SECURITY, THIRD TERM AGENDA- Buhari, Tinubu tackleJonathan, hail El-Rufai

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 61814

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

LECTURE —Prof.

Peter Lewis, Director of African Studies at the Paul Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), John Hopkins University, USA (left), welcoming Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State to the university during Uduaghan's lecture, Wednesday, in Washington DC, USA.

Chime, g.14 •P Enugu Gov returns

SECURITY, THIRD TERM AGENDA

Buhari, Tinubu tackle Jonathan, hail El-Rufai •He is spending too much on security — Buhari •He is re-enacting Obasanjo's Third Term agenda — Tinubu

SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR NORTH; EMEKA MAMAH, HENRY UMORU & JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

A

BUJA—CHIEF TAINS of the new opposition Mega party, All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday, lamented that the government was concerned about its survival and was spending too much Continues on page 5

COLUMNIST:

DONU KOGBARA: •P.17

BOOK PRESENTATION:

From left: Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; Author of the Book, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd); Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-makura; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi; Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwabo; Chairman of the occasion and former Speaker Aminu Masari and Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu at the presentation of the book "Accidental Public Servant" , yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan. See more pictures on Page 16.

We played Brazil, not Nigeria

See Back Page

— Mali goalkeeper

Mr & Mrs

Opposition senators, Reps okay emergence of APC —P.8 C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 3

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

MEETING—From Left: Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yomi Awoniyi; Niger State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ibeto and Vice President Namadi Sambo at the concluding meeting on FCT Pericommunities in Abuja yesterday. Photo: NAN

Buhari, Tinubu tackle Jonathan SECURITY, THIRD TERM: Continues from page 1 money on security at the expense of education.

Both spoke in Abuja at the presentation of a book, “Accidental Public Servant”, written by former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir elRufai.

Buhari, in his address, regretted that unlike in the past when priority attention was given to education by the country’s leaders, the present

system has not been paying more than two or five per cent to the sector.

Education first —Buhari Buhari said: ‘The little I read about Accidental Public Servant reminded me of the visit of Obama to Ghana, leaving Nigeria and South Africa before returning to the United States. He did say that promoting de-

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

We can make every place a starting point toward a better life. The good thing about life is that you can stay over and over again.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

T

HE glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship – Ralph Waldo Emerson Marilyn Monroe’s take on cultivating beautiful friendships is endearing to the heart. “When you have a good friend that really cares for you and tries to stick in there with you, learn to appreciate him or her, and be a good friend too, because one day you’re going to look up and say I lost a good friend for not caring enough.” Learn how to be respectful to your friends, always remember your true friends will be there quicker than you ever imagine. Learn to remember you’ve got great friends; don’t forget that and they will always care for you no matter what. Always remember to smile and look up at what you’ve got in life.

Appreciation involves being alert to the positive aspects of your current situation and feeling thankful for what one has and for one’s circumstances.

This requires not only a positive perspective in the present but also conscious awareness of being grateful at all times.

mocracy requires strong institutions not strong people. The British established strong institutions for us - the Police, the Civil Service, the Judiciary and the Military, that when compared to other countries, you will have some respect.

“In Nigeria here, those who were strong destroyed the institutions, now our problem is basically to get the strong to rebuild the institutions so that we can sustain our development, otherwise we are really into a big trouble.

“We are so intertwined that it is so impossible to divide. All we have to do is to improve it and that is why I respect the late Ahmadu Bello and late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. When I was corrected by El- Rufai himself, the late Sarduana was spending 43 per cent of the national budget on education; El Rufai corrected me that it was 46 per cent.

“Awolowo was spending more than 55 per cent. You can’t go wrong.

All we get now is only two or five per cent on education and the rest on security. This book has been written by ElRufai to appeal to our consciences to sit up and re-organise and fix this country.”

Jonathan is pursuing third

term enterprise —Tinubu Tinubu in his speech said that ‘’the criminal third term enterprise’’ of former President Olusegun Obasanjo was being re-enacted by the current administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Sadly, the Nigerian narrative has not changed from what it was during the time Nasir has written about.

The narrative has unfortunately worsened whereby Nigerians are saddled with a government concerned more about its survival, elongation in power and fighting imagined enemies than applying itself to running the country properly,’’ he said.

His words: ‘’The compelling power of Nasir’s work is the fact that he has exposed us to the mind set of those that Nigerians have entrusted with power....Nasir is an angry man and that is understandable. He is weighed down by the failure of the project a few of them under the government they served envisioned. He has demonstrated in his revelations how most of those entrusted with power even at that time could not shed their baggage and put Nigeria first.

“His book is not just a window into our world.

It has opened a door that leads us into seeing

what Nigeria is and how those that wield power behave and misbehave.

It is a book with the potential for a long shelf life and will remain a reference point for journalists, pundits, analysts and most of those in and out of power. Most importantly, the academia and students of Political Science will benefit from it.

“Thanks to Nasir, we now know that most of our leaders are soon overcome and consumed by their unbridled lust for power and that the public or Nigerians are mere irritants. Their protests and complaints are insignificant in a situation of absolute power and too much money.

The resources of the country that ought to have been deployed to better the lives of the people are being used against them to perpetuate them in poverty and political enslavement.

“Nasir, through this book, has challenged all the others that took that power ride with him to come out and tell their stories. Nigerians want to know. However, most gratifying is the fact that some of what we knew happened and which we fought against have been confirmed by Nasir. Nasir tells us Nigeria still has a long way to go and the architects of a new Nigeria are not yet in place.

What we have now are wayfarers, scavengers in the corridors of power and apologists, professionals whose ethics evaporate the moment they come in contact with the paraphernalia of power.”

Lets learn from our mistakes —El-Rufai The author, Mallam ElRufai, who was over-

whelmed by emotions as he broke down and wept openly, charged Nigerians to reflect on what those in government did right as well as their mistakes in order to move the nation forward.

EL-Rufai said: “My hope is that you people will reflect on some of the things we did in government that were right and many of the things that we did that were mistakes.

“I think that lessons are learnt when additional memories are protected when people learn from what works and what doesn’t work and personal mistakes and errors of leaders.

“That is how to build a nation; that is how future generations learn and this is why I wrote the book, I don’t think we should have the conspiracy of silence about how our government is being run, I think we should talk openly about it, celebrate what we did right and admit where we made mistakes and name names so that people will know that when you are in leadership position, history will judge you, that is what is my biggest motive here,” he said.

Don’t call God’s name in vain —Fashola Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who described the author of the book as a man with a character for public discourse, stated that it was either that Nigerians were familiar with his (El-Rufai’s) character or were curious about him.

Fashola urged Nigerians to emulate El-Rufai and to stop calling the name of God in vain but to do what is right at all times for the benefit of society at large.

Continues on page 11

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

4 varsity students docked for cultism

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — NO fewer than four university students in Ogun State were, Wednesday, arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for allegedly belonging to a secret cult, known as “Alora Buccaneer ” and forceful initiation of new students into the cult.

The accused persons, Damilola Animashaun (20), Olakunle Kelani (20), Oluwatobi Anifowose (18) and Kazeem Amusa (18) who were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy, felony, unlawful administering of oath and threat to life, were not represented by any counsel.

They all, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

According to the Police Prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Eigbejiale, the alleged offences were committed on January 14, at about 12.30 a.m. at Osiele in Abeokuta.

The Magistrate, Mr Martins Akinyemi, however, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N160,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case to March 4 for further hearing.

NSCDC arrests 5 suspects over diversion of Kerosene

BY PETER OKUTU

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BAKALIKI — NIGERIA Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Ebonyi State, yesterday, arrested five persons suspected to be involved in the illegal diversion of kerosene.

Addressing newsmen at the command headquarters in Abakaliki, the Corps Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Corps, ASC Emmanuel Nwali, stated that the suspects were arrested along Abakaliki-Enugu expressway while heading towards Abakaliki metropolis to dispense the product.

He said the suspects were held for illegal dealing in petroleum product known as DPK, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 1(17) of the miscellaneous offences Act, CAP 17, laws of the federation 2004.

He noted: “Our Command raided the Abakaliki-Enugu expressway and arrested five persons and seized 4,530 litres of kerosene in 151 gallons of 30 litres each in their possession."

CLO petitions IGP, others over injured cop

BY EMEKA MAMAH

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NUGU— THE South-East zone of the Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, has carpeted the police over its inability to cater for one of its own injured by armed robbers while guarding a first generation bank in Enugu State last May 25.

According to the group, this was not encouraging to other policemen who were prepared to pay the supreme price in the course of their duties.

The CLO in a letter addressed to the chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC, and copied the Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, narrated the plight of Sgt Gift Ayebabogha, who was allegedly shot by robbers while guarding a bank at Ovoko in Igboeze South Local Government of Enugu State on the fateful day.

The letter entitled, ‘’Case of Sgt. Gift Ayebabogha (shot by armed robbers): bringing to fore the need for reform in respect of issues of welfare of the officers of the Nigeria Police Force,’’ was signed by the Zonal Director of

CLO, Mr Olu Omotayo.

The letter read in part: ‘’Sgt Ayebabogha, was a policeman serving at Police Mobile Force, Mopol 3, Agbani Road, Enugu.

Sometimes in May 2012, he was posted to guard the bank (name withheld) at Ovoko Branch. On the May 25, 2012, the bank was attacked by heavily armed robbers.

"In the ensuing gun duel, the Sergeant came under heavy fire from the robbers who outnumbered him. A shot from the AK 47 assault rifle of the robbers ripped open the intestine of the Sergeant and he fell inside the security house. The robbers thinking that Sgt Ayebabogha had died ordered one of them to retrieve his riffle from him. Sgt Ayebabogha with the last energy in him used one hand to carry his falling intestine and used the other hand to launch another attack with his AK 47 rifle, killing the approaching armed robber while the others fled.

"The bank officials later rushed him to a hospital where he was operated upon, in a bid to save his life."

Robbers abandon loot, flee with gun

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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APELE—POLICE in Delta State have launched a manhunt for two members of a four-man robbery gang, who bolted with their cut-to-size gun during a search operation by men of the Special Anti-Crime Patrol on Amukpe-Aghalokpe Road, near Sapele, Wednesday.

However, two other members of the gang were nabbed and are currently helping the police in their investigations.

At Ozoro/Emevor Road in Isoko area of the state, two suspected bandits, driving in Toyota Camry cars, with number plates LF 61 KJA and AV 878 USL, also took to their heels on sighting a team of Delta State Special Anti-Crime Patrol in the area, abandoning a Ghana-must-go bag filled with drugs.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Famous Ajieh, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, said the suspected robbers, who specialise in snatching motorcycles were intercepted by the police patrol team at about 10.00 hours, Wednesday.

“In the process of conducting search on their persons, the boys suddenly took to their heels and escaped into a nearby bush, while policemen chased and arrested two of them. Two motorcycles were also recovered from them,” he added.

On the second incident, he said, “On sighting the police, the two drivers stopped the cars and jumped into the bush and a thorough search was later

conducted on the vehicles. During the search, opium key, popularly known as master key, suspected to belong to the hoodlums, one Ghana-must-go bag containing drugs were recovered.”

Suspected killers of Director of Protocol to Imo State Deputy Gover

Police nab alleged killers

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI— IMO State Police Command, yesterday, paraded two suspects —Udoka Ibe (28) and Chigaemezu Onyenwenu (27)— in connection with the brutal murder of the State Deputy Governor’s Director of Protocol, Mr. Laz Anyanwu.

Addressing journalists in the State Police Command, Owerri, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Vitalis Onugu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, described the arrest of the duo as “a breakthrough.”

While saying that Ibe and Onyenwenu are natives of Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area and Orodo, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State respectively, the PPRO equally disclosed that Anambra State Police Command was investigating them for kidnapping and armed robbery.

He said: “When their respective homes were searched, three AK 47 rifles, 280 rounds of ammunition and 23 magazines were recovered from the suspects.

These exhibits are still with Anambra State Police

Command.”

Confirming their involvement in the gruesome murder of Laz Anyanwu, one of the suspects, Udoka Ibe, said their target was to snatch the man’s vehicle.

According to Ibeh,“one

Chukwu and Ikay sent us to go and take the man’s vehicle.

Somewhere along the way, the man attempted to snatch the gun Chigaemezu was holding. Two of them fell off from the car. I

Gunmen murder

zIt's shocking, unfortunate

BY EVELYN USMAN & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS — UNIDENTIFIED gunmen, at the early hours of yesterday, shot an octogenarian white cap chief dead, in his apartment on Iga Iduganran Street, Isale-Eko, Lagos.

Meantime, the state government has described the death of the Onimole as shocking and unfortunate.

The deceased, identified as Chief Kayode Adeshina Onimole, was the Onimole of Lagos and a member of the white cap chiefs of Lagos. He was reportedly fast asleep in his Onimole palace when his assailants came calling at about

3 a.m.

The gunmen, two in number, as gathered, moved straight to the chief’s bedroom, where they met him and one of his children.

They reportedly ordered them to lie down and demanded an unspecified money from the octogenarian who pleaded with them to take whatever they wanted, that he had no money.

But his plea fell on deaf ears as one of the gunmen reportedly collected his phone while his colleague pulled the trigger and shot him in the chest.

The dying man said to be bleeding profusely, managed to shout for help. But it was far from him.

When his children were certain the gunmen had left, their

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013—7

Youths, women protest killing of medical doctor in Mbaise

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI — SCORES of youths and aged women, yesterday blocked the ever busy Owerri-Umuahia federal highway at Nkwogwu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area to protest the gruesome murder of their son and medical practitioner, Dr. Nonye Nwaise.

The peaceful protest, which lasted over two hours, truncated free flow of traffic on the highway until a detachment of policemen, led by J. P. Modi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, was moved in to restore peace in the area.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the slain Dr. Nwaise was a staff of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, and was attacked and killed at a viewing centre, by

three armed men, who were operating on a motorcycle.

All the people who spoke to Vanguard on the murder fumed over what they termed “the increasing spate of insecurity in Imo State.”

The villagers recalled with grief, how the late doctor attended to the health challenges of the villagers and most times, at no cost to the patients and their relations.

Particularly touching was the participation of a 73-year-old woman, Mrs. Chinyere Ogu, in the protest.

She condemned the killing of the 42-year-old doctor, saying: “He was down to earth during his life time. He was a solid defender of his people, especially the downtrodden. We have truly lost a rare gem.”

Police arrest fake Lieutenant who specialises in car theft

BY IFEANYI OKOLE

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nor, Mr Laz Anyanwu

of Imo Director of Protocol stopped the car, came out of the vehicle and shot him in his leg.”

Although he did not give the surnames of those who sent them, the suspects equally did not give account of how they finished their

victim off.

“We wanted to bury him in a plantain plantation but later decided against it. We, however, decided to drop him close to the

road,” the suspect said.

Meanwhile, Laz Anyanwu was yesterday laid to rest in his Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area country home amidst weeping and curses.

AGOS — OPERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, at the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, have arrested a fake Army Lieutenant said to be the leader of a notorious syndicate that specialises in stealing of cars from showrooms across Lagos and Imo States.

The suspect, identified as Michael Okoeze, was arrested when SARS operatives received an intelligence report on the gang’s activities and trailed him down to the home of his woman friend at Ogudu area of the state where they recovered four pairs of military uniform with badges of rank, berets, army identification cards and army boots.

His modus operandi, according to sources, is that the suspect, clad in a military uniform with the rank of a Lieutenant, would storm his preferred car showroom in a

octogenarian Lagos white cap chief —Lagos govt attempt to seek help was aborted as the gunmen had locked them inside and took away the keys.

Curious residents, as gathered, forced the door open and thereafter, took 73-year-old Onimole to an undisclosed private hospital where unfortunately, he was confirmed dead.

Sympathizers, majority of whom were traditional title holders, thronged the Onimole palace located few compounds away from Oba Rilwan Akiolu’s Iga Iduganran palace, to commiserate with the bereaved family.

One of the leaders of the Onimole family, Major General Segun Ajiborise, described the deceased as an amiable person who would be missed by all.

He said: “Our family has lost a rare gem. The killing of our brother is a very pathetic experience. Early this morning, we woke up to hear the news that our brother, Chief Kayode Adeshina Onimole, the Onimole of Lagos and the Opemulero of Yorubaland was robbed and killed.

“We quickly got the police involved. The police have come and they have embarked on homicide investigation into the matter.

“There is nothing we can do; we just give glory to God. He was a traditional ruler but he had only one wife and six children.”

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Manko, confirmed the incident, saying investigation has begun.

Manko, however, ruled out

robbery attack, explaining that from information gathered, the killers did not collect a dime.

Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, according to the CP, would head the investigative team.

shocking that a time when the state is enjoying relative peace that such gruesome murder took place.”

While commiserating with the deceased’s family, the commissioner urged the police

It 's shocking, unfortunate —Lagos govt Reacting to the death of the chief, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, yesterday, said: “It is very unfortunate that this murder happened when Lagosians are commending the state government over the peace and security in the state.

“It is very unfortunate and

The late Onimole.

taxi and after indicating his interest in one of the cars, would ask the salesman to allow him test drive the car while the taxi waited for him, after which he will abscond with the car.

A source who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that one of the victims, who lost a Honda Civic, contacted the command and the officer in charge of SARS, Superintendent of Police, SP, Abba Kyari, led a team of operatives who trailed the suspect to a hotel where he lodged.

According to the source, “but when the suspect noticed the presence of the policemen he jumped out through the window but was later arrested at the home of his girl friend.

"The stolen Honda Civic Car with number plate LAGOS PQ 786 KJA and Honda CRV Sport Utility Van, allegedly stolen from Imo State were also recovered.”

to investigate the murder with a view to uncovering the assailants within the shortest possible time.

“We prayed God give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable lost while are appealing to the police to uncover the murderers within shortest possible time,” he said.

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

30 killed, scores injured in Fulani herdsmen, Eggon farmers clash

BY ABEL DANIEL

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AFIA—THE feud be tween Fulani herdsmen and Eggon farmers in Nasarawa State hightened yesterday as fresh fighting erupted in Randa Village, near Kwandere, causing tension in Lafia, the state capital. At the time of filing this report, no fewer than 30 people were said to have been killed with several others wounded.

Source told Vanguard that Kwandere Village where the Fulani are taking refuge has become the base from where they operate and carry out reprisal attack on nearby villages,’’ adding that tension was high in Ombi 1, Ombi 2, Nasarawa Eggon and Kwandere all in Lafia North Local Government, just as people, mostly the Nasarawa State Polytechnic students were seen running helter-shelter for fear of attack by Fulanis from the nearby village.

The cause of the on-going fight was not immediately known even as the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Michael Ada told Vanguard that he was not in the position to say anything until he get full details.

The Nasarawa State government ordered deployment of policemen in the troubled areas but the attack had not subsided. According to a security source, the Fulani attackers invaded the village called, Igah unknown to the soldiers deployed to ensure security, leaving eight persons dead.

This attack started barely a week after the state government asked the displaced people to return to their ancestral homes with security beefed up in the various communities. Last Saturday, the government organized a round table discussion with the Fulanis and the Agatu people, urging them to forget the past and live in peace with each other.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the Dalhatu Specialist Hospital in Lafia.

Opposition Senators, Reps okay emergence of APC zSay it 'll rescue Nigeria from brink of collapse

BY OKEY NDIRIBE, HENRY UMORU, EMMAN OVUAKPORIE, ALIYU DANGIDA & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA—OPPOSITION mem bers of the National Assembly, yesterday, endorsed the merger of four political parties as All Progressive Congress, APC, saying that the measure would ensure true democracy and keep hope alive for Nigerians.

Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume spoke on behalf of his colleagues while Femi Gbajabiamila spoke for 160 members of the opposition in the House of Representatives.

They also said they lent their support for the emergence of a mega political party to challenge the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2015 general elections.

This was even as the ruling PDP has in a rare demonstration of the spirit of sportsmanship, congratulated the opposition parties for their successful merger and formation of the new APC. Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State also declared that he was one of the governors elected on the platform of the PDP who prayed that the merger of four opposition political parties should be a reality.

Speaking against the backdrop of the emergence of APC, Gbajabiamila said, “This conference is called to lend our voice as an opposition group to the ongoing merger talks between the opposition parties in Nigeria. We members of the opposition in the House want to make it abundantly clear that we are fully and totally in support and committed to merging our various parties for the singular purpose of true transformation of Nigeria.

“Last Tuesday, 10 governors belonging to various parties met and publicly declared their support.. Today, over 160 legislators of the House of Representatives from different parties have also met to confirm their unflinching support for the merger. We find this public affirmation necessary so as to continue to give the Nigerian masses the much needed confidence that indeed, help is on the way and they should keep hope alive.”

Whilst this may not be an auspicious time for our colleagues in the PDP who are progressive in their orientation to key into this project, our doors remain open and we encourage those of them with progressive tendencies, and there are many, to feel the pulse of the nation and the yearnings of the masses for the progressive change our merger represents.

JONATHAN IN LONDON—From left: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigeria High Commissioner to United Kingdom, Alhaji Dalhatu Tafida at the Hearthrow International Airport, London.

JONATHAN IN CAIRO—President Goodluck Jonathan with Nigerian delegation at the 12th session of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, OIC, in Cairo, Egypt.

Indeed for political observers the merger began in the House a long time ago. We have, as an opposition, co-sponsored several bills, voted and spoken in unison on many issues that are of national importance and worked together as an opposition for the common good.

“Together, with progressive forces in the PDP we ensured the emergence of a Speaker elected independently by the House, the first in Nigeria’s democratic history. We will continue to strive to work together with the President for the common good. We will continue to disagree with him where we must and commend his efforts when they deserve commendation.

“This is the essence of true democracy and the true meaning of opposition and we trust that the PDP will also do likewise come 2015 when it plays the much needed role of opposition in our democracy. We wish to advise Mr

President to disregard the advice of those who see every criticism as an attack on Mr President, They do not mean well for him.

Progressive ideology must often clash with conservatism, a contest and clash of ideas, policy and ideology in an advanced democracy is just that".

Serving opposition senators from five political parties also said while endorsing the merger of opposition parties into the APC that the aim was to clear the rot in the present administartion.

The senators who addressed nesmen, said they endorsed the on-going merger talks among progressive parties in Nigeria because they observed that the talks were aimed at salvaging “our nation from the rot and corruption bedeviling her due to the PDP’s maladministration”.

According to the Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, ACN Benue North West, who read a prepared text to news-

men, said that as representatives of the people, they had “agreed to work enthusiastically in support of this natural rescue mission, which is a step in the right direction.

“We support our leaders; we applaud their wisdom and patriotism in their epochal drive to stem this declining tide. We also appreciate the courage of our governors.

“We call on members of our parties in our senatorial districts, our political associates and followers to work assiduously towards the realization of this national redemption project”, he said.

The text stated, “all progressive minded Nigerians are called upon, regardless of political platform to join this progressive political train. It is our faith that this collective worthwhile and noble endeavour will lead Nigerians to realize the dreams of our founding fathers to have a country that works for all and sundry.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 9

N32bn pension fund: We can no longer trust Justice Talba — EFCC zTo withdraw remaining cases, report him to CJN

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH & ISHOLA BALOGUN

A

BUJA—THERE were indi cations yesterday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, might withdraw the pension theft case files from the trial judge, Abubakar Talba, for alleged breach of understanding.

Vanguard learnt from authoritative sources that the commission felt uncomfortable with the light sentence given to one of the pension thieves, John Yakubu Yusufu, who pleaded guilty to the 20count charge of criminal conversion of N32.5 billion belonging to the Police Pension Fund.

It was gathered that EFCC was set to report the judge to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, and request that the case file be withdrawn from Justice Talba since the commission had lost confidence in him.

It was learnt that under the term of understanding, Talba was to give Yusufu a light sentence without an option of fine, since he had admitted committing the crime and pleaded for mercy.

But in a dramatic twist, Talba turned round and ordered the suspect to pay a paltry N250,000 for each of the three counts as an option of fine thereby making a mess of the judgment.

One source said that a decision had been reached by the commission and its lawyers to bring an application before Justice Talba to disqualify himself from trying other persons who, with Yusufu, allegedly embezzled more than N32 billion police pension funds.

Talba is yet to hear the cases of Abubakar Kigo, former permanent secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, and four others, Sani Habila Zira, Esai Dangabar, former director in the police pension office, Ahmed Inuwa Wada and Veronica Uloma Onyegbula, who are implicated in the police pension theft.

Apart from Yusufu, all the others pleaded not guilty to a 20count charge of criminal conversion of the Police Pension fund.

Fairness The commission’s legal team, it was learnt, was likely to argue that the fears raised by the media and the public on the ruling in the Yusufu case had tainted public perception about the judge’s possible fairness.

The prosecution team will also argue that in the court of public opinion, Talba has already been judged and that, for the sake of

his integrity, it would be unfair for him to continue to sit on the case.

The source explained the fears of the EFCC and its lawyers which, he says “are well founded and well grounded”.

He said, the prosecution can no longer trust Justice Talba because he went outside the agreement reached by the two parties in the Yusufu case to give him an option of fine.

“That is why we need a totally disinterested and unbiased judge in this case,” the source said.

Clarke faults EFCC Meanwhile, Lagos-based legal practitioner, Chief Robert Clarke, SAN, has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for charging the convicted John Yusuf under section 390 of the Penal code instead of the draconian EFCC Act just as

he noted that the trial judge, Abubakar Talba, could have exercised his discretionary powers in favour of the millions of Nigerians and pensioners whose right to their entitlements were denied.

Clarke said: “The prosecutors should not have brought that charge under the Section 390 of the penal code. By bringing it under that penal code, they should have known that there is a restriction under that code against them that it is a two-year term maximum sentence or an alternative in fine.”

He added that “the commission could have charged the accused for stealing which attracts a fiveyear imprisonment under the same law with no option of fine, but it decided to charge him under Section 390 knowing fully well that it permits only a two- year jail term with an alternative to fine”.

He argued that the judge could

have exercised his discretionary powers in favour of million of Nigerians and pensioners whose right to their entitlements were denied and also could have elaborated on the judgment.

“Unfortunately, the judge did not elaborate on this when pronouncing the judgment. He should have at least elaborated that ‘the law allows me to sentence the accused to two year imprisonment; the law also allows me to give him an option of fine; therefore, in exercising my discretionary powers, I intend to use the option because of A,B,C...” If he had explained this to the whole world, Nigerians would not have castigated him the way the scenario is now.

The judge could also still have refused the option of fine even the counsel to the accused had drawn his attention to it because of the gravity of the offence”, he said

Boko Haram: Ndume asks court to quash evidence

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—SENATOR Mohammed Ali Ndume who is standing trial over his alleged convivial relationship with the Boko Haram Islamic sect, has approached the Abuja Division of the Appeal Court, praying it to quash the proof of evidence that was tendered against him by the Federal Government.

Ndume, who is representing Borno South Senatorial District was charged to court by the Federal Government on allegation that he was the person that hitherto furnished the sect with classified information that aided their terrorist operations in the country.

He is answering to a fourcount criminal charge before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Specifically, Senator Ndume is asking the appellate court to go ahead and quash fresh sets of incriminating evidence that linked him to the terrorist organisation.

Over 500 Nigerian troops deployed in Mali

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI From right: Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and former Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Bola Ajibola during the South West expo grassoots business and investment forum in Osogbo, Osun State.

Opposition Reps to Jonathan: Sign 2013 budget now or we over ride it

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

A

BUJA—160 members of the opposition in the House of Representatives yesterday threatened that the House will not hesitate to over ride the President’s veto if he does not endorse the 2013 budget.

The opposition members who held first meeting as members of the newly formed All Progressives Congress, APC, also declared that

the emergence of APC has sent jitters into the camp of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Speaking at a briefing, the Minority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila said: “The president should no longer delay the 2013 budget because we are already in February or else we will over ride his presidential veto.”

The Minority Leader explained further that "we call on Mr President to very quickly sign the 2013 budget and we will work with him

on this if there are genuine grey areas.

“We are already in February and a situation where the legislature will have to over ride his presidential veto as constitutionally provided is not a good way to start the year or foster a good legislative-executive relationship.

“We also ask that Mr President begins to respect official resolutions from an equal arm of government as these resolutions are always in national interest".

D

EFENCE Headquar ters yesterday said that it has deployed more than 500 Nigerian troops made up of Army, Navy and Air Force to take part in the current African-led International Support Mission to Mali, AISMA. Director of Defence Information, Colonel Mohammed Yerima, who made the disclosure, noted that apart from the military component, a contingent of 140 Police officers were on stand by to be deployed in Mali as part of the operation.

Giving a breakdown of the deployment, Yerima said, “currently there is a company strength of 138 men (all ranks) stationed in the city of Banamba Mali. The AFISMA Headquarters in Bamako is manned by 17 Nigerian personnel”.

10 — Vanguard,FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2012

Absence of judge stalls N672m fraud charge against Speaker's PA

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

L AGOS

— THE N672 million fraud charge instituted by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before a Lagos High Court, in Igbosere against Oyetade Atoyebi, Personal Assistant to the Lagos State Speaker, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, was yesterday stalled following absence of the judge.

Mr. Atoyebi is charged alongside a former regional manager of Intercontinental Bank Plc (now Access Bank Plc), Olayinka Sanni, Justice Deborah Oluwayemi adjourned till yesterday, for ruling on the bail application of the accused, after they pleaded not guilty to the eight count charge of conspiracy, forgery and uttering of forged documents.

Akanni meets Christian Ministers

G

BOKO BASED Bible teacher Mr. Gbile Akanni is hosting an interactive session with Christian ministers and leaders as part of a three day crusade holding in Lagos from February 14 to 16.

The crusade has the theme: “It’s time to seek the Lord.”

The meeting with the Christian leaders is to hold at the Police College, Ikeja on February 15 and 16.

Traffic Law: Lagos unveils specimen of approved 200cc motorbikes

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

L

AGOS — LAGOS State Government, yesterday, released the specimen of the 200CC motorcycle approved for use in the state.

Governor, Babatunde Fashola

of the State had on August 3rd, 2012, signed the road traffic into law which outlawed the use of motorcycle below 200CC within the state metropolis.

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa who spoke at a

stakeholders’ meeting with Courier organisations and motorcycle dealers within the state, at Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, said that the exhibition of the motorbikes became necessary following reports that some motorbikes

Mr. Phillips Oduoza, Group Managing Director, UBA Plc and the Best Graduating Executive Trainees, from left: Mr. Ehihamen Ehimare, Chisom Mbata and Akintunde Oluwashina, during the convocation ceremony of the third batch of the Executive Trainees from the UBA Academy Banking School, Lagos.

Unilag graduates 253 medical students

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

L

AGOS — UNIVERSITY of Lagos, UNILAG, as part of its golden jubilee celebration, has graduated no fewer than 3,664 first degree and 3, 268 higher degree students in the 2011/2012 session.

At the second phase of the convocation ceremony yesterday, 253 graduates of the College of medicine, including the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences and Dental Sciences took the Physician’s oath.

The Vice Chancellor of the

University, Professor Rahamon Bello, in his address said: “As graduates in this 50th year, you are in truth golden. Today ’s ceremony indeed marks a landmark in your lives, but ensure that you are good ambassadors of this university, your university.”

The Chancellor of the university, Dr. Gamaliel Onosode while admonishing the graduating students said: “You have been empowered with the skills and knowledge to dare to dream and excel.

The future beckons, seize it, fufil your dreams, and bring

pride to your nation.”

The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of prizes to outstanding students.

The overall best student, Miss Ibok Favour Asuquo bagged a C.G.P.A of 4.89 from the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business Administration.

Ibok, while speaking to Vanguard said: “I never planned to be the best graduating student. I just wanted to do my best, and be one of the best. But I’m grateful to God. God is my secret.”

19 year-old autistic boy found, receiving treatment in hospital •200 parents offer to support him

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

LAGOS —

purchased in the wake of recent restriction on commercial motorcycle operations in the state were not up to the 200 CC capacity approved by government.

While displaying a specimen of one of the motorbikes which fell below what was approved by the government, the commissioner lamented that some “dealers of motorcycle in the state pasted stickers of 200CC on motorcycle which engine capacity falls below the stipulated range.”

