North fails to stop confab on new states

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62181

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

N150

OSHODI-APAPA ROAD AFTER FASHOLA'S VISIT We are

close to finding Chibok girls — FG 8

Strike continues until...

THE HORROR CONTINUES—Traffic gridlock as petroleum tankers continue to lay siege to Mile 2 end of OshodiApapa Expressway in Lagos,yesterday, despite Governor Babatunde Fashola's visit to the area Sunday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

— Doctors 8 Cement makers to withdraw expired products

North fails to stop confab on new states •North's position, not abuse of voice vote — Gambari •We are no slaves to anyone — Clark •Delegate demands creation of Oduduwa State

Corrupt judges collaborate with Senior Advocates — CJN 9 COLUMNIST: Nigerians: A different kettle of black Africans •P.17

ARIBISALA: When hatred Communities flare up over destroys NPDC's chemical waste credibility ....Right of Reply •P.28

See 8-page pull-out inside

BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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BUJA—THE planned showdown between southern and northern delegates at the ongoing National Conference over reshaping the power configuration in the country, turned into an anti-climax, yesterday, after conference chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi ruled against reversion of positions adopted last week.

The planned confrontation followed the mobilisation by Northern del-

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egates for a repeal of the conference’s position on the creation of new states and local governments as a way of balancing the superiority enjoyed by the North.

The stage for battle was Continues on page 5

Mr & Mrs

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C M Y K

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C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

PENSIONS SUMMIT—President Goodluck Jonathan (right)being received by the Chairman, World Pensions Summit, Mr. Harry Smorenberg; while the Co-Chair, Mr. Eric Eggink (l); Director General, National Pensions Commission, Ms Chinelo Anohu-Amazu (4l); the Commissioner, Inspectorate NPC, Alhaji Mohammed Kaoje Abubakar (3l) and the Communications Technology Minister, Omobola Johnson watch, on the arrival of the President for the World Pensions Summit in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

North fails to stop confab on new states Continues from page 1 set as the conference resumed, yesterday, after the opening prayers when Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, a delegate from Sokoto State raised objections to the procedures used in adopting the resolution on the creation of new states.

According to him, the procedures were full of errors.

While he was still on his feet that the decision on local governments was faulty, the hall was enveloped in shouts “No, no,’ ‘name the page properly.’

With their voices almost

being drowned out, some northern delegates hinted on crippling the conference by walking out if their position on state creation and local governments were not met, insisting that the only thing the conference could do was to set the criteria for state creation and not to announce those that should be created.

In his contribution, a delegate on the platform of Elder statesmen category, Abdullahi Ohoimah called for the creation of another state from the Central Zone. He said that the zone was

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Logan Pearsall Smith said: ‘There are two things to aim at in life; first, to get what you want; and after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second.’ So ‘press toward the goal for the prize.’

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Observe whether fear of disappointment stops you from going to your edge. Identify how you would work toward your edge. Is something preventing you from moving forward? Do you ever feel a sense of artificial pride? When and where does this happen? — Phillip -Moffitt

P

AY attention to the “here and now” in your practice and avoid wishful thinking: “If only “ or “Why can’t I.” or “When I am able to...then I will.” This leads to comparing mind, and lots of selfjudging, which in turn cause tension, self-limitations, and fatigue. You may also experience feelings of disassociation, self-absorption, and lethargy, which may lead to entropy in your practice and may mirror a pattern of avoidance and non-growth in a person’s life. It’s as if nothing really happens and everything is enveloped in a kind of ennui that prevents access to the edge. Instead, explore what you are capable of, and learn to be with yourself with compassion and clear thinking. There is discomfort at the edge, but the aim is moving beyond your threshold and making things happen for you.

cheated in the list produced last Thursday. A delegate representing North Central Zone, John Dara explained that the proposed Kainji State is composed of emirates from Niger and Kebbi, with the bulk of the new state in Niger, which explains why the proposed state is in the North Central. He added that there will be no additional state from the North Central.

In his contribution, a delegate representing the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Issa Aremu kicked against the proposal for new states, saying that the present ones were not viable, not implementable and would make a mockery of the conference if approved at the end of the day.

There were shouts of "Point of Order" which forced Aremu to stop.

Oduduwa State Also in his contribution, a delegate on the platform of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and the Alayemore of Ido Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, made a strong case for the creation of Oduduwa State with capital in Ile Ife as one of the three to be created out of the Southwest.

Noting that the demand for Oduduwa State has been on for more than 30 years, he said the proposed state would have a total population of 1.7 million besides the rich cultural legacy of the people.

According to him, the Council of Obas in Yoruba land commenced the campaign for the creation of the state 30 years ago. He said Oduduwa means a lot to the people of South West zone and the proposed Oduduwa State has

a total of 1. 7 million people with land mass of 8,000 square kilometres.

Oba Adedapo’s intervention was only one of the few times that the meeting removed itself from a shouting match as northern and southern delegates squabbled over the issues debated last Thursday.

Erstwhile Nigerian diplomat Professor Ibrahim Gambari helped calm passions, yesterday, when he called for decorum in the plenary, warning against abuse of voice vote in the conference especially on issues that affect unity and security of the country.

Professor Gambari, who reminded delegates of efforts made by some elders of the conference to reconcile decisions of the conference to ensure transparency and accountability, stressed that steps must be taken to take the conference to its conclusion, hinting that “all northern delegates are committed to the progress and success of this conference”.

According to him, Northern Elders met with the leadership of the Conference to complain of abuse of voice vote, especially on very serious issues, adding that at the end of the meeting which he termed very constructive, there were promises from the management that corrections would be made as well as reconcile where there were conflicts.

We’re no slaves to anyone — Clark But comments by Gambari did not go down well with a delegate under the Elder Statesmen category and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

In his reaction, Chief Clark reiterated his warning that no part of the country should think it was in any way superior to others, even as no one was inferior to the other.

He added that it was sad and unfortunate that the Northern Elders could meet with the management without carrying along other leaders and elders especially from the South South zone. He said: ”It was sad that issues are now being raised almost when we are at the end of the conference. We have considered 19 reports and we have just one to go and issues are now being raised”.

Explaining that delegates consulted among themselves to have preconference meetings of an 18-man committee to resolve contentious issues before coming to the conference, Chief Clark, who specifically named Professor Auwalu Yadudu as gate-crashing into the

meeting of the delegates and despite being welcomed, moved to discredit the conference because his point of view was not accepted.

He said that the preconference meetings were approved by leaders of the geo-political zones, noting that it was wrong for any group to send a delegation to leadership of the conference in the bid to seek reversal of decisions taken. He opined that the best such aggrieved persons could do was to liaise with delegates from other zones to see how compromise could be reached for the good of all, just as he appealed to delegates to be more united in the interest of Nigeria and progress of the country.

Chief Clark said: “Let me say this, this country called Nigeria which was amalgamated North and South was made up of equal citizens. That is, we all belong to a country where we are all equal.

Nobody is superior to the other. That was the basis of our coming together. If I know any moment that you are superior in this country and I am inferior, then I do not argue with you.

“We came to this conference in order to have harmonization, consensus and some of us came out and consulted our fellow leaders. Can we have a meeting, a pre-conference meeting? This was up to last week. I consulted Alhaji Gambo Jimeta, I consulted with Alhaji Coomassie, I consulted with Jerry Gana, and we met Olu Falae, Jerry Gana, Gen Ike Nwachukwu and others, and we set up an 18-man committee to meet and resolve issues before we come to the floor. They met once in AIT conference room. After that, there are people who believe they know so much. Some of us here also have children who went to some of the best universities in the world, and no one should come to flaunt his professorship to others here.

“Professor Yadudu, who was not selected by the North, came there and objected to everything. He

wrote a letter to Dokpesi that they have withdrawn, that no surrender. So we said; can we meet so that we can resolve issues?

Then we came to the open here, it is very unfair. Who defines important matters and who defines matters that are not important?

Nobody!"

Following his speech, delegates urged the leadership of the conference to stop entertaining private delegates from the zones.

Soon after Chief Clark, a delegate representing Kebbi State and former Minister of Defence, Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammed in his contribution called for the sustenance of voice vote and consensus in deciding the final report.

However, his assertion that some decisions earlier taken should be suspended until further consensus was reached was followed by shouts of ‘no, no, no’.

Reiterating his point, he said: “I propose we allow time instead of saying these decisions are sacrosanct”, and again, chants of ‘no, no, no’ filled the hall.

Confab: Delegates back increase in derivation Meanwhile, majority of delegates, yesterday, gave heed to an increase in the minimum level of derivation proceeds accruable to mineral producing areas of the country.

Delegates speaking ahead of the consideration of the part of the report dealing with derivation scheduled for today, urged for an increase in minimum derivation, saying such was necessary to enable states in the Niger Delta adequately tackle challenges in the region occasioned by oil exploration.

That was, however, not without opposition from delegates primarily from the core northern states, who said that such measure would be amounting to giving much to the Niger Delta states at the expense of non oil producing states.

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Bizman docked over threat to toddler, his mother's life

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BY ONOZURE DANIA

AGOS—A 57-year-old businessman, Ganiyu Adekoya, has been arraigned before an Igbosere magistrate’s court in Lagos, over alleged threat to life of his six months old son and his mother.

Adekoya, who resides at 19/ 20, Osho Street in Lagos Island, is facing a two-count charge of threat to life and breach of peace, preferred against him by the Police.

The prosecutor, Sgt Babaji Ishaku, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 2, 2014.

He said the defendant, at 21, Osho Street in Lagos Island, violently threatened one Adjiat Seriki and her son, Shina Quadri Adekoya, who is six months old, with a knife and poison.

Ishaku also said Adekoya conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace towards Seriki and her son.

According to the prosecutor, the offences are punishable under Sections 56 and 166 (D) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Magistrate J. O. Adepoju granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the matter till July 30.

Two guards jailed 6 years for stealing

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — MAGISTRATE H. O. Omisore of a Lagos magistrate’s court has sentenced two warehouse security men, Raymond Efere, 22 and Friday Ehimen, 25, to six years imprisonment each for burglary and stealing.

Omisore said the jail term should be served concurrently.

She jailed the convicts, after finding them guilty of the offences preferred against them, adding that the prosecutor has been able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the convicts committed the offences.

They had admitted in their confessional statements to have stolen a TV set, two imported costumiers table and a carton of glass cup, but denied ever stealing anything, during the trial.

The convicts, who were working as warehouse security men to Munchies Fast Food also known as B&K Investment Limited, had committed the offences on September 6 2012.

Pregnant woman, 5 others perish in Ibadan auto crash

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN — AT least six persons, including a pregnant woman, were crushed to death in an auto crash that occurred at Agbala junction area of Ibadan in Egbeda Local Government area of Oyo State, yesterday.

Three vehicles were said to be involved in the accident that occurred some minutes past 7am.

Although, the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, confirmed that three people, including a woman died, eyewitnesses said there were six casualties. There were also four people, including a child, who were seriously injured.

Vanguard gathered that the accident happened on the everbusy Ife-Ibadan Road when a commercial car, with number

plate, YNF 963 AA, reportedly crossed the road unexpectedly while the on-coming vehicles ran into it.

Confirming the accident, Mr. Abiodun Akinlade, the Egbeda Unit Commander of the FRSC said: “The accident happened around 7:30 am on Ife-Ibadan road at Agbala junction. It involved three vehicles, including Nissan Micra with number plate YNF 963 AA; a Toyota Sienna with number plate, XD 451 KAK, and a Volkswagen Audi with number plate, FST 452 BH.” Giving the breakdown of the victims, he said, nine people were involved, including three male adults, one male child, four female adults and one female child. He said four other people were also injured.

He said: "Among those injured included one male child,

two female adults and one female child. Two male adults and one female adult died.”

The corpses were said to have been taken to Oluyoro Catholic Hospital at Apomu in Osun State.

An eyewitness said three male corpses were first taken to

Egbeda local government secretariat before they were moved to the morgue.

Another account said an articulated vehicle also crushed a pregnant woman to death.

The trailer reportedly escaped after killing the woman instantly.

Okada riders escorting hearse jailed in Imo for disorderly conduct

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WERRI— A chief magis trate's court sitting at Umelemai in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State has convicted two motorcyclists (Okada riders) for conducting themselves in a disorderly manner, thereby causing public disquiet and nuisance.

In the judgment, which took place on Friday, the prosecution alleged that the Okada men committed the offence same day while escorting a hearse removed from a mortuary in Agbaja Ehime Mbano to its home somewhere in Isiala Mbano.

Source has it that the convicted two were among five cyclists arrested by the Police on duty at the court which was in full session at the time when the Okada men, who rode as if hell was let loose, halted their movement beside the court premises, blaring horns, screeching tyres and displaying acrobatics with their motorcycles.

The two had removed the exhaust pipes of their motorcycles, which produced sounds capable of driving any sane person crazy.

"That was what irked the court," remarked the Deputy Chief Registrar, Chief Alakwem Alex.

Delivering judgment, the presiding magistrate, E.U. Chiaka observed that the bizarre conduct of the Okada men disrupted the conduct of court proceedings in a congenial and conducive atmosphere as the court was in session, and therefore sentenced them for contempt of court.

However, after taking pleas for clemency volunteered by men of the bar present in court, the judge

handed down a sentence of two weeks jail or option of N5,000 fine for each of the two convicts.

The sentence was to serve as a deterrent to other motorcyclists who might hide under the cover of being in the convoy of the dead to act lawlessly and criminally break public order.

A motorcycle rider carrying baskets on Bakaro Road in Bauchi, Sunday. Photo: NAN.

Bank manager found hanging in uncompleted building ...3 weeks after he went missing

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA — THE decom posing body of a 44-year-old branch manager of a commercial bank, Habeeb Olatunde, who reportedly committed suicide has been discovered.

The late bank manager who was reportedly declared missing on June 18, 2014 was found dead in an uncompleted building at Arepo, near Ibafo, at about 3pm last Saturday.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this, yesterday, in a statement, saying the Police detectives attached to Ibafo Divisional Headquarters, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Salawu Jimoh, made the discovery.

Adejobi further explained that the command had circulated news of Olatunde's disappearance at Ibafo Division on June

The late Habeeb Olatunde 19, 2014, adding that the Police have intensified efforts to find him before his body was discovered after a thorough search with the help of members of the community.

According to Adejobi, preliminary investigation revealed that the top bank official committed

suicide by hanging, adding: “While investigation was on, it was revealed that the deceased actually complained of stress in the office and was permitted to have a rest. He committed the suicide while he was on casual leave.

“His corpse had been released to his family for burial according to Islamic rites as no mark of violence was seen on the body and no foul play suspected."

“The Commissioner of Police Ogun State, CP Ikemefuna Okoye, has commended members of the community for their support and usual cooperation towards achieving adequate security of lives and property in Arepo and Ogun State in general.

“The commissioner also commiserated with the family of the deceased, members of his community and his colleagues in office for the loss."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 — 7

I'm a political thug, not a robber — Suspect ...as Police parade 7 robbery suspects

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BY EVELYN USMAN & ESTHERONYEGBULA

AGOS — OPERATIVES of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FSARS, Adeniji-Adele, Lagos, have arrested six suspected members of a notorious robbery gang that specialised in snatching vehicles from their owners at gunpoint in different parts of the country.

Also arrested was a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Odeyemi Itunu, who allegedly owned one of the guns recovered from the suspects.

Recovered from the suspects were 17 stolen vehicles, including three single-barrel pistols and a cache of ammunition of different calibre.

Paraded alongside other suspects yesterday, the APC chieftain, Itunu claimed to be a personal assistant to Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

He admitted to have given the gun to one of the suspects identified as Omoniyi Ajewole whom he said was his political thug. But he stated emphatically that he never gave him the gun to rob with, but to protect him.

Ajewole escorts me with gun

According to him, "I have never participated in any robbery operation in my entire life. Ajewole is my political thug. He escorts me with the gun. All of us as chieftains were given slots in the state and as chieftains, we were supposed to work for the state government during the 2014 governorship elections.

"Every political party including ours, the APC, has factions. That was why I gave him the gun so that he could always protect me wherever I went. I also told him to be with me particularly as the Ekiti election approached.

"But before the elections, the Police stormed my house and arrested me. I found the gun on the

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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The suspects (INSET): The some of the recovered vehicles. him by a councillor. Investigaground during the 2007 elections tion reveals that Ajewole is violence in the state and had kept deeply involved in the whole it for use. I am not an armed rob- process. He is not just a political ber. I only gave Ajewole the gun thug as he claims, he is actually to use for my protection. I cannot a member of the armed robbery tell you more than that.” gang.

Briefing newsmen on the de"This systematic investigation velopment, the Force Public Re- led to the arrest of six suspects lations Officer, Frank Mba, an who have been clearly linked with Assistant Commissioner of Po- not just the initial robbery incilice, explained that the arrest was dent that was reported but to made following a petition by one series of other armed robbery inof the victims that his two vehi- cidents that have taken place in cles and other valuables were sto- various parts of the country. len at gunpoint in his Ile-Ife "Apart from the six robbery sushome on June 27, 2013. pects, two receivers of some of He said: "The matter was trans- the stolen vehicles were also arferred to Federal SARS, where a rested. team led by the Deputy Commis"Of these 17 recovered cars, 12 sioner of Police, Chris Ezike, of them are Toyota products. That swung into action. again explains why we will con"After months of sustained in- tinue to advise Nigerians, parvestigation, detectives traced the ticularly those who use Toyota stolen GSM handset to one Jacob products, to know that they must who opened up that it was sold go the extra mile of safe guardto him by Omoniyi Ajewole who ing them." claims to be a political thug.

When Ajewole was picked up, I am not a robber, but everything that was stolen from political thug— Suspect the house in Ile-Ife was traced Ajewole, 28, told journalists: "I to him. am not a robber. I am a political "During interrogation, he con- thug, I work for APC. Honourfessed that the gun was given to

able Itunu employed me last year and gave me a gun. He pays me N50,000 every month and also assists me financially in other areas.

"What I do is to guard him whenever there was any meeting between him and members of other parties and during campaigns. But I have never used the gun to rob.

"I only gave it as barter to a friend whom I collected some things from. I did not know he used it to rob. One of them was arrested and he brought the police to me."

The receivers, Tolani Babatunde and Abubakar Umar, who are both car dealers, were arrested in Abuja.

Mba, therefore, called on politicians to play the game by the rules, warning that the police would bring the full wrath of the law on anyone or group of persons that would breach the law.

Meanwhile, a victim, a lecturer, who did not want his name in print was at Federal SARS to pick two of his vehicles that were stolen in Ile-Ife.

Ejigbo torture victim is alive — Police

BY EVELYN USMAN

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AGOS — THE Police, yes terday, revealed that one of the women, who was tortured in Ejigbo area of Lagos last year for allegedly stealing pepper, is alive, contrary to claims that she died and had been buried in her home town in Benin Republic.

A family member of the victim identified as Juliana Agoma, according to the Police, revealed that the family was asked to state that she was dead by an unnamed Non-Governmental Organisation.

Spokesperson for the Force, Frank Mba, told journalists in Lagos, yesterday, that a team

Owo poly shut over students' protest

of policemen from the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad, accompanied by their colleagues in the International Police, INTERPOL, who visited Miss Agomo’s home town in Tchaada community, in Ifaguin area of Benin Republic, could neither locate the traditional home where she was said to have been treated nor the grave where her remains were allegedly buried.

The team reportedly also visited Tchaadar divisional police station and discovered that Agomo’s demise was not reported.

According to Mba, "they equally interacted with the

traditional ruler in charge of Julian’s community whose responsibilities include issuance of death certificates, and were told that Juliana was still alive.

"The traditional ruler actually invited the deceased’s twin brother, Kehinde, for an interview during which he confirmed that his twin sister is alive and is living in another community in Benin Republic."

Following the findings, Mba stated that the Police were left with no option than to charge those arrested over the torture for attempted murder, informing however that the door was still open to new evidence and facts on

the matter.

He said: "The truth remains that we will be making mockery of the law and our investigative skills if we charge a man to court without a clear evidence of death, without evidence of a death certificate, without a post mortem report, without sighting or seeing the body of the person that is alleged to have been killed.

"What we did was to go to the next most serious charge we can lay our hands on and that is clearly a charge of attempted murder. However, we are open to new evidence and facts but for now, we will act within the law and not outside it.”

KURE — AUTHORITIES of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, RUGIPO, Owo, Ondo State yesterday ordered closure of the school for two weeks following students protests over hike in school fees.

The students, yesterday, showed their displeasure by trooping to Owo-Benin-Abuja expressway and the streets in the town thereby disrupting traffic flow for several hours.

They barricaded the expressway and stopped vehicular movement for several hours while the school property were vandalised.

Vandalised structures included the girls hostel building, the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of a new generation bank, the bank's signpost and some other billboards.

Following the breakdown of law and order in the institution, the authorities hurriedly ordered its closure to avoid the protest from escalating.

Vanguard gathered that students had on Sunday held a students’ union stakeholders meeting where they resolved to protest the conditions attached to writing their examination and a unified test just introduced by the management of the institution.

Findings by Vanguard indicated that the Ordinary National Diploma, OND, are now to pay N73,000 instead of N65,000 while Higher National Diploma, HND, are to pay N90,000 instead of N70,000 The authorities had directed that students would commence a unified test yesterday (Monday) in the whole institution with a condition that only students who had paid their fees would be allowed to write the test.

The protesting students blocked the institution’s gate as early as 6 a.m. and prevented lecturers and other staff from entring the premises.

Addressing newsmen, Vice Chairman of the Joint Campus Committee (JCC) of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ondo State chapter, Comrade Olasunkanmi Pelebe, said the fees are exorbitant.

According to Pelebe, the students of the institution are paying a lot more than other polytechnics in the South-West, lamenting that parents of an average student are traders, artisans, or civil servants who strive very hard to send their wards to school.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Nigeria gets $8bn World Bank CPS fund

BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

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HE World Bank launched Nigeria’s Country Partnership Strategy, CPS, in Abuja, yesterday, with a funding allocation of $8 billion over the next four years.

According to its strategy document, CPS is aimed at helping Federal and state governments boost socio-economic development for Nigerians.

Under this new CPS, Nigeria has officially moved to “blend status” for World Bank lending.

This allows the country to continue to access the IDA window and start accessing the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, window.

The overall indicative allocation is US$8 billion.

Additional support will be provided by the International Finance Corporation, IFC, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, MIGA. Speaking at the occasion, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Ms. Francoise Marie-Nelly, said the CPS was a response to Nigeria’s efforts at achieving a sustained socio-economic development, creating jobs for her teaming youths and reducing poverty in an economy of inclusive growth.

She said: “The new strategy is a joint product, developed in close consultation with the government of Nigeria and stakeholders under the Country Assistance Framework.

WORLD BANK: From left— Former Special Duties Minister, Mr. Frank Nweke jnr.; Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State and World Bank Country Director, Francoise Marie-Nelly at a briefing ahead of the official launch of the World Bank Group Country Partnership Strategy, CPS, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

We're close to finding Chibok girls— FG z 44 terrorists, 6 soldiers killed in encounters

BY EMMA UJAH & NDAHI MARAMA

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BUJA—THE Federal G o v e r n m e n t announced, yesterday, that it was getting nearer to finding the over 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists on April 14 from Chibok, Borno State.

This is just as the military also said that troops have taken over Balmo forest in Bauchi and killed over 45 terrorists in an encounter, capturing foreign mercenaries and weapons.

The abducted schoolgirls were writing their school certificate examinations when they were abducted after they were lured away on the pretext by the terrorists that they were soldiers sent to rescue them from insurgents.

They were allegedly herded into some lorries and ferreted away to unknown destinations.

One of the Boko Haram leaders who masterminded the abduction has however

been arrested.

Coordinator of the National Information Centre, NIC, Mike Omeri, said security agencies have made much headway in infiltrating the ranks of the terrorists and were in possession of information that will eventually lead to the rescue of the girls and ultimate defeat of Boko Haram.

Responding to accusations by Chibok community that Federal Government was not sharing information with them concerning efforts being made to locate and bring home the girls, Omeri said: “This centre has been open. We have always communicated and media houses have been reporting. But if they want security information beyond what we are communicating, then that is beyond us here.”

The Director General of National Orientation Agency, NOA, said part of the new information obtained about the dreaded group was that it has a female wing.

He said a Boko Haram armourer was arrested, but

that some of the other information were still undergoing administrative processes and as such classified.

Omeri said: “We will let you know when further actions are taken. We now know some of the female operatives of Book Haram and some of their armourers.”

Omeri disclosed that a military commander was among the six troops who lost their lives at the weekend when terrorists stormed their camp in Borno State.

Balmo Forest

Meanwhile, the Nigerians troops, last weekend, captured the Balmo Forest in Bauchi.

The Defence Headquarters said this in a statement by its spokesman, Brig. Gen. Chris Olukolade in Abuja, yesterday.

Balmo stretches through Jigawa State, linking the dreaded Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

According to the statement, “troops have cleared and taken over Balmo Forest in a

Strike continues until...— DOCTORS

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE, CHIOMA OBINNA & GABRIEL OLAWALE

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N C E R TA I N T Y prevailed up till last night over the next line of action of the striking medical doctors even as the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, went into a closed-door emergency meeting, apparently to review the

situation.

The doctors, who have earlier vowed not to return to work until all their demands are met by the Federal Government, maintained sealed lips on the meeting, saying it will be unnecessary to preempt the outcome.

Also, the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights, CDWR, has

described the 24 point demands of the doctors as reactionary and divisive and that they will not help the struggle to defend the interest of the workers and Nigerians.

Meanwhile, seven days into the nationwide strike, the situation in public hospitals across the country remains the same.

A visit to some of the

hospitals in Lagos, after the weekend, revealed empty wards, idle health workers and empty outpatient departments.

Right from the gates of the hospitals, a first time visitor is confronted by empty buildings and an almost grave yard silence that is unusual in a hospital setting, particularly a tertiary institution.

military operation that lasted throughout the weekend.

“Prior to the operation, Balmo Forest, stretching from Bauchi through Jigawa states with links to the fringes of Sambisa Forest in Borno, was used by terrorists as bases and hideouts for launching attacks.

“Terrorists and armed gangs operating in the forests were completely rooted out while some were captured during the operation. Among those captured were two foreigners who are suspected to be mercenaries.

“Also captured are several weapons and equipment including power generating sets, communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, foodstuff and kitchen utensils.

“In another development, over 44 terrorists have died in Kerenoa and adjoining communities, following an encounter with troops who repelled their attack on the communities. Armed with IEDs and other high caliber weapons, a large number of terrorists had carried out a predawn attack on the communities but met with stiff resistance of the troops.

“During the operation, several of them were captured with weapons and ammunition of various calibre.

“Meanwhile, troops on routine patrol around Banki and Miyanti in Borno State, during the weekend, fought through an ambush laid by terrorists resulting in casualties on both sides.

“Altogether, six soldiers were lost in the various encounters with terrorists during the weekend, while those wounded are receiving treatment.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014—9

Corrupt judges, SANs working together—CJN

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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HIEF Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Hon. Justice Aloma Mukhtar, yesterday, accused some Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, of working in tandem with corrupt judges who are under probe before the National Judicial Council, NJC, for corruption and misconduct.

Justice Mukhtar, however, assured that the NJC, under her leadership, was determined to rid the system of corruption and laziness.

In her remarks at the opening session of a conference on judicial reforms organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in conjunction with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC; Access to Justice, AJ; Open Society Initiative for West Africa, OSIWA; the European Union, EU, the CJN argued that those senior lawyers who “are working in tandem” with the corrupt members of the Bench are equally corrupt.

Mukhtar, however, did not name those involved in such act.

She said: “We receive petitions

day in, day out and we have always tried to hear from both sides. But many times the affected judges complain that they are not given fair hearing. Some will come with as many as six SANs. Those SANs who go with them are equally guilty.

“There was one (a judge) that came with about six SANS, which showed that they are working in tandem.

I am sure the lawyers know the corrupt ones (judges).”

Independence of judiciary

On the independence of the judiciary and interference from the two other arms of government, Mukhtar said: “We should try as much as possible to resist interference. We should try to ensure that we operate as counterpart and not an appendage.”

She said the principle of Separations of Power must be strictly adhered to, adding that her argument was backed by the provision of the constitution.

She condemned some state Chief Judges who she said “are nuisance, running after

the chief executive of their individual states.

“We need to be independent.

The constitution guarantees this and we should establish it.

I do not see the reason a Chief Judge, CJ, should constitute himself into nuisance in government house.”

However, in his response, a senior advocate, Mr. Yusuf Ali, said though he had never defended any judge before the NJC panel, the principle of presumption of innocence entitled a person to defend himself or herself with everything at his or her disposal, including legal representation.

S’Africa’s CJ, NBA

In his keynote address, the South African Chief Judge, Reetsang Mogoeng, reiterated the importance of the independence of the judiciary and said: “We should ensure that the judiciary should not be made to look like the appendage of the executive arm of government.”

He also cautioned against actions that could taint the image and promotion of justice which the judiciary stands for.

On his part, President of NBA, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN) said corruption and indolence

must find its way out of the judiciary. He also said NBA must participate in the appointment of judges to ensure diligence.

He said: “NBA must recognise that it is only the existence of a virile, fearless and independent judiciary that can guarantee an enduring democratic government and the maintenance of law and order.

“The NBA hereby repeat our call that we be an important part of the process of making judicial appointments.

Nobody should be appointed a judicial officer without the input and consent of the NBA.” Warning of the consequences of not yielding to the recommendations, he said: “Interference by politicians constitutes the greatest danger to the appointment of quality judges and it is our hope that this conference pays adequate attention to that monster.”

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, who was represented by Bola Odugbesan, advocated evaluation system focused on the entire judiciary rather than on individual judges.

CONFAB: From left— Mr. Isaac Ighure, Professor Godini Darah and Mr. Isa at the consideration of Devolution of Power Committee’s report at National Conference in Abuja. PHOTO: Gbemiga Olamikan.

ICPC alleges plot to foil Farouk, Emenalo's trial

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—THE Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, yesterday, accused the former Chairman and Secretary of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Probe, Farouk Lawan and Boniface Emenalo, of plotting to scuttle their ongoing criminal trial.

The anti-graft agency made the allegation after the accused lawmakers, yesterday, urged trial Justice Adebukola Banjoko of an Abuja High Court sitting at Gudu to hands off their case.

The duo asked the high court to stay further proceeding on the matter and await the outcome of an appeal they have lodged before the Supreme Court.

They have gone before the apex court, seeking to quash the seven-count charge preferred against them by ICPC. They are contending that both the high court and the appeal court in Abuja erred in law and miscarried justice against them when the courts, declined to terminate their trial.

The two lower courts had in their verdicts, maintained that the duo have a criminal case to answer over allegations that they demanded and received bribe to pervert the course of an investigation instituted by the House.

Cement makers to withdraw substandard, expired products

BY MICHAEL EBOH

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AJOR cement manufacturers, yesterday, agreed to withdraw substandard and expired cement from markets across the country with immediate effect.

The manufacturers, comprising BUA, Ibeto and Dangote Cement, who rose from a meeting in Lagos,

promised to align with the position of the House of Representatives on the proper cement grade.

According to the manufacturers, the 42.5mpa cement grade should be the minimum standard of quality that should be produced in the country.

They maintained that they had been producing the

quality cement grade, and nursed no intention to produce lower quality cement, long before the quality review by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, which pegged the 42.5 grade as being for general purpose use.

Speaking on the issue, Chairman, Bua Cement, Mr. Abdulsamad Rabiu said the decision of the legislators is

patriotic and should be supported by all manufacturers with the safety and well being of the people at heart.

Also speaking, Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement, Devakumar Edwin, said the company is poised to give all necessary support to government and its agencies to succeed in the bid to stem the spate of

building collapse through production of quality cement that can stand the test of time.

