My generation has failed-JONATHAN

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62316

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Buhari takes campaign to President's base •Pledges to fight environmental degradation in N-Delta

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My generation has — JONATHAN failed

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor, Dapo Akinrefon & Charles Kumolu

•Says he won't use crude tactics to fight corruption •Slams his predecessors for not equipping the military •Asks opposition to match accusations with facts

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A G O S — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, flagged off his campaign for re-election with a declaration that his generation has failed Nigeria.

While addressing youths at the campaign ground, the President told them to work for the future of Nigeria, through hard work and dedication, adding that the youths are the ones to take the country to the moon.

He vowed not to resort to crude tactics to combat the major challenges of corruption and insecurity that have plagued the country.

He also said that voting for the opposition

JONATHAN FLAGS OFF CAMPAIGN IN LAGOS

Continues on Page 5

COLUMNIST: Donu Kogbara

New Year, New Government? •P.17

Mr & Mrs CAMPAIGN—From left: Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Ahmadu Ali; Vice-President Namadi Sambo, President Goodluck Jonathan and National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu at the flag off of PDP presidential campaign at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

More world leaders condemn Paris newsroom massacre, as images emerge 2015 polls: How far can Jonathan go in ELOOOO states?

•See pull-out inside

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Controversy over fresh Boko Haram attack on Baga 53

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POCKET CARTOON

ELECTION MONITORING—From left: Chairman of Africa Independent Television, AIT, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi; Director-General of Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Mr Sola Omole and Executive Secretary, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Mr Olusegun Olaleye, at the board meeting of election monitoring group in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

My generation has failed — JONATHAN Continues from Page 1

APC was like returning Nigerians to prison. Speaking before an impressive crowd at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, the president directed his address mainly to the youths who he said were not privy to the rules of the jungle which his challengers were aiming to return the country to.

The president who had all serving governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and some principal officials of the National Assembly in attendance, repeatedly flayed the campaign agenda and endorsements received by his All Progressives Congress, APC, challenger, General Muhammadu Buhari.

President Jonathan, however, did not once mention Buhari by name in his nearly 30 minutes

speech.

The president, for the first time, also disclosed that the October 1, 2010 attack by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, on the Eagles Square, Abuja was an assassination attempt directed at him. Shortly after the attack the president had, however, absolved MEND from culpability.

But yesterday, he firmly blamed the body which has recently endorsed Buhari for the attack.

Before the president spoke, yesterday, the party chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu‘azu had presented the party ’s governorship flag bearers with the party’s flag.

Jonathan is a builder — Mimiko The party leader in the Southwest, Governor

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them —Thomas Kinkade A metaphor for discovering one’s gift and talent might be described as finding a geode in the desert.

Initially, from the outside, gifts and talents seemingly appear very rough, and not much to look at, like the exterior of a geode.

A geode, first, has to be cut open to expose the crystalline interior; next it has to be ground down, and finally buffed up and polished to make it shine brilliantly.

This process is similar to developing one’s gifts or talents, a lot of hard work is required to make them sparkle.

The self-discipline in training and practice initially breaks one down; then repetition of proper technique builds one up, until the gift or talent is honed into excellence. And it may take years to mature a gift or talent to the point of bearing abundant fruit. Be patient with the process, things work out for your good, they always do.

Olusegun Mimiko had earlier welcomed the president to the Southwest praising him for his efforts in office, particularly, the rehabilitation of the L a g o s - I b a d a n expressway and the revival of the railways as he affirmed Dr. Jonathan to be a true democrat and unlike some bornagain democrats.

In an apparent reference to Buhari, Mimiko had said: “We can remember the antihuman decision to terminate the Lagos metro line project by some other government.

That project into which the Jakande-led administration had committed a whopping sum of N70 million (about $75 million at that time) was meant to put an end to the traffic nightmare in Lagos metropolis through the installation of a circuit of rail lines that would have stretched from Agege to Marina, Ikorodu in the north and Badagry in the east, ferrying nearly a million people a day, 31years ago. While some chose to destroy, you have chosen to build,” Mimiko had said.

The campaign flag off paralysed movements around the TBS as many roads including the one adjoining the official residence of the Lagos State Governor were shut to traffic by security men.

Yesterday’s flag off did not formally start until 12.30 pm shortly after the president arrived and took a tour round the square to greet party supporters.

Supporters of the party ’s governorship candidates, who were bussed in for the function, also seized the opportunity to show off their candidates on poster boards. One exception was Minister

of State for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Ms Jumoke Akinjide, whose posters with the depiction “Jumoke for Jonathan” were conspicuously carried by many women in the arena.

Vice-President Namadi Sambo in his remarks also urged the people to reject the message of the opposition in Lagos.

Following speeches by PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Governor Godswill Akpabio and the National Chairman, the president delivered his speech which he said would be mainly directed at the youths on the claim that his generation was a failure.

Our generation has failed — Jonathan “I believe that the young Nigerians are the future, we are finished.

We believe that the youths will be the ones that will take us to the moon, my generation has failed because we could not take Nigeria to the moon.”

He continued: “I don’t want to address old people like me because we (his generation) are spent already. I am going to dwell on three things because those, who said they are going to take over from the PDP have been telling a lot of lies. They have hired people all over the world and are feeding people with lies on the social media. They are painting all sorts of colours and giving you all sorts of claims that they cannot defend.”

He listed the three points as his administration’s attitude towards corruption; alleged weakness of his government and the perceptions of lack of planning.

Noting the challenge from Buhari on the administration’s alleged failure to address the insecurity in the land, the President said: “They talked about insecurity.

They said they will fight insecurity. And I ask, are our armed forces weak?

If we have problems, what is the cause?

Equipment. Somebody who told young people that he is going to fight insecurity, ask him if he bought one riffle for Nigerian soldiers when he was the Head of State.

These people did not buy anything for the Nigerian soldiers. They refused to