asked the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State to nullify the re-election of Governor Ibikunle Amosun for excluding the party and its standard bearer in the state from the April 11 gubernatorial polls.

The MPPP in a petition dated April 24, 2015 and signed by its National Chairman, Hamisu Santuraki and counsel to the party, Dayo Solaja (SAN), is however, seeking an order of the Tribunal directing INEC to conduct a fresh governorship election in the state.

The petitioner prayed that Amosun’s re-election must be nullified at the tribunal on the grounds that its governorship candidate in Ogun State, Mrs. Iyabode Ogunmefun, who was validly nominated was “unlawfully excluded” from the April 11 gubernatorial election by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The party in its petition before the Tribunal sued INEC and joined the All Progressives Congress, governor Ibikunle Amosun and his running mate, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga as respondents.

Other reliefs being sought by the MPPP include an order of the Tribunal setting aside the election of Governor Amosun conducted by INEC on April 11.

The MPPP is also seeking an order of the Tribunal declaring as null and void “ab initio” the declaration of the result of the election conducted by INEC returning Amosun and his running mate on the platform of the APC as the winner “due to the exclusion of the petitioner and its candidate for the governorship of Ogun State of Nigeria by the 1st respondent.”

It also wants the Tribunal to set aside the result of the election conducted by INEC on April 11 which returned Governor Amosun and his running mate as well as the withdrawal of the Certificates of Return issued to them.

The MPPP is further asking the Tribunal for an order directing INEC to conduct a re-run election for the governor of Ogun State.

The party is also seeking “such further or other order as the Tribunal may deem fit to make in the circumstances of this case.”

Amosun blames NNPC over incessant pipelines vandalisation

By Daud Olatunji

A

DINNER: From left, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, Proprietor, The Daily Times of Nigeria; Dr. Olatunde Ayeni, Chairman, NATCOM; Mr. Yossi Barkhan of PCCW Africa; Mr. Yogesh Lulla, PCCW Global and Mr. Marc Halbfinger, CEO, PCCW Global at a dinner was held recently to mark the visit of NATCOM’s technical partner, PCCW-HKT, to Nigeria.

Black marketers push petrol price to N300/litre in Ondo

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE–AS the scarcity of petrol bites harder across Ondo state , major marketers of the commodity now divert their consignment to independent marketers who sell between N150 and N300 per litre.

Investigations conducted by Vanguard in the state indicated that the major marketers preferred to sell their consignment to independent marketers who then sell above the pump price.

To avoid suspicion because the state petroleum products monitoring committee announces daily basis the allocation to each dealer, the major marketers divide their consignment into two by selling more than half to independent marketers.

It was gathered that the independent marketers also have some hoodlums who buy in jerry cans and hang around on the major roads to sell at exorbitant prices.

Vanguard learnt that in order to prevent members of the public from knowing their shady deal, trucks conveying the consignment move to the stations owned by independent marketer around 2am to dump the commodity into their under ground tanks.

The major marketers sells for less than two hours and thereafter announced that they have exhausted their consignment.

Almost all the independent marketers across the state are dispensing the commodity for between N200 and N300 per litre while few malor marketers sold at N150 per litre.

At the NNPC Mega Station on Akure-Owo expressway the commodity is sold at the normal price but the queue is endless.

Black market business has been booming in the last one week as motor park touts now move about with Jerry cans to make brisk business.

Transport fares have gone up by 100 percent for inter and intra city services.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State

government yesterday said it would continue to do the needful in curtailing the activities of oil marketers who are using the fuel scarcity to extort the people with unrealistic pump prices.

Chairman of the state Petroleum products monitoring committee, Alhaji Jimoh Bello gave the assurance while announcing the arrival of 165,000 litres of petrol to mitigate the hardship faced by the people.

24 Ondo Assembly members get Certificates of Return

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—TWENTY four of the 26 elected members of the Ondo state House of Assembly have been presented with their certificate of returns by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in the state.

Official reason for withholding that of the two constituencies in Ilaje 1 and Ilaje 11 was not given during the presentation by the Resident Electoral Commissioner Olusegun Agbaje during the ceremony in Akure.

But findings showed that some grey areas have not been cleared in respect of the two constituencies following the double speak by the REC on the declaration of the results.

An official of the Commission told Vanguard that the Certificates of Returns of the two members from the two constituencies were not part of those that the state office of the commission received from the Headquarters.

He told Vanguard in confidence that the national Chairman Prof

Attahiru Jega did not sign the certificates before he travelled since the controversy over the result was just cleared last week.

Agbaje had declared the results announced for the two constituencies as inconclusive following an alleged petition by the returning officers that they declared the results under duress after their lives were threatened.

B E O K U TA — OGUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has blamed the incessant vandalisation of petroleum pipelines by oil thieves across the country partly on negligence of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Amosun said this yesterday, when he visited the scene of a vandalised petroleum pipeline along Iperu-Ogere Road in Ikenne Local Government area of the state.

The governor, who said the issue of vandalism was a reflection of the state of the nation, alleging that there was complicity of influential people in pipeline vandalisation.

He recalled that in 2012 after such incidence happened at Arepo, President Goodluck Jonathan had invited him to his office in Abuja, where he gave him some solutions to pipeline vandalisation.

Amosun, who was visibly angry at the colossal loss of revenue to vandals, said nothing was done about it.

The governor, who decried the award of pipeline protection contract to a group by the Federal Government, suggested that governors of various states which petroleum pipelines pass through should be involved in checkmating vandals.

He said, “Vandalism is a daily occurrence which shows the way we are as a nation. I still maintain that NNPC is part of the problem being the agency assigned to ensure that things like this do not happen.''

Ado Bayero resumes at NPA, pleads for support development of the NPA.

By Godwin Oritse

T

HE newly appointed Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero has appealed to the management team of the agency for support for the daunting task ahead.

He made the plea yesterday, during an official handing-over ceremony in Lagos.

According to him, support from management will help the agency, economy and the nation in general , pledging his total support for the

He further assured that as the new MD of NPA,cooperation among workers is of essence stressing that with a formidable team in place, all the challenges faced by the maritime agency will be addressed with ease.

“Without your support for the NPA to move forward will not be too good for the economy and the nation and that I why I hope we all will work together because I pledge my full support and cooperation” Earlier in his remarks, outgoing MD, Habib Abdullahi called for total support from management staff of the agency for the new boss.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

Rivers APC challenges REC to make election documents public

By Davies Iheamnachor

P

ORT HARCOURT—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State has challenged the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dame Gesila Khan, to publish all the documents used for the governorship and state House of Assembly elections in the state if they truly do exist.

The party chairman, Mr. Davies Ikanya, who addressed newsmen on the alleged connivance of the REC with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to scuttle the move of the APC to the election tribunal, accused the REC of releasing a contrived result to the people of the state.

Ikanya said that the insistence of the REC to make all the documents used for the election open meant that the documents were not ready as at the time the result was announced or worse still, there was no election in the state as the APC had earlier claimed.

It will be recalled that the REC had last Thursday, briefed

N-Delta youths urged to cooperate with Buhari

By Ochuko Akuopha

O

LEH—COORDINATOR of Buhari Friends Organisation Network, BFON, Delta State chapter, Mr. Christopher Ohwogbona, has urged Niger Delta youths to cooperate with the incoming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), so as to encourage government to address the developmental needs of the oil rich region.

Ohwogbona, in a statement, stressed the need for the youths to maintain their peaceful disposition, saying that Buhari is out to rescue the region from the shackles of underdevelopment.

Noting that Buhari was abreast with the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta, he added that the president-elect was adequately equipped with the requisite experience to take the country to the next level.

newsmen at the state Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office that she gave the documents used for the election to all the political parties that participated in the elections.

However, Ikanya who disagreed, said that the REC had refused to release nine of the most important aspects of the needed documents for his party

to move to the tribunal.

He alleged that there was no proper documentation for the elections that held in the state, adding that it was now that the INEC in the state was manufacturing the documents allegedly at the houses of some of the PDP stalwarts to present to the public.

He said: “We are again calling on the general public to note the

attitude of REC in Rivers State, Gesila Khan toward releasing all the documents used for the state election to us.

“The delay in the release of the documents shows that they were not ready as at the time the results of the elections were announced. We challenge the REC to make the documents of the governorship and state House of Assembly elections public if they truly exist.”

CERTIFICATE OF RETURN: Mr. Chris Okaeben receives his certificate of return from Mr. Mike Igini, Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, in Benin, yesterday.

Dickson inaugurates Bayelsa Elders Consultative Forum

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N A G O A — GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has inaugurated a 12-member executive council of the state Elders Consultative Forum, with a mandate to advise the government on diversification of the state’s economy.

Dickson, during the inauguration of the council in Yenagoa, said the move became imperative, due to the drop in federal allocation, which has

slowed down the rate of developmental projects in the state.

He noted that the existing peace and stability could only be consolidated if there was increase in economic activities.

The governor noted that lack of job opportunities could bring about instability as most of the people depend largely on government due to the absence of industries to absorb them.

According to him, “There is wisdom in forming the council

as things do not go wrong in every society that has elders, because of the important role they play in helping to develop our communities, state and country.

“This council will liaise with Ijaw National Congress, INC, Ijaw Youth Council, IYC and other bodies, as there is a lot to do towards mobilizing our people to interface with other parts of Nigeria in order to galvanize support for our people in the Nigerian project."

APC told to invoke doctrine of necessity in zoning offices

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—DELTA State Chairman of Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Mr Emmanuel Igbini, has called on the national leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, to invoke the doctrine of necessity in the zoning of national offices.

Igbini, in a statement yesterday, said that they had watched with keen interest the ongoing intrigues and manoeuvrings concerning the

zoning of some critical elective and appointive offices of the incoming Federal Government.

He said: “We wish to remind Nigerians that zoning and rotation arrangement for certain critical elective and appointive positions at Federal Government level was adopted by Nigerians in the 1995 Constituent Assembly and has been adopted and put in practice since the return to democracy in 1999. This zoning and rotation has

ensured political harmony, stability, peace and unity in Nigeria.

“In year 2010, when there was tension in the polity following the unfortunate death of President Umaru Yar' Adua, the ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ was immediately invoked to maintain peace and unity in the nation.

“Since 1999, all geopolitical zones have been accommodated into critical positions to give a sense of equal belonging."

Election tribunal receives 13 petitions in C-River

By Emmaneul Una

T

HE Cross River Election Tribunal is sitting at the National Industrial Court, Calabar, Cross Rivers State and has received 13 petitions from aggrieved political parties and candidates who lost in the polls.

Secretary of the tribunal, Mr John Tsok, told Vanguard, yesterday, that the tribunal has so far received one petition for governorship, four petitions for the senatorial election and nine for House of Representatives election across the three senatorial zones of Cross River State.

“We are still expecting the inauguration of the tribunal on Monday next week and when this is done, we shall commence hearing on all the petitions we have so far received.”

DELTA 2015: Emerhor goes to tribunal

T

HE All Progressives Congress, APC, and its governorship candidate in the 2015 governorship election in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, have petitioned the election tribunal, urging it to declare the governorship election result in Delta State null and void and order a rerun.

The petitioners are contesting the election results on the ground that the electoral laws and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, guidelines relating to exclusive use of card readers were flouted, resulting in the declaration of manipulated and highly inflated results.

Delta State APC and its candidates are further contending in the petition that accredited voters captured by the card readers at various centres were fewer than the huge figures declared by INEC in the April 11 governorship election.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015—13

Delta govt moves to restore downgraded Asaba Airport D

ELTA State Government, yesterday, said it was doing everything to ensure that the downgraded Asaba Airport returned to its rightful rating, as it had awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of the runway and taxiways in the airport.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Chike Ogeah, in a statement in Asaba, said: “On April 27, 2015, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, effected a downgrade of Asaba Airport following the directive for the rehabilitation of the existing runway, taxiways and the construction of perimeter fence as well as training of technical personnel.

“The issues raised by the NCAA have been known to the Delta State Government which has already set in motion the machinery for effecting the upgrades demanded by the regulatory agency. First, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, has approved the rehabilitation of the runway and taxiways in the airport.

“Similarly, the governor has approved the engagement of a seasoned consultant to supervise the rehabilitation exercise. However, being a public sector project, extant rules on procurement and due process will be strictly adhered to. This may, at the initial stage, impact on the commencement of the project.

“The downgrade in the

status of Asaba Airport has not in any way affected the operation of scheduled commercial flights in and out of the airport. Arik Air, Aero Contractors and Overland Air which operate scheduled daily flights have since deployed the right aircraft specification and are providing seamless services to passengers.

“The government is vigorously processing the mobilization of the contractor and the consultant for the job to commence in earnest.

“Already, work on the

perimeter fencing has commenced. However, there is additional acquisition of over 400 hectares of adjoining land which has increased the scope of work. To boost security within the airport axis, the government has employed 20 security guards to carry out routine surveillance of the airside.

“On the training of requisite technical personnel, all the staff recently employed by the state government have undergone the four-week mandatory basic training at

the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Training School, Lagos in 2013.

Arrangement has reached advanced stage for sending them on specialized training relevant to their various departments.

“It should be noted that airports are permanent construction sites the world over and regulatory agencies, which in Nigeria is the NCAA, have the mandate to oversight all the airports and may from time to time raise any concern thereof."

MARKET ACCESS: General Manager, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, Mr. Olawale Anifowose; Zonal Controller, Nigerian Communications Commission, Mr. Austin Odo; Head, Regional Sales, South-South, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Enekwachi Aja and Specialist, SME Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Olufemi Oguntimehin, at the 12th edition of Etisalat-Sponsored Market Access, in Port Harcourt.

IYC, ex-militant leaders fault calls for scrapping of Amnesty Programme

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—THE Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, worldwide and former militant leaders from the Niger Delta have faulted calls by some politicians for the scrapping of the Presidential Amnesty Programme by the incoming administration of the presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

IYC described the call as a conspiracy against the Niger Delta people, while the former militant leaders said though those involved in the calls against the programme have the right to their personal opinion, the suggestion is filled with anger, malice and done in bad faith.

IYC, through its spokesman, Eric Omare, yesterday, said it was aware of clandestine moves by those who it said conspired to force President Goodluck Jonathan out of Aso Rock to set the Niger Delta on fire from May

29, 2015 upon General Buhari’s assumption of office.

He said: “It is not true, as alleged, that the amnesty programme is a continuous drain on the nation’s resources and only benefits a particular ethnic group. The amnesty programme is an initiative of

the Federal Government designed for ex-Niger Delta agitators who agreed to surrender their arms and were documented in 2009.

“The programme involves different phases with the reintegration phase as the last phase. It is not the fault of the

beneficiaries of the amnesty programme that the re-integration phase which involves training and provision of jobs had not been completed. It was because of budgetary constraints on the part of the Federal Government."

Edo Elections Tribunal receives 10 petitions

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—OVER ten petitions have been filed at the Edo State Election Petitions Tribunal by candidates of political parties who lost in the National and state Assembly elections in Edo State before the expiration of the deadline in accordance with the Electoral Act. Secretary to the tribunal, Mr. Muktar Bello, said that respondents in the petitions have been served, adding that the tribunal had stopped receiving petitions from

applicants at the end of the date set aside for receiving petitions.

Among those who filed petitions at the National Assembly elections are Mr. Samson Osagie, APC Edo South senatorial candidate against the winner of the election, Mr. Matthew Urhoghide of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; Mr. Larry Ogieva-Okunbor, PDP, against Patrick Aisiweren-APC, for Uhunmwode/Orhionmwon federal constituency, Still on National Assembly election, Chief Francis Inegbineki-APC is contesting

his defeat at the poll by Mr. Clifford Ordia for Edo Central senatorial seat and Mr. Oladele Bankole-Balogun-PDP, against the election of Mr. Peter Akpatason for Akoko-Edo federal constituency.

In the state House of Assembly election, Mr. Okoro Asonsere-PDP, against Osaigbovo Iyoha-APC, for Oredo West state constituency, Friday Ogieriakhi-PDP, Martins Erhabor-PDP, respectively against the winners of Orhionmwon East and West state constituencies.

Gunmen kidnap Bayelsa monarch

By Samuel Oyadongha

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E N A G O A — GUNMEN have kidnapped a paramount ruler in Nembe Kingdom, Chief Gogo Lambert, the Amayanabo of Biokponga community, Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

The gunmen, it was learned, invaded the community at 11:30p.m., Tuesday and whisked the monarch away to an unknown place.

They were said to have shot sporadically into the air before gaining access to Lambert’s home.

The monarch was said to be fast asleep when the gunmen forcefully woke him up and bundled him into a waiting speedboat.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, said the victim was taken away from his community in NembeBassambiri.

He said the police got the report of the incident from the son of the victim, M. Udua, at 12:50 a.m., on Wednesday.

Asaba Club tasks Okowa on devt

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socio-cultural philanthropic club, Asdev ’81 Club of Asaba, has tasked the Delta State governor-elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to regard the entire state as his primary constituency and spread developmental projects evenly across the state.

Hailing his election and that of Mr. Peter Onwusanya as member representing Oshimili South constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, the club said that Okowa, who was massively voted for across the state, must work for a sustainable development of the state.

A statement by the National President of the club, Ogbueshi Tony Molokwu, described both the governor-elect and Onwusanya as “team players and square pegs in square holes” who must ensure that both executive and legislative arms of government work

14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

AWARDS: From left, Managing Director of Noah’s Ark, Mr. Lanre Adisa; former Registrar, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, Dr. Josef BelMolokwu; representative of former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Akinyemi; Executive Chairman, STB-McCann, Sir Steve Omojafor, and Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Edge, Mr John Ajayi, at the Brand and Advertising Excellence Awards, organized by Marketing Edge, in Lagos, Tuesday.

From left, Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Edge, Mr. John Ajayi, Founder, Insight Communications & Chairman, Troyka Holdings, Mr Biodun Shobanjo, presenting Marketing Edge Brand Personality of the Decade Award to Executive Chairman, STB-Mc Cann, Sir Steve Omojafor, and his wife, Lady Modupe (3rd left), while Mrs. Olubunmi Ajayi (right) looks on.

SENATE PRESIDENCY: South-East group roots for Lawan T

HE SOUTH-EAST chapter of National Coalition for Good Governance, has urged with senators-elect to throw their weight behind Senator Ahmed Ibrahin Lawan as the President of Senate.

The group, which consists of a number of Non-Governmental Organisations, at the end of a post general elections forum, said from its analysis of governance, the nation would require a stable, visionary and

purposeful National Assembly, which “the Senate presidency of Senator Ahmed Lawan will guarantee.”

Citing consistency in

character, capacity and competence, the group stated that “having scored so high in the areas of consistency, character and competence, we,

therefore, strongly appeal to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the senators-elect to, please, do the needful for the sake of posterity by electing

unanimously, distinguished Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan as the President of Senate.”

In a statement by its SouthEast coordinator, Eze Odiri, the group argued that Senator Lawan had exhibited consistency in many areas, especially in party membership, noting the man may be in that he “has consistently connection with his been a member of ANPP alleged scuffle with a until it merged with other deaf and dumb over a girl parties to form APC.” friend affair.

Besides, the group said He added that at the “consistency in political time of filing this report, party affiliations points to the body of the deceased character and was still lying helplessly dependability which are at the scene. critical to the person who Confirming the will occupy the office of the incident, the Divisional President of Senate,” Police Officer at Okpoko, stressing that “this means Emeka Ugwu, (CSP), that the person has no said it was a sudden and excess luggage or unnatural death, adding encumbrance which can that investigations were bring a smear on the office still in progress and institution.”

Police investigates sudden death case in Onitsha

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA—Homicide detectives attached to Ogbaru Divisional Headquarters,

Okpoko, near Onitsha, are now working round the clock to unravel the circumstances surrounding the sudden and unnatural death of a young man yet to be identified in the area.

The deceased, according to the source, was found stone dead by the residents near the bank of the River Niger early yesterday morning, which forced them to go into frenzy as they alerted the police.

According to an eyewitness, the death of

DPO advises associations to maintain peace

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SSESSING THE security situation of Alakuko Community in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, a Divisional Police Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Musa Alim, admonished the various associations and their

leaders to always maintain peace and be security conscious.

The police officer was speaking to newsmen in his office on security situation since he assumed office at Alakuko Police Command recently.

He appealed to the community and the

general public to cooperate with the police officers to maintain peace, that had been the yardstick of success in the area.

He also asked communities to report strange faces or suspicious movements in their areas so as to wipe out undesirable elements.

Our culture, communal life should remain intact —DELTA TRADITIONAL RULERS

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ELTA STATE Council of Traditional Rulers has stated that despite the current wave of industrial, economic and social development, the tenet of our culture and communal living should not be put away or regarded as obsolete.

The monarchs unanimously made the statement during their meeting in their secretariat complex in Asaba, recently.

The Chairman of the Council, The Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse II equally stated that our cultures should not be jettison in any manner,

that every man has a culture both the black and the white as the case may be.

The Royal Fathers used the opportunity of their coming together to thank Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor-Elect of Delta State and his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro stressing that they have implicit confidence in them.

The Monarchs stated that their hand of friendship would be extended to them, when the in-coming government would come on board fully.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 15

Absence of AG’s counsel stalls trial of Biafra activists

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—THE ongoing trial of 11 members of Biafra Zionist Federation, BZF, was stalled, yesterday, due to the absence of the prosecuting counsel from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

It would be re-called that the Zionists, including their leader, Benjamin Onwuka, had been standing trial on charges bordering on treason before a Federal High Court sitting in Enugu.

The court, presided over by Justice Dorothy Agishi, had earlier remanded them in prison custody, over-ruling a bail application request from their counsel, Olu Omotayo.

The 11 pro-Biafra activists were brought to the court with heavily armed security operatives.

All the adjoining entrances leading to the court were also barricaded, a situation that made it difficult for people to drive in or out of the court premises.

However, when the case came up, the clerk informed the court that the prosecuting counsel said he was indisposed to appear in

the court.

Angered by the development, counsel to the accused persons, Omotayo, told the court that the freedom of his clients was being toyed with by the Attorney General.

He said: “We are surprised that he is not here today, if he knew that he would not be disposed to come from Abuja, he should hand over the case file to another

counsel in their zonal office here in Enugu.

“During the bail application, a counsel was coming from the AG's zonal office in Enugu, so, I’m surprised that the person is no longer appearing in the court.

“I am praying the court that if they did not appear in the next date, the case of the prosecution should be closed while they allow us to open our defence.”

Members of the BZF, who were also in court, left with mournful looks, even as they accused the Federal Government of a deliberate plan to stifle a nonviolent organization.

One of them, who spoke to journalists on anonymity, said: “President Jonathan should free these innocent freedom fighters before he leaves in office in May 29, 2015."

PROTEST: Cross section of workers of China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC, during a protest over unpaid compensations to workers, at CCECC Majidun office, Ikorodu, Lagos.

CCECC workers protest unpaid compensation

By Femi Ajasa

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ORKERS OF China Civil E n g i n e e r i n g Construction Company, CCECC, at the ongoing N29 billion Ikorodu Road reconstruction project, yesterday, protested alleged anti-labour treatment and unwillingness of the company to pay disengaged employees their entitlements.

The aggrieved workers, who carried placards, chanted protest songs in front of the CCECC

office at Majidun area of Ikorodu, Lagos, as early as 10:00 am, yesterday.

Some of the placards had inscriptions, such as: “CCECC stop cheating us, pay us our payoffs,” "CCECC, we are not slaves, pay us,”and “We need our payoff, it is our right.”

One of the affected workers, Thaddus Akaa, said the protest was to seek their due compensations from CCECC, stressing that workers had been tolerating the alleged abuse because of fear of being sacked.

He said: “I started working with them since, 2011 and we worked across Nigeria tirelessly from Sunday to Monday without any break till the end of the month; no weekend, no holidays.

“They called us all sorts of names, treat us like slaves and drove many of us out of the company without any notice or compensation. Most of us have been sent out without any plan of payment and our fear is that the project is nearing completion and it will be handed over to Lagos State government on May 13

Ndukwe campaign organization raises alarm over alleged doctoring of voters' register

By Enyim Enyim

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NITSHA—THE campaign organization of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, candidate for Anambra South senatorial zone in the March 28, 2015, National Assembly election, Chief Ernest Ndukwe, yesterday, raised alarm over alleged doctoring of voters' register by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ahead of the hearing of election petitions at the tribunal.

This is coming on the heels of the inauguration of a three-man panel for Anambra Election Petitions Tribunal headed by Justice Joseph Aganaba.

Addressing reporters shortly

after the inauguration of the tribunal panel, the DirectorGeneral of the Ernest Ndukwe Campaign Organization, Mr. Chris Nwosu, alleged that there was serious indication that some INEC staff might have colluded with some politicians to doctor the voters' register used in the last general elections to favour their preferred candidates.

“Before the March 28, 2015 National Assembly poll, we, in Ernest Ndukwe Campaign Organization, had reposed confidence in INEC, believing they were prepared to conduct a free, fair and acceptable poll.

"But what we saw during and after the announcement of the results was the opposite,” he said.

He said following the alleged doctoring of the voters' register, the petitioner applied for the certified true copy, CTC, which INEC refused to give to them till date.

He said: “We hear there is pressure on INEC not to issue the CTC to petitioners. We appeal to the Commission to make the job of the election petition tribunal easy by furnishing them with necessary documents that may be needed at any stage of the hearing of election petitions .”

Nwosu expressed implicit confidence in the Aganaba led election petition tribunal panel, saying his campaign organization believed the stolen mandate of Ernest Ndukwe would be reclaimed at the tribunal.

without them giving us our payoffs,” Akaa lamented A forklift operator, Ope Adako, said the workers had to protest in order to let the world know how CCECC had been treating Nigerians. “They have no respect for their labour; we beg our government to quickly come to our aid “In times of redundancy, it is understandable that companies can lay off workers, but compensations must be given to such staff.

"Most of those they have sacked have not received any word on how the company intends to compensate them.

The company’s management ignored us totally and they have turned our union to a mere puppet, who speaks for the management’s cause," he added.

He added that many of his colleagues, who had been working with CCECC for over 10 years were among those who were indiscriminately laid-off by the company.

Adako pleaded with Lagos State government to rescue the workers from the excesses of their employer, saying they were troubled and helpless.

Vanguard's attempt to speak with one of the project managers of CCECC, Majidun Yard, identified as one Mr. Wasiu, failed as he evaded our reporter and other attempts to reach the management of the company also failed.

Police dismiss speaker’s allegation

By Francis Igata

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NUGU STATE police command, yesterday, dismissed insinuations that its men were used by the state government to intimidate members of the House of Assembly.

Speaker of the House, Eugene Odoh, had alleged that the government used policemen to harass and intimidate him and other members of the House of Assembly.

But Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the command, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, said the allegation was untrue, adding that the statutory function of the police was to prevent a break-down of law and order.

He said: “We are not partisan. We cannot fold our arms and watch a crisis situation degenerate into a complete breakdown of law and order. The House has been factionalised. Our duty is to maintain peace."

NCC donates 87 ICT/ telecom engineering books to MOUAU

By Eric Ugbor

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BA—NATIONAL Communications Commission, NCC, has donated 87 engineering books worth millions of naira to Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, Abia State, as the Commission’s support for capacity building in tertiary institutions in the country.

A board member of the Commission, representing the South East, Dr. Mike Onyia, who made the presentation at the institution, Tuesday, said the Commission had implemented several capacity building initiatives to enhance the knowledge base of the participants in the telecoms industry.

Dr. Onyia said: “The Commission also in response to the support for capacity building in the tertiary institutions, embarked on the national books donation initiative in order to support annually public libraries and higher institutions of learning in the six geo-political zones with telecommunication and engineering books.”

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

OSHODI-APAPA GRIDLOCK: Vanguard editors, other motorists stranded for 12 hours zHoodlums attack trapped motorists

The usual traffic chaos at the Mile 2 section of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, turned worse Tuesday night, and the gridlock lasted till noon, yesterday.

Here, tankers deliberately block access to Kirikiri, let alone, Apapa, Lagos.

Photos: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

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OTORISTS AND commuters trapped in Oshodi-Apapa expressway traffic gridlock Tuesday night had a raw deal in the hands of hoodlums as they were attacked and robbed of valuables including cash and phones, and tablet PCs(i-pads).

Last week, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kayode Aderanti, announced the establishment of a special task force to maintain a passable space along Oshodi/Apapa express way, with a view to ameliorating the sufferings of motorists and commuters plying the route.

The task force has however failed to provide the necessary security promised by the Police Commissioner as no policeman or other security personnel were in sight. The hoodlums had a field day harassing, molesting and robbing commuters trapped between Otto Wolff and Coconut bus-stops for more than seven hours from 8pm and 7a.m.

Some road users whose offices are located around the affected axis, were left at the mercy of the miscreants who hide between the tankers which totally took over the entire expressway and service lanes.

Commuters were not left out in the attack, as those who bid to cross the road from Berger Yard, Otto Wolff and Mile Two ends, inward Apapa, to the other side of the expressway to board buses, were also attacked by hoodlums who were armed with dangerous weapons.

A man who attempted to struggle with some of them was reportedly stripped naked under Berger bridge, with an undisclosed amount of money taken from him.

He was also said to have been injured in the process.

Some fear-stricken motorists who wound up the windows of their cars, had their car windows glasses smashed by the miscreants, who came in a gang numbering over ten.

Vanguard’s staff, among them, the Deputy Editor, Mr Eze Anaba, and General Editor, Mr Adekunle Adekoya, as well as Chief SubEditor, Rev Udo Ibuot, and News Editor, Mr Kayode Matthew,

among others also had their fair share of the harrowing experience as they were trapped between 11.30pm and 3am while leaving for their respective homes at the close of work.

Calls were put across to policemen both at Kirikiri and Trinity divisions but no policeman was showed up to help salvage the situation. Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr Kenneth Nwosu, was also contacted by desperate motorists. He was quoted to have assured the stranded motorists of police presence but none was sighted.

Frustrated, some motorists whose offices are located within the axis, were left with no choice than to pass the night in their offices, while those already trapped in the gridlock passed the night with their eyes wide open behind their steering wheels.

An access way was reportedly opened between Berger Yard about 4am but it was again blocked until 10am yesterday when some Naval personnel managed to create a way for their vehicles and those of other motorists coming from Kirikiri.

The Naval personnel reportedly threatened to deflate tyres of trucks found hampering the free flow of traffic.

One of the affected motorists, Mr Chionye Ndubuisi, who came to Vanguard yesterday, said: “I came here to register my disappointment over the state of the perennial gridlock on Oshodi/ Apapa Expressway because I know this is the best means to get the attention of both the state and federal government .

“I was on my way home to Kirikiri yesterday ( Wednesday), at about 10pm. But on reaching Freedom bus-stop, I was stuck in traffic, occasioned by tanker drivers who took over the entire expressway. Could you believe that I spent five hours in a distance that ordinarily would have taken seven minutes to drive?

“As if that was not enough, I was attacked by hoodlums. But I was fortunate that my phone was not

The unabating chaotic situation.

Some tanker drivers, looking frustrated in an endless wait to reach tank farms to lift fuel.

They eat, sleep and do other things on the road. taken. I ended up giving them all the money I had on me. The most painful aspect is that just last week , the Lagos CP declared that a special task force would be deployed with full force to ensure that tanker drivers would no longer constitute a menace on this route. I understand he said the task force comprised men from the command headquarters in

Ikeja and others from Festac, Trinity, Kirikiri, Mile 2 and Orile divisions.