Explaining the content of the law, he said “the road traffic law stipulates that the engine capacity of any motorcycle that must operate in the state must be above 200CC.” State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, CVIO, Mr Gbolahan Toriola, explained that the concern of the state government was the engine capacity of 200CC and not the brand name.

According to Toriola, “All the organisations needed is to purchase a motorcycle with the stipulated engine capacity and visit any of their centres for authentication.”

A 19 year-old boy, Ayomide Omope, with history of autistic behaviour who was declared missing last week has been found.

He was found after a vehicle knocked him down in Obalende, Lagos Island, Wednesday.

Ayomide was immediately taken to General Hospital in Marina by some good spirited Nigerians.

While receiving treatment, some of the health workers who

had earlier been informed of a missing boy through various social media, and radio announcement, suspected he could be the missing boy.

Vanguard gathered that the posted information and photograph were immediately sourced and printed out on the facebook which confirmed the same Ayomide was in their care receiving treatment.

A call was immediately pulled through to one of the numbers listed on the bulletin and the traumatised father at the other

end could not hide his joy.

Meanwhile, not fewer than 200 parents under the aegis of Parents Against Autism Initiative, PAAI, have resolved to offer necessary assistance to Ayomide.

The group which is led by Mrs. Angela Emuwa, has been advocating for the provision of medical facilities that could aid early detection and treatment of autism in children in the country.

It was not clear as at press time the detail of the assistance the group is ready to offer.

Other awardees include Ojukwuti Ihunanya Cordelia, Best overall student from the college of medicine, Benson Godwin Idahosa, Best overall performance in Engineering, Eze Ugockukwu Raymond, Best overall from the faculty of law, Odigwe Ofure, best overall from the department of Pharmacy.

From the school of Post Graduate studies, Oguntade Temitope bagged the overall best PhD thesis.

The 26 years old is also the youngest PhD holder from the University of Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 11

Religious tension mounts in Oyo community

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN — THERE are strong indications that a religious unrest is brewing in Sepeteri community of Oyo State over alleged burning down of Oore Ofe Baptist Church, Oke Taasi by some Muslim Youths.

However, for peace to reign, the Obalufon of Sepeteri, Oba Abdul-Kareem Oyesiji Akanji Alatise III, a Muslim, said the land acquired by the Baptist Church on Odo-Ode Road directly opposite Ibaadu Rasheed Technical School of Arabic and Islamic Studies, has been seized in the interest of peace.

According to the monarch, also, acquired land by the Muslim Council on Ibuya Road directly opposite Christian Galilee has equally been seized.

He added that suitable and more comfortable land would be made available to each

body.

Meanwhile the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has petitioned Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and the state Commissioner of Police over the burning down of Oore Ofe Baptist Church, Oke Taasi.

Sepeteri branch of CAN in a letter by its Chairman and Secretary, Rev. Bola Oyetunji and Francis Ogunlola, alleged that despite the maturity displayed after the incident, the same set of people had threatened to burn the new the church was erecting.

According to CAN, the church was burnt down on December 20, 2012, and to prevent breakdown of law and order, they want the Commissioner of Police and the Governor to intervene before the issue could degenerate.

In the petition, the association claimed that the

genesis of the crisis was an “acquired land property in the Ode Area of Sepeteri in the Saki East Local Government as far back as 1973 with the consent, approval and imprimatur of the Baale of Sepeteri, the

family of the land owners, as well as the representatives of the church.

Several other steps were taken since then to concretise the hold by the church without any opposition until 2011.

Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun State governor (right), exchanging pleasantries with some investors, during the Breakfast Meeting with Existing/ Potential Investors in Ogun, at the Government House, Oke-Igbein, in Abeokuta

2015: Oyo PDP worried by effects of lingering crises on guber election

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN — WORRIED by the effects the lingering crises within the Peoples Democratic Party could have on the 2015 governorship elections in Oyo State, some chieftains of the party have called on the national secretariat of the party to close down the secretariats of the factions.

After doing this, a fresh congress that would fuse all the factions

into one entity should be organized so that the chances of the party would not be jeopardized in the election.

Specifically, the chieftains under the aegis of Reality Forum of Oyo State which is an umbrella body of six other groups advised that the national Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur should ensure that those who contributed to the defeat of the party in the 2011 elections should be sanctioned.

The groups that combined to set up the forum are, Dynamic group, Prorgessive Front, Rebuild Nigeria Initiative, Peoples Alliance, Centre for Political and Democratic Awareness and Peoples Congress.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chairman, Mr. Joe Abegunrin and State Coordinator, Elder Jide Ajao, said the forum was a “concept of leaders in each of the 33 local governments in Oyo State and everyone of us controls a large followers who can motivate others to vote.”

SECURITY, THIRD TERM: Buhari, Tinubu tackle Jonathan Continues from page 5

Nigeria celebrates villains — Bakare Fiery cleric and activist, Pastor Tunde Bakare, said that for Nigeria to be able to solve its mounting challenges, it must deviate from the path of celebrating mediocrity and entrust the affairs of the nation to only competent hands.

He said: “It is only in Nigeria that heroes are vilified and villains hailed by the society.”

Merit, competence matter —Sanusi, CBN Governor Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Lamido Sanusi Lamido said that the problem with Nigeria as a country was not corruption and ethnicity, but total disregard for merit and competence.

The CBN governor stressed that if Nigeria as a country must get it right and achieve the

needed growth and development, issues of ethnicity and religion must be jettisoned and those qualified to occupy certain positions of authority must be there irrespective of where they come from.

Yar’Ádua meant well for Nigeria Sanusi used the occasion to praise the late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua as a detribalised Nigerian leader, who appointed him to the present post based on his conviction that he (Sanusi) was qualified and competent enough to handle the CBN job.

Sanusi noted: “Yar’Adua was somebody I never met in my life before February 2009 when he sent for me and we discussed the economy and banking for about 15 minutes and the next time was May 8, 2009 when he appointed me as CBN governor.

According to Sanusi, the late President was a man who was prepared to take risk for the country.

Sanusi also urged those in government to identify the difference between loyalty and sycophancy as people must be prepared to tell their bosses the truth whether they like it or not.

The CBN governor who described El’Rufai as being more controversial than himself, said that it was people who have nothing positive to offer the nation that always propagate the issue of ethnicity and religion rather than talk about issues of national importance.

El Rufai is a statesman —Prof Odinkalu The Book reviewer, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, said that El-Rufai in the book made a transition from political activism to a statesman and that the former FCT minister cared more about what happened to the country than his personal gains.

He said governance in the country was a business of environmentalists where incompetent persons were being recycled and made to treat all aspects of governance with impunity.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Uzere people out for reconciliation —Council Rep

Why we're demolishing houses in Yenagoa —Bayelsa govt

U

Y

GHELLI—SUPERVISORY Councillor for Environment in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Godspower Obaro, has said the Uzere kingship crisis would soon be resolved.

Obaro, who was reacting to media report credited to one Mr Godspower Ukpiki, described the report as false, as it “does not represent the interest of Uzere people. Ukpiki is not in a position to speak for Uzere people and he does not have our mandate.

“Uzere stakeholders are determined to resolve the issue and live together again as one.

As you know, we, the Uzere people, are united and peace loving and will not allow this issue to tear us apart. So, to say that Uzere people have pulled out of the peace and reconciliation committee is ridiculous.”

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA ENAGOA—BAYELSA State Government, yesterday, said the mass demolition of houses in Yenagoa, the state capital, and its environs was to plan the city in line with the Yenagoa Master Plan.

The state Commissioner for the Capital City Development, Mr. Zuwa Konugh, and Executive Secretary of CCDA, Chief Iboro-Ige Idaba, said though compensations were being paid for the houses on recognised lands, the massive demolition of homes in shanty areas and other residential parts of the state capital was to create space for the needed infrastructural development.

Zuwa Konough and Idaba, who briefed newsmen after a tour of projects by the ministry, said the demolition was part of the plan to control the opening of canals, flood control mechanism, urban renewal and the proper interpretation of the Yenagoa Master Plan.

Konough enumerated the achievements of the minis-

M

RS. Comfort Abuah (nee Nkposi), of Ibusa, in Oshimili-North Local Government Area of Delta State, is dead, aged 56.

She was a staff of Federal Inspectorate of Education, Asaba.

A statement by the family said a vigil Mass will take place at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ibusa on February 21, followed the next day by a Requiem Mass at the same venue, with interment thereafter at the family compound.

She is survived by her widower, Mr. Chris Abuah, four children and other relations.

Late Mrs. C. Abuah C M Y K

state.

He said: “The interpretation of the existing master plan is done with socio-economic consideration. The master plan is not a document cast

A

SABA—DELTA State House of Assembly, has passed the state's 2013 Appropriation Bill of N472 billion.

The passage of the budget followed the adoption of the report presented by Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr. Daniel Mayuku.

Presenting the report, Mayuku said that out of the N472 billion budget, over N157 billion was earmarked for recur-

rent expenditure, while over N314 billion was earmarked for capital expenditure.

He said the 2013 budget showed an increase of about N73.7 billion over the budget proposal presented to the House in 2012 by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Mayuku said the 2013 budget was tailored towards economic growth and the pursuit of policies and programmes of government which would impact on fiscal consolidation and reduce budget deficit and domestic borrowing.

The chairman said the objec-

tive could only be achieved if machinery was put in place to improve internally generated revenue and expenditure on overheads.

He said: “The 2013 budget is far-reaching as it captures commitment on all megaprojects while not undermining the drive to complete other ongoing projects by the end of this tenure.”

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Victor Ochei, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Lyna Ochulor, to send a clean copy of the budget to Governor Uduaghan for his assent.

Pension thief's sentencing'll encourage treasury looters —Cleric

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—PRIMATE of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), His Grace, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has joined other prominent Nigerians in condemning the Abjua High Court judgment, which sentenced Mr. John Yusuf, who stole N23 billion from Police Pension Fund, to two years imprisonment with an option

in iron but amenable through proper implementation and renewed political will. In some cases where there is no political control, people will build randomly.”

VISIT: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, former Governor of Kano State and former Presidential candidate of the ANPP, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and former Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Bukar Abba Ibrahim, during a visit of the National Rebuilding and InterParty Committee of the All Nigeria Peoples Party to Governor Oshiomhole in Benin City, yesterday.

Delta House passes N472bn 2013 Appropriation Bill

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

Madam Abuah passes on

try to include the supervision of the on-going projects of Transparency Plaza, the five-star hotel, the building of a new city and proper supervision of ongoing infrastructural projects in the

of N750, 000 fine, saying it was an encouragement to looters of government treasury.

He said: “Nigerians are unhappy with the kid-glove treatment given to a man who, by his act, must have killed many pensioners. It is a great encouragement to looters of government treasury. Whatever is responsible for such encouragement of evil, government should act promptly to show the people where its sympathy lies.”

Most Rev. Okoh, who spoke at the opening of “Standing Com-

mittee of the Church of Nigeria,” in Benin, Edo State, yesterday, also insisted that despite measure of respite in the struggle against Boko Haram, “an equal attention should be given to the insecurity created by armed robbers, kidnappers, and human trafficking across the country.

“We call on government at all levels to do more to address the sore issue of unemployment for young graduates and general poverty in the country."

Uduaghan tasks contractors on NDDC projects

S

ENIOR Special Assistant to Delta State Government on Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Delta South, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan, has called on contractors handling NDDC projects in the district to ensure that such projects were completed on schedule.

Uduaghan gave the charge during the commissioning of projects completed by NDDC in Warri South Local Government Area by Chief Solomon Ogba, Commissioner, representing Delta State in NDDC board.

Commending Ogba and the contractors that have completed their projects, Uduaghan advised that any project abandoned in the state be reported to his office or the commissioner for prompt action.

He expressed confidence that NDDC would do better if given the necessary support and adequate budget.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013—13

AIG declares war on kidnappers in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa

BY EMMA AMAIZE & FESTUS AHON

S

APELE—ASSISTANT Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 5, comprising Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States, Mr. Argungu Hashin, has promised to lead his men in the battle against kidnappers and armed robbers in the zone.

He spoke when he visited key police divisions in Central Senatorial District of Delta State.

He said: “We must do everything possible to track down men of the underworld in this zone, because the rate of armed robbery and kidnapping is increasing on a daily basis.

“I want to assure the good people of Delta State and the entire Zone 5, of our zeal to fight crime to zero level, if possible. Security should

not, however, be left to the police alone, but that of all members of the public because when a person is safe,

he can do good things in his domain.”

He appealed to the media to help the police to sensi-

tise the public to give useful information that could enable the police to track down evil men in society.

JTF probes alleged involvement of soldiers in oil theft

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

ENAGOA—AUTHORITIES of Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, code named Operation Pulo Shield, have ordered the setting up of a panel of inquiry into the alleged involvement of some soldiers in the theft of petroleum products at Ososike area, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The panel of inquiry, ordered by Commander of JTF, Major-General Bata Debiro, is expected to be headed by the Commander of Sector 2 and will determine if the accused soldiers, attached to 29

Battalion, were culpable in the alleged theft of petroleum products.

Head of JTF Media Coordinating Centre, Lt.-Col. Oyeama Nwachukwu, argued that though the ac-

cused soldiers were on official duties and deployed in the area by their Commanding Officer, Col. Peter Mala, the claims that they were involved in the theft of petroleum products in the area were unconfirmed.

HTGS commissions ultra-modern lab

S

TUDENTS of Holy Trinity Grammar School, HTGS, Sabongida-Ora, Edo State, will have cause to celebrate when the school’s ultra-modern science laboratory is commissioned this weekend.

The ceremony, which will be performed by the Permanent Secretary, Edo State

Ministry of Education, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, is part of activities, to mark the school’s 65th Founders Day. The laboratory project, worth over N10 million, is the brainchild of the Lagos State branch of the Old Students Association and will be formally opened for use on February 9.

A-Ibom, Poland to partner in business

A

KWA Ibom State Government has reiterated its commitment to co-operate with the Republic of Poland in business investments to boost the economy of the country.

Governor Godswill Akpabio stated this when the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Prezemyslaw Niesiolowski, leading a 16-man delegation on a trade mission to the state, paid him a courtesy visit at Governor ’s Office, Uyo. He said: “We are committed to cooperate with the Republic of Poland in business relations to boost the economic hub of the country and for the future cooperation between Nigeria and Poland.”

14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FUBRUARY 8 , 2013

25,000 pupils for national mathematics competition

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

A

BUJA—NO fewer than 25,000 pupils from primary schools across the country are to participate in this year’s national mathematics competition.

The annual competition, organised by the Nigerian Turkish International Colleges, NTIC, in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre, NMC, holds simultaneously nationwide on February 16, 2013.

The number of participants increased from the 17,500 who took part in last year’s edition.

In an interview with Vanguard in Abuja yesterday, NTIC Principal, Mr Sobril Unal, said the competition was geared towards awakening pupils’ passion and interest in mathematics.

He said the competition would be held at the same time on the said date in the 36 states, and FCT, with all the participating pupils answering 75 objective questions; 35 algebra; 15 geometry and 25 aptitude within 120 minutes.

He said further: “The most successful three students from each state will be invited to the Final Stage to represent their schools and states. After this stage, the top 20 students and their teachers will receive certificates, medals, cash prizes and some gifts”.

Pa Gilbert Akpolu dies at 86

P

A Gilbert Akpolu, 86, of Agbere in Sagbama L o c a l Government Area of Bayelsa State is dead.

He will be buried at his home town, Agbere, Bayelsa State, on Saturday, February 09.

He is survived by a widow, children and many relations, including Mr. Fred Akpolu of Vanguard Media Limited.

Late Gilbert Akpolu

Chime, Enugu Gov returns zChecks into Presidential suit, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja zExpectant citizens await his arrival in Coal City today

BY TONY EDIKE & HENRY

E

UMORU

NUGU—AFTER spending 140 days abroad, Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, quietly returned to Nigeria in the early hours of yesterday.

Although no official statement was issued by the state government on the return of the governor, Vanguard learnt that he arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from United Kingdom at about 5.30am via British Airways and was driven toTranscorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja at 6.45am.

To avoid political associates, aides, friends and relations, who besieged the Asokoro Enugu Governor’s Lodge, it was gathered that the governor elected to lodge in one of the Presidential suites in Hilton.

A source told Vanguard that the governor will leave the hotel for Enugu today to join the people of the state. Earlier in the day, there were speculations that Chime would brief journalists at the Asokoro lodge only for journalists to rush there and discovered that there was nobody to address them.

Officials of the government, including media aides to the governor, kept sealed lips on Chime’s unceremonious return.

“Oga returned from United Kingdom at 5.30 am this morning and was driven into Abuja where he is convalescing. He will likely come into Enugu today (Friday) or Saturday,” one of his personal aides who pleaded anonymity, told Vanguard.

Enugu Local Council chairmen, who planned to hold a resounding reception for the governor at Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu yesterday when they heard that he would make a triumphant entry into the Coal City after a long absence from the state, had to call off the event.

Welcome relief in Enugu

Enugu residents received the news of Chime’s return to the country with a welcome relief and thanksgiving to God for sparing the governor’s life.

Many residents were seen discussing the development yesterday, though some doubted the news describing it as a rumour.

“We have heard enough of this news about Chime returning to Nigeria. If he has actually returned as claimed, let him come let us sight him and join him to thank God for His mercies upon his life. Let him return to Enugu so that the masses will have rest of mind and let peace reign in the state,” said Mr. Gabriel Arum, a civil servant.

Chime did not deserve

LAUNCHING: From left: Mr. Ola Ijimakin, GM, Marketing, Fidson Healthcare Plc; Mr Oladimeji, Oduyebo, Corporate Services Manager; Mr. Tunde Balogun, Product Manager, Cestra, and Mr. Olugbenga Olayeye, Sales and Marketing Director, at the unveilling of a new product, Cestra (Intelligent Nutrition Systems) in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

being hustled out of ‘gainful stay’ abroad — SEG

In its official reaction to the development, the Save Enugu Group, SEG, which had mounted pressures on the state government to make full disclosure on the governor’s health status, said it received with joy the “informal news of the return of Governor Sullivan Chime into Nigeria, in the wee hours of this morning.

“We are reliably informed that Governor Chime arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, on a British Airways flight from London Heathrow and moved to the Enugu Lodge in Abuja. We note that this event is taking place exactly one month after we first sounded the alarm of prolonged and unexplained absence. We acclaim this as falling within desired responsive action of leaders in a democracy. If further information on the frail condition of the Governor is reliable, we wish to state that Governor Chime did not deserve being hustled out of ‘gainful stay’ in good health institutions if the right things were done first and before questions arose. In that respect, we, as other good people of Enugu State, stand to hold those responsible for primitive lies and needless cover ups responsible,” the SEG stated.

The statement signed by Messrs Maxi Okwu (Convener), Chief Willy Ezeugwu and Ozo Igbonekwu Ogazimora, however, wished Governor Chime well and full recovery.

On its part, Enugu State Chapter of Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, yesterday, expressed delight and solidarity with the people of Enugu State over the safe return of Gov-

ernor Chime to Nigeria.

Rising from its monthly general meeting, the group in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Afam Nnaji and Secretary Pastor FrankGold Ekwueme, also commended the Acting Governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, the Executive Council, the Legislature and Local Government Chairmen, for their support and contributions in keeping Enugu working while the governor was away.

How Chime left Nigeria on ‘vacation’

Chime left the country on September 19 last year on what his aides described as accumulated leave but the vacation later became a subject of controversy when his traducers began to allege that the government was lying about his true mission overseas. He had traveled out of the country after attending a function in Abuja without any formal announcement from the government.

The nature of his trip gave rise to speculations that all might not be well with the governor. The government swiftly issued a statement saying that the governor had embarked on an accumulated leave but did not specify when he would return to the office.

The SEG, which emerged three months after the governor’s absence, claimed that it had evidence that Chime was incapacitated by ill-health accusing the government of being economical with the truth. It therefore put the government to task to disclose the actual health status of the governor just as it challenged the State House of Assembly to make public the letter purportedly written by the governor notifying it of his inten-

tion to embark on vacation with a view to determining whether he had overstayed or not.

The speaker of the Assembly, Eugene Odoh, who was in possession of the letter, remained adamant as he refused to release the letter but when tension heightened following the prolonged absence of the governor, he explained that the governor was enjoying his vacation. According to him, the governor had the right to stay outside his office for as long as he wished because he was duly protected by the constitution.

The SEG not satisfied by the speaker’s position, demanded that a delegation of eminent personalities in the state be constituted to visit the governor wherever he was overseas to ascertain his state of health and determine why he could not resume duty after his vacation.

The demand was strongly condemned by officials of the state government, who accused the group of trying to play politics with the ailment of the governor even though his media aides continued to maintain that Chime “was hale and hearty.”

Later, the Deputy Governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, who has been acting said Chime duly handed over to him before jetting out of the country and dismissed as false comments that he was not in-charge and could not sign any cheque worth more than N500,000.

However, the controversies continued with all segments of Enugu polity attacking and counter-attacking one another until Vanguard interviewed Chime on January 21 where the governor said he was hale and hearty and would soon return to the country, which he did in style yesterday.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 —15

$3m bribery scam: Farouk, Emenalo beg for release zAs court decides bail today

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

A

BUJA—HAVING spent a week at Kuje Maximum Prison in Abuja, erstwhile Chairman and Secretary of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on fuel subsidy probe, Farouk Lawal and Mr Boniface Emenalo, have begged trial Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi to okay their release.

The duo, who had on February 1, pleaded not guilty to a 7-count criminal charge preferred against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related

Offences Commission, ICPC, in their consolidated application for bail, urged the court to consider their health and allow them to attend trial from home.

Begging the court through their lead counsels, Chief Ricky Tarfa, SAN, and Chief Mike Ozokhome, SAN, the embattled lawmakers said they would not jump bail if released from prison.

Farouk further pleaded the court to take cognizance of the fact that prior to his arraignment, he had ample opportunities to run away, having travelled outside the coun-

try four times since investigation into his alleged complicity in the bribery scandal began.

Besides, he told the court that he had in the course of investigation into the matter, reported to the Police on 37 different occasions, saying he never violated the administrative bail given to him by the Police, an argument also canvassed by his co-accused person, Emenalo.

ICPC had in the charge entered before the high court, alleged that the embattled lawmakers demanded and collected bribe from the Chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Femi Otedola, as an inducement to remove the

name of his company from the report of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc committee on monitoring of fuel subsidy regime.

They were said to have collected an aggregate sum of $3million, with a view to ensuring that Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd escaped prosecution, even though the Committee had abinitio found it culpable in fuel subsidy fraud.

The anti-graft agency maintained that the offence they committed was contrary to Corrupt

practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under section 8 (1) 17 (1) and 23(3) of the same Act. More so, the prosecuting commission alleged that Emenalo, while being a public officer, an Assistant Director and Clerk of the Committee on Education of the House of Reps, sometime in April 2012, while acting as the Secretary of the Ad-Hoc Committee, was offered gratification by Otedola but failed to report the offer to any officer of the ICPC or any police officer.

Kuku not involved in Boyloaf’s arrest —Amnesty office

L

AGOS—THE Presi dential Amnesty Office has denied report that the chairman of Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, was involved in last Sunday’s arrest and detention of one of the leaders of the former agitators in the Niger Delta, Ebikabowei VictorBen (aka Boyloaf) and one other person over an incident at the arrival lounge of the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the Head, Media and Communications, Mr Daniel Alabrah, the Amnesty Office said the incident that led to their arrest was misrepresented in some reports, which purported that Kuku, was involved in an altercation with Boyloaf at the Lagos airport.

According to the statement, “Kuku was nowhere

near the airport at the time his Special Assistant (Special Duties), Mr. Henry Ugbolue, was attacked by Boyloaf and two others, which led to their arrest and detention by the police.

“For purposes of clarity, the unprovoked assault on Mr Ugbolue had nothing to do with Mr Kuku or the amnesty programme. The facts about the incident have been documented by men of the Nigeria Police at the Lagos State Command, Ikeja, where Boyloaf signed an undertaking before he was released on Sunday.”

Kuku added that anyone claiming that he was using the police or the InspectorGeneral of Police to “derail the amnesty programme” (whatever that means) have no reason to be afraid if they do not breach the laws of the country.

FCTA, NLC, private investors to build recycling factory

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

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BUJA—THE Fed eral Capital Territory, FCT, Nigeria Labour Congress and private investors have concluded plans to build a recycling factory through a joint waste to wealth business venture.

Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, FCT council, Comrade Yahaya Abdullahi, stated this yesterday in Abuja during the presentation of a feasibility study on the project by executives of the council to the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide.

The tri-partite business venture is aimed at creating jobs, managing the huge waste generated in

the FCT and also generating profit for the stakeholders.

Abdullahi disclosed that the Labour Congress would own 40 per cent equity in the joint business venture, while the FCT Administration and private investors would take up 60 per cent equity in the venture.

He said: “The NLC FCT Council had during a meeting last year with the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, and Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, raised the issue of helping to mop up sachet water waste by setting up a recycling factory.”

16—Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

NASIR EL-RUFAI BOOK PRESENTATION IN ABUJA . PIX BY GBEMIGA OLAMIKAN

From left: Author of the Book, Mallam Nasir El Rufai; Former Vice Presidential Candidate of CPC, Pastor Tunde Bakare; and Former CPC Presidential Candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari at the public presentation of "Accidental Public Servant" in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

From right: Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili and Mallam Nasir El Rufai.

From left: Niger State Governor, Aliyu Babangida; Senator Chris Ngige and author of the Book, Mallam Nasir El Rufai.

From left: Mallam Nasir El Rufai; Former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Former Vice Presidential Candidate of CPC, Pastor Tunde Bakare.

From left: Media Aide to Deputy Labour Party National Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Ajibulu and General Manager Publication/Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Newspaper and President Guild of Editors, Mr Gbenga Adefaye.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 17

R

ELIABLE sources tell me that President Goodluck Jonathan is becoming increasingly allergic to the advice to which he is subjected on a minute-by-minute basis.

And I totally understand his weariness, wariness and irritation.

Every VIP is surrounded by a plethora of official and informal I-Too-Knows (ITKs) who regard themselves as great sages and world-class experts; and all of the above take delight in inflicting their views on anyone who will lis-

Reuben Abati

Doyin Okupe

Presidential advice So I certainly don’t blame President Jonathan for not

,

Some of the advice that Jonathan receives comes from serious organisations and intelligent, honourable individuals who know what they’re talking about and want him to shine brightly; and he will perform more impressively if he focuses on the need to sort out the sheep from the goats and listens to the right people.

ten.

Heads of state are particularly vulnerable within this context…in the sense that they attract more attention than most mere mortals and are constantly approached by highly opinionated friends, relatives, spouses, personal aides, cabinet ministers, parastatal personnel, political cronies, party stalwarts, media controllers, traditional rulers, captains of industry, foreign investors, etc.

And it’s not as if these wannabee powers behind the throne are all completely wellintentioned or all harmoniously singing from the same hymn sheet.

Some of the folks who strive to influence the thought processes and actions of rulers either deliver confusingly conflicting suggestions or have extremely dubious hidden agendas. And if you’re a leader, it is very difficult to sift through the never-ending verbiage and decide whom to trust or ignore.

,

enthusiastically welcoming everyone who sidles up to him

to tell him how to run his life and the country.

But excessive caution, inflexibility and stubbornly closedmindedness never make sense. Leaders should be especially perceptive; and while they’re entitled to make mistakes, they should be able to differentiate between negative time-wasters and positive value-adders most of the time.

Some of the advice that Jonathan receives comes from serious organisations and intelligent, honourable individuals who know what they’re talking about and want him to

shine brightly; and he will perform more impressively if he focuses on the need to sort out the sheep from the goats and listens to the right people.

Listening to right people I’m told that Mr President firmly dismisses anyone who urges him to learn how to express himself more articulately in public. Given that he routinely fails to fulfil his potential when he appears on TV or other public platforms - his recent CNN interview being

a classic example of a less than inspiring performance I hope that he will eventually realise that he can benefit from media training.

After all, his counterparts from other parts of the world – Obama of America and Cameron of Britain, for instance - have received extensive media training. Ditto the journalists who occasionally quiz him on screen, at home and abroad. So why won’t he humbly provide himself with similar skills?

Readers’ reaction: Nigeria best birthplace GODSDAY Orubebe, the Niger Delta Minister, recently quarrelled with Rotimi Amaechi, the Rivers State Govenor. I sided with Amaechi on this page, pointing out that he is more productive than Orubebe. Here are some reader responses.

2348023009160 Larry Orubebe and Jonathan are disappointments to the Ijaw nation. The latter lacks the proverbial courage of the Ijawman and appears to be trapped by issues and bad advisers; the former has courage but displays arrogance and notions of blind loyalty. They should prepare for insults like the North who gave Nigeria leaders who did nothing for the country.

2348060307077 Anonymous

Thanks Donu for this piece. From your write-up and my own feasibility study, the minister has failed because he is not a determined man.

On the other hand, Governor Amaechi has done some good which many have spoken about. I am happy it’s a verbal war which the governor has won.

2348039523794 Ebiakpo Tubolayefa Madam, I appreciate your exciting write-ups and salute your courage for letting the world know how Elder Godsday Orubebe has failed the Niger Delta region. By reappointing Orubebe to the Niger Delta Ministry, President Jonathan has not helped the cause of the region in terms of infrastructural development.

They both won’t be praised by the Ijaw nation for misusing the oppor-

tunities at their disposal today.

2348027475353 Tarrie Ordinarily Orubebe will not cough where Amaechi is talking. They are no match in terms of individual performance. We cannot continue with deceit, especially as it concerns development in the Niger Delta. God bless you.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED IN VANGUARD, WITH YOUR NAMES AND NUMBERS OR EMAIL ADDRESSES ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

THIEVES have taken over parts of Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara States. The police and governments of those States have conceded that part of the country to marauders and they have no shame in confessing there is no solution to a situation that shows that plays up the insecurity in the country.

Each time the marauders strike, they operate without let. They arrive on time, the people know them, the traditional rulers are in mortal fear of them. When they are operating they take anything they want, including food and money.

The group that comprises about 100 armed men has become a feature of Birnin Gwari whose emir Alhaji Zubairu Jibril II, ran to Kaduna for succour.

He got none. Policemen have been killed, their stations burnt, inmates released and ATM machines blown up.

Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, listened to the emir’s cries, “The entire Birnin Gwari Emirate has been overtaken by armed robbers. Unless the state government takes a drastic step towards arresting the

Where Thieves Reign situation, it will come to a point where the villagers will be forced to abandon the community. The armed bandits have taken over our land.”

These cries of desperation would have been unnecessary if governments were fulfilling their obligations to the people. The most important of these is security. Without security, it is more challenging to tackle other areas that can improve the lives of the people.

How were the people supposed to take the reaction of the governor? “This is a serious problem indeed. But it is a responsibility of the three states that share boundaries with Birnin Gwari. I want to assure the Emir that this administration would do everything humanly

possible to assist the community. I urge you to enjoin your subjects to pray to God for a lasting solution”.

Hours after the emir laid his pleas, Birnin Gwari was raided, visited with the same venom that the marauders unleash whenever they arrive. Would the governor blame the people of Birnin Gwari for not praying enough? When did prayers become the substitute for government’s constitutional role of providing security?

Birnin Gwari, like so many outer parts of the country where presence of security agencies is minimal, and governments’ indifference to the security of areas that do not produce core minerals on which the economy runs, makes the case for state police stronger.

If states that harbour Birnin Gwari had their own security arrangements, they would have been in a better position to deal with the matter.

Authorities in Kaduna sound like the constitutionpromised welfare and security of the people as the primary purpose of government excludes the peoples of Birnin Gwari. It is bizarre.

OPINION

BY OSE PATRICK “I am working to make sure we don’t only protect the environment, we also improve governance” – Wangari Maathai.

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ET me start this topical issue with this profound statement that at the end of Goodluck Jonathan’s second term in office as Executive President of our great nation Nigeria, the same Goodluck Ebele Jonathan most criticized, vilified, abused and called all manner of printable and unprintable names will be praised, to the high heavens by all and sundry. Why you may ask? His practical transformational results shall be evident for all to see!

His style of governance may not be in tandem or in agreement with the generality of Nigerians. Nigerians expected the gra-gra and guerilla kind of approach in his governance of a system that has suffered decades of deliberate neglect, bastardization, misgovernance and lack of sincere leadership. He may be slow, but he is sure.