Reacting in the same vein, Ibeto Cement said it saw no reason for the controversies trailing SON’s grading because it is the duty of the regulatory organisation to constantly review standards to meet prevailing needs which is what happened in the case of cement.

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Court adjourns corruption case against Lagos Speaker

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, adjourned till July 11, to rule on the no-case submission by the defence, in the trial of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, charged with money laundering.

Ikuforiji is standing trial alongside his aide, Oyebode Atoyebi, on an amended 56-count charge bordering on the offence.

Trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, adjourned for ruling after defence counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, made a no case submission on behalf of his client.

Olanipekun had argued that the prosecution had not in any way, made out a case against the accused to warrant entering the dock to open his defence, arguing that the office of a Speaker of House of Assembly of a state was constitutionally created, and so, by parity of reasoning, the first accused was sovereign as presently constituted.

He noted that the charge against the accused largely dwelt on transacting with funds above the threshold stipulated by the Money Laundering Act, MLA, and not necessarily whether they were in cash or not.

Olanipekun argued that the accused had not been involved in any transaction within the contemplation of the Act, since all funds collected on his behalf, were based on requisition notes which were approved and handed over to banks, before cash was received.

He contended that the National Assembly would not have contemplated by the enactment of the Act, that the accused who had only obtained funds officially for the benefit of the Assembly, would now stand trial for performing his official duties.

Olanipekun also noted that the failure of the prosecution to demonstrate elements of conspiracy between the accused persons, also showed the futility of the proceedings before the court.

PDP, APC trade words over fresh Ile-Ife violence

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

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SOGBO—SUPPORT ERS of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and its main challenger in the August 9 governorship election in Osun State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday clashed in Gbodo and Ita Akogun area of Ile-Ife. Unconfirmed report claimed that one person was feared dead while several others were injured and property with value yet to be determined destroyed.

The PDP, in a statement by the Director of Media and Strategy to Senator Iyiola Omisore, Prince Diran Odeyemi alleged that it was APC that started “the coordinated attack on PDP members immediately after a purported rally of the APC ad-

dressed and coordinated by an Honorable member”.

But this allegation was immediately countered by the APC who also accused the PDP of causing crises in different parts of the state in its desperation to win the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Specifically, the PDP alleged that “more than six vehicles belonging to PDP members have been destroyed, countless numbers of shops razed and looted and several members of our party beaten and matcheted”. ”We have implored our members to remain law abiding while we have notified the police and other security agencies of this unwarranted attacks on innocent PDP mem-

bers who are going about their lawful business. ”We condemned in the strongest possible language repeated coordinated attacks on our supporters by the APC. Today’s attack will be the seventh since the commencement of this campaign and our party has lost men and millions of property in return”. ”For us in PDP ,we remain committed to peaceful election because we have the trust and confidence in the capacity of our people to vote rightly and wisely against violent leaders masquerading as omoluabis”.

But APC in its own statement by its Director Publicity, Research and Strategy Mr Kunle Oyatomi read in part “it is a pity that the PDP is looking for power that it can’t give itself. We have nothing to fear in Ile Ife. And this was demonstrated at our maiden mega

rally right at the centre of the ancient town. ”People came in their thousands and show support and solidarity in a manner that any first timer in Ile Ife would readily believe and truly so, that Aregbesola has no competitor in the State. ”Before Omisore stepped into the arena, Osun has been peaceful under Aregbesola. But a potentially treat to violence surfaced with Omisore over interest in becoming governor. ”The question all intelligent people should ask themselves is how can a government of APC that is conscious of critical relationship between peace and development turn round to create violence to stall the very same socio and environmental development it has brought about in Osun?

70 teachers retire in Lagos

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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ORDINATION: From left; Dean of Lagos West, Venerable Abel Ajibodu; Anglican Bishop of Birnin Kebbi, Most Revd, Edmund Akanya; Cathedral Gospeler, Revd Opeyemi Ibikunle; Chancellor, Lagos West Diocese, Justice Babashola Ogunade; Bishop of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Right Revd James Odedeji; his wife, Lydia and Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Jacob Fashipe during the 2014 Trinity Ordination and installation of Canon, Deacons and Reverends of the Lagos West Diocese held at Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church, GRA, Ikeja in Lagos. Photo By Diran Oshe.

Chibok: Presbyterian Church synod warns against politicisation

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AGOS—THE Synod of the West of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, PCN, has warned against the politicization of the abduction of the Chibok school girls in Borno State, by the terror sect, Boko Haram.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 19th Annual Synod held at the PCN church, Ikotun, in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, the Church urged Nigerians to rise above political and other parochial affiliations and join hands with security agencies to rescue the girls and deal a death blow to the security challenge posed by Boko Haram and other insurgents.

“It is particularly disconcerting,” the Church said “that despite the spiritual interventions by churches and mosques and the numerous inter-faith conferences and

dialogues, the level of insurgency, religious intolerance, and other criminal activities as well as social vices remained on the

increase. Government must be alive to its responsibility of providing security and the freedom of worship to Nigerians.”

AGOS—NO fewer than 70 staff from different cadres under the Education District V1, have retired from the services of Lagos state government.

The state government, however, charged the retiring teachers to only invest their retirement benefits wisely in a business they know about.

Speaking at the ceremony held in honour of retiring staff who served the state in various schools, Mr. Tajudeen AtikoBalogun ,who represented the Head of Service Mrs. Oluseyi Williams, appreciated the retirees saying, “We are here to honour you because you have served the state government diligently and government is appreciating you for all that you have done for the state.”

The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District V1, Mrs. Iyabode Osifeso, while commending the retirees, noted that the officers though retiring were not tired, having worked for 35 years or attaining the statutory age of 60.

Centre advocates care for the elderly

BY CHRISTOPHERNJOKU

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AGOS—CENTRE for Happy Elderly People, CHEP, has called on government at all levels to take adequate care of the elderly in the country.

Coordinator of CHEP, and an educationist, Mrs. Lilian Jiringho, equally urged government to inculcate in the youths how to take care of the elderly.

She spoke during a protest by the group in conjunction with

S.M.A College and Little Land Junior School, Jakande Estate, Lagos, to mark the 2014 World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day, Appreciating the students for joining in the demonstration, she said: “There is a growing concern about the abuse of the elderly in our society. It is a serious problem that exists in every community and neighborhood, no matter the status. Caring for the elderly can be achieved by building a close relationship with them, and making them happy.

''We are calling on young people, to help spread this message of care, because these elderly people are very sensitive. They always have self pity when you treat them badly.”

Stressing that government at all levels must create an avenue where youths could be taught how to take care of the elderly, she said: “The government can join the International Network of Prevention of Elders Abuse, INPEA, in the campaign against the abuse meted on the elderly.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 —11

Osun 2007 blast: I was lodged in Govt House, not prison — PRIME SUSPECT

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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SOGBO—THE prime suspect in the June 15, 2007 car bomb that exploded inside a Peugeot 505 saloon car at the Ministry of Water Resources, Abere,Osun State, Richard Abayomi Adesanmi, has admitted that he was lodged at the State Government House, Osogbo, instead of prison custody by the ousted administration of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Adesanmi was ordered to be remanded in prison custody by Magistrate (now Justice) Jide Falola on March 10, 2008 alongside some chieftains of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, who were accused of complicity in the bomb blast. When the case came up for further hearing yesterday before Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, Adesanmi confessed that he was not taken to prison as ordered by the court.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr. Wale Afolabi, while cross examining the suspect, confronted Adesanmi with the fact that he was lodged at Government House instead of the prison, and the suspect admitted.

A prison warden, Mr. Toye Ayotunde Ajibade had on April 11, 2014 told the court that Adesanmi was not in prison custody for close to three years.

Ajibade, testifying before the court, said Adesanmi was not brought back to the prison until November 26, 2010 when Governor Rauf Aregbesola was declared winner of the April 14, 2007 gubernatorial election by the Appeal Court.

The prison warden said Abayomi spent two years; eight months and sixteen days outside

Scores decamp from APC, LP to PDP in Ondo

A

REMEMBERING MKO ABIOLA: From left; Hajia Aishat Abimola, Vice President, the Golden Movies Ambassadors; Mr Abdulmumuni Abiola, son of Late Chief MKO Abiola; Dame Priscilla Kuye, former President of Nigerian Bar Assocation, NBA; Dr. Joey Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise, and Campaign for Democracy, CD; Mrs Hafsat Abiola-Costello, President, Kudirat's Initiative for Democracy, KIND; and Prince Goodluck Obi, laying the wreath to commemorate the 16th year anniversary of the death of Late Chief Abiola, organised by Women Arise, CD and KIND at Abiola's residence, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi. prison without any bail paper presented to prisons authorities.

Adesanmi also admitted that he made a contrary statement to the Police where he claimed that one of the occupants of the car that exploded, “Gboyega” who was at large, told him that they were coming to Osogbo to “shake the people of the state.”

According to him, “My cousin, Gboyega, called me on phone while I was in Ondo that he was going to buy an alternator for his car in Ibadan. I was in a hotel when he called.

Gboyega came to pick me up at the hotel. I met two other persons; Henry and Taiwo, a stammerer in the car. The vehicle gave us problem on the road.

We had to stop several times and push it to work. When we got to Ile-Ife, Gboyega told me that we would branch in Osogbo to collect something. Few minutes later, Gboyega told me we were in Osogbo, because I did not know the place.

“On getting to Osogbo, we went straight for a mechanic who changed the battery of the vehicle. We turned back to the expressway to Ibadan. But the vehicle developed fault few minutes later. We were advised by some people to push it away from the road and park it inside the government secretariat, Abere.

“Gboyega and Henry opened the car bonnet to fix the car and I walked away to find something

to eat because I did not eat before I left Ondo. I wanted to buy bread and coke but I could not get them. I later bought some sweets. I went back to the car and I sat in the back seat with Taiwo, the stammerer.

“While seated, I saw a man in a white dress coming and I wanted to ask him where I could get a canteen. Not quite some seconds after I stepped out of the car, I heard a very loud noise.

I saw that I was soaked in blood. Gboyega took me to a clinic in the government secretariat. When I regained consciousness, I saw policemen around me. I asked after Gboyega and the police said they did not see anybody like him.”

KURE—AT least 2,500 members of the All Progressives Congress, APC and the ruling Labour Party, LP, in Ose Local Government area of Ondo State have dumped their parties to join the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. The decampees hinged the movement on lack of internal democracy in their former parties.

Led by Daniel Ekundayo Asekhamen, the politicians said that they decided to join the PDP in the state because of the internal democracy which is being practiced in the party.” He commended efforts

by PDP leaders in repositioning the party in the state to win future elections.

A leader of the party in the local government, Thompson Ayegunle said the people joined PDP because they were fed up with their former parties which lacked internal democracy unlike PDP. Ayegunle said the membership drive embarked upon by the leadership of the party in the state was yielding positive results.

APC Senator defects to PDP in Oyo

BY OLAAJAYI

Ogun students protest over delayed bursary

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA—OGUN State students in different higher institutions across the country under the aegis of National Association of Ogun State Students,

NAOSS, yesterday, protested alleged non-payment of outstanding bursary.

The protest was also against fees hike in the state-owned tertiary institutions.

The students, who defied the

early morning rain, protested peacefully to the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, demanding payment of their bursary.

They were accompanied by a detachment of riot policemen and

Fayose promises to partner with monarchs

BY GBENGAARIYIBI

A

DO EKITI—EKITI State governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has pledged to partner with traditional rulers for the development of the state, saying his programmes and policies will benefit all, irrespective of religion or party affiliation.

He spoke yesterday in Ado Ekiti when the monarchs led by their chairman, Oba Adamo Babalola,

paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Onigari.

Speaking through his deputy governor-elect, Dr. Olusola Eleka, Fayose said “My goal is to engender development of the state in a way to make everyone relevant and participate. I appreciate their visit and the motive behind it. I respect the institution of Obaship and will continue to partner with our royal fathers in the process of bringing

succour to our peoples.

“I want to urge you to cooperate with my government when I assume office as it is only through cooperation, mutual love, respect and understanding that genuine needs of the people can be laid bare and also met. '' I want to assure that the scorecard of my administration at the end of four years will be excellent. I have done it before, and I will do it even better now.''

operatives of the Department of State Services.

The protesters numbering about 200, carried placards with various inscriptions such as ‘Enough is Enough, Governor Amosun pay our bursary’, ‘Don’t ignore us, we deserve recognition’, ‘Amosun, why delaying our bursary? ‘, ‘All we are saying, pay us our bursary’, among others.

Leading the protest, national chairman, NAOSS, Bolaji Sanni, claimed they had not been paid their bursary since inception of the Amosun administration , adding that those who earned scholarship within same period were yet to be given.

He said, “Since inception of this administration, we have not been paid our bursary.

The same thing obtains for those among us who are qualified for scholarship.''

I

BADAN—THE hope of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State to clinch the popular votes of electorate in the 2015 election grew dimmer yesterday as another senator dumped the party for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Senator Ayo Adeseun, who represented Oyo Central in the National Assembly formally defected from the broom party to close ranks with former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala who is aiming to clinch the PDP’s governorship ticket for the election.

Adeseun became the second senator to dump the party.

Some weeks ago, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin defected from APC to the Accord Party.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Edo govt to PDP: Oshimhole not interested in Vice-Presidency

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—EDO State Government, yesterday, described as wicked and rubbish, allegation by the National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Olisah Metuh, that Governor Adams Oshiomhole was behind the crisis in Edo State House of Assembly due to what he called the growing popularity of PDP in the state.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Kassim Afegbua, the government described Metuh as a “publicist who thrives in falsehood and propaganda” and warned that the state government would not succumb to any sort of blackmail.

He said: “The crisis in Edo Assembly is a product of PDP’s desperation for power in its attempt to capture anything in sight like a bunch of famished baboons. It is the same theatre of desperation that is pervading the entire political landscape as a consequence of PDP’s show of raw power. We find it laughable that Olisah Metuh, who is reputed to be a propagandist and who had earlier lied against Oshiomhole, has come up again to embark on another tale of the absurd.

"Oshiomhole’s record of performance in Edo State has since become a reference point in the history of performance and

good governance in Nigeria. His tremendous achievements across the state could only have been possible through prudent and transparent management of resources, especially in a state that was run aground by the PDP for 10 solid but sordid years. Reminding Edo people of those forgone years of the locust is to insult the collective sensibilities of the people.

“We are not aware that Oshiomhole ever sought to contest for Vice President of the country. In fact, we would have loved a sit-

uation where he would run for President of the country to take us away from this regime of tactlessness that has almost earned Nigeria a failed state status. Under the constitution of Nigeria, the Edo governor has all it takes to contest for any office in the land. If our thoughts were to go in the direction of our wishes, we would crown Oshiomhole as President of Nigeria.

“But so far, the governor has not indicated interest in

any elective office for now.

When he does indicate interest, we will inform Olisah Metuh. So tell Olisah Metuh that he should not allow his adrenaline to fire him beyond the rubrics of decency for now.

“The four members of the state Assembly who tried to usurp the powers of the House only got a teaser of what they bargained for. To play around with a governor that was popularly elected by the people in the state meant that they will incur the wrath of the people."

RE-BURIAL OF ISAAC BORO: From left: Pastor Derepamo-Owei Nurseman of Ijaw Youth Development Association, IYDA; Comrade Joseph Evah, Coordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group and Pastor Moroyei Mounx, Special Assistant to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, during the re-burial of late Isaac Boro, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Rivers judiciary staff vow to continue strike

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT—JU DICIARY staff in Rivers State, yesterday, vowed to continue with their strike until the crisis between the National Judicial Council, NJC and the Rivers State Government was resolved.

National Publicity Secretary of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Mr. Kayode Igbarago, who spoke to newsmen in Port Harcourt, said the local chapter of the body was in order when it declared a strike over the conflict between the state government and NJC over the issue of Chief Judge of the state.

He said the national chapter of the body will meet soon to look into the ongoing strike by the state chapter.

He charged the state government and the NJC to resolve the crisis so that judiciary workers can call off the strike, noting that it would not be possible for the workers to serve two masters at

NAIS awards N1.3m scholarships to 30 indigent pletion of their education. bers of the association to request students One of the beneficiaries, the commissioner’s assistance in

BY DANIEL GUMM

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ARRI—THE National Association of Itsekiri Students, NAIS, has given out scholarships estimated at N1.3 million to 30 indigent students studying at various tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Briefing the beneficiaries at Agbeje Primary School, Ugbuwangue, Warri, Delta State, National President of NAIS, Mr. Augustine Leleji, noted that he was delighted at the prompt response of Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara towards the scholarship programme when he led other executive mem-

sponsoring indigent students of Itsekiri extraction.

Responding, Dr. Otumara said that his decision to award scholarships to 28 indigent Itsekiri undergraduates was borne out of his desire to move Itsekiri nation forward.

Otumara, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Mr. Andrew Megbele, promised to sponsor more students in the NAIS Education Scheme and enjoined Itsekiri students to learn and teach Itsekiri language to save it from extinction.

He advised the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and tasked them to extend similar gesture to other Itsekiri on com-

Jemirieyigbe Gift, a student of Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, who responded on behalf of others thanked Dr. Otumara and Mr. Daniel Reyenieju, a member of the House of Representatives, for the gesture and promised to remain focused in their academic pursuits.

the same time.

He said: “JUSUN has further endorsed the on-going strike in Rivers State Judiciary because it followed due process and in line with JUSUN constitution, adding that the strike as endorsed by the National Executive Council remains.

“We are saying that we have a duty to protect the rights of our workers. Rivers State Government and the NJC should settle their differences before any judiciary worker will go to work.

He who must come to equity must come with clean hands."

Oil spill: A-Ibom youths picket ExxonMobil

BY SONI DANIEL

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BENO—YOUTHS from ExxonMobil's host communities in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, have shut down the operations of the multinational oil firm over persistent oil spills and unfulfilled promises made to the communities.

The youths, who blocked the main gates to ExxonMobil’s Quo Iboe Terminal, QIT, have vowed not to leave the area until the company carries out proper remediation on the environment and also fulfilled some of the promises made during previous oil spills.

The company, however, said yesterday that it had contained the source of the spill and had notified relevant stakeholders of the incident, which spilled approximately 12 barrels of oil.

Mr. Akaninyene Esiere, the company ’s spokesman said: “We have activated our emergency response system and contained the release. All relevant regulatory authorities and community leaders have been notified.”

Mr David Okon, the Secretary, Youth Presidents Forum and President of Iwuokpom Community Youth, where ExxonMobil has its jetty, said the recent spill occurred on Thursday when thunder struck the QIT tank farm and one of the crude oil-laden tanks went up in flames.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014—13

2015: Orubebe consults UPU

2015: Group sensitizes Delta electorate

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BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—DELTA Affairs Forum, a political pressure group, has embarked on a sensitisation tour of the three senatorial districts in Delta State to educate the electorate on the need to vote rightly, to ensure the election of credible persons in 2015.

Speaking during the sensitization programme, President of the forum, Mr. George Okugbere, said that their campaign was “geared towards creating avenues where communities and groups could come together to air their views and comment on issues that affect them."

MEETING: Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe (left) and Chief Joe Omene, Vice President, Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, during a UPU meeting, yesterday.

Edo Assembly crisis: APC lawmakers accuse Police of bias

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—THE 15 All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers in Edo State, yesterday, held a parallel plenary at the old House of Assembly complex, Government House Benin City and accused the Police in the state of bias.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, nine lawmakers had earlier held theirs at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex, in front of the entrance to the chambers.

However, the 15 APC lawmakers led by the Speaker, Mr Uyi Igbe and other administrative staff of the Assembly, including the Clerk of the House, Sergeant at Arms and

others, held plenary at the former Assembly quarters in Government House, where they had relocated last week due to the on-going renovation work at the Ring Road Assembly complex.

At the sitting, they called on President Goodluck Jonathan to direct the Inspector General of Police, IG, Mr. Muhammed Abubakar, to call the police in the state to order, alleging that they were being used by some politicians.

Moving a motion under matters of urgent public importance, the member representing Akoko-Edo constituency I, Kabiru Adjoto, said the police have abdicated

their responsibility of protecting the public and constituted themselves into “protégé of the PDP with their supervision of the destruction of government property.”

The motion was seconded

by Mr Sunday Aghedo, representing Ovia S o u t h -We s t constituency.

The Speaker directed that copies of the resolution be sent to the

...As PDP lawmakers direct CBN to stop financial transactions with House

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

B

ENIN—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly, yesterday, directed the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to as a matter of urgency, withhold all financial transactions through the various commercial banks handling the financial business of the state legislature until the resolution of the crisis rocking the House.

The PDP lawmakers made the call when they visited the state Chairman of the party, Chief

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Dan Orbih, at the party secretariat on Sapele Road, Benin-City, shortly after rising from their plenary at the Assembly complex.

Meanwhile, Chief Orbih has commended the PDP lawmakers and described their resolution as a far reaching decision.

He appealed to them to eschew all acts inimical to the growth and development of the state and the people.

“In all that you do as the acting Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, please put the interest of Edo people at heart. There is no need

for acrimony. Put aside all other considerations and put the interest of Edo people at heart and first,” he said.

Ebea, who led other members on the courtesy visit, said the decision to visit the chairman of the party was to intimate him with the progressive resolution reached by the members at plenary, which he noted was in the interest of Edo people, whose mandate they represent.

He said that the PDP legislators would always ensure that they carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

President, IG, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 5, Commissioner of Police,

ECOWAS and United Nations Security Councils Secretariats in Abuja for action.

MMEDIATE past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsay Orubebe, has said that his quest to further develop Delta State was the factor propelling his governorship ambition in the state.

Orubebe made the disclosure when he met with the executive of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, to brief them about his ambition Orubebe explained that he clearly identifies with the goals of UPU and commended them for the consistent roles they have always played in nation building. He remarked that they have always remained a pillar of support to successive administrations in the state and at the national level over the ages. He said that Delta State possesses the resources, both human and capital, to attain the same level of infrastructural development that is available in Europe.

14 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Anglicans accuse Obi of not returning school to mission zIt's not my fault —Ex-gov

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

N I T S H A — WORSHIPPERS at Ebenezer Anglican Church, Oyelu Oze, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, have accused former Governor Peter Obi of failing to approve their application for Certificate of Occupancy before leaving office, probably because he was of the Catholic Church.

They also accused him of failing to return to the Anglican church its mission school in the same manner he returned Development Primary School, Abata, Nsugbe and Hill Top Community School, NkwelleEzunaka to the Catholic Church.

In a protest at the school premises last weekend, which would have metamorphosed into a full blown crisis but for the timely intervention of the Deputy Chairman of Oyi Local Government Council, Maximus Orefo, the worshippers complained that what they got in return was for some unknown persons to invade the school last Friday and began to remove the roof without informing them.

However, former Governor Obi, through his aide, Valentine Obienyem, reacted to the accusation, saying there was no way he could have been in all the schools in the state to know what was happening in all of them.

Obi, however, noted that the Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State, and the President-General of NkwelleEzunaka Town Union, Elder Chris Eluemuno, were competent to speak on the matter, because, according to him, having carried the P-Gs and elders of the state along during his regime, they knew what informed each of his decisions.

The worshippers, who spoke through their Parish Vicar, Rev. Princewill Okonkwo; Emmanuel Ezemenari and

Chindo Chukwujekwu, said they had been worshipping in the school for the past 35 years when one Mr. Isaac Izuchukwu, a prominent indigene of Oze Village and others who are predominantly Anglican worshippers, handed the school over to the Anglican church to serve as both a school and a place of worship.

They contended that when former Governor Chris Ngige assumed office in 2003, he directed them to do a survey plan with which to process a

Certificate of Occupancy, C of O which they did as directed, adding that it was during former Governor Obi’s tenure in 2006 that the file containing the survey plan and other documents for processing the C of O got missing along the line.

They further contended that to worsen the matter, Obi set up a panel between Anglican and Catholic churches and thereafter ended the chapter without any further action.

MEETING: Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Martin Elechi, Chairman, South-East Governor’s Forum, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State and Anambra State Deputy Gov. Dr. Nkem Okeke, during the South East Governors' meeting in Enugu.

affiliations and join hands with security agencies to rescue the release of the Chibok girls and deal a death blow to the security challenge posed by Boko Haram and other insurgents.

“It is particularly disconcerting that despite the spiritual interventions by churches and mosques and the numerous interfaith conferences and dialogues, the level of insurgency, religious intolerance, and other criminal

activities as well as social vices remained on the increase.

“Government must be alive to its responsibility of providing security and the freedom of worship to Nigerians,” the Church said.

As a panacea to the rising wave of insurgency, crime and social vices, the Church called on the government to embark on a well-articulated and resultoriented job creation programme to fully engage the youths in

UJUMADU W K A — A civil society group, the Justice Development and Peace Commission, JDPC, has raised an alarm that the current security challenges in the country fueled by the Boko Haram insurgency could result in food scarcity in the country.

Speaking yesterday at the inauguration of a oneweek awareness programme on global food sustainability in Onitsha, with the theme “Right to Food,” the executive director of JDPC in Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Edwin Udoye, said there was need for deliberate and collective effort to prevent the impending food shortage as a result of insecurity challenges in the Northern part of the country.

A

Anambra to build 2 specialist hospitals

useful and productive ventures, thereby stopping them from being used as the devil’s workshop.

The communiqué, signed by the Moderator of the Synod, The Rev. Nnanna Odege and the Synod Clerk, The Rev. Bassey Ayek, lamented that despite government’s effort at improving power supply by privatising the sector, power outages were still the order of the day in almost all parts of the federation.

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State government plans to build two new specialist hospitals in the state as part of efforts to improve health care services.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike, who announced this at Otuocha in Anambra East local government area, also said the state government would construct maternal child care specialist hospitals in each of the three senatorial zones of the state.

....Why we aborted Chibok girls' protest in Onitsha — MASSOB organise and ensure a Ndigbo.

BY NWABUEZE

OKONKWO N I T S H A — MOVEMENT for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, said yesterday it aborted the June 16 planned Chibok girls protest by 12 civil society groups in Onitsha, Anambra State, because a prominent politician (names withheld) allegedly got N2 million to do same

O

C M Y K

BY VINCENT

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

Presbyterian Church warns against politicisation of Chibok abductions L

AGOS—THE Synod of the West of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria has warned against the politicisation of the abduction of the Chibok school girls by the terrorist Islamist sect, Boko Haram.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 19th Annual Synod at the PCN church, Ikotun, in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, the Church urged all Nigerians to rise above political and other parochial

BOKO HARAM: JDPC raises alarm over imminent food scarcity

in the South East.

MASSOB’s Zonal Leader for Anambra Central, Jahway Okosi, said in a statement that his group was still investigating the matter to ascertain the purpose for which the money was paid to the politician.

The group alleged that the money was paid to the politician of South East extraction through a northern politician to

peaceful Chibok Girls protest in Onitsha.

It also debunked a report in a national daily credited to the same politician to the effect that its leader, Uwazuruike, had lost his commanders to Igbogadinma Association and Biafra Zionist Movement, BZM, expressing confidence that it came out more stronger, united, consistent and focused in the struggle for the emancipation of

It, however, berated the politician for being an errand boy to opposition northern politicians who are Igbo oppressors.

It also accused him of abandoning the Ora-Eri/ Agulu-Uzoigbo road project which was awarded through him by the state government some years ago, even as the contract sum had allegedly been shared between himself and his cronies.

Vanguard, TUESDAY,JULY 8, 2014 — 15

Jonathan charges PenCom on N4.21 trn pension fund

BY EMMA UJAH, ABUJA

BUREAU CHIEF

A

BUJA—TEN years after the commencement of the contributory pension scheme in Nigeria, the nation’s pension assets now stands at a whopping N4.21 trillion.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who disclosed this at the opening of the World Pension Summit in Abuja, yesterday, charged the National Pensions Commission, PenCom, to come up with firm regulatory and supervisory frameworks to safeguard the fund and avoid it being looted.

The new Pension Reform Act, which the President signed last week, has expanded the sectors in which the nation’s pension assets could be invested to include infrastructure and real estate, raising concerns that politicians could plunder the fund if not carefully watched.

His words: “In 2004, the pension reform Act was enacted by the Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration to address the recurring challenges experienced in the administration of pension and enhance efficiency the system.

“This reform initiative established a contributory

pension scheme for the public and private sectors. In 10 years, a sustained policy innovation and meticulous management has facilitated confidence and credibility in our pensions system and administration.

“It also strengthened our

pension institution as we transit from a deficit of about N 2 trillion (about $12.9 billion) in 2004 to accumulate pension Assets of over N4.21 trillion, which is about $27.2 billion by March 2014.

“It is our expectation that PenCom will put in place the necessary regulatory and

supervisory framework to facilitate and accelerate the objectives of the reform, most especially ensuring the safety of pension assets and hence, workers’ security in retirement. The protection of pension assets and the payment of retirement benefits as at when due must always be our primary objective.”

Our devt depends on population mgt —NPC boss

BY CALEB AYANSINA

A

BUJA—THE Chairman, National Population Commission, Chief Eze Duruiheoma, yesterday, said the most valuable asset of any nation was its population, noting that the level of development depended on how it was managed.

He said demographic survey was not only about the number of people living in a country, but also about the detailed analysis of how vibrant each segment of the population was.

Duruiheoma spoke at a press conference on the 2014 World Population Day, with the theme; Investing in Young People in

Abuja.

He said: “It is imperative we remind ourselves, once more, that our population is the most important asset that we have as a nation.

“Our level of development will continue to be a function of how well we manage it and remove all hindrances in planning for well being of the population.”

The chairman maintained that it would be impossible for a society to harness its population, when the larger part of it, the youth, was being neglected.

Duruiheoma, who identified illiteracy, unemployment and lack of access to sexual and reproductive health service and commodities, as major

challenges inhibiting nations from investing maximally in young people, said the challenges had over stretched the working population and their capacities to save enough for investment in young people.

According to him, it is the duty of leadership at all levels to invest in young people to ensure they are progressively developed in skill, knowledge and resilience needed for a healthy, productive and fulfilling life.

He charged government, corporate bodies and individuals to invest in education and health sectors of younger generation, saying “we must, therefore, make conscious and concerted effort to invest in our young people."

FG moves to end COEASU strike

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, inaugurated a committee to look at award of Bachelor of Education, B.Ed in Colleges of Education in Nigeria.

The agitation for Colleges of Education to award B.Ed is one of the demands of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, to call off its seven months old strike.

Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, urged the striking lecturers to, in the interest of the nation and sake of God, call off its ongoing strike.

16— Vanguard , TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

NYAKO: 7-man impeachment panel commences sitting under tight security zAs security agents bar journalists from covering proceedings

BY SONI DANIEL,

NORTHERN REGION EDITOR & UMAR YUSUF

Y

OLA—THE seven-man impeachment panel constituted to probe allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State and his Deputy, Bala Ngilari commenced sitting in Yola yesterday behind closed doors under heavy armed security guard.

The sitting of the panel members is holding at a private hotel, J&J Holiday Villa.

This was even as indications emerged last night that Nyako was set to reign from office, barring any last minute change of heart.

Nyako alongside his deputy, Bala Ngilari, is presently facing impeachment moves from members of the state assembly over allegations of gross misconduct.

Last minute efforts to save governor While Nyako contemplates

resignation, it was also gathered that a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, flew into Yola yesterday and is reportedly making moves to stop the impeachment from materialising.

Armed guard The stern looking armed security personnel were stationed in and around the hotel, just as a military Armoured Personnel Carrier, APC, was stationed along the street leading to the venue to scare away possible intruders.

The Military High Command has denied having any hand in the bid to remove Nyako, despite the takeover of the residence of the Adamawa State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ambrose Mammadi, by armed soldiers.

