NATIONAL CONFAB: We don't have ‘no-go’ areas — Okurounmu

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61987

**

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

ASSETS CONFISCATION:

Taraba Acting Gov escapes UK court orders retrial death in auto crash 40 48 of Ibori's case

NATIONAL CONFAB:

We don't have ‘no-go’ areas — Okurounmu

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, BEN AGANDE & DAPO AKINREFON

L

•As Jonathan inaugurates advisory panel •Abubakar, Alkali, OPC, others hail move

AGOS — PRESI DENT Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that the proposed National Conference will firm up the country’s unity and not threaten its corporate existence.

“I will, therefore, like to allay the fears of those who think the Confer-

Continues on Page 5

Soldiers kill 30 suspected Boko Haram P.6 members COLUMNIST:

•P.17

Mr & Mrs CONFAB COMMITTEE—President Goodluck Jonathan (C) flanked by Vice President Namadi Sambo (4th right) and the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on the National Conference, Dr. Femi Okurounmu (4th left) and other committee members shortly after inauguration at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida. See more Pictures on Page 16.

Why FG grounded Dana Airlines •To send Associated Airlines' Embraer engines to Brazil •Airlines hike fares over Dana suspension •Pgs.10&16 C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 3

4—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Abdusalami canvasses new approach to fight insecurity

A

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

BUJA—FORMER Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, yesterday, canvassed a comprehensive approach to national security management, saying the upsurge in violent extremism and domestic terrorism have rendered the traditional approach to security obsolete and ineffective.

General Abdusalami who spoke at the National Defence College Course 22 inaugural lecture titled, ‘Comprehensive Approach to National Security Management in Nigeria.’ also emphasized that the myriad of security challenges facing the country did not start under the Jonathan administration, noting that threats to the nation’s security have evolved over time.

He explained that there was urgent need to evolve new ways, procedures, mechanisms and institutions that would be effective in preventing, mitigating and managing myriad of security challenges confronting the country.

According to him, “the nature and pattern of outbreak of new and emerging threats can no longer be achieved through reliance on current approach to security, nor can it be achieved through a sole reliance on the security agencies alone."

He said that current security threats have shown that the attainment and preservation of security must be everybody ’s business, adding that the public is expected to play vital role in assisting the conventional bodies, especially in the area of intelligence gathering on activities of criminal elements.

Abubakar, who rebuked the regime of military rule, said the comprehensive approach he was advocating was concerned with restoring security, governance and development through interagency, inter-ministerial or even an interorganisational framework approach.

C M Y K

APC govs tackle NNPC over fedaral allocations zWants NNPC to remit N2.3trn debt to FG

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH & CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

A

BUJA—ALL Progressive Congress, APC, governors yesterday, rose stoutly against the move by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to shrug off the fact that it was indebted to the Federal Government to the tune of N2.3 trillion of unremitted revenue.

The debt, according to the governors, has effectively stalled the payment of monthly allocations to the 36 states since July this year, leading to a near stalemate between them and the Federal Government.

The governors, who made their position known in a statement in Abuja yesterday, challenged the corporation to make public the amount of money it generated and remitted to the federal purse since the beginning of the year.

The governors noted with dismay the attempt by the agency to treat the issue of transparent accountability in oil production with levity, warning that the opaqueness in the sector would further erode the confidence of the international community and Nigerians.

NNPC had said on Sunday that it did not owe the Federation Accounts and Allocation Committee, FAAC, any amount, having been consistently remitting its revenues to the relevant agencies of the government.

The spokesperson for the NNPC, Tumini Green, had claimed that “NNPC does not owe the Federation Account, “taking into account outstanding subsidies and other associated costs of operations and losses”.

Green, however, admitted that “not all revenues collected by NNPC are paid directly into the accounts of Federal Allocation with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Some are paid into the accounts of the relevant government agencies, like the Federal Inland Revenue Services and the Department of Petroleum Resources, with the CBN. But eventually, all these payments are credited to the accounts FAAC.” But the governors described the claim by the corporation as escapist, dishonest, contradictory and in many respect fraudulent.

“The question is how much was the revenue collected by NNPC? How much of it was paid to the Federation Account? How much was paid to accounts of other relevant government agencies? How much is credited to FAAC? How much was committed to the payment of so-called outstanding subsidies? What other associated costs of operations and losses incurred and how much?

“Above all, what is the constitutional and legal provisions governing the management of oil revenue? Section 162(1) of the 1999 Constitution is unambiguously clear and it has directed that “The Federation shall maintain a special account to be called

“the Federation Account” into which shall be paid all revenues collected by the Government of the Federation, except the proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnel of the armed forces of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry or

department of government charged with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“Nowhere in the Constitution has any exception been granted for any collectible revenue outside “proceeds from the

personal income tax of the personnel of the armed forces of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry or department of government charged with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja” provided."

Flag off of APGA governorship campaign in Awka, yesterday.

Anambra guber: Obiano gets APGA ticket, urges Ndigbo to unite

BY EMEKA MAMAH

A

large crowd of party supporters, yesterday, cheered ceaselessly as Chief Willie Obiano, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, received the party flag and the blessings of the elders at a rally to mark the official flag-off of campaign for the November 16, gubernatorial elections in Anambra State.

The event which took place at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, attracted all the contestants who lost the primaries to Chief Obiano.

Receiving the instruments, Chief Obiano declared his readiness to take on the challenge of lifting Anambra State to the next level of development.

His words, “As I stand here today, I am reminded of the words of one of Britain’s greatest statesmen; Sir Winston Churchill who once declared – “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.” My fellow party faithful, friends and brothers, in accepting the flag of our party today, I have

chosen to write our history. And I will be kind to myself! I am bound to serve.’’

Obiano who paid glowing tributes to the late founder of the party, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu for his phenomenal role in bringing Ndigbo together under one party further assured the people of the state that “we have finally come to that rare moment in time when the forces that slowed down our march to greatness have finally been broken and when our people’s great entrepreneurial spirit must find expression.

“Today, APGA stands on the crossroads of history as the only political platform that represents the aspirations of Ndigbo at home and in the Diaspora.

Anambra State is the only states out of the five states in the South East where APGA is in power. This glaring imbalance reflects our people’s inability to grasp the political realities of our time. My brothers and sisters, the times demand that we rise to our full height to preserve the heritage of our fathers and the values of cohesion and brotherhood that once made Ndigbo great.”

Quoting Publilius Syrus, first

Century Latin writer that ‘Where there is unity there is always victory’; Obiano invited all former aspirants on the party platform to join hands with him to ensure victory at the polls.

He said: “Let us join our hands together and form a formidable rainbow of unity that will sustain the fire of progress that is burning in Anambra State today.

“Now is the time to re-build Igbo land. No longer shall our people be deported in the dead of the night for seeking temporary shelter in hostile territories. No longer shall Ndigbo be maimed and killed for seeking comfort in unfriendly cities across Nigeria! Let us join hands together and rebuild Igboland; a land where no one can be deported from!”

Earlier, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Peter Umeh had applauded the performance of the Obi administration in the state and argued that only a credible achiever like Obiano could sustain his legacy.

“Governor Obi has laid a solid foundation. What we need now is someone who has the competence to build a skyscraper on it. Chief Obiano and his running mate, Dr. Nkem Okeke constitute the best team for Anambra."

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

PDP GOVS—From Left: Governors Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; Liyel Imoke of Cross River; Aliyu Babangida of Niger and Idris Wada of Kogi State after a meeting of the President and VicePresident with PDP governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

We don't have ‘no-go’ areas — Okurounmu Continues from Page 1

ence will call the integrity of Nigeria into question. This National Discourse will strengthen our union and address issues that are often on the front burner, and are too frequently ignored,”

he said while inaugurating the 13-man Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Chairman of the committee, Dr Femi Okurounmu however

LIFEWORDS

B

BY PASTOR ITUAH

LAMING creates enemies. The person you are blaming will ignore you, compile numerous proofs of their innocence, and resent you. And their friends will defend them and become your enemies.

Even your own friends will get fed up with your complaining and distance you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Feelings are everywhere and the world is harsh enough. Just be gentle — J. Masai

T

HIS is an interesting story about being con siderate with the feelings of other people whose lifestyles and customs are different from ours. During a diplomatic reception for a visiting Chieftain from another continent, an etiquette rule was breached unknowingly by the guest of honour at the dinner party. All went well during the meal until, at the end, finger bowls were served. The guest of honour had never seen a British finger bowl, and no one had thought to brief him beforehand about its purpose. So not knowing what else to do, he took the bowl in his two hands, lifted it to his mouth and drank its contents down.

For an instant, there was breathless silence among the privileged guests, and then they began to whisper to one another about the breach of etiquette.

But the queen herself saved the moment when she likewise lifted her bowl to her lips and drank. The diners caught on and a moment later 500 surprised ladies and gentlemen simultaneously drank the contents of their own finger bowls. It was the queen’s tact and consideration that guarded her guest from certain embarrassment. When we are dealing with people different from us. Remember different does not mean better or superior, it is just what it is – different. And it is in our differences and diversity that we all share a common bond in tuned with our humanity.

commended President Jonathan for not establishing any ‘no go’ areas for the committee, thus opening up for discourse all aspects of our present constitution and national life”.

Declaring that the conference will aggregate opinions of all Nigerians in order to make the country a better place, he charged members of the Okurounmu-led panel to “consult widely before sitting down to develop the framework that will guide and guard the proceedings of the discussions.

“In the task before you, no voice is too small and no opinion is irrelevant.

Thus, the views of the sceptics and those of the enthusiasts must be accommodated as you formulate this all important framework. This conversation is a people’s conversation and I urge you to formulate an all-inclusive process that protects the people’s interests,” President Jonathan added.

He spoke as more eminent Nigerians hailed the dialogue move.

Among those who threw their weight behind the effort yesterday included former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd); former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and governorship aspirant in Gombe State in 2011, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali; and National Co-ordinator of

the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams.

We'll meet expectation of Nigerians This came as Dr. Okurounmu assured that the exercise will not be another case of failed expectations and doubted media reports of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu opposing the confab.

Justifying the need for the conference, President Jonathan said each problem must be confronted as they evolve, noting that yesterday's solutions cannot be applied to today’s problems.

His words: “As challenges emerge, season after season, leaders must respond with best available strategies to ensure that the ship of state remains undeterred in its voyage.

“Nations rise to the challenges that each epoch presents. It is imperative therefore, that in our march to nationhood, we have to be dynamic in our approach and response to the problems, even as we seek solutions to them.

We cannot proffer yesterday’s solutions to today’s problems”.

He said the decision to hold the conference was a “historic and concrete step that will further strengthen our understanding, expand the frontiers of our inclusiveness and deepen our bond as one

people under God. “First, let me emphasize that this is a National Project, a sincere and fundamental undertaking, aimed at realistically examining and genuinely resolving, long-standing impediments to our cohesion and harmonious development as a truly united nation.”

The President said though some people in the country are sceptical about the dialogue, democracy entails that leaders must listen to the aspirations of the people who elected them.

“There is a view by some of our people that we do not need to sit together to dialogue over the socio-political challenges facing our country. Some believe that because we have held several conferences in the past, we do not need to hold another one. I was one of those who exhibited scepticism on the need for another conference or dialogue. My scepticism was borne out of the nomenclature of such a conference, taking into cognizance existing democratic structures that were products of the will of the people.

However, we are in a democracy, and in a democracy, elected leaders govern at the behest of the citizenry”.

We've gained from conferences — Jonathan

He said our recent history indicates that the country has gained a lot from conferences, adding that every dialogue adds something valuable to our evolving nation.

He continued: “The urgency of a National Conversation in the present, therefore, needs not be over emphasized. The conferences that were held before 1960 were designed to produce a political system and a roadmap to Nigeria’s independence.

“The Constitutional Conference of 1957 in London, for example, effectively prepared Nigeria for Independence.

The Eastern and Western regions were granted self-government in 1957, while the Northern region got its own in 1959. The Office of the Prime Minister was created and it was also decided that the Federal Legislature would be Bi-cameral.

“Furthermore, the Constituent Assembly of 1978 gave us the 1979 Constitution and also created the current Presidential System with its attendant checks and balances and Fundamental Human Rights provisions. The 1999 Constitution we operate today, is a successor to the 1979 Constitution and records show that the 1999 Constitution also benefitted from reports and recommendations arising from the 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference.

“Although not enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the idea of the current six geo-political zones that have become one of the avenues for equitable distribution of projects and public offices in Nigeria was also a product of dialogue that emerged from the 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference.

“The 2005 National Political Reform Conference produced a number of key recommendations that were sent to the 5th Assembly, which were however not perfected.

In 2010, I reasoned that the outstanding recommendations from the 2005 Conference be revisited,” he said.

While calling on the committee to find an appropriate name by which the committee would be called, President Jonathan said they must proffer solutions that would make the country Continues on Page 51

6 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

5 remanded in custody over alleged prostitution

L

A G O S — A N Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, yesterday, remanded five suspected commercial sex workers in Ikoyi Prisons, after they pleaded guilty to loitering and soliciting for the purpose of prostitution.

The Magistrate, Mrs E. Ikubeinje, remanded them in prison, pending a review of facts and sentencing.

The accused are Olaide Oshilaja, 25; Vivian Osagie, 26; Regina Dickson, 27; Doris Okoh, 23; and Rose Alome, 29.

The accused, whose addresses are unknown, are standing trial on a charge of behaving in a disorderly or indecent manner in a public place around Obalende area of Lagos.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 6, at Obalende area of Lagos.

He said: “The accused were found loitering at different areas of Obalende, Lagos, soliciting for the purpose of prostitution.”

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 166 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The magistrate adjourned the case till October 8 for facts and sentencing.

Nigerian pilgrim falls to death in S'Arabia

BY SUSAN EDEH

B

AUCHI—A female pilgrim from Bauchi State has fallen from the 11th floor of a building and died in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Vice Chair man, Bauchi State Amirul Hajj team, Alhaji

Yahaya Miya, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Bauchi, yesterday, at Hajj camp in Games Village, before the departure of the sixth set of pilgrims to Gombe International Airport.

He said: “When we received the information, we investi-

Government and the Hajj team had condoled with the family of the deceased and assured that all Bauchi State pilgrims were in good condition.

He reiterated the commitment of the Amirul Hajj team to ensure adequate welfare for the pilgrims.

Okada men beat up policeman over seized bike

BY UJU MBANUSI

L

WRONG TIMING: The beaten up police officer (holding his head) and officers of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, that took him away for treatment.

AGOS—A policeman was attacked at the Berger Yard area of Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, yesterday evening, by some men suspected to be commercial cyclists (Okada).

He allegedly seized a motorcycle belonging to one of them.

It was gathered that the unsuspecting Policeman, whose identity could not be established at press time, was taking the seized motorcycle

away when he was intercepted at Berger Yard Bus Stop by the mob.

An eyewitness said the mob was made up of Okada men of Northern extraction.

Before help could come the officer's way, the mob descended on him and beat him up, while shouting Ole, Ole (thief, thief), and hit him on the head with a sharp objects.

Before people realised he was actually a police officer and had seized the bike, the mob had retrieved the motorcycle and made away with it.

Army kills 30 suspected Boko Haram members

BY NDAHI MARAMA

M

AIDUGURI—TROOPS from 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, yesterday, launched separate preemptive attacks on Boko Haram enclaves at Ajigi, Kafa and Izza villages of Bama and Damboa council areas of the state, killing no fewer than 30 suspected members, including an Amir (leader) of the sect.

Also killed were unspecified members of the group at Izza village in Bama town just as five Hilux vehicles mounted with anti-air craft guns and one 18-seater bus with foodstuff belonging to the terrorists were

destroyed.

A statement by the military spokesman in Maiduguri, Captain Aliyu Danja, yesterday, said the operation involved air strikes and ground attacks.

Danja also said that the preemptive attack followed intelligence reports about plans by the insurgents to attack Bama and other towns in the state.

The statement read: “Our troops launched separate attacks on Boko Haram enclaves in different parts of Borno State, where we killed 30 of them in Ajigi and Kafa villages of Damboa Local Government Area.

“Those killed were suspected

Trader jailed 4 months over BB

Man, 37, to hang for killing step-daughter

A

A

BUJA—AN Abuja Grade 2 Area Court in Kado, yesterday, sentenced a trader, Haruna Kahlid, 26, to four months in prison for stealing a Blackberry phone.

K ahlid of Wuse 2, Paraku Crescent, Abuja, was arraigned by the police for theft.

The Presiding Officer, Mr. Ahmed Ado, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the one-count charge.

Ado, however, gave the convict an option of a fine of three thousand naira.

gated the incident and confirmed that one of our pilgrims called Adama Habibu, from Gamawa council, fell from 11th floor of a building and died in Saudi Arabia.”

Yahaya Miya, Speaker of Bauchi State’s House of Assembly, said Bauchi State

Talata Mafara High Court in Zamfara, yesterday, sentenced one Abdullahi Abubakar, 37, to death by hanging for the murder of his step-daughter.

The convict, of Tungar-miya village in the Talata Mafara Local Government Area, was arraigned in August 2008 for putting a poisonous substance, suspected to be Germaline, in his step-daughter ’s food, which led to her death.

Justice Bello Gummi said the court was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offence as confessed by him in a statement.

Gummi said the convict intentionally and with the knowl-

edge that death or grievous bodily injury would be the probable consequence of his action, poisoned his stepdaughter, Suwaiba.

Justice Bello held: “The court, therefore, finds and holds that the prosecution has established the guilt of the accused person as charged.

“I accordingly sentence you to death and you will be hung by the neck until you die. This judgment is subject to confirmation by the state governor.”

Counsel to the convict, Mr. Benn Ezza, said the judgment came to them as a surprise.

He said: “We will study the judgment and establish the next line of action.”

to be the group of terrorists that fled Damboa town, following an encounter with the security forces last Sunday.

“Also, a pre-emptive attack on

Boko Haram concentration at Izza town in Borno State, Sunday afternoon, led to the killing of an unspecified number of the sect's members.”

Pipeline explosion kills four

J

BY MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

OS—FOUR members of the same family in Tariya village of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State were, yesterday, killed while attempting to scoop petroleum from a ruptured pipeline in the locality.

Assistant Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Chrisantus Longbit, said two of the victims were burnt beyond recognition, while the other two, who were rushed to Our Lady of Apostle Hospital, Jos, died shortly.

Longbit said when the five people went to siphon the petroleum, a misunderstanding ensued amongst them. One of them, who is presently at large, allegedly lit a match that led to the explosion.

He said: “The person who lit the match fled the area, but we have spoken to his family and they gave his name as Idi. “We have warned the communities and the NSCDC Commandant, Vincent Bature, has on several occasion visited the village head on this issue of pipeline vandalism, but they have refused to listen.”

...another dies stealing fuel

Meantime, the decomposed body of a 25-old-man, Zayyanu Abubakar, has been evacuated from inside a petrol tanker compartment where he suffocated and died since Friday, October 4, while stealing petrol.

According to reports the deceased fell inside the tank of the vehicle with plate number, XA 640 TBW, parked along Sokoto Western bye-pass and loaded with 33,000 litres of petrol.

The deceased was alleged to have stolen 20 litres from the fuel compartment and had returned for more when he ended up inside the tank.

It took the combined efforts of the officers of the state fire service, the police from Kwanni Division, Sokoto, and some good Samaritans, four hours to bring out the decomposed body.

Yahaya Mohammed, a relative of the deceased, said: “He told his siblings about his earlier successful exploits and they warned him against going back into the vehicle.

“He had told them that he nearly suffocated in the first attempt, but unknown to them, he went back, got trapped and died.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 7

Police kill 2 in Lagos zYouths invade station in protest zBallistic investigation on— Police

BY ONOZURE DANIA

L

AGOS—ANGRY youths at Makinde area of Oshodi, Lagos, yesterday, staged a protest over the death of one of them, Rafiu Adeniji, who was allegedly shot dead by a policeman attached to Agege area on Sunday.

It was gathered that Adeniji met his untimely death when the commercial bus he boarded from Agege to Oshodi hit a police patrol van believed to be attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, and an argument ensued between the bus driver and the patrol team.

An eyewitness, Johnpaul Igbele, told Vanguard that it was during the argument that the policeman fired into the vehicle and the bullet hit Adeniji.

He said the policemen immediately fled the scene.

Igbele said: “We rushed him to a nearby hospital and the hospital demanded for police report. Before help could come he gave up the ghost.”

The eyewitness said when the news got to Makinde Oshodi, where Adeniji lived, the youths mobilised, stormed the Makinde Police Station, attempting to set it ablaze but were resisted by the police, who fired sporadically into the air.

Igbele alleged that during the shooting, two other youths were hit and rushed to the hospital.

However, the youths continued with their protest yesterday as there were rumours that one of the injured youths had died.

A police source at the Makinde Police station told Vanguard that the youths attempted to attack the station but were repelled.

The source said Makinde Police Station was not involved in Adeniji's killing and wondered why the youths decided to attack the station when the incident happened at Agege.

He said if not for divine intervention and the proactive action

of the Police, the angry youths would have succeeded in burning down the station.

Police react

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Damasus Ozoani, said he was aware of the killing of a passenger at Agege, believed to have been shot dead by a policeman in a patrol van.

Ozoani said the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Manko, has ordered full investigation into the shooting.

He said: “We want to know if the man was really shot by the police. If it is true, we want to find out who fired the shot and under what circumstances.

“The patrol team within that area has been arrested and taken for ballistic investigation.

“Shortly after the incident, hoodlums decided to take laws into their hand as they were armed with dangerous weapons and fuel. They attacked Makinde Police Station.

“The police were able to calm the situation and appealed to all those that felt aggrieved to toe the part of peace as the command is doing everything possible to make sure that justice was done. No arrest has been made.”

W

ARRI—HUNDREDS of retirees of Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, protesting non-payment of their 2006/ 2007 retirement benefits, barricaded the gate to the company, weekend, in Warri, Delta State.

The protesters, who thronged the ports in their

L

AGOS—A 52-year-old businessman, Oludare Olugbemi, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly obtaining N4.5 million under false pretext.

The defendant, who was arraigned before Magistrate Eniola Fabamwo, is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining and stealing preferred against him by the police.

The prosecutor, Barth Nwaokoye, said that the defendant conspired with others at large to committed the offence at 2p.m. in Bode Thomas, Surulere on March 1.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the matter to October 28, for mention.

BY ONOZURE DANIA

EID-EL KABIR: Madala ram market, Niger State, ready for Eid-el Kabir celebration.

‘Robbers rule Ada-George area of Port Harcourt'

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT—TWO victims were, Sunday night, confirmed dead and a Toyota car belonging to one Dr. Chukwuma Nwaiwu carted away as gunmen stormed AdaGeorge Road, Rumueme, Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

Chairman of Rumueme Community Landlords’ Union, Sabastine Onuhia, who confirmed the incident yesterday,

said robbers now enjoy unhindered liberty in Ada-George area of the Port Harcourt.

Onuhia said: “It has become a daily experience in this part of Port Harcourt. Yesterday two persons were shot dead during one of the attacks in the neighbourhood.

“We are no longer safe. We are calling on the Commissioner of Police to do something about the security challenges in the area.

Nwaiwu, whose car was sto-

len, said: “I have reported to the Police that my car was stolen Sunday night immediately I drove into my compound. I didn’t notice anybody or vehicle following me when I entered my street.

“I came down from the vehicle to close my gate; the next thing I saw was a man that led three other robbers.

“He ordered me to give him my car key and they drove the car off after robbing my family.”

Retirees barricade NPA Warri office over benefits

BY EMMA AMAIZE & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

BY ONOZURE DANIA

2 docked for burglary

brothers in Plateau A fire serviceman, Zayyanu Jelani said: “We were here since around 8a.m., when we were alerted about the ugly development.

“This is the first time we are recording this type of unfortunate incident in Sokoto apart from fire incidents on fuel tankers.”

Spokesman of the state police command, DSP Al-Mustapha Sani, confirmed the story and added that the police would thoroughly investigate the incident.

The remains of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue of Uthmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

52-yr-old accused of N4.5m fraud

numbers at about 6.00a.m., said they had been suffering since their retirement in 2006, alleging that series of petitions written to NPA authorities had not yielded result.

National Chairman of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, Mr. Sunny Enenuvwedia, told newsmen that the committee was solidly behind the protesters, promising that they were

going to join them in fighting for their rights He said the retirees have the right to fight for their rights, stressing that nobody can stop them as their rights were protected in the constitution of Nigeria.

Enenuvwedia said: “We are solidly behind you. Take it by faith that your demands will come to pass. You can see what is happening in PHCN.

“That is why it is difficult for them to handover PHCN to private investors. And this is why the Union said they must pay them before anything.”

Also addressing the protesters, Chairman of CDHR, Delta State Chapter, Mr. Benefit Orugbo, assured the retirees that CDHR shares their pains and would join forces with the national body to fight their battle.

L

AGOS—TWO men, Musa Haruna, 27, and Sheriff Olorunfemi, 27, were yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly burgling an office and stealing valuables worth N1.3 million.

The defendants, who reside at 34, Nofiu Close, Onigbongbo, Maryland, Ikeja, and 18, Olayemi Street, Ikeja, respectively, were arraigned before Magistrate Akinde.

They are facing a-four count charge of conspiracy, burglary, stealing and receiving stolen items preferred against them by the police.

The prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Uwadione, said that the defendants and others at large conspired and committed the alleged offence at 2.30a.m, on August 12, at 56b, Oduduwa way, GRA, in Ikeja area of Lagos.

Akinde granted the defendants bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till November 4 for mention.

8 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 9

10 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Airlines hike fares over Dana Airlines’ suspension

BY DANIEL ETEGHE

P

ASSENGERS WERE, yesterday, dazed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA2 and the General Aviation Terminal, GAT, Terminal 1 as airline operators increased airfares astronomically.

Vanguard gathered at the terminal that there was a sharp increase in fares.

For instance a 55-minutes flight to Abuja attracted between N22, 000 and N26, 000 in the economy class depending on how early a prospective passenger bought the ticket.

Before the clampdown on Dana Airlines, the tickets were sold for between N18, 000 and N20, 000.

First Nation Airways that resumed flights recently after closing shop for about 14 months charged N25, 500 to Abuja while Aero collected N22, 500.

Some passengers, who spoke to Vanguard, lamented that the operators were using the opportunity of the crisis in the industry to exploit hapless travellers.

One of the passengers, Mr. Wisdom Clark said the situation was unfortunate and pathetic, stressing that in a country where the economy was going down, airlines were still charging exorbitant fares.

BRIEFING: From left, Mr. Gboyega Banjo, GM/CE, Mr. Oliver Johnson, member, Board of Governors; Dr. Katia Ekesi,Trustee, and Mr. Kitoyi Ibare-Akinsan, Acting Chairman, all of Muson Centre, at the press briefing on Muson 2013 Festival, scheduled for October17 -27, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

Cable car project on the verge of completion — Fashola

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

G

OVERNOR BABATUNDE Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, said the state government had commenced the construction of the route for the cable car project to complement the transportation system in the state, saying, “the project is on the verge of completion.”

Fashola, who disclosed this at the event marking the 2013 World Habitat Day: ‘Urban Mobility,’ at the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, said the introduction of the cable car transportation was in line with the global practices.

The governor, who was represented

by Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, described the innovation as vital to achieving the mega city status.

He assured that, “the present administration is committed to activating

O

RGANISED LA BOUR and its civil society allies yesterday took to the streets of Lagos, to protest increasing unfair labour practices in the country and picketed some companies for alleged unfair labour practices.

Such practices included casualisation, outsourcing and refusal to allown unions.

Unions such as National Union of Textile, Garment and Tairlong Workers of Nigeria,

NUTGTWN, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG,Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Products E m p l o y e e s , NUCFRLANMPE, Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, CANMPSSAN, among affiliates of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria,

the Blue Line of the rail project should begin to transport residents from Mile2 to Marina, a journey of about 13.5 kilometres, in the shortest possible time.

“We are also proud to say that the cable car, a veritable means of fast and unhindered transportation, is on the verge of completion.

“To grow the economy of our dear city of Lagos into one of the model mega cities in Africa, embracing the best practices in the roads, which translates to an unhealthy volume of carbon emissions.

“Hence, our drive is to provide a combination of transportation that would ence – an international include road, rail and gathering of investigative water-ways. The chaljournalists, holding at the lenges, however, are forUniversity of mulating more innovative Witwatersrand in Johan- changes aimed at ensurnesburg, South Africa be- ing the sustainability of tween October 28 and 30 these policies,” he added.

2013 as part of their award prize.

2013 Soyinka’s award for investigative reporting opens

T

HE WOLE Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism has called for entries for the 2013 edition of the award.

The award is open to full-time or freelance Nigerian journalists, who have produced a news-story published between October 4, 2012 and October 3, 2013 primarily targeted at and received by a Nigerian audience.

The centre, had in 2012, introduced an entry coding system that makes the TUC, under the Indus- details of media house trial Global Unions Fed- and byline of entrants eration, IGUF, Affiliates anonymous to judges in in Nigeria, alongside a bid to further strengthen Joint Action Front, JAF, the judging process and Federation of Informal increase the credibility of Workers of Nigeria, the award programme.

Winners of the 2012 FIWON, descended on award: Idris Akinbajo of Majestic Manufacturing Sack company, paralys- Premium Times; Olatunji Obasa of The Punch; ing its operations They displayed vari- Seun Akioye formerly ous placards with in- with The Compass and now with The Nation; scriptions such “Stop Bassey Asukwo of casual and contract Bussiness Day; Lucas work”; “respect workers Olumuyiwa of Tell rights”; “Equal pay for Magazine; and Tobore equal work”, “Just and Ovuorie formally of Nahumane conditions of tional Mirror and now work”, “Improved health with Premium Times, will and safety conditions.” attend the power confer-

Labour, allies protest against casualisation, others

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

every means of transportation in Lagos in order to reduce numbers of vehicles on the road, which translates to unhealthy volumes of carbon emissions.”

Fashola noted that the state would soon commission the Blue and Red Rail lines to further increase residents transport options, saying, “when completed, about 1.6 million Lagosians would be transported daily.”

According to him, “at the end of the 2014,

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013—11

Osun State Christians protest against merger of public schools merging of the school; a Girls High School with another Boys High School; Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo.

However, yesterday’s demonstration took place in Iwo, a predominantly Muslim community by the Christians at the town who displayed placards and banners with various inscriptions and marched through the major streets in the town, denouncing the merger of schools in the state.

The State chairman of Christians Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. Elisha Olukayode Ogundiya, while addressing the protesters, said: “We have maintained this stand from inception and we will continue to defend lawfully what belongs to us as Christians in the state.

O

"As a major stakeholder in the state, the leadership of CAN expects the state government to invite us to discuss this issue and other related ones without delay.

"We wish to explain it clearly that at no time has the

new leadership of CAN in Osun held any meeting with the state government on the issue of merger of schools.

Therefore, the statement that we gave our consent to the state government on this policy was untrue.”

Speaking through his Director, Bureau of Communication, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola SOGBO — FOR a secmaintained that “the hard reality ond time in one week, is that these positive changes Christians in Osun State, must involve some alterations in yesterday, protested massively our current depressing system to against the new educational bring about the new generation policy of the state government of well-educated, trained which merged public schools citizens that will take our together. state to higher heights. It But Governor Rauf is in the light of these that Aregbesola insisted that the we are resolute in going school re-classification and reahead with the best policy form in the state was aimed at Federal Government should take 30 for the future of our chilBY OLA AJAYI putting education on solid per cent instead of 52.68 per cent it dren,” pedestal and secure the future BADAN — GOVERNOR currently allocated to itself.

According to the goverThe Governor spoke at a two-day of the children.

Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo nor, the re-classification It would be recalled that State has condemned the lop- public hearing on the review of the exercise was aimed at ofChristians in the state had on sidedness in the sharing ra- revenue allocation formula in Nigeria fering a complete educatio of the allocation from the for the South West, held at the Inter- tion system that will proWednesday at Baptist Girls Federation Account, saying national Conference Centre, UniverSchool, Osogbo protested the duce a sound and an allsity of Ibadan yesterday.

The governor insisted that the Fed- round mind in the eral Government was an interested present generation of party in the revenue mobilisation and children in the state. sharing formula, arguing that an independent body should manage the revenue allocation programme as established in the constitution.

He also said, “there is need to create an office of the Accountant General responsible to the National Assembly separate from the office of the Accountant General.”

While assuring that nothing would be left undone to ensure that the objectives of the sensitisation exercise was reGUN STATE govalised, he said he believed ernment has been that the forum was the right channel “for all stakeholders urged to expedite acto lend their voices to desired tion on the reconallocation of more financial struction of Ijoko road, resources from the centre to Sango – Ota to lessen states and local governthe sufferings of the ments. residents in the area.

"There is no doubt that some Making the appeal, of the issues that would lead Chief Imam of Sango, to the realisation of this Central Mosque, dream would require constitutional amendment. NecesAlhaji Tajudeen Shafi sary steps should be taken to said Governor correct the present imbalance Ibikunle Amosun had AWARD: Vice President Namadi Sambo, presentig award to Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed of and unfair distribution of fibeen working hard to Kwara State, during the 2013 World Teachers' Day celebration, at Nicon Luxury Hotel, nancial resources.” make the people of the The Chairman, Revenue Abuja, weekend. state benefit from diviMobilisation Allodends of democracy cation and Fiscal more than his predCommission, Mr. ecessors with the proElias Mbam said vision of infrastructhe commission ture. was going 58-year-old busi mously selected at a meet- Magaji succeeds Pa through the geonessman, Prince ing attended by repre- Ahmad Olaniran, who died political zones of the country on adMoshood Olabode sentatives of the four units in February this year.

Olagunju, has emerged of the royal family at The new Magaji was a vocacy and mass the new Magaji (head) of Oduniyi-Lagunju Court, fourth generation descend- mobilisation camthe Oduniyi-Lagunju RulAbangbe Compound, ant of the late Timi Lagunju paign on the reHAIRMAN OF Ilaje ing House of Ede, Osun Ede. who ruled the ancient town view of the revLocal Government State.