Do not forget the axiom that says “slow and steady wins the race”. He is steadily winning the race in the Nigeria project. He may be slow, but there are silent developmental efforts going on. There was no functional foundation to achieve developmental goal on ground before he came to the scene as the President. There was no functional leadership pillar on ground to accelerate development, governance and strong policy framework for successive government. The systems on ground were divisionary, dysfunctional, in disarray and a kind of soldier go soldier come

The Goodluck Jonathan Nigerians do not know type of governance. A well balanced approach to achieve good governance was not in place, if you may know.

“A well balanced, inclusive approach, according to certain standards and ideals, is essential for the proper governance of any country” – Laisenia Qurase. In a system as bastardized as ours, there is need for Mr. President to do ground work that will ultimately be the benchmark for his well intentioned transformation agenda. Before hitting the road to start running, foundational pillars are very crucial and paramount.

Visible developmental impact will thrive on these factors. To achieve a holistic transformation of the Nigeria State, the leadership and the followers must play a patriotic role that will bring Nigeria out of the woods.

We should also not forget that the multifarious problems and challenges on ground were not created by him in the first place. It is axiomatic to state the obvious fact, that the problems bedeviling the Nigeria nation were systemic leadership failure of several years. These were problems caused by lack of sincerity of purpose by the past leadership. These were problems caused by self-seeking and selfish leaders in governance. These were problems caused not because of paucity of fund, but lack of political will to pursue national development

frontally. Goodluck Jonathan loves this country deeply and cares so strongly about its future.

Let’s have an understanding of the multi nature of Nigeria. Nigeria as a developing nation, is multi-tribal, multi-ethnic, multireligious and multi-language. As multi this and that of the Nigeria state, we should not lose sight of the fact that the problems bedeviling the nation are of multidimensional proportion.

“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. If Nigeria succeeds at democratic governance, it will be an anchor for all of West Africa. Africa needs a strong Nigeria” – Ed Royce.

B

eside the problems, he has to tackle there are also multi tribal interest group to contend with by Mr. President. I have come to realize that leadership and governance is not a tea party. In order not to be termed a tribal and sectional president, there must be an inter-play of wisdom, sincerity and the capacity to bring all the multi-dimensional nature to the decision table. Mr. President needs to imbibe 21st century leadership style to overcome the decaying nature of the nation.

And the gra-gra and guerilla method which a larger percentage of Nigerians expected is not the best approach. To be candid, he’s not to be blamed for the sordid state of the

nation. He should be appreciated for doing work of a repairer. Nigeria needs the touch of a repairer.

Be that as it may, one year is too early to judge and condemn the Jonathan government as a monumental failure. At the beginning of the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu government in Lagos State, Lagosians gave him a name as “Baba go slow”. The name was as a result of no visible action at the beginning of his government. Thank God he laid the foundation for a successive government.

President Jonathan will lay the foundation for a progressive, prosperous and a transformed Nigeria that generations yet unborn will be proud of.

Nigerians should understand the sincerity of Mr. President and be patient with him. He is not wasting time at all. You may not accept my very sincere views on this subject, but that is the truth. The Good Book of the Lord stipulates in I Corinthians13:8, For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

The truth is that, Mr. President is not mindless, rudderless, clueless, actionless, idealess and motionless as some people want us to believe about him. Every mortal man has areas of weakness, only God the Immortal has no weakness. The word of God says pray for those in authority not use abusive language against the person of Mr. President. President Jonathan as an individual is a very good person. He is not a braggart.

Continues on Mondayviewpoints

*Mr. Patrick, a social critic, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 19

T

HE nation’s strive for a corrupt-free polity suffered a great set-back with the unpopular sentence meted-out to the former official of the Police Pension Board, John Yakubu Yusufu, who was given a two-year sentence on each of the three-count charge with an option of paying a fine of N750, 000, an amount the convict shamefully and promptly paid to regain his freedom.

Yusufu had admitted stealing N23billion out of the over N40billion found to have been stolen from the coffers of the Nigeria Police Pension Fund between January 2008 and June 2011 but was let loose in a questionable judgement delivered

by Justice Abubakar Talba of the Abuja High Court.

The judgement has been condemned by virtually all segments of the society within and outside the shores of the nation as ‘a travesty of justice’.

The Nigeria Labour Congress had noted thus: “This judgement is not in the public interest and cannot be acceptable to Nigerians who are continuously worried about their future in retirement should the judiciary continue to encourage those caught with public funds with convictions that are clearly not punitive enough for the convict to be remorseful; the judiciary will be encouraging the Nigerian people to opt for jungle justice and treat these high profile criminals the same way pick pockets are treated”.

The National Assembly had

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laws that are legion in our statute books.

The role of the judge is also questionable. Not a few people hold the opinion that Justice Taliban might have been compromised with the judgement by settling for the most controversial alternative. In the entire saga, the judiciary got the most bashing.

If the judiciary can no longer serve as the bastion of hope for the people, this portends grave consequence for our polity.

Thus, there is the need for an objective and transparent process for the appointment of judges to ensure that only the highest quality candidates are chosen. But under the present arrangement, judges are made to feel indebted to a particular politician or senior judge who appointed them. That is why recent court cases have remained controversial.

A

s obtainable in other saner climes, nothing is too much to make judges comfortable. Their salaries and emoluments must be reasonable and commensurate with their status, position, experience, performance and professional development for the entirety of their tenure.

Democracy and its porous economy

BY GABRIEL ZOWAM

I

N order to underscore the seriousness of the task before our Constitution Amendment Committee, I wish to revisit an analysis I first carried out in my 2008 book, Strategy for a Final Assault on Corruption.

The Table below shows Nigeria’s oil revenue from 1970 to 2006 (from CBN’s annual reports and other Statistical Bulletin on Public Finance Statistics).

summarise the revenue streams as follows:

∗ Gross

oil revenue in the 29 years,from 1970 to 1999 *Gross oil revenue in the next seven years (from 2000 to 2006) Total: 23.8

In other words, in the 29 years, from 1970 to 1999, our cumulative oil revenue was only N3 trillion; while a whopping N20.8 trillion was received in the next seven years, from 2000 to 2006! Again, these are official figures, from the CBN website.

Table: Gross Oil Revenue Federal There is no doubt about what we achieved Government of Nigeria, 1970 - 2006 with the N3 trillion of the first (mostly Year (N Bn) military) 29 years: the massive post-war infrastructure development, including the 1970 0.2 extensive network of federal roads; 1971 0.5 numerous power plants and water dams; : : various airports across the country; seaports : : built in Lagos, Sapele, Warri, Port Harcourt, 1998 324.3 Onne, and Calabar; various telephone 1999 724.4 exchanges across the country; the Lagos 2000 1,591.7 “fly-overs” and bridges, including the Third 2001 1,707.6 Mainland Bridge; the Ikoyi federal 2002 1,230.9 secretariat; the massive Ajaokuta and Delta 2003 2,074.3 steel complexes, and various steel rolling 2004 3,354.8 mills; our various oil refineries; the petrochemical plants; the paper mills and 2005 4,762.4 fertiliser companies; various vehicle 2006 6,109.0 assembly plants in Kaduna, Lagos, Enugu, 2007 4,463.0 etc; all those federal universities, colleges Total (1970-2006) è 23,842.7 of education, and Unity schools; the building of modern capital, Abuja (including Now, notice the dramatic surge in oil Aso Rock, the Abuja road network, federal revenue, which started in 1999, and secretariats, the Three-arm Zone, various continued rocketing upwards till 2006, government edifices, the massive Gwarinpa before it slightly went down, probably as an housing estate (also, estates in Karu, Lugbe, early sign of the global meltdown that soon Wuye, etc); and so on! All these were carried followed. We can (from the full data) out from the N3 trillion!

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BY ADEWALE KUPOLUYI

described the judgment as “evil, nonsensical, archaic and detrimental” to the country’s avowed fight against corruption and makes it a laughing stock in the eyes of the international community in that it served “very little non-deterrent charges and fines for multi-billion naira thieves”.

As expected, there have been a series of protests and outrage over what has been described as ‘light sentence’ given to Yusufu.

This has warranted discussing a number of issues that should not be swept under the carpet if we are ready to learn from past events.

First, the judgement is nothing but a reference point for public office holders to steal public funds.

At best, all the would-be thief needs to do is to just keep some for the settlement of fines. The manner in which Yusufu quickly paid-off the fine and was chauffeur-driven out of the court premises has sent a wrong signal.

Secondly, the judgement has further exposed our several deficient laws that are out of tune with modern day realities. Or, of what use is a law that cannot deter a person from running afoul of the law?

Therefore, the amendment of Section 309 of the Penal Code and Criminal Code is more than necessary. The Penal Code, which became effective in 1960, is the criminal law used in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Code - applicable in the predominantly Islamic states - is modelled after the Criminal Codes in Pakistan and Sudan. Present day realities demand a review of such

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On the pension thief sentence

There is the need for an objective and transparent process for the appointment of judges to ensure that only the highest quality candidates are chosen

On the other hand, as public officers, corrupt judges should be stripped of immunity in corruption or other criminal cases to put a stop to rampant cases of judicial corruption (which in this case entails inappropriate financial, material and non-material gains) aimed at influencing the impartiality of the judicial process by any actor within the court system.

The systematic looting of pension funds over the years by corrupt government officials has resulted into untold hardship of our senior citizens that had put their active years into active service without having anything to show for it. They are regularly seen dying in hundreds in the bid to claim their entitlements that may never come.

There is, therefore, the need to put under checks, the vulnerability of public service to incessant fraud, indiscipline and corruptive practices.

It is rather unfortunate that Nigerians are becoming familiar with more controversial court judgments that have soiled the image of the judiciary. In the past, such judgements had generated a lot of tension and posed serious threat to the country's image and stability.

A few examples suffice: The ruling of September 25, 1979, on the interpretation of 12 2/3 per cent of 19, which bordered on the election victory of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, which was contested by some political parties which participated in the election, especially the Unity Party of Nigeria and its leader, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The case was warranted by the provision of the Nigerian Constitution, which in Section 126 (2) had stipulated that a candidate for the office of president shall be deemed to have been duly elected, where, in a situation there are

Our population in poverty increased nationwide, from 67 million in 1996, to 69 million in 2004! It has continued to get worse, such that by 2010, the number of Nigerians in poverty had hit 112 million!

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Now, if N3 trillion achieved all these in the 29 years, up to 1999, what on earth did we do with the unprecedented N20.8 trillion that poured into the country in the next seven years?

Did we use the wealth to repair our deteriorating road network? No; our roads were so deplorable in 2007 that a new minister wept publicly at the sight of the ordeal Nigerian motorists were going through! Did we use the windfall to build massive housing for Nigerians? Not at all; instead, government sold the public houses it inherited from the military under the monetisation programme! We can say the same thing for our education system, health system, and so on! They were all deplorable!

C

ould we have invested the money in our telecommunications infrastructure? No! Instead the sector was another source of windfall for government!

We wisely allowed the private sector to come in and invest its own money; which not only transformed the sector, but also helped government to reap additional revenue through licence fees and taxes!

What about refining capacity: Did we use

more than two candidates for the election, he has the highest number of votes cast at the election and has not less than one quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least twothirds of all the states of the Federation.

Again, we have another controversial judgement delivered by the late Justice Bassey Ikpeme of the Abuja High Court. For this, the late Ikpeme was perceived as the handy instrument by the Ibrahim Babangida-led military to truncate the entrenchment of democracy and the validation of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections contested by the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola, of the defunct Social Democratic Party and Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the then National Republican Convention.

As the nation was awaiting the final word on the election declaration and eventual swearing-in of the purported winner of the election - Professor Humphrey Nwosu, Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, announced the suspension of further release of the election results.

Many anxious Nigerians were glued to their radio and television sets as the results were being released in 14 states with Abiola leading.

Nwosu had said that NEC suspended further action on the election because the unregistered Association for Better Nigeria, headed by Arthur Nzeribe, maverick politician, filed a suit at Ikpeme's court alleging that the Jos convention of the SDP, which selected Abiola as the party flag bearer was inconclusive and could not have formed the basis for an electoral contest or democracy.

Continues on Monday pg 18 *Mr. Kupoluyi wrote from the Federal Varsity of Agric., Abeokuta, Ogun State.

the windfall to construct new refineries? Far from that! We could not even keep the existing ones running! Instead, we created a new special agency in June 2003, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, for managing our fuel importation and subsidy!

But most importantly, how did that wealth impact on ordinary Nigerians? This was perhaps, the most tragic aspect of that windfall: Our population in poverty (as published by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS) increased nationwide, from 67 million in 1996, to 69 million in 2004! It has continued to get worse, such that by 2010, the number of Nigerians in poverty had hit 112 million!

So where on earth did the money go?

Somebody can argue that the value of the Naira was not the same over all those years.

Very correct; but it absolutely cannot explain away the unprecedented windfall! Look at the eight-year period, 1998-2006.

Government’s oil revenue doubled, tripled, quadrupled, and rocketed many folds, in that short space of eight years! That was enough to turn every part of this country into a modern paradise!

We can also look at the year-on-year increases. For example, in 1998 we earned N324 billion; but in 1999 the revenue shot

N Billion Gross oil revenue, 1998 N324 Gross oil revenue, 1999 N724 (i.e. N324 + extra N400 billion)!

up to N724 billion! Notice that the N724 we earned in 1999 was equivalent to the N324 billion of the previous year, plus an extra N400 billion!

Continues on Monday on pg 17 *Mr. Zowam, a social critic,wrote from Abuja.

20 —

Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 8 , 2013

Yenagoa: A city gradually losing its innocence

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA, YENAGOA

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HOUGH a predominantly civil servants state with no industries where everything revolves around the ‘Creek Haven’, the seat of power in Bayelsa State, Yenagoa, the serene capital city is fast losing its rural outlook.

In spite of its infamous past as the hotbed of crisis at the height of youth militancy in the Niger Delta, Bayelsa is now regarded as the “Jerusalem” of the Ijaw nation and its capital Yenagoa ranked as one of the most peaceful cities in the federation.

Interestingly, driving in the state capital until late last year was a luxury given the relative ease with which vehicles move from one point to another.

Most first time visitors to the state capital, especially from big cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt were fascinated by the free flow of traffic on the roads.

But with the commencement of the expansion of the existing major roads and construction of new internal roads across Yenagoa, life has not been the same again for residents many of whom are now forced to adjust their movement.

For a people who are used to

*One of the many road construction sites in Yenagoa. Though welcome road users also complain about worsening traffic as a result

security at the height of youth militancy was hurriedly commissioned and named Goodluck Jonathan Bridge by the immediate past administration of Chief Timipre Sylva ostensibly to warm its way to the heart of the former when he was the coun-

,

It is really frightening going out but I have to go to work; the ongoing work is an indication that Yenagoa is gradually losing its innocence and toga of a glorified village

the free flow of traffic on the roads driving, which hitherto was considered a worthwhile experience in the capital city, is now a source of pain to many due to the serious gridlock they are subjected to daily.

Expansion work is ongoing on Isaac Boro Expressway connecting Edepie roundabout linking Imiringi in Ogbia council area and Tombia-Amassoma university community in Southern Ijaw council area to mainland Yenagoa; Azikoro Road, Diete Spiff Road and Road Safety Road, dualisation of Opolo-Elebele road, Edepie-Imiringi road, Igbogene-Onopa Bye Pass linking the Gateway road to East-West, Elebele connecting roads linking the Elebele area to the Isaac Boro highway among others.

Also the ailing Swali Market road is being expanded while rehabilitation and expansion work is also ongoing on the Ikoli Bridge which was on the verge of collapse before the intervention of the present administration.

The bridge which was uncompleted by Julius Berger when the latter pulled out of the Niger Delta due to the problem of in-

,

try’s Vice President.

Earth moving machines excavating muddy soil, heavy duty trucks carrying out sand filling and bulldozers clearing the swampy forests are working simultaneously making the state

capital a huge construction yard.

The ongoing works have also resulted in broken water pipes in several areas with electricity poles being relocated thereby causing power outage in some areas. In recent weeks, commuters and motorists, Vanguard Metro, VM, check revealed, have been subjected to hours of harrowing experiences caused by traffic gridlocks along the major highways within the city.

The development has forced some residents, especially the younger segment of the population, to resort to the use of bicycles in a city where Okada was the preferred means of transportation before its ban by the state government.

It was also discovered that the recent attempt by the government to manage the chaotic traffic situation by blocking some of the intersections on the major

roads has not been fruitful because of the massive construction work in town.

Adowei, a civil servant, told VM of his experience and how he spent about four hours on a journey of less than 30 minutes to get to his office at the State Secretariat, last week.

He added that on his way back home same day, he faced another round of harrowing experience as the roads were again choked up. Residents, however, noted that the current situation is worth enduring as according to them, it was a noble sacrifice they have to make for the capital city to outgrow its rural outlook.

Ebiowei, another resident, who lives at Polaku in the outskirts of Yenagoa, said: “I spend an average of three hours daily to get to town and sometimes more than that to come back home. It is really frightening going out

but I have to go to work. The ongoing work is an indication that Yenagoa is gradually losing its innocence and toga of a glorified village.”

But the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Erudjakpor has pleaded with residents to be patient with the government, stressing that the current hiccup being experienced on the roads was temporary.

The commissioner who said government also intends to embark on the expansion of the Mbiama-Yenagoa road, which requires demolition of structures and compensation as planned assured that the ongoing expansion and opening up of new layouts would not only help accelerate development in the state but also add to the aesthetic beauty of the city.

Group partners FRSC on accident reporting •deploys 300 personnel

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

F

OLLOWING high cases of road accidents recorded in 2012, the Association of Nigerian Motorcycle Clubs, ANMC, is collaborating with the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to deploy over 300 personnel for accident reporting across the country. ANMC also urged state governors, especially the Lagos State Government, to review the new road traffic law which banned commercial motorcycle operators popularly called Okada riders from plying 475 roads in the state. President of ANMC, Mr. Iyang Effiong who disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing held in Ikeja, Lagos, to herald the commencement of the Club’s yearly activities, said that the partnership was to reduce the number of lives lost

through road crashes in the country.

The chairman lamented that several road accidents occur in the country without the awareness of the traffic enforcement officers, saying “many lives are lost in the process”. Effiong explained that the personnel would be members of the Biker’s club, adding: “The accident reporting exercise is an easy act for the members who were always on the road across the country.”

According to him: “The club has over 10 clubs scattered across the country with over 30 registered members in each. And they are always on the road.

We see accidents but where do we report such cases to? Although we go with Medical Park that can only treat one person but in an accident where five persons are involved, how would they be treated? That was why we have

gone to meet the corps to aid ANMC in its drive to reduce road crashes in the country. If we pass through any route and we discover any road accident, we quickly alert the FRSC and other road safety agencies to rescue the victims”.

Effiong noted that the association’s aim was to partner with FRSC to ensure that accidents cases are reported immediately.

The chairman averred that the club knows the importance of safety. “That was why we have always ensured that our members attend various orientation programmes on road safety.” On the road traffic law, he said that when the law is reviewed it would help to address certain gray areas.“We live in Nigeria, so any law that is passed affects us. Laws that are passed about road users affect us immediately. Laws have a frame work with which one is expected to operate. It affects us,” he said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 21

BY GODWIN ORITSE

T

HERE are indications that both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have concluded plans to construct a mega port with a view to decongesting the Lagos ports.

Disclosing this at the inauguration of chairmen of both the boards of the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency held in Abuja, Transport Minister Senator Idris Umar said that the moves is in line with government plan to develop new ports across the country.

Umar also stated that the effort is geared towards resolving the over stretched facilities at the existing ports in the country.

The minister explained that besides the Badagry port that is currently being worked upon, the ground breaking ceremony for the development of a deep sea port in Lekki will be performed soon adding that a steering and development Committee for the Ibaka deep sea port has been set up.

He disclosed that a due diligence report on the Ibaka sea port has been produced just as a transaction adviser appointed for the project.

The transport Minister said “The Federal Government is making concerted effort towards ensuring the development of deep sea ports .

“This is the ultimate solution to the over stretched existing ports and in this regards, the ground breaking for the actual development of the Lekki Deep sea port will be performed soon while in the case of Ibaka deep sea port in Akwa Ibom State, a steering and development has been has since been constituted with membership drawn from the Federal Ministry of Transport, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Akwa Ibom State government and the Infrastructural Concessional Regulating Committee (ICRC) “The Committee has since commenced its assignment and Transaction adviser appointed and the Adviser has produced a due diligence report. “ I wish to add that discussions are in progress between the Federal Ministry of Transport, Nigerian Ports Authority on one side, the Lagos State Government and some investors to develop the Badagry deep sea port”.

He further disclosed that the government is also developing a gas revolution port center in Ogidigbe in

From left: Ade Adeola, Executive Director, Origination and Client Coverage, Standard Chartered Bank; Olivier Lenoir, Managing Director, United Cement Company of Nigeria,UNICEM; Bola Adesola, Managing Director/ CEO, Standard Chartered Bank and John Coumantaros, Chairman, UNICEM, during a special dinner organised by Standard Chartered Bank in honour of the new Managing Director of UNICEM in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

FG inaugurates NPA, NIMASA boards, plans new port in Badagry Escravos near Warri adding that the project is in progress.

The Minister urged the newly appointed Chairmen and members of both boards to work with the agencies in implementing government’s policies and programmes in

line with their mandate.

He advised the appointees to ensure that their agencies work assiduously to meet targets set in the performance agreement the President signed with the various ministries.

“As you are aware, Mr President has signed the Performance Agreement with all ministries on specific deliverables in his resolve to transform and change the approach to governance in such a way that each sector

Cargo train service skeletal two months after launch

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU & WILLIAM JIMOH

T

HE Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, is yet to commence full cargo operations two months after launch. The cargo train service was launched alongside the passenger inter-city train service on the penultimate week of December 2012. However, investigation

by Vanguard showed that while the passenger train service was completing its sixth inter-city operation by the end of January, the cargo train service train has remained sketchy after a test-run operation which carried twenty tankers of petroleum product, about 40 metric tonnes at the launch. NRC has said this is as a result of limited freights wagons.

Speaking to Vanguard at the Apapa railway station, the Apapa station manager, FNCE Okorie, noted that cargo train service has remained sketchy as a result of inadequacy in the availability of freight wagons.

“There has not been any week since the lunch which we did not move. But because of the inadequacy on the part of the available locomotives, one has to return before another one takes off and

that has been causing delay.”

Mr. Okorie who noted that some of the cargoes that have been moved included cement and some construction materials used in the rehabilitation of the rail tracks also said that NRC has got offer from Flour Mills of Nigeria and lifting of their products will commence in the next two weeks.

“For now, we are moving more of constr materials for the contractors that are working on the rails. We have also moved cement from Ewekoro in Ogun state but we move more of the construction materials for some of these companies like CCECC and to some parts of the west where they are doing constrconstructions.

Most of our wagons are fully engaged on all these construction materials. But we already have some offers from some private companies like Flour Mills and in less than two weeks, we will be moving their products.” Mr. Okorie explained.

When contacted on the telephone, the Assistant Director, Public Relations, Mr. David Ndanusa denied that cargo trains service has been skeletal. He said that NRC has three cargo trains at the moment and has undertaken four cargo train operations since after after the launch. He enumerated their operation since after the launch.

is challenged to deliver not only on the input but also the outcome and indeed the direct impact of each project to the citizenry.

“The performance agreement is cascaded down between the Ministries and all directors of the ministry and Heads of agencies, you are expected to acquaint yourselves with the key performance indicators specific to your agencies and assiduously work towards meeting the targets set in the performance agreement” he added

22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Circuit breaker expansion positions NSE for international relevance

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE Nigerian capital market is gradually being moved to international operational standard by the expansion of the band on share price movement from five to 10 percent, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, Managing Director/CEO, Cowry Asset Management Limited, has said.

He spoke on the impact of the increase in circuit breaker effected by the NSE to complement the operation of market makers.

He said that since the roll out of stocks that market makers can make market in started, the NSE has recorded increased activities.

He noted that the more lose the bands are the more liquidity is attracted in the market.

His words: “I will say that the expansion of the circuit breaker of those stocks in portfolio of market makers to 10 is actually beginning to bring our market in tandem with what is happening in other markets around the world.

Basically, the more lose that band is, the easier it is to go to the market, the more liquidity you have in that market and it is also easier for those holding stocks to sell their stocks and for those who want to buy to be able to buy theirs within a reasonable

band.”

“You can see that, that has been a very impressive performance since about 39 stocks had their circuit breaker expanded from five per cent to 10 percent,” he added.

Announcing the removal of circuit breaker on share price movement ahead of commencement of market making, Mr. Adeolu Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Information

Technology, NSE, said the change will only apply to only stocks that are being managed by market makers with possibility of extending it to other stocks on a later date.

“Though some people are advocating that we remove the circuit breakers completely, but most modern markets have circuit breaker in place because for some reasons, you don’t want prices to continue either up or down

uncontrolled. So, the circuit breaker comes in to calm things down.

“The manner in which we want to introduce it is that when a particular stock gets to five per cent either up or down, we will have what is called introductory option. What that means is that the market goes back to the opening price of that particular stock.

Distributors, Neimeth International Pharmaceutical Plc, Mr. Chukwuka Ezenwanne, MD/CEO of Ramsgate Pharmaceuticals, Sango Ota, Ogun State and his wife (centre) receiving a gift from the company. With them are Mr. Akin Oluwadaisi, National st Sales Manager (Consumer Products Group of Neimeth, (1 left) Jahswill Oberebe (Head of Marketing, Ethical Products Group, and Dr. Gabriel Ajuzieogu, Head of Vet st nd Business (1 and 2 right) respectively.

Cadbury plans full acquisition of Stanmark

By CHINEDU IBEABUCHI with Agency Report

C

ADBURY Nigeria Plc said it plans to fully acquire Stanmark Cocoa Processing Company where it holds 98 per cent stake.

The company said this will reduce the cost of running the

unit and boost revenue.

Kufre Ekanem, a spokesman for Cadbury Nigeria Plc, said the company proposes to exchange one share for 5.58 shares of Stanmark and then merge the companies.

Stanmark has a 12,500 ton capacity plant in Ondo and produces cocoa butter, liquor

and powder. It supplies the entire cocoa powder requirements for Cadbury beverage products while the cocoa butter and liquor are exported, Ekanem said.

Nigeria is the fourth-largest cocoa producer after Ivory Coast, Ghana and Indonesia, according to the London-based

Old Mutual acquires major stake in Oceanic Life from Ecobank

By CHINEDU IBEABUCHI

O

LD Mutual, an international long-term savings, protection and investment Group, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Oceanic Life, the life assurance operations of the former Oceanic Bank in Nigeria acquired by Ecobank.

This will result in a name change from Oceanic Life Limited to Old Mutual Nigeria.

Ralph Mupita, CEO of Old Mutual’s Emerging Markets business, said: “We are delighted to have completed the acquisition C M Y K

of this majority stake and we continue to work with Ecobank to expand our product offerings to the Nigerian market. The growth dynamics of the industry are exciting and prospects are good for further development of our business operations in West Africa.”

Also commenting, Ecobank CEO, Thierry Tanoh said: “This is a welcome development, as Old Mutual is renowned as one of the finest insurance providers in Africa. Ecobank Group would rather concentrate in its core area, which is banking, and leave insurance business for the experts, which Old Mutual represents.

International Cocoa Organization’s website.

The combination will make it easier for Cadbury Nigeria to refinance the cocoa business and raise output, Ekanem said. “The companies have applied to the court and the regulatory authorities for approval and believe the deal will be completed soon,” he said.

Cadbury Nigeria’s ninemonth net income through September advanced 34 percent to 2.08 billion naira ($13.2 million) from 1.56 billion naira a year earlier, it said in a statement on Oct. 31. Revenue declined 2.4 percent to 24.1 billion naira.

The stock rose 3.5 percent to N37.27 on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE on Wednesday. It has climbed 29 percent this year, compared with a 19 percent gain for the NSE’s AllShare Index.

. . . B R I E F S. . .

Africa private equity deals grow to N180bn in 2012

P

RIVATE equity funds completed N180.38 billion worth of deals in sub-Saharan Africa in 2012, a near 10 percent increase from the previous year, a survey showed on Tuesday.

Funds raised for the region also grew to $1.4 billion last year, from $1.3 billion the previous year, but still far below a 2008 peak, according to data from the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association.

Private equity investors are increasingly targeting subSaharan Africa, drawn by some of the fastest economic growth rates in the world and an expanding middle class.

The region is projected to grow around 5 percent in 2013, according to the IMF. U.S. private equity firm Carlyle Group completed its first African deal in November, paying $210 million for a stake in Tanzania-based agribusiness Export Trading Group along with two other investors. Last month, South Africa’s Ethos Private Equity said it had raised $800 million for a new fund, one of the largest amounts secured by an Africa-focused fund.

Fitch projects 5% growth for SSA

I

N its new Sub-Saharan Africa Credit Overview, Fitch Ratings says that it expects regional growth to remain above 5 per cent, retaining its place as the second-fastest growing emerging market region after Asia.

Growth will remain supported by infrastructure spending, the development of mineral resources and growing consumer spending.

Strengthened policy regimes, efforts to improve the business environment, and rapid credit growth in some countries as financial markets continue deepening will support the development of the private sector.

In 2013, Africa is expected to continue benefiting from an influx of foreign direct investment, while some domestic capital markets are proving attractive for international investors. Low global yields and a growing appetite for African exposure may prompt more countries to issue debut Eurobonds, following Zambia’s recent success.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 23

KPMG advises SMEs on cash management techniques K

PMG has cautioned entrepreneurs and owners of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises to ensure proper cash management in their activities and businesses.

This, the firm said, would go a long way towards improving their activities and ensuring that their businesses remained afloat.

The Partner and Chief Operating Officer, KPMG, Mr. Yomi Sanni, who gave this advice, said entrepreneurs should learn to avoid pitfalls that could lead to collapse in their business.

Speaking at the KPMG Alumni Seminar in Lagos last week, Sanni also advised business owners to ensure that

they studied the business environment critically before taking any business decision.

Also speaking, a professor of entrepreneurship of IE Business School, Spain, Mr. Peter Bryant, called on entrepreneurs in Nigeria to focus on customer acquisition and proper management of cash if they intend to avoid

pitfalls that will lead to the collapse of their businesses.

Bryant, in a presentation titled: ‘Entrepreneurial mistakes and how to avoid them,’ said one of the mistakes entrepreneurs make is that they squander cash too fast without understanding their runway to revenues, while others raise money, then think of ways to spend the money.

According to him, to avoid this mistake, entrepreneurs should be able to understand how long their cash will last to achieve revenues, while urging them not to seek too much cash as it will make them complacent and careless.

Another mistake, Bryant said, is the situation where

entrepreneurs seek investors rather than customers. This, he said is due to the fact that most entrepreneurs pursue capital and not revenue.

He advised entrepreneurs to make customers’ acquisition a part of their funding strategy, while focusing on strong revenues, as it helps improve valuation and reduce financial pressures.

He listed the mistakes entrepreneurs make to include: ignoring competition; having the notion that customers will always come, believing that winning one per cent of $1bn is easy; deferring decision due to uncertainty and engaging in unethical conduct with the belief that no one will find out.

He also advised entrepreneurs to search widely to identify current and potential imitators, and also urged them check often, as competitors’ initiatives and startups may be difficult to see.

UBA introduces master card for domiciliary accounts

I From right: Ajen Sita, CEO for Africa (Ernst & Young); Thame Mabe, MD/CEO of Unilever Plc; Henry Egbiki, Regional Managing Partner for West Africa and Shuga Palanee, Accounts, Industries & Business Development Africa Leader, Ernst & Young, during Ernst & Young’s management team courtesy call on Unilever Plc, in Lagos.

N furtherance of its leading role in the Nigerian financial landscape, and as demonstration of its support for the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cashless initiative, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has added MasterCard for Domiciliary Accounts to its robust bouquet of electronic products.

This no doubt, eases the transaction needs of its

Interswitch introduces verve reward money to drive cashless policy

By JONAH NWOKPOKU

I

NTERSWITCH limited has introduced Verve Money Reward product aimed at deepening the current level of cashless transactions.