However, members of the panel were earlier scheduled to be inaugurated in the morning, as announced earlier by the Chief Registrar of the state High Court, Abubakar Babayola but the situation suddenly changed when the state government declared yesterday and today as

public holidays ostensibly to prevent the Acting Chief Judge from inaugurating the penal, even as journalists who converged at the venue of the panel’s sitting for coverage of the inaugural meeting were chased away by the security men.

Commenting on this development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House, Mr Solomon Kumanga expressed regret that the panel closed its doors to journalists, even as one of its terms of references was to conduct its

sittings in public.

He, however, promised to wade into the issue to ensure that the media was accorded its proper position during the panel’s assignment.

Soldiers take over CJ's residence Meanwhile, the soldiers numbering over 10, took over the home of the CJ in the Maskari area of Jimeta on Friday shortly before Mammadi was caused to be announced on public radio

and television stations, the names of the seven-member panel to probe the allegations of misdeeds against embattled governor Nyako.

Although it was not clear why the armed soldiers had to swoop on the residence of the topmost judicial officer in the state at the time they did, there were fears that the action might not be unconnected with the sustained move by the state House of Assembly to remove the governor over allegations of misappropriation of funds.

EXCAPE FROM CAPTIVITY: Boko Haram recaptures 45 women in Borno Group said that 63 women and

BY NDAHIMARAMA

M

AIDUGURI —FORTY Five out of the 63 women and children who escaped being abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at Damboa and Chibok villages in Borno State; have been recaptured by the Islamic terror group, after attacking military and police formations in Damboa last Friday night. Sources said that those escaped from

the gunmen were 18, leaving 45 abductees in the hands of insurgents.

Scores of the Boko Haram insurgents and 17 soldiers and several policemen died during the attack to re-capture the women and children.

Speaking of the recapture of the victims in a telephone interview yesterday in Maiduguri, Abass Gava, a member of Chibok Vigilante

children who initially escaped during the clashes between the military and Boko Haram had been recaptured, while attempting to flee from the camps where they were held in their respective villages.

He said: “It is very unfortunate and shocking to tell you today (yesterday) that 45 of the 63 escaped women and children were kidnapped again on Sunday night, leaving only 18 that ran into this forests."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 — 17

Q: About five years ago, you reappeared in the mass media as a radical preacher of the Christian faith.

More recently however, you started writing articles on secular issues also, particularly politics.

Why are you so much at home with politics intellectually and yet very disconnected from it vocationally and in your style of writing?

A: I am a student of politics.

However, I hate politics. It is ungodly, it is false, and it is practiced with deceit. You cannot be a successful politician and, at the same time, be committed to the truth. Therefore, my interest in politics does not go beyond the academic. I write about politics primarily to expose the deceit of politicians. I could never be a politician.

Neither can I ever be interested in occupying a political office.

President Babangida appointed me as DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs; but I graciously refused the offer. In 1991, the government also appointed me Special Assistant to General Olusegun Obasanjo, when he was the Nigerian candidate for the post of Secretary-General to the United Nations. Again, I refused the offer. There was a vacuum in my life and I knew it could not be filled by the carnal pursuits of public office. My life was pointless

people wanted to make him a political king, he refused. We should not accept an offer that Jesus rejected. When I write secular articles, some people jump to the conclusion that I must be looking for some political appointment. But I would never accept political appointment from any government.

Q: The intellectual views you have consistently expressed in your articles depict you as a realist. Yet, your noncore political analysis depicts you as an idealist, even a moralist and you are known to have expressed patriotic sentiments in some of your articles. How do you make the negotiation,

Interview of Dr. Femi Aribisala by Jide Akintunde, Managing-Director, Financial Nigeria Limited

,

and without meaning.

However, in 1993, I met Christ through a life-changing personal experience and Jesus finally gave meaning to my life.

Q: Is your disillusionment with vocational engagement in politics a direct result of its failings in Nigeria or do you believe that politics, anywhere, at both local and international levels, is fundamentally an illusion?

A: Everywhere politics is a dirty game, not just in Nigeria. I would not advise the spiritual man who is concerned about his eternal destiny to get involved in politics. When Christians dabble into politics, we do not sanitize the system.

It corrupts us. Nothing godly can come out of politics. It is a system of men, by men, for men. It cannot and will not bear godly fruit. Politics is inherently divisive, but God requires that brethren dwell together in unity.

Jesus was apolitical. He would never join a political party, run for public office or even vote. His kingdom is not of this world. When the C M Y K

Nigerians: A completely different kettle of black Africans

,

considering that because we tend to politicise everything, we are invariably realists without strong ideals?

A

: Yes, I am a realist and an idealist. But the two are not mutually exclusive. I am a realist in my appraisal of Nigeria; both in terms of where the country is, and what can be achieved in the future. My idealism has nothing whatsoever to do with Nigeria. Indeed, it cannot be realised in Nigeria.

My idealism has to do with my faith. It is centred on my belief in the kingdom of God. In that kingdom there are no thieving and marauding politicians.

Everything operates in conformity to the will of God and with God, nothing shall be impossible.

In spite of all the brouhaha that is the standard fare of Nigeria’s politics, I strongly believe that there are certain inevitabilities concerning the country. This country has a manifest destiny to be one of the greatest countries in the world. All the ingredients are there; size, population, natural and human resources, capital accumulation etc. My belief in this regard has not

changed in the past 30/40 years. Nigeria is an economy on the threshold of a take-off.

It is a miracle waiting to happen. Listen, it will happen even in spite of Nigerians. We can only delay the occurrence, we cannot prevent it.

Paradoxically, Nigeria’s greatest assets are Nigerians.

Nigerians are a completely different kettle of black Africans. We have not been brow-beaten by colonialism or apartheid. We are not intimidated by Western prowess.

The Nigerian psychology refuses to accept the myth that the black man is somehow intellectually inferior to the white man.

You can see this in operation everywhere. The Nigerian stands shoulder to shoulder vis-à-vis whites and Westerners and, in many cases, bests them. We only become second-best when we come together as a team, as a people and as a country. But all that will pass.

Q: You believe that both the size and diversity of Nigeria are crucial for achieving its greatness.

Nevertheless, you are not at all enamoured of the political tendencies of the Northern political establishment. How do you suppose this country can move forward, not leaving behind or giving away, any more, its constituent parts?

A: Nigeria has the size and diversity critical for mediumpower status.

By every projection, it is destined to be the third most populous country in the world. Soon, the size of the Nigerian economy will surpass that of countries like Italy and Spain.

Sooner, Nigeria will surpass even Britain and France.

Many of the countries we make a lot of song and dance about today have reached the height of their potentials.

They have built the roads they need to build. They have built their required bridges and highways. They have built the houses they need for a population that is no longer growing. But in Nigeria, there is still a lot to do. That makes it an investor’s dreamcountry. Indeed, Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing countries on the planet. Soon the multinationals will be

queuing up to set up shop in Nigeria because we are labour and resource abundant.

Q

: Nigeria just became the biggest economy in Africa, following the GDP rebasing. Generallyspeaking, Nigerians refused to see this new status as momentous.

What in your opinion fates Nigeria to greatness?

A: The rebasing of the economy only reveals what many have known for some time. Nigeria has been by far the biggest economy in Africa, but this is even more hidden because the informal sector does not show up in statistical records. With the rebasing, Nigeria’s GDP estimates nearly doubled from $270 billion to $510 billion.

It is myopic to insist that this recalibration is meaningless for the poverty index in the country and for the high level of unemployment. The fact is that by rebasing the economy, we provide a more realistic avenue for addressing those problems.

The new figures make Nigeria more attractive to foreign investors. It also highlights newly emergent areas where those investments could be made. Now we know that oil and gas no longer represent over 30 percent of the economy but only 14%. New salient areas have emerged since the last calculation of 1990, such as Nollywood, telecommunications and the local music industry.

Q: With the 2015 Presidential election about a year from now, perception of political risk of Nigeria is heightening in the estimation of local and international actors, especially those with investible capital. Give us a heads-up on Nigeria’s political risk.

A: Every time there is an election approaching in Nigeria, there are threats and counter-threats. Doomsday prognosticators come out of the woodwork, shouting “the end is near.” People should know us by now. Nigerians love drama.

The 2011 elections were supposed to spell calamity for Nigeria.

Nevertheless we weathered them. The 2015 elections will come and go; and then we will wonder what all the noise has been about.

The opposition to the government has metamorphosed into a coalition called the APC. This is a good development, as it is likely to keep the government on its toes.

However, the APC itself is a collection of yesterday’s conmen. In a democracy, we often have to choose the best of an average, if not bad, lot.

My assessment is that the ruling PDP still remains a far better option than the makeshift APC. The APC seems impelled by one narrow objective: the return of power to the North. After 38 years of unremarkable Northern rule, that is unhealthy.

International investors continue to bet on Nigeria.

Nigeria remains the first port of call for foreign investments in Africa. The return on investment in Nigeria is among the best in the world.

The much publicised insurgency has not impeded the economic activity in Nigeria. The Boko Haram has never attacked local or foreign companies. In spite of the insurgency, it is quite clear that Nigeria remains open for business.

Q: What does the Presidency of Goodluck Jonathan symbolise for Nigeria, especially in terms of how the country can move forward and be strong?

A: Goodluck Jonathan is the proverbial prophet who is not appreciated in his home country and among his own people. The government has failed woefully in addressing the age-old problem of endemic corruption in Nigeria. Federal reserves have disappeared and excess crude accounts have vanished into thin air.

Nevertheless, the achievements of Goodluck Jonathan have been considerable, although many people are determined that he should not succeed and are doing their level best to undermine and bad-mouth his government. The very fact that he is the first SouthSouth president strengthens the Nigerian union. Giant strides are being made in agriculture. The foundation has been laid for the overhaul of power generation and supply. The rail-roads are working again. Roads are being built and repaired. The airports have received a make-over. Almajiri schools have been established up North. A National Conference is underway to provide a blueprint for the country’s future.

There is every indication that the second-term of President Jonathan would be far more productive than the first, because he would be more concerned with his legacy and not need to accommodate many of the bad-eggs in the PDP in order to secure further re-election.

18— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 IT is ironical the cantonment in Abuja where a blast killed and injured people in a 2010 pre-New Year revel is named Mogadishu after the capital of Somalia, which has had no central government since General Mahammad Siad Barre was over thrown in 1991. Scores of secessions saw to disintegration of a territory Ethiopians, French, British, Italians and Russians fancied at several points in its history. Barre’s dictatorship lasted 22 years.

Mogadishu was theatre of a war in 1992 in which Nigerian soldiers played prominent roles in rescuing United States soldiers (part of a United Nations force) whom Somalians disgraced out of the city. Since then Mogadishu has become synonymous with lawlessness.

The cantonment in Abuja was initially Sani Abacha Barracks, its mammy market, by the cantonment gate, scene of the blasts, was a relaxation point for officers and civilians on their way from work.

Choice of a site close to the barracks for an attack has great publicity value. More attacks on barracks, churches, schools, markets, entertainment centres, have followed Mogadishu.

Remembering Mogadishu Nigerians are worried about the regularity of the attacks and the flippant approaches of governments to the challenge. From the utterances of governments, it seems that plans to end the attacks are inadequate.

For how long would government play to the gallery with important issues like security? Would government strengthen our security agencies or depend on outsiders every time there are these incidents?

The issue is not about investigating bomb attacks; it is about government having the political will to deal with the culprits. The absence of will leads to government not utilising results of investigations. Security agencies also conduct shoddy investigations that confound issues.

Attacks have become too frequent to be

ignored. Government’s statements condemning the attacks are becoming sparser.

The official condemnations have been hollow since 2010. They leave people wondering what government would do.

The descent to Mogadishu can be fast. It starts with neglect of the people, something our governments are doing with rapacious adroitness. Elections are the only concern of politicians. They would do anything to see that elections hold.

Insecurity is rising. The usual sources armed robbery, kidnapping, communal clashes, riots, militancy - are taking a back seat to bomb blasts and political thuggery.

Concerns about power manoeuvres are more important to governments than the people.

The results are increasing poverty and the lengthening distance between the people and governments.

The road to Mogadishu is paved with neglect of the people. We are travelling it at full speed, blissfully believing that once the 2015 elections hold, the nation’s political stability is guaranteed. These calculations exclude the people, who governments should serve, for whom, according to our Constitution, governments exist.

OPINION

BY CHIKA ONUORA

A “

NEW sociology of the Ekiti people is emerging…”, so said Kayode Fayemi, the state’s outgoing governor in his major speech after losing the last governorship election in the state. He wondered aloud how the enlightened, highly educated populace in Ekiti would reject his elitist posturing for Ayo Fayose whom the All Progressives Congress (APC) propaganda machinery has derisively labelled a tout. To him, it is a choice that needed further research.

Much as Fayemi has won hearts across Nigeria and beyond for the statesmanlike manner in which he conceded to Fayose and even offered a hand of fellowship to him, many disagree with his reading of his failure.

Since he is not a bitter man, perhaps it is important for him to learn the bitter truth about the issues that led – or contributed substantially -- to his abysmal outing in Ekiti.

He may have distanced himself from the common people and lost touch with their day-to-day preferences– in contradiction with his rival who is a grassroots man --but the reasons for Fayemi’s loss were more profound. Yes, the personality of Fayose contributed immensely to the triumph of the Peoples Democratic Party but one must also put in perspective, the deficiencies in Fayemi’s All Progressives Congress.

Ekiti people, like most other parts of the South West geopolitical zone, are discontented with his party and the

C M Y K

Ekiti:

Shifting

manner in which its affairs are being conducted by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. A more appropriate question therefore would be: how has such an enlightened race like the Yoruba, left its political fate to the whims of one man?

Tinubu has run affairs in the APC like one would a fiefdom. In the South West political zone for instance, the former governor of Lagos state insists on playing the sole king-maker, ramming his choice candidates down everyone's throats. Well known for his habit of talking people down --supposed allies and political opponents alike -- he has since extended it to other leaders of the race.

But by far the most offensive act of his is the manner in which he has of recent denigrated Yoruba traditional rulers. It rankles to no end that those institutions that the society holds sacred, have not been spared from the man’s insults and uncouth language.

At one of the events to mark the 80th birthday of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, he took on a whole generation of Yoruba Obas, calling them of all things, worthless. Of all the Obas in Yorubaland, only three were worth the name. It was few days after the Olubadan of Ibadanland marked his 100th birthday. So when the Ooni of Ife responded on behalf of other Yoruba Obas, it was obvious they were set for a showdown which portends defeat for his party in crucial elections, especially since other leading lights in the party

paradigm

of

South

failed to distance themselves from that statement.

If abusing the Obas was wrong politics, the Asiwaju’s inciting statements prior to the Ekiti poll was offensive. For a man who was only a boy when Operation Wetie turned his Yoruba homeland into the Wild Wild West, the threat to reenact the scenario in Ekiti was insensitive, to say the least. At his investiture as the Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and award of honourary Doctor of Science in Management Science on him, he had threatened fire and brimstone should the governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states be rigged. From his queer political dictionary, rigging means when any other party different from the APC is returned as winner of the poll. By voting PDP, the people dared him; and by accepting defeat, Governor Fayemi taught him a lesson in civil conduct.

The APC’s loss in the South West will be PDP’s gain. The nation’s foremost political party has in recent times resurged in the zone that was hitherto dominated by the APC. The party has been re-strategising to win back the zone: it has set up committees to reconcile aggrieved members, and others to mobilise support from the grassroots. The Mobilisation and Organisation Committee headed by Prince Buruji Kashamu is easily the most potent, mobilising in all the wards,

west

politics

local governments and the six states in the South-west to canvass support for the party.

The Ekiti election was significant in the sense that it was a test of their strength ahead of 2015. It was an election that would either reaffirm the dominance of the All Progressives Congress in the South West or herald the resurgence of the Peoples Democratic Party in the zone.

Kashamu’s boasts to deliver Ekiti as a first step to delivering the entire zone to the PDP, is therefore not an empty one with over 200,000 canvassers already mobilised for the party across the zone. After Ekiti, the party’s machinery has since moved to Osun which holds its governorship poll in August. So what happened in Ekiti may not be a fluke after-all, but a paradigm shift in the voting pattern that will ultimately sweep across the South West.

In all, Fayemi has conducted himself well since his loss. It has no precedent in Nigeria that less than forty-eight hours after such a bitterly fought contest, (even before the ink on the voters’ thumbs have disappeared), the contestants would sit and discuss in the interest of the people. For this he deserves commendation. It seems so odd that such a fine gentleman is found within the APC. *Mr. Onuora, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014—19

W

ARRI is a city with a big reputation. The vibrancy of its people can only be matched by that of Lagos: Welcoming, inviting and open to all manner of people, irrespective of race, tribe or religion. Add the special pigin English language that is second to none in the whole world. The Warri man or woman is a confident person; he does not get easily intimidated by either circumstances or the oppressive tendencies of officialdom. To cap it all, the average Warri person is stubborn.

Because of his stubbornness, the Warri man sometimes, can convert the illegal to the legal and be ready to defend it. The beauty of Warri has been smeared by illegal erections of structures and filth, polluting the environment in the process.

That is why the bold attempt by the Delta State government to sanitise the city and adjoining metropolis must be commended.

The government recently undertook the difficult task of bringing sanity and order into Warri city and environs. So many illegal structures were pulled down and compulsory environmental sanitation exercises have become the order of the day. Warri is now wearing a new look and there is hope for a modern and repackaged Warri city in the near future.

While all of these are going on, the government appears to have ignored two significant projects

that are crying for urgent action in Warri. Until these two projects are completed to satisfaction, Warri will remain a whited sepulchre, beautiful on the outside but when you dig deep, you find heart-wrenching rot. I am referring to the Essi College, located at the Moreogun, off Iyara axis of Warri, and the Obire Street, off Cemetery Road and opposite the stadium gate.

People have always wondered, what the residents of Obire Street have done wrong for successive governments to treat Obire Street with so much disdain. This fact is made more obvious by the special attention given to neighbouring streets like Ogedegbe, Sido and Iyara. Some have said it is because Obire Street is an Urhobo enclave. But we have more Itsekiris living there and are owners of houses than any other tribe. Notable Itsekiris like Chief Nelson Utieyone, Ejeye, Ereku, Omoluwa and others have properties along Obire Street.

Ayo Oritsejeafor's Word of Life Church also has a branch or preaching station in the street.

Also, if the road is neglected because it is an Urhobo enclave, why is Urhobo Road, that is in the same Daudu and stadium axis tarred?

Obire Street is a disgrace to Governor Uduaghan's modernisation efforts in Warri and its re-construction need urgent attention. The deplorable state of the road is rather seen

Both Obire Street and Essi College need urgent rehabilitative and reconstructive actions, they are anomalies that Governor Uduaghan must correct before leaving office

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than imagined, it cannot be explained. It is rotten.

Ironically, Obire Street is the street that links the popular Essi College that has produced so many notable citizens of Delta and Nigeria, but which is now a carcass of its old self. The buildings are dilapidated and the roofs have caved in. No one can explain the reason for this. We have a running school, with a Principal and teachers; we have Parents/Teachers Association; we have Ex Students of Essi College, we have the notable Essi family in Warri. Why nobody has brought the deplorable condition of this school to the attention of the government is baffling.

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arri presently boasts of millenium schools: Nana College, Cavegina Primary School and many others. Why is Essi College abandoned? Do we not have education supervisors that regularly visit schools?

Fayose and stomach infrastructure

BY GODWIN ADINDU

S

TOMACH Infrastructure, this is the new maxim, the new political ideology given to us by Ayodele Fayose, the governor elect of Ekiti State. By the time Fayose would write his memoir, he would give further clarifications to the peculiar background that inspired this concept which is now receiving wide acclaim nationwide. But, before then, one point must be noted: that the victory of Fayose over the incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi in the June 21 election was driven under the plank and framework of Stomach Infrastructure.

What then is stomach infrastructure as against material infrastructure? We can only understand stomach infrastructure by making a graphic comparison between the two concepts, because they are all goals of democracy. The contrary is that one cannot be emphasised over the other. One cannot be given more attention than the other. Material infrastructure is the vision that Fayemi religiously pursued in Ekiti. It is an elitist dream of building projects - big classroom blocks with ICT Centres, big housing estates, big roads, big hospitals with world class equipments, big multi-purpose centres, big banks and industries. Good vision, good dream!

But, stomach infrastructure looks down to the people's immediate needs: empowerment programme for unemployed youths and widows; maintenance assistance to the aged; health foundation to assist the poor; agric facilities for the rural poor farmers; skill acquisition centres for poor unskilled men and women; loan grants to enable them take off in little measure; direct food relief C M Y K

for the poorest of the poor; borehole in rural communities to solve water scarcity problems; establishment of small-scale cottage industries in the villages where the rural community can work and also acquire experience on how to produce minor things.

While material infrastructure is longterm oriented, stomach infrastructure is short-term.

While material infrastructure is the big theory from exclusive business schools, stomach infrastructure is a product of street sense and native intelligence. It is a product of an experience with the predicament of the common masses and their heartfelt yearnings. Stomach infrastructure does not need power-point presentation in a posh conference room of a big time hotel.

It does not need seminars and consultants.

It only needs a leader to come down from his high horse to interact and feel the immediate challenges of the masses and deploy strategies to ameliorate these needs. It is about giving governance a human face.

The judgment of the people of Ekiti is that Fayemi built material infrastructure and ignored stomach infrastructure.

While he was confident that he has performed and delivered on his promise of providing democracy dividend, the people disagreed because they cannot enjoy the mighty infrastructure while their stomachs were squirming with hunger pangs. A hungry man is an angry man, a very unhappy fellow. So the first greatest needs of man is food and security.

This fact was lost on Fayemi for the four years he spent in Ekiti building the mighty fortresses and the big material infrastructure.

The moral is that you have be alive,

What report have they been submitting to the Permanent Secretary and his Commissioner for Education on Essi College? Do we not have open days any more in schools where parents and teachers meet to discuss children's performance, state of affairs of the school and how the standards can be maintained or improved upon?

Essi College, as it is presently, is a real disgrace to the effort at raising the standard of education. If they do not find it necessary to rehabilitate the structures of the schools, they should close down the school and distribute the children and teachers to other viable schools as the present situation is not conducive to learning and growth, and therefore, not fair to the children's developmental efforts.

Again, some mischievous people are claiming that it is being neglected because Essi College bears the imprimatur of the Essi family, a popular urhobo family, as compared to the more distinguished Hussey College founded by the popuar Rewane family.

I do not think this is the basis for the deplorable state of the school; somebody, somewhere, possibly from along the rank of the Ministry of Education, to Works and to the politicians in the area such as the local councillor and local government Chairman, has simply refused to do his job. Even if we concede schools to private bodies to run, there should be minimum standards required before permission can be granted.

Essi College is an eye sore; I do not know how the teachers there have coping.

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BY SUNNY IKHIOYA

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Two projects Uduaghan must complete

The challenge is for leadership to be able to prioritise on the needs of the citizenry. Every leader that continues to pursue idealistic visions at the expense of the very immediate needs of the common would end up like Fayemi

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healthy and happy to enjoy the big infrastructure and that is why the need for food and shelter come first before comfort and social recognition in Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of need. A dead man cannot live in a mighty fortress.

He can only rest in a six-foot grave. This is the reason the new maxim is causing ripples all over the place, because it touches on the heart of the common man.

A leader could not have satisfied his people if he builds mighty schools and hospitals and yet, the people cannot afford to send their children there and cannot afford the high medical bills of such glorious hospitals. There must be a point of convergence between material infrastructure and the lowly capacities of the masses and this where the concept of stomach infrastructure becomes very relevant.

I

ndeed, the Ekiti scenario is an eyeopener to leadership in Nigeria. The challenge is for leadership to be able to prioritise on the needs of the citizenry.

Every leader that continues to pursue idealistic visions at the expense of the very immediate needs of the common would end up like Fayemi. Since politics remains

Both Obire Street and Essi College need urgent rehabilitative and reconstructive actions, they are anomalies that Governor Uduaghan must correct before leaving office. He is trying to finish strong as I can see of projects in Ugbangue and Ubeji areas; let Obire and Essi College projects be added to these.

Let us be fair to Uduaghan, the rot did not begin from his regime but amongst all of the governors that have ruled Delta State, his regime seems the most focused on cleaning up the environment, maybe, because of his health background. It is therefore incumbent on him to complete the Essi College and Obire Road projects in order not to leave behind any dent on his record.

Also, it may be possible that the Governor's attention has not been drawn to these deplorable state of affairs. If this is so, then it is too bad and the civil servants and supervisory ministries whose duties are to bring these to the Governor's attention should be sanctioned.

The people of Warri can be very grateful for any positive effort aimed at uplifting their living standards. Obire Street and Essi College are both at the heart of Warri; the people will therefore, be very grateful to Governor Uduaghan if he can bring these two projects to fruition. It will also remain a lasting legacy many years after his exit from government.

May the Almighty God grant Uduaghan the enablements to carry out these projects.

*Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

a local affair and the people who actually sacrifice their blood and energy to ensure victory for the political aspirants remain the local masses, these ordinary people will continue to give the verdict at the polls.

The lesson is that there must be a balance between idealism and pragmatism. A great leader must be high in ideas and lowly at heart. As Shakespeare noted in Julius Ceaser, the 'abuse of greatest is when it disjoins remorse from power" . He must be the polish cosmopolitan man of the polite society, and the rugged man of the local village bar. He must be able to live out the chivalrous life of protocols, ceremonies and courtesies and at the same time display the humility of dinning with beggars and people of the lowly trough of life. He is the leader of all men and, therefore, must appreciate the varieties of our common humanity.

In the case of Ekiti, Fayemi only satisfied the members of his own class, the elite, the intelligentsia , his fellow Phd holders and spoke the language of the intellect while ignoring the humourous jibes at the local bars of Ekiti forest. But, on June 21, a bewildered man looked back and he could see the members of his class. They could not leave the comfort of their hotel suites to queue on the sun. Only the commoners came to judgment and they judged according to whims of their hearts and minds. They voted to restore their soul.

Stomach Infrastructure is about our survival, first and foremost. It is about following the natural sequence of things in governance. It is about understanding the bottom-top, gradual approaches in developmental strides. It is about carrying everybody along, everyone in his own pace.

Fayose has given us a topic for Phd desertation.

*Mr. Adindu, a social critic, wrote from Aba, Abia State.

20—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 — 21

NDIC seeks collaboration with Judiciary on financial system stability

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he Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said it will continue to collaborate with the Judiciary to ensure the effective discharge of its mandate and contribute to financial system stability in the country.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive, NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, made this known in his keynote address at a sensitization seminar for Federal High Court Judges. He said that the NDIC observed with concern that a large segment of the Nigerian public had a wrong perception about the Corporation and its statutory mandate, hence time and valuable resources were invested to reverse the trend through effective and continuous public awareness and close collaboration with key stakeholders.

The NDIC CEO recalled the NDIC’s sponsorship of a similar seminar in 2013 where about fifty-three (53) Judges of the Federal High Courts actively participated. He however said the corporation was not oblivious of the fact that some of the Judges that benefited from the last seminar had been elevated to the Court of Appeal or had retired and new judges who did not benefit from the earlier seminar had been appointed to fill the vacancies.

Ibrahim therefore said that the second run of the sensitization seminar was organised by the corporation to consolidate on the gains of the previous edition and to strengthen its relationship with the courts in the interest of bank depositors and Nigeria’s financial system.

He commended the overwhelming support of the courts through informed judgements from the various courts, encouraging feedback from both the bar and the bench and increased public awareness on the dynamics of deposit insurance.

In his remarks, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice I. N. Auta said judges had been exclusively designated to handle NDIC cases. Justice Auta pointed out that the sensitization seminar had enlightened the bench on the mandate and activities of the corporation which, according to him, had resulted to more proactive and accurate adjudication of insolvency disputes.

From left: Sampson Oloche, Marketing Manager, Non-Alcoholic, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Kunbi Oyelese; Mai Atafo, fashion designers and judges and Nnenna Hemeson, Senior Brand Manager, Fayrouz at the L’Original Fayrouz Expression show in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

BDCs appeal to CBN to review N35m capital base ...Refutes allegation of financing terrorism

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

B

UREAUX De Change (BDCs) operators under the aegis of Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to review the new licensing requirements announced for BDC operations.

On June 23 rd , the CBN announced new requirements for BDC operations. These include 250 percent increase in minimum capital base to N35 million, and a N35 million mandatory caution deposit.

Speaking at the general meeting of the South West zone of the Association, ABCON’s Ag. President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe said that the executive council of the Association has met with the CBN Governor, during which it appealed for a review of the new requirements.

Gwadabe said, “Following the announcement of the new requirements, the executive council met, and articulated our position in a letter, which was immediately submitted to the Governor of CBN. Thereafter, we took our case to both chambers of the National

Assembly, and met separately with the House Committee on Banking and Currency, and the Senate Committee on Finance. During these meetings we articulated why the severe impact of the new requirements to the economy, especially massive retrenchment of staff, which would aggravate the severe unemployment in the country.

“These steps have started yielding some results. For example, the CBN Governor, upon receiving our letter, invited the executive council for a meeting where we reiterated the position of ABCON to the new r e q u i r e m e n t s .

Among other things, we showed that dollar sales to BDCs constitute less than 16 percent of the total foreign exchange sold by the CBN since 2006, and thus not as much as been claimed by the CBN. For example the annual and quarterly economic reports of the CBN show that out of the $26.82 billion dollar sold by the CBN in 2012, $5.55 billion representing 19 percent was sold to BDCs. Similarly, out of the $33.3 billion sold by the CBN in 2013, $5.31 billion,

representing 15.9 percent was sold to BDCs. Also, in the first quarter of 2014, out of the $14.8 billion sold by the CBN, $1.7 billion, representing 11.4 percent was sold to BDCs. Note that the percentage of dollar sales to BDCs has been

compliance is unfair when compared with increase in capital requirements for other CBN regulated entities.

The CBN Governor, after listening to our positions, promised to look into the new requirements.

declining since 2012.”

This indicates that the BDCs are 2.3 172.75 not responsible for the depletion 3,153.00 +98.00 of the external reserves as 16.63 -0.22 noted by the CBN circular “Furthermore, we argued 112.48 -0.82 against the necessity of N35 105.41 -0.33 million as m a n d a t o r y CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING caution deposit, 154.73 155.23 155.73 when, BDCs are DOLLAR 263.7063 264.5585 65.4106 not deposit STERLING EURO 211.2374 211.92 212. 6026 t a k i n g FRANC 173.7173 174.2787 174.84 institutions, and YEN 1.5261 1.531 1.536 0.3023 0.3123 0.3223 operate on cash CFA 238.1545 238.9241 239.6937 and carry basis. WAUA RENMINBI 24.9395 25.0205 25.1015 We also averred RIYAL 41.2547 41.388 41.5214 that the 250 KRONA 28.3295 28.421 28.5126 239.1971 239.9701 240.743 percent in SDR capital base and three weeks for CBN Exchange rate as at 07/07/2014

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

INVESTORS Top 10 performing stocks

INDEX MOVEME

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

n the top 10 performing stocks last week were Custodian and Allied Plc, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, 7-Up Bottling Company Plc, International Breweries Plc, Manasard Insurance Plc and Cutix Plc. Others were Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Plc, UAC of Nigeria Plc and Wapic Insurance Plc.

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ustodian and Allied’s s h a r e s appreciated by 11.94 percent or N0.43 to top others during the week.

It closed at N4.03 from N3.50 it started the week at.

