Ignore Oba Akiolu, Clark, Tinubu tell non-indigenes

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62379

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

IGP to deploy more Policemen to 12 Rivers, other volatile states

THREAT TO NDIGBO IN LAGOS:

Ignore Oba Akiolu, Clark, Tinubu tell non-indigenes zVote for candidates of your choice, Ohanaeze tells Ndigbo zThere won’t be discrimination against anyone — Fashola zWe've never discriminated against anyone — Tinubu zLagos too important for APC to lose —Buhari zLagos APC apologises to Igbo zYoruba Obas don’t recant —Osun APC

By Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru, Olasunkanmi Akoni, Dapo Akinrefon, Charles Kumolu, Gbenga Oke & Monsuru Olowoopejo

L

AGOS — ELDER statesman and SouthSouth Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday, urged non-indigenes in Lagos State, especially the

Continues on page 5

Should married women fancy other men?

•P.40

Mr & Mrs

APC RALLY: From left, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC National Leader, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, APC governorship candidate, Lagos State; Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, President-elect and Dr Oluranti Adebule, Ambode's running mate, during the APC governorship mega rally at Coker, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos State, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

SAI NIGERIA: Here come the dreamers •P.17

C M Y K

•P.19

Buhari and Jonathan: Character as destiny

Buhari, PDP… •P.19 and Attahiru Jega

2—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

C M Y K

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015 — 3

C M Y K

4—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

groups who spoke on the issue include the Lagos State APC, which apologised to Ndigbo over the Oba’s comment; APC Presidential candidate, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd); Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi.

We can’t hold Oba culpabe —IGP

VISIT: From left: Grand Patron, Ezeigbo Zamfara State, Dr Egbuna Orji Aku; All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain and former Abia State Governor, Ogbonnaya Onu; President, Association of Ndieze Udo in 19 Northern states and Abuja, Dr. Uchie Egenti and Igwe Chike Onuorah, the Atu II of Umunnachi and others during the courtesy visit to Ogbonanya Onu in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Ignore Oba Akiolu, Clark, Tinubu tell non-indigenes Continues from Page 1 Igbo, to ignore the Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu’s death threat within seven days if they did not vote for the APC governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode.

While Tinubu assured the Igbo in Lagos that they need not be afraid and that they would never be discriminated against, he said those who visited the Oba should have come to the political leaders of the state and not the monarch.

Speaking at APC governorship campaign rally at Coker, OrileIganmu, Tinubu said: "PDP is full of liars. Their leader in Lagos, Bode George is a liar, the other person, an Igbo man, Ifeanyi Ubah, is also a liar.

Ubah knows that we are the political leaders but

the Obas are not, ignore whatever they say on politics.

"That was why he planned to visit the Oba of Lagos. We are the politicians, why didn’t he come to us? He held a meeting with some Igbo in the PDP in Sheraton and later went to the palace. He knows that we are the leaders politically, the Oba is not a politician, he welcomes whoever comes to him. We are the politicians, don’t let anyone put you in trouble."

Clark advises Akiolu to respect laws of the land

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Chief Clark urged non-indigenes to "ignore the threat of Oba Akiolu and join other Lagosians to vote en-

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

T

HE two hardest tests on your life’s journey are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter— Paulo Coelho Enjoy and appreciate this moment of being alive.

It is essential for success to grasp the fact that this very moment which is happening now is your only moment of being alive.

The past, although it did happen, is not actual now. The future, though it will happen, is not actual now. Only now is actual. Yesterday’s happiness and harmlessness does not mean a thing if one is miserable and malicious now and a hoped-for happiness and harmlessness tomorrow is to but waste this moment of being alive in waiting.

All one gets by waiting is more waiting. Thus any ‘change’ can only happen now. It is at this moment in time and this place in space. If one misses it this time around, there is always another chance.

Life is excellent at providing opportunities like this.

Try and be more aware to recognize and take your moments with gratitude.

masse for Jimi Agbaje.”

Clark advised the monarch to respect the laws of the land because he is not above the law.

The former Federal Commissioner for Information, who alleged that Oba Akiolu preferred Ambode whom he claims hails from Ilaje in Ondo State, to Jimmy Agbaje, his brother who is a native of Lagos, said: “It is most disheartening to learn today that the Oba of Lagos is pouring acidic vitriol on non-Yoruba in Lagos, singling out the Igbo, for voting President Goodluck Jonathan, in last week’s election.

"It is doubly shameful, most unbecoming of the standard set by previous Obas of Lagos like Oba Oyekan that Oba Akiolu is reported to have threatened to throw all those who voted in Lagos State against the APC into the waters of Lagos. What would possess the occupier of such an important stool in Nigeria to commit himself in partisan politics to the extent of threatening life and safety, before the voting, and within a week of Mr. President’s display of statesman-like handling of political outcomes?"

Tinubu and Clark spoke as apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, condemned the Oba’s comments and urged the Igbo in Lagos to be courageous and vote candidates of their choice in Saturday’s election.

Other people and

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, yesterday, said he would not initiate moves to prosecute the monarch because he has denied the allegations.

Speaking after a meeting with DIGs, AIGs and Command CPs on arrangements for the elections, in an answer to a question on the issue, Abba said: “All I can say is that I read in the papers that the Oba of Lagos denied making such threatening comments to prospective voters opposed to his candidate of choice for the state governor. Therefore, he cannot be held culpable.

I, as the IGP cannot initiate moves to prosecute the Oba or say anything on the matter because the paramount ruler has denied making such statement.’’

Ndigbo must not succumb to intimidation —Ohanaeze

Also speaking after consultations with Igbo leaders, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in a statement by its President-General, Gary Enwo-Igariwey, viewed the Oba’s threat "with serious concern especially coming from a first class traditional ruler in the country at a time when Nigerians are celebrating the peaceful conduct of the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections."

He said: "As a people, Ndigbo live in all parts of the country and have respect for the culture and traditions of their host communities, including Lagos. We, therefore, have respect for the ancient heritage of the throne the Oba of Lagos occupies.

"Lagos, by its special designation in the country, for over a century, has been home to all tribes from far and near. The Lagos we see today, is the product of the sweat of all Nigerians.

"Democracy is about free choice based on interests.

It is the right of every Nigerian to exercise that

freedom of choice freely given by the Nigerian constitution.

"It is, therefore, the responsibility of all political parties in the country to pursue programmes that address the interests of the electorate from which they make their choice. Ndigbo and indeed all Nigerians should be free to make their choice.

"Ohanaeze, therefore, directs Ndigbo to be bold and courageous as always and vote massively for any candidate of their choice based on their conscience and interests without fear.

"As a people, Ndigbo cannot and should not succumb to any form of intimidation from any quarters no matter the consequences, especially in a place they have laboured with others to build. Ndigbo are interested in building a nation where all Nigerians are free to live and develop in any part of the country in harmony with other nationalities without discrimination.

"We, therefore, wish to bring this threat to the notice of the Governor of Lagos State, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Inspector-General of Police, The Presidency and the international community, including the International Criminal Court of Justice, ICC, to ensure the safety of life and properties of Ndigbo and indeed all Nigerians, at all times."

I hope Oba of Lagos was misquoted — Obi

and capable of truncating the unity of the country, which he said is at variance with the stand of President Jonathan towards the election that had engendered peace in the country and trust among Nigerian’s many ethnic groups.

Yoruba Obas don’t recant —Osun APC

The Osun chapter of the APC urged Nigerians of South-East extraction not to take the statements credited to the Oba of Lagos on its face value but rather do soul-searching in order to fully comprehend its import.

The party, in a statement by its Director of Research and Publicity, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, said a Yoruba Oba does not recant over what he says because his words are expected to be mythical and thought through.

The party stated: “Let it be said that the title of all our Obas is Kabiyesi. The meaning is that our Obas are mythical. Whenever they say anything, nobody can challenge it. We have heard what they have said and with due reference to democracy, and the culture, we do not in anyway challenge the right of any individual or group to their right to their opinions.

"And it is the same right the Oba has to express himself. Nobody must interpret his statements literally because he knows and we all know that nobody has the power of life and death outside God and our laws. To fully understand him, what Oba Akiolu said is that nobody can come to our land, offend our institutions, traditions and our culture and go free.”

In his reaction, Mr. Peter Obi said he was still in a state of unbelief and prayed it would turn out that the revered Oba was either misquoted or quoted out of context. Obi, who spoke at a social function in Umuoji, Lagos too important Anambra, lamented how for APC to lose similar unguarded —Buhari statements made Igbo Speaking at the APC people leave the North in campaign rally in Lagos, droves.

General Buhari said Lagos He said the recent remains a mini-Nigeria statement, if true, by a and cannot be on the wrong revered traditional ruler is worrisome, inflammatory Continues on Page 56

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

IHIALA SHOOTING:

2 policemen, 10 others still hospitalized

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

W K A — T W O policemen and about 10 other persons, who sustained injuries during the shootout at the headquarters of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State during the collation of the presidential and National Assembly elections results last week, are still in hospital.

Anambra State-born oil magnate and millionaire, Dr. Ernest Obiejesi of Nestoil Group, whose bullet-proof car was riddled with bullets during the incident, while reliving his experience yesterday, said it was by the grace of God that he was still alive.

Addressing the people of local government from the 20 political wards in the area, who paid him a solidarity visit at Okija, his home town, Obiejesi said that despite the ugly experience, he would continue to defend the people’s rights.

He also promised to replace all the motorcycles that were either damaged or stolen during the mayhem.

Obiejesi said: “Some people, who are enemies of democracy and enemies of Igbo culture values, tried to assassinate me, simply because I spoke the truth and insisted that the right thing be done in Igboland.

“If people have chosen who they want as their representatives, no one has any right to violate the freedom of the people to choose. That was all I said and that was the reason they tried to kill me.

“When this plan to assassinate me with bullets failed, these same enemies of Igbo values ran to the internet, TV and newspapers to tell lies against me, against my company, against everything that represents the truth, fairness and justice.

“So in addition to facing assassination with bullets, I also faced assassination of my character and the spotless name I have built over the years.

“I refuse to be afraid. I refuse to run away from my duty as a true Igbo man. I will continue to speak against evil.”

It's devil's handiwork, says father of tortured brothers

By Esther Onyegbula

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R. Seun Odebunmi, father of Damilare and Michael, the two children rescued by residents of Owutu in Ikorodu, after suffering severe abuse in the hands of their father and step-mother, has attributed his actions to devil’s handiwork.

“We did not mean to cause the children any harm,” he said.

“All we did was discipline them for stealing,” he added.

According to the 36-year-old father of four, “Damilare and Michael are the children I had from my first wife; their mother abandoned them when they were four years and two years old, respectively.

“I am a company driver before I had this accident that affected my legs. I have undergone two surgeries. While I was still driving, I leave home very early and come back late.

Each time I return from work, I get complaints about the two of them.

“My wife and I went out; when we came back we found out that Damilare has taken my drugs. I was the one that beat him up. But I wanted to take him to the hospital before people in the community called the police, who came to his rescue.

“We have not registered both of them in school because we are still searching for a better school for them.”

Wife’s story

According to 33-year-old Adepeju Odebunmi, a trader, “I am their step-mother. My husband disciplined Damilare because he steals food in the house. He is fond of going into the kitchen to steal food, including soup from the pot.

“When I returned from an outing with my husband, I met Damilare swallowing his daddy’s drug. The daddy got angry and beat him up, then sent him out of the house. He wanted to take his shower before taking Dami to the hospital.

“The neighbours invited the police, who arrested us. I always report to their father when they misbehave. Most times, I discipline them myself. I use the same cane on them and my biological children and give them food three times daily.

“The scars on their body are from rough play.”

Her daughter’s version

Despite the denial from their step-mother, her daughter said: “Mummy usually beats Damilare with horsewhip and plank.

“She always beat them up

Mr. and Mrs Odebunmi. PHOTO: Esther Onyegbula.

zThe scars are from rough play—STEPMOTHER zMy mummy beats them with plank—DAUGHTER zWe didn’t know he had remarried—RELATIVE and if I share my food with them, she will quarrel with me, but she will not beat me.”

It would be recalled that the couple was arrested after residents in the community raised alarm on the abuse suffered by the children when eight years old Damilare Odebunmi was found lying in the sun with blood dripping out of injuries on his back, after an alleged beating by their step-mother for taking Vitamin

C.

A relative’s tears

A close relative of Seun (names withheld) said: “We do not know how he got involved with the second wife, or why he chose to treat his own blood with so much disdain.

“Would you believe Seun married the second wife without the knowledge of any member of his family? As if that was not enough, he relocated to another

area in Ikorodu to cut off links with his family and relatives.

“It was when this trouble started we discovered that he lives here in Ikorodu, married a woman who has grown up children from her previous marriage.”

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, said the children had been discharged from Ikorodu General Hospital and the case charged to court.

Church razed, pastor’s daughter

By Caleb Ayansina

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BUJA—AT least one person died, Monday, as irate youths set ablaze Baptist Church at Gidan Maso village in Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State, while the residence of the pastor, Rev Habila Garba, was also burnt.

This came barely a week after unidentified arsonists attacked a branch of Living Faith Church, popularly called Winners Chapel, at Giwa in Kaduna State.

The deceased, one of the pastor ’s daughters, was said to have died of suffocation as parts of the house were destroyed by the fire, which resulted from the attack at about 7:30p.m.

President of Tarayyar Masihiyawan Nijeria (Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri Christians), General Ishaku Ahmed Dikko (retd), told newsmen yesterday in Abuja that the intention was to kill one youth, Yahaya Joshua, who converted to Islam but later reverted to Christianity.

Dikko, in a statement, called on the state government to live up to its statutory responsibility of ensuring protection of lives and property.

Narrating the incident, he said: “The Baptist Church at Gidan Maso village of Rogo Local Government Area in Kano State was set on fire by youths of the village on April 1 at about 7:30p.m.

“The church and all the properties were burnt down in the presence of the Christian community despite all pleadings for them to stop the destruction.

“The arsonists gathered cornstalks, put them inside the church before setting it ablaze.

This made the action to seem deliberate and for ulterior motives.

“The Christians present exhibited great Christian qualities by not taking the law into their hands by trying to stop them by force.

“Rather than see reason, the arsonist were infuriated which led to setting the house of the pastor, Rev Habila Garba, ablaze as well.

“One of the pastor ’s

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015—7

Come to Daily Star's rescue, concerned elders beg Governor Chime

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—EMPLOYEES of a premier newspaper established in the defunct East Central State, Daily Star, are groaning under alleged financial mess, which had resulted in unsteady production, non-payment of salaries, among a myriad of problems.

Consequently, a group, Concerned Elders Forum in

Enugu State, has sent a letter of appeal to Governor Sullivan Chime to come to the aid of the workers before exiting office, describing the zero funding of the newspaper house as pathetic.

Coordinator of the forum, Chief E. A. Akubue, said: “We gathered that the media workers have not been enjoying their full salaries for many years now.

“Their promotions have not

attracted value since 2007 due to poor subvention.

“The arrears of salaries allegedly owed these staff are unbelievable; workers are yet to benefit from the minimum wage since 2011.

“The affected staff have not received any leave allowance since 1996, while retirees of the establishment, including a former Managing Director, who retired at grade level 17, do not

receive more than N13,000 as monthly pension.

“Equally worrisome is that the chief executive of the newspaper has been sighted on many occasions jumping into taxi cabs or Keke NAPEP, to perform his official functions due to lack of functional official vehicles.

“This does not give a government that is working hard any positive image.”

Collapsed Giire Bridge on Kosubosu-Yashikira Road, Baruten LGA, Kwara State. NAN PHOTO.

killed in Kano daughters died of suffocation and most parts of the house destroyed.

“They also attacked and wounded Bawa Adamu and Aminu Dauda, who received machete cuts leading to broken arms. Others received similar wounds, but of lesser degrees.

“The cause of the barbaric act was to kill one youth, Yahaya Joshua, who converted to Islam but later on reverted back to Christianity.

“He had escaped on learning of the plan to kill him. They therefore set the Church and Pastor’s house on fire and went about maiming and wounding any Christian they saw.

“The incidence was immediately reported to the Police and the District Head at

Rogo. No information has been received about the action taken or if any arrests were made.

“However, all the wounded know and can identify their attackers by name since they all belong to the same village.

“The Tarayyar Masihiyawan Nigeriya is calling on the authorities to take the necessary steps to stem or stop all these harassments and molestations of innocent Christians for whatever reasons.

“We have the right to belong to any religion of our choice and live anywhere in this country.

“We call on the authorities at all levels to rise up to their responsibilities to protect lives and properties of every citizen in this country.”

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: 9 suspects still in Lagos Police detention

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AGOS—THE nine persons arrested in Lagos State for alleged elections related offences on March 28, have remained in police cell without being prosecuted.

DSP Kenneth Nwosu, the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesman, who confirmed the development yesterday, however, said the suspects would soon be arraigned.

Nwosu also assured the residents of a crime-free election on Saturday.

He said: “We have nine persons arrested for disrupting the election and we are looking into their cases; they will be charged to court.

“In the course of the hitch-free general election, we had minimal number of arrest, probably the lowest in the federation which is because of the security measures we were able to put in place.”

He said a minor security adjustment had been made by the command for an improved security ahead of the April 11 polls.

Nwosu said the command had mobilized its combat units.

“Our sister agencies are willing to partner with us just like they did during presidential and National Assembly elections to ensure a crime-free governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections,” he added.

4 remanded in prison for attack on ex-Kogi Speaker

A

Lokoja Chief Magistrate's Court, yesterday, ordered the remand of four persons — two men and two students — in the custody of Medium Security Federal Prisons, Okene, for attacking Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, a former Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly.

The two students, Shaibu Abdulrahman and Shaibu Abdulazeez and Isah Tijani, 22, labourer and Isah Oseni, 25, businessman, were reported to have committed the offence on March 25 in Okene.

They were charged with alleged criminal intimidation, assault, theft and political thuggery by the Divisional Police Headquarters, Okene.

According to the Police First Information Report read before

the court by the Prosecuting Police Officer, Mr C. S. Ayabatu, they attacked Alhaji Bello and his entourage, while on a campaign tour.

The report said Bello reported to the Police at Okene that while he and his entourage were on a visit to the All Progressives Party, APC, chairman in the area, one Mallam Oneta at his residence in Enyinare area of Okene, the suspects and others now at large, attacked him.

He said the accused, armed with dangerous weapons, invaded Oneta’s premises and inflicted matchete cuts on him and his entourage and damaged three cars.

The complainant further stated that the accused, moving in five vehicles, also proceeded to Inike area of

Okene, venue of an APC rally, attacked his supporters and proceeded to Okengwe.

At Okengwe, he said the accused also attacked his supporters and dispossessed them of two Blackberry and two Nokia mobile phones, valued at N10,000 each.

Ayabatu said investigation into the offences, which run contrary to various sections of the Penal Code and Kogi State Kidnapping and Thuggery and Other Related offences Prohibition Act 2010, was ongoing and asked for another date for mention.

Chief Magistrate Alhassan Husaini of Court II, Lokoja, ordered the accused remanded, transferred the case to Chief Magistrate Court, Okene, and adjourned the matter to April 27.

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

Nigeria economy to grow by 4.8% in 2015 — IMF

Treat all Nigerians equally or lose our support, NEF tells Buhari

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

By Omoh Gabriel

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I G E R I A economy has been projected to grow by 4.8 per cent in 2015 by the International Monetary Fund in its World Economic Outlook released yesterday.

The IMF in its data on Nigeria said that the national economy which in 2013 grew by 5.4 per cent rose to 6.1 in 2014 and will decline to 4.8 per cent in 2015 and move up to 5.2 per cent in 2016. It said that global growth in 2015–16 is projected at 3.5 and 3.7 per cent, downward revisions of 0.3 per cent relative to the October 2014 World Economic Outlook (WEO) The IMF however said that global growth will receive a boost from lower oil prices, which reflect to an important extent higher supply.

It said that this boost is projected to be more than offset by negative factors, including investment weakness as adjustment to diminished expectations about medium-term growth continues in many advanced and emerging market economies.

The revisions in global growth it said reflect a reassessment of prospects in China, Russia, the euro area, and Japan as well as weaker activity in some major oil exporters because of the sharp drop in oil prices.

The United States is the only major economy for which growth projections have been raised. The distribution of risks to global growth is more balanced than in October it said. According to the World Economic Outlook report “The main upside risk is a greater boost from lower oil prices, although there is uncertainty about the persistence of the oil supply shock. Downside risks relate to shifts in sentiment and volatility in global financial markets, especially in emerging market economies, where lower oil prices have introduced external and balance sheet vulnerabilities in oil exporters. Stagnation and low inflation are still concerns in the euro area and in Japan”.

Kaduna—Northern Elders’ Forum, has asked President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to serve all Nigerians equally as he mounts the saddle of the nation’s leadership and be ready for its criticism.

The Secretary General of the NEF, Prof Ango Abdullahi, told Vanguard in an exclusive interview that although the forum was elated with Buhari’s victory in the last election, they

were also insisting that the president-elect should stand up for the rights of all Nigerians.

Describing the choice of Buhari as the emergence of a true Nigerian president, Abdullahi, a pro-rotation advocate, pointed out that the forum was certain the new leader would turn Nigeria around and give the citizenry a new lease of life.

“As far as NEF is concerned, the right thing has just been done in Nigeria and we are happy the right president to lead Nigeria to its glory has

finally emerged, Abdullahi said.

“As you know, Buhari is an honest man, with a high degree of integrity who knows what to do for this country from day one and we have no doubt whatsoever that he is going to make an impressive outing as a president.

“But let me also say that if he fails to serve all Nigerians and pursue sectional, tribal or group interests like Jonathan did, we will not hesitate to criticise him as we did to the current president,”

The wife of President-Elect, Hajiya Aisha Muhammadu Buhari (middle) flanked by former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Pauline Tallen (left) and APC Deputy National Women Leader, Mrs Tina Akaekpuchionwa (right) at a function in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

the NEF chieftain said.

Asked to advise Buhari on what to do in order to move the nation forward, Abdullahi asked Buhari to start by tackling raging insecurity in the country and stamp out corruption with immediate effect.

The NEF official said without tacking the two monsters, it would be difficult to salvage the sagging economy and create jobs for unemployed Nigerians who voted for Buhari and his administration.

The former Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University said that Buhari should resist the temptation of selecting his team from those who campaigned with him but to source for credible and experienced Nigerians from all parts of the world to form his cabinet so as to deliver on his promises to Nigerians.

He also said that in sending the names of ministerial nominees to the National Assembly for confirmation, Buhari should attach the portfolios of such men and women to enable the lawmakers ascertain the capability of the appointees in the interest of Nigeria.

“Above all , Buhari must take steps to end the era of impunity by all agencies of government in Nigeria so as to truly show himself as a true democratic leader and give Nigerians a cause to celebrate his coming into power,” the NEF chieftain said.

Stop promoting ethnic hatred, Jonathan warns

By Ben Agande

A

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned against promoting divisiveness, sectionalism and ethnic hatred in the country following the outcome of the March 28 elections, warning that those engaged in such acts should “cease and desist from actions that detract from the true spirit and culture of democracy envisioned by patriotic men and women of goodwill in Nigeria.

In a statement yesterday, the Special Adviser to President on Media and Publicity, Dt Reuben Abati said the president was “concerned about the negative triumphalism that has been put on display by certain elements since March 31 which flies in the face of his personal commitment to post-election peace, unity

and national stability”.

According to Dr Abati, the president “also condemns the undue harassment of public officials serving under his administration and urges all affected persons to continue to perform their lawful duties without fear”.

The statement reads; “As the nation prepares for Saturday’s governorship and State Assembly elections, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan calls on all Nigerians to remain peaceful, united and law-abiding.

“The President condemns the very unseemly attempt by some politicians, groups and individuals to intimidate others, heat up the polity and cause public disorder and disaffection in the aftermath of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

“President Jonathan is especially concerned about the negative triumphalism that has been put on display by certain

elements since March 31 which flies in the face of his personal commitment to post-election peace, unity and national stability.

“The President calls on all those, who through their actions and utterances, have been promoting divisiveness, sectionalism and ethnic hatred in the country following the outcome of the March 28 elections to cease and desist from actions that detract from the true spirit and culture of democracy envisioned by patriotic men and women of goodwill in Nigeria.

“President Jonathan also condemns the undue harassment of public officials serving under his administration and urges all affected persons to continue to perform their lawful duties without fear.

“The President cautions that this should be a time for the healing of political wounds in the overriding

interest of national unity, stability and progress, not a time for ethnic jingoism and the settling of scores.

“The Federal Government will not condone any attempt to instigate a crisis in any part of the country in furtherance of personal political ambitions.

“President Jonathan assures all Nigerians that his administration remains fully committed to national progress and the entrenchment of the best values of democracy for the good of all Nigerians.

“He urges Nigerians to go out en-masse once again on April 11 to vote for candidates of their choice in the Governorship and State Assembly elections with the confidence that his administration will do all within its powers to ensure that they do so in peace, without threats, intimidation or violence from any quarters”.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015 — 9

By Henry Umoru, Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Ewepu

T

HE wave of defection in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP continued yesterday with former Governor Oserheinmen Osunbor of Edo State, Senator Gbemisola Saraki among other adherents of the party announcing their defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC. The party in its first formal response to the development, the party described those leaving as lazy and gold digging politicians who it claimed would not last in their new political habitation.

Besides the duo of Senators Osunbor and Saraki, others whose defection from the party came to the fore yesterday included Mr. Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula, a former principal officer of the House of Representatives and co-founder of the Friends of Goodluck Jonathan support group, former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Brig.Gen.Idada Ikponmwen. Also yesterday, the APC in Rivers State said it was set to receive thousands of disenchanted supporters of the PDP into its fold.

Among those who had earlier this week announced their defection from the PDP were the former attorney general of the federation, Mr. Mike Aondoakaa, PDP governorship candidate in the 2012 governorship election in Edo State, Brig. Gen. Charles Arhiavbere, Jigawa State deputy governor, Ahmed Mahmoud and a handful of senior aides of Governor Lamido Sule of Jigawa State.

Reacting to the development yesterday, the PDP through its national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh told Vanguard that those deserting the party just under a week the party formally lost the presidency were political gold diggers.

Affirming that they were lazy politicians who the party could do without, he said: “it is the view of the party that only lazy people, those who are not committed, dedicated will decamp one week after losing the election.

Osunbor, Saraki, Idada defect to APC ...They are gold diggers — PDP

CAMPAIGN : Speaker of the House of Representatives and Sokoto State All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (left) with Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, at the final phase of the APC governorship campaign rally in Sabon Birni LGA, yesterday.

We do not want political gold diggers, they can go to anywhere. We need strong and dedicated members that will rebuild the party and win the Presidential election.”

“Because we are convinced that the APC lacks what it takes to sustain our democracy, the PDP is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that it returned to power in the next four years to save the nation’s democracy and re-channel our vision of a greater Nigeria.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole received Osunbor into the APC at Iruekpen yesterday while Gen. Idada defected with hundreds of his supporters in Benin City. Osunbor and Idada urged their supporters to vote

for APC candidates in the Saturday House of Assembly elections, warning that the people of the state cannot afford to remain in opposition.

Oshiomhole who received Prof. Osunbor and thousands of his supporters to APC, expressed joy at the development saying, “I will be working with a respected professor of law like you and many of your supporters. We thank God for what he has used us to achieve. I appeal to our people to vote for our APC House of Assembly candidates because they will help me to develop our state rapidly and with the APC government at the top, the sky is our limit”.

Idada at a separate

welcoming session in Benin said: “I am exceedingly happy that our people and the entire nation have overwhelmingly voted for the man of the moment, a perpendicular person, a leader of proven character, a courageous and detribalized man with zero tolerance for corruption, Gen.Muhammadu Buhari to lead this nation.

“I urge all Nigerians to and particularly our people of Edo state to give their votes en-mass at the un-concluded Edo South senatorial and House of Assembly elections coming up on the 11th of April, 2015 to APC candidates in order to support the ongoing political revolution in the country” he stated.

Arigbe-Osula was one of the

PDP in dilemma over Jonathan’s abandoned campaign materials

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

A

BUJA—TONGUES are now wagging within the Campaign Organisation of President Goodluck Jonathan over what to do with the expensive campaign materials produced but not used for the President’s campaign after all.

Finding by Vanguard showed that the materials, which consist of bill boards, fez caps, specially branded T-shirts, giant posters of the president and his vice, Sambo, and highly priced mementos, have been dumped at the Presidential Campaign Office, otherwise known as Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja.

The undistributed campaign stuffs are being dumped in two large stores at the Legacy House and the party is now considering what to do with them given that the presidential election has since been won and lost.

The materials are said to have been produced and delivered by the contractors engaged by the Jonathan’s Presidential Campaign Organisation just before the March 28 presidential election and could not be dispatched to benefiting states before the close of campaigns.

Vanguard learnt that some top officials in the campaign team deliberately sabotaged the distribution of the materials till the close of campaigns, alleging that

the contracts were ‘shared’ to cronies of top party leaders, who in turn subcontracted them to their cronies.