A statement by Omoba for about 60 years until he enue allocation.

Area of Ondo State, Prince Olagunju was unaniWale Ojetimi, said the new died around 1900.

Adesoji Ayenuro has inaugurated two speed boats in PUBLIC NOTICE Ilaje, the riverine area of Ondo State.

CHANGE OF NATIONALITY I, TONY EYEMAS do state as The boats are part of the follows: of the governors, they remained comdevelopment programmes BY BEN AGANDE That my father is a Nigerian mitted to resolving the differences beof the Regional Developwhere I was born on the 9th day BUJA — A meeting between tween them. ment Council, RDC. of September, 1970 (09-09President Goodluck Jonathan and The communique issued reads: “The 1970) in Nto-Usoh in Ika LGA, Ayenuro said the boats governors of the Peoples Democratic meeting which was cordial, resolved Akwa Ibom State, while my would ease the transportamother, Cecelia, is from Party, PDP, over the crisis in the party that in spite of the unfortunate events tion problem in the area.

Liberia. was, yesterday, rescheduled till after the that arose, the parties remain commitThis declaration is for record He lauded the RDC memend of Sallah celebrations. ted to the resolution of the differences; purposes and for the bers for “their determinaIn a communique read at the end of it was resolved that the meetings be information of the general tion to develop their land” public. the meeting, the governors resolved that reconvened shortly after the Muslim and promised undiluted Signed: despite the verbal war that erupted be- hajj and Christian pilgrimages."

TONY EYEMAS support. tween aides of the president and some

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

Ajimobi criticises FG's 52% share of Federation Account

I

Residents appeal to govt to reconstruct Ijoko Rd, Sango Ota

O

New Magaji for Lagunju dynasty

A

Ilaje gets speedboats

C

President Jonathan, PDP governors' meeting rescheduled

A

12 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Delta Central by-election: Ogboru loses three-time running mate to APC

BY EMMA AMAIZE & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

E

FFURUN—OGBUESHI Fidelis Tilije, three-time governorship running mate to Chief Great Ogboru in Delta State, has decamped from the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, to All Progressives Congress, APC. He announced his move, yesterday, at a rally by APC in Effurun, Delta State, to solicit support for the party’s candidate, Olorogun O‘tega Emerhor in the October 12, Delta Central bye-election.

Governors Adams Oshiomhole and Rochas Okorocha of Edo and Imo states, National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Tom Ikimi, former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Senator Adego Eferakeya and former NUPENG Secretary General, Chief Frank Kokori, were party leaders that took part in the rally.

Leading several hundreds of DPP decampees to APC, Ogbuefi Tilije said: “You all know me as a three-time running mate to Chief Ogboru. I am here to tell you that APC is the change we want. I am here with all these followers to formally decamp to APC because the party represents what we want.

“We want change and APC is the only way. Vote for O’tega, vote for APC. I know

the three candidates, there is the good, the better and the best. O’tega is the best.”

Also speaking, Chief Oyegun, said: “I was born here and I grew up here. I am here to tell you that we are 100 percent behind O’tega. The APC acceptance is about to be tested, come Saturday. The first battle for change is about to start, the Nigerian revolution is about to start, the Nigerian change is about to start, so be ready to vote APC.”

Chief Kokori said: “Nigeria now has two parties. The progressives, if you are a good Nigerian, you join APC. All the good people have left PDP for the APC. I tell you that change has come, their party has finished because many governors are leaving and very soon five more will join us, vote for change, vote for O’tega.”

On his part, Governor Okorocha said: “The victory of O’tega has been signed

sealed and delivered. For so many years, Nigeria has suffered due to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The DPP is dead and the Egyptian you see today you will see them no more. “ Before handing over the party flag to O’tega, Governor Oshiomhole said “This battle is between O’tega and two others at large, Nigeria must have managed its past wrongly but we cannot compromised the future.”

RALLY: The APC candidate in the forthcoming Delta Central Senatorial election, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, receiving the APC flag from Governor Adams Oshiomhole, during a rally in Effurun.

Delta Central’ll get better deal from me, says Dafinone

BY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE—CHIEF Ede Dafinone of Democratic Peoples Par-

ty, DPP, who will lock horns with Chief Emmanuel Aquariavwodo of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor of All

Progressives Congress, APC and Chief Andi Osawota of the Labour Party, in Saturday’s by-election, said yesterday, that he was in the race to give better life to the people of the area.

Dafinone, at a DPP rally in Sapele Local Government Area, also said he remains the best of all the candidates jostling for the position, adding that if elected, he would use the office to prevail on the three tiers of government to bring speedy infrastructural development to the area.

Dafinone, who said that he joined the party in 2010, added that the party has the required manifesto that would ensure the dividends of democracy for the people of Nigeria, and urged the people to align with the party with the view of entrenching enduring democracy across the

country.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Student, NANS, yesterday, backed Dafinone’s senatorial ambition. The student body, through its President of Senate, Mr. Nyanabo Maxwell, said that the students have given their support for Chief Dafinone, following what he described as “Chief Dafinone’s scholarship scheme, which has seen over 10,000 Nigerian students currently studying in various Institutions of higher learning across the globe with free tuition.”

However, chairman of DPP in Delta State, Chief Tony Nzeagu, has cautioned politicians in the state to allow a level playing ground for all contestants in Saturday’s by-election.

Nzeagu, who gave the advice said that the par-

ty will no longer go to court to seek legal redress in the event of any electoral malpractice at any election in the state, but that party members would cast their votes and wait for the result, no matter the time and circumstances of the election, with a view to checkmating any attempt to rig the election and will do everything possible to resist rigging at the election.

DPP chieftain in Delta State, Chief Great Ogboru, who was at the rally, said that he came to sue for peace, patience and perseverance of party members and advised the people of the area to be steadfast and vote in accordance with their conscience, with a view to electing a credible candidate in the election.

Delta Central by-election: Utuama canvasses votes for Aguariavwodo

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—DEPUTY governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN, yesterday, said that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was the only party that could deliver the Urhobo nation politically, urging the people to vote enmasse for the party in the October 12 senatorial byeelection.

Utuama, in Udu and Uvwie, during the campaign tour of the party’s candidate, Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, to the areas, said that politics of opposition was not good for the Urhobo nation.

On his part, Chief Aguariavwodo said that the time for the Urhobo to shine politically was now, stressing the need for the people to key into the PDP government of President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Aguariavwodo said that he would work diligently to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people when he gets to the Senate.

Receiving over 3,500 decampees in Udu and Uvwie, chairman of the campaign council, Prof.

Sam Oyovbaire, said that PDP came out of the primaries stronger.

He said that the primaries that saw the emergence of Aguariavwodo as candidate of PDP for the senatorial election was the most credible in recent times and thanked all those that contested with Aguariavwodo for joining the campaign train.

Oyovbaire told the decampees from Democratic Peoples Party, DPP and All Progressives Congress, APC, that the party has all it takes to move the Urhobo nation forward.

He said: “The Urhobo nation cannot afford to be a minority inside minority,” adding that the people needed a senator that would be in the senate caucus.

Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Chief Christian Wiliki said: “PDP is the light hence we decided to be here.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013—13

Amnesty: Presidency raises alarm over alleged plan to invade Abuja

BY SONI DANIEL

T

HE Presidency has expressed concern over alleged plans by some youths claiming to be repentant Niger Delta militants to invade Abuja with a view to demonstrating against their non-inclusion in the amnesty package of the Federal Government.

The youths, most of who were said to have already arrived the capital territory from various Niger Delta states, were reported to be claiming to have been invited by the Amnesty Office of the Presidency for documentation as part of the condition for their integration into the programme, which ended over three years ago.

But worried by the development, the Amnesty Office, weekend, dissociated itself from the claims of the former fighters, saying that it had not invited any individual or group for any documentation since the office was no longer admitting for the programme.

Head of Media and Communications of the Amnesty Office, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said that there was no plan to admit more persons to the amnesty

programme.

He said: “We have discovered that their plan is to storm the National Assembly to demand inclusion in the amnesty programme even after the window granted by Mr. President had since closed. We insist that there will be no further inclusion beyond the 30,000 beneficiaries

already captured in the programme and condemn any move that encourages unengaged youths in the region to demand inclusion through illadvised agitations and protests.

“The Amnesty Office aligns itself with the outcome of the Third Phase verification exercise conducted by the Air Vice Marshall James Gbum-led

A

KWA Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has sacked three of his commissioners and an aide.

Among those sacked were the Commissioner for Trans-

THANKSGIVING: From left: H R M Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedotun, the Alake of Egbaland; HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; HRM Oba Dotun Thompson, the Oloni of Eti-Oni, Osun State; his wife, Olori Ropo Thompson; HRM Oba Kole Ojutalayo, and Olori Abiodun Ojutalayo, during a thanksgiving service to mark Oba Adedotun’s 70th birthday, at Our Lady of Perpetual Church, Musa Yar'Adua Street, Victoria Island, hosted by Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, in Lagos.

port, Mr. Austin Mbeh; that for Economic Development, Mr. Sunny Anyang; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Martyns Udoinyang and Special Adviser for Youths and Sports, Mr. Samuel Frank.

I wasn’t in Kokori Oct 4 —Okumagba

F

ORMER Commissioner for Finance in Delta State, Chief Bernard Okumagba, has denied being part of a team that allegedly visited the Palace of the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom in Kokori town, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, on October 4.

In a statement, yesterday, he said: My attention has been drawn to a report on page 8 of Saturday Vanguard Newspaper of October 5, 2013, where I was reported to have visited

having been properly verified by the committee.”

The Amnesty Office urged security agencies to continue to be alive to their responsibilities and take appropriate actions to stop any individual or group that foments trouble in Abuja or in the Niger Delta region under the guise of demanding inclusion in the amnesty programme.

ERELU ABIOLA DOSUNMU HOSTS ALAKE OF EGBALAND

Akpabio drops three commissioners, aide

BY TONY NYONG

committee set up by the Chief of Defence Staff.

“The committee did a thorough job and we are satisfied with the outcome of the verification exercise, which resulted in the inclusion of an additional 3,642 youths in the programme, following a Presidential directive. Payment of the monthly stipends of these youths has since commenced

the Palace of the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom in Kokori town in Ethiope council on October 4, 2013 as part of the entourage of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Delta Central Senatorial Campaign Committee.

“I want to state for the avoidance of doubt that I was neither in Kokori town nor was I part of the team that visited the palace of the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom in Kokori Town on October 4. I was in Lagos all of that October 4.”

The error is regretted.

Spokesperson to the state government, Mr. Aniekan Umana, in a statement, said: “His Excellency, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Akpabio, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle with immediate effect.”

The statement did not state reasons for the sack.

Journalist launches memoir in Delta

A

FORMER chapel Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Delta State, Mr. Fidelis Egugbo, will luanch a memoir chroni-cling his personal experience in the course of his journalism callingtomorrow, at the Press Centre, Government House, Asaba.

RECEPTION: From left: Chief Femi Somolu; HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, and Chief Allen Williams, Majeobaje of Egbeland, during a reception by Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, to mark the 70th birthday of H R M Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedotun, the Alake of Egbaland, at her Victoria Island, Lagos, residence. Photos: Shola Oyelese.

Orji Kalu to site 260,000MT tank farm in A-Ibom

T

HE largest tank farm in Nigeria with about 260 thousand metric tons is to be sited in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Kalu, who disclosed this, weekend, when he and a team of investors paid Akwa Ibom governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, a courtesy visit at Governor ’s Office, Uyo, said that he was at the Government House to inform the governor of his investment in the state.

Kalu said: “We are here as you can see. We are building the largest tank farm in Nigeria in your state, at Ikot Abasi. It has about 260 thousand metric tons and is the largest both in Lagos, Calabar and anywhere.

“We are here to inform you of what we are doing and the new refinery we will like to

discuss with you. Oron is where we will like to put an export refinery - totally for export.”

Kalu described Governor Akpabio as a miracle worker, noting, “I will term you an apostle of development because many people don’t know what you are doing now.”

Orji expressed surprise at the level of development in the state, saying, “I have been taken round and I was amazed at the level of development. When people are quarreling about Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, they will not think about the development we are doing.”

Chief Akpabio thanked the former governor for visiting the state, and noted that the state had undergone an uncommon transformation under his administration.

14—Vanguard , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Kalu seeks Igbo unity

Govt now more responsive with ICT —Sambo

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

F

ORMER GOVER NOR of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has tasked Ndigbo on unity to enable them play greater role in the affairs of the country.

Kalu, coordinator of a pressure group, Njiko Igbo, while addressing leaders of the group at the Hilton Hotel Sandton in Johannesburg South Africa recently stated that stronger unity among Ndigbo was the only panacea for achieving relevance in the Nigeria political equation.

In a statement, by the publicity secretary of the group, Mazi Ben BensonOkoli, the former governor said a situation where mere political positions allocated to few individuals were recorded as equating the position of the Nigerian presidency was not only deceptive and fraudulent but unacceptable.

He called on Igbos in Diaspora to rally round the project as it was only through such effort that the demand for Igbo presidency could be given more impetus.

NCC intensifies war against piracy

BY EMMA ELEBEKE

A

BUJA—THE Nige rian Copyright Commission, NCC, yesterday, threatened to clamp down on all hotels operating in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs using Multichoice bouquet without due recourse to the pay TV company.

The Director of Enforcement, NCC, Mr. Augustine Amode, made the threat when he led his team to seven hotels allegedly using Multichoice bouquet illegally.

He warned all the hotels using the Multichoice bouquet to present their receipt to the Commission or risk closure of their outfits.

“We gave them two weeks to present the receipt to us. Failure is enforcement and enforcement is that we will enforce the law, arrest whoever is involved and prosecute whoever is involved.

“That is why, we handed them letters indicating the power the commission has, to do exactly what we are doing,” he said.

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

A

VISIT: Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero (left) and Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, MD/ CE, Nigerian Breweries Plc, during a visit to the governor in Kaduna, yesterday.

NLC petitions IG over alleged brutalisation of teachers in Rivers zDemands apology from Police

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG ORT HARCOURT—NIGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, protesting alleged recent teargassing and brutalisation in Port Harcourt of newly-recruited teachers in Rivers State who had gathered at the instance of the State’s Universal Basic Education Board to receive their letters of posting In the petition by Acting General Secretary, Chris Uyot, NLC argued that in view of the alleged unwarranted and unlawful attack on law-abiding citizens, it was demanding “an apology from the Nigeria Police; a firm assurance from the Police to conduct itself in the future in line with civilized

P

norms and rules of engagement; an investigation of this despicable and ignominious conduct; the evacuation of the police from Obio/Akpor Local Government Secretariat for workers to resume work, and the posting of Mr. Joseph Mbu out of Rivers State for free and unfettered investigation but especially for his excesses, and his inability to inspire confidence in the contending parties in the state.”

The petition reads in part, “The conduct of the police was unnecessary, shameful, ill-advised, contemptuous, illegal and a throwback to the dark ages. The right to freely and peacefully associate is guaranteed by our constitution and does not reside with any individual, no matter how-highly placed.

Even in untowardly circumstanc-

es, there are rules of engagement, let alone in a situation where teachers had no motive other than to collect their letters of posting.

We are inclined to believe Mr. Joseph Mbu, the State Commissioner of Police who directed this heinous attack was not acting at your behest because we recall you came into office with a new code of conduct which Nigerians applauded. Need we remind overzealous, blood-thirsty and sycophantic officers like Mbu that we are old enough as a nation and sufficiently experienced as citizens of this country to know that it does little good when an officer of his rank compromises his institution or code of conduct in order to appease insular and selfish motives.”

GUS REVIEW: EZUGO SPURS SPEARS TO VICTORY

T

HE ROLES of the two Gatekeepers–Ezugo Egwuagwu and Dominic Mudabai–were unveiled. They were to motivate and guide them to win as many tasks as possible. The Gatekeepers each tossed a coin to choose the tribes they would mentor.

Ezugo picked the Spear tribe which had lost their game the previous day. He reasoned that he could make winners out of them.

Dominic went for Sword tribe which he had described as the winning team.

The Spears, however, won Episode four’s challenge against the Sword’s tribe after losing the day’s earlier task. The challenge was ‘Get the Food.’ It entailed gathering puzzles and solving them.

Four members of each tribe were

to gather the puzzle while the remaining two were to solve them.

The gatherers were to crawl underneath an obstacle, go up a palm tree and pluck down a sack containing the puzzles. They were then to crawl beneath the obstacle and deliver the puzzle sack on the table where the solvers were waiting. There were four sacks, meaning that the four gatherers on both sides were to pluck one sack each.

The puzzle solvers for each team had to wait for the four sacks before they started solving them. Also the puzzle solvers and the gatherers were not to assist each other in anyway.

Anthony and Dennis were puzzle solvers for the Spears tribe while Edmond and Kunle were the solvers for the Swords tribe. At the outset of the challenge the Spears tribe

suffered a setback after Peter’s round, owing to Martha’s inability to climb the tree and Ema’s fall from the tree.

They, however, overcame the setback and the presence of their guardian Gatekeeper bolstered their confidence. Peter’s military school background and Ifunanya’s doggedness played out in delivering the remaining puzzle sacks. By this time the Swords tribe had begun solving their puzzle.

The Sword warriors soon got stuck with their puzzle while the Spears tribe solved theirs in record time as soon as their last sack of puzzle arrived. Their reward was hot sharwarma and bananas: a welcome meal which assuaged their hunger.

BUJA—THE 2013 Com monwealth Telecommunications Organization, CTO forum, kicked off yesterday in Abuja with Vice President Namadi Sambo admitting that ICT had made government more responsive and alert to its responsibilities.

Sambo through the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson said Nigeria was ready to get onto the top of world activities by activating necessary ICT models that had seen other countries achieve quantum growth and development.

He expressed happiness that the CTO forum was holding in Nigeria with a theme “Innovation through broadband” which he said could produce ideas that could give the country more digital powers.

The vice president said: ”Broadband internet has made the greatest impact in creating an informed public who we as public office holders owe a responsibility and our services. It has revolutionized the world and countries explore its activities to be in the forefront of world businesses. Nigeria is ready to be part of these activities.

“On that ground, on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan, we are happy that this event is holding in Nigeria and as such happy to declare it open”

Glo unveils plans for Laftafest

L

AGOS—TWO American comedians, Tony Roberts and Deeray Davis will team up with other comedians from Africa such as Ndumiso Lindi of South Africa, Uganda’s Salvado to give Nigerians a comic treat at the Glo mega Laftafest shows scheduled for Lagos and Abuja this month.

Other top-rated comedians slated to perform at the shows to be hosted by Basketmouth include Ali Baba, Bovi, Okey Bakassi, Akparoro, I Go Dye, Klint de Drunk, Buchi, Gordons, Funny Bone, Bash, Emeka Smith, Julius Agwu, Sim Card.

The comedy sessions will be spiced with the best of Nigerian music with first class acts like P-square, Lagbaja, Flavour, Wande Coal, MI, Omawunmi, Burna Boy, Naeto C, Waje, Lynzz and Chee lined up to entertain guests at different intervals during the shows.

Vanguard , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 —15

Madalla bombing: Kabiru Sokoto files N300m suit against FG

BY IKECHUKWU

NNOCHIRI BUJA—THE alleged mastermind of the Christmas day bomb blast that killed about 44 persons and wounded 75 others at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, in 2011, Kabiru Umar, a.k.a Kabiru Sokoto, yesterday, instituted a N300 million suit against the Federal Government.

In an application he

A

ANNIVERSARY: From left; MD, Fine Trust Micro Finance Bank, Mr. Deji Popoola, Chairman, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Director, Mr. Kunle Adeoye, during the bank's fourth anniversary thanksgiving service in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi .

Jonathan joins FCT pilgrims to Holy Land

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will join 1,000 Pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory to perform this year’s Christian Pilgrimage, just as the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, yesterday, said that there must be no single case of

abscondment during the exercise in the holy land.

Inaugurating the FCT 2013 Christian Pilgrimage delegation to the holy land, Minister of State, FCTA, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, urged the team to ensure that necessary attention was paid to the

security and welfare of FCT pilgrims in Nigeria and in the holy land.

He added that the 1,000 Pilgrims will cover November/December 2013 operation and March/April 2014 operation.

Addressing journalists after the inauguration, leader of the team

and Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Philip Aduda who noted that they cannot afford to fail against the backdrop that President Jonathan will be participating in this year’s programme, said that arrangements have been concluded to ensure that no pilgrim will abscond were tracked.

filed before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, Sokoto, who is answering to a two-count terrorism charge, urged the court to award the money to him as exemplary and general damages against the Federal Government over alleged torture and beatings he suffered in the hands of operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS. He made the application shortly after his team of lawyers, led by Mr. Sheriff Okoh, urged the trial court to discharge and acquit the accused person for want of incriminating evidence linking him to the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

It was the contention of the alleged Boko Haram kingpin that the government failed to establish a prima-facie terrorism charge capa-

ble of warranting his conviction.

“We urge this court, based on facts, to discharge and acquit the accused person for want of evidence and inability of the prosecution to establish a prima-facie terrorism charge against him.

“The accused in count two is being accused of having information about terrorism attack at St Theresa Catholic church, contrary to section 7(1) of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2001, an allegation he has denied.

“For a person to be guilty under this section, there must be a ‘Mensrea’ which goes to knowledge and believe that the offence will be committed or has been committed.

“The only context in which the term knowing can be construed under the terrorism prevention Act is actual knowledge and the constructive knowledge."

16—Vanguard , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL CONFAB

President Goodluck Jonathan (left), discussing with the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on the National Conference, Dr. Femi Okurounmu and Secretary to the Committee, Dr. Akilu Ndabawa, shortly after the inauguration of From left, Chief Tony Anenih, Senator Ben Obi, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and Princess Stella the Committee, at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida Oduah

Member, Presidential Advisory Committee on the National Conference, Senator Khairat Gwadabe arriving with the Minister of State Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama and member of the Committee, Alhaji Dauda Brima for the inauguration of the Committee at the State House, Abuja.

Cross-section of members.

Why we grounded Dana Airlines—FG •To send Associated Airlines’ Embraer engines to Brazil for analysis

BY OKEY NDIRIBE, BEN AGANDE & DANIEL ETEGHE

T

HE Federal Government, yesterday, gave reasons why it suspended the Dana Airlines, even as it said it would soon send the two engines of the crashed Embraer 120 aircraft belonging to Associated Airline to Brazil for comprehensive analyses.

Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah said at a briefing with State House correspondents that the suspension of the operations of Dana Airlines was due to “operational issues,” adding that it was to enable the regulatory body ensure that the airline met certain requirements in the industry.

On the recent crash of an aircraft belonging to the Associated Airlines, Oduah said though every step was being taken to avert plane crashes in the country, accidents in the aviation sector are “inevitable” since they are acts “of God.” She said the Dana Airlines operating licence was merely suspended, and not withdrawn noting that due process was followed in taking the action.

While dismissing criticisms trailing the suspection as “bar (beer palour) comments from

drunks and addicts,” Oduah said, “operational issues and the law; the policy says that the assessment, the certification is ongoing. In aviation, security and safety measures are working in progress, you don’t stop. You don’t say that I have attained this and so we stop, it never stops.

You continuously or constantly assess operators to make sure they are in compliance.

“Nothing in aviation is ever done with fire brigade approach because there are processes and procedures; nothing at all. And their licences were not suspended, what was stopped is their operations and it was stopped because the law says that, if there is anything noticed not in tandem with the policy, the regulator must stop and re certify and make sure that there is compliance.”

The minister who, however, expressed sadness over the recent crash which she said happened shortly after the International Civil Aviation Organisation recently ranked the country as being above the global average, said, “ICAO says Nigeria is the 12th most safe aviation nation globally. And then when you hear bar comments from drunks and addicts... making comments that have zero

bearing on reality, it is very annoying. What I will advise the public really is to recognise the fact that aviation is a very professional area. You cannot listen to bar comments because they are just unrealistic and totally untrue.

“We do not pray for accidents but it is inevitable. We do everything to ensure that we do not have accidents, but sometimes, it is an act of God! Again, we do not speculate on the cause of accidents until (investigations are carried out).

Shared responsibilities Until that happens you can not say this is the cause or that is not the cause. But what is obvious and is the truth is that, in aviation there are shared responsibilities, starting from the man that carries your luggage to the man that makes sure that your boarding pass is issued to you. And so the regulatory agency, the operators, the management, everybody has his responsibility and all must work in tandem optimally, secure and safe aviation sector. And that is what we have been working to achieve.”

The minister said the preliminary report on the crashed Associated Airlines “should be out in a couple of weeks” while the ministery awaits experts that

are coming from France and the manufacturer of the aircraft to make carry out more detailed investigations. According to her, despite the recent crash, Nigeria has one of the “the safest air space. Nigerians shouldn’t be afraid to fly, Nigerian airspace is very safe.”

Why operations of Dana Airline: Meanwhile, a top official of AIPB disclosed, yesterday, in Abuja that Dana Airline was suspended following last Thursday’s air crash in Lagos involving an Associated Airlines aircraft. Investigations by Vanguard also revealed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, which made the announcement last Sunday took the decision after aircraft belonging to the airline were said to have been involved in air returns on two occasions following engine failure.

It was gathered that one of such incidents happened recently when an aircraft belonging to the airline which was fully loaded with passengers on the Port Harcourt-Lagos route returned to the Port Harcourt Airport following the failure of one its twin engines after it had flown about 45 nautical miles.

NCAA has already confirmed that Dana Airline was suspended to enable the regulatory agency carry out a comprehensive audit of all its aircraft with a view to

ascertaining their air worthiness.

However, NCAA’s General Manager in charge of Public Affairs, Fan Ndubuoke, who confirmed the suspension of the Airline did not give reasons for the action. The airline’s licence was suspended last year after one of its aircraft crashed into a thickly populated area in Lagos killing 153 passengers on board and several persons on the ground.

Passengers lament over grounding of Dana Air ...demand refunds of airfare Following the grounding of Dana Airlines, hundreds of its passengers, yesterday, besieged the counter of the airline at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA2, Lagos, and lamented the grounding of the airline by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, requesting that their air fares be refunded to them.

Vanguard was informed at the MMA2 terminal building that most of the passengers who had appointments to meet up with shouted at officials of the airline for their inability to airlift them to their various destinations.

It was learnt that the airline had sent some text messages to most of the passengers on Sunday night when the airline’s operations was grounded by NCAA. When contacted, one of the passengers who simply identified himself as Ofor said he was disappointed the moment he got to the airport and learnt that the airline’s operation had been suspended.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 17

I

N the nineteenth century, Napoleon Bonaparte of France described Britain as “a nation of shopkeepers.”

Such characterisation might also be applicable to Nigeria today. In every street-corner of our major cities are people selling all kinds of goods. Some display these in the middle of the streets. As a matter of fact, you can get to buy many of the things normally found in a supermarket while driving through a traffic jam.

However, there are fundamental differences between nineteenth century Britain and twenty-first century Nigeria.

While the British shop-keeper of the nineteenth century was busy marketing locally-made products; the Nigerian street-trader of the twenty-first century is busy selling foreign goods. Thanks to the proceeds from Nigeria’s extractive oil industry, Nigerians are now primarily engaged in the buying and selling of goods we do not produce.

Destructive oil: Even in our socalled manufacturing sector, industries which are highly dependent upon imports have grown without control. With the result that we are now dependent on foreign sources for a high percentage of our raw material needs, technical and managerial manpower, technology and maintenance of equipment.

Oil (which accounts for 95 percent of Nigeria’s export earnings and for 65 percent of total government revenue) constitutes an enclave sector.

While in 1960, Nigerians had produced cocoa, then the mainstay of the economy, it is arguable if we produce oil today, despite Nigeria’s categorisation as an oil-producing country. In

Planning for a Nigerian future without oil ago that, thanks to oil, Nigeria made a transition from an economy of “nurtured capitalism” to that of “pirate capitalism.”

Squandering of riches: Nigeria’s economic growth response to the oil bonanza has been limited. There has been a high propensity to spend or transfer the country’s oil proceeds abroad, thereby limiting the magnitude of domestic demand generated by oil revenues. A considerable amount of Nigeria’s oil revenue has also been expended on wasteful prestige projects. The Festival of Black Arts and Culture (FESTAC) goes down in Nigerian history as a project whereby N1.5 billion was poured down the drain, just in order to announce to the world that Nigeria was a nouveau-riche country in the mid 1970’s, and to lay claim to being the world’s foremost black nation.

Correspondingly, the building of a new capital in Abuja has entailed considerable budget outlays, thereby providing major avenues for massive administrative graft and illicit profit-making by the contractorclass. Other white-elephant projects inspired by the oil-boom

,

What is going to happen when the oil taps finally run dry and when, inevitably, the world finds alternative sources of energy to Nigeria’s oil?

a labour force currently estimated by the World Bank at over 52 million, barely 200,000 can be accounted for by the oil industry.

In short, Nigeria’s oil wealth has been essentially a fortuitous and externally-generated windfall, largely dependent upon external expertise, external direction and external markets.

In oil boom years, increases in Nigeria’s GDP are almost entirely a function of increases in government expenditure as a result of income from oil. When increases in government expenditure diminish, real economic growth likewise diminishes. This indicates that growth in the non-oil sector is dismal even in oil boom years.

But it is the GDP excluding oil production which best measures the productivity of Nigerians.

While the oil sector grew between 2011 and 2012 by about 8 percent, according to the African Economic Digest, the non-oil sector had a negative growth of -0.35 percent.

This has been the longstanding tendency. For this reason, Sayre Schatz maintained several years

,

include uneconomic steel plants, as well as cost-inefficient riverbasin development authorities.

Many of these projects embarked upon even as far back as Nigeria’s procurement of the first Euro-dollar loans in the late 1970’s remain uncompleted as a result of corruption, economic mismanagement and bureaucratic inertia. And those productive investments which could have generated selffinancing returns (such as in the agro-allied industries, petrochemicals and liquefied natural gas) tended to be ignored.

Because the oil industry is capital-intensive, the central feature of the Nigerian in the business has been the sharing out of its proceeds. In an environment where the nation’s oil wealth belonged to everybody but derived from few, competition for public office and, thereby, access to petro-naira, became a matter of life and death. The resultant free-for-all reached its apogee during the Second Republic when it was concluded

•Oil rig

that, in the interest of national peace and security, the looting of the treasury should conform strictly to the principles of federal character.

Looming disaster: The temporary collapse of the oil market in the 1980’s effectively dislocated the Nigerian economy. High oil revenues had induced Nigeria to become a high-wage Udoji economy in the 1970’s, in the absence of corresponding increases in productivity. It also encouraged imports as substitutes for domestic production and stimulated inflationary pricing.

But with the new dawn of relatively low oil prices in the 1980’s and 1990’s, there emerged a basic incongruity, not only between productivity and income, but equally devastating; between legitimate income and prices.

Even though we have had a return to high oil prices in the new millennium, the question remains: if Nigeria was unable to manage its oil wealth, how can it manage a future of oil poverty?

If the country was unable to finance a positive structural adjustment of the economy on the proceeds of fat oil wealth, how will it do so on the proceeds of inevitable lean oil income? If a drastic drop in Nigeria’s oil export earning can be as catastrophic as it was in the 1980s and 1990s, what is going to happen when the oil taps finally run dry and when, inevitably, the world finds alternative sources of energy to Nigeria’s oil?

This question is usually addressed with classical complacency by Nigerian officialdom. Experts are quick to point out that, at current rates of production, Nigeria has enough oil to last another 40 years. But this cushion of a 40-year reserve base is misleading, in light of realistic projections of Nigeria’s future oil export proceeds,

domestic consumption of oil and sustainability of the oil market.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, out of its 2.3 million barrels daily OPEC quota, Nigeria consumed barely 286,000 barrels domestically in 2011, leaving 2 million barrels for exports. That means only 12.4 percent of its daily production is consumed locally. Indeed, in the under-developed Nigerian economy of today, the primary source of energy is not oil but wood. However, in the foreseeable future, virtually all of Nigeria’s oil output would be needed domestically as a result of increased economic activity.

At that juncture, Nigeria’s income from oil may be zero or, at best, negligible.

Sovereign wealth This raises the need for a productive investment and diversification program which would provide a fall-back position for Nigeria when the growth in local oil consumption catches up with, or even exceeds, the country’s oil production capacity.

Even in the short-term, it is now conventional wisdom that Nigeria needs a second stream of foreign-exchange earnings apart from oil. Oil remains a wasting and depleting asset, vital to Nigeria’s future growth and development. The problematic here is that, in spite of Nigeria’s inevitable future need for oil as an engine of its own domestic industrial activity, it continues to sell it off to foreigners.

The contradictions inherent in the Nigerian position are magnified when one takes in the larger picture of the international energy market. This reveals that the energy-abundant countries are the developed countries; the very countries which are the major consumers of Nigerian oil. The largest concentration of energy in the world is in Europe and North

America, where it exists primarily in the form of hydrocarbons. In effect, the energy-abundant rich countries have been buying up Nigeria’s finite oil resources in the furtherance of their economic development. After it is depleted, they would then have their own domestic energy resources to fall back on. In exchange, Nigeria receives foreign currencies which are then used to purchase the fruits of economic development from the same rich countries.

When Nigeria finally acquires the capacity to exploit fully its oil resources domestically in the promotion of its own development, it would have depleted those resources to a considerable extent. It cannot even be ruled out that Nigeria may end up by having to import energy from the very countries to which it is now selling its precious oil. Even now, Nigeria is an oil producing country that imports its refined oil products from the same countries to which it sells its oil because of inadequate oilrefining capacity.

Oil conservation The imperative then is that, in spite of the political pressure for increased oil sales and earnings, Nigeria needs to evolve a policy which caters to the requirements of oil conservation as an insurance policy for the day when it will need to use its oil fully as an engine of its own development. There needs to be a transformation of the NNPC from a company which is in the business of selling oil, to one which is also in the business of conserving it.