Though it is one of the least priced stocks in the Other Financial Institutions sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, the company has, nonetheless, enjoyed much investors’ patronage within the current financial year with the share price rising by huge 210 percent from N1.30 at the beginning of the year to the present market price. At a time when almost all insurance firms listed on the NSE are finding it difficult to conclude their 2013 financial report for onward submission to the Exchange, Custodian and Allied is one of the few that have not only made the 2013 year end result public, but has gone ahead to also publish the first quarter result. The result showed78.5 percent growth in profit before tax to N1.3billion from N746.9 million in corresponding period in 2013.

Similarly, the profit after tax increased by 90.7 percent from N587 million to N1.1 billion during the period, while the gross written premium was N5.9 billion from N4.1 billion written in the same period in 2013, representing 41.8 percent increase. It paid dividend last in 2012, giving investors N0.05 as reward for their investments.

Transcorp, another company that has delivered impressive return to its shareholders this year, p l a c e d second with 10.55 percent or N0.50 price appreciation to close at N5.24 from N4.74 per share. Specifically the share price has risen by 403.42 percent from N1.17 at the beginning of the year to N5.99, the highest price so far. This also shows that Transcorp is gradually inching close to the 2007 public offer price (N7.50), before it was dealt bad blow by the 2008 financial crisis. This is in addition to N1.9 billion dividends declared in 2013 financial year end.

Transcorp also has some positive C M Y K

developments to its credit, which obviously must be driving the uptrend in the stock price. Only recently, it sealed a production sharing contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the exploration and production of Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 281.

Obviously, the investments, which probably required banks’ finances, have been eating deep into the finances as indicated by the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. The company ’s finance cost rose to N1.103 billion from N536.035 million in the same period in 2013. It posted N10.54 billion gross revenue as against N3.55 billion in 2013, while profit after tax rose to N3.15 billion from N833.704 million in the corresponding period in 2013.

7-up Bottling Company followed, appreciating by 10.25 percent or N9.53 to close at N102.53 from N93.00. The company is proposing N2.50 per share dividends for the year ending December 31, 2013 to be paid to shareholders whose names appear on the register of members from July 14 - 25, 2014.

Shareholders are expected to approve the proposed dividend at the annual general meeting on September. The first quarter financial result for period ended March 31, 2014 showed that revenue rose to N77.89 billion from N64.09 billion in 2013, representing 21.53 percent increase, while the profit after tax increased to N6.43 billion from N2.86 billion in 2013, representing 124. 8 percent increase.

7-up has as well recorded massive growth in share price appreciation, delivering 90.2 percent return on investment to investor, year-to-date.

International Breweries’ shares went up by 10.11 percent or N2.70 to close at N29.40 from N26.70; Mansard Insurance advanced by eight percent or N0.20 to close at N2.70 from N2.50; Cutix appreciated by 7.65 percent or N0.14 to close at N1.97 from N1.83; Seplat advanced by 6.65 percent or N44.90, rising to N720.00 from N675.10; ETI followed with 6.65 percent or N1.08 price appreciation to close at N17.32 from N16.24; UACN was the next with 6.35 percent or N3.94 increase, as its share price rose to N66.00 from N62.05 it started with. Wapic closed the list with 6.25 percent or N0.05 increase, rising to N0.85 from N0.80 per share.

Critical amendments Investors Protection

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is about to establish a National Investors' Protection Fund (NIPF) to protect some investors from losses suffered from some categories of capital market operators. To this end, it released the Exposure Draft of the guidelines of the proposed Fund, for the purpose of comments and amendments from the public. Since then, Investors Forum has written articles on perceived weaknesses in the guidelines. The focus of this edition is Section 21 of the guidelines, concerning eligibility of investors to benefit from the Fund.

It states, “Beneficiaries of the Fund shall be investors who suffer pecuniary loss arising from: (a) The insolvency, bankruptcy or negligence of a Capital Market Operator; and (b) Defalcation committed by a

Capital Market Operator or any of its directors, officers, employees or representatives in relation to securities, money or any property entrusted to, or received or deemed received by the Capital Market Operator in the course of its business as a capital market operator.

Provided subject to the approval of the Board that a shareholder, client or unitholder who participated in the wrongful act of the company/ scheme Capital Market Operator shall not benefit from the Fund.”

This provision looks okay but, on a deeper look, it has the potential to cause confusion.

Asking investors to seek compensation from the Fund for losses due to negligence of an operator, or defalcation (embezzlement) by the operator or any of its officials is above the

mark, and unneces unnecessary bu proposed Fund exception is where has closed shop or been revoked, oth losses should be operator.

If an operator mak to suffer loss e negligence or de operator should bea organisation shoul pay the investor fo Recall the case of Fidelity Securit Fidelity Bank Plc, S Exchange Comm and First Registrars Investment and Tribunal (IST). It w investor suffering negligence of ca operators, and involved was N8.8 examining all th

MA RK ET NE WS

Vetiva Capital rebalances VG 3 F

OLLOWING the bi-annual re view for relevant indices of the NSE 30 Index by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Vetiva Fund Managers has announced the rebalancing of the Vetiva Griffen 30 ETF, VG 30 Exchange Traded Fund Portfolio in line with the changes to the exchange index.

The NSE 30 is a modified market capitalization index with the numbers of included stocks at 30.The stocks are selected based on market

capitalization from the most liquid sectors and liquidity based on the number of times the stock is traded during the preceding two quarters. To be included in the index, the stock must be traded for at least 70 per cent of the number of times the market opened for business.

As the investment objective of the VG 30 ETF is to track the price and yield performance of

the NSE 30 Index to the NSE 30 ind ple a change in the of Index and /or i ing of the securiti NSE 30 Index ) w VG 30 ETF trust t sponding adjustme folio from time to t folio may adjust th and /or weighting ties hjeld in the VG

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 — 23

S FORUM INVESTORS SPEAK

ENT

Investors education critical to success of NSE, SEC’s IPF

By WILLIAM JIMOH

T

s to SEC’s n Fund

sary. This is an rden for the . The only e the operator its licence has herwise, such borne by the

kes an investor ither due to falcation, the ar the cost. The ld be made to r the loss. f Eze A. Eze vs ies Limited, Securities and ission (SEC), s Limited at the d Securities was a case of an g loss due to apital market the amount million. “After he facts, the

Tribunal agreed with Eze, that the delay was due to negligence of Fidelity Securities and First Registrar and thus ordered them to pay Eze the sum of N3 million as compensation.”

The point here is that, there are already mechanisms in the capital market to deal with loss due to negligence of capital market operators or defalcation of investors’ money put in their trust. So making compensation for such losses part of the responsibilities of the NIPF is questionable, and implies duplication of duties.

The only reason why the NIPF should cover such losses is if and only if the operator has become distressed, lost its licence or closed shop. But if the operator is still operating and making money like Fidelity Securities and First Registrar, as indicated above, it should be made to bear the cost of the loss.

0 Index

x, any change dex (for exame composition n the weighties within the ill require the o make correents to its portime. The porthe composition g of the securiG 30 ETF trust

from time to time and shall, to the maximum extent practicable, immediately conform to the composition and /or weighting of the securities within the NSE 30 Index.

Vetiva Fund Managers Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vetiva Capital Management and is registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission, SEC to carry out business as Fund Manager.

he Investors Protection Fund, IPF, is a scheme of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, to ensure that investors in the capital market are compensated for the losses they may suffer while transacting in the market.

The scheme, which recently got the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, will only take care of investors who have evidence that they suffered loss.

Aside this, SEC also plans to float its own National Investors Protection Fund, NIPF, to play a similar role.

In the midst of all these, most minority investors are wondering if the provisions are actually meant to protect them as many of them are unaware of their existence.

Some of them spoke with Vanguard Investors Forum.

Excerpt: Bisi Bakare, National Coordinator, Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria: It will not be right for anybody to say that all minority investors are not aware, most especially because the NSE held a seminar about three months ago and there, the investors protection fund was made mention of. But our fear is this, if you look at the number of those who participated at the seminar, you see that the number is very small when compared to the total number of investors in the market. This will, therefore, bring about the question of how many shareholders for whom the Fund is said to be meant for are aware of its existence.

What I am saying is that there is not enough awareness for the programme to make it an all inclusive thing forl every investors in the capital market.

Another thing is the Nigerian factor. By the time you look at the root of these Funds, you see that they are meant for a particular set of people who may not necessarily have suffered any loss. If you ask any minority shareholder about this scheme, you will find out that

•Kenneth Okoh

•Peter Owolabi they do not even know it exists let alone understanding how it will work.

If the Funds are really for ordinary investors, then there is need to create more awareness.

This can be done through placement of advertisements on the newspapers, radio and other media platforms and I believe that with this approach, many people will benefit from the Funds.

It is a very good initiative, especially for those who have one issue or the other concerning their investment, but if they are not aware, how are they going to benefit from it.

Peter Owolabi, National Coordinator, Integrated Supreme Shareholders Association of Nigeria: The first thing the minority investors will like to know is, who will be the beneficiary and under

•Bisi Bakare what conditions. These are the most important issues. Do you think that an investor like me can benefit from it? Can I go to the SEC or the NSE and say give me some money in respect of loss I sustained from the action and inaction of a stockbroker or any other capital market o p e r a t o r ?

As much as I understand the operation of the market, they will not give me. It is within themselves that they will share the money.

Who benefited from a similar scheme they put in place some years back?

Did any minority shareholder benefit from it?

Having two or three investors’ protection fund by SEC, NSE and any other trade group in the market is not the problem. The main thing is who will benefit from these them.

Kenneth Ofoh: We like this because it is to protect our investment. It is good and will further promote investors confidence in the market. This is because if there is assurance that when you surfer any loss and you can prove that, you will be compensated.

Others who are not yet in the market can now feel more comfortable to invest, and those who left the market because of losses they previously suffered without compensation can now be bold to come back to the market. And above all, the existing investors will also feel more comfortable to increase the volume of their investment as well as their participation in the market.

I must tell you that until now, I was not aware of it. What this points to is the need for more awareness.

C M Y K

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

FDIs into Nigeria drop to $5.6bn in 2013 …UNCTAD blames IOCs’ divestments

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

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OREIGN direct invest ments, FDIs, into Nigeria reduced from $7.1 billion in 2012 to $5.6 billion in 2013, as a result of divestments by the International oil companies,IOCs, said the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD. In its latest World Investment Report 2014, UNCTAD said that Nigeria led West Africa’s 14 percent decline within the period, which amounted to $14.2 billion.

Whereas in Southern Africa, flows almost doubled to $13 billion, mainly due to record high flows to South Africa and Mozambique, where investments in the gas sector played a role.

According to the report, “In Nigeria, uncertainties over the long-awaited Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, and security issues triggered a series of asset disposals from foreign

Power facility Trans National Companies, TNCs. National companies and other developing country TNCs are taking over the as-

Italian prosecutors probe Eni’s Nigeria oil block deal

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TALIAN prosecutors have opened a probe into alleged corruption relating to the 2011 acquisition of a big oil field in Nigeria by Italian oil group, Eni and Shell, judicial sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The sources said the investigation related to alleged international corruption surrounding the purchase of the block.

Eni confirmed the investigation and said in response to a Reuters' request for comment: "Eni declares the absolute properness of its handling of the dealings in question and assures its full cooperation with Italian prosecutors."

The probe relates to the purchase of offshore oil block OPL 245 in Nigeria. Last year, British police began investigating a money-laundering allegation in connection with the same field.

Italian daily Il Fatto Quotidiano, said on Friday that police had visited Eni offices last Wednesday, to notify the company it was being investigated and to ask for documents.

In response to Il Fatto's article, Eni confirmed it had received notice of the probe and said it had done no wrongdoing.

The concession for OPL 245,

which industry sources have said could contain up to 9.23 billion barrels of crude, was awarded to Eni and Shell by the Nigerian government in 2011 for $1.3 billion.

At that time, Nigeria said it was helping to resolve an ownership dispute over the block between Shell and Malabu Oil and Gas Company, and immediately transferred $1.09 billion from the sale to Malabu.

"No commercial agreement was reached by Eni with the Malabu company that previously owned the block in question," Eni said, adding it had paid the amount into a current account of the Nigerian government.

The judicial sources said Shell was not under investigation by the Italian authorities because the company is in a different jurisdiction.

Shell declined to comment on the Italian investigation. A Shell spokesman said of the OPL 245 deal: "Shell companies have acted at all times in accordance with both Nigerian law and the terms of the OPL 245 resolution agreement with FGN (Nigerian government).

We are open and transparent about all payments made by Shell companies to the FGN and how much they were."

sets of the retreating TNCs. Examples are two pending mega deals that will see Total (France), and ConocoPhillips (United States), sell their Nigerian assets to Sinopec Group (China), and local Oando Plc for $2.5 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively.”

UNCTAD also said that the sharp reduction in FDI to Nigeria bucked a continental trend: “FDI inflows to Africa

rose by four per cent to $57 billion, driven by international and regional market-seeking and infrastructure investments.”

The report refers to Angola as a country that “continued to register net divestments, albeit at a lower rate than in past years. Because foreign investors in that country are asked to team with local partners, projects are failing to materi-

alise for lack of those partners, despite strong demand.”

The report further said that there is a rebound of greenfield FDI, driven by large scale energy projects.

The number of new projects reached a record high, and the value of investments reached their highest level in three years. The driving force was robust gains in the services sector, contributing 70 per cent of total greenfield investments. Greenfield investments in energy (in 11 projects) and in transport, storage and communications (in 59 projects) both hit their highest levels in 2013, it stated.

According to UNCTAD, greenfield FDI from developed economies was at a 10year high, led by record high investments from Iceland and Japan to least developed countries, LDCs. A single large electricity project from each of these home countries boosted greenfield investments in LDCs. The largest fossil fuel electric power project from Japan was linked with the development of a newly established special economic zone (SEZ) in Myanmar. Iceland’s $4 billion geothermal power project in Ethiopia received support from the Government of the United States, as part of its six-nation Power Africa initiative, a $7 billion commitment to double the number of people with access to electricity in Africa.

Oando to conclude ConocoPhilips' assets acquisition by July end

BY MICHAEL EBOH

O

ANDO Energy Re sources has announced a shift in the date for the acquisition of ConocoPhilips' upstream assets in Nigeria till July 31, 2014.

According to a statement by Oando Plc, the extension is to enable Oando Energy and ConocoPhillips finalise activities required to conclude the transaction.

Oando said in a statement, "Oando Plc through its subsidiary Oando Energy Resources and ConocoPhillips have entered into an agreement to extend the outside date for completion of the proposed acquisition of the Nigerian Upstream Oil and Gas Business of ConocoPhillips to July 31, 2014.

"Having received consent of the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources in Ni-

geria both parties have extended the outside closing date for completion of the acquisition to enable them finalise activities required to conclude the transaction."

The Federal Government had last month given approval to Oando to acquire the upstream assets of Conoco Phillips, valued at $1.65 billion (about N264 billion).

Oando declared that the approval, which was given by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, subject to customary adjustments, had provided an opportunity for it to complete the transaction.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Wale Tinubu, Chairman, Oando Energy, said: “We are delighted to receive the approval of the Minister of Petroleum Resources for the completion of the acquisition. It has been a long

journey, wherein we kept faith with our strategy and executed every milestone diligently.

“This acquisition satisfies our criteria for assets in production, as well as excellent appraisal and exploration prospects. We will work hand in hand with the management team of ConocoPhillips to immediately complete the acquisition.”

He also stated that Oando Energy will now work alongside ConocoPhillips towards completing the acquisition by the long stop date of June 30 or shortly thereafter.

In December 2012, Oando had, through its Exploration & Production subsidiary, Oando Energy Resources, entered into an agreement with ConocoPhilips to acquire its Nigerian businesses.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 — 25

IHS to determine viability of GGOEX’s $1.1bn methanol facility

BY MICHAEL EBOH

T

HE promoters of the Gulf of Guinea Methanol have appointed IHS Global Limited United Kingdom, to conduct a detailed feasibility study on the proposed $1.1 billion (N176 billion) methanol plant at the Ogidigben Industrial Gas Park, in Delta State.

The methanol facility, with a projected daily production of 5,000 metric tonnes, is sponsored by the Gulf of Guinea Oil Exploration Limited (GGOEX), and has Haldor Topsoe AS (HTAS) of Denmark, as its strategic partner and licensor.

According to a statement by Mr. Joe Ibeh, Director, GGOEX, financial closure of the deal is been hampered by the delay in concluding land allocation as well as gas supply to the facility.

He disclosed that the company has been working closely with the Gas and Power Directorate of the NNPC for the past two years in order to bring the project to fruition.

Ibeh, who is formerly a director of the United Kingdom subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), however noted that the project financiers are at advanced stages of discussions with the Nigerian government in reaching agreements for the allocation and supply of natural gas for the life of the project.

While stressing the benefits from the success of the project, he added that methanol would be derived from processing natural gas, which is an optimum feedstock option available and cost efficient in Nigeria.

He maintained that the absence of a thriving chemical industry in Nigeria poses a dilemma for the industrial and economic development future of Nigeria.

According to him, the sector is a key factor to realising national industrial development and growth for petrochemical

products and technology.

He said, “There are no defined chemical development policies in place despite the Vision 20:20:20 agenda, intending to make Nigeria one of the top 20 developed countries in the world.

“This industry belongs to the oil and gas sector, which is the cornerstone of a vibrant petrochemical industry, and there is a need for structural reforms similar to the telecommunications and financial industry to foster domestic growth in the sector.”

PEM Offshore Advanced DP Simulator. A Full Kongsberg Maritime K-Pos System

PEM Offshore invests N450m in training facility Stories BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

P

EM Offshore Limited, a company specialiased in the provision of marine and offshore specialty service in Nigeria, has invested about N450 million in the acquisition and installation of PEM Offshore Simulation and Innovation Centre, POSAIC, to boost local capacity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The training centre located in Lekki, Lagos, is equipped with the latest available offshore simulation technology for all dynamic positioning, DP suites.

At the commissioning and test run of the POSAIC last week in Lagos, Senior Vice President, PEM Offshore Group, Mr. Philips Matthew, said, “The POSAIC would serve to support the training of local and foreign offshore personnel involved in oil and gas operations, underpinning a growing market demand for highly competent and qualified personnel for this high risk environment.”

The methanol plant is to be housed in the proposed Gas Industrial Park at Ogidigben in Delta State, an initiative of the government designed to be a one-stop shop for gas-based industries in the country.

Leaders of Ugborodo community, the host community, were excited at the siting of the project in their domain.

The community however cautioned on the need to maintain peace, in order to ensure the successful completion of the project, which would lead to massive job creation and boost economic activities of the area.

He disclosed that it was in a bid to achieve this objective that the firm entered into partnership with Kongsberg Maritime, which would supply simulation equipment and technical expertise.

According to him, “The simulator includes both DP class B and Class C simulation trainers, allowing for advanced dynamic positioning training for certification in accordance with Nautical Institute, Det norsk Veritas and International Marine Contractors Association standards.”

He said that POSAIC will also be certified for DP Class A, for use in Sea-time reduction training, where time spent in simulator training significantly reduces time required for live training at sea, enabling safer and cost effective training.

Matthew further explained that the training, as an advanced marine and offshore training would concentrate on training marine captains and seafarers who are already operating in the industry. “We tar-

get individuals who are interested in working offshore in the marine and oil and gas industry. We also target office people who need to understand how people who work with them offshore work,” he said.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Management Board, Mr. Ernest Nwapa, commended PEM Offshore for making effort to make the technology available in Nigeria, as this will boost local capacity in oil and gas sector.

“Now I can say confidently that we have no excuse to have mariners that lack the proper certification and training. To even fund the transportation of people to travel overseas to get this kind of training has been a major drawback. International Oil Companies should collaborate to drive this kind of initiative,” he said.

He said the development will drive Nigeria’s quest for local expertise needed to establish itself in marine business.

“We are fighting to make

sure that Nigerians begin to own marine vessels.

IFC partners EDF to provide electricity in Africa

BY MAUREEN UMEH

I

NTERNATIONAL Fi nance Corporation, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and EDF, a major player in the power sector, have signed an agreement to provide electricity to half a million people in sub-Saharan Africa, using hybrid solar-diesel networks and two biomassfired power plants.

The IFC said in a statement that the agreement was focused on sub-Saharan Africa, with a pilot project under development in Benin.

The IFC said the project may be replicated in other parts of Benin, as well as other countries such as Mozambique, Tanzania and Myanmar, adding that bringing power to these people is a major challenge that it must address.

According to the IFC, in signing the agreement, EDF and IFC expect to combine their expertise in order to develop cutting edge, affordable and sustainable solutions for rural electrification.

It maintained that the scope of cooperation between EDF and IFC includes seeking sources of financing to support potential projects; sharing sector expertise between the two institutions; and where necessary, exploring sustainable coinvestment opportunities. This can be done through the creation of a joint investment vehicle to finance eligible projects in the target countries.

FSD, Schneider partner to boost capacity in electricity sector

F

IELD of Skills and Dreams, FSD, a vocational institute has entered into partnership with Schneider Electric to train the youths on domestic electrical installation and maintenance.

The training targets students, electricians and electrical and electronic graduates who desire further practical training.

The partnership saw Schneider Electric equip an electrical installation and maintenance laboratory at FSD training centre. They will as well provide the training resources throughout the duration of the training.

Speaking during the commissioning of the laboratory at FSD Academy in Lagos, Schneider Electric’s Country President in Nigeria, Mr. Marcel Hotchet, said Schneider entered into the partnership as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR and to help develop local talent in the power sector.

He said, “We want to be fully involved in capacity building, especially in the power sector. This will give opportunity to youths who are unemployed.”

He said the company had in the past partnered with the Niger Delta Ministry, and some Non-Government Orgamisations, for the same reason of building local capacity in the sectors that it operates including power and oil and gas.

Hotchet said the partnership with FSD is key if Nigeria must have safe domestic installations and curtail the menace of fire incidents resulting from faulty installations and use of substandard materials.

Also speaking, the Executive Director, FSD, Mrs. Omowale Ogunride, said FSD was inspired by the need to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the country and create needed skills for various industries.

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Marginal field round: FG cautioned against discretionary allocations

BY CLARA NWACHUKWU

A

HEAD of the forthcom ing bid round, and to institute transparency and boost marginal field contribution to Nigeria’s crude output, the Federal Government has been cautioned against the award of oil fields on discretionary basis.

This was part of a 20-point recommendation by TandiceB Solutions Limited, at a oneday round table, on Maximising Value from Nigeria's Marginal Oil Fields: A Survey of Past Awards, in Abuja last week.

The firm urged that “future oil sector legislation, whether the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, or other laws, should void the statutory rights of the President and minister to approve acreage awards on an ad-hoc discretionary basis, and instead require open, and competitive auctions for all acreages.”

Accordingly, it urged the Presidency and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to respect all results of the bid evaluation process and endorse the industry regulator, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR’s final list of winners.

It added that intervention should only be permitted in the event of issues arising from an award, in which a public statement must be issued explaining the decision.

Other agencies and arms of government such as the Nigerian Extractive Industries

Transparency Initiative, NEITI, and the Senate are recommended to “be allowed to independently monitor all marginal field award processes.”

In its assessment of the prevailing circumstances in Nigeria’s marginal fields operations, Tandice-B said its recommendations are meant to improve the quality of future marginal field awards and performances.

The assessments are based on setting goals for marginal field development, identifying the fields, gathering data for the fields, awarding the fields, accessing financing for them, and the fields development.

Other recommendations include that the federal government should enforce the “drill or drop” asset relinquishment rule to boost national production, especially as only seven out of the 24 marginal fields awarded in 2003 have been brought to production.

In view of the low contributions from this sub-sect, government is also encouraged to initiate long term sectoral and asset planning to improve the quality and timing of field awards.

Furthermore, for purposes of accountability, Tandice-B suggests the involvement of the Central Bank of Nigeria,

CBN, to enforce the payment of signature bonuses.

In view of the difficulty in accessing funds for fields development, the firm recommends that government creates “an indigenous operators’ fund to assist qualified field operators who struggle to obtain debt finance.”

Other recommendations have to do with the independence of the DPR as an industry regulator as well as its capacity to effectively police the industry in terms of funding, requisite skills, and availability of tools to carry out its statutory functions and enforce compliance.

From left: Manager Admin, Nipco, Bonaventure Ehiem; Manager Corporate Affairs, Nipco, Lawal Taofeek and Lagos State Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Engr.

Taofiq Tijani, at the pavilion of the company during the just concluded African Outdoor Advertising Exhibition in Lagos.

S

OME residents of Bwari, Karu, Kubwa, and Kuje, have lamented the huge drop in electricity, claiming that they hardly get up to six hours of power in a day in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. The residents, who spoke with Vanguard, said that electricity had dropped significantly over the last two months, adding that they could not boast of even the six hours supply.

Mrs Adeola Bisau, a resident of New Karu, Abuja, said that the disruption in electricity became worse in the last six weeks in that area, stating that the last two weeks have been the worse.

She said that the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, was yet to explain the cause of the worsening power

T

HE Federal Government has reduced the number of companies licensed to import gasoline in the third quarter to 27 from 40 in the previous three months, lists corroborated by regional industry sources have showed.

According to Reuters, the 27 companies were allocated gasoline import rights by Nigeria's downstream regulator Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA), the lists showed.

These companies are expected to import around 1.7 million tonnes for third quarter, down from 1.85 million tonnes in the second quarter.

Though market sources expect some winners will be unable to import owing to financing obstacles - some are still waiting for a backlog of subsidy payments owed by the government following the 2012 subsidy fraud investigation, which unearthed billions of dollars’ worth of fake claims.

Nigeria imports gasoline through two state-owned authorities – PPPRA, and the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company, PPMC. The PPPRA allocations vary quarter-on-quarter while the PPMC typically brings in about 1.4 million tonnes per quarter through crude-for-product swap agreements with traders, market sources said.

Ministry, agencies agree to protect power infrastructure

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

Abuja residents lament drop in power supply

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

FG cuts down on fuel importers for Q3

situation to the residents.

“We have not had light (power) in the last two weeks, and we don’t know what is responsible, and the AEDC keeps going around distributing bills on little or no light while their officials keep disconnecting residents light over small debt. How will they think people will happily pay for light they did not see or use?"

“The situation has made life difficult for us, as our foods get spoilt because there is no light to store them and our businesses are crumbling due to the light problem as well, a situation that increases our expenses unnecessarily,” added Bisau.

Mr Victor Chibike, a resident of Kuje, also complained that electricity supply in that area has nose-dived, which he said made life difficult for them.

“I can’t say we have light

because we hardly use the light before they put us in darkness again. It is like they are helping to take this country backward once again."

Chibike said, “You know light is very important and you can’t compare it with generator light. I want to plead with the AEDC that is now in charge of our area to do something about it and quickly too, so we can return to our normal life.”

In Kubwa, the story is similar, as resident who gave her name as a Ms Emmanuella Udoh, said her area hardly gets enough electricity supply.

It will be recalled that AEDC was one of the 11 power distribution companies that was successfully privatised and handed over to new investors on November 1, 2013.

However, Udoh, who was

visibly worried by the drop in electricity, said she sells ice blocks to make ends meet, yet there is no power to boost her business.

She pleaded with AEDC to resolve whatever problem it was that had caused electricity to drop so badly to the extent that residents could even guess the number of hours they would have power.

KANN Utility Limited, which derives its name from the states that it will serve in its operations namely Kogi, Abuja, Niger, and Nasarrawa, owns 60 per cent equity in AEDC. Though, KANN is a Nigerian registered company formed in 2012, and is jointly owned by XerXes Global Investments Limited, and CEC Africa Investments Limited, a company wholly owned by Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc of Zambia.

D

ETERMINED to curb the activities of vandals in the power sector, the Ministry of Power, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have signed a tripartite agreement to protect power infrastructure across the country.

The Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil, disclosed this last week in Abuja while receiving the DirectorGeneral of the NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri, in his office.

He tasked the agency to put into bear his expertise and purposeful leadership in order to help address the issue of vandalism of power infrastructure.

Wakil, who noted that no other agency is better endowed with tackling this menace than NOA, saying, “NOA should assist in the sensitisation of the citizens to own these infrastructure built by Government in their communities, as it is their responsibility to do so.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 — 27

N8.22trn accrued to 9 states in 4 years — NEITI Stories By CHRIS OCHAYI

T

HE Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, has disclosed that nine state governments received a total sum of N8.22 trillion accrued from oil and gas revenue from the federation account between 2009 and 2011.

Chairman of NEITI, Mr. Lidum Mitee, who revealed this in Abuja, said the first Fiscal Allocation and Statutory Disbursement, FASD, audit conducted by NIETI examined oil and gas revenue transfers to the state governments using the nine states as pilot.

He said the nine states covered by the audit are AkwaIbom, Bayelsa, Delta, Gombe, Imo, Kano, Nasarawa, Ondo and Rivers.

According to him, “the total disbursements to States including the 13% Derivative are N8.22 Trillion from the Federation's mineral revenue.

“From the report, Rivers State was the highest beneficiary of oil specific revenues during the period among the selected states covered by the audit during the period un-

Nuclear power facility der review.

“Rivers received a total of N1.08 trillion from 2007-2011.

This was followed by Akwa Ibom State with N965.88 billion in the same period. Nasarawa State recorded the lowest inflow with N90.78 billion from mineral revenue while Gombe and Kano States recorded N120.20 billion and

N193.64 billion respectively.

Details and relevant breakdowns are expressed in the main report.”

On the application of the revenues by the benefiting states, Mitee said the report highlighted that between the 2009 and 2010 fiscal years; the amount expended on recurrent expenditure by Bayelsa

State exceeded its total annual revenue by 40 percent and 25 percent respectively.

He added, “This means that Bayelsa State must have taken loans to fund its recurrent expenses.

“Also in the same vein, Akwa Ibom State appeared to be the most prudent, with its recurrent expenditure profile revolving around 15-20 percent during the period covered by the audit. Rivers State was also able to keep its recurrent expenditure below 35 percent of its revenue throughout the period,” he said.

Mitee disclosed further that the agency recovered a total of N64.402billion from some companies involved in oil, gas and mineral explorations in the country within the period under review.

He said the companies include AMNI, Chevron, Midwestern Oil, Mobil, Agip, and Total, adding that another $5.8million is expected to be paid by Express Petroleum & Gas Company.

Mitee also said the recoveries were made possible following the reconstitution of the Inter Ministerial Task Team, lMIT, by the Federal Government last December.

Energy mix: Nigeria eyes atomic energy

T

HE Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, has said that Nigeria will in the future look toward the direction of developing nuclear energy in order to boost the quest for a robust energy mix.

Nebo disclosed this last week in Abuja, while receiving the visiting delegation of the International Atomic Energy Council, IAEC, led by its Deputy Director-General, Mr. Kwanu Aning.

He said it is no longer acceptable for the nation to put all its eggs in one basket, insisting that Nigeria will need to correct and avoid hiccups, occasioned by lack of gas to power plants in the future.

According to him, “ we need coal, biomass, small hydro, solar, even nuclear, if it is designed it is the best, as it remained the cleanest and safest form of energy.”

He said as the nation aspires to be the hub of technological know-how on the continent, acquisition of nuclear technology will make our people to mentor other African countries.

FG trains artisans to revolutionalise power sector

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

A

BUJA: To ensure sus tainable electricity supply in the country, the Federal Government has commenced a training programme for artisans, lines men, joiners, fitters and machinists that would enable them acquire skills needed in the new power sector.

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, at a stakeholders’ forum to finetune the implementation of a Presidential initiative tagged “National Power Sector Apprenticeship Scheme” NPSAS, in Abuja, regretted that the qualitative skills needed to run a modern sector is currently lacking.

The stakeholders included plant owners, Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, and other key actors.

Nebo, however, acknowledged the urgent need to find well-trained replacements for retired or outgoing personnel which are estimated at 90 percent of the workforce.