Those who lost out in the contracts are reported to have drawn attention to the supplies, which now occupy available space in the compound and raising eyebrow as to what might have caused the nondistribution to states.

But the Director of Finance of the Presidential Campaign Organisation, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, said that unused campaign publicity materials were reserved for the President’s Grand Rally in Abuja, which was later

cancelled.

According to the former Finance Minister, the contractors produced and delivered the materials on time and there was no effort whatsoever to sabotage the distribution to states.

Usman, who also denied having a hand in the production of the campaign materials, said that there was no foul play in the exercise.

It will be recalled that the Legacy House, which was a beehive of activities just before the Presidential elections last week, has since been deserted by PDP faithful, who now mourn their status as members of the opposition party in Nigeria with the defeat of Jonathan by Buhari.

first to drum support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s aspiration for the presidency ahead of the 2011 elections.

Meanwhile, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, announcing her own defection to the APC in a statement yesterday said the decision was taken after wide consultations with stakeholders across the 16 local government areas of Kwara State.

She said: “I hereby announce our formal move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This decision is a product of wide consultations with members of the GRS Political Family that cut across all the sixteen (16) Local Government Areas of the state on the one hand and the leadership of APC on the other.

CBN to axe institutions transacting business in foreign currencies

By Yinka Kolawole

C

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday threatened to clamp down on any institution or individual that transacts business in foreign currencies in Nigeria, insisting that the Naira is the only legal tender in the country.

The apex bank in a press release signed by its Director, Corporate Communications, Ibrahim Muázu, noted that the provisions of the CBN Act of 2007 stated that only notes issued by the CBN are legal tender in Nigeria.

It therefore advised the general public to report any contravention of the provision of the Act to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the CBN for appropriate action.

“The attention of the Bank has been drawn to the increasing use of foreign currencies in the domestic economy as a medium of payment for goods and services by individuals and corporates. ''It has also been observed that some institutions price their goods and services in foreign currencies and demand payments in foreign currencies rather than the domestic currency (the Naira), which is the legal tender in Nigeria.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the attention of the general public is hereby drawn to the provisions of the CBN Act of 2007, which states inter-alia that “the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be legal tender in Nigeria…for the payment of any amount”.

10— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

By Leke Adeseri, South West Regional Editor, Gbenga Ariyibi & Gbenga Olarinoye

the check-point.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers have vowed to go ahead with the impeachment proceedings, saying that the lawmakers had a constitutional duty and responsibility to probe any infraction of the constitution.

A

DO EKITI—ONE person whose name was given as Modupe Olaiya was reportedly killed yesterday at Itawure near Efon-Alaaye as anti-impeachment protests by persons believed to be loyal to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose entered the second day on Tuesday.

But the police is yet to confirm the death as all attempts to speak with the Police Commissioner, Mr Taiwo Lakanu by Vanguard was not successful. He promised to call back on the matter, saying the command was trying to put some things in shape first while the mobile phone of the state Police Public Relation Office was switched off.

Monarchs worry

This is coming just as the State Council of Traditional Rulers have expressed their worry over the development pledging to intervene in the tussle between the 19 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers and the state governor, Mr Ayo Fayose.

Olaiya was said to have been hit by a stray bullet when a bus conveying the 19 APC lawmakers in the assembly were coming from Osun State and the protesters blocked the road to prevent access to the state capital, Ado-Ekiti a development that reportedly led to a commotion Though, his co-protesters were said to have taken him to a nearby hospital, it was said he later gave up the ghost after the medical team could not save his life.

Security agencies were said to have turned back the APC lawmakers, stopping them from entering the state.

Meanwhile,there were anti impeachment protests in various parts of the state yesterday,while leadership of the labour movements including the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, the Joint Negotiation Council, JNC, and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE mobilising their members to the assembly to prevent the APC lawmakers from impeaching the governor.

Vanguard gathered that aside Ado Ekiti, protests were equally held simultaneously in major towns of Ise, Emure ,Efon Alaaye, Iworoko, Aisegba, Ikere, Ogotun Igbemo, against the attempt to impeach Fayose from office.

Civil servants, students affected

In Ado Ekiti, civil servants were prevented from accessing their offices,while most shops and banks hurriedly closed shop and human and vehicular movement restricted.

Some Senior Secondary School students, presently sitting for the West African School Certificate Examinations outside the capital were turned back by party thugs.

The police commissioner, Mr Taiwo Lakanu, had deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers and personnel to all the affected towns

Our story by 19 APC lawmakers

IMPEACHMENT NOTICE: Some pro-Fayose supporters, protesting the planned impeachment of the Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose by 19 APC lawmakers in Ado Ekiti, yesterday. Photo: Dare Fasube.

FAYOSE'S IMPEACHMENT:

One feared dead as pandemonium hits Ekiti zYou lied over Efon Alaaye killing, APC tells Fayose and troubled spots, while the House of Assembly complex was sealed off by heavily armed policemen, who kept vigil in the place.

The deputy governor, Dr Kolapo Olusola, who spoke on behalf of the governor likened the APC lawmakers onslaught to the biblical oppression by the Egyptian against the people of Israel, expressing confidence that the governor will triumph over his enemies.

“This Egyptian war led by APC will be defeated. Governor Fayose did not elect himself, but the people put him there. This is just a passage and it will go by the grace of God. I want to assure you that we will see this war against an anointed man no more in few days time”, the deputy governor said.

The Head of Service, Dr Gbenga Faseluka also thanked the workers for showing solidarity with the state governor and assured them of government’s care all the time.

However, monarchs in the state under the umbrella of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers will on Thursday meet to deliberate on the ongoing political crisis in the state.

The Chairman, the Onitaji of Itaji-Ekiti, Oba Adamo Babalola, said in Itaji-Ekiti on Monday that monarchs in the state would not fold their arms and watch the situation degenerate.

Commenting on the situation, Oba Babalola warned against resorting to violence.

“We have been told the

runaway legislators are coming back to Ekiti State and that impeachment notice has been served. I don’t know whether that is true, but we need to give peace a chance and allow the Obas to come in to deliberate on the matter.

“We have made attempts severally to settle the dispute between the executive and legislative arms. The legislators did not answer us.

"I don’t know why coming to Ekiti should involve impeachment. We will hold a meeting on Thursday to deliberate on the matter.

“People should maintain peace and people should not be disallowed from doing their businesses. The court is there for adjudication and we should make use of that,” he said.

You lied over Efon-Alaaye killing, APC tells Fayose

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has described as untrue reports that the convoy of the APC lawmakers killed a man at Efon Alaaye-Ekiti yesterday.

It said that the report by Governor Ayodele Fayose’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, alleging that the lawmakers’s convoy killed a man was the figment of his imagination and one in the series of media spins he had been selling to the unsuspecting public to mislead the people to get sympathy.

Reacting to social and electronic media reports of the purported killing, the Special Adviser on Media to Speaker

Omirin, Wole Olujobi, said the governor ’s aides were in a familiar terrain of mindless propaganda to mislead the public.

“The truth is that no one was killed. Nobody saw a dead body on the way up to Itawure junction where the soldiers disallowed us to pass. Itawure junction is not the same as Efon-Alaaye, so we don’t know where he got his story.

“However, we heard that Fayose removed a dead body from the mortuary and presented it to Efon people, claiming that Hon Folorunso Ogundele, a member of the House of Assembly and an indigene of Efon-Alaaye, was the one who pulled the trigger to kill a fellow Efon-Alaaye man in order to instigate violence in the town against him,” the statement explained.

It added: “For those who know Fayose very well, this story is typical of his rabble-rousing tactics to cause mob action against opponents.

“It is gratifying that the people were able to quickly decipher that Fayose was up to a mischief to set brothers against brothers.”

The statement explained that the soldiers who stopped the lawmakers on their way offered no explanation for their action.

“Instead of losing our cool for their strange behaviour, we just left the place,” the statement explained. It added that sources later confirmed that the soldiers were allegedly under a firm instruction to disallow the lawmakers from passing through

The 19 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers of Ekiti State House of Assembly were yesterday chased out of Ado Ekiti by armed soldiers who allegedly prevented from them sitting to carry out their legislative functions.

They also alleged that the state governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose was inciting the people of the state to start attacking them because of the move to investigate him.

Briefing newsmen in Osogbo, yesterday, the majority leader, Ekiti state House of Assembly who is also the chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr. Churchill Adedipe, who was flanked by the Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin and other 17 APC lawmakers, said they had after their last sitting in Ado Ekiti last Wednesday fixed their sitting for yesterday to continue investigation into allegations of constitutional breaches levelled against Governor Fayose.

He added that the vehicle conveying the lawmakers was however prevented from entering the state capital at Itawure, a town of about 40 minutes drive to Ado Ekiti by heavily armed soldiers, whom Adedipe claimed took orders from Brig. Gen. Aliyu Momoh, Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure.

Adedipe said for over two hours, the soldiers prevented them from proceeding to Ado Ekiti, adding that information gathered by some of the lawmakers who made calls to people waiting for them at the state Assembly indicated that Governor Fayose had flooded the premises of the assembly with thugs.

His words: “Despite officially writing the Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, informing him of our sitting, Governor Fayose, his Special Adviser on Political Matters and Commissioner for Works still led thugs into the premises of the assembly.

“Some of these thugs were arrested by the police while others are still being kept by Fayose inside Government House in Ado Ekiti. We are sure by now he would have ordered Ekiti people to start attacking our business, burning our houses to pervert justice, but we want to assure him that any moment from now, we are going back to Ado Ekiti.

“We have written to Gov Fayose detailing his constitutional breaches. We will investigate and play our role as stated by the constitution.”

He assured that the lawmakers would go ahead with their legislative functions, addingthat“theseimpunitybygovernor Fayosemustnotbeallowedtocontinue.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015 —11

Ogun SDP petitions INEC, others over fake PVCs A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THE Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Ogun State, yesterday, petitioned Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Department of State Services, DSS, and Commissioner of Police in the state over the alleged existence of fake Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, in the state.

The party in its petition signed by the state secretary, Abimbola Awofeso, raised the alarm that a political party had printed fake PVCs which were used during the previous election in the state.

The party further claimed that; “A sibling of a top government official who is also official of a local government in Egbado North was reportedly arrested by men from Lagos Rapid Response Squad with dozens of PVCs in his possession.

“It has come to our knowledge that some inmates of the Nigerian Prisons were brought out, given clothes and the fake PVCs to make bulk voting for the APC in some areas.

"This was perpetrated notably

at Akin Olugbade social centre, an hotel at the back of INEC office in Arakanga, Abeokuta North Local Government and NURTW secretariat in Obantoko, Abeokuta and some other

areas of the state.

“It is also worthy of note that the valid Voters Registration sheets released by INEC showed people whose names appeared twice with different VIN number but with same

person appearing in the pictures.

“It must be noted that these irregularities are aimed at skewing the election in favour of APC throughout the state “, the party said.

VISIT: From left: Chairman, National Union Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Lagos State chapter, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, and Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, during a solidarity visit by the NURTW members to the governor in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

POLLS: Oyo candidates sign peace accord

I

By Ola Ajayi, Bukola Ifegbayi & Fisayo Ogunwale

BADAN—TO avoid violence in the Saturday governorship election, the Oyo State police command has made candidates of political parties participating in the election to sign peace accord that would prevent them from engaging in activities capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere during and after the polls.

Signing of the peace accord was supervised by the state Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr. Muhammed Katsina who was represented by his assistant, ACP Sanusi Mububa.

The agreement was signed at a peace accord meeting for governorship and House of Assembly candidates and party members at the Police headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan yesterday.

Though prominent politicians like the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala of Labour Party, Senator Rashidi Ladoja of Accord, Senator Teslim Folarin of the Peoples

Democratic Party, PDP, and Seyi Makinde of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, were expected in person, though they sent their representatives to sign the peace agreement.

The governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the state, Mr. Samson Olalere was the only candidate who attended the meeting in person.

Senator Ladoja was represented by Mr. Nureni Adeniran, the Publicity Secretary of Accord and Chief Biodun Ogunbiyi, represented the Democratic Peoples Party.

It was also gathered that the state Chairman of the APC, Chief Akin Oke was there but left when the programme did not start as scheduled.

Police said they would make all candidates sign the peace accord so that peace could reign during the polls.

According to him, "as the election draws closer, it is important to know that it is the duty of everyone in the state to live together in harmony and sustain peace before, during and after the elections.

He informed them of the readiness of the police to

check any form of violence either by thugs or their sponsors.

As March 28 election was free and fair, he assured the parties that maximum security would be made available for them urging them to cooperate with the

police so as to have a mutual understanding that would allow peace to prevail during the election.

He urged all citizens to come and exercise their civic responsibilities, noting that their security is guaranteed.

Group urges probe of Amosun's alleged bunker

A

BEOKUTA—A sociopolitical group, Good Governance Forum, GGF, has called for a full investigation of a multi-billion Naira bunker allegedly being built by Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

A local newspaper had at the weekend published a bunker being built by the Governor at Ibara Government Reserve Area, GRA, to replace his former house that was gutted by fire early last year.

The group asked Amosun to explain how he got money for the financing a bunker estimated to cost N7 billion.

In a statement signed by the chairman of the group, Olajire Ogunfowokan and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, he said: “After reading the news, we asked our men to investigate it, but it did not take them time to report back that the bunker is being constructed on the same plot belonging to Amosun to replace his bungalow that was gutted by fire last year. Our findings also revealed that Amosun purchased four houses of former neighbours, demolished the properties to give way for the bunker he is building.

“We engaged some of the workers of Monterosa, the construction company that is working on the site and found out that the bunker belongs to Amosun.”

Ogunfowokan said, his group found it appalling that a governor that is owing pensioners and workers salaries to be building a bunker in Abeokuta.

NLC allays fears over planned sack of Ogun workers

A

BEOKUTA—THE Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has urged civil servants in the state to disregard insinuations in some quarters that the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun plans to down size the workforce in the state if re-elected.

The NLC also confirmed the release of the sum of N1.5 billion by the state government to offset deductions from salary of state and local government workers.

Chairman of the the NLC in Ogun State, Comrade

Akeem Ambali, while briefing newsmen in Abeokuta after a meeting with representatives of the state government in Abeokuta, yesterday, charged civil servants to go about their duties without any fear of disengagement.

Noting that the Amosun administration has shown commitment to their welfare, he stated that “the purported plan to disengage labour leaders in the public service of Ogun State, including myself, and the purported plan to retrench 7,000

workers on the re-election of Governor Ibikunle Amosun has been dispelled.

“The state government has confirmed the rumour as baseless, unsubstantiated, wicked and political. We know that there are statutes of employment dictated by laws and norms and we believe that the state government, as a law abiding Government, will not do the contrary.

“We are also of the opinion that workers should go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation or premature disengagement from service”, Ambali said.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

Rivers PDP faults APC on claims of attacks by opponents T

HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, yesterday faulted claims by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its governorship candidate in Rivers State, Mr. Dakuku Peterside, that its members in the state have been subjected to continued attacks and were being killed by its political opponents.

The party also alleged that it was aware of the arrival of a cache of arms and ammunition into Rivers State imported allegedly by leaders of the APC in the state.

The party also claimed that most of the guns have been distributed to the various wards and units across the state to political thugs and machineries of the APC to be used in the April 11 elections.

The PDP, in a statement, said it was surprised that the APC leaders and Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who had allegedly overtly carried out regular release of hardened criminals from prisons and detention in the state and have been ostensibly engaged as snipers and political hatchet men, trailing APC's political opponents, will turn around to blackmail law-abiding members of the PDP, linking them to alleged death cases in the state.

Rivers State PDP Chairman, Mr Felix Obuah, in the statement, said: “We view such allegations by APC National

Why Okowa will win gov election in Delta, by LG boss

T

HE Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Francis MakuEyituoyor, has assured that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorhip candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, will win in the April 11 election because it was the turn of Delta North senatorial district to produce the governor of the state. He also urged the people of Warri North to cast their votes for the PDP candidate for the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Michael Diden.

He said that since both Delta Central and Delta South senatorial districts have each produced governors in the state, for purposes of equity, justice and fair play, Delta North should not be denied the opportunity to do same.

Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Peterside, of the killing of APC members in Rivers State as flawed, unfounded and an outright blackmail.

“It should not surprise the public of the complicity of APC leaders in any death of its members, as it has failed to resolve many of its internal crises sparked by absence of internal democracy, greed and selfish disposition of the

leaders as well as the fallout of the imposition of Peterside, against Senator Magnus Abe, as the party's governorship candidate.

“We challenge the APC to produce unfabricated evidences of their claims. If at all there has been any death incident in the APC, such situation would have also been caused by clash of APC factional cult groups, sponsored by chieftains of the party, struggling for supremacy

and control of huge funds doled out for the running of the party

by Governor Amaechi.

“We have continued to draw attention of the public and security agencies to the release

by Amaechi of hardened criminals awaiting trial, and armed cult boys apparently to cause unrest in parts of the state in order to disrupt the elections, apprehensive of the fact that they (APC) will lose elections in the State."

MEETING: From left: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; Delta State INEC Commissioner, Mr. Aniedi-Abasi Ikoiwak and the State INEC Administration Secretary, Mr. Thomas Ngele, during the INEC-select stakeholder’s emergency meeting with all governorship and House of Assembly candidates in Delta held in Asaba, yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini.

Force headquarters to deploy hundreds of additional police officers to volatile states ...As Amaechi vows to prosecute Rivers killers

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA—AHEAD of Saturday’s gubernatorial and states Houses of Assembly elections, the Police High Command, yesterday, said that Force headquarters will deploy hundreds of additional police officers to states considered volatile such as Rivers and three other states to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.

Inspector General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, who made the disclosure at a meeting with DIGs, AIGs and Command CPs, noted that aside the deployment of the men, some officers will also be redeployed from the volatile states adding that 124 incidents which hinged on electoral offences during the presidential polls were being investigated while some offenders have been charged to court.

Meanwhile, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, has said that “All those involved in the killing of supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State during the electioneering period will face the full weight of the law.”

Amaechi spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the family of late Chief Christopher Adube in Obirikom, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.

Chief Adube, alongside three of his children, his younger brother, lyke Ikechukwu and his two gate men were shot dead last Friday in his Obrikom residence while two of his children who sustained gunshot wounds are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Amaechi assured the bereaved family that his administration will fish out the killers and prosecute them accordingly.

“All those responsible for this bloody act will pay for it. The killing of APC supporters has gone beyond political violence.

Why should politicians go beyond politicking and try to take any body’s life? They will pay for this.

I promise to fish out the culprits,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the IG, at the meeting with top police officers, said that three of the suspects of the bombing incident in Enugu during the presidential election on March 28 have been arrested

while the factory where the IEDS were manufactured has been traced by the police.

He said that the three suspects were arrested at Aboh Mbaise, Obinze and Nsukka areas of the state while investigations is still ongoing.

On alleged killings in Rivers State, he said: “Arrests have been made, and there are suspects identified in Rivers, including those that were committed during the period of campaigns. We have arrested those that are involved including the master minds, but some are still being investigated.

Speaking on the suspicion that the fire incident that engulfed the house of the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mukaila Abdullahi and killed his family, was a case of culpable homicide, the IG said preliminary investigations showed that it was a fire incident.

He added that if subsequent investigations, especially the medical reports, indicate otherwise, then the Police will start fresh investigations to unravel the source.

Okowa, an Urhobo son in diaspora, says Oguma

By Festus Ahon

U

GHELLI—A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Olorogun John Oguma, has called on Deltans, particularly the people of Ughelli South Local Government Area, to turn out en-masse in the April 11 election and cast their votes for the party ’s governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and the constituency House of Assembly candidate, Mr Reuben Izeze.

Oguma, who made the call when he hosted Okowa in his OvworOlomu country home, said the PDP candidate was a son of the Urhobo nation in Diaspora, appealing to the Urhobos to see him as one of their own living in Ikaland.

In his remarks, Senator Okowa thanked Olorogun Oguma and the people for their support. He promised to build a hospital in Ovwor-Olomu when elected governor of the state on April 11.

Madam Ebosa passes on

A

septuagenarian, Mrs. Victoria Odoma Ebosa, nee Gbragada, of Jakpa Town, in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, who died on the 5th of April 2015, is dead.

She is survived by several children, including Dr. Godwin Ebosa, erstwhile Chairman, Warri North, Local Government Area and the MD/CEO of Awaritse Group of companies.

Burial arrangements will be announced by the family.

Late Madam Ebosa

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015 — 13

C M Y K

14—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015—15

I won’t decamp to APC because PDP lost presidency, says Ekweremadu ...unfolds plan by leaders in South East to reposition party

By Austin Ogwuda & Francis Igata

E

NUGU—CONTRARY to speculations, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday, declared that he was not going to jump ship by defecting to All Progressives Congress, APC because his party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lost the presidential election.

Rather, he maintained that in view of the unfolding political scenario in the country, PDP leaders were bracing up to take the bull by the horn to reposition and strengthen the party for a brighter future.

He made the position known while addressing a meeting of PDP stakeholders from Enugu West senatorial district in Enugu yesterday.

His words: “I have read and listened to many lament what they regard as the South East misadventure in view of the emerging scenarios at the federal level. ‘’But let me assure you that Ndigbo has done nothing to be ashamed of and we owe no one any apologies for casting our ballots for the PDP. “For me, therefore, our voting pattern is rather a defining moment for Ndigbo because we spoke with one voice and we are proud of our electoral decisions. ‘’We voted for a party that integrated us into the mainstream of Nigerian politics, elected/ appointed our people into strategic offices, and addressed some of our major infrastructural

challenges. ‘’You would agree with me that Enugu West in particular has never had it so good in infrastructure transformation. So, we took a principled position and accept full responsibility for our

political choices.

“I have also heard a lot of permutations on the possible mass defection of Ndigbo to the APC in the coming dispensation.

While I will not hold brief for all the PDP stalwarts of South East

CONFERENCE: From left, Eze Gordian Dim, Eze Ndigbo of Amuwo-Odofin; Dr. Christian Uchechukwu, Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State; Chief Azubuike Obasi, Co-ordinator, Ambode Ndigbo Campaign Organisation, and Chief Chris Ekwilo, Leader Igbo-Coalition, during the Igbo Community press conference to support Ambode for Governor of Lagos State, in Festac Town, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

APRIL 11 POLL: 22 gov candidates step

down for Ugwuanyi

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—Rising from a town hall meeting ahead of the April 11 governorship

election, a group of 22 gubernatorial hopefuls, under the aegis of Coalition of Political Parties,CPP, yesterday, unanimously

F

ORMER PRESIDENTIAL Liason Officer under former President Shehu Shagari administration, Chief Dr. Dozie Ikedife, yesterday berated the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for allegedly threatening Igbo in Lagos State, if they failed to vote for his preferred candidate in the governorship and State House Assembly elections coming up on

Saturday.

The monarch actually said he would drive the Igbo into the lagoon should they fail to heed his warning.

Chief Ikedife, who is also the former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, told newsmen he was not sure that the statement came from the Oba of Lagos he knew, adding that he might have been quoted out of context.

“In any case, in as much as I

Deaconess Onugha passes on

D

EACONESS FLORENCE Onugha (nee Nzeh),has passed on, aged 67.

According to the families of Matthew Onugha and John Nzeh, a Service of Songs was held at her Lagos residence, No. 22 Araromi Street, Off Kekere Ekun Street, Orile Iganmu, on March 26, 2015.

A funeral service will take place on April 9,2015, followed by interment at Matthew Onugha’s Compound, Umuleke-Amaigbo, Nwangele Local Government Area, Imo State.

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Late Deaconess Onugha

do not believe that the Oba, with all his exposure and position made that statement, it should be sounded as a warning that the Igbo had been threatened enough in Nigeria. ‘’We will not tolerate that anymore, those making such threats should stop immediately because the Igbo cannot be intimidated in Nigeria, never, we cannot be cowed to vote to please a local king maker.

“Nobody should for any reason, issue further threats to Igbo wherever they might be in Nigeria. Igbo have been pushed so hard in Nigeria that any negative reaction from them would be justified. ‘’Of course, you know Igbos have large hearts and they are patient people but their patience cannot be taken for granted, so those making those comments should shut their mouth,” he said.

again —PDP

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA — THE ruling PDP in Abia state said that the failure of President Goodluck Jonathan to win the last presidential election would not have any negative impact on the fortunes of the party in the state.

The party said that it would rather spur it to work harder to ensure that it retains power in Abia.

The deputy director, media, of the party ’s campaign organization, Mr. Kinsley Emereuwa said that the party has overcome the shock of the loss and was on ground to ensure that the party wins the election.

“Rather than the unfortunate incident has negative impact on the party in Saturday’s election, I strongly believe that it is going to spur the electorate in Abia to actualize what the candidacy of Okezie Ikpeazu stands for, that is equity.

Andy Uba defends victory, berates challenger

By Ikenna Asomba

...as Ohanaeze Ndigbo endorses him

Oba’s threat: Ndigbo cannot be intimidated —Ikedife

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

origin, especially because our constitution provides for freedom of association, I can assure you that on PDP we stand. ‘’At least, count Senator Ike Ekweremadu out of any defection to the opposition.

We'll win Abia

adopted Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi,governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Enugu State as the their candidate.

Leader of the coalition, Mr. Afam Ani, said “the governorship candidates had to step down, following the unprecedented acceptance of Ugwuanyi among the electorate.”

In his acceptance speech, Ugwuanyi assured the political parties that he would run an all inclusive government.

He also noted that his administration would consolidate and continue with the polices and programmes of Governor Sullivan Chime’s administration in Enugu State.

The PDP candidate revealed that his administration would ensure that ultra-morden hospitals were built in the three senatorial zones of the state to serve as a reference point and mitigate medical tourism in the South East geo-policital zone.

Meanwhile, the umbrella body of Igbo socio-cultural group,Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State chapter, has endorsed the PDP candidate, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as its preferred candidate for the poll.

T

HE SENATOR representing Anambra South in the Senate, Dr. Andy UbaPDP, has said that he won the just concluded election against his main challenger, Mr Ernest Ndukwe, fair and square.

Uba’s Senior Media Aide, Mr. Uchem Obi, made this known in a statement, yesterday, while reacting to Ndukwe’s alleged claims that he won the election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. Describing Ndukwe as a bad loser, Obi also said that it was part of ‘’his preelection desperation and approach to the very serious business of senatorial representation,’’ which said was ‘’infantile.’’

He further said, ‘’The elections are over and the winner declared, so I advise him, to collate his grievances and head straight to an election petition tribunal. That is where defeated and aggrieved people go to.

Claiming victory on the pages of newspapers is childish, unnecessary and unproductive

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

Buhari, Tinubu, Fashola at APC mega rally in Lagos

From left, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National leader of All Progressives Congress, APC; General Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria's President-elect; Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, APC governorship candidate, Lagos State, and Dr. Oluranti Adebule, deputy governorship candidate, during APC governorship mega rally, in Coker, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos State, yesterday.

Photos: Bunmi Azeez

From left, Senator Chris Ngige, Chief Kemi Nelson, Women Leader, APC South-West, and Chief John Oyegun, National Chairman, APC.

A cross section of APC supporters, at the mega rally.

From left, Governor of Rivers State, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi; Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, General Muhammadu Buhari, and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

70th birthday ceremony of Chief Imomoh in Lagos

Chief Egbert Ulogo Imomoh, Celebrant, with wife, Mrs. Pat Imomoh, cutting the birthday cake, during the 70th Birthday party ceremony of Chief Imomoh, on Monday, at Ruby Gardens, Km 11, Lekki-Epe Expressway. From left, Mrs. Pat Imomoh, Celebrant's wife; Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, Mrs. Chris Bayagbon, and Chief Imomoh, Celebrant.

Photos: Kehinde Gbadamosi

From left, Mr. Loveth Yembra, Prince Yomi Odueke, Mallam Gabby Yadua, Mrs. Bisi Abraham, and Mr. Abiodun Dabiri.

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From left, Chief Osi Imomoh, Vice President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce; Chief Sonny Okpude, AIG, Customs, (retd), and Justice Roli From left, Mrs. Lydia Agose, Mrs. Ada DanOkafor and Mrs. Vivian Abii.

Harriman.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015 — 17

W

HAT an incredible time to be a Nigerian!

All my life, I have been waiting for this election. I have been waiting for confirmation of my belief in the possibility of honesty, decency, integrity and steadfastness being rewarded in Nigeria.

This is just how I felt the morning after Barack Obama’s win. I was a student at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France and I remember getting into the train on my way to class with an extra bounce to my step.

I held my head higher, my carriage was different, it was the same for all other Black people and ethnic minorities on that train. We felt the world saw us, that one man had exemplified our struggles and that the majority’s acceptance of him would in turn, translate into it embracing us and our talents.