"But my question is, where were these policemen yesterday, when miscreants had a field day?

Or are they waiting for people to die before they rise to the challenge? Ndubuisi asked.

A Vanguard editor who also did not hide his consternation over

the unending gridlock and government’s seeming neglect, said: “The annoying aspect of Tuesday’s scenario was that repeated calls to Kirikiri and Trinity Divisional Police Officers were ignored. Also, when the PRO, Kenneth Nwosu was contacted twice , he boasted that he had mobilised his men but nobody showed up”.

Abia election tribunal begins sitting, warns against undue delay

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—ABIA State National and State House of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal commenced sitting, yesterday, with the chairman, Justice Mohammed Wakili, warning lawyers against undue delay in prosecuting their matters through unnecessary adjournments.

According to Justice Wakili, the tribunal has received 30 petitions for the national and state assembly elections in the state.

Wakili, who spoke at the inaugural sitting of the panel in Umuahia, said the tribunal would

not tolerate waste of time so that litigants not satisfied with the outcome of the tribunal could proceed to a higher tribunal in good time.

He said members of the tribunal were aware of the 180 days allowed by law for it to dispense justice and wind up.

Wakili, who has two other judges, Justice P. I. Ajoku and Justice A. E. Adesodun, in his panel, also advised litigants and their lawyers to explore the possibility of using Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, to resolve matters out of court.

He pledged that the tribunal would be upright and discharge its duty without fear or favour.

He said: “We must, therefore, uphold the stability of this democracy by stamping the hallmark of legality on conduct of our nation’s elections, as it is through our eyes that justice perceives a wrong that must be made right.

“Counsel as officers in the temple of justice, must ensure that their duty to the tribunal is paramount, and must abide by the ethic of the profession, which requires respect, honesty and decorum.

“You are, therefore, not to mislead the tribunal/court, but to assist it to arrive at justice before the public."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 17

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HESE are not the best of times for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Nigeria’s ruling behemoth was so dominantly assured of its hegemonic hold on power, that many of its leaders arrogantly told Nigerians, that they would rule for sixty years. It was ground enough for a party that was everything but a genuine political party, to arrogantly grab hold of power, and do as they wished.

And they did, for sixteen years!

They have managed to run Nigeria aground and thoroughly alienated Nigerians to the point that people became completely fed up with the in-your-face arrogance of its denizens, whose power was constructed on a platform of monumental heist and incompetence. They just had to go!

Like the Third Reich, which was expected to last a thousand years, until the Soviet Red Army smashed its way into Berlin and the Nazi chancery, our PDP’s deluded fascination with sixtyyear power, crumble in sixteen years, under the firepower of the Nigerian people.

Those who pretended that they led formidable political divisions into battle, ended up bloodied and have resembled more and more, demoralised stragglers in desperate search for straws to cling on to. The PDP is fighting a battle for survival!

In the past week, they have engaged in washing dirty linens in public. It was President Goodluck Jonathan who first reminded the rats jumping off the sinking Titanic, that they would soon return from their flirtatious sorties into the APC, not only humiliated but with “empty stomachs”!

Empty stomachs Apparently so little was left in the kitty for the in-coming APC administration, that in a ‘stomach infrastructure’ manner of speaking, there was not likely to be much to ‘eat’, even by the victors. So the decamping PDP chaps are not likely to get a lookin.

Their comeuppance, as they return with tails between legs, to the PDP, would be on “empty stomach”! And it got more serious when the PDP NWC issued a “strong warning” to “ambitious” presidential associates and aides, trying to use their closeness to President Jonathan “to cause crisis in the party and pave way for more defection to other parties” to steer clear.

This followed a call by Ahmed Gulak, a former presidential aide, that National Chairman, Adamu Muazu should take responsibility for the party’s defeat and resign. Gulak said: “…the party chairman was the number one culprit for the dismal outing of the PDP”.

A similar position was articulated by the controversial Ekiti Governor, Ayo Fayose and that isshared by groups in the South-east and South-south, which seemed to have become the new base of the PDP, as a result of the last election. The NWC will not be stampeded out C M Y K

PDP: Of feuding factions, empty stomachs and power loss syndrome of position. It issued a statement this week, accusing the Presidential Campaign Organisation (PCO) of

In truth, the PDP leaders are still shell shocked!

responsibility for the party’s misfortune. Olisah Metuh, the National Publicity Secretary, blamed the hate campaign against General Buhari, adopted and executed by the PCO, as being responsible for “the abysmal performance of the party” in the North.

Madam Jonathan, Femi FaniKayode and Governor Ayo Fayose, were also named as having made negative contributions that led to the PDP’s loss of power. And to underline how serious the NWC felt, PDP’s National Chairman, Adamu

Muazzu, made it clear that he was not ready to be used and dumped by the PDP! The last has not been heard of what is shaping up to be a major feud between contending factions for the battered soul of whatever remains of the PDP. In truth, the PDP leaders are still shell shocked! They have not come to terms with the bursting of their delusions about their place in the Nigerian power firmament.

They have been voted out, but have stayed too long in the comfort zone which access to lucre offered them, that they cannot yet

come to terms with the new dawn that has broken over Nigeria.

They are suffering early symptoms of withdrawal,and as all junkies know, that is a most painful process indeed! But learn they must. And it took the old soldier in David Mark, the outgoing Senate President, to remind the PDP: “to put the failures of the last elections behind them and build a strong and united party ready to play a credible opposition”. Nothing on ground at the moment, though, indicates that the feuding groups are willing to listen to Mark’s advice.

There is still a fight in all those concerned. The habitués of cinema houses in Northern Nigeria, especially in the 1970s, would remember “Dambe Za End”, “Ija the End” at Palace Cinema in Ilorin. We seem poised for something close to that.

Someone, some people, must find the heart to knock the PDP stragglers back into some decent political shape before they can hope to begin to resemble anything able to give the ascendant APC a meaningful challenge. The PDP will have to spend some good time in the wilderness, very far away from the sixty-year domination of power that they had been deluded about.

Ilorin to Lagos by road

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AM typing these lines somewhere in Ikeja, Lagos.

I arrived on Sunday to attend the funeral ceremony of Funke’s mother.

Funke is Yombo Aderinto’s wife; and Yombo is my friend, from our days at Radio Nigeria, Ilorin, in the late 1970s. I stay in their house at Buena Park in California, everytime I am in the United States. So attending the funeral ceremony for Funke’s mother was an imperative for me, but it was also an opportunity to come to Lagos by road.

And that is something I have not really done since 2002, when I worked as GM of KWTV, Ilorin.

It was an opportunity to see places that I used to be so familiar with, in all those years of traversing this beautiful country of ours.

Beautiful country The Ilorin-Ibadan Expressway was started during the Obasanjo administration and the IlorinOgbomosho and Ibadan-Oyo ends are ready, more or less, but the Ogbomosho-Oyo end is still to be done.

It means that many communities along the way remain as rustic as they always have been: Fiditi, Jobele and the smaller communities along the way seem lost in the problems of the past century.

And while there are visible agricultural potentials, especially the old and established production of fruits, there is not much that the aging population of these poor rural homesteads can do to become part of the processes of globalised TwentyFirst Century capitalism. I saw far more older people than young

and there was no doubt in in my mind that most of the young have drifted into the urban areas, as students, apprentices in trades, working people and urban lumpen!

As we stopped over to eat Amala, Ewedu and goat meat at the edge of the Expressway in Oyo, the old tradition of stopping along these routes in years past came rushing back to memory.

There is a continuum of tradition that was comforting, expect that these communities have become more crowded thus expressing the attraction they are for the rural hinterland around these urban areas.

There were the persistent beggars, mainly from Katsina, Zamfara and Borno, who I spent considerable time chatting with, much to the surprise of passengers in vehicles getting ready to resume their journey after experiencing the delightful food that we savoured too. We finally arrived in Lagos late evening, and the chaotic traffic situation as well as the effervescent energy of people only went to underline the fact that we were entering the

entrails of Nigeria’s most vibrant economic/commercial Uber-city.

Lagos has never stopped fascinating me; but its nightlife even more so!

Yombo’s cousin, Lawumi runs thir nightclub, CRESCENDO, in the Ikeja GRA district of the city.

We spent a major part of the night there, listening to and watching a live band play some of the best of old and new Nigerian music as well as savouring the grilled fish that was a specialty of the club.

The Lagos crowd just enjoys partying hard and loosening up after the hassle which characterises their week. Even the Sunday night show was no less crowded than say, the Saturday night.

Water logged city

By Monday afternoon, we were out again in search of food and you can bet that Lagos would always have a lot to enjoy. If there is a downside to this city that I have never been able to enjoy, it is the rainy season and its effect:

water-logged roads (as this is a low-lying city), where people never remember to keep their drainages clean; the utterly chaotic traffic situation which make movement such a nightmare, and the incredulity of social existence in the midst of that chaos. The human spirit is truly strong and Lagos brings that close home. We eventually arrived on Tuesday Evening at a Living Faith Church premise at Iyana Ipaja, where the funeral prayer was held, after the horror of traffic at the close of the day’s work. The return journey to Ikeja was better and the tension was dissipated by the hot plates of fish and oxtail pepper soup that we tucked into, as we also watched the Champions League game between Juventus and Real Madrid. We will go to Ago Iwoye, Ogun State onThursday, for the wake keeping and the internment on Friday morning, before I literally ‘re-mount’ my ‘Rocinante’ like Don Quixote, on the way back to Ilorin and Abuja. This is a lovely country to eternally re-discover and Lagos is such an important part of that journey, anytime!

Nigerian ruling class 'justice': Steal N25bn, pay N3m fine

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ICHAEL is the younger brother of former Edo state governor, Lucky Igbinedion.

He was standing trial for N25billion money laundering offences.

For eight years, Lucky Igbinedion presided over a regime of massive heist against Edo state, leaving the state prostrate and underdeveloped. It was from his years in power, between 1999 and 2007, that Lucky Igbinedion’s younger

brother, Michael, committed a crime of money laundering. Last week, Justice A.M. Liman of the Federal High Court, Benin, sentenced Michael to six years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of N3million.

This is the true face of ruling class justice in Nigeria. It offers opportunities to individuals from the ruling elite to carry out economic and other crimes against our country, but it sharply administers ‘justice’ against the

poor. The N25billion that was stolen from Edo could have provided education, health care, entrepreneurial training as well as stem the tide of prostitution in Italy.

But a member of the ruling family stole money, deprived millions of citizens of governance outcomes and was given just a rap on the knuckle! We cannot sustain the charade of ‘justice’ for the rich in Nigeria!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 IT is easy to misunderstand any position on Nigerians who are literally toying with their lives – and dying in the process. Some are trafficking drugs; if they are caught in some Asian countries they have procured death for themselves. Others make the long, dangerous and torturous journey to Europe through illegal routes in the Sahara Desert. If they survive, they could still perish at sea, crossing into Europe in over-loaded boats that hardly withstand the turbulent waters of the Mediterranean.

Desperation could be at the root of these fatal decisions. Ignorance plays a part too. Most of those who make the Sahara journey have no clue about the dangers entailed. The organisers are in no danger since our laws appear indifferent to the activities of these fraudsters, who daily entice our people with promises of better opportunities abroad. Their prospects are blinded to the dangers, often includ-

Desperation Drives Death ing death, after rosy stories of the “easy life” that awaits them abroad.

News of the death by firing squad for four Nigerians sentenced for drug offences in Indonesia, and the news that the same fate awaits another eight, should be enough to deter more Nigerians from involvement in crimes.

Would it? Are some Nigerians not boarding the next flight to their death, aware that they are dealing in illicit drugs and in countries where the penalty, on conviction, is the death sentence?

What could the Nigerian government have done after Indonesia insisted that it had to carry out the sentences? Its argument was that illicit drugs were ruining Indonesians. It fears that a milder sentence, or the reprieve that governments seek for their citizens, could embolden more traffickers. Appeals from Australia, Brazil, and France were similarly ignored. What should the Nigerian government have done?

Our missions are notorious for the quality of consular services they pro-

vide for Nigerians. These are matters our diplomats defend by pointing at the low (and in some instances outright denial of) funding of our missions. In the Indonesian case, the best funded missions in the world, with the best consular services, with stronger trade and cultural ties with Indonesia, could not pull their citizens out of the jaws of death.

The lesson appears to be that our governments have to increase awareness about dangers of drug trafficking and punish drug trafficking in Nigeria more stiffly. The affluent lifestyles of traffickers, who after mild sentences enjoy proceeds of their crime, entice others.

Pictures of the rickety craft that borne Nigerians to death in the Mediterranean, and recounts of journeys that brought them to death, are graphic illustrations of extents some go. Could Nigeria be so bad that some Nigerians prefer death to it?

OPINION Turkey’s declining supremacy of law

By Peter Uchenna

S

UPREMACY of the law is a basic principle in any democratic state. It is a doctrine that requires both citizens and governments to subject themselves to the laws of the land as interpreted by the judicial organ of government.

While the crises rocking most countries in the world today have their remote causes deeply rooted either on judicial rascality as a result of unnecessary external interference or the disregard for judicial pronouncement, many blossoming democracies have always adhered to the doctrine of supremacy of law irrespective of whose ox is gored.

The idea of the supremacy of law, which requires that individuals have a secure area of autonomy and have settled expectations by having their rights and duties pre-established and enforced by definition of law seem not to be the case in Turkey as court judgments are either dished out on executive’s arm prompting or ignore when they do not soothe government interest.

Though it is no longer news that democracy in Turkey has over the recent years continued to face a major decline, the seeming penchant of the present administration in dismissing court rulings with mere wave of hands may soon make democracy a thing of the past in that country.

Affront on court judgements by

constituted authorities was a common norm during the dark days of unpopular and dictatorial government in many developing countries especially SubSaharan Africa, but the move by Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reinvent the bad old days of judicial abuse has left many to wonder.

The Turkey’s government is treading on the unpopular judicial path, by delaying the release from detention of Samanyolu Broadcasting Group CEO, Hidayet Karaca and scores of police officers after a court ordered their release from wrongful incarceration.

Karaca and the police officers, who were arrested pending trial in governmentorchestrated operations more than a year ago were ordered to be released by an Istanbul Court of First Instance but in an apparent political pressure on the members of Turkey’s judiciary, public prosecutors have refused to comply with the court judgment.

The decision of the government, that was swift to effect the arrest of Karaca and the police officers but now dragging its feet

Turkey has got to a point when “even judges and prosecutors including the honest ones are bowing in tears before the orders of the palace

on their freedom appear to have underscored the authoritarian rule under Erdogan that has regularly aroused complaints in the country.

Little wonder many experts have described the system that hold sways in Turkey under Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) as nothing but full authoritarianism that is veiled in democratic clothing.

The abuse of the rule of law which continue to fester in Turkey on daily basis has also seen many rights activists sent to jail, amid outcry by organisations from within and outside the country.

With this latest development, it is very clear that President Erdogan and his cotravellers in the ruling AKP do not have respect for rule of law when it goes against their interests.

Many experts in the country’s politics believe that the unnecessary interference in the judicial system in Turkey is a well orchestrated ploy by the present administration to stifle critics ahead of the June 7 parliamentary election, hence the reluctance exhibited by public prosecutors to comply with the court ruling on Karaca’s case.

“Unfortunately, the judgment of Mr. Prosecutor is a negative one. The court’s release ruling was not enforced. It is such a pity: A prosecutor does not have a say in a court’s ruling,” lawyer Kemal ^im_ek, who represents some of the imprisoned police officers, was quoted to have said on his Twitter account by Today’s Zaman newspaper.

Lawyer to Karaca, Gültekin Avc1 who

has also spoken out against the refusal to grant his client freedom as directed by the court, said the prosecutor is well aware that what he is doing is unlawful, saying that Turkey has got to a point when “even judges and prosecutors including the honest ones are bowing in tears before the orders of the palace [a reference to President Recep Tayyip Erdoan].”

Just like many people, I continue to wonder why Turkey’s government that is striving to join the European Union (EU), a body that is fully known for its uncompromising stance on rule of law, is gradually becoming a nemesis to the rights and freedom of Turkish people.

EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn’s spokeswoman, Maja Kocijancic, has however reminded Turkey of its commitments as a candidate country in particular to principles of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, stressing that the EU was closely following the unfolding developments. “The Commission is closely following these developments. We would like to use this opportunity to recall the principles of the rule of law, including the independence of the judiciary, to which Turkey, as an EU candidate country, has committed to. We hope the case will be dealt with in a transparent manner and in full clarity, in line with relevant judicial rules and procedures and in conformity with the Turkish constitution,” Kocijancic was quoted to have said by Turkish based Today’s Zaman newspaper. *Mr Uchenna, a foreign affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015—19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Re-probing the ‘missing $20 billion’ I t would seem that the “missing $20 billion” saga has come to stay. In Nigeria, once they say a large sum of public fund is missing, misappropriated or stolen, it becomes part of our story as a corrupt country. Till date, the “missing” $2.8 billion from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) when the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari was Minister of Petroleum in 1978 has not been laid to rest, even though the man is now depicted as saint.

In the same vein, the $12 billion oil windfall Nigeria earned during the Gulf War of 1990/ 1991 under the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, which was confirmed “misspent” by the Dr. Pius Okigbo Panel set up by General Sani Abacha, remains unsettled.

When the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, wrote President Goodluck Jonathan on September 25th 2013, alleging that a whopping $49.8 billion had not been remitted to the Federation Account by the NNPC, he started the current firestorm that

refuses to go out. The interdepartmental Reconciliation Committee set up by the Minister of Finance, admitted that “only”$10.8 billion was yet to be remitted, but Sanusi stubbornly butted in, insisting that it was actually $12 billion.

Not done yet, Sanusi, at a Senate hearing on 4th February, 2014 dramatically jerked the amount to the current $20 billion.

Some people were only attracted by the sensation of “missing billions” being peddled by the CBN Governor. They were not bothered that he was bandying confusion and making a great joke of himself and our country. If any money was missing or unremitted, it could not be those three separate amounts! The Senate waded into the matter. The Senate is the only body constitutionally empowered to look into such allegations and hold the Executive to account. It is made up of members from both the ruling Peoploe’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

Its Committee, headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, conducted a comprehensive

investigation. On May 28th 2014, it cleared the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Madueke and the NNPC, saying there was no missing money.

There was no minority report or objection by APC members of the Senate about its findings, but the APC and its supporters continued to parrot the “missing $20 billion”.

Perhaps, to calm frayed nerves and bury the rumour conclusively, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, decided to go the extra mile and conduct a forensic audit of the NNPC account, which the President approved. Through the office of the Auditor General of the Federation, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), one of the four most renowned auditing companies in the world, was contracted to conduct the forensic audit. In November 2014, PWC submitted the audit to President Jonathan amidst fanfare. Its findings also cleared

Anyone who says there is no politics in this matter does not know what politics is. Will Buhari, the man we saw 31 years ago bundling politicians into jail through kangaroo tribunals, commit himself to a fair probe?

the Minister and NNPC of wrongdoing, pointing out, however, that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the NNPC, needed to remit $1.4 billion, being proceeds of signatures bonuses, to the Federation Account. The Minister of Petroleum, in an attempt to run away from the stigma of the “missing $20 billion” ordered it done immediately.

We all thought the matter was closed. If PWC does a forensic audit, surely it must be above question. The company has a worldwide reputation to defend, at least, so we thought. As the political campaigns were in full swing, APC resumed making references to the “missing $20 billion”, questioning the Presidency’s reluctance to release the full report to the public. To the dismay of watchers of this event, PWC made a startling revelation in an introductory letter to its 199page, that it could not vouch for the integrity of its findings, as its work was limited to facts and figures available to it! In other words, what they did was not a forensic audit as we were made to know, but some kind of review for the benefit of the Auditor General of the Federation’s office, and not meant to be relied upon by a third party!

Based on this scandalous disclosure, it is not surprising that the in-coming President, General Buhari, has undertaken to revisit the “missing $20 billions”. Since he campaigned on the platform of anti-corruption, Buhari will start on a doubtful note if he chooses to sweep the matter under the carpet. I

believe that a clear conscience fears no accusation. If the outgoing Minister, Mrs. Madueke, and the hands that ran the NNPC under her in the past six years are sure they have been above board in the handling of our oil money, they need not lose any sleep over another probe.

Where I have my reservations, though, is the politics of this issue.

Anyone who says there is no politics in this matter does not know what politics is. Will Buhari, the man we saw 31 years ago bundling politicians into jail through kangaroo tribunals, commit himself to a fair probe?

Will he commit to establishing the truth, or will he lead a lynch mob or witch hunt?

These questions are accentuated by the established attitude of APC, his political party, and some of its supporters who already believe that nothing short of guilty for Madueke and the NNPC (and by extension, out-going President Jonathan and his PDP) will do. Stories have been bandied in the media about Madueke fleeing into exile or seeking asylum when she travelled recently. The APC may be tempted to adopt the attitude that the tag of “missing $20 billion” is too juicy a political weapon to forgo against Madueke, Jonathan and PDP. If Buhari decides to press on with another probe, he must eschew politics. He has been presented with a second chance to put Nigeria right.

He must focus on finding out THE TRUTH ONLY, keeping out POLITICS. Everyone must have fair and dignified opportunity to say what they know about it. As my Geography teacher in Enuda High School Abiriba, Mr Ikoro, used to say in those days: “every charitable or uncharitable attitude is a boomerang.”

Justice Gladys Olotu: Crying in the wilderness

M

ARTIN Luther King Junior was essentially right when he asserted: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”. A major cause of injustice is human selfishness. In his book, The Republic, Plato dwelt at great length on the fact that people will often commit acts of injustice when they calculate that it is in their interest to do so. He concludes: “The highest reach of injustice is to be deemed just when you are not”.

Hon. Justice Gladys Olotu has seen it all in the past 15 months. Before her travail started in February 2014, when she was prematurely retired by President Goodluck Jonathan, this Federal High Court judge had a place on the list of the upright in the Nigerian Judiciary for 34 years.

In appraising the build-up to her travail, Olotu is quick to recognise the handiwork of a cabal whose grand design is to deliberately shut her out of the system by terminating her appointment 15 years before her retirement date.

Olotu’s crime is that she is in a profession where, contrary to the conventional wisdom, she can be bruised and beaten but she cannot cry out. Olotu dared the system by approaching the court for redress against her unjust retirement and to clear her name of alleged misdeed.

Apparently, Olotu has stepped on many big toes, including the retired Chief Justice Aloma Mukhtar-led Nigeria Judicial Council, NJC. Hear Olotu: “Mukhtar used the instrumentality of her offices as Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, and Chairman of Judiciary’s loftiest body to further her personal vendetta against me”.

Olotu has been up in arms against an existing oppressive system in which a powerful grid of retired justices in Nigeria, those she dubbed judicial consultants and

judicial Goliath, whose stock in trade is to swing judgements in favour of their clients to the consternation of younger judges who are expendable if they stand in the way of the retired judges.

She speaks further: “Hon. Justice Belgore tried to influence my decisions in Suit Nos. FHC/UY/CS250/2003: Mrs. Mona Yousseffian v. Ponticelli Nigeria Ltd, Elf Petroleum Nigeria Ltd; and FHC/PH/ CS450/2010: Mrs. Mona Yousseffian v.

Standard Chartered Bank and others… and I resisted him. This is my real offence”.

Again, Olotu maintains that the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, demands her pound of flesh. His animosity dates back to the Abuja UN bombing case no. FHC/ABJ/ CR/2013: FRN v. Salisu Mohammed and 3 others – a case she threw out for want of diligent prosecution. President Jonathan was said to have queried Adoke and this is what he has been holding against Olotu.

Quite often, like in the Olotu case, they work from the answer to the question.

How else does anyone explain that Mukhtar constituted a panel to investigate Olotu but when the first report of the panel did not fit her mould, she rejected the report and apparently had to personally re-write a second report for the

Olotu has been a lone voice, crying in the wilderness. But for us, anything that affects all must be approached by all

panel?

And how else does anyone explain that in her recommendation to the President for Olotu’s retirement, Mukhtar flaunted seven petitions against Olotu but did not mention to the President that five of the so-called petitions collapsed at first sight for lack of substance? She could also have been man enough (woman enough) to say what role she played in inducing the so-called petitions!

It is instructive that the arrow heads among the so-called petitioners have either withdrawn their petitions or they have claimed that their petitions were not against Olotu but against the tardiness in the judiciary’s registry. All these facts were cleverly hidden from the President.

How does anyone explain that in their haste to kick out Olotu, Mukhtar and her NJC threw due process to the wind by totally usurping the powers of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, FJSC, in utter defiance of the provisions of paragraph 13(b) of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, which confers on the FJSC, the function of initiating, and carrying through, the process of retiring federal judges?

Midway into Mukhtar’s probe, ThisDay, largely parroting Sahara Reporters, went to town with “EFCC Probes Seven Judges for Corruption” where it was alleged that Olotu had corruptly enriched herself to the tune of N2 billion and choice property scattered across the globe. To Olotu, this was just reminiscent of the

normal mudslinging, smear tactics and the dirty politics in the Judiciary.

The libel aspect of this is travelling its separate route with Olotu winning damages of N100 million at the Benin High Court in the first bout. ThisDay is on appeal.

Olotu has been a lone voice, crying in the wilderness. But for us, anything that affects all must be approached by all. It is possible that in her lone struggle, the attention of the Edo State Government may not have been properly drawn to this important case, which should be of interest to all. How often do we have a judge that is so strategically positioned in the hierarchy of federal high court judges, with age and brilliance on her side; and with an open possibility of rising to the very apex of her noble profession? A better ambassador and a more enviable asset, none could be! If we must slaughter the goose that lays the golden egg, it should be with a sense of loss and trepidation.

Meanwhile, there is intense heat on Olotu to withdraw the case from court.

Hear her: Igbinedion promises that “if I obeyed, they, as close friends of the President, would tell him to give me a big and enviable job”.

Shall we return to Justice Ayo Salami – the ex-chief judge of the appeal court who spent the last three years of his service waiting for Jonathan to make up his mind on the NJC recommendations? By extrapolation, the system would have one of two ways to go – either keep Olotu waiting for the rest of her 180 months of service or give her justice!

C M Y K

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY THURSDAY,, MAY 7, 2015

Escape from ‘hell’:

The story of 275 women and children rescued from Sambisa forest

By Umar Yusuf, Yola

T

HEIR doleful expression and haggard, weather-beaten appearance said it all: They had not only passed through the valley of the shadow of death but lived in it and are today alive to tell the story; a story that elicited shock as well as pity. Indeed they are the lucky survivors out of many who were taken into captivity after their communities were invaded and destroyed by insurgents. This is the story of the 275 women and children who were recently rescued by Nigerian troops from the dreaded Sambisa forest. They are presently trying to start life afresh at the Malkohi Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, Camp in Yola.

When Vanguard Metro, VM, visited, emotions ran high as the women and children could not hide their joy at leaving Sambisa forest, their place of captivity for a very long time. Even officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, could not hide their feelings after listening to the captives narrate their bitter experiences.

NEMA’s Director Search and Rescue Operations, Air Commodore Charles Otegbade (rtd), said his agency will do everything possible to ensure that the victims were well rehabilitated, adding that provisions have already been made for their feeding, medicare and accommodation for total rehabilitation. Most of the rescued persons showed evidences of varying ailments,

•Some of the rescued children at the Malkohi IDP Camp

Their disheveled and gaunt appearances elicited sympathy from onlookers; most of them looked hungerstricken; the children kept wailing apparently due to illhealth and malnutrition

including fractures, dislocations, gun shots among others. Indeed 22 of them were immediately hospitalised on account of their obvious health challenges.

All the victims were fully registered upon arrival, though most of them are children and so their statistics were not taken so as to separate them from the women.

Information obtained from some of the rescued women indicated that they endured three days of tortuous journey after they were rescued before finally arriving Yola. Their disheveled and gaunt appearances elicited sympathy from onlookers.

Most of them looked hungerstricken. The children kept wailing apparently due to illhealth and malnutrition. But luckily for them, the United Nations International Children Education Fund, UNICEF, was readily on ground to provide the needed help to assuage their plight.

Running into terrorists One of the rescued women at the Malkohi camp who identified herself as Bilikus had so much to say about the fate that befell them. “l live and sell fish in Maiduguri, Borno State.

It was when I travelled to my village in Chio in that my ordeal started. I boarded a vehicle going

to my village. Along the way, we ran into the terrorists. They killed all men in the car and took three of us women, including one nursing mother whose husband was among the men they killed right in front of us.

“We were taken to their camp.

On getting there they gave us food to eat and then ordered us to wear hijabb. They did not allow us to take our bath initially, but later they brought water for us.

“Almost on a daily basis these people were bringing women and children to the camp; the young girls were molested at will. God will never forgive them for they had no mercy for women”, she told VM through an interpreter, with tears rolling down her face.

…As 25 women, children are rescued by troops

W

Rescued women being registered on arrival at IDPs Camp

HILE the 275 women and children are still telling their near-death experience stories at the Malkohi IDP Camp, in Adamawa State, reports have it that more women and children are being rescued in the course of the ongoing onslaught to flush out terrorists from the Sambisa forest. For instance, VM gathered that 25 women and children were yesterday rescued from the insurgents enclave after troops invaded and destroyed seven additional terrorists camps there.

Many terrorists were said to have also died during the operation.

The troops who scaled series of land mines in continuation of the assault on the forest bases of the terrorists, captured camps which include the four

notorious Alafa camps as well as those in Rogo Fulani, Laraga and others used as training camps in the forest.

Various weapons including Rocket Propelled Grenades, Anti-Aircraft Guns and a number of vehicles were either captured or destroyed during the operation. Four soldiers were wounded and have evacuated for treatment.

As the operations continue, troops which are said to be demonstrating high morale and fighting spirit, are also expected to search the forests for terrorists, arms and hostages.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

— 21

Overhaul existing refineries, NACCIMA tells govt

By Naomi Uzor

T

he Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has called on the incoming government to overhaul the existing refineries and encourage building of new ones.

Disclosing this at the NACCIMA review of the state of the nation and expectation from the incoming government, the Acting National President of NACCIMA, Chief Bassey Edem, said, the chamber passionately appeal to the National Assembly and Federal Government to hasten up the process of passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (P.I.B) as earlier promised “Government should overhaul the existing refineries and encourage building of new ones, most especially modular ones all around the country to enable the country increase her refining capacity for local consumption.

This will support export of refined products and thereby maintaining local employment and saving the nation of foreign exchange used in the importation of refined products. There is also the need for the government to further empower the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Niger-Delta to tackle the problem of oil thieves and pipeline vandalization” he said.

He said it is important to state that as the nation round up this democratic dispensation for a new one, the expectation of private sector operators are very high considering the various electoral promises of the incoming government.

“This explains the call by the Organised Private Sector (OPS) for a policy dialogue session with the incoming administration. A conducive business environment is very imperative for the growth of the business sector and overall improvement of the economy.

The incoming government should have a retrospective look and revert to the practice of having critical dialogue session with the private sector to discuss inputs into the nation’s budgetary development process as was the norm in the past.

The need for this interaction has become imperative for a successful Public Private Partnership process to further develop our economy” he said.