28—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

ARIBISALA: When hatred destroys credibility

What has Chief Tom Ikimi got to do with it?

RIGHT OF REPL Y REPLY

BY FEMI ODERE

I

Chief Tom Ikimi

RIGHT OF REPL Y REPLY

BY ADEYINKA F. HOLLOWAY

An Independent Observer’s Response to Tinubu’s Aide On cerning and objective minds. It’s particularly Aribisala’s Objective Prose Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

disappointing, if not mind-boggling that someone with the academic pedigree like Aribisala would ascribe quoted statements without giving his readers whence his source. But then the gown does not make the monk, so goes the saying. Academic certification does not always equal intelligence. It’s important here to treat Aribisala’spostulations in accordance with their subtitles to the objective minds in order to see which of them passes the stress test.

De-mystification of Tinubu: Aribisala’s assertion that Asiwaju’s influence in the southwest was checkmated by Mimiko because of the latter’s victory “in the 2012 governorship election in Ondo…[in which] the ACN candidate did not even come second...indicated that the Yorubas were getting fed up with Tinubu…”

His reminder that Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in his congratulatory message to governor Mimiko in which he stated that “this victory, amongst other things, is victory over god-fatherism, a rejection of political imposition and slavery from outside the state” shows how disingenuous and pathetically clueless Aribisala Asiwaju is like that Rock of Gibraltar that can be in his rabid attempt they’re yet to figure out how to shatter into to call the dog a bad name in order to hang it. pieces so that the country can continue to be The fact of the matter is plundered unhindered that Mimiko’s so-called victory was made possihis subject of hate. Femi Aribisala, Ph.D. is un- ble by President Jonathan who created the enabashedly a President Goodluck Jonathan apol- abling environment for systemic rigging to take ogist. Making sure that the president secures place with his heavy deployment of the milianother four years in 2015 is probably the most tary and the police into the state for the purimportant endeavour of his life at this time. pose of the election. The ACN candidate was In his many articles, he has described the deliberately pushed into the third position Jonathan administration as “making giant through rigging to make it difficult for the parstrides” in all the indices of growth and devel- ty to challenge the election in court. Even if opment. He is yet to see anything about Presi- one is to concede to the argument that the then dent Jonathan and his administration that he ACN was rejected at the poll because of what didn’t like, including those glaringly ridiculous Aribisala and Chief Fasoranti believed was a things from the president that had been round- “victory over god-fatherism…[and] political imly condemned by the international community position and slavery from outside the state,” as highly reprehensible and outrightly despica- the people of Ondo State now wish they had ble. voted for the candidate of that “godfather from Therefore, one need not be a prophet or high- outside the state.” ly academically endowed to see through the viIn case Aribisala does not know, Governor tuperations of Aribisala. His strategy is very sim- Mimiko is now the most hated governor in the ple: relentlessly haul as many bricks, mortars state’s history by the people. I know this for a and anything he can conjure up on Asiwaju in fact because I am from the state. The “electoral order to poison unsuspecting minds. So, while cooperation” entered into with Mimiko by Chief he describes President Jonathan administration Fasoranti and his faction of Afenifere group in glowing terms, he must cast aspersions on could not have been for the betterment of the Tinubu, the president’s most formidable neme- generality of the people of Ondo State but for sis in the southwest, if not the entire country. the selfish, personal aggrandizement of the few Asiwaju is like that Rock of Gibraltar that they’re individuals in the group. Otherwise they would yet to figure out how to shatter into pieces so have spoken out against the one-man governthat the country can continue to be plundered ment that Mimiko has been running since the unhindered. He’s their enemy Number One and beginning of his second term. But they could the main issue in the country’s neo-progressive not because Chief Fasoranti and his Afenifere politics that gives them sleepless nights. group are not leaders but elders whose socioWhile it is within his right to hate whomsoever political antecedents are antithetical to other he chooses, Aribisala definitely does not have people of leadership attributes. the right, let alone the privilege to package falseTo be concluded hoods as facts without being challenged by dis-

,

I

READ with disgust the at tempt of Sunday Dare to salvage the image of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the media through his purported response to the dossier written by Mr. Femi Aribisala. In his response, Dare grappled for sensation by trying to malign Chief Tom Ikimi, an elder statesman of repute.

My questions exactly are, What has this got to do with Chief Tom Ikimi? Why is this fellow attacking a man who has clearly given up the space for Asiwaju to do what he may with the party he’s worked tirelessly to build? Who is afraid of Tom Ikimi?

Nigerians indeed have a short term memory to allow the likes of Asiwaju play a prominent role up till this moment. So it was Chief Tom Ikimi that traded the mandate of the SW in the elections that seeded the votes to PDP for oil blocks and billions of Naira?

Who is the true enemy of democracy? The man whose family occupies political positions without merits or the man who has worked meritoriously for every-

,

READ Sunday Dare’s article first before I read that of Femi Aribisala, in which the former’s piece was a response to the latter’s vituperations on what he hoped would be the impending political demise of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu. I stumbled upon the response of the Special Adviser on Media to Tinubu on Premium Times during one of my earmarked times for browsing Nigeria-oriented internet news portals.

Femi Aribisala titled his piece “The Beginning of the End of the Bola Tinubu Dynasty.” For the surfers of Nigeria’s internet news portals, Aribisala is probably a known quantity who writes prolifically mostly on theological issues, being a theologian.

I used to apply the brakes during my surfing adventures to see if Aribisala had any interesting ‘wares’ on display when I get to his ‘station.’ Sometimes his interpretation of some aspects of the scripture could be thought-provoking, while most times you had no choice than to conclude he is a nutcase, which I had since concluded. His sometimes acidic, if not nauseating takes on issues of national importance are not different.

Aribisala’s piece on Asiwaju Tinubu not only stretched the ridiculous to the unimaginable, but he has managed to damage his reputation by presenting opinions, innuendoes and conjectures as facts. He missed the mark so badly. While freedom of expression including his unmitigated hatred of Asiwaju is among his inalienable rights, the same freedom of expression does not permit Aribisala to shout fire in a crowded movie theatre. This is why he needs to be called to order by right thinking and discerning minds.

It is important to situate the politics of Aribisala vis-à-vis his hatred of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on one hand and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the other in order to understand the intended destination of his relentless vitriol on

a Deputy Governor to Oyinlola (these are facts Dare can verify from his boss or Oyinlola who is still alive).

When you serve people, you should try as much as possible to do your homework rather than counting just the proceeds and personal gains. Maybe this might explain why he despised the Abacha rule, having played into the hands of the ruthless ruler.

Note as well that Gen. Buhari also served in the Government of Abacha, yet Asiwaju finds him worthy of his right hand for obvious reasons of capturing the Northern votes of the teeming number of blind followers desperate for power under the born-torule dogma.

Democracy in Nigeria is becoming a cliche which many political parties pay lip service. It is commonly used by brain-washers and hypocrites alike to hide their surreptitious intentions which generally excludes the masses. The game is called imposition. Some in the All Progressives Congress (APC) would prefer the irresolute use of consensus candidate as executed recently in their National Congress where it was ensured that a chairman capable of being manipulated emerged since the attempt to retain Chief Bisi Akande was thwarted.

Take a quick look at the first eleven (Lagos State) in the House of Representatives, who were specifically handpicked by Asiwaju comprising characters who can hardly string sentences together not to mention suggest reforms or propose bills. These are the many examples of the informalities and redundancies at the expense of the masses.

Dare was also quoted as saying; “May we remind Aribisala that Tom Ikimi was never a democrat and even as an adept political chameleon cannot metamorphose into one overnight. What role did he play during the dark

Who is the true enemy of democracy?

The man whose family occupies political positions without merits or the man who has worked meritoriously for everything he owns?

thing he owns?

Leaders of the party had since been begging Chief Tom Ikimi not to take any drastic moves or think about leaving the party but all these tantrums may jeopardize the plea. The party is already exposed to destruction with the various antics of neutralizing credible conscience of the party by Asiwaju.

In the spirit of enlightenment, may I hint that Asiwaju was one of those who in1993 prevailed on General Abacha, then Chief of Army Staff to remove Chief Ernest Shonekan and replace him with the late MKO Abiola. Gen Abacha was to operate as Asiwaju & Co’s mercenary. When the plot failed Asiwaju pleaded with Abacha to appoint him Governor of Lagos State which also did not happen.

When he was turned down he pleaded to be allowed to serve as

,

days of the NADECO struggle to emancipate the Nigerian nation and its good people from the iron grip of military despotism? That of an ignoble anti-democrat who chose to turn his back on the people and became deaf to their cries of anguish by dining with Abacha.”

The only chameleon here, if the truth were to be told, is none other than Asiwaju who’s regional attempt at vacillating practice of diluted democracy (autocracy) dissolved AD- Alliance For Democracy, which was basically regional until the advent of the same man (Chief Tom Ikimi) who started and registered AC- Action Congress, which Asiwaju later dumped AD for. Friedrich Nietzsche once said “Blessed are the forgetful: for they get the better even of their blunders.”

To be concluded

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36 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

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arely six years, after the Lagos State Government, through its regulatory agency, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, L AMATA, introduced the Bus Rapid Transit System, BRT, in collaboration with some operators, public outcry has continued to greet the rising catalog of accidents involving the BRT buses, which have claimed several lives, leaving most victims and passengers on board with various degrees of injuries.

The bitter taste left by rampaging soldiers numbering over 100, last Friday, following an accident at Palmgrove area, involving a BRT bus, which purportedly claimed the life of an unnamed soldier was yet to heal, when last Sunday, another BRT bus reportedly killed three people on a motorcycle, who were being chased by policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, at Awoyaya bus stop along Lekki-Epe Expressway , Lagos.

BRT lanes and operations

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ithin

the Lagos metropolis, the BRT began operation on March 24, 2008 and currently plies at least 50 routes .

The BRT which runs a 16hour-operations from 6.00am to 10.00 pm currently uses over 220 buses to move more than 200,000 passengers daily, with two operatorsLAGBUS, an Asset Management Company owned by the State government, operating the red buses and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, First BRT Co-operative Society operating the blue buses.

The buses are built to accommodate 46 sitting passengers and 36 standing, but currently, this has been abused by operators.

Safety of lives

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hen the Lagos State government placed a ban on operators of 911 commercial buses, popular called ‘Molue’ from plying Lagos Island and the three bridges linking mainland to the Island, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola had assured that the agency was injecting more BRT buses “in order to ensure the safety of lives on our roads, as well as cushioning the effect of the banned 911 commercial yellow buses, among other factors.”

C M Y K

Outcry, rampage over rising accidents involving BRT buses But with the recurring accidents involving these BRT buses, many residents are beginning to raise an eyebrow over the assurance of safety of lives.

Some recent accidents involving BRT buses October 2, 2012

A red LAGBUS was involved in an accident at Marina, Lagos, when its driver in a bid to avoid collision with another BRT bus which abruptly entered its route, swerved and hit a wall. Many passengers were fatally wounded in that crash.

January 10, 2013

In the morning of this day, a BRT bus and a saloon car were involved in an accident at the Ikotun area of Lagos.

The driver of the car and two others were seriously injured and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

September 5, 2013

A LAGBUS, with registration number, Lagos XU998 AAA, at about 2:15pm on this day, crashed into four stationary vehicles parked under the Carter Bridge, at Ebute Ero area of the state.

Eyewitnesses said the bus, which was carrying passengers, was heading towards Leventis, on Lagos Island.

The brakes of the bus, said to be on top speed, failed and it skidded off the road, dragging a pedestrian, identified simply as Francis, under a parked car by the roadside. The bus then crashed into four other cars as the driver tried to regain control of it.

July 4, 2014

An unnamed soldier was allegedly knocked down by the BRT bus driver while riding a motor bike on the exclusive BRT lane at the Palmgrove area of Lagos.

Irked by the sad incident, it was said that soldiers numbering over 100, dressed in combat fatigue and wielding AK47 assault rifles, stormed the PalmgroveOnipanu axis along the

Various crashes involving BRT Buses Ikorodu road, and allegedly went on a destructive rampage setting fire on at least five BRT buses and damaging three others valued at N100 million. The soldiers were said to have also beaten up the BRT bus drivers and passengers who try to obstruct them.

July 6, 2014

Commuters on the LekkiEpe expressway were held up in traffic for three hours after hoodlums blocked incoming vehicles to Lagos following an accident involving a BRT bus that killed three people.

It was said that an okada rider and his two passengers twho were running away from policemen were all killed when they got hit by an oncoming BRT bus at the Awoyaya vicinity, just before Mayfair Gardens.

The blame game

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ollowing Friday ’s accident, Hon. Bisi Yusuf,

,

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

A policeman chasing an Okada rider and his passengers were all killed when the three carelessly got into the road and got hit by an on-coming BRT bus at the Awoyaya vicinity

,

the Chairman, Committee on Transportation, Commerce and Industry, at the Lagos State House of Assembly, lamented that most BRT drivers are not fit to drive.

Yusuf, while reacting to the

incident at the House, said there is a case involving a BRT driver currently before his committee .

He agreed that it was an offence for anyone to ply the BRT lane but more of an offence to kill anybody because he was plying the route.

“It is an offence for anyone to take the BRT lane, but killing is forbidden,” he said.

He said the committee has started looking into the issue and that sanctions would be invoked where necessary.

Yusuf said he had personally witnessed the recklessness of some of the drivers, adding that he would also meet with the State Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, over the issue.

On his part, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, while reacting to commuters’ complaints about the poor condition of BRT

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

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Mile 2, Oshodi Apapa Expressway traffic: No relief in sight

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Mile 2 gridlock

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buses, attributed the poor maintenance of the buses to the dearth of spare parts in the country.

He said: “You know, we don’t manufacture buses and we don’t manufacture spares but we have acquired additional 50 buses. Besides, Safest Way Transport in Agege has just acquired 10 more buses, while Mutual Transports in Ejigbo/Ikotun has also acquired another 30 buses. We have a total of about 80 to 90 new buses now, which will soon be introduced; we are also working hard with the operators to improve their capacity to fix their buses.

“The major problem is the issue of spare parts, which we don’t manufacture, but by and large, the operators can do better. We are working hard with the owners of those buses to ensure that they improve on the quality of their services.”

he unending traffic gridlock along Oshodi Apapa Expressway, especially at Mile 2 axis, will linger for a while, as Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, have threatened to withdraw their services if they were forced out of the road.

The axis has remained a nightmare to residents, motorists, commuters and port users, as traffic sometimes keep people on the road for more than 12 hours. The situation, has also forced some businesses within Apapa to relocate, while bandits always have a field day robbing and maiming innocent motorists and residents unhindered.

In May 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan sent federal delegation, led by Minister for Finance and coordinating Minister for Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala comprising Idris Umar, Minister of Transport and Mike Onolememen, Minister of Works and Sylvester Monye, Chairman of the Ports Monitoring Committee, to Lagos to access necessary repairs on Apapa Oshodi Express Road up to Apapa Seaport.

According to Iweala, a major hurdle to the attainment of the objective had been infrastructure problems, particularly the blocking of Apapa Oshodi Expressway by tankers and trucks.

Mike Onolememen, Minister of Works, speaking also, said efforts were on to gear up the completion of the ongoing construction works on Apapa Oshodi road, His transportation counterpart, Idris Umar, also assured that work on trucks’ parking lot was progressing, and all these were aimed at attaining the overall objective of 48 hour cargo clearing at the Nigerian ports, and to make

Apapa a business friendly environment.

Worried by the intractable problems, Governor Babatunde Fashola and members of the state’s Executive Council, last Sunday, conducted an inspection tour of the situation in Apapa axis with a view of finding a solution.

Fashola, however, during an earlier tour, blamed the Federal Government, its agencies and oil companies for what he termed, “environmental degradation” in some parts of the state, saying the sad development was in total disregard for the well being of the people of the state. He particularly, expressed dismay at the level of environmental degradation at the Marine Beach and Ijora Causeway as a result of the activities of the petrol tankers and oil companies, adding that they were operating without conscience.

“Everybody is talking about degradation. They should come here and see degradation from the activities of the Federal Government and its agencies and the oil companies. They are destroying our land in the name of exploration and transportation of petroleum products. Now, when you create human activity, be sure of providing for degradation.

PTD threat

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omrade Tayo Aboyeji, South West, Public Relations Officer, PTD, has said the only way out of Mile 2 Oshodi Apapa Expressway traffic gridlock is for his group to down tools. A move stakeholders are doing everything possible to avoid.

According to him, last minute plan by PTD to embark on strike last week was prevented following appeals from the

presidency and the state government.

Aboyeji, who claimed his members must have lost up to N1.5 billion to despicable traffic situation in the last two weeks said, “We spent about N2 million to refill some of the bad portions on the road but it won’t help because we still have the problem of parking space within tank farms.

“To worsen the situation, the tank farm owners who were willing to repair the degraded

,

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

the gridlock.

He also blamed the influx of tankers from across the states to load product at Apapa. “We have over 36 oil depots along that axis and let assume all the depots have products. As am talking to you now all the depots have product to dispense. Ordinarily, the only minimum they ’re supposed to bring to the state is hundred trucks per day but because of the current problem we only release 10 to 15 trucks, if we multiply the 15 trucks by 25 depots that will give us about 375 tankers and they are those tankers that line up from Coconut to Mile 2.

“Besides this, there is a problem between Tin Can 1st Gate and Coconut. Where you see container lining up to get to the ports, claiming they don’t have access to the ports, where they were supposed to park .

“We are also worried that both vehicular and human movements have been greatly affected by the high presence of tankers as well as other articulated vehicles, but we are doing our possible best to solve the problem.

“On the special taskforce set up to manage traffic situation, the spokesman, explained that the men are doing two shifts, early in the morning, 5 am to 11 am, and evening shift, 5pm to 8 pm, considered to be peak periods.

“We have met with Julius

We have over 36 oil depots along that axis and let assume all the depots have products.

As am talking to you now all of the depots have product to dispense

road as palliative measure to the on going reconstruction are afraid of running foul of the law.

Because, there is a regulation that states they must obtain permit from the FG before embarking on such venture.”

The state government and PTD, had set up a special taskforce to manage traffic at the black spots along the road to allow free flow of traffic. This however is having little effect.

Aboyeji, explained that the union had met with the Governor and Commissioner for Transportation to fashion out better ways of easing the traffic gridlock through special taskforce which had commenced work.

He absolved his members of causing the gridlock on the road, but put the blame on the construction giant, Julius Berger, for slowing down the job which he said had compounded

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Berger to fast track the construction of that road and they promised to do so but they said they have their own challenges.

We just want to appeal to the Julius Berger to fast track construction and open up the express. We have been using service lane for the past one year without any problem.

They said they can only finish the work by October t h i s y e a r. We a p p e a l t o government to do the right thing. “ We a l s o a p p e a l t o motorists and other road users to bear with us, as we promise to reduce congestion as soon as possible in Lagos. We are still strategizing on how to further cushion the influx of tankers with the attendant gridlock. We assure that we will continue to impress discipline on our members.”

38— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

By Theodore Opara

Jaguar storms market with 1st cross-border satellite navigation

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AGUAR Land Rover is offering buyers of the 2014 edition of the Jaguar XF models an integrated satellite navigation with extensive map across 22 sub-saharan African countries, Nigeria inclusive.

This is the first time any auto maker is offering such equipment in its cars in the sub-saharan region of Africa.

For this reason, Jaguar Land Rover invited motoring journalists from across the sub saharan region to feel the new technology at a test drive in Swaziland. The journalists test drived the cars for two days in the small Southern African country and it proved to be very effective as one of the journalists left behind by the convoy during the test drive stated: “With crossborder satllite navigation, you can’t get lost anywhere.

Jaguar says the first to market benefit makes exploring Africa that much simpler and convenient, reducing travel time, minimising distances and increase safety.

Jaguar Land Rover subSahara Africa’s Extended Navigation represents an industry first as a factory-fitted integrated system, this is thanks to the combination of the latest generations of Tracks4Africa and Nokia HERE, seamlessly integrated via a sophisticated on-board unit using the acclaimed iGo primo platform that allows for SD card software and map updates.

Tracks4Africa is a suite of 16 maps of rural areas, with impressive detail, much of its content being user-driven and based on actual driving experiences on the continent.

It represents data compiled over more than a decade by thousands of serious overland adventurers who have recorded their route on a GPS device. Their experiences – checked and validated against those of other users who have driven the same route – are verified before

•Upgraded Jaguar XF

being loaded onto the system.

In this way Tracks4Africa provides access to a network of around 720 000km of ‘navigable’ roads in Africa.

This represents 90 percent of the roads ever travelled by self-drive tourists in Africa, cataloguing thousands of points of interest along the way.

For example, in Angola it maps nearly 20 000 roads and tracks, and details more than 2 500 points of interest.

For the urban environment, the mapping software of choice is Nokia HERE, which gives comprehensive coverage of over 100 cities in sub-Sahara Africa. Users simply change from the rural to the urban environment at the touch of a ‘button’ on the TFT screen of their Jaguar, with features like lane guidance and historical traffic information (depending on

the market) enabling users to find their hotel or the airport with minimal delay and inconvenience.

Extended Navigation is

now standard on all Jaguar cars (and Land Rover vehicles) fitted with satellite navigation systems, with the exception of the Land Rover Defender and

Jaguar XK. “Africa is a vast continent, and you don’t want to end up too far off track,” says Nigel Clarke, Operations Director of Jaguar Land Rover subSahara Africa.

“With Extended Navigation the guesswork is taken out of it whether you’re in an urban or rural environment, adding yet another dimension to the Jaguar brand.”

The Tracks4Africa/Nokia HERE combination embraces Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Coverage of urban areas is available in Benin, Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.

Coverage extends to 22 countries, nearly threequarters of a million kilometres of roads of all kinds and many thousands of points of interest – and is growing all the time thanks to the userdriven interface of Tracks 4 Africa and the proactive approach by Nokia with HERE. With ongoing updates and user input, the mapping content is ‘alive’, and easily upgraded.

...upgrades Jaguar XF model with executive features

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he latest iteration of the Jaguar XF medium-sized executive is now available in all of Jaguar Land Rover subSahara Africa’s markets, boasting more ground-breaking technology such as Extended Navigation.

This feature, which combines two separate mapping packages offered for the first time as a single, integrated solution, will give Jaguar XF drivers an unprecedented transborder navigation capability, allowing for safe and efficient travel across Africa.

“The XF continues to offer a compelling blend of style, performance and refinement, and the changes effected from MY14.5 – as these updates are known internally – it remains a car which will appeal to those who are used to the finer things in life,” commented Nigel Clarke, Operations Director of JLR SSA. “For these people, their time is one of the

most important commodities and with Extended Navigation they can use time even more efficiently by getting straight to where they want to go, with minimal delay thanks to exceptional intuitiveness and usability, not to mention an impressive array of features.”

As well as Extended Navigation, the MY14.5 introduces additional convenience features; including Rear Park Aid for Luxury derivatives, and Reverse Park Camera for Premium Luxury derivatives. All 3.0-litre diesel and 3.0-litre petrol models boast a rear spoiler as standard.

This rear spoiler will be offered as an option on the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol models, while a full aerodynamic – which adds a revised front bumper, black grille with chrome surround, body-coloured rear valance and ‘R’ Style side sills – is also available. The Black Pack – available

Continues on page 39

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 — 39

By Theodore Opara

F

ord Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) will give a glimpse of its vision for a new global B-segment compact car, in the form of the Ford Figo Concept, at the inaugural Go Further event in Johannesburg, on 17 July 2014.

Highlighting premium design along with smart and safety features, the concept vehicle provides an indication of the design language to be used in a future version of the popular Figo.

It is also confirmed that a production version of the Figo Concept is planned for South African and Sub-Saharan African (SSA) markets; however details and specifications have yet to be confirmed.

Ford aims to set new standards for quality and craftsmanship in the Bsegment, and exceed the expectations of consumers in emerging markets. At less than four metres long, the concept displays a purposeful presence and a no-compromise aesthetic that continues Ford’s design leadership in the global compact car market.

“We don’t want consumers to have to compromise when it comes to choosing modern design, value, safety, and technology in their cars” says Mark Kaufman, vice president for marketing, sales and service, Ford SSA. “Figo Concept offers all of the above in a package that would surprise many.”

Building on Ford’s compact car offerings, the Figo Concept illustrates how Ford plans to face growing global demand for compact vehicles. Despite its rapid growth, the compact car segment will remain highly competitive as increasingly savvy buyers look for ways to make their money go further.

“Increasingly we are seeing everybody – from first time

•Ford Figo

Ford Figo concept to be unveiled at Go Further event in S-Africa buyers to families looking at their second or third car – demanding more from their cars,” says Kaufman. “With the Figo Concept we explore the possibilities of offering fresh design, a roomy interior, as well as the latest safety and connected technologies.”

With the goal of bringing unexpected levels of refinement to the compact car segment, designers created the Ford Figo Concept using design elements common to more expensive

vehicles.

“In designing the Figo Concept we took a no compromises approach,” says Moray Callum, Ford Motor Company ’s vice president, Design. “The Figo Concept’s premium, long-lasting design was crafted from the ground up, building on Ford’s global small car expertise and success. The design is clean and elegant, to convey a sense of precision, efficiency and

sophistication, and to provide our customers worldwide with the global standards of design, quality and performance they are looking for.”

Smart design features like electrically adjustable powerfold mirrors are practical, helping to remove the stress of driving through a busy and congested environment. The mirrors also have a flexible architecture that prevents them from being broken off if

bumped by another car or motorbike. Ford also designed the Ford Figo Concept to feature unprecedented levels of safety for its class, further enhancing the peace of mind for drivers.

Moving inside, the spacious cabin is filled with innovative stowage spaces, the Ford Figo Concept delivers surprising features that bring the promise of tomorrow’s technologies to drivers of compact vehicles.

Full implementation of National Auto Policy starts T

HE National Automotive Council (NAC) has said that the Federal government has retained the July 1, 2014 date for full implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industrial Development Plan (NAIDP).

In a statement released during the flag off of the Peugeot 301 production in Nigeria and commissioning of the proposed site for automotive cluster Park at PAN Nigeria Limited, Kaduna.

The Director General of NAC, Engineer Aminu Jalal maintained that there is no going back on the earlier pronouncement for full implementation on July 1, 2014. Full details of the statement: “Following the space of enquiries from stakeholder, the media and general public, the National Automotive Council (NAC) wishes to confirm that the July 1, 2014 date for full implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) remains sacrosanct; and there is no intention whatsoever to suspend or post

pone policy implementation. The implementation of NAIDP, as published in the Federal Government Officials Gazette No.33 of January 2014, is still on course.

However, it may take up till December 2014 before two critical components of NAIDP are realized. These are the introduction of a nationwide Automotive Credit Purchase Scheme and attainment of the critical capacity by local assembly plants/new in investors to meet estimated national demand. In view of this, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga has invoked a provision in the circular No. BD/FP/DO/09/ 1/224 OF 29TH February 2014 as clearly provided for the Minister / NAC to extend the waiver of only 35% levy on used vehicle imports from July 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 in order to manage market condition. It means that used vehicles import at 35% tariff only without 35% levy is extended till December 31st, 2014.

The implementation of all other

aspect of NAIDP remain in force as the policy is not all about tariff on used vehicles only. Those who engage in local value added will continue to import new fully built vehicles twice the number they assemble without levy as well. SKD 2 Kits they import at the easiest level of as-

sembly will attract 10% tariff and the CKD kits will attract 0% duty.

Council is hopeful that by January 1, 2015, the local assembly plants would have developed sufficient combined capacity to supply affordable vehicles that can meet national demand. By then also, the new automotive

credit purchase scheme should have come on stream in order to enhance the capacity of Nigerians, who may otherwise buy used vehicles, to now acquire new ones on convenient payment terms. A payment spread over four to five years at single digit interest rate is anticipated.

...upgrades Jaguar XF model with executive features Continues from page 38 as a standalone or in addition to the Aero pack – adds further gravitas thanks to the gloss black side window surrounds, black grille/grille surround and black bootlid garnish.

As far as the interiors are concerned, Premium Luxury models can be enhanced with the Sport Pack; comprising heated and cooled electrically-adjustable (with a dualposition memory for the driver) sports seats in soft grain leather, bright stainless steel pedals, and Jet Morzine treatment for the headlining and the roof pillars. A number of sound system and interior veneers are also available as well as a television tuner.

The MY14.5 XF range comprises eight

models, with a choice of four engines – two turbodiesels (2.2-litre four-cylinder and 3.0litre V6), a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with 177kW, as well as the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 with 250kW and 450Nm. The flagship of the range is the V8-engined XFR-S (405kW), offering a blend of exceptional performance along with superb dynamic ability. The 375 kW XFR remains available.

“The XF range has been the Jaguar brand’s mainstay for a number of years and with this latest round of changes will continue to do so. Extended Navigation is especially significant in the sub-Saharan markets, where it will give us a unique selling proposition,” concluded Clarke.

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Nyako: On the brink Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State is fighting for his political life as his determined political opponents move to shove him out of office

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR AND UMAR YUSUF The impeachment drama playing out in Adamawa State took another turn yesterday after the embattled governor of the state, Murtala Nyako declared a two day public holiday purportedly to enable the citizenry to pray over the issues that have recently bestirred the state.

The declaration of the two day public holiday was, however, largely seen as a masterstroke on the part of the governor to cripple the move against him given that the Chief Judge of the state who belatedly constituted the impeachment panel was due to retire today. By declaring the public holiday it was expected that the inauguration of the impeachment panel would be delayed.

However, the panel waved away the machination as it commenced sitting yesterday in a private hotel, J & J Holiday Villa in Yola.

The decision of the panel to proceed with its duties it was learnt had demoralized the governor and fueled suggestions that the governor was considering resigning from office.

Remarkably those who have positioned themselves for the governor ’s jugular have remained undaunted despite the seeming conciliatory gestures of Nyako. Nyako was first elected as governor in 2007 and reelected for a second term in 2011. He, however, decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP the party on whose platform he won his two elections folloing strong disagreements with the mainstream of the party led by the immediate past national chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Nyako had in the past proved to be pugnacious against the president and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and even against former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar who had in the past come out to save him in

difficult times.

The 20 point allegations against Nyako 1.

Fraudulent diversion of N2.3 Billion Adamawa state worker ’s salaries for September and October 2011.

2. Illegal deductions and diversion of the sum of N142 million employment of Adamawa state workers in May 2014.

3. Diversion of N120 million public funds to sponsor fictitious visits of General Muhammadu Buhari to Adamawa sate to commiserate with flood victims of insurgents attacks in Madagali and Michika local government areas.

4.

Extra-budgetary expenditure of N1, 740, 785 on fictitious special assistants and another N166, 230, 536.88 on personal assistants in 2013.

5.

Fraudulent award of contract of over N8 Billion through SNECOU Group of Companies Ltd allegedly to siphon public funds without delivering any service to the people of Adamawa state.

6.

Corrupt siphoning of the sum of N300 million public funds through a company, Hydrosources Resources Ltd in the name of Mubi By-pass without mobilising to site or any construction carried out long after collecting the N300 million from Adamawa state funds.

7. Gross violation of the oath of office by outrageous patronage and dominance of family and friends in the discharge of government such as MGDs office, the SPPU and ministry of Health.

8.

Gross violation of section 120 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and gross misappropriation and diversion of internally Generated Revenue for personal use to the detriment of the people.

9. Squandering the sum of N4, 805, 216, 538 and N7,

•Gov Nyako 114, 590.85 in 2012 and 2013 respectively through the office of the SSG against budgetary approvals.

10.

Expenditures of exorbitant sum of N2.5 billion as other miscellaneous expenses through the internal affairs and special services units.

11.

Extra budgetary procurement of fertiliser and diversion of proceeds from the sales of same from 2007 to date.

12.