It was a great day for the marginalised, for the down trodden, for anyone with dreams that felt impossible. For me, Buhari, like Obama, told us that although dreamers might not be part of the establishment, perhaps because of the nature of our aspirations, the magnitude of our uncompromising belief in fairness and equity, because we shared this idea that cronyism cannot develop a country, that if one has the courage of one’s convictions, and is talented to boot, one should be allowed, no matter one’s skin colour, age or ethnicity to share one’s light with the world.

They told us that our perceived lack of funds would never be a deterrent to the actualisation of our ideas and ambitions. In Nigeria too, we will see a system where personal beliefs and talent, rather than money maketh the man.

Grandest dreams and possibilities In a system where only the rich seemingly prosper and fit in, these men showed us it is possible for ordinary people to succeed. So, my philosophy will forever be, as the Americans say, “no guts no glory” or as Charles de Gaulle, another great believer in life’s grandest dreams and possibilities said: “la gloire ne se donnequ’àceux qui l’onttoujoursrêvée”, meaning, “glory only gives itself to those who have always dreamt of it”. From the time I was a little girl, I dreamt both of personal glory, of glory for man and country as I was raised on the ideas and philosophies of great men and women who taught me, through the pages of books which brought us together, through space and time, that anyone can matter and make a difference if they have truth on their side and most of all, if they believe.

Baba, the father of all the dreamers, of all the achievers, those who have been taunted and shamed for their beliefs, those who refuse to take what is not theirs and have been mocked for it, Baba, thank you

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tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

SAI NIGERIA: Here come the dreamers for validating us, for showing us we were not crazy for believing that Nigeria could be about something more than money.

Daughter of civil servants I’m the daughter and granddaughter of civil servants.

My grandfather, Sunday Young-Harry, was the Deputy Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN, formerly Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, NBC). I have a particular memory of him that makes my insides twist with a mixture of love, pride and sadness.

He had an official residence in Ikoyi, which did not become his personal property once he retired. Many of his colleagues and contemporaries must have thought him strange.

Nigerians have grown tired of feeling like prisoners in their own country. We are tired of being chained to the ambitions of some, who quickly forget us after elections, while our own dreams and aspirations are cast aside

In today ’s Nigeria, like a former Head of State who returns moneys allocated to him because he believes they are not his due, such behaviour is not just an oddity, it is a rarity.

Rather than praise such people, today’s Nigeria would dare call them fools.

At the end of Abacha’s regime, my grandfather, in conversation with my mother, could not believe that it was possible for anyone to make away with such huge amounts.

He could not begin to comprehend that anyone would even dare to take what wasn’t theirs.

I have tears in my eyes when I think of such a man, honourable to the very end, loyal to his country, even when it was no longer loyal to him, or to itself and the beliefs that made it. Like many pensioners in today’s Nigeria, the state soon forgot him when he was out of office.

My grandmother, also a civil servant, but with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, taught us the power of honour and

integrity. My family learnt compassion from her and the virtues of service to others. So for me, “Change” isn’t just a slogan. It’s a family crest, emblazoned deep within my heart. It is the promise that the Nigeria we all once knew, a country where hard work, talent, honour were rewarded, where service was a public duty rather than an area for personal profit, can exist once more.

The forgotten people of Nigeria, who are not children of ministers, who do not own private jets (and do not hope to might I add), all of us Nigerians who believe a good name is worth its weight in gold, we’re so proud of you, Baba. I have never seen my mother lobby for public office, although she

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

W

HAT a man! The Financial Times calls him “Africa’s Machiavelli”, a kingmaker who risked it all to live forever in the pages of History, a man who saw the writing on the wall and

National Assembly

A

BOUT 300 former House of Assembly members will not be returning in June, due to the heavy defeats PDP suffered during the elections.

Although some see training new members as a chore, I see it as an opportunity for political renewal.

Not only is it an opportunity for “fresh blood” to bring new vigour to House proceedings,

could have done so. Kehinde Young-Harry, the quintessential broadcaster, who inspired my love for the media and social commentary, has never asked anyone for anything, has never sought anything beyond her dues. She taught me to be content and to hold my head up high, no matter what life threw at me. Baba, now that you are there, restore Nigeria’s former glory, it’s former values, so that I can raise children who will be like her, who will not be afraid, because some of their friends cut corners in order to own expensive cars, or homes abroad, to be themselves and to work hard and deserve all that they own.

Nigerians have grown tired of feeling like prisoners in their own country. We are tired of being chained to the ambitions of some, who quickly forget us after elections, while our own dreams and aspirations are cast aside. Three cheers for the dreamers, the achievers, the sons and daughters of their mothers who exhibit the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, who have shown the world that Nigeria can have a peaceful election and vote for the ways of goodness rather than rascality and profiteering. God bless the People’s General, the General for all of us bleeding hearts who ardently desire change!

it is an opportunity for new, better conduct to be popularised in the House, if these new members embrace the change they were voted in to implement.Some were once PDP members but I hope they realise it is not business as usual. Baba will not allow it. We, the people, will not allow it.

decided it was time to work, not for himself, but for Nigeria and the ages.

His story, like Buhari’s should be taught as a university course: if this was America, a political scientist would be writing his memoirs so that students can study, learn and understand not only how game-changers are made but how difficult choices and challenges are balanced for progress.

We are going to have a great country, Nigerians. Don’t believe me? Just watch. Or even better, etch your name in the pages of history: participate.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Nigeria's National Assembly

Tabia Princewill is a strategic communications consultant and public policy analyst. She is also the co-host and executive producer of a talk show, WALK THE TALK which airs on Channels TV.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015 THERE can be no justification for the threats that His Royal Majesty Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, issues against Igbos days ago. The Oba told some Igbo leaders, who paid him a courtesy visit, that if Igbos did not vote for his preferred candidate, he would throw Igbos into the lagoon. He swore, by the Almighty, that he would carry out the threat seven days after the election unless he was not his father’s child.

Incredulity first greeted the statements that were the Oba’s reactions to the results of the closely contested presidential and National Assembly elections in Lagos. He was possibly incensed that non-indigenes won three House of Representatives seats in Lagos State.

Thereafter, outright condemnations followed, yet some doubted that the revered traditional ruler would have taken such partisan stance on a matter that bothered on people’s right to make their choices.

Some refused to associate the Oba of Lagos with those statements, instead claiming that they could be part of the propaganda that has attended the election. What is obvious is that the Oba made the threats, which were laced with

Nothing Justifies Threats A gainst Against Ndigbo questions about if Ndigbo would have allowed others to win elections in the South Eastern towns of Aba and Onitsha.

Feeble attempts have been made to deny the threats, particularly after condemnations of the Oba mounted. Some Ndigbo groups have asked for withdrawal of the threats and apologies to Ndigbo. Others have threatened legal actions against the Oba who they accused of taking hate speech to an entirely new dangerous level. A

“clarification” reportedly issued from the Oba’s palace said the Oba was speaking in parables and never mentioned throwing Ndigbo into the lagoon. Audio links that have gone viral and television footage of the event, confirmed that the Oba made the threats.

Whether he spoke in proverbs or parables did not conceal the pointed threat to Ndigbo.

Some of the reasons that have kept people surprised are that the Oba of Lagos, like all traditional rulers, is not expected to be partisan, at least not so openly, as to threaten others who may share different political views from his. The Oba is a lawyer and retired from the Nigeria Police as a Deputy Inspector General, just two notches from being the Inspector General of Police. Would such an illustrious police officer not realise the implications of threatening a group with massacre because their views differ from his? Was he unaware that nobody would accept his conduct that is below expectations from the throne? Ndigbo would not be the only ones at risk unless the threats are withdrawn with similar exuberance as the Oba issued them.

OPINION

By Francis Ewherido

E

VEN non-Christians have heard the cliché, the Good Samaritan, at least once. It is the parable of the non-Jew who came to the rescue of an armed robbery victim along the Jerusalem-Jericho route where a priest and a levite, who should know and do better, had passed, and left the victim to a die a slow, painful death.

The good deed of the Samaritan was totally unexpected from Samaritans at that time.

How did the story of the Good Samaritan come about? An overzealous teacher of the law wanted to set a trap for Jesus and asked Jesus to tell him who his neighbour is (Luke 10: 25-37). Who is a neighbour? A neighbour goes beyond a person living near you; a neighbour is someone “who is near in sympathy or confidence.” A neighbour is someone who understands your pain and can bring succour; a neighbour is someone who is just, fair and equitable. These definitions are what Deltans should be looking at, not their “town’s man,” as we prepare to elect a new governor on April 11, 2015.

One of the tragedies of our democracy since 1999 is injustice meted to other ethnicities by those in power, as if only people of their ethnic group voted them in. Delta State has had its share of this problem. This has fuelled the resolve of the various ethnicities to have their son/daughter as governor. Delta South had theirs in 2007, now Delta North want to have their way, via the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Let me quickly add that I am not one of those from Delta Central who think the Delta State

Emerhor: The Good Samaritan governorship is a birthright of the Urhobo people. Delta State is blessed with sons and daughters across board with intimidating credentials and it would be nice to have one of them as governor on May 29, 2015.

My thinking is that the governorship of Delta State is too important to be reduced to an ethnic arrangement where the various ethnic groups take their turns. The governorship should be for the best of Deltans irrespective of ethnicity. And at this point in time, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is the best of all the aspirants. Nobody even comes near in terms of vision, intelligence and accomplishments. Thank God for the internet, the facts are in the public domain for anybody who is interested to verify. When the other governorship candidates gave excuses and refused to participate in the Delta State gubernatorial live debate recently, I was disappointed but not surprised. No sensible man presides over his liquidation. The soft-spoken Emerhor would have made them look ordinary, pedestrian and miserable. They had to 'dodge' to avoid humiliation.

The governorship should be for the best of Deltans irrespective of ethnicity

Emerhor will be a Good Samaritan, nay governor, to all Deltans, irrespective of ethnicity. He will be fair, equitable and just to all Deltans. He has a big heart and he is not given to pettiness and clannishness. The Bible says that he who is faithful in small things will also be faithful in big things. In his private and business dealings, Emerhor looks at excellence and other issues, not ethnicity. When in 1996, Emerhor wanted to start Standard Alliance Insurance Plc; he went for an illustrious Anioma son and well-bred professional, Chief Peter Monye, to help him drive his vision. I was there, so I know. Emerhor has two precious daughters who are married; one to an Igbo man and the other, to an Itsekiri man. Employees in Emerhor ’s companies come from all parts of Nigeria; they only share one thing in common: excellence. How else do you want Emerhor to prove that he is detribalised and the kind of governor Delta needs? Emerhor has been faithful in private matters; he will be faithful in public matters.

It is only natural for Anioma to want to occupy the governorship seat, being the only senatorial district that has not occupied the seat since the creation of Delta State. But we can stretch this argument.

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who has been governor since 2007, is Itsekiri; so the Isokos and Ijaws, the other two groups that make up the tripod in Delta South, can rightly argue that they have not occupied the governorship seat. Even if an Ika from Delta

North gets the governorship, the Ukwuanis can rightly argue thereafter that they have not tasted it. Even among the Urhobos who are supposed to be monolithic, you have subgroups like Uvwie, Okpe, Agbon and so on.

So the argument can go on and on.

Let us leave out sentiments, clannishness and ethnicity and concentrate on who is best suited among the candidates to get the job done. Delta is in need of extreme makeover.

Who better than Emerhor, a turnaround specialist, to take over as governor of Delta State on May 29, 2015? We should be wary of empty promises. We cannot gamble with our future by electing a governor whose voice will be Jacob’s and hand, Esau’s. Our governor must be his own man. We cannot also pitch our tent with a small party with an uncertain future at a time when mega parties are the vogue. Delta State has never been in opposition since its creation. The APC has won at the centre. It should be replicated in Delta State. The impending broom revolution must berth in Delta State and usher in the much-needed change.

Really, the April 11 governorship election in Delta State is a choice among gold, silver and bronze. I do not know the silver and the bronze, but the gold is indisputable: Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, the banking, insurance, business and turnaround guru.

•Mr. Ewherido, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015—19

Buhari, PDP… and Attahiru Jega

I

T’S been a week since Muhammadu Buhari was declared winner of the 2015 presidential election. After what seemed like an impossible mission having tried a number of times to be president without success, Buhari now becomes one of two individuals (the other being Olusegun Obasanjo) to occupy the office of an elected president after holding office as a military dictator. This ordinarily should be a very rare thing, a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence among people of the same generation. But the fact that this could happen in a space of about seven years (counting from 2007 when Obasanjo finished his second term in office), underlines the fact that Nigerian politics is still very much in the hands of the military or their surrogates as one must classify the Peoples Democratic Party that has been in power in the last one and a half decades.

The PDP might have been founded by politicians with professional backgrounds outside the military. But it was the military that ensured its continued existence having

hijacked the party from the original founders and handpicked Olusegun Obasanjo, the same man who had handed over power to the civilians 20 years before, as the man to lead the party and the country into the 21st century. It is a measure of how close we still are to our military past that after nearly two decades of post military rule, their civilian successors were such terrible failures that the only viable alternative to the wasteful, non-performing administration of the PDP is a government led by another former soldier. The fault is not entirely the military’s. It is rather the outcome of the mismanagement occasioned by so-called democrats who inherited the obvious antidemocratic reflexes of the military without the attendant virtue of disciplined dedication and commitment to duty that is to be found in the armed forces.

The emergence of Muhammadu Buhari was not inevitable. That is if the PDP in particular, and Nigerian politicians as a whole, had made just a little effort to learn a bit

from history and remembered that it was the mindless worship of power and unbridled corruption that ruined Nigeria’s first attempt at popular democracy in the 1960s. But the PDP operated like a conquering army, a political behemoth whose past and contemporary managers touted as the largest party in Africa, and had boasted would hold power for at least 60 years. So certain of its dominance of the political space was the PDP that it practically did nothing by way of serious campaign until the last six weeks before the rescheduled date of the 2015 election. Mercifully, the only link between 60 and 16 are the first four letters of both words.

Like the ancient Hebrews of Pharaoh’s Egypt, God heard the cries of Nigerians and mercifully came to their rescue, cutting 60 years down to 16.

It is in the best interest of Nigeria’s democracy for the PDP to lose the 2015 election. Nigeria

After three failed attempts, Buhari must be after something greater than the mere desire to savour what it means to live in Aso Rock Villa

Buhari and Jonathan: Character as destiny MIDST the many thoughts and the conventional indices of achievement, emotions that crowded my mind though even there the Transformation A when it became apparent that Maj-Gen. Ambassadors’ claims far exceeded any Muhammadu Buhari was well on his way to defeating President Goodluck Jonathan, the word “character” kept asserting itself.

Puzzling this little conundrum, I soon discovered why. Character had been the organising concept for my endorsement and advocacy for Buhari. I had said as much without elaboration in three columns: “Buhari: Beyond Tribal, Religious and Ideological Fallacies” (14 January); “A FeBuhari Wind of Change in March” (11 February); and “For a Second War Against Indiscipline—After Voting for Change on the 28th” (25 March). In private conversations, however, I had articulated this framing idea, which, I must add, goes beyond the fact of my membership, and futile bid to be a Representative under the platform, of the All Progressives Congress.

Sometime in late February, I visited a friend of mine in Abuja who heads a major federal department in the power sector.

There were about three others in his commodious office and before long, the conversation turned to the rescheduled presidential election. My friend’s sympathies, naturally, were with his boss. He was surprised that despite Jonathan’s many achievements — the power sector he was appointed to oversee as a case in point — and Buhari’s heavy baggage lugged from his stint as a military dictator, the odds seemed to be against Jonathan. Just when he was about to blame poor communication for Jonathan’s seemingly dismal prospects, I interjected. Anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of this election, I opined, would be making a mistake by looking to

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objective assessment. The soul of the nation has been mortally wounded by the cumulative assault on it by poor leadership, military or civilian, especially in the last 16 years of impunity, institutionalised corruption and lack of a clear vision to lead the country out of its ethico-political predicament, I said.

My argument was that whenever a society was faced by a serious threat to it score values and dignity, such abstract ideals as freedom, liberty, equality, democracy or self-determination, etc., trump mundane matters of bread and butter as the inspiration for struggle and change. Nigeria, I said, is yearning for a person of character and integrity to take charge of its affairs and restore a modicum of decency. And Buhari was perceived as a man of character, exemplified by his quasi-ascetic lifestyle. In a country being eaten alive by corruption, you looked at him and were impressed that despite having been at the most lucrative posts

By one single act of statesmanship, Jonathan has managed to include a brilliant footnote in an otherwise lacklustre six-year record as president

was fast becoming a one party state under PDP control.

Disaffected party members who either left in a huff or after much deliberation still crawled back under its banner even as many others crossed carpet to join the PDP gravy train. The party operated as the only party in Nigeria, with every politician struggling to stand under the cover of its big umbrella of corruption that is as accommodating as the thighs of a commercial sex worker. But thank God, Nigerians chose to terminate the party’s whoring career. And here we are with a Buhari presidency.

After three failed attempts, Buhari must be after something greater than the mere desire to savour what it means to live in Aso Rock Villa. Granted that his tenancy as Nigeria’s leader was at Dodan Barracks, he appears to have more up his sleeves than ordinary vanity. Otherwise, he would not have endured the horse trading that appears alien to his character but which he nevertheless had engaged in with many of the shady characters that populate Nigerian politics.

As a former head of state, a maximum ruler whose words had the immediate impact of law, Buhari’s determination to return as an elected leader smacks of a strong desire to contribute to the well being of Nigerians. It was either this or he would not have borne the rigours and pain of the 2015 election campaign that was characterised by raw mudslinging and outrageous insults directed at his person.

But through it all, he remained his aloof and dignified selfneither complaining nor paying his PDP adversaries back in their

for selfenrichment— m i l i t a r y governor, f e d e r a l commissioner of petroleum resources, chairman of the Petroleum Trust and Development Fund, and head of state—he is not a billionaire, not even a multi-millionaire.

Consequently, even the very trait used to paint him as an incorrigible dictator became the shining colour of his character: his stern, no-nonsense demeanour that would lead him to launch his infamous war against indiscipline, his unmitigated aversion to official graft to the extreme of trying to smuggle home from the United Kingdom to face trial for embezzlement a scion of the Northern oligarchy, Umaru Dikko. It was proof that he would chase corruption and the corrupt to the ends of the world. He presented a clear contrast to a president whose only show of mettle is the shocking defiance “I don’t give a damn” when urged to publicly declare his assets so he might earn the moral authority to fight corruption, not to mention the sophistry of distinguishing between stealing and corruption.

I had also touched on an implicit aspect of character by adding that one of Jonathan’s greatest undoings is that he lost the “intellectual class.””Character is destiny,” said the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. A variant translation from the original Greek has it as “One’s bearing shapes one’s fate.”Any intellectual not in the pay of the government or who did not harbour the expectation of being called to “come and chop” couldn’t fail to be profoundly disappointed by the bearing of a purported member of the fold. Whether reading from a script or speaking ex

own coin. His dignity in the face of the disrespectful comments of his opponents was both remarkable and worthy of emulation. It was, perhaps, only matched in this era of politics as homicide by the dignified equanimity of Attahiru Jega, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in the face of the rambunctious, bolekaja antics of Godsday Orubebe.

Orubebe, a former minister of Niger-Delta Affairs and agent of the PDP at the national collation centre, put up a despicable show that was aimed at truncating a process that was on the cusp of conclusion. His behaviour was worse than shameful if not treasonable. For what he was up to, had it succeeded, had the potential of annulling the result of the election that has now been won by Mohammadu Buhari.

Jega’s quiet and unruffled mien is a study in human mastery of emotion.

If he had reacted as aggressively as Orubebe’s behaviour demanded, not many would have blamed him. Indeed, he would have been praised for standing up to a common bully out to scuttle the wish of millions of Nigerians who had openly expressed their preference for change from a PDP government that has long lost its bearing to any alternative that has the slightest potential of steering our ship of state off the cliff of destruction. But then, reacting to Orubebe in the manner many of us would have considered totally human and justified on Jega’s part would also have meant granting Orubebe his unspoken wish- aborting the peaceful process of transition.

tempore, what hit you was a palpable lack of rigour, the absence of a mind attuned to the range and complexity of the problems he addressed. It led to the unflattering perception of the leader of the most strategically important black nation on earth as a man of dour, uninspiring personality without enough wattage to light a candle.

Mild-mannered was the euphemism often employed by the foreign media. Ironically enough,it is this insipid attribute that accounts for the unanticipated yet unsurprising glory of Jonathan in defeat.

What better illustration of the notion of character as destiny can there be than that in being true to his mild-mannered nature, Jonathan should promptly concede victory, thereby denying his kinsmen who threatened war if he was not elected any opportunity for calamitous mischief? I join in praising him. By one single act of statesmanship, Jonathan has managed to include a brilliant footnote in an otherwise lacklustre six-year record as president.

The great German playwright and moral philosopher, Bertolt Brecht, was right after all: in the contradiction lies the hope—or, as my teacher and older comrade, Professor Biodun Jeyifo prefers it, Contradictions are our only hope! This, at any rate, applies equally to the man of the moment, Presidentelect Muhammadu Buhari.

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

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Nigerian election process, a boost to African economy —Axa

A

From left: UNIDO Director General Li Yong and Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, Secretary-General of D-8 during the partnership signing agreement on poverty reduction and environmental sustainability in Vienna, Austria.

Investors stake N279.12bn on 25.93bn shares in first quarter of 2015 I NVESTORS on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) staked N279.12 billion on 25.93 billion shares traded in 261,116 deals in the first quarter of 2015.

Statistics released by the NSE yesterday in Lagos showed that the market declined in volume and value as 27.9 billion shares worth N302.99 billion was achieved in 270,236 deals in the last quarter of 2014. The data also showed that the turnover

of shares traded dropped by 7.06 per cent.

A breakdown of the statistics showed that the financial services sector emerged the most

The financial services sector emerged the most active; accounting for 20.56 billion shares

$146.20

5. 30

$2,806.00

38.00

12.72 -0.00

$56.98 2.03 $50.93 1.79 CURRENCY DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

BUYING

CENTRAL

196 196.5 197 290.4132 291.1541 291.8949 212.3268 212.8685 213.4101 203.8906 204.4107 204.9308 1.6378 1.642 1.6462 3022 0.3122 0.322 269.7465 270.4347 271.7885 31.6263 31.7074 31.7885 52.2472 52.3804 52.5137 28.4161 28.4886 28.5611 271.0484 271.7399 272.4313

CBN Exchange Rate as at 6/4/15

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active; accounting for 20.56 billion shares valued N144.88 billion traded in 157,151 d e a l s .

Market capitalisation during the review period dipped by N 7 6 1 billion to close at N10.717 trillion, against N11.478 trillion achieved in the last

quarter of 2014.

Also, the NSE AllShare Index lost 2,912.31 points or 8.40 per cent to close the quarter at 31,744.84 points from 34,657.15 points recorded in the preceding quarter.

Mr Emeka Madubuike, President, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), attributed the decline to pre-Presidential and National Assembly elections’ uncertainties which resulted in huge sales pressure.

Madubuike said that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) devaluation of the nation’s currency and tight monetary policies led to the development in the growth.

He said that political and security uncertainties and continuous drop in crude oil price at the international market which led to the exit of portfolio investors contributed to unimpressive market performance.

Oil falls as Iran, China discuss more supply

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RENT crude oil fell below $58 a barrel yesterday on signs showed that the Iranian nuclear talks could lead to the lifting of sanctions. The positive outcome of the talks came as Iranian officials visited Beijing to seek more oil sales, leading to speculations that there could be further oil glut.

China is Iran’s largest trade partner and had bought roughly half of its crude exports since 2012, when sanctions against the Islamic Republic were tightened. Oil markets were also pressured by a Goldman Sachs report saying prices needed to

remain low for months to slow U.S. oil output growth.

Brent LCOc1 was down 50 cents at 57.62 dollars a barrel while U.S. crude CLc1 was down 60 cents at 51.54 dollars a barrel.

Global oil markets already face a supply glut with producers pumping over 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) more than demand in the first half of this year, analysts say.

“There is a massive oversupply, stocks are rising and now we have the prospect of more Iranian oil coming onto the market,” said Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank in Frankfurt.

xa SA, the largest foreign insurer active in Nigeria, sees the peaceful manner in which the country is handling its first transition in political power in decades as supporting economic growth in the country and beyond.

“We think that political stability and the respect of democratic rules in this vote can only consolidate development potential in Nigeria and other African countries,” JeanLaurent Granier, head of Axa’s global property and casualty business — or shortterm insurance — said in an interview.

A largely peaceful election in which Muhammadu Buhari defeated President Goodluck Jonathan has bolstered investor confidence. Nigeria’s insurance penetration is about a fifth of the average on the continent and less than a 20th of the level in South Africa, underscoring the opportunity in a country with 177 million people.

“We are not making a political interpretation of this outcome,” Granier said. “This reinforces and confirms our will to grow in Nigeria.” Axa has disposed of 8.9 billion euros ($9.7 billion) of assets in developed markets since 2010 to invest in faster-growing nations, including African markets. In December, it spent 198 million euros to buy a majority stake in Mansard, Nigeria’s fourth-largest insurer. Last month, Parisbased Axa completed the purchase of a 7.2 per cent stake in pan-African reinsurer Africa Re for $61 million.

Insurance penetration in Nigeria, as measured as a percentage of premiums to gross domestic product, was 0.68 percent in 2012, according to a KPMG report in August.

That compares with a 3.5 percent average for Africa and 15.4 percent in South Africa, the continent’s biggest insurance market, according to figures from PriceWaterhouseCoopers in October.

Insurance premiums tend to increase faster than economic growth in Nigeria and African countries, as companies and households adjust their coverage to “catch up” with rising living standards, Granier said.

“The corporate insurance market was first to develop and now the market for individuals is opening,” he said. Health insurance products sold through corporate or individual policies, car-insurance needs and micro-insurance initiatives are contributing to insurance expansion in Nigeria, as in other fastgrowing African markets, he said.

Building Collapses Nigeria has about 60 registered insurance companies, according to the national regulator.

Among factors that companies should incorporate into risk models when underwriting in Nigeria is the unusually high number of building collapses, PwC said in a March 30 report. In the last 12 years, this has happened to an estimated 30 buildings, it said.

Mansard has increased annual revenue by more than 20 percent in “these last years and this company can keep having high growth,” Granier said, without giving a target for this year.

Since March 31, when Buhari won the election, Nigeria’s benchmark stock index has climbed 15 percent to levels not seen since November last year.

It’s the Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index’s longest streak of gains since September 2012..

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015 Despite the good intentions of the Jonathan administration for the insurance industry, there will be a change of baton very soon, following the defeat of Jonathan at the last presidential election, and General Muhamadu Buhari will step in

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NAIC to increase number of insured farmers to 5m T

HE Management of Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation, (NAIC), said it has set for itself the goal to increase the number of insured farmers in Nigeria from the current two million to as high as five million before the end of 2015.

The corporation further said it has also set for itself the goal to continue to play the leadership role in the agricultural insurance and general insurance business in Nigeria through a deep commitment of service excellence to its clientele.

NAIC said in achieving this, it intends to gain deeper insight into customer’s specific needs and learn to deliver the relevant products to the right types of customers, at the right price and at the expected level of service.

Managing Director of the corporation, Mr. Bode Opadokun, who disclosed this while presenting his regime’s score card to journalists after one year of his assumption of office as the helmsman of the corporation, said the corporation would continue to review its business process and models in order to build resilience and achieve the goals.

He said in order to achieve the above goals, the corporation would deploy fully functional, efficient and effective ICT system in the development, distribution and sales of insurance products and services to all categories of farmers and other clientele in its insurance portfolio.

Opadokun highlighted other future plans of NAIC as providing insurance and other climate smart risk management services to the Nigerian farmers at minimal costs, using electronic platforms and products that will mitigate risks mostly attributable to climate change which may tend to weaken or impact negatively on the gains made in agriculture in Nigeria as well as to implement underwriting of Weather Index Insurance in Nigeria with the support of donor agencies and international reinsurance organisations.

“We shall continue to cultivate and maintain strategic alliances with C M Y K

insurance brokers and underwriting firms for the marketing of our insurance products and services through their platforms and distribution channels”, he stated.

He also said the corporation will upgrade its offices in the commercial cities of Kano and Port Harcourt to control offices with a view to improve on its services and also harness the business opportunities in these cities and environs.

The NAIC boss listing other plans of the corporation said “We will increase our share of the general insurance business market with a view to support the required growth of the corporation in terms of size and activities.

We will increase our share of the general insurance business market with a view to support the required growth of the corporation in terms of size and activities Increase the corporation’s premium income by 40% in the current year.”

He also said the Agricultural Services Unit of the corporation would be strengthened with well trained personnel and provided with the required working tool to assist farmers in increased food production.

Speaking on the achievements of the corporation in the past one year, Opadokun said, “The Corporation developed and commenced the implementation of a new strategic business plan that is woven around the core values of integrity, speed, motivation, innovation, leadership and excellent service.

INSURAN Insurers task incoming administration on budgetary allocation for govt insurance

By Rosemary Onuoha

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ver the years, the federal government has been a major defaulter in payment of premium for insurance. The situation is made worse due to the fact that there is hardly any budgetary provision for insurance of government assets, both human and material.