VISIT: From left: Managing Director, NATCOM, Mr. Kamar Abass; Chairman, NAICOM, Dr. Tunde Ayeni; Managing Director, Hong Kong Telecom/PCCW, Mr. Marc Halbfinger and Head, Africa, PCCW, Mr. Yossi Barkhan at a dinner to mark the visit of NAICOM Technical Partners, PCCW, to Nigeria, in Lagos.

World Bank approves N15bn developmental projects for Edo State

By Favour Nnabugwu The World Bank has approved N15billion (US$75 million) International Development Association (IDA) credit for developmental projects in Edo State.

The N15bn credit would be in the form of budget support to finance policy and institutional reforms that Edo State has undertaken to improve its public financial management, increase private investment in land, and significantly improve the quality of the State’s education system.

World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, said that the credit facility would boost the state’s fiscal improvement and service delivery policy operation Marie-Nelly said, “We would like to encourage the Government of Edo to sustain the gains achieved to date by further improving governance and service delivery in Edo State.”

“We expect that this budget support to Edo, like that granted to Lagos state earlier, will have a positive demonstration effect on other states in Nigeria by inspiring them to take on important reforms to build strong systems and institutions that will endure over successive governments,” she added.

She remarked that it was the first in a new series of the World Bank’s yearly development policy financing operations for Edo State’s medium term strategic plan focused on bolstering growth, creating jobs, and reducing poverty.

According to her, “Edo State is strengthening its financial management information system for budget management, strengthening the

alignment of the state’s annual budgets to the strategic priorities of the government as well and improving financial accountability through timely audits and the publication of the state government’s audited financial accounts.”

Marie-Nelly believed that the part of the development projects would also ensure professionalization of the state’s procurement function to improve the management of public procurement in the state.

She added that some of the reforms in the state would increase private sector access to land for investment and this would focus on establishing a new regime of more competitive land transaction charges to encourage investments in the state which would, in turn, boost growth and employment creation.

“In the area of education, one key reform undertaken by Edo state is the

It was the first in a new series of the World Bank’s yearly development policy financing operations for Edo State’s medium term strategic plan focused on bolstering growth, creating jobs, and reducing poverty

strengthening of governance at the basic education level through the involvement of the established School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in the monitoring of teacher and pupil attendance at schools.”

She stated that Edo State has been working on improving the quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet the demands and needs of the employment market, and also protect funding for such institutions.

$132.40 $2,950.00

12.90

- 0.15 2.00

0.15

$69.21

1.69

62.01

1.61

CURRENCY

BUYING

DOLLAR POUNDS EU RO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

196 298.5472 220.1276 212.0753 1.6357 0.3141 273. 6742 31.6089 52.2569 29.4848 275.38

CENTRAL 196.5 197 299.3088 300.0704 220.6892 321.2507 212.6163 213.1573 1.6398 1.644 0.3241 0.3341 274.3724 275.0705 31.69 31.7711 52.3902 52.5235 29.56 29.6352 276.0825 276.785

CBN Exchange Rate as at 06/ 05 /15

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

There is no greater motivation than seeing the boss down in the trenches working alongside everyone else

,

,

Qualities that make a great leader Having a great idea, and assembling a team to bring that concept to life is the first step in creating a successful business venture. While finding a new and unique idea is rare enough; the ability to successfully execute this idea is what separates the dreamers from the entrepreneurs. Here are some key qualities that every good leader should possess, and learn to emphasize.

Honesty When you are responsible for a team of people, its important to raise the bar even higher.

Your business and its employees are a reflection of yourself, and if you make honest and ethical behavior a

Trusting your team with your idea is a sign of strength, not weakness

key value, your team will follow suit.

Ability to Delegate Trusting your team with your idea is a sign of strength, not weakness. Delegating tasks to the appropriate departments is one of the most important skills you can develop as your business grows.

The key to delegation is identifying the strengths of your team, and capitalizing on them. Find out what each team member enjoys doing most.

Chances are if they find that task more enjoyable, they will likely put more thought and effort behind it.

Communication Knowing what you want accomplished may seem clear in your head, but if you try to explain it to someone else and are met with a blank expression, you know there is a problem. Being able to clearly and succinctly describe what you want done is extremely important. If you can’t relate your vision to your team, you won’t all be working towards the same goal. Training new members and creating a productive work environment all depend on healthy lines of communication.

Sense of Humor

Morale is linked to productivity, and it’s your job as the team leader to instill a positive energy. That’s where your sense of humor will finally pay off. Encourage your team to laugh at the mistakes instead of crying. If you are constantly learning to find the humor in the struggles, your work environment will become a happy and healthy space, where your employees look forward to working in, rather than dreading it.

Confidence Part of your job as a leader is to put out fires and maintain the team morale. Keep up your confidence level, and assure everyone that setbacks are natural and the important thing is to focus on the larger goal. As the leader, by staying calm and confident, you will help keep the team feeling the same.

Commitment There is no greater motivation than seeing the boss down in the trenches working alongside everyone else, showing that hard work is being done on every level.

By proving your commitment to the brand and your role, you will not only earn the respect of your team, but will also instill that same hardworking energy among your staff.

Creativity Some decisions will not always be so clear-cut. You may be forced at times to deviate from your set course and make an on the fly decision. This is where your creativity will prove to be vital. It is during these critical situations that your team will look to you for guidance and you may be forced to make a quick decision. As a leader, its important to learn to think outside the box and to choose which of two bad choices is the best option.

Intuition When leading a team through uncharted waters, there is no roadmap on what to do. When something unexpected occurs, or you are thrown into a new scenario, your team will look to you for guidance. Drawing on past experience is a good reflex, as is reaching out to your mentors for support.

Eventually though, the tough decisions will be up to you to decide and you will need to depend on your gut instinct for answers.

BUSINESS NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES (06/05/15) Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(N)

Central(N)

Selling(N)

196

196.5

197

298.5472 220.1276 212.0753 1.6357 0.3141 273.6742 31.6089 52.2569 29.4848 275.38

299.3088 220.6892 212.6163 1.6398 0.3241 274.3724 31.69 52.3902 29.56 276.0825

300.0704 221.2507 213.1573 1.644 0.3341 275.0705 31.7711 52.5235 29.6352 276.785

Commod Light Crud

Natural G Sugar Coffee Cocoa

Biogas: Exploring business potential of organic waste

By Yinka Kolawole, with agency report

R

ECENT studies estimate that over 80 percent of African households (especially in rural areas) still depend on firewood and charcoal for cooking their daily meals. For those who can afford it, kerosene and cooking gas are the next best options.

However, due to rapid deforestation in many parts of Africa, firewood and charcoal are becoming increasingly scarce. And the rising prices of kerosene and cooking gas make them less affordable every day. Biogas is a viable cooking fuel alternative that is yet to be fully explored in this clime. What exactly is biogas; how is it produced; and what are the business opportunities it offers to interested entrepreneurs?

What is biogas?

Biogas refers to a mixture of gases produced by the decay or fermentation of organic waste (like sewage, kitchen

waste, animal manure, food scraps and plant material).

When all of this organic waste is allowed to decay in the absence of oxygen, methane, carbon dioxide and some other gases are produced. Methane is the most important of all the produced gases because it is a very valuable fuel. Methane is a popular natural gas that is used for heating, lighting and cooking purposes in the home.

Popular natural gas We produce (and waste) large volumes of biogas everyday without even knowing it. Every time you flush the toilet after use or wash kitchen dirt down the drain, you are wasting the valuable raw materials needed to produce biogas. A household of six people (father, mother and four children) can produce enough biogas to last for up to 3 hours of cooking every day.

The concept of biogas is still new in Africa. Asians (especially

in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Vietnam) have been using biogas for more than 50 years now. Over 2 million households in India use biogas as fuel for cooking and heating. In Bangladesh and Pakistan, the number is in the hundreds of thousands.

Production method There are several different techniques for producing biogas and several models and designs of biogas machines and plants now exist. Nevertheless, the concept remains simple and the same. The heart of any biogas system or production arrangement is known as a biodigester (or simply ‘digester’).

A digester is a sealed and airtight tank or container (usually made of concrete or plastic) that behaves like the stomach of a human being. It collects waste (raw materials) and ‘digests’ it with the help of billions of bacteria, in the absence of oxygen (known as anaerobic digestion). The valuable by-product of this digestion process is methane

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 23

,

& YOU

dity de

Gas

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2.81

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12.86

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2,950.00

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which is used as cooking gas.

Another interesting part of a biogas plant is an outlet or collection pipe for the solid and liquid residue that is left behind after the digestion process. The residue (also known as ‘slurry’) is commonly referred to as a ‘biofertilizer’ because it is very rich in nitrogen and phosphorus which makes it a good manure/ fertilizer for your garden or small farm.

Prospects Biogas has a lucrative prospect, because there is a growing demand for sustainable, cheaper and cleaner fuels.

People in developing regions like Africa spend a huge chunk of their money and time on cooking fuel. The high demand for firewood and charcoal has led to the rapid decline of Africa’s forest resources.

Wood and kerosene also produce a lot of unhealthy smoke when they burn in kitchen stoves and lanterns, leading to a rise in the incidence of deaths and sicknesses resulting from inhaling harmful substances.

This is in addition to the rising cost of wood, kerosene and other traditional fuels. Biogas provides a more sustainable, cleaner and cheaper option for most Africans.

Business potential

We produce (and waste) large volumes of biogas everyday without even knowing it

The business potential to make lots of money from biogas is huge.

Interested entrepreneurs can make money from biogas in many ways. Installation of biogas systems - With the required skill and basic working knowledge of the biogas system, you can start your own small biogas construction and installation company that installs the systems for a fee.

Training & Consultancy - The skills and knowledge acquired can be used to empower other people.

You could also partner with government agencies, NGOs or a companies looking to sponsor training programs for youths as part of its community development initiatives and programs. Sales of appliances and equipment - As the adoption of biogas grows, the demand for biogas appliances and equipment will grow too.

Potential customers Customers to look out for are those who presently generate a lot of organic waste and spend a lot of money on cooking fuels such as schools (boarding schools and university hostels), prisons, hospitals, and populated residential buildings. Also, households that keep livestock (such as pigs and cattle) are good targets.

Other potential customers are Governments (local and national), NGOs, and International Donors/ Development Organisations.

These organisations are usually interested in projects that promote green technology, sustainability, social and economic development, especially in Africa. If you find a community that will benefit tremendously from biogas, you could approach any of these organisations with a welldeveloped proposal to sponsor your project/initiatives.

Start to measure your goals on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis towards your overall destination

,

How is your organization measuring progress? be the only thing we measure. You will need to determine what areas make sense to measure your journey ’s success. I also understand that sometimes it is tempting and probably makes more sense to measure only the financials – but that should not be the case.

"Not everything that can be counted, counts.

But everything that counts must be counted”…Albert Einstein

D

URING one of the partners meeting in San Diego with our late founder of Haines Centre for Strategic Management -Steve Haines, he said something that helped me understand the need not just to measure what people are doing but to also monitor them.

He said, “People don’t do what you expect but what you inspect”. This quote is foundational in the sense that a lot of organizational failures and poor performances being witnessed in today’s business world can be minimized if leaders and managers in organizations can understand and apply this simple principle.

Ten years ago, a manager might not see the need to inspect his or her trusted subordinate, believing that he or she will naturally deliver results. One might say, but it can still happen in today ’s world. True, it is possible, but the rates of changes from the outside world and even shareholder’s expectations have made us to have a re-think.

Excuses for failure Now, no organization can afford not to inspect and monitor what people are doing. The era of waiting until an assignments, tasks or projects are finished until we get feedback is gone. We need to constantly ask “what is going on?”

Asking that does not mean you don’t trust the ability of your colleague doing the assignment, it simply means you don’t want to leave anything to chances. It also means that you want to see results delivered instead of reasons or excuses for failures.

Every organization should have a way of measuring their performances at intervals. Not

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE

We typically measure factors that show we are making progress towards our destination at the end of the journey- but in between the journeys.

Sometimes organizations are too patient (even if you are, your shareholders are not).

They wait until the end of the journey before measuring their progress.

If we don’t want to end up somewhere we didn’t plan on, we must re-evaluate how we measure our progress during the journey. My message to everyone reading this is, start to measure your goals on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis towards your overall destination.

Measure what’s important, not what’s easy. We typically measure factors that show we are making progress toward our destination. Sometimes leaders measure the easy things, like financial information, without considering the other areas that need to be monitored during the journey. There’s nothing wrong with evaluating financial information; it is important to the journey. But it shouldn’t

What to Measure?

Consider these areas for possible measurement: Customer information; Employee satisfaction; Supplier/partner feedback; Operational excellence; Financial success; Applied innovation.

Choose measurement areas such as these, not just one area, to give you a good balanced, overall picture of your success.

Any organization that measures these areas all together will not achieve anything less of success – and this is guaranteed.

Importantly, you must measure your progress on a specific, ongoing timetable. It is the difference between staying on the road and making changes only after you’ve driven into someone’s wheat field and crashed the car.

In our various organizations, measuring regularly will show: How you know you’re being successful—are we moving towards our destination? How we know we are in trouble— are we on the road or on the shoulder? What corrective actions to take if we are in trouble—what adjustments do we make in our steering and speed to reach our destination?

Final notes: Remember it is not everything you do in your organization counts for the growth you anticipate, nevertheless, ignoring those things that count might be catastrophic. Let’s focus on the things that count most for our organizations.

For your views or perspectives Email: uju@hainescentre.com Mobile: 09091142093

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

BRIEFS Youth unemployment, biggest threat to African economies—AfDB

A

FORUM: From left: Tope Aladenusi, Cyber Risk Services Leader, Deloitte Nigeria; Bola Asiru, Strategy and Operations Consulting Leader; Tawanda Gumbo, Transitional Leader; Wole Oyeniran, Technology Advisory Leader; and Francis Anatogu, Oil and Gas Consulting Leader at the Deloitte Nigeria Advisory Leadership Forum held in Lagos

Biometric verification’ll check forex arbitrage — Suleiman Stories by Babajide Komolafe

T

he Bank Verification Number (BVN) initiative, when fully implemented, will help to curb arbitrage in the foreign exchange market, Executive Director at Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, has said.

Suleiman, who disclosed this at an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos, explained that with the BVN, each bank customer will have a unique identification, which will make it easy to prevent people from flouting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent policy on the use of naira denominated debit cards for transactions abroad.

The policy reduced the spending limit on the usage of the naira denominated debit cards for transactions abroad, from $150,000 per person annually, to $50,000 per person annually. The daily cash withdrawal limit on the card was also fixed at $300 per person.

According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Emeka Emuwa, who first revealed that the Bankers’ Committee had agreed to reduce the limit on the usage of naira debit cards abroad, the decision was taken because of some cases of card abuse abroad which was impacting exchange rate stability.

The Union Bank boss had explained, “We did find that in a number of cases people were using the cards in a manner that they were not expected to use them and there have been cases of arbitrage. So in order to

sustain stability, what was agreed by the committee was that the limit for the use of the naira debit cards would be reduced.”

However, despite the reduction in the spending

We did find that in a number of cases people were using the cards in a manner that they were not expected to use them

limit on the usage of the naira denominated debit cards for transactions abroad, from $150,000 per person annually, to $50,000 per person annually, industry watchers argue that bank customers some could attempt to circumvent this policy by opening several bank accounts and using the naira debit cards they will be given to make withdrawals above the limit.

But according to Mr. Suleiman, this will not be feasible when the BVN initiative is fully implemented, as each bank customer will have a BVN that will give him/ her a unique identity that will be known to every player in the financial sector. Thus,

when such a customer has reached the limit of his naira debit card spending abroad, he will not be able to use another card as the system will immediately recognize him.

The BVN, which is an initiative of the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee was launched on February 14, 2014. It is a unique identifier for each bank customer across the financial industry, making it possible to build and track customer financial history and activity. This will allow banks access to more reliable information that could inform decisions on customer loan and credit applications and other complex transactions.

NIBSS boosts cashless policy with N3.5m EnnovateNaija contest

T

O further drive the cashless policy initiative, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems PLC (NIBSS) has introduced an online crowd sourcing contest tagged, EnnovateNaija, with ten winners to take away N350,000 each.

Disclosing this to the media, Mrs Lilian Phido, NIBSS Head of Corporate communication said that the execution of the contest is in collaboration with Samsung and IBM and that participants are required to logon to the “EnnovateNaija” website and forward their ideas bordering on the topic ‘How do I make cashless policy more effective in my community.’

“A cash reward of N350, 000 and some Samsung devices will be awarded to the top 10

ideas.The Competition is open to everyone irrespective of nationality, age, tribe or gender. Entry closes 12 Noon Sunday 10th May 2015. The competition which is aimed at driving the cashless scheme is an initiative of NIBSS. It is co-sponsored by NIBSS, IBM and Samsung West Africa.

“This initiative is open to the general public and it is aimed at gathering innovative ideas from the consumers perspective on fresh and implementable solution based initiatives to further drive and ultimately to overcome the present challenges and further deepen electronic payment in Nigeria,” she said Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had introduced cashless policy on

cash-based transactions which stipulates a cash handling charge on daily cash withdrawals. The policy is aimed at reducing the amount of physical cash circulating, encouraging more electronic-based transactions (payments for goods, services, transfers, etc.) and driving financial inclusion by providing more efficient transaction options and greater reach. It is also aimed at developing and modernizing the Nigerian Payment System.

She noted that the criteria for selecting the best idea would be as follows: Innovation and originality, Importance and relevance of the problem addressed, Presentation quality of the submission and Feasibility.

frican Development Bank’s Special Envoy on Gender, Geraldine FraserMoleketi, has said that joblessness among young people is one of the most pressing social, economic and political challenges facing Africa in the 21st Century. She stated this while speaking at a Consultative Workshop organised by the Bank’s Agriculture and Agro-Industry Department in collaboration with the Office of the Special Envoy on Gender and the Human Development Department.

She said, “Over 10 million young people in Africa are entering the job market each year. Despite the strong growth performance of African economies over the recent years, the continent has failed to create the number of jobs needed to absorb these young people,” She noted that innovative programmes, such as the ENABLE Youth Programme, could be effective in improving employment and income outcomes for young people.

She observed that the youth faced numerous obstacles and constraints that inhibit and undermine commercial viability of agribusiness enterprises. Key among these include lack of access to land, skills and knowledge to improve production efficiency, start-up finances and funds for expansion and the acquisition of new technologies and other support services.

Young women face additional layers of challenges due to gender-based discrimination through traditional patriarchal customs manifested through social norms and customary rights. Their minimal access to resources such as land, credit and technology hampers their capacity to leverage agricultural production into business opportunities. They have since remained within the realm of subsistence operations and peasantry, added Moleketi.

The objective of the workshop was to deliberate on a proposed innovative programme titled “Empowering Novel AgriBusiness-Led Employment for Youth in African Agriculture (ENABLE Youth)”. Once developed, the programme will be implemented in 20 Regional Member Countries of the Bank under the coordination of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 25

AWARD: From left: Rev. Isaiah Nduka Dike, visioner, EDUM Foundation (3rd), chairman of the occasion, Mr. Ukaku Ina Obasi (7th) and his wife, Patrons, Prof Dike N. Kalu (6th) & Chief Ukuku Dike Ukuku (9th) & wife, Trustees of the Foundation and children of Chief Ezekiel Dike Ukuku during the Ezekiel Dike Ukuku Memorial (EDUM) Foundation ceremony for award of financial support to selected JSS 3 students from all secondary schools in Abiriba, Abia State.

Stakeholders charge Buhari on varsity/polytechnic dichotomy

By Dayo Adesulu & Gbenga Olarinoye

S

TAKEHOLDERS in the education sector have charged the in-coming president, Major General Mohammadu Buhari, to address the dichotomy between university and polytechnic education in the country, arguing that the present arrangement where university graduates are rated above polytechnic graduates is not healthy.

Speaking at the 22nd Matriculation ceremony of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State, the Rector, Dr. Jacob Olusoji Agboola, argued that skills acquired in polytechnics are far better than that of varsities.

He stated that no country can

School incorporates swimming into curriculum — PG. 27 Parents threaten court action over primary school levy — PG. 28 C M Y K

develop without the recognition of skills acquired by polytechnic graduates through technical education, stressing that “until students acquire basic technical skills, the development of the country may not be rapid”.

Agboola who argued that the type of

education and skills acquired from the polytechnics are superior to that of university education, said polytechnic education makes its graduands independent and self reliant.

According to him “polytechnic education is for job creation and not job

seeking. It prepares students to be selfreliant rather than be job seekers.”

It will be recalled that the Committee on the Social Sector of the National Conference held in Abuja had recommended the removal of the Continues on page 26

ACE signs performance contract with FG, World Bank •10 Nigerian varsities to get $8m each

By Dayo Adesulu

T

HE Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) in Nigeria have signed Performance Contracts with the Federal Government and the World Bank, marking the last hurdle to be crossed before the release of the first tranche of funds to them. The ceremony, witnessed by the Honourable Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, was held at the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja.

The ACE project which was launched in 2013, by the governments of Burkina Faso, Republic of Benin, Ghana, Cameroon, Togo, Senegal and Nigeria, with support from the World Bank was designed to promote regional specialisation within the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Agriculture and Health areas. It was meant to address particular common regional developmental challenges as well as strengthen the capacities of participating universities to deliver high quality training and applied research.

The benefiting universities, their centres

and project titles are as follows: Redeemer’s University Mowe, Ogun State (Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, ACEGID); African University of Science & Technology, Abuja (PAN African Materials Institute, PAMI); Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Centre for Agricultural Development & Sustainable Environment); Ahmadu Bello

The ACE was designed to promote regional specialisation within the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Agriculture and Health areas

University, Zaria (Centre of Excellence on Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology); University of Jos, (Phytomedicine Research & Development, ACEPRD); University of Benin (Centre for Excellence in Reproductive Health and Innovation) University of Port-Harcourt (ACE Centre for Oil Field Chemicals).

Others are: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (OAU Knowledge Park: A Model for National Science Technology and Knowledge Park Initiative); Bayero University, Kano (African Centre of Excellence in Dryland Agriculture) and Benue State University, Makurdi (Centre for Food Technology and Research).

Each Centre is eligible for a grant award of a maximum of $8 million. The contract indicates, among others, that the expected funds for the ACE project are subject to certain financial parameters. Each university was represented at the signing ceremony by its vice-chancellor and Centre leader.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau said that the nation was in an era where

Continues on page 26

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

Stakeholders charge Buhari on varsity/poly dichotomy Continues from page 25

•From right: Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie; Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau; Country Manager, World Bank, Chief Bayo Awosemusi and the Bank's Education Specialist, Ms. Himdat Bayusuf, at the signing of the Performance Contract with the 10 Africa Centres of Excellence, at the National Universities Commission, Abuja.

ACE signs Performance Contract with FG, World Bank Continues from page 25 the lives of the citizens were, to a great extent, defined by innovations in the world of technology. According to him, the ACE project was a call to action to tackle national and regional challenges, adding that the Centres had been entrusted with the responsibility of meeting the demand for skills required for the development of the nation and the sub-region, while strengthening their capacities to deliver high quality training and applied research.

Shekarau, however, cautioned the management of the host universities against undue interference and substitution of team members, so as to enable the Centres focus on the objectives of the project. He said: "Any changes to a team must be cleared with the NUC. Government would also not hesitate to reallocate funds from non-performing ACEs to those that are doing well. It is therefore your responsibility to work in harmony with your team to ensure that they perform optimally.”

Investment in projects Following the signing of the contracts, Malam Shekarau said that the NUC would work with the World Bank to release 10 per cent of the Centres’ approved funds, to enable them commence work on their projects. He challenged the Centres to justify the huge amount of resources that the Federal Government had invested in the projects and expressed hope that results would be evident in no time.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary, NUC and Chairman, ACE Steering Committee, Professor Julius Okojie, in his welcome address said: “The event was a great one for the Nigerian University System (NUS) because it was celebrating a success story.” Okojie who lamented the criticism emanating from international communities, disclosed that for some time now, Nigeria had suffered a lot of criticism of its

standard of education.

According to him, the fact that universities in the country won 10 out of the 19 ACEs, in a process that was strictly meritbased, was evidence that, though the system had suffered a great setback when it lost a significant number of faculty to the diaspora in the past, it has survived and is doing well.

The scribe, however, charged participating universities to ensure stable academic calendars so that the Centres can run smoothly, assuring them that adequate provisions had been made for funds, facilities and equipment. Okojie stated that in signing the Performance Contracts, the Centre leaders would pledge to make the best of the projects, stressing that Nigeria has a viable university system and it was up to every stakeholder to protect it.

In her remarks, the World Bank Education Specialist, Himdat Bayusuf, congratulated the Centres for scaling the last hurdle before the release of funds. She announced that the Centres had been working very hard since their selection and some were already breaking grounds in their fields, like the Redeemer’s University, Mowe, which diagnosed the first case of Ebola in Nigeria.

She informed participating universities that the ACE Project also aimed to develop the system, based on what was already on ground. She announced that the NUC would co-ordinate the disbursement of funds to the Centres, while the Bank would adopt the results-based financing model for the Project, which

Each Centre is eligible for a grant award of a maximum of $8 million

meant that after the first tranche, funds would be released only to Centres that show evidence that previously-released funds had been judiciously utilised. The World Bank, Bayusuf said, would also adopt the you snooze, you lose model, which means that grants for non-performing Centres would be reallocated to other Centres that are doing well.

In a goodwill message, the World Bank’s Country Manager, Chief Bayo Awosemusi, who represented the Country Director, congratulated the Centres for a job well done.

He commended the support of the Ministry of Education and the dedication of the NUC and the Centres. Reiterating the remarks of previous speakers, Awosemusi said the Centres were selected through a rigorous process and expressed optimism that they would make positive impact on the development of the nation’s economy.

Positive impact He advised the Centres to ensure that team members were not changed, except on grounds of gross misappropriation of funds, adding that if the Centres kept to the rules, they would succeed.

He noted that the ACE was a flagship project for the World Bank and that the Bank’s senior management was closely monitoring it to assess how the Centres would achieve their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

On behalf of participating federal universities, the Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, expressed delight that the Project had become a reality. He noted that it was the first time such funds would be injected into the system for research and pledged that the Centres would keep to the terms of the contract signed.

Speaking for participating state universities, the Vice-Chancellor, Benue State University, Makurdi, Professor Charity Angya, stated that the University was excited at being a part of the Project, adding that the dividends of the Project had begun to pay off in research drive in the universities.

dichotomy on university/ polytechnic graduates.

The recommendation was made during plenary at the conference by the Chairman of the Committee, Iyom Josephine Anenih while presenting the report of the committee.

Anenih urged the Federal Government to remove the dichotomy in order to restore dignity in our tertiary education.

According to him, tertiary education in Nigeria is provided by colleges of education, polytechnics, monotechnics, vocational enterprise institutions and universities established by federal and state governments as well as private organisations.

He said: “Despite the number and variety of tertiary institutions, admission challenges are huge and seem to be perennial.

Variety of tertiary institutions There is a disparity in the cut-off of entry score into universities and other types of tertiary institutions, with universities requiring higher scores. Despite this, most candidates prefer universities, probably because of the difference in status and salary accorded university graduates as against those of other institutions.

“Graduates of Polytechnics and similar specialized tertiary institutions are geared towards practicaloriented education than universies. Each type of institution therefore has different mandates in terms of preparing graduates for society.

Given this understanding, both institutions should be adequately equipped and funded to achieve their goals."

Reacting to the recommendation, delegate representing Ondo State, Professor Femi Mimiko while opposing the removal of the dichotomy warned the Committee against posing a wrong question, saying that

what is important is making sure each perfects what it is set out to achieve as they have different purposes and objectives. He stressed the need for adequate funding of the educational system.

Stakeholders are still waiting for Buhari's administration to implement the committee’s National Conference on this issue.

Meanwhile, speaking on the number of students matriculated, the rector gave the number as 2,800 and warned them to shun any form of anti-social activities which he said could ruin their future.

Agboola also advised them against other vices that could bring disrepute to the institution or that could prolong their academic pursuits on the campus.

The Rector enjoined them to avoid cultism and examination malpractice as they are the bane of academic success, describing them as “monsters which may destroy your lives and your souls.”

Agboola stressed that any student caught engaging in anti-human acts would face the full wrath of the law, adding that the management of the institution will not fold its arms and encourage indiscipline.

He appealed to them not to associate with bad groups in the school but instead join other viable and progressive groups approved by the institution's authorities.

Each type of institution therefore has different mandates in terms of preparing graduates for society

Vivian Fowler College holds competition

T

HE 2015 edition of annual Mathematics, Art and Essay competition organised by Vivian Fowler Memorial College comes up today by 9.00am at the school premises, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

Contestants are being drawn from top-rated schools across Lagos in the yearly event where schools showcase their best brains in the subjects of Mathematics, Arts and Essay writing.

Finalists of the competition

would be held to a reception and presented prizes on Friday, May 15, 2015 by 10.00pm.

The annual event is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Vivian Fowler College to promote and deepen intellectualism among students and also engender healthy competition in order to promote the culture of excellence. It is also an avenue to promote the subject of Mathematics, which many student dreads.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 27

Olashore Int’l Sch blends technology, education

By Amaka Abayomi & Glory Ekwenuya

I

*From left: Mr. Ekpo Udeme (Marketing Manager), Mr. Auscar Ikoro (Group Brand Communications Director), Mr. Sean Fang (G.M, CWAY Water), Mr. Figo Zheng (G.M, CWAY Food & Beverages), Mr. Moses Wang (Sales Director), Mr. Tony Ojumoola (National Sales Manager), all of CWAY at the unveiling of Nutri-Milk Superkids milk drink in Lagos.

St. Saviour’s Schools incorporates swimming into curriculum

By Dayo Adesulu

S

T. Saviour ’s Schools Ebute-Metta has announced the inclusion of swimming into its curriculum as a core subject that every child will take during school hours.

Its Chairman, Board of Management, Mr Tom Ogboi while commissioning the Administration Block and Swimming Pool said: “From this term, swimming will be incorporated into the curriculum of the school as a core subject such that every child will have swimming lesson during school hour.”

He noted that with the donation of the world class swimming pool, St Saviour can now add to the portfolio of life skills which the school teaches its students.

According to Ogboi, just as the children come to school with their pens, they are also require to come to school with their swimming accoutrements when they have swimming on their time table.

He explained that the importance of the swimming exercise is to help students be proficient in swimming before a child leaves St. Saviour’s school.

The chairman who boasted of

the school’s positive impact on education in the past 64 years, noted that the school was the first to be internet compliant, first to have a computer laboratory and first to have a science laboratory.

“We were the first to teach ICT as a core subject in Nigeria, we were the first to teach moral instruction as a core subject and teach music as a core subject,’’ he added.

Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Abimbola Fashola who was delighted with the educational development of the school urged its management to allow other schools children in the community to have access to the swimming pool. According to her, the gesture

We were the first to teach ICT as a core subject in Nigeria, we were the first to teach moral instruction as a core subject and teach music as a core subject

will foster brotherhood and healthy development among students. ‘’Given access to other school users in the community will allow St. Saviour’s Schools children to interact with other students in the community,’’ she said.

On his part, one of the key sponsors of the swimming pool, Sir. Kesington Adebutu said that incorporation of physical activities in the school’s daily programme cannot be over emphasized.

He noted that swimming is a healthy, recreational activity for people of all ages, adding that pupils will derive their own dosage in good time.