Speaking at the launch of the programme in Lagos, Verve’s Director of Switching and Processing, Mr. Akeem Lawan said the product gives business owners the opportunity to reward customers’ loyalty.

He said that the cashless loyalty initiative powered by Interswitch is expected to provide instant money rewards to customers who use their Verve cards and Mastercard Verve cards at shops and outlets where the Reward Money scheme is enabled.

He noted that the Verve Reward Money programme is not a promo, adding that it is rather a loyalty programme which will keep running as

long as a customer uses Verve card.”

He said, “As a card holder, all you need to do is to put your card into the Point Of Sales, POS, machines to pay for goods or services and automatically the POS terminals will calculate your reward money and credit your reward money account.

“The Reward Money is based

on three principles: being easy to use, easy to spend and easy to earn,” he added.

In response to the success of the Reward Money programme so far, some of the business owners who have keyed into the scheme said it has been successful but more awareness needed to be created about the programme.

According to Adaeze Ezenwa

of PillsPlus Pharmacy whose outfit has marked out 2.5 per cent discount for the reward money, “the programme is a beautiful one that both customers and business owners would benefit from but I think basically the problem is that people are not yet very much aware about it. And that’s where Verve needs to do its home work very well.”

Fayemi partners ICAN to promote corruption free society the Governor, who is both the Grand Patron and

G

OVERNOR Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State will be joining Mr. Adedoyin Owolabi, 48th President of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, at the 7th Western Zonal Districts’ Conference of ICAN on Tuesday to promote a corruption-free society through advocacy of cashless economy.

The conference tagged Ekiti 2013, which has been scheduled to take place at the Bimbo Owolabi Hall, Afe Babalola University Ikare Road, Ado-Ekiti from Monday, February 11 to Thursday, February 14, will be declared open by

Special Guest of Honour, while Mr. Owolabi, as the chief host, will deliver the keynote address.

The theme of the Conference is “Promoting a Corruption-free Society through a Cashless Economy – The Role of Chartered Accountants”.

Other dignitaries and erudite resource persons expected at the conference plenary sessions and technical workshops include Professor Taiwo O. Asaolu, PhD, FCA, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who will deliver the lead paper on the topic, Promoting a Corruption–free Society through a Cashless Economy – The Role of Chartered Accountants.

teeming customers who can now upgrade their Debit MasterCard for use on accounts denominated in currencies apart from Naira such as US Dollars, British Pounds and Euro.

This variant of UBA’s Debit MasterCard products is tied to domiciliary accounts instead of Naira Current or Savings account. It offers the same flexibility of usage anywhere in the world, including Nigeria. When a transaction is carried out with the USD, GBP or Euro MasterCard, the Customer’s account is debited in Dollars, Pounds or Euro depending on the currency of the Domiciliary account.

The Debit MasterCard product is unique as it offers the Customer the opportunity to spend from his or her domiciliary account.

Divisional Head, EBanking, UBA Plc, Dr. Yinka Adedeji said “UBA MasterCard is accepted locally and internationally at all MasterCard merchants’ outlets and on over 1 million ATM, 30 million POS/ merchant terminals in over 210 countries across the world. It can also be used on the internet and other merchant outlets worldwide. To operate the MasterCard for Domiciliary Account, the customer must have an active Domiciliary account with UBA in Dollars, Pounds or Euro.”

According to him, a Customer without a domiciliary account can easily open one, after complying with all regulatory requirements, and apply for the Debit card from the nearest UBA Business Office.

24—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Dry season farmers to get N1bn agric loan

BY ABDALLAH EL-KUREBE

D

RY season farmers in Sokoto state are to get various loans totaling N1 billion to boost food production, Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Arzika Tureta has said.

Disclosing this during the 2nd Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, SRRBDA in Sokoto on Tuesday, he said that the money would be sourced from the account of Federal Government Agricultural Credit Scheme.

According to Tureta, “The disbursement of the low interest credit facilities, which were guaranteed by the State Government will soon commence.”

In order for farmers in the state to engage in modern

agricultural practices, which would enable them produce more food for local consumption and export, he announced the State Government’s plans to recruit additional agricultural extension workers that would be equipped and trained.

Tureta further stressed the need to impound water in order to combat and mitigate the climate change phenomena on the socioeconomic development in the areas of SRRBDA, which cover Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina states.

“We must re-emphasize the need to impound water to arrest flood and release it for irrigation and other socioeconomic purposes,” he emphasised adding, “I therefore call on the Federal Government to take urgent steps in investing more in hydrological and flood control issues as well as put in place regulatory and legal

framework for robust private sector participation in all aspects of the water sector,” Tureta emphasised.

Speaking, Managing Director of SRBDA, Alhaji Yusuf Khalid said that the meeting was aimed at developing an inclusive water resources development and management in the country.

Fishermen in Rivers beg govt for storage facilities

F

ISHERMEN in Oyorokoto, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers, on Thursday urged the government to assist them with fishing tools to increase their catch.

The fishermen told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Oyorokoto that the most important factor militating against their occupation was lack of storage facilities.

They said that many of them

Benue farmers want early distribution of inputs

F

ARMERS in Benue during the week called on the state government to ensure early distribution of agricutural inputs this year.

The farmers made the demand in separate interviews in Makurdi.

They urged the government to procure and distribute the inputs ahead of each year’s farming season for maximum usage.

They said that fertiliser, herbicides, tractors and

implements as well as improved seedlings should be made available to them before the commencement of cultivation, to boost agriculture in the state.

In his comments, the state Coordinator of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr Kunti Adamu, claimed that since 2008, farmers could not to get good yields due to the late application of fertiliser or no application at all.

had the necessary experience to catch different kinds of fish in the high sea but their efforts were not commensurate with their total production.

According to Mr Peter Ejit, one of them, “God has given us strength to fish but after the large catch, if you are able to use half of them, you just thank God. “The reason is because fish can only live for very few hours outside the water and because we don’t have storage facility, we will just be seeing our efforts go down the drain.

“Sometimes, we ask ourselves why should we be suffering like that, taking all the risk in turbulent water but because that is our natural occupation, we remained in the business,“ Ejit said.

Mr Christian Iman said the fishermen needed more government encouragement to make them happy while doing their business and contributing to food sustainability. Iman said they needed cold-room in the area and other moden amenities like schools and banks.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013—25

BY DANIEL GUMM

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HE African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed an agreement to provide two sovereign-guaranteed multi-tranche Lines of Credit (LoCs) of respectively US $500 million to Bank of Industry (BOI) and of US $200 million to Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) in order to support the modernisation and expansion of export-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The LoCs will allow local SMEs to be more competitive, scale up their operations and ultimately create more jobs in Nigeria.

The LoCs will include

a technical assistance package to strengthen institutional capacity of both BOI and NEXIM as well as their SME clients.

Through this integrated financing package, the AfDB is supporting Nigeria's efforts towards a more diversified economy away from oil and gas.

The LoCs will supply multi-sector financing to address the challenge that SMEs face in accessing finance in the country.

Therefore, export-oriented SMEs will be able to become more competitive, ensure sustainable growth of their operations and generate employment in the Nigeri-

AfDB supports export-oriented SMEs to boost job creation in Nigeria an productive sectors.

Bank of Industry (BOI) is the leading catalyst for industrial development resources in Nigeria and one of the oldest development finance institutions in Africa.

It was established in 1964 and reorganised in 2001. In line with its mandate to finance industrial development projects, BOI provides term finance and advisory services primarily to indigenous SMEs, to which it devotes at least

85 per cent of its resources Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) is the national export credit agency of Nigeria. It was established by Act 38 of 1991 with a mandate to provide export credit, export guarantee and export credit insurance as well as export advisory services to export oriented companies, particularly SMEs in the non-oil sector.

Ousmane Dore, AfDB's Resident Representative in Nigeria, said: "This

AfDB combined programme will contribute to mobilise significant financial resources for Nigerian export-oriented SMEs, ultimately contributing to economic development, employment opportunities, foreign exchange and regional trade integration."

Robert Orya, NEXIM Managing Director, added: "Thanks to AfDB's support through this programme, NEXIM seeks important economic development achievements, including approximately 55,000 new jobs for its SME clients, US $1.6 billion in foreign exchange and an overall contribution of almost seven per cent to non-oil exports, including a 10 per cent share in Economic Community Of West African States

(ECOWAS) exports.

“This facility will provide a great opportunity for NEXIM to make available concessional long-term funding in pursuance of its strategic objectives of enhancing value-added exports and bolstering the capacity of SMEs for job creation and foreign exchange earnings."

Evelyn Oputu, BOI Managing Director, added that: "The AfDB's operation, contributing to capital market development and government revenue, is likely to generate significant additional lending to our export-oriented SMEs client at a time when it is sometimes difficult for commercial banks to finance this important sector of the Nigerian economy."

NEPC to boost shea butter export

T

From left: Mr Jean-Pierre Breton, Finance Director; Mrs Chinwe Udo-Daris, Human Resources Director; Mrs Anne Ezeh, Communications Manager; and Mr Marcel Hochet, Country President; all of Schneider Electric Nigeria at the first nationwide company meeting, in Lagos.

Minister urges citizens to embrace regional integration

T

HE Benin Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Jonas Gbian, has urged citizens of the country to embrace various programmes embarked upon by ECOWAS and the UEMOA Commissions to facilitate regional integration and improve the lives of the population.

In an address to a gathering as part of the 8th Edition of the National Integration Week in

Bohicon, some 10-km east of the nation’s economic capital Cotonou, the minister said the citizens should also make meaningful contributions to ensure that Benin took its rightly place among the comity of nations.

Minister Gbian, represented by the DirectorGeneral, Economic Affairs in the Ministry, Mr. Houenou Appolinaire, called on the population to take full

Don Simon fruit juice returns to Nigerian market registered and brand

KULO Internation al limited in conE junction with J. Garcia

Carrion S.A of Spain has announced the comeback of once the favorite choice of Nigerians, the Don Simon fruit juice.

The juice which used to dominate the Nigerian market before a ban was imposed on importation of fruit Juices, in the year 2002, according to Ekulo and the Spanish brand owners, is now being produced in Nigeria with NAFDAC

promise to become an integral part of country’s daily nutrition requirements.

During the product launch at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, both companies in a release said, “the merit to revive Don Simon Fruit juice goes to EKULO International limited who, in conjunction with brand owners, J. Garcia Carrion S.A of Spain has clutched the challenge to establish the brand at par with its global image.

advantage of the activities of the integration week to educate themselves on the programmes of the two commissions.

He commended the foresight of the founding fathers of ECOWAS and UEMOA in mobilising socio-economic stakeholders behind the integration agenda.

Speaking in the same vein, the Mayor of Bohicon, Mr. Luc Atrokpo, called for the active participation of the citizens in all the discussions and programmes in order to maximise the benefits of the Integration Week.

In his remarks, Mr. Armand Nouatin, Head of Zou and Collines Administrative Department where Bohicon is located, commended the sensitisation initiative and called on the citizens to educate themselves adequately on ECOWAS programmes and activities.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance introduced the National Week of Integration in Benin

in 2004 with the activities coordinated by the ECOWAS National Unit within the framework of Vision 2020 which emphasizses ownership of the regional integration process by Community citizens for an ECOWAS of people.

HE Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has concluded arrangement to expand African export of shea butter as part of measures to boost trade.

Director of NEPC, Mrs Omowunmi Osibo, while speaking in Lagos Tuesday, said that the crop, if promoted was capable of alleviating poverty in the region, especially among women.

Osibo noted that the region has decided to give propriety attention to the crop to boost wealth creation as well as raw material for food and cosmetic industries.

“Shea butter is being consumed by millions in West African countries and across the globe. It is added into food and skin care products,” Osibo said.

She added that the council would hold the

Distributors solicit ban of imported cement

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AJOR cement distributors have urged government to encourage indigenous entrepreneurs like Alhaji Aliko Dangote through banning import of items like cement, which are now produced in sufficient quantities the country.

The distributors rising for a one-day retreat in Lagos with the management of Dangote Cement, lauded the cement company for creating massive employment in the economy.

Alhaji Bala Muhammad Getso, Chairman, Giwa Dynamic Ventures Ltd noted that the retreat said entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote were needed to drive the economy as they create massive employment opportunities.

Alhaji Getso,who described Dangote Industries as the biggest employer of labour after the Federal Government, urged the government to ban an importation of cement in any form as to encourage domestic manufacturing.

sixth yearly conference of the Global Shea Alliance, Shea 2013: Global Perspectives in Abuja, Nigeria, between March 4 and 6, 2013.

Omowunmi noted that shea exports have only grown in the past 10 years because of orientation and aggressive campaign to encourage people to the sector.

“More than 15 million women across West Africa participate directly in the shea industry, millions collect shea nuts across the savannah area stretching from Senegal to Uganda and South Sudan, the three million square kilometre. “ We’re very excited to host Shea 2013 in Abuja. Nigeria welcomes stakeholders with open arms and assures you of our support and an exceptional experience in an important part of the shea world,” she said.

“Shea is critical to the livelihoods of millions of women in West Africa, and the conference will address the economic, social and environmental aspects of shea.

She said the participants would discuss virtually all aspects of the business: Sourcing logistics, quality regulation, processing innovations, business modelling, social accountability, sustainability marketing, cosmetic formulation, soap-making.

“The annual conference is the most important shea industry event of the year, it brings everyone together to share information and ideas and gain insights on what shapes the shea business,” she said.

26 —

Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 8 , 2013

Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 27

Ozuruimo’ cultural carnival to finally take place – Commissioner

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EMIR OF ZARIA’S PALACE: This Palace is situated inside the ancient city of Zazzau. It was built of mud also with traditional expertise typical of Hausa architectural design. The Palace is surrounded with high walls with beautifully constructed gates.

One of the gates is the main entrance while the other separates the residential area of the Emir and his family from his emirate offices. The Palace, with such beautiful Habe traditional architectural design, projects a sheer grandeur of beauty.

The palace is simply fascinating and irresistible to witness.

Tourism Forum promotes business between Africa, Spain … Nigeria gets ICTP commendation T

he fourth edition of the Investment and Tourism Business Forum held in Madrid, Spain during the just concluded International Tourism Fair (FITUR) once again brought together representatives from 33 African countries and over 50 Spanish entrepreneurs.

Some competitive areas in tourism in Africa like air connectivity, investment, branding and product development, were highlighted under the theme Tourism Development in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities.’

“Bringing together the public and private sectors with potential international partners, represents a unique opportunity to reinforce business relations between Spain and Africa and advance sustainable development in the continent”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

The importance of the correct strategic planning in tourism to promote Africa’s development was highlighted by the Minister of Tourism of

Benin, Jean Michel Abimbola.

“The diversification of the economy is the key to attract investment and preserve the millenarian’s traditions through projects such as ecotourism and training”, he said.

“Africa is a destination and Africa is a market” said the Minister of Tourism of South Africa, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, echoing debates which underscored that in the current economic circumstances, initiatives such as INVESTOUR can make a difference both in promoting tourism development as well as in bringing new opportunities to companies in Europe.

Meanwhile, the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) has sent a congratulatory message to Nigeria for introducing tourist visa card to ease the burden of tourists carrying cash while in Nigeria and a biometric registration system for the tourism industry workers.

This follows a meeting at FITUR between Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General of the Nigerian

Tourism Development Corporation and Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles.

M

r. Alain St.Ange, cofounder of ICCTP lauded these efforts at repositioning the tourism industry in Nigeria with international standards and best practices.

,

By JIMOH BABATUNDE with agency report

“We in ICTP are very pleased with these development and innovations in Nigeria. We believe these new products are good for tourism growth in the continent.”

Accordingly, the ICTP is encouraging other countries in Africa to do what Nigeria has done for the growth of tourism in their countries. “We encourage other countries in

Africa is a destination and Africa is a market

Africa to introduce these products to ease the movements of tourists who would not carry cash because people don’t carry cash across borders any longer” On the introduction of biometric registration, the ICTP said it viewed the development as a right step at instilling confidence in tourists in line with global standard and best practices.

The biometric registration will ensure that the CV of

,

hotel staff are always available to all tourism establishments prior to recruitment of new applicants. This will remain an internal confidential data base for the tourism industry. It is an innovative system and Africa will be watching how it develops as it will ensure hotels have the latest information on the tourism workforce.

“We are pleased Nigeria has taken this step, we hope other countries would do same.

MO State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro, has urged the Igbo to come out en masse to participate in the rescheduled Ozuruimo cultural carnival.

Nnanna-Okoro told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that the five- day cultural carnival, which had gone through series of changes in dates, would finally take place between April 1 and April 4.

NAN recalls that the ‘Ozuruimo carnival, which was scheduled for Dec. 17, 2012, was postponed by Gov. Rochas Okorocha in sympathy with the families of those who died in the illfated helicopter crash.

The commissioner said that the carnival would showcase the vast culture and tourism potential of the state.

FTAN to host Tourism Investors’ Forum

T

he Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), has disclosed plans to hold a Tourism Investors’ Forum, aimed at boosting the sector soon.

The Vice President of the association, Mr Tomi Akingbogun, made this known in Lagos during the week.

Akingbogun said the forum, which would be held April in Abuja is aimed at promoting and packaging Nigeria as a tourist destination.

He said that the CBN Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Sen. Bala Mohammed; and Mr Edem Duke, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation would attend the forum.

Akingbogun said the forum would provide a platform for funding of the sector by bringing all investors together to explore opportunities in the sector.

“The hosting of the investors’ forum is for us to brainstorm on the way forward for the tourism industry and discuss the issue of Tourism Intervention Fund.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

all night for Christmas celebration.

Today’s reggae ve hav tes ha tis ar tistes artis failed us — Ras Kimono

Your latest album as usual was message bound; would you do a collabo with one of the new artistes or upcoming artistes around?

I would definitely do a collabo if there is a new artiste with a Reggae hit or track that wants to feature me.

Does that mean that you won’t change your style of singing; you were known as a reggae artiste?

Yes l am a reggae artiste. Reggae is not just about singing; it is more about preaching a gospel for change. Reggae is all about using music to pinpoint the anomalies in the society. The album l released last two years called “Matter of Time” had all the quality of good reggae music.

What was the market like when you started compared to now?

When I started music, I never saw it as a means of generating money, it was all reality and singing was not just fun because I was preaching reality not fiction or tales by moonlight… Money comes and it goes but spreading my music around the globe was my priority and spreading good tidings in every of my tracks was all l wanted to do.

Was it just music you were spreading or there is a gospel to that music?

My songs are filled with messages; there must be a reason for passing out any message, so in other words they are gospel I am preaching one way or the other. My latest album ‘Matter of time’, on one of the songs I did, I titled ‘Fire go burn them the wicked politicians’. That’s gospel!

Ras Kimono

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ore than 25 years after he ruled the stage as reggae star, Ukeleke Umwubuya, aka Ras Kimono is back on stage again. He sojourned in America for many years with his wife and two daughters. He returned in 2009, and he’s already doing what he knows how to do best. Ras kimono remains

FLORENCE AMAGIYA

ageless and when asked what has kept his youthful looks; he attributes it on his clean lifestyle, revealing that he is a vegetarian. In this interview, he talked about his just released album titled “Matter of Time”, one of his songs he titled, “Fire go burn them”, his two daughters in America, his wife and his collaborations…

Where have you been since your return from America?

At the moment, I am in Asaba, Delta State; I was in Port Harcourt, Rivers State last December for their Carnival known as Carniriv. The Carniriv was awesome; it ended with reggae

I N S I D E:

& a n n e n N to s d n e Fri fans at thrill s’ Day Lover ration celeb C M Y K

What inspired that song?

It is amazing the type and amount of theft going on in this country. The way and manner the Nigerian politicians are going about issues show that they don’t have the interest of the masses at heart. I get my inspirations by what is happening around. And that’s what reggae music is about.

Would you say that the present day artistes /musicians are gaining credit for their music compared to

Continues in page 29

With

age v a S a Tiw d e g a g n now e ager to manlz!

Tee Bil

Samsung Galaxy phone explodes, injures owner

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 —29

Continued from Page 28

W

hen you started as an artiste?

Most definitely, the artistes nowadays are making some much money than when we started. Shamefully, most of their songs don’t go with heavy or raw messages like ours back in those days. Back then, every family wants to buy Ras Kimono, Mandators or others, but not all families can go out to shops for all the available artistes we have on air today. The reason is because the artistes most times don’t write songs that are loaded with messages, or dwell on songs that will elevate someone that is depressed or uplift a poor man’s spirit, just to be happy and have hope for the future, but these days, it’s all about merriment and party, drinking and all, no proper message.

Do you think Nigerian music these days have some negative influence on our youths when compared to your time ?

Some of them are, but I cannot tell you that all the music done in Nigeria today is bad.

The problem is that l do not think people still check these music before it is allowed free passage to the masses.

That also is a way for the youths to be influenced negatively.

Where will you say Nigerian music have gotten to if you have to rate it?

Nigerian music has gone far and wide, if you travel to Europe, America, China, India, you hear Nigerian music, and it’s been aired over and over again, but airing Nigerian music is not enough, because there should be some sense of Positivity in it, not the other way round… Most Nigerian artistes are not singing reality, so rating them will be a bit difficult because most of them sing what tends to favor them and not facts. The truth is that Nigerians sing about other people’s culture these days because they feel that it is what its in vogue; the Americans can sing about Samba and Sambo. It’s part of their culture and they could dwell more on it and do it well. We have a culture we can also promote it for the world to

SILVER LINING Synopsis:

After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own. The movie Silverlining PlayBook starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro hit the box office today.

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK DJANGO UNCHAINED FLIGHT LES MISERABLES JACK REACHER THE LOST NUMBER

Ras Kimono

‘I’ve been a vegetarian for 30yrs’ see and teach them a little about Africa, but the case is different here because most of us Africans are not proud of our culture.

We know about your daughters, but we don’t know when you got married!

I was married and still married officially, my wife used to be my manager before we left Africa for America. Right now, she is there with the rest of my kids.

You had a controversy with Majek Fashek recently.

What brought about this exchange of words?

Well, Majek Fashek is my younger brother in the industry and in age; we sometimes talk playfully; we give each other names without meaning to be rude. So he called me an obese Rastafarian and I called him a drunk.

But we are not quarrelling or anything. I even spoke to him today.

Would you say Reggae is dying in Nigeria?

Reggae music is all about truth and rhyme, the youths these days don’t have those values to consider, all they think is party and all that. In one of my tracks in my recently released album; I did a song titled “Fire go burn them all… the wicked politicians...”. What I am saying is that most of present day reggae artistes are scared of singing about crimes, corruption, killing, rape and other bad stuff, so many of them are shying away from the truth and when they make money from those corrupt minded people, it is as bad as you being the robber who stole money to grease your palm when you sing his praise or something else You have a very long thread locks; how long have you been growing your hair?

I have been growing my hair for about 30 years now and in those years I have remained a vegetarian.

Mo vie sc hedule fr om 8th-1 4th Februar y, 20 13 Movie schedule from 8th-14th 201 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Silverlinings Playbook: 2:00pm, 6:00pm, 8;50pm Man on Ground: 4:10pm, Flight; 1:00pm, 6:30pm, 9:10pm Les Miserables: 11:10am, 3:45pm Django Unchained: 11:05am, 8:20pm Jack Reacher: 12:45pm, 6:20pm Rise of the Guardian: 11:00am.

Flower Girl showing on Valentine’s day: 3:45pm, 8:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Man on Ground: 11:10am, 4:55pm Django Unchained: 12:45pm, 6:10pm, 9:15pm Hotel Transylvania: 5;15pm.

Here comes the Boom: 11:20am, 7:10pm.

The Meeting: 8:20pm Twilight saga Breaking dawn part2: 11:30am.

Flower Girl showing on Valentine’s day: 5:15pm, 8:20pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ABUJA Silver linings Playbook: 12;40pm, 3:10pm, 6:00pm, 8:30pm .

Man on Ground: 1:00pm,4:40pm Flight: 1;10pm, 3;50pm, 6:30pm, 9:10pm Les Miserables: 11:40pm, 2:40pm, 5:40pm, 8:50pm Django Unchained: 11:15am, 2:40pm, 5:30pm, 8:40pm.

Jack Reacher:1:50pm, 6:40pm, 9:15pm.

Rise of the Guardian: 2:00pm.

Pitch perfect: 8:20pm Flower Girl showing on Valentine’s day: 12:50pm, 4:00pm, 8:10pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Man on Ground: 12:30pm, 4:40pm, 8:40pm Django Unchained: 11:40am, 5:55pm, 9:00pm Flower Girl showing on Valentine’s day: 2:30pm, 6:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT Man on Ground: 11;40am, 1:20pm, 4;50pm, 6:40pm, 8:30pm Flight: 12;20pm, 2;50pm, 5;30pm, 8:10pm Les Miserable: 11;10am, 2;00pm, 4;50pm, 7:50pm Django Unchained: 1:35pm, 4:40pm, 7:50pm, The Lost Number: 11:30am, 5:40pm.

Jack Reacher: 3:00pm, 8:00pm Dr Bello: 12:50pm, 3:00pm.

Rise of the Guardian: 1:40pm,6:20pm Hotel Transylvania : 11:50am .

FLOWER Girl showing on Valentine’s day: 12:50pm, 4:10pm, 6:25pm.

Nnenna & Friends to thrill fans at Lovers’ Day celebration Nnena

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f you are among those looking for a family friendly atmosphere to spend the Valentine Season, Wale Adenuga Productions has provided a solution to all worried minds with the 2013 edition of the popular Nnena & Friends Valentine Show.

Following the tremendous success of the Nnena & Friends End-of-Year Show 2012, this event promises to be bigger and better. Sponsored by Indomie Noodles, Afrab-Chem Ltd, Toasties Bread Chips, Fumman Fruit Juice, McVities Happy Faces and many others, the show holds at the National Theater, Iganmu, Lagos on Sunday,

February 17, 2013. Organisers say, apart from packaging two shows which holds from 12noon through 3pm, and 3pm through 6pm), the event will be broadcast live on wapTV (StarTimes Channel 222) as well as several key stations across the country.

Billed to perform at the event are Nnena, the multitalented, favourite performer of kids and teens alike; Papa

Ajasco & Company, Nigeria’s Number One Comedy Troupe; master entertainer DJ Zeez; Hilarious Comedians Seyi Law, MC Prince and Big Mickey; Exciting dance groups Gentle Explosion and Point X; as well as the young and versatile N-Stars who will be delivering a variety of exhilarating performances.

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Tiwa Savage and manager Tee Billz are engaged!

W

hat started as a rumour few weeks ago has finally been confirmed to be true as R&B-pop singer, Tiwa Savage and her manager, Tunji ‘Tee Billz’ have declared their everlasting love to each other. The lovebirds are now officially engaged.

Tee Billz confirmed the development to WG. He made a formal proposal to Tiwa Savage last Tuesday, on a day the songstress was marking her birthday anniversary.

The romantic moment was witnessed by a few celebrity friends, including Tiwa’s Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Banky W, Beat FM Personality Toolz and several others.

The pair had consistently denied the relationship, and when marriage rumours surfaced weeks ago, their denials became even more vehement. But the past few days proved they had gotten tired of living a lie, with photos and tweets from Lagos and Dubai confirming what they’d been trying to hide.

‘I am not engaged and I am not dating Tee Billz. If I am, you would have seen a ring on my finger indicating that I am engaged. It’s just a rumour ’, she told Encomium in December 2012.

But the rumours reemerged when the pair flew to Dubai and checked into the luxurious Burj Al Arab Hotel, spending time togeth-

Is Nomoloss in love?

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

I

Tiwa Savage & Tee Billz er, taking boat cruises and seemingly enjoying a luxury couples vacation. Sources even suggested that Tiwa and Mr Balogun had gotten married, and that the Dubai trip was their honeymoon.

On the morning of February 5th, 2013, Tiwa’s 34th birthday, Tee Billz reportedly updated his BlackBerry Messenger status to’Happy birthday Mrs Billz.‘ Tiwa also

posted two cakes on her Instagram page. The inscription on the first cake read ‘Happy birthday Mrs Billz‘.

‘The power to deny their relationship grows weaker by the day, they are really in love with each other’, a source close to the couple told us. ‘Now that they have announced their status to everyone, the tension will cease.’

Playa’s Ball honours Edi Lawani

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

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midst pomp and pageantry, Edi Lawani, one of the big boys in the entertainment industry, a technical and events expert, was honoured by Playa’s Ball, a

subsidiary of Now Muzik en.Core.

The event which held at Tuface’s club, Rumors, Ikeja last week, witnessed the trooping in of celebrities in the industry.

Organized to celebrate achievers in the industry, the

Edi Lawani

night event opened with a red carpet with the likes of Tuface and Anne Idibia, Ras Kimono, Alariwo, Mr.Raw, Zakky, Nomoloss, Sunny Nneji, Shina Peter, Don.T, Laolu Akins and others, stylishly crowding the arena.

Comedian Nomoloss being the anchor of the show, elder stateman, Laolu Akins said the brief opening prayer.

Next was the big moment when a film cum documentary of Edi Lawani, was showed on the big screen for the guests.

Then, there were stage presentations by artistes who were also invited to grace the occasion. Gifts were also presented to him, in appreciation of his immense contribution to the industry. “incredible person.”

Speaking was Edi Lawani himslef, said the journey has so far been tough but it’s all about what one believes.

“I’ve been through hunger, pain, rejection and disgrace but I’ve always done my best to make a change in the industry.”

t’s no longer news that Nomoloss who started off as an artiste with his first single, Iyawo Olele, suddenly got tired of jumping on stage, and later delved into artiste management and music production.

What is news today is that the artiste is now in love.

But with who? You may want to ask.

Just last week during Edi Lawani’s celebration night at Tuface’s club Rumors, Nomoloss was spotted with a certain chic. And don’t ask me what both were up to.

But I’ll give you some tip.

As music blast into the air, sending guests and fun

lovers rolling and twisting, the Iyawo Olele crooner and this girl who we gathered is probably a presenter (she was sighted earlier on the red carpet, chatting up celebrities), weren’t left out in the fun.

Both were spotted in a mushy-mushy mood, practically all over eachother as they danced, with the girl rocking his balls with her backside.

Later on, they suddenly disappeared from everyone’s presence, only to be spotted outside the club having a private discussion,away from the noise and prying eyes like mine!

Is she for real or a run of the mill? Let’s wait and see.

Sammie Okposo drops Praise Party video M

ultiple awards win ning gospel act, Globacom Ambassador and United Nations Ambassador for Peace, Sammie Okposo, is starting the new year on a good note. Presntly, Okposo has concluded shooting of the video for one of the songs on his latest album, Praise Party. .

Speaking on what inspired the Praise Party song as he is about to release the video this week, Okposo said “ I looked around and discovered that as Christians, we wanted to be able to dance, have fun and still keep the environment sane and clean but this was not an easy thing to do because all the groovy beats and songs out there that we would really love to dance to all have very unclean lyrics. Also, I saw that the young generation have all come to the conclusion that gospel music is boring and unfashionable so, I decided that I was going to sample very groovy beats, rewrite the whole lyrics, re-arrange them and churn out a praise party mix that will firstly let the youths know that they can party hard without dressing crazy, cursing and unclean lyrics. Also so that Christians can have a good time dancing without feeling guilty about the content of the beat they are dancing to”.

Celebs present at the Praise Party music video shoot were Eric Arubayi, Bouqui, Nikki laoye, Anny, DJ Gosporella, Ochuko Usifo, Onos,Pflo, Xplicit Dance Crew, Duby, Gospogroove and lots more. The video was directed by T frizzle and co-directed by Sammie Okposo Praise Party is part of the 15 tracks on Okposo’s album released last year with an album launch concert in Lagos and Abuja featuring American gospel star, Dietrik Haddon. The buzz created by Okposo’s album release concert, especially via the new media, made it one of the most anticipated albums of 2012.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013—31 With Laju Arenyeka

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fter its first few episodes, it’s fast becoming clear that anyone who wants to lose a large amount of money in record breaking time should simply apply to be on the money drop.

Starting a game with 100, 000 dollars raw cash only to lose it all is bound to make some people really, really angry.