Decrying this scenario, Managing Director of Industrial & General Insurance Plc, Mr. Rotimi Fashola said, “Government and its agencies have been paying lip service to the importance and benefits of insurance, without serious patronage and support. There is hardly sufficient budget provision for payment of insurance premium by government and its agencies.

Therefore, when insurance services are patronised, payment of the premium becomes an issue, a clear negation of the provisions of the law on ‘no premium, no cover’.

According to Fashola, some government parastatals or enterprises are funded without allocation for insurance. Many insurance policies contracted by the MDAs in the past were not renewed, thus leaving the assets exposed to risk,

damage and losses without insurance protection. Many of the parastatals are no longer contracting insurance, certainly in breach of some of the compulsory insurances, because of the government budget system, he stated.

It was therefore on this condition that the

Stakeholders are of the opinion that insurers themselves should stop sitting on the fence when issues of budget are discussed, rather they should ensure that insurance concerns are added to the budget

administration of President Goodluck Jonathan decided to step in.

Recall that the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that Jonathan’s administration wants to focus on insurance as the next growth area given that the banking sector has run it’s full circle but insurance is largely untapped.

However, despite the good intentions of the Jonathans administration for the insurance industry, there will be a change of baton very soon, following the defeat of Jonathan at the last presidential election, and General Muhamadu Buhari will step in.

Although there is going to be a change in administration, stakeholders in the insurance industry are of the opinion that the incoming government should focus more on the insurance sector and make it the driver of economic growth just like in developed climes.

According to these stakeholders, the first move of the incoming administration is to ensure that there is budgetary allocation for insurance of government assets so that the issue of default in payment of premium by government will be a thing of the past.

From left: Solution Oguniyi, winner of a new refrigerator; Funsho Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Stout and Life, Nigeria Breweries Plc; Adekunle Adeyinka, winner of a 5.9kva generator and Moshood Abiola, winner of a new Samsung LED TV at the Legend Taste and Tell Activation, in Ibadan.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

The way forward Stakeholders are of the opinion that insurers themselves should stop sitting on the fence when issues of budget are discussed, rather they should ensure that insurance concerns are added to the budget.

Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe of Crystal Trust Insurance Brokers said that insurers should know when budget is being prepared and ensure that insurance concerns are included into the budget and in that way getting premium for government insurance will be very easy.

According to her, insurers should also come together, analyse implication of every budget on the economy and send to government.

She stressed that if the government will take the insurance sector serious, the sector will experience rapid growth and higher contribution to GDP. Ezeibe also said that there is need for insurance operators to come together and form a formal lobby group that will persuade government on insurance matters.

Managing Director of Prorisk Insurance Brokers, Mr. Oluwagbemiga Olawoyin said that there should be no window of exemption for government on ‘no premium, no cover’ because government is the greatest culprit when it comes to payment of premium.

Olawoyin said, “Every time government wants to do insurance, it is in billions. So if there is default in paying that billions, the effect is also going to be big on the sector.

So I would rather want a window to be given to private concerns and individuals because in terms of payment, the rate of default both in terms

of numbers and quantum is low. There is higher rate of integrity on the side of individuals and private organisations because they pay their premium. However, default in the first instance can be traced more to the doors of the government. Insurance is supposed to be a top priority issue. For example, the Pension Act says that an employer must have a compulsory group life policy in place for workers in addition to the contributory pension scheme. Now, if a civil servant dies and there is no compensation at the end of the day, will government come to say that no premium was paid for the compulsory group life insurance? Government should just be encouraged to pay rather than look for windows of exemptions.”

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From left: President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu; Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel; President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr. Bola Temowo and a past President of NCRIB, Mr. Feyisayo Soyewo during Daniel's courtesy visit to NCRIB Board, in Lagos.

NAICOM approves Wapic Insurance 2014 report

W

apic Insurance Plc has secured approval for its financial report for the year ended December 2014 from the National Insurance Commission(NAICOM).

With the approval which qualifies the underwriting firm to publish its financial statement for public consumption and to hold its Annual General Meeting, the company emerges the first insurance company to secure approval of its financial statement from the NAICOM for last year in line with the International Finance Reporting Standard model of porting.

Since the transition of Nigerian insurance industry from the General Accounting Reporting Standard to the

Ibadan Golf Club commends Law Union & Rock Insurance

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CE & YOU

There is higher rate of integrity on the side of individuals and private organisations because they pay their premium

— 23

he Ibadan Golf Club has commended Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc for its support during the recently concluded 3rd Insurance Golf Tournament.

In a statement released by the Golf Club, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chief Babajide Olatunde-Agbeja said the company’s contribution has in no small measure added to the value and success of the tournament and that the group would ever remain grateful to the company.

He also called for Law Union & Rock’s support in future editions of the tournament.

In his response during the receipt of a plaque of honour from the Club, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Law Union & Rock, Mr Jide Orimolade thanked Ibadan Golf Club for giving the company the opportunity to participate in the tournament and promised continuous support for the golf club.

Orimolade said, “Sports generally is a veritable tool for youth development and nation building and should be encouraged and supported by corporate organisations”.

Wapic insurance outperformed estimated average industry growth rate of 15 per cent by returning a growth rate of 40 per cent on the Gross Written Premium

International Finance Reporting Standard(IFRS), insurance firms find it difficult meeting deadline for submission and securing approval for their financial statements from the regulator.

Among those who beat the deadline, many failed to secure approval before the deadline.

In 2012 which was the first year of the transition, many insurance firms had their submitted reports put in view, others were rejected while others were put on different status that shows they were not approved.

In the following year 2013, only few companies managed to submit ahead of deadline but none submitted and secured approval in the first

quarter of the year.

As such Wapic Insurance emerged the first company to submit and secure approval of its financial report in the first quarter of the year since the insurance industry transition to IFRS. According to a statement from the company, in the approved report, Wapic insurance outperformed estimated average industry growth rate of 15 per cent by returning a growth rate of 40 per cent on the Gross Written Premium.

The statement further said Wapic Insurance is now a part of an elite group of three companies with a global risk rating, with a transformation programme on track .

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

Profit takers drag down NSE capitalisation by N267bn

By Peter Egwuatu

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE yesterday suffered a setback as investors in the stock market lost N267.080 billion, with market capitalisation closing at N11.867trillion from N12.135 trillion it closed last week.

Market capitalisation represents the total value of shares traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Another stock market gauge, the All Share Index shed 2.20 per cent to close yesterday at 34,941.79 points from 35,728.12 points.

Market operators had attributed the decline in the stock market gauges to profit taking by investors as selling pressure overwhelmed demand and losses were recorded across board.

The Banking stocks index declined by 4.9 per cent to lead the losers’ table followed by the Consumer Goods index which dropped by 1.14 per cent . The Industrials stocks were equally not exempted, falling by 0.32 per cent.

Losses observed on GT Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, FBHN, Stanbic IBTC, UBA and Access Bank depressed the Banking sub sector. Specifically, GTBank declined by 9.69 per cent to close at N28.79, Zenith Bank followed declining by 4.99 per cent to close at N23.80. Skye Bank shed 4.92 per cent to close at N2.51 followed by FBNH which declined by 3.46 per cent to close at N9.21, and Stanbic IBTC dropped by 3.23 per cent to close at N30.00. Other losers in the Banking sub sector were UBA 2.90 per cent t close at N4.68 and Access Bank

dropping by 2.25 per cent to close at N6.52. The key losers in the Consumer Goods space were; Flourmill which dipped by 7.63 per cent to close at N34.01), Nascon declined by 4.76 per cent to close at N7.80), PZ shed 4.73 per cent to close at N27.81, Guinness declined by 4.05 per cent to close at N133.37 , Nigerian Breweries , NB dropped by 3.76 per cent to close at N160.00 and Dangote Sugar shed 3.6 per cent to close at N7.44.

The Industrial stocks lost due to the major losses recorded by CCNN which declined by 1.98 per cent to close at N12.35 and Dangote Cement dropped by 1.10 per cent to close at N180.00.

It was a solid start to the week in terms of activity and turnover as the value amounted to N8.31 billion.

From left: Ayobami Amoo, Director, Operations, Optima Media Group (OMG) and Tenimu Zakari displays the smartphone he won on the bill of the company for being part of the Nigerian Idol 5 Group Stage recording audience at the OMG Studios, Ojodu-Omole, Lagos.

CWG post-tax profit falls by 91.38%

By Nkiruka Nnorom

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omputer Warehouse Group, CWG Plc, has recorded a dismal performance in its financial reports and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2014 with its profit after tax declining by 91.38 percent.

Specifically, the company’s post tax profit decreased to N52.802 million from N612.847 million achieved in the same period in 2014.

Similarly, its profit before tax fell to N57.636 million from N618.456 million, representing 90.68 percent decline.

Further breakdown of the result showed that its revenue declined by 25.71 percent from N20.669 billion as against N15.356 billion achieved during the review period, while its cost of sales worsened by 0.22

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percent as the figure rose to N3.907 billion compared to N3.050 billion posted during the year ended December 31, 2013.

The company had issued a profit warning ahead of the release of its 2014 result saying: “Following the preliminary review of its consolidated draft management accounts, the Board of Directors of Computer Warehouse Group Plc (“the Group”) wishes to inform the shareholders and potential investors that the audited 2014 full year results of the Group are expected to record significant earnings shortfalls as compared to 2013 full year, FY.” “The earnings shortfalls were principally driven by one-off provision for currency depreciation of not less than N380 million, following the exemption of the Group’s participation from

the official foreign exchange market where it hitherto sourced Dollars for its imports pursuant to a directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria which affected information technology businesses generally as well as a subsequent devaluation of the Naira during the period under review.

“Shareholders and potential investors are advised to note that exchange rate fluctuations are expected to persist in 2015.

In addition, the ongoing electoral processes scheduled to be completed by Q2 2015 are also expected to take significant toll on macroeconomic indices, with resulting impact on business operations for the remaining part of the year,” it added.

Coping in times of uncertainty (4)

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he National Assembly met is completed by 2017. briefly in the week after The reconstruction of the the national elections, Lagos to Ibadan expressway adjourned its activities and and the 2nd River Niger Bridge would resume its activities at Onitsha are two projects for after the Easter holidays and which loans would be utilized the state elections. In essence, for their completion. For the the 2015 national budget Lagos to Ibadan expressway, should be passed into law government projections are during April 2015. President- that N50 billion would be elect Buhari should meet with provided in the national budget his party members elected into with loans amounting to the incoming National N120billion for the completion Assembly and should work out of the project. During 2014, strategies that would ensure government obtained that government legislative N50billion from Nigerian banks business is given proper for the project. However, consideration and is government has been silent on concluded promptly during whether tolls would be paid by his tenure. motorists using the completed As a first step, it should be project. Similarly, a consortium possible for the incoming made up of NSIA Motorways Minister of Finance to have Investment Company Limited the 2016 national budget and Julius Berger Investments ready for presentation to the Limited will design, build, National Assembly by the end finance and operate the project of August 2015. There would during a be religious 2 5 y e a r observances and concession the recesses that p e r i o d .

It should be accompany them However, the possible for the and the National documents Assembly should issued to the incoming Minister strive to complete public so far of Finance to have its consideration do not give of the 2016 any idea of the 2016 national budget by the the tolls to be budget ready for end of November charged. The 2015. We are in a incoming presentation to the period of government s h r i n k i n g National Assembly should make resources and we its policy on by the end of have to make the tolls known hard choices that August 2015 such that would give us the these projects best results from can be funded these resources. a n d A review of completed in some of the projects in the good time. road sector would illustrate The incoming Minister of some of the choices to be Finance should scrub the made. The reconstruction of national budget such that the single carriageway road superfluous items are removed link between Ibadan and from the recurrent estimates.

Ilorin into a double carriage With dwindling resources, the expressway was first Revenue Mobilisation conceived during the military Allocation and Fiscal administration in 1984-1985. Commission should act on its The project did not take off at mandate and propose a that time given the changes downward review of the in the military administration remuneration of political office in 1985. holders. This is unlikely Construction commenced because the view from Abuja is during President Obasanjo’s different from other places in administration and while the Nigeria. Abuja is a place where sections between Ibadan and one sees the roof structure of a Oyo and between Ogbomosho residential home being twoand Ilorin have been largely storeys high reminding one of completed, the section the rich man who built a between Oyo and Ogbomosho staircase leading nowhere but remains uncompleted. The just for show.

2002 national budget made President-elect Buhari would very little provision for the have to get his party members Oyo to Ogbomosho section to accept that there should be a thus setting off the problems downward of the remuneration with the construction of this of political officeholders. Once section. The incoming this is achieved, he would National Assembly should succeed in persuading make provisions that would members of other parties to ensure that this road section accept a new situation.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, ARIL 8, 2015 —25

DIARY z Bluetooth World Silicon Valley, USA April 14-15, 2015 z ICTEL Expo 2015 Lagos, April 15-18, 2015

Preview Huggable robotic bear comforts sick kids

M O B I L E H E A LT H :

‘Spendings not reflecting on service delivery to Africa’s poor’ •Mobile tech to the rescue, says report

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eveloped to help comfort children who have to be hospitalized for extended periods of time, the Huggable fluffy robotic bear gets its dash of magic from a hidden human operator.

Created by a team from the Massuchussets Institute of Technology, MIT, the "social robot" was designed to help mitigate young patients' stress and pain by engaging them in games and playful interaction. With the help of a human controlling the bear's responses via a laptop, Huggable is able to answer—and ask—questions in order to form an analysis of the patient's emotional state and provide a source of support.

In tests, children seem to be more eager to interact with a robot than a virtual character, leading the team to believe that Huggable could be effective in closing the gaps between inpatient care supply and demand.

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By Emmanuel Elebeke

D

ESPITE heavy investments directed towards the provisions of social services in Africa, quality and access to service delivery remains disappointing.

This is experienced more in the health sector. However, a recent study by Brookings Center for Technology Innovation, has pointed accusing fingers at the spending.

The report, titled: ' Mobile technology and mHealth: The newest frontline in health care innovations in Africa' says there was a large volume of empirical evidence showing that, for many developing countries, there is only a weak connection between spending

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on public services and service delivery outcomes.

According the report, merely increasing the amount of resources devoted to a service does not necessarily translate into positive results against the high expectations.

The reasons for this outcome are inefficiencies and weak accountability across service delivery chains, compounded by a paucity of functional infrastructure that make it difficult and costly for the poor to access services.

The report however noted that “mobile phone-based technological innovations are changing the service delivery landscape in Africa, especially among poor populations and those living in fragile states.

“The mobile phone revolution that first overcame previously

NCC records 81m internet users PAGE 26

difficult insurmountable communication problems in countries with poor communications infrastructure has revolutionized many other sectors of the economy.

“Although, mobile money is the most commonly used application, it is believed that there is now a wide array of mobile technology

Mobile phonebased technological innovations are changing the service delivery landscape in Africa

Nigerian private school to deploy iPad in all classrooms

PAGE 28

applications, such as in health care and agricultural services, helping overcome traditional service delivery problems that have hitherto undermined access to those services.

“Not only are these innovations leapfrogging traditional service delivery constraints, they are also expanding the service delivery frontier, making more and better services available with any given level of resources.

“It is probably in the area of mobile health (mHealth) that we have observed major returns in terms of improvements in the quality of life,” said the report.

Agreeing with the report, Vice President and Director of the Brookings Governance Studies program, Darrell West admitted that mHealth applications in Africa are already showing returns in terms of human welfare.

He revealed that the wide range of applications of mobile technologies in delivery of health services and, importantly, under varying contexts are justified by their impacts, noting that the case of how mobile innovations have been used in the war against Ebola is particularly telling and shows the potential for mobile technological innovations to deal with otherwise complex health challenges.

He noted that discussions on the experience of mHealth applications in Africa are quite pertinent at this time when negotiations on the Post-2015 Development Agenda are approaching the final leg.

While there is a tendency for many to focus on the financing of development goals, which is key, he said, there was need to focus more on strategies to improve service delivery.

“Innovations in mobile technologies have shown that the service delivery frontier can be greatly expanded at a relatively low cost than traditional approaches. It is quite apparent they are scalable, as has been observed in the case of mobile financial services. Beyond discussing the many actual and potential applications of mobile innovations, there is a need to consider policy options to stimulate such innovations,” West added.

52 blind MTNF scholarship beneficiaries graduate PAGE 28

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, ARIL 8, 2015

SOCIETY & SOCIAL MEDIA

By Agbolade Omowole @iamagbolade

7 social media marketing lessons from 2015 Presidential election

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HE 2015 Presidential elections proved, without a doubt, that social media campaigns can no longer be excluded from overall political campaigns. Here are some lessons from the 2015 Presidential elections. *Create Awareness: A large number of young persons knew little about General Buhari’s track record before the 2015 presidential elections.

They got to know his past exploits through Facebook status updates and Tweets.

Having a Facebook page and Twitter handle for your business and engaging followers will heighten your business same way. *More money does not equal more engagement: General Buhari probably didn’t have more money than the opposition. He banked more on his creativity and track record.

Don’t assume that spending more money on offline advertising will increase your monthly turnover. According to experts, the time spent to reach 50 million users are-Radio: 38 years, TV: 13 years, Internet: 4 years, iPod: 3 years, Facebook: 2 years. Facebook ads display your products/services to a potential audience of 1 billion people and you can choose the demographics of your target audience. * Use the 80/20 Rule: President elect, Buhari won about eighty percent of the votes from the Northern part of Nigeria, which has a total of 17 states.

That feat made him win.

Study your followers on social media to know what they shared, liked and retweeted and focus 80% of your time creating similar contents. * Let charity begin at Home: On Facebook I saw several pictures of General Buhari and his wife and children signifying his love and leadership at home.

Your social media fans and followers want to feel loved and want you to carry them along. Nigerian artiste, Don Jazzy showers his Tweeter followers with gifts from time to time. * Harmonize to Conquer: APC, formed in February 2013, is an harmonization of Nigeria’s three biggest opposition parties – the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

In social media marketing, don’t bank only on one medium. Use a combination of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, StumbleUpon and PinInterest for reaching out, communicating and engaging your fans. * Master the Art of Timing: APC knew the perfect time to strike. At a time people lost faith in PDP’s government, it is logical to bring a strong opposition from APC. Learn the timing for engagements on Social media. The best time to tweet is on weekends. The best time to tweet in the weekdays is in the evening. * Plan to the End: Leave no stone unturned. What if at the eleventh hour things spiral out of order?

You must plan your social media marketing and campaign thoroughly. Start with the end on mind.

NCC records 81m GSM internet users

By Prince Osuagwu

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INCE the Global System for Mobile communications, GSM debuted in the country a decade and half ago, it has brought rapid developments in communications, business and social life However, the most amazing contributions of the GSM is its ability to transform other sectors other than communications.

It is also shocking how it has established itself as growth determinant factor to technologies that had hitherto taken root before its arrival.

So amazing how the appreciation of internet, particularly in most emerging markets of the world today is basically through the GSM technology.

At the weekend, the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, says the number of internet users on the GSM networks increased from 76,322, 802 in 2014 to 81,892,840 by January 2015.

The figures are contained in the NCC Monthly Internet Subscriber Data. The data records an increase of 5,570,038 internet users on the networks in January.

It showed that from the 81,892,840 internet users recorded in January, MTN Nigeria was on top of the table with 39,173,123 customers browsing the internet on its network.

It stated that MTN had an increase of 556,386 internet subscribers in January, after it recorded 38,616,737 users in the month of December 2014.

The data also showed that Globacom came second on the internet usage table, recording 17,671,405 subscribers surfing the net with its network in January. The data revealed that

•Eugene Juwah

Globacom gained a total of 532,085 additional internet users on its network, up from 17,139,320 users in December 2014.

Airtel Nigeriacame third on the table with 14,969,924 internet users in January, as against 14,371,987 customers recorded in December.

The data showed that internet users on the Airtel Nigeria network also increased by 597,937 in January.

It disclosed that Etisalat was last on the table with 10,078,388 of its customers browsing the internet in January, compared to the 6,194,758 users in December, an increase of 3,883,630 users.

Dying CDMA The NCC data also revealed that only the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators (Multi-Links and Visafone) recorded loss of internet

subscribers. They had a joint total of 153,798 internet users on their networks in January.

The two surviving CDMA operators in the country recorded a loss of 526 internet subscribers in the month under review from the 154,324 users they recorded in December.

The data stated that Visafone recorded a decrease of 311 customers surfing the internet in January, reducing the number to 153,059 compared to the 153,370 users in the month of December.

It said that Multi-Links had 739 internet users in January, hence losing 215 customers from the December record of 954 users.

The data further showed that in spite of the decrease on the part of the CDMA networks, Nigerians are gradually embracing data as the next revolution in the Information and Communications Technology sector.

Broadband Council okays 4 coastal states for cable landing ... tasks NCC on incentives

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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he National Broadband Council, last week, approved the building of fibre optic cable landing points in four coastal states to ensure widespread penetration of high capacity internet bandwidths in the country.

The project according to the Council, is expected to be financed by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

The four states approved in the plan includes: Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Ondo States as part of government’s effort to encourage telecommunication operators to establish cable landing points across the country.

This is in addition to Lagos State, which houses international submarine optic cables from Main One Cable Company, MTN’s West Africa Cable System (WACS), SAT 3 from the NITEL and Globacom’s Glo 1 cable,

Chairman of the council and minister of communications technology, Dr Omobola Johnson, explained that the cable landing points will promote the rapid establishment of recovery and

Additional landing points in the country would make it faster and cheaper to lay terrestrial cable from these points to other parts of the country

restoration agreements among the cable companies and delivery of additional landing points for national security and resilience purposes.

For her, additional landing points in the country would make it faster and cheaper to lay terrestrial cable from these points to other parts of the country and reduce vulnerability and risks associated with a single point of failure in the system.

Against this backdrop, the Council urged the nation’s regulatory body, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and the USPF to look into the possibility of providing financial incentives to accelerate this.

Meanwile, the executive vice chairman of the NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, has assured that the current arbitrary, predatory and discriminatory pricing inherent in the transmission line market segment would be reversed with a new regulation and enforcement on cost-based transmission cable pricing.

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No regret over foreign-based players’ absence - Siasia

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ream Team VI Coach Samson Siasia says there are no regrets not having more overseas based players on his team as they get set for this weekend’s All Africa

•Siasia

Games qualifier against the Young Chipolopolo of Zambia.

Of the three invited overseas based players only Sadiq Atanda of FK Appolonia of Albania will make the team, as the duo of Paul Onuachu and Aminu Umar have not been released by their clubs.

And Siasia says it is not a problem not having the other two players.

“We will always pick the best players irrespective of where they play and even if those guys don’t make it to the camp, we will still go ahead with the game.

“We have very good players here and we shall select the best. The task remains to qualify for the All Africa Games and that is what we have in mind.

“Their clubs say they can’t release them and there’s nothing we can do about that because it’s not a FIFA free window.

“So we will make do with what we have on ground and hopefully we’ll get the result we need,” he said.

The Dream Team could only play out a 0-0 draw in the first leg three weeks ago, and must now play a score draw or win in Lusaka for them to be guaranteed a place at the games.

Dream Team VI battle Zam AAG ticket N

igeria’s Under-23 football team (Dream Team VI) assistant coach, Fatai Amoo has expressed confidence that his side will qualify for the 2015 All Africa Games (AAG) in Congo Brazzaville ahead of the Zambians.

The Dream Team will be the guests of the Southern African side in a decisive final round qualifying match for the quadrennial multiple sports showpiece on Sunday in Lusaka.

Both sides ended the first fixture clash in Nigeria barren making the reserve fixture a winner takes all encounter.

Amoo said the addition of the finest legs from Flying Eagles to the Dream Team V1 side will put the team in good stead to

Oparanozie set for Mali showdown

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UPER Falcons’ Francebased lethal striker, De sire Oparanozie has teamed up with her teammates for Friday’s All Africa Games final round reverse fixture clash against Mali at the Abuja National Stadium.

First fixture clash in Bamako, Mali ended one goal apiece for the West African sides.

Oparanozie upon arrival to camp on Monday night shortly before dinner said her mind is focused on the crunch clash against the Malians.

“There is nothing unusual to expect, I’m still the same Desire, I’m in camp now and I’m here to be on top of my game and to be at my very best at every given time.

“I won’t say this is what I am going to bring into the team because it is not all about me, we are a team so we have to work together and hopefully the results will come out positive. I am very sure and positive we will crush Mali here,” said the former Delta Queens

markswoman.

Though Oparanozie said she was disappointed the reigning champions did not qualify for the Games the last time in Maputo, Mozambique she expressed joy at having a second chance to make amend.

“You know they say once beaten twice shy. I have always dreamed of playing in the AAG and Olympics and will relish this golden opportunity to be at the All Africa Games. We will get it right this time by God’s grace and our qualification is sure” she said.

overpower their Zambian opposite.

“We quite understand that the encounter is a winner takes all clash as well as automatic ticket

to the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville so we’re not leaving any stone unturned to ensure we secure a place for the games.

“The invitation of some Under-

Ighalo’s goal voted best in C S

uper Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo scored a sublime goal on Monday to power Watford to a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough at Vicarage Road.

The win was enough for the

Hornets to remain in the playoff places but it was the quality of Ighalo’s strike that made the headlines long after the final whistle.

Ighalo received a pass from teammate, Ben Watson in the 65th minute

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Benue: It's fight to the finish

By Peter Duru

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HERE is so much uneasy calm across Benue State following the outcome of the last presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

Benue until now had been a predominantly Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, state but the outcome of the last elections it seemed, changed the situation.

The opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, led by Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, Chief Barnabas Gemade and former Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom asserted their political influence in the state, by staging a major upset in the political space with the defeat of the PDP in the state in the penultimate Saturday elections.

At the end of the presidential election, the APC polled a total of 373,961 votes to PDP’s 303,737 votes.

The upset also trickled down to the National Assembly elections which saw the APC winning two out of the three available Senate seats with the party taking six out of the 11 House of Representatives seats in the state.

Perhaps, one of the major

attractions of that election was the failure of Governor Gabriel Suswam to win the Benue North East senatorial seat which was before then considered a foregone conclusion.

He was defeated by Senator Gemade, a former national chairman of the PDP who crossed over to the APC after Suswam took the PDP ticket from him.

Another feature of that election was the fact that the PDP garnered most of its votes from the Benue South senatorial district, where the Senate President, David Mark, Minister of Interior, Abba Moro and former Minister of State for Niger Delta, Sam Ode held sway for the PDP. However, in the Benue North West district, a renowned hotbed for opposition politics and constituency of the Senate Minority Leader, Akume, the APC once again proved its mettle by winning all the available four House of Representatives seats capping it with the senatorial slot.

With the outcome of that election now settled, the major political actors and gladiators in the state have all gone back to the trenches, strategizing and plotting to undo the other in the coming governorship and House of Assembly elections.

PRESIDENTIAL POLLS SCORE

BENUE

APC: 373,961 PDP: 303,737

It is pertinent to note here that following the outcome of the last elections, which perhaps has turned the table against the PDP, both parties have been hit by waves of realignment of forces and decamping of party supporters and faithful across the state.

In the meantime, the two

Perhaps, one of the major attractions of that election was the failure of Governor Gabriel Suswam to win the Benue North East senatorial seat which was before then considered a foregone conclusion

leading parties have been engaged in somewhat secret and most times nocturnal meetings with notable politicians, across board, in order to sway the support of the electorate.

The parties and candidates have also adopted the neighbourhood campaign strategy, whereby candidates gather and address voters in small settings in order to drive home their messages so as to win more votes.

There is no gainsaying that the parties are not giving anything to chance, while the PDP is working hard to turn around its fortunes in the coming elections, the APC is bent on taking advantage of the victory of the President-Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to rout the hitherto dominant PDP.

MARK @ 67: The Journey so far

By Paul Mumeh

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O fully bring to the fore an understanding of the man Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark the President of the Nigerian Senate since 2007, it is necessary to take a historical excursion of the man who has become a recurring decimal in the socio- political landscape of NIGERIA. Mark has always exhibited leadership qualities and traits that constantly stood him out as a beacon among his pears .Till date, Senator Mark is remembered for his honesty, patriotism and orderliness.

Decades ago as a young Major in the Nigerian Army during the administration of former Head of state General Yakubu Gowon he headed the abandoned property, implementation committee after the 30 months old fratricidal civil war. It was to his credit that the Gowon administration implemented the Reconstruction, Resettlement and Reconciliation policy otherwise referred to as the 3Rs to reintegrate the defunct Biafrans into the Nigerian society.

In 1984, providence bestowed on Mark as he was appointed Military Governor of Niger State where again he demonstrated uncommon leadership qualities C M Y K

in spite of daunting challenges.

He left a positive footprint in the sand of time in that state. Till date he enjoys the citizenship of Niger state.