Adebutu explained that swimming is a low-body impact activity with many physical and mental health benefits as it keeps the heart rate up but takes some of the impact of stress off your body. ‘’It builds endurance and supports muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness,’’ he added.

Adebutu who disclosed that 90 per cent of his children pass through the school lauded the Chairman, Board of Management , Head-teacher and teachers of the school for bringing to fore this achievement.

Clergy tasks students on career

By Tare Youdeowei

P

ASTOR John Enelamah during the inaugural Career Day of Chrisland High School, Victoria Garden City, Lagos, urged students to be hardworking as he enlightened them on career options available to them and guided them towards making career choices.

While speaking on the theme, Keynote speaker Enelamah advised the students to make a career out of their talent to be fulfilled in life and be of utmost value to their families and the nation, as he implored them to live focused and God fearing lives and never compare themselves with others.

“When you don’t make career out of your talent,you find out that you hate your profession, however, whatever career you find yourself you

must be hard working and diligent.” He said.

The school’s management headed by Prof John Viljoen the principal, had Chief Oyenike Okundaye, professional textile artist and painter; Dr Kaycee Chuks an optician, Mrs Yetunde Oladehinde, a Journalist with The Nation newspaper; Mr kabir kasim who is currently Shell Nigeria’s Avation Supervisor; Mr Osondu Nkemakolamn an Economist; Mrs Afinikmi Ekhaesomhi a nutritionist; Ms Omotola Ozigi a lawyer and Keynote speaker Pastor John Enelamah, educate interested student on their various professions.

Principal Viljoen, thanking the professionals for honouring the school’s invitation said; “we have invited you here to tap into your wealth of knowledge to guide and start the children on their career choices and path.”

N its quest to be one of the most technologically advanced schools in Africa and prepare its students for the growing competitive knowledge economy, Olashore International School, OIS, has set plans in motion to fully integrate technology into its curriculum.

To achieve this unique blend of technology and education and in what would be the biggest ever technology roll-out in the school system in Nigeria, OIS is entering into a strategic partnership with Apple through Core Group Africa, the authorized distributor for Apple in Nigeria and Sub Saharan Africa.

Speaking at the unveiling of the initiative, the Chairman, Board of Governors, Olashore International School, Prince Bimbo Olashore, said Nigeria can no longer be waiting and playing catch up with technology or keep waiting for technology transfer.

He said “We have to leapfrog to catch up and get the younger generation prepared for the new technology-driven world. We are pleased to be making substantial investment in this direction because information is at our fingertips and education has gone beyond the conventional ways of teaching with blackboard and chalk.

“When strategically used, technology can enhance education, and when this plan is fully implemented, the students and the teachers will be solving complex problems and discovering latest research information simultaneously in real time.”

Pointing out that OIS is a learning community committed to academic excellence, the Principal OIS, Mr. Derek Smith, said in the future, no one would pay you for the knowledge they can look up.

According to Derek, “OIS is partnering with a school in the UK that has fully integrated technology with education, and when strategically used, we would be able to alter the critical thinking of our students.

“Technology enhances learning by nurturing each student to their full potentials so that they can interact in different ways. To achieve this, we have to make sure that we have the support systems in place so that the newly introduced technology doesn’t impact negatively on the students because most technology projects focus on the technology rather than on learning.”

The Principal added that the teachers would take delivery of their iPads by September while the students would receive theirs much later. He said there would be extensive training programme for the teachers to ensure that the goal is achieved because “if you want to succeed with any technology you introduce in your schools, make sure your teachers are comfortable with such because teachers don’t like change” Derek said.

OIS is reviewing its overall technology framework, through a curriculum mapping program, for faster internet connection while a new mobile device management (MDM) will be installed to check unproductive online presence.

Cway boosts children’s brain development

By Amaka Abayomi

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WAY is set to boost the brain development of nursery and primary school children with the launch of a new product, Nutri-Milk Super Kids. It is the same vitamins-filled Nutri-Milk, but in potable size and enriched with Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, a type of fatty acid that is easily absorbed by children’s brain tissues and aids in their development.

According to the Brand and Communications Manager, Mr. Auscar Ikoro, what differentiates this Nutri-Milk Super Kids from other drinks for kids is the additional nutrients and vitamins that are found in it.

“This is the next big thing that Nigerian children would enjoy.

The idea of this brand came from the consumers through our distributors were asking for a smaller serving of the national acclaimed Nutri-Milk for kids.

“Nutri-Milk Super Kids contains Vit A, B3, B6, B12, Vit C, D, E and Docosahexaenoic acid DHA, a type of fatty acid which is easily absorbed by the brain tissues of children and aids in their brain.”

Defining who a super kid is, Ikoro said “a super kid is that kid that does exceptionally well in academics, has a creative mind and exhibits remarkable sporting prowess.”

One of the pupils present at the launch, Olumide Israel, said that the brand tasted good and was also portable for him to easily take to school. Having learnt that it would boost brain development, he said he could not wait to consume the product daily so as to become a super kid.

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

SUCCESS RECIPE

Parents threaten court action over primary school levy

WITH UDEME ARCHIBONG successrecipe2009@gmail.com www.worldlightbearesint.com

By Chinenyeh Ozor

M

odel Primary school 1V management in Nsukka, Enugu State, is under fire following an alleged imposition of illegal levy of N1, 300 per pupil of the school for the construction of six water closet toilet facilities in the school which ordinarily would be provided by the state government.

Following the imposition of the illegal levy on over 600 pupils of the school, Rev Chikamadu Eze has threatened to file a suit against the headmistress, Mrs Ogechukwu Nnamani, if the School Management Base Committee (SMBC) of the primary school fails to stop the illegal levy imposed on the pupils.

Eze who is the General Overseer, Highway to Grace Assembly, Nsukka, told Vanguard that the levy will increase the burden on the

Making your life count

Y

*Representatives of University of Debrecen,Hungary, with management and 6th Form students of GEC Academy International during the partnership maiden lunch in lagos recently.

parents who have four to five children in the school and likely to force some out of school among the ones from widows and poor backgrounds.

“If the headmistress and the committee she set up insists on the levy, I will take them to court.

I am fighting for the poor ones."

He said some parents send their children to public school

because certificates of public schools are recognized everywhere and also because of the inability of some to pay the exorbitant fees charged by private schools. ‘’The economy bites too hard, some families manage to have food on their table, while some people were busy collecting

Foreign varsity partners GEC Academy on students’ recruitment

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s part of efforts to ensure that Nigerian students who quest for improved academic pursuit in foreign countries gain admission to study their course of choice, GEC Academy International, one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous 6th form college and placement agents has partnered with University of Debrecen, Hungary, in placement of Nigerian students in the field of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health, Physiotherapy, Engineering (all fields), Mechatronics, Agricultural

Engineering, Environmental Science, Business Administration among others.

This was made known by the Executive Director, GEC Academy International, Mrs. Josephine Peters during the visit of the university professors to the college last week. Peters, however, noted that students who have completed their O’ level education are qualified to register for the International Degree Foundation Programme (IDFP) at the college so as to progress for a Bachelor Degree course, adding that the partnership was prompted by GEC Academy’s

ability to certify all necessary foreign education requirements for placement of students into University of Debrecen and other foreign universities.

As a result of thorough teaching constantly enjoyed by the students, she assured that the university’s graduates have the best chances of gaining employment in their home countries, European Union countries, United Kingdom, United States of America, India, Ireland, Canada among others, noting that tuition fees and cost of living are also affordable.

Poor personal devt, attitude to work cause unemployment — Ogunsola

By Tare Youdeowei & Glory Ekwenuya

F

ounder, Fola Ogunsola Foundation, FOF, Mrs Fola Ogunsola has outlined lack of skills, poor attitude to work or interviews, wrong expectations and poor personal development, as the reasons for graduates’ unemployment, at the fourth Life After Campus Seminar in University of Lagos, UNILAG. Speaking on the essence of the seminar and the theme Skills required for a dynamic and challenging 21 st century working environment, the Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN and Institute of Taxation said; “Our objective is to achieve drastic employment through sponsors and those whose hearts have been touched to add value.

C M Y K

After talking to 120 managing directors of companies, they said the current crop of graduates are unemployable. We particularly seek to expose students to what employers are looking for. We are here so you would not be part of the statistics. Employers want assets not liability, we are looking to build basic pre requisite skills for employment.”

Dean of Students of Affairs, UNILAG, Prof Wale Babawale, stating why the foundation has continually been allowed access to the school provided; “Based on interaction with them, feedback from students and impact of the efforts of the foundation on students, we have seen they are working and we are encouraging them.

“We are trying to create a meeting between town and

gown, that is why we are encouraging her and imploring for more seminars to bridge the gap between employers and employees. Students need to develop their own abilities, have confidence and audacity. They need to be organised, disciplined and focused, most of all, remove all forms of self doubt.”

Also addressing the students who mostly comprised of the ultimate and penultimate set of the school, Mr Kehinde Oyeleke a Fellow of ICAN who currently sits on the audit committee, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, advised students on the attributes necessary for becoming an employable graduate “be passionate, focused, have integrity, be a person of quality mind as an entrepreneur, have a set goal and be sacrificial”

OU will never make your life count until you make your day count. You will never make your day count until you make every hour count. You will never make every hour count until you make every moment count. You will never make every moment count until you make your actions count. You will never make your actions count until you make your words count. You will never make your words count until you make your thoughts count. Life counts when you are aware that every day is a countdown to your departure on earth. Life counts when you make a decision to make it count. Your decisions can never count until you possess the discipline to make it count. Les Brown reveals, “Success is a habit you embrace on a daily basis, and the earlier you get into that mindset the sooner you will be able to give birth to possibilities

energies on activities which are not worthy. Do not waste your money on that which is not money”. Therefore, prioritizing your life on a daily basis in the light of your vision will lift you from the shores of failure to the mountain top of success.

As the saying goes, “health is wealth” is undisputable. We all want to be successful but not at the expense of our health.

Staying healthy is an asset that must be maintained through proper nutrition and eating habit, exercise, cheerful disposition, rest and the ability to handle stress effectively. Therefore, positive lifestyle that promotes good health should be cultivated.

One of the major habits that guarantee success is commitment. Your daily decision to stay committed set you apart from the half-doers in the game

of life; those who never finish you might not be what they start able to imagine.” and who wait for Therefore, until Life counts all the conditions your habits count to be perfect when you your life cannot before they begin count.

Let’s are aware to play their part unravel the on the stage of that every successful habits life. Remember, that must be day is a life will test how practiced daily in committed you are countdown order for life to before handing count. to your over to you its Your destiny vault of valuables. departure rises or falls Therefore, count according to the on earth the cost; gauge of your life determine to pay attitude. Until you the price; strive for develop and excellence; maintain positive maintain your life attitudes daily, life goes down focus; and be disciplined; no in the drain of the gutters of retreat till the star within you mediocrity. Attitude is a emerges. fundamental course in the school Your life can never count until of success. Positive Life Attitudes you are value-driven rather than is the gateway to effective living crowd-driven. What do you stand and it constitutes; the way you for? Are you being swept by the see yourself; the way you see and current of people’s opinion and relate with others; and your actions or do you stem the tide outlook on life. Happiness is a by choosing to “stand out” even responsibility that cannot be when “everybody blends in”? delegated. Thinking positively Developing positive values and about yourself and your abilities; living it out on a daily basis give thinking and behaving positively you a solid foundation for your towards others; talking positively destiny to be built on and also in your conversations and being sustains it from wreckage. around positive people will Growth is a word that is make your life gravitate towards indispensable in the vocabulary the domain of success. of success. Personal growth The use of your time encompasses improving oneself; determines the usefulness of your spiritually, mentally; relationally; life. The value you attach to time emotionally and financially. Have determines the value you will a personal growth plan; read create in life. Successful people books that will upgrade you; prioritize their life; they plan attend seminars, trainings; seek their day carefully and follow and gather every good input that through on their plans. Life are available to you to improve counts when you operate on the your life. Be a constant learner foundation based on Universal in the domain of life.

Law of Value which states: “Do Your life can never count if you not waste your time on thoughts, don’t add value to other people’s people, or actions which are not life. In the domain of success; worthy. Do not waste your effective relationships is king. thoughts on ideas that are not Place a high value on people; worthy. Do not waste your respect and care for them.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 29

NASU member tasks AOCOED mgt on transparency

By Ikenna Asomba

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GAINST the backdrop of crises which rocked the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Ijanikin, Lagos, in the last quarter of 2014, a principal member of the school’s chapter of NonAcademic Staff Union (NASUAOCOED), Comrade Lateef Igboro, has called on the management to be transparent and avoid involving in financial irregularity or maladministration.

Igboro in a petition sent through the Registrar (Secretary Governing Council and Management Committee) to the Chairman and members of the AOCOED Governing Council, as well as the AOCOED Management Committee, said the call became imperative, to avoid a repeat of industrial actions by staff unions, which shut academic and administrative activities in the institution, last year, over alleged administrative malpractice.

In the petition copied to the Lagos State Governor, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Lagos State Head of Service and Lagos State Commissioner for Training and Establishments, made available to Vanguard Learning, Igboro among other things, “ requested for the authority relied upon by AOCOED management for ordering a restriction on NASU members who are of the security unit of the Provost Department not to be appointed or elected as Executive member of the various unions they belong; why ACOCOED management conspired with the recently impeached officers of NASU to disassociate some members of NASU through non-deduction of their mandatory monthly dues from their salaries.

“This is a clear infringement and deprivation of their fundamental rights which also negate the provisions of the 1999 constitutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended

with the aim of weakening the workers union on campus for challenging the AOCOED management for not remitting the workers deducted taxes, pensions and cooperative to appropriate coffers,” he said.

The activist in the petition said: “As it is clearly known that secrecy is variant to democratic norm and administrative ethics practices in the world, members of the AOCOED Governing Council, members of management committee, Deans, Directors and Head of Departments, Programme Secretaries and all officers on Level 13 and above are implored to sign an oath of transparency and accountability in the nearest high court of jurisprudence without any delay to assure the government and the general public that your reign shall not continue to involve in any financial irregularity, maladministration, nonobservation of rule of laws, due process, secret dealings among other unsuitable practices.”

UNICAF partners University of South Wales on scholarship

By Tare Youdeowei

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NE of the world’s most generous scholarship schemes for Africa, UNICAF, partners the University of South Wales (USW), Wale’s largest University, to offer online MBA and Top Up BA programmes to Nigerians.

The event held on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the UNICAF Centre in Lagos (Olawoyin Awosika School of Innovative Studies - OASIS) and was hosted by Professor Abiola Awosika, a seasoned eLearning expert and the Managing Director of OASIS. Also in attendance were students interested in the online MBA and BA Top Up programmes of the University of South Wales (USW).

Professor Abiola Awosika, who spoke on the advantages of eLearning, mentioned that “the level of development of any nation is inextricably linked to the level of education of its people and as such partnerships like that of UNICAF/USW provides an opportunity to enhance education in the country.

In addition to this, the partnership offers Nigerian students access to quality education at a fraction of the cost.”

UNICAF is one of the most generous scholarship programmes for Africans and partners with quality institutions all over the world to offer quality education to African indigenes. According to the representatives at the event, The University of South Wales programmes have a 95%* employment rate and sufficiently prepare students for the job market.

Mr. Joseph Abi, a representative of UNICAF, whilst interacting with some interested students mentioned that: “with the UNICAF-USW partnership, prospective students are able to apply for up to 75% Scholarship for their programme of choice. He went to add that to qualify for the UNICAF-USW scholarship, prospects must be Nigerian and work in Nigeria.”

Information about the UNICAF/USW partnership is available on the UNICAF (www.unicaf.org) and University of South Wales’ online website (www.southwales-online.com). Interested students can also contact the UNICAF Centre in Lagos (Olawoyin Awosika School of Innovative Studies – OASIS).

Secondary sch students to win N3m in Stockholm Junior Water Prize

By Favour Nnabugwu

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HE Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), national organizer of the 2015-2017 Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) Competition in Nigeria in collaboration with Swedish Embassy has thrown the competition one to public and private Secondary schools across the nation.

At a media conference in Abuja last week Wednesday, Project Manager of PAVE, Temi Ogunniyi said the focus of the competition has been stated as water resources management, improving the quality of water resources, water sanitation and waste water treatment.

The SJWP, according to him, “is the most prestigious youth award for a water-related science project”.

Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria, PAVE has signed an Agreement of Cooperation with the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) in Sweden as the National Organiser in Nigeria for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) for the period 20152017 According to Ogunniyi, “The responsibility of PAVE agreement includes to organise the 2015-2017 SJWP in Nigeria, to finance the national competition through engagement of sponsors and to select students to represent the winning team in the international final to Stockholm” The winning team of the competition will get a chance to represent Nigeria in Sweden at the World Water Week from 22–28 Aug, 2015.

The winner will receive $15,000 and an all-expensespaid trip to Stockholm, Sweden, with a blue prize sculpture, a Diploma as well as the stay in Stockholm where he or she will represent Nigeria at the international competition during World Water Week in August this year during a royal ceremony by the prize’s Patron HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.

30 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

Don makes case for Nigeria’s ailing economy, proffers remedies for widespread growth

By Kelechukwu Iruoma

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By Tare Youdeowei

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fter over five years of research into the ailing Nigerian economy, why nations that were at par with Nigeria are now ahead and how Nigeria’s economy affects Africa’s economy in the big picture, Emeka Adimmadu, a doctor of Banking and Finance and Senior Lecturer of Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, has come up with recommendations in his article; Nigeria; Africa’s Pathway to Regional Greatness, that would not only make Nigeria the largest economy but would also place Africa as the leading world economy. Honing on a booming economy reflecting on the lives of the populace and not a handful of elites, the Academic, former Accountant General of Imo State and Justice of Peace makes his findings known.

Excerpts…

Economic misconception Going by the verdict of the Renaissance Capital, RENCAP, and using an adjusted base year to calculate Nigeria’s current year’s GDP, Nigeria’s adjusted net GDP would stand at 405 billion dollars that of South Africa would trail behind at 370 billion US dollars. Other encouraging highlights of the RENCAP African report with respect to Nigeria’s macro economy include the following; a positive debt budget and current account ratios, as well as a general improvement in Nigeria’s overall financial markets’ aggregates.

Currently, the net market capitalization of Nigeria’s capital market stands at over 77 trillion US dollars with a robust and solid banking sub sector. Beyond the façade of these encouraging hypothetical economic indicators is a nauseating paradox of a sort; abject poverty in the midst of plenty. The implication of the apparent misconception arising from Nigeria’s GDP re-basing is the possibility to relax and assume that perhaps Nigeria’s economic woes are over.

The herculean task confronting the government is to translate this rising economic profile into discernible improvement in the living standards of Nigerians and which would later translate into favourable regional ratings. Nigeria has yet to evolve as Africa’s regional leader and this cannot be achieved by acclamation of a period based quantitative nominal GDP growth but through a substantial reduction in the gruesome level of poverty staring in the nation’s face and narrowing the gaping disparity between the minority rich elites and the large population of the poor.

Widespread growth The first urgent task would be to review the conditions and status of existing economic and social infrastructure with a view to raising their standards to an acceptable minimum level in tandem with global benchmark.

A steady flow of foreign investment is a sure guaranty of growth sustainability especially in a situation characterized by huge domestic savingsinvestment gap, the main feature of Africa nation’s financial intermediation. Presently, this gap is slightly narrowed in Nigeria due to creative nurturing of the financial system through both fiscal and monetary policy derivatives. With financial soundness and complementary fiscal objective, stream of foreign direct investment can be guaranteed. The level of Foreign Direct Investment indicates corresponding level of foreign confidence in the domestic economy’s potentials for sustainable growth and stability.

In a similar way, a reasonable rise in consumer income and sustained increase in consumer spending behaviour will in the long run boost domestic service sectors, including finance, telecoms and retail trade, the mainstay of Nigeria and indeed Africa’s macro economy.

The duty of African governments would be to ensure a steady rise in consumer income through policy incentives, the attainment of near full

UNN Alumni donate N24m to alma mater

Dr. Emeka Adimmadu, employment and price level stability. These can be achieved through appropriate fiscal and monetary policy response to both global and domestic economic changes. Any economic boom or expansion, real or imagined, but not translated into measurable qualitative derivatives that improve society’s well being would be misleading and incongruous with standard global platform” In any contemporary economy with redundant labour force, inadequate infrastructure and oversized public sector, with huge savingsinvestment gap, overtime would manifest clear signs of distress and failure. In my view and contrary to Adam Smith’s Wealth of a Nation, the study of the poverty of a nation is more important than the study of the wealth of a nation because poverty anywhere is a menace and constitutes a threat to wealth anywhere and every time.

Oil dependence Nigeria’s future economic growth continues to be driven by a single managed commodity; the petroleum and its derivatives which are subject to increasing vulnerability to the volatile external commodity markets. As the world systematically transit into green economy, there is a growing pressure to abandon gas or petroleum powered automobiles, with the introduction of the new era electric automobiles.

That will further exacerbate domestic economic crises on nations that derive financial resources for development merely from oil.

Nigeria’s implied potential economic growth is not entirely supported by adequate economic institutions such as huge private sector investment or domestic demand and output parity or equilibrium, but is rather anchored on some illusive and uncoordinated infrastructural investments from the Asian Tigers; China and India, on ambiguous terms and conditions that add little or nothing to local value. In addition, the envisaged much hyped Nigeria’s economic growth is still skewed in favour of a relatively small group of very powerful political elites and their cronies. The trickle down of the envisaged Nigeria’s economic growth to the ordinary Nigerian is still marred by an array of massive resource leakages and corruption.

Inadequate power supply and clean drinking water, degradation of the The study environment, decay of the of existing public infrastructure, poor poverty of national housing the wealth of scheme and now complicated by a nation is severe food scarcity m o r e and hunger, may diminish Nigeria’s important chances of than the championing the course of Africa’s study of the economic resurgence wealth of a as a pioneer in global e c o n o m i c nation mainstream.

S part of the commitment and contribution in moving the university to greater heights, in terms of infrastructural development as well as intervention in other issues peculiar to their alma mater, the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA) has donated N24m to the university.

This was revealed by the President of the Association, Barrister Andrew Oru during the 88th National Executive meeting of the Association held at UBA Hall of Fame, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

According to him, “In consonance with our covenant, we are here again, not just in spirit, but also in flesh and blood to fellowship and renew our vows to keep

our revered Alma mater in good stead in our unending desire to restore the dignity of man.”

He also stated that the donation made is a new dawn in the relationship between the University Management under the new leadership and the Alumni Association, adding that, it portends positive strides in the infrastructural and other needy aspects of the University Community.

In his address, the Vice chancellor of the University, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. P. E. Chigbu thanked the Alumni for their support, stating that, the alumni of any university all over the world are very important stakeholders in the institution’s enterprise.

Six Nigerians honoured as ECOWAS celebrates 40th anniversary

By Glory Ekwenuya

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otable Nigerians were honoured at the celebration of ECOWAS 40 anniversary in Lome, Togo.

Professor Adebayo Adedeji, Professor Anya O. Anya, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, General Yakubu Gowon,Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba and high networth human capacity development expert, Mr. Victor Onyekachi Onyiriuka were among others who received the Award of African Leaders of Integrity in Togo.

In his address, the Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Hon. Simon OseiMensah lamented the establishment of the ECOWAS Parliament with an advisory mandate which intrinsically deprived the people of a voice in the traditional role of a parliament such as representation, legislation, oversight, approval of budget and statutory appointees.

Osei-Mensah who delivered the keynote address on the topic: “The Emerging Role of ECOWAS Parliament in maintaining a safe and stable West Africa Sub – Region for good governance, democracy, community integration and sustainable development” at the 10th Africa Leadership Development Conference/Awards Gala Night at the Palm Beach Hotel, Lome, Togo said: “It is part of their mission to sensitize world leaders in various positions to embrace the virtues of integrity in diverse leadership positions and to celebrate ECOWAS 40 years of existence.’’

In the programme organized

by Integrity International Magazine Osei-Mensah enumerated the various challenges of the parliament to include, dual parliamentary roles of members, unelected representatives, decisions and resolutions not binding and inadequate participation in the integration process.

From left: Victor Onyiriuka receiving 2015 Integrity Award in Lome, Togo from Hon. Osei- Mensah, Deputy speaker of ECOWAS Parliament.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 31

Business School holds seminar on competitive strategy

By Destiny Eseaga

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EGENESYS Business School, a leading global school of management and leadership development is organizing an international seminar in Lagos where top local and international experts with vast experience in strategy crafting and execution will unpack strategy, give case studies and practical knowledge to participants applicable to their own organisation.

Leading international experts coming includes renowned Harvard

Business School, Prof. Ramon Casadesus-Masanell, entrepreneur and founder Regenesys Business School, Dr. Marko Saravange and other top strategy experts.

Participants will learn how to build competitive strategy, sustain global competitive advantage and critical success factors in developing competitive strategy, execution, building and sustaining competitive advantage within the context of a rapidly changing globalised business world. The session will take delegates through theories,

models and international best practices that are applicable across markets and industries.

The seminar aims to specifically contribute to emerging market leaders to understand central strategic challenges facing senior managers and CEOs, and through case study examination be guided towards identifying or understanding the roots of competitive advantage, evaluating the limits to such advantage and towards making decisions that create and sustains performance over time.

Group organises inter-school competition

By Elizabeth Uwandu

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PEAKING Pen International Concept in conjunction with Carprecon Development Foundation, a non governmental organisation based in the United Kingdom hosts inter-school quiz/ career competition for secondary schools students in Nigeria, The competition which comes up on Saturday, 6th June, 2015: at Ipaja Palace Hotel, 225 Ipaja Road, Opeki Bus Stop, Alimosho, Lagos, Nigeria is geared in order to build and enhance academic performance, promote peace

and form the right mentality for success among students.

Questions on the competition will be based on the following; student speaking/creativity test, Mathematics and English Language, General Knowledge, Biographies of the Nigerians- Sam Okoye, Obafemi Awolowo, Abegunde Sunday Olaoluwa, Chimamanda Adichie and biographies of these nonNigerians- Michael Faraday and Maya Angelo.

Interested schools therefore,would present three Junior Secondary School

students and three Senior Secondary School students as representatives, plus three (or maximum of six) other students to jeer the representatives up and of course, one or two teachers to coordinate them.

The three representatives for the junior category must be from JSS 1, JSS 2 and JSS 3 respectively and that three representatives for the senior category must be from SS 1, SS 2 and SS 3 respectively while the three students for the senior category must span through Science, Commercial and Art Classes in no particular order.

4 Nigerian lecturers get N7m research grants

By Dayo Adesulu

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HE British Council has recently awarded four Nigerian lecturers a combined sum of £24,380 or N7, 240,860 naira research grants through the Researchers’ Link programme to undertake various researches that meet the developmental goals of Nigeria.

The awardees will be supported by established researchers in the UK with proposed activity selected on the basis of mutual benefit, research quality and potential for sustained interaction.

The grant provides financial support for the researchers to spend up to three months in the UK as part of the Researcher Links initiative.

The aims of the research visit are to: Establish a new research link or significantly develop an existing link, with potential for longer term sustainability. contribute to capacity building of individual researchers and research groups and support development-relevant research in Nigeria.

According to Dr Vincent Chigor who will partner with a researcher from Bangor University, UK, he had set specific research goals for himself including: 1) to acquire further skills for research in Environmental Genomics, seek and establish international collaborations and secure funding for research, and 2) to do quality research and publish in high impact journals, thereby becoming a global scientific citizen, a leading Environmental/Public Health Microbiologist in subSaharan Africa.

His words “The Researcher Links travel grant is clearly a huge step towards these goals and I am eager for the experience at Bangor University that will foster my further personal development, and aid capacity building in Nigeria, where I am committed to raising young researchers at both doctoral and master ’s level.”

Dr. Anozoeze Madu of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka is also an awardee and will be working with a researcher

from the London Metropolitan University. He will be focusing on the Relationship between the severity of sickle cell anaemia and expression of genes encoding fatty acid desaturases 1 and 2.

Speaking on the importance of the research, Dr. Madu said “I am massively excited and grateful for having this opportunity to carry out a high quality research in a state of the art research institution.”

Other awardees include Dr. Rowland Kayode and Dr. Temilade Sesan, both from the University of Ilorin and University of Ibadan, respectively.

The Researcher Links initiative encourages outward and inward mobility to enable early career researchers to make contacts internationally.

The initiative encourages the involvement of social sciences and humanities researchers, as well as the natural sciences, and provides space for interdisciplinary interaction, with opportunities to bring together researchers from different fields focused on a common goal.

Oshiomhole commends AAU VC for effective management of varsity

By Gabriel Enogholase

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DO State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has commended the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, Prof. (Mrs.) Cordellia Agbebaku, for her efficient running of the institution in spite of the numerous challenges she faced when she took over the reins of affairs of the varsity.

The governor also condemned the award of honorary degrees to people of questionable characters by varsities’ administrators in the country, saying that such awards go to the highest bidder.

Oshiomhole, who addressed the 19th Convocation of the varsity as the Visitor of the University, said under the leadership of Prof. Agbebaku, “the university has continued to enjoy stability and peace and has grown from strength to strength.”

He added “before she took over, it was always one problem of students’ riot to staff protests, but she has demonstrated uncommon courage, fearlessness, prudence and accountability in managing the varsity ’s fund and brought in so much peace and stability, “She has defended the academic calendar of the varsity and has demonstrated

that even where a man could not manage peacefully, a woman could do so peacefully.”

Speaking on the caliber of Nigerians selected by the varsity for honorary awards, Governor Oshiomhole described the awardees, Messers Leemon Ikpea, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and Chief David Edebiri (Esogban of Benin) as honourable men who were worthy of the honour bestowed on them by the varsity.

He advised the graduating students not to give up on the country in spite of the unemployment challenges facing the country and urged them to emulate one of the honorary awardees, Chief Leemon Ikpea, who rose from grass to grace.

Earlier in her address, ViceChancellor of the University, Prof. Agbebaku, expressed gratitude to the Governor for confirming her appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor and the achievements so far recorded by her administration.

In his goodwill message, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof.

Julius Okojie, commended the management of AAU for internalizing quality assurance units and directed varsities’ administrators in the country to emulate same.

ABE UK certifications berth in Abuja

By Tare Youdeowei

A

SSOCIATION of Business Executives, United Kingdom (ABE, UK) has approved Dare Inspiracion Learning and Development Center as her training and certification partner in Abuja, Nigeria.

While speaking on the ABE UK certifications, Lyndon Jones, ABE Founder Chairman said that the certifications are designed to meet the requirements of employers. It is a professional qualification and it can also lead to a university degree.

“After much scrutiny, we have found The Dare Inspiracion Learning and Development Centre worthy of teaching professionals in Nigeria our programmes and we know that they would give the best to Nigerians who are eager to learn,” he added.

Speaking on quality of programmes at the center, Dapo Ipadeola, Head, Training, Dare Inspiracion said the center was approved by ABE, UK to help Nigerians have access to international certifications within the country at affordable rates.

He added that, “Dare Inspiracion Learning and Development Centre would give her best to her students in terms of training and they are expected to be relevant globally after undergoing the various programmes at our centre.

“Our well-trained facilitators are ready to teach in a lucid manner that will aid comprehension. Also, we would follow up with our students, most especially, registered for Business Start-Up and Entrepreneurship programme to ensure that they have viable businesses.”