Oil conservation has created the need to periodically phase out the petroleum subsidy, whereby oil is sold domestically at prices far below those prevailing on the international market. There is also need for the imposition of a petroleum tax in order to conserve this valuable commodity. The current situation whereby a considerable amount of Nigerian oil is smuggled to neighbouring countries as a result of the differentials in domestic petroleum prices relative to those in neighbouring countries is wasteful. In the medium-term, Nigerians cannot afford to allow this to continue.

Nigeria also needs to take the difficult step of artificially downgrading its reliance on income from crude oil sales. The current depletion of Nigeria’s oil assets to satisfy the demands of foreign oil consumers cannot be justified on the grounds of investing for the future. Most of Nigeria’s expenditure goes on paying salaries and for importing goods and services. Nigeria needs to orchestrate a phased reduction in its oil output, in order to provoke the re-socialisation to a coming world of reduced oil revenues, encourage the search for alternative sources of income, and conserve what is, after all, a finite and depleting resource.

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

E

XPECTED lamentations have flowed from Thursday’s crashed Associated Airlines flight that was heading to Akure with the remains of former Ondo State governor Dr. Segun Agagu. Our hearts are with the mourning families.

Recriminations over crashes are becoming routinised. You are almost certain, who would say what, those to be blamed and the pointed suggestions that more regulation of the aviation industry would cure it of the shortcomings witnessed in the past eight years often overlook our poor emergency services.

We are still not paying attention to our emergency services. The realisation that accidents can occur, anytime, anywhere imposes a grave responsibility on governments to ensure there are services to ameliorate such situations.

Emergency services are important and major indices of people’s attitude to safety of lives, mirrored through the actions of their governments.

Three major crashes in the precincts of airports preceded the Associated mishap: *3 June 2012, a Dana plane crash, in IjuIshaga, Lagos as the plane approached

More emergency worries landing in Lagos, 153 died on board and 10 on ground; *December 2005, 107 perished in a Sosoliso crash inside Port Harcourt International Airport, some of them were school children from Abuja; and, *7 November 2005, 96, among them the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, his son and a grand-son, died in an ADC disaster in Abuja.

Sosoliso burnt as relations of passengers watched helplessly. The fire service had no water or retardant, the same scenario was replicated in ADC. Passengers burnt to death in Dana and crowded housing was blamed for late access of emergency services to the plane.

The four cases were in daylight, close or within airports, yet emergency services were as lethargic as when the flights crashed at

night and in remote locations that took hours to identify.

The chase-beating by the emergency services is depressing. More lives could have been saved on Thursday if they worked. The Nigerian Air Force hospital is less than three minutes’ drive from the crash site; the Lagos University Teaching Hospital is at most 10 minutes away. The survivors still did not get help on time with the avalanche of emergency services for the international and domestic airports.

We cannot make the point enough that infrastructure is critical to improving Nigeria. It is deceitful to expect emergency services would race to site of air crashes, if they do not function in daily life.

Governments have to improve emergency services, including those for rescuing victims of other accidents — road, rail, water, flooding and collapsed buildings.

It is important to establish structures to guarantee security and the right to life.

Accidents challenge our infrastructure — emergency ser vices, roads, hospitals, electricity and water supply. Improved emergency services would minimise future losses.

OPINION

BY EMMANUEL GOODHEAD

T

HE Federal Government’s coordinated war against terrorism and other acts of criminality witnessed a major boost recently with the arrest and detention of a kidnap kingpin, Mr Kelvin Oniarah, who is believed to be the mastermind behind all kidnap cases in the South East and South South regions.

Without any doubt, Mr Oniarah’s eventual capture by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, in the oil city of Port Hacourt brings to an end the dark days of increasing kidnap cases in the Niger Delta region. I am a Niger Deltan and we should all have reasons to celebrate over this huge achievement. It is gratifying to affirm that even members of the international community are indeed pleased with the successes Nigeria has so far recorded against terrorism.

Nigerians equally woke up within the same period to be greeted with wild claims by the Boko Haram group that its former leader who was believed to have been felled by JTF’s bullets sometime in July is still alive! Discerning Nigerians, especially those who have come to understand the game plan of the Boko Haram sect and its apologists and local collaborators, have since discovered that the video clip released by the group was to divert attention from celebrating the capture of kidnap kingpin, Oniarah by the DSS. Nigerians are too advanced and knowledgeable a people to fall for dummies as presently bandied around by the terror group.

Forget about what President Goodluck Jonathan said about him not knowing whether the man was alive or dead.

I believe he was only playing the usual security trick of diverting attention from key events so as not to compromise other efforts of the security agencies.

Nigerians have since realised the obvious fact that the Boko Haram group and other terror groups are their common enemies. These groups have indeed visited mindless terror on Nigerians of different faiths, tribes and ethnicity.

Terrorism: Between Shekau and Kelvin, any link?

We cannot afford to fall so cheap for this grand plan to divert attention from rejoicing over the capture of Mr Oniarah. Believe you me, the capture of Oniarah and Shekau’s concocted video clip should be seen for what they are: a planned coincidence by the terror group to divert attention. This incident further revealed the extent to which these bloodthirsty elements could go in their resolve to make the country ungovernable. Unfortunately for them, the orchestrated plan has fallen flat on its face. Nigerians have discovered that these terror groups and kidnappers are birds of same feather whose past-time is to instill fear in people.

There appears to be between them a coordinated network system through which they communicate and share ideas on ways to perpetrate evil.

Long before now, while suicide bombers visited terror on innocent Nigerians living in the North Eastern part of the country, kidnap groups made life meaningless and miserable for Nigerians in the South-South and South East regions. These twin issues gave government at various levels, especially the Federal Government, cause for concern.

Government, obviously was not pleased with the wanton destruction of lives by suicide bombers in the North and rising kidnap cases in the South. A government insider recently said that as a responsible and responsive government, the Federal Government never considered the inglorious option of abandoning Nigerians in the aforementioned regions to their fate. It stood beside them all through these perilous times. It vowed never to allow criminal elements lay claim to any part of the country. To achieve this feat, it deployed troops to the troubled states as well as going ahead to declare partial state of emergencies in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. These wise moves, no doubt, produced immense results.

The arrest of Kelvin also known as Ibruvwe calls for cel-

ebration and commendation for the DSS .It was gathered that Oniarah was apprehended by a combined team of SSS officials from Abuja and Delta State Command in collaboration with the troops of the Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shields.

This kidnap kingpin is said to be the mastermind of several high profile kidnap cases in different parts of the country.

Report says he was responsible for the recent kidnap of a senior lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, in Edo State, during which four policemen were killed. We are also told of how he was said to have maintained operational bases and detention camps in Warri and Kokori communities in Delta State and Ugbokolo community in Benue State.

A highly elated Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Adaba, who confirmed the arrest to newsmen, described the development as a great achievement in the war against kidnapping and other vices. Government had earlier declared the kingpin wanted over his involvement in deadly escapades, especially armed banditry and kidnapping in which over 100 persons had been killed in different parts of the Niger Delta. Also on his list of atrocities were the attacks on some high profile personalities in that region. He is also linked to a bloody operation in Warri Federal Prisons, where he allegedly freed some members of his gang, after killing prison wardens.

With the terror acts perpetrated by Mr Orainah and his gang, especially in the Niger Delta region and the lives and material possessions lost to their attacks, Nigerians, indeed have every reason to celebrate his eventual capture. While it will be rather too premature to roll out the drums for celebration, it is not out of place to congratulate security agencies on this great feat. *Mr Goodhead, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Asaba, Delta State

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013—19

A

S the race for the Novem ber 16 Anambra governorship election gathers momentum, candidates of political parties and their supporters and sponsors are doing everything possible to buy the conscience of voters by hook or crook. Many of them with questionable character have been busy throwing their ill-gotten wealth at the people and desperately hoping to recoup same if they win the election. Some of them are making empty promises of building bridges where there are no rivers.

Others are busy throwing public funds that were never captured in the state budget at community leaders, religious leaders and market unions to solicit their support for their anointed political godsons.

Few of them with track record in public service and political leadership have allowed their tremendous and unprecedented achievements in service to speak for them.

X-raying the candidates for the election, it is obvious that they are made up of chaffs and rice, and it is left for the people of the state to separate the rice from the chaffs in making choice of who becomes their next governor on November 16, for the betterment and development of the state.

Proffering salutary and candid advice that should be food-forthought, and serve as a guide for

every voter in the state during the election is an elder statesman, First Republic Minister of Aviation and only surviving nationalist in the state and the South East zone, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi.

Speaking in an interview published in The Sun Newspaper, Amaechi, when asked of the people's expectation in the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State, said: “My advice to the candidates is that they should do their campaign in a peaceful manner. They should dwell on issues and policies and not on personalities. Also, what I will tell the voters is that if majority of them collect, and vote for money, then money will rule them and they will continue to live in squalor and poverty.

“Somebody who spends heavily to win election is naturally bound to recoup the money he or she spent before doing any thing tangible for the people. But if you collect money from a rotten man and vote for a good man, the good man will create employment opportunities, give you education, health and all the good things of live. “ So, if Anambra people like, let them choose a 419ner; a 419er will give them 419 administration. If they like, let them choose a patriotic Anambrarian and he will give them patriotic leadership. So the question is for the voters themselves. If they vote well, they will

Anambra needs a good man with the passion to render selfless service to humanity at all time; the onus lies on the voters to make this possible in the election

,

be ruled well, if they vote wrongly, they will be ruled wrongly".

The above statement is a verdict from an elder statesman and astute politician who fought for the country’s Independence alongside the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and was made the First Republic Minister in 1960 at the age of 32.

Truly Mbazulike has seen it all, and is looking for nothing other good governance for his people. No one, including the acclaimed men of God can fault his position and sermon on the forthcoming election in the state. It is often said in Igbo land that what an elder sees sitting down, a youth cannot see it from the roof top. Besides, the words of elders are words of God and those who have ears let them hear. In this situation, an elder has spoken and the ball is in the court of the voters to score the goal according to their conscience. But they must be mindful of the consequences of their choice in the election. If they vote for the moneybag who believes the

Oil theft, Chatham House and the Ribadu report

BY ABDULAZIZ ABDULAZIZ

T

HE London-based independent think tank, Chatham House, has just released a damning report on the thriving oil theft in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. The report, which is more or less the vindication of similar meticulous investigation done by the Nuhu Ribadu-led Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force, last year, has once again diagnosed the source of a rabid fiscal malady gradually hollowing our economic fortunes as a country.

This disease is no more than the deliberate secrecy shrouding the Nigeria’s oil industry - from exploration to pricing, regulation and security of the product, thereby providing convenient atmosphere to plunder our commonwealth. While official silence crowns this increasing national tragedy, the symptoms of the self-imposed diseases further manifest by the day. It is no longer a secret that government is staggering to meet its fiscal obligations because of this big cover up in the industry - both the one accounted as oil theft and the one filtering into the coffers of those who should be the custodians of this common vault.

The news has been rife in the media that series of meetings of the Federation Allocation Committee ended in naught as there is nothing to share.

The executive summary of the Chatham House report, published on the webpage of the think-tank, gives the summation of the findings thus: “Nigerian crude oil is being stolen on an industrial scale. Nigeria lost at least 100,000 barrels of oil per day, around 5% of total output, in the first C M Y K

quarter of 2013 to theft from its onshore and swamp operations alone. Some of what is stolen is exported. Proceeds are laundered through world financial centres and used to buy assets in and outside Nigeria, polluting markets and financial institutions overseas, and creating reputational, political and legal hazards. It could also compromise parts of the legitimate oil business.

“Officials outside Nigeria are aware that the problem exists, and occasionally show some interest at high policy levels. But Nigeria’s trade and diplomatic partners have taken no real action, and no stakeholder group inside the country has a record of sustained and serious engagement with the issue. The resulting lack of good intelligence means international actors cannot fully assess whether Nigerian oil theft harms their interests.

“Nigeria’s dynamic, overcrowded political economy drives competition for looted resources. Poor governance has encouraged violent opportunism around oil and opened doors for organised crime. Because Nigeria is the world’s 13th largest oil producer – exports often topped two million barrels per day in 2012 – high rents are up for grabs.”

The subject of the Chatham House’s investigation was an aspect covered in greater details by the report of the presidential committee on petroleum revenue, headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The committee, which was composed of many eminent Nigerians with patriotic mien did a thorough job in appraising the present situation of the oil industry as regards the revenue drive. It did not only work to “de-

governorship seat is for the highest bidder, they and their generations yet unborn will continue to live in poverty because the moneybag must first recoup his money if he wins the election. Remember that there is no free meals anywhere, even in heaven.

If the people vote for the political godson who is being sponsored with the state’s unaccounted fund to continue from where his outgoing political godfather will stop, it means that the state will be taken back to the dark days of political godfatherism and looting of state treasury that grounded development in the state, before the jinx was broken by Dr Chris Ngige in 2003. This situation will definitely take the state back to the basics, because the loyalty of the greenhorn godson will be to his godfather and not the people of the state. After all, the people were settled and induced financially to vote for him. For that reason, they will have no moral right to ask anything from the government unless the one the godfather decrees.

We witnessed this in Abia State for almost four years of Governor Theodore Orji’s first term in office.

It was before the 2011 election that the political atmosphere in the country provided an opportunity for Governor Orji to liberate the state. Prior to this, the state had suffered a lot due to undue godfather interference.

Anambra is too strategic in the country to be left in the hand of a godson and learner this time around. Besides, businessmen and bankers have not provided good leadership in this part of the world, because they are always interested in building their private business

,

BY JOSIAH AKABUDU

,

Anambra 2013 and Mbazulike Amaechi’s food-for-thought

What thosewho were falling over themselves to discredit the Ribadu Report ignored, was that this man actually took up that task as a patriotic Nigerian to see change happen in his country

,

termine and verify all petroleum upstream and downstream revenues (taxes, royalties, etc.) due and payable to the Federal Government of Nigeria” - in line with its terms of reference, the committee equally came up with a lot of insights into how accountability eludes the sector.

It was to the credit of the committee that the odious underhand dealings in the name of fuel subsidy handouts to importers was blown off, leading to investigations that in turn led to arrest and prosecution of many culprits. The report also states, in clear terms, those complicit in the web of frauds that surround the industry, ultimately stepping on the toes of those who felt should not be exposed because they constituted the committee.

The report of that all important committee, which was submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan since October 2012, is yet to be acted upon despite the promise by the President during the handover of the report to him. What followed, rather ironically, was a campaign of calumny against the committee and Ribadu in particular on some flimsy bases, in order to rubbish that widely acclaimed report. It is instructive to state here that Ribadu’s resolve to stay above board in the conduct of that exercise did not go down well with

empires with public funds at the expense of the people. At the end, the state will suffer and their loyalists will tell you that they were already rich before they came into government.

For almost eight years now, the ruling government has failed to conduct council election, even after collecting money from aspirants on the party’s platform for the election since 2010. The state cannot continue to be administered in this way. So in the forthcoming election, the voters must to vote for a tried, tested, trusted and humble person who has done it before and who can provide good governance to the people. Anambra needs a good man with the passion to render selfless service to humanity at all time. That is the governor the state needs now and not a businessminded and selfish governor who will always think and work for his private businesses. The onus lies on the voters to make this possible in the election, not the power of incumbency, the Presidency, public fund and ill-gotten being flaunted by people without integrity and good intention for the people. The people’s choice in the poll must go beyond materialism which has created erroneous impression outside the state that the people of the state are money mongers and that nothing good will come from them, unless money is involved. That is why Anambra people must not sacrifice good candidate and quality leadership for money in the November 16, governorship election.

*Dr. Akabudu, a pastor, wrote from Ihiala, Anambra State.

some people at the government level and elsewhere. First, despite leaving a lucrative United Nations job to come and take up the national assignment, Ribadu refused to collect even his entitlements as the chairman of that committee. Not only that, he rebuffed attempts to compromise him that came even from unlikely places.

This was something that some people who dine on the poisoned pie were not happy with, thus they set out to ensure that the report did not see the light of the day.

However, while they scuttle the Ribadu Report, they obviously did not envisage that Chatham House could commission a report like this. The home-truths the government refused to heed to, and the prescription jettisoned by the government, is now re-told by a foreign physician, in the name of Chatham House.

What those in government who were falling over themselves to discredit the Ribadu Report forgot, or ignored, was that this man actually took up that task as a patriotic Nigerian who was determined to see change happen in his country. He refused to take any pay because he felt he was giving back to his country. In fact, Ribadu suffered political scars because of that personal decision to help a government formed by a different party from his. For him, Nigeria is greater than an individual or a party. But all this goodwill and good intention was bastardised by some who do not desire prosperity for this country due to their selfish ends.

The question is, now that Chatham House has vindicated Ribadu, will the Federal Government eat the humble pie to now act on the Ribadu Report to save Nigeria from this dire strait? *Mr Abdulaziz, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Abuja.

20 —

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 21

T

HE President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said that the Group is poised to make an additional investment totaling $US 34.7 billion in the economy by 2017.

He also said the cement arm of the group will commission an additional 10 million metric ton capacity in Nigeria by mid 2014 with an additional plan to also invest US $4.7 billion over the next four years in order to ensure that cement supply stays ahead of demand.

In a keynote address during the just ended Nigeria’53rd Independence Anniversary Lecture, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Dangote said, the Nigerian financial sector has demonstrated its ability to support big ticket industrial projects - the most recent being the US$9 billion refinery project by Dangote Group and is poised to invest $US 34.7 billion by 2017.

“Private sector participation is growing in areas such as fertilisers, petrochemicals, etc.

“Indigenous entrepreneurs now dominate some sectors that were at inception controlled by foreign firms, federal and state government, namely, financial services, cement, petroleum marketing; the upstream oil & gas sector,” he said Continuing, he said: “Agriculture continued as the lifeblood of the economy (accounting for 65 percent of GDP and 70 percent of exports).

Cocoa, cotton, groundnuts,

From left: Mr. David Adepoju, Head of Financial Market, Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria; Mrs Bola Adesola, MD/ CEO; Dr Olusegun Aganga, Hon Minister of Trade and Investment and Mr Remi Oni, Head of Client Coverage, Standard Chartered, during the Standard Chartered Business Forum themed 'Building a Conducive Environment for Trade and Investment held in Lagos. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele.

Dangote plans $34.7bn fresh investment in economy

By NAOMI UZOR oil palm products, and rubber were the principal export crops in the 1960s (and early 1970s). Agriculture largely provided the foreign exchange that was utilised in importing raw materials, capital & consumer goods; as

well as funding basic infrastructure needs. Food security was achieved - not just because peasant farmers were able to produced enough to feed the entire population (but also because Nigerians had not yet developed the palate to consume what they did not

produce.”

Dangote said in setting an agenda for the next decade, government should improve the business climate and continuously benchmark our business environment against “best-in-class” investment destinations, implement the recently unveiled Nigeria

ABCON supports CBN anti-money laundering measures

A

SSOCIATION of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) said it fully supports recent measures of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to check money laundering, and other malpractice in the foreign exchange market.

Recently, the CBN announced some measures to check money laundering tendencies observed in the foreign exchange market. These include the ban on importation of foreign currencies, and suspension of 20 BDCs for not rendering returns and non-compliance with antimoney laundering regulations.

Commenting on these development, Acting President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said that the measures by the CBN is in line with the position of the ABCON in compliance with regulatory requirements.

“The Association has a zerotolerance stance when it comes to the issue of compliance with

regulatory requirements, especially rendition on returns as well as compliance with approved limits for foreign exchange transactions.

We have made it clearly known to our members that we would not hesitate to impose sanctions or report to the CBN, any member found guilty of not complying with these requirements. So we are fully in support of the actions of the CBN. Such action is necessary to ensure sanity in the foreign exchange market, and most importantly the stability of the naira, which is critical to our economy.

The ABCON president said that most of the 3000 licensed BDCs in the country conduct their businesses in compliance with the requirements of the CBN, and only very few are exception. He noted that the actions of these few ones however, are capable of creating negative impression about the BDC sub-sector, and also undermines the stability of the naira.

“Any BDC that is not playing by the rules is a threat to the business of other operators and also to the foreign exchange market as a whole.

Such BDC have become a cancer to the system and they should be treated as such”, he said.

“That is why ABCON has put in place measures to ensure its members fully comply with the regulatory requirements”, he added.

For example, the Association introduced compliance officers into its National Executive Council and Zonal Executive council. Last year, it gave new cars to compliance officers around the country, to assist them to go around on inspection visits to BDCs. Also last year, the ABCON held sensitisation seminars on rendition of returns. The seminars were held in all the geo-political zones of the country, and were massively attended by BDCs. Gwadabe said the Association would hold another round of such seminar this year.

Industrial Revolution Plan, support the new investors in the power sector to ensure they “hit the ground running” and provide the kind of outcomes Nigerians desire.

He said their investment in agriculture is driven by our desire to create jobs for thousands of Nigerians and that It will increase their workforce from its present level of 26,000 employees to 750,000 employees .

114.15

-1.2

2,625.00

+40.00

18.53

0.01

109.34

+0.34

103.90

+0.59

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI

RIYAL KRONA SDR

SELLING

154.75 155.25 248.2809 249.0831 209.2375 209.9135 171.2405 171.7937 1.5919 1.5971 0.3017 0.3117 237.4096 238.1766 25.2727 25.3548 41.2645 41.3978 28.1743 28.2653 237.9591 2 38.7279

155.75 249.8853 210.5896 172.347 1.6022 0.3217 238.9437 25.4369 41.5311 28.3563 239.4968

CBN Exchange rate as at 07 /10/2013

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Regulators should stop punishing investors for the sins of operators

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

I

T used to be the norm in the banking industry un til 2007, when the Central Bank of Nigeria and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) used the Purchase and Assumption model for the resolution of problem in banks that lost their operating licence due to inability to meet the N25 billion new minimum capital base. Before then, whenever the CBN revoked the licence of a bank, depositors suffer. This is because from the moment the licence of the bank is revoked, they are denied access to their money until the NDIC is ready to start liquidation process. Even then, depositors would only be paid the insured deposit, which used to be N100, 000, but now N200, 000. The process can take years. The suffering is sometimes aggravated if the owners of the bank go to court to challenge the revocation of their banking licence. Ask the depositors of Fortune Bank, Savannah Bank, more than five

From left: Head, Legal and Regulation Division, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Ms. Tinuade Awe; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, and Director of Operations, EFCC, Mr. Olaolu Adegbite at the MOU Signing Ceremony in partnership with the NSE in Lagos. years after the CBN revoked the licensces of these banks, depositors can’t access their money because of legal action.

But the situation has changed. The CBN and NDIC are now wiser.. By embracing the Purchase and Assumption

(P&A) and Nationalisation options, depositors are not denied access to their money simply because the bank has been closed.

But the Securities and Exchange (SEC) and the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) are still

operating the old model. They allow investors to suffer for the sin of operators. This is reflected in the complaint received from the Retirees of Delta Steel Company, Warri, Delta State. Their stockbroker, Securities Solution Limited,

was suspended by the NSE, and its account frozen.

Meanwhile, the company had sold shares on behalf of the Retirees, and had not remitted the money to them before its suspension. Hence, since 2012 January, these Retirees cannot access their money. Many investors in the capital market are suffering similar fate. Their sin was that they patronised stockbroking firms that were suspended by the regulators.

More worrisome is the fact that the regulators are not considerate of their plight, that many of these investors might lose their lives because they cannot access their money. The reality is that most times, it is the investors and not the suspended operators that suffer. The sanctioned operator most likely would still be walking free, enjoying their wealth. Thus the investor suffers for the sin of the operator.

If the CBN and NDIC can find a way to sanction erring banks’ managements, close banks, without denying depositors access to their money, surely, SEC and NSE can, and should find a way to sanction erring operators, without denying investors access to the money. All it requires is a will to do it. This is because where there is a will, they is a way.

Top 10 performing stocks

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

RANSNATIONAL Cor poration of Nigeria, Transcorp, International Energy Insurance Plc, Costain (WA) Plc, Forte Oil Plc, Red Star Express Plc, and Associated Bus Company, ABC, were part of the stocks that garnered enough investors’patronage last week to make the top ten performing stocks’ list.

Others were UBA Capital

thus become once of the most capitalised stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. The proceed was not only meant to complete the acquisition of Ughelli Power Plant, but to embark on new hospitality projects in Lagos while refurbishing and expanding the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

The first quarter result for the period ended March, 2013

Plc, Wema Bank Plc, International Breweries Plc and Access Bank Plc. Transcorp, which led the pack of other gainers, advanced by 21.94 percent or N0.34 to close at N1.89 from N1.55 it started the week at. It had earlier risen to N2.02 before sliding to the present market price. The company had recently undertaken N12.91 billion rights issue, which was oversubscribed by 32.08 percent, thereby increasing the market capitalisation by 54 percent to N54.6 billion. With the increase in the market capitalisation, Transcorp, has

showed a declining fortune with revenue falling by 73.2 percent to N3.55 billion from N13.24 billion in 2012. Profit for the period was also down by 67 percent to N833.70 million from N2.53 billion in 2012. So far, the stock price has risen by 278 percent from year low of 50 kobo to the present market price.

An energy giant, Interna-

tional Energy Insurance gained 20.34 percent or N0.12 to close at N0.71 from N0.59.

IEI is one of the few insurance stocks that has broken into the two digit (in terms of share price) region after the blow dealt on the sector by 2008 meltdown. Available financial result for the year ended 2011 indicated a loss after tax of N4.7 billion. It also reported a much lower Gross Premium Earned of N5.28 billion in 2011 compared to N5.34 billion in 2010. The result showed that total assets nose-dived from N8.9 billion to N3.7 billion.

A Building Structure/Completion/Other listed security, Costain, appreciated 11.88 percent or N0.12 to close at N1.13 from N1.01 per share. Costain is the least priced stock in the construction sub-sector of the NSE. Year-to-date, the stock price has risen by meager 56.94 percent. Shoreline Energy International Limited, a Nigerian firm, recently acquired

controlling interest in Costain.

Costain was for many years a subsidiary of Costain Group UK Plc, an international en-

5.29 billion in 2012/2013.

The sole road transport company listed on NSE, ABC Transport, advanced by 9.46 percent or N0.07 to close at N0.81 from N0.74.

UBA Capital gained 7.91 percent or N0.11 from N1.39 to N1.50; Wema Bank advanced by 7.37 percent or N0.07 from N0.95 to N1.02;

gineering and construction group.

Red Star Express’ share price advanced by 9.51 percent or N0.39 from N0.74 to N0.81 per share. The company recently announced intension to increase its authorised share capital from N300 million to N500 million to enable it raise capital to fund medium and long term expansion plans. For the financial year ended March 2013, the company recorded a five percent growth in turnover from N 5.03 billion in 2011/2012 to N

international Breweries added 7.09 percent or N1.35 from N19.05 to N20.40, while Access Bank gained 5.78 percent or N0.58 from N10.03 to N10.61 per share.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 23

INVESTORS SPEAK

What do you think about shareholders having an advocacy group?

By HANNAH ISIBOR, MAGBEGOR ZINO & PAUL METU

S

OLAGOKE SAMSON

I

have heard a lot about a lot of peo ple particularly those of us in shareholders’ groups who are very ar-

I

t is an avenue for shareholders voice to be heard and it is an important aspect in shareholding. Shareholders are the assets in every company; companies need us to boost their revenue which is the sole aim of every organisation- to make profit. We are of immense benefit to the companies which we have invested in and so, if they take any decision which is not profitable for us, we will need a platform with which we would use to talk to them. So belonging to a shareholders association is very important.

ADEBAYO OKINOLA

ome are doing their duties and some are not doing well because most of them are not really knowledgeable in the interpretation of companies’ reports and acounts. For example, most of them just go to AGMs to collect their gift items. They are not stopping you to scrutinise the management to find out how they can make improvement, and that is the aim of AGMs. Some of them are bribed with gifts; they don’t attend the meeting and this is not the main reason why the AGM is been conducted.

The AGM is being conducted to find out what your management is doing and you should be able to scrutinise the management whether they are doing well or not. When you come for AGM, you come purposely for you to look at what your company is doing; if the company is performing well or not and if not what is the solution? But if the shareholders come and are bribed with money. Some shareholder organisations collect money for their members and this is a way of bribing shareholders not to talk. We have a lot of things to do in order to put shareholding in the proper perspective.

ELDER ADE ODUNTUN

APOSTLE ANIMASAHUM

T

Abayomi Obabolujo, President, Avid Shareholders ticulate. for instance, some of the leaders of various shareholders’ groups who could also be referred to as advocates for their members, asked questions and you’ll find out that the questions that were asked made a lot of sense. I think shareholders should organise associations and join. It is also a form of advocacy, instead of seeking for an advocate that will be in charge of all shareholders. The benefits of a shareholder organisation is that it gives you the leverage to be conversant with happenings in the capital market, your voice will be heard more easily than when you speak as an individual shareholder.

WILLIAMS ADEBAYO

T

he shareholders associations are carrying out their duties well. The groups that are available constitute only

he associations are not performing in the right direction because they

Sir Sunny Nwosu, President, ISAN old men, the elites we had after independence. We have some other associations, but looking at these associations, they existed immediately after we got independence. Immediately we gained our independence; the elite class as at that time set up those associations and majority of them are well over fifty years in the group because they started leading right from the time we gained independence. If you look at those existing associations, you come to find out that what they are doing is not even enough because their members are extremely old people. We need more shareholders associations especially with the upcoming youths; i.e. from our higher institutions, encourage them that investments is as cheap as them buying snacks.

are self cantered. It is because of this monetisation aspect of it which makes everything cumbersome. If we call ourselves associations, we should have the culture of understanding, culture of give and take spirit; if I leave everything for you today then you can equally reciprocate tomorrow. They should organise a forum where stakeholders will have to assemble and people will be allowed to speak. If I have some good idea and I am not allowed to speak, it will die a natural death. If you want to improve the relationship of the association with the management, it means that there must be a forum where they will invite all these people and stakeholders will be allowed to speak.

COMPLAINTS & INVESTIGATIONS AIMS Mgt should return my money I was approached by a staff of AIMS ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD in 2008 in which the capital and gains ought to mature in five years. Up till now l am yet to hear from them and all effort to reach them for my money proved abortive. I invested N200, 000.00 ( J. Igbadia, Benin, Edo state).

Investors Forum How did you make the investment?

Did you pay into the company’s account and receipt was issued to you, or you gave the staff cash with little or no evidence of the payment? If you gave cash to the staff and there is documentary evidence from the company confirming the investment, it maybe that the staff bolted away with the cash. In any case, you can contact the head office of the company at 23, Ajao Road, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, or 01- 2120049, 2120051, 2347029523916, 8095988382. They should confirm the validity of your investment.

Should I take Daar Communications to Court?

Good day sir, please help me. I bought Daar Communications shares in 2003 through my bank. I have my certificates but to my surprise, I have never received N1.00 or invited for any shareholders meeting. I went to the registrars being First Registrar to sell the shares, but they refused that I should buy more.

Please what do I do to get my little money since shares is not for poor man.?

I am thinking of taking Daar Communications to court. (Odum Okwudili)

Investors Forum Daar Communications is yet to declare dividend or hold AGM since its public offer. It might be waste of time and resources to take the company to court. We advise that you exercise further patient like other shareholders of the company How do I merge my shares?

While going through my stock file, I discovered I had two or three certificates of the same stock, though some are ‘Bonus’ certificates but for that of FBN. I had purchased 500 units through BSD Securities Ltd on 7th July, 2004 and another 500 units through Consolidated Investment Ltd in 2005, before buying from the IPO. My challenge is how to have all of them merged? (Erusiafe John)

Investors Forum Inform your stockbroker that you want to merge the account; they will handle it for you No dividend from Finbank, Starcomms I bought shares of Finbank and Starcomms from secondary market since

2008, till now no dividend, no bonus and I can’t see them in the daily stock list. Please advise me on what to do.

(Celestine from Apapa)

Investors Forum Finbank was acquired by FCMB in 2011. For update on you investment in the bank, contact City Securities located in Primrose Tower, 2nd Floor, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos. Tel: 234-12641298, 234-1-7924462. For your investment in Starcomms contact Akeem Shadare, Securities Trading Group Chapel Hill Denham Management Limited 20th Floor, NECOM House 15 Marina Lagos: Tel: +234 1 2799563-4; +234 1 4610691-2.

Complaint against Riverside Trust stockbrokers In 2005, I authourised a stockbroker, Riverside Trust, to sell my Nestle Plc shares but I was never paid. I have confirmed the sale of the shares from CSCS. What should I do to recover my money?

(Adeyinka Abiodun Adewale)

Investors Forum Riverside is one of the 39 companies delisted by the NSE early this year. We advise that you send a formal letter of complaint to the NSE and SEC. Given that the transaction took place about eight years ago, and the company has been delisted it might be difficult to re-

cover your money.

No certificate or dividend from Finbank I bought 10,000 units of Finbank shares in 2008 for N95, 000. I have not receive my certificate or dividend ever since. Please what should l do?

(Iyobhebhe Solomon Okoduwa)

Investors Forum It is possible that the certificate was posted to the wrong address. You need to first confirm that you have shares in the first place. Contact the registrar of FCMB, the bank that acquired Finbank.

The registrar is City Securities located in Primrose Tower, 2nd Floor, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos. Tel: 234-12641298, 234-1-7924462.

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS Do you have any challenge with your investment in the stock market or with any company (stockbroker, Registrar Company etc), write to vanguardinvestorsforum @gmail.com OR send text to 07043855187. We will INVESTIGATE AND REPLY

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Nigeria ranks 4th in global oil supply outages

By KUNLE KALEJAIYE

W

ITH more than 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil being lost to pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and spills, Nigeria ranks fourth in the league of countries who contribute to global oil supply outages, estimates from analysts at Deutsche Bank and other shipping and industry sources, have shown.

According to the estimates, total global outages amount to 3.15 million bpd, about 3.5 percent of daily world oil demand of 90 million bpd.

Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer, has had to grapple with upsurge in crude oil thefts and force majeure, resulting in frequent production shutdowns and massive oil leakages in recent time.