As the then Communications Minister , Mark transformed Nigeria Telecommunications (NITEL) with his hyper tech engineering skill when he introduced mobile phones and digital telephone system in the country. He reorganized Nigeria Postal Service(NIPOST) and started the city coding system.

•Mark

As a Senator, he gave quality representation to his constituents in sports, education, health, empowerment and scores of infrastructure

Under his meticulous watch on NITEL , the Organisation built two ultra-modern digital earth stations in Lagos and Enugu.

Unarguably, services improved and internally generated revenue increased and the Organisation became buoyant and independent without having to rely on government for subventions.

Perhaps, it is instructive to note that Mark’s uncompromising position that telephone subscribers then should pay their bills or no services which earned him the wrath of not a few

NIGERIANS who interpreted his position that “telephone is not for the poor”. He was vilified. But today what Mark saw decades ago is what is practicable in our country. Under the Global Service for mobile telecommunications (GSM) no one uses the services without prepaid credit. Without any iota of sentiment Mark is a man who saw tomorrow. He deserves commendation.

The end of Mark’s robust military career ushered him a new beginning on another turfPolitics and opportunity to serve

At the moment, the political environment is fully charged and pundits believe that Benue would witness the mother of all elections, come April 11th.

Speaking on the issue, Benue state chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, Mr. Baba Agan said, “the last election was like a tsunami, in the entire country, and as it is, the PDP has lost its dominance of our state.

“But I know that they will not give in cheaply, even though the APC is obviously enjoying an edge over the ruling party, I expect a titanic fight on Saturday, though as a strong supporter of the APC which I expect to win, I know that the PDP will definitely fight for its life and it’s going to be a fight to finish.”

his fatherland even better on a higher pedestal . He has contested and won elections in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015 as a Senator representing his Benue South Senatorial zone. He remains the only Nigerian who so far enjoyed such good will.

If Mark had a glorified career in the military, what he has achieved in the political turf paled to the insignificant his successful records in the Army.

As a Senator, he gave quality representation to his constituents in sports, education, health, empowerment and scores of infrastructure. But as was discovered later his most superlative qualities were not realized until he was elected President of the Senate in 2007.

From a long, tortuous and implacable position, the Nigeria’s Senate eventually assumed a model and rejuvenated status and a great deal of legislative stability under Mark’s leadership . He has put paid to the reign of instability which was the hallmark of the upper chamber between 1999 and 2007. Thus the Nigerian Senate which used to be a laughing stock in the comity of nations given its nature and activities, has gradually evolved into a virile, focused and stable parliament.

•Paul Mumeh is the Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate.

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Ugwuezumba murder: We're not under pressure to release suspects— IMO POLICE

Youths want FG to probe Imo estate project

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—IMO State Police Command has said it was not under pressure to release the suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Andrew Ugwuezumba, the Labour Party, LP, candidate for Ngor Okpala state constituency in the state House of Assembly election.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, stated this while reacting to the rumours that the command was under pressure to release some of the suspects arrested for questioning over the crime.

“The homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department has taken over the case and is conducting an investigation to unravel and bring the perpetrators of the crime to book,” the PPRO said.

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—A youths group, Imo Youths for Good Governance, IYGG, has appealed to the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), to probe the estate project along Spibat Road, Owerri by Governor Rochas Okorocha's government.

In a release by the group's Chairman, Mr. Osita Chukwudum, in Owerri, the group said Nigerians were interested in knowing how 35 buildings were erected and for what purpose.

He said: “Imo Youths for Good Governance will never take General Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade seriously, unless he starts with the probe of how the 35 buildings were erected.”

He warned that Nigerians were now poised to fight corruption wherever and whenever it reared its ugly head in the country.

While the coordinators Ugwuezumba alarm over the

campaign of late raised the impending

release of the suspects during an interaction with newsmen, angry Obiangwu youths vented their anger on the

Aka Ikenga threatens to take Lagos monarch to ICC against humanity, noting directed by the Independent

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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KA Ikenga, an Igbo thinktank, has threatened to take the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, to the International Criminal Court, ICC, over his alleged threat to Igbo living in Lagos, if they failed to vote for his preferred candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode, in Saturday ’s governorship election.

Aka Ikenga President, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, described the threat as one

that freedom of choice was an inherent right nobody could take away from Ndigbo.

He said: “We have waited for a retraction in vain, but we have stated it repeatedly that people should vote according to their conscience without any fear or favour. Freedom of choice is an inherent right and nobody can take it away from Ndigbo.

“For the avoidance of doubt, threat to one Igbo man is a threat to us all. We shall do our civic duty as

By Vincent Ujumadu

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CHIEFTAIN of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Anambra State,

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HE Elohim Ministries International, USA, and Ekuogbe Akpodiete Foundation have provided free medical treatment to over a thousand people in Ughelli Kingdom.

The President of the ministries and Executive Director of the foundation, Brenda EkuoAkpodiete said research showed that a lot of Nigerians have so many health challenges, but are unable to get medical help

because of financial constraints.

She said: “We decided to carry out this free medical outreach in Ughelli because the need was high. As a registered nurse I want people to take their health seriously As being healthy is not just about taking drugs but also about our daily lifestyle.”

Also, 20 Urhobo indigenes studying law in universities across Nigeria were awarded scholarship by the foundation.

Akunwata Modebe, yesterday, said General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) would sanitize the polity, noting that what the President-elect needed was the support of the political class and the generality of Nigerians to enable him succeed.

In a statement in Awka, Modebe observed that once the polity was sanitized, it would be easy to create an enabling and conducive environment for genuine economic growth and development in the country.

He said: “I believe that Buhari will achieve the primary objective of sanitizing the polity.

“It is our belief that not only will he be able to avail Nigerians the power and energy to function productively and industrially, he will also be able to address the

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... as Ohanaeze demands apology

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AGOS State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on Oba Akiolu of Lagos to “tender a widelypublicized apology to our people,” saying Igbo have the right to choose whoever they desire in a free and fair election.

The call was in reaction to the alleged threat issued by the Lagos monarch to anyone that does not vote for his preferred candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

In a statement by Mr. Chibuzo Azubuike, State Secretary, Ohanaeze said: “Our peoples’ right to freedom of choice, movement, personal liberty, ownership of property is guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and is not given by the whims or caprice of any individual or group.”

system failure that occasioned corruption, disparity and disconnection in the nation.

“Our President-elect has acknowledged that the change from the rot of yore is universal, not being the sole preserve of himself or those at the fore of the push.

“I thus call on every one to support this movement and our champion, Buhari, to give meaning to our collective aspirations, regardless of religion, creed or tribe.”

While congratulating Buhari and APC for the victory at the presidential poll, Modebe said: “The statesmanship of both contestants gives hope for the much desired transformation of the country.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

am not one of those expecting any magic from GMB's administration. We are sleeping today with our two eyes closed because God intervened and asked GEJ to concede defeat. What if GMB had lost? Mr E.C.N. Azubuike- Self Employed

National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the security agencies we have copied this release.

“It is a known fact that we seek free and fair elections. Where were Yoruba and Hausa/Fulani threatened for their votes?”

Buhari 'll sanitize polity—MODEBE

Foundation takes free healthcare to Ughelli

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alleged prime suspect in the murder by burning his house at Umueze, Obiangwu, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.

On Jonathan's reaction to Buhari's victory

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ongratulations to President Jonathan for his uncommon good leadership qualities, humility and exemplary display of real love for Nigeria and Nigerians. GEJ is a gentle man. He has a place in Nigerian history. Mr Martin Dickson- Worker

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ongratulation to GEJ for conceding defeat irrespective of what your detractors are saying in PDP. You prove to be a true democrat and you have my respect for that. That is all I have to comment on this subject matter. Mr Jaiyeola Timmy- Freight Forwarder

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will tell my grandchildren that I lived when a sitting president conceded defeat to the opposition in Nigeria.

Jonathan’s name would be remembered forever in Nigeria. I wish other elections will end up this way. Miss Ebereke Kelechi- Student

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EJ has shown an extraordinary level of statesmanship. This has never happened in Nigeria. I am not a proGEJ person. This is a rare kind of virtue exhibited by him and Nigeria need more of this for its unity.

Mr Emmanuel IyokeWorker

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t is unfortunate that President Goodluck Jonathan lost in the election. Certainly he has left a mark in the hearts of Nigerians by accepting defeat.

For once, there was no fighting and nobody’s property was destroyed for his losing. Miss Regina Osakwe- Worker

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Inter to offer Toure £54M 5-year deal I

nter Milan are ready to offer Manchester City midfielder Yaya Touré a massive £54 million over five years.

The news comes after Nerrazurri boss Roberto Mancini openly expressed his desire to reunite with his former player, with the club’s vice-president Javier Zanetti confirming they will go all out to sign the Côte d’Ivoire international.

“We must respect certain parameters but we will do everything possible to make him happy within those parameters,” the

Argentine told Sky Sport Italia about the 31-year-old, who is currently enjoying a £200,000-a-week package at the Etihad.

And while City manager Manuel Pellegrini has voiced his intention to keep the powerful midfielder, the club is yet to extend Yaya’s contract, which is running until June 2017, and the Uruguayan coach finds himself nearing the chopping block more than ever.

Defeated 2-1 at Selhurst Park by Crystal Palace on Monday evening, with the Elephants’ skipper pulling the one goal back 12 minutes from time with a superb left-footed strike from the edge of the box, the defending champions are now lying fourth on the log, nine points away from leaders Chelsea.

Blackburn boss dismisses Liverpool crisis talk

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LACKBURN manager Gary Bowyer has said it is “ridiculous” that his Liverpool counterpart Brendan Rodgers is facing questions about a possible crisis at Anfield ahead of their FA Cup quarterfinal replay.

Liverpool head to Ewood Park today looking to salvage their season after their 13-game Premier League unbeaten streak was ended by successive defeats that have virtually scuppered their top-four hopes.

On Monday, Rodgers denied rumours of dressing-room unrest in the wake of Saturday ’s

•Toure

20 players will strengthen the Olympic team as well as create healthy competition for shirts which in the long run will bring out the best in the players".

Championship and showed nimble feet to create space just outside the penalty area before unleashing a fearsome left-footed strike that arrowed past the Middlesbrough goalkeeper, Dimitrios Konstantopoulos and into the top left hand corner of the net.

CAF to name AFCON 2017 hosts today

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he Confederation of African Football’s executive committee will today decide the hosts for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

AFCON 2015 runners-up Ghana, 2012 co-hosts Gabon and 1990 title winners Algeria are the three countries vying to take over hosting rights from Libya, who withdrew themselves last year due to the civil war currently happening in the country.

Representatives from all three candidates have since moved to deliver last-minute presentations to the voting committee, who will make their final decision this week.

Gabon Football Federation president Pierre-Alain Mounguengui, who saw the nation play joint-hosts with Equatorial Guinea in 2012, said: “We are up against some tough contenders but we think we have a good chance.”

RANCK Ribery has lifted the lid on his rocky relationship with Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, branding the Dutchman a “bad man”.

The Bayern Munich winger worked with Van Gaal while the former Netherlands national coach was in charge of the Bundesliga giants, winning a league and cup double during the 2009-10 campaign.

But Ribery said that he never felt comfortable alongside the United boss and that he lost his trust in the manager, explaining: “We had problems on a human basis. When he started, nobody knew what was going to happen.

“His idea was that he did not care about names at all, you don’t need stars, everybody

had to prove themselves again.

“The first contact with him was already poisoned. As a professional you lose your trust. He does great things on the pitch but the coach Van Gaal was a bad man. Our relationship was crushed.”

Ribery also revealed that his sour relationship with Van Gaal almost saw him leave the Bavarian club, with Real Madrid one of a number of outfits who attempted to sign him.

He added: “It was a burden.

Many clubs tried to persuade me to change: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Chelsea, Manchester City. You start to think. I made up my mind about where my future should lie. I think that this is human.”

•Ribery

4-1 loss to Arsenal, while the lingering contract saga surrounding forward Raheem Sterling has added to the gloom around the club.

However, Bowyer said a Liverpool side he considered to be the best in the country only a few weeks ago had not gone into meltdown overnight.

Abuja Futures: Organisers set deadline for Wild Card slots O

rganisers of the Tombim Abuja ITF Futures 1 & 2 have set 19 April as registration deadline for the players interested in playing for Wild Cards to participate in the tournament.

Van Gaal is a ‘bad man’ – Ribery F

•Bowyer

•Van Gaal

Eyeonthesports.com gathered that there would be a competition in Abuja on 20 April, where the players will slug it out for the ten Wild Cards available in the ATP points-awarding competition.

According to Isa Saidu, one of the Umpires for the tournament, “Tombim Abuja Open ITF Futures 1 and 2 comes up between 25 April and 9 May 2015. There shall be four Wild Card slots for the Main Draws and six Wild Card slots for the Qualifying event.

“The players interested in playing for the available Wild Card slots should contact the Tournament Director, Barrister Ikani Agabi, to register their names on or before 19 April, 2015 otherwise, they will not be allowed to play in the competition”.

It was gathered that the wild card event holds from 20-24 April, 2015 at the Tennis Complex, National Stadium Package B in Abuja, and the players will be responsible for their accommodation, feeding and transportation during the week-long wild card play off.

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Nimota Suleiman

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ollowing the spate of electoral defeat the Peoples Democratic Party has suffered in Kwara State, the state Woman Leader, Alhaja Nimota Suleiman, has resigned.

She tendered her resignation letter to the state PDP chairman, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo. The letter reads.

This resignation is sequel to the defection of my leader, Senator Gbemisola Rukayyah Saraki, from the PDP in Kwara State to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since Senator Gbemi Saraki instructed her supporters to vote massively for the APC in the state, I have come to the realisation that my membership of the PDP has become untenable. Therefore, in fidelity to her ideology and in solidarity with her political leadership, I, Hon. Nimota Suleiman, this day, cease to be the State Women Leader and member of the PDP in Kwara State.

Bianca Ojukwu

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PGA chieftain and beautiful widow of the warlord who was appointed Party leader last year rather than her belated husband, trended during the elections, having played a prominent role.

While some commentators see the wealthy widow as gaining political momentum, the lady herself has denied a senatorial ambition.

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picture of the current Lagos First Lady queuing up to vote at her ward with her family has hit the cyberspace and gone viral. The picture has Dame Fashola in the middle of a very long queue right in front of her husband Governor Fashola and their son. Commentators are thrilled to no end, presenting the state’s first family as true leaders who are prepared to walk the talk.

Oluremi Tinubu

I Marilyn Ogar

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he Department of State Service had last week uncovered plans by some persons to announce election results ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, warning Nigerians and international observers to disregard any such announcement.

According to Marilyn Ogar, Nigerians who have no business with the elections to stay away from polling centres.

Information at the disposal of this Service has revealed that certain mischievous persons or groups have concluded plans to announce election results before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concludes its collation exercise.

This statement therefore is to advice all citizens of Nigeria, election observers and the International community to disregard election results which are not announced by INEC, as the commission remains the only authentic body authorized to do so.

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t is political season, so it is no wonder that women in politics are trending on the Nigerian blogosphere more than ever.

Amongst the most prominent is Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on account of her determination not the live under the massive shadow of her husband.

In an interview that is going viral, the newly returned senator was quoted as saying her activities rather than the influence of Senator Bola Ahmed, have been responsible for her success.

So for the women who want to start out, my advice to them is that they should begin with their involvement in activities that would help their immediate communities to live and dream well. It starts from there. Once the people begin to recognize that you are a voice in your community, they would be forced to reckon with you.

For me, for instance, people would assume anything, that it’s because I’m married to Asiwaju, but Asiwaju is a very busy man.

Congratulations are in order, though.

Monica Lewinsky

T

he world will never forget Monica Lewinsky, the US White House intern who had shocked the prudish part of the globe many years ago.

Perhaps most interestingly, in October, onstage at a Forbes conference, she spoke out for the first time about the digital harassment (or cyberbullying) that has affected everyone from female bloggers to Jennifer Lawrence to her I lost my reputation. I was publicly identified as someone I didn’t recognize. And I lost my sense of self, she apparently told the crowd.

Blogosphere thinks she should get a life already.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015—35

By Josephine Agbonkhese

T

HE introduction of vocational skills acquisition into the National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, is proving more and more significant to the economy with many insightful young graduates now becoming employers of labour in the absence of white-collar jobs. Rosemary Bashir is one of such graduates. A graduate of Petroleum Engineer from the Petroleum Training Institute, Warri, Delta State, Rosemary has honed her bead-making skill learnt during youth service and embellished it with additional skills in make-up and gele-tying.

In this interview held at her Lagos-based office, the CEO of Variety Beads & More speaks on all of these skills which have increasingly paid her bills.

Tell us how the journey began…

The first thing that led me into this was passion. I actually learnt this during my youth service days in 2004.

After service, I worked briefly before getting married. Being a newly married lady, things became really difficult because as a Petroleum Engineer, you’re required to be on location (site) always.

When working as an engineer alongside keeping my home proved increasingly difficult, I decided it was better to go into this business since I’ve had partial knowledge of it during my youth service. Also, I realized I was developing a sort of passion for the craft. I then began by embarking on a short training before setting out four years ago. …and I guess starting-up made you very nervous, right?

Not really, but it was quite challenging. Prior to starting up however, I made it a duty to always attend business seminars. That really made me understand money ought not to be considered a challenge when it comes to starting a business. That’s of course not denying the importance of capital. But one reason I didn’t give up when things were tough at the initial stage was because of my purpose, which is to impact lives with my skills and business. By the grace of God, today, I have many young people benefitting from my knowledge.

You started out as a beadmaker but has also diversified into make-up and gele tying; is bead-making not lucrative enough?

That wasn’t the reason I diversified. I was inspired by the urge to have a one-stop bridal solution outfit, especially when it has to do with traditional wedding. You know, it’s somehow when all you can only provide clients with is beads. There’s a level of satisfaction derived from seeing your handiwork allover a bride; from make-up to attire, accessories, and all.

C M Y K

• Ro s e m a r y Bashir

I gave out beads for free to build my clientele — Rosemary Bashir, CEO, Variety Beads & More announce him or herself.

People need to first see what you can do in as much as you’re new in the business.

As a matter of fact, I didn’t have to look at the money being sacrificed in the production of those wireworks.

That informed my going for trainings in make-up and gele-tying shortly after establishing my beads and wireworks business.

Almost every Nigerian seems to be a bead-maker these days; what was the patronage like when you started?

The patronage was fair, it wasn’t that bad. But what I actually did was employ a customer-growing strategy which I now confidently recommend. Back then, I would make wireworks and give out to friends for free.

Others saw it on them and were referred to me when they asked who made them. Before I knew it, people began patronizing me sooner than I expected.

You mean you were practically sacrificing your talent and resources, giving out products for free?

Yes, that is the easiest way any new business owner can

...that is the easiest way any new business owner can announce him or herself.

People need to first see what you can do in as much as you’re new in the business

Let us talk about maintenance; how can beads be maintained?

Personally, I deliver my products in packs meant to preserve them. Also, I advise clients to always return them to those packs after use rather than keep them anywhere.

For wireworks in particular, how best can they be preserved?

After wearing, you cleanse with maybe olive-oil because of their metallic quality.

Probably you sweated when having them around your neck, and you know water and metals are not good friends.

So, to prevent rust, you make sure you cleanse with olive-

oil before returning them to the pack.

What makes you unique?

I don’t look at what people around me are doing. I hate copying but prefer to stand out from the crowd. I always go the extra mile to be different as far as my environment is concerned. I do a lot of research over the internet and read different books. I also pay heavily on worthwhile seminars. That way, I keep myself abreast of current trends on the international scale.

How do you tackle friends and relatives who demand for products on credit?

I’ve promoted my business enough. I did such only at the initial stage. I no longer produce and deliver on credit. At most, even if they cannot pay for labour immediately, I ensure friends and relatives pay for materials used for production and then pay later for labour.

36—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

DELTA: Last minute plot THE three major political parties in Delta State have adopted aggressive political strategies as they approach the finishing line in the governorship and House of Assembly elections this weekend.

By Festus Ahon

T

HE parties to reckon with in Delta are the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, All Progressive Congress, APC, and the Labour Party, LP. Accord is also on the fringes and has thrown up candidates for the House of Assembly election in areas where the dominant PDP has issues in places like Ndokwa and Ika areas of the state.

Delta was until lately not seen to be on the radar of the APC. However, the remarkable victory of the party in the presidential election has drawn attention of the party ’s national officers towards the state with recent visits by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

However, getting the party to war mood would be a serious challenge given the historic bickering among party leaders especially in the run up to the governorship primaries and the constitution of the state executive. A number of party leaders still vexed by the way Otega Emerhor got the party ’s governorship ticket and

executive have remained largely lukewarm towards his governorship aspiration.

So as at press time the combined efforts of Tinubu and Buhari towards rousing the party base a n d generating momentum for an APC victory this weekend could only be a hazardous guess.

The APC, however, has remained unrelenting capitalising o n penultimate Saturday ’s presidential victory to try to outsmart both the more visible PDP and the entrenched insurgency inspired by Chief Great Ogboru of the Labour Party.

All three governorship candidates, Ogboru of Labour, Emerhor of APC and Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP have in recent times been

PRESIDENTIAL POLLS SCORE

DELTA

APC: 48,910 PDP: 1,211,405

criss-crossing the state in last minute search for votes.

Given the almost solid support he has gotten from

the resolution of the Agbor Community to fully back him for the job. The community speaking through the president-general of the Agbor Community, Gen. Nick Agbogun urged the people to queue behind Senator Okowa in “ recognition of his towering profile.”

Ogboru who had for the past four or five election cycles been a torment to the PDP is, however, unrelenting. Ogboru

Unqualified support

his Delta North base, Senator Okowa’s focus has almost been fixed on harvesting more and more votes from his main rivals’ base in Delta Central.

Okowa’s support in Delta North was also boosted with

The APC and Labour have particularly now taken to the mantra of change asserting that the state is due for change after 16 years of PDP rule

The battle for Ebonyi

By Peter Okutu

R

IGHT from the enthronement of civil rule in Nigeria in 1999, Ebonyi has been a PDPcontrolled state which produced the first executive Governor of the state, Dr. Sam Egwu among other elected individuals.

The party during that dispensation also produced both national and state house of assembly members even appointments were equally masterminded by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the benefit of the people of the state.

The second executive Governor of the state, Chief Martin Elechi came also on the platform of the PDP as its senators, 98 percent of the state House of Assembly and House of Representative members were equally produced on the same democratic platform.

The party has always dominated the political landscape of the state with little or no influence and competitive C M Y K

PRESIDENTIAL POLLS SCORE APC: 19,518 PDP: 323,653

EBONYI

participation of the opposition political parties in the state.

This level of dominance was replicated on 28 March, 2015 as all the National Assembly seats were won by the ruling party in the state.

The party elected former Governor Sam Egwu for Ebonyi North senatorial district; Senator Sonni Ogbuoji for Ebonyi South zone and Chief Obinna Ogba for Ebonyi Central zone of the state.

While the House of Representative members elected last saturday also include: Hon. Sylvester Ogbaga for Abakaliki/ Izzi federal constituency; Hon. Edwin Anayo for Ishielu/Ezza North; Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku for Ebonyi/ Ohaukwu; Hon. Linus Okorie for Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo and Hon. Laz Ogbee for Ezza south/Ikwo and Hon. Idu Igariwey for Afikpo

is boosted by the support of the influential Urhobo Progress Union, UPU and also by a network of Urhobo achievers in the professions.

Popularly called the Peoples General, the Labour Party candidate is also looking back to a part of Delta North, the Ndowka segment of the senatorial district claiming that he is also from the zone on the basis of his mother ’s ancestry from Delta North.

North/South federal constituency of the state.

The party has over time proven its dominance and capacity and is prepared to replicate similar adventure during the Governorship and state House of Assembly elections this saturday.

This platform made it an easy ride for Governor Martin Elechi to emerge as Governor in 2007 and 2011 crushing any existence

The party has always dominated the political landscape of the state with little or no influence and competitive participation of the opposition political parties in the state

of opposition in the state and that was why the party has been expressing lots of displeasure over attempts made by the Governor Elechi to destabilize the stability and gains made by the party in the state.

The party’s victory at the last election will no doubt serve as a boosters to all its supporters and stakeholders, that it will assuredly win with ease at the 11 April elections.

It is a fact, that the winners of

However, what could have been described as the unqualified support from the Urhobo nation has lately been engulfed in a controversy following the endorsement of Emerhor by a faction of the UPU. The mainstream UPU this week, however, dissociated itself from the endorsement affirming its total support for Ogboru.

In strategies not employed before, the three political parties have also resorted to holding town hall meetings where they are selling their ideas.

The APC and Labour have particularly now taken to the mantra of change asserting that the state is due for change after 16 years of PDP rule, however, the readiness and determination of the two parties to effect such change is largely challenged by the doggedness of the two candidates, Ogboru and Emerhor in not stepping down for the other.

the last election; senatorelect and House of Representative-elect will work assiduously to ensure the victory of the party at the elections as their supporters have increased following the saying that “Success have many friends; failure is an orphan”.

Following the victory of the party in the last election, the camp of the PDP governorship candidate, Engr. Dave Umahi has increased with decampees, returning to the party with a commitment to ensure PDP’s victory at the polls.

Among the decampees include: the state Director for Media and Publicity for the Labour Party governorship candidate, Chief Chike Onwe, the embattled member representing Afikpo South West state constituency, Hon. Eni Uduma Chima, Labour Party House of Assembly candidate for Ezza South state constituency, Mr. Kenneth Eze,

Continues on page 38

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015—37

KADUNA: PDP counts on Yero for Northern identity

By Luka Binniyat

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressive Change, APC will next Saturday finally redesign the political map of Kaduna State, after the APC made sweeping, but not surprising defeat of its major contender, the PDP, in the last Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The March 28th Presidential election result for Kaduna state shows that the APC scored a total of 1,127, 760 votes, while the PDP got 484,085 votes.

In April, 2011, Presidential elections, Gen Muhamadu Buhari of the then Congress for Progressive Change CPC, scored 1.33 million votes, while President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP got 1.19 million votes in Kaduna state.

Last month’s total number of voters is far beyond the 3,743,815 registered voters by the close of registration in 2014. It simply means that about 2 million registered voters did not show up to vote.

The PDP, will therefore be pursuing these voters since, the largest block of the absentee voters come from traditional PDP strong holds

in the state – Southern Kaduna and Southerners resident in the state.

With the PDP losing two Senatorial seats to the APC, in the state the only PDP SenatorElect from Kaduna State, and indeed the entire North West, is Chief Danjuma Laah from Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone.

The PDP will be relying on his clout and influence to

mobilise voters and ensure that he produces enough votes that will show that his victory was not a fluke.

The APC on its part, is already celebrating victory, with many PDP members in the state trooping to join the party ahead of Saturday ’s gubernatorial polls between incumbent Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of the PDP and Mallam Nasir El Rufai of the APC.

was already comfortable in Southern Kaduna.

It is believed that while Yero as a person had displayed his political naivety through his words and actions in the past two years, he had also brought close to him people of poor integrity and with little political capital. It has been

Lack of interest

The PDP, will therefore be pursuing these voters since, the largest block of the absentee voters come from traditional PDP strong holds in the state – Southern Kaduna and Southerners resident in the state

According to Vanguard sources, the PDP is determined to support Yero and Laah to ensure that PDP wins so it is not extinguished from the Northwest.

But, sources close to Laah however said that it was surprising that the PDP was yet to formally contact Laah on the matter, even though Laah had on his own carried on the campaign to his zone which was getting frustrated with what looked like a lack of interest on the part of Yero to fight.

It was however said that Yero was working on the Northern and Central Zones, since he

PRESIDENTIAL POLLS SCORE APC: 1,127,760 PDP: 484,085

KADUNA

Edo 'll profit more from APC-led House of Assembly — Arigbe-Osula Mr. Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula, one time deputy minority leader of the House of Representatives in this interview speaks on issues concerning the forthcoming legislative elections. Excerpts:

Y

OU helped to found the Friends of Democracy for Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 and the Deputy Director General of the organization.

Why did you become an ardent supporter of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari?

I have always been a follower of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari from my ANPP days and believer in the values that characterized his military administration as a young man to date.

However, in the advancement of our democracy, we must ensure that even when personal interests conflict with constitutionality of any action, we must side with the constitution to ensure progressive evolvement of our democracy for the growth of our nation.

This has always been my position and will not change.

I encouraged the then Acting President, subsequently then president to contest for the Presidency even when it was not yet fashionable to say so.

Supporting Gen, Muhammadu Buhari and the APC this time was normal for me. I predicted his victory this time at the Leadership Award ceremony where these leaders, Gen.

Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu among others were honored, three years ago at Sheraton Hotel, Ladi Kwali Hall with Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Ogun, Ekiti and Osun state governors were in attendance among others. I emphatically stated that the arrogance of PDP and the sufferings of Nigerians shall continue as long as Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu do not put their pride and individual History d i f f e r e n c e s Beckons on aside. But if they Orhionmwon unite before 2015, PDP shall people, and in be clearly no small way defeated. With the formation of on Edo APC and the people with nomination of G e n . this rare Muhammadu opportunity Buhari as the

said that most of the money he spent on mobilsation never reached the targeted people.