The Dare Inspiracion Learning and Development Centre has been accredited to offer ABE programmes after a stringent accreditation application process which ensures they offer high standards of teaching and facilities. Some of the programmes available are Diploma in Business Management, Business Start-up and Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management, Marketing Management and Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management.

32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

Emeka Njoku (1946 - 2015) TRIBUTE

Oil sector scam called subsidy: Task before Buhari

By Comrade Gabby Adeagbo

I

T makes an interesting reading going through the article written in The Punch Newspaper of Monday May 4, 2015 by Mr. Tolu Ogunlesi and a report credited to former president of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr. Peter Esele, urging the incoming President Muhammadu Buhari to reform the NNPC in 100 days “or be sucked in.”

The summary of that article by Ogunlesi and demand of Esele is that the oil and gas industry has been mismanaged and has been a source of disappointment and embarrassment to the generality of the Nigerian people.

In other words, it is simply a bad testimony of how government policy has failed to meet the aspiration of the public.

It revealed the failure of public policy of government. For any Nigerian, this should be a cause for concern. Nigeria is a mono-economy nation! Oil is our lifeline. In other serious nations, this kind of deliberate calculation can attract very strict punishment such as long incarceration in confinement or even death. Can any Chinese national get away with this deliberate act? Tolu Ogunlesi and Peter Esele should be congratulated for informing the general public with the real problems confronting our oil sector and even providing path to solution.

However, there have been several attempts in the past to look into the operations and management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, in order to put it back in good operational and management order. The General Abisoye’s Report on NNPC Inquiry highlighted a good number of factors responsible for its failure to perform its roles to the nation. The General Tajudeen Olanrewaju Panel that reviewed General Abisoye’s Report clearly came up with recommendations for government to implement. Whatever these two reports are saying, they should be dusted and be looked into. What is important is that NNPC is overdue for unbundling exercise with all its business units standing and o p e r a t i n g independently.

General Buhari should call for these reports and act swiftly on their recommendations.

The new government should look into NNPC’s books covering a period of 10 years.

There should be no sacred cows and The new probing of records and punishments government should apply. The should look general public feeling is that there into is no oil subsidy but NNPC’s an attempt to create a few elite or clique books cornering the wealth covering a of the nation.

During Abacha period of 10 regime there was no years C M Y K

By Jude Njoku

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing

T

President Goodluck Jonathan

President elect Muhammadu Buhari subsidy and there were no scarcity of oil products. What the public experienced was politically motivated strikes.

Crude oil for refined oil transaction was what was at play without subsidy payment to anybody. With one that had no subsidy payment, the government and its agencies were involved in the importation and distribution of fuel at that time. Their system was that they would send crude and have refined and by-products in return. And there was never case of fuel scarcity except, on political ground. The money that has been paid on subsidy so far is more than enough to repair all the four refineries and maintain them if floated as blue ships, which was the recommendation of the General Abisoye’s and General Olanrewaju’s Reports.

HE above quote from the popular Shakespearian play, Macbeth, clearly illustrates the brevity and vanity of life. Indeed, uwa bu pawpaw, oda n’ala, otipia meaning, life is paw-paw, if it falls on the ground, it breaks into pieces. No wonder the Bible says, “Lord, teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Death dealt a cruel blow on the family of Late Gilbert Uzoma Njoku-Elegonye on April 17 when our eldest brother and mentor, Mr. Godfrey Emeka Njoku, without saying a word, bade this world of humans, farewell.

He took me when I was still a kid and ensured I had good education from the primary school to the university. I lived with him at that tender age, first at St Francis Primary School, Amatta, and later at Nwabosi (also in Amatta Ikeduru) before he was transferred to St Paul’s Odumara Orodo where I lived with him and passed my First School Leaving

Social and religious life

Unbundling of NNPC Even as of that time it was the role of the government and its agencies in providing adequate supply of fuel that led to setting up of the General Abisoye’s Panel of Inquiry on NNPC which the General Tajudeen Olanrewaju’s Review Committee was later set up to look into working out the modalities for the unbundling of NNPC and its subsidiaries and make recommendations for implementations.

The benefits of benefits of recommendations of these two reports cannot be overstretched because oil, which is the cash-cow of our economy, was safe or protected in the hands of the government. So, there was no room for payment of subsidy. Those who took up the role hitherto played by the government, therefore, who are the marketers, engaged in the importation of fuel and went away with or pocketed the profit they made without re-investing it into our oil sector especially in the areas of repairs or privatisation of oil refineries as emphasised by Reports of the panels led by the two Generals, who are still very much around. It is not too late for the General Muhammadu Buhari’s incoming government to look into getting the 140 subsidy takers, who are involved in the importation of this product, to re-invest the profit they make into our oil sector and not take it away.

•Comrade Adeagbo is a rights activist living in Lagos.

educational upbringing of his siblings.

Emeka later got admission to St Joseph’s Teacher Training College, Umuaturu Etche in the present Rivers State. He returned to his teaching job after the training programme and taught at LA Abo/Umueme in Uzoagba. A selfmade man, Emeka combined his teaching job with private tutorials which enabled him to pass the General Certificate in Education, GCE and Teachers’ Grade Two certificates.

An educationist par excellence, his teaching career took him to St Francis Primary School, Amatta and Odumara Community School, Orodo in the Mbaitoli LGA. In 1974, Mr. Emeka G. Njoku got admission to study Physical and Health Education/Igbo at the Alvan Ikoku College of Education, AICE, Owerri. He later enrolled at the University of Jos where he got his Bachelors Degree in English/Education in 1985 through private tutorials. He taught at Government Teachers’ Training College, Keffi in Nasarawa State for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Programme.

On his return to Imo State after the NYSC, he was posted to Teacher Training College, Ehime Mbano. After many years of grooming teachers in that College, he was transferred to Teacher Training College at Umudi in the then Nkwerre/Isu LGA. He was the pioneer Principal of Comprehensive Secondary School, Owerre-Ebeiri in Orlu L.G.A. from where he was posted to UmuhuOkabia and Amanachi Secondary Schools in Orlu Local Government Area and finally to Emekuku Girls Secondary School where he retired as a Principal Class 1.

Emeka Njoku Certificate. He sent me to St Mary’s Juniour Seminary Umuowa, Orlu, before proceeding to further his own education at the Alvan Ikoku College of Education, AICE, Owerri.

The late Godfrey Emeka Njoku popularly called Emeka or “De Ultimate” by his friends and admirers, was the first child of Late Gilbert Uzoma Njoku-Elegonye and Agnes Uchenwa Njoku, (Nee ObasiOparanwogu) of Umueziogwu, Umuofa Uzoagba in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State. Born on 17th December, 1946, he had his primary education at St Joseph’s Primary School Uzoagba. Although he passed the Standard Six School Leaving Certificate in flying colours, he could not proceed to Holy Ghost College Owerri which he got admission into, because his parents could not pay the school fees. His brilliance however earned him a job as a pupil-teacher in the same St Joseph’s Primary School. He was so tender that after school, he would pull off his clothes to join his peers who were still in primary school, to play football. The stipend he earned as a teacher, was used to assist in the

‘Eede Goddy’ as his siblings called him, was at one time, the Chairman of Ikeduru Progressive Union, Orlu branch. He was also the Vice Chairman of Ikeduru Welfare Association (IWA) and later its patron. He also served as the President, Uzoagba Family meeting, Orlu branch before he returned to the village after his retirement from the teaching service.

An ardent Catholic, Emeka was until his death, the Chairman of Christ the King Church, CKC Umueziogwu, Chairman Zone 5 Laity Council, Vice Chairman, Uzoagba Parish Council and Secretary, Parish Organising Committee (Social Life).

A go-getter and expert in conflict resolution, Emeka was always there to settle nagging problems that had defied solutions. His community which he served in various capacities, will surely miss his wise counsels on knotty issues that seemed to have defied solutions.

Emeka got married to his heart throb, Miss Monica (Monique) Nwosu of Akabo Ikeduru in 1981.The marriage is blessed with six children, five of who are already university graduates.

His philosophy of life is captured in this quote from his archives. “If I were to try to read, much less to answer to all the attacks made on me, a shop might as well be closed for any other business.

I do the very best I know now, the very best I can. I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out right, then what is said against me won’t matter. If the end brings me out wrong, then ten angels swearing I was right; would make no difference”. (Emeka G. Njoku).

Jude Njoku is a staff of Vanguard Media Limited

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7 15—33 7,, 20 2015—33

sector workers.

However, it is pertinent to remind all that the success of a union leader is not measured by the number of strikes he calls but what he is able to achieve for workers through the internationally accepted procedure of collective bargaining.

BITS Bits ‘Voices of workers’’

O

RGANISE, don’t agonise.

Stop precarious work; ensure health, safety at work. Yes to decent job, no to casualization.

President Buhari-keep your electoral promises to re-open closed textile factories, industrialize Nigeria. Yes to Decent job! No to casual and contract worker.

Save our industries from multiple taxes. Reduce import duty to 5% for cold roll steel coil and sheets. Please save our job.

Our job security is at stake.

Insecurity is hindering our business. No to Xenophobia and violence yes to African unity and economic integration.

Stop fuel importation, stop subsidy fraud, fix local refineries.

Who is Afraid of PIB, Fuel Industry stinks Reform is the answer. President Buhari we demand change from power poverty to power prosperity, electrify Nigeria. Stop importation and smuggling, save our jobs.

Jonathan absent at May Day

O

UTGOING president Goodluck Jonathan was absent at the May Day rally held at Eagles Square, Abuja.

It was not known if his absence was due to other State engagements or perhaps be stayed away because of the crisis in one of the central labour organizations ; the Nigeria Labour Congress which organized the rally.

The federal government was however represented by two ministers; the minister for Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) and the minister for Labour and Productivity.

Unions condemn Xenophobic attack in South Africa

T

HE Comrade Ayuba Wabba faction of the NLC has condemned the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and called on the Congress of South African Trade Union ( COSATU) an ally of the NLC to “ offer decisive interventions that ensure the protection of lives and properties as immigrant workers are covered by Conventions of the International Labour Organisation to which the labour centre is also affiliated , like the NLC, injuries to migrant workers are injuries to all workers all over the world”.

The other faction of the NLC led by Comrade Joe Ajaero staged a protest at the South African High Commission to express their displeasure on the xenophobic attacks.

zWorkers on the march, celebrating 2015 May Day at Eagle Square Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

Time to refocus Labour

By Funmi Komolafe

M

AY 1, 2015 was another May Day, commonly called Workers’ Day. Nigerian workers joined other workers worldwide to mark the day. The only exception is the United States of America where Labour Day is first Monday in September.

Labour Watch is a review of the issues raised on May Day and some thoughts about what the role of organized labour represented by the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress should be in the new dispensation in governance in Nigeria expected to take off on May 29.

May Day 2015 was unique in many ways. First it, held 27 days from the inauguration of a new government at the federal level in Nigeria. It was also the maiden rally organized by the leadership of the NLC under the leadership of Comrade Ayuba Wabba but it was also a day that organized labour expressed discordant tunes.

It also held at a time that the nation was without petrol, a time movement was restricted because of the scarcity of petrol.

While the NLC leadership led

by Comrade Ayuba Wabba spoke on “ The Working Class, Democratic Consolidation and Economic Revival: Charting the way to National Re- Birth”, the other faction led by Comrade Joe Ajaero spoke on “ The Labour Movement and Quest for Good Governance”.

What may have taken many labour watchers aback was the use of agents of the police to stop other workers from observing May Day. Why on earth should any

one use the state to stop a workers' rally? Who directed that the rally organized by the Ajaero faction of the NLC at the national stadium in Surulere, Lagos be stopped while the one organized by the Wabba faction went on unhindered at the Onikan stadium, also in Lagos?

The security agents who sealed off the stadium attributed the directive to “orders from above.”

One hopes that the Ayuba leadership is not responsible for this. It is however clear that the state could not have moved in on its own; someone within the NLC sought assistance of the state.

What if the other group had reacted and it turned violent?

What if….? What if…?

Reacting to the police seal off, factional leader of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero said: “We condemn the unprovoked siege by fully armed mobile police on the peaceful gathering of workers at the venue of this

On the other hand, the group that was locked out, led by Joe Ajaero disclosed that it would be sending N90,000 minimum wage proposal to General Buhari’s government for consideration

year’s workers’ day celebration.”

We want to warn the IG to learn from the misadventure of his predecessors and ensure that he operates within the ambit of the law. We have a fundamental right topeaceful assembly and information”.

In his address at Eagles Square, Comrade Wabba Ayuba could not but admit the crisis which has been rocking the NLC. He promised that he NLC under his leadership will do everything possible to restore unity to the Congress.

Whether the leadership admits it or not, the crisis within has weakened the NLC. Surprisingly, Comrade Ayuba described the turn-out as impressive. In his opinion , it was better than that of 2014 but as he spoke NTA which had a live coverage showed a scanty crowd to disprove his claims. With more than 10 affiliate unions absent at the rally, could there have been an impressive turn out?

Impressive or not, the NLC leadership is presiding over a divided house. Not only will a divided house not stand before employers and government, it cannot serve the interest of workers. The earlier the crisis is resolved, the better for all.

NLC’s demands: Comrade Ayuba said his NLC is working towards “ the presentation of our views on the state of the nation”.

He went on to speak of irregular payment and nonpayment of salaries by some state governments and directed that anywhere workers are being owed salaries up to two months, workers should down tools before May 29. One wants to believe that his directive is also to private

Deregulation and wage Increase: Wabba also said that the nation’s external reserves has been depleted and this has weakened the Naira even as he hopes that the incoming administration at the centre will “lead us to a new Ngeria and a better future.”

In his words, “we must work together as a people to bring about the deserved change.”

He went on to announce that organized labour will demand a new minimum wage as soon as the new government settles down.

While commending the outgoing administration, he said minimum wage increased from N5,500 to N18,000. What he did not fully express is that N5,500 was basic salary only while 18,000 includes allowances.

Level of unemployment On the other hand, the group that was locked out, led by Joe Ajaero disclosed that it would be sending a wage proposal of N90,000 minimum wage proposal to General Buhari’s government for consideration with the “Nigeria Employers Consultative Association”.

Unemployment: As expected both the Wabba and Ajaero factions expressed concern about the level of unemployment and urged government to address the issue. It must be noted that whereas both sides of the NLC are demanding wage increase, there was no spark from Labour when the out-going federal government devalued the Naira.

Petrol Subsidy The NLC President said, “We believe our refineries can work and they can be made to work side by side with private refineries.”

Ayuba emphasized: “we must have functional refineries.”

This has been labour ’s demand since 1986 when the then general secretary Dr. Lasisi Osunde published an advertorial titled “ Oil subsidy lies not facts”.

After nearly 30 years of holding on to this position on fuel subsidy shouldn’t organized labour have a rethink? If indeed it is true that the subsidy is a fraud, which benefits a few, why wouldn’t labour take a position that will be beneficial to workers?

It is not a sign of weakness to change one’s position on an issue especially if it is for the good of the working class and indeed the Nigerian people.

34—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

of having killed his wife, who had been unfaithful to him. He got some of the best defence lawyers around in America and he was able to go scot-free.

So many people were dissatisfied that he got free but he got free because he got competent lawyers.

Now, if you look at the Criminal Law practice, you will find that most of the top lawyers are not there. In fact, no lawyer premises his practice on Criminal Law practice, otherwise, you are seen as a ‘charge and bail’ lawyer. So the Criminal Law practice is left for those who just want to make ends meet.

And your big men are now able to pay the top lawyers top money for them to sit down and analyse their case and put it to the court and if they are able to put it to the court strongly enough and they are successful, you cannot begrudge them.

Govs shouldn’t be afraid of signing death warrants

T

— Justice Adebajo (retd)

By Bartholomew Madukwe

J

ustice Ebenezer Adebajo is a retired judge of the Lagos StateHigh Court. He spent 10 years on the bench before he bowed last year following the statutory mandatory retirement age of 65. In this interview he spoke on his challenging period on the bench, death sentence, too many lawyers in the system and why influential people charged with criminal offences go almost scot-free.

Excerpts: What have you missed about being a judge since your retirement?

Before the date of my retirement, I had wound down mentally from the work. My frame of mind was that the work was coming to an end.

But, as of today, I do miss the camaraderie with my colleagues.

When I joined the bench, I think judges in Lagos State at that time were somewhat •ADEBAJO — It is a neglect of the lawful and valid order of the stiff to one another.

But along the line we court when the governor fails to sign the death warrant. started going on retreats. We were spending High Court. On the formation between a week to 10 days out a period of 10 years on the of the Badagry Division of the of the country, in another bench because the law says I Lagos High Court, I was the location, going through some must retire at 65, but much of first judge to sit there and I was legal matters and also having the period that I spent on the the only judge in that division a laugh with ourselves. It has bench was at the Badagry for 6 years. I was involved in engendered a comradeship general civil litigations, which within the Judiciary and I means I handled cases think it has been good for the ranging from divorce to land Judiciary. So, on that note I matters, to obaship (mornachy) have missed my colleagues.

In Lagos State, for disputes, to monetary indebtedness to fundamental What was your experience example, I don’t human rights and what have like on the bench? you. It was such a cocktail of I was appointed as a judge think any death work and it brought out in January 2004, sworn in as warrant has been everything that I had learnt judge of the High Court of Lagos State in May 2004. I had signed in the last 10 from the Bar. But for the time that I was there, which was to 12 years, it is a overlong, I think I appreciated failure, it is a being in Badagry. It was a most enjoyable experience. neglect of the

SBL to set agenda for Buhari’s administration —Pg 36

Partner appeals judgement in suit against firms —Pg 37 C M Y K

lawful and valid order of the court when the governor fails to sign the death warrant

Why do influential people charged with criminal offences go almost scot-free?

In America, we all know what happened to a very well known sportsman, who was accused

he Indonesian government recently executed eight drug convicts, including four Nigerians, what would you say about that?

I congratulate the Indonesia government, I congratulate the Indonesian judiciary for standing by the laws they have made. This law is made to protect that society and the people in Indonesia. They have a right to protect themselves in the manner that they deem fit. The Australia nationals are not obliged to go there; the ones that went there, by going, submitted themselves to the law of that land.

If any country should say that Nigeria should not do this or do that, it is a disregard for the sovereignty of the nation.

I find it unfortunate that government, such as the Australian government, could not respect the laws and judicial system of a sovereign nation.

If the position of a law in that country is that where there is criminal activity in the area of drugs, either by carrying drug or dealing in drugs, in whichever manner, and the law punishes it by conviction, by a death sentence, it is valid because it is their country and their right. That is the paste at which its own custom and culture has moved, so it must be respected. Australia cannot act as a colonial power; stretch its hands in order to manipulate the judicial process in another country.

The efforts of the western world, particularly America, to push Nigeria in accepting homosexuality as a way of life,

Continues on page 35

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MAY 7 2015—35

‘Blame Body of Benchers, NUC for over producing lawyers'

Continues from page 34 was another attempt at impinging on our sovereignty.

I thank God that both the people of Nigeria and arms of government in Nigeria rejected what they were doing. The judiciary has stood by its sovereignity.

Don’t you think that the Nigerian government owed those Nigerians executed in Indonesia an obligation of protection?

These individuals were free agents and yes they (federal government) might owe them an obligation of protection that is if they stay within the law.

But these people stayed out of it voluntarily; they deliberately stayed outside the law. What obligation does government have to do? I feel that things have gone as it should be in Indonesia. However, did our government say anything?

They have not said anything; and that is how it should be.

Do you support abolition of death sentence?

I do not agree with it. While our institutions are failing, the prison as an institution is halffailing. When people now believe that they can get away easily with anything wrong that they do, what would happen?

When they now say even that law is nothing, I will kill you and I will just get in touch with my uncle and I will get away with it, what would happen?

There is a general failure of the institutions and the prison system is not a guarantee for anything. I do not believe that we are ripe to take the death penalty out of our laws. The corollary to that is that we have to remind the state governors that they voluntarily chose to take that position, and one of the duties of the governor of a state is to sign death warrants for people who have been convicted and sentenced to be hanged. It is failure in their duty when they neglect to sign death warrants. It is part and parcel of the duties of a governor and it is a frustration of the order of the court when the governor does not sign death warrants.

In Lagos State, for example, I don’t think any death warrant

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

beginning of the 80s, in the High Court of Lagos State, Igbosere, in January they would start numbering from LD/1/the number of that year and by the time you reach December, may be you are at LD/900+/the number of that year and that means that in that year, there were less than 1,000 cases filed.

But now, about 1,000 cases have been filed already. So, that is the differential that we are talking about. It takes one quarter of the time that it took before for people to file that number of cases.

•ADEBAJO — The quality of legal practitioners in the country is on Litigation has grown in the decline. a monstrous way. has been signed in the last 10 to 12 years. It is a failure, it is a neglect of the lawful and valid order of the court when the governor fails to sign the death warrant. They should have asked what does it involve and if you know you are going to have nightmares about signing death warrants, then don’t go near that sit. I was a criminal court judge and I convicted somebody who had killed his wife and sentenced him to death, why couldn’t they do their duty too? We are not ripe for death sentence to be taken off our laws.

When you are putting 2000, 3000 lawyers into the system every year, it is gross error and that is why today you have lawyers who are earning a salary of N20,000, something less than what a clerk is being paid

Delayed justice has continued to be an issue, in your experience as a judge, how best do you think this can be addressed?

It is not for the inability of judges; it is not for lack of attention to duty on the part of the judges. When I came into the Law profession at the

There is the belief that there is a decline in the quality of the Bar; having spent over 20 years in practice before going to the bench, what would be your take on this?

Yes, there is no doubt that the quality of legal practitioners in the country is on the decline.

There is no doubt that the Body of Benchers, which is the body responsible for calling lawyers to the Bar, is not doing its job.

If you look at the Accountancy profession, they have insisted on minimizing the number of people coming into that profession so that they could look after the standard. The standard has been eroded in the legal profession. English is the tool of the lawyer. There are so many untutored chambers.

I don’t know whether it is error or innovation, they present processes in court attempting to make innovations and Law is not a profession that gives room for innovations. It is a very staid profession and on the bench I have had to admit to lawyers that look, I am ‘old school’ and the legal profession is about being old school. It is a very conservative profession. But the Body of Benchers are the people who would see to the number of lawyers being admitted into the profession.

Makanjuola for burial today

By Bartholomew Madukwe

F

ORMER Chief Legal Officer and Head of Litigation for Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), Ms. Eniola Makanjuola, who died on April 26, 2015 will be buried today, at Victoria Court Cemetry, Awoyaya, Lekki, Lagos. Ïn a statement, the deceased was appointed LSDPC’s Chief Legal Officer in 1996, moved to Ibadan in 2004 and later became Head of Legal Department at Odua Telecoms. She was married into the Oluwa family of IsaleEko and blessed with two sons.

“Olatunji, as she was fondly called by her parents, was admitted into St. Theresa’s College, Oke Ado Ibadan at the age of nine, an unusual feat in those days, where her sister, Mrs Yejide Runsewe, was a senior. She maintained an impressive academic record in the school. It was no surprise when she gained admission to study law at the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi

•Eniola Awolowo University) Ile Ife in 1976,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the service of songs for Makanjuola, who died at the age of 52, would take place on May 6 at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa area of Ikeja, while the funeral service would hold on May 7 at St. Paul’s Church, Breadfruit, Lagos Island.

36—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

The section of business law planning committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, holds 9th Annual Business Law press conference.

SBL to set agenda for Buhari’s administration th maintained its 70 position on the Ease of Doing Business Index. We can HE ninth annual business confirm so far that the helmsmen of conference of the Nigerian Bar several of Nigeria’s regulatory Association Session on Business Law agencies will be a part of the discourse (SBL), is expected to set economic at this session; they include the heads agenda for the new administration of of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Corporate Affairs Commission, General Muhammadu Buhari.

Coming on the heels of May 29 Shippers Council, Securities & hand-over date, the three-day business Exchange Commission, and Central law conference with the theme: Securities Clearing Systems Plc.” Jemide explained that another ‘’Regulators as Catalysts for Economic Growth’’ would hold between May 7 plenary session would be on the June – 9 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, 9 where the Chief Economist of PWC, John Hawksworth, is expected to speak Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to the Conference on topic ‘’Long Term Global Economic Planning Committee Chairman, Ayuli Trends and Implications for Nigeria”.

“This session, which is based on Jemide, who spoke at a media briefing in Lagos, said its opening ceremony, PWC’s World 2050 Report, will be which would take place on a Sunday chaired by Elisabeth Proust, the CEO unlike previous ones, was coming at of Total E & P Nigeria Ltd and will have notable discussants, including an opportuned time.”

Mr Segun Agbaje, ‘’The Council of the CEO of Guaranty Trust SBL takes the view that Bank Plc and Dr Doyin there is no better time to Salami, distinguished contribute our quota to economist and senior nation building and have lecturer at the Lagos themed the conference There is a Business School,’’ he ‘’Regulators as Catalysts specific added. for Economic Growth”.

On the other The aim is to use the focus on objectives of the conference as a forum for young conference, the regulators, lawyers and planning committee lawyers at business executives to chairman noted that dialogue on policies and this this years’ conference regulations that shape conference also has some other economic growth.’’ attendant objectives.

Speaking on the “First, we want to conference sessions, he have a very inclusive said: ‘’The key sessions conference, one that of the conference have would attract been designed to raise major talking points that affect our practicing lawyers of all ages and business environment and kick start an types, in-house counsel in private and enduring mechanism for continuous public sectors, corporate Nigeria, and engagement between the Section on government. Second, we think that Business Law and the major regulators attendees should have time to relax that shape our business environment. and unwind. We have events such as For example, the first session on the the opening dinner, boat cruise, and June 8 is tagged ‘’Improving Nigeria’s closing party to ensure there are social Ease of Doing Business”. The aspects to this event. Third, there is a importance of improving Nigeria’s specific focus on young lawyers at this th current 170 position on the World conference. We have arranged Bank Ease of Doing Business Index excursions for them to visit 3 top law cannot be overemphasized. This firms for mentoring sessions and we session will have the CEO of the have also slated a well facilitated Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, discourse between the young lawyers Mawuena Trebarh, kick off the and their senior colleagues,” he stated. conversation on how Ghana has

By Dayo Benson

T

NBA Ikorodu begins law week tomorrow

By Dayo Benson

F

ormer president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr J.B. Daudu SAN, is expected to deliver a lecture at the annual B.O. Benson SAN lecture organized by the Ikorodu branch of NBA. The lecture titled “Survival of Democracy in Nigeria, an overview of 2015 general elections” is part of activities lined up for this year ’s law week of the branch which begins tomorrow with a press conference to be addressed by the branch chairman, Mr Dotun Adetunji, and a Jumat service.

According to the chairman, the topic was chosen to reflect the current political situation in the country, with a view to deepening the nation’s

democracy.

Adetunji explained further that the branch would not have come up with a better topic considering the successful conduct of the 2015 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The one week event which would climax with Continued Legal Education (CLE) and law dinner on May 14 would also feature award ceremony to lawyers and eminent jurists among others.

This would be preceded by a church service on Sunday, while the branch would join the Lagos State Chief Judge for a visit to the prisons on Monday, May 11.

Young lawyers forum and women lawyers are expected to take the centre stage on Wednesday.

From left: Anthony Nwaochei; 2015 CPC chair, Ayuli Jemide; SBL chair, Asue Ighodalo and Prisceilla Ogwomeh, Council member.

Endurance Uhumuavbi and Gloria Ireka of Newswire

BOOK ON TAXATION LAW UNVEILED IN LAGOS Mr. Lanre Akinsola, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Justice in Reform Sector Legal Matters recently presented a book on Tax Law. Here are some faces at the ocassion:

R-L: Lagos Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, Book Reviewer, Prof. Erick Obadina and the author, Mr. Lanre Akinsola.

Justice Senayo Ogunsanya and Justice Femi Adamson of the Lagos State High Court

Ogun State Attorney-General/ Commissioner For Justice Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu and Lagos Attorney-General/ Commissioner for Justice Mr. Ade Ipaye presenting the book.

C M Y K

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 —37

Partner appeals judgement in suit against firms

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

M

r. Oghoro Bishop Ese, a former management partner with an oil services company, Taleveras Group of Companies Limited (TGCL),has appealed the March 24, 2015 judgment delivered by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja in a suit by the company and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Igho Sanomi.

In his notice of appeal before the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal, the appellant alleged that the trial court denied him fair hearing, while querying the procedure adopted by it.

Beside, he faulted its decisions and asked the appellate court to set aside the lower court’s proceedings and judgment, as he also applied to the trial court for the stay of execution of judgment.

It could be recalled that Sanomi and his company had, in late 2014 sued Oghoro after he wrote Sanomi on August 5 last year, demanding the payment of his final entitlement. Oghoro, who was Sanomi’s schoolmate and founding member of the company, resigned in 2005 after a disagreement with Sanomi.

The defendant, who now resides in the United Kingdom, had written Sanomi through Televeras’ UK

By Joseph Otteh Introduction he National Judicial Council (NJC) has issued new “Guidelines and Procedural Rules” for all judicial appointments into superior court positions in Nigeria. The reforms seek to plug serious lapses in the former judicial appointments/ elevation guidelines that made those guidelines too feeble and ineffective in achieving its aims.

The former guidelines did not, and could not safeguard judicial appointments from being politicised or lobbied, or even from “institutional nepotism”.

Under those guidelines, judicial appointments were undertaken through processes that were undemocratic, cloistered, elitist, and that lacked openness or transparency. This effectively led to the exclusion of otherwise eligible people from consideration for judicial office.

The former guidelines could not ensure that those appointed to judicial office represented the strongest stock of talent that the legal profession could offer.

Judicial appointments are a

T

•Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, President, Court of Appeal subsidiary - Taleveras Services UK - demanding, among others, £30million (being 15 per cent of £200m allegedly realized as profit between 2000 and 2003 while their business relationship lasted.

In his request, he demanded that based on an oral agreement between him and Sanomi, that he (Oghoro) was entitled to 15 per cent of the

It could be recalled that Sanomi and his company had, in late 2014 sued Oghoro after he wrote Sanomi on August 5 last year

company ’s annual profit, between 2000 and 2005 while their work relationship lasted.

Oghoro also took a preaction protocol against Sanomi in the UK, which saw Oghoro’s lawyer and lawyers representing Sanomi and his companies - Taleveras Services UK and Taleveras Group of Companies exchanged letters in 2014 with a view to establishing what was actually owed Oghoro.

However as the parties were preparing for the pre-action protocol stage in the UK, Sanomi and TGCL sued Oghoro before the High Court of the FCT, Abuja, denying any contractual relationship with the defendant.

They also complained about the letter, which the plaintiffs said had cast them in bad light before Taleveras UK, who they claimed was a business partner and not TGCL’s subsidiary as claimed by the defendant (Oghoro).

The plaintiffs prayed the court to declare among others that the defendant’s claims in the letter dated August 5, 2014 were “frivolous, incredible and made in bad faith.”

The plaintiffs further sought a declaration that the letter, which portrayed them (the plaintiffs) as debtors, is defamatory of their persons, while asking the court to award N500m against the defendant for libel in relation to the August 5, 2014 letter and another N20m in their favour,

as cost of the suit.

Justice Musa in his judgment in the suit marked: FCT/HC/CV/186/2014 dismissed the defendant’s counter-claim on the grounds that it was statute barred and that it disclosed no cause of action, while refusing the plaintiffs’ prayers for N520m in relation to their libel claim and the cost of prosecuting the suit.