Before each quiz question, contestants are given a choice of two categories. Once they choose a category, they are asked a question from it and are given a choice of possible answers. Contestants must then place the money on the answer they think is correct. Or they can split the money and place different amounts on different answers. The one rule – they must use all USD 100 000. Although they start with four options, contestants can only put all their money on one option at the seventh question.

And it won’t be the first time; a couple from California, Andrew and Patricia Murray, sued Fox, the producers of the original television show over $580,000 in prize money they lost while playing the game in 2010. The “trick question” the Murrays allege cost them their chance at winning was, “According to the Data Security Firm IMPERVA, what is the most common computer

,

Brewing troubles for the Money drop?

password?” The answer choices given were “Password,” “1234563 or “I Love You.” According to the complaint filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, the “Plaintiffs decided, based on their personal knowledge of surveys and articles, having read numerous studies on the Internet and other media that ‘Password’ was most commonly regarded as the most common password, to wager all their money on that answer.”However, host Kevin Pollak informed them the correct answer was actually “1234563 and the couple was eliminated from the show.

Hmmm…this does bear a striking resemblance to recent episode where the host of the Nigerian show insisted that Nigerians drink more wine than beer according to a particular report.

Because it was the last question, the contestants lost all the money they had worked for from the beginning. If you were a bank, you might want to distance yourself from a publicity stunt that implies the phrase above.

Since they deal in ‘precious stones,’ we can’t help but hope that the sponsors of money drop Nigeria have enough funds to pay legal fees just in case they get some ‘disgruntled customers.’ The rule of law however is not always our way of dealing with issues in this country, we prefer more practical means; An eye for an eye, a drop for a drop. So the show’s host, Tinsel’s Gideon Okeke, should spend more time at the gym just in case a suicidal contestant decides to follow the money unto the great beyond or worse send Gideon ‘downstairs’ instead. If such palaver happens, the models in heels who arrange the money after every drop won’t get to Gideon just in time. Soon and very soon, the show’s producers may just have to learn how to resurrect the money to the surface the same way they have no issues dropping it.

Criticisms aside, the money drop is

The rule of law however is not always our way of dealing with issues in this country, we prefer more practical means; An eye for an eye, a drop for a drop

,

fun to watch; and you just might learn a lot depending on what ‘report’ you’re interested in. The show’s host is great, although it’s quite difficult not to compare his ‘Step up, and let’s see what drops’ to Frank Edoho’s ‘Is that your final answer?’ One more thing Gideon, thanks for dropping the earring!

THE TEAM BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com AYO ONIKOYI OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 33 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com

Huawei roll out new android smartphones BYGABRIELAMADIEGWU

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NE of the leading smartphone manufacturers, Huawei, is set to enter Nigeria market in 2013 with the introduction of a new range of Android powered Smartphones, including the Ascend D Quad XL. The device boasts of a powerful quad-core internal processor which is exceptional for any device in that class with a processing speed of 1.5GHz. The smartphone is equipped with a 4.5-inch display with a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution and a pixel density of approximately 326 pixels-per-inch. The IPS+ screen is truly powerful. The display is bright and vibrant.

Other facilities of the phone includes 1GB of RAM, a microSD slot, MHL connectivity, DLNA support, a 1.3megapixel front-facing camera, an 8-megapixel rear

• Huawei Ascend D phone shooter and a 2,600 mAh battery. It doesn’t have a cheap feel thanks to the textured back plates, giving it a sleek

feel.

The Ascend D Quad XL runs on the latest Android 4 operating system and addi-

tional benefit is that Huawei gives users a choice between a nearly non-skinned version of Android, known as the 2D Home, and a heavily customized and clunky 3D interface.

Android is all about choices and freedom, and that is exactly what Huawei has done with its software.

Another feature which stands the Ascend out is the battery life which is the longest in the market. The Ascend D Quad XL’s irremovable battery is able to deliver enough juice for a full day’s use under normal circumstances like checking emails, updating status, sending text messages and making the occasional phone call. However, when pushing the device to the limits with high-intensity games and frequent usage, the Ascend D Quad XL was still able

Your iPhone becomes mini coach with Runalyzer Sport Pack

BY QUADRI SHODIYA

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F you’re one of those joggers who set off in the morning jogging to keep fit, you can actually get a coach you can control - the Runalyzer Sport Pack.

The device when fixed on your i-Phone, turns it into a mini sports coach.

It consists of a heart-monitor, armband and chest strap that will allow you to effectively measure your performance when exercising Although the French based company that introduced the kit already has a number of fitness applications that are available on Apple’s App store for the iPhone, i-Pad and i-Pod, the Runalyzer Sports Pack is its first accessory for use during training and exercise. The pack includes the heart-rate monitor, an armband, chest

• Samsung Galaxy phones

to deliver impressive results of more than 10 hours of battery life.

Meanwhile, the Ascend D Quad XL is not the only phone in the offing for Huawei. The global brand is also coming out with two powerful Android based smartphones namely; Honor & Mediapad 7 Lite devices.

However, Huawei is also introducing mid-range devices like G6153 with a full QWERTY keypad and social media capabilities to go with it, for those who may not be able to afford the high-end devices.

There will also be other lowend devices including the G3620, G5520 and the G6006 phones.

strap and receiver for use with designated Apple products.

By using the App during exercise, one would be able to compare his own rates with the recommended levels, to know how fast his heart should be beating during workout.

The device allows the user the choice of setting voice announcements that will help increase or decrease tempo at given points even as it can be customized to preference. The user can make use of the inbuilt GPS facility to determine routes to take when walking out, average speed taken, total distance and time.

You can also even calculate how many Pre-SI metric unit of energy you have lost during the workout. It’s perfect for losing weight or trimming down.

Samsung Galaxy phone explodes, injures owner

BY JOY OBOMASE

T

RAGEDY struck in Korea when a Samsung Galaxy phone exploded and injured a 55-year old man. Reports said the battery of the Samsung Galaxy note exploded inside the man’s pocket.

According to the report, the man was said to have carried the phone along side a spare battery inside his pocket

when the explosion occurred.

However, the report did not make it clear whether it was the battery inside the Samsung Galaxy note that caused the explosion or the spare battery inside the pocket. The man was said to have suffered second degree burns in his right leg.

A Samsung spokesman in Korea, was quoted as saying that lithium ion batteries can catch fire due to sudden

change in temperature or due to external pressure, adding that they are still trying to find out what happened.

The accident was said to be the second Galaxy Smartphone explosion in the country. A school boy was said to have suffered an injury when his Galaxy S11 exploded in his trouser pocket March last year.

• Runalyzer Sport Pack

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY , FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Hilary Clinton: The wonder years

H

illary Rodham Clinton was sworn in as the 67th Secretary of State of the United States.

The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department and the Foreign Service of the United States.

Clinton took the oath of office of Secretary of State and resigned from the Senate that same day. She became the first former First Lady to serve in the United States Cabinet. She also became the first Secretary of State to have previously been an elected official since Edmund Muskie.

Somehow, in this post modern, post feminist days, women have been persuaded that competing in the world of men is not in their interest.

In many ways, this is true, sound position.

The biological role so clearly thrust upon women to bring forth the young of the species and to nurture them for the first two years of suckling that competition with men had so undermined in the 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s, to the detriment of all stakeholders.

It was British judge Mr Justice Caulfield who, while presiding over the sleazy affair cum perjury case of English bestselling novelist and Member of Parliament Jeffrey Archer that led to the latter’s incarceration, had made a big deal of the “ the fragrance of Lady Archer”, words that were to get written in marble . It is

not so much the achievements of Hilary Clinton that inspires as the fragrance of her: the way she has been able to rise above all odds and all sentiments and all smallness to be the woman who stands at the edge of becoming the first female president of the most powerful nation on earth. As such, as she steps down as the American Secretary of State, it is a valuable venture to go down the memory lane as it were.

Clinton has been ambiguous about her future in politics, but she has been tipped as presidential candidate in 2016.

Statistics

112 The number of countries visited by the former US secretary of State Hilary Clinton during her four-year tenure According to the State Department.

956,733 The number of miles she traversed, enough to span the globe more than 38 times 401 The number of full days she spent on the road.

98 The number of countries visited by Madeleine Albright, one of Clinton’s predecessors who held the position from 1997-2001.

TITBITS

Perpetual Nkwocha and equal treatment

4

-time African Female Footballer of the Year Perpetual Nwocha has become a household name for her exploits on the field and beyond on the same scale as the Westerhof boys of the 90s and early 2000s. She is also a member and the captain of the Nigeria women’s national football team and a voice often listened to in football.

But what is to be made of her recent call for equal remuneration for men and female footballers? With the Super Eagles defending the hype around them- not to mention the money- she might have a tough time defending her stance.

Watch out for

Dora

Dora Akunyili is in the news again She got burnt when she forayed into elective politics in 2011, but the old NAFDAC boss is apparently still the foremost icon of integrity in the country, male or female.

Having kept a rather low profile over the years, she struggles_ and is quite succeeding_ at getting back in the public eye. She was bruised in the last Anambra gubernatorial race but it will not take her much time to dust off the dirt and carry on.

At the Anabel Leadership conference late 2012, she made a stunning debut with her clichéd fight against corruption, and she was called upon only a couple of weeks ago to give credence to the attempt of a Northern governor to build an international airport in his State at good cost.

For those who thought she was just a flash in the pan, Professor Dora is on the way.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRAURY 8, 2012 — 35

Buying and Preparing Fish Before cooking fish, you first have to buy.

Smell it!

Fresh fish should smell sweet. Any fishy or strong flavours means the fish is past its prime; do not buy it.

Look at it!

Bright eyes and firm flesh are signs of freshness. Fish fillets or steaks should be firm and bright looking, with no brown spots or discoloration.

Freeze it!

Fresh fish should be stored in your refrigerator for only a day or two; it’s very perishable. Any longer than that, and wrap the fish well in freezer paper and freeze it.

Unless you live near a coast with a reliable supply of freshly caught fish, most fish that you buy will be sold frozen. Keep it frozen until you’re ready to cook it. Fish can be thawed in the refrigerator, or under cold running water, or in the microwave. Be sure to cook it as soon as it’s thawed.

Thaw frozen fish in milk!

Place the frozen fish in a bowl and cover with fresh milk, then cover and let sit in refrigerator overnight. The fish will have a wonderful freshcaught taste. Discard the milk after the fish thaws.

REPORTAGE:

Gender in Peace Building A report which was the conclusion of a piece of research, has identified Gender as a key component of peace building and conflict resolution. Carried out

by International Alert, a 26-year-old independent peacebuilding organisation that works with people who are directly affected by violent conflict to improve their prospects of peace. They seek to influence the policies and ways of working of governments, international organisations like the UN and multinational companies, to reduce conflict risk and increase the prospects of peace.

The starting point for the research was International Alert’s belief that a gender approach, as a key component in the understanding of power dynamics, is critical to successful peacebuilding. The research hypothesis was that gender dynamics form a resource for peacebuilding which peacebuilders generally make insufficient use of, but that examples of projects and research do exist from which to draw lessons, and thereby improve peacebuilding practice.

The research found that Women’s peacebuilding activities encompass a wide range, and indeed what women do for peace is sometimes said to expand the view of peacebuilding itself. For example, reconciliation figures high in what women’s peace building organisations do, yet it receives little attention from formal donorsupported peacebuilding initiatives.

Women’s work in reconciliation includes mediating in localised conflicts within families (such as husbands rejecting their wives after rape, or disputes between siblings over inheritance), bringing estranged communities together, and supporting mechanisms to resolve intercommunal conflicts. Women engaged in formal peace negotiations often bring a nonpartisan, process-oriented approach to bear, ensuring that the needs of a broad range of stakeholders, rather than just the previously violent protagonists, are on the agenda.

Many women’s organisations which promote the role of women in communitylevel reconciliation and dialogue view their work as having a secondary but important outcome of enhancing popular perception of women’s potential contribution, leading to greater acceptance of women’s empowerment generally.

Questions raised included: Do gender relations change as a result of violent conflict?

Further assumptions are often made about the potential impact of violent conflict on gender relations.

On the one hand, a “backlash” against women is often thought to exist in the immediate post-conflict period. On the other, the “postconflict moment” is often believed to be one where windows of opportunity present themselves for radical change in women’s status.

The literature suggests that both assumptions may be justified. Whereas gender roles adjust quickly to new circumstances, gender identities are not so much changed as thwarted, as both men and women are prevented by circumstances from living up to their own and other people’s expectations (a development which may trigger interpersonal violence on a wide scale).

Changes in the gender division of labour (gender roles) are a society’s practical and immediate response to managing crisis.

However, they do not in themselves alter the institutional or ideological underpinnings of gender relations. If things are not to go back to how they were before, change may need to be institutionalised through active policy. However, institutions (that generate policy) are themselves gendered, in that they are both products and shapers of existing gender relations in the society from which they draw their individual members. The nation-state, for example, is made up of male and female citizens, and at the same time shapes their gendered identities through the promotion of ideals such as patriotism and citizenship, which may have different meanings for men and for women. Global institutions, too are gendered, and significantly influence local processes – as classically evidenced by the way global military-economic alliances impact on gender relations found in societies located around military bases.

Another question was: Under what circumstances do conflicts turn to violence? Do gender relations themselves contribute towards violent conflict?

Sociologists have suggested that violence (most notably but not exclusively by men) is the result of gender identities being “thwarted”, i.e. conditions (e.g. of poverty, conflict, disaster, political oppression) prevent gendered aspirations from being fulfilled. The idea of a “continuum of violence” is another conceptthat offers a framework for describing how different

types and levels of violence interact with each other, showing how the behaviour of individuals is conditioned as much by structural as by individual factors. Some scholars suggest that gender relations have changed as a function of changing patterns of violence, although opinions differ as to the direction of causality – does reduction of violence lead to gender equality, or the reverse?

While academics (especially feminist academics) have grappled for some timewith the issue of where men fit in an understanding of gender, policymakers and activists have tended to focus instead on advancing women’s protection and participation, as evidenced by the passing of UNSC Resolution 1325. The latter group has tended to view men as either perpetrators to be excluded, as “gatekeepers” whose support has to be sought, or as potential active champions of women’s cause. There is a small but growing stream of work acknowledging the potential vulnerabilities of men, and seeking re-interpretations of mainstream thinking on specific topics such as sexual violence as a weapon of war.

It concluded that the international policy framework around peacebuilding is currently dominated by donor concerns with state-building in fragile and conflict-affected states.The state-building, governance and fragile states agenda has in the past been dominated by the technical approaches of international donors; however, these approaches have been challenged as being donor-driven, top-down, technicist and divorced from reality. As various civil society organisations have argued, one of the startingpoints for reconstruction must be the re-establishment of peaceful interaction and equitable resource management at the community level, building up from there. Gender critiques of state-building have urged it to go beyond “add women and stir”, instead aiming to ensure women’s full participation in post-conflict recovery. State-building approaches should aim to create “a state fit for women” as well as for men, and to take advantage of the opportunities statebuilding offers for advancing women’s political involvement.

A gender approach to state-building would bring it down to earth – for example, by helping to ensure civilian oversight of security sector reform, making interventions locally relevant, prioritising state-civilian relations, and supporting local, rather than external, drivers of change.

36 —

Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 8 , 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013—37

CONSCIENCE AND HISTORY - MY STORY CONSTITUTION, FEDERALISM AND RULE OF LAW:

The judgment that set Peter Odili free (4) YESTERDAY Justice Buba who indicated that the Odili judgment was delivered in rem, explains the status of such adjudications

T

HIRDLY, it is clear, that the 2nd defendant has not alleged any offence against the plaintiff in his personal capacity.

Rather, the allegation is about what he did in his official capacity as Governor of Rivers State. It is argued that it remains to add by way of further elucidation, that although the 2nd defendant had raised a preliminary objection challenging the suit, on grounds of jurisdiction, it never, addressed the issues raised by the plaintiff, for determination.

The questions before the Court do not seek to delimit the statutory powers of the 2nd defendant.

The questions deal with, whether the 2nd defendant can ignore a subsisting, valid and final judgment of a duly constituted court.

All the points being canvassed by the 2nd defendant about a court order purporting to restrain the performance of a statutory duty, are beside the point. It

while in office, since the investigations and findings for that period have been voided by the court.

It is argued by the plaintiff that the 2nd defendant filed term counter claim, and sought for One billion naira (N1,000,000,000.00) damages, against the plaintiff. It is, however, evident from all account, that it was a claim made in jest, and for the purpose of cheap publicity. No evidence was advanced; no argument proffered.

Indeed, the so called counter claim is incompetent, and should be dismissed as an abuse of court process.

In conclusion, the plaintiff urged the Court, to answer the two questions raised in the originating summons in the negative, and also dismiss the preliminary objection as well as the Counter-Claim for the following reasons.

1. The subsisting judgment of

,

The questions deal with, whether the 2nd defendant can ignore a subsisting, valid and final judgment of a duly constituted court. All the points being canvassed by the 2nd defendant about a court order purporting to restrain the performance of a statutory duty, are beside the point. It would have, perhaps, been a different matter if judgment in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/78/2007 has not been delivered

would have, perhaps, been a different matter if judgment in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/78/2007 has not been delivered. It is submitted, therefore, that the 2nd defendant has not addressed the issues raised by the Originating Summons in these proceedings.

In conclusion, it is submitted that the argument raised under issue number two, Court is urged, to answer the question posed in the negative, and hold that the 2nd defendant cannot proceed against the plaintiff for any alleged offence committed C M Y K

,

the Federal High Court in Suit No.FHC/PH/CS/78/2007 is a final judgment and binding on all parties, and non-parties alike.

2. The said judgment, being a judgment in rem, has pronounced on the status of the alleged investigation conducted by the 2nd defendant into the affairs of Rivers State and declared same unconstitutional, null and void.

3. There is no appeal against the decision in FHC/PH/CS/78/ 2007, and therefore, the defendants cannot ignore its effect.

4. The preliminary objection

filed in these proceedings is misconceived and the arguments canvassed therein lack merit.

Stricto senso, it was not shown, how this Honourable Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the present action.

5. No argument was canvassed, and no evidence was produced, to sustain the so-called counterclaim.

6. By reason of Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, the defendants are under a legal duty to obey and enforce the obedience to the judgment of the court, unless, and until, it is set aside.

7. No legal proceedings, criminal or civil, can be based on the investigation, findings, report and actions, conducted by the 2nd defendant on the basis of its investigation into the finances of Rivers State, between May 29th 1999 and May 29th 2007 in view of the subsisting judgment of the court in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/78/ 2007.

I have read the process filed in the instant suit. I have equally read the arguments and submissions of counsel filed in this suit and indeed the authorities cited and relied upon by learned counsel for the 2nd Defendant Mr. James Binang and Mr. I. A. Adedipe SAN, learned counsel for the Plaintiff which I have virtually reproduced for the purpose of emphasis and clarity.

Let me say quickly by way of preliminary remarks, that any reference to the case of Minster of Internal Affairs vs. Shugaba Abdurrahaman Darman (1983) 3 NCLR PAGE 915 the judgment of Mamman Nasir P. is a Dissenting Judgment. It is not the majority judgment, therefore, it could not have been the law then, not being a majority judgment of the Court of Appeal. But it also seem to me very clear that the minority judgment of Mamman Nasir P. appears to be the hallmark of decree No. 107 of 1993 that has now given birth to section 251 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Let me say outright, without much ado that ground one of the

notice of preliminary objection is targeted at the judgment of this court of 20/3/07. In other words the ground is questioning the validity and conclusions in that judgment. That was the submissions of the 2nd Defendant, then 1st Defendant before this court. I am afraid this matter is now beyond the 2nd Defendant to raise in this court. Indeed the 2nd Defendant is estopped from raising this issue as this court cannot sit as an appellate court over its own decision. Indeed this is an issue that shall be canvassed, in ground one of the 2nd Defendant notice of appeal as contained in Exhibit EFCC 1, if the appeal is ultimately entered in the Court of Appeal for hearing and argument.

On the 2nd ground, let me also say the declaratory reliefs made in the judgment in suit No. FHC/ PH/CS/78/07 is a judgment in rem. What is a judgment in rem?

Learned senior counsel for the plaintiff dwelled extensively on the issue of judgment in rem to which the second defendant did not reply or even attempt to contest the argument; on the undoubted and unassailable position of the law. The submissions and the cases cited above says what a judgment in rem is. Without labouring the issues, see THE ENGLISH AND EMPIRE DIGEST VOL. 30 1973 REISSUE AT PAGE 171 PARA. 51-52 AND AT PAGE 173 PARA 61 wherein it provides:

Jurisdiction of court 51. To constitute a judgment in rem, the judgment must be a judgment of competent court in respect of a res actually or constructively within the jurisdiction of the court, and the judgment must determine the right to, or disposition of, such res in the control of the court. (Williams L.J.).Francis, Times and Co. vs. Carr (1900), 82. L.T 698; 16T. L. R. 405, C. A.; on Appeal sub nom. Carr v. Francis, Times, & Co., (1902) A. C. 176; 71 L.J.K.B. 361; 85 L. T. 144; 50 W. R. 257; 17 T. L. R. 657 H. L. 52. It is by no means easy to find a satisfactory definition of a judgment in rem. In Smith’s Leading cases, it is defined as “an adjudication pronounced, as its name indeed denotes, upon the status of some particular subject matter by a tribunal having competent authority for that purpose.” There are, however, two classes of judgments in rem, one of which is conclusive against all the world and the other of which is not conclusive, though admissible, in any other proceedings.

Instances of the former class are

adjudications by a competent court as to the existence of a marriage, or a condemnation of a prize in the admiralty court.

A familiar instance of the second is an inquisition in lunacy, which has always been allowed to be read in a subsequent suit between third parties as evidence of the lunacy, though it is not conclusive and may be traversed (COZENS HARDY, M. R.). HILL vs CLIFFORD, CLIFFORD vs. TIMMS, CLIFFORD vs. PHILLIPS, (1907) 2 Ch. 236.

Judgment in rem In the same Empire Digest the effect of a judgment in rem is distinguished from judgment in personam - as: The difference is pointed out clearly in Smith’s leading cases, and some of the authorities there mentioned, between the proceeding in rem, and the proceedings in rem personam in this respect; that the proceedings in rem binds everybody, binds third parties to the litigation (WOOD vs V-C.) - SIMPSON vs. FOGO (1860) 1 JOHN & H. 18; 29 L. J. Ch. 657; 6 JUR. N. S. 949; 8 W. R. 407; 70 E. R. 644; sub nom.

LIVERPOOL BANK vs. FOGGO, 2 L. T. 594; subsequent proceedings (1863), 1 Hem & M.195.

See also the case of Adesina Oke vs. SHITTU ATOLOYE & OTHERS (1986) 1 N.W.LR. (PART 15) page 241 at 242.

To my mind the issue of the plaintiff in this originating summons, not being a party in the previous suit No. FHC/PH/CS/ 78/07 is neither here nor there. It is of no moment. Therefore, this Court cannot see the woods for the trees in the argument of the second defendant. It is equally glaring that the 2nd defendant misconceived the ratio decidendi in the cases cited vis-a-vis the peculiar facts and circumstances of this suit in which there is a subsisting and binding judgment. Again see paragraphs 604 - 609 of the Empire Digest at page 254.

604. Only ratio decidendi. The only use of authorities or decided cases is the establishment of some principle, although I myself do not concur in it and although it has only been the decision of a court of co-ordinate jurisdiction I have felt bound to follow it (Jessel, M.R). - Re HALLETT’S KNATCHBULL vs.

HALLETT’S ESTATE, (1874-80) ALL E.R. REP. 793; 49 L.J. CH. 415; 42 L.T. 421; 28 W.R. 732, Continues on page 38

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

CONSCIENCE AND HISTORY - MY STORY

The judgment that set Peter Odili free (4) C.A. 606. In courts of equity the judges are judges of fact as well as of law, and when a judge of those courts has laid down a rule of conduct, his successors have usually followed it; but a rule of conduct is not a conclusive authority binding his successors in the decisions of questions of fact; it is decisions upon questions of law which are binding (LORD ESHERM M.R.) - Re NORMAN (1886),16 Q B D. 673L 54 L. T. 143; 34 W.R. 313; 2 T.L R. 272; sub non. Re NORMAN, Ex p. BRADWELL L.J. Q. B. 202, C.A. Indeed The Federal High Court of Nigeria is a court of law and equity as it administers both law and equity. Again see paragraphs 608 of the Empire Digest where it provides:

Importance of precedence 608. The binding force of previous decisions, unless the facts are indistinguishable, depends on whether they establish a principle. To follow previous authorities, so far as they lay down principles, is essential if the law is to be preserved from becoming unsettled and vague. In this respect the previous decisions of a court of co-ordinate jurisdiction are more binding in a system of jurisprudence such as ours than in systems where the paramount authority is that of a code.

But when a previous case has not laid down any new principle but merely decided that a particular set of facts illustrates an existing rule, there are few more fertile sources of fallacy than to search in it for what is simply resemblance in circumstances and to erect a previous decision into a governing precedent merely on this account.

To look for anything except the principle established or recognised by previous decisions is really to weaken and not to strengthen the importance of precedent. The consideration of cases which turn on particular facts may often be useful for edification, but it can rarely yield authoritative guidance (LORD HALDANE C.) Elsewhere at 609, it is provided: 609. When any tribunal is bound by the judgment of another court, either superior or co-ordinate, it is bound by the judgment itself; and if from the opinions delivered it is clear what the ratio decidendi was which led to the judgment, then that ratio decidendi is also binding. But if it is not clear, then it is not part of the tribunal’s duty to spell out with great difficulty a ratio decidendi in order to be bound by it.

I have no doubt from the misC M Y K

conception of the import and purport of the judgment in suit No. FHC/PH/CS/78/07 the 2nd defendant made far reaching submissions on the General Position and propositions of law without adverting its mind to the judgment which nullified its actions that it intends to rely on.

I think with respect, the 2nd Defendant/Applicant should draw a line between the general principles of law decided in the cases of Fawehimni vs. IGP (supra), Bamidele vs. Commissioner for L.G. (supra), and Nnwei & Sons v. COP (supra), to the effect that a Plaintiff cannot institute an action to preclude him from being investigated and prosecuted, and that the 2nd defendant cannot be restrained from performing its statutory duty. In the instant suit, the 2nd defendant has lost sight that there is a valid judgment of a competent court on the status of a step taken by the 2nd defendant.

Era of impunity The said step was declared ultra vires, unconstitutional, null and void; and as a follow up, the court restrained the 2nd defendant from putting to use that step that was nullified. That judgment to all intent and for all purposes is binding on the second defendant, unless and until set aside by an appellate court. Therefore there can be no impunity. The era of impunity is gone. We are in the era of Rule of law where parties and indeed the courts are bound by their decisions.

I make bold to say that the court as a final arbiter between all persons and authorities has undoubted jurisdiction to strike down unconstitutional acts and ultra vires acts of a statutory body in any given case, that is being brought before the court. In this case, the 2nd defendant was brought before the court for the court to determine its conduct, act and/or omission which the court exercising its undoubted jurisdiction considered and declared that the acts and omission of the 2nd defendant then was unconstitutional, unlawful, invalid, ultra vires null and void.

In those circumstances and in the face of that valid and subsisting judgment, to which the 2nd defendant is a party and has not appealed, it does not therefore lie in the mouth of the 2nd defendant to sit at home and say that a party cannot by merely instituting a civil action in court preclude a statutory body or agency from performing its function.

Let me make it abundantly clear, that where a competent court of law has declared a status of a thing, and followed up the declaration, based on its findings

with orders, the party affected can only test that finding by appealing against the judgment and not sitting at home and deciding the merits of the finding.

It is normal. It is not abnormal, for our courts to interpret the constitution and declare conducts of statutory bodies unlawful and ultra vires, where such conducts or acts are declared ultra vires or done in flagrant disregard of the law and afortiori the constitution.

Greater fluidity In this particular instance, based on the findings of the court, it can not be said that the court has precluded the performance of a statutory duty by a statutory body or an agency of the Federal Government. Indeed a statutory body or an agency of the Federal Government can be restrained by the court. See the De Smith Judicial review of Administrative Actions Fourth Edition by J. M. Events 4th Edition at Pp. 99-100.

'Despite the greater fluidity of the court' approach to the interpretation of legislation and the inherently limited utility of general principles that have to be applied to widely varying contexts, the common law presumptions retain a great deal of their vitality. The greatest of these presumptions is that Parliament does not intend to deprive the subject

,

Continues from page 37

ities: that express words are necessary to empower a public authority to raise money from the subject that in the absence of contrary intendment, the power is to be exercised only by the authority upon which it has been conferred; that express words or necessary implication are required to warrant the exercise of a statutory power with retroactive effect.

The presumption that Parliament does not intend to legislate in contravention of international obligations owned by the Government of the United Kingdom has recently been used on a number of occasions particularly to support an argument that a statute should, if possible, not be interpreted in a manner inconsistent with a provision of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The application of a number of other rules and maxims of statutory interpretation will be considered in the course of this study.

Of the common-law presumptions, the most influential in modern administrative law is that which preserves the ultimate jurisdiction of the courts to pronounce on matters of law. Accordingly, only in the most exceptional circumstances will the courts construe statutory language so as to endow a public body with exclusive authority to determine the ambit of its own

Let me make it abundantly clear, that where a competent court of law has declared a status of a thing, and followed up the declaration, based on its findings with orders, the party affected can only test that finding by appealing against the judgment and not sitting at home and deciding the merits of the finding

of his common-law rights except by express words or necessary implication. This is the generic presumption of which the following are species: that, in the absence of express words or necessary intendment, statutes are not to be interpreted so as to authorise interference with the liberty of the person or deprivation of the property rights of the subject without compensation or restriction of the subject’s rights and of access to the ordinary courts, or so as to abrogate existing contractual rights; and that statutory powers must as far as is reasonably practicable, be so exercised as to avoid injury or to minimise the scope of any injury that must inevitably be caused, to the rights of others.

Among other rules of construction, the following are especially important for the interpretation of statutory powers of public author-

,

powers.” (Emphasis Supplied) Granted that this is a civil case, in which the plaintiff is saying the basis on which you want to proceed against me is nullified, can the 2nd defendant then be heard to argue that the court is invoking its general civil jurisdiction to preclude the agency of the Government from performing its function? To my mind that is begging the real issue before the court which is the basis upon which the action is nullified. The 2nd defendant is a party to that judgment. They were restrained from putting the investigation into use and they have not appealed against that finding, conclusion and orders.

It is the law even in criminal trials, where charges are framed.

Courts have quashed indictment and stopped criminal trials from proceeding, based on the quash-

ing of the indictment, in such situation or scenario the prosecution cannot be heard to argue that the courts have precluded it from performing its duty. See instances of Court quashing charges in the cases of Ikomi vs. State (1986) NWLR (pt. 28) 340 and the recent case of Abacha vs. State (2002) 11 NWLR (pt 779) 437.

In the instant case, it is not a general or blanket restraining order, without a matter going to court. This matter went to court and arguments were taken, judgment entered before the order was made. It does not matter that it is a civil suit. What matters is the validity and the obedience of that order and to who is the order directed and who is or are the beneficiaries of the order made.

I think with exhibit EFCC 1, the 2nd defendant has realized it ought to have appealed against the judgment of this Court. There is also a novel submission that this court should give a judgment in the second defendant's counter claim by way of declaration that the second defendant is now trying to appeal.

Academic argument I have also noted the academic argument and reference to the case of Amani Tijani, the unreported decision of ECOWAS Court. While it is the law “the court will decide an academical question as their Decision will be merely obiter”. See the case of Tindall vs Wright 1922 127LT.149.

The modern trend is that the Courts would not allow a body like the EFCC to break the law in the name of enforcing the law or to be law unto itself. There are plethora of authorities in the common law countries for the purpose of the academic submission of the second defendant. Let me take the liberty to mention a few and the general principles decided randomly and extensively for guidance. See the cases of R vs Michael Heston Francas (1984) 1 All E.R 785 Criminal App. Rep209 Bennet vs. Horseferry Road Magistrate court (1993)3 All E.R. 138, R.vs Mullen (1990) 3 WLR 777; R, vs Ward (1993) 2 All ER 577, Connelly vs. Director of Public Prosecution (1964) 2 All E.R page 401 In the recent case of R. vs.