The APC for now looks comfortable, so comfortable that party officials are now screening new entrants before admitting them into the party.

With the APC set to claim all the gubernatorial seats in the seven North West states and with the V i c e President, A r c .

Namadi Sambo, from Zaria, Kaduna s t a t e already on his way home, Laah may be the only vestige of the biggest political party in A f r i c a (PDP) in the North West at the national level.

This humiliation is what the PDP wants to stop. But this is what the APC is tirelessly working towards.

For goodness sake, apart from the fact that that result did not reflect remotely the General’s acceptability in these regions because we all know the ills that happened in these regions during the elections to the helpless electorates.

In the same vein, I see the Edo people electing Hon. Samson Osagie on that day in the concluding part of the Senatorial election in the state.

Love and commitment

•Arigbe-Osula Presidential candidate, there was no doubt in my mind that the divine end to PDP unscrupulous reign was set.

Does the poor showing of the General in the South-South and South-East at the poll indicates his unacceptability there?

The love and commitment of General Muhammadu Buhari to all regions will definitely be seen in the formation and character of his administration from the formation of his cabinet to put away any fear these regions may have at all. He will unite Nigeria behind the mandate given to him.

Are you really convinced that the APC will make a better showing during the State Elections?

Very well! I can say without mincing words that the irregularities that denied the electorates the freedom to express themselves through the ballot in the presidential election will be adequately checked this time and this will reflect in an overwhelming victory for the APC across the state.

Let me say here also that the Edo people must seize the opportunity of the rescheduled Senatorial elections in Orhionmwon L.G.A, to ensure that Hon Samson Osagie, the APC candidate is elected. You will agree with me that Continues on page 38

38—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

IBRAHIM Babajide Obanikoro wants to represent Eti-Osa Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Though he contested for the same seat in 2011, he lost but he is optimistic that he would emerge victorious at the end of the exercise.

He speaks on his plans, mission and vision for EtiOsa if given the opportunity to represent the people. Excerpts:

By Dapo Akinrefon

H

OW do you react to the recent defeat of your party at the presidential level?

I was surprised by the outcome, we did not expect the defeat but as a sportsman, I have accepted it because it is a defeat for the party. But we are moving on.

We are going to learn from some of the mistakes we made during the presidential elections to ensure that we do better during the governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

Are you not worried that the outcome of the presidential elections might affect the chances of the party at the coming polls?

I am not worried because the will of the people is what is going to carry the day. The precedence that has been set shows that rigging is no longer the in thing.

Now, people’s votes are

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY POLLS:

I'm confident of winning — JIDE OBANIKORO beginning to count and it counted in a violence free manner. I guess we have a new direction we are heading in the country.

In 2011, you contested against the current occupant of the seat you are vying for but you lost. Would you say your chances are brighter this time around?

Well I believe I stand a better chance now. First, I am no longer a novice in the game.

Also, I have not stopped politicking and campaigning since 2011 and I believe I have a better package and plan for the constituency.

I will not shy away from using my weapon. I have no iota of doubt in me that this election is a wrap and I believe that I am home and dry

What are those packages?

One of the roles of a member of a House of Assembly is to represent the people and make you sure you fight for them so that development can come to the area. Those are the things I want to do. If you go to our government owned primary and secondary schools, they are •Jide Obanikoro nothing to write home about. It does not justify their host. the enormous tax that we pay We want them to give us here. three to five per cent of their Another area I intend to take staff strength. I believe that advantage of are the will help in reducing companies within our unemployment within my constituency mostly the banks. constituency.

What I have noticed is that Also, these companies their employees come from far embark on Corporate Social and wide.

Responsibility, where they One of the things I want to give back to the community. do is to write a letter to all of What I have noticed is that these companies and urge when they embark in such them to give our constituency CSR, they do so outside our preference because we are

The battle for Ebonyi Continues from page 36 former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Dorothy Obasi, 17 executive members of Labour Party and host of others too numerous to mention.

At a press briefing, the state Media Director for the Labour Party governorship candidate, Dr. Chike Onwe who defected at the weekend to the PDP pledged to support the ambition of the party ’s governorship candidate, Engr.

Dave Umahi in the state.

He stated that his decision to shift camp became necessary following his discovery of the developmental initiatives inherent in the PDP governorship candidate and the yearning of Ebonyi people that power should rotate to Ebonyi South senatorial district of the state.

Onwe who is also the immediate past state Commissioner for Information called on his teeming supporters and friends to join him in

ensuring that the political ambition of Engr. Dave Umahi came to fruition on May 29, 2015.

“After a long look ahead, a searching look inwards, a wide look around and a far look upward, I came to the conclusion that his Excellency, Engr. Dave Umahi, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi state should be supported to win the election to occupy the seat of the Governor of Ebonyi state by May 29, 2015”.

The PDP unlike APGA, APC and LP has always dominated the political arena with numerous successes at every poll since the enthronement of democratic governance in the country.

However, despite the political edge the PDP has gained over the years against the opposition political parties, its governorship candidate has not left his fate on the successes recorded by the party in the past but has in the past two weeks taken his campaigns to the 13 local government areas where he had earlier visited before the Presidential election was first

shifted.

So far, his foot soldiers who won at the last elections are now busy campaigning at various zones, federal constituencies, Wards and communities across the state for the PDP. The PDP governorship candidate has also taken his campaign to the urban community in the state soliciting for their votes in the next elections.

At the occasion which took place at the Peoples Club, Abakaliki, stakeholders and various pressure groups bared their minds on the acceptability of the ruling PDP in the state, promising that they would deliver all the candidates more than they did in the presidential election.

Addressing the crowd, Umahi while commending the forum for its support towards his campaign, assured that he would reconstruct all the bad roads in the capital city and also beef up the estactic value within the metropolis.

constituency and they tend to forget that there are people that live within Eti-Osa constituency 2, that could benefit from such gesture.

Would you say the current occupant of the seat has lived up to the expectation of the people?

From ovation around town, he has performed under par.

We are going to kick him out because we do not want him.

But how do you intend to defeat the incumbent who has the backing of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who incidentally resides within Eti-Osa Constituency 2?

If the people of Eti-Osa Constituency 2 want me, there is nothing anybody can do about that.

Will of the people We are going to wait till April 11, and ensure that the will of the people prevails.

In 2011, we contested in this same constituency and defeated them across board hands down. I believe it is the will of the people that matters and I believe their choice is no other than Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro.

You seem confident of winning, are you banking on your father, who is a minister to win?

If that is my weapon, I will use it. I will not shy away from using my weapon. I have no iota of doubt in me that this election is a wrap and I believe that I am home and dry.

Edo'll profit from APC Continues from page 37 never in the historical evolvement of Edo State have we had a better opportunity to participate directly in government as one presented to us now by the possible election of Hon. Samson Osagie to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through this God ordained wave of change that heralded the elections of Gen Muhammadu Buhari and an APC controlled National Assembly.

What this portends for the Edo people and indeed the whole of the South-South geo-political zone is an opportunity to produce at least one of the ranking number 1, number 2, and number 3 person at the National Assembly, which translate into being the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representative, and the Deputy President of the Senate respectively. One or more of these prized positions of number 3, number 4, and number 5 citizen of Nigeria which are only considered for legislators with cognate experienced of both Houses.

History Beckons on Orhionmwon people, and in no small way on Edo people with this rear opportunity, with its attendant honor, rights, privileges, and developmental influence to the area, state, without necessarily leaving out the deserving South-South region.

I therefore implore the people of Orhionmwon to do the right thing by overwhelmingly voting for their son, Hon. Samson Osagie on 11th of April, 2015 as Senator representing Edo South in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They must put aside their political differences and party affiliations in grabbing this golden opportunity.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, ARIL 8, 2015 —39

40—V ANGU ARD, WEDNESD AY, APRIL 8, 2015 40—VANGU ANGUARD, WEDNESDA

I don’t really fancy him

Should I watch porn with my wife?

Dear Bunmi, Recently, my wife confessed she always had a desire to watch porn with me. I’m thrilled but a little confused.

I’ve often watched alone or with my close friends for a laugh. What sort of porn would be suitable for both of use to watch? And what do I do whilst she’s watching it?

Do I look at writhing figures on the screen or at her? Will she get upset if I get turned on looking at the girls on screen? Am I supposed to say she looks hotter than they do, even if she doesn’t? Should we then make love immediately after?

Augustus, by e-mail.

Dear Augustus, I laughed when I read your mail. Why don’t you calm down for a start? Commend your girl for wanting to try something new and involve her in choosing what you watch. A good pointer is to go for a film made by a female director. The men are better looking (standard boy porn tends to feature very average looking guys) and they have female friendly storylines.

As for what to do, have it playing in the background and if in doubt, concentrate on her rather than the girls in the film. Watching her get aroused will probably be enough of a turn on. You don’t

need to tell her she’s hotter than the girls on the screen (unless she asks, in which case, of course, she’s hotter.)

You’ll be surprised how naturally things will fall into shape.

He wants me to talk dirty Dear Bunmi, My husband of six years is suddenly trying to show a side he never let me see even in our courting days. He wants me to talk dirty to him whenever we’re making love.

This kind of talk is so out of character for me, and it would make me upset and uncomfortable. What should I do?

Mandi, by e-mail.

Dear Mandi, You might find talking dirty in the bedroom to be a shocking or abnormal behaviour but many couples see it as big turn-on. It doesn’t mean you’re a wayward person. I would never tell you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. I don’t

think it would cause any harm if you try it out. Why don’t you start by creating a character role to play? Pretend you’re trying to seduce and charm your husband, or simply describe to him how what he’s doing feels to you. You can just whisper all this into his ear.

You may not think talking dirty is your style, you won’t know for sure until you try. It could enhance your sex life once you get used to it.

However, if you try it and don’t feel comfortable, tell your husband you want to stop. He should understand, and you two can continue to experiment until you find something erotic that turns you both on equally. He is after all your better half, and who best to let go with?

including your jumping into bed with this man simply because you find him sexually appetizing!

Whatever you do, don’t tell your husband about your attraction to other men or give him any reason to suspect you’re lusting after one. It would be irksome to both of you if he became anxious or jealous because of your

revelations. It would certainly disrupt his relationship with his friend.

Any flirting between you and your husband’s friend must be kept under control. It is natural for you to warm to him and enjoy his affection, but know where to draw the line. Warmth between two people does not have to end in sex.

Dear Bunmi, My boyfriend has been keen on me for ages and a few months ago, I started going out with him, partly because he’s made so much effort. But the relationship is going nowhere as far as I’m concerned. I don’t love him at all and would love to end the relationship. How do I let him down without hurting his feelings?

Vanessa, by e-mail.

Dear Vanessa, Breaking up is hard to do

but if you’re not into this relationship then honesty is the best policy and you have to be cruel to be kind. It is horrible to be left by a lover but sometimes it is harder being the one who takes the responsibility to end a relationship that’s going nowhere, especially when your lover is as hopeful as this man appears to be. It’s flattering to have somebody chasing you so hard, but if you respect him, let him go and find a woman who can return his love.

She has no qualms about lying Dear Bunmi, My girlfriend is an incurable liar.

She can’t help exaggerating events and making boastful claims to make herself big in front of her friends. She’ll lie to others in my presence even though she knows I know the truth.

When I challenge her, she claims everybody does it. But I don’t agree with her and sometimes wonder whether I can trust her about our relationship when she’s told so many lies.

Faruk,

by e-mail.

Dear Faruk, Your girlfriend must feel insecure if she has to lie to boost her self-esteem. My guess is a lot of her friends may be as tired of her lies as you. Give her reassurance that she doesn’t need to make her life appear more impressive – you love her just as she is. Give her time to let this message sink in. It usually takes time for braggarts to stop!

Should I try again with my Should married women fancy other men? ex?

Dear Bunmi, My husband and I are happy in our marriage. We have two little girls and a satisfactory sex life. Lately however, I’ve found myself fantasizing about other men, particularly my husband’s closest friend. He’s recently been separated from his wife and I find myself thinking about him all the time. I even become jealous when he talks about women he fancies. Is this a symptom of deeper problems in my marriage? I’m thinking of having a bite of this particular forbidden fruit!

Yinka, by e-mail.

Dear Yinka, Your wondering eyes are not at all unusual, it is completely normal. As a matter of fact, the most virtuous, faithful, pure-minded woman can’t control her thought and lust all of the time because part of a woman’s make-up is a very strong sex drive.

Don’t, under any circumstance, let guilt pressure you into irrational, possibly damaging actions,

Dear Bunmi, I got married two years ago when I hadn’t completely fallen out of love with my exgirlfriend. I met my wife on the rebound after my ex left me for another man. But the relationship didn’t work out and she’s started ex-mailing me. My wife is kind, gentle and good company but I now realize that my ex is the love of my life. My marriage is currently childless. What should I do?

Smart, by e-mail.

Dear Smart,

Whatever you do, don’t tell your husband about your attraction to other men or give him any reason to suspect you’re lusting after one; it would be irksome to both of you if he became anxious or jealous because of your revelations

Before you do anything rash, like throwing away your marriage, stop and think about your real feelings for your ex. It’s easy to look back at a past relationship with rose-tinted glasses, but she was the one who chose to finish with you and must have had her reason, which may well still exist.

I would try to make your marriage work, if I were you.

Don’t rush back to your ex without being sure she’s not also settling for you on the rebound. What happens if what she considers a better option shows up – again?

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015—41

Pa J. O. S. Ayomike - an iroko @ 88 TRIB UTE TRIBUTE

For Alex Otti, The answer is the people

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By Sam Ekeledo

T does not take the pronouncement of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for anybody to know that it is for Dr Alex Otti, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in the 2015 general elections in Abia State, to lose.

Both on-ground in Abia State and beyond, the opinion is the same that the APGA candidate is the peoples’ preferred governorship candidate, given the lingering devastating and oligarchic precedence witnessed in the state since 1999. From the streets ask any ten Abians you meet how they will like their governorship polls to reflect and you wiil get eight confirming Otti’s victory.

I have seen this situation before. So it was for Onyema Ugochukwu. Our spokesman was Chief Allen Nwachukwu, present day PDP top dog and an indefatigable politician you don’t want to be your opponent. After routine pleasantries and observations, he delivered in classic Ngwa dialect, what you could consider the very rump of our minds.

Abia Governorship, adighi itu ya atu. Adi ide ya ede. To wit, that the people’s vote don’t count in the Abia governorship election.

It is actually written. Allen was speaking both from experience and profound knowledge.

Profound knowledge Whether Chief Onyema believed his ears or not, the outcome of that election and the subsequent drawn out legal battle that sustained Ochendo administration over the years is certainly what no one can doubt.

Abia State is not cursed. It is not a disaster.

It needs help. Her promise is in her pseudonym, God’s own State. It has all it takes to realize potentials but it truly needs help, just like everyman needs help.

As I write this, I see all the signs and the people’s clamour for change. It is as if the people are more eager to realize development and progress than their rulers.

Perhaps true. You can also sense the deep frustration and despondency in the land.

People are not smiling here. There are real issues here; unpaid salaries and pensions for as long as five to seven months, calculated impoverishment, absence of landmark infrastructure developments over these past eight years, preponderance of tokenisms in the distribution of used cars in the name of youth empowerment, no water, no light, total alienation Otti is riding with the people, this wave and etc, etc. All these how well he has resulted to the failure of remembers government, a now this disconnect and last week the people precursor/ spoke with their catalyst for votes. Doubtless, they still believed change will in President help spell the Jonathan and cast their votes electoral accordingly but outcome roundly rejected every other vestiges of PDP. Indeed, before Abia’s Diamond Alex Otti’s audacity there was Dr. Uche Ogah, better known as Masters Energy. His was a well oiled campaign and the people rallied round him. There were all comers. It was even

Alex Otti concluded that at one time he was the Governor’s anointed. But Chief T .A. Orji and his son Ikuku - the rulers of Abia State thought otherwise. Most people knew Dr. Ogah had no business in the PDP primaries, a totally predetermined manipulated affair. For a young man so well heeled and so admired, his chances of becoming governor was brighter elsewhere but he thought some us too confrontational, if not strategically barren.

Otti is riding this wave and how well he remembers now this precursor/catalyst for change will help spell the electoral outcome.

There are so many who were disappointed by the current regime.

Some lost their return bids in the PDP primaries because they did not fit into the structure and plan of government as envisaged by Ochendo’s son Ikuku, the new ultimate godfather. Some were simply gyped of their hard earned resources, others were not even entertained with the slightest hint. Whether all these people have reconciled themselves to their lot or still harbor some grudge of a sort will play out on Saturday, April 11, 2015.

When all these are considered, selling Ochendo’s man, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, an otherwise very confident and knowledgeable Ngwa man will be asking Abia people to buy more of the same. The fault is not in his stars but in the publicly adjudged failed establishment that brought him out. Some will say, good product bad marketer. To this, add the possible combination of a vocal Aba intelligentsia and other interested groups like the APC, PPA and the trio mavericks of Orji Uzor Kalu, B B Apugo, Total Chairman Tony Ukasanya whose strategic dexterity may well confound the Ochendo PDP. For years, Abia people endured the despair of unresponsive and irresponsible government but no none will pay heed to their cry least of all President Goodluck Jonathan. It was widely believed that the President believed every word of Governor Ochendo and therefore it was practical wisdom among the Abia PDP elite to compromise than resist. And so they all lined up for their thirty pieces of silver. Until last Saturday. The election of APC’s General Muhammadu Buhari is now considered a fillip in the minds of the people. Even an incumbent President can be upstaged by a determined and well focused people in 2015.

However, there is in existence what I will call Otti’s Achilles heel. He is riding the popular support of Abians but he is leading a party without deep structures.

That was the reason most of his men could not protect their votes the last time. This time may be different if he is able to mobilize the people into an army - the self same voters who voted for change.

An army does not care much of the conditions around but in the attainment of their mission . Can Alex Otti mobilize this army to maintain her focus - defend their votes come Saturday, April 11.

By Edward Ekpoko, Esq. You cannot plant greatness as you plant yams or maize. Whoever planted an Iroko tree – the greatest in the forest? You may collect all the Iroko seeds in the world, open the soil and put them there. It will be in vain. The great tree chooses where to grow and we find it there.

So it is with the greatness of men — Prof. Chinua Achebe

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S Johnson Oritsegbubemi Sunday Ayomike, more known by the acronym, J. O. S. Ayomike, turned 88 on April 7, 2015; it is most fitting to look at the life of this living legend who has transcended the length and breadth of Itsekiri land (Warri) in particular and the Niger Delta in general.

First, he was a Teacher in the riverine area and later a Village Headmaster; he along with his contemporaries – D. I. A. Popo, Esq. (DIAP), Gab. Tsetimi, D. A. Egodo,

Pa Ayomike Esq., J. E. Eyiangho, Esq. (RAGA), Victor Otiri, Dr. G. I. Emiko (Ofene), (all now deceased) and others had taught in some schools, including Hussey College, Warri.

He later joined the Nigeria Tobacco Company (NTC) as a nonManagement Staff before proceeding on scholarship to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for his Bachelor’s degree. He returned to his company

Indeed, I see him as the palm oil with which Itsekiri history is eaten

as management staff and had extensive training here and overseas.

J. O. S. Ayomike was appointed a Civil Commissioner in the then Bendel State in 1975, and served in various ministries including Health, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Information, Culture and Sports. He has since his disengagement in 1980, devoted his entire life to the service of the Itsekiri people, Delta State and indeed Nigeria.

A writer of distinction, a wordsmith and Historian, he has authored, contributed and edited several books on Warri, Niger Delta and Nigeria echoing his views on true federalism and ethnic self determination.

According to him, the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 was a fraud as none of the ethnic nationalities brought together forcefully were consulted. That fraud of 1914 in the words of Tatalo Alami, has configured Nigeria and rigged it against rationality and political modernity, unlike modern Europe and other developing nations. That is why the leadership lottery is structured in such a way that it could only throw up the grossly ill-equipped and manifestly unprepared.

J. O. S. Ayomike is the Chairman of the famed Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, an organization that acts as the eye, nose, ear and indeed the heart of Itsekiri nation. In 1981, he was listed in Who’s Who in Africa. His published works include: • A History of Warri •The Ijaw in Warri • The Itsekiri At A Glance • Nanna: British Imperialism At Work • Benin and Warri: Meeting Points In History • Selected Essays: Mixed Grill • Warri: A Focus On Itsekiri (which he co-authored alongside Chief I. O. Jemide and Edward Ekpoko, Esq.) His books and dozens of his papers on Itsekiri, Niger Delta and Nigeria are obtainable from famous libraries in Nigeria and the U.S. Library of Congress.

Indeed, I see him as the palm oil with which Itsekiri history is eaten.

His house in Warri is like a beehive – people go there for all problems, seeking advice on anything ranging from political, ethnic, cultural, regional, job recommendations and other mundane issues as marital disputes to sickness and infertility. To them, you are better when you come to his home. He is like the proverbial Iroko tree that provides shelter for all that come under it. He was not planted in this part of the world by anybody but God, and like the Iroko tree, he live in this clime because nature wanted it so.

Not a Chief – a title he was twice offered, and twice declined because of his belief in simple lifestyle. During the Warri Crisis, his home was attacked. It did not discourage him.

As Dr. Myles Munroe once said “True leaders don’t carry medals on their chest…They carry scars on their back.”

Omineghen-neghen, Ariogun menite, ene do kpe.

•Edward Ekpoko, Esq. is a Warri based Legal Practitioner, Secretary, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Chairman, Ijaw, Isoko & Itsekiri Leaders Forum, Chairman, Warri Study Group

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, ARIL 8, 2015

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, ARIL 8, 2015 —43

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44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

Thyroid surgery without a scar!

By Dr. Umannath Nayak

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HYROID nodules are a common problem that a clinician faces in his practice. The vast majority of these nodules are benign and unless progressing or causing symptoms, they are usually left alone and not operated upon.

However, a small percentage (about 5 percent) of these nodules can be cancerous (malignant) and surgery becomes mandatory to remove the diseased gland.

Quite often, the challenge facing the clinician is to differentiate between benign and cancerous nodules. When investigations such as ultrasound and needle aspiration do not resolve the issue, surgery is often recommended.

Surgery of the thyroid is done through an incision in the lower part of the neck.

In most cases the incision heals well leaving behind a fine scar; but some people have a tendency to form thick and unsightly scars.

Additionally, a neck scar may be psychologically upsetting to young patients. With the advent of the Robotic surgical systems, it is now possible to do thyroid surgery without opening the neck and without leaving a visible scar.

The Robotic system is a revolutionary innovation devised for performing surgical procedures in otherwise difficult or impossible locations using specially designed robotic arms.

The robotic arms are controlled by a computer console which the surgeon operates using hand and foot controls somewhat like a video-game, but a thousand times more precise and sophisticated. The endo-wrist attached to these arms can move in different directions and at multiple angles (270 degrees) something that the human wrist cannot and therefore can dissect, suture and divide tissues with a precision that even the most dexterous surgeon cannot.

An endoscopic camera provides a 3-D magnified view of the surgical field when viewed through the console; making structures like nerves, blood vessels etc. much larger and therefore more easily visible enabling faster surgery with more precision. Using small and hidden incisions surgeons can remove complex tumors minimizing tissue damage, hastening recovery and reducing hospitalization.

Though the robot facilitates the surgery, it is the operating surgeon’s hand

By Sam Eyoboka

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• Team of surgeons from Apollo Hospitals. movements that are transmitted to the robotic arms and the surgeon continues to direct the operation. The motion scaling with tremor filtration that is incorporated in the newer generation robotic systems (da Vinci Si) eliminate tiny, uncontrolled movements in the surgeon’s arms making surgery much more precise. The main application of this system has been in cancer, cardiac and urologic surgery.

The Robotic system is a revolutionary innovation devised for performing surgical procedures in otherwise difficult or impossible locations using specially designed robotic arms

Robotic thyroid surgery for benign and cancerous nodules of the thyroid gland is done through an incision in the axilla (armpit) thus avoiding a visible scar in the neck.

Specially designed retractors allow the robotic arms to reach the neck region and remove the thyroid without cutting open the neck.

Other applications of the robot in cancer surgery include; Trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) - surgery for cancer of the throat via the mouth.

Robotic gastro-intestinal and colorectal surgeries through tiny abdominal ports avoiding large incisions and extensive mobilization of abdominal organs, thus hastening recovery and minimizing complications from these surgeries Gynaecological procedures including hysterectomy, myomectomy (removal of fibroids) and other pelvic surgeries.

Robotic radical prostatectomy for early and localized cancer of the prostate.

Many other indications are still evolving as the superiority of this technique over open and laparoscopic surgery is being established and with time, robotic surgery is expected to replace other conventional methods of surgery.

Dr. Umanath Nayak, Consultant Head & Neck and Robotic surgeon, Apollo Cancer Hospitals, Hyderabad, India

Ovarian cancer: Are you at risk?

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URRENT research suggests that ovarian cancer begins in the fallopian tubes and moves to the ovaries, the twin organs that produce a woman’s eggs and the main source of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Treatments for ovarian cancer have become more effective in recent years, with the best results seen when the disease is found early.

Symptoms include:bloating or pressure in the belly, pain in the abdomen or pelvis, feeling full too quickly during meals and urinating more frequently.

These symptoms can be caused by many conditions that are not cancer. If they occur persistently for more than a few weeks, report them to your health care professional. A woman’s odds of developing ovarian cancer are higher if a

NGO empowers vulnerable Nigerians

close relative has had cancer of the ovaries, breast, or colon. Researchers believe that inherited genetic changes account for 10 percent of ovarian cancers. This includes the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which are linked to breast cancer. Women with a strong family history should talk with a doctor to see whether closer medical follow-up could be helpful. The strongest risk factor for ovarian cancer is age. It’s most likely to develop after a woman goes through menopause.

Using postmenopausal hormone therapy may increase the risk. The link seems strongest in women who take estrogen without progesterone for at least 5 to 10 years.

Doctors are not certain whether taking a combination of estrogen and progesterone boosts the risk as well.

Obese women have a higher risk of getting ovarian cancer than other women.

And the death rates for ovarian cancer are higher for obese women too, compared with non-obese women. Heaviest women appear to have the greatest risk. There is no easy or reliable way to test for ovarian cancer if a woman has no symptoms. There are two ways to screen for ovarian cancer during a routine gynecologic exam. One is a blood test for elevated levels of a protein called CA-125. The other is an ultrasound of the ovaries. Unfortunately, neither technique has been shown to save lives when used in women of average risk.

Screening is only recommended for women with strong risk factors. Initial surgery for ovarian cancer also helps determine how far the cancer has spread.

ETERMINED to ensure a healthier living for Nigerians especially women, a Non-Governmental Organisation known as Universal Access to Female Condom project, UAFC, has commenced empowerment of the poor and vulnerable Nigerians on the better ways to good health.

The Territorial Manager, Society for Family Health Edo/Delta region, Mr. Ikejide Sabastine disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba, the Delta state capital.

In his paper entitled; “Use female condom for your protection and stay save, protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections, STIs,/HIVAIDS”, Mr. Ikejide explained that UAFC partners the Federal Ministry and state ministries of health, NACA, SACA, LACA and other international agencies, to enable them deliver health products, services and also technical support to Nigerians.

The project states are Delta, Edo, Lagos, Rivers and FCT Abuja, with women and men reproductive age of 1549 and 15-64 years to reduce the incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections, STIs/HIV among reproductive age.

Ikejide who called for financial support from the public and organised private sector to enable them achieve their objectives, equally highlighted some of their achievements to include sensitisation of over 5.5 million people on the benefits of female condom through inter-personal communication and use of social media, distribution of over 4 million pieces of female condom, sampling of about one million pieces and selling of more than 3.5 million pieces.

On his part, the Project Manager of DELSACA, Dr. John Osuyali opined that female condom has been identified globally to save the lives of women and children as well as reduce maternal, child mortality and morbidity rate.

Osuyali, however, advocated for insertion of female condom into vagina, at least an hour or more before sexual intercourse, stressing that it enhances sexual pleasure during intercourse. “It is safe, reliable and safe to use during menstrual period”, he added.

• Ovarian cancer

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015—45

PDP alleges plans in Edo to immobilise card readers

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—EDO State chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, has alleged that officials of the state government and the All Progressives Congress, APC, have perfected plans to collude with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, officials in the state, especially in Edo South senatorial zone, to ensure that card readers were immobilised during this weekend's state House of Assembly elections.

He said the move was to enable them use cloned cards and strangers to rig the election especially in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

He also alleged that the APC and the said government officials were arming thugs ahead of the election to cause mayhem throughout the state.

Orbih, who spoke with journalists in Benin, said: “We commend INEC in Edo State for their efforts during the presidential and National Assembly elections and we want to also advise them not to allow themselves to be used by the governor and his agents, who are

Amnesty trainees protest non-issuance of certificates

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BOUT 150 delegates of the Federal Government Amnesty programme who were trained in Pipeline Welding and Fabrication for 12 months have protested over nonissuance of certificates to them.