In his appeal, Oghoro raised five grounds of appeal in the notice of appeal, to include that the trial judge erred in law when he entered judgment for the plaintiffs in relation to relief sought in their statement of claim, without calling evidence in the substantive suit commenced by writ of summons.

He noted that no evidence was adduced by the plaintiffs to prove their case which was founded on defamation before the trial court proceeded to judgment and that the court gave judgment without calling oral evidence, but relied on facts contained in an interlocutory application to determine a substantive suit in which pleadings have been joined and averments in the substantive suit controverted by the defendant in his statement of defence/counterclaim and statement on oath.

He has also applied to the trial court for orders staying execution of the judgement pending the determination of the appeal.

Ruling had been adjourned to October 10, 2015 for ruling.

NJC’s new guidelines on judicial appointments of Nigeria’s judiciary gateway to the exercise of enormous judicial powers and authority. Where procedures of appointments are weak, flawed or vulnerable, the outcomes of the process will likely mirror those frailties and faults; indeed, some persons who get into judicial office through this means may just be accidents waiting to happen. And we have witnessed, and are still seeing, many such accidents!

Judges play a huge role in safeguarding our liberties and the Constitution has effectively made courts the guardians of the Constitution, a last line of defence; a bulwark against tyranny and oppression and a surety for good governance and the rule of law. A nation that values its freedom and its progress will clearly not allow its judiciary to be less than strong, confident and competent. There was such a time, as legal historians say, that Nigeria’s judiciary was the

Continent’s showpiece. How did Nigeria squander that legacy so voraciously? One such way, we think, is that we let government control who gets in to, and who gets locked out of, judicial office!

In July 2014, a judicial reforms conference1 (Organized by the Nigerian Bar

A nation that values its freedom and its progress will clearly not allow its judiciary to be less than strong

Association, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Access to Justice in collaboration with the NJC, (and backed by the EU and the Open Society Initiative for W/ Africa) had pressed the urgency of reforming the judicial appointments system in Nigeria, concluding with a communiqué that canvassed reviewing “of the guidelines for the recruitment of judges to encourage a more transparent, competitive and merit-based system that will eliminate nontransparency in the appointment process”. The new Guidelines respond constructively to the representations made to the NJC in this regard.

Now the NJC has stepped up to the plate in a bold way. Why the Council waited for this long to do so is befuddling, given that the handwriting was on the wall in plain sight for so long.

Res Ipsa Loquitur! The new

guidelines strengthen the safeguards against the appointment of unsuitable persons to superior courts, promote competitiveness and openness in the selection process, as well as boosts transparency, objectivity and merit in selection steps and considerations. This piece is not intended to examine the Guidelines in any detail but to extrapolate, broadly, the significant changes introduced by them.

An Overview of the Changes Made Openness and Transparency: The new guidelines require greater openness and transparency in judicial appointment processes beginning with the announcements of judicial vacancies, which must now be done openly, through websites of Judicial Service Commission/ Committee (JSCs), notice boards of courts and the Bar, (Rule 3:1).

38—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

•Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, PDP National Chairman and President Goodluck Jonathan...when the going was good

PDP: The trauma and troubles of defeat THE historic defeat of Nigeria’s ruling party has generated a blame game that could worsen the prospects of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the immediate future.

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

I

T was an unparalleled admission of the post-defeat trauma that has suddenly put members of the once selfproclaimed biggest political party in Africa on edge.

Apparently in reference to President Goodluck Jonathan’s Monday night intervention, national party scribe, Chief Olisa Metuh yesterday offered the olive branch to warring aides and associates of the president.

“We are aware that this unfortunate development is a consequence of post-election trauma arising from our first ever defeat. We, however, note with relief that we have now overcome this challenge,” Metuh said in a communiqué yesterday.

The assertion followed days of vicious bickering among very senior party officials that in some cases involved direct innuendoes at the person of the president, his wife and senior officials.

At the heart of the crisis was the move by aides and close associates of the president to ensure the removal of the Adamu Mu‘azu led National Working Committee, NWC on the charge that having failed

led the party to its worst election outing that members should go.

That move was first passed as a gentleman message from the governors to the NWC members. According to Vanguard sources, individual governors seen to be close to the NWC members were urged to pass on the message to the party officials to quietly resign from office. That suggestion was, however, stubbornly dismissed by nearly all members of the NWC who for once put aside their individual grievances against one another to stand up in defence of their mandate.

Open warfare The NWC members insisted that their tenure does not end until March 2016. Given the helplessness of the governors to push them aside, a number of the governors it was learnt, quietly returned to the party officials to confess that the campaign to remove them came from the villa.

The realisation of that fact further worsened relations between the party officials and the presidency leading to the open warfare that broke out a week ago.

The party officials had before

the election grieved quietly as they saw how they were seemingly put aside by the presidency in the campaign.

Seemingly as a way of piling pressure on the NWC members, aides of the president who felt most pained by the loss of the presidential elections were said to have leaked vouchers which showed that members of the NWC got a minimum of N30 million each from party funds in early April.

The presidency officials who leaked the vouchers accused them of stealing the money a week after the party lost the presidential elections as they accused the party officials of being more concerned about their interests than those of the party.

It was a charge that finally got the NWC members fighting.

Last Saturday, the national chairman, Mu‘azu and the national publicity secretary, Metuh released two different statements in which they accused the presidency officials of seeking to destroy the party.

Metuh in his release said the NWC was “aware of the clandestine activities of such aides and associates of the President including their unholy alliance with some elements in other parties to undermine and weaken the PDP by attacking its leadership.

“The NWC is aware that these same individuals who

mismanaged the presidential campaigns are now desperately seeking to cause crisis in the PDP with a view not only to divert attention from their misdeeds but also to ensure that they remained politically relevant by hijacking the party structure for their selfish purposes.”

The charge as to the mismanagement of the campaign fund by Metuh flowed from complaints by NWC members that the party secretariat was denied of resources by the president who

The party officials had before the election grieved quietly as they saw how they were seemingly put aside by the presidency in the campaign

they alleged poured all resources to his campaign organisation and anyone that sought to project his election with the notable exception of the NWC. Pointers were made to the fact that the president bought almost a thousand vehicles, and just only the National Youth Leader got and that was because he was also a member of the Presidential Campaign Council, PCC. Party sources asked why the presidency seemingly put the NWC at a distant during the campaigns said it was a matter of vendetta as it was claimed that some members of NWC were blamed for being too soft on the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

While the war lasted, party officials almost always accused presidency aides of fuelling the crisis with a threat that they would be exposed. However, beneath the veneer of such bluster was a direct threat to the outgoing president himself who many party leaders complain was directly stoking the crisis but out of respect shied away from dragging into the ring.

Remarkably, senior party officials including prominent officials of the BoT kept mute all the while the brickbat lasted mainly because they were either compromised in the distribution of campaign funds or put off by the lacklustre campaign.

Fuelling of the crisis Remarkably, as the war seemed like degenerating last weekend, Mu‘azu reportedly jetted out of the country inevitably putting off prospects of a national executive committee, NEC meeting, the only body that can remove an erring national officer.

Seemingly put on the spot, the president called for a meeting with the members of the NWC on Monday night where those present were said to have called for peace. He was also quoted as promising to discipline his aides fuelling the crisis.

Mu‘azu who was not present and had on Tuesday morning put out a statement attacking his traducers from the presidency was forced to recall the statement late on Tuesday apparently after fellow NWC members had contacted him on the developments.

However, not so for Governor Ayodele Fayose and Chief Bode George, who have marshalled the attack against the NWC members from the Southwest zone.

Fayose was unrepentant in his demand for the resignation Continues on page 40

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015—39

ZONING: Why we're taking our time — SEN SHUAIBU, APC DEP NAT'L CHAIR SENATOR Lawal Shuaibu is the Deputy National Chairman (North) of All Progressives Congress, APC. In this interview, Shuaibu explains how the APC achieved the feat of winning the presidency and the majority of governorships. Excerpts:

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

H

OW did the APC achieve the feat of winning the presidency and the majority of governorships?

It was a phenomenon. It was something which we considered the work of God because it couldn’t ordinarily have been by our own efforts alone. Yes, our efforts could have counted, but I must tell you we were taken by surprise especially, the level of support that General Buhari enjoys in this country.

What do you think motivated the people to come out to support Buhari?

There is this perception of Buhari of being Nigeria’s Mr. Fix It! His main asset has been his integrity, people believe in his leadership and people believe that he can correct all the corrupt mistakes committed by past leaders.

attracting criticisms, we have to device a way of conducting ourselves in such a way and manner that we are not criticised like we have spent so long time criticising the PDP. How does it feel? I really don’t know how it feels because we are still in the process of government formation and until our government takes off, I will not have a feeling of being in politics belonging to a ruling party.

There are mutterings over the delay in the sharing of party offices. What is wrong?

It is actually taking time and it is not as if we are not aware of that. But then, it is always better to do things right no matter how long it takes than to do it several times and all the time coming back to correct mistakes. We actually, are very conscious of that.

So, how soon will this be resolved?

It is going to be very soon. We will finish all the foundation

Corruption in the land People also believe that he has a capacity to turn around the economy of this country by addressing the issue of corruption in the land. You can’t fault that idea. The country was sinking and the general perception was that only Buhari could bring the country back from sinking.

You say people believe, but do you believe that Buhari can do all these?

When I say Buhari, I am talking about Buhari as the leader and he alone cannot do it. Buhari will put in place a competent team that can do it. That is why he has said that it is not a government of favours, favours of appointments. No, appointments into government is going to be mainly on the basis of competence, people who are qualified and are competent to do it and people who have the will to really do the work without compromise.

For 16 years, you have been in the opposition at the national level. How does it feel like going to the other side?

I have also asked myself and I remember telling my colleagues in the National Working Committee that we have to be a little careful this time because we are now the hunted and no more the hunters.

We should be very careful in

•Shuaibu: Buhari could bring the country back from sinking

laying exercises before May 29.

Nigerians have a high expectation from the coming

government. Do you think the incoming government can meet it?

It is the majority of the people of Nigerians that have given the mandate. When the government enjoys the cooperation and patience of Nigerians, I tell you we will overcome all these challenges.

We are very much aware that the challenges are very high and we are fully aware that even within the system that the rot is very deep but I can assure you, when we have competent people to do it and Nigerians become patient with the government, I tell you we can overcome these challenges in no time.

The South-South and the Southeast seem lost out in the APC. In what way is your party hoping to integrate them into the system?

You see, it is not as if we don’t members and leaders from the South-South and Southeast. We do have them. The thing is if they don’t get elective offices, there are appointments to be made and I assure you, we are going to treat them very fairly, they must be carried along, they worked hard.

I am yet to see a politician who will lose election deliberately.

They did their best but unfortunately what transpired in the South-South and Southeast was something that we still have reservations on. No matter what, our members and leaders will still be carried along in the government after May 29.

The story behind my exiting Oshiomhole's cabinet — Omo-Ojo HON OROBOSA Omo-Ojo, publisher of the Mid West Herald and political activist was a former Commissioner in the Edo State Civil Service. Shortly after contesting the primaries of his party, the APC to represent Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, he was dropped by Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Breaking his silence since he was dropped for the first time, he told Vanguard that he has not been told why he was relieved of his appointment just as he gave pass marks to Oshiomhole for fulfilling most of his electioneering promises to Edo people. Excerpts:

By Gabriel Enogholase

S

INCE you were dropped as a Commissioner in the Edo Civil Service, how has life been?

Life continues. As journalist every day is Christmas for us.

We take every day as a challenge. Outside being a commissioner, for the past three months or thereabout, the usual daily activities for me is that I have found more time for reading and writing.

I am working on my memoir; I took that window within the last three months to work on my memoir which has to do with the historical struggle in Edo State and the part I played.

So since my leaving office as

Commissioner for Transport, I have used the time very well to add some chapters to the book.

Were you expecting to be dropped as Commissioner by the time it came?

Right from the first day, I felt someday I was going to leave office either ceremoniously or unceremoniously.

First, I was posted to the Ministry of Oil and Gas and we all know in the state that before I was posted there the Ministry basically existed on the pages of newspapers. That set me out to be in the limelight either negatively or positively.

After that, the Comrade Governor drafted me to the Ministry of Transport because of the prevailing negative

report.

Of course we are aware how one TV station here took on me for about six weeks, asking for my removal because I insisted everybody must respect traffic rules in Edo State. I was happy then that the Governor openly said that even if he beats traffic light he should be apprehended. And we did our best. Basically I was always at the receiving end.

But to answer you whether I expected it I will say, yes because I have never had a smooth ride in public service because of my training as a journalist. I have not been able to learn the rudiments of politics where you see one thing as far as it does not affect you personally, you will let it go. We always ask questions

Continues on page 40

PDP: The trauma and troubles of defeat Continues from page 38 of Mu‘azu, saying on Tuesday: “How do we explain the PDP losing so scandalously in Bauchi State, despite the presence of the National Chairman, Federal Capital Territory Minister and the state governor? I want to say it again that I have no apology for calling for the resignation of the NWC members, especially the National Chairman.”

A member of the NWC, however, expressed serious pain at the assertion.

According to him the NWC was the body that stood up for the governor when every other person in the party wanted him out of the governorship contest in Ekiti State.

“It really hurts, I mean it hurts for Ayo Fayose to ask us to resign, considering the risks we took to ensure that we gave him a level playing ground to contest even when some members thought that he had no right being in the race,” the NWC official said late on Tuesday.

40—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

LP 'll be a virile opposition in Nigeria — Ajulo •Says Mimiko's sabbatical in PDP is over MR Kayode Ajulo is the National Secretary of Labour Party, LP. In this interview, Ajulo among others issues, gives an appraisal of the just conducted general elections, he also declared that LP would be the next face of opposition in Nigeria. Excerpts:

By Dapo Akinrefon

W

HAT is your appraisal of the just concluded election?

There are some states where we were hoping to win like Oyo State and Delta State. Even in Ebonyi State, there was no election there. That of Ebonyi State they just declared their candidate the winner of the election. All these will be reviewed at the tribunal.

We are sure the tribunal will agree with us by the time we come with the avalanche of evidence and facts that we have.

In all, we can’t say we are not disappointed, we can’t say we are not happy and again as a lawyer I am a little bit restrained to discuss particularly when one is a party in the case. You need not to do anything that will prejudice the case at hand at the tribunal.

What I will say generally about the just concluded election is that I did not see it as an election.

Now that President Goodluck Jonathan has lost the election, if Governor Olusegun Mimiko decides to come back to Labour Party will he be welcomed back?

When Mimiko was about to leave he made far reaching consultations with a lot of people and from my own interpretation, from what he told us that he was going for a purpose and that

purpose has a time limit.

As far as I am concerned, all the time he left, he left on sabbatical, now he should come back, his sabbatical is over. So, he should come back. He must come back and when he is coming he should not come alone, he should come with people that left with him.

A lot of people felt that what happened to parties like the LP, All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA and other smaller parties was because they didn’t present a presidential candidate. Is this true?

One thing we have to know is

When Mimiko was about to leave he made far reaching consultations with a lot of people and from my own interpretation, from what he told us is that he was going for a purpose and that purpose has a time limit

Jettisoning the party

•Ajulo: PDP lacks the capacity to be an opposition party

that, this has to do with one's honour. We tried as much as possible to get a presidential candidate but we have criteria for that candidate.

At the end of the day, Buhari is the president-elect and we have congratulated him, we wish him luck but if we must say the truth, between the two if you are to choose who is a pro-worker, it is Jonathan.

In his six year tenure as a president, not a single worker, covertly or overtly, has been retrenched in this country.

President Jonathan really revived the pension act. But if tomorrow Gen. Buhari helps our interest, of course we will go for him but

as it is now, we have no regrets.

Do you mean you have no regrets supporting President Jonathan?

Of course, there is no regret.

Honestly.

How would you assess INEC's performance during the election?

INEC's performance gives me a lot concern because I believe that there are rules and regulations and when such rules and regulations are flouted or aided by the members of the commission then there is an issue. That shows you that what happened in the north was the issue of underage while what happened in the south was the

The story behind my exiting Oshiomhole's cabinet — Omo-Ojo what I did wrong, why I was dropped.

Yes I am aware that certain things happened in the course of seeking the ticket for Ovia Federal Constituency in APC and we saw the drama that happened on TV, how a serving commissioner then who has now found his way into PDP, shoved and pushed me, broke my hand then kicked the table where the votes were being counted during the primaries.

Continues from page 38 and that has always put me in conflict with certain people and the highlight of it was gang up, mudsling which stimulated the announcement on the fateful Sunday morning when I was relieved of my position.

I am sure at a later date or in my memoir, just like President Jonathan said, I will tell my story at a different date.

I kept quiet all this while because I did not want to heat up the polity, I do not want to be seen by the people I have criticized with my pen over the years jumping from party to the other because I believe if we all jump we won’t be able to build strong political institutions.

But there were insinuations that it was because you refused to give way to the governor’s candidate in the primary?

Electoral violence

•Omo-Ojo: The Comrade Governor has delivered

Well, as journalist we all have different sources of information. You may have

issue of under table and it shouldn’t have been like that.

INEC was not prepared for that election. The card reader failed woefully to the extent that on the day of election the number one citizen of this country spent 35minutes just to be accredited.

So, these are the things we have to look at. The card reader failed us.

What hope do we have for a viral opposition?

Let us be sincere that in PDP I did not and yet I don’t think there will be anything like opposition in the DNA of PDP. They lack the capacity to be an opposition party.

And when you look at most of the characters that make up of PDP, even 90 per cent of the characters in the party traditionally cannot be opposition.

heard that, I can’t be everywhere. But by and large, till now nobody has told me

I kept my cool, I remained calm but I did try to ensure that the culprits that perpetuated the electoral violence were brought to book. I reported the main actors; I petitioned the police that those actors needed to be arrested because if you want INEC to conduct a very

By the character of the PDP, by the way they were formed, it shows that there is no way they can stand up to be in the opposition.

But if there is no virile opposition, democracy is in danger; can Labour Party step into that shoe?

That is why we are talking in LP. We are already doing that.

What we need to do is to look at the political speed of Nigeria, who is filling the opposition? I am being sincere about these things, sometimes we call APC the opposition when PDP was there; they are not even the opposition. The only thing they have been doing is to head the civil society, help the labour movement to be in opposition.

But in the real sense, the real opposition is that the labour.

There will be no choice for us and that is the reason we need to come together.

acceptable election, we as politicians must play our role.

It was not an act to denigrate my party, APC but I don’t think any party worth its salt will dispatch senior government officials- local government chairman, serving commissioner, aides to go and disrupt a primary. So I never suspected they were sent by anybody.

Do you think that the comrase governor has been able to fulfil the promises he made to the Edo people?

First, we promised then that our people must lead. Our slogan then was let the people lead. On that one, the Comrade Governor has delivered 110 per cent.

Before it amounted to satanic verses for anybody to criticize government in office when PDP was in office. I am saying this because I suffered tragically for it.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015—41

Gender violence:

Senate approves VAPP Bill

By Sola Ogundipe

A

LMOST 13-years after it was first proposed, the Violence Against Persons' Prohibition, VAPP, Bill 2014, was finally passed by the Nigerian Senate on May 5.

It took the Senate exactly 22 minutes to pass all 46 clauses contained in the bill.

The Senatorial approval gives legal teeth to enact a law to eliminate, or reduce to a minimum, cases of sexual, domestic and indeed all forms of gender based violence in the country.

The VAPP bill aims to provide a more comprehensive definition of rape, enforce harsher sentences for rape and other sexual offences, in addition to providing compensation for rape victims.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who took charge of proceedings at the day's plenary, described the passage as "an achievement".

"It is the primary responsibility of the Executive to protect the lives and property of its citizens, especially against violence, while ours (the legislature) is to enact laws to support such responsibility.''

A clause-to-clause consideration of the bill which started on April 14, 2015, suffered initial hiccup following observations that Clause 1 of the bill had issues with the term of imprisonment for under-aged sexual offenders.

After the April 14 setback, passage of the bill suffered further delay due to

• The VAPP bill will help enact a law to eliminate gender and domestic violence in the country. unforeseen circumstances which distracted A general review of attention of the Senators.

Major events had contributed to the domestic violence against distraction and subsequent postponement women in the country of the clause by clause consideration.

Among these were the death of Senator reveals that the problem Uche Chukwumerije, refusal of President has not been given Goodluck Jonathan to sign the amended constitution, the spate of xenophobic adequate attention attacks in South Africa and consideration of the 2015 budget, etc.

The absence of the Chairman of the Senate Committee of Human Rights, Judiciary and Legal Matters, Senator Umar Dahiru, almost marred the process.

When the Senate Leader called up the bill for consideration, Dahiru was out of the chambers, and another member of the committee who stood in for him almost caused a deferment because he was not aware that contending issues raised on the first day of consideration had been resolved.

Dahiru returned in time into the chambers, to cvlarify the situation following which the Senate moved into consideration of all the clauses and subsequently passed the bill.

The push for passage of the VAPP bill has been long and sustained and a general review of domestic violence against women in the country reveals that the problem of violence against women has not been given adequate attention both at the individual and government levels.

Strident calls had been made for passage of the bill, widely acknowledged as the only holistic legal instrument that addressed issues of gender based violence, domestic violence, certain obnoxious customary practices and other forms of violence prevalent in Nigeria.

Agitation for legislation of such domestic violence law in Nigeria has been on the high ever since March 2013, when the nation's 360-member House of Representatives, approved the VAPP bill 2014, on the third reading.

Following a resolution by the committee of the House after the bill scaled its second reading on October 16, 2014, the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Legal Matters and Human Rights held a public hearing.

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42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

Itsekiri communities threaten to shut oil wells, flow stations

By Emma Amaize

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ARRI—ITSEKIRI oil producing communities in Delta State, yesterday, warned that they will shut down oil wells and flow stations in Itsekiri territory if shortchanged of their due percentage from the 13 per cent derivation fund.

Reacting to the objection by leaders of some oil communities in the state to the new bill by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to restructure Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, they said the bill was in the interest of oil communities.

In a statement by Mr Benjamin Iwetan and 27 others, they said: “We, the Itsekiri oil and gas producing communities are of the position that Itsekiri's due percentage of the 13 per cent derivation fund be given to us as we have more oil wells and flow stations than any other ethnic groups in Delta State.

“We maintain that the

Group tasks elected politicians on fulfilment of promises

By Tom Moses

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YO—ODENIGBO Peoples Assembly, a pan-Igbo sociopolitical organisation, has called on all elected public officials in the 2015 general elections to live up to their campaign promises by providing the citizens dividends of democracy and creat the enabling environment to drive growth in all sectors of the country.

National President of the assembly, Kayceey Chidiadi, who spoke with Vanguard in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday lamented that countries such as Brazil, Malaysia have since overtaken Nigeria in terms of development.

He enjoined elected officials in the just concluded elections to strive to reposition the country by reducing the cost of governance.

The group noted that after 55 years of independence, Nigerian politicians were still campaigning on how to provide good roads and water and electricity.

proposed bill of the Delta State Government is in line with the struggle for the 13 per cent derivation, which is meant to be utilised directly by the oil and gas-bearing communities.”

Recalling the battle by the Igba of Warri Kingdom, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor for 13 per cent and Chief Wellington Okirika, who have been leading the five ethnic

nationalities in the state, amongst other states, to demand direct payment of the derivation fund, they noted that those against the bill do not mean well for oil producing communities.

“Among other benefits, the bill will bring to the people the creation of jobs for our teeming youths and women, who are presently jobless and enhance investment projects,

which will enable the communities manage their funds and become self reliant.

“It will set up development centres in our communities that are difficult to access and develop to mention but a few.

Although, there are observed amendments to be made in the bill which will be in public hearing, the Itsekiris will ensure that the amendments are pointed out.”

SWEARING-IN: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (middle); newly sworn in Special Adviser on Strategy, Documentation and Community Relations, Dr. Seiyifa Koroye (right) and his counterpart on Local Content Matters, Mr. Lloyd Owonaro, at Government House, Yenagoa.

Rivers PDP accuses APC chairman of plotting against handover

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IVERS State Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed concern over what it said was the alleged admission by Mr. Davies Ikanya, All Progressives Congress, APC, Chairman in the state, of plotting to stall the democratic process in the state by working towards ensuring that there was no handover to the incoming government in the state on May 29.

Describing the statement credited to Mr. Ikanya as actionable, state Chairman the PDP, Mr. Felix Obuah, in a statement by his media aide, said that the APC wants anarchy in the state because it lost the governorship election.

“All other imputations of assassination plots against our members are a ruse to cover its evil plans,” Obuah said.

He added that the PDP cannot be intimidated or cowed, by unfounded allegations, adding that the people of Rivers State have spoken through their votes for the state governor-elect, Chief Nyesom Wike.

“As a law abiding party, we will continue to align ourselves with the mandate of the people and remain committed to fashioning out ways of bettering their welfare as encapsulated in our campaign promises. No degree of provocation can put the wind off our sail,” Mr Obuah said.

On the proposeded local

government council elections, he said: “The state government and APC know full well that they are trading on illegality and this fact cannot be controverted.

“The PDP is not perturbed by the insistence on going on with the council elections, an avenue for making up for already misappropriated state funds."

Shell, Rivers community sign MoU on remediation

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— BODO community in Gokhana Local Government Area, Rivers State and Shell Petroleum Development Company, have signed a memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on modalities and scope of the clean up remediation of oil spill impacted environment in the community.

Former Coordinator, National Coalition on Gas Flaring and Oil Spills in the Niger Delta,

NACGOND, Mr Inemo Samiama, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, shortly after the signing ceremony.

It will be recalled that two major oil spills occurred in Bodo in 2008 which Shell claimed responsibility for.

According to him, Bodo community and Shell also agreed to embark on sensitization programmes for community members on the exercise, adding that the community is to provide surveillance to guard against oil theft and illegal refining activities.

Centre presents book in honour of Bulkachuwa

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ENTRE for SocioLegal Studies, in collaboration with the Court of Appeal, will on May 25, 2015 in Abuja present a book in honour of the first female President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa. The book is entitled Cases and materials on Election Petitions and Appeals.

The compendium contains 72 leading judgments of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

The book has Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, as Editor in Chief, while Prof. Maxwell Gidado and other sound legal minds are on the editorial board.

Bini youths warn against maligning Okunbor

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—BINI youths have described as a taboo the alleged ploy by some persons it described as elements of the opposition in Edo South and Central senatorial districts, to malign and defame Biniborn billionaire, Capt.

Hosa Okunbor, following his decision to withdraw support for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the just concluded House of Assembly election in the state.

The group alleged that “some persons in the PDP who are not happy that our respected son, Okunbor, is teaming up with Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to ensure that the Binis get the best out of the incoming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, have mounted a campaign of calumny against him to make it look as if it is either his Bini people or APC leaders who are after him."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015—43

Court dismisses application against Orji’s libel suit

2 Anambra communities bicker over exclusion from proposed LGA

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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NEWI—THE Federal and Anambra State governments have been told to avert a break-down of law and order which could lead to bloodshed between the people of Akpu in Orumba South Local Government Area and Ajalli in Orumba North, all in the state.

Both communities have been involved in protracted crisis over land and exclusion from a proposed local government and inclusion in a wrong one.

By Anayo Okoli

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N ABIA State High Court sitting at Ohafia has dismissed two motions filed by THE SUN Newspapers and Ebere Wabara in the N5 billion libel suit instituted against them by the first son of Abia State governor, Mr. Chinedu Orji.

The defendants had filed the motions in which they claimed that Wabara was not served the originating summons and that the claimant, Chinedu Orji, introduced new facts not originally contained in the originating summons.

Ruling on the motions, yesterday, the presiding Judge, Justice Anthony Chioma, dismissed them and ruled that the substantive suit would commence on June 10, 2015.

According to Justice Chioma, proof of service available showed that Wabara was properly served by the bailiff and that it was based on the service that he entered unconditional appearance in the court.

Chioma also ruled that it was based on the service of the court processes that Wabara became a witness in the suit.

He said that he did not even challenge the affidavit sworn to by the bailiff that he was properly served.

He said if service was not properly effected on him, he would have challenged it through a counteraffidavit.

They are also said to be warring over the recent uprooting of signposts bearing Akpu in Akpu town.

At present, tempers are again rising in the communities as the youths are spoiling for a showdown Akpu people seemed to be licking their wounds and regretting that the benevolence of their fore-fathers to accommodate Ajalli people, who they still see as their brothers, had landed them in perpetual anguish.

Trouble started for both

communities that were one in old Orumba Local Government, when Babangida’s government created new local governments in 1991 and Akpu, which claims to be landlord to Ajalli, was moved to Orumba South Local Government, whjile Ajalli was made the headquarters of Orumba North.

Addressing journalists in the palace of the late traditional ruler of Akpu, Igwe J.O. Nwafor, the traditional Prime Minister of the community (Onowu Akpu), Chief Obi -Young Nwankwo, and a

ELECTION PETITIONS TRIBUNAL: Politicians file 37 cases at Owerri

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—NO fewer than 37 cases arising from the national and state assembly polls have been filed before the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Owerri.

Vanguard gathered that at press time, about eight petitions for the senatorial elections, 18 cases for the House of Representatives and 11 for the State Assembly election had been filed for adjudication.

Available information showed that the All Progressives Congress, APC, which lost all the three senatorial seats to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is expectedly the major challenger of the victorious PDP candidates.

For Imo West senatorial zone, where Senator Hope Uzodinma smiled home with the coveted senatorial seat, Chief Osita Izunasor of the APC, ThankGod Ezeani of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and Chief Felix Idiga of Accord Party, are all in court against Uzodinma.

In Okigwe senatorial zone, Dr. Clement Owunna of APGA and

his APC counterpart, Mr. Benjamin Uwajumogu, are contesting the victory of Chief Athan Achonu of the PDP. The story is the same in Owerri senatorial zone where Chief Uche Onyeagucha of the APC and APGA’s Mr. Paschal Nneji are up in battle against the senator-elect, Chief Sam Anyanwu, of the PDP.

Meanwhile, at the maiden sitting of the tribunal, two of the five motions presented before the judges were fully heard, while three were adjourned till May 13.

Other members of the eledtion tribun al, headed by Hon. Justice A. Y. Sanya, include Hon. Justice S. O. Falola and Hon. Justice P. P. Idiong.

former President General, Anambra State Association of Town Union, said they had been appealing to successive governments at the federal and state levels to reverse the injustice meted out on them through exclusion from Orumba North LGA. “Ajalli people are immigrants who were admitted into Akpu land to settle by the benevolence of our fore fathers and were paying rent to Akpu town up till 1995,” Nwankwo said.

Nwankwo alleged that a recent discovery showed that Akpu town had surreptitiously been removed from the map of Anambra State just to spite his community and ensure that they went into extinction.

“Go and look at the map of Anambra State, Akpu cannot be seen among the 177 communities in Anambra State, but you will see Ajali there, they have removed our name from the map of Anambra and they don’t want to hear anything 'Akpu,'” he said.

...we won’t tolerate undue distraction —ANAMBRA CHAIRMAN

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—ANAMBRA State national and state assembly election petitions tribunal began its sitting in Awka, yesterday, with a warning by the chairman, Justice Joseph Ananabo, not to tolerate undue distraction from interested parties.

According to him, any attempt to sway the panel into perverting the course of justice will be resisted.