Italian oil major Eni only last month lifted a force majeure it imposed on its Nigerian Brass River crude oil production in March. In August, the company said oil theft, sabotage and adverse natural events such as flooding have hurt its operations in Nigeria, amounting to a daily loss of 30,000 barrels of oil equivalent in the first half of the year, that’s equivalent to 2 percent of the company’s overall production in the period.

The analysis shows Libya as the country with the biggest outages, losing 1.2 million bpd due to strikes and protests, followed by Iran with 1.1 million bpd as a result of the US and European sanctions over nuclear programme. In Syria, outages amount to 300,000bpd caused by civil war and Iraq lost 200,000bpd due to disruption to Northern pipeline. The estimates, compiled by Reuters, show South Sudan as having the least supply outages with 150,000bpd occasioned by political tension with Sudan.

Economic Confidential reports that crude oil theft has continued to thwart Nigeria from coming near the 2.53 million bpd estimate in the 2013 budget, with huge revenue losses estimated at over $1.23 billion (N190bn) in the first quarter, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company.

Exper ts har p Experts harp on safety in work place

I

Nigeria, which earns more than 90 percent of its foreign exchange and about 80 percent of government revenue from its oil industry,

has seen decline in production and revenue in recent times. Government’s gross revenue dropped 42 percent month-on-month to

N497.98 billion ($3.1bn) in July from N863.02 billion received in June, because of disruption to oil production caused by thieves hacking into pipelines.

World Bank to fund Nigeria’s power T

HE World Bank Group is to undertake its biggest financing programmein the Nigeria’s power sector, never seen anywhere else in the world,.

The Director, Infrastructure Department, International Finance Corporation, IFC, a subsidiary of the World Bank Group, Mr. Bernard Sheahan, who disclosed this at a power summit in Lagos, said the World Bank planned to provide financing for a number of the power projects, such as providing funding for some of the transmission cost and guaranteeing some of the risks in the sector.

He said, “The World Bank will provide funding for some of the transmission costs. The Partial Risk Guarantee programme that the World Bank is planning for Nigeria will be the largest of such programme anywhere in the world.“This integrated business plan for the power sector by the World Bank Group is something we have never tried anywhere else. We are doing this because of the magnitude of the needs here and we think the potential

payoff, both for Nigeria and for opening up a really important market for investors.”

He said the IFC is already in discussion with the Federal Government of Nigeria, on how best toset up the next stage of the power reforms programme.

He also said that the IFC has started disbursing some money as co-developers to one of the first Independent Power Projects, IPPs, with the hope of bringing the project to financial closure soonest.

Sheahan noted that in the past, the role of the IFC and other agenciesof the World Bank, was mainly advisory, adding that at the moment, they are moving into the financing phase, through the IPPs and eventually some of the distribution companies, as well.

He expressed support for the tariff system, saying it is a critical part of a system intending to grow that will ensure transparency and will enable the distribution companies to generate enough cash to expand their

network and grow capacity.

Continuing, he said, “What this reform has done for the government is the credibility which was not there before.

Credibility, which was why many people sat on the sidelines and not much happened, where efforts were made to develop the independent power plants and it did not get very far.

Whereas now, we see the payments that had been made for the discos, which are quite remarkable.

“The big difference is the perception and momentum, not because everything has been solved, but enough have been solved that people are willing to put serious money and that is because the government has succeeded in putting together more of these pieces in a whole that become credible that has been the case before.

“Officially, tariffs are quite low, but effectively, the prices that are being paid for power here in Nigeria is higher than the amount paid in any other country in the world, because of self generation. I believe Nigeria is the world leader in selfgeneration.”

NDUSTRY experts have reiterated the importance of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment, HSSE protection in the oil and gas sector and the work place in general.

The experts, who converged at this year ’s PSRGRichardson HSSE forum held in Lagos recently, argued that HSSE-related issues should be an integral part of organisations’ activities.

Those who spoke at the event included General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Deji Haastrup; Head, Safety and Environment, Directorate of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Mrs. Dorothy Bassey; and Dr Juliette Twumasi-Anokye of the Petroleum Commission, Ghana.

They noted that protecting people and the environment from harm is not just a social obligation, but also as equally important as issues concerning product quality, productivity and cost-efficiency are handled.

In striving for sustainable development, they said: “We should proactively and continually seek-out and employ more sustainable technologies and processes to minimise our impacts on people, assets and the environment.”

This, according to them, can be achieved by imbibing best practices in the different areas of HSSE, and taking the necessary measures in time to comply with regulatory authorities and governments through HSSE practice and management.

The forum, with the theme: HSSE Practice and Management: Recounting the Gains of Regulatory Compliance, is an annual event where stakeholders meet, discuss and analyse issues on HSSE practices and management in their various industries.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, Richardson Oil and Gas, Mr. Akin Osuntoki, “The Forum intends to capture and build up the bridges in HSSE management across the various industry strata. “ He added that this year ’s forum, the fifth in the series, attracted world-class technical presentations in HSSE and Nigerian Content Development.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 25

26—Vanguard, TUESDAY,OCTOBER 8, 2013

Maximising petroleum resources for Nigerians benefits

BY CLARA NWACHUKWU

N

IGERIA’S petroleum industry have come a long way from its over 57 years of commercial oil production, but perhaps the most significant period, in terms of local input and benefits to Nigerians have been since the advent of President Jonathan’s administration.

Although not much credit has been given in this regard, but the turnaround in the industry began with the signing into law of the Nigeria Content Act in 2010, much to the chagrin of those that never gave it a chance. The Act sought to empower more Nigerians to make bold contributions to the sector that have long been dominated by multinationals and foreign operators.

Resource re-definition With the advent of the Content Act, there was a re-definition of Nigeria’s petroleum resources, which contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, has been abysmally low. This is notwithstanding the fact that the industry is the country’s biggest revenue earner, accounting for more than 80 percent of its foreign exchange earnings.

Accordingly, the mandate of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, under the leadership of Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke became: “... to transform the oil

petroleum value chain to reality.

According to AlisonMadueke, “The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources has embarked on a very aggressive reform agenda to ensure that the Nigerian oil and gas industry continues to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economy.”

Even as controversial as some of the appointments have been, the minister has expressed confidence in her team of personnel that will execute the reform agenda. They include: • The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC – Mr. Andrew Yakubu • Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA – Mr. Reginald Stanley • Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR – Mr. George Osahon • Nigerian Contenet Development & Monitoring Board, NCDMB – Mr. Ernest Nwapa • Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF – Dr. Oluwole Oluleye • Petroleum Equalisation Fund, PEF – Mrs. Sharon Kasali • Petroleum Training Institute, PTI – Dr. Linda Dennar, and, • Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Agency – NNRA- Dr. Martin Ogharandukun.

These men and women are

Petroleum Resources minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke

Limited.

In April this year, Nigeria’s Oando Energy Resources Inc. sealed the deal for the acquisition of the Nigerian operations of ConocoPhillips for US$1.79 billion. Furthermore, Nigerian companies are top contenders for Chevron’s Oil Mining Leases, OMLs 52, 53 and 55.

Similarly, to position the NNPC as a fully commercial national oil company, its wholly owned subsidiary, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, was assigned all of NNPC’s equity in the Shell divested joint venture blocks.

The result of these exploits is such that in 2012 alone, a total of 600 million barrels of reserves were added representing 70 per cent replacement. The NPDC, headed by Mr. Victor Briggs, also got a lift, as its reserves through assets transfer rose to 1.7billion barrels, with daily production targeted at 250,000 barrels by

Nigeria is making significant progress and we have huge international investment potential including the obvious economic advantage of a big market of over 150 million friendly people and gas industry for the increased benefit of Nigeria and its people through effective implementation of policies on hydrocarbon exploration, exploitation, production, distribution and utilisation in accordance with international standards.”

Fulfilling such a lofty national objective is certainly no yeoman’s task, as it also demanded a new mission for the: “Effective implementation of national oil and gas policies on exploration, production, distribution and utilisation in accordance with international standards.” As well as a new vision to become: “An internationally competitive oil and gas sector that contributes maximally to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.”

Leadership change Besides charting a new direction and how to go about it, the transformation equally required the appointment of key personnel that will bring the mission and vision for the

expected to bring to bear, their wealth of experience in the industry for the realisation of the transformation agenda in terms of operations and regulation in the various sub-sects of the industry.

Indeed, the Federal Government has expressed equal confidence in its ability to transform the nation’s petroeconomy. According to Vice President Namadi Sambo, who also chairs the economic team: “Nigeria is making significant progress and we have huge international investment potential including the obvious economic advantage of a big market of over 150 million friendly people. We are blessed with abundant petroleum and solid mineral resources, and the country’s recent economic and political reforms have drastically improved corporate governance...”

Nigerians exploits As already noted, the greatest strength of the reform agenda in the dramatic increase in the participation of Nigeria’s in the

Petroleum refinery

sector. While in the past only a handful of wealthy and politically connected Nigerians were permitted to participate, the story has long changed to: “If you have the capacity, come prove yourself.”

The outcome is astronomical; many Nigerians, including those in the Diaspora, took up the challenge with most of them resigning from their plum oil jobs to prove themselves. Their activities are more evident in the services for the benefit of technology transfer; the upstream, which is the core of the industry, and the downstream, which is the interface with the Nigerian people, and more recently in domestic gas.

Upstream Just to underscore these exploits, all of the upstream assets being divested by the oil majors, including the SPDC/ Total/Agip divested eight oil blocks were acquired by Nigerian companies in alliance with some foreign technical partners. The assets are: • OMLs 4, 38 & 41 – Seplat Petroleum Development Company • OML 26 – First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Limited • OML 30 – Heritage Oil Plc • OML 34 – Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Limited • OML 40 – Elcrest Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited •OML 42 – Neconde Energy

2015.

Services & downstream Similarly, the services and downstream sectors are dominated by Nigerian companies. Alison-Madueke noted that in line with the local content policy, “Key infrastructure and investment is now locally owned e.g., Marine vessels, land swamp and offshore rigs.”

The Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN, Mr. Emeka Ene, clarified that the over 60member group “... provide over 250 discrete oilfield related services broadly classified in the following categories – Drilling Continues on page 27

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013— 27

Maximising petroleum resources for Nigerians benefits Continues frompage 26 and Completion services, Health, Safety, Security, Environment services, Management and Information services, Project Management, Facilities and Construction services, Flowlines and Facilities construction, Production and Operations, Reservoir Description, Training and Catering Services.”

For the downstream sector, apart from Mobil and Total, petroleum products distribution and storage activities are dominated by Nigerian companies.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has over 10,000 members with over 24,000 (86%) retail outlets across the country.

While the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of. Nigeria, DAPPMA members have a combined storage capacity of two billion litres and the highest tankage volume in the country.

Furthermore, revenue generation from NNPC downstream retail activities is said to “... have grown significantly (by 39%) during the last three years, from N 151billion to N219billion. Also, its number of retail outlets has increased from 418 to 505 thereby, increasing NNPC’s domestic market share from 12% to 15%.

NNPC targets more aggressive growth (42%) in the coming years.”

Gas In the area of gas, President Jonathan asserted that “By 2014, we would have positioned Nigeria firmly as the undisputed regional hub for gas based industries such as fertiliser, petrochemicals, and methanol.”

He added that “The gas initiative will generate over 100,000 engineering and design-related jobs, as well as about 500,000 direct and indirect jobs in construction, logistics, fabrication and agriculture.”

His assertion is based on the recognition of the potential for tremendous economic growth inherent in the nation’s vast natural gas resources, in which he outlined a three- point mandate for natural gas comprising: •Boost in gas supply to t h e Power sector • Stimulation of gas based industrialisation aroundFertilizer, Petrochemicals,Methanol etc., effectively leveraging gas as feedstock for key industries,thus creating jobs and •Selective investment in high value regional pipeline and LNG export opportunities to boost revenues from gas sales.

According to Alison-Madueke, “Our total average gas production increased from

7.7Bscfd to 8.24Bscfd representing 7% increase compare to 2011 levels.”

Upstream gas supply As a result, upstream gas supply for power generation, industrial and household use has increased significantly during the period in review following government’s prioritisation of gas supply to the domestic market.

Specifically, domestic gas supply to support power increased with over 250 million standard cubic feet per day, MMscfd, under the emergency gas supply programme, just as supply for other uses was at an all-time peak of 1500mmcf/d.

Supply is projected by year end to support over 5 Gigga watt, GW of power, and expected to increase to about 10GW by 2015/ 2016.

Crowning reforms with PIB All the afore-mentioned reform agenda are a prelude to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, which has been held up at different fora as the crowning for Nigeria’s petroleum industry reforms.

Irrespective of its trajectory in the National Assembly and lack of support by the oil majors, the PIB has been internationally acclaimed by the International Monetary Fund, IMF, as “...one of Nigeria’s most important pieces of legislation, because it proposes massive industry reform.”

The IMF, a member of the World Bank Group, also, “Looked forward to an early passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill which would boost investment, government revenue, and fiscal transparency.”

The Lead Team for the PIB, Mr. Abiye Membere, who is also the Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production, NNPC, has gone all out to allay fears regarding some contentious fiscal propositions in the bill.

Apart from challenging the critics of the bill to come up with superior arguments and propositions during the public hearings, Membere also explained that the bill will break down all the transparency

barriers and abolish all the perceived opaqueness that characterises the industry.

According to him: “The PIB offers a clear set of solutions: the dissolution of confidentiality clauses so that companies and the public are aware of the true market value of oil blocks under auction; a regulatory system that emphasises production volume instead of profit; smaller oil blocks with ‘drill or drop’ provisions to ensure that companies that are eager to extract won’t lose out to companies seeking to buy and hold their blocks idle.”

To underscore its importance, even the opposition parties in Nigeria have expressed support for the bill, while in a report produced by renowned consultants, Ernst and Young, Dr Pedro van Meurs (an industry expert) argued that the bill’s transparency provisions “are now among the most advanced in the world, and will make Nigeria a leader in Africa in this respect.”

Downturns But it is not all ups for the petroleum sector as the nonpassage of the PIB is stalling huge investments in the sector.

Also, coupled with the rising incidence of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, combine to impede progress and further development in the industry.

In this regard, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has mobilised industry stakeholders for the formation of a Joint Task Force, made up of security and industry operatives to fight the menace. The country is estimated to be losing huge revenues of up to $6billion annually on account of crude theft.

Furthermore, about 25% of the Nigeria’s gas was flared, 27% used in upstream for pressure maintenance, 40% exported and less than 10% was utilized for power and other industry users.

These call for greater control and stiffer penalties to stem the tide.

AfDB stakes $4.3bn on clean energy in Africa

By MICHAEL EBOH

T

HE African Development Bank, AfDB, said it has invested $4.3 billion (N688 billion) in clean energy in Nigeria and the rest of Africa between 2007 and 2012.

According to a report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, by virtue of these investment, the AfDB has been, by far, the largest source of financing for the Africa region providing $4.3 billion of the total $14.7 billion (N2.352 trillion) invested by development banks in the region for clean energy projects since 2007.

The report said the World Bank Group was in second place with $2.9 billion. The report further stated that AfDB’s total investment in 2011 was only $769 million

(N123.04 billion), compared to $1.475 billion (N236. Billion) in 2012, bringing the AfDB’s total investment in clean energy in Africa to $4.3 billion.since 2007.

The report noted that AfDB’s investments in clean energy in Africa had increased slowly but steadily from 2007 until last year, when they expanded exponentially.

It said, “Between 2011 and 2012, the African Development Bank increased by a staggering 92 per cent, its investment in clean energy in Africa. “In general, clean energy has enjoyed a big boost from development banks in recent years. Investments worldwide increased threefold from 2007 to 2012, from $36.8 billion to $108.9 billion.”

The report which looks at the clean energy transactions of 26

national and multilateral development banks from 2007 to 2012, stated that on the global scale, AfDB now ranks 11th out of 25 on a list of development investors that is topped by Germany ’s KfwEntwicklungsbank, China Development Bank and the Brazilian Development Bank.

According to the report, in 2012, clean energy financing from development banks broke the $100 billion mark for the first time in history.

It noted that, “The African Development Bank has been keeping pace with this investment trend, specifically, but also in general in terms of its work on the environment.

“In May 2010, the AfDB created its Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department to bring these three interlinked

disciplines under one operational unit to deliver tangible results for the Bank’s regional member countries.

“In particular, the Department manages climate finance instruments for the Climate Investments Funds (CIF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA).

“The significant additional resources brought by these funds totaling $1.2 billion since 2010 allows the Bank to support innovative operations such as the Moroccan Integrated Solar and Wind Energy Programs or the Geothermal Development Project in Kenya which would otherwise be too costly and risky to materialize in the short term.

28—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Substandard cylinders hinder gas development

BY KUNLE KALEJAYE

T

HE high incidence of s u b s t a n d a r d , unbranded and smuggled cylinders into the Nigerian market has deterred genuine importers of the product from investing in the business, thereby discouraging the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG/ cooking gas in the country.

This development according to the National President, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria, LPGARAN, Mr. Michael Chika, has allowed the market to be dominated by those who are ready to cut corners in order to remain in the business.

Prominent among then according to Chika are the faceless ones who often import unbranded cylinders, adding that these cylinders cannot stand the test of time, especially in a society with poor maintenance culture.

In his words: “In the recent years, tens of thousands of LPG cylinders have been imported into the country. While some of the cylinders were certified by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) before and after their importation, others were smuggled into the country by desperate businessmen with little or no recourse to standard requirements.

Substandard cylinders “Most of the substandard cylinders, for instance the 12.5kg size, are sold between N1,000 and N2,000 less than the certified ones.

Unfortunately, unsuspecting members of the public often prefer to buy such cylinders in order to save some money.

To level up with other countries in LPG utilization, the LPGARAN boss reiterated that there is a need to checkmate the trend. This according to him, required urgent attention from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, and other stakeholders such as the Nigerian Association Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Marketers, NALPGAM. Chika also cited the high cost of cylinders as another impediment to LPG development. He recalled that several schemes had been discussed in the past to proffer solution to the problem, but the absence of coordinated effort toward achieving set objectives have proved abortive “The effectiveness and successes of the Indonesian model of making cylinders to make them affordable to the endusers have been acknowledged by stakeholders in the Nigeria’s

LPG industry. Our West African sister country, Ghana, has experimented with a similar model and the successes were narrated in the last NLPGA conference by a participant from Ghana.

“The present LPG industry in the country is sustained with hundreds of thousands of cylinders owned by members of different strata of investors in the sector, particularly retailers, endusers and some multinationals.

And presently, many companies, both big and small, are involved in importation of cylinders.

“In the recent times, the argument has been ‘Who

maintains these cylinders?. Two critical issues are involved: Nigeria needs more and more cylinders which cannot be satisfied by one or a few entities; secondary, the cylinders need to be regularly maintained to ensure safety in the industry.

“There is a need for collaborated efforts among the stakeholders in this regard.

While those who have the wherewithal to monitor and maintain their cylinders should be encouraged to do so, other must ensure they evolve a framework in which their cylinders are maintained. ”The Nigeria LP Gas Association serves as the best

platform in which this can be achieved, and, of course, with the support of relevant government agencies. LPGARAN, on behalf of LPG retailers, is ever ready to partner with other stakeholders to initiate best possible mechanisms for cylinder maintenance.

“It is not a healthy development for Nigerians to continue to talk of cylinders importation as if the country lacks the capacity to produce cylinders locally. It is amazing that a country that produced some of the best LPG cylinders in the world more than two decades ago is now made a dumping ground for all kinds of imported cylinders.”

Role of the media in effective public procurement

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

T

HE role of the media in ensuring effective public procurement regime was the major plank of the sensitization workshop organized for journalists in Lagos by Media Rights Agenda, MRA. The Executive Director, MRA, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, said that the media should be a veritable source of information and analysis to raise or improve people’s awareness and understanding of the public procurement process.

He also said that the media should monitor the implementation of the public procurement regime, including the Public Procurement Act, PPA, as well as monitor compliance by relevant bodies, agencies and institutions with the duties, processes and requirements under the Act. Ojo explained that the Act contained numerous provisions whose Implementation require monitoring. He said, “The first area that requires monitoring is compliance by the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, and procuring entities with the obligations imposed on them to establish, develop or maintain, as the case may be, various data bases, records and information systems.

“These provisions serve as pointers for the media, the public and other interested stakeholders on the different types of

information that are available and where they can be obtained.”

Ojo pointed out that the requirement that the BPP and the procuring entities proactively publish certain types of information about themselves and their activities need to be strictly enforced. This he said is because unless it is done and the media, the public and primary stakeholders have access to the information, the transparency objectives of the Act may not be achieved. “The media therefore have a duty to monitor the enforcement of these aspects of the law,” he said. Also speaking, the Chief Executive Oficcer, CEO, Public and Private Development Centre, PPDC, Ms Seember Nyager, listed what the media should observe and monitor to include: • Is the right and appropriate procurement methodology being followed?

• Is the procurement executive using special and restricted methods of procurement where open and competitive bidding should be used?

• Did the criteria for selection of bidders change midway?

• Did the bidders have equal, simultaneous information and opportunity to offer the goods, works and services?

•Have tenders been split to avoid thresholds set by the bureau?

According to Nyager, “The media and every citizen of Nigeria have a role, duty and obligation under the Public Procurement Act.

BP pleased with U.S. Cour Courtt ruling

B

P is extremely pleased with Friday ’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit setting aside the claims administrator ’s interpretation of the business economic loss framework in the settlement agreement BP reached with the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee last year.

Today’s ruling affirms what BP has been saying since the beginning: claimants should not be paid for fictitious or wholly non-existent losses.

We are gratified that the systematic payment of such claims by the claims administrator must now come to an end.

As part of today’s decision, the Fifth Circuit has also reversed the District Court’s denial of BP’s motion for a preliminary injunction staying the payment of business economic loss claims under the agreement. The Fifth Circuit has ordered the District Court to “expeditiously craft” an injunction that stays payments to people who did not suffer “actual injury traceable to loss from the Deepwater Horizon accident” until the matter is “fully heard and decided through the judicial process.”

Essar Energy to e xit K en exit Ken enyya ref iner refiner ineryy

E

ssar Energy plc [LSE: ESSR], the India-focused integrated energy company, today announced that it intends to exit from its 50% owned joint venture business Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd (KPRL), which operates the oil refinery in Mombasa, Kenya.

Essar Energy, through its subsidiary Essar Energy Overseas Limited, has exercised a put option under the shareholders’ agreement to sell its stake in KPRL to the Government of Kenya, which owns the remaining 50% interest in the Mombasa refinery.

This decision by Essar Energy follows an extensive series of studies by international consultants into the technical, economic and funding elements of an upgrade of the Mombasa refinery. Following these studies, Essar Energy believes that the upgrade is not economically viable in the current refining environment.

Essar Energy will continue to work closely with the Government of Kenya to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013—29

•Road under construction

Low marks for built environment sector

By JUDE NJOKU & KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

T

HE construction industry is generally regarded as the barometer for measuring the health of any nation’s economy. When a nation’s construction industry is booming, the economy of that country is believed to be thriving while the reverse is the case when the construction sector is going through a downturn.

The Nigerian construction industry since the attainment of independence 53 years ago, has been dominated by expatriate construction companies and those which wear the garb of indigenous construction companies simply because they have appointed a few Nigerians into their Board of Directors.

The arguments often advanced by the government at the Federal and State levels for preferring foreign contractors, include: alleged incompetence of local contractors, some of who allegedly mismanage funds collected for projects and the inability of indigenous firms to buy the construction equipments required to execute most heavy construction and engineering projects, among many others.

Pissed by this ugly development, Nigerian Engineers and other built environment experts and stakeholders have been waging unfruitful battles to redress the trend but their efforts seem to be

yielding little or no results.

Built environment experts who spoke to Vanguard Homes & Property on the state of housing and physical infrastructure, 53 years after independence, scored the country very low marks.

A Lagos -based construction economist, Mr. Godson Moneke posited that 53 years after the attainment of independence, Nigeria is still lagging far behind in the areas of infrastructure development and housing provision.

Moneke who is the Registrar of the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QSRBN, laid a large chunk of the blame for the infrastructure deficit on the numerous years of military rule and the apparent non performance of many states and their council areas.

Area of infrastructure “In the area of infrastructure energy (power), petrochemicals and roads- we are lagging very far behind; considering the huge resources said to have been expended on these infrastructure. The blame does not rest on the federal government alone. The summation of the income of all the states will give you a figure of what the Federal government does not get. The states and local government areas should take more of the blame for the infrastructure deficit.

Most times, accusing fingers are pointed at only the federal

government and I think that this is diversionary. Many governors spend money belonging to their states as if it is their private money. They live as monarchs and get away with it. There is no governance at all at the local government areas,” he alleged.

Continuing, Mr. Moneke stated that the “ long period of military rule which created instability in the continuity of governance, contributed largely to the dearth of infrastructure in the country.

He however commended the present government at the centre for some purposeful moves to provide good roads network, improve power generation and transmission and upgrade the airports. “You can now travel by road from Lagos to Onitsha and arrive there in six hours. Before now, you will be trapped for several hours at Ore due mainly to the poor state of the road,” he said.

We shouldn’t be talking of 17 million housing shortfall In the area of housing provision, the QSRBN Registrar regretted that 53 years after independence, homelessness is still on the increase due to faulty government policies on housing.

Describing housing as a basic need of man which ought to be tackled with all vigour,the construction cost expert regretted that government rather abandoned the provision of housing to the private sector developers who only have profit motives.

,

53 years of nationhood:

“Even a permanent secretary who is depending on his legitimate income cannot buy a three-bedroom terrace house built by these private developers,” he alleged, and called on the government to directly intervene in the housing sector.

A former chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building, NIOB Lagos State chapter and current National Publicity Secretary of the institute, Mr. Kunle Awobodu, lamented that the expectations of Nigerians have not been met in terms of housing provision. He pointed out that Nigeria should not have about 17 million housing after over five decades of the nation’s independence, if the governments (present and past) were sincere about housing Nigerians. Awobodu noted that Nigeria is experiencing this huge housing deficit because various housing policies were not effectively implemented.

According to Mr. Awobodu

system is effective, prospective homeowners will apply for mortgage loans to build while the loans are repaid between 15 and 20 years from salaries or through private arrangements. But because our mortgage system is not working, and people have to source for funds to build at all cost, people are desperate to get the needed money to finance their building projects. This encourages corruption in the country.

“Again, the cumbersome nature of obtaining building plan approvals which in most cases runs into several years to get, is equally responsible for gross inadequacy of housing the nation is currently facing. If building approvals are made easy, more people can build, particularly the low income earners”, Awobodu said.

Scorecard is low Corrobrating NIOB’s spokesman, Mr. Adetokunbo Ajayi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer,

The cumbersome nature of obtaining building plan approvals which in most cases runs into several years to get, is equally responsible for gross inadequacy of housing the nation is currently facing

who is the chairman of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild of Nigeria, BCPGN, “it is regrettable that after 53 years that Nigeria gained her independence from the colonial masters, Nigeria has a deficit of between 17 and 18 million housing units because the various housing policies since independence have not been implemented effectively.

Ineffective mortgage sector “Also, the mortgage system is not effective which makes prospective homeowners to source for funds on their own.

This sourcing for funds to build desperately is encouraging corruption in the country.

Ordinarily, where the mortgage

,

Propertygate Development and Investment Plc, a firm of real estate development, stated that the assessment of the Nigerian housing sub-sector must be done within the context of the performance of Nigeria as a nation, 53years post independence.

Based on this assessment according to Ajayi, Nigeria cannot be scored high, considering her low rating in all development indices. He pointed out that, as the nation was and is still faced with monumental development challenges, the housing sub-sector could not possibly be immune.

“From a comparative

Continues on page 31

,

•Housing estate

30 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Thasious House enhances corporate outlook of Okota

BY JUDE NJOKU

W

HAT many thought was an addition to the growing list of hotels in Lagos due its exquisite exterior, was penultimate Sunday, commissioned as the corporate head office building of Messrs Thasious International Company Limited, a frontline freight forwarding and clearing agency based in Lagos.

Named Thasious House, the five-storey building which sits on a parcel of land at the popular Ago Junction Round-About, Ago, Okota in the Oshodi -Isolo Local Government Development Area, LCDA, was officially commissioned by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha.

The official cutting of the tape was preceded by a Thanks Giving Service at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Apapa.

Thasious House which had a completion schedule of 24 months, was completed almost six months ahead of time and marks a complete departure from the convention whereby corporate organisations preferred to build their head offices in the highbrow commercial areas of Lagos.

The Managing Director and C.E.O. of the Company, High Chief Athanasius Egwim ex-

plained that actual construction was flagged off in March, 2012.

Egwim who conducted his guests round the complex, disclosed that the first and second floors would be used for Thasious operations, whilethe 3rd to 5th floors would be let out to decent companies who are in need of standard operational base.

Giving further details, he explained that each floor is made up of three exquisitely built suites that can be partitioned to taste. Also provided are standard generators and round the clock security as well as lifts for easy movements.

Corporate standard “Thasious House is built to any international corporate standard, with appurtenances that can match any other you can find anywhere in the world,” he said, adding that the complex has a parking spaces for more than 30 cars.

“This magnificent five-storey edifice has accentuated the fast growing corporate outlook of Okota, upped the value of Ago Okota as an upcoming new corporate haven for organizations that want to get away from and still remain within reach of Apapa. Its location has recently been enhanced by the new flyover bridge that makes linkage

Thasious House, in Okota with Surulere easier. The recent construction of a flyover bridge at Cele bus stop along Apapa Oshodi Expressway to link Okota with Surulere has opened up Okota and by the time the ongoing reconstruction of Apapa Oshodi Expressway is completed, movement from Thasious corporate office to Apapa will take only seven minutes. That apart, we are a shouting distance from the airport. We are only thinking ahead,” Egwim boasted.

He gave further reasons why he chose to relocate the head office of the 28-year old company to Ago-Okota.“The hustle and bustle of Apapa is one thing I had dreamed of leaving behind one day and when we wanted to build this office, I had no second thought of leaving Apapa. Administrative activities are better done under convivial atmosphere and Apapa can hardly achieve that for me,” he said Speaking after unveiling the

plaque, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha remarked that the office complex is special for him and other lovers of success. “It must be stated that everyone must appreciate something good when he sees one. Thasious House is a beautiful sight to behold,” he said.

The three-day ceremony was attended by prominent traditional rulers and indigenes of Mbaise in Imo State.

EU ambassadors laud developers of Eko Atlantic for restoring coastline

BY JUDE NJOKU

T

OP delegates who attend ed the EU-Nigeria Business Forum have lauded the developers of Eko Atlantic City Project for how it has so far handled the reclamation of land and the construction of sea defences in the upcoming city. The delegates who visited the project development area of the new city that is being built adjacent to Victoria Island in Lagos, said it (development) is helping to save the coastline from being washed away.

The delegates included European ambassadors and representatives from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands,

Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dorothee JanetzkeWenzel explained that Eko Atlantic City is already having a positive impact. ‘’It is not only helping to help save the coastline but helping to save Victoria Island, here in Lagos, which is dear to so many people. It is also a project that has all the ingredients that we the Europeans, and we the Germans, if I may add, think are extremely important, that is sustainability; looking into the future, doing something for the surroundings of a city and by that also for the people of the city, “ the Ambassador declared.

The diplomats were shown how the Eko Atlantic sea revetment, known as The Great

The diplomats during the visit to Eko Atlantic City

Wall of Lagos is now protecting not only the more than the five million square metres of land that has so far been reclaimed for the city but the shoreline as well.

The Managing Director of South Energyx Nigeria Limited, the developers and city planners of Eko Atlantic, Mr. David Frame informed the delegates that “Eko Atlantic is restoring the Lagos coastline off Victoria Island to where it was a hundred years ago. Had

it not been for the sea wall Victoria Island could have faced catastrophic flooding from ocean surge three times,” he said.

Eko Atlantic is privately financed and fully supported by both the Nigerian Federal Government and the Lagos State Government. It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan who had earlier in the year, visited Eko Atlantic, described it as a ‘noble initiative.’

Eko Atlantic is designed to

provide the space and infrastructure to house 250,000 people and become the workplace for a further 150,000.

The 2013 EU-Nigeria Business Forum is a key platform for both public and private sectors to put to work the objective of bringing the EU and Nigeria even closer.“The Forum brings together policy makers and business representatives alike to explore how it is possible to convert a business prospect into a plan.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 31

Eternit creates business unit as repositioning strategy

E

TERNIT Limited, manufacturer of roofing and ceiling products has announced the creation of a special business development unit as part of its reposition strategy aimed at meeting customers’ needs.

According to Mr. Dirk Modderman, the chief executive officer of the Sapele-based company, the creation of a business development unit represents an extension of the company’s business beyond the traditional provision of roofing and ceilings, stressing that the unit would focus on providing turn-key building solutions to clients wherever they may be in Nigeria.

Modderman said the firm had

been inundated with requests for building solutions outside the traditional roofing and ceilings by several clients that have used Eternit’s products that the firm has manufactured and installed for over forty years of its existence in Nigeria.

“We have created a special business development unit within our firm due to current market realities and in response to special demands by many of our clients.

A lot of our clients have come to trust the quality of our products and have demanded that we assist further in helping to deliver highquality housing solutions,” Modderman said.

He added that the firm had

chosentosetupthespecialbusiness development unit because some projects in the country require participation beyond mere roofing andceilingandassuchnecessitated a firm with far-reaching expertise.

Modderman pointed out that the unit will draw from experience of various professionals that are within the employ of the firm and will aim to satisfy needs of the market very professionally. He added that the

unit will, among other things, provide consultancy services to clients to enable them deliver their buildings that meet their expectation.

He said as a member of the Etex Group, Eternit has all it takes to provide all-round building solutions to clients in Nigeria no matter what their needs may be.

Low marks for built environment sector Continues from page 29 standpoint, the Nigerian housing sub-sector will be rated poor compared to those of the developed world and the peers of Nigeria at independence, who have made tremendous advancement. Furthermore, from the expectations of the people relative to current achievements, the sub-sector will be judged to

have fallen short. However, within the context of our modest national development, the subsector had not fared badly.