A statement by the group leader of the trainees, Mr. Ariri John, said they were sent for training through Bradama Training Centre to Glassfa Continental Limited Training Centre at Km 3, DSC ExpressWay, Otokutu, Delta State, on August 28, 2013.

The statement said they were to be trained on Pipeline Welding and Fabrication for a period of 12 months, adding that during the first three months of the training, they were promptly paid weekly feeding/hotel allowance as promised by the Federal Government Amnesty office.

The trainees said that thereafter, the ministry changed from weekly payment to monthly payment and then stopped payment.

The trainees, are appealing to President Jonathan to order the Amnesty office to settle their feeding/hotel allowances and tuition fees for the training so that the vendor could release certificates to them.

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hell bent on manipulating the state House of Assembly elections as a result of the humiliating defeat they suffered during the last election in the state.

“Information has it that they are luring some officials of INEC to work with them to ensure that the card readers do not work on election day to enable them use cloned cards and strangers to cast their votes especially in Orhionmwon and other local government areas of the state where they feared that they would be defeated like what

happened in the last election.

“For me, my advice to INEC is that it should not allow the overbearing attitude of the governor to derail them from conducting free air and credible elections in Edo State.

“We are going to make a formal report to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, over the disturbing conversation the Electoral Officer of the local governments in Edo South had with our candidate thinking that he was speaking to the APC candidate. Unfortunately for him the details of that conversation

was recorded and we are going to formally make a report on that particular Electoral Officer and we do hope the REC will take necessary action to prosecute the Electoral Officer in question for action capable of derailing the conduct of free and fair elections as guaranteed in the constitution.”

However, in his reaction, state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr Godwin Erhahon, said that his party did not need to collude with any INEC official to defeat the PDP in the coming election, describing the allegations as tissues of lies.

PDP chieftain congratulates Buhari

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chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Ambassador Gabriel Oyibode, has congratulated General Muhamadu Buhari (rtd), on his victory at the poll as the next president of the country.

Oyibode, who addressed journalists at Ezhionum ward 7, Ukwani Local Government Area of the state, during his house to house campaign for Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, described Buhari as a visionary leader, who is poised at take the country to greatness.

Delta community flays feuding neighbour's action on land dispute

By Festus Ahon

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RECEPTION: Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State flanked by his wife Ebelechukwu (right) and Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke at a grand reception in honour of Governor Obiano in Aguleri.

EDO POLLS: Traditional rulers, PDP chieftains, urge Binis to vote APC

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—AHEAD of Saturday's House of Assembly election in Edo State, traditional rulers from Edo South senatorial district of the state led by the Iyase of Benin Kingdom (Prime Minister), Chief Sam Igbe and some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, urged the Binis to vote for candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, so that the people of the area will benefit from working in tandem with the in-coming APC- led administration at the federal level.

Chief Igbe, flanked by several other palace chiefs and PDP leaders from Edo South, who addressed newsmen in Benin City, noted that the people of the state would prefer to see development and not the kind of bickering witnessed at the early stage of Governor Adams Oshiomhole's administration, when the PDP had majority in

the state House of Assembly.

He reasoned that the people of the state suffered under the PDP led Federal Government, “So we will not continue to be in opposition now that we have an APC government in

the state and federal levels. We urge our people to vote for APC House of Assembly members this Saturday so that Oshiomhole will receive his full allocation to develop the state more,” he added.

Peterside vows to revamp health sector in Rivers

By Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT—THE governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has vowed to revamp the health sector in the state if elected governor in this weekend's elections.

Peterside, at a town hall meeting with the Amalgamation of Health Professionals led by Dr. Chris Mbata, said his target in office will be to consolidate on the legacies left on group by the incumbent Governor Rotimi Amaechi, adding that he will

ensure that the health sector receives a boost through provision of world class health equipment.

In the same vein Peterside said he will build a health city, Greater Port Harcourt Health City, GPHC, which he said will be a cluster of different health institutions managed by professionals in different areas of health-care delivery.

Peterside also assured the people that when all these facilities are put in place, a regulation which will help cut down cost of accessing the health sectors by the less privileged in the society will be put in place.

SABA—THE people of Eruemukohwarien community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday, condemned media reports credited to Effurun-Otor community in respect of the ownership of the land on which Transcorp Ughelli Power Plc is situated, describing same as hasty and intended to overreach the outcome of the Supreme Court on their appeal.

The people, in a statement by their spokesperson, Mr. O. Idogun, noted that Eruemukohwarien community had gone to the apex court, while the appeal papers had been served on counsel to Effurun-Otor community.

He said: “The matter is on appeal and has not been concluded before the Supreme Court which is the highest court in the land. Unless of course a party that is dissatisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal fails, refuses or neglects to appeal to the Supreme Court within the stipulated period after which such an aggrieved party becomes statute bar, the appellant who appealed to the Court of Appeal cannot rely on and insist on the implementation of that judgment.”

46 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015—47

Police place Kogi politicians under surveillance L

OKOJA—KOGI State police command said, Monday, that it had placed certain categories of politicians in the state under surveillance, as part of efforts to ensure peaceful conduct of April 11 elections.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Shola Adebayo, who announced this to newsmen in Lokoja, said that the move was in response to reports reaching the police that some politicians were planning to attack Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, staff on election day.

He said that the police had since closely monitored activities of politicians with a view to curtailing their excesses before, during and after the elections.

Adebayo said that the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, had a meeting with leaders of political parties on the development.

He said they were all advised against embarking on any action that might breach peace.

“The commissioner has warned all of them to abide by the peace accord they signed before the

election,’’ he said.

He said that the commissioner had directed all police formations in the state to deal decisively with any act of violence, saying

that any politician caught fomenting trouble would have himself to blame.

While assuring that the police had put in place strategies to

achieve peace before, during and after the elections, Adebayo listed Ayangba, Aiyetoro-Gbede, Odolu, Ebiya and Ajaka as some of the crisis-prone areas.

N IGBO group, Igbo Professionals Lagos, IPL, has described as unacceptable, regrettable, and unfortunate, comments credited to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, warning Igbo in Lagos State to vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the state, Akinwumi Ambode or be drowned in Lagos Lagoon.

IPL in a statement by its Convener, Mazi Chigo Ukatah,

BRIEFING: From left, Legal Officer, Legal Awareness for Nigerian Women, Zainab Atta; Executive Director, Human Rights Monitor,Festus Okoye, and Legal Officer, Independent Election Monitoring Group, Mohammed Abdullahi, at a press briefing on the 2015 general elections, in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi

yesterday, said: “This insult on the Igbo is getting out of hand.

“We’re shocked to read the vituperations ascribed to an ordinarily Royal Father, who in the first instance, should be apolitical and a father to all.

We’re further confounded that the Oba of Lagos, who should know the meaning of democracy has gone above board to declare what can engulf the nation in yet another civil war.

“We call on world leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to hold Oba Akiolu responsible when the war he has declared against Igbo begins to rage. Yoruba and Igbo have been living harmoniously together but this callous, unguarded statement of a ‘father for all’ has shown the type of father he is.

“One wonders if the Oba would have had the affront to talk to the Fulanis or Hausas the way he

Israel promises to assist Nigeria fight terrorism, corruption

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

This is contained in a statement issued by Mallam Garba Shehu, Director, Media and Publicity, APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, Monday, in Abuja.

The statement said the pledge was contained in a congratulatory letter signed by the Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin, to the President-elect, retired Maj.General Muhammadu Buhari.

“The two countries face similar dangers and challenges in the daily struggle against those who wanted to terrorise their citizens.

“The latest news regarding the Boko Haram-ISIS alliance underscores the need for likeminded countries to unite in the fight against such radical terrorist organisations.

“I assure you that in this C M Y K

By Salisu Maradun

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IPL denounces Oba Akiolu's comments

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Zamfara APGA describes APC election as victory for all Nigerians

important campaign, Israel stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Nigeria,” the statement quoted the Israeli leader as saying.

It expressed the hope that under Buhari’s leadership, the ties between both countries would become stronger.

‘’I wish you every success in the challenging task ahead and trust that under your presidency, the relationship, friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Israel will continue to expand and strengthen,” it said.

had chosen to insult the Igbo. We state unequivocally, that the Igbo who are industrious, law-abiding citizens of Lagos State will not constitute nuisance to the law but would not be pushed to the wall by anybody.

“Anyone who pushes us to the wall will bear the full brunt of the Igbo. We’re not afraid of anything.

Anyone who tries to push us to the ocean will be dragged into the ocean. We’ve tried being our brother’s keeper for too long and that should not be taken for weakness. We’re warriors and not afraid of death.

“The Igbo will vote their conscience, and Oba Akiolu will absolutely do nothing. If he feels like drowning, he can head to the Lagoon and do so. Surely no Igbo soul will accompany him. He should also understand that he was appointed by a governor and not ordained by God.”

Jang's campaigner asks Plateau residents to emulate Jonathan's 'sportmanship'

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

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OS — AS Nigerians go to the polls again on Saturday, residents of Plateau State have been asked to emulate President Goodluck Jonathan’s example by developing the spirit of sportsmanship even in defeat for the good of the state.

The Director-General, Jang Campaign Organisation, Mr. Moses Nathaniel, who spoke in

an interview with newsmen in Jos, the state capital, yesterday, further appealed to aggrieved politicians to seek redress in court so that the fragile peace in the state is not compromised.

The people were also reminded that "God decides whom to crown at any point in time, hence, supporters of the political parties’ candidates should not take the coming election as a do or die affair but adhere to set down rules to ensure credible elections."

He, however, commended the

people over their peaceful conduct during the presidential election.

USAU—THE All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Zamfara State chapter, has described the election of General Muhammad Buhari’s All Progressives Congress, APC, at the just concluded presidential poll as victory for all Nigerians irrespective of religious, tribal or regional inclinations.

It also commended the wisdom and courage of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over its mature handling of the election.

The governorship candidate of the party in the state, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi made the commendation while reacting to the outcome of the polls in Gusau, the state capital.

Borno AG appeals to int'l donors to support IDPs' rehabilitation

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AIDUGURI— HAJIYA Mairo Bunu, the Borno State Accountant-General, Monday, appealed to donor agencies to mobilise support for the rehabilitation of victims of Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

Bunu made the appeal when she presented some relief materials to Governor Kashim Shettima for the victims.

She said that the Boko Haram insurgency had resulted in mass destruction of infrastructure which might be difficult to rebuild without the support of the international community.

“The insurgency has indeed led to mass killings and destruction all over the state. Borno requires lots of assistance to be able to restore the structure destroyed by the insurgents.

500 families in Lagos live without electricity

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VER 500 families around Ogutuga-Amusa Ishola axis of Ayewanle, off Awulola area, Ikotun, Lagos, have been without electricity for several weeks now because of a bad transformer.

The transformer at AmusaIshola Street was said to have

packed up even as attempts to get the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company to replace the equipment had failed.

Vanguard learned that the consumers had contributed money in the past to repair the transformer, but it usually went bad again and again.

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Human resources, Nigeria's greatest assets —Abike Dabiri Lamidi Bamidele

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VISIT: From left, Assistant Director, National Automotive Council, Mrs. Joke Onireti; Engr. Amresh Shrivastava, Deputy CEO, SCOA Nigeria Plc; Director, Policy and Planning, NAC, Mr. Luqman Mamudu; Dr. Massad Boulos, GMD/CEO, SCOA Nigeria Plc; Prince Boniface Nwabuko, Commercial Director, and Mr. Roman Leder, Technical Director, at the inspection visit of SCOA-MAN Assembly Plant ,yesterday.

Ndigbo not against you, Ekweremadu tells Buhari … Slams Oba of Lagos over election threat

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU — DEPUTY Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has assured the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) that Ndigbo had nothing against him or his incoming administration, but was prepared to support him.

Addressing a meeting of PDP stakeholders from Enugu West in Enugu, yesterday, Ekweremadu said: “It needs to be reiterated, however, that the South East PDP

and, indeed, Ndigbo have nothing against General Muhammadu Buhari as a person or against his incoming administration.

“We will work hand-in-hand with him in line with our regional agenda and overall development of Nigeria. We will give him all the support to succeed because he was elected as the President of Nigeria, not president of the APC or any section of the country in particular. ‘’He has the choice to be a statesman, bringing every part of

the country on board his government or to run an exclusive government.

“He has the choice to ensure that no part of this country is discriminated against in the distribution of opportunities and development projects on account of their ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, and region or to do otherwise.

On the comment made by the Oba of Lagos on Saturday’s election, Ekweremadu said: “I was alarmed when I read threats allegedly issued to Ndigbo by the

Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu over their political choices and voting patterns in the last election, which saw the PDP doing well with Ndigbo and their preferred candidates clinching some National Assembly seats in the March 28 election.

“Let me emphasise, however, that Ndigbo will not be intimidated in any part of Nigeria, not the least Lagos State where our people have contributed immensely to its development and economy.

Ndigbo-Lagos congratulates Buhari

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DIGBO-LAGOS, THE apex body of South-East States Town-Unions and other Igbo socio-cultural associations in Lagos, has congratulated President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)on his victory at the

elections conducted on March 28, 2015.

The group in a statement signed by President-General and Director of Communications,Prof. Anya .O. Anya and Chief Chuma Igwe respectively, noted the dogged-

ness, persistence and candour with which the President-elect pursued his presidential ambition.

The statement read: ‘’We wish to seize this opportunity to congratulate you on your victory as

A

BUJA — FORMER Fed eral Commissioner for Information and South South leader, Chief Edwin Clark yesterday

wrote the President- elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, retd, saying that he would have his full support if he( Buhari) would uphold the dignity of Nigeria and those things that bind the coun-

Ensure principled governance for Nigeria, cleric urges Buhari

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HE PRELATE and Modera tor of the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Prof. Emele Mba Uka has urged the president-elect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) to ensure that his tenure would usher in a new dawn and the birth of a new nation with an administration committed not to dictatorial rulership but to principled governance.

In a message of congratulations

to the President-Elect whom he described as the “Abraham Lincoln of Nigeria,” the Prelate said, “I thank God for the firm promise of the President-Elect to treat every Nigerian as his own not as a stranger or an infidel. Therefore, let all of us embrace peace and unity and eschew violence and let brotherly love continue.

Let the government help us to enjoy the privileges of our corporate citizenship as Nigerians without any fear of molestation in any part of the country.

try together at all times In a statement titled, letter of Congratulations and made available to Journalists in Abuja he urged General Buhari to ensure that as Nigerians, we must build a nation where all the citizens are equal irrespective of religion or ethnic nationality where every person can aspire to the highest office in Nigeria no matter where such a Nigerian hails from.

Clark said, “I am pleased to join our other compatriots in this country and friends from the international community to convey my words of congratulations to you and your Party, the All Progressives Congress. I note that the election was keenly contested but the outcome has been determined by INEC, in the exercise of its statutory duties. We must therefore

Oshodi-Isolo LG'll deliver for Ambode, APC chieftain boasts

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

the President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We particularly commend you on your doggedness, persistence and states-manly candour in your pursuit of your Presidential ambition since 2003.

Uphold Nigeria’s dignity, and I'll support you, Clark writes Buhari

By Henry Umoru

HAIRMAN, HOUSE Committee on Diaspora, Hon, Abike Dabiri Erewa has said that Nigeria’s greatest assets are her human resources.

In a statement, yesterday, applauding a 17-year-old Nigerian student, Harold Ekeh, who got admitted into eight Ivy league schools in the USA, at the same time, Dabiri Erewa argued that “it is high time Nigeria tapped into the enormous talents and successes of Nigerians in Diaspora for national development.

She noted that “it is always a thing of joy to learn of success stories of Nigerians in Diaspora, adding that millions of Nigerians are excelling in various fields abroad."

move forward in the interest of peace, unity and progress of our country. I have noted that this is equally the position which you so well stated during your acceptance speech at the collection of your Certificate of Return.

“I am glad that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who was so gracious to beat the gun in congratulating you, both by a historic telephone call and a national broadcast, underlined the need for the spirit of placing our national interest above individual or group ambition. This was an uncommon display of purposeful leadership and patriotism which I believe sets a propitious cue for the new government.

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AGOS — AHEAD of the governorship election, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, Otunba Jide Oni, has expressed confidence in the chances of the party emerging winners in the governorship and state House of Assembly poll on Saturday.

He also urged the electorate to come out en masse and vote for Akinwunmi Ambode, APC governorship candidate for continuity in the state.

Oni made the remarks, following poor results recorded in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government which saw APC House of Representatives candidate losing to his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, counterpart.

According to him, APC party chieftains in the area have closed ranks and started a house-to-house campaign aimed at encouraging the electorate to vote for APC which won the centre in the last presidential election.

54—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

From left— Special Apostle G. O. Ogunleye, Secretary-General, Ayo Ni o; Special Apostle Abel Alomo, Supervisory Apostle and Church Management; Special Apostle Benjamin Oludokun Alaka, Senior Deputy General Secretary, at a briefing on the burial ceremony of late Special Apostle Prophet Gabriel Olubunmi Fakeye, General Leader/ District Chairman, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Woldwide, Ayo ni o, Surulere District, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTOS: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

From left— Miss Olutola Fakeye, Miss Olutosin Fakeye, and Anuoluwapo Fakeye, childern late Fakeye, at the briefing.

Jega sacks two electoral officers in Edo

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Atahiru Jega, has sacked two electoral officers attached to Oredo and Orhiomwon Local Government areas of Edo State over alleged involvement in the disappearance of result sheets of the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Edo State, Mr. Mike Igini, who disclosed this during a meeting with leaders of All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, also said some INEC officers were being

interrogated over alleged malpractices in the last elections and that those involved may face prosecution.

Igini said after a meeting with Jega in Abuja, the INEC Commission decided that

elections will be conducted in areas where the commission had to postpone the elections due to late arrival of voting materials and disappearance of result sheets.

He said rescheduled

Dangote Cement commences production on its $150m Cameroon plant

By Naomi Uzor

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ANGOTE Group, yesterday, announced that it had commenced production on its $150 million Cameroon plant in Douala, Cameroon, and would be churning out its cement grade of 42.5 at a very competitive

price.

The group's President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, said the commencement of production in Douala came in the wake of the inauguration of another 1.5 million tonnes capacity per annum Senegal plant in Pout in January.

PDP leaders debunk Opudu's defection rumour

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EADERS of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Isaba Ward 11 in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have debunked reports of defection of the Chairman of the party in the council, Chief Boro Opudu to All Progressives Congress, APC. The rumour of Opudu’s defection was fuelled by a congratulatory message, allegedly signed along with dozens others, to congratulate Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd) on his victory in the presidential election.

However, a former Secretary to the local government and foundation ward chairman of PDP, Mr. Arthur Akpodubakaye, who spoke on behalf of PDP leaders in the area, told the party ’s supporters in Isaba that Chief Opudu had denied being part of the controversial advertorial.

elections will hold in the entire Orhiomwon council, six wards in Uhumwonde, some wards and units in Ikpoba Okhai, Ovia North East, Ovia South West and Oredo Local Government Areas.

He said: “Chief Opudu Boro did not sign the advertorial. His name was only included because of his relationship and friendship with some members of the group.”

He asked PDP members to ignore the defection rumour, urging them to vote Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, his deputy, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, and other candidates of the party for the state assembly.”

‘Delta can't be in opposition'

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RINCE Valentine Egbe, Chairman of All Peoples Progressives Congress, APC, in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, has urged electorate to vote en mass for the party ’s governorship candidate Olorogun Otega Emerhor, and APC Delta State House of Assembly candidates.

Egbe, who made the call in a chat with newsmen at APC Secretariat in Otovwodo (Agbassa), advised that Deltans should not be in opposition and as such,

adding “APC has won at the national level, so Deltans should identify with the incoming presidency by voting for Olorogun Emerhor and other APC candidates for the state House of Assembly.”

He called for the redeployment of the entire Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, staff in Warri, who he described as PDP members in INEC clothing, warning that APC will resist any attempt by PDP to rig the coming elections.

He said the management of the company had, last year, listed some six plants across five African countries scheduled for completion this year and that the plants, which were at various stages of completion, will add about 13.5mmt of cement per annum to the existing capacity, when completed.

According to him, the 1.5 million tons per annum capacity plant in Cameroon commenced initial production at one million tons per annum, before production would be stepped up to maximum capacity level and that the Douala plant would revolutionized the cement industry in Cameroon and help stimulate the Eastern African economy.

He explained that the plant remained the most modern in Cameroon, because of the latest technologies used in the construction from Germany, USA, France and put together by the renowned plant engineers, Sinoma.

Dangote explained with excitement that the Cameroonians were eager to see Dangote Cement commence operations at the Douala plant, because of the exploits the company recorded in other countries.

FUTA, UK varsity sign MoU on knowledge sharing

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HE Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to kick start collaboration with De Montfort University, DMU, Leicester, United Kingdom, on knowledge sharing and skills development for staff and students.

With the Pro ViceChancellor for International, DMU, Mr. James Gardner, signing for his DMU, the MoU will allow both institutions collaborate on academic and other related matters, with the departments of Architecture and Industrial Design as beneficiaries.

With the MoU, students can transfer from third year of undergraduate programme to complete studies at DMU. There are also provisions for six months industrial training, 10 days short workshops/courses in summer, winter or Easter break to cover design and theory in architecture, with a field trip to a continental European city.

Staff have opportunity of undergoing Ph.D. in full time, split size six months and by distance learning, co-hosting conference on tropical architecture, adjunct lecturing via Skype and visiting fellowships.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 , 2015—55

Iraq battles IS in Tikrit week after city ‘retaken’

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RAQI security forces and allied paramilitaries battled

•Obama

Iran: Sanctions may be reimposed if Tehran violates agreement — Obama

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RESIDENT Barack Obama said in an interview yesterday that he was confident sanctions against Iran could be reimposed if Tehran violates an agreement to restrict its nuclear program.

Obama told National Public Radio (NPR) that U.S. and European negotiators are trying to

reach a deal with Iran in which sanctions could be reimposed without a U.N. Security Council vote, where Tehran-ally Russia would have a veto.

“We are absolutely convinced we can do it again,” Obama said of the international sanctions, which have crippled Iran’s economy.

He said a reimposition of sanctions would be triggered by a finding of the International Atomic Energy Agency that Tehran had broken the agreement.

After reaching a framework deal last week, negotiators face an end-of-June deadline to reach a final agreement meant to prevent Iran from being able to build a nuclear weapon.

Obama said a nuclear deal could help strengthen moderate elements in Iran.

“If they are shown to have delivered for their people, presumably it strengthens their hand vis-a-vis some of the hardliners inside of Iran,” he said.

Obama also took a swipe at Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, a possible Republican presidential candidate in 2016, who has vowed to scrap any deal with Iran on his first day in office if elected.

Yemen: Battle rages in Aden ‘ghost city’ as death toll rises

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HE battle for the Yemeni port of Aden has made it a “ghost city”, the head of the ICRC in the city has told the BBC. Robert Ghosen said medical aid was urgently needed in the city, where Shia Houthi rebels are fighting forces loyal to the government.Aid agencies say more than 540 people have been killed in recent fighting and more than 100,000

have been displaced.

Aircraft from a Saudiled coalition are bombing the rebels in support of the internationally recognised government.

President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi fled to Saudi Arabia last month as the rebels pushed south from the capital, Sanaa.As the rebels have advanced on Aden, the port has also been shelled by Saudi forces from the sea.

Iraqi security forces patroling the streets of Tikrit

militants from the Islamic State jihadist group in Tikrit yesterday , the interior ministry said, a week after the city was declared retaken.

The Iraqi forces launched a raid on the basis of intelligence that there were between eight and 15 IS members in a hideout in the Qadisiya area of north Tikrit, the ministry said in a statement on the day’s operations.

“Our security forces were able to kill a number of them while the others blew themselves up after being surrounded,” it said.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the “liberation” of Tikrit on March 31, but Interior Minister Mohammed alGhaban said the following day that “pockets” of IS fighters remained.

The ministry statement shows that operations to fully clear the city are still ongoing.

Bombs also pose a major threat in Tikrit, with Ghaban saying last week that more than 1,000 had already been discovered.

Military action inevitable in fight against terrorism — Italian foreign minister

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Kenya seeks more Western help after university attack •As students protest against al-Shabab

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ENYA needs more help from its U.S. and European allies with intelligence and security measures to help prevent further massacres by Somali militants, Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed told Reuters yesterday.

Last week’s killing of 148 people at a university has piled pressure on President Uhuru Kenyatta to stop frequent gun and grenade assaults staged on Kenyan soil by the al Shabaab group, which is aligned to al Qaeda.

Mohamed said Kenya, a staunch Western ally in the fight against radical Islam in east Africa, already receives intelligence support but was seeking additional help in the area of i n t e l l i g e n c e , surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

“Now we are looking at what else we may need

and one of the areas is improved ISR, improved capacity, improved intelligence gathering, equipment,” she said in an interview.

Last Thursday al Shabaab gunmen stormed the Garissa University College campus, about 200 km (120 miles) from the

Somali border.

They initially shot indiscriminately but later hunted down and killed Christian students, while sparing Muslims. The Somali group has now killed more than 400 people in Kenya since Kenyatta came to power in April 2013.

ILITARY action is inevitable in the fight against terrorism and more should be done to tackle religious persecution, Italy ’s foreign minister said.

In an unusually strongly worded interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera yesterday , Paolo Gentiloni said Europe has long ignored dangers faced by people in other parts of the world and must do more.

“Responding to terrorism inevitably implies military consequences. This may shock some people but

these groups must also be dealt with on a military footing. I won’t use the word ‘combat’ to avoid being painted as a crusader,” Gentiloni said.

He noted that Italian forces are committed to training local armed forces in Somalia that fight against the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants who singled out Christians in a shooting on Thursday at a university in Kenya that killed nearly 150 people.

Islamic State’s incursion into North Africa has alarmed Italy, whose southernmost island is separated from Tunisia by a 70-mile stretch of the

Mediterranean.

Violence in Libya has swelled the numbers of illegal migrants coming to Italy by boat. The turmoil in the region that they are fleeing was brought home in March by an attack on the Bardo museum in Tunis in which four Italians were killed.

Gentiloni has previously pledged that Italy would fight in Libya as part of an international mission and said on Tuesday the government may consider also contributing in the future to tackling militant groups such as Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Hollande to declassify Rwanda genocide documents

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•Students marching in Nairobi, saying they can no longer live under the threat of attack

RENCH President Francois Hollande has decided to declassify documents related to the Rwanda genocide that killed over 800,000 people more than 20 years ago, a source close to the president’s office told Reuters yesterday.

The documents from between 1990 and 1994 include minutes from secret defense meetings

and files from former president Francois Mitterrand’s advisers relating to the genocide, the source said.

More than 800,000 minority Tutsis and politically moderate Hutus were killed in a threemonth wave of bloodletting by ethnic Hutu extremists in 1994 while the international community largely stood by.

56—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

Continues from Page 5 side of the centre.

Buhari said: “Lagos is too important for APC to lose and I am calling on Lagosians to ensure this assignment is properly done because billions of Naira of Nigeria’s investment cannot be joked with. Don’t attempt to be on the wrong side of the centre.

“Before the Presidential elections, Governor Fashola informed me of the huge funds spent by the state government to maintain the federal infrastructures in this state. I told him that day that if I win the presidential elections, I will give Lagos State serious priority and I urge the incoming governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, to remind me of my promise when he gets to office.”

He, however, assured different tribes living in Lagos that they stand to benefit more if APC is voted at the forthcoming governorship and House of Assembly elections.’’

There'll be no discrimination against anyone —Fashola

Also speaking at the rally, Fashola said there will not be discrimination against anybody in Lagos irrespective of ethnic or religious background.

He said: “The sign of the compensation that General Buhari promised is around the corner and we don’t want to throw it away at this time. All the suffering of 16 years is over with the last Presidential elections and I can assure you that there will be no discrimination against anyone in the state.

Even if you didn’t support us during the last election, that doesn’t mean you cannot support us now in the governorship elections.

“We have been in the opposition for over 16 years and the state was denied all it should get by the party at the centre. At the moment, the Federal Government owes Lagos State N51 billion which is the money we spent maintaining federal infrastructure especially roads in the state.

"For 16 years without the Federal Government support, we survived. We were creative and determined and now that we have taken over the central government, we don’t want to remain in the opposition. The change that must happen in Lagos is continuity, so that Lagos can benefit from the centre.

This state has been blessed by its rich in diversity and we have several ethnic

groups in the state who see this place as their home.”

We've never discriminated against anyone — Tinubu

In like manner, Tinubu said Lagos State government had never discriminated against anyone and will never do so.

His words: “We have never discriminated against anyone in Lagos. We pay WAEC fees of students in the public schools irrespective of the state they come from. Every year, we organize Spelling Bee competitions and it has been won most times by children of the Igbo in this state. One of them is Ebuka, an indigene of Anambra State. He won the spelling bee competition. We didn’t say because he is Igbo, we should turn him down. We did not discriminate against him, he acted as one-day governor.