Justice Ananabo said it was the equality of evidence before the tribunal and the constitution of Nigeria that would determine

the judgments.

He observed that election matters were very serious matters that should not be treated with levity.

He said: “It is the quality of the evidence before the court and what the constitution says that would determine who is the winner or the loser in the election.

“We shall, therefore, discharge our duties in line with the constitution and the law because the tribunal was set up to ensure that those who actually won the election were those that the people elected to represent them.”

Speaking on behalf of Anambra forum of chairmen of the Nigeria

Bar Association, NBA, the Awka branch chairman, Mr. Uba Anene, promised the cooperation of the Bar with the tribunal to ensure that matters were discharged effectively, so everybody would have cause to rejoice at the end of the exercise.

Also, speaking, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr. Nnoruka Udechukwu, reminded the panel that there were grey areas that might confront the tribunal in the course of its work and hoped that members would live up to expectation in the discharge of their duties.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

What would you say about the fuel scarcity?

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here is no need to pay all the country’s money on fuel import. Let us stop importation of fuel until the much awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is passed into law by the House of Representatives. That is my only view on the scarcity.

Mr Joseph UbiagbaAdministrator

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s it that no one has any integrity to come out with the truth on this fuel scarcity issue? First, they said it’s APC, then they said its gas shortage, later we are told that its marketers that are not patriotic. Is this how we will continue till May 29th? Miss Regina Osakwe- Accountant

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he government should put its foot down. Let us all suffer together, if the fuel marketers think they are doing the country good with the subsidy thing. If they don’t transport their products, they don’t make money. Enough is enough.

Miss Okereke BukolaSecretary

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igeria should seek help in building and renovating refineries, from countries in the Eastern and Central Europe. The service from these countries is cheaper and more reliable than the service offered by China. It will free us from UK/USA. Mr Okie Darlington- Graduate

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igerians need to wake up from their slumber, unite and work towards the development of the nation.

Developing the nation is possible, but under the condition that our politicians do not loot, steal, embezzle and practice nepotism. Miss Chimezie Ezembu- Worker

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e protested during fuel subsidy and the military was used to send us away . Now, my question is that are they not suppose to use the money for fuel subsidy to build oil refinery? I don't understand the way things are going in this country. Miss Anne Kelechi- Fashion Designer

44 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

MALARIA: ACOMIN seeks media partnership for increased access to vaccines

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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O K O J A — ASSOCIATION of Civil Society Organisations working on Malaria, Immunization and Nutrition, ACOMIN, Kogi State chapter, has solicited media partnership for increased access to vaccines.

State Chairman of the group, Mallam Sani Abubakar, who spoke at a CSO/Media Roundtable in Lokoja yesterday said increased access to vaccines would enhance immunization against lifethreatening diseases especially among pregnant women and children.

Abubakar said this year’s World Immunization Week, WIW, with the theme: “Close the Immunization Gap” is aimed at focusing on the global platform to strengthen the collective efforts to ensure vaccination for every child wherever they lived.

He said immunization had over the years proven to be a tool for control and elimination of lifethreatening infectious diseases, adding that “statistics had shown that estimated three million deaths were being averted yearly through immunization of children.''

Arrest any person soliciting for fund in my name — El-RUFAI K

ADUNA—KADUNA State governor-elect, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, yesterday alerted the general public to apprehend any person solicing for fund in his name.

The alert, sent out in a statement in Kaduna by Mr Samuel Aruwan, the governorelect’s spokesperson, said such persons were criminals and should be treated as such.

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S the Team Nigeria, comprising of four students from the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD, await results of the World Semi-finals in the 2015 Microsoft Imagine Cup competition, mentor of the team, and a lecturer at the ABUAD, Mobolaji Tenibiaje, has expressed the team’s readiness to do well at the global showdown.

Team Lifewatch, who recently won the national finals of the 2015 Microsoft Imagine Cup competition, thus representing Nigeria at the global show-piece, are optimistic of a favourable semifinalists regional results, having met the May 3 deadline for submission of their entry.

If they scale through, the team made up of four innovative ABUAD students- Adeyemo Kayode, Kevin Ahwin, Sobola David and Raymond

people to remit N150,000 to a Mainstreet Bank account.

“This is not only a theft of identity; but case of fraud, impersonation and total misrepresentation of the person of the Kaduna State Governorelect, Malam Nasir Ahmad ElRufai.

“We are by this notice calling on the general public to disregard any electronic message

NIMN holds free seminar today

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HE Lagos Mainland Chapter of National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) is organizing a seminar on “Strategies for Closing Sales in a Dynamic Developing Economy.”

The seminar, which promises to be very rewarding, is free for two participants from member companies and will come up today, May 7, 2015 at the prestigious Conference Centre of BAGCO Ltd, Eric Moore, Iganmu, Lagos at 10am MICROSOFT IMAGINE CUP: From left; Solution Sales Specialist, Microsoft Nigeria, Olufemi prompt.

The lead paper will be George; Premier Field Engineer Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Opeyemi Olaniran; Raymond Obinaju, delivered by the Managing Adeyemo Kayode, Ahwin Akporode and Sobola David; all of Team LifeWatch, winners of Microsoft Director/CEO of Salus Trust Ltd, Imagine Cup at the National Finals organized by Microsoft Nigeria in Lagos recently.

Dr. Peter Esoghene Oriavwote.

Drive Nigeria's economy on agric, farmers tell Buhari

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—THE All Farmers Association of

We're ready for global showdown at 2015 Imagine Cup —Team Nigeria

By Emeka Aginam

According to Aruwan, an impostor has created an e-mail address in the name of the governor-elect and is criminally soliciting money from the general public.

The statement reads: “Some fraudster with email address: nelrufai@hotmail.com claiming to be Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, Kaduna State Governor-Elect, has sent scam messages asking

and others received in this regard, it is criminal and not from the person of the governor-elect.

“The public should not only disregard fraudster(s) impersonating Malam El-Rufai; but report him/her/them to security agencies or alert office of the governor-elect for prompt action.

“This is a clear case of impersonation as the governorelect will never ask anyone for money in this way. Anyone that receives this kind of email request should know it is not from Malam El-Rufai but fraudulent elements.

“The case has been reported to Hotmail and the relevant law enforcement agencies for further necessary action,” it stated.

Obianuju will fly the Nigerian flag at Microsoft’s home town, Seattle, during the world finals.

Speaking to Vanguard, Tenibiaje, expressed optimism that the software code warriors from Nigeria will come out successful at the regional level, as a result of the solution’s capacity to save lives.

He said: “We are ready for global showcase. We submitted our solution on Sunday deadline.

We are sure to win the regional level. The boys cannot disappoint Nigeria. I am proud of them.

Their solution is already exciting the market.”

Recalled that after presenting their innovative solution, Team Lifewatch, beat seven other teams from Nigerian universities and polytechnics, to clinch the national finals of the 2015 Microsoft Imagine Cup competition recently in Lagos.

Nigeria, AFAN, has called on the President-elect, Gen. Muhammedu Buhari, rtd, to drive Nigeria economy on agriculture as a means of combating the dwindling fortunes from the oil sector.

The association Technical Advirser, Dr. Tunde Arosanyin who spoke in Lokoja yesterday during his working visit to the state said, agriculture remained the most vibrant option for the country which fortune has been going down due to its monolithic oil driven economy.

Arosayin said that Buhari would have to make this happen by making adequate budgetary allocations to the agricultural sector to it more attractive to farmers.

“General Buhari must ensure that the agricultural sector get the basic budgetary requirements. We must respect the 2003 Maputo Declaration which earmarked at least 10 percent of African countries annual budgets to agriculture as against the current 3.5 percent allocation to the sector such countries since we are signatory to it.

“The incoming administration must also make the sector attractive to the farmers. Farming

must not only be a source of feeding business that stands to generate but must be taken as serious income for the country.

Urhobo group urges equity in Delta industrial gas city in Urhobo land, Onokpasa blamed

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youth group in Delta State, the Urhobo Unemployed Youths Movement, has called for the inclusion of the Urhobos in the Export Processing Zone project, Ogidigben now called Delta Industrial Gas City, insisting that restricting participation in the project to only the Itsekiris and the Ijaws does not bode well for sustaining interethnic harmony and cooperation in the oil producing hub of the state.

While addressing newsmen yesterday in Sapele, the group in a statement released by its President, Comrade Francis Onokpasa, lamented what he described as the unwarranted exclusion of Urhobos from the project, describing the development as unfair and uncalled for.

While pointing out that a substantial chunk of the gas that will be processed in the EPZ will come from the huge gas reserves

the state government for sidelining the Urhobos during consultations for the tak-off of the project.

According to him, specific slots in the project should immediately be allocated to the Urhobos as a fellow oil producing ethnic nationality in the state.

He said: “We are all oil producing tribes in this region and it is not fair for any particular tribe to be marginalized in a project of such magnitude. After all, numerous Itsekiris and countless Ijaws live and work in Urhobo land and are gainfully employed by oil companies and other industries situated in our territory. We continue to host them, making sure no one is molested or discriminated against on the basis of his or her ethnic background because as far as we are concerned we are all brothers as one united Niger Delta.”

He urged the incoming administration of President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to revisit the project.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015—45

FOR ORONTO DOUGLAS: From left— Mr. Rowland Ekperi, Ms Anne Kio Briggs, Pastor P. Z. Aginighan, Mr. Eugene Abels and Mr. Iniruo Wills at the burial of Mr. Oronto Douglas in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

NB's AGM: From left— Mr. Uaboi Agbebaku, Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser; Mr. Mark Rutten, Finance Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Mr. Victor Famuyibo, Human Resource Director; Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, Managing Dirctor /CEO; Mr. Hubert Eze, Sales Director, and Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, all of Nigeria Breweries Plc, during the company's pre-annual general meeting, AGM, in Lagos. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

WEMA'S AGM: From left— Oluwole Ajimisinmi, Company Secretary; Adeyinka Asekun, Chairman, and Segun Oloketuyi, Managing Director, all of Wema Bank Plc, during the bank's 2014 annual general meeting in Lagos.

PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

OUT ON A LIMB: Children and their parents at the annual Irede Foundation Out On A Limb walk from Awolowo Road to Falomo Junction in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Biodun Ogunleye.

MARKING ASTHMA: From left— Abass Sanni, Tender/Market Access Manager; Ijeoma Eruchalu, Group Product Manager; Bolaji Sanyaolu, Communication & Engagement Manager, all of GlaxoSmithKline, GSK, and Lola Ilaka, Founder, Elias Nelson Oyedokun Foundation, ENOF, at the 2015 World Asthma Day symposium in Lagos, Tuesday. INSET: A cross session of volunteers at the World Asthma Day walk.

ETISALAT CLIQFEST: From left— Michael Nwoseh, Analyst, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria; Adebayo Emmanuel, 100 level engineering student of University of Ilorin, UNILORIN, winner of a new car; Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, Vice Chancellor, and Obafemi Emmanuel, Registrar, both of UNILORIN, at the Etisalat Cliqfest held at the institution.

WECONNECT/ACCENTURE: From left— Ronke Osumah, Workplace Specialist, Accenture; Bunmi Taiwo, Consultant, Accenture; Elizabeth Vazquez, CEO/Co-Founder, WEConnect; Tomide Awe, Consultant, Accenture; Kemi Michael-Jabagun, Marketing and Communication, Accenture, at the first WEConnect/Accenture exhibition in Nigeria, held in Lagos.

GRADUATES: Professor O. U. Gasioku (middle) Dean, Faculty of Law, flanked by Dr. Ufuoma Awefeada (left) Dr. P. E. Gasioku, both law lecturers and doctoral graduands at Delta State University, DELSU, during the institution's convocation in Abraka. PHOTO: Akpokona Omafuaire.

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At Author’s Talk, writers brainstorm on future for unpublished writers

By Prisca Sam-Duru

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HE standard of living of most writers in Nigeria has long been nothing to write home about. A whole lot of issues ranging from discouragement from publishers, poor reading culture of the people which makes sales of published works, almost impossible, and most recently, advent of the social media, etc, have been viewed as bane of the literary industry It was with the aim of contributing to finding a lasting solution to these undermining factors, that Kate Tales Foundation in collaboration with Goethe Institut Nigeria, last week, held the April edition of Authors Talk where writers brainstormed on how best to make a good living out of their profession.

Themed, “Writing, Through the Perspective of an Unpublished Writer.”, the programme apart from eliciting debates and arguments as to what should and shouldn’t be done to improve upon lives of writers, also turned out to be a platform for young writers to present and discuss their works to an audience of publishers, journalists, art enthusiasts and other interested guests.

market themselves properly and make a living out of their writing career.

Another writer, Olajide surprisingly differed from Abubakar’s opinion. He told the house that he did not hope to make money out of writing. His position on the matter elicited very heated argument from the audience. At the end, it was agreed that writers must make money out of writing and that

The event turned out to be a platform for young writers to present and discuss their works to an audience of publishers, journalists & art enthusiasts

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Olajide only spoke out of some ugly experience which actually ended with his father, a movie scriptwriter who died unrewarded for his hardwork.

The photography session which was handled by award winning photographer Nseabasi Akpan, was a documentary titled, “Quidah: People, Culture and History. The documentary borders on the issue of slave trade involving the people of Quidah, a community in Benin Republic, how they lived, while maintaining their cultures under the British and Portuguese colonial masters.

Spoken word performance by Chemistry, earned her a resounding applause from the audience. She lamented how things have gone sour in the nation as well as the need to recover the missing Chibok Girls.

Kingsley Iweka in another session, explained that the social media is not all about surfing the net. It is something that defines us and therefore, should not be limited to twitting, sharing posts or placing books for people to read, stressing that writers should learn how to maximise the platform for profit.

Platform for profit During the discussion centred on a sub theme, “Between Poetry and Filmamaking: Synthesis of Form”, Joe Dudun, xrayed the difference between a good book and a film adaptation of the book.

Reacting to why film adaptations of books do not resemble the original works, Dudun explained that “When books are adapted, it takes a different form, what we

do is just lift the story from the book and let pictures tell the entire story on screen. We do not adapt page by page or scene by scene.”

Founder of the Kate Tales Foundation, Kate Ekanem, a 21 year old writer and girl child activist who started writing at the age of five, advised unpublished or young writers not to allow complex issues bring them down. She said that, “ You may not be as good as Wole Soyinka or other established writers but as long as you can put some sentences together, you are a writer. All you need to do is attend workshops, be mentored by established authors, work on your manuscripts and also have them checked by a good editor, and you never can tell how renowned you could become in future.”

Harvest of books, as 2015 Nigeria book fair opens in Lagos

Standard of living Some of the writers who were on ground to address issues raised during the programme included; Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Adebola Rayo, Celina Kile, Dami Ajayi and Kingsley Iweka. Others were Nollywood screen writer and poet, Joe Dudun; Kate Ekanem, Miracle Adebayo, Sophia Jerome, Omoya Yinka Simult and Toni Kan. During discussions on the standard of living of Nigerian writers which many agreed was nothing to write home about, one of the writers, Abubakar Ibrahim, regretted that writers are usually associated with poverty.

He however, corrected that wealth should not be measured in relation with how rich a writer should be but rather, any writer who finds fulfilment in his or her works is not poor.

“There’s a trajectory you can fall into; Instant success/hit like Chimamanda Adichie; those who write and die unsung, and sleepers which are those who write and no one publishes them.

He buttressed his points with examples of the diverse categories of writers and advised writers to own their space,

•Kate Ekanem, Celina Kile and Joe Dudun at the event in Lagos.

I

By Japhet Alakam

N its determined effort to improve literacy and book trade in Nigeria by bringing books and other instructional materials closer to the people, the board of trustees and management of the Nigeria International Book Fair trust, the organisers of the greatest book fair in the country has concluded all necessary arrangement for 14th edition of The Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF 2015).

The book fair which will be graced by major stakeholders in the book industry is scheduled to hold from Monday, May 11 through Saturday, May 16 at the Multi-purpose halls of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos state, Nigeria.

This was disclosed by Rilwan Abdulsalami, the chairman of Nigeria Book Fair Trust while brifying the press on the preparations for the 2015 book fair in Lagos. According to him, “ a reading nation is a winning nation and that is why it is important for all stakeholders in the book industry to come together and institute a culture that will not only encourage

knowledge acquisition, but also promote reading culture among the citizenry in Nigeria.”

Nigerian Book Fair Trust is the umbrella body for all the major stakeholders in the book industry in Nigeria and the fair holds every second week of May of every year.

As part of the programmes for NIBF 2015, there will be an International Conference on Tuesday, May 12 at the Multipurpose hall C of the University of Lagos.

Various sectors The theme of the conference is: African Youth Empowerment through Book for sustainable National Development. The keynote paper of the conference which will be attended by many personalities in the various sectors in Nigeria will be delivered by Prof. G.G Darah of Delta State University. It will be chaired by Mr. Ayo Ojeniyi, chairman of HEBN Publishers, while Pro. Ismail Junaidu, Acting Executive Secretary of Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council(NERDC) will be the Special Guest of

•L-R: Mr Biodun Omotunde, Babs Fashanu, Rilwanu Abdusalami, and Ngwobia Okereke, at the breifing in Lagos.

Honour.

Apart from the book exhibitions which runs everyday during the period, other programmes of the book fair include: publishers workshop, two days children programme, teacher’s training workshop, Annual School Owners and Principal officers Education summit, Author’s groove, Chukwuemeka Ike Books Jubilee, Printers seminar and others. The workshops and seminars will be conducted by major stakeholders in the book industry.

The chairman also disclosed that in its bid to make the 2015 edition memorable for visitors and exhibitors, the board has

introduced new programmes like, the summit of School Owners and Principal officers of schools in Nigeria which will open a window of opportunity for exhibitors, provision of free internet facility for all the exhibitors during the period and the bringing of many authors and scholars of international repute.

NIBF attracts both local and foreign exhibitors and it is surest gateway to access Nigerian book market. NIBF had added indelible value to many businesses around the world and NIBF 2015 will be another platform to tap into myriad of benefits that embedded in the book fair.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015—53

Right now no. but I am not God. Do you think it is good for an artist to openly support a political party?

It is your conviction. If I can publicly say I am a born again Christian, the same way I can also say I’m a pagan. So when a political figure you love and trust comes on board, you can openly support him.

Is there any low point in your life that you survived that can encourage someone?

(Laughs) I have been through several hells and have survived them. One particular one is loosing my father as a child. If you grew up like me as a daddy’s girl whose major strength was my dad. Then you would understand what it means to face the pain.

But I survived. So if you are out there and you suddenly wake up one morning and that source of everything you have is removed from you. Be strong, because inside of you lies a strength.

I set pace for entertainers to hold political office — Hilda Dokubo

By Elizabeth Uwandu

V

ETERAN actress, Hilda Dokubo is a woman of many colours; a wife, a mother, an actress, a crusader and one time special adviser on youths affair to the former governor of Rivers state, Gov. Peter Odili. The beautiful ageless actress who is known for her roles in Black Maria, End of the wicked, Onye Eze etc last week featured in a new film, titled Stigma. In this interview, she speaks on the film stigma, the Non Governmental Organisation that she runsCREATE, and the secret to her ageless beauty amongst other things.

What is so unique about this film Stigma, which you featured in?

Love is the uniqueness of the story. HIV has been said over and over again but not stigmatization.

We had hardly done anything on what happens after you have contracted HIV/AIDS, and how you feel living with it and how people feel living with you.

Stigmatization is a killer. It just means rejection as a result of hate? And when people reject you, it is the same as they show you hate. When you are shown hate, you can’t tape any energy as it a negative one. So you can’t tape any form of strength from rejection or hate. But you get a lot of strength from love. So love

is what is special about this film.

As we saw two characters in the same script, a mother and a child.

One dies as a result of rejection while the other lives and even achieves more as a result of love.

How do you spread the message of stigma for people to know its defect?

We are hoping that people will come along and support us. We are hoping that all the money that the federal and state governments with the international communities have or kept somewhere for the fight of HIV/ AIDS should be release to us to spread the fight against stigmatization,especially at the grass root level.

You seem to have been off the movie scene, is this film a sort of come back?

Yes, it is.

Are you working on any

Creating businesses •Hildah Dokubo

At CREATE, we use creative arts to empower young people and women

project now?

I am actually working on two projects, one is a movie called “Asawana”.

Why the delve into politics?

I didn’t go into politics but got a political offer. When I left the industry, it was not to go into politics but to give back to the society by working with young people. So by working with young people I got appointed as Special

Adviser (SA) to the former governor of Rivers state, Governor Peter Odili. I am grateful that by the example I left, entertainers are today given political offer. If I had messed up that role, nobody would call any entertainer to hold any appointment. So as the first person given such offer, I thank God for setting a good example.

Are you thinking of going into politics?

Midnight Hotel poised to correct societal ills

By Chris Onuoha

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UCH as theater industry has tremendously repositioned itself in the Nigeria entertainment world, various production outfits has proved this reality by consistently producing and staging shows, thus occupying its position in leisure and recreational business.

Incidentally,Thespian Family Theater and Productions (TFT) is one among numerous theater outfits that has relentlessly proved this assertion through its various satirical productions over time. And having produced many shows like Five Maids of Fadaka, Mad King of Ijudiya, Wizard of Law, the Crystal Slipper and many more, yet come another new hilarious satirical play call ‘Midnight Hotel’ that debuted at Agip Recital Hall, Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos recently.

The sensational dance drama written by renowned playwright Femi Osofisan, directed by Israel Eboh and performed by seasoned theatre professionals to a large audience during Easter holidays had actors like Muyiwa Osinaike, Olarotimi Fakunle, Oluwatoyin

Olokodana, William Ekpo, Gabriel Isong, Dede Kevin Alozie and others.

In a colourful stage set with all the essential attributes of typical guest house rooms and interior decors coupled with the hall ambience,Midnight Hotel in its uniqueness captures reminisce of good old ‘Hotel De Jordan’ the rested NTA National programme.

It is a humorous satire showcasing the socio-political challenges faced by the country post-independence. The unique quality of the work lies in its ribcracking humour, ironies, sarcasm, iconographies, witty use of proverbs and the intense use of metaphors.

Behaviours and issues The hotel and its various inmates typify persons, trades, systems, communities and in fact the whole eco-system that make up our unique country. The play mirrors some of the events, behaviours and issues that people talks about but do nothing about.

In the play, Muyiwa Oshinaike (Chief Jimoh) and his less

•A scene from the performance ambitious assistant, ‘Bicycle’ played by Dede Kevin Alozie who seems to be more confused with his job and complicate issues run things as they pleases with less attention to guest’s comfort in the hotel. Then enters the double dealer ‘Awero’ a role played by Oluwatoyin Olokodana the parliamentarian who typifies the social ill that goes on in our polity today. For her, life is a trade-off and it works just as well with women as it does with men. Her prey, Pastor Suuru played by Olarotimi Fakunle whose quest to get government contract while tangoing with Awero ends up in comedy errors when Awero’s

husband ‘Asibong’ played by Gabriel Isong who was also the hotel’s guest showed up in a more dramatic confusion which was resolved when love overrule things.

Other characters are ‘Alatise’ the Headmaster played by William Ekpo with his three girl children, Catherine (Olagbadebo Oladotun),Agnes (Owumi Ugbeye) and Bose(Oroale Oluyomi) left for him by his late wife. Alatise is noted for his witty use of proverbs to draw a point.

The drama is laced with intermittent dances and choreographies with music supplied by the musicians.

And if you give up, you may never find out why such incident happened and you may never know how strong you are and the quality of your character you posses. Because you are who you are by what you do when nobody is there.

Does that experience affect the way you train your children?

When I am dealing with my children or young people, I prepare them for eventuality. Because anything can happen. So don’t let what has happened stop you; keep moving, you will get there.

What is the secret of your ageless beauty?

I take plenty of water and live very healthy. I don’t drink alcohol nor keep late nights. I don’t worry at all and rest well when I want to. I play a lot as am a very happy person.

And lastly, I don’t brood over anything. When you annoy me, I tell you at the spot and I move on.

In fact, my principle is to forgive everyone before I am offended.

Tell us about your NGO. Yes, I run an NGO, called CREATE- Centre for Creative Arts Education. We use creative arts to empower young people and women. We teach them how to think creatively, create their own works and create the businesses that they want and how to build every single talent they posses.

How far has this NGO go?

Very far. We run a school. If you go online, we are the fourth best innovative training centre in Nigeria out of 298 institutions. That is not a joke. We are rated at the best creativity innovative centre in West Africa and we empower sixty women every year, this we do religiously.

What is the qualification to benefit from the NGO? Just be a woman being. So the first criteria is the willingness to survive. So once you show us the willingness to survive as a women, we give you a lifeline for survival.

54—Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

World Bank approves N98bn for healthcare in Nigeria

By Babajide Komolafe

T

HE World Bank has approved a N98.5 billion ($500 million) International Development Association, IDA, credit to improve maternal, child and nutrition health services for women and children in Nigeria.

Announcing the approval in a statement yesterday, the bank said: “By improving access to higher quality health services, the new development financing will help Nigeria to achieve its Saving One Million Lives initiative.”

The initiative was launched in October 2012 to save the lives of the more than 900,000 women and children who die every year from largely preventable causes.

ROTARY: From left— Rotr Dele Balogun, District Governor, Rotary International Distract-9110 (4th right); Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, former Minister of Health and past District Governor (5th right); Rotr. Onikepo Oshodi, past Assistant Governor (5th left); Rotr. Kunle Oyatomi, past President, Rotary Club of Egbeda (2nd left), and other delegates cutting the cake during the send off cocktail of the 10-man team of District 9110 to 2015 Rotary International Friendship Exchange Programme in USA and Canada, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

Anger as fuel scarcity defies solution

By Michael Eboh & Ediri Ejoh

T

HE fuel situation in the country appears to have defied all solutions, as the scarcity worsened yesterday,

heightening the sufferings of motorists and the public in general.

Despite promises made by oil marketers, Monday, that the country will be flooded with petrol in the coming days, the sit-

uation had continued to deteriorate on a daily basis with people finding it increasingly difficult to buy the commodity.

The authorities saddled with the responsibility of regulating the downstream petroleum sector, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, have failed to take any significant steps towards addressing the crisis, as senior officials of the organizations have refused to respond to queries about the issue.

A source at NNPC told Vanguard that majority of the senior executives of NNPC and officials of DPR and PPPRA have all travelled to attend the Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, currently holding in Houston, Texas. A survey of petrol stations in Lagos and Abuja showed that majority of the petrol stations were shut, while only a few were selling to motorists at exorbitant prices.

Lagos Petrol stations in Ajegunle, Festac, Kirikiri, Orile, Victoria Island recorded long queues of motorists, while some stations were shut as their attendants claimed to have run out of stock.

The situation led to serious traffic logjam along some of the major roads in Lagos metropolis as Oando filling station in Lawanson Bus Stop Surulere; Forte filling station, Fadeyi, Ikorodu Road; NNPC filling sta-

zDPR, PPPRA, NNPC keep mum zOfficials in Texas for OTC tion, Abule; Total filling station, Maryland, Agege and Alaba, all recorded long queues of motorists.

Vanguard learned that despite the availability of this product and assurances, some filling stations along Badagry Road, specifically from Agbara to Badagry, dispense at N100 and N120 against the regulated price of N87.

One of the motorists at Total filling station in Maryland, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, argued that the situation had not changed.

He said: “Despite the terrible experience over the weekend, which saw petrol being sold at filling stations across the state at N140 to N150 per litre, we still have to queue for hours to buy petrol at some of the stations that sell this product.”

Abuja At the Conoil petrol station at Kado Estate, the attendants were selling the product at N110 per litre after refusing to sell for several hours.

Motorists were further subjected to insults from the attendants who were more concerned with selling to individuals with jerry cans. Such people were made to pay extra N200 by the attendants before they were attended to.

All the petrol stations

along the Kubwa Expressway had ran out of products to sell, while only Conoil petrol station and NNPC mega stations were dispensing to a large crowd of motorists.

One of the motorists told Vanguard that he had joined the queue at a petrol station in Wuse by 6am, hoping that before noon he would get to his turn to purchase.

He said on getting to the point of entry into the petrol station around 3:30p.m., officials of the station came to lock the gate, saying they had ran out of product.

The motorist, a taxi driver, who refused to give his name, said while he was there, the petrol station temporarily stopped selling at about 10a.m. and resumed selling after about half an hour.

Another motorist, Mr. Festus Ekong, said the perennial scarcity is a failure of the government and is a reflection of the ineptitude of the authorities to curtail the excesses of the marketers.

Situation at the Conoil and Total petrol stations opposite NNPC headquarters was chaotic, with the queues stretching across three streets.

Black marketers continue to have a field day, as they are seen at almost every strategic point at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, selling the product between N200 and N250 per litre.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 55

Police tear-gas Niger lawmakers

By Wole Mosadomi

M

INNA—SOME members of the Niger State House of Assembly were yesterday tear-gassed by the police in Minna, the state capital, following their attempts to entre the assembly complex forcefully.

Armed policemen had as early as 7 am, barricaded the gate to the complex and prevented the assemblymen from from entering the premises to carry out legislative functions.

There had been confusion in the House following the alleged claims by some members that they had removed the Speaker, Adamu Usman and replaced him with Isah Kawu, Tuesday. Usman in a swift reaction said that he was still the speaker adding that his purported removal did not follow due process.

However, an attempt by the factional Speaker, Alhaji Kawu and some members of the House to gain entry into the premises for the day’s business was met with resistance by the police who fired cannisters of tear gas to prevent them from coming closer.

Besides barricading the gate, the armed policemen encircled the Assembly fence to prevent any the members who had also threatened to initiate impeachment proceedings on

the state Governor, Babangida Aliyu from climbing over to the House.

The members, led by Kawu however left the scene and relocated to the Assembly Staff Quarters where they held an

A

BEOKUTA—OGUN State government has reversed the impeachment of the leader of legislative arm of Ipokia local government area of the state, Tayo Oyekanmi . However, the deputy leader, Obeki John, and Chief Whip, Peter Moses who were impeached along the leader were not reinstated.

They were replaced by Tawakalitu Ojo and Piponsuhu Joseph as Chief Whip and Deputy Leader respectively. The three principal officers were reportedly impeached for alleged anti-party activities.

While resolving the crisis on behalf of the state government,the state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftains Affairs,

lawmakers to the new venue to reach a truce on the matter but, it was gathered that their intervention did not yield dividends, even with the assurances by the governor to settle all their demands.

PZ Cussons Foundation donates halls to GMMC, Yola

By Umar Yusuf

Y

OLA—AS part of its corpo rate social responsibility, PZ Cussons foundation has constructed and furnished two dinning halls at the famous General Murtala Mohammed College, GMMC, Yola.

Speaking at the commissioning of the project, member, board of trustees of the foundation, Mallam Dahiru Mohammed said the foundation considered it appropriate to construct the two dining halls in order to improve students’ welfare and make the school more conducive for learning.

He announced that the foundation, which has four chosen areas of intervention has executed over 48 projects in 35

Govt reverses impeachment of lawmaker in Ogun

By Dauda Olatunji

emergency meeting.

Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Idris Ndako Kpaki who was a member of the House and Commissioner for Local Government, Yusuf Tagwai were said to have trailed the

Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo organised a mini election to resolve the election.