The MDGs office is

managed by the governor’s close relations and has squandered N220 million and N786, 644.94 unbudgeted funds in 2013 for the implementation of MDGs programme.

13. Diversion of over N400 million out of the N500 million federal government intervention funds for flood victims in 2011.

14.

Diversion of government funds through illegal importation of hospital equipment to the

tune of N156 million while the state still owes the contractor and illegal acquisition of containerized mobile workshop for vocational training centers.

15.

Corruption and extra budgetary award of contracts for the construction of Army Barracks road, Mayo Belwa Road; Pella to Maiha Road; Gombi to Ga’anda to Fotta Road; Rumde to Yolde Pate Road; construction of mubi bypass, contrary to section 120 (2), (3) and (4) of the construction of the Federal Republic of Nigerian 1999.

16.

Squandering of N1 billion Adamawa German Hospital, managed by close a relation to the Governor.

17.

Shoddy conception and operation of Adamawa German Hospital, managed by close relation to the Governor.

18. Abuse of office and violation of Adamawa state law by the appointment of his wife, Dr. Halima Nyako as chairman, Adamawa state action committee on Aids, (SACA) contrary to SACA law.

19.

Over bearing strangulation of the local government areas and extortion of local government funds in the name of joint account projects and security challenges in mubi and other parts of the state.

20.

Alleged of corrupt practices.

Seven steps to the removal of a governor:

Date done

1- An allegation signed by at least one-third of the members of the House of Assembly 2. Speaker serves notice on governor and members of House of Assembly within seven days of receiving notice

June 18, 2014 June 28, 2014

3 – House resolves by motion whether or not to investigate the allegations

June 26, 2014

4 – Speaker directs Chief Judge to appoint a seven man panel to investigate the allegations within seven days of adoption of motion to investigate governor.

July 4, 2014

5- Panel submits its report within three months to House of Assembly.

????

6- House of Assembly votes on panel report within 14 days of submission of report. The governor stands removed if twothirds of the House votes that the allegations against the governor have been proved.

????

7. The governor loses his position is turned to an ordinary citizen.

????

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014—41

16 YEARS AFTER:

Abiola’s ghost wants a workable Nigeria

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

F

OR a death that claimed only one life at the Aso Rock Clinic on July 7, 1998, it is an irony that the import of that mysterious event, now symbolises the multifaceted challenges militating against the future of over 170million lives.

Though opinions are still divided as to whether the death of Chief MKO Abiola is of any significance to Nigeria’s journey to nationhood, many see the death as a supreme sacrifice for the enthronement of an enduring democracy.

This feeling is so common among the majority of Nigerians, who are still sad that the hope and confidence the election promised, were dashed under circumstances still regarded as questionable till date.

With the immediate pains of that bungled era are no longer too hurtful, the scars of that historical episode have continued to live with a every Nigeria. Same could be said of Abiola’s ghost which has continued to hunt Nigerians from the deadly Sambisa forests to the relatively calm creeks of the Niger Delta region.

Analysts argue that had the nagging issues that created June 12 annulment and Abiola’s subsequent death been resolved, his ghost would have been resting in peace regardless of the injustice believed to have been meted unto him by the state.

But with the issues of ethnicity, religion, leadership, political culture among others, which Abiola was believed to have fought to have them bettered, still holding the nation down, Abiola’s ghost still hoover across the land sixteen years after.

This is why friends and associates put aside the emotional pains of loosing Abiola, who is the assumed winner of the polls, to demand for a Nigeria where all the institutions of the state work at a forum organised to mark the sixteen years of his death yesterday in Lagos.

Like the generality of opinions across the country, those at the event which was held at Abiola’s Ikeja residence unanimously

agreed that Abiola’s death ultimately benefited Nigeria’s political development, although perhaps, not as he intended.

In her remarks, President of Campaign for Democracy, CD, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, said, “The very democratic tree his victory planted has withered as we are still in search of real democracy in our clime.

The only reparation Nigeria can pay MKO is to ensure that a new order emerges from the on-going National Conference to instill justice, equity and fairness in our body politic.

“These are the very virtues MKO defended till he died. Once again, we salute the memory of President M K O Abiola, the only truly elected President of Nigeria whose election was clean, free and fair and adjudged so by local and international observers”, she noted.

She further observed that: “Abiola displayed uncommon courage, unparalleled dignity and unusual candour in defence of the mandate reposed in him by change

•Abiola: Displayed uncommon courage seeking Nigerians who trooped out to vote for him in

1993 and engaged all the illegal regimes that held sway

while the legal president was languishing in jail. 16 years after his elimination, President Abiola still stands tall than all his adversaries and his murderers.”

In addition, OkeiOdumakin said: “ He represents what Nigeria is capable of being but which we are not because of the machinations of a greedy cabal.

All the troubles of Nigeria which his victory was about to abolish are the very things that are threatening the corporate existence of the country today. A country that elected Abiola with a Muslim running mate would not hear of such today as it is badly divided along regions and religions.

We are now remembering MKO in the midst of insurgency ruins, Chibok abductions and people burying their dead in the Boko Haram harvest of blood. His memory challenges us to end terror in Nigeria.”

Going down memory lane she recalled that “ July 7 marks the 16th anniversary of the liquidation of President MKO Abiola, the man popularly elected by Nigerians as president on June 12, 1993.

President Abiola was eliminated after over four years of incarceration and his blunt refusal to compromise his principled belief that a mandate given by over 14 million Nigerians cannot be overturned.”

Constitutional provisions on the removal of a governor 188. (1) The Governor or Deputy Governor of a state may Removal of Governor be removed from office in accordance with the provisions or Deputy Governor of this section. from office.

(2) Whenever a notice of any allegation in writing signed by not less than one-third of the members of the House of Assembly. (b) stating that the holder of such office is guilty of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office, detailed particulars of which shall be specified. the speaker of the House of Assembly shall, within seven days of the receipt of the notice, cause a copy of the notice to be served on the holder of the office and on each member of the House of Assembly, and shall also cause any statement made in reply to the allegation by the holder of the office, to be served on each member of the House of Assembly.

(3) Within fourteen days of the presentation of the notice to the speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement was made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice-, the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.

(4) A motion of the House of Assembly that the allegation be investigated shall not be declared as having been passed unless it is supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of all the

•Halima Nyako members of the House of Assembly.

(5) Within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions of this section, the Chief judge of the State shall at the request of the speaker of the House of Assembly, appoint a Panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political party, to investigate the allegation as provided in this section.

(6) The holder of an office whose conduct is

being investigated under this section shall have the right to defend himself in person or be represented before the panel by a legal practitioner of his own choice.

(7) A Panel appointed under this section shall (a) have such powers and exercise its functions in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed by the House of Assembly; and (b) within three months of its appointment, report its findings to the House of Assembly.

(8) Where the Panel reports to the House of Assembly that the allegation has not been proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the matter.

(9) Where the report of the Panel is that the allegation against the holder of the office has been proved, then within fourteen days of the receipt of the report, the house of Assembly shall consider the report, and if by a resolution of the House of Assembly supported by not less than two-thirds majority of all its members, the report of the Panel is adopted, then the holder of the office shall stand removed form office as from the date of the adoption of the report.

(10) No proceedings or determination of the Panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court.

42

— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

TAURUS; This is not the right time to rely on promises made by others. Continue to take matters-ofthe-heart seriously. Reason with your reliable associates.

GEMINI; Tension within the domestic scene will start to ease off. Yet you will need to watch what you do within your base till after 10.15pm tonight.

CANCER; Both yourself and other important personalities to you are beginning to see things from same point of view making it easy for you to eliminate unnecessary rift LEO; Venus moves into a positive angle to your Star and encourages peaceful settlement. Exhibition of maturity on your part will favour you better.

VIRGO; Gradually you are dropping aggressive approach you have adopted in the last few days to the betterment of your cause. Remain practical till after 10.15pm

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

F there is anything people don’t like to share, it is money.

Money is the most renowned symbol of riches. Some people kill in other to have it. Any wonder, it is difficult to part with?

Share your money There are people who hold on to money as if it will never be exhausted.

The truth is that money shared is money gained. That is the way the world

TERROR MUDA

goes round. No one comes to the world with money. And no one goes away with it at the point of death. Money therefore should be like

in “Never say goodbye”

sport.

Honestly, if you have money and you refuse to touch people’s lives, you are the poorest man on earth. Do you want to be poor with all your money?

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA; Better than yesterday; however that is not to say you should throw caution to the wind. Improvement on your love life indicated. Try to comport yourself.

SCORPIO; After a few days of fun you may need to settle down to serious business. Those of you working till very late evening will need to be more careful till after 10.15pm. Reason with your tried and trusted old hands(friends) SAGITTARIUS; Venus moves into a positive angle and boost your sparkling personality to the betterment of your cause. Could be a nice day for theyoung-at-heart CAPRICORN; It is important you don’t allow your mind to wander unnecessarily so that minor but costly mistakes would be averted. Avoid late evening confusion.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

AQUARIUS; Recent tension generated by controversy over money will start to ease off. Be more vigilant if you are working late in the evening.

PISCES;. Other people will continue to have their says and if you try to indoctrinate them tensed atmosphere will be aggravated. Be patient ARIES; Entrance of romantic Venus into your Star Sign will enhance your prospects. Both financial and love related success are possible.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my financial standing?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Joshua, I want to know about my future, especially what I should expect from my love life both in the immediate and far future. However that is not to say I am not interested in good financial standing.

Roland, Jos.

Dear Roland, The challenge here is inability to hold on to your gains (profits) partially, by the contact made between your natal Saturn and Venus as stated under your career and some other times by your love of easy life. Although the Saturn influence can be mitigated as I said under your career, the love of luxury comes from your stallion Taurus which must not be totally discouraged but should not be allowed to go beyond your control. Yes envy and jealousy can creep in as indicated by the oppositions between your natal Venus/Saturn in Taurus and Jupiter in Scorpio, but that is not enough excuse for either failure or manipulation of occult powers against you. Whatever anybody says and/or does GREAT FINANCIAL SUCCESS is your portion.

The most influential planet during your birth hour is Venus-the planet of MONEY and LOVE. You are the romantic type whose magnetic personality and open handedness are sources of big trap to his members of opposite sex. As handsome as you are you truly crave stability in your love life/home. The happiness you desired will be yours.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014—43

F O R CHILDREN:

Mr. Tola Okalanwon, M a n a g i n g Director, First Line Nigerian Group and Partners (right); a member of his team, and children at the programme they organised in celebration of children in Lagos.

Vicar-Gen resigns over Catholic Church crisis in Imo

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—THE crisis rocking the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, Mbaise, over the appointment of a nonindigene as bishop has assumed a new dimension, following the shocking resignation of the Vicar General of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Professor Louis Asiegbu.

As at the time of going to press, Vanguard could not ascertain the reason for his resignation, despite spirited attempts to get Professor Asiegbu to react to the news.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, who doubles as the Apostolic Administrator of Ahiara Diocese, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has appointed Rev. Clement Ebii as the new Vicar General of the Diocese.

In a letter dated June 27, and addressed to Rev. Dr. Ebii, Cardinal Onaiyekan recalled that Fr. Asiegbu had resigned as Vicar in Ahiara Diocese.

He said: “This has created a vacuum of authority that cannot be allowed to continue any longer. I have therefore decided to appoint a replacement.

“It is in this light that I hereby appoint you as my new Vicar and Delegate in Ahiara

Diocese.

“This appointment, by which I am conferring on you the status of Vicar General, has been made after careful reflection and due consultation.”

He sent copies of the letter to the embattled Bishop of Ahiara Diocese,

Most Rev. Peter Ebere Okpaleke, and the Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri, His Grace, Dr. Anthony J.V. Obinna.

Vanguard recalls that the appointment and consecration of Okpaleke, a non-indigene of the area as Bishop of Ahiara, has

Enugu-Port Harcourt road gets worse

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

M U A H I A — MOTORISTS plying the busy Enugu-Port Harcourt road have virtually abandoned the road as its condition gets worse by the day.

The portion of the road badly affected is the stretch between Okigwe junction in Imo State and Ofeme in Umuahia North Council area of Abia State,

particularly between Ezinachi and Amano communities in Okigwe.

The affected portion is so bad that a few motorists that still risk plying the route drive against traffic as they try to dodge the deadly potholes on the road.

Majority of the motorists using the road now do a detour from Ihube in Okigwe and pass through Uturu to Isiukwuato in Abia to Umuahia to continue their

O

WERRI— THE Minister of State 1, for Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, has called for synergy among federal establishments in Imo State, to enhance productivity.

She gave the charge during a meeting with heads of Federal Government ministries,

journey, a much longer journey.

The few that still manage the road do so courtesy of some youths from the communities located off the dilapidated express road, who come out on dry days to fill the potholes and solicit financial help from motorists.

Their action has assisted a little but the sand-filled potholes are usually washed away once it rained.

Abia Poly clears 4 months salary arrears

BY ERIC UGBOR

A

BIA State Polytechnic, Aba, has cleared four of the eight months salary arrears owed the institution’s lecturers, chairman of the governing

council of the board of the institution, Christopher Enweremadu, has said.

Enweremadu, who disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the end of the institution’s 114 session, said the polytechnic had equally

Onwuliri calls for synergy among ministries

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

polarized the faithful and clergy.

It will also be recalled that Okpaleke had not been allowed to take occupation of the Bishop’s Court, Nnarambia, Mbaise, or had the opportunity of celebrating mass anywhere within the Diocese.

departments and agencies in Owerri.

The meeting, which was the second in less than one year, provided an opportunity for Professor Onwuliri to interact with federal workers on issues affecting their operations in the state.

She also explained that the interaction had become a forum to bridge the gap

existing between the establishments and their supervising ministries, adding that matters from such meeting were conveyed to the Federal Executive Council.

Onwuliri told the various heads of establishments that government was no longer comfortable with the lack of cohesion existing among the institutions.

cleared the debt owed other banks which had played a big role in impeding progress in the polytechnic.

The governing board chairman, who stated that the council was happy with the level of peace and development recorded in the institution since the inception of its leadership, added that they were happy with the progress of work at the Osisioma permanent campus of the institution which he said would provide a more conducive atmosphere for students when completed.

He further extolled the magnanimity of Governor Theodore Orji who he said had stood behind the polytechnic community through an increased subven-

INSECURITY: Expert makes case for helpline

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

T

HE Federal Government has been urged to urgently put in place trauma lines that can provide psychological services to Nigerians especially with the recent activities of insurgency in the country.

A United Kingdombased Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Vincent Udenze, who made the call yesterday in a press statement, noted that despite the various degree of tragedies bedeviling Nigeria, it cannot boast of any effective crisis helpline that can help with psychological interventions which he added should be a priority at this time.

Udenze, who is also the President of Reconnect Health Development initiative, ReconnectHDI, further observed that Nigerians presently are being traumatised, live in deep fear, heightened anxiety, despair, h e l p l e s s n e s s , hopelessness, depression due to the horrors from the activities of insurgencies.

He said: “The crises in Northern Nigeria following the Boko Haram insurgence are psychologically devastating.

“Governors should be advocating for improved psychological support for the citizenry. You will never know the importance of these services until you set one up and collate data on people who have subscribed to it.”

WIA holds confab

T

HE Enterprise Development Centre, EDC, of the Pan-Atlantic University (formerly PanAfrican University) in partnership with Women in Africa Forum, is holding the annual Women in Africa Conference with the theme Leading Towards a Legacy, from tomorrow to Thursday in Lagos.

Martha Alade, CEO, WITIN; Ore Lesi, CEO, Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre; Ibironke Taiwo, CEO, INITS; and Mrs. Bose Ayeni, MD, Tantalisers Plc are among the panelists expected at the event.

44—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Edo PDP lawmakers sit, declare Assembly renovation illegal

Group hails Oru's nomination

BY FESTUS AHON

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

U

GHELLI—THE G r a s s r o o t s Coalition for Goodluck Jonathan, GCGJ, yesterday, said that the nomination of Dr Steve Oru as a minister was a good development for the people of Niger Delta.

The group in a statement by its President, Mr. Gabriel Akpude, noted that Oru was committed to the transformation agenda of President Jonathan.

Commending Oru for his support for the administration of President Jonathan, the group noted that his nomination was a square peg in a square hole, adding “Oru is known in the entire South-South region for his capacity, character and consistency in beliefs.”

B

ENIN— THE lingering crisis in the Edo State

House of Assembly, yesterday, took a new dimension as the nine Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers in the state gained entry into the Anthony

Enahoro Assembly Complex and held a separate plenary in front of the entrance to the chambers.

Factional Speaker, Mr.

Ijaw accuse Itsekiri of violating peace agreement

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

W

ARRI—AS the October local government polls in Delta State draw near, Ijaw in the three Warri councils have called on Itsekiri in the area to hand over power to their Ijaw and Urhobo neighbours, describing the perceived Itsekiri dominance of political leadership in Warri as a violation of the terms of the peace agreement reached in the Warri crisis.

The Ijaw, under the aegis of Warri Ijaw Justice Forum, WIJF, faulted a statement credited to Mr. Peter Odin, an Itsekiri chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in which he called for power rotation in Warri South-West.

Mr. Friday Deinghan, WIJF Coordinator, in a statement, said: “Part of the conditions for return of peace to Warri was that political positions in the three Warri councils should be rotated between the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri.

“Contrary to this, the Itsekiri have been using their position in government to permanently occupy the Warri House of Representatives seat; Warri South-West State Assembly seat; Warri North House of Assembly seat and Warri South 1 House of Assembly

Foursquare's men hold retreat

T

HE Foursquare Gospel Church will hold her Council of Foursquare Men, CFM, annual retreat from tomorrow till Saturday, on the theme Encounter for Divine Turnaround, at the Foursquare City, Ajebo, Ogun State.

A statement by the CFM President, Elder Churchill PetersAyerume, said the General Overseer, Rev. Felix Meduoye, will lead other men of God and professionals who will speak during the programme.

seat to the detriment of the Ijaw people since 1999 and they are preparing for a repeat in 2015.”

The forum also faulted the assertion by Odin that there

was an agreement for Ijaw and Urhobo to occupy only the offices of Vice-Chairman of Warri North and Warri South Local Government areas, respectively.

‘Nwaoboshi working against PDP’

D

ELTA State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, has been accused of plotting against the victory of the party in the forthcoming council polls in Burutu Local Government Area of the state by his continued disregard for court order.

Youth Leader of the Mr. Sagbegha Korokorosei-led executive of PDP, Mr. Oyabebefa Asheta, appealed to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the state and national PDP leaders to ask Nwaoboshi to swear in Mr.

Korokorosei, who a Federal High Court sitting in Warri, had declared “duly-elected chairman of PDP in Burutu.”

The court judgment, made available to newsmen, ordered Mr. Kenneth Ogeibiri to stop parading self as chairman, as he never participated in the council congress of March 3, 2012.

Efforts to get Nwaoboshi to comment on whether the judgment had been vacated proved abortive. He neither took calls nor replied text message sent to his mobile phone.

Ijaw can't be intmitaded on EPZ project— HITLER

I

JAW leader, Chief Beck Hitler, has warned that nobody would be allowed to intimidate the Ijaw of Gbaramatu and Ogulagha kingdoms over the naming of the Export Processing Zone, EPZ, in Delta State.

Hilter, who spoke in Warri, said: “In the interest of peace, the naming of the proposed EPZ must reflect the names of

Ogidigben, Gbaramatu and Ogulagha to protect the collective interests of all stakeholders.”

The marine expert also warned that recent statements credited to some groups were capable of instigating communal crisis in the area, added that such unguarded statements could never stop the people of Gbaramatu and

Ogulagha from possessing what rightfully belongs to them.

He advised those concerned to demonstrate some decency, truthfulness and stop misleading the Federal Government and the public with lies over the ownership of the land on which the proposed EPZ project is located.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

Festus Ebea, who presided over the plenary, said the lawmakers called on bankers to the legislature to stop the suspended Speaker, Mr. Uyi Igbe, and other principal officers of the House, whom they had suspended, from making withdrawals from the Assembly’s account.

He explained that the lawmakers passed a resolution urging Governor Adams Oshiomhole to pay the outstanding entitlements of the recalled teachers and instructed the 24 local government chairmen to forward their receipts of cash disbursements to the House.

Vanguard gathered that the lawmakers had converged at the Assembly complex as early as 7a.m., with a separate mace and Sergeant-at-Arms, who was heard saying “Mr. Speaker” repeatedly.

Ebea further disclosed that they had resolved that the renovation at the Assembly complex was illegal.

He said: “It did not go through due process. It did not pass through my table as the Chairman of the Committee on Tenders Board.”

A heavy presence of security operatives was seen around the Assembly.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

Should Keshi remain Eagles' coach?

T

HAT Stephen Keshi stepped on toes does not mean he is not a good coach. If you have to succeed, you must step on toes. It is high time we said enough of ‘one step forward and 10 backward’. We need continuity if Nigeria football is to grow.— Ms Ebereke Kelechi, Student.

D

ID the Iranian national team perform better than the Supper Eagles? Keshi has done perfectly well as the coach of the team. At least for a contract of two years, he has the Nation’s Cup trophy and second round appearance in the World Cup.— Mr. Musa Abubakar, Businessman.

K

ESHI is the best coach we have had since the Amalgamation of 1914. He qualified Togo for the World Cup and the Togolese FA paid him back with a sack letter because he fell out with Emmanuel Adebayor.

Where is Togo today?— Mr. Evans OdiboAkponana, Worker.

I

T is about performance and Keshi could not get the job done, let alone control his squad. The shame that occurred on the field of paramount soccer glory sent a horrible message to all players and countries around the world.— Mr. Lenin O., Businessman.

A

S most Nigerians were shouting “Super chickens,” Keshi came in, won the Nations Cup, stabilised the team and we became expectant at the World Cup. We expected them to have a chance against star studded French. Keshi has done well.— Mr. Ajayi Michael, Worker.

A

S today is my birthday, I would not want to talk much. But continuity is very important. If Keshi is replaced, we will just be starting all over again. I agree that Keshi may not be the best coach for Nigeria, but he is a good coach.— Ms. Anasithesia Ezeka, Worker.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014—45

Fani-Kayode gives APC Scribe seven days to retract publication

Amori sues for calm over Delta guber choice

F

SABA—SENIOR Political Adviser to Delta State Governor, Chief Ighoyota Amori, has called for calm over a recent statement credited to Dr. Wilson Omene to the effect that the Urhobo nation has the inalienable right to perpetually produce the governor of the state since “they are the senior in the family of Delta State.”

Reacting to Omene’s statement, Amori said: “Every Deltan is entitled to his or her opinion on where the governor should come from at any time. It is their inalienable right to postulate.

“However, each political party decides on who or where suits it to chose her governorship candidate from to win election. At the moment, the three senatorial districts are jostling for the number one seat in the state.

“The PDP will be guided by credibility and a winning formula for a candidate who can deliver and we need each other to be able to win.”

Also reacting, former Chairman of Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, in the state, Chief Tony Ezeagwu, now of Labour Party, LP, told Vanguard in Asaba: “We, as Deltans and as a political party, take very serious exception to Omene's outburst by arrogating a section of the state as superior to others.”

On his part, the Executive Director of the Centre for the Vulnerable and the Underprivileged, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, said: “As an Urhobo man, I disagree with the above comments

by Dr. Omene, as the governorship position in Delta State is not the exclusive preserve of any tribe in the state, either constitutionally or otherwise."

ORMER Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has given the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, seven days to retract a publication caused to be published by the party, wherein he was allegedly defamed.

Mr. Ahmed Raji, lawyer to Fani-Kayode in a letter to Lai Mohammed, said: “Our client’s attention has been drawn to the publication of June 30, where you were credited to have said a lot of things. Our client has informed us that there is no iota of truth in any of the insinuations and innuendos contained in your publication “Needless to say that since the said publication, our client has been bombarded with numerous inquiries from all over the world and he has since been put under severe pressure of explaining himself.

“Consequently, we demand an immediate retraction to the above publication to be published in three major newspapers to be approved by our client. The retraction must contain an unreserved apology to our client, offer of damages and the above must be implemented within seven days.”

Onuesoke faults confab on states creation

D

ELTA State Peo ples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in 2007 elections, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has condemned the decision of delegates to the national conference to create 18 more states to be shared equally among the six geo-political zones.

Speaking with journalists in Warri, Delta State, Onuesoke noted that while it was a good decision to create more states in the country, the decision for same to shared equally among the six geo-political zones was unacceptable.

C M Y K

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

FIRST WORLD FASHION UNIVERSITY MASTER PLAN: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (right) presenting a souvenir to the Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Nyahuma Obika, during the gala night and unveiling of the first World Fashion University master plan at Government House, Yenagoa. Photo by Goodluck Ayebatonye.

2015: Gbagi joins Delta guber race

BY EMMA AMAIZE & GODWIN OGHRE

M

OSOGAR—FORMER Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, has announced his entrance into the 2015 governorship race in Delta State.

Gbagi, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain from Delta Central senatorial district, announced his plan when he paid a consultation visit to foremost Urhobo ethnic pressure group, Urhobo Political Forum, UPF, led by Chief Ighoyota Amori, at his country home in

Mosogar, Ethiope-East Local Government Area of the state.

Gbagi said: “I disagree with those who hold the opinion that the Urhobo people should recapitulate and play second fiddle in the 2015 governorship race in the state. My position is that the best candidate for the growth and progress of Delta State should emerge as governor in 2015.

“I never believed that we (Urhobo) will be in a state of quagmire as we are today. Urhobo, as a nation, is on its knees and if we are not careful, we will remain

in that position for a long time to come.”

He said he would have no business running the governorship race in 2015, “if Urhobo people say they are satisfied with their political standing currently in the state. But as long as the contrary remains the case, I will continue to fight tooth and nail.”

Responding, Chief Amori, said: “I commend Olorogun Gbagi for a job well done, his determination, courage and doggedness. Gbagi has not only lived up to expectation, he has lived beyond expectation.”

.... It's my time to govern Delta —Omo-Agege

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—FORMER Secretary to Delta State Government, SSG, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, yesterday, said that the time had come for him to govern the state.

Speaking at a consultative visit to members of Delta North Leadership Forum in Asaba, in furtherance of his 2015 governorship aspiration, Omo-Agege said: “For everything, there is a time and when it is your time, nobody can stop you. This is the time for me to govern our state.”

He also visited the Ezemu of Emu Kingdom, HRM Obuenwe Ulu, and the Ugili-Amai country home of Senator Patrick Osakwa, Ndokwa-West Local Government Area, where he insisted: “I am in the governorship race to win,” promising to run an all inclusive government.

Restating his commitment to the 2015 gubernatorial race, Omo-Agege, said: “I did not just wake up to say I want to contest for governorship. I contested in 2007 and twice in 2011 and people mistake it for desperation. But the truth is that I am contesting because of my passion for service to Deltans and my desire to add value to governance.

“I am in the governorship race to enable me to implement programmes that will alleviate the sufferings of our people and move the state to the next level. I am running for governorship because of the ideas that I have which I believe will impact positively on all Deltans.

“Even if my aspiration was to be based on ethnicity, I

am also from Delta North and if the Aboh people are from Delta North, there is, therefore, no basis to exclude Omo-Agege,” he said, tracing his ancestral link to Aboh in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state.

....As group rallies suppor t for Jonathan, Mutu

A

GROUP, Niger Delta Liberty Movement, NDLM, has appealed to Nigerians and people of Bomadi /Patani federal constituency to re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan and Mr. Nicholas Mutu for another term in office for the duo to complete on-going projects in the country and the Niger Delta in particular.

Fielding questions from

newsmen, President of the group, Ebiyekefe Stow, in Abraka, Delta State, said that the duo’s intention of coming back in 2015 was to continue with their development of the country and Delta State.

He urged the youths, women, and elders of Bomadi /Patani federal constituency to reelect Jonathan and Mutu based on their proven track records.

46—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

NDLEA decries attacks on members in Jos BYMARIE-THERESE NANLONG

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OS—THE Plateau State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has decried incessant attacks of its members by drug infested communities in Jos, warning that it would henceforth deal ruthlessly with youths who engage in the nefarious act.

Addressing residents of Gangare community weekend in Jos at a workshop organised by the Centre for Advocacy for Justice and Rights, CAJR, the Command’s Exhibit Officer, Mr. Etsu-Banshi Daniel said youths who were high on drugs had repeatedly attacked his men who were on official assignments, leaving many of them critically injured.

The Exhibit Officer who enlightened the community members on dangers of drug abuse also urged the elders to assist the NDLEA in mobilising drug-free youths to preach the message of abstinence as well as rehabilitate drug adicts to become useful members of the society.

According to him, “Drug abuse has been a menace threatening all of us in the society and many youths are engaged in it. We always send our officers to clear known black spots but unfortunately, some of these youths high on drugs always attack them. ”We have taken a position to address this development and many communities are cooperating with us by calling on us to help them rid their areas of illicit drugs. We call on elders of Gangare community to emulate this and mobilize youths to clear the black spots where drugs are abused and we will help sanitize the areas and rehabilitate the youths.”

However, the CAJR Project Officer, Amos Kwatwa stated that the workshop was put in place to sensitize community members on the need to live in peace with others irrespective of their beliefs and religion.

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BRIEFING: From left — Mr Femi Ajala, Product Manager, OTC; Mrs Yetunde Adesola, Astymin School Program Cordinator; Mr Ola Ijimakin, GM Marketing and Mr Oladimeji Oduyebo, Corporate Services Manager, during the press briefing to announce the 2014 Astymin Brilliance Reward in Lagos recently. Photo by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Tapgun calls for true federalism, independent LGs BYMARIE-THERESENANLONG

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OS—FORMER governor of Plateau State and a member of National Conference, Ambassador Fidelis Tapgun has called for the practice of true federalism if the country by making local government to function as the third tier of government.

Tapgun equally lamented that the present situation whereby local governments’ funds were

controlled by the state governors of their respective states was responsible for the stunted growth of the councils.

Speaking with journalists shortly making his donation at the University of Jos fund raising event weekend, Tapgun accused the governors of also hijacking the state Independent Electoral Commissions in their areas, and using them to manipulate elections in the local governments.

Taraba Assembly pass motion to support Police BYJOHNMKOM

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ALINGO—THE Taraba State House of Assembly has passed a motion authorising the deduction one percent from the money accruing to the state from the federation account in line with the recent resolution of the National Economic Council, NEC, to support the Nigeria Police Force, NPF. According to the resolution, the relevant authorities would now deduct the one per cent from the statutory revenue allocation due to the states and local governments to support the police.

At its plenary yesterday, members welcomed the development which they said would help the police to tackle the insecurity particularly in the north east of the country where the Boko Haram insurgency was ravaging the area.

The National Economic Council had at its 51st meeting approved the deduction of one per cent from statutory revenue allocation due to states and local governments to support the police curb the security challenges in the country.

The former Speaker of the House and member representing Donga Constituency, Haruna Gbana while supporting the motion called on the people responsible for the deduction to ensure its proper usage.

Gbana applauded the move and urged the police to make proper use of the money.

The Speaker of the House, Josiah Kente while announcing the resolution expressed the readiness of the house to support the police and other security agencies to succeed in their efforts to tackle the current insecurity in the north east.

He urged politicians to play politics by the rules to prevent the system from collapsing.

Also speaking on the occasion, Prof. Onje Gye-Wado advised government to discourage the almajiri system of education as it had the potential of becoming a breeding ground for Islamic fundamentalism as well as avenue for polarizing citizens along ethnic and religious lines.

Gye-Wado, who was the Guest Speaker at the event noted that exclusive Islamic education had was prone to avoidable dangers, hence its abolition could help address the security challenges facing the nation.