Mullen (1990), the Court of Appeal England, in a case where the accused was abducted from Zimbabwe it was held by the Court, revisiting a number of decisions Continues on page 39

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013—39

CONSCIENCE AND HISTORY - MY STORY

The judgment that set Peter Odili free (4)

Prosecuting authorities If a practice developed in which the Police or prosecuting authorities of this country ignored extradition procedures and secured the return of an accused by a mere request to police colleagues in another country, they would be flouting the extradition process for his benefit. It is in my mind unthinkable that in such circumstances, the court should declare itself to be powerless and stand idly by. I echo the words of Lord Delvin in Connely vs.

DPP(1964) 2 All ER 40 at 442, (1964) AC 1254 at 1354: "The courts cannot contemplate for a moment, the transference to the executive of the responsibility for seeking that the process of law is not abused. The courts, of course, have no power to apply direct discipline to the police or the prosecuting authorities, but they can refuse to allow them to take advantage of abuse of power by regarding their behaviour as an abuse of process and thus, prevent a prosecution.

“So far as the ground upon which they did dismiss the information was concerned, every court has undoubtedly a right in its discretion to decline to hear proceedings on the ground that they are oppressive and an abuse of the process of the court. I would answer the certified question as follows. (The high court in the exercise of its supervisory jurisdiction has power to inquire into circumstances by which a person has been brought within C M Y K

the jurisdiction and if satisfied that it was in disregard of extradition procedures, it may stay prosecution and order the release of the accused.

Accordingly, I would allow this appeal and remit the case to the Divisional Court for further consideration.)

When we look to see how other jurisdictions have answered a question analogous to that before the House in terms of their own legal systems, the most striking example of an affirmative answer is the decision of the SOUTH AFRICAN COURT OF APPEAL vs. EBRAHIM 1991(2) SA 553 allowing an appeal against his conviction for treason by a member of African National Congress on the sole ground that he had been abducted from Switzerland, outside the jurisdiction of the South African court, by persons acting as agents of the South African state.

This decision, as the summary in the head note shows, resulted from the application of several fundamental legal principles, viz: Those that maintained and promoted human rights, good relations between States and the sound administration of justice: the individual had to be protected against unlawful detention and against abduction, the limits of territorial jurisdiction and the sovereignty of the State had to be respected, the fairness of the legal process guaranteed and the abuse thereof prevented so as to protect and promote the dignity and integrity of the judicial system.

Abduction of persons The State was bound by these rules and had to come to court with clean hands, as it were, when it was itself a party to proceedings and this requirement was clearly not satisfied when the state was involved in the abduction of persons across the country’s borders.

Such abuse could not be tolerated without debasing the processes of justice, so that the defendant was entitled to a hearing on his allegations .... government should be denied the right to exploit its own illegal conduct, and when an accused is kidnapped and forcibly brought within the jurisdiction, court’s acquisition of power over his person represents the fruits of the Government’s exploitation of its own misconduct.

The minority opinion was that this was an infringement of the rule of law which it was the court’s duty to uphold. After re-

ferring to the South African decision in S vs. Ebrahim, Stevens J writes in the final paragraph of his opinion (at 2206).

The Court of Appeal South Africa - indeed, I suspect most courts throughout the civilized world - will be deeply disturbed by the “monstrous” decision the court announces today. For every nation that has an interest in preserving the Rule of Law is affected, directly or indirectly, by a decision of this character. Inescapable duty to secure fair treatment for those who come or are brought before them. He said that “the courts cannot contemplate for a moment, the transference to the Executive of the responsibility for seeing that the process of laws is not abused” ... Those remarks involved an important statement of constitutional principle. They assert the independent strength of the judiciary to protect the law by protecting its own purposes and function.

Constitutional machinery “It is the function and purpose of the courts as a separate part of the constitutional machinery that must be protected from abuse rather than the particular processes that are used within the machine. It may be that the shorthand phrase ‘abuse of process’ by itself does not give sufficient emphasis to the principle that in this context, the court must react not so much against an abuse of procedure that has been built up to enable the determination of a criminal charges as against the much wider and more serious abuse of the criminal jurisdiction in general.

Whatever differences there may be between the legal systems of South Africa, the United States, New Zealand and this country, many of the basic principles apply to any proper system of law than the maintenance of the rule of law itself. To hold that the court may turn a blind eye to executive lawlessness beyond the frontiers of its own jurisdiction is, to my mind, an insular and unacceptable view.

Having taken cognisance of the lawlessness, it would again appear to me to be a wholly inadequate response for the court to hold that the only remedy lies in civil proceedings at the suit of the defendant or in disciplinary or criminal proceedings against the individual officers of the law enforcement agency who were concerned in the illegal action taken.

Degradation of the court’s criminal process. To hold that in

these circumstances the court may decline to exercise its jurisdiction on the ground that its process has been abused, may be an extension of the doctrine of abuse of process but is, in my view, a wholly proper and necessary one. My lords, a citizen whose rights have been infringed unlawfully or by overenthusiastic action on the part of an executive functionary has a remedy by way of recourse to the courts in civil proceedings. It may not be an ideal remedy. It may not always be a remedy which is easily available to the person injured.

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Continues from page 38 in the common law of Commonwealth countries including South Africa that it is not right to do so. The cases cited above made the following pronouncement which I shall refer generally and randomly having found that the issue is academic. Some of the pronouncements read as follows: “My Lords, I have no doubt that the judiciary should accept this responsibility in the field of criminal law. The growth of administrative law during the latter half of this century has occurred because of the recognition by the judiciary and parliament alike that it is the function of the high court to ensure that executive action is exercised responsibly and as parliament intended.

So also should it be in the field of criminal law and if it comes to the attention of the court that there has been a serious abuse of power it should, in my view, express its disapproval by refusing to act upon it.

receive a fair trial and that, if he cannot be tried fairly, for that offence, he should not be tried for it at all. That a criminal court’s undoubted jurisdiction to prevent abuses of its own process should be extended, if indeed it does not already extend, to embrace a much wider jurisdiction to oversee what is referred to generally as the administration of justice, in the broadest sense of the term, including the executive act of law-enforcement agencies occurring before the process of the court has been invoked at all and having no bearing what-

A citizen whose rights have been infringed unlawfully or overenthusiastic action on part of an executive functionary has a remedy by way of recourse to the courts in civil proceedings. It may not always be a remedy which is easily available to the person injured

It may not even, certainly in his estimation, be an adequate remedy. But it is the remedy which the law provides to the citizen who chooses to invoke it. The question raised by this appeal is: Whether, in addition to such remedies as may be available in civil proceedings, the court should assume the duty of overseeing, controlling and punishing an abuse of executive power leading up to properly instituted criminal proceedings not by means of conventional remedies invoked at the instance of the person claiminlg to have been injured by such abuse but by restraining the further prosecution of those proceedings. The result of the assumption of such a jurisdiction are threefold, and they are surprising.

First, the trial put in by a charge which has been properly laid will not take place and the person charged (if guilty) will escape a just punishment; secondly, the civil remedies available to that person will remain enforceable; and, thirdly, the public interest in the prosecution and punishment of crime will have been defeated not by a necessary process of penalising those responsible for executive abuse but simply for the purpose of manifesting judicial disapproval.

It is, of course, axiomatic that a person charged with having committed a criminal offence should

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ever upon the fairness of the trial. First, does a criminal court have or should have, any general duty or any power to investigate and oversee executive abuses on the part of law-enforcement officers not affecting either the fairness of the trial process or the bona fides of the charge which it is called upon to try and occurring prior to the institution of the criminal proceedings and to order the discountenance of such proceedings and the discharge of the accused, if it is satisfied that such abuses have taken place?

That the court has powers to prevent the abuse of its own, I would accept, include power to investigate the bona fide charge which it is called upon to try and to decline to entertain a charge instituted in bad faith or oppressively-for instance if the accused’s co-operation in the investigation of crime has been secured by an executive undertaking that no prosecution will take place.

Thus, I would not for a moment wish to suggest any doubt as to the correctness of a decision such as that in the recent case of R vs.

Croydon Justice, ex p Dean (1993) 3 All ER 129, where the court quashed committal proceedings instituted after an undertaking given to the accused by police officers that he Continues on page 40

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

CONSCIENCE AND HISTORY - MY STORY

The judgment that set Peter Odili free (4) would not be prosecuted. In such a case doubt is cast both upon the bona fides of the prosecution and on the fairness to an accused who has been invited to prejudice his own position on the faith of the undertaking.

This persuasive pronouncement stands to say more to the equally but only persuasive decision of the ECOWAS Court.

However this issue is only academic as stated elsewhere in this judgment, because of the misconception it is tempting to portray it as the modern trend in the law.

The modern trend is rule of law.

Having delved on the academic issue extensively to correct the erroneous impression created by the 2nd defendant's submission, let me say without much ado that I agree with the submissions of learned senior counsel for the plaintiff that the preliminary objection is misconceived, therefore, I have no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that the preliminary objection has no merit. Consequently it is hereby dismissed.

Having dismissed the preliminary objection I am left with the main matter. As stated elsewhere at the inception of this judgment and as rightly pointed out by Mr. Adedipe SAN, the defendants did not proffer any argument on the merit of the application.

Though the second defendant in his submissions stated that the plaintiff in the instant suit is not a party to suit no. FHC/PH/CS/78/ 07 that issue to my mind even though it is in the preliminary objection the issue also bothers on the main matter. However, the issue had been well tackled in the very clear and eloquent submissions of the plaintiffs counsel. ‘

Default of defence That notwithstanding, this being a claim for declaratory reliefs same cannot be granted on admission or default of defence but with evidence and arguments.

See the case of Ibrahim V. Military Administrator of Kaduna State (2004) 5 NWLR pt.866 page 322.

Moreso it is stated: “In my opinion, under the power of the court to make a declaration, where it is a question of defining the rights of two parties, is almost unlimited; I might say only limited by its own discretion. The discretion should of course be exercised judicially, but it seems to me that the discretion is very wide (LORD STERNDALE, M. R.)- HANSON V. RADCLIFFE U. D. C. (1922) 2 Ch. 490; All E. R Rep. 160; 91 L. J. Ch. 66 Sol. Jo.

556; 20 L. G. R. 541, C. A.” In the instant case, I am satisfied that the plaintiff has produced evidence and has proffered argument and none of the defendants made any submissions on the merit of the application. The 2nd defendant laboured to make submissions on issues that are not before the court, and left the issues before the court. In the circumstances the case of the plaintiff becomes unchallenged on the merit and the court can accept the case of the plaintiff that is not challenged on the merits. See The Empire Digest on declaratory orders to interested parties not before the Court at paragraph 263 page 200.

Some interested parties not before court, by Ord. XXV, r. 5 (made applicable in the Eastern Region of Nigeria by sects. 14 & .5 of the High Court Law, (1958) the court has power to make “binding declarations of right, whether any consequent relief is or could be claimed or not. Reps, on behalf of themselves and in a representative capacity on behalf of the Ukwa family, Onitsha, claimed, inter alia, a declaration of title to an area of land and consequential reliefs, but applicants, who by their defence, inter alia, set up the title of the Obosi people to the disputed land, denied that they were the persons to represent to Obosi people.

Personal capacity The trial Judge was of the opinion that although the suit was against the applicants, in their personal capacity in substance it was the Obosi community who were with no proof of trespass or of being in possession by any applicants, who were sued in a personal capacity, and that an injunction would not lie against unlawful interference by them. They could not be evicted, but as they raised in their defence the title of the Obosi people to the land in dispute, and had failed to substantiate it, representatives who had proved their title, were entitled to a declaration against Applicants. The judge held that the power under Order XXV rule 5, was in wide and general terms and what was conferred was a discretion to be exercised according to the facts of each individual case.

Beyond the fact that the power to grant a declaration should be exercised with a proper sense of responsibility and a full realisation that judicial pronouncements ought not to be issued unless there were circumstances that called for their making, there was

no legal restriction on the award of a declaration.

There had never been any unqualified rule of practice that forbade the making of a declaration even when some of the persons interested in the subject of the declaration were not before the court. Where, as here Applicants have decided to make themselves the champions of the rights of those not represented -the Obosi people- and had fought the case on that basis, and Where, as here, the trial judge took the view that the interested parties not represented were in reality fighting the suit, so to say from behind the hedge, there was no principle of law which disentitled the judge from making a declaration of title in respondent’s favour - IBENEWEKA V. EBGUNA, (1964) 1 WLR 219; 108 Sol Jo. 114 P. C. On the claim and counter claim I must quickly say: The 1st relief in the counter claim is that the court was invited to sit in its civil jurisdiction to make orders outlawing criminal investigation. That cannot be correct. The court was invited to affirm that which the 2nd defendant proposes was ordered ultra vires the 2nd defendant and was also declared unconstitutional, null and void. In other words the plain-

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Continues from page 39

2nd defendant to seek to set aside the decision of 20/3/07 but not to seek to ignore it or rely on its actions and omissions that were held ultra vires, unconstitutional and nullified.

The 4th relief sought by the Plaintiff are not ultra vires the jurisdiction of this court in the light of the subsisting judgment in suit no. FHC/PH/CS/78/07.

Having made findings that plaintiffs reliefs are competent, it follows that the award of counter claim in the sum of N1bn has no legs to stand. It is a claim that is incompetent in law by the 2nd defendant and without any basis.

I am not surprised that the 2nd defendant counter claimant did not address the court on its counterclaim which in law is a different claim from the claim of the Plaintiffs.

The plaintiff's claims contained in the summons are competent and do not constitute or amount to an abuse of the court process.

In sum the counter claim lacks merit, it is bound to fail. It has failed. Be and it is hereby dismissed.

The plaintiff claims contained in the summons are competent and does not constitute or amount to an abuse of the court process. In sum the counter claim lacks merit, it is bound to fail. It has failed. Be and it is hereby dismissed

tiff seeks a declaration from the court for affirmation of its orders in suit no. FHC/PH/CS/78/07.

On the 2nd relief, I hold the judgment is a judgment in rem and is against the entire world.

Indeed not only Odili in so far as the 2nd defendant was a party to the decision of 20/3/07 which nullified the purported investigation of December 2006/ January 2007 anybody that is being indicted on the basis of that nullified investigation can benefit from that decision against the 2nd Defendant who was a party and who was restrained from or purporting to act or put into use the nullified steps the 2nd Defendant took.

The 3rd relief sought by the 2nd Defendant is the re-affirmation and confirmation of the intent and purpose of the judgment as it affects the 2nd defendant i.e. that it is now taking steps to have the judgment set aside. In this regard the court will say no more than it is the constitutional right of the

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In the final analysis, the case of the plaintiff has merit. It succeeds and I grant the reliefs sought and for the avoidance of doubt I make the following orders: a. In the light of the final and subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ PH/CS/78/2007; a declaration that the Defendant cannot arrest, detain, arraign and/or prosecute the Plaintiff on the basis of its alleged investigations conducted into the affairs of Rivers State between 29th May 1999 and 29th May 2007, is here by made. b. In view of judgment in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/78/07, a declaration that the purported Findings of the investigation team of the 2nd Defendant into the activities of the Rivers State Government between the period of 29th May 1999 and 29th May 2007, the said investigation being subject-matter of a suit FHC/PH/CS/78/07, are invalid, unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void.

c. In the light of the judgment in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/78/2007 an order of this court restraining the Defendants, jointly and severally from arresting, detaining, arraigning and/or prosecuting the Plaintiff in any court pursuant to any purported investigations by the 2nd Defendant which investigation is the subject of the aforesaid suit is also hereby made. d. In view of the subsisting valid judgment of this court delivered on 20/3/07, an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants, jointly and severally from disseminating, publishing, circulating or distributing the report of the alleged investigation conducted by the 2nd Defendant into the activities of the Rivers State Government under the tenure of the Plaintiff, which said investigation, is nullified in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/78/07 is also hereby made.

I am done. So be it.

HON. JUSTICE I. N. BUBA JUDGE Judgment read and delivered in open Court.

Parties absent.

Mr. IA Adedipe,SAN, with him are Ms D. West, U. Oyaghira, E. Ime, B. Fasuyi, O. Mgbakoba and D. Konya for the Plaintiff Mr. James Binang with him Mr. G. O. Edobor, Miss O.T. Oji, Mrs. A. Akinshola and I.A. Arogha for the 2nd Defendant No order as to cost.

Unambiguous legal position The Attorney-General of the Federation was the first defendant in this second case.

Despite the clear and unambiguous legal position on the matter, EFCC leadership under Farida Waziri from time to time made disparaging and libellous comments on the Odili case. Appropriate responses will be made to these and other similar comments at the right time.

Clearly I have been unfairly judged by columnists and commentators who out of intellectual laziness and based on baseless comments by EFCC (under Farida Waziri) without facts, evidence and in abject contravention of court orders had made statements that were clearly libellous.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 ---- 41

THE WEALTH AND POVERTY OF A NATION:

Who will restore the dignity of Nigeria? (4) This is the concluding instalment of a paper presented by Dr. Ezekwesili at the convocation of the University of Nigeria Nsukka recently

Y

OU have the tools need ed for massive political and civic education of your illiterate peers on the importance of political rights and participation in the political process. By virtue of your university education and experiences you understand the economics of politics in Nigeria better than your illiterate peers who ignorantly trade off their political rights and chances for better governance outcomes for a mere mess of porridge.

Economics teaches us that there are some basic Smithian conditions (as espoused by Adam Smith in the Wealth of Nations) for sustainable economic growth. No country has become rich, and stayed that way, without establishing these conditions. Countries such as Great Britain and the United States became rich because their citizens overthrew the elite who controlled power and created a society with political rights more broadly distributed and the government accountable and responsive to citizens. In these countries the great mass of people could take advantage of eco-

DR. OBY EZEKWESILI nomic opportunities and so the entire nation prospered.

To the contrary, nations dominated by self-centered elite fail and they are extremely poor.

Your generation can work as collectives across this country and set the agenda for lasting positive change in the political architecture of Nige-

ria. Only after reading Why Nations Fail did I finally understand the wise words of Plato that “one of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that President Goodluck Jonathan you end up being governed by your inferiors”. Therefore, do determining the quality of life not be like me and my kind of the Nigerian? Do you now who have ignored politics and see what our Big Problem is?

A recent global survey left it to professional politicians to determine its charac- showed that your generation ter and substance. The incen- around the world stands out tive that must drive your own as the most connected to the impulses on whether to en- developments in internationgage or not is the knowledge al affairs. So, most of you will that except the insalubrious assuredly be aware that not political context that has pro- just in our nation but that evduced a persistently failing erywhere else world over, peoNigeria changes positively; ple are seeking for those who your individual talents, op- can solve the Big Problems in portunities and greatness will their respective nations. In not materialize nor be maxi- several other nations the somized. In deciding to free Ni- lutions to Big Problems are geria from its legendary po- coming from your generationlitical failures, you will actu- al peers. ally free yourselves to excel like Productive your contemporar- economy ies in the rest of Surely, having established the world. “The positive dimen- that our own Big Problem is sions of succeed- the failure of politics to deliving at this task de- er the right environment in mocratizing polit- which a productive economy ical powers be- can thriveoutside of the exyond the minus- traction of natural resourcestcule are account- hat fuels the destructive choicability, property es of our ruling elite you have rights and rule of the information needed for law, which in com- driving change. You would bination provide have to decide whether you low transactions cost so that are ready to play the role of a markets can work effectively change catalyst or would rathand efficiently. When these er adopt the safer option conditions are absent, a soci- which is to “siddon look.” ety faces corruption, instabil- There is no better time to make ity and poor human rights. In- such life changing decisions vestors, including domestic than the day of one’s graduainvestors, flee such settings”. tion from College.

I should know about making Do you now see how inextricably connected our political decisions on graduation day! and economic fortunes are in On my graduation day in

Map of Nigeria 1985, my fertile mind having absorbed as much of the eclectic knowledge available on this campus as possible was budding with curiosity about the challenges of good governance in Nigeria. I made up my mind at that time to never lose my voice in the society and that for as long as I lived, I would always speak up on matters of governance, transparency, accountability and probity. Divine providence followed that decision and the supportive actions I took to back it and my steps began to be ordered on a trajectory that had me as one of the leaders of our own generations’ campaign for democracy and good governance - The Concerned Professionals with the likes of Pat Utomi, Sam Oni, Morin Ba-

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By OBI EZEKWESILI

powered to make decisions and choices today that will ultimately determine what, where and how you will be in the next twenty eight years and beyond……..

But I warn you to be mindful and not rush to decide.

You will need to fully assess all the possible costs of your decisions and choices and then determine whether you have the strength of will to bear them. Whatever choices you make from today for the purpose of helping build a New Nigeria will most certainly cost you something.

Such is the reality of nation rebuilding. Those who truly build their societies pay a price. They are not. For example you cannot be one given to the lure of free money, one who cannot defer gratifi-

Whatever choices you make from today for the purpose of helping build a New Nigeria will most certainly cost you something. Such is the reality of nation rebuilding. Those who truly build their societies pay a price

balola and many others.

Staying committed to that decision that I made on graduation day was what provided me the rare privilege of becoming one of the few cofounders and a founding director of Transparency International the Berlin based global non-governmental organization that pioneered the work on anti-corruption and promotion of transparency. That decision that I made on graduation day informed all my life choices and paved the path for what you know of my vocational endeavors. So what decisions are you prepared to make today, dear friends? I assure you have the greatest gift of God to mankind is the power to choose. You are em-

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cation and one for whom the path of least resistance holds abiding fascination; and then say you are part of the Turning Point Generation. No! The willingness to “enjoy” wealth that is not earned is not consistent with such Turning Point paradigm. For example, for anyone of you in the Class of 2013 you cannot having perverted the maxim “reward for effort” cheating in exams or using forged certificates to gain your admission and say you are a catalyst for the emergence of the New Nigeria.

If your decisions or choices from today are driven by some selfish interest of replacing the failed and fading genera-

Continues on Page 42

42—Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 against the Provisions of the Constitution.

Party Congresses are now not properly held at the Local Government and State levels and this also include the Conventions. They are only held according to the dictates of the Governors. The supremacy of the Party has been hijacked by them.

Enough is enough!

•Clark tells governors (5)

Political positions

This is the concluding instalment of the open letter to the Nigerian Governors Forum. The fourth part was published yesterday.

By EDWIN CLARK

A

LSO, in a publication in the Sunday Sun of January 13, 2013 at page 11 titled “Why PDP Governors are after Tukur,” Chief Iwuayanwu, a chieftain of the PDP, who had also aspired to be the National Chairman of the PDP, spoke in a rider titled “Governors will kill this Party – Iwuayanwu.” He said: "There is need for internal mechanism by the Party to check the performance of the governors.

I had already said it in 2008 that the greatest enemy of democracy in this country is the Governors’ Forum; that organization is illegal and should

coming overbearing for this nation. It is either they checkmated (sic) or, we surrender totally to them and let them continue what they are doing.

First and foremost, the Governors’ Forum wants to dictate who is going to be Minister from their respective States and all appointments at the Federal levels, yet they come back to their States and become lord of manor, singlehandedly picking ministers and other appointees and at the third-tier of government they want to dictate, who is going to be councillor, let alone a chairman.

"It is rather unfortunate to an extent that whatever we are

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Today, the PDP is sitting on a keg of gun powder which can explode at any time. The question is who will bail the cat? I wish to urge the Governors Forum to have a re-think on its activities, remembering that power is transient

be disbanded. It is a gang up of people with a lot of money, and with money in Nigeria you can do anything.

"They chose the national chairman, they chose everything, even the president is one of them, the vice-president is one of them. So, the democracy we have today has been hijacked by an organization called the Governors Forum."

Senator Adegbenga Kaka, ex-Deputy Governor of Ogun

CHIEF EDWIN CLARK

State and presently a Senator representing Ogun East District on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, also bares his mind on the issue. In a publication in the Leadership Newspaper of Friday, January 18, 2013 titled “Govs Are Becoming Overbearing for this Country —Kaka,” at pages 38-39, he said: "My take on this issue is that, the governors are be-

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hearing from the 774 local government is that, using the state-and-local government joint account that was so (sic) to be beneficial to local governments, using them as a veritable way of further pauperizing the local governments for their own use, it is very unfortunate… it is either we decided to amend the constitution and then, grant total autonomy to the local governments or, we totally allow the states to take over the local governments as one of their agencies so that they can do whatever they like with their respective local governments. So that it will be a total surrender to them. Anything in between will not solve the problem and we either ask them to take 100 percent control of what goes on in like (sic) local governments as one of their ministries or, we say that local governments are the closed (sic) to the grass roots, and they must be allowed to operate without hindrance in the spirit of democracy. It is either of the two and no half measure.”

In concluding this Open Letter I want to summarise by saying that today the 36 Houses of Assembly members in the country are selected by the

Governors Forum chairman, Gov Amaechi Governors throughout the country and not elected by the Parties, or by the electorate.

The Governors even chose the Principal Officers of the House. Is it not ridiculous and unbelievable that these powerless members of the Houses of Assembly have refused to take advantage of last year’s Constitutional Amendment exercise to extricate themselves from the hands of the Governors by opting to become independent of the Governors so as to control their finances?

The implication of all these is that we will soon arrive at a situation whereby the National Assembly will face a similar situation if the Governors are allowed to control the Party Primaries and Elections of these National Assembly Legislators. Such Legislators both

at the National and State levels will not know their Constituencies because they did not receive the mandate of their people and, therefore, are not accountable to them, but are accountable to the Governors who selected them.

It is a question of “selectocracy” and not democracy.

Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which states that “The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed…,” has been breached by the Governors with impunity. Care-Taker Committees appointed by the Governors are now imposed on the people. This gives the Governors the opportunity to manipulate the State and Local Government Joint Account

Patriotic Nigerians and the founding fathers of the PDP, and the youths who want to aspire to political positions in the country but cannot do so because of the over-bearing influence of the Governors Forum, must stand up against this ugly trend for the survival of democracy in this our great country, if we are not to surrender our democracy to this oppressive and dictatorial Forum.

Like I said earlier, I am over 85 years old and I am on my way out. If I cannot speak out now, it will be disservice to the nation. A situation whereby the various political offices in Nigeria, both at the Party and Governmental levels will be manipulated and controlled by the Governors Forum is worse than even the military regime, and is unacceptable.

Today, the PDP is sitting on a keg of gun powder which can explode at any time. The question is who will bail the cat? I wish to urge the Governors Forum to have a re-think on its activities, remembering that power is transient.

Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark, OFR, CON, a Concerned Elder Statesman

Concluded

Who will restore the dignity of Nigeria? (4) Continues from Page 41 tions so as to repeat their nation-hobbling pattern then please know that you are not of the Turning Point Generation.

I have spoken to you today to stir up your collective effective angst at the indignity of your inheritance. If I have succeeded in raising your determination to free our nation from the trap of oil, then my coming is worthy. If I have succeeded in helping you see how continuous education not more extraction of oil will help you outperform and take Nigeria up the economic development ladder, then my coming worthy. If I have succeeded in preparing you to embrace dignity of labour as your philosophy of life – never shunning legitimate vocation that helps you earn a living regardless of how lowly it might seem - then my coming is worthy.

If today, I have succeeded in preparing you for a life ofprivate and public integrity then my coming is worthy. If I have deposited in you a deep seethed contempt for poor governance, then my coming is worthy. If I have succeeded in preparing you for a lifetime of costly choices that invariably ennoble your path then my coming is worthy. If I have succeeded in helping you realize that you are not weak- that you are actually very powerful- and have both the excep-

tional opportunities and the tools like your peers in other nations to solve our own Big Problem then my coming is worthy.

If I have moved you to decide that you will be one of those that will redefine and build a New Nigeria of our dream then is my coming worthy. If I have succeeded in inspiring a resolve within you to uphold from today a strong sense of personal responsibility for the political governance of Nigeria then my coming is worthy. Above all, if I have succeeded in getting you motivated and empowered enough to walk out of this hall seeing ready to walk and work as a part of the Turning PointGeneration that courageously dares to restore the the dignity of Nigeria then is my being truly worth it!

I salute you, the great lions and lionesses of the class of 2013! All of you, my dear fellow alumnae of the University of Nigeria are indeed the true Wealth, the Greatness and above all the Dignity of Nigeria!!

•Obiageli Katryn Ezekwesili, class of 1985, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; senior economic adviser, Africa Economic Policy Development Initiative, Open Society Foundation.

Concluded

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013—43

Nigeria and quest for nuclear power energy in the 21st Century (2) •Lessons from selected contentious case studies across the globe

BY ABDULLAHI U. MAIYAKI

H

ISTORICAL Overview of Nigeria’s Electricity and Thermal Power Generations The policy paper shall further undertake a historical exposition of Nigeria’s electricity generation which saw emergence of hydro and thermal power stations nationwide. The Nigerian National Electricity Power Policy, a publication of the National Council on Privatisation, under the Presidency, Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, articulated body of thoughts in year 2001 into a policy document.

Electricity generation in Nigeria is said to have began in 1896.

By 1929, the Nigerian Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) commenced operation as an electricity utility company in Nigeria reinforced by the construction of a hydro electric power station at Kurra Far near Jos. By 1951, the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) came on board, while the first 132KV line was said to have been constructed in 1962, linking Ijora Power Station to Ibadan Power Station respectively.

Electricity generation Furthermore, the history of electricity generation in Nigeria was given a boost with the establishment of the Niger Dams Authority (NDA) in 1962 with the mandate to develop the hydro power potentials of the country.

However, ten years later, by 1972, the two existing parastatals on the nation’s electricity power sector (ECN and NDA cited above) were merged to give way to the emergence of the National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA).

By 1998, the exclusive monopoly NEPA exercised over electricity generation, transmission, distributed and sales had ceased.

In addition, the National Electricity Power Policy 2001 (NEPP) revealed the nation’s electricity supply infrastructure where it disclosed the then national electricity grid, which consisted of nine generating stations namely

- (three hydro and six thermal power stations) with a total installed generating capacity of 5906MW as can be seen below: a) Kainji Hydro Power Station located in Niger State along the River Niger was the first Hydro Power Station in the country. The 8 generating units were said to have been commissioned as (i) 4 x 80MW in 1968; (ii) 2 x 10MW in 1976 and (iii) 2 x 120MW in 1978 respectively. b) Jebba Hydro Power Station located in the present Kwara State, said to be downstream Kainji Hydro Power Station, has 6 units commissioned in 1986 c) Shiroro Hydro Power Station also located in Niger State along the Kaduna River, has four generating units commissioned as 2 x 150MW (1989); 3 x 150MW (1990) respectively.

Afam thermal station d) Afam Thermal Power Station located in Rivers State, uses natural gas, started operation in 1965 with 6 units and commissioned as: 2 x 10.5MW (1965); 2 x 17.5MW (1965); 4 x 23MW (1976); 4 x 27MW (1978); 6 x 75MW (1982) respectively. e) Delta Thermal Power Station located in Ughelli, Delta State, also uses natural gas and started operation in 1965m with 6 units and commissioned as follows: 2 x 36MW (1966); 6 x 20MW (1975); 6 x 20MW (1978); 1 x 100MW (1989); 5 x 10MW (1990) respectively. f) Egbin Thermal Power Station located in Lagos State, described as the largest in the country has 3 units and commissioned as follows: 2 x 220MW (1985); 2 x 220MW (1986); 2 x 220MW (1987) respectively. g) Sapele Thermal Power Station located in Ogorode, Delta State uses both steam and gas turbines with 2 units commissioned as follows: 6 x 120MW (1978) and 4 x 75MW (1981) respectively. h) Ijora Thermal Power Station located in Lagos State, uses AGO fuel and has 3 units commissioned as follows: 3 x 20MW (1978). i) Oji Thermal Power Station located on the Oji River in Enu-

Nuclear power facility

gu State, being the only coalpowered station in the country, with 4 unites commissioned as follows: 2 x 5MW (1956) and 2 x 10MW (1956) respectively.

Nigeria quest for nuclear power energy; historical perspective: Generally, we have presented a picture of the nation’s electricity power generation with the emergent infrastructures that came on board to actualized Nigeria’s objective of ensuring that “the nation’s electricity supply industry meet the needs of the populace in the 21st century.” This fundamental objective propelled the aspiration for a nuclear power energy policy in 1976 when the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) was established, but went into limbo until year 2006 before it was officially inaugurated.