"So Igbo cannot say they have not governed Lagos because Ebuka acted as one day governor here. We sent Ebuka to Switzerland for training, we also sent him to a computer school.

He went to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and got his degree before going back for his masters on our scholarship. He now works for Oando as executive and he is in Canada as we speak.”

Lagos APC’s pact with Igbo intact — Ajomale

On his part, the Lagos APC chairman, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, said the pact of solidarity and mutual goodwill between the party and Ndigbo in Lagos is intact, assuring that the mutual understanding cannot be truncated by the PDP. Ajomale, who reacted to the recent remarks of Oba Akiolu, said whatever statement that was credited to the revered royal father was made in his private capacity as the Oba of Lagos, adding that the palace could not have spoken for the party.

He cautioned against any attribution by unscrupulous politicians, especially political foes, in a bid to gain undue political advantage in Saturday’s governorship election, adding that the plot will collapse like a pack of cards.

Ajomale said in a statement in Lagos that while the monarch had the constitutional liberty to speak on any matter that concerns his domain, he should not be perceived as

Ignore Oba Akiolu, Clark, Tinubu tell non-indigenes speaking the mind of the party, whose membership is drawn from all the ethnic groups in Lagos.

He added: “We as a party hold the Olowo-Eko, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, in high esteem. But, any statement purportedly made by the royal father was made in his capacity as the traditional ruler of Lagos and not on behalf of our party, although we assume that he may have been quoted out of context. It is mischievous for unscrupulous elements to now twist the remarks of the Oba which he has immediately clarified in the media, in a way to erroneously convey the wrong and misguided impression that he spoke for our great party.”

Oba has deep hatred for Igbo —IYM

Evangelist Elliot Uko, founder of the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) and leader of the South-East Self Determination Group (SESDG), in his reaction said: “What the Oba is saying is that I should make life difficult for my security guard, his wife and two children who told me he believes in Buhari and voted APC. The Oba is also saying that the Igwe of my community should kill all non-indigenes in my hometown who voted APC, place a curse on them or ask all the area boys to drown them in the village river. ‘’He is saying that democracy does not exist in Nigeria and every traditional ruler has the right to insult, harass, intimidate and command people from other ethnic groups in their domain to vote the way the Oba likes or face intimidation. The Oba has confirmed a deep hatred for Ndigbo because we all know that he cannot talk to the Ijaw like that.

Fear will not let him talk to the Hausa-Fulani like that.

The Igbo are the only people he can abuse and humiliate confirming that the boys who stormed the Enugu Radio Station with Biafran flag, not long ago, were probably right that Ndigbo are hated and despised in Nigeria. What the Oba is letting the whole world know is that come May 29, Nigeria will embark on the road to Armageddon.’’

It’s unacceptable —Igbo Professionals

Also, an Igbo group, Igbo Professionals Lagos, IPL, described the Oba’s

PROTEST: Rivers State electorate protesting at Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, headquarters demanding the remover of State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in the state before governorship election. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan. comments as unacceptable, regrettable and unfortunate.

In a statement, yesterday, by its Convener, Mazi Chigo Ukatah, the IPL said: “This insult on the Igbo is getting out of hand. We’re shocked to read the vituperations ascribed to the Royal Father who in the first instance should be apolitical and a father to all. We’re further confounded that the Oba of Lagos, who should know the meaning of democracy has gone above board to declare what we consider may engulf the nation in yet another civil war. The Yoruba and Igbo have been living harmoniously together but this callous, unguarded statement of a ‘father for all’’ has shown the type of father he is. ‘’We state unequivocally that the Igbo who are industrious and lawabiding citizens of Lagos State will not constitute nuisance to the law but would not be pushed to the wall by anybody. Anyone who pushes us to the wall will bear the full brunt of Igbo. We’re not afraid of anything. Anyone who tries to push us to the ocean will be dragged into the ocean...We call on world leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to hold Oba Akiolu responsible when the war he has declared against Igbo begin to rage.

The Igbo will vote their conscience in Lagos,’’ he added.

Oba can’t impose Ambode on Lagosians —Bode George

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Leader, Chief Bode George, said the Oba’s

statement was uncalled for adding that nobody should be threatened to vote for any candidate.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, George condemned the Oba’s utterances and asked him to apologise to the Igbo immediately because as the father of all he has no business dabbling into politics.

While appealing to nonindigenes, particularly Igbo, to come out en-masse and vote for the PDP in the April 11 governorship and State Assembly election, he said the threat was an empty one. ‘’Let me assure all non-indigenes, especially the Igbo, nobody can decree the day you will die. It is just an empty threat”, he said.

George said the PDP deliberately decided to field non-indigenes in areas where they are in majority in the general election as a means of giving them a sense of belonging, a thing the APC failed to do, adding that the APC would lose the governorship election.

It’s a shame —Nwulu, Reps-elect

Also reacting, the Oshodi Isolo Constituency II House of Representatives member-elect of the PDP in Lagos, Mr Tony Nwulu, said that such utterances coming from an Oba is a shame to the traditional institution.

Nwulu said “I want to condemn the utterance of the Oba for such a threat at a time when Nigerians were bent on maintaining the fragile peace achieved after the presidential elections. I am moved to address this briefing because I see a deliberate

attempt by the Oba in collaboration with the APC to coerce non-indigenes against their will.”

“The PDP has given the Igbo in Lagos, three House of Representatives seats.

The Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba alike and other ethnic groups know who their friends are. Those inducing any group with money will just be wasting it because the people will vote for them. We will resist all intimidation. This is democracy, he said.”

Group urges Buhari to call Lagos monarch to order

Lagosians for Real Change, a political action group affiliated to the PDP, has called on the Presidentelect, Muhammadu Buhari to call the Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu to order, stressing that the peace of all Lagosians supersedes anyone’s, no matter how highly placed and political agenda.

In a statement, by Demola Olanrewaju, its coordinator, the group said it finds the threat by the Lagos monarch very disturbing and should be investigated.

It called on the leadership of the APC to publicly reprimand the monarch for invoking the name of Allah to threaten Christian Igbo in his palace.

“The Oba repeatedly said Insha Allah several times while speaking with the Igbo who are largely Christians. We believe that General Buhari should publicly condemn him in order not to play into the hands of those who said he is an Islamic fundamentalist,” the group added.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015—57

Edo govt alleges threat to Oshiomhole’s life zRaises alarm over strange aircraft overflying governor's country home

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DO State Government, yesterday, raised alarm over alleged threat to Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s life, claiming that an unidentified aircraft overflew his country home in Iyamoh, Auchi, for several minutes in low altitude Monday evening.

Coming days after a contingent of troops were reportedly stationed around Oshiomhole’s private residence, the Edo State Government wondered what could have warranted an aerial surveillance of the chief executive of an opposition state this time.

It will be recalled that the state government and the army authorities had engaged in a war of words over the camping of soldiers near the same compound barely three days to the presidencial and National Assembly polls.

The Edo State Government had said the action was to intimidate the governor, the South-South coordinator of APC Presidential campaign and a vocal supporter of General Muhammadu Buhari, but the Commander of the Army Fourth Brigade, Brigadier-General Olajide Laleye, said it was only a routine exercise.

Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

aircraft’s arrival, we can only Mr. Louis Odion, in a City.

“To us, there could only be imagine what could have statement, warned that President Goodluck Jonathan, two possibilities in the happened if his security as the leader of Peoples circumstance: either a military guards were left with no Democratic Party, PDP, would or civil aircraft. Knowing that choice than to take a bear responsibility if any harm no such flight or mission peremptory action. could have taken place “Only on March 26, we had befell Oshiomhole.

He said: “Even as all peace- without the knowledge or cause to alert the nation to the loving citizens of Nigeria are clearance of either the civil deployment of an unusually still rejoicing and the aviation authority or the Air large contingent of troops we find this around the governor’s private international community Force, in Iyamoh. happy over the relative peace development not only an residence witnessed nationwide after the unconscionable abuse of state Responding, the Army APC presidential candidate powers but also an extreme act authority in Benin said it was of the security was formally declared winner of provocation. Had the part of the March 28 elections, we governor not providentially arrangement for the March 28 note with grave concern that left home before the mystery polls. Similarly, the governor some antidemocratic forces seem bent on fomenting trouble in Edo State by embarking on acts of sheer provocation.

“At 6p.m., on Monday, April 6, a low-flying aircraft emerged from the blues and for several minutes overflew the country-home of the governor in Iyamoh, Etsakor VISIT: The president of Warri Club, Hon. Vincent West Local Uduaghan and other members during a courtesy call Government Area.

Fortuitously, the on the grand patron of Warri Club, His Royal Majesty, incident occurred Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri.

RIGHT: The president of Warri Club, Vincent barely few minutes Uduaghan with the Olu of Warri during the visit. after the governor departed for Benin

Edo PDP rejects INEC's proposal to conduct fresh polls in parts of the state

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—EDO State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has rejected the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct elections in all the units in Orhionmwon Local Government Area and other areas in the state where elections were held in the Presidential and National Assembly elections but

suspended by the electoral body.

Addressing newsmen, yesterday in Benin shortly after a meeting of political parties’ leaders in the state with the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini, PDP insisted that voting took place in seven of the 11 wards with results collated, signed and announced by the Electoral Officer in the council.

PDP state Chairman, Chief

Dan Orbih, said: “Let us state here that not too long ago, we were invited to a meeting at the state headquarters of INEC, which came up with a position that they intend to conduct elections in all the units in Orhionmwon and some isolated units in other local governments.

“The position of our party is that we totally reject the INEC proposal. We called it a proposal because it is not supported by law. Their proposal of wanting to conduct elections in the areas mentioned by the REC, it may interest you to note that once elections are conducted

expressed grave concern over a secret donation of vehicles including 13 Hilux vans to the Army on the eve of election by a PDP chieftain and Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolemenmen.

“We expressed fear of bias against the Army over this.

Our fear was proved right eventually on election day as APC strongholds particularly in Edo South and Edo North were completely militarized with the wanton harassment and summary detention of APC leaders by security agents while the polls lasted."

and results declared at the polling units, the only place where anybody can challenge such results is at the tribunal.

“For now, we have results in about seven wards in Orhionmwon council, so we are waiting for INEC to conduct elections in the remaining five wards in the council, so that we can have the final results for the senatorial zone.”

‘Udom will clear Saturday's gov poll'

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socio-political group in Akwa Ibom State, the Akwa Ibom Amalgamated Political Action Committee, AIAPAC, has condemned certain elements in the All Progressives Congress, APC, who are advocating a take- no prisoner approach in this Saturday ’s governorship election, describing such approach as unhelpful and capable of heating up the polity at the time of relative peace following penultimate Saturday ’s presidential election.

Speaking with journalists shortly after leading other socio-political groups from the three senatorial districts to pledge their support to Deacon

Udom, the group, through its spokesperson, Andem Andem, said: “The President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, does not need to win 36 states in order to govern the country and those wishing him to do that do not have his interest at heart. He should steer clear of such people as far as he can.

“The electoral map that was drawn following last Saturday’s election clearly shows where the two parties have their strongholds. The South-East and the South- South are Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, strongholds, and nothing will change that configuration. It is what the Americans call ‘Realignment‘ election. The South-West and the North-East

alongside the North-West and some parts of the Middle Belt have aligned their forces with the APC, while the South-East and South-South have remained solidly PDP. The people of those regions, and indeed Akwa Ibom State have already pledged their fidelity to the PDP. “The president-elect should advise some of his party faithful not to engage in activities that will cause unnecessary tension in the land. Politics should be a game of ideas, of your capacity to persuade people and get them to buy into your platform and we are happy to state here that in Akwa Ibom, the Udom/ Moses campaign has done just that. "

58 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

APC accuses Lamido, PDP of plotting violence on polls day

By Abdulsalam Muhammad

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ANO—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State and his

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP of allegedly plotting to visit mayhem on the state during the forthcoming governorship election.

Addressing reporters in

Nigerian troops capture Alagarno, cache of arms in Borno

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—THE Defence headquarters yesterday disclosed that Nigerian troops have successfully completed a raid on all terrorist camps in Alagarno in Borno State resulting the seizure of a cache of arms.

Alagarno is said to be the major haven of terrorists in Sambisa forest.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, “A number of weapons and equipment were captured during the operation.

“Items captured from the terrorists included Armoured

vehicles, several arms and ammunitions of various sizes and calibres, power generating sets, grenades and Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs).

“Others are bows and arrows, megaphones and rolls of copper cable which the terrorists used as one of the materials to make IEDs. “Cordon and search as well as mop up of the community are still on going to make the environment safe for displaced locals to return.

“Aside being one of the strongholds of terrorists in the State, Alagarno also provided routes used by the terrorists to neighbouring towns and countries.

Kano, the Public Communication and Strategy Committee of the APC in the state, Muhammed Sani Zoro alleged that Lamido and his party had stockpiled dangerous weapons to perpetuate the blood-letting on the April 11, governorship election.

Zoro further alleged that the governor has made available N15 million to prosecute the campaign, adding that the rigging plan in Jigawa includes “attack on targeted APC leaders in the state, and seizures of card readers during the election”.

Zoro however assured that “at the moment, the APC has no plans to engage in counter violent behaviours despite our superiority in number,” adding that “ we will like to rely on assurances and protection of our security agencies.”

Zoro, a former president of Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, therefore called on the National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki and the Inspector General of Police to help and arrest the situation before it got out of hand.

GOV POLL: Nasarawa PDP asks Jega to replace ailing REC

By Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Nasarawa State, yesterday, called on the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, to replace the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Alhaji Abdullahi Danyaya before the Saturday ’s governorship election.

The party alleged that the state governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the election, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura purchased some Toyota Hilux vehicles for and for APC foot-soldiers to use during Saturday’s elections but branded them as INEC’s duty vehicles with the sole aim of gaining easy access into sensitive areas to intimidate the electorate and manipulate election results.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the Director, Media and Publicity of the PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation,in Nasarawa State, Chief Philip Dada, said the party’s call was necessitated

by Alhaji Danyaya’s illness,

which he said, had compelled him to abdicate his official responsibilities to his personal assistant, said to be a bosom friend to the first son of the state governor.

Dada insisted that both the INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega and the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, must urgently bring their authorities to bear on these ‘ worrisome developments.’

According to him, the REC was having serious health challenges which had prevented him from carrying out his duties efficiently leading to his aide becoming the de facto REC. “Apart from the REC’s sickness, we can authoritatively state that his PA is a close friend of the Al-Makura senior’s son, who was only recently transferred from the Karu INEC office to the state headquarters for obvious reasons. He is the de facto REC in the state because his boss can hardly walk for two meters without requiring physical support,” he said, pointing out that the situation was posing serious threat to the credibility of the electoral process in the state.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015 — 59

My best yet to come – Bright Dike

Delta Federation Cup: Okocha embarks on road show

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ORMER Super Eagles captain and chairman of Delta Football Association, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha will today lead other officials of the State FA on a roadshow round major streets in Warri to sensitise the fans ahead of the Federations Cup final billed for tomorrow at the Warri City Stadium.

The 16th edition of the Federations Cup will be between God’s Time FC and J. Atete FC, while the third place match will be between Warri Wolves and Bobbies United.

Secretary of Delta FA, Friday Onothoja said yesterday that Okocha who is passionate about the Federations Cup final, his first major assignment in office, would embark on the road show to give the sponsor, Ecobank, the goodwill it deserves.

Ecobank has been sponsoring the competition for the past fifteen years.

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RIGHT Dike has disclosed that he is set to return to the Super Eagles where Nigerians will finally see his best.

Injury stopped the Toronto FC striker from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“I am hopeful of getting back into the Super eagles after my injury lay-off. I am looking forward to play part in the AFCON 2017 qualifiers and go all the way and play in the competition,” Dike declared.

“I want to show Nigerians what I am capable of doing, they haven’t seen the best of me yet. I really missed wearing the green and white jersey of Nigeria.”

The former Portland Timbers forward said he has kept in touch with many of his Eagles teammates.

“I am always in touch with my Eagles teammates,” he said.

The big striker hopes for a better season in the MLS. “I am feeling great playing the game after my injury, this is my best ever pre-season and hopefully it will show in upcoming games for Toronto FC.” he said.

BULLDOZER: Bright Dike (m) waltzes his way through defenders in an international friendly.

Pillars blame Champions League exit on robbery attack

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ASHIR Maazu Jide, chairman of Kano Pillars Supporters Club, has said the March 5 robbery attack which left five of their players injured was the major reason why the club suffered a first

Elegbeleye

Continues from BP Elegbeleye who spoke in Abuja on Monday said the present crop of players in the national team were not qualified to be described as a team because they have not been able to re-enact the qualities for which the Super Eagles are known for.

According to him, assembling 11 players to prosecute a match on behalf of the country does not mean that they are a team because a team should be able to play in a way that will impress its fans even when they don’t win the match.

He frowned at the poor run of the Super Eagles lately, especially the defeat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State by Flames of Uganda and the draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, a development he said means that the country

is only rebuilding and not having a national team yet.

“We do not have a national team yet, we are still in the process of rebuilding, the Super Eagles must be a team that Nigerians can be proud of at all times and not what we presently see. When you lose at home to Uganda and manage a draw against South Africa that does not represent a good result. When you gather 11 people on the field to play does not qualify them to be called a team.”

The Director General however said he was optimistic that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was doing something about the issue of engaging a quality coach for the Super Eagles because such will help the team to improve on its rebuilding process.

round exit from this year’s Caf Champions League.

Pillars crashed out of the elite continental club competition for the third straight year failing to reach the group phase as last Saturday’s 2-1

home win at the Sani Abacha Stadium was not enough to put them through after a 5-2 aggregate defeat to Morocco’s Moghreb Tetouan.

Earlier, the ousted Nigerian representatives

were attacked by armed robbers in Abaji along Abuja-Lokoja road which left five first team starters injured, striker Gambo Muhammed, Eneji Otekpa, Adamu Murtala while Reuben Ogbonnaya and Ubong

Drogba opens first hospital F

ORMER Ivory C o a s t international Didier Drogba has launched the first of the five hospitals he earlier promised to offer to the country as part of his charity activities.

Situated in the Attecoube district of the country’s commercial city Abidjan, the $1 million health complex will mainly cater for less privileged women and children, according to

•Drogba

Eagles Continues from BP matches concerned will not count for any points in their group, and will instead be classified as friendlies.

Fifty two teams will be divided into 13 groups of four teams each. A fourtiered seeding system will see one team from each tier allocated per group.

The top team in each group will qualify for the tournament finals, as well as the best two runnersup – excluding the group involving the host country, from which only one team will qualify.

The Eagles failed to qualify for the 2015 edition which held in Equatorial Guinea and was won by Ivory Coast.

officials.

Built on a plot of 800 square meters, the hospital has many facilities including an ultrasound room, a maternal and child protection unit, an x-ray block, an ultra modern laboratory, a pharmacy.

Moses Ekpai were forced back into the fray.

Jide who exonerated the players and officials of any blame in their disappointing continental crash, cited the overwhelming shock to some players from the robbery attack as a huge setback despite several efforts to boost their mental strength.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m fully satisfied with the performance of the players because they played very well and the supporters also gave their support,” Maazu said.''

Emenike Continues from BP “the final straw that broke the camel’s back” as the big striker is more than convinced he needs to quit the Istanbul giants if he were to be back at his best.

“Emenike has been shattered by the attack.

It has further convinced him he needs to quit F e n e r b a h c e notwithstanding the fact that he earns a staggering 2.5 million Euros a year there,” the source informed.

England remains his preferred destination, but there are still no offers on the table for him to consider.

NFF president Amaju Pinnick has meanwhile called up the striker to reassure him of the country’s support in this trying time in his career.

“He was happy I called to extend the sympathy of the NFF and Nigeria football family to him, and to assure him that we are with him at this period and also monitoring the situation with keen interest,” Pinnick disclosed.

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

AAG: Forget Congo 2015, Zambian coach tells Siasia

BY BEN EFE

N

IGERIA’s Under23 coach Samson Siasia is hopeful of beating Zambia in the second leg qualifier for the 2015 All Africa Games billed for Congo Brazzaville September 4-19. But his Zambian counterpart, Fighton Simukonda said it will almost be mission impossible for the Nigerian team, when the two sides clash on Sunday April 12 in Lusaka.

The first leg ended

goalless in Abuja. The squad is expected to leave on Thursday for Zambia, where they must not lose the match, otherwise it will be two straight miss for Nigeria in the soccer event of the AAG. Zambia coach Simukonda is certain his wards will deny Nigeria the ticket as he boasted that Zambian players are equally good.

“Nigeria is a very good side. It is a footballing country.

“But in football anything can happen. If they prepare well good luck to them. But we’ll

be playing in front of our supporters, so I do not see Nigeria defeating us.”

Sissia’s team’s confidence was boosted by the arrival of Albania based central defender, Atanda Sodiq Ololade, and Flying Eagles’ Bernard Bulbwa who last week signed for Tunisian club Esperance.

Also Peter Onyekachi and Kingsley Sokari of Enyimba are also in camp, while Oghenekaro Etebo and Freedom Omofonma of Warri Wolves were still been expected as at yesterday.

FIFA elections: Africa endorses Blatter

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•Bulbwa

Edo FA Cup final: Kukuruku tackle BJ

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ANS in Benin City, the Edo State capital, are an in anxious mood to watch the final of the 2015 Edo FA Cup, scheduled for the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, on Wednesday (today).

Men’s finalists Kukuruku Dragons of Auchi and BJ Foundation of Benin City are appearing in the final for the first time. Fortress Ladies will play Edo Queens in the women’s final of the competition.

Our correspondent learnt that Kukuruku Dragons’ fans have chartered over 50 buses to transport them from Auchi to Benin, as they aim to storm the stadium in large numbers to cheer their team to a first time victory.

But BJ Foundation are banking on home support to edge past their opponents.

Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, is one of the top dignitaries expected at the final. He will be accompanied by the state’s sports commissioner, Priesley Ediagbonya, and other government officials.

VERY one of Africa’s 54 member countries will vote for Sepp Blatter in next month’s FIFA presidential election, the continent’s soccer boss said on Tuesday, referring to the 79-yearold Swiss as “dear Sepp.”

In front of Blatter ’s three challengers, Issa Hayatou, president of the Confederation of African Football, promised unanimous support in his speech to open CAF’s annual congress in Cairo.

African football leaders applauded his pledge in apparent agreement.

“Africa is comfortable having you. Africa stays with you,” Hayatou said to Blatter, according to a transcript of his comments provided by CAF. Blatter was present in his role as FIFA president, and made a speech to the delegates, where he praised Hayatou as “a pillar” of

•Blatter

African football, according to CAF. Africa is the largest of the six continental confederations, with 54 of the 209 FIFA member countries eligible to vote in the presidential election in Zurich on May 29.

Although the individual countries don’t have to follow Hayatou’s directive, the continent is expected to be a strong base of support for Blatter when he seeks a fifth term to extend a presidency that began in 1998.

FIFA vice president Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan, Dutch FA head Michael van Praag, and former Portugal international Luis Figo are standing against him.

Hayatou, who has led CAF since 1988 and is senior FIFA vice president, also removed a hurdle to his own possible re-election as African football head when the congress voted to remove CAF’s age limits.

Like Blatter, the 68-yearold Hayatou said his current term would be his last, but also appears ready to go back on his promise and stand again in 2017. The rule changes removed restrictions on candidates who are 70 or older running for CAF office, and mean Hayatou could stand again in two years, and maybe take his reign beyond 30 years.

Sterling Quality... Real Madrid are after Liverpool and England star Raheem Sterling.

Zidane wants Sterling at Real R EAL Madrid could be keen on signing Raheem Sterling if the conditions are right, according to Zinedine Zidane.

Sterling has apparenly rejected a £100,000 per week deal to remain at Anfield.

“We know who Raheem Sterling is, and of course we are monitoring him as a player,” Zidane is quoted as saying by various media reports.

The England winger has scored six times this season, but has intimated that he wants more money before he will commit to a new deal with Brendan Rodgers’ side.

An interview with the BBC on Friday has prompted plenty of unhappiness among the Liverpool board and the club’s supporter base raising the possibility that the 20-year-old could be sold this summer.

Now it appears Madrid may benefit from the uncertainty over Sterling’s future with Bernabeu assistant coach Zidane - who may yet succeed Carlo Ancelotti as Real manager next season - claiming the European giants are studying the prospect of a bid.

Madrid have come across Sterling during their matches with

Liverpool in the Champions League group stage this season.

Zidane said: “There are very few players in the world who can improve the Real Madrid squad, so it is going to make sense we monitor the progress of the best young players in the world.

“We monitored (Gareth) Bale for over a year, the same with Isco and also (Raphael) Varane.

“We monitor many of the best young players in Europe, then if we feel they have something to offer Real Madrid we will contact their club and try and make the next step.”

CAF Champions League:

Porn caused Kototo’s downfall, supporters allege

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ANS of Ghana champions Asante Kotoko were enraged, after their side failed to beat Algeria’s MC Eulma at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi last Sunday. It was alleged by a member of the supporters club that the players stayed awake all night watching porn on the internet rather than rest well for the game.

Kotoko, had played a goalless draw with MC Eluma in the first leg, but they failed to cash on the massive support of the home fans as they fell 2-1 to the visitors. The loss caused uproar from fans with security having to call for reinforcement as the players were taken from the stadium in an armored car.

According to one of the club’s supporters and former Chairman of Aduana Stars Kofi Manu, it was lack of adequate sleep that made the players not play to their best.

“They don’t sleep and I’ll continue to say this … they don’t sleep, they

don’t have enough sleep” Manu said in a radio interview.

“The players spent their nights making phone calls, surfing the internet and watching porn,” he further disclosed.

“How can you sleep doing these in the night?,” he questioned.

Night browsing … Asante Kotoko players had a busy night on the internet on a match day.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015 — 61

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62—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

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VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015 — 63

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015

AFCON 2017: Eagles know opponents today CAF Africa Cup of

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HE Super Eagles will today know their group opponents for the qualification tournament of the 2017

Elegbeleye raises alarm over Eagles

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

•Mikel

Emenike to quit Fenerbahce

T

HE Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye has said the country was yet to have a national team capable of facing stiff challenges from other great football playing nations.

Continues on Page 59

L

NOT YET A TEAM: Super Eagles players after the 2013 Afcon triumph in S/Africa.

•Elegbeleye

Nations. The draw will be held in Cairo immediately after the announcement of the host nation for the tournament.

The qualifiers for the 31st edition of the AFCON will begin this midyear in the FIFA international window from June 8-16.

For the first time the host country will participate in the qualifying stages for the AFCON. However, the Continues on Page 59

AST week’s armed attack on the Fenerbahce team bus has further convinced Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike that he has to walk away from the Turkish champions where he earns 2.5 million Euros a year.

Top sources informed that Emenike, like most other Fenerbahce stars, was devastated by the attack in which the team bus driver was hurt.

Emenike has not hidden the fact that he wants out at Fenerbahce after he lost the support of the fans as he struggles to score goals.

The armed attack has now been described as Continues on Page 59

•Emenike

AAG: Forget Congo 2015, Zambian coach tells Siasia — Pg.60 QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S ANSWERS YESTERDAY'S

ACROSS 3 Hatred (5) 9 Pair (6) 10 Undergo (6) 11 Parched (5) 12 Cupid (4) 15 Food-list (4) 17 Earn (7) 20 Wand (3) 21 Finished (5) 23 Detail (4) 25 Cab (4) 26 Renovate (5) 28 Beaker (3) 30 Ebbed (7) 33 Genuine (4) 35 Dandy (4) 36 Brittle (5) 38 Gang (6) 39 Evoke (6) 40 Agree (5)

DOWN 1 Performed (5) 2 Glory (5) 3 Elderly (3) 4 Obtain (6) 5 Employed (4) 6 Mire (3) 7 Bid (5) 8 Haughty (5) 13 Train (7) 14 Drain (5) 16 Spotted (7) 18 Go in (5) 19 Encountered (3) 22 Old-fashioned (5) 24 Males (3) 27 Mammal (6) 28 Split (5) 29 Confusion (5) 31 Dullard (5) 32 Demise (5) 34 Region (4) 36 Sever (3) 37 Layer (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Polish 5, Ripped 9, Tamed 10, Earned 11, Louder 12, Medal 14, Char 17, Sex 18, Else 20, Eaten 22, Blend 23, Severed 24, Remit 26, Tenor 29, Eden 30, Hem 32, Ripe 33, Wider 35, Endear 36, Limpet 37, Depot 38, Lodged 39, Needed.

DOWN: 1, Pierce 2, Lariat 3, Stem 4, Hades 5, Relax 6, Idol 7, Puddle 8, Darted 13, Deleted 15, Hated 16, Resin 18, Elder 19, Snoop 21, Net 22, Bet 24, Reveal 25, Mended 27, Nipped 28, Rested 30, Hired 31, Melon 33, Wade 34, Rite.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

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