He said, “We are here to proffer solutions to the resourcing of education in Nigeria. Funding education has been the sole responsibility of government for a long time with minimal contributions from other sources. We need to do more. ”There is danger in exclusive education using the example of the almajiri exclusive schools which could ginger fundamentalism. This exclusive education should be discontinued with everyone joining hands to restore education to its past glory.”

He further lamented the dilapidated facilities in public schools and called on teachers as path finders to proffer solutions these problems.

According to him, “Public funding of education is not the best as government funding is limited. The corporate world, Foundations, Alumni associations and individuals should support acquisition of knowledge and the development of the society.

He derided many higher in-

stitutions for not taking time to mould their products.

PDP floors APC in Kaduna Assembly bye-election

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HE ruling Peoples Demo cratic Party, PDP, in Kaduna State has won Saturday’s byeelection for the Kauru/Chawai Constituency into the state House of Assembly.

Announcing the election results, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, stated that Mr. Timothy Chindo of the PDP got 36, 152 votes to defeat his rival, Dr. Isaac Auta Zakai of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who got 6,451 votes.

The bye-election followed the death of the former member representing the area, Hon. Shaibu Tukura on March 21, 2014.

According to INEC, Chindo satisfied all the election requirements to win the poll.

The victory is seen as a litmus test tothe forthcoming 2015 general elections in the state, which has been governed by the PDP since the return of democracy in 1999.

Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero had visited Kauru in the run-up to the election to galvanize support for Chindo, leading to his receiving massive support from voters.

Yero, had also inspected some ongoing projects in the area, and pledged the commitment of his administration to complete such projects as provided in the 2014 budget.

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48— Vanguard , TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

POLIO ERADICATION: From left: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Head of Service, Sir Paul Evuarhere, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Festus Okubor, during the polio eradication flag-off in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of the state. Photo: Henry Unini.

WALK: From left: Former Managing Director, National Mirror, Steve Ayorinde, the convener of Destiny Walk, Kola Oyeyemi, CEO, Spicy Chrysalis, Adaeze Adolphy, and MD, ThisDay Newspapers, Eniola Bello, at the Readers and Leaders Destiny Walk, to create awareness for reading in Lagos.

SIGNING: From left: Mr. Sesan Sobowale, Director, Guinness Nigeria Foundation, Mr.Tim Kellow, Country Director, Concern Universal, and Mrs. Adrianne Nwagwu of Guinness Nigeria Foundation, at the signing of a pact between the foundation and Concern Universal for safe water and improved hygiene initiative for Cross River State, in Lagos.

PRESENTATION: From left: Mr. Nitin Agarwal, Director Finance, Yomi Ifaturoti, Director, Corporate Affairs & Admin., both of PZ Nigeria Plc, Dr. Paul Orhii, Director General, NAFDAC, and Alhaji Ubale Yusuf, Director, Narcotics & Controlled Substance, NAFDAC, during the presentation of Mitsubishi Gallant L200 Pick Up Van by PZ Nigeria Plc to NAFDAC management in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

LAUNCHING: From left: Mr. David Okeme, Brand Building Director, Mr. Kalpesh Parmar, Customer Marketing Director, Mr James Inglesby, Category Manager, Skin Care & Deodorants and Mr. Robert De Vreede, VP, Marketing all of Unilever, at the official launch of Rexona Deodorant into the Nigerian market in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

MEETING: Dr. Paul Orhii, Director General, NAFDAC Nigeria, Dr. Xavier Crespin, DG, West Africa Health Organisation, WAHO, Wiltshire Johnson Registrar, Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, and Mrs. Markieu Kaira, Registrar, Pharmacy Board of Gambia, at the meeting of Heads of National Medicine Regulatory Authorities and West African Health Organisation on Regulatory Harmonisation in Lagos.

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BIRTHDAY: From left: Orangun of Oke-Ila, Osun State, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Ondo State governor's wife, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko; the celebrant, Mr. Gboyega Fatimilehin, his wife, Mojisola and Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, during the 60th birthday of Mr. Gboyega Fatimilehin, in Lagos.

FORUM: From left: Mr Guillaume Roux, Country CEO, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, Chairman, and Mr. Joseph Hudson, MD/CEO, during the firm's Shareholders Relation Forum in Lagos . Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

WORKSHOP: From left: Mr. Euracklyn Williams, Director, Administration and Finance, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, WAIFEM, Mr. Chris Kedze, Director, Macro-economic Department, DG of the institute, Professor Akpan Ekpo, and Director, Financial Sector, Mr. Ousman Sowe, at the regional course on Banking Supervision organised by WAIFEM in collaboration with the College of Supervisors of West African Monetary Zone, WAMZ, in Lagos.

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Experts demand inauguration of the National Council on Public Procurement Decry the effects of corruption in procurement

By Jude Njoku

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iqued by the inability f the Federal Government to constitute and inaugurate the National Council on Public Procurement, seven years after the Act was signed into law, Nigerian quantity surveyors have called for the immediate inauguration of the Council as stipulated by the procurement legislation.

They also picked holes in the “exclusion of the quantity surveyor who is the construction procurement cost and management expert from the proposed membership of the Council".

Rising from a two-day national seminar on Procurement of Construction Works and Services – Adapting to Contemporary challenges for Enhanced National development” organised by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, the construction cost experts called on the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP BPP and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to work out suitable standard guidelines for the management of advance payment funds by commercial banks In a communiqué released at the end of the seminar in Gombe and signed by the Secretary Professional Development and Library, Dr Ejike Bedford Anunike and the Secretary, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Mr Jide, the cost experts called for the amendment of the membership of the Council to include a quantity surveyor who is an expert in construction procurement and cost management.

They regretted that seven years after the procurement Act came into being, “corruption, conflicts of interests, fraud and irregularities still afflict public procurement and these have stunted national development and economic growth either through siphoned public funds or poorly planned and executed procurements”.

Noting that the Act has the capacity to ensure economic, efficient, effective and transparent public procurement (which is a sine-qua non for enhanced national development and economic growth) if judiciously implemented, the construction cost experts howo

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ever identified factors militating against its implementation.

They include: * Some stakeholders especially politicians and government officials who are reluctant to adjust to the new paradigm shift and therefore still employ all sorts of tactics to fraudulently manipulate the procurement process especially during bid evaluations to favour particular bidders. *Lack of capacity by many procurement officers, proper procurement planning in many Ministries, Departments and Agencies of governments, and lack of a national integrated procurement plan * Discrepancies between budgetary appropriation and actual release of funds; late release of available funds coupled with subsequent mopping up funds at the end •Experts seek corruption-free procurement of these kind of projects of the financial year. * Many MDA’s are still not and massive employment of ment which is complex and ment Act to specifically very conversant with all the quantity surveyors as pro- usually outside the knowl- clarify the issue surrounding procurement guidelines recurement specialists to edge of general procurement conflict of interest in public sulting to the annulment of strengthen capacity in the officers. procurement by identifying many procurement processes area of construction procureways of addressing them They want Public Procureor reversal of awards by the Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP due to nonadherence to prequalification guidelines and wrong interpretation of the conobserved that homeowners spend millions

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE tentious issue of of naira to correct the anomalies. award of conAMr. Igbaifua who introduced Nutech tracts to “the lowOME owners having problems of dirt Paints to the participants said it has est responsive or leakage with their roofs, can now specially formulated primers, sealers, and bidder”. heave a sigh of relief. This is because of top coats for a wide range of roof surfaces. *Faking of techthe introduction of a scientific approach to The paint was designed to withstand any nical and finanroofing by Messrs Plus Word Roofing. The tough environment by protecting and cial capacities, firm said last week that it would provide enhancing the appearance of the roof, bribery and unservices that come with better options of while keeping the building cooler in hot der-pricing by restoring roofs at a minimum cost. The weather. bidders leading client is not expected to pull down the Reeling out the benefits, he said: “It to compromise in whole roof or move out of the house during saves homeowners from total replacement quality delivery, repair. of the old roof; stops any moisture from disputes and exManaging Director of the company, Mr absorbing into the surface of the roof; cessive cost and John Igbaifua said at an awareness creaprotects the roof in high winds and time overruns of tion seminar in Lagos last week that he was violent weather; reflects back most of the projects. motivated to go into the project when he sun ray thereby making the inside temThe cost experts encountered problems with a roof construcperature cooler; protects one of the most therefore cantion which he was handling. leak prone areas of the roof; improves the vassed the enIgbaifua pointed out that he discovered quality and purity of water run-off.” hancement of the that a lot of roof problems could actually be The highlight of the event was the capacities of the resolved without pulling down the entire practical demonstration carried out procurement debuilding. among the youths and artisans on how partments/units Presently, the company is collaborating the products work. of all MDAs with a foreign partner to provide special One of his foreign partners, Mr Calr through the inservices in roof repairs, waterproofing and Evans, also talked about roof repair and tensive training painting. Problems with roofs, according to water proofing, pointing out that it has of existing prohim, arise from dirt, leakages, deterioration proved to be efficient way of resolving curement officers and damages, including truss. He further buildings with roof challenges.

Firm introduces scientific approach to roof restoration

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Vanguard, TUESD AY, JULY 8, 2014 TUESDA

Insurgency, enemy of research and development, says Ujah

BY GABRIEL OLAWALE

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• Television viewing is a major sedentary behaviour with links to potentially hazardous health implications. Experts recommend watching television no more than two hours daily.

Too much television viewing linked to premature death

By SOLA OGUNDIPE

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DULTS who watch television three hours or more at a stretch daily may double their risk of premature death compared to those who watch less television.

A new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that increase in the trend of major sedentary behaviour such as televison viewing, was commensurate with increase in premature death from almost all other causes.

"Television viewing is a major sedentary behaviour and there is an increasing trend toward all types of sedentary behaviours," said the study's lead author , Professor Miguel MartinezGonzalez.

Gonzalez, who is Chair of the Department of Public Health at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain said their findings are consistent with a range of previous studies where time spent watching television was linked to mortality.

Most common daily activity Watching television is one of the most common daily activities in many parts of the world including Nigeria. Millions of people divide their days largely between working, sleeping, and watching television.

While Europeans spend an average of 40 percent of their daily free time in front of the television set, Australians are found in front of the TV 50 percent of their free time. This corresponds to three to four hours of daily viewing respectively.

A reported average of five hours is recorded for Americans corresponding to almost 70 percent. Although figures are not available for Africans, the average

daily TV vewing time in Africa’s most populous country is believed to be close to that of the United State of America.

Spanish study: In the Spanish study, researchers assessed 13,284 young and healthy university graduates (average age 37, 60 percent women) to determine the association between three types of sedentary behaviours and risk of death from all causes, viz television viewing time, computer time and driving time.

The participants were followed for about eight years after which researchers reported 97 deaths, with 19 deaths from cardiovascular causes, 46 from cancer and 32 from other causes.

Negative health effects of TV viewing have been documented including associations with reduced physical activity levels and unhealthy diets.

Following a three year-old study from Harvard School of Public Health, researchers concluded that prolonged TV viewing was associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death.

In the other study, researchers advised that cutting back on TV watching can significantly reduce risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and premature mortality.

Physical activity: “We should not only promote increasing physical activity levels but also reduce sedentary behaviours, especially prolonged TV watching,” said Lead Researcher, Frank Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology.

The risk of death was two-fold higher for participants who reported watching three or more hours of TV a day compared to those watching one or less hours. This twofold higher risk was also apparent after accounting for a wide array of other variables related to a higher risk of death.

"As the population ages, sedentary behaviours will become more prevalent,

especially watching television, and this poses an additional burden on the increased health problems related to aging," Martinez-Gonzalez said. "Our findings suggest adults may consider increasing their physical activity, avoid long sedentary periods, and reduce television watching to no longer than one to two hours each day."

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. It also recommends moderate- to high-intensity muscle strengthening at least two days a week.

IRECTOR -GENERAL of the Ni gerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Professor Innocent Ujah, has described activities insurgents in the Northern part of the country as a setback to research development in the nation.

Ujah who spoke in Lagos recently said the Institution established an outstation in Borno State with the core aim of studying cross border diseases.

"We established a base at Borno State with the core aim of studying cross border diseases as people come from Cameroon, Chad and we need to know whether they are bringing in new diseases. For instance, the issue of Ebola Virus, we need to be alert because cross border disease can be a very big problem but this insurgency as denying our staff oppotunity to discharge their duties effectively."

Ujah who spoke during his fourth Anniversary as Director -General, NIMR,/ Symposium entitled: “Environment and Health Research”, lamented that health challenges in the affected areas were more now than ever before.

“Anxiety is prevalent in those regions which can lead to people coming up with hypertension. If you are not sure of your security you cannot sleep and if you cannot sleep there is tendency of coming up with insomnia which can eventually lead to high blood pressure and other conditions." Ujah said insurgency has also denied the Institute opportunity to follow-up on the existing studies. "We have surveillance. You don't wait until diseases come before Continues on Page 56

NAFDAC spearheads regulation of medicines in W/Africa

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has called on the heads of National Medicine Regulatory Authorities, NMRA, and West African Economic Monetary Union, WAEMU, to fast track the harmonisation of medicine regulation in West African region.

Making the call at the meeting of NMRA and WAEMU in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Director General, NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii who explained need for the harmonisation regime, reeled out the benefits of the common guidelines and governance mechanism which according to him will see the subregion witness an improved public health as a result of the rapid access to safe and efficacious medicine to treat priority diseases.

Other benefits of the harmonisation, according to the NAFDAC's DG, in-

cludes economic gains that can be derived from harmonising documentation and the attendant cost reduction for regulatory authorities.

He noted that the harmonisation will reduce duplication as it affects inspection activities and cut down cost initially incurred from sponsoring large number of inspectors by National Medicine Regulatory Authorities to manufacturing companies, reduced burden on companies, increase capacity building and information sharing, whilst improving regulatory confidence among member states.

The meeting was fashioned to promote the adoption of common set of standards, documentation and procedures for medicine regulation among member countries of the 15 ECOWAS countries.

In furtherance of the above, the meeting request WAEMU and WAHO to accelerate the setting up and functioning

Continues on Page 55

Vanguard, TUESD AY, JULY 8, 2014— 55 TUESDA

Nigeria may miss MDG target for water, sanitation — UNICEF

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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ITH 63 million Nigerians lacking access to improved water supply, Nigeria may not meet the Millennium Development Goal, MDG, target for water and sanitation including other health related goals.

According to reports, Nigeria ranks among the 10 countries that are home to almost two-thirds of the global population without access to improved drinking water sources.

Latest estimates of the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation (JMP), released in early 2013, 36 per cent of the world’s population – 2.5 billion people – lack improved sanitation facilities, and 768 million people still use unsafe drinking water sources.

Poor sanitation, water and hygiene have many other serious repercussions.

Without WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), sustainable development is impossible.

Speaking at a two-day media dialogue

on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, in Enugu, UNICEF Specialist, Amos Kudzala said access to water and water quality remains a major challenge.

Kudzala in his presentation entitled: “Water Supply, Water Quality & WASH in Schools”, explained that safe water is important because water is life and linked to hygiene.

He noted that estimated 1,400 children under five die every day from diarrhoeal diseases linked to lack of safe water and adequate sanitation and hygiene, adding that in Nigeria, 18 percent of the deaths of children under five years old are linked diarrhoea.

He expressed worry that despite the importance of water in every aspect of life particularly in child survival, allocation for water remains insignificant.

Advocating for the provision of WASH facilities in schools and hospitals across the country, he noted that every child, rich or poor, has the right to survive, the right to health, the right to access to

•R-L: Country Group Head English West Africa Novartis, Mrs. Vera Nwanze; President AMAC, Novartis Dr. Rainer Boehm; Head Malaria Initiative, Dr. Linus Igwemezie; Head Legal AMAC, Bryant Aaron during a press briefing in Lagos recently.

Novartis, LASG partner on primary health care

BY GABRIEL OLAWALE

Continues on Page 56

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• L-R: Mr. Segun Kuti, Group General Manager Marketing; Mr. Tunji Doherty Medical Director, Mrs. Tosin Doherty, Group General Manager, Administration, and Mr. Bayo Adepoju, Lead Consultant, Sales, all of Medheights PharmacyLtd. during the Pregnacare Media Presentation held in Lagos recently.

HE Lagos State health sector is set to receive a technological boost in tracking medical issues more effectively.

Revealing this during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the President, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and African countries, Novartis, Dr. Rainer Boehm said the programme tagged “eHealth For Africa” would improve access to quality medicines for all patients and help healthcare providers learn more about the management of deadly infectious diseases.

The initiative, which is a new tablet computer-based solution will serve as a training tool for healthcare providers and help in reporting the medical stock level in their various healthcare centre and disease surveillance.

Boehm added that the eHealth for Africa originated from “SMS for Life”, an initiative of Roll Back Malaria and Novartis introduced in Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, DRC and Cameroon as of improving access to essential antimalarial in rural area through mobile phonebased system.

“Introduction of this new technology

Nigerian mothers tasked on micronutrient nutrition I

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

N line with efforts to address the growing problem of maternal mortality and morbidity arising from adverse maternal and foetal effects of micronutrient deficiency in pregnant women in Nigeria, pregnant women and all women of reproductive age have been urged to ensure adequate intake of nutrients that will guarantee their . optimal health and that of their babies.

Findings by UNICEF show that diets of women often lack critical nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, iodine, copper, iron Folic acid among others that optimise pregnancy outcome, that can be obtained from dietary supplements or sourced from balanced diets.

Giving the advice in Lagos during the media presentation of Pregnacare, a brand of micronutrient supplementation from the stable of Vitabiotics UK, Lead Consultant, Sales to Medheights Pharmacy Limited, Pharm. Bayo Adepoju, remarked that: "Foe-

tal health and growth depends largely upon what the mother eats and how much is available to the foetus. This is what Vitabiotics UK is much concerned with as it wants to join the safe motherhood campaign of UNICEFinNigeria."

Adepoju who announced a product distribution partnership agreement between Medheights Pharmacy who has sole franchise for marketing and distribution of the products, and Vitabiotics UK, emphasised the medicinal values of micronutrient supplementation before conception, during pregnancy and throughout the breast-feeding period.

The brands Pregnacare Original (used during pregnancy), Pregnacare Plus Omega (during breastfeeding) and Pregnacare Conception (to enhance conception for women).

In his presentation, he said foetal effect of nutritional deficiencies often lead to severe medical issues that could compromise ma-

ternal and infant health, but these are avoidable when a woman is knowledgeable of dietary nutrition before, during and after conception.

The trademark owners of Pregnacare have carefully produced the three brands as better supplementary options for expectant mothers, breastfeeding mothers and women desiring fruit of the womb, to reduce foetal and maternal effects of nutritional deficiencies.

Managing Director, Medheights Pharmacy, Mr. Tunji Doherty said the company met with the makers of the products and entered into business relationship to be the sole franchise owners of all the premium Pregnacare brands in Nigeria. "This has enabled us to structure the marketing and distribution channels. We have also secured NAFDAC numbers for the brands in order to avoid faking or cloning and therefore, guarantees the product consumption for safe motherhood", Doherty disclosed

in all public health facilities, will provide a two-way system of stock identification and disease surveillance data, together with training in disease management for healthcare professionals.

“Also online timely information on the stock levels of 18 critical medical products and 16 disease surveillance indicators covering multiple disease areas including malaria, HIV, measles, yellow fever and cholera will be reported and this will help in ensuring that only essential antimalarial treatments and other critical medicines are available where and when needed.

The project is expected to cover PHC facilities in the 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State between July 2014 and March 2015 as a first phase. It will focus on bringing online visibility to stock levels of test kits and medicines for malaria and the prevention-of-mother-tochild-transmission of HIV, enhancing the stock level visibility of routine childhood vaccines; ensuring weekly epidemic tracking of 7 critical diseases; and providing high quality training for health workers via tablet computers.”

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris said: “Through eHealth For Africa, we look forward to improving access to quality medicines for all patients in Lagos and by extension Nigeria; as well as helping our own healthcare teams to learn more about the management of deadly infectious diseases.”

NAFDAC Continues from page 54 of the regional steering committee during the three year transition period.

Orhii however concluded that the harmonisation will no doubt boost economy of Nigeria following the prequalification drive of Nigerian Pharmaceutical companies and subsequent WHO GMP certification of one of the companies.

Participants resolved to work together to achieve convergence in three years, prepare a common action plan based on the commonalities observed in the action plan presented by WAEMU and non-WAEMU group and to form a short term plan to be submitted to the partners for funding.

56—Vanguard, TUESD AY, JULY 8, 2014 TUESDA

Experts explore new ways to treat heartburn, indigestion

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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IGERIAN medical doctors com prising eminent professionals in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, family medicine, pharmacy and other allied specialties have brainstormed on ways to treat heartburn also known as Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease, GERD. They gathered under the auspices of the Golden Faculty in Enugu - a think tank which stands for ‘Gaviscon Opinion Leaders of Nigeria, spearheaded by Reckitt Benckiser, makers of Gaviscon wit the theme “Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease, Where Are We.” Acid Reflux, or Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease, GERD, is a serious medical condition that occurs when acid, which usually sits within the protected lining of the stomach, escapes back up into the oesophagus (food pipe), and since the oesophagus is not as well protected as the stomach the acid can irritate the lining, causing painful symptoms such as burning sensation, pain (usually behind the breastbone) and a feeling of sickness.

Speaking, Dr. Asif Naqvi, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Director of Medical Education, Princess Diana of Wales Hospital, United Kingdom stressed the need for more awareness to be created for the prevention and management of heartburn, indigestion and related health conditions.

“Awareness needs to start from healthcare workers at all levels from pharmacists to nurses, paramedical staff and primary healthcare physicians; and at the end, the opinion leaders and gastroenterologists and allied people.”

He added that the condition is considered to be benign in a large majority of patients “but it is important that it be recognised now. Therefore it is important that all levels must be focused. There is a lot of evidence that if corrected on a short term, it has a lot of impact in improving quality of life.”

In his presentation, Dr. Sumaila Adamu, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, revealed that, there are no functional studies on GERD in Nigeria.

He also brought to the fore the fact that, there are no adequate facilities to address GERD in country.

“We don’t have adequate facilities.

Only few centres do endoscopy and have facilities able to diagnose some of the complications of GERD and manage it.

We lack the capacity to do very extensive studies for non-erosive reflux disease. What should be done is to have a grant, government funding or corporate backing to conduct a standard population study so that we can characterize our patients for better management in the future,” he said “Gaviscon is a very good innovation in the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease because it tends to give a lot of protection to the acid irritation in the oesophagus.”

Marketing Manager Healthcare, Reckitt Benckiser West Africa, Mr. Qaiser Rashid, said Gaviscon goes into the stomach and forms a raft which prevents the acid, pepsin and bile from coming on top.

Potable water Continues from Page 55 improved water supply.

Speaking on the global agenda, WASH in Schools, he said: Water is intimately linked with education and gender equality. Girls who have to spend time gathering water for the family tend not to be in school. And where schools have sanitation, attendance is higher, especially for girls.”

He stated that WASH in schools would guarantee effective learning, adding that children perform better in a hygienic and clean environment.

WASH will also reduce diseases and worm infestations-clean, well-used toilets and good hygiene practices will prevent infections and infestation.

When WASH is in schools, children and their schools are able to introduce and reinforce hygienic behaviours in the home and community. It would also guaranteed environmental cleanliness- Prop

Insurgency

•L:R: Clinical Director, Kayhector consulting, Dr. Ibi Erekosima; Prof.

Olumuyiwa Odusanya; of LASUCOM; Permanent Secretary, LSPHCB, Dr. Oguntimehin Olukayode and Director, Kayhector Consulting, Dr. Abiye Hector Goma during the CVD Summit in Lagos last week.

Continues from Page 54 you intervene even when you have done studies, you need to follow up and find out whether what you observed is still prevailing or not. All these activities insurgency has relatively reduced.

"What this has cost us is enormous; we are paying staff that are not working, and new knowledge is not generated from those regions and knowledge is essential in development of research because research is all about generating new ideas to improve the health of the populace. "What I intend to do in the next four years is to consolidate achievement of the past four years. This will include expansion of the research outstation to South-South geo political zone of Nigeria, establishing the commercial arm of the Institute among others.

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57—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Delegates’ stand on derivation AHEAD of today's debate on the recommendation for the retention of 13 per cent as the minimum derivation payable to mineral producing areas of the country, some delegates spoke to Vanguard on their position on the issue.

BY HENRY UMORU, JOSEPH ERUNKE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

O

UR people want total resource control — Annkio Briggs Ms Annkio Briggs, a delegate from the South South region said the people of the region were in full support of total control of their resources.

As a member of the Conference Committee on Devolution of Power, she had disagreed with the committee’s recommendation on the retention of 13 per cent derivation formula.

She expressed disappointment that the leadership of the National Conference refused to endorse her minority report.

“Quite honestly, our people want a 100 per cent resource ownership and pay tax to the federal government and every other people that have resources in this country should have a 100 per cent of their resources and pay tax to the federal government.”

“I don’t think the minority report I wrote on behalf of the Niger Delta was accepted by the conference because the committee on devolution of power that I belong to came up with the issue of derivation remaining at 13 per cent and I did not accept that.

So, On that point, I had to disagree with them.

“I wrote a minority report

•Odili •Clark

saying the sharing of revenue by the Federal Government to states has made the federating units lazy.

“The excessive demand for states is as a result of revenue sharing at the centre.

However, being a true Nigerian, I will go with graduated derivation that will culminate in fiscal federalism”, he said.

Barigha-Amange, among others, recommended that 50 per cent of the derivation fund going to the oil-producing stated, “should be committed

All we are asking for to be part of this country is that fairness must prevail and we want nothing less than 25 per cent. No one should come here and say that the statuo quo should remain

,

and it was suggested that it be rejected and the chairman accepted that but because I did not signed the report I felt that I should be allowed to contribute, the conference should be able allow my input expecially on derivation with is not in the report.”

“I do accept that majority do carry the vote and that remains so anywhere in the world. But I also know that no matter how much of a minority I am in any situation, my voice should be allowed to be heard,” he said.

Another South-South delegate, Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, spoke against the sharing formula,

•Falana

•Aliero

•Briggs

•Gana

here and say that the statuo quo should remain.

Those who are saying that are not progressives. It must not be less than 25 per cent," he said.

Former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, in his contribution to the debate,

supported Chief Clark’s position.

Prof. Gambo Laraba Abdullahi, former Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja and delegate representing Bauchi State, said it has been discovered that 76 per cent accruing to

,

to the development of oil and gas producing communities.”

“Each oil-producing state should set up an OilProducing Community Development Fund that will manage the 50 per cent from the derivation fund”, he suggested.

Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, said the region must get at least 25 per cent, saying that if the national conference of 2005 could recommend 17 per cent, fairness demanded that the amount be increased.

He said: "All we are asking for to be part of this country is that fairness must prevail and we want nothing less than 25 per cent. No one should come

the nation was not accounted for and "we are here fighting over the remaining 24 per cent."

Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, asked the Federal Government to pay the money being owed the Niger Delta Development Commission.

He disclosed that the money was up to the sum of N1trillion.

Prof. Jerry Gana, however cautioned those calling for the increment in derivation, saying if the request was granted, it would lead to the collapse of many states due to paucity of funds.

He said: "There is need to empower every state to develop mineral resources in their areas. If we give the Niger Delta all they require, some states would collapse and all Nigerians would move to the Niger Delta. This is not good for the country," he said.

On his part, former governor of Kebbi State, Senator Adamu Aliero, suggested that those who were asking for increase in derivation should also consider that mineral resources outside the continental shelf should be owned by the Federal Government.

In his contribution, Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga from Benue State said if more money should be given to the Niger Delta, there was the need to ensure that the money was properly utilised.

He said money should be given to clean up the Niger Delta region, saying "when you give money to the elite, they misapplied it."

58—V anguard, TUESD AY, JUL Y 8, 2014 58—Vanguard, TUESDA JULY

N350bn debt:

We’ve been vindicated — Aregbesola

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

G

OVERNOR of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has said that his government has been vindicated over the rumoured indebtedness of the state to the tune of N350bn.

Aregbesola, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the confirmation by the Debt Management Office DMO that the state’s debt is sustainable has put an end to the “lies of a mischievous opposition.”

The governor said the statement from the DMO has exposed the fraud, mischief and sinister motives of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Iyiola Omisore, his Social Democratic Party counterpart and former Head of Service, Mr. Segun Akinwusi and others bandying unrealistic and mischievous debt figures against the state.

He described the opposition’s crude and wicked resolve to tell lies against his administration as a failed strategy.

Aregbesola averred that those who are bereft of ideas and cannot fathom the depth of the philosophy behind his policies, programmes and financial re-engineering tactics only resort to cheap blackmail, outright lies and fabrications of non-existing, outlandish debt figures to confuse and hoodwink

•Gov. Aregbesola unsuspecting members of the public.

The statement read in part: “Once more, our government has been vindicated over wicked rumours being circulated by opposition that our state is heavily laden with debt amounting to staggering N350bn.

“This government had refuted the blatant lies at several fora, yet the opposition has persistently fabricated more lies all aimed at turning the people against this government.

“The revelation of the sustainability of our debt, coming

from a very important agency of the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government has nailed the coffin of opposition’s lies against our government.

“The raked-up figures of N350bn debt has now been shattered, leaving those opposed to our administration with nothing to say again.

“This story could not have been better told and told at a better time than this. The Machiavellian plot of the opposition to frustrate government efforts and create disquiet between us and the people has thus failed abysmally,” the statement noted.

Reminding the people of the state of the litany of lies told by the opposition, he challenged the opposition to point to just one of its lies against the Aregbesola administration that had ever stood

Graduates shouldn’t be cutting grass — Omisore

BY DAPO AKINREFON

T

HE PDP candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore has flayed the concept of the O-YES programme saying that it is demeaning for graduates to be paid stipends to cut grass and do other menial jobs and promised to give gainful employment and wealth creation a pride of place in his

Why I was made Omisore’s running mate — Bello

BY GBENGA OLARINLOYE

T

HE running mate to the Senator Iyiola Omisore, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Hon Adejare Bello said that his records in public life rated him higher among the other contenders to clinch the position.

Fielding questions from newsmen in his Ede country home, Mr Bello, stated that his 12 years of uninterrupted legislative experiences which included two times as Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly gave him an edge over the others.

According to him, when the lot fell on him to be the running mate to Senator Iyiola Omisore, “I saw it as leverage for me to serve the people at a higher pedestal”.

He said “My records of service are in the public domain, for me, I see every opportunity to hold a political office as an avenue to better the lots of the average citizen. I spent 12 years in the House of Assembly, to the glory of Allah, the people of Ede North have no cause to regret having me as their representative.” ‘’Even as a Speaker of the Parliament, there are times when I would leave my office and personally go in search of employment vacancies for my people. I am from a humble background, so I know what it

takes to be at home after education without gainful employment. All these experiences and many more, I hope to bring on board when the people of Osun would have used their votes to enthrone a truly democratic government”, Bello said.

On the chances of the PDP in the Osun governorship election, the former Speaker said, “it is an understatement to say that true Osun citizens are tired of this government of deceit.”

He argued that “even the

operators of the government know that their time is up as they have exhausted all the cosmetics approach, what they are doing now is face saving.”

“Imagine a government that refused to pay salaries and allowances now having a change of heart after the Ekiti elections, Osun workers are no fools.

Imagine a governor who was ruling by fiat suddenly going to meet groups to explain policy summersaults, it is too late in the day’, Bello said.

Akinbade accuses PDP of name dropping

T

HE Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, has warned the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to stop dropping his name in connection with the forthcoming governorship election slated for August 9, 2014.

Akinbade, who vowed not to go into alliance with the PDP or its representatives, said the rumour that had pervaded the state in the last few weeks, was the handwork of enemies of progress who would stop at nothing to confuse the electorate “but I can safely tell them that they have failed”.