Moving forward, as the nation as a whole is also expected to, remarkable progress must be made in key areas. They include: thoughtful policies; strong enforcement of physical planning

rules; ensuring land are placed in the hands of functional development companies, as against rent seekers; development of primary infrastructure by the state to service housing; functional mortgage finance system; and effective and efficient land administration,” he said.

32—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Kirikiri Prisons: CJ tasks freed inmates to go and sin no more

A

Increased rainfall The appeal came on the heels of increased rainfall in the state which the residents claimed had wrecked havoc in various parts of the council. They claimed that heavy flooding has continued to threaten their lives and property in the areas, leaving many houses deserted.

When Vanguard visited the Odo-Pako in Isale Odo Community, a border community between Lagos and Ogun State, the portion of the bridge falls within Lagos State, hence serving as a link road between Lagos and Ogun states.

It was further learnt that the only foot bridge available for the residents to link the neighbouring communities is a makeshift plank bridge that had collapsed on several occasions due to the heavy flow of water which they claimed, unfortunately, led to loss of lives during heavy downpour in the past. Our correspondent gathered that whenever it rains, movement in and out of the community would be suspended till the water level subsides, as only a fraction of the residents work in Ogun State.

Chairman of Isale-Odo Community Development Association, CDA, Mr. Moshood Oyelade, explained that two persons had died while trying to cross through the plank foot

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

T

•Damaged footbridge at Odo-Pako

Flood threat: Residents send S.O.S to Fashola bridge recently. Oyelade said; “I remember the last man who died at this portion was an Okada rider whose Okada slipped into the river. Before help could come his way, he had already given up the ghost.” He added, “the river flows from the toll gate end of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway to other parts of Lagos State.

Canal threat: Alhaji Kamorudeen Bamidele, Chairman Committee on canal dredging of Alabede Aboru residents, said the dredging of Aboru canal had been abandoned by the contractor handling the project, thereby worsening flooding problem in the area.

To complement the state

government efforts, Bamidele said residents have raised N3, million to support the dredging of confluence paths simultaneously from community entry points at Abeokuta expressway. He said, “the initial dredging which took place when the project took off in February 2012 has been stunted by the resultant blockage as a result of

gradual sand deposit which eventually decreased the depth between the bed and bank along the canal path thereby worsening the flooding bank flow”.

He appealed to the governor to hasten the re-dredging and concrete lining of the canal to save the communities from the perennial problem of flooding.

Hammer falls on indiscriminate Lagos law violators, others

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L

AGOS State Govern ment has announced plans to commence massive enforcement and clearing of illegal occupants along Right of Ways, ROW, of road setbacks on major highways and expressway across the state, especially auto mart dealers in order to ensure sustainability of the highways.

Before now, the state government has served illegal occupants abatement notices, warning them to vacate the entire stretch, while they have defied the notices.

Globally, expressways constitute an important link in the economy chain of a nation.

They are also conceived primarily to safely carry large volumes of traffic between two locations.

According to international standard, a Right of Way is a statutory corridor through which the road passes. For this class of roads, 75 meters is measured from the outer edge of the road on both sides.

This corridor is usually demarcated from its surroundings, by fencing and landscaping or deliberate vegetation along its entire length.

Therefore, while announcing the clampdown, Tunji Bello, Commissioner for the Environment, affirmed: “It is disheartening to see how our major roads and highways like Apapa Oshodi Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Agege Motor Road, Lagos Badagry Expressway, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ojuelegba/Stadium, Suru/Lere etc has been converted to auto mart, Mechanic workshop, furniture

HE Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos is home to some of the most hardened criminals in the megacity. As fate would have it, several inmates recently breathed fresh air again when they regained freedom having being left off the hook. This is because the state is moving to decongest the inmates particularly those who had been awaiting trial for several years.

The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to legal representation and this is also laid down in the Legal Aid Act. Counsel should always be appointed at all stages of proceedings for people charged with crimes punishable by death if the accused does not already have the assistance of counsel of his or her choice.

An Amnesty International report had stated that in Nigeria only one in seven inmates awaiting trial and one in five convicted inmates in Nigeria have legal representation. Of those awaiting trial, 25 per cent have legal representation from the

mals to enter the road from both sides and thereby prevent hazard or impediment to prevent free flow of traffic.

Ironically, what we have today is the exact opposite along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expresway, Agege Motor Road among others which have now become a big sellers market for all and sundry.

“What we have today is chaos

•Kirikiri prisons, Lagos. Inset: Lagos State governor, Fashola

the commencement of the 2013/ 2014 legal year. It was a happy moment for 50 inmates freed at the Medium Prison out of the 99 inmates that were slated to be freed. 44 had earlier been freed on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution

and massive abuse and degradation of our major road setbacks, which have now been turned into illegal markets of “Tokunbo” Cars/ trucks.” Bello stated.

A cursory count from Maryland to Jibowu on both sides of the road has not less than 70 car selling points, considered as defacing the entire landscape and aesthetics of the entire road.

Actions’ arising from this abuse

has denied residents the right of walkways, while the 75meters setback stipulated by law has been seriously violated.

The commissioner also cited the Apapa- Oshodi Expressway and Lagos Ibadan Expressway (from Berger bridge- Old Tollgate) where there are large collections of articulated trucks displayed on both sides of the road.

Bello, equally noted that Apapa-Oshodi Expressway has been turned to a thriving market for fairly used furniture, while articulated vehicles litter both sides of the expressway.

Consequently, in the wake of the present circumstance, as well as further prevent continued degradation of the entire stretch, the state government said it was left with no other option, after several warnings, than to apply the full weight of the law.

In view of the continued violation and refusal to vacate the affected areas, the state

the Chief Judge following powers conferred under Section 1 (1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. As part of decongestion of prisons,

Once you leave you say bye-bye to Kirikiri Prisons; if you keep coming here, you will be putting me in shame

DPP, 81 inmates were, however, said to have committed capital offences while 18 committed minor offences.

The inmates were released by

auto mart dealers, highway

*A scene second hand cars on display at Berger yard along Oshodi Apapa expressway workshop, Vulcanizers workshops among others.

“It is so embarrassing, to see how our road setbacks have been turned to mobile markets and auto marts, which is completely against the Environmental Laws of the state as well as the Federal Highway Act.” Bello, explained that the aim was to make it impossible for vehicles, human and stray ani-

Legal Aid Council and other non-governmental bodies offering pro bono services, so having no lawyer leads automatically to years in prison awaiting trial.

The Kirikiri Medium Security Prison has a capacity to house 835 inmates, but it currently accommodates 2,554 inmates while more than 2,100 of them are still on the awaiting trial list. Of the 748 inmates at the Maximum Security Prisons, about 401 are on the awaiting trial list.

In October last year, the Vice chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, Rotimi Makinde, had described the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons as appalling, after the conclusion of his committee’s annual prison audit. Makinde decried the non-conducive working conditions of the prisons’ staff and the lamentable welfare of the inmates.

The Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Philips, last week freed 119 awaiting trial inmates from both the Maximum and Medium Security Kirikiri Prisons, during her visit to the prisons as part of weeklong events marking

,

By MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

S Lagos State Government continues the massive reconstruction of drainage channels across the state, aimed at reducing incidents of flooding, residents of Agbado-Oke-odo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, have appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola, to save them from impending danger being posed by a damaged link bridge in the community.

They urged Fashola to treat the call with the urgency it deserves by giving approval for the reconstruction of the damaged footbridge at the Odo-Pako end of the Ilo River, that serves as major link to other communities in the area.

The residents especially called the attention of the governor to the fact that something concrete must be done quickly because the lives of their children who have just resumed for another academic term are particularly in danger, as the bridge is considered unsafe and could collapse even at the slightest effect of flood. Apart from the precarious bridge, the residents urged government to consider the reconstruction of dilapidated roads and drainage channels in the council.

— 33

government would commence massive sanitisation of the road setbacks and highways, and warned owners of all illegal properties to remove them immediately.

Other polluters and violators such as vulcanizers, street traders, owners of car marts, furniture makers, and all forms of trading along the highways are immediately advised to vacate the right of ways.

“Refusal by occupants of the various road setbacks across the state shall have their cars/ trucks/properties impounded as well as prosecuted.

“The ultimate goal of this administration is to fully achieve its regeneration and environmental renewal programme meant to sanitise our entire landscape and further entrench the greening culture in the state.” Bello stated.

,

Justice Phillips had earlier released 279 inmates from the Kirikiri Maximum and Medium Security Prisons and Ikoyi prisons last year.

Number of inmates Philips admonished the beneficiaries thus: “This is my third visit to Kirikiri since I was sworn in as chief judge on June 14, 2012. I am surprised that the number of inmates has been increasing even after some have been released. Once you leave, you say bye-bye to Kirikiri Prisons. If you keep coming here, you will be putting me in shame. I release all of you today, September 25, 2013 from custody in pursuant to the powers conferred on me. It will be a mockery on me and other members of the judiciary here present if you are seen here again. I admonish you to go and sin no more.”

The Prison Controller, Lagos State Command, Mrs. Catherine Onoye, noted that it was a special day, “a day that brings joy to the prison.”

She revealed that those freed are inmates that are awaiting trial and not those on trial.

Onoye, while expressing appreciation on the gesture of the CJ also told the

beneficiaries, ‘it is not every Chief Judge that has the courage to come to the prison and say leave, you have stayed enough. The CJ is here today to do what is necessary and statutory part of her job as the Lagos CJ, so you shouldn’t be seen in prison again.”

The controller, who said that the number of inmates was overwhelming, also told the freed inmates to go and sin no more once they have been released. According to her, most of the inmates were young people in their prime, who should be working, getting married and also helping the country through either farming or doing other legal ventures. Onoye said: “The CJ has been here twice, she is on her third visit and she has promised to always pay the prison visit in order to decongest the prison and she has kept to the promise, she made by coming here today to free the inmates.

“One of the reasons you are freed today is the grace of God and secondly, you have a second chance.

Most importantly that you leave to live a new life. There is justice in Lagos State that is the last thing that should be in your mind. If it is not your turn today, it will be your turn tomorrow.

The Deputy Controller in charge of the Maximum Kirikiri Prison, Mr Tinuoye Olumide, said, though the prison was meant for inmates involved in high profile cases, those accused of “petty offences were also being transferred to the facility.” He said many of the inmates have been remanded in prison custody for periods ranging from eight to 13 years.

Olumide said that there are 748 inmates in the facility, 146 are condemned while 400 are awaiting trial, while 20 inmates were short listed for release.

“Some have been here for 13

32—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Kirikiri Prisons: CJ tasks freed inmates to go and sin no more

A

Increased rainfall The appeal came on the heels of increased rainfall in the state which the residents claimed had wrecked havoc in various parts of the council. They claimed that heavy flooding has continued to threaten their lives and property in the areas, leaving many houses deserted.

When Vanguard visited the Odo-Pako in Isale Odo Community, a border community between Lagos and Ogun State, the portion of the bridge falls within Lagos State, hence serving as a link road between Lagos and Ogun states.

It was further learnt that the only foot bridge available for the residents to link the neighbouring communities is a makeshift plank bridge that had collapsed on several occasions due to the heavy flow of water which they claimed, unfortunately, led to loss of lives during heavy downpour in the past. Our correspondent gathered that whenever it rains, movement in and out of the community would be suspended till the water level subsides, as only a fraction of the residents work in Ogun State.

Chairman of Isale-Odo Community Development Association, CDA, Mr. Moshood Oyelade, explained that two persons had died while trying to cross through the plank foot

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

T

•Damaged footbridge at Odo-Pako

Flood threat: Residents send S.O.S to Fashola bridge recently. Oyelade said; “I remember the last man who died at this portion was an Okada rider whose Okada slipped into the river. Before help could come his way, he had already given up the ghost.” He added, “the river flows from the toll gate end of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway to other parts of Lagos State.

Canal threat: Alhaji Kamorudeen Bamidele, Chairman Committee on canal dredging of Alabede Aboru residents, said the dredging of Aboru canal had been abandoned by the contractor handling the project, thereby worsening flooding problem in the area.

To complement the state

government efforts, Bamidele said residents have raised N3, million to support the dredging of confluence paths simultaneously from community entry points at Abeokuta expressway. He said, “the initial dredging which took place when the project took off in February 2012 has been stunted by the resultant blockage as a result of

gradual sand deposit which eventually decreased the depth between the bed and bank along the canal path thereby worsening the flooding bank flow”.

He appealed to the governor to hasten the re-dredging and concrete lining of the canal to save the communities from the perennial problem of flooding.

Hammer falls on indiscriminate Lagos law violators, others

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L

AGOS State Govern ment has announced plans to commence massive enforcement and clearing of illegal occupants along Right of Ways, ROW, of road setbacks on major highways and expressway across the state, especially auto mart dealers in order to ensure sustainability of the highways.

Before now, the state government has served illegal occupants abatement notices, warning them to vacate the entire stretch, while they have defied the notices.

Globally, expressways constitute an important link in the economy chain of a nation.

They are also conceived primarily to safely carry large volumes of traffic between two locations.

According to international standard, a Right of Way is a statutory corridor through which the road passes. For this class of roads, 75 meters is measured from the outer edge of the road on both sides.

This corridor is usually demarcated from its surroundings, by fencing and landscaping or deliberate vegetation along its entire length.

Therefore, while announcing the clampdown, Tunji Bello, Commissioner for the Environment, affirmed: “It is disheartening to see how our major roads and highways like Apapa Oshodi Expressway, Ikorodu Road, Agege Motor Road, Lagos Badagry Expressway, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ojuelegba/Stadium, Suru/Lere etc has been converted to auto mart, Mechanic workshop, furniture

HE Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos is home to some of the most hardened criminals in the megacity. As fate would have it, several inmates recently breathed fresh air again when they regained freedom having being left off the hook. This is because the state is moving to decongest the inmates particularly those who had been awaiting trial for several years.

The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to legal representation and this is also laid down in the Legal Aid Act. Counsel should always be appointed at all stages of proceedings for people charged with crimes punishable by death if the accused does not already have the assistance of counsel of his or her choice.

An Amnesty International report had stated that in Nigeria only one in seven inmates awaiting trial and one in five convicted inmates in Nigeria have legal representation. Of those awaiting trial, 25 per cent have legal representation from the

mals to enter the road from both sides and thereby prevent hazard or impediment to prevent free flow of traffic.

Ironically, what we have today is the exact opposite along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expresway, Agege Motor Road among others which have now become a big sellers market for all and sundry.

“What we have today is chaos

•Kirikiri prisons, Lagos. Inset: Lagos State governor, Fashola

the commencement of the 2013/ 2014 legal year. It was a happy moment for 50 inmates freed at the Medium Prison out of the 99 inmates that were slated to be freed. 44 had earlier been freed on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution

and massive abuse and degradation of our major road setbacks, which have now been turned into illegal markets of “Tokunbo” Cars/ trucks.” Bello stated.

A cursory count from Maryland to Jibowu on both sides of the road has not less than 70 car selling points, considered as defacing the entire landscape and aesthetics of the entire road.

Actions’ arising from this abuse

has denied residents the right of walkways, while the 75meters setback stipulated by law has been seriously violated.

The commissioner also cited the Apapa- Oshodi Expressway and Lagos Ibadan Expressway (from Berger bridge- Old Tollgate) where there are large collections of articulated trucks displayed on both sides of the road.

Bello, equally noted that Apapa-Oshodi Expressway has been turned to a thriving market for fairly used furniture, while articulated vehicles litter both sides of the expressway.

Consequently, in the wake of the present circumstance, as well as further prevent continued degradation of the entire stretch, the state government said it was left with no other option, after several warnings, than to apply the full weight of the law.

In view of the continued violation and refusal to vacate the affected areas, the state

the Chief Judge following powers conferred under Section 1 (1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. As part of decongestion of prisons,

Once you leave you say bye-bye to Kirikiri Prisons; if you keep coming here, you will be putting me in shame

DPP, 81 inmates were, however, said to have committed capital offences while 18 committed minor offences.

The inmates were released by

auto mart dealers, highway

*A scene second hand cars on display at Berger yard along Oshodi Apapa expressway workshop, Vulcanizers workshops among others.

“It is so embarrassing, to see how our road setbacks have been turned to mobile markets and auto marts, which is completely against the Environmental Laws of the state as well as the Federal Highway Act.” Bello, explained that the aim was to make it impossible for vehicles, human and stray ani-

Legal Aid Council and other non-governmental bodies offering pro bono services, so having no lawyer leads automatically to years in prison awaiting trial.

The Kirikiri Medium Security Prison has a capacity to house 835 inmates, but it currently accommodates 2,554 inmates while more than 2,100 of them are still on the awaiting trial list. Of the 748 inmates at the Maximum Security Prisons, about 401 are on the awaiting trial list.

In October last year, the Vice chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, Rotimi Makinde, had described the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons as appalling, after the conclusion of his committee’s annual prison audit. Makinde decried the non-conducive working conditions of the prisons’ staff and the lamentable welfare of the inmates.

The Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Philips, last week freed 119 awaiting trial inmates from both the Maximum and Medium Security Kirikiri Prisons, during her visit to the prisons as part of weeklong events marking

,

By MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

S Lagos State Government continues the massive reconstruction of drainage channels across the state, aimed at reducing incidents of flooding, residents of Agbado-Oke-odo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, have appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola, to save them from impending danger being posed by a damaged link bridge in the community.

They urged Fashola to treat the call with the urgency it deserves by giving approval for the reconstruction of the damaged footbridge at the Odo-Pako end of the Ilo River, that serves as major link to other communities in the area.

The residents especially called the attention of the governor to the fact that something concrete must be done quickly because the lives of their children who have just resumed for another academic term are particularly in danger, as the bridge is considered unsafe and could collapse even at the slightest effect of flood. Apart from the precarious bridge, the residents urged government to consider the reconstruction of dilapidated roads and drainage channels in the council.

— 33

government would commence massive sanitisation of the road setbacks and highways, and warned owners of all illegal properties to remove them immediately.

Other polluters and violators such as vulcanizers, street traders, owners of car marts, furniture makers, and all forms of trading along the highways are immediately advised to vacate the right of ways.

“Refusal by occupants of the various road setbacks across the state shall have their cars/ trucks/properties impounded as well as prosecuted.

“The ultimate goal of this administration is to fully achieve its regeneration and environmental renewal programme meant to sanitise our entire landscape and further entrench the greening culture in the state.” Bello stated.

,

Justice Phillips had earlier released 279 inmates from the Kirikiri Maximum and Medium Security Prisons and Ikoyi prisons last year.

Number of inmates Philips admonished the beneficiaries thus: “This is my third visit to Kirikiri since I was sworn in as chief judge on June 14, 2012. I am surprised that the number of inmates has been increasing even after some have been released. Once you leave, you say bye-bye to Kirikiri Prisons. If you keep coming here, you will be putting me in shame. I release all of you today, September 25, 2013 from custody in pursuant to the powers conferred on me. It will be a mockery on me and other members of the judiciary here present if you are seen here again. I admonish you to go and sin no more.”

The Prison Controller, Lagos State Command, Mrs. Catherine Onoye, noted that it was a special day, “a day that brings joy to the prison.”

She revealed that those freed are inmates that are awaiting trial and not those on trial.

Onoye, while expressing appreciation on the gesture of the CJ also told the

beneficiaries, ‘it is not every Chief Judge that has the courage to come to the prison and say leave, you have stayed enough. The CJ is here today to do what is necessary and statutory part of her job as the Lagos CJ, so you shouldn’t be seen in prison again.”

The controller, who said that the number of inmates was overwhelming, also told the freed inmates to go and sin no more once they have been released. According to her, most of the inmates were young people in their prime, who should be working, getting married and also helping the country through either farming or doing other legal ventures. Onoye said: “The CJ has been here twice, she is on her third visit and she has promised to always pay the prison visit in order to decongest the prison and she has kept to the promise, she made by coming here today to free the inmates.

“One of the reasons you are freed today is the grace of God and secondly, you have a second chance.

Most importantly that you leave to live a new life. There is justice in Lagos State that is the last thing that should be in your mind. If it is not your turn today, it will be your turn tomorrow.

The Deputy Controller in charge of the Maximum Kirikiri Prison, Mr Tinuoye Olumide, said, though the prison was meant for inmates involved in high profile cases, those accused of “petty offences were also being transferred to the facility.” He said many of the inmates have been remanded in prison custody for periods ranging from eight to 13 years.

Olumide said that there are 748 inmates in the facility, 146 are condemned while 400 are awaiting trial, while 20 inmates were short listed for release.

“Some have been here for 13

34— Vanguard,

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Living in slow motion U

chenna Madueke, (38), a Teacher, is living with Cerebral Palsy: ”I am the second child of my family and the only child living with this condition. My older sister, Ifeoma and my other siblings are not.

As I was told, my ordeal started when my mother had prolonged labour while giving birth to me.

Part of my brains (in charge of motor skills) were affected which led to my having Cerebral Palsy.

,

HI, in life there are so many things that we don’t get to choose. Some of them are: our origin, the parents we have, our physical appearance in terms of defects, the latter however to a large extent, sometimes defines who we are only if we allow it to. For families with a special need child or children living with either, Autism, Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy, or any kind of disability, these conditions comes with its attendant demanding challenges.

In this edition of The Human Angle, Esther Onyegbula brings you true life experiences of some individuals with special needs, parents and relatives with a special need children, as they share their experiences, challenges, aspirations and how the society due to lack of understanding or sheer ignorance compound their lives.

What has the government done to help reduce the burden of persons living with disabilities?

They say, when life gives you lemon, you simply turn it into lemonades. Some of these individuals will inspire your mind beyond measure.

If you are an individual with special needs or parents with a child living with special needs, feel free to share your experience with us so that others can learn to deal with the problem better and ultimately improve the quality of life of these people.

Our address remains: thehumanangle93@yahoo.com Happy reading!

Unlike most parents of children with special needs who hide or discriminated among their children, I had the unparalleled love and support of my parents.

My late mother did not discriminate between me and my other siblings because of my physical limitation. When she buys a dress for my sister, she will buy the same for me, the same design and quality, she would not say because I am living with Cerebral Palsy that mine would be of a lower quality. I went

I have had several intriguing experiences, one of them happened while I was walking down the road and a young lady saw me, immediately, she knelt down and began to bind and cast referring to me as a demon

For my family, it was not easy, most especially my late mother and elder sister who would always accompany me to the hospital.

The fact that we lived in Jos did not help issues as most times, we had to travel to Kano where my therapist were at that time.

Growing up was a mixed experience for me, comprising of the good, the bad and the ugly. I am proud of who I am today because I have not allowed Cerebral Palsy to define me. I have been a teacher for the past 12 years and I thank God for my parents and siblings, especially my late mother. I don’t think without them I would have made it this far. Life was good. Apart from my elder sister Ifeoma, my other siblings were born into the world seeing me the way I am.

,

to the same Primary School with my sister; it was when I was in Secondary School that we went to different schools.

But despite the fact that my family showed me so much love, life in the community came with its stigma, fears and reality.

Unfortunately, society did not make things easy, in Primary School, I did not have friends, kids like me were scared of me as they often wondered why I talked and walked the way I did which was quite different from them. I have had several intriguing experiences, one of them happened while I was walking down the road and a young lady saw me. Immediately, she knelt down and began to bind and cast, referring to me as a demon. Recently, I went to the airport to board a flight to Jos and

one of the attendants said I could not travel. I asked him why and he said because I had no escort. I told him that I actually flew from Jos to Lagos alone without an escort, so why can’t I travel back without one.

Fortunately the argument drew the attention of people who intervened and finally I was allowed to board the flight.

Most times, because of misinformation about Cerebral Palsy in the society, people and families who live with person with Cerebral Palsy face unnecessary challenges. I look forward to a better world where people will not be judged based on their facial or physical appearance.”

Even with her distorted speech patterns you can’t help but notice her energy and her strong passion to live and make the best out of life. She has not allowed her physical defects to define who she really is. Although she has been living with Cerebral Palsy all her life, she has been able to prove beyond doubt that limitations is a mindset. And as a teacher of over 12 years experience, her effort is highly commendable as she is also helping the society by imparting knowledge into young people.

Uchenna’s sister, Ifeoma Madueke also had this to say about her sister’s condition: “I’ve known her all my life. For me it’s a normal thing. We went to the same Nursery and Primary school but one of the biggest challenges we had was people always asking what was wrong with her. You hear comments like, it’s black magic, witchcraft, or rituals. But my parents always made sure we knew what was wrong and we are used to having her around. She is a beautiful person inside once you look beyond the physical appearance and you get to know the real Uchenna.”

Barrister Helen Mbakwe is a mother with a child living with Autism. She also shares her experience with us: ”I am a parent with a child living with Autism. It was shortly after birth that she was diagnosed with Autism. She had done her milestones well up till she was two and a half years when everything changed.

She had been registered in school and had done a full term in the Playgroup class, when I started to notices the changes. But I thought it was just my imagination, as if indeed, there was a problem, the school would have noticed that my child was different from others. She finished the Playgroup, began Nursery one and completed the first and second term. The same school, the same teachers, nothing happened to my child.

It was in the middle of the third term that the teacher said she got up in the class and started jumping all around, which means there was a point in time when she started to differ. That was at the point when they called me in for a meeting to know whether I had noticed something too.

And just around the same time, I noticed that she had started to loose her social skills. She had started to move away from the family. For instance, we will all be sitting down, watching television and we will discover she has moved away and is sitting somewhere all by herself.

Professional help We then took her to the same Pediatrician we had been seeing all the while and he said we needed more professional help.

That was when we started going from one hospital to another. After a while, I realized that I did not understand much about Autism and why I wondered why people were not showing me love and care, after a while it dawned on me that they can’t show me love and care if they don’t know what Autism is. I did not know what Autism was until I had a child with Autism.

When I was first called by the school authority that my daughter, in the middle of a class changed her behavior and started acting funny, my world sort of changed.

It is still hurtful to think back to those times when I got the word that my child had Autism.I thought it is something I could face head on, devote time and resources to, follow all the medical prescription and be prayerful.

Mbakwe’s story continues on Thursday

Be the confident woman at work

BY ONOZURE DANIA

O

FTEN times the only difference between success and failure is confidence. It is the most beautiful attribute of a woman, and it’s necessary to be successful in the workplace. A confident woman portrays strength, determination and persistence, and is not afraid to be herself. While we all know confidence is crucial in order to create a name for yourself in the office, actually obtaining it is another story. Women generally play down their confidence in the workplace just to fit in and make friends. But if you are serious about climbing that ladder of success, you better be ready to play the confident woman’s part by

redefining your picture of confidence. Confidence is portrayed through more than just words.

Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t always mean being outgoing or boastful.

Often it is just the opposite: meek and humble. When one is confident in their skills and abilities, they do not feel the need to continually convince others. Try instead to focus on being compassionate and eager to learn, yet strong. In doing so, you will portray power. You will show others that you have something to offer the world.

When you talk about yourself to others, what do you say? Do you continually criticize yourself or put yourself down? Or do you speak of your greatest achievements?

Words are powerful, and wheth-

er we like it or not, they actually do have the power to hurt us. The things we tell others about ourselves generally become true sooner or later.

Pay attention to your self-talk.

If you catch yourself harboring negative thoughts, replace them with positive ones. Remind yourself of your many strengths, talents, and achievements on a daily basis. You have worked hard to get to where you are and you earned it. You deserve the respect of your peers. You will find that focusing on constructive thoughts and language regularly will gradually begin to shift your selfperception.

Create an image; confidence is not the result of a first-class haircut or an expensive outfit. However, items that increase your feelings of self-worth can provide you

with a temporary confidence boost. And when utilized enough days in a row, the self image will start to become permanent. If you feel more powerful in a certain suit, or gain assurance from your favorite pair of heels, take advantage of them. Capitalize on anything that contributes to a more positive, confident you. Reflect; Take a moment to study yourself in the mirror. What does your image say about you? Do you look polished and put together?

Do your eyes shine back with an intent gaze or are they shifty and downcast? Does it appear that you value your health and take care of your body, or do you seem to have let yourself go? Even when your lips are sealed, your body is communicating hundreds of messages.

Your physical appearance, pos-

ture, and mannerisms speak volumes as well. Focus on improving the shortcomings you spot in the mirror. Show others you value your body enough to take proper care of it. Practice good eye contact with yourself and feel free to practice facial expressions as well. You may feel silly, but when the time comes to speak in front of a group, your muscle memory will spring into action, eliminating stress and anxiety. Keep in mind that no one is confident all of the time. Every single person has moments of weakness and doubt.

The key is being able to recognize these moments and pull yourself out of them. When your assurance just isn’t there, fake it until you actually believe it. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, hold your head high, and smile.

Vanguard Vanguard,,

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

— 35

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 TAURUS: Opposition between the Moon and Pluto may induce personality clashes you don’t need at lest for now. What can help you now is love and your being persuasive. Think of the future.

GEMINI: Positive events that started yesterday will continue today. Rely more on your ability to be as bold as necessary so that you can get things done your own way at work.

CANCER: Good luck will smile at you. Romantic interlude that started last yesterday may become excitingly louder and melodious to the satisfaction of your soul.

LEO: If you allow domestic pressure to affect your working pattern, your senior colleagues may not understand and make things a bit more difficult. IF you’re stable, you will have more to gain financially.

VIRGO: After snappy aggressive approach exhibited by you yesterday ,you are back at your being pleasant self to the admiration of others. This is the wrong time to take law and it’s agents for granted. Youngs-at-heart are favoured so also commercial activities.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

A

PLATFORM is simply machinery, a vehicle, an avenue for the propagation of your skill, knowledge, teachings, messages etc. Every one of

Do you need a platform? us needs a platform to excel. For example, if you are a great speaker, you still need an avenue to showcase your speaking skill.

The problem with some of us that we see only our own end of the equation.

That ought not to be. If you have a

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

product and there is no market for your product, of what use therefore is your product? A platform assists us to reach the end users of our products.

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA: Some of you will wake up from slumber and realise mistakes about your finances early enough and make amendment but those who are reckless will commit more blunder.

Beware of joint venture.

SCORPIO: Although erratic people from unexpected quarters may oppose you openly, your being self assertive will earn you both victory and financial success. Then tomorrow will prove more successful.

SAGITTARIUS: The more ambitious you are the better for you. Then you will need to ignore those with queer characteristics within your working arena.

CAPRICORN: Mixed trends are indicated. If you take good advice from your cool headed friends, you will benefit more than you imagine, but if you take to unpredictable attitude, you will today start fire that will burn with great intensity tomorrow.

AQUARIUS: If you take the veterans within your base for granted, they will fail you painfully. Yet here is a lucky day for you when your being secretive and self reliant will earn you success. Be more ambitious.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

PISCES: Some of the people around you may get on your nerve via careless remarks, you must not allow them to disorganise your plans. The closer you are to the influential people the better for you.

ARIES: “Money is the root of all evils” says an adage. And if care is not taken, money may set you and some other people fiercely against each other to the detriment of your cause. Be cautious.

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 is my luck?

Dear Joshua, I am deeply interested in Astrology: and the way you analyse people is great, keep it up.

Kindly tell me whatever you think I should know about my life together with my luck, social life and my lucky number.

John Abuja.

Dear John, Thank you for your words of encouragement. Too many things are important but I think what both your immediate and far future have for you must be revealed to you so that you will be prepared.

Mars in Aquarius together with Uranus are pointers to an active social life. The more influential social circle you belong to, the better for you. You’re the cool-headed type beloved by many but once your anger manages to fly off, it can be very difficult if not dangerous; it’s because of your natal Pluto. Yet they keep coming your way.

Saturn can not help forcing challenges on your way, luckily for you however, you have what it takes to live up to the challenges. And as Saturn will never deny it’s worthy native the deserved success, it also gives recognition.

Saturn or no Saturn, good relationship bet Mars and lucky Jupiter when you were born, are green tumb for WEALTH; you will be wealthier more than having liquid cash; nobody can stop your becoming wealthy.

Best colours for you include YELLOW, golden, black but not coconut white. Your sleeping posture should be on East/West axis with your head to the West.

5 is your destiny number, 9 is your ambition, 8 is your expression, your other numbers are 1, 6, 7 & 11. Thus, they are as superior as listed.

Between now and your 46th year on earth (three and half years) women, money, youngster will greatly feature in your life and a few publicity cum commercial success equally indicated for you.

However come your 47th year (around that period) tough challenges which will border on stiff competition, avoidable accident, treachery and money will come your way.

Although it sounds somehow, it’s the needed tonic for and or pillar for an endless cycle of success that will follow. Therefore whatever can be shaken to the foundation or be uprooted by that time should not be initiated now.

The future is truly brilliant for you.

VIRGINIA

HOME & AWAY

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

36—Vanguard , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Okpe monarch advocates youth devt

Charity funfair

A

BATETE Development Organisation, ADO, Women’s Wing, Lagos Branch, will hold its 2013 funfair for charity on October 19 at 12noon.

The event, to be chaired

by Professor Dom Osegbe, will feature dances by the women group.

Special guests include Dr. I. Okonne and Chief Christopher Ikechukwu, while the father of the Day is Chief Willie Belonwu and Mother of the Day is Chief Gbemi Rosiji.

The chief hosts are Chief Katia Ekesi, Ugonma Abatete, Chairman, Mrs. Ngozi Ubanwa and Mrs. Ngozi Okafor.

T

HE Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Orhue I and Miss Gwendolyn Okutele, Most Beautiful Girl in Niger Delta Area, have said that education and youth development are vehicular tools to curb social ills.

They spoke during the beauty queen’s visit to the monarch.

Okutele said that vigorous campaign against cultism, the drive for peace in the Niger Delta area, and the care for the motherless babies, will be the hallmark of her campaign as the newly crowned Beauty Queen of the Niger Delta region.

The 400 level student of Business Administration at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, added that in her new role as an ambassador of peace and change, she will try to be a model for Niger Delta youths.

The Okpe monarch advised parents to send their children

Digital campaign

to school, adding that if Miss Okutele, an Okpe girl, could emerge a beauty queen, their own children could do better.