According to a statement signed by the information officer of ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs , Lateef Ositelu, 12 members of the legislative house of the council were reportedly asked to vote in a bid to determine a new leader between the impeached Leader and the newly installed leader held at his office in Abeokuta. Ositelu explained that at the end of the voting exercise, the impeached Leader, Hon. Tayo Oyekanmi polled seven votes while the newly installed Leader, Hon. Ogunleye Elijah polled five votes.

locations in the six geo-political zones of the country.

“The foundation has donated fully furnished block of three classroom at Gadam and boreholes to Chan and Kalajanga communities in Gombe State. In Nassarawa State, the foundation undertook the reconstruction of a hostel in the famous government college, Keffi. We also donated fully furnished block of three classrooms in Zaria and Kadu-

na in Kaduna state, Lokoja, Kano and Sokoto. Also, the foundation built a block of fully furnished classroom block and a library at Odoire, Kogi State and rehibitated students Assembly hall at Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin”, Mohammed disclosed.

He added that in the southern parts of the country, similar projects were executed in Asaba, Onitsha, Enugu, Aba, Port Harcourt, Benin, Delta State, Ibadan, Ede and Ikorodu.

MNM Shipping Line debuts, appoints Sifax Group as agent in Nigeria, Ghana

By Ifeyinwa Obi

T

HE first privatelyowned African shipping line, MNM African Shipping Line, has commenced operations and appointed two subsidiaries of Sifax Group, Sifax Shipping Nigeria Limited and Sifax Ghana Limited as its official agents in Nigeria and Ghana respectively.

The new shipping line, which made its first call at Barcelona port last week with “Orient Spirit” vessel, has begun a fortnightly shipping service for ports in Southern Europe, Morocco and the West Coast of Africa.

Some of the ports that the new line, would be servicing include those of Barcelona, Sagunto, Tangier, Casablanca, Agadir, Nouakchott, Dakar, Conakry, Lagos, Tema and Abidjan.

Speaking on the relationship with Sifax Group, Mr. Manal Guemmah, MNM’s Director of

Commercial and Marketing, said the appointment further validates the experience, integrity and high business rating that it enjoys in its areas of operations.

He said: “MNM’s market entry strategy involves forming alliances with organizations and businesses that share similar business vision and philosophy with our company. Sifax Group has distinguished itself in Nigeria’s maritime industry for about three decades. Its experience is solid while its drive for excellence and success is inspiring. We are highly privileged to enter into this partnership with Sifax Group both in Ghana and Nigeria.”

Head, Shipping, Sifax Group, Mr. Henry Ajoh, expressed the readiness of the company to deliver the excellent value that has become its trademark over the years.

Forum condemns Delta polls, praises Tinubu, others

D

ELTA Province Unity Forum has condemned the recently conducted elections in Delta State, claiming that the polls were rigged by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in what it described as a fraudulent process in which the All Progressive Congress, APC was cheated out of a comprehensive victory it was set to record in the state.

In a statement released to newsmen in Warri, yesterday, the group through its five zonal coordinators, Timi Dombraye, Ogaga Okpozo, Amaju Omatsone, Tony Ijeoma and Unurokwedor Etedjere, alleged that the elections were merely a ploy by the PDP to retain the state along with other major oilproducing states, for the purpose of plundering its wealth in preparation for returning to power at the national level in 2019.

It lamented that no major oil-producing state was won by the APC, claiming that the PDP massively rigged the polls, with assistance of corrupt officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. While congratulating the APC for the victory of President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, the group praised APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for spearheading the cause of change in Nigeria, while thanking the party’s national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun for bringing pride to the Niger Delta as chairman of the incoming ruling party.

56 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MAY 7 , 2015

British election: Cameron, Miliband run tight race

B

RITISH Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives have seen their lead over the opposition Labour Party wiped out, according to an ICM poll for the Guardian published a day ahead of today’s national election.

The survey put the Conservatives and Labour both on 35 percent. The previous ICM poll for the Guardian had given the Conservatives a threepoint lead over Labour.

The anti-European UK Independence Party was down 2 points at 11 percent and the Liberal Democrats were unchanged at 9 percent.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street after returning from Buckingham Palace, Mr Cameron said todays election offered voters a “stark choice” between him and Ed Miliband as prime minister, and warned that a Labour victory would deliver “economic chaos” and tax hikes of more than £3,000 for the average family.

Labour leader Ed Miliband has warned that the Tories are set to make things personal in a “very negative campaign”.

Meanwhile, UKIP leader Nigel Farage made an eleventh-hour push for votes in Thanet South where he gave as good as he got in a verbal exchange with a heckler.

On the campaign trail in Kent, Mr Farage criticised the negativity of the General Election campaign and felt it made the case for a change in the voting system.

He said: “We have spent the last two to three weeks talking about who would get into bed with who.

“We have spent the last two to three weeks with the big parties saying well you shouldn’t vote for the other party.

In an interview with Sky News, the Prime Minister spoke about the possibility of a renewed Liberal Democrat coalition if the Tories fail to claim a majority.

He said he wants to carry on pushing for a majority Tory government, but added he will “always do the right thing by the country” when asked if he is ready to consider a second coalition.

Mr Cameron appeared to concede that there is

•David Cameron

Nigel Farage only one party he would not have any conversations with in the case of a hung parliament.

“The SNP is different because they don’t want a Westminster government to succeed,” he said.

Campaigning across Lancashire and Yorkshire, Labour leader Ed Miliband has insisted he is “not countenancing defeat” and warned another coalition between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats posed a “huge risk” to working families.

The only way to get David Cameron out of Downing Street was by voting Labour, Mr Miliband insisted.

Meanwhile, Labour ’s deputy leader Harriet Harman said she would “not engage in post-match speculation” ahead of today’s vote.

Insisting Labour was not involved in discussions with other parties about possible post-election pacts, Ms Harman told Sky News: “We are not having discussions behind closed doors with anybody from other parties, because our agreement and our discussion is with the British people.

“That’s who we are asking to vote for us.

“Our commitment and our contract is with them, not some shady deals that

•Ed Miliband

•Nick Clegg we do now behind closed doors.”

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, told Sky News: “I really believe in what the Liberal Democrats are trying to do, which is to keep our country stable, to make sure the next government is decent, that we govern for the whole of the United Kingdom, that we don’t see it pulled apart.

Speaking in Scotland, Ms Sturgeon said: “All politicians have got a duty on Friday morning to respect the outcome.

What the British vote means for the world The United Kingdom is going to the polls on today.

Elections electrify the countries in which they are held, but in most cases

Mr Cameron appeared to concede that there is only one party he would not have any conversations with in the case of a hung parliament

they make little difference.

In this case, the election is a bit more important.

Whether Labour or the Tories win makes some difference, but not all that much. What makes this election significant is that in Scotland, 45 percent of the public voted recently to leave the United Kingdom.

This has been dismissed as an oddity by all wellgrounded observers.

However, for unsophisticated viewers like myself, the fact that 45 percent of Scotland was prepared to secede was an extraordinary event.

Moreover, this election matters because UKIP — formerly the United Kingdom Independence Party — is in it, and polls indicate that it will win about 12 percent of the vote, while winning a handful of seats in Parliament.

This discrepancy is due to an attribute of the British electoral system, which favors seats won over total votes cast.

UKIP’s potential winnings don’t seem very significant. However, the party represents a movement in Britain that is not unlike what is going on in the rest of Europe, and in addition, creates a new dimension to British strategic policy that might well be important. Most of the vote that UKIP is

Ms N. Sturgeon attracting comes from former Conservative voters. That means that Prime Minister David Cameron might lose the election. That does not change Britain’s strategic position much. UKIP and the Scottish vote might.

The UKIP and Scottish Factors UKIP is both antiEuropean and antiimmigration. It opposes British integration with the European Union, based both on practical matters and ideological matters. UKIP sees the European Union as undermining British economic well-being and British sovereignty, and it sees British sovereignty as a moral imperative. It also sees British culture as an essential characteristic of British sovereignty and, in that sense, regards immigrants as a threat to Britain.

The United Kingdom is a European nation. Its national identity emerges from a shared history, language and culture.

You are born to a European nationality. It is not easy to become something whose essence is in birth. In this sense, European nationalism is profoundly different from American nationalism, whose identity is built around the accommodation with a dynamically changing culture.

European nationalism simultaneously binds and repels. It binds those with the common heritage together. It repels, purposefully and incidentally, those who are different. This is why the Scottish referendum is so significant. Even after 300 years, 45 percent of Scots were prepared to think of Scotland as an independent nation, based less on any specific issue than on the

principle of divergent national identities.

The British elections represent the current state of Europe. There is the deep ambivalence about the European Union and the rise of the antiEuropean parties not yet ready to govern but still affecting the system (as shown by Cameron’s promise to hold a referendum on Britain’s EU membership). There is the anti-immigration sentiment, currently driven by fear of Islamist terrorism and the influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe taking some of the lower-wage jobs, but actually having deeper and less tractable roots.

Finally, there is the rise of nationalist movements within countries where it had been thought that the question of nationality had been settled centuries before, drawing its energy from the questions raised in the other movements and becoming unexpectedly powerful.

The United Kingdom, in its understated way, points to the fundamental trends in Europe. First, the mainstream parties, regardless of formal ideology, are more or less committed to the idea of the European Union.

Second, there are emerging political parties that are committed to independence, both in the sense of not being answerable to Brussels and in the sense of preserving the foundation of national identity.

Finally, that foundation is undermining Britain’s unity, because an integral part of the United Kingdom has been toying with the idea of independence.

All of this has geopolitical consequences. This is not because Britain is going to lose or gain an empire. It has already lost one, and it is not about to gain another. But Britain is a strategic country, partly because of geography and partly because of power, and what happens to it matters more to the world than what happens to some other countries. Let’s consider the British situation not in terms of domestic political parties but in terms of geopolitical position.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, MAY 7 , 2015 — 57

EU to board unflagged vessels in migrant push

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HE European Union will get powers to board unflagged boats in the Mediterranean in order to stop people traffickers following the worst migrant shipwreck in years, diplomats said yesterday..

They will also boost intelligence sharing from next month after European Union leaders vowed at an emergency summit in April to take urgent steps to curb the flood of dangerously overcrowded migrant boats, they said.

But they will not yet be able to go as far as destroying the boats before they leave the Libyan coast, despite that being one of the options agreed on at the summit, the European diplomats added.

Outlines of the European operation to “smash the business model” of the traffickers were sketched during talks between EU ambassadors in Brussels this week, European sources told AFP. If member states agree, their navies could board and search unflagged vessels on the high seas in order to deprive traffickers of boats often bought from fishermen or through shady smuggling

German police arrest suspected human traffickers

names of the people, who speaks to whom, find the photos,” a diplomat said.

However the UN must first give the green light for searches of flagged vessels and to enter Libyan territorial waters to destroy the boats — something the EU is seeking, they said.

’38 million people’ internally displaced worldwide

A Migrants wait to disembark from a military ship following a rescue operation at sea as part of the Frontex-coordinated Operation Triton yesterday. networks, they said.

The Europeans believe they can act without a UN mandate against ships that fly no flag, which enjoy less protection under the law of the sea, said the

diplomats.

They will also boost systematic intelligence sharing, an issue that has often been a problem between EU nations that despite their economic and

political links will jealously guard intelligence.

Information gathered from military surveillance planes will complement that collected from telephone eavesdropping

40,000 flee Burundi amid political crisis, UN

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EARLY 40,000 refugees have fled Burundi to neighboring Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last month, amid protests against President Pierre

Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term, the United Nations said yesterday.

A total of 16 people were injured in protests held in different parts of the capital on Wednesday, the Burundi

Red Cross said.

More than a week of demonstrations have plunged the African nation into its worst crisis since an ethnically charged civil war ended in 2005. Civil society groups say a dozen people

G

ERMAN police arrested three men yesterday suspected of belonging to an organized criminal group that smuggles people from Africa to the European Union.

Around 7,000 migrants, most from Africa, were rescued from boats in the Mediterranean last weekend and around 900 drowned last month on a boat heading to Italy - all victims of peoplesmuggling operations. Other migrants endure dangers of another kind, smuggled over land routes via the Balkans.

Cologne police said they searched properties in the states of North-Rhine Westphalia and SchleswigHolstein in the early hours of Wednesday morning and detained one 22-year-old man and two other males aged 26.

and information provided by ships belonging to the EU border agency Frontex, a diplomat said.

“We must do more to trace the networks: what are the

have been killed. Police say the death toll is half that number.

The opposition says Burundi’s constitution and a peace deal that ended the civil war limits Nkurunziza to two terms.

ButBurundi’sconstitutional court this week cleared the way for the president to run again in June, saying his first term did not count because he was picked by parliament not publicly elected.

C h a u v i n e a u Mugwengezo, spokesman fortheallianceforDemocratic Change, a coalition of five opposition parties rejecting Nkurunziza’s bid for the third term, accused their opponents of causing most

new report has found that 38 million people have been displaced within their own country by conflict or violence, with at least 11 million newly displaced in 2014 alone.

The global overview report, released yesterday by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) recorded a 15 percent increase, stating that the figures were a record high for a third year in a row.

Jan Egeland, the secretary-general of the NRC described the report as a wake up call for international diplomacy, reiterating that the figures are distinct from refugees who are forced to leave their countries.

“What it really is a damning verdict of international diplomacy, of the lack of good governance in countries, lack of regional cooperation,” he told Al Jazeera from Geneva.

He said that conflicting governments should “sit down and discuss reconciliation and cooperation” with armed groups in order to “not pull in opposite directions, but pull in the same direction”.

Egypt Air pilots threaten to resign, talks set for Saturday Protesters erecting a barricade during demonstrations in Burundi’s capital Bujumbura

Rescued female migrants face uncertain future in Libya difficult challenges.

Hoda Abdel-Hamid,

R

ESCUED from the sea and taken to Libya, women migrants attempting to make the journey to Europe face

They do not always know where they are being held, and a timeline for their release remains unknown.

Speaking to Al Jazeera’s

several women in a Misrata detention camp complain they have not been able to speak to their families for days— sometimes weeks.

U

NION officials say 224 EgyptAir pilots have threatened to resign after disputes with the company and will meet with managers and civil aviation officials this weekend for talks.

In yesterday statement supporting the pilots,

Egypt’s pilot syndicate said that the civil aviation authority had broken labor law by stipulating pilots can fly up to 14 hours a day.

Airport officials at Cairo International Airport said that only one flight had been delayed. EgyptAir has some 850 pilots.

58 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

F/Eagles test readiness against Bundesliga clubs T

HE Flying Eagles will play three test matches against the U23 teams of German Bundesliga clubs Hoffenheim, Nurnberg and Freiburg, officials have announced.

The Nigeria U20 team will tackle Hoffenheim U23s on May 12 in Hoffenheim with kickoff time put at 3pm local time, which is 4pm Nigerian time.

Three days later they tackle the U23 team of Nurnberg at their training ground in Sudwest Park in Nurnberg by 4.30pm.

These two matches will be able to give coach Manu Garba and his assistants the chance to run a final rule over the players they will pick for their final 21-man squad for the World Cup. Nigeria will submit a final squad to FIFA on May 15.

Their final test match is slated for Freiburg against the U23 team of Freiburg on May 19 by 2.30pm.

The Flying Eagles are due to fly out to New Zealand via Australia from Germany on May 23.

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

T

AFN Continues from BP the words of the AFN’s technical director, Omasteye Nesiama are anything to go by.

The Nigerian sprint queen who led the country’s 4x200m relay team to gold medal win at last weekend’s IAAF World Relay ’s sensationally accused the AFN top shots of paying more attention to recruited athletes who, according to her, were not better than home grown talents.

Okagbare in her post said the AFN was not being kind to home based athletes. She argued that the monies being paid to the recruited foreign athletes was more than enough to support the local athletes.

“Enough is enough with the short cuts to success. Because our home grown athletes are so better than the ones b e i n g recruited,”Okagbare said.

Reacting to her submission yesterday Navy Commodore Nesiama stated that the AFN least expected Okagbare to throw a bombshell considering the fact that she has been one of Nigeria’s most ‘pampered’ athletes.

“I feel embarrassed by her comments. It is totally out of place for her to say such at a time the Federation is supposed to be

commended for ensuring that Nigeria and indeed her athletes are able to feature at world-class competitions to prepare them for the World Championships and the Olympics.

“I am most disappointed by her comments and it shows lack of respect for order, structure and authority.

It must be placed on record that no athlete is bigger than the Federation and the Federation would deal with the issue appropriately.

“While I acknowledge that the Federation could have made some mistakes in the past, we have since resolved to give serious scrutiny to the process of accepting athletes transfer of allegiance requests by the Technical Committee.”

Meanwhile former national heptathlon champion, Patience Itanyi has backed Okagbare’s submission.

She called on the AFN to follow procedures, if they have to recruit foreign athletes to avoid u n n e c e s s a r y embarrassment. “Why recruiting foreign athletes in first place when we have talents at home and abroad?

“There are bonafide Nigerian born athletes who, with the right conditions can come home and represent the country.” she added.

Why Police excel in sports – CP Sani Mohammed

GETTING READY: Coach Manu Garba at the training ground in Germany

Akinwumi lauds GTBank Principals the participating schools, Cup initiative remarking that “there has

BY JACOB AJOM

F

IRST Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation and Chairman of the Lagos State FA, Barrister Seyi Akinwumi has expressed satisfaction

with the organisation of this year’s GTBank/Lagos Principals Cup competition which has entered its final stage.

The Lagos FA boss also commended the exceptional display of talent and discipline by

3SC Continues from BP It was a tensed game for the Oluyole Warriors as they wanted the three points to ease their relegation worries.

The away side stood very strong in the game as Azeez Shobowale and Rabiu Ali were effective for them.

It was an end to end battle as there was little to choose between the two sides but the Oluyole Warriors looked more deadly whenever they were in the final third.

Shooting Stars quickly stamped their authority on proceedings and after 10 minutes they went ahead.

Ajayi blazed past a helpless Yusuf Mohammed after connecting with Tope Orelope’s brilliant pass.

As the first half approached a conclusion,

chances were few and far between as both sides struggled with their final ball.

In the early exchanges of the second half, Shooting Stars began the game on a high spirit searching for the second goal.

Najeem Olukokun saw his lob cleared to safety

by Usman Suleiman in the 50th minute.

Shooting Stars looked very strong at the back with no margin of error.

But Abiodun Akande saved Shooting Stars after he stretched to tip away Rabiu Ali’s point blank shot.

The tempo of the game went down as the Oluyole Warriors reverted to a defensive tactic which paid off as they won the game 1-0 to lift themselves from the drop zone.

been a lot of improvement recorded.”

Speaking at Onikan Stadium during the semifinal matches, Akinwumi who witnessed some of the teams on display said, “We are quite happy with the schools because there has been less attempts to cheat. They know we don’t tolerate nonsense.

They have been keeping to the rules, the quality is higher and we have witnessed tremendous improvement in the standard of play.”

He said the GTBank/ Lagos Principals Cup initiative falls in line with the state development programme. “What we can do with the GTB/ Principals Cup programme is to harness this into the bigger picture of the NFF development programme.''

•Akinwumi

HE exploits of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in sports over the years did not come by chance but because of a careful plan laid down by the leadership of successive administrations of the body right from the colonial era.

Chief Sports Officer of the Force, Commissioner Sani Mohammed who disclosed this to journalists in Abuja yesterday said the NPF has in addition, place the welfare of its officers and men who have taken to sports as a priority.

“From 1946, to be precise, when we started institutional sports at Obalende, that was the first Nigerian police organized sports competition among the officers and men, the Europeans integrated sports as part of police work in line with the concept of sound mind in a sound body, physical fitness and mental alertness. We did not break the tradition as every succeeding Inspector General of Police (IGP) maintained the tempo unless when there was a national emergency.

“What we do, which others may not be doing, is that we don’t go and shop for already made champions. We go to secondary schools to get our athletes, send them to areas peculiar to the sport they do. For instance our long distance runners from the last recruitment we had were posted to Taraba and specifically to Mambila side just to be familiar with the terrain and the short distance runners and the jumps, we sent to the Niger Delta region and South West because that is the capital of such sports.”

Mohammed who is also the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State further revealed that the sportsmen in the force also carry out general duties but while doing that they always have a timetable of when to do their conditioning to always remain physically fit and ready to discharge their duties diligently.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 59

CAF Confederations Cup: AC Leopards are bad hosts, coach warns Warri Wolves

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ARRI Wolves still smarting from their away victory over MK Etancheite of Congo DR in the CAF Confederations Cup have been warned to buckle up for safety when they visit AC Leopards of Congo, Brazzaville for the first leg round of 16 of the competition on the weekend of May 15.

Former Kano Pillars coach, Mohammed Babaganaru stated that AC Leopards usually make things difficult for their visitors, adding that Warri Wolves the last Nigerian club standing in continental soccer contest must be prepared psychologically and physically.

“Warri Wolves should be ready for a rough ride. Psychologically

*Working Boys...Abdullahi Alfa and Aliu Abubarka in action for Nigeria in 2013 with the Under-17 team will they lift Nigeria in New Zealand?

FIFA U-20 WC: Granada hold back Isaac Success F

ORMER Golden Eaglets star, Isaac Success has declared himself fit and ready to play for the Nigerian Under-20 team at the FIFA World Cup in New Zealand.

It was reported that Success had picked an ankle injury, but it was revealed by his manager Dominic Egbukwu that the player is eager to join his colleagues in Germany as they train for the World Cup starting in June. “Isaac Success does not have any injury. The report is false. He couldn’t play against Getafe because of a slight fever,” “He has resumed training and will play the next match if he’s selected by the coach.

“If Granada are sure of escaping relegation in the next two games, he will join the Flying Eagles. He has a Spanish residence permit and doesn’t need a visa to Germany,”said Ebgukwu Meanwhile Flying Eagles assistant coach, Nduka Ugbade, said the team will be well prepared for the tournament

as they continue with their camping in Germany.

“We hope to prepare both physically, technically, tactically and most importantly psychologically.” The former Golden Eaglets captain explained that the trip to Germany will hugely

expose some of the players who were not acquainted with international football as well as boost their focus and readiness.

“Because most of them have not travelled out before, this is good opportunity for them.

“We must use Germany to concentrate very well and use all the fa-

cilities available to build so that we can have the capacity to deliver.

“For us to succeed in New Zealand and bring back home the World Cup, we need to be very strong and capable to deliver. “We know it is not going to be easy but the task is great having the opportunity to go out and concentrate more,”

Okpekpe: Alli expects new records

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IGERIA’s long jump record holder, Yusuf Alli is confident a new competition record and a new world leading time will be set come Saturday May 16 at the 3rd Okpekpe 10km road race in Okpepke, Auchi, Edo State.

Alli, a two-time IAAF World Championship long jump finalist is also not closing the door of a possible world record at the event going by the quality of the elite cast registered for the IAAF bronze label road race.

The world record for men stands at 26:44 minutes set by Kenya’s Leonard Patrick Komon in 2010 while Britain’s Paula Radcliffe holds the women’s record of 30:21

minutes set way back in 2003. The competition record of 29:39 minutes for men is held by Ethiopia’s Teshome Asafan while his country woman,Wuday Ayalew holds the women’s record of 32:41 mins.

The start-list of this year ’s race is what is giving Alli confidence.

“In the men’s race for example there are two of the four fastest men in the world so far this year.

The duo of Amos Kiplimo Mitei of Kenya who has ran 27:58 this year and Dawi Fikadu who also holds a personal and season’s best of 28:04. They are capable of running faster and that can only mean a new

world lead (27:47) currently held by Kenya’s Japhet Kipyegon Korir and certainly a new competition record,” he said.

they should be prepared. AC Leopards are very bad hosts.

"What they did to us was terrible, I have never experienced such a thing in all my days as a professional football Manager,” Babaganaru who led Kano Pillars to a botched champions league campaign in 2013.

Speaking before Warri Wolves left to honour their game against Dolphin in the Nigeria Premier League coach Paul Aigbogun said they need to position the Club where it belongs and they will use the match against Dolphin and the home game on Sunday against Nasarawa United as a re-rehearsal towards their crucial last match against AC Leopards.

Let us fight again in April 2016, Pacquaio tells Mayweather

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ANNY Pacquiao is happy to enter into a rematch with Floyd Mayweather after shoulder surgery, his promoter Bob Arum has said.

Mayweather has suggested that he would offer his rival a second fight next year and Arum admitted that, although it was a bitter negotiation between the Pacquiao/Top Rank/HBO and Mayweather/Showtime camps for the May 2 fight, he believes they could make a deal for a rematch.

Arum suggested that Mayweather forgo a September fight and simply wait for Pacqui-

ao and fight him in April, which is when the MGM plans to open a new 20,000-seat arena in Las Vegas. “I think the wisest course of action is for Floyd to wait,” Arum said.

Pacquiao, who was due to be in the Philippines today, has stayed in LA to have surgery to repair the shoulder injury he has had since he fought Oscar De La Hoya in 2008. It will be a three-hour operation and the 36-year-old will be released from the private hospital on Thursday.

Pacquiao will not be allowed it train until at least November.

60 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

Keane, Scholes slam Bale display R

OY Keane and Paul Scholes have slammed Gareth Bale’s performance in Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Juventus.

The former Manchester United teammates appeared as pundits on ITV’s coverage of the semi-final first leg clash in Turin, with Keane leading the criticism of the Welshman’s display.

“Credit to both teams as they were both going for it, but it’s very difficult when you are

playing with 10 men because Gareth Bale did not show up tonight,” he claimed.

Keane’s thoughts were echoed by Paul Scholes, who also felt Bale had let his Madrid teammates down.

“Luka Modric was a big miss for Real Madrid. Bale never once tried to take his man on. He just whipped the ball in and it was food and drink for the Juventus defence,” declared Scholes.

Allegri: We need a Madrid masterpiece

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CRUNCHY . . . Juventus’ defender Leonardo Bonucci (R) fights for the ball with Real Madrid’s forward Gareth Bale during their UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg football match at the Juventus stadium in Turin. Photo: AFP

Tevez: ‘A great night for Juve’ J

UVENTUS striker Carlos Tevez felt the 2-1 Champions League semi final first leg win over Real Madrid.

The Argentine gave Juve the advantage from the penalty spot

after Cristiano Ronaldo had equalised Alvaro Morata’s early opener for the Bianconeri, and believes the Serie A giants deserved their victory.

“We played a great game and deserved to

Ancelotti: We will reach final

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ARLO Ancelotti is confident Real Madrid can overturn their first-leg defeat to Juventus and reach the Champions League final.

The Italian oversaw a 2-1 loss in Turin as strikes from former Real striker Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez’s second-half penalty cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo’s equaliser, and 76th goal in the competition.

Real must now win the home leg to stand any chance of meeting either Barcelona or Bayern Munich in this year’s final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

“This result does not fill us with joy but we are confident about turning things around in the Santiago Bernabeu,” Ancelotti told realmadrid.com.

“We looked good when we passed the ball around and carved out chances, but Juventus are dangerous on the break. “We could have played better. Throughout

•Ancelotti the game, we tried to play efficiently and with quality.

We wanted to control the match but were unlucky with the counter-attack that made it 2-1.

win. It’s a really important result for us,” Tevez was quoted as saying by UEFA.com.

“We now have to play in Madrid with the same determination, the same focus and the same will to win, while we must try to impose ourselves.

“Nothing has changed in terms of our chances of getting through.”

The 31-year-old maintained that Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri had done a good job in getting his tactics for the game spot on.

“Our Coach prepared for the game plan really well – he wanted us to keep the Madrid defenders guessing and it worked okay.

“In the first half I was retreating quite deep, but in the second I played further forward,” he explained.

•Tevez

Benzema back •Benzema

K

ARIM Benzema couldn’t travel with his teammates to Turin, but he is raring to go for the return game at the Bernabéu.

The Frenchman posted on social media, “Yes we can, with your support next Wednesday. We are Real Madrid! Together towards the eleventh Champions League title”.

The Real forward injured himself in the first leg of the quarterfinals against Atlético de Madrid. The player ’s sprained knee has seen him sit out Real’s last six games. Ancelotti could have pushed for an earlier return, but he preferred to keep the player in reserve for this Saturday’s game against Valencia and more importantly, this Wednesday’s date with ‘La Vecchia Signora’.

UVENTUS coach Massimiliano Allegri was delighted with his team’s victory over Real Madrid but believes they will need to produce a “masterpiece” next week in Spain to progress to the UEFA Champions League final. Goals from Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez gave the newly crowned Italian Serie A champions a 2-1 triumph in Turin in Tuesday ’s semi-final first leg.

“I’m really pleased with my players’ performance,” Allegri said to the Italian press. “It’s a deserved reward from a game that wasn’t easy.

They played with extraordinary intensity and afforded Real very little. We defended really well.

“We need to recognise how important this result is. It was a great display from us and we also celebrated winning the Scudetto. We’ve played good football this season.

I can only take my hat

•Allegri

Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 61

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62 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 — 63

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

3SC sink Pillars A

first-half goal from Junior Ajayi was what Shooting Stars needed as they beat Kano Pillars in a rescheduled match day 3 encounter in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League on Wednesday at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

Continues on Page 58

STUMBLE: Shooting Stars Adeyinka Adedeji(l) stumbles during a GLO Premier League match between Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan and Kano Pillars in Ibadan yesterday. 3SC won 1-0. Photo courtesy LMC Media

AFN vs Okagbare

Okagbare a disappointment – AFN •May face sanction over comment

BY BEN EFE

GUILTY? Blessing Okagbare after a race for Nigaria.

B

L E S S I N G Okagbare’s chastisement of the

Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s recruitment of foreign athletes has ruffled feathers at the

Federation and she could be facing disciplinary actions if

Continues on Page 58

•Nesiama

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Result (6) 5 Talented (6) 9 Shrub (5) 10 Twine (6) 11 Plague (6) 12 Challenged (5) 14 Thoroughfare (4) 17 Youth (3) 18 Yield (4) 20 Sum (5) 22 Ventilated (5) 23 Tidiest (7) 24 Respond (5) 26 Punitive (5) 29 Border (4) 30 Skill (3) 32 Dreadful (4) 33 Generate (5) 35 Bomb-hole (6) 36 Cleansed (6) 37 Language (5) 38 Being (6) 39 Debase (6)

DOWN 1 Exact (6) 2 Arrangement (6) 3 Clothed (4) 4 Of tides (5) 5 Yawned (5) 6 Frozen (4) 7 Giggle (6) 8 Dashed (6) 13 Ecstasy (7) 15 Seeped (5) 16 Jig (5) 18 Quoted (5) 19 Prevent (5) 21 Permit (3) 22 Serpent (3) 24 Save (6) 25 Astounded (6) 27 Fuss (6) 28 Ponderous (6) 30 Dress (5) 31 Lukewarm (5) 33 Girdle (4) 34 Sand-hill (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Score 7, Tiptop 9, War 10, Per 12, Faith 13, Plea 15, Reset 17, Arrive 19, Eros 20, Rodeo 22, Eel 24, Alarmed 27, Eke 28, Erode 31, Odds 33, Inbred 35, Wince 37, Wise 38, Ceded 39, End 41, Low 42, Troupe 43, Stall.

DOWN: 1, Stupor 2, Spread 3, Hop 4, Safe 5, Crate 6, Rationed 8, Peri 11, Revenue 14, Area 16, Stem 18, Role 21, Obedient 23, Leer 25, Akin 26, Drew 29, Odious 30, Eleven 32, Swell 34, Bent 36, Idol 40, Dry.

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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