In a statement by his Director of Media, Mr Kayode Oladeji, he maintained that those behind the

the test of time.

“They said Aregbesola’s education reforms are controversial; Senator Uche Chukwumerije led the PDPdominated Senate to Osun to investigate.

He came out to tell the Nigeria and the world as a whole to adopt the Osun examples in education if they are genuinely interested in solving the rots in the education sector. PDP, Omisore and their cohorts said the youth empowerment scheme, OYES was denigrating the youths but the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and the Minister of Finance adjudged the scheme as best and recommended it to Nigerian states to solve challenges of worsening unemployment and youth restiveness”, he stated.

rumour were agents of darkness who may be “dreaming while awake”.

Akinbade, who wondered why the PDP and its agents have been peddling the rumour of his alleged alliance with the PDP, said he had been working round the clock, with a view to emerging as the governor of the state at the coming poll by defeating the PDP, APC and other parties.

He said “with the support of God and the people of our dear state clamouring for my emergence as their new governor from August 9 this year, nothing or nobody can make me to go into alliance with PDP or any other party as I am determined to go by my dream and destiny”.

•Senator Omisore administration.

Speaking at Iragbiji in Boripe local government at the week end, Senator Omisore said job creation should be made attractive to job seekers in term of remuneration and allowance.

He, however, condemned the present O-YES employment created by the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration where graduates are paid stipend and made to do menial job such as sweeping and cutting grass.

He maintained that it was too demeaning for graduates to be engaged in such jobs , adding that such cannot be said to be gainful employment.

The PDP gubernatorial candidate said he has consulted widely before coming up with his eight-point agenda that would alleviate poverty and bring democracy dividends to the door step of the people.

Omisore said artisans, market men and women and other category of workers would benefit from the empowerment scheme that has already started with the Omisore Youth Support Forum, adding that more aged people would benefit from the programme.

“On assumption of office, I will change the OYSF empowerment program to Osun State Empowerment Program so that everybody will benefit from the scheme irrespective of your political affiliation and leaning,” Omisore said.

PPN candidate defects to LP

T

HE Labour Party, LP governorship candidate in the August 9 governorship election in Osun State, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade’s electoral fortune received a boost as the standard bearer of the Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN, Mrs Foluso Makanjuola-Oyenuga and her supporters dumped their party for LP. At a ceremony held in Ilesa, Osun State, weekend,Mrs Makanjuola-Oyenuga and hundreds of her supporters from across the 30 local government areas of the state, were received by the LP candidate, Alhaji Akinbade.

A statement by Akinbade’s media aide, Mr Kayode Oladeji, stated that the PPN governorship candidate and her teeming supporters, defected on Sunday.

According to her, they decided to join the LP owing to the clamour of the people, adding that the ideology and programmes of Akinbade were in tandem with theirs.

“If truly we mean to dislodge Aregbesola at the coming election, then all hands must be concerted, be on deck and the best way to do it; is to team up with the party(LP) and its candidate, Alhaji Akinbade” She said “seriously, Akinbade is a grassroots person to the core and everywhere I go,people,I mean the real voters have always been talking about him as the person they will vote for at the coming election. I marvel at the way he operates and silently too” Speaking at the occasion, the LP candidate said the decampees had made the right decision by joining the winning team.

“It is not about noise or jamboree.

We know our strategy and its working quite well for us. We do not in anyway, begrudge those who are making noise about; August 9, this year, shall decide”, he said.

He called on the new members of the party to embark on mobilisation drive so as to ensure the total victory of the LP at the polls.

The former Secretary to the State Government assured that the state would witness development on all fronts if his party emerges, saying,”this is because we shall approach governance with all seriousness”.

•Akinbade

Vanguard anguard,, TUESDAY, JULY 8 , 2014 — 59

BRIEFS Muslim leaders reject Baghdadi’s caliphate

Abuse scandals: Pope begs for forgiveness C ATHOLIC bishops “ will be held accountable” for failing to protect children from sexual abuse, Pope Francis said Monday, his strongest acknowledgment yet of what abuse victims have been saying for decades: that the cover-ups have often been as bad as the crimes.

But without strong action to back up those words, such groups are likely to view Francis’ comments as little more than lip service. Vatican officials have so far been reluctant to take action against bishops accused of concealing abuse.

In a homily given during a private Mass with six victims of church sexual abuse, Francis apologized for the abuse and asked for forgiveness.

“I beg your forgiveness, too, for the sins of omission on the part of Church leaders who did not respond adequately to reports of abuse made by family members, as well as by abused victims themselves,” Francis said in the homily, ac-

cording to a text of the statement provided by the Vatican.

“This led to even greater suffering on the part of those who were abused and it endangered other minors who were at risk,” he said.In his homily, Francis said that “all bishops must carry out their pastoral ministry with the

utmost care in order to help foster the protection of minors, and they will be held accountable.”

Despite the strong words, a victims advocacy group, the Survivors Network of those Abused

by Priests, or SNAP, said Monday’s session failed to advance the cause of preventing molestation

by priests, arguing that “no child on earth is safer today because of this meeting.”

Monday’s meeting between Francis and the six victims of church sexual abuse was not the first such meeting between a pontiff and survivors, but it was the first of Francis’ papacy.

HE United Kingdom consistently warned the Iraqi government about the threat posed

by ISIS before that group swept across large swaths of the country, UK Ambassador to Iraq Simon Collis said yesterday.

“I’m not suggesting that anybody saw quite the speed and scale of the advances that took place, which were in part also a result of the collapse of very significant numbers of Iraqi security forces.”

“But the fact that Mosul was vulnerable was known. The fact that ISIL were already holding territory from last year in parts of western Iraq, in Anbar and elsewhere, was well known.”

“We were aware of the threat and we gave clear advice at the time and throughout about the best way to tackle it, the only effective way to tackle it.”

The UK told Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s government that the only way to defeat ISIS was through a “compre-

USLIM scholars and movements from across the Sunni Islamic spectrum have rejected the caliphate declared by the Islamic State group, with the fighters receiving scathing criticism from both mainstream religious leaders, and those associated with their former allies, al-Qaeda.

Assem Barqawi, also known as Abu Mohamed al-Maqdesi, who was released from a Jordanian prison in June after serving a sentence for recruiting volunteers to fight in Afghanistan, called fighters loyal to the Islamic State group’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, “deviant”.

Maqdesi, a supporter of the al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front, hit out at the Islamic State group for its brutal methods. ”Is this caliphate a sanctuary for the vulnerable and a refuge for all Muslims, or a sword hanging over those Muslims who disagree with them,” Maqdesi said.

Palestinian teen’s ‘murder suspects confess’

T

HREE people have confessed to murdering a Palestinian teenager whose death sparked riots in occupied East Jerusalem, the AP news agency and Israeli media have said.

An unnamed Israeli official told AP the suspects on Monday were re-enacting the killing of Mohammed Abu Khdeir for authorities. Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post newspapers reported similar comments by unnamed officials.

The reports cannot be fully confirmed by Al Jazeera due to a gagging order on the case.

Abu Khedeir, 16, was abducted near his home last week as he went to morning prayer, and his charred remains were found in a forest outside the city.

A man poses for photos holding an Afghan national flag as supporters of Afghan presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani celebrate in the street after preliminary election results showed he won on July 7, 2014, in Kabul .

We warned Iraq about extremist threat — UK

T

M

hensive counterterrorism strategy,” involving political, economic, and security measures, Ambassador Collis said.

Al-Maliki’s government has appeared thus far to

prioritize the security situation over a political solution.

“Iraq needs a broadbased government that can show national unity,” Ambassador Collis said.

“The idea that you can tackle the security part first and come back to the politics in due time is part of the reason why Iraq’s in the situation it is today.”

Hamas threatens revenge after Gaza air raids

S

ENIOR Hamas leaders have threatened revenge against Israel after air raids in the Gaza Strip killed nine people, the single highest death toll since the 2012 cross-border war.

Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, on Monday accused Israel of a “grave escalation” in violence and threatened to retaliate, saying Israel would “pay the price”.

Among the dead from overnight attacks were seven fighters from the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, killed in a tunnel in Rafah, in the south of Gaza.

Ghani leads Afghanistan presidential run-off Egypt’s President Sisi ‘regrets’

P

RELIMINARY results in Afghanistan’s presidential polls have put Ashraf Ghani, the country’s former finance minister, in the lead, but the electoral commission has emphasised that the results are not final.

In an announcement on Monday, Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani of the Afghan presidential commission said Ghani, an ex-World Bank economist, was in the lead with 56.44 percent of the vote, while his rival Abdullah Abdullah, a former Afghan foreign minister, had 43.56 percent.

The Independent Election Commission acknowledged that vote rigging had occurred and promised to launch a more extensive investigation before final results are released after the com-

•Ashraf Ghani plaints commission recounted a number of votes.

The preliminary result will include all votes from the June 14 run-off vote, with the official result scheduled for July 22 after a period for adjudication of complaints.

Al Jazeera’s Jennifer Glasse, reporting from Kabul, said that the head of the elections commis-

sion had also admitted that the vote was far from perfect.

“There were some flaws to it but that’s to be expected, he said, in a country like Afghanistan where security is still an issue where some polling stations couldn’t be opened,” she said.

“Some of the observers and even security officials, he said, were biased in favour of one candidate or the other.”

Last-minute talks Monday’s announcement came after lastminute talks by the candidates in an effort to try and resolve a stand-off over the election outcome.

Ghani’s camp said the two sides had agreed to audit an additional 7,100 polling stations to ensure the final result is clean but Abdullah’s aides said the compromise was not final.

al-Jazeera trial

E

GYPT’S President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has said he wishes the three al-Jazeera journalists imprisoned last month had never been put on trial, reports say.Peter Greste, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed were sentenced to between seven and 10 years in jail after being found guilty of aiding a “terrorist group”.

Mr Sisi was quoted by the al-Masry al-Youm newspaper late on Sunday as saying the trial had “very negative effects”.

His remarks received a mixed response from the journalists’ families.

US diplomat expelled from Bahrain

A

US diplomat has been ordered to leave Bahr ain after meeting with members of a leading Shia opposition group, say Bahrain officials.

Tom Malinowski, US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, went to Bahrain on Sunday.

While there, he met with members of Al Wifaq, a move which the the Foreign Ministry of Bahrain says intervened in the country’s domestic affairs.

Protests by members of the majority Shia population have been ongoing.

60 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Luiz leads Brazil against Germany D

AVID Luiz has insist ed that he is ready to captain Brazil for their World Cup semi-final against Germany today.

The defender is expected to lead the team in the absence of Thiago Silva, who is suspended for the encounter in Belo Horizonte. “I’m ready,” Luiz

is quoted as saying. “I’m vice-captain and this group is very easy to handle because everyone’s very down to earth. It won’t be a tough job at all.”

Luiz has found the net twice in five games for the hosts so far at the tournament.

Continues from61 6 Raïs M’Bohli (Algeria) The Algeria No1 did not arrive in Brazil with a big reputation. In fact the Hearts manager, Robbie Nielsen, admitted this month that he had no recollection of M’Bohli being at the Scottish club and they are one of nine sides where he had a stint before joining his current employer, CSKA Sofia, where he is not a regular starter. Like many of his team-mates, he earned new respect. His display against Germany was the crowning glory, as he repelled a fusillade with some spectacular blocks such as the reflex stop from a close-range Thomas Müller or, best of all, a diving, fingertip save to push a Philipp Lahm drive just round a post. Unforgettable.

FIFA rejects Brazil Silva plea, Neymar probe

F

IFA issued a double snub to World Cup hosts Brazil yesterday, rejecting an appeal for captain Thiago Silva’s semifinal suspension to be overturned and dismissing calls for retrospective action against Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga.

A statement from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee said no action would be taken against Zuniga for his tackle which left Bra-

zil striker Neymar with a tournament-ending back injury.

Zuniga could not be punished because the incident had been seen by the match officials at the time, a statement said.

A request by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to rescind Silva’s yellow card was dismissed because there was “no legal basis” to grant the request, FIFA said.

GETTING READY . . . Brazil’s defender David Luiz (L) and Brazil’s defender Dante take part in a training session at the Granja Comary training complex in Teresopolis ahead of today’s semi final match against Germany. Photo: AFP

Eagles remain our heroes — Guinness S

PLAYMATES . . . Super Eagles duo, Ogenyi Onazi ( L) and Emmanuel Emenike sharing jokes during one of their training sessions at the World Cup

PONSOR of Super Ea gles of Nigeria, Guinness has reassured the team of its unwavering support despite their loss to Les Bleus of France in their second round game of the Brazil 2014 World Cup which comes to an end this weekend. According to the number one supporters of the Eagles, the team may be out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup but they remain heroes.

Guinness further encouraged Nigerians to keep believing in the Super Eagles and congratulating the team and fans for their solidarity and patriotism while the Eagles

played at the World Cup. Speaking on the Eagles performance, Mr. Austin Ufomba, Marketing and Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria said “we are very proud of our team despite not qualifying for the quarter finals. The Eagles have every reason to hold their heads high for representing Nigeria and Africa very well. We salute their resolve and determination that took them to the round of 16 at the tournament; a feat some bigger teams could not attain. The team made a bold statement of resilience and determination against worthy opponents”.

Airtel Rising Stars: Plateau foils Curtain falls on Olayi U-13 Football championship Abuja’s chase for double Mark’s, Gakem and St ALIU Yau Adam was the match hero over the weekend when his effort lifted Plateau State to victory at the expense of Abuja in the boys football event in the zonal final of the the Aritel Rising Stars. Yau’s sublime volley midway into the first half, soared beyond the reach of goalkeeper David Ibrahim and was the only goal that separated the teams as Plateau, coached by former Golden Eaglets stalwart, Sal-

isu Nakande won 1-0.

The result also broke the hearts of the Abuja faithful who were holding for an encore after Abuja had earlier defeated Kaduna 2-1 in a charged final to win the female version.

Yau, scored two goals to emerge one of the star players of the tournament.

Abuja stepped up the pace in the second half but failed to secure the lifeline because of some errant finishing.

Brazil 2014: Enyeama among top 10 goalkeepers

A

LL is now set for the final of the second edition of Olayi Under 13 Football championship scheduled for Sunday, July 13 at St Augustine’s Primary School field, Bekwara, Cross River State.The championship which is open only to Primary schools across Bekwara Local Government will see St. Augustine’s lurking horns with St. Joseph’s Primary School, Akpakpa in the final, while the third place match will feature St

Clement’s Primary School Ugboro.

Sponsor of the annual championship, Ben Achu Olayi has promised educational materials to all the 57 primary schools in the area.

Co-ordinator of the event, Chief Austin Ola said the presence of national U-15 coaches will make this year’s edition special. Also expected at the final include numerous ex-internationals from Cross River State including Ekpenyong Ene-Ita, Etta Egbe, Paul Edun, Egan Adat among others.

7 Júlio César (Brazil) Researchers and sports scientists spend lots of time and money trying to figure out how best to prepare for tournaments but none of them has ever submitted a thesis recommending a year on the Loftus Road bench followed by a sojourn in the boondocks of Toronto FC. But that was César’s prelude to this World Cup and the 34-year-old has so far justified the manager ’s decision to keep faith with him.

He made sharp saves from Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic to prevent Brazil from suffering a shock defeat in the opening game and made an outstanding save in normal time against Chile to keep out a shot from Charles Aránguiz. Before the shootout he told his team-mates to “hit them with confidence and I’ll stop three” and then turned away efforts from Mauricio Pinilla and Alexis Sánchez before Gonzalo Jara tried too hard to put the ball out of the goalkeeper ’s reach and hit a post.

8 Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) Playing in front of Courtois must give defenders the same sense of security that a slight time delay gives live broadcasters, who thus know they may escape punishment for any goof. Belgium did not sparkle in this tournament but nor did they ever really look in danger – except in the dying stages of the game against the USA, and in their moment of greatest need Courtois was on hand to bail them out, making a top block to thwart Clint Dempsey after a smart free-kick. And while Belgium left the tournament with a whimper, Courtois at least showed that his own defiance remained intact as he made a splendid late save to foil Lionel Messi.

9 David Ospina (Colombia) Colombia entertained with their attacking play but on the rare occasion that their defence was infiltrated, Ospina proved a reliable guardian. His display in the second-half against Uruguay was especially impressive as he made four crucial stops to preserve his team’s lead, including one excellent intervention to deny Maxi Pereira. In the end it took a scrambled goal from Thiago Silva and an odd swirling free-kick to confound the Colombia No1.

10 Tim Krul (Holland) Was he really a penalty-saving specialist before Louis van Gaal introduced him from the bench just seconds before the quarter-final shootout against Costa Rica? His record did not suggest so, but the unusual substitution planted the idea in the opposition’s mind and Krul’s two subsequent saves mean that now he really can be considered a specialist. A bluff that became a truth: masterful.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 — 61

— 58

Brazil 2014: Enyeama among

top 10 goalkeepers

Neymar : For our sake, God, let Brazil win!

N

IGERIA may have long been kicked out of the World Cup by France, but the exploits of goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama are still reigning supreme and being re-echoed at the on-going World Cup. Little wonder therefore he has been named in the Top 10 goalkeepers in the World Cup. He is rated the fourth best Goalkeeper in Brazil

1 Manuel Neuer (Germany) Cristiano Ronaldo got an early clue that this was not going to be his tournament when Neuer produced a superb save from a stoppage-time free-kick to prevent Portugal from salvaging even a sliver of consolation from their crushing defeat by Germany. But it is not his shot-stopping that has distinguished Neuer, it is the way he has practically redefined the role of a goalkeeper, taking the sweeper-keeper function to an extreme never before showcased with such success.

His charges out of his box prevented Algeria, in particular, from revelling in the space behind Germany’s high defensive line, compensating for Per Mertesacker’s lack of pace. In addition to the obvious effectiveness, the sight of the hulking keeper hurtling towards confrontation must have a potent mind-game value – Asamoah Gyan, for instance, fled ridiculously wide when presented with the chance to take on Neuer one-on-one. What is more, Neuer’s superb distribution makes him the first line of attack.

2 Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) Way to ace a job interview. Ochoa, a free agent after three outstanding seasons at Ajaccio, was unlikely to be short of offers before the tournament but his displays for Mexico may have endeared him to a new calibre of recruiter.

The 28-year-old’s agility, reflexes and robust wrists enabled him to make an array of improbable saves.

Brazil players wondered whether there had been divine intervention when he helped Mexico to draw against them, while it took C M Y K

UP TO IT . . . Super Eagles’ goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama (C) jumps to make a save during their Round of 16 match against France in the Brazil 2014 World Cup at Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia. France won 2-0. Photo: AFP.

some devilry from Arjen Robben to beat Ochoa in the end.

3 Keylor Navas (Costa Rica) The 27-year-old came into the tournament after a wonderful season in which he set a new clean-sheet record for Levante but it has still been a major surprise to see Costa Rica advance to the quarter-finals while conceding only two goals in five matches – Uruguay, Italy, England, Greece and Holland. Behind a solid unit, Navas was a secure presence. As the pressure increased, his performances rose accordingly, with his exhibitions of shot-stopping against Greece and Holland among the highlights of the tournament.

Brazil’s poster boy, Neymar, is out of the World Cup. The World Cup would not be the same again.

And so, victory nearly turned to defeat. Agony. Pain.

Many Brazilians cry as the news hit them.

None Brazilians joined in the pain of the nation.

Yes, Neymar electrifies the World Cup for the hosts and brings so much joy that is shared to none Brazilians. The World Cup party starts from the numerous open festivals where thousands throng to watch Brazilian matches. And once victory comes to Brazil, then, the rhythm of the samba is ignited.

Free drinks are served. The merriment spills over to the real Whore Cup. Where professionals are their own gate keepers. They admit fans of all colours and charge their gate takings based on the power of haggling. The boom has been on and the pros have been considerate to reduce the prices, even offering free services as their contribution to a country that is drenched in celebration once they win. But not on Saturday when Brazil was well and truly in mourning when the news came through that Neymar had played his last World Cup match due to the injury inflicted by Juan Zuniga. That injury is affecting many souls. It is affecting many businesses. The only way joy could be restored in the hidden homes where Policia keep an eagle on is if Brazil brave the odds and go past the German machines in the semi final. The whole country would burst loose in celebration. And the pros would open their legs, and hearts to celebrate.

Trusted Psychics or fortune makers?

4 Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria) Another goalkeeper who arrived after a recordbreaking season at club level. Enyeama carried on the form that made him nighon unbeatable for Lille last term, pulling off a series of extraordinary saves, starting in the first match against Iran, when Nigeria dominated but would have lost if the goalkeeper had not kept enough concentration to tip away a header from Reza Ghoochannejhad. He then kept Bosnia-Herzegovina at bay before thwarting Lionel Messi and Argentina for long periods despite conceding three. When a goalkeeper falls below imperfection, however, he can be punished severely and Enyeama’s mishandling of a

F-L-I-C-K-S!

OUT OF REACH . . . Costa Rica’s goalkeeper Keylor Navas (R) gets to the ball off Netherlands’ forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar head. Netherlands won 4-3 on penalty. Photo: AFP

cross against France enabled Paul Pogba to plunder the winning goal and ruined another otherwise immaculate performance.

5 Tim Howard (USA) Even though he made a tournament-record number of saves against Belgium, the American’s shotstopping was not the most admirable aspect of his performances in Brazil – and not only because most of the Belgian efforts were straight at the goalkeeper,

their forwards’ odd lack of composure seemingly making them unable to spot Howard’s tendency to go low prematurely, a habit that Nani had exploited earlier.

That quibble aside, Howard’s influence seemed immense as his leadership helped coax valiant resistance from defenders who might otherwise have been torn apart. He inspired his team-mates with words and deeds.

Continues on page 60

What started with 32 countries have now boiled down to 4 teams. That means that 28 countries are home either watching and analyzing with their families or have gone on forced holidays to prepare for their clubs new season that hots up after the World Cup. Attention is also gradually shifting from the stadia to the fan fest parks or tourism centres in Brazil. There is a beautiful park in Republica in Sao Paulo which has now become a hotbed of drug addicts, alcoholics and prostitutes including male prostitutes. A lady walked up to me speaking one of the best English I have ever heard since coming to Brazil. ‘’Hello! Please, come to our stand let us provide you with the most dependable and informative readings of your life and future”, she said turning around to lure me with her well-shaped body more than all the psychic nonsense of telling me my future. I noticed that handful of crowds gathered in batches with either a woman draped with so many rings piercing her eyes and ears, looking frighteningly like Mammy water than a fortune teller. Here, they collect monies to help people unlock their future, unravel their inner thoughts, provide answers to your future and destiny and re-direct your paths and make you find a happier path you can follow.

And see swarm of boys and girls even men and women who are closer to their graves holding candles and listening attentively as one man or woman unlock their future. Beautiful girls and boys who have relationship issues shedding tears and rejoicing as their problems are solved. The woman, tarot card reader claims she has a natural spiritual ability to change things. Many things were on my mind.

Can she unlock the Boko Haram in my country, power outage, Mile 2 traffic? Can she re-direct my future to make me be like Dangote? Can she make me tall, dark and handsome to become an idol of many hearts? If she can make the impossible happen, why have they not turned their fortunes?

62— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014 — 63

Echiejile overcomes injury setback N

IGERIA interna tional defender, Elderson Echiejile, has recovered from the muscle injury that ruled him out of the 2014 Fifa World Cup finals in Brazil.

The left-back suffered the injury during Nigeria’s 0-0 draw against Greece in a pre-World Cup warm-up game in Pennsylvania on June 3.

Initial diagnosis of the injury showed it was a muscle tear that would rule the 26-year-old out of competitive football for three weeks.

He was replaced in the Nigerian squad by winger, Ejike Uzoenyi, as the Super Eagles reached the round of 16 in Brazil.

Echiejile has now recovered from the injury and has joined the AS

Monaco squad in Klagenfurt, Austria for the club’s pre-season exertions for the 2014/15 campaign.

The first training session of the camp focused on ball work with subsequent sessions increasing in intensity. Echiejile was fully involved as he underlined his fitness.

He then took to Twitter to discuss his recent progress.

“First training session with my team #ASMONACO. Amazing feeling, good to be back with the boys. #Happy,” he tweeted via @EldersonEch. Echiejile has been capped 40 times by Nigeria at senior level and has scored twice for the Super Eagles since making his debut in 2009.

The Mexican referee who officiated in the match that saw Uruguay striker Luis Suarez bite Italian Giorgio Chiellini has been appointed to handle Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final between Brazil and Germany.

Marco Rodriguez, who sent off Italy’s Claudio Marchisio in the same Group D fixture, now has the task of keeping order in Sao Paulo for Tuesday’s game.

Rodriguez did not see the incident involving Suarez and Chiellini

•Echiejile

Minister distances Govt from NFF crises T

HE Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Tamuno Danagogo, has denied complicity in the on-going crises that is rocking the Nigerian football firmament.

Danagogo who was at the controversial Extra Ordinary General Meeting of the NFF held on Saturday at the Bolingo Hotels and Towers in Abuja said that the only role of the government in the

Continues from BP

pening because we try as much as possible as government to allow

the development of our various sports in a professional manner.

has not offered any coach the Bafana Bafana coaching job and we don’t take kindly to such rumours,” said SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan from Brazil.

“It is not true because SAFA has not entered into a discussion with any coach or a representative of any coach,” he added.

Just after our exclusive story yesterday many online reports in the afternoon said that Keshi was on his way to South Africa for the Bafana Bafana job.

Shortly after that the official statement came from SAFA.

during the match, which led to the Uruguay star being thrown out of the tournament and banned from football for four months.

Rodriguez has refereed at three World Cups before but has never officiated in a knockout stage match.

News of his appointment come as Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger warned on Sunday for the match officials in the semi-final to keep an eye on Brazil’s physical approach.

Madrid legend, Di Stefano between 1956 and 1960. dies at 88 Sir Bobby Charlton,

R

EAL Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, has died.

The 88-year-old suffered a heart attack on Saturday and had been in an induced coma in Madrid’s Gregorio Maranon hospital.

Real Madrid confirmed the news, saying Di Stefano, their honorary president, died at 1715 CET (1615 BST).

A forward, he won five straight European Cups, scoring in each final

who played against him for Manchester United, paid tribute.

“I think Alfredo Di Stefano was one of the best players I ever came across and an extremely intelligent footballer,” said the former England international.

•Di Stefano

Failure looms Continues from BP

SAFA

had been handed the lucrative job, beating stiff competition from top European coaches.

The SAFA denial reads, “The South African Football Association (SAFA) would like to clarify further insinuations that the Association has offered Stephen Keshi the job as Bafana Bafana coach.

Reports coming through and carried out by several media outlets are quoting Mr Keshi alleging he has an offer on the table from SAFA. “There is no iota of truth in this statement. SAFA C M Y K

saga is to maintain peace and order between the parties involved.

“I returned from the World Cup to meet a letter from NFA’s General Secretary, Musa Amadu, informing me of a court order against the executive committee of the NFA,” Danagogo told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“And as a law abiding citizen, I have to allow the law to take its course. I will not play any role in what is hap-

Ref Rodridguez gets Brazil-Germany semi

•Danagogo

Loew

Continues from BP Despite Brazil’s good run in the tournament thus far, Low believes his side are in a good position to give the hosts a run for their money, hinting that any small detail could make the difference in their last four showdown.

“It’s good when the hosts go so far, but we’re self-confident and we’ve gelled more as the tournament has

progressed,” he said.

“We’ll devise a good plan and give Brazil a real fight.

“The chances are even and it’s going to come down to something really minor, who reaches the final.”

Germany are desperate to lift the trophy in Brazil, having reached the semi-finals of the last three editions, but never leaving with the winner’s medal.

ing, raising questions Nigeria’s quest for a successful outing in Glasgow.

Since the country ’s maiden appearance at the 1950 edition in Auckland, Nigeria has featured in nine other Games, the last being in New Delhi in 2010, where the athletes garnered 11 gold, eight silver and 14 bronze medals, which ranks as the country ’s second best outing at the Games. The best outing for Team Nigeria was Victoria Games in 1994, where the athletes scooped 11 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze medals.

But this glittering record is in danger of being rubbished owing

to the non-release of funds for athletes to start camping ahead of the herculean challenges they will face in Glasgow. With athletes like Olympic and world 100m, 200m and relay champion, Usain Bolt set to race for Jamiaca at the Games, Nigerian athletes are fearing the worst in Glasgow.

“We are in a state of hopelessness because we do not know where we stand as far as the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is concerned. It is a thing of shame that no athlete has been sent on training tour for the Games.

We fear that this may be our worst outing in the last 20 years”, said one female athlete who craved anonymity.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Failure looms for Nigeria at Comonwealth Games

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

N

No offer for Keshi – SAFA J

UST as we exclusively reported yesterday, the South African Football Association followed up with a confirmation of our story when it denied, in categorical terms, that it had not given any coach, including Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi, the job of the Bafana Bafana coach.

The SAFA statement came in the heels of spurious reports that said the former Nigeria’s coach, Stephen Keshi Continues on Page 63

•Keshi

Today’s Match Brazil

TODAY'S

vs

Germany

•Okagbare

•Jordan, SAFA boss

9 p. m.

PUZZLE

IGERIA’s bid for medals at the 2014 Commonweath Games, starting this month in Glasgow, Scotland is in grave danger and could remain a pipe dream following the non-release of funds for pregames preparations.

The 2014 edition of the Commonwealth Games holds between July 23 to August 3 and promises to be the largest multi-sporting event ever held in Scotland, although the country previously hosted the 1970 and 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

The grave news is that with less than 15 days to the start of the Games, Team Nigeria athletes are yet to proceed on pre-Games training tour and camp Continues on Page 63

We’ll give Brazil real fight – Loew G

ERMANY coach Joachim Low insists his side will put up a “real fight” against hosts Brazil in their titanic semi-final encounter on Tuesday evening.

“We all know how strong Brazil are,” Low

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

said in an interview with the German Football Association.

“They were the big favourites right from the start and the players have mostly coped with this role outstandingly.”

Continues on Page 63

•Loew

•Scolari

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Region (4) 4 Decay (3) 6 Sense (4) 8 Shut (6) 9 Abrupt (6) 10 Newt (3) 12 Crawl (5) 14 Punitive (5) 15 Revolt (5) 18 Respect (6) 20 Rubber (6) 24 Handle (5) 26 Shabby (5) 28 Prickle (5) 30 Agent (3) 32 Marionette (6) 33 Free (6) 34 Encounter (4) 35 Whelp (3) 36 Whirlpool (4)

DOWN 2 Sovereign (5) 3 Harsh (7) 4 Travel (4) 5 Trial (4) 6 Sweetmeat (5) 7 Raise (7) 11 Charge (3) 12 Dog (3) 13 Through (3) 16 Wager (3) 17 Shelter (3) 19 Perform (7) 21 Rodent (3) 22 Sportsperson (7) 23 Manage (3) 25 Tear (3) 27 Storehouse (5) 29 Swift (5) 30 Cease (4) 31 Yap (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Stock 7, Villa 8, Dream 10, Alike 12, Eat 13, Peril 15, Entered 17, Ironed 19, Sot 20, Refuted 23, Crew 25, Diva 26, Damaged 30, Vat 31, Dilute 34, Ripened 37, Venom 38, Oar 39, Denim 40, Alter 41, Nurse 42, Steer.

DOWN: 1, Viper 2, Slain 3, Taller 4, Cake 5, Greeted 6, Water 8, Ear 11, Ensured 13, Pitch 14, Roved 16, Tot 18, Debated 21, Divan 22, Harem 24, Wavered 27, Man 28, Divine 29, Viola 32, Lemur 33, Torso 35, Pat 36, Deft.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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C M Y K