The Orodje advised corporate organisations and well mean-

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—NATIONAL President of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU (Youth Wing), Mr. Blessing Ovwata, has said that Urhobo was being marginalised in the scheme of things.

Ovwata spoke when he led Urhobo youths on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Niger

HE campaign for digital enlightenment received a boost when a fully equipped educational tour bus berthed in Ile-Ife and was visited by youths.

Sponsored by MTN, the mobile digital facility is designed to introduce participants to a wide range of latest technologies and global advances in the areas of sciences, social media and mobile applications.

MTN’s Customers Relations Officer, SouthWestern Region, Isah Oseghe, said the bus will be in Abuja in the next coming days before moving to the East and Niger Delta regions.

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT—FEDERAL Government has been urged to give the various ethnic nationalities in the country an opportunity to elect their representatives for the proposed national dialogue.

National Chairman of G 9, a group with members drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta, Prince Omoba Ebuwa, said that the ethnic nationalities should be allowed to be actively involved in the drive to evolve a stronger and more united Nigeria.

Prince Ebuwa, at a stakeholders meeting of the group in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, said government should not appoint conferees

for the various ethnic groups.

He expressed the hope that the proposed national conferees would afford minority groups in the country a forum to voice their desires and aspirations.

Lauding the Federal Government for coming up with the idea of a national conference, Prince Ebuwa said that the conference should critically look at the presidential and parliamentary systems of government with a view to deciding which one would best serve the country.

He added that the conference should also address the issue of federal character, adding that in a true federalism, federal character weakens national unity.

Delta Affairs, Elder Godsdey Orubebe in Abuja.

He said that Urhoboland had been badly damaged due to oil exploration “ yet there is no commensurate development or federal presence in the land.”

He said: “Despite Urhobo nation’s contribution to the socio-economic and political stability of Nigeria and Niger Delta region, we have not been accorded due recognition and empowerment economically, instead we are being alienated, explored and marginalised.

“I strongly request that you carry the teeming Urhobo youths along in the scheme of things. Remember us in your economic and empowerment programmes in the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs.

“I appeal to you to offer scholarship to our Urhobo youths, who are in school and the ones seeking employment should be employed.”

He commended Elder Orubebe for his development strides in the region, adding “Urhobo youths are solidly behind your dreams and aspirations of making Delta State a better place of living.”

Orubebe thanked the youths for the visit and promised that their demands would be looked into in due course.

ENAGOA—A former militant leader in Bayelsa State, Pius Wareyai, weekend, raised alarm over attempts on his life by armed men over his alleged refusal to allow illegal bunkering activities on the Gbarain River and Egbema-Angalabiri waterways in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.

Wareyai, in a petition to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hillary Okpara in Yenagoa, said that contrary to media report of a gun battle between his followers over alleged diversion of welfare packages from the Amnesty Implementation Office, the attack on his home was launched by suspected oil thieves.

In the petition by his lawyers, the former militant leader said that the September 27 attack launched on his home was carried out by desperate oil thieves to kill him and his family over his security activity on the Gbarain River and Ekeremor waterways.

According to him, the said waterways play host to the multi-million dollar oil exploration activities at Opukushi flow station, the Clough Creek Agip Flow station, the Kambo Oil Field and the Tunu Flow Station.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

... as Urhobo youths allege marginalisation

National conference: FG tasked on representatives

T

ing people in Okpe Kingdom to support the Okpe-born beauty queen in ensuring she completes all the projects she has earmarked to undertake in the course of her reign.

CRUDE OIL THEFT: My life in danger, says ex-militant leader

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On the proposed national conference

G

ENTLEMEN and ladies committee members, be courageous. Prepare the stage for a free and beautiful Nigeria.

Lets unbundle the country from unitary government and give the people what they are asking for— regional autonomy. It will help the country.— Miss Esther Adichie, Student.

I

GBO don’t need any tribe to survive. We have a name; we are Biafrans. Among the five states of Biafra, Anambra, Abia and Imo states have oil. So we can survive.

Therefore, no one should think we want to secede because of Niger-Delta oil.— Mr. Uche Martins, Businessman.

I

think the national conference idea is a good one. If we cannot live together, why deceive ourselves? Let us divide the country into three— North, South and East, and Niger Delta.

Niger Delta has nothing to do with Igbo. That is all I can say.— Mr. Sani Shehu, Worker.

I

F by referendum we mean one man one vote, it is dubious because our present population is not based on an accurate census. If the vote is by geopolitical zones, that would vote for or against it, then I’m with you. We should be careful with the referendum business.— Mr. Vitus Efosa, Bassist.

I

advise Senator Okurounmu and Professor Nwabueze: once you discover that the socalled national conference is no sovereign or the President is only trying to use you to achieve his personal political agenda, withdraw from the committee.— Mr. Abiodun Adeniran, Businessman.

I

T should be a sovereign one, otherwise it might amount to a waste of resources like the one we had in 1999. Then the Sovereign National Conference should be given the mandate to conduct a referendum on the unity or otherwise of the country.— Miss Chinonye Chinny, Student.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013—37

Oshiomhole faults resident doctor's strike

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM ENIN CITY— GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has faulted the ongoing strike by a section of doctors in public health institution in the country, under the aegis of Association of Resident Doctors, saying that same negates their professional ethics.

Oshiomhole spoke when he received National President of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele in his office, Benin City, weekend. He said that “part of the problem of Nigeria’s medical practice has to do with resident doctors. I was watching television and I learnt that resident doctors are on strike. Resident doctors are considered as student doctors in other environment. As student doctors, they cannot be behaving as if they have become experts already.

“And because they are students, they are supposed to go through certain routine that are rigorous. In the United States, the resident doctors, even if he become a chief resident, his or her pay may be about half until when he becomes a consultant."

National dialogue: Ijaws to rekindle fight for resource control

B

No new PDP in Akwa Ibom state — Speaker

BY TONY NYONG

U

YO—SPEAKER of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Sam Ikon, has said that there was no parallel state executive, or faction in the state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Ikon who spoke with Vanguard in Uyo, said “There is no new PDP in Akwa Ibom, and there will never be one.

You see this new PDP is part of the mischief of some people, and I tell people, If you don’t want to be in the PDP, go to another party. You can’t come and create a subset and say it is new PDP and people give you a lot of attention.”

On allegation that some aggrieved members of the party at the state level were mobilising for a show down with the leadership of the party, Ikon said “It does not follow. If you say you don’t like what is going on here, you exit. You don’t hide and try to destroy the party under some guise."

C M Y K

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P RECEPTION—From left: Delta State Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama, SAN; The Apostolic NUNCIO in Nigeria, Most Rev. Augustine Kasujja; and Catholic Bishop of IsseleUku Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Elue, at a reception at the Asaba Airport during the 40th anniversary celebration of the Issele-Uku Diocese /dedication of St. Paul's Cathedral IsseleUku on Saturday.

London Metropolitan police lied in Ibori's case — Delta AG

BY INNOCENT ANABA

T

HE Delta State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Charles Ajuyah, SAN, has denied allegations by the London Metropolitan Police that the state government refused to release vital documents to it while investigating the corruption case against the former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, currently serving a jail term in a London prison.

Ajuyah, who address newsmen in Lagos, weekend, said that he was shocked that the London Metpolice could make such allegations against the Delta State Government when it never made any request for any document relating to Ibori’s trial.

He said: “The truth is that there was never a time the Metropolitian Police requested for information or document from the state

government. No request was made either formally or informally and I do not think the person who made that assertion actually meant Delta State. If he did, it is not a sincere or truthful statement.

“I believe a request on that nature should be in writing. Was any evidence of the request produced? None was produced.

Believe it, none was made and I say so with all sense of responsibility.”

He said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had requested to conduct an audit into the Delta State accounts sometime in 2007 over which judicial intervention was sought.

“The only authority that ever contacted us on the Ibori case was the EFCC and initially they requested for documents from 1999 to 2007 for audit. It was a

general request and as a responsible government, we approached the court for a determination of the right of the state and an important issue was whether EFCC has the right to audit a state under the constitution?

“There are other issues, which are ‘subjudice,’ but the court granted an ex parte to restrain the EFCC until determination of motion on notice. That order lasted for very short period and thereafter, EFCC made specific requests and the state government gave full and maximum co operation.

“EFCC has boxes of documents from the state and I am aware that the documents were in possession of the Metropolitan police and Crown Prosecution. If the state did not cooperate with EFCC, how come the Crown had materials from the Delta State?”

Kokori women form shield around Igban shrine

BY EMMA AMAIZE & FESTUS AHON

K

OKORI—WOMEN in Kokori, the country home of arrested suspected Delta State kingpin, Kelvin Oniarah, who protested nude, weekend, over alleged desecration of the community’s ‘Igban’ shrine by soldiers, formed a human shield around the shrine, yesterday, to stop military men from destroying it.

It was gathered that the women, who alleged that they saw soldiers with motor-saws, yesterday morning, formed a wall around the shrine and dared the soldiers to shoot them.

The women said they would rather die than allow soldiers to despoil the community shrine, which is a symbol of their tradition.

At 12noon, the women were still in a running battle with soldiers, who they prevented from entering the shrine.

The irate women had on Saturday evening marched round the community, reigning curses on soldiers for coming back to destroy the shrine after the first attempt.

The angry women were joined, Sunday morning, by youths, who also deposited a coffin at the palace of their

embattled monarch, OgurimeRime, Ukori 1, which they broke into and vandalized.

It was gathered that Sunday protest by women and youths was to show their anger over the disquieting silence of the monarch, his chiefs and leaders of Kokori in the face of the siege to the community by security agents.

However, Kokori Elites, who met in Warri, Sunday, decried the invasion of the community by soldiers, destruction of Kokori shrine and arrest of the Ose Egba, who is only the chief priest of the shrine, belonging to the entire community.

ORT HARCOURT—IJAW ethnic nationality has promised to rekindle the agitation for resource control, with the inauguration of the national dialogue by President Goodluck Jonathan today.

President of the Ijaw National Congress, Sen. Tari Sekibo, at a briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State to highlight Ijaws position on the national dialogue, said “The inclusion of all ethnic groups is imperative to the success of the panel and that of the national conference itself."

Sekibo said: “We make this strong request on the strength of the many interventions made by INC on burning national issues such as restructuring, resource control, devolution of powers and the Petroleum Industry Bill just to mention a few.”

He advised the Presidency and the National Dialogue Advisory Committee to resist the temptation of restricting deliberations when the conference eventually gets underway.

Confab on drug regulation

R

ECKITT Benckiser has partnered the Centre for Drug Discovery, Development and Production, CDDDP, in the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, to organise the international conference on Medicine Regulation to help establish best practices that are relevant to the healthcare sector in the country.

The conference which took place on October 2 to 4 at the University of Ibadan, attracted healthcare professionals from the academia, the healthcare industry and a delegation from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Reckitt Benckiser, Mr. Rahul Murgai, enjoined healthcare industry to always work with regulatory bodies, insisting that the consumer’s well being must come first if the healthcare sector in Nigeria must grow.

38—Vanguard , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Anambra 2013: Ngige flags off campaign

BY ENYIM ENYIM

O

NITSHA—THE governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Senator Chris Ngige will today at the Holy Trinity Ground, Onitsha flag off his campaign.

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who is the nationa l chairman of Ngige campaign committee, former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Tinubu and three other governors are expected to attend the function.

Speaking yesterday, with Vanguard, the state public relations officer of the party, Mr Okelo Madukife, said the event would be the mother of all governorship campaign flag off.

Ngige last Thursday presented his manifesto a n d account of his stewardship at the senate in the past two years to journalists in Anambra state on the occasion of a luncheon for journalists in his campaign office, Awka.

Ex-council boss declares for House of Reps

F

ORMER CHAIR MAN OF Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Alhaji Tele Ogunjobi, has declared his intention to contest for the Federal House of Representatives in the 2015 general elections on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Ogunjobi who made the declaration at the PDP’s secretariat in Ijebu-Igbo, noted that dividends of democracy were yet to get to the people of his constituency. He assured his constituents of effective representation if elected.

He regretted that his efforts as a council chairman to bring dividends of democracy to the grassroots was truncated by the administration of former governor Gbenga Daniel through suspension.

He also maintained that the present administration in the state has failed on its electoral promises, saying his election would bring succour to the people through quality representation.

FG sets up c’ttee to tackle collapse of federal roads

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—THE Federal Govrnment, weekend, inaugurated a committee charged with the responsibility of checking frequent collapse of federal roads and strengthen their lifespan.

The committee known as Federal Roads Committee on Surveillance and Action Against Road Abuse, is expected to identify locations grossly abused, carry out public enlightenment to bring a stop to such abuse.

Membership of the committee was drawn from the Nigeria Police, the Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Others are the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers, Federal Road Maintenance Agency and the National Orientation Agency.

While inaugurating the committee for the South-East zone at the weekend, FERCSARA, National Chairman, Mr. Kelvin Onuoha, said offenders apprehended by the committee would be made to pay fines.

Such road abuse, he said, included excessive axle loading by commercial trucks and

trailers, cutting of road or road shoulder for pipe or cable laying and burning of tyres on the road.

Onuoha also identified mechanics and vulcanizers using road media or road shoulder as workshop, villagers digging on bridge embankment

for sharp sand, dumping of waste on drainage, refuse dump growing fat along highways as bad habits that accelerate road failure.

He said: “Defacing of road signs using campaign posters, erecting shops on top of drainage line, vandalizing bridge

railings, street light poles, abandoning broken down vehicles on road shoulders are other alarming road abuse that make the federal highway very unsafe.”

According to him, preventable bad habits had become a major challenge on the roads in the zone.

VISIT: From left: Chief Victor Umeh, National Chairman, All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Willie Obiano, Anambra APGA gubernatorial candidate, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha and Mr. Peter Obi, Governor of Anambra State, during a courtesy call on the monarch, at his Palace in Onitsha.

NASU kicks against planned relocation of library

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—IMO State branch of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, has vowed to resist the current plan by the state government to relocate the library to Area N, New Owerri.

The State Chairman of NASU, Nze Obinna Okafor, made the stand of the union known while reacting to the relocation threat issued by Governor Rochas Okorocha a few days’ ago.

He said: “We agree that the state Library is a government establishment but we are vehemently opposed to the plan to move it to a very obscure area of Owerri municipality.

“The building where government is planning to move the library to is uncompleted. It has no chairs, tables, doors and windows. It is not conducive for reading.”

The Imo NASU boss, who doubles as the State Deputy Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, was particularly irked that the Governor appeared bent on relocating the library without due consultation, dialogue and compromise with the union.

“Sincerely speaking, we are embarrassed that government wants to move the establishment to an obscure area that is far worse than it’s present loca-

tion. Security of life and property cannot be guaranteed in the new place”, Okafor said.

He warned that NASU has all it takes to tackle government fron-

tally, including embarking on industrial action, adding that the union for now, is open for dialogue.

Methodist Church installs new Prelate

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

L

AGOS—METHODIST Church Nigeria has ordained Most Rev. Samuel Uche as the new Prelate to lead the church for the next five years.

Most Rev. Uche who took over from the Prelate Emeritus, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Olatunji Makinde was formally the Archbishop of Enugu.

Speaking with journalist after his ordination at Methodist Church of The Trinity, Tinubu, Lagos, Rev. Uche pledged to contribute his quota towards the development of the church especially in the area of evangelism and church growth.

Decrying the level of corruption in the county, the new Prelate attributed most challenges confronting Nigeria to lack of the fear of God. He, however, called on Nigerians especially the political class, to fear God saying,

“if we know and worship God either as a Muslim or Christian in righteousness there will be peace, prosperity, growth, security and harmony in the land.

“Our problem in Nigeria is not money but some of our leaders who are greedy and amassed lot of wealth to the detriment of the masses.”

FoI: Firm asks Imo Govt to produce documents on contracts

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—AN Owerribased firm of legal practitioners, Chyma Anthony and Company, has requested Imo State Government to furnish it with documents relating to all the contracts awarded since the inception of Rochas Okorocha administration.

The legal firm made the demand on government in a letter dated September 26, 2013,

by Mr. Kissinger Ikokwu and addressed to Imo State Accountant General.

The letter, which is “Pursuant to Section 1, 2 and 3 of the Freedom of Information Act

2011,” principally applied for documents and further particulars relating to the contracts.

Vanguard gathered that the firm requested for papers relating to the construction of the proposed Crystal Hotels and Akachi Monumental Towers, the construction of 305 model primary schools, as well as the City Model School, Wetheral Road, Owerri.

The lawyers equally asked for the papers for the construction of the proposed Heartland Centre at former Ama JK Recreation Park and that of the New Owerri Skyscraper in Area H, New Owerri.

Vanguard , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 —39 ,

VISIT: From left,Vijay Sarpal, Executive Director, Prime Group; Mr. Rohan Mehta, Managing Director, Prime Electric Ltd; Professor Chinelo Nebo, Minister of Power; Dr. Orji Kalu, President, Slok Group, and Sam Amsterdam, on a courtesy visit to the Minister in his office.

CEREMONY: First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Dame Patience Jonathan,unveiling the Nigeria Airforce Secondary School Building/Foundation laying ceremony.

AWARD: Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, displaying the Grand Patron Award given to him by the Chris- TEACHERS' DAY: From left, Ofusanye Ayuba, Assistant Brand Manager, Leo Smart Compantian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Uyo ion for Life; Comrade Jimoh Olaifa, Chairman, Planning Committee; Afolabi Fadairo, Brand Manager, Leo Mart Companion for Life, and Comrade Ayetoba Gbenga, Committee Member, during the 2013 World Teachers' Day, sponsored by Leomart Companion for Life, oganised

by Lagos State Wing, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe

SEMINAR: From left, Air Vice Marshal A. Iya, representing Chief of Air Staff; Dr. Martin Oni, Director General, Police Assistance Committee, PAC, and Assistant Controller of Immigration, Gabriel Didel, at a one-day security seminar, organised by PAC, in conjunction with Senate Committee on Police Affairs, in Abuja.

CONCERT: From left, Executive Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Ms Princess Nnaji; lucky winner of a Samsung Galaxy S4, John Chukwu, and a guest artiste, Skales of EME Record, at the 'Close Up Loves Naija Concert,' at the Silverbird Galleria, Port Harcourt.

CELEBRATION: From left, Kingsley Aigbokhaeubo, Executive Director, Domestic Ecobank; Jubril Aku, Group Managing Director; Mrs. Olabode Kudirat, principal, C and S Primary School, Ikorodu; Patrick Akinwutan, Group Executive Director, Domestic Ecobank, and Tony Okpanachi, Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank, at the renovation of classroom block, in C and S Primary School, Ikorodu, being part of Ecobank Day celebration, in Lagos.

CHAMPIONSHIP: From left, Executive Director/ Operations Officer, KRPF; Dr. B. A. Enjugu, and Engr. Sani Bello, at the closing ceremony of Engr.Bello's tennis championship, at the NNPC quarters' tennis courts, Kaduna. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

UNVEILING: From left, Regional Director/Co-Producer, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Michael Strano; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, PRM Africa and Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mike Dada; Co-Producer, Mrs. Petra Seseli, and Director, Brands Communication and Sponsorship, Matlou Tsotetsi, at the unveiling of the host country of AFRIMA 2014-2018, in Lagos.

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Suswam laments persistent squabbles among poiitical class

Nasarawa Govt bans Ombatse cult group

BY PETER DURU

M

BY ABEL DANIEL

L

A F I A — T H E Nasarawa State Government has banned the activities of Ombatse Cult group in the state.

This was revealed, yesterday, during the on-gong hearing by the Commission of Inquiry into the activities of Ombatse which reportedly massacred over 120 security men including policemen and operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, in Lafia, the state capital.

Consequent upon the information, the Ombatse group also said that it had suspended its spiritual activities due to the Legal Notice number 4 proscribing it in the state.

The Legal Adviser to Ombatse, Mr. Zamania Alumaga who stood before the commission headed by Justice Folanyo, denied any involvement by his clients in the killing of the security operatives.

Internet access forum

P

HASE Three Telecom, Nigeria leading transmission services provider is among firms supporting the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization’s 2013 forum which opens in Abuja on Monday.

The forum is the constitutionally mandated ‘flagship’ event of the CTO which takes place every year.

This year’s event will offer regional and international solutions for those in Commonwealth regions sharing knowledge, lessons learnt and key information about technological advances across the Commonwealth and beyond.

The Chief Executive Officer, Phase3 Telecom, Mr. Stanley Jegede said his firm had been appointed the internet partner of the event, adding that as such, Phase3 Telecom will provide free broadband internet access to delegates at the event. The decision to support the commonwealth forum, he added, is consistent with the company’s vision to promote the growth of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria and the West African region.

VISIT—MTN Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Ikpoki (left) welcoming the finalists of this year's MTN Project Fame West Africa to his office, at MTN Corporate Head Office, Falomo, Lagos.

Taraba Acting Gov escapes death in auto crash

BY SUZAN EDEH

B

AUCHI—THE Acting Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar, yesterday escaped death in an accident that involved his convoy and that of the Emir of Bauchi, in Bauchi State.

The autocrash is coming about one year after the state governor, Danbaba Suntai was involved in an aircash involving Cessna 208 5N-BMJ aircraft with six persons on board at Yola, Adamawa State.

Suntai is still recuperating from the crash which led to his being flown abroad.

However, sources said that some vehicles in Umar’s covoy collided with others on the convoy of the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Suleiman Rilwanu Adamu, at

about 11.32 am at Shafuri village in Bauchi.

The village is about 25 kilometres from Bauchi metropolis.

Some vehicles in the governor ’s convoy were trying to overtake the Emir ’s convoy, when the incident happened. Umar escaped unhurt even as two people sustained injuries while about seven escort vehicles were destroyed.

Three of the damaged escort vehicles belonged to the Taraba State government while the others were on the Emir’s.

Some of the damaged vehicles had their registration numbers as TSGH 01 or Escort 1, Escort 2, Escort 3 and S. FADARI.

Umar was on his way to pay a condolence visit to Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State over the death of his sister last week when the accident occured.

According to an eyewitness, the accident occured when one of the vehicles escorting the Taraba State Governor tried to overtake another vehicle on the Emir ’s convoy and in the process collided with one of those on the Emir’s convoy, causing multiple accident.

Confirming the autocrash, the state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr Henry Olatunji said that only two out of the 16 persons that were involved in the crash, sustained injuries.

Jonathan applauded on grassroot devt

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

P

ANELISTS at the stakeholders conversation on the Mid Term Report of the Federal Government ahead of the proposed National dialogue in Jos have commended President Goodluck Jonathan for taking his policies and activities to the grassroots through the National Orientation Agency, NOA. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary of the NOA, Mr Paul Odenyi, said the panelists also commended the agency ’s approach to value re-orientation and communication of government policies to the people.

The event which took place at the Treasures Inn’s Conference Centre, Rayfield, Jos scored President Jonathan high in most of the key areas of the economy including health, education, tourism, electricity, sports and human empowerment.

The Director-General of the Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri had in his welcome address said it is imperative to seek the fact and figures on the activities of government to correct “falsehood often peddled by mischief makers whose stock in trade is to ridicule every government and portray our nation in a bad light.

“This administration sets out to embark on its journey to change the trajectory of our country’s development through the fundamentals as elucidated in the Transformation Agenda.”

Declaring the session open, the Director of Session, Mr Joseph Ari said that the country was marching forward to a promised land, adding that in the cause of the journey, it was normal to encounter some challenges.

Participants at the one-day

conversation included the Plateau State Governor, Mr. Jonah Jang, representatives of Ministers of Mines and Steel Development, Health, Power and Sports.

AKURDI—GOVER NOR Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, yesterday, lamented that the persistent squabbles among the country’s political class was impacting negatively on the lives of the ordinary Nigerians.

Suswam spoke when he hosted members of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) sector.

He said: “We are just playing politics with everything in this country. Regrettably, we do not care about the impact of our actions on the ordinary citizens because we have jettisoned our responsibilities to our people all because we want to play politics.

"Of cause, we must play politics, but the issue should not be whether one is of the APC, PDP or whatever name. Our primary concern should be how to address the challenges facing our country and by extention, improving the lot of our people who freely gave us their mandates in the first place.

"As politicians, we are collectively and individually guilty of this and the earlier we start shunning those acts that divide us as a people, the better for our country and the ordinary Nigerian in the streets.”

Suswam urged members of the committee to set aside their political differences and come up with decisive action and recommendations to address the unending vandalism of oil pipelines in the country.

According to him, “government had expended huge resources to build pipelines and depots around the country but they are lying wasted today because of activities of vandals, and we much find ways to check the menace.”

Muslims tasked on Eid-el-Kabir

T

HE Lagos State Butchers Association, LSBA, has urged Muslims throughout the country to emulate the teachings of Prophet Mohammed as the Eid-el-Kabir celebration approaches.

The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Rafiu Elewide urged them to shun violence and hatred during and after the celebration.

On the death of a female butcher, Mrs. Bose Iwinanoje,.

who was killed by gunmen in Edo State recently, the chairman consoled her family, saying God would give them fortitude to bear the loss.

He said the incident happened when the Edo Commissioner for Agriculture, Abdul Oroh had met with factional leaders of the asociation to settle their rift.

He urged the Police to track down the killers and punish them accordingly.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 41

42—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Ngige begins campaign today

BY EMEKA MAMAH & VINCENT UJUMADU

T

HE governorship candidate of the All progressive Congress, APC, Senator Chris Ngige, will formally flag off his campaign to return to the Government House in Awka, Anambra State in the commercial city of Onitsha today.

According to a statement signed for the Ngige Campaign Office, Mr Okelo Madukaife, the flag off would be attended by all the 11 APC governors just as over 30 APC senators had ‘’confirmed their attendance.’’ Madukaife who quoted the Director General of the Campaign Office, Chief George Moghalu as stating that ‘’Ngige is the leading

candidate in the race and the only one whose candidature is undisputed among the four parties in reckoning for the polls.

Moghalu who spoke ‘’in reference to the event said, it is yet another opportunity to demonstrate to the people of Anambra State, Nigerians and to the world at large the followership that Senator Ngige and our party enjoy in Anambra State, as a prelude to the landslide victory the party is working towards on November 16, 2013.”

Ngige had in preparation for today’s event unveiled his 12point manifesto and, a compendium on his stewardship in the Senate in an occasion at Awka where he also presented his running mate,

Hon Ralph Udenze Okeke, atwo-time member of the House of Representatives, from Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra North Senatorial District hich he unveiled during media dinner in Awka, include security of lives and property in which he intends to engage experienced hands and apply modern gadgets to reduce and control crime; free education at the primary and secondary school levels, as well as reduction of school fees in the state -owned university by 50 per cent and providing adequate funds to ensure reaccreditation of courses deaccredited by the National

Universities Commission, NUC, in the institution.

Senator Ngige said his education programme will also award scholarship and bursary to Anambra students in tertiary institutions.

The manifesto also provides for free antenatal services for all pregnant women, free primary health care for children up to five years old and adequate staff welfare for health practitioners.

In the transport sector, Ngige promised to build an Airport in Anambra North by December, 2014, create inland water ways and mono rail transport system, as well as quality roads and

transformation of Awka.

Other points of special interest to the APC candidate are agriculture, water supply, electricity, housing and environment, conduct of local government election in 2014, lifting of embargo on employment, promotion of workers and payment of minimum wage to all categories of workers.

The APC candidate had earlier submitted the name of Dr. Mike Aghadinuno from Anambra East local government area as his running mate, but had to drop him for what he described as strategic reasons.

Ifeanyi introduces free transportation scheme

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

L

ABOUR Party (LP) Candidate, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, has started a free transportation scheme in the state in recognition of the need to ease commuters’ transportation difficulties Making the disclosure in Nnewi at the weekend, Mr. Ifeanyi Ezeh, who is the deputy director-general, Youth Mobilization of Ifeanyi Ubah Campaign Organisation (IUCO) in Anambra South senatorial zone, said in a statement by Emmanuel Chijioke Ibeleme (deputy director, Media) that the scheme began last Monday with 15 van-trucks to cover the various routes in Anambra.

“The local governments and the senatorial zones are covered.

People are being conveyed free. Workers, students, everybody is happy to be enjoying this programme,” he said. With the leadership of the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO) involved, some of the routes listed are, Nnewi – Igboukwu – Ekwulobia – Okoh – Ajali – Ufuma – Umunze; Nnewi - Adazi – Agulu – Nise – Awka; Nnewi to Onitsha; Awkuzu Junction – Nteje – Aguleri – Umuleri – Igbariam; Onitsha to Okija; Okija - Ihiala – Amorka, a boundary area between Anambra and Imo States. Other routes include Amorka - Iseke – Ukpor – Amichi – Nnewi; Nnewi – Nnobi Agulu, the home town of Governor Peter Obi; Nnewi Nkpor – Onitsha Metropolis; and Umuchu – Uga - Ezinifite Nnewi.

I won’t disappoint Awka people, Obiano assures monarch

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

T

HE traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu yesterday told the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Willy Obiano that he may soon become number citizen in his domain, adding that the eye knows a ripe corn.

The Awka monarch spoke when Obiano paid him a courtesy visit as part of activities to flag off his campaign.

Obi Nwosu said though traditional rulers are not supposed to participate in politics they however have

eyes and can tell if whether a person will be good or bad if given the mandate.

Paying homage to the royal father, Obiano recalled how Obi Nwosu, in 2008 at Aguleri, prophesized that he was going to be governor of Anambra State.

He said: “At the time Eze Uzu made that remark, I was not even into politics as I was busy with my work at Fidelity Bank.

When I visited him earlier this year, he repeated the statement and I want to assure him that I will not disappoint the people of Awka when I become the governor of Anambra State.”

•Senator Chris Ngige presenting his running mate, Hon Ralph Udenze Okeke,two-time member of House of Representatives to the media in Awka, last Thursday

NNPP alleges intimidation of candidate

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

T

HE New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has raised alarm over alleged intimidation of its candidate in the November 16 gubernatorial election, Chief Leonard Uchendu and called on the state governor, Mr. Peter Obi to urgently intervene in the matter to ensure fair play and equity.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos, NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, said the • state government had in a letter

dated September 18, 2013 and signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Dr. G.N. Muotolu, requested Mr. Uchendu “to humbly step aside as the President-General of Umuawulu pending the conclusion of investigations being carried out against him over a petition that he was using the community’s vigilante outfit to molest, intimidate and harass people in his community.” Aniebonam

Group denies backing Ubah

A

NON Governmental Organization, NGO, Ebube Foundation, has denied collapsing its structure and endorsing the governorship ambition of Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, the Labour Party candidate for the Anambra governorship election.

Reacting to a report that the Foundation has collapsed its structure and declared for Ifeanyi

Ubah, an official of the Foundation, Mrs. Amaka Obimdike said that such insinuation is the handiwork of mischief makers since there is no iota of truth in the publication. under the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance, he never used the Foundation for political gains.

alleged that the letter requesting Uchendu to step aside as President-General of Umuawulu was a deliberate move to witchhunt their candidate. The party leader explained that the matter of being a president-general of Umuawulu is presently before a court of law and wondered why a public officer in the calibre of Muotolu should be involved in such a brazen action.

“For the Special Adviser in charge of town union matters to act in such a brazen and disrespectful manner to the court of law is not only illegal but constitutes a contempt of the court.”

It will be recalled that shortly after Mr Uchendu declared his intention to vie for the governorship position, some people from his community wrote petition against him alleging that the embattled community leader was using the vigilante group to harass, intimidate and threaten the indigenes of Umuawulu.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013—43

BY EMMA AMAIZE AND FESTUS AHON

F

OR about the first time in the record of senatorial elections in Delta Central senatorial district of Delta State, the political parties have thrown up experienced candidates in the persons of Olorogun Emmanuel Edesiri Aguariavwodo, PDP; Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor, APC; and Chief Ede Dafinone of the DPP to run for the Senate.

Also in the race to fill the vacancy brought about by the death of Senator Pius Ewherido on June 30 are Chief Andrew Osawota, LP and Chief David Omoru, APGA. With these high- profile candidates, voters in the chiefly Urhobo ethnic nationality district, are to make a choice on Saturday, October 12 as fixed by INEC.

DELTA CENTRAL BYE-ELECTION:

The candidates, their pedigrees

Securing the votes From indications on ground, the candidates have a lot to do with regards to convincing the people and securing their votes since they are all eminently qualified for the office they are angling for.

They have all, at one time or the other, made modest contributions to the well- being of the Urhobo ethnic nationality.

But one thing that is central at this critical time in the political history of the Urhobo people is having a credible representation in the Senate. A goal-getter and good-natured individual that has the contact to shore -up the seemingly dwindling political

•Emerhor

•Aguariavwodo high repute, into the Senate. He was the only DPP lawmaker in the Senate until his untimely death. He wanted to be governor of the state, so were Olorogun Aguariavwodo and Olorogun Emerhor, who are scrambling for the plum seat he vacated.

Ewherido and Aguariavwodo contested the PDP governorship primaries against the incumbent Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan at various times, while Emerhor had taken a shot in the past and retreated to prepare for another day. The late Ewherido, who pitched tent with DPP after his

,

Olorogun Emerhor and Olorogun Aguariavwodo, want to become a Senator first and return later to contest for governorship. Whichever way you look at it, Urhobo has a formidable troop from which to select a team leader

fortunes of the Urhobos at both federal and state levels.

Though, the fifth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria, Urhobo at the moment are not represented in the Federal Executive Council, FEC, a development many people suspect, is not unconnected with the politics of opposition played by the Urhobos in the 2011 elections.

Business mogul and criminologist, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, a former Minister of Education, was the last Urhobo man in President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet. It has been more than a year now and people are asking why the President has not deemed it fit to appoint a minister from Urhobo land.

Back to senatorial matters, the Urhobos knew why they voted the late Senator Pius Ewherido of the DPP, a vibrant legislator of

,

gubernatorial loss, went for the Senate seat, some years after and got it. The eventual success boosted his political profile and he was positioning himself for another gubernatorial battle under the platform of the newly registered APC when death struck.

Olorogun Emerhor and Olorogun Aguariavwodo, want to become a Senator first and returnlater to contest for governorship. Whichever way you look at it, Urhobo has a formidable troop from which to select a team leader.

Aguariavwodo – former ‘Governor’ who wants to be Senator Olorogun Aguariavwodo, a former member of the House of Representatives, veteran journalist and a grassroots politician, has in his own way

been championing the Urhobo agenda.

Before he was elected into the House of Representatives, where he held the mandate of Ughelli Federal Constituency from 1999 to 2003, he had produced Urhobo audio cassettes to teach upcoming Urhobo sons and daughters how to speak the language to avert the extinction threat posed to Urhobo language. The late Ewherido pursued it with intensified vigor.

During his tenure in the House of Representatives, he actively championed the Urhobo cause by fighting for the ailing Delta State Company, DSC, Aladja to be revamped. Today, the poor state of the steel company is still a pain in his heart.

As Managing Director of NDDC, his biggest political appointment till date, Aguariavwodo contributed greatly to the development of Urhobo land. He saw to the construction of several roads and building of Cottage Hospitals in Delta State and Urhobo towns/ villages in particular.

Building of classrooms He also influenced the building of lecture halls in the Delta State University, Abraka and the building of classrooms for both primary and secondary schools in the senatorial district.

Today, Aguariavwodo spends more time in his Okpare-Olomu country home living with his people. To emerge as PDP candidate for the bye-election, he won the party ’s primaries conducted in Sapele after other aspirants, notably Hon John Agoda, a former member of the House of Representatives,

•Dafinone Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege and others withdrew for him.

Emerhor- inherited late Ewherido’s political structure Olorogun Emerhor, a banker, a guru in insurance and an accomplished businessman is another illustrious son of the Urhobo nation, who has also impacted on the Urhobos. Even though he has not held any political position, Emerhor has contributed positively to the development of the Urhobo nation.

The first class graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, cuts the image of a complete gentleman and confirmed to Vanguard that he inherited the political structure of the late Ewherido, which is a big plus to him as APC flag-bearer.

Positive feature Undoubtedly, he is a positive feature to the Urhobo nation and is presently the chairman of the Urhobo Progress Union Special Fund Management Board, UPUSFMB, a fund-raising group set up by the apex Urhobo organization to source for money to rebuild the Urhobo nation. It is an advantaged position that has opened more doors for him.

To get to the stage of bearing the party ’s banner for the election, he won the primaries held in Ughelli, but his only opponent, lawyer and activist, Festus Keyamo, pulled out at the last minute, citing irregularities in registration and other alleged manipulations by the party.

At press time, the row between him and Keyamo had been resolved with the intervention of national leaders of the party.

Dafinone- hard worker

The DPP candidate, Chief Dafinone, a renowned accountant and accomplished businessman contested the primaries for the Senate seat with Ewherido, but lost in the marginally in 2010/2011. He is the son of Senator D.D. Dafinone Even though he is riding on his father’s back, Chief Ede Dafinone has also made good contributions to the development of Urhobo land. He has no doubt contributed to the socio-economic lives of Sapele. He is grassroots politician that lives among his people.

He overcame the tough challenge put on his way by Hon Richard Odibo and Chief Napoleon Gbinijie to clinch the party’s ticket, but while Odibo alleged that the delegates were monetarily induced, the leader of the party, Chief Great Ogboru, said Dafinone worked hard to win the primary.

Osawota – grassroots man Former Secretary of DESOPADEC, Chief Andrew Osawota is one man that has used his position to also better the lots of the Urhobo people. He influenced a number of projects to Urhobo communities during his time in office.

Osawota, who was the first secretary of the state oil commission, also employed a good number of Urhobo youths into the commission. He lives more with his people in Orogun, a decision that has endeared him to his people.

Omoru – veteran journalist Another contender is Chief David Omoru. He is also a veteran journalist. He contested for the State House of Assembly in Ughelli North Constituency 1 in 2007 but lost to Hon. Friday Onodjae in the PDP primaries.

44— Vanguard, TUESD AY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 TUESDA

Specialist eye clinic coming to Lagos

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

P

ATIENTS affected by cataract, glaucoma and pterygium would soon breathe a sigh of relief as the Indo Eyecare Foundation and Rotary International make plans to erect an ultra modern eye specialist clinic in Lagos.

This was disclosed by the District Governor Olugbemiga Olowu, at the closing ceremony of the free eye surgery organsied by Rotary club of Lagos Palmgrove at the General Hospital Marina.

He said: “The solution to the large number of Nigerians affected by cataract and pterygium, and high cost of eye surgery, which is unaffordable for low income and needy populace, is to put up a great eye hospital in Lagos. We are going to build a modern hospital for eye specialist clinic”. He said government cannot do everything, hence the collaboration with government to see how to help the blind.

Meanwhile, over 1,300 person benefited from the concluded free eye screening and surgery, while over 1,500 recommended eye glasses were given out to the visually impaired.

An average of 100 surgeries were performed daily and the doctors had to work on their resting day due to the huge population of patients who needed the services of the doctors.

Expressing gratitude to the organizers of the surgery, Mr. Sanni, father of Musa, one of Continues on Page 45

• Cycling trumps breast cancer: Czech Pavla Havlikova rides during the Soudal Classics GP Neerpelt cyclocross race in Neerpelt.

• Orode Okpu, Founder /CEO, Pink Pearl Foundation, and organiser of the 2013 Pink Ride event in Lagos to mark October as World Breast cancer awareness month.

Lagos rides against breast cancer cycle •Pink Ride campaign offers free screening, consultation

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

I

N a feat comparable to the inspirational Prudential Ride London-Surrey100-mile cycle ride by 25,000 cyclists and the famous London to Paris Cycle Ride, professional cyclists from the Life Style Cycling Club, Port Harcourt, are set to ride through a mapped out route in Lagos.

The event, tagged the “October 2013 Pink Ride” holds on the 12th of October 2013 from 8:00am 2:00pm and will be flagged off by Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola.

The mapped out route which comprises Ikeja-Oshodi-FestacSurulere- Victoria Island- Lekki-

Ikoyi- Marina-3rd Mainland Bridge- Ikeja, is brain child of the Pink Pearl Foundation, a public service charity organisation, as part of activities to mark October as World Breast cancer awareness month. An estimated 20,000 breast cancer cases are recorded in Nigeria annually.

With evidence that exercising regularly reduces the risk of breast cancer, there have been attempts at encouraging the habit over the years. Essentially, riding a bicycle is a form of exercise withnumerous other health benefits as well, such as releasing stress, increasing balance, endurance, and stability, burns calories, and increases

cardiovascular fitness (good heart condition); amongst many others.

Founder /Chief Executive, Pink Pearl Foundation, Mrs Orode Okpu, observes that four objectives are behind the Pink Ride Lagos initiative. “We are aiming at reaching at least 18 million Lagosians with the message of early detection of breast cancer; helping them understand the reality of this killer disease, and the need to be breast aware, and be proactive about it.”

Okpu argued that through provision of free breast cancer screening and consultation to at least 500 women in Lagos at two

Experts decry dearth of regulations for traditional orthopaedic care

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

A

BSENCE of set rules, regulations have been identified as the bane of traditional management of orthopaedics and trauma patients in Nigeria.

Even before the advent of orthodox surgical care people had traditional ways of managing fractures and other surgical challenges with acceptable results. Information has shown that traditional bone setters enjoy more patronage than the orthodox.

Unfortunately, many of these

patients are mismanaged while some face permanent disability.

Considering these and more, experts in orthopaedic care in Lagos are seeking urgent setting of rules and regulations to guide the operations of unorthodox practitioners in the country to fill in the gap created by long neglect of unorthodox primary care.

At the just- concluded annual scientific conference by the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi tagged: “Unorthodox Surgical Care: How Relevant in the 21st Century” experts agreed that without the trado – medical practitioners there will

be less availability of orthopaedic surgical care in the rural communities, hence the need for acceptable rules and regulations guiding their practice.

Chairman, Management Board, NOHL, Dr. Otunba Gbola Adetunji acknowledged relevance of the tradomedical practitioners but stressed the need for standardisation and close monitoring “There is need for government to set rules and regulations to guide the operations of the unorthodox practitioners in Nigeria, so as to stop further destruction of limbs and

untimely death.

Recognising the role of traditional bone setting practice in the management of dislocation and other fractures, he, however, said poorly handled unorthodox surgical care, especially in orthopaedic and trauma, has resulted to the untimely death and permanent disability of many innocent Nigerians.

On why the rules are needed, he lamented that many of the complications have led to the presentation of non-viable limbs to Igbobi hospital,

Continues on Page 45

select locations on the mainland, and on the island, people would be encouraged to exercise regularly, and helping them see how that can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.

“Keeping fit is very important.

Breast cancer is a sad phenomenon. Pink Ride Lagos is our fun, happy and interesting way of bringing the message of life to as many as we can reach.”

Unlike past rides,interested individuals can join the ride by paying N5,000. “This fee gives them a place on the cycling team, a cycling jersey, and refreshment during the ride. The ride would also feature free breast cancer screening and consultation at two locations in Ikeja and Lekki Phase 1. The screenings would take place simultaneously from 9:00am-4:00pm.

In a related event, an oncologist from the Diamond Helix Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Vivian Mbaba, urged women to embrace periodic screening to reduce the burden of breast cancer as the second-leading cause of death in women.

During a lecture and screening held at the Liberty House, Evangel Pentecostal Church, Lekki, Mbaba said about 80 percent of breast cancers occur in women older than 50 years, as such, women should not trivialize any lump on their breasts even though not all lump are cancerous. She listed causes of cervical cancer o include Continues on Page 46

Vanguard, TUESD AY, OCTOBER 8, 2013—45 TUESDA

Chidinma, girl with hole in-the-heart cries for help

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

W

• Founder-President ,The Wellbeing Foundation Africa , Mrs. Toyin Saraki, with First Ladies & Fashion 4 Development, F4D Angel Award Recipient, Chief Mrs. Alakija of the Rose of Sharon Foundation,and UN First Lady Madame Ban Soon-taek, during the 3rd Annual Official F4D, luncheon

HEN Samuel Iduh and his wife, Rachel, went to Emel Hospital, Festac Town, Lagos, on October 28, 2012 for the delivery of their second baby, they were full of joyful expectations. They had waited for about five years for this moment, having had their first child, a boy, in 2007.

Indeed, their joy became manifest when, after few hours in the labour room, the nurses

Pharmacies without new emblems to be sanctioned

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

W

ORRIED by indiscriminate setting up of medicine stores across the country, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, has threatened to sanction pharmacy outlets that fail to procure and mount the new neon sign bearing the Community Pharmacy Rx emblem as from October 1, 2013.

Issuing the warning in Lagos, National Chairman, ACPN, Olufemi Ismail Adebayo alerted that there have been increasing reports of unregistered outlets in the communities, thereby endangering the lives of innocent Nigerians.

Adebayo explained that the Rx sign is a symbol with which the general public is guaranteed where quality medicine products and excellent professional pharmaceutical care and services are provided.

According to him, the public should watch out for this sign with great attention now before patronising any medicine premises.

“This sign guarantees you genuine and quality medicines, professional pharmaceutical care services, health education and drug information, counselling

and proper use of medicines.”

While urging their members who have not erected the new Emblem to do so on or before 1st October 2013, he said: “From the month of October 2013, serious public awareness about the emblem will commence in both print and electronic media in order to redirect the footsteps of the public to the right path in meeting the experts and custodian of medicines for proper pharmaceutical care and procurement of genuine and quality medicine products.”

For the public to note the genuine emblem, the sign has been restructured with aluminium panel and bears the serial number of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, adding that any emblem different from it would be regarded as fake and would be pulled down with a fine of N10,000.00.

Reacting to newly introduced National Drug Distribution Guidelines/Mega Drug Distribution Company, Adebayo who affirmed that the duo would reshape the chaotic drug distribution system in the country encouraged all stakeholders in

the health sector to key into the process with a view to rid the society of fake and substandard medicines.

He called on ACPN members to start pooling resources to form drug distribution companies in line with the government white paper to sanitise the system and contribute to Good pharmacy practice in Nigeria as obtainable in other parts of the world.

“The guidelines will ensure the availability of good quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medicines in the nation. It identifies source of medicines for every level of healthcare delivery as well as mode of distribution only to the recognised distribution companies and open market will be no more.”

• Chidinma Iduh. on duty announced that it was a girl. In appreciation, they named her Chidinma, meaning God is good.

But their joy would be shortlived as barely two weeks afterwards, Chidinma was discov-

Dearth of regulations for orthopaedic care Continued from page 44 necessitating life saving amputations, as a result, he said the Centre is being wrongly tagged as “limb amputation centre”.

In his lecture entitled: “The Problem of Unorthodox Surgical

Care in the 21st Century ”, Professor John Onuminya noted that it was more apt to concentrate on the need to improve services offered by alternative medical practitioners instead of emphasizing on the problems. Onuminya frowned

Eye Continued from page 44 President, Rotary Club of Palmgrove, Venu Gopal Jajoo, “the project which started in 2005 has changed the lives of many, when we started lot of people were in dare need of better eye care which is why the project has continued year after year.

Representing the Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Idris, Dr. Mrs. Sokunbi Olufumilayo, Director Prevention of Blindness, Ministry of Health Lagos State, added that in line with finding a lasting solution, the Lagos state government has trained

ered to be breathing abnormally.

Samuel and his wife noticed this fast-paced breathing and took Chidinma back to Emel Hospital where an x-ray revealed her heart was larger than her age. They were referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital,LUTH. Sam stated: “While we were gathering money to go to LUTH, the battle for the life of our daughter continued. She was going through pains, and we couldn’t just sit there and watch her dying. We fought, every passing day, to save her life, which took us round hospitals in Lagos. In the process, we spent everything we had.

Now we are left with nothing,” he said in tears.

Only recently, however, a kindhearted Nigerian paid their way to LUTH where Echo test, ECG, was carried out on their daughter, and she was discovered to have a hole in the heart, an abnormality which the doctors say can only be remedied through a surgery. The surgery can only be done in India, according to inquiries made, at the cost of N5 million.

Continues on page 46

• L-R: Medical Manager Pfizer, Dr. Osahon Omorodion; Commercial Director Pfizer, Yinka Subair, Consultant Cardiologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Mrs. Amam Mbakwem, Director Public Affairs and Communication Pfizer, Margaret Olele, Country Brand Lead, Cardiovascular Pfizer Near, Folake Odediran during a media parly on NCDs in Lagos , last week.

that an unorthodox or unconventional practice is also found among the orthodox practitioners. “Traditional Bone Setter Practice is one of the key specialties of Traditional Medicine in many developing countries, especially in rural areas. In time past, the practitioners have recorded tremendous successes in managing fractures, dislocations, chronic musculoskeletal conditions, though not without their shortcomings. Without them, there is certainly dearth in surgical care practice,” he said.

Medical Director, NOHIL, Dr. Olurotimi Odunubi said there was every need to streamline and set rules for alternative medicine practitioners so that they can be regulated, monitored and sanctioned when erred.

“When rules and regulations are laid down for them, alternative medicine would attract better recognition, acceptance and healthy practising environment capable of enhancing complementary role for the orthodox practitioners.”

46—Vanguard, TUESD AY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 TUESDA

Money back IVF scheme debuts at Nordica Lagos

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

A

MULTIPLE IVF cycle strategy that greatly increases the possibility of conception due to sustained treatment of fertility challenged couples has been introduced by Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos.

Dubbed the “Nordica Lagos Money Back Guarantee Scheme”, The initiative, first of its kind in Nigeria, is an alternative to the regular pay- per-cycle treatment plan with the bonus of a money back guarantee.

Presenting the scheme in Lagos, Medical Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Asaba and Abuja, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi said it was part of efforts to stay true to their Mantra of being the proffered assisted conception provider globally.

“All we are trying to do at Nordica Fertility Centre Lagos is to, in our own little way, address the fear of uncertainty that couples experience when they walk through the doors of any Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) Centre.”

Ajayi explained that the Money Back Guarantee Scheme gives an option

Pink Ride campaign Continued from Page 44 having multiple sexual partners; giving birth at a young age before the age of 17 years old; smoking in women and as well as contracting other sexually transmitted diseases pre-dispose victims to the disease.

Coordinator Pink Pearl Foundation, Miss Anita Ajoku encouraged women to go for screening and not to be terrified as people always believe that the cost of screening is expensive.

The Foundation recently set up a skills acquisition centre in Delta State with a view to assisting women in the area of knowledge and skill acquisition capacity of Nigerian women. Pink Pearl Foundation was founded in October 2007 designed to empower women against Breast and Cervical Cancer by providing free check-up and education on healthy tips.

Chidinma Continued from Page 45 • L-R: Nordica Lagos’ Chief Embryologist, Mr. Paul Faduola with the Clinic Manager, Mrs Tola Ajayi; MD, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi and Mr Yinka Daramola, MD, Etch & Crest during the unveiling of the Nordica Lagos Money Back Guarantee Scheme.

of three cycles and at least one Frozen Embryo Transfer, FET, at a cost of N3.5 million.

“Should the patient not get pregnant after this, there will be a refund of N500,000 technical fee.”

There are two categories of women eligible to be a part of the scheme For women utilising their own eggs, they must be below 36 years old and their three cycles must be completed within 18 months. Women uilising donor eggs must undergo hysteroscopy six months prior to enrolling on the Scheme.

“This scheme gives the patients more realistic expectations on a clear cut path to success. It is a cost effective plan on the long run.

Further, he said the Scheme takes care of pregnancy up until 12 weeks.

However, patients with complications arising within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (ectopic /miscarriage), won’t be precluded from the scheme.

This is as long as treatment for these complications has been taken care of.

“We think these are unique attributes that

clearly sets this product apart as one i.e consumercentric that is focused on the client with the intention of better addressing their fertility needs.

“We are sure we are going to refund money to some people definitely. Our responsibility is to reduce the number of people we have to refund by ensuring that as many couples as possible get pregnant. It will keep us on our toes and make sure we reduce the number of people we have to pay back so that patients are having the best at a discount.”

“The doctors say we need to ensure that the surgery is done urgently, but we don’t have any money left to proceed. Our daughter’s life hangs in the balance,” he said.

Consultant paediatrician, LUTH,Dr. E.N. Ekure, observed: “Clinical evaluation indicated that she (Chidinma) has symptomatic congenital heart disease, which was confirmed by echocardiography to be Tetralogy of Fallot with patent ductus arterosus, severe pulmonary stenosis with narrow branches.

“Chidinma requires further cardiovascular evaluation and possible open heart surgery to correct her heart abnormalities in order to forestall irreversible and life threatening complications from developing.

Unfortunately, open heart surgery for children is currently not available in our hospital”.

To this end, Samuel and Rachel, are calling on goodspirited individuals, government and corporate organisations to come to their rescue to save Chidinma. Samuel Iduh can be reached on 08032215666. A dedicated account has been opened at First Bank for Chidinma Iduh with account number 3075749306.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

P

LEASE sir/ma. I am a girl of 27 years. I have mouth odour. What can I use in curing it? And also white tissues come out of my private part. Thanks – Jane Dear Jane, when you wake up in the morning, it is normal for the mouth to have that stale smell because it has been closed for hours and deprived of air circulation. In that case, all you have to do is to brush your teeth thoroughly and scrub your tongue very well. Odour causing bacteria are found mainly on the tongue. Poor quality tooth paste can also cause this mouth odour. I know Oral B tooth paste to be of very good quality so you can also try that. But if the smell persists after brushing your teeth properly with good quality tooth paste, it is either of two things. It is either you need teeth cleaning after plaque must have built up on the base of your teeth over the years or that you have a type of chronic mouth odour known as halitosis. In both cases, you need to see your dentist to schedule the appropriate procedure and medication for your condition.

Regarding the vaginal discharge, it may not be anything serious. The vagina has many secretory glands that maintain its healthy moist rate. A nonsmelly clear or white discharge is not caused by any particular disease or infection, but is an exaggeration of the normal slight discharge that all women experience naturally. If you have an infection, this discharge will not be white or clear. It will likely be greenish or discolored and smelly. In any case, go for a hospital checkup to keep your mind at ease – Uche Hello sir. I read your last column about the erection products Exploding Thunder and Max for Men Arousal Oil. I am 62 years old and healthy. Which of these products is best from me? I have not had an erection in two years – Jonah Dear Jonah, Exploding Thunder supplement is a stronger enhancer and is best for you because your type of erectile dysfunction is age related and therefore more serious. The Max for Men Arousal Oil is

for men with mild erectile difficulties that happen once in a while – Uche Please what is your best penis enlarger and can I use it with my Exploding Thunder erection supplement? James Dear James, if you are taking Exploding Thunder supplement already, then it is better to enlarge your penis with a penis pump like the Bull Fighter Pump or a cream like Maximus Penis enlargement cream.

It is not advisable to combine two erection supplements with similar functions – Uche Hello sir. I had wanted something for hard erections and I also wanted a penis enlarger. I started with the Max Size penis enlarger and noticed that my erections have improved since I started taking it. Do I still need Sex Voltz? Thanks – Uzo Uzo, no you don’t. Max Size does both enlargement and strengthening of erections – Uche Hey. I have received the Jelly chocolate vibrator. I don’t usually kiss and tell but I had my first orgasm last night and I am very happy – Angela I have been experiencing weak erection for some time and eventually bought a Penis Pump. My erections are harder after pumping but when I start having sex, it will get soft again – Francis Dear Francis, if you are using a penis pump to get an erection, you must use it with a Cockring. Once you pump and get your erection, wear the Cockring immediately and you will not lose the erection again until you finish having sex – Uche Good day. Please do you have an affordable G Spot Vibrator that is effective – Vicky Sure. Ask for the G Spot Tickler or Seventh Heaven Multi-Function G Spot Vibrator – Uche And that’s it for today. Adults in need of these novelties can call us on 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 47

Great leaders beget great followers, great followers beget great leaders Being a paper presented by Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at the 2013 Quintessence Ball and Awards ceremony held in Trenton New Jersey, recently

T

he difference between followers and leaders is that followers need leaders to help them follow what leaders themselves are following. This relationship takes the form of a shared response-ability to a shared calling.

Both find each other in a true fellowship to create the world responsibly — James Maroosis

bad and the ugly. Perhaps the geographical size and cultural complexity of the continent makes this inevitable. In recent history, we easily point to leaders in the caste of the late Idi Amin Dada of Uganda and Emperor Bokassa of the Central African Republic, as a clear example of a coercive and intimidatory leadership, on the other hand, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela stands tall as a classic example of a reconciliatory leadership. Clearly, we can see the resultant followership and societal welfare engendered by the duo’s individual styles.

Norms must be ‘normal’: Ideally, leaders must be seen in the true light of what they are - persons called to serve and not to be served. In a fast-moving, democratic world, it is detrimental to continue to hold fast to the norms, cultures and beliefs that ensure our continued socio-economic enslavement. Leaders must be seen as ‘servant-rulers’. In a democracy, there must be a tipping point where the followers determine the direction of leadership. Africa cannot remain isolated from the rest of the world

INTRODUCTION: In dissecting the theme of leadership in African socialisation and the concept of followership, we can easily derive examples, inspirations and cautions from the ready examples which the continent provides.

But first, the Dictionary meaning of the term ‘socialisation’. ‘It is a term used to refer to the lifelong process of inheriting and disseminating norms, customs and ideologies, providing an individual with the skills and habits necesAfrica continues to tag behind sary for participating within his or in the league of global developher own society’.

Socialization is ment. How long should this thus ‘the means by continue? which social and cultural continuity are attained’ This, in effect refers to the fact that, in terms of citizen power. whether as leaders or followers, we are Africa, and indeed, Nigeria must reproducts of our environment, culture, main culturally authentic but it must of norms and beliefs. These in turn affect necessity remain dynamic. The ‘normal’ the direction of our society since both at world of today is a world that questions, individual level or at the level of policy- that probes and that demands accountmaking, our actions are dictated by these ability from those who are elected to norms imbibed at the various levels of rule. We stand today at a critical point upbringing and communal orientation. in the history of our great nation, NigeTherefore, you cannot separate the one ria. The increasing mis-governance and from the other since both followers and the growing stifling of opposing voices leaders, so to say, fed at the same ‘foun- is known to us all. Our patriarchal intain’. stincts cannot dictate to us at the times The ‘African King’: In the words of Ali of decision-making - when our raised Mazrui, famous Kenyan writer-scholar, voices will make a difference. The disleadership in Africa falls into four broad cerning can hear the clear voice of categories. First is the intimidatory lead- change. er. Second is the patriarchal leader.

The people have a say, after all…The Third, is the leader of reconciliation. concept of leadership in African socialiFourth, is the mobilization leader. The sation and followership shows that much intimidatory leader relies heavily on the of the time the people are unaware of use of force their inherent ‘People Power’. Therefore and coercion we have a situation of servitude, tramto have his pling of rights, the stifling of opposing way always. voices and the flagrant abuse of power.

The patriar- In the end we have a followership that chal leader is is subservient, muffled, and unquestionthe father- ing. figure who The people’s commonwealth is hicommands jacked by a select, powerful few and neo-filial rev- transparency, accountability and good e r e n c e . governance are thrown to the whirlMeanwhile, winds. Consequently, Africa continues ROTIMI AMAECHI the third type to tag behind in the league of global of leadership derives its effectiveness via development. How long should this contactical accommodation and a capacity tinue? to discover areas of compromise be‘Like followers, like leaders…’ It is tween otherwise antagonistic view often said a people deserve the leaders points. they get. This may not be true at all Africa provides an avalanche of exam- times, yet it holds a lot of water in a good ples, from the traditional, feudal, all- number of African countries. Without knowing, unquestionable emperors to any doubt, both followers and leaders military dictators and political overlords. are products of their society. The society They abound in the past and in the can therefore only reproduce itself. present. Africa has birthed the good, the To be concluded

,

,

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

A

United Kingdom court yesterday ordered a retrial of assets confiscation case against former Governor James Ibori of Delta State to enable the prosecution gather enough evidence.

The London Metropolitan Police which is prosecuting the former governor had admitted in open court on the last day of the hearing that they lacked enough evidence to support allegations of fraud, corruption and money laundering against Ibori.

The trial judge, Mr Anthony Pitts, therefore granted the Crown Prosecution’s request and adjourned for a retrial after both the prosecution and defence have made their final submissions in the hearing which was supposed to end yesterday.

Reacting to Judge Anthony Pitts’ judgment, James Ibori said “after eight years of criminal investigations, five adjournments and over 50 trips to Nigeria, the prosecution failed to provide any tangible evidence to support their claim that I defrauded Delta State.

Their case collapsed to such an extent that on the very last day of a three weeks hearing, they were humbled into making an application to the judge for permission to start again which the Judge unceremoniously granted”.

Judge Pitts acceding to the request of the prosecution and adjourned for retrial.

Judge Pitts said: "I feel that this case inevitably requires decision that is probably based on proper evidence.

This matter must proceed in a way to make proper decision....it seems to me to hear some more evidence."

Giving the crown prosecution the green light to go for more evidence to support their confiscation claim, Judge Pitts said: “I need to be in a much better position more than I am now to make a better decision. I am going to adjourn this proceedings till early next year."

As the confiscation hearing opened yesterday, Ibori’s lead counsel Mr. Ivan Krolic, as part of his skeletal legal argument against the background of Ibori’s guilty plea during the trial said “the making of confiscation determinations is governed by different procedural requirement from trial procedures and different standard of proof is to be applied.”

Krolic cited many authorities to support his case that a guilty plea in confiscation does not mean that the defendant has the full benefits of the guilt. He

ASSETS CONFISCATION: UK court orders retrial of Ibori's case submitted that “the burden lies on the prosecution to prove to what extent the defendant has benefitted from the offence and in this case, we are relying on the prosecution’s own evidence that is set out in section 73 as provided in their often trumpeted 63,000 pages of evidence before this court from the start of this proceedings."

Relying on the authority of the case of Mcintosh and Rezvi 2010 Krolic said

“the court held in paragraph 22 that a plea of guilty did not amount to an admission from which a conclusive inferences can be drawn pursuant to section 10CJA 1967.

Where the defendant has pleaded guilty, it is important for the prosecution to prove their case, I have shown you that what the prosecution has

put forward in their 63,000 pages trial bundle is not supported by any iota of evidence."

The lead Crown prosecutor Sasha Wass, in her arguments said “your honour we will ask that these proceedings are brought to a halt and list it for another hearing so that we may call more witnesses."

FORUM—From left: Minister of Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson; Dr. Robert Pepper, Vice President, Global Technology Policy, Cisco; and Dr. Henry Nzekwu, Executive Vice Chairman, MessageWise Ltd, at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Forum at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, yesterday.

Krolick not satisfied with the prosecution’s request for a halt of the court proceedings and allow for a retrial, urged the Judge to hear the case to the end and give judgement based on the submissions made by both the prosecution and the defence.

He said: “We do not say that the conviction should go, we do not attack the conviction, we are only concerned by what has been obtained by Mr. Ibori in connection to the charge. Trying to persuade the Judge not to adjourn for retrial as being pushed for by the prosecution having found out that they do not have the evidence to back up their confiscation claim."

Krolick said: “We are not even suggesting that witnesses are required...we are only saying that Ibori did not obtain what he has been accused of obtaining and that it is now crystal clear that the prosecution do not have evidence to link funds from Delta State to him and that the court should make its decision on that basis."

James Ibori’s lead counsel’s subtle persuasion could not persuade Judge Anthony Pitts against granting the prosecution’s request for adjournment and retrial to call more evidences against Ibori. The court therefore adjourned till December 19, 2013, for preliminary direction of the confiscation proceeding – preparatory for a totally fresh trial.

Vanguard's Arts Editor, McPhillips Nwachukwu dies at 47

BY JAPHET ALAKAM & PRISCA SAM-DURU

V

ANGUARD’S Arts Editor, Mr. Mcphillips Nwachukwu, is dead.

He died at Golden Cross hospital, Festac Town, Lagos after he suffered a choking cough in the early hours of Sunday, September 29, 2013. He was aged 47.

Mr. Nwachukwu returned from South Africa on Friday September 27, where he had gone for medical check up.

Before his death, Nwachukwu was observing his annual leave and was due to resume work yesterday. A poet, writer and frontline journalist, he was the Arts Editor of Vanguard Newspapers till his death.

Born in 1966 in Mbaise, Imo State, Nwachukwu had a degree in English from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where his flair for creative writing was first nurtured. He also had a master’s degree in English from the University of Lagos, and was doing his doctorate degree in the same institution.

The management has opened a condolence register for him in its corporate head office in Apapa, Lagos.

At his Festac Town, Lagos residence on Tuesday, the atmosphere was one of grief, silence and disbelief. Some

zLate McPhillips Nwachukwu

of his colleagues and friends in the arts and culture sector expressed grief over his death.

Also, at Vanguard’s head office where Nwachukwu worked for 15 years, his colleagues are still in shock, finding it difficult to believe that he is dead after he survived a serious illness some months ago.

Nwachukwu hailed from Ezuhu Umuhu, Okwuato in Aboh Mbaise LGA of Imo State.

He is survived by brothers, sisters, wife and a daughter.

Nwachukwu was passionate about general arts and has been a veteran Arts journalist for over two decades. He joined Vanguard Newspapers in 1998

as a staff writer and was promoted to the post of Assistant Arts Editor/head of Arts desk in October 2002. In 2009, he was again promoted to the post of Arts Editor, a position he held until his death.

He spent his entire career on the beat — gathering news, setting the agenda for the industry, mentoring young reporters and making sure Vanguard Newspapers reported Arts robustly.

He was a thorough professional — Muku

Reacting to Nwachukwu’s death, Director -General of National Gallery of Art, (NGA), Abdullahi Muku, said: “We at the National Gallery of Art, NGA, received with shock and consternation the news of the passing away of Mcphillips Nwachukwu, on Sunday September 29, 2013. He was a passionate Arts reporter, writer and editor, whose contribution to the promotion and propagation of all aspects of the Arts including the Visual Art sub-sector, is invaluable.He approached his job with

unwavering professionalism and uncanny devotion. We at the Gallery considered him a real friend. He would be sorely missed.

We wish him eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

It’s a monumental loss to Arts — Babawale

Professor Tunde Babawale, Director General/CEO, CBAAC, Lagos, Nigeria has this to say: “The death of Mcphillips Nwachukwu came as a rude shock to all of us in the Arts and Culture sector, not only because it was sudden and totally unexpected but also because it represented a monumental loss to the sector. Mcphillips was a brilliant, affable and hardworking journalist whose professional competence was incomparably outstanding.

He had passion for the journalism profession and the Arts.

He devoted his life to portraying the best in journalism. He was a regular face in CBAAC’s numerous outings both at home and abroad doing what he knew best, giving coverage to cultural activities with passion and patriotic zeal. Mcphillips was also an author whose erudition cannot be missed in every page of his works.

Vanguard , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013—49

By Theodore Opara

Multi-talented Mercedes Benz GLA sets standards in compact SUV segment T

HE Mercedes Benz GLA compact sport utility vehicle was one of the star attractions at the just concluded International Motor Show, IAA, in Frankfurt, where it celebrated its world premiere. The all-new Mercedes Benz GLA class brings to five the number of premium sport utility vehicles in the Mercedes Benz passenger car lineup. The others include the GLK, GL, ML and G-Class.

According to the German auto maker, “the new GLA rounds off the extensive SUV portfolio of Mercedes Benz.

With five models series, the company offers the widest range of any European premium manufacturer and meets all the individual mobility wishes of customers. At the same time, the LGA-class is the fourth of the five new compact models from Mercedes Benz.”

There is no doubt that this all-new compact SUV meant so much to the German auto maker going by comments by the company’s topshots.

According to Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, "with the compact GLA, we add a fifth attractive SUV variant to the Mercedes Benz model portfolio in this constantly, growing segment.

The GLA impresses mainly with its progressive character and agile handling.”

Continuing, he said, “So I am very confident that the GLA with its fascinating design and everyday practicality will fill many new customers with enthusiasm for the Mercedes Benz brand.

As an entirely new class in the Mercedes Benz SUV segment, the all new compact reflects Mercedes Benz attention to the details in the premium class. It is loaded with high-end features like other big Mercedes Benz SUVs. “The GLA can be driven with a fuel consumption of only 4.3 litre/100km, setting new standard in its segment,” says the German leading luxury car maker.

“Modern four-cylinder engines with premium features like turbocharging and direct SUVs in the top-end luxury injection as well as an eco- class. It is available with a start-stop function as new generation of the standard make for superior 4MATIC permanent allefficiency. The new GLAclass also takes the lead in its segment with its dynamic performance figure.

“Initially, the power range of the 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre petrol engines will OREMOST Ford extend from 115kw (156 dealer, Coscharis horse power) in the GLA Motors has put smiles on 200 to 155 Kw (211 hp) in the faces of orphans at the the GLA 250. The GLA 250 Arrow of God Orphanage 4MATIC sprints from zero Home, Ajah, Lagos, by to 100km/h in only 7.1 donating 50 bags of rice seconds, underlining the and undisclosed amount dynamic claim to the of money to mark the Ford leadership of the GLA. It Global Week of Caring in has a topspeed of 235km/h Nigeria. and a combined The Ford Global Week of consumption figure of just Caring is a week set aside 7.1/100km. There are also by the world renowned two diesel powerplant on automaker to reach out to the GLA lineup (2.0 and 2.2 the less privilage and the litres). community where they do The GLA is loaded with

wheel drive system featuring fully variable torque distribution. This system excels with high traction reserves and

outstanding agility combined with superlative driving safety and energy efficiency.

The 7G-DCT automatic

dual clutch transmission and rear-axle gear with i n t e g r a t e d electrohydraulically control multi-disc clutch delivers outstanding ride in the GLA class.

The chassis features a McPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension while the body is extremely rigid for stable and safe handling both on and off the road.

Safety features in the GLA remains high as the

car boasts similar safety equipment like the big SUVs. As a trendsetter in its segment, the all new GLA has very attractive interior blended with quality materials. All trim surfaces are galvanised in silvershadow for material authenticity, resulting in a metallic finish with cooltouch effect.

The impression is one of perfect detail.

Ford Global W eek of Caring Week

Coscharis puts smiles on orphans' faces F

business and Coscharis Motors, has in the last four years celebrated it with orphanage homes in Nigeria.

Speaking at the presentation, the Group General Manager, Marketing, Mr. Abiona Babarinde said that the company was happy to celebrate the Ford Global Week of Care with the orphanage home.

He said: “It is my pleasure on behalf of the entire team of Coscharis

Group to be here with you this afternoon to celebrate the Coscharis Ford business partnership visa-vis its global corporate social responsibility activities as the Ford representative here in Nigeria.”

Continuing, he said, “our aim and objectives with our foreign partners is to be socially responsible to our immediate local environment where our business are sited and

given back to the c o m m u n i t i e s accordingly.”

Commending the president of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka for impacting positively on people, the General Manager explained that Ford’s legacy of caring dates back to the company founded more than 100 years ago which they have carried out in Nigeria in conjunction with Ford Motor Company in the

last four years.

Quoting from the bible that GodisFathertothefatherless and he that gives to the poor lends to God, Mr. Abiona said, ” Each year, both Coscharis Motors and Ford Motors do seek to extend loveandcommitmenttotheir communities through this project tagged 'Ford for the orphans'.

“It is in this vein that we are reaching out to celebrate these lovely and wonderful youngsters via thisplatform.”

50—Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

By Theodore Opara

Ford celebrates 2 millionth EcoBoost engine production as demand soars F

ORD Motor Company has celebrated manufacturing milestone for its fuel-saving EcoBoost engines: Two million have been produced globally since the 2009 launch of the engine line.

Growing customer demand for EcoBoostpowered vehicles in major markets worldwide is driving engine production higher.

Factory output now averages more than 100,000 engines per month, up from 65,000 in 2012.

Popularity, demand is rising in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

“Ford EcoBoost delivers great performance with lower fuel bills, a recipe that is proving incredibly popular with consumers around the world,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, powertrain engineering for Ford. “EcoBoost engines are attracting new customers to the Ford brand every day, and our plants are working hard to keep up with demand.

A Ford Escape powered by the two millionth production EcoBoost – a 2.0-liter unit – rolled off the line at Ford’s Louisville, Ky., recently.

EcoBoost technology combines smaller overall size with turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing to bring customers outstanding performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines deliver up to 20 per cent better fuel economy than largerdisplacement gasoline engines.

Ford’s global EcoBoost engine family now includes the 1.0-liter three-cylinder; 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter fourcylinder engines; and the powerful 3.5-liter V6.

EcoBoost technology is available in every region Ford serves worldwide, and will be offered on approximately 80 per cent of the company’s global nameplates by the end of this year.

Better fuel efficiency — and lower fuel bills — are the top reasons for surging sales of optional

EcoBoost engines. At today’s gas prices, the EPA’s fuel-economy website estimates an average annual fuel bill of $3,400 for a 2009 Ford F150 2WD with a 5.4-liter V8 engine, but only $3,000 for a 2013 F-150 2WD with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. At this rate, a consumer would save an estimated $4,000 over a vehicle life of 10 years and 150,000 miles.

Police MCR: Bus owners appeal to FG T

HE Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria, ALBON, has appealed to the Federal and state governments to harmonise and streamline the on-going issuance of vehicle number plates with the proposed introduction of biometric motor registration by the Nigeria Police Force.

According to a statement by president of the association, Sir Dan Okemuo, the new BMCR by the police is a replication of existing ones by other government agencies.

They argued that their

appeal was based on the fact that it would appear that the new vehicle number plates currently being issued by the FRSC in conjunctions with the various state governments has similar security features with the BMCR vehicle registration being proposed by the Nigeria Police.

That being the case, it would amount to double jeopardy to subject motorists to two similar exercises from two federal government agencies (FRSC and the Police) in a bid to register a vehicle.

It also stated that the official cost of procuring the new vehicle number plate currently on issue by the FRSC in conjunction with the various state governments is N15,000; while the official cost of obtaining the BMCR registration being proposed by the police is N3,500.

When the two figures are added up, the cost of registering just one vehicle will be too high and out of reach for an average motorist. As such, it makes no economic sense to subject motorists to pay

double price for two similar exercises that could well be harmonized and coordinated not only for better vehicle administration and security enhancement, but for better cost efficiency.

ALBON further noted that the strongest argument for introducing the new vehicle number plate and the proposed BCMR (by both the FRSC and the police) was that it would enhance national security, especially in the face of numerous security challenges

BRT recharges with 50 new buses T

HE Mile 12 to CMS Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, operation is set to transform with the addition of 50 new buses to its fleet, an increase expected to improve commuting and service delivery along the corridor.

The operator of the BRT system, First BRT Cooperative had ordered 50 new buses, 40 of which had arrived and deployed into operation, as part of a holistic plan at returning the BRT operations and experience to its once efficient and effective state at launch in 2008.

The remaining 10 buses are expected to

be delivered before the end of the year.

Besides the addition of the new buses, the operator has c o m m e n c e d refurbishment of 100 serviceable buses, 22 of which are already deployed for commuting services.

Announcing the arrival of the buses, Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the acquisition of the buses was in fulfilment of the agreement reached between government and the operator with a view to improving the BRT

operations and return bus services along the Mile 12 to CMS corridor to the vision of a world class transport system for Lagos.

He said: “Government would continue to support initiatives that would give succour to the commuting public by alleviating their transport needs.”

He said government was working on other transport projects, especially the Blue Line (Okokomaiko to Marina) rail project, the first phase of which is expected to be completed soon, the Red line rail line (Agbado to Marina)

and extension of the BRT to Ikorodu Town.

He said in order to guarantee the longevity of the buses, the Authority is currently rehabilitating the Mile 12 to CMS BRT corridor, informing that the BRT lanes would eventually be turned to rigid (concrete) pavement to withstand the weight of the BRT buses.

Dr. Mobereola assured that with the reforms already put in place, the BRT operation would soon return to what commuters used to experience at the launch of the Mile 12 to CMS BRT.

confronting the nation.

Accordingly, if both exercises are designed to enhance national security and better vehicle administration in the country, nothing stops the two federal government agencies (FRSC and the Police) from harmonizing their efforts and sharing data collected and stored by one of them, instead of subjecting motorists to agonizing period of having to register the same vehicle from two federal government agencies.

“To address the confusion and anomaly currently surrounding the new vehicle number plates registration by the FRSC and the proposed BMCR registration by the police, the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria, ALBON, calls on the Federal Government to harmonize the new vehicle number plate registration by the FRSC with the proposed BMCR registration by the Police,” it said.

Pending such harmonisation, the association appeals to federal government to suspend the current issuance of new number plate and the proposed BMCR registration of all vehicles in Nigeria by the Nigeria Police in the overall interest of our national security and all motorists in Nigeria.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013—51

We don't have ‘no-go’ areas — Okurounmu Continues from Page 5

stronger and more united.

“As we continue to strive to build a strong and virile nation, especially in the midst of agitations and tensions, we cannot deny the fact that sitting down to talk is one right step in calming down tensions and channeling our grievances, misgivings and suggestions into more positive use for the good of our country”.

He thanked the Senate President, and the lead-

ership and members of the National Assembly for the support they have given to the project, saying that “the concept of participatory democracy is such that even after the people have given their representatives the mandate to make laws and act on their behalf, there is also a space for the governed to make further input into the political processes, without undermining the authority of the statutory bodies.

“Sovereignty continues

to be with the people even as the people evolve strategies and tactics to strengthen its foundation for the benefit of successor generations. It is this sort of collaboration between the people and established institutions of government, that will allow for a robust outcome that leads to greater understanding and a more cohesive and inclusive Union. For me, there is no alternative to inclusivity, equity and justice in a modern democratic

state,” he said.

We won't fail the nation – Okurounmu

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Senator Okurounmu promised that “we shall not fail the nation. We shall not be another case of failed expectations. We shall not betray the confidence which the President and over 160 million Nigerians have reposed in us”.

He commended the

President for showing courage, adding that “the President’s sincerity and commitment are further buttressed by the fact that he has not established any so-called ‘ no go’ areas for this committee, thus opening up for discourse all aspects of our present constitution and national life”.

...Tinubu must have been misquoted

Commenting on Tinubu’s reported opposition to the conference in a chat with State House correspondents, he said the Tinubu that he knew could not have said what he was quoted as saying.

Upon his return from medical treatment abroad, Asiwaju Tinubu was quoted as saying that there was no need for the conference because it was a distraction and a ‘Greek gift’ from President Jonathan.

“Tinubu must have been misquoted. Tinubu has been one of the financiers of the agitations for national conference.

He funded the PRONACO conference which was held in Lagos.

So Tinubu has been at the forefront of the agitation for national conference so the press must have been misquoting him. That must be another Tinubu, not the Tinubu I know,” Okurunomu said.

Jaw-jaw better than war-war — Abubakar

Meanwhile, General Abdulsalami Abubakar expressed support for the dialogue, saying that it is better to dialogue than to fight.

Speaking with State House correspondents shortly after making a presentation on the proposed Centenary City in Abuja, Abubakar, who is the chairman of the Centenary City board, said the country deserves to celebrate 100 years of amalgamation.

Though the former Head of State was reluctant to speak on any issue outside the centenary celebration, he said: “It is better to jawjaw than to war-war.”

Jonathan has demonstrated he

is a leader – Alkali

In like manner, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali applauded President Jonathan for his initiative to organize a national dialogue, adding that he has again demonstrated that he is a leader that is sensitive and responsive to the yearnings of his people.

“President Jonathan has exhibited the qualities of a democrat and a leader by acceding to the demands of Nigerians for a national dialogue.

This decision can only come from a leader who feels he owes the people that gave him their mandate through the ballot box in a transparent election,” he said, and advised Nigerians to seize this rare opportunity to ventilate their position on how to strengthen the bond of unity and deepen democracy in the country.

Professor Alkali, however, warned ethnic chauvinists and irredentists not to use anything to undermine this noble objective or to threaten the future of Nigeria.

It’s a step in the right direction – Gani Adams

Also, Otunba Gani Adams has said that the convening of a national conference is a step in solving the problems facing the country.

Otunba Adams, in a statement, commended President Jonathan for setting up an advisory committee to discuss some of the issues facing the country.

He said: “I want to commend the action of President Goodluck Jonathan over his decision to convene a National Conference to discuss the issues that have combined to stunt the growth of our country. I think we should praise President Jonathan for setting up a committee for a National Conference. I sincerely believe that the conference will proffer solution to most of the problems that have prevented the country from developing. I am also convinced that most of the problems that we are going through as a nation can be addressed by the conference.”

52 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Vanguard, TUESDAY OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 53

Putin justifies Obama’s absence Emmanuel wins NNPC/Chevron from APEC •As shutdown enters second week Junior Masters Tennis R

USSIAN leader Vladimir Putin says President Barack Obama’s decision to skip a regional summit in Indonesia is “justified” as he tries to end a government shutdown that could rock the world’s top economy.

Putin told a CEO conference Monday on the summit’s sidelines, “If I were him I would not have come as well. Any leader of a state would have done the same.”

For Obama, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting has become a missed opportunity to underline renewed U.S. attention to Asia as a counterbalance to China’s increased economic and military clout. The budget impasse forced

Obama to stay home.

Putin, who is often at odds with Obama on foreign policy and other issues, says he hopes the U.S. “will recover from this crisis asap.”

The government shutdown entered its second week with no end in sight and ominous signs that the United States was closer to the first default in the nation’s history.

Default looms over US Just 10 days before the threat of default would be imminent, animosity among congressional leaders marked the stalemate and resolution seemed elusive.

A statement from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., accused Boehner of a credibility problem and called on

him to allow a vote on a straightforward bill to reopen the government.

“There is now a consistent pattern of Speaker Boehner saying things that fly in the face of the facts or stand at odds with his past actions,” said Adam Jentleson, a spokesman for Reid.

“Americans across the country are suffering because Speaker Boehner refuses to come to grips with reality.”

In response, Michael Steel, a spokesman for Boehner, said it was “time for Senate Democrats to stow their faux outrage and deal with the problems at hand. The federal government is shut down because Democrats refuse to negotiate, and the debt limit is right around the corner.”

Kerry defends al-Liby capture commando raids in Tripoli

U

S Secretary of State John Kerry has defended the capture of an alleged al-Qaeda leader, Anas al-Liby, calling him a “legal and appropriate target”.

He is a suspected mastermind of the 1998 US embassy attacks in Africa. His son, Abdullah alRaghie, said his father was seized by masked gunmen and that some of them were Libyans.

Mr Kerry’s comments come after Libya called on the US to explain the raid on its territory, one of two

by US commandos in Africa on Saturday.

Mr Kerry said Anas alLiby, who has been on the FBI’s most wanted list for more than a decade with a $5m (£3.1m) bounty on his head, would face justice in a court of law.

Anas al-Liby is suspect-

ed of masterminding the 1998 US embassy attacks in Africa.

“With respect to Abu Anas al-Liby, he is a key al-Qaeda figure, and he is a legal and an appropriate target for the US military,” Mr Kerry told reporters on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Eco-

Fresh protests claim 10 lives in Egypt

T

EN people were killed in three separate attacks in Egypt on Monday, most of them soldiers and police officers, in a fresh round of violence that followed violent clashes across the country one day earlier.

The deadliest attack was in the Suez Canal city of Ismailia, east of Cairo, where masked gunmen opened fire on an army

Al-Shabbab bolsters presence in Barawe to counter US raid

S

OMALI militant group al-Shabab has sent reinforcements to the town of Barawe, where US commandos tried to seize one of its leaders on Saturday, residents have told the BBC. The residents say about 200 masked fighters have

arrived in the coastal town with heavy machine guns.

It appears that the raid was targeting a Kenyan Somali known as Abdukadir Mohamed Abdukadir, alias Ikrima. The operation follows last month’s attack on a Kenyan shopping centre.

US credits Syria for chemical arms progress

K

ERRY’S comments came after he held high-level talks with Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, on the sidelines of an A s i a - P a c i f i c economic summit in In-

nomic Co-operation (APEC) summit in Indonesia.

Anas al-Liby - real name is Nazih Abdul-Hamed alRuqai - is believed to have been one of the masterminds behind the 1998 US embassy attacks, which killed more than 220 people in Kenya and Tanzania.

donesia yesterday.

“The process has begun in record time and we are appreciative for the Russian cooperation and obviously for the Syrian compliance,” he told reporters alongside Lavrov after the talks.

patrol. Six soldiers were killed, including a lieutenant.

Meanwhile on Sinai, a suicide car bomber attacked the security headquarters in the southern city of El-Tor. Four people were killed, including the bomber, and 55 more were injured.

Israel's spiritual leader dies at 93

V

IGILS had been held for the past month at a hospital in Jerusalem where he was being treated as his health declined.

The rabbi was a leading Torah scholar and arbiter of Halacha, or Jewish law.

He was also the spiritual leader of the Shas party, which he founded in 1984 to boost representation for Jews of Middle Eastern and North African origin. Until then, Israel’s government and religious institutions had tended to be dominated by Ashkenazi Jews - those of European descent.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed “deep sorrow” at the news of Rabbi Yosef’s death, describing him as “among the greatest rabbis of our generation”. He was buried yesterday.

CHAMPION......First lady of Lagos, Mrs. Fashola (centre) and Bala Hamisu of the Nigeria Tennis Federation present the winner’s Chevron Junior Masters trophy to Sylvester Emmanuel at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

S

YLVESTER Emmanuel of Kaduna, was at the weekend crowned the new champion of the NNPC/ Chevron Junior Masters Tennis held at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

Emmanuel defeated Michael Michael in straight sets.

Playing on the Lord Rumens Centre Court, Emmanuel, who came into the game slightly ahead of his opponent in the bookmakers’ rating, showed why he is revered by his peers when he

came back from what looked like a defeat in the first set to take the game 63.He lost the second set to Michael, who, like Emmanuel, is also from Kaduna, but he rallied to win the third set 10 -8.

Thrilled by his victory, Emmanuel, who won tennis shoes, a giant trophy, shirts and racquets, attributed his success to hard work and the tutelage he received from national team’s junior coach, Mohammed Ubale.

An elated Emmanuel described the NNPC/

Chevron Junior Masters’ victory as “the best of my career, which will lead me to greater achievements.”

He added: “When I came here I vowed to do my best for a successful campaign and I am glad I am going home with the trophy.

“I want to thank Chevron for bringing his competition to us because it has exposed some of us to something we have not had before. But I also want to plead that they help us to go abroad for better training.”

Enyeama, Nwofor hit Eagles camp

S

UPER Eagles standin skipper, Vincent Enyeama led by example Monday, when he was among the first player to arrive the Bolton White Apartment camp of the national team ahead of the all-important World Cup qualifier against the Whylan Antelopes of Ethiopia, next Sunday in Addis Ababa.

The inform Lille of France goalminder, was joined later in the day by Holland based striker, Uche Nwofor, who was also business like as he breezed into the camp to the warm embrace of Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.

Home based professionals were led into camp by skipper, Chgozie Agbim, Sunday Mba was also in camp early, same for Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis and Azubuike Egwuekwe. All technical officials and backroom staff have also arrived the Bolton White Apartment. More players from abroad were being

expected as at dinner time on Monday. Training proper commences Tuesday evening at the Abuja National Stadium.

Speaking ahead of preparations for the encounter, Keshi said he was happy that none of his players was nursing any injury but demanded for

total concentration from both players and officials ahead of the Addis Ababa duel. “We need the concentration and support of all to reach our goal and I know that everyone here is a thorough bred professional and will give that to the team and the Nigerian people”, he said.

NBBF, IMG join hands to take basketball to the zenith

I

N a bid to take Nigeria’s basketball to the next level, the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, has entered into an agreement with IMG Worldwide, a global sports, fashion and media company for 20 years, president of the federation, Tijanni Umar has disclosed.

The agreement which was signed in Abuja with the support of the Sports Minister, Mallam Bolajio Abdullahi will see IMG, through its local partnership group led by Tayo Amusan, help to

develop and grow Nigeria’s basketball, including on a professional level, for up to 20 years.

According to Umar, “Nigeria has always had the potential to be a dominant power in basketball. Today we begin investing in our long term success as a basketball power, with this step in partnership with IMG, a pioneer in world sport, bringing to bear its industry-leading expertise and strategic planning to help unlock Nigeria’s true long-term potential.”

54 — Vanguard, TUESDAY OCTOBER 8, 2013

Gyan jets in for Egypt clash

G

Gyan

HANA captain Asamoah Gyan arrived on Monday morning to join his international teammates to open preparations towards the crunch game against Egypt.

The Black Stars captain arrived alongside his brother and former Ghana striker Baffour Gyan at around 11am local time from their UAE

base.

Gyan’s arrival swells the number of the Black Stars players in town to open Tuesday’s training session at the Accra Sports Stadium ahead of the 2014 World Cup playoff on October 14.

This will significantly grow the numbers of Back Stars arrivals ahead of the opening training session on Tuesday morning as some of the stars are already in the country.

Ghana will be looking to record an emphatic win over Egypt on October 15 in Kumasi to seal virtual qualification to next year’s World Cup in Brazil ahead of the second leg match a month later.

Algeria make three changes for Burkina Faso

A

LGERIA have included striker Mohamed Amine Aoudia in their squad to face Burkina Faso in Saturday’s World Cup play-off first leg in Ouagadougou.

He replaces French-born Inter Milan forward Ishak Belfodil, who has been dropped after only two caps since he confirmed his national allegiance.

Aoudia’s goals for his club Dynamo Dresden

have led to his first call-up since the Africa Cup of Nations.

French-based pair of Faouzi Ghoulam and Foued Kadir have also been recalled.

Both were dropped for last month’s World Cup qualifier against Mali.

Algeria host the second leg of the playoff in Blida on 19 November, with the aggregate winner qualifying for next year’s finals in Brazil.

Uncertainty over Eto’o as Lions train in Paris

T

HE indomitable lions of Cameroon yesterday started camping ahead of their October 13 clash with Tunisia in the ultimate round of qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, Brazil 2014.

The session is taking place at the Centre Leonard Vinci (Lisses) in France.

The training will last for four

days before going to Tunisia on Friday. Head coach Volker Finke will have to do without FC Seville’s Stephane Mbia who has been ruled out by an injury. Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o was also summoned but his presence remains uncertain as the player reportedly announced his retirement from national team duties.

Nadir Belhadj shares a joke with Hassan Yebda

Ivory Coast suffer Konan setback A b o u t r i k a leads Kumasi

D

Eto'o

Ghana protest to FIFA over Cairo

T

HE Ghana FA will write to FIFA to ask for their crucial World Cup playoffs return leg against Egypt next month to be moved from Cairo as violence in the troubled country escalates, the Ghanaian media has reported on Monday.

According to a report on Oman FM, the GFA will ask the world governing body to seek for a new venue for the match next month after 50 people were killed in running battles with security forces in the unstable country.

Football matches were used by protesters to start protests since the revolution broke out in the country two years ago and has seen many people killed in various stadiums in the country with attacks on security forces.

IDIER Ya Konan will miss Ivory Coast’s World Cup play-off tie against Senegal after being ruled out for the rest of the year following ankle surgery.

The Hannover striker had an operation on his left ankle in Basel, Switzerland on Monday, having suffered an injury in Friday’s 1-1 daw with Hertha Berlin.

The club says the 29year-old will be sidelined for “a long time”.

He will be unable to play again until after the Bundesliga’s winter break at the end of January at least.

Ya Konan has scored 37 goals in 115 league appearances for Hannover since joining from Norwegian side Rosenborg in 2009.

And he had been expected be a key part of

Konan the Ivory Coast team that takes on Senegal over two legs in October and

November for a place at next year ’s world Cup finals in Brazil.

to

Egypt coach Bob Bradley has named his final squad for the crucial 2014 World Cup playoff against Ghana.

The American trainer named his squad on Sunday evening to mark the beginning of their final phase of preparations towards the October 15 clash in Kumasi.

Wael Gomaa and Shikabala were named in the 24-man squad despite their recent struggles with injury.

Bradley delayed the naming of his final squad to check on his international players on club duty – especially with Al Ahly ’s Champions League game against Coton Sport postponed due to heavy rains.

Vanguard, TUESDAY OCTOBER 8, 2013 — 55

Success full of high hopes with Eaglets ...As Manu Boys tackle American University tomorrow

Age grade tournaments should not be staged outside schools — NASCOM

W

T

ITH 10 days to the start of the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the UAE, Golden Eaglets’ Isaac Success has said that the overall success of the team is far more important than any individual ambition.

Success comes into this fray in a blaze of glory as Africa’s best striker after scoring seven goals in five matches at the CAN Championship in Morocco last April. But speaking from the team’s Dubai training camp on Monday, the youngster said he was not carried away about past achievements with his eyes firmly focussed on the bigger picture. ” Frankly, we are looking forward to the FIFA Under17 World Cup with great optimism as a team and I think this is far greater than the ambition of any one of us,” said Success who is the Golden Eaglets’ vice captain.

The Golden Eaglets boast of many talented youngsters but Success enthused that emphasis should be on their collective efforts when pressed to pick the team’s likely lucky charm in UAE. “I’m not looking forward to anybody being the star player and personally it is not my focus,”noted the lad who was nicknamed Nasarah-success in Arabic language- by Coach Manu Garba.” What is important is what we can do as a team and we all want to be successful at this World

Chairman, National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM), Yemi Idowu; President, Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Ibrahim Muhammad; Deputy Director, School Sports, Federal Ministry of Education, Victoria Kayode and NSSF Secretary, Olabisi Joseph during the unveiling of NASCOM calendar for 2013/2014 in Lagos Cup.” The Golden Eaglets remain one of the best teams at this level having won on three previous occassions and Success is upbeat.about the chances of the current squad.”Our preparation is going well since we came to Dubai and we are praying to God

what the government has promised us. It seems we are not appreciated by our government,” said one of the disgruntled players.

For the 2013 AFCON in South Africa, the team were reportedly supported by the country’s richest man, Mohammed Al Amoudi.

This comes at a time when the Walya Antelopes are sweating on the fitness of their star striker Getaneh Kebede.

Kebede, who has formed a superb strike

Academic City.” We are impressed with the condition of the players and their response to training since we arrived in Dubai last week,” said Coach Garba.”We are hoping to see all what we have been doing under match situation when we play our first friendly match here on Wednesday.”

WMRA upgrades Obudu status

T

HE World Mountain Running Association, WMRA, has upgraded the status of the Obudu international mountain race from a mere associate member race to one of its premium events for this year.

The Obudu international mountain race made its debut as a

Bonus Continues from B/P

to bless all our efforts,”he said.

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets would step up their preparation when they play their muchanticipated friendly match against the American University on Wednesday at the school’s ground located inside the Dubai

force with Saladin Said, is nursing an ankle injury and was rested by his South African club Bidvest Wits this past weekend.

He is therefore a major doubt for Sunday ’s showdown.

However, team spirit must have been lifted with the arrival of three of the country’s foreignbased stars. Addis Hintsa from Al Ahly Shendi in Sudan, Shemeles Bekele of Al Ittihad of Libya and Asrat Mergasa, who is based in Israel, have joined up with the rest of the squad.

WMRA associate member race in 2005 but it has grown to become one of the eagerly anticipated races in the world of mountain running. The race which also incorporates the African Mountain Running Championships is now listed among the major races in the calendar of the WMRA. ‘We are really delighted that the Obudu international mountain race has continued to be

accorded the rightful status it deserves,’says Patrick Ugbe,a member of the local organising committee for the race and the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in Cross River State. Ugbe revealed that the Obudu international mountain race has always received the backing of the governing body for the sport.

Emenike Continues from B/P about that when the game kicks off this weekend “Yes, the three players have yellow cards, but you don’t go into a game thinking you want to play to avoid picking up another card.

“The best thing to do is play the game as best as you can and give everything for the team. At the end of the game, we will assess our options.”

Africa’s 2014 World Cup

qualifying has been plagued by a rash of points reversals following the use of inelgible players, but the official told KickOffNigeria.com that that was unlikely to happen with the Super Eagles “Our record-keeping is very good and nothing like that can happen. We already know the three players who are on yellow cards, and we have nobody suspended.”

O check age cheat in sports, National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) has said that age grade competitions should not be organized outside the school system.

Speaking at the weekend during the unveiling of NASCOM calendar for 2013/2014, chairman of the body, Yemi Idowu, age grade competitions are not supposed to be staged outside schools, saying, “We need to send a clear message to all stakeholders that age grade competition should be undertaken by school children and it should be domiciled in schools.”

He added: “We must avoid organizing age grade competitions outside the school system. This is the first objective. We should also avoid open competitions for age grade competitions. We need students who have a verifiable track record,

which can stand the test of scrutiny.”

Also in its efforts to bring vibrancy to school sports across the country, NASCOM has once again reaffirmed its support for Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) and Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON).

According to Idowu, the body was set up to compliment the efforts of NSSF and YSFON, saying, “at the inaugural meeting of NASCOM, the committee agreed that it would not be organizing any new competition which would be in conflict with the work already being done by the component entities like NSSF and YSFON, rather NASCOM will be the umbrella body which will be used to jointly raise awareness and funds for the promotions of schools sports and improvement of age grade competitions at the school level.”

Two friends hit bet9ja jackpot

S

AHEED Oniloyi and Olashile Ali had reasons to rejoice at the weekend when they combined to win a total sum of N8m (Eight million naira) with a N400 stake.

The close friends used their understanding of football bets to predict the outcome of matches of some Europa league and some Italian football league matches.

At the end of the Europa league matches on Thursday, their tickets were confirmed and it revealed that they have emerged as the biggest winners of the bet9ja game show.

In an interview after claiming his prize, Saheed Oniloyi claimed that he was praying when someone beckoned on him that the game on his ticket has sealed victory for him.

Ethiopia Continues from B/P invited players for the Ethiopians is midfielder Menyahel Teshome, who scored the winning goal in their final group match against the Central Africa Republic.

Teshome, who has been in a rich vein of form said recently that the Ethiopians were less concerned of the Eagles, who they believe would be easily beaten in the high altitude of Addis Ababa this weekend.

Coach Bishaw has already said that their game plan is to get a win at home and fight for a draw in Calabar.

Full Squad Goalkeepers (4): Dereje Alemu, Jemal Tasew, Samson Assefa and Sisay Bancha.

Defenders (9): A. Butako, Aynalem Hailu, Birhanu Bogale, Degu Debebe, Elias Biadgelegn, Moges Tadesse, S. Bergecho, Siyoum Tesfaye and Toke James.

Midfielders (6): Adane Mentesenot, Asrat Megersa, Behailu Assefa, Fasika Asfaw, Medhane Tadesse, Menyahel Teshome.

Forwards (3): Adane Girma, Dawit Fekadu and Oumed Oukri.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013

Ethiopia release hit squad for Eagles

Enyeama, Nwofor hit Eagles camp — Pg 53

D

ETERMINED to cause a major upset in the 2014 World Cup qualifier, Ethiopia yesterday released a final 22-man squad for this weekend’s showdown against the Super Eagles in Addis Ababa on October 16.

The notable absentee from coach Sewnet Bishaw ’s squad is striker Saladin Said who is injured.

The Ethiopians have been in a boisterous mood for the match against the African champions, who have also started camping for the first leg match holding at the 35, 000 capacity Addis Ababa Stadium.

Top on the list of the

Continues on Page 55

Emenike, Oboabona walk suspension tight rope

CONTEST......Ethiopia’s Minyahile Teshome (left) battles for the ball with Eagles’ John Obi Mikel during their group match at AFCON 2013 Emenike

A

TRIO of Nigeria players are walking a suspension tightrope for this weekend’s World Cup qualifier in Ethiopia.

Emmanuel Emenike,

Godfrey Oboabona and Elderson Echiejile are all on yellow cards, and could miss the second leg of they pick up additional bookings in Addis Ababa.

PUZZLE

But a Super Eagles team official told KickOffNigeria.com that neither players nor officials will be thinking

Continues on Page 55

E

THIOPIA are unhappy with the win bonus approved for Sunday ’s World Cup playoff against Nigeria, saying it cannot motivate them

Details of the bonus are still not known, but several of the players insist they deserve more.

“We deserve better than Continues on Page 55

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

Bonus problem for Ethiopia

Oboabona

Echiejile

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Concise (5) 5 Imitated (6) 8 Repulse (5) 10 Carrier (6) 11 Employed (4) 14 Tedious (6)) 15 Serious (7) 18 Lair (3) 19 Consume (3) 21 Deceased (4) 23 Encounter (5) 24 Shoal (4) 27 Can (3) 29 Regret (3) 31 Structure (7) 32 Stocked (6) 34 Unaccompanied (4) 35 Combined (6) 38 Tooth (5) 39 Ebb (6) 40 Trivial (5)

DOWN 2 Fish-eggs (3) 3 Wandering (6) 4 Charge (3) 5 Cudgel (4) 6 Peeped (6) 7 Eluded (6) 9 Gift (7) 12 Turf (3) 13 Feed (4) 16 Competent (4) 17 Implicit (5) 20 Melodious (7) 22 Declare (4) 24 Rota (6) 25 Cupid (4) 26 Uproar (6) 28 Dress (6) 30 Fish (3) 33 Cupola (4) 36 Doze (3) 37 Newt (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Resume 5, Dummy 8, Token 9, Car 10, Seen 11, Blow 12, Assay 13, Repair 16, Fern 18, Edit 20, Wet 22, Cot 23, Don 24, Side 25, Owed 28, Daring 30, Faint 32, Akin 33, Iron 34, Ado 35, Fussy 36, Less 37, Adhere.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 1, Record 2, Striped 3, Massif 4, Consented 5, Debated 6, Only 7, Lewd 8, Tea 14, Recognise 15, Sin 17, Row 19, Dominate 20, Wig 21, Tetanus 26, Damned 27, Ignore 29, Mail 30, Fife 31, Try.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Ag. Editor: EZE ANABA. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.