Analysts attributed the slow pace in the nation’s nuclear pow-

,

This is the second instalment of the open letter to the Nigerian Governors Forum. The first part was published yesterday.

gy Commission (NAEC) respectively.

The nation’s quest for nuclear power energy was said to receive a boost with the establishment of the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in 1991 with the mandate to conduct research for the development of nuclear energy. Also the establishment of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NMRA) by the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No 19 of 1995, charged with the task to ensure the protection of life, property and environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation. The Act is said to further mandated the NNRA to provide training, information and guidance on nuclear safety and radiation protection in the country generally.

Furthermore, in year 2004, Nigeria had a Chinese-origin Nu-

Analysts attributed the slow pace in the nation’s nuclear power energy development to press reports of nuclear power energy related disasters

er energy development to press reports of nuclear power energy related disasters particularly, the Chernobyl (Ukrainian) disaster of 1986 ranked the seventh on the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES), blamed on human error. According to this school of thought, many other nations of the world were discouraged from venturing into the risky nuclear powered energy industry as an alternative source of electricity generation, Nigeria not excluded from this fear as well.

However, despite this noted disaster in 1986, the then Federal Government of Nigeria established two nuclear research centres namely: The Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERD) located at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and the second, the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) domiciled at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the two centres were earlier brought under the supervision of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, but later brought together under the Nigeria Atomic Ener-

,

clear Research Reactor (NIRR) installed at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The successful operation of the facility had demonstrated to the international community Nigeria’s capacity to regulate a critical assembly. Similarly, in the areas of emergency response, NNRA is said to have acquired a mobile vehicle based equipped with facilities for Emergency Radiation System for timely response to any radiological cases/accident.

The inauguration of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) by President Goodluck Jonathan late year 2011 with Dr. Erepamo Osaisai as its Chairman as well as the commissioning of the nation’s Research Hostel and Conference Centre at the Nuclear Technology Centre, Sheda, FCT Abuja on Thursday June 28, 2012 equally demonstrates Nigeria’s zeal for Nuclear Powered energy in the 21st Century.

Nigeria re-affirmed commitment to nuclear power energy for peaceful purposes: Mindful of the controversy nuclear power energy development has been

generating in the present world order, President Goodluck Jonathan was said to have assured the international community that Nigeria’s pursuit of nuclear technology was only for peaceful purpose. This remark was conveyed by the Vice President Namadi Sambo at the commissioning of the Researcher’s Hostel and Conference Centre located at the Nuclear Technology Centre, Sheda, FCT, Abuja on Thursday 28th June, 2012. President Jonathan was said to have observed that “Apart from the generation of electricity, nuclear energy finds ready peaceful applications in agriculture and food security, human health and medicine, water resources management, industry and in basic and applied science research”.

Analytical and planning tools The President further noted that “the decision to introduce nuclear power into our energy mix was made after lengthy and meticulous process, which involved the use of analytical and planning tools, with the cooperation and assistance of the International Atomic Energy Commission (IAEA)”.

Thus, the project being commissioned that day, President Jonathan asserted that, “it is also an affirmation of his administration’s strong belief that the frontiers as socio-economic development are within the reach of any determined and committed society driven by science and technology” (Sheda, (2012) Ibid. p.1). This remark should represent the nation’s objectives and direction in nuclear power energy for the 21st century.

The proceeding paragraphs shall attempt to examine some selected contentious/disputed nuclear power energy development programme case studies in the present world order to safeguard against similar problems

by Nigeria in our quest for nuclear power energy in the future.

To be continued Mallam Maiyaki is of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA),Lagos.

44—Vanguard, FRID AY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 FRIDA

Natural medicine demystifies cancer, says Ayodele

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

A

FRONTLINE Naturo path, and Herbal Medicine practitioner Dr. Isaac Ayodele, has called for greater emphasis on consideration of natural medicine in the management treatment of cancer in Nigeria.

Ayodele, who is CEO, Ayodele Slimmers and Naturopathic Clinic, and Chairman, Boad of Trustees, BOT, Natural Integrative Medicine Association, NIMPA, declared: “There is no big deal in cancer. It is not a death sentence but coined to impose fear. The fear of cancer has killed more than the ailment.”

In a chat, Ayodele who has researched into herbal remedies in spearheading major health transformations in the country, told Nature’s Health, that his organisation recently receded into research to restrategise in the face of impending health challenges such as cancer, diabetes, obesity and other debilitating ailments.

“Everybody has cancer cells, but the high intake of the

• Dr Isaac Ayodele

foods and drinks by modern is largely responsible for the proliferation of the cancer cells to full blown cancer which can be reversed by eating and drinking natural foods, drinks and medication.

“Cancer patients should take in more natural integrative remedies in their treatment by improving on their immunity, avoiding sugar, junk and fatty foods while eating more of raw foods, drinks and natural medication.

He said nature has provided solution in natural medicine and that it was time for Nigerians to take advantage of me-

dicinal plants in the country to improve the health of the citizenry.

Ayodele argued that conventional medical treatment on cancer has not improved the health of cancer patients better than non-orthodox medicine.

“Despite billions invested yearly on cancer treatment, cancer cases are increasing and nobody seems to care that the best way to save the patients even when it is evident that those who refused medical procedures of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery had a lower mortality rate than

those who submitted.

The leading Natural Integrative Medicine practitioner said his organisation resolved to unveil a way out of ailments that have cut short lives of

FG reappoints Idoko NACA DG

• Professor John Idoko

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the reappointment of the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, Prof. John Idoko, for another four years.

In a letter conveying the approval, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, noted that Idoko’s reappointment "is a reflection of the President's confidence and trust in you" Idoko has served as Principal Investigator of the

• Anti-cancer foods

promising young men and women in the country was borne out of a necessity to refine natural medical intelligence to tackle the mother of all ailments that have made many lives miserable.

He said cancer, diabetes and obesity are killing the human race at a very fast rate as root causes of various heart related diseases, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and kidney ailments.

Harvard University/AIDS Prevention Initiative Nigeria, APIN;Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, programme and antiretroviral clinic at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, Plateau State which cares for about 20,000 patients with HIV. He was President, Nigerian AIDS Research Network, 2002-2008, Chairman Nigerian National Antiretroviral Committee 2001-2009 before his appointment as the DG, NACA in April 2009.

Under his tenure, the National HIV prevalence dropped from 4.6 percent in 2008 to 4.1 percent in 2010.

NACA under Prof Idoko is deploying all resources available to bring mother to child transmission of HIV to zero point in order to visibly and conclusively retard the virus and end HIV transmission from that critical point

2 Caesarean Sections and a normal delivery

I

• Chinelo Opara

N her new book “Two Cae sarean Sections and a Normal Delivery: My Story” (published by AuthorHouse), Chinelo Opara opens up about her three very unique pregnancy and delivery stories, giving readers a broad, yet personal, introduction to what to expect with the journey to motherhood.

“Two Caesarean Sections and a Normal Delivery” acquaints readers with the power and significance of pregnancy and childbirth by sharing Opara’s personal experiences through the lifechanging event. She works to

quell the fears of delivery – both through natural and caesarean birth – by educating readers on what her experiences were like. She also demonstrates how she placed her faith in God that her pregnancies and deliveries would go smoothly, and how doing so gave her courage.

An excerpt from “Two Caesarean Sections and a Normal Delivery”: My lovely reader, can you imagine God using a male and a female to produce another human being? A foetus’s anatomy and physiology are designed not in the view of

any person, but in God’s secret place. You cannot see the baby except by physical signs, scanning machines, and faith in God. Only through those things do you know the baby exists. The baby is given a spirit and a soul—not to mention a destiny and a purpose for living. Still, to this day, I remain interested and perplexed at all of God’s creations.

Opara hopes her book helps women feel confident in all aspects of pregnancy, but she also wants to ask them to consider the possibility that miracles can happen. “God

inspired me to write this book, as I believe He placed it in my heart to do so. Since then it has been a desire for me to share my unusual story of, having a normal delivery after having two previous caesarean sections with others.”

Opara grew up in the UK, earned her B.Sc degree in psychiatric nursing in London. She and her husband are the parents of three children, and she enjoys shopping, going on holidays, cooking, doing her children’s hair and having massages – all in addition to her newest interest in writing.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013—45

TREBLE CHANCE Liverpool Norwich Sunderland Blackburn Bolton Brighton Colchester Coventry Doncaster

v West Brom. v Fulham v Arsenal v Ipswich v Burnley v Hul v Preston v Yeovil v Walsall

SOCCER TIPS Falcao'happ alcao'happyy and satisfied' at Atletico Madrid

FOUR HOMES

RADAMEL Falcao has reiterated his commitment to Atletico Madrid and believes he can win more trophies with the Spanish side.

The Colombian striker, who lifted the Europa League with Atleti last season, has had his future subjected to fierce speculation over the past six months with moves to clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea all being reported.

However, the former Porto forward has claimed that his thoughts are only with his current side as they launch a sustained push for La Liga.

“I have three years left on my contract at my club and I am happy and satisfied,” Falcao told reporters.

“It is clear to us what we want, which is to qualify for the Champions League, but if we can fight for the title, then we will.

“We will continue fighting for the league while it remains a mathematical possibility. We know it is hard because Barcelona are having a faultless season.

“Obviously in sporting terms I have the ambition to continue to progress and do better than this season, to keep fighting at the top of the Spanish League, the Europa League and in the semifinals of a tournament like the Copa del Rey. I just think of Atletico.”

The 26-year-old also reflected on the seven-point lead his side have over fierce local rivals Real Madrid, saying that while it is a good feeling to be above their illustrious neighbours, it is not Jose Mourinho’s side who dominate their thinking.

“We have a very good seven-point lead over our rivals, who in many years have been suLATE perior to us in terms of results.

X-RAY OF THE DRAWS Week 30 F.A cla ys Premier ship .A.. Bar Barcla clays Premiership 1 Aston V 2 Chelsea 3 Liverpool 4 Man Utd 5 Norwich 6 South'pton 7 Stoke 8 Sunderland 9 Swansea 10 Tottenham

v West Ham v. Wigan v West Brom. v Everton v Fulham v Man City v Reading v Arsenal v Q.P.R. v Newcastle.

1X 1 XX 1 XX 2 1 XX 1X 1

NPower Football Championship 11 Blackburn 12 Blackpool 13 Bolton 14 Brighton 15 Bristol C. 16 Chalton 17 Huddersfld 18 Middlesbro 19 Peterboro 20 Sheff Wed. 21Watford 22 Wolves

v Ipswich XX v Millwall 2X v Burnley XX v Hull XX v Nottm For. 2 v Birmingham 2 v Cardiff 2 v Barnsley 2 v Leicester 2 v Derby 2 v Crystal P. 1 v Leeds 2

N P owerFootball League One 23 Bournemouth 24 Brentford 25 Calisle 26 Colchester 27 Coventry 28 Doncaster 29 Leyton O. 30 Notts Co. 31 Oldham 32 Scunthorpe 33 Shrewsbury 34 Swindon

v Portsmouth v Bury v Stevenage. v Preston v Yeovil v Walsall v Tranmere v Crewe v Milton KD v Crawley v Sheff Utd. v Hartlepool

XX 1 2 XX XX XX 1 1 1 2 2 1

TIPS Beckham backs ManU 2 X 4 X 10 PAIR to win Premier League NPower Football League X21 ENGLAND legend and PSG midfielder 13 FOUR AWAYS David Beckham has backed his former Tw o X club Manchester United to win the Pre17 X 19 X 20 mier League this season.

35 Accrington S. v Southendt 2X 14 X 22 Beckham spent over a decade at Old 36 Aldershot v Plymouth. XX winning the league title six PERMUTATION AVOID Trafford, 37 Barnet v Port Vale 2 times, and is confident that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will emerge victorious 38 Bradford C. v Gillingham 2 3 X 5 X 23 X 34 once more."Only one answer. Yes!" rev Rotherham 2 28 X 36 X 48 RISKY plied Beckham when asked whether 39 Burton A. United would win the title during a Q&A 40 Chesterfld v AFC Wimbl'dn 1 TIPS session with H&M. 47 41 Dagenham v Cheltenham XX The 37-year-old famously played for 41X 43X 45 42 Morecambe v Exeter X2 both the Red Devils and Real Madrid, and CREDIT Dundee .2 Torquay 2 Nourth'pton 2 Dagenham 3 Aldershot 3 Notts Co. 3 Coventry 3 Colchester 3

EXCELLENT

could not pick a side to support or choose a winner ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash."Tough. I love both clubs,” Beckham continued.

“I've been a United fan since I was 5 years old but am still in love with Real, it will be a great game."

Liverpool 7 Norwich 7 Sunderland 7 Blackburn 5 Ronaldo set for Bolton 5 showdown Brighton 5 THEsummer Portuguese forward says that he Charlton 5 "doesn't care" about his contract renewal at the but insisted that he will sit down with Watford 5 moment, the club for talks at the end of the season.

43 North'pton 44 Oxford 45 Torquay 46 Wycombe

v Rochdale XX v Bristol R. 2X v Fleetwood XX v York 1

Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier 47 Aberdeen 48 Dundee 49 Hibernian

v ST. Mirren 1 v Ross County XX v St.John'stone XX

3 5 36 48 Revised Pairs 3 x 5, 28 x 36 41 x 43, 45 x 48

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

I

Tel: 08098097290

email: isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

The brotherhood of Ansar (2) Whoever reads your message will never do things contrary to the teaching of the Prophet. A christian will be bold and free to live in peace and unity a Muslim. May God

thousands of christians killed.

Your brotherhood is violated when a Muslim is killed....” Obviously this person did not read the piece before sending his comment.

,

really appreciate the comments from readers on the last edition on ‘The brotherhood of Ansar’.

Though more of the comments were complimentary while a few others were apparently directed by non-muslims to chastise this column, but ther serve a great deal of encouragment and sharpen our resolve to continue to put Islam in the right perspective, teach those who dont know and correct the misrepresentation especially by nonMuslims on Islam. I have decided to let our other readers enjoy some of these comments and contributions this week.

One says: “Of the 73 sects prophesied by the Noble Prophet, only those on the original path of Ahlil Sunnah Wal Jamaah are on the true and right path.

To condemn Sunni brand of Islam is wrong unless one is of Shia heretical path. You rightly said Islam abhors violence of all sorts. Do not however limit such misguided actions to any one sect especially that adjudged to be only straight path. May Allah bless your rightful efforts.”

“I am not a Muslim but a Christian of a Catholic Faith. I have been a great and constant follower of your publication.

Facing The Kaaba’. I found the article to be very educative and helpful to both Muslims and non-Muslim.

God has given us the freedom of choice.

Those who decide to reject the truth, later in their lives are condemned to dogmatism and bigotry

give you more wisdom to teach the truth. God bless you. Henry Udemeh. Asaba, Delta State.”

On this, I can only say thank you and God bless you.

Another one states:”in your Friday message, you talked about a Mosque bombed without reference to so many churches bomed and

,

“May Allah bless and continue to enrich your knowledge.Theres no place in Islam for those killing innocent souls.Its unislamic to kill anyone because they are not Muslim,there’s no compulsion in religion.Its against the prophet teaching” Another comment sent by one anonymous person says: “Whoever

changes his religion, kill him” quoting (Sahih Bukhari 4:52:260) The person quoted the hadith out of context.

The hadith in question narrated by Ikrima says: Ali burnt some people and this news reached Ibn ‘Abbas, who said, “Had I been in his place I would not have burnt them, as the Prophet said, ‘Don’t punish (anybody) with Allah’s Punishment.

‘No doubt, I would have killed them, for the Prophet said, ‘If somebody (a Muslim) discards his religion, kill him.’

First of all go through it again to see what the prophet was reported to have said.

That Do not punish anyone. The problem with the unbelievers is that thay do not know the circumstance and context to which some of these hadiths came and so, they are quick to give it their own meaning. You cannot understand Islam this way except you give out your time to learn.

Besides, Sahih Bukhari idea which is also prone to error as

mortal is that by killing the person who has commited the sin for leaving Islam, you might save the person from hell because he has a “past islamic life with him”, which might earn him al-janah. So by killing him now, he will die with Islamic good deeds.

Some fanatics believe that the person who committed apostasy might not have the opportunity to return to Islam again. That is also faulty because only Allah knows what no one knows.

It is possible for anyone who has committed apostasy to have a change of heart and revert back to Islam, live a better life and still gain paradise. That is one of the omniscience side of Allah.

Another point is that Bukhari is not the Prophet and we should know that as human being we are liable to errors. It is only the Allah that is infallible.

Allah also did not give the kind of inspiration, wisdom and knowledge he gave to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) to any other person. Allah has said in the Quran,

an untainted book of life that “Let there be no compulsion in religion.

Truth has been made clear from er ror.

Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things.”

(Q2: 256). So, that belief is contrary to the commandment of Allah.

Allah says: Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth in their entirety would have acknowledged. Would you force the people to make them acknowledge? is it hard for you!

God has given us the freedom of choice.

Those who decide to reject the truth, later in their lives are condemned to dogmatism and bigotry (13:11; 18:29; 42:13; 46:15; 57:22).

Besides, Sahih Bukhari is not the Quran or any extract from it but only some of the practices and sayings of the Prophet. If you compare this s e n t i m e n t a l l y influenced idea with the above verse of the Quran which emphasises ‘No compulsion in religion’, you will come to terms with the philosophies of the Islam.

Once again, I thank all those who keep sending their comments and contributions every week. May almighty Allah forgive us where we erred and grant us His mercies here on earth and hereafter.

Amin.

Lagosians and the practice of Islam

By Harun Rasaq

T

•The Dubai Mosque Incorporates contemporary design with Islamic style. Dubai Mosque, designed by architect Fari Hatam, of Aedas, has received much praise for its remarkable mix between contemporary and Islamic design.

he practice of Islam started in Lagos as early as 1775 and was practiced at the palace of Oba of Lagos few years after its introduction. But, the Muslims were able to gather in congregation in 1841, made an open call to prayer on Friday for Juma‘ah prayer.

The growth of Islam in Lagos led to its spread to outlying districts such as Eti– Osa local government area.

There are views that Islam may have reached some of those villages even before 1812 C.E when the first mosque was built at Ajah.

The fact that there was no proper documentation makes people to hold different view on the emergency of Islam in the area.

The more plausible and acceptable view on the emergency of Islam in Eti-Osa,

is that of those, who uphold that Islam is as old as many villages in Eti-Osa, because of the fact that the founders of those villages are Muslims.

Eti-Osa as said earlier is a Riverine area and serves as a major route for traders and travelers to Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Epe, cotonou, etc.

The un-relented efforts of the Muslim Bales and scholars in the denunciation of idolworshipping enhanced the spread of Islam in Eti-Osa. The initial reaction of the indigenes toward Islam was cordial and they did not see Islam as a threat. This was due to the fact that most of the Bales were at the same time the Imams of their different location. They were the first people to embrace Islam and as a result, most of their subjects embraced Islam along with them, with the exemption of some

staunch traditionists who opposed Islam..

Islam could not have been fully established in Eti-Osa but for the efforts of Muslim leaders who had several meetings and came up with strong resolution that every Muslim should send their children to Quranic schools in order to learn Arabic and Islamic studies.

Furthermore, the development of Islam in Eti–Osa was possible with the efforts of the Muslim scholars and missionaries from out side the area. The second categories of scholar were the indigenes of Eti–Osa who propagated Islam in their own environments. Today, in Eti-osa, Muslims and mosques increased in number on daily basis, the religion of Islam enjoys wide and popular support even among the royal families.

0 8 0 2 8 7 4 5 3 6 6 , harunarazaq@yahoo.com.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 —47

Hon. Jubreel Ayodeji Abdulkareem, Agege Local Government Chairman, commissioning Ayobo Motor-park and flagging off immunisation programme against polio, in Agege, Lagos.

From left: Rev. Ijaola Adelokoji, Secretary, Annual Kingdom Life Summit; Rev. Deji Bashorun, New Insight Baptist Church, Ogudu; Rev. Julius Omomola, Chairman/convener, Annual Kingdom Life Summit, during a press conference heralding New Estate Baptist Church (NEBC) 2013 Annual Kingdom Life Summit.

From left: Mrs. Abimbola Afolabi-Ajayi, Investment One Company Secretary/Group Head, Corporate Services; Owolabi Afeez Oluwatosin (Youth Corps member) winner of the 'Virtual Investment Simulator' and Mr. John Ogar, Group Head, Investment/ Financial Advisory, Investment One Company.

From left: Chief Ronke Okusanya, a leader of Efon Alaaye Local Government, Ekiti State and Chairman, Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State; Erelu Bisi Fayemi, wife of the State Governor and Dr. Adio Folayan, Chairman, Efon-Alaaye Local Government, during the inauguration of a health centre constructed in Alaaye community.

Senator Pat Toomey, of the United States of America, representing Philadelphia; Tayo-Balogun Jr., Executive Director, e-Marketing Solutions; Daniel Thompson, Marketing Consultant, Spotlinks Media Communications, at the second annual Pennsylvania Society reception of the league of 1789 for professionals and emerging leaders, in New York.

C M Y K

From left: Prof. T. A. Solarin, DG, National Mathematics Centre, Abuja; Chief Keith Richard, MD and Mr. Kachi Onubogu, Commercial Director (both of Promasidor Nigeria Ltd), during the third Edition of Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC) press launch, at the Sheraton Hotel, in Lagos.

Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

From left: Prof. Osato Giwa Osagie, Chairman, Medical Sub-Committee; Mr. Richard Giwa Osagie, Chairman, Ikoyi Club 1938; Dr. Mosun Faderin, member, Sub-Committee and Dr. Femi Adelowo, guest speaker, at the Ikoyi Club 1938 Health Lecture with the Theme: 'Arthritis And Rheumatism,What Manner of Disease,' at the Ikoyi Club, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

From left: Loya Amsat; Sola Fasade; Bayo ‘Howie T’ Odusami, Chairman, Kiss Events; Kunle Afolayan; Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu (CON), the Olowu of Owu Kingdom; Percy Ademokun, Are Olanrewaju and Olayinka Oyedeji, when Nigerian theatre practitioners paid the Olowu, who is patron and fellow of the association, a courtesy visit, at his palace, in Owu, Abeokuta.

From left: Mr. Taiwo Ogunleye, beneficiary; Mr. Wale Adedoyin, Commissioner for Agric and Food Security, Mr. Wale Adedoyin, Executive Secretary, Ilesa West Local Government and Mrs. Titi Laoye Tomori, Osun State Deputy Governor, at the distribution of economic empowerment items, at Ilesa West Local Government Area.

From left: Mr. Robert Waren, MD, Global Sales and Distribution; Mr. Mehdi Nafa, MD, Africa, (both of Redwing Shoes) and Engr. Tony Oguike, MD, Future Concerns Nigeria Ltd, during the commissioning of Redwing Shoes/Future Concerns Nigeria Ltd facility, at Lekki, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

I won’t endorse protest against Jonathan —Odenema

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GH ELLI—NA TIONAL President of Niger Delta Youth Movement, NDYM, Mr Godspower Odenema, yesterday, said he would not endorse any protest against President Goodluck Jonathan in the region.

Odenema in a statement, said “It has become necessary to bring to the notice of the entire youths of the Niger Delta and Nigeria that I will never in my capacity as National President of NDYM and the current National Youth Leader of National Coalition for Jonathan/Sambo Presidency, NACOJP, endorse any planned protest against President Jonathan He said: “It is on record that various groups and persons had mounted pressures on me to declare a regional or national demonstration against what they claimed as the unbearable delay of Mr. President to empower our youths and those of National Coalition for Jonathan/Sambo Presidency in the six geo-political zones, after they all worked for the electoral victory of Mr. President.”

Group wants N-Delta Ministry relocated

A

group, DIADEM Community Empowerment/Development Association, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to relocate the headquarters of Niger Delta Affairs Ministry to any state in the region, to enable the people closely monitor activities of the ministry.

Chairman of the group, Mr. City Iyekoroghawei, said they have concluded plans to protest alleged non development of the region by the Minister, Elder Godsday Orubebe, They said: “Apart from the abandoned East West road project, we also expect to see other projects executed and completed by the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry under the present leadership of Orubebe, and since there was none, Orubebe has failed us, and should be replaced with a more competent Niger Deltan.

VISIT: Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State (left), receiving the “Do The Right Thing” plaque from Director General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri, during an advocacy visit to the Governor in Ado-Ekiti.

VISIT: Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (right), presenting a souvenir to Commandant, Nigeria Navy School of Health Sciences, Offa, Captain Ima Ansa, during a visit to Government House, Ilorin.

Sen Gyang, lawmaker’s killing: STF arrests 21 suspects z19 arrested over murder of 2 policemen in Gombe

BY TAYE OBATERU WITH

AGENCY REPORT OS—THE Special Task Force, STF, maintaining security in Plateau State, said it has arrested 21 people in connection with last year’s death of former Senator Gyang Dantong and former Majority Leader, Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Gyang Fulani.

STF spokesman, Captain Salisu Mustapha, who briefed journalists on Tuesday said three of those arrested have already been arraigned.

Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Sule,

J

also said Wednesday that 19 persons had been arrested in connection with the murder of two policemen last week.

The commissioner told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Gombe that the two policemen were killed at a duty point near Gombe State Transport Corporation.

Sule said the suspects were arrested around motor parks after the killings and charged to court, adding that the command would not rest on its oars in efforts to eradicate criminals in the state.

The Commissioner said the in-

cident which led to the death of the officers was partly their fault, as the officers were gossiping when the killers attacked them.

However the JTF said in Jos, that following the attacks on villages in Barkin Ladi and Riym Local Government areas in July last year, the STF carried out series of operations which resulted in the arrests and the recovery of arms and ammunition.

He said: “Sequel to the operation carried out to apprehend the perpetrators of the attacks, new strategies were introduced to enhance the operational capabilities of the STF troops with a view to

Delta govt wades into Igbodo monarch, subjects’ rift by the Iyase (Prime Minister) of

A

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA—DELTA State Government, yesterday, confirmed that it has formally waded into the rift between the Obi of Igbodo, Obi Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume I and his subjects following the insistence of the community that he must as a matter of tradition marry an indigene.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Newworld Safugha, told Vanguard that, “yes, we (state government) have intervened. The

issue is under the purview of the deputy governor. I don’t want to pre-empt what would be the outcome of our intervention but all I can tell you is that there was a petition to us. Already we have heard from the Obi and the palace chiefs. We are making progress and I can assure you it is our duty to ensure that peace prevails.”

Following the ‘’deportation’’ of the Ebonyi-born heartthrob of the monarch, fear had gripped the community over possible breakdown of law and order.

And in a letter dated January 4, 2013, to the Deputy Governor

Igbodo, Dr. Joseph Unomah, the people of the area stated, “our prayer is that you (deputy governor) invite our Obi and chiefs and elders of our community to your office in order to resolve the matter.

“The situation is really bad and explosive and your earliest intervention will be highly appreciated. The tension and anger of the people is at its peak at this moment. A repeat occurrence of bringing that woman (deported) into the palace could lead to a serious uprising against the Obi and breakdown of law and order.”

opportunity to produce the governor of the state in 2016 after the tenure of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, if the seeming disagreement between the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Pius Odubu and the Vice-Chairman, South South of the ACN, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, over the choice of chairmanship candidate of the party in the council persists.

Vanguard learnt that though the two leaders agreed that the chairmanship slot be zoned to Orhiomwon East, but they disa-

Though Governor Adams Oshiomhole has been settling similar disputes in other councils but as it seems, the governor may have decided to keep mum over the disagreement between the duo expecting them to sort out the problem themselves.

While Odubu is backing one Nosa Okunbor, Ize-Iyamu is backing Saturday Idehen. But the group viewed the ceding as unfair, alleging that the people of the area have been marginalised in terms of positions since the inception of democracy in 1999.

enhancing security in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs leading to the arrest of 21 suspects. Some other arrests were made by the operatives of the Nigerian Police and other security agencies.”

1000 women get free cancer screening in Abuja BYEMMANUELELEBEKE

A

BUJA—ABOUT 1000 mar ket women, yesterday, received free cancer screening and treatment from Kings Benefits Foundation, KBF, and Optimal Cancercare Foundation programme in Abuja.

The screening exercise which took place at Wuse and Gariki markets was part of activities to mark the World Cancer Day in Nigeria.

The programme which was aimed at reducing the scourge of cancer menace in Nigeria was open to every woman interested in knowing her cancer status.

Speaking, Director of KBF, Mrs. Joy Ogiemwonyi, said the idea was to meet with the needs of the common Nigerian women in the society. She said the foundation was poised at reducing the increasing rate of cancer in Nigeria.

Atamu Klub gets LG polls: Group faults ACN on ceding of new exco chairmanship position greed on the choice of candidate.

TAMU Social Klub of Ni

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN CITY—THE Orhiomwon Vanguard for Good Governance, a socio-cultural organisation in Edo State, yesterday, faulted the decision of the leadership of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in Orhiomnwon Local Government Area to cede the chairmanship ticket to Orhiomwon East, to the detriment of the people of the South.

The group in a statement by Dr. Philip Edobor, also warned that the council may lose the

A

geria, a pan-Urhobo group, has pledged to initiate new projects capable of stimulating growth and development among the Urhobo people of Delta State.

Johnson Agagbo, made the pledge after he was elected as president, at the biennial conference of the club in Lagos.

Others elected include Matthew Ogagavworia (vice president), Benson Uwheru (general secretary), Joel Enaks (treasurer) and Chris Iwarah (publicity/social secretary).

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 , 2013 — 49

Islamic summit backs Malian govt, omits France L

EADERS of Muslim nations, yesterday declared support for the unity and territorial integrity of Mali and condemned terrorism in the west African state but said nothing of French military intervention to drive out Islamist fighters.

A resolution adopted at a two-day summit of the Organisation of Islamic

Cooperation backed the deployment of an international military mission in Mali under African leadership and called for a roadmap for presidential and parliamentary elections.

The omission of any mention of France reflected embarrassment over the recourse to a former colonial power in

a Muslim country, even though the 57-member OIC condemned “terrorism and extremism and attacks on historic sites in Mali”.

It would be recalled that Paris sent troops and warplanes last month at the request of the Malian government to stop alQaeda-affiliated fighters that had captured the

north of the country advancing towards the capital, Bamako, and help Malian forces retake northern towns.

Senegalese President Macky Sall, the outgoing

chairman of the OIC, praised the French action in his speech on Wednesday but other countries were reluctant to make reference to it.

French and Malian

forces are still fighting the rebels in the Sahara outside northern Mali’s biggest town after a lightning advance in which French officials say hundreds of fighters were killed. One French helicopter pilot was killed on the first day of the intervention.

Group charges African leaders to end gender violence

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

T

HE International Campaign to Stop Rape and Gender Violence in Conflict has called on African Union leaders to put an end to conflict related rape cases and gender violence in affected regions at the continent.

The call was made at the just concluded Union 20 th African Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

American Nobel Peace laureate, Jody Williams who is also the co-chair

of the International Campaign to Stop Rape and Gender Violence in Conflict stressed that sexual violence is one of the biggest barriers to building peace and security.

“Until we commit to ending rape and other forms of gender-based violence, we are not going to be able to build healthy and safe communities that contribute to economic development and empower women and girls to reach their full potential,” he said.

Iran rejects US nuclear talks offer

I

RAN’S supreme leader has dismissed a US offer of one-to-one talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said talks with the US would solve nothing Iran’s supreme leader has dismissed a US offer of one-to-one talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a speech posted online that the US was proposing talks while “pointing a gun at Iran”.

On Saturday, US VicePresident Joe Biden suggested direct talks, separate to the wider international discussions due to take place later this month. But the US widened sanctions on Iran on Wednesday, aiming to tighten a squeeze on Tehran’s ability to spend oil cash.

Iran, which is subject to an array of international sanctions, has long argued that its nuclear programme is for energy generation and research.

Tunisia political crisis deepens after assassination

T

UNISIA’s political crisis is deepening after the assassination of a leading opposition leader earlier this week.

The killing of antiIslamist politician Chokri Belaid sparked violent protests. The prime minister then announced plans for a new, technocratic government.

But the ruling Islamist party Ennahda rejected the move, saying Hamadi Jebali “did not ask the

opinion of his party”.

Meanwhile, police have fired tear gas to disperse protesters in Tunis and in the central town of Gafsa, reports say.

The Gafsa demonstrators, who were observing a symbolic funeral for Chokri Belaid, rallied outside the governor ’s office, throwing stones and petrol bombs at the police.

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 51

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Vanguard,FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 , 2013 —53

•Mrs. Rose Edogathe nonegerian mother

•Dr. Dymphna Ugwu-Oji, his twin sister

•Slain Ogbo Edoga

By EMMA NNADOZIE, Crime Editor

P

ALPABLE fear has gripped residents of the University town of Nsukka and it’s environs following massive killings recorded in the past two months in the area. Reports said before the latest brutal attacks and killing of some prominent indegenes of the area, pockets of criminal activities and kidnapping were recorded.

The situation took a frightening dimension on December 27, 2012 when a United States based Financial Economist, Ogbo Edoga, was mowed down by yet-to-be identified young men who accosted him in his village, Aku, Igbo-Etiti Local government Area. Before his brutal demise, he was among a select-group of Nigerian professionals from the University town in Enugu State based in far-away United States clamoring fort

a better medicare for the their people at home.

They formed what they called “Nsukka Professionals in US” and embarked upon fund raising for the construction of an utra-modern medical diagnostic center in their town. For years, they have been tasking themselves and raising funds for the project. Then in December 2012, the professionals decided to come back home and actualize their pet project.

They all trouped back to Nsukka for a formal launch slated for December 29.

In the early hours of Wednesday preceding the Dday, tragedy struck., Ogbo Edoga, 56, one of the prominent member of the group and an arrow head of the project from inception was slain by unknown gun men, just about 30 kilometers from Nsukka main town. The

•IGP, MD Abubakar ...what’s the way forward?

victim had gone to his village to see both his aged mother and twin sister, a lecturer in one of the prominent Universities in USA, Dr. Dymphna Ugwu-oji, when he met his untimely end.

Three unidentified young men accosted him in front of the residence of one of their brothers and shot him dead, pointblank ,with an AK 47 assault rifle which penetrated through his anus and pierced his innards. His assailants later escaped with a vehicle they snatched from a retired official of the DSS who was seen in front of the

house as they were fleeing from the scene.

They abandoned their own vehicle which was later driven to the local police station by the embattled DSS official.

Almost two months after the heartless killing of the the returnee, the Police in Enugu has not come up either to re-assure residents of the area of their safety or disclose their findings.

Rather, rumor had it that they carried out random arrests and later released them.

One of the relations to the slain returnee who simply identified himself as Anthony told Crime Alert “after our brother and breadwinner was brutally killed, the first shocker we received was that some police officers from Ogbede, the local station, came to our house to chastise us for allowing the victim go to the bank and also visit a bureaude -change without escort and we were all wondering how they came to know that he visited those placeswhich he actually did before Xmas. Secondly, some of the

personal items the fleeing killers dropped like his Sim cared and passport which were deposited with the police were not returned to us. In fact, we were thrown into deep sorrow when we heard from police sources that the First Information Report (FIR) given by the local police to their headquarters in Enugu was that the slain Economist was a victim of cultism. On hearing this, the nonagenarian mother collapsed and we battled for days to revive her.

How can somebody that had spent almost all his adult life in USA, who did not even attend any higher institution in Nigeria be tagged a cultist?

Incontestable posers He came back last December after almost ten years Worst still, and these are very vital incontestable posers to the local police, why did they not mount the two check points which they normally do on every market day along the major road that leads to our village?

His killers escaped unchallenged through that route.

Secondly, while the killers were still inside the compound after shooting him to death, one of our relations that escaped from the compound alerted the local police immediately but they insisted he must come personally to their station to make statement before they will come to the scene. We also thought that the family deserves to know the efforts police is making towards fishing out his killers but since then, we all have been kept in the dark while all those that also came back for the season fled back to base.

•To be Continued on Monday

54—Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

APC:

The battle is set

THE unveiling of the APC as the special purpose vehicle with which the country’s major opposition parties hope to contest the political space with the dominant Peoples Democratic Party, will redefine the political landscape.

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

O

NE forced himself to power with a battery of armoured tanks on his flanks. The other, with sheer guts has mustered political power in the country’s Southwest in a way that has not been seen since the second republic.

So it was not surprising that the

coming together of the two would be depicted in military fashion. The All Progressive Congress, APC with General Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the helm has the same acronym as the Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC the revolutionary military vehicle that was launched in the later days of the First

World War to ferry troops into the heat of battle.

Before the advent of the APC, field commanders using armoured tanks to break through enemy lines were handicapped by their inability to hold grounds pierced by the tanks as the infantry troops were still susceptible to small arms fire and anti-personnel mines. And so was born the APC, the special purpose vehicle to convey troops to the heat of battle.

Buhari, Tinubu and their allies in the ranks of the opposition perhaps had the same frame of mind in the formation of the APC, which they expect to use as

the special purpose vehicle to wrest power from the dominant Peoples Democratic Party, PDP at the centre in 2015.

The four parties that have come together to form the APC are the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA. The quartet is expected to pack as sufficient armour as a military APC to contest political power with the PDP. The fusion of the four parties which is

Continues on page 55

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013—55

APC:

The battle is set

Continues from page 54 yet to be formally endorsed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC is the first phase of the battle of wits that has been going on between the PDP and the opposition ahead of the 2015 election.

All the parties involved in the merger were united by the admission of one fact – that for all their individual efforts, that they could not overcome the PDP except they came together.

Buhari who has led the fight against the PDP since 2003, even where his mass appeal has remained unshaken, however, saw the ANPP to which he belonged lose states from nine to five before he left the party at the beginning of the decade to form the CPC. Tinubu’s ACN has had mixed fortunes. From five states initially won by its progenitor, that is the Alliance for Democracy, AD it nosedived to having only one state before coming back forcefully to win six states presently.

•Oshiomhole: Will he go along

•Ngige: May lead the first APC attack

Prepared statement

Limited influence Even with the six states in its kitty, the ACN was bound to remain a regional party with influence limited to the west where it controls five of the six states in the region. The only other state in its kitty is Edo State whose governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole remains a doubtable ingredient in the Tinubu game plan.

The other party involved, APGA entered the merger on the wings of an internecine warfare between two major factions of the party.

While the faction aligned to Chief Victor Umeh, the embattled national chairman of the party supported the merger, that aligned to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State was

•Bisi Akande: ACN chairman Tuesday in Lagos.

A day after the meeting in Lagos, the APC was formally unveiled at a press briefing in the Abuja residence of Chief

The unveiling of the identity of the new party was itself reflective of the military strategy of surprise

,

hostile to the arrangement. It was not surprising that the Obi faction was against the merger given whispers that the governor could decamp to the PDP at the end of his term.

The party’s other governor, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has proved supportive of the merger and was present at the meeting of ten governors of the parties involved in the merger last

approve the proposed merger and communicate its decision to the parties concerned before the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of the receipt of the formal request.

“PROVIDED that if the commission fails to communicate its decision within 30 days the merger shall be deemed to be effective. “(5) Where the request for the proposed merger is approved, the commission shall forthwith withdraw and cancel the certificates of registration of all the political parties opting for the merger and substitute therefore, a single certificate of registration in the name of the party resulting from the merger. “(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2) of this section no merger of Political Parties received by the commission less than 90 days before any general election in the country shall be considered by the commission.”

,

Tom Ikimi, who had earlier been designated to lead the merger committee of the ACN. The unveiling of the identity of the new party was itself reflective of the military strategy of surprise.

Few weeks ago, Buhari had told the nation that the new mega party would emerge by the middle of the year. So it was a surprising development when the announcement was

•Tony Momoh: CPC chairman made on Wednesday that the new party was taking shape with plans to formalize the merger with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Section 84 of the electoral act which stipulates guidelines for the merger of political parties states thus: “Any two or more registered political parties may merge on approval by the commission following a formal request presented to the commission by the political parties for that purpose. “(2) Political Parties intending to merge shall each give to the Commission 90 days notice of their intention to do so before a general election. “(3) The written request for merger shall be sent to the Chairman of the Commission and shall be signed jointly by the national chairman,

secretary and treasurer for the time being of the different political parties proposing the merger and shall be accompanied by:(a) a special resolution passed by the national convention of each of the political parties proposing to merge, approving the merger; (b) the proposed full name and acronym, constitution, manifesto, symbol or logo of the party together with the addresses of the national office of the party resulting from the merger; and (c) evidence of payment of administrative costs of N100,000 or as may be fixed from time to time by an Act of the National Assembly. “(4) On receipt of the request for merger of political parties, the commission shall consider the request; and if the parties have fulfilled the requirements of the constitution and this Act,

In the prepared statement he read to journalists on Wednesday, Ikimi said: “At no time in our life has radical change become more urgent.

And to meet the challenge of that change, we the following progressive political parties namely, ACN, ANPP, APGA and CPC have resolved to merge forthwith and become the All Progressives Congress and offer to our beleaguered people a recipe for peace and prosperity.

“We resolve to form a political party committed to the principles of internal democracy, focused on serious issues of concern to our people, determined to bring corruption and insecurity to an end, determined to grow our economy and create jobs in their millions through education, housing, agriculture, industrial growth etc, and stop the increasing mood of despair and hopelessness among our people.

“The resolution of these issues, the restoration of hope, the enthronement of true democratic values for peace, democracy and justice are those concerns which propel us. We believe that by these measures only shall we restore our dignity and position of preeminence in the committee of nations. This is our pledge.”

The communiqué was signed

by Ikimi, and the chairmen of the merger committees of CPC, Garba Gadi; ANPP Ibrahim Shekarau; and a representative Continues on page 58

56 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Vivian Veronica Obi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Vivian Veronica Given. All former d o c u m e n t s remain valid. General public take note.

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 57

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58 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

APC: The battle is set Continues fromPage 55

ECOWAS troops in Mali

Hollande, Cameron and Jonathan’s interest in Mali S

ENATOR Iroegbu’s story in ThisDay, the Sunday Newspaper captioned Mali: British Defence Chief Visit Nigeria, Pledges Support reveals the difference between European’s interest in Africa and Nigeria’s interest in Africa. The UK Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. (Sir) David Richard in his discussion with his Nigerian counterpart Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim spoke unguardedly about his government security priorities in the world, Africa and Nigeria.

“He said Mali presents many challenges, but it is vital “that we resolve this issue for peace in the region and specifically in your interest too. We will give you 150 per cent support; we have to be transparent in whatever we do.

My discussion with my Prime Minister before coming here is that Britain as a whole is very committed to resolving this cri-

PR OF JOHN AMOD A PROF AMODA sis. It is vital and in our national interest that we get it right."

The defence chief continued: “After Afghanistan, Mali is the immediate imperative. It is important we resolve this threat of Mali especially for the sake of the African continent and the well being of Nigeria and in doing this, I must say transparency should be a key factor. I believe

as we draw down from Afghanistan, we will have more resources to support the efforts in the region (we) will come and train you… play football matches, whatever you wish and for the long term, not just in Mali, we are planning to come back to the region but before that we have to get Mali right”. Richard said he was in the country to meet to discuss and identify areas of strength on the part of Nigerian and British Armed Forces in order to identify critical areas of support either in the future or regarding the Mali challenge.

Recognition of Nigerian war efforts As we juxtapose the views of the Nigerian CDS on the meaning of Sir Richard’s consultation with him, it becomes apparent that Mali means two different things to the two officials. According to Iroegbu’s report, Ibrahim commended Sir Richards on his “recognition of Nigerian war efforts and expected support of the British government for Nigeria in tackling the terrorism in Mali and West African sub-region.

“Your prompt decision to come and identify with us over the troublesome situation in Mali which is a cause for concern to nations in the sub-region, is appreciated and together, the challenge would be surmounted”. Ibrahim also noted that even though the Africa-led intervention force in Mali is having an upper hand over the Islamic terrorists in Mali, he foresees the Nigerian troops could be there for one year in order to monitor the post crisis Mali because of her leadership responsibility in the sub-region”.

Admiral Ibrahim and General Richard are enunciating two different policies on Mali while they

present their policies as complementary. Sir Richard announces that it is the position of the British Government that Mali is the immediate British African priority and that it is important that the UK supports a process that will “get it right” in Mali. Thus the UK and the US Government have backed the French war in Northern Mali with logistics and intelligence resources. Getting it right in Mali has been the aim of the European support for the French. It is the French that have been waging the war in Northern Mali with Malian forces tagging along. Sir Richard’s getting it right” in Mali can be read to be an approval for the strategy of supporting the unilateral de-

,

By JOHN AMODA

Map of Mali

wars, the second phase war of expelling the Islamist from the Sahel and the war of re-integration of Northern Mali into Mali one truly international effort.

This is all the more the case that the capture and occupation of Northern Mali is not a terrorist act but the developing of a base for international terrorist insurgency in Africa and outside of Africa. It is this threat of the Sahelian sub-region of ECOWAS becoming such a base that has to be eliminated. This is the French and the Western security interest in Mali. But Mali as a base is Nigeria’s and ECOWAS strategic interest. The occupation of Northern Mali and its reconstitution as a part of a new state

,

Admiral Ibrahim and General Richard are enunciating two different policies on Mali while they present their policies as complementary

cision of France “to get it right first” in Mali before the United Nations Resolution 2085 of an African led international deployment is effected. Admiral Ibrahim is explicitly legitimizing the structuring of Resolution 2085 into two phases, the French phase and the ECOWAS phase.

President Hollande and Vice President Joe Biden are in agreement on this restructuring of Resolution 2085.

However the course of the French war aimed at securing the territorial integrity of Mali may indeed end up in having Nigeria-ECOWAS Force assigned the more difficult task of combat with the Islamist Forces that have so far avoided ground war with the French.

Ibrahim may have under estimated the challenges of guerilla war with the Islamist who had defeated the Malian Forces and chased them out of Northern Mali. It will be better to make both

of Azawad is the worrisome facta fact of Islamist colonization of Northern Mali. When the Islamist attack and occupation of Diabally signaled a threat to Bamako, France intervened militarily to prevent the expansion of Azawad. The United Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS are yet to define the issue of Northern Mali as an issue of recolonization in Africa- an issue that is a threat to the international peace and security in Africa. The French, UK and the US governments have on their mind the containment and elimination of Al-Quaeda. And Al-Quaeda has shown its preparedness and willingness to seek for a Sahelian Base in Africa for waging its international war against the West.

This is the larger importance of Mali and why it is strategically critical and vitae that Nigeria sees Mali in its two dimensions, as simultaneously a global and as well an African issue.

of APGA, Senator Annie Okonkwo. It could not be confirmed why the parties to the merger brought forward the unveiling of the new party, but one pointer was to the determination of the movers of the APC to go into battle as soon as possible. And the first point of battle for the APC could be in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra State which is due in about one year.

By bringing forward the unveiling of the new party, stakeholders may have been guided by the need to satisfy the provision of the electoral act which stipulates that parties involved in a merger should do so at least 90 days before an election.

There have been speculations that the APC drivers may be propping Senator Chris Ngige to contest the Anambra gubernatorial election, hoping to benefit from his popularity as a way of launching the APC into the Southeast.

Pinning their hopes on Ngige would inevitably cause a friction with Senator Annie Okonkwo, who is himself widely believed to be also preparing to contest the election. The choice between Ngige, Okonkwo and the handful of other aspirants in the APC would indeed be a crucial test to certify the essence of the new party.

Genuine internal democracy How the party makes that choice would indeed be a foretaste of whether it would be business as usual or perhaps, the arrival of genuine internal democracy and good governance that the polity desperately desires.

Welcoming the new party, the PDP national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur said the PDP would not be rattled as he promised that the PDP would continue to hold the ball in the way Barcelona and Argentina football player, Lionel Messi dazzles his opponents.

The PDP spokesman, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement some would see as patriotic yesterday, echoed Tukur charging the new party to engage the administration and the PDP on ideals and issues of governance.

Metuh’s goodwill nonetheless, his statement yesterday also betrayed the party's readiness to throw mud. Metuh in the statement said the PDP “is committed to the stability and development of the country, it will not dwell on the shortcomings of the merger arrangement.”

Whatever shortcomings there are, Metuh was not ready to reveal, perhaps waiting to hit at the APC in the heat of battle.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 59

60 —

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

C

AN the Eagles withstand the physical attributes of their Burkina Faso counterparts and win the Nations Cup in South Africa on Sunday?

That is my wish.

Last week, in this column, I wished so many things as Eagles were to face Ivory Coast, favoured by all to win the ongoing Nations Cup. I wished that the Eagles played more compact rather than the loose positioning we saw in their previous matches against Burkina Faso, Zambia and to a little extent against Ethiopia in the group matches. I wished that they moved more forward than their many passes back to their area when not necessary. I wished that Ahmed Musa and Ike Uche were left out of the quarter final tie against Ivory Coast. And I felt that Fengor Ogude’s disqualification from the match due to card offences was a divine action and said that we would not miss him. I also wondered how he even made the team. He was slow, marked and passed poorly and never created any thing in the midfield but he kept on playing. But to be fair to Stephen Keshi, the Eagles coach, he agreed on many of the points I raised with him while the group matches lasted. He said he would work on those flaws. He did and my wishes came to pass in the match against Ivory Coast.

And to be sincere, it did not take an Onochie Anibeze to discuss these with him for him to act. He already knew and only agreed with me on the way out. And in the morning of the match day I sent him a text, telling him that he would win the match. I sent the same sms to Christopher Green, chairman of the Technical Committee of the football federation and he replied with one word: AMEN. I commend Keshi for his vision. I commend the players for being good students of the game. They sang a song with the ball against Ivory Coast. We had never seen the Eagles play with so much passion like they did in that match for a long, long time.

They passed well, marked well, attacked well and put smile on our faces with their deserved 2-1 victory.

Onazi was quicker and more professional than Ogude and it showed in our midfield. I also wished that Brown Ideye and Emmanuel Emenike be paired in the attack. It happened and it showed in the way we attacked. Special thanks to man of the moment, Victor Moses. He is the engine of Nigeria’s attack in South Africa. Emenike uses his energy well. In fact, the Eagles have improved and now play as a better unit. But like Adokiye Amiesimaka and Kojo williams observed, they have not arrived yet. I wish they could, win the Nations Cup on Sunday, qualify for the World Cup in 2014 and go to Brazil and play well, possibly be the first African country to reach the semifinal in the Mundial. It is achievable. It is my wish.

Don’t worrrryyyy!!!

The Eagles we saw against Ivory Coast and Mali will beat the Burkina Faso For now, we are talking about how they can beat Burkina Faso on Sunday to lift the Cup 19 years after they did so in Tunisia ’94. They won the cup in style in Tunisia and arrived USA ’94 World Cup as Africa’s champions. Can they repeat that feat and be in Brazil as Africa’s champions? Keshi was captain of that team and now he is the coach of the team attempting to set same record. It is doable. But it may be difficult. When Ghana and Burkina Faso were pummeling it out after we had sailed past Mali, I wished that Ghana won for I knew that Eagles would have a better game against them than with Burkina Faso. This is based on two observations. Burkina Faso are very physical, direct in their approach and have endurance more than any team in this tournament. They are very fit and they keep attacking, coming at you until you burn out. That was how they equalised in the last moments of the match against Ghana and in the extra time, they were still running as if the match had just started. But they missed many chances and the game dragged into penalty shoot out. Eagles experienced this in their first group match when they led 1-0 but resilient Burkinabes equalised in the last minute of the stoppage time. Ethiopia used their ball possession football to deal with Zambia but Burkina Faso studied them and simply used power game to muscle them in a 4-0 victory where they showed tremendous physical character.

So what should Eagles do against them? They should do exactly what they did against Mali. Score two or three goals before Burkina Faso start running at them ceaselessly. Most teams that rely on physical football lack patience when opponents play many men around

the ball especially deep in their half. Eagles should try to do that even if they have to be as direct as possible in their counters. They could also get into their area with passing game. And if they do it well and have many players around the ball I see Burkina Faso committing many fouls and possibly a penalty. Where is Victor Moses? He will understand what I’m talking about. Wa shere jo. What about Sunday Mba? Is the cup coming home?

I prayed that Emenike recovered in good time when he hit a shot and fell in pain as if he had suffered a muscle tear in the last moments against Mali. May God heal you to be fit on Sunday.

Since Burkina Faso like running and they have energy to do so, we must try to knock them out of their stride with a passing game but emphasis should be on one- touch play which will help us conserve energy to withstand them in the dying minutes and at the same time make them chase the ball all the time.

Unnecessary shielding of the ball like Mikel Obi does every time and losing it may destroy us. When you lose such balls you may be punished. Scoring first and playing very compact in the defence and midfield will neutralise their game because they may not have the space to attack and run. I know that it is easier said than done but I hope the Eagles come up with a winning strategy.

In football, they say, you don’t change a winning team. And so I expect to see Vincent Enyeama in goal, Godfrey Obaobona and Keneth Omeruo in the central defence, Ambrose Efe and Elderson Echejile in the full back positions, Mikel Obi, Sunday Mba and Onazi in the midfield, Brown Ideye, Emenike and Victor Moses in the starting line up on Sunday.

History is staring these guys in the face. Let them make it. After winning in Tunisia in 1994, we came close to doing so against Cameroun in 2000 but lost in a penalty shoot out in Lagos.

I’m afraid of this Burkina Faso team but let me end it this way. The Eagles we saw against Ivory Coast and Mali will beat the Burkina Faso we saw against Togo and Ghana. So, all things being equal, Nigeria have a great chance of emerging African champions.

And my confidence went high when I discussed with Keshi yesterday. I was still talking about the qualities of Burkina Faso team and how I would have preferred to play Ghana when Keshi responded in a way that boosted my confidence. “Don’t worrrryyyy, Onochieee. You go see.” He really stretched it for emphasis. I felt good. I knew that he must have worked out the way to approach the game. Good luck, Skippo. I hope our politicians will not distract them. Good luck Eagles. I may start adding Super to your name again. But win this one, first.

Emenike injury not serious — Official

N

IGERIA striker Emmanuel Emenike’s injury is not serious, while a scan will be carried out for Victor Moses, officials have disclosed.

Emenike injured his right leg during the semifinal victory over Mali while shooting for goal, but team spokesman Ben Alaiya said it was not a serious injury as the doctor is expected to confirm this later Thursday.

Alaiya said, “Emenike’s injury is not serious, he had just a knock which is minor. He should be fit for final, but we are waiting for the medical report on him which should be ready by lunch time.”

Emenike has scored

four goals so far in the tournament with two assists to top the goals chart at the AFCON in South Africa.

He suffered what look like a hamstring injury while shooting from long range at goal against Mali on Wednesday.

Eagles coach Stephen Keshi disclosed that a scan will be carried out on Chelsea winger Moses, who also picked up an injury against Mali.

“We hope it is not serious and he will play the final,” said Keshi.

CELEBRATION . . . Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Emenike celebrates after scoring a goal during their 2013 AFCON semi-final match against Mali. Photo: AFP

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 61

We got confidence from victory over CIV — Mikel

NIGERIA midfielder John Obi Mikel has described Wednesday’s big defeat of Mali as being due to the confidence earned from

their victory over tournament favourites Cote D’Ivoire in the quarter finals.

The Super Eagles trounced Mali 4-1 inside the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban to get to their first final since 2000.

“The game against Ivory Coast gave us a little bit of confidence so we decided to build on that instead of dropping from our performance.

We kept our cool and did exactly what we did against Ivory Coast,” Mikel said after the game.

Nigeria’s run in the tournament has been facilitated by coach

Stephen Keshi who was the captain when the Eagles last won the tournament in 1994. He will now hope to be the second man to win the tournament as player and coach when Nigeria take on Burkina Faso at the weekend in Johannesburg.

“Keshi is a lucky man,” Mikel said. “All we have to do on Sunday is go to the final and play our game. It’s still going to be a difficult match. We will just go out there and do our best, hopefully our best will be enough.

“We want Nigerians to keep praying for us and hopefully we will bring the trophy home,” the Chelsea midfielder concluded.

Amiesimaka congratulates Eagles

F

ORMER Nigeria international, Adokiye Amiesimaka has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their superlative victory over their Malian counterparts in the semi final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Durban, South Africa Wednesday.

An elated Amiesimaka exclaimed, “Congrats, Nigeria!,” adding “Keshi just re-affirmed that our strength is in attack anchored on flank

play.”

He said the playes soothed frayed nerves of most Nigerians who watched the match. “Not surprising this was our most relaxing match as you could just see the goals coming,and it rained goals for Nigeria!”

He poured encomiums on head coach, Stephen Keshi. “I’m so proud of Keshi. But, our attitude when in the lead was not sufficiently professional, as usual. Team must

always remain purposeful and never play to the gallery.”

The former winger had a word of caution for the handlers, “Marking discipline in defence is a pending challenge: in our 18-yard box, especially around our 6yard box,” advising that “you must get to the ball before your opponents, otherwise your goalkeeper may not have sufficient reaction-time to deal with a goal bound kick or header."

Nadal back to winning ways

R

AFAEL Nadal and his troublesome knees enjoyed a highly satisfactory return to singles action that suggested it would be very unwise to write off the eleven-times Grand Slam champion.

Playing his first match since Wimbledon, the 26 year-old Spaniard overcame a shaky start to defeat Argentina’s Federico Delbonis 6-3, 6-2 in 87 minutes at the VTR Open in Chile.

While there are far sterner examinations to come before he challenges the likes of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, Nadal gave glimpses of his old self as he made his return on his treasured favourite surface of clay.

•Nadal The last time Nadal had been on a singles court was June 28, when he was humbled by then world number 103 Lukas Rosol in a fifth set at Wimbledon. He did not step back onto a practice court properly until November, with the intention of making a return in late December ahead of the Australian

Open.

That plan was aborted when he suffered a stomach virus over Christmas, so a new schedule was made with the intention that he plays on this relatively low-key swing of clay court tournaments in South America, starting in Chile before going on to Sao Paolo and then Acapulco in Mexico.

62 —

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Many countries hunt for Keshi’s signature

Eagles Continues from BP were NFF Executive Committee member, Deji Tinubu, Technical Director, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Special Adviser to Lagos state Governor, Prince Wale Oladunjoye among other dignitaries.

The team was immediately ferried to its abode at Garden Court Milpark from the airport

and after having lunch, got set for the day ’s business of training.

The team had its first training session at 6.30pm local time yesterday, with Head Coach Stephen Keshi saying there was no time to waste ahead of Sunday’s all important final which is expected to be watched by several Nigerian and international dignitaries.

Ref suspended Continues from BP hours after Burkina Faso lodged an official appeal against key player Jonathan Pitroipa’s red card in the semi-final win over Ghana on Wednesday.

“There is a meeting tomorrow (Friday) to discuss the Pitroipa incident,” El Amrani told reporters.

The official said Pitroipa’s chances of playing in the final depend on the match

report sent in by Jdidi.

“The organising committee does not have the power to change the referee’s decision unless the referee admits he made a mistake in his official report,” said El Amrani.

As it stands, Pitroipa will miss Sunday’s Cup of Nations final against Nigeria in Soweto after picking up two yellow cards in the stunning penalty shoot-out success over the Black Stars.

F

•Keshi

Mikel ‘ll win Golden Ball – Kalu

S

UPER Eagles creative midfield maestro John Mikel Obi Thursday earned five stars as former Abia state governor Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu tipped him for the Golden Ball trophy, with the sobriquet ‘Field Marshall’ of the ongoing Nations’ Cup. Kalu said,”Mikel Obi is a silent killer,in the field he puts on no airs,his touches are pinpoint,the young man is the hub of the Eagles.Yet he carries everybody

along.If the Nations Cup were another World War,i would call him Field Marshall Montgomery.I see a crown on his head as the Most Valuable Player[MVP] of this tournament.”

The ex-governor praised the Ivorian Elephants for giving honour to Mikel in particular, and the Nigerian team in general,despite their quarter-finals elimination by the Eagles.

OLLOWING Stephen Keshi’s insistence that he might not be Super Eagles coach after Sunday’s final of the African Cup of Nations, many countries have swooped on him asking for his signature to take over their national teams.

A highly authoritative source informed that some agents have been bordering the former skipper of the national team to talk him into considering their clients if indeed he refuses to go ahead with his contract

with the Nigeria Football Federation. Though the identities of the countries were not revealed, the source however said that Keshi has refused to commit himself as he reportedly told them he was still on contract with the NFF. The rush for Keshi’s signature is not unconnected with his statement that he was not sure if he would remain Eagles coach after CAN 2013 since he is a professional coach and would go for the highest bidder.

Mali goalkeeper Continued from BP needed to stop the Super Eagles. They were winning all the balls, pursuing us mercilessly each time we had the ball and their finishing was always on target and that was their major advantage. They have forwards that can transform the slimmest goal chances.”

Mali will face Ghana in the third place match on Saturday February 9 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Both sides met in a similar situation last year at the Africa Cup of Nations held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, with the Eagles triumphing to claim bronze.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 — 63

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Caf suspends ref as B/Faso appeal Pitroipa red card

T

UNISIAN referee Slim Jdidi has been suspended for his controversial handling of the Africa Cup of

Nations semi-final between Ghana and Burkina Faso, the organisers said Thursday.

We played Brazil not Nigeria — Mali goalkeeper

“We would have expected a better standard,” Confederation of African Football (CAF) secretary-general Hicham El Amrani told a media conference just Continues on Page 62

GOAL!! Malian goalkeeper, Mamadou Samassa goes down as Brown Ideye bundles in Nigeria's second goal. Nigeria won 4-1. PHOTO: AFP

M

ALI goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa compared their Wednesday’s opposition to five-time World Cup champions Brazil after they succumbed to a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Durban.

The 22-year-old, who plays for Guingamp in France, said they don’t deserve any blame for such a huge loss because they met a firespitting side that could have dismantled any team at the competition.

“I feel the team we played against was Brazil and not the Nigeria we used to know.

From my post I was seeing more than 15 green shirts pouring forth against us and not the usual 10 players. They were strong, slippery, focused and pacy,” Samassa told Supersport.com here in South Africa.

“We did our best. We heeded our coach’s instructions but they fell below what was

Continues on Page 62

Eagles arrive Jo’burg, begin training •Medics sweat on Moses, Emenike

A

•Keshi

FTER a comprehensive 4-1 semi-final victory over Aiglons of Mali on Wednesday in Durban, the Super Eagles have quickly put the victory

behind them as the team arrived Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday afternoon to begin preparations for the final on Sunday at the Soccer City in

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

PUZZLE

Soweto.

The team arrived Johannesburg at about 1:45pm local time aboard a South Africa Airway plane. In the plane with the team Continues on Page 62

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Zest (5) 5 Saw (6) 8 Saying (5) 10 Accustomed (6) 11 Singer (4) 14 Objective (6) 15 Wandering (7) 18 Solidify (3) 19 Mournful (3) 21 Caribou (4) 23 Revolt (5) 24 Thaw (4) 27 Obscure (3) 29 Sphere (3) 31 Remarkable (7) 32 Thoroughfare (6) 34 Facts (4) 35 Deserved (6) 38 Self (5) 39 Breakwater (6) 40 Go in (5)

DOWN 2 Vase (3) 3 Plaid (6) 4 Poem (3) 5 Defeat (4) 6 Dislike (6) 7 Physician (6) 9 Counselled (7) 12 Dawdle (3) 13 Leer (4) 16 Monster (4) 17 Hut (5) 20 Relegated (7) 22 Sinful (4) 24 Ruminating (6) 25 Peer (4) 26 Agreement (6) 28 Sterile (6) 30 Wager (3) 33 Story (4) 36 Era (3) 37 Sheep (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Sundry 5, Room 8, Anger 9, Air 10, Disc 11, Game 12, Pedal 13, Spared 16, Mass 18, Isle 20, Rob 22, Lea 23, All 24, Rare 24, Lame 28, Tangle 30, Began 32, Leaf 33, Next 34, Irk 35, Since 36, Meet 37, Python.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Sparse 2, Narrator 3, Redeem 4, Incessant 5, Regalia 6, Oral 7, Meek 8, Asp 14, Dalliance 15, Ill 17, Sea 19, Sluggish 20, Rat 21, Benefit 26, Earthy 27, Reckon 29, Glum 30, Base 31, Nee.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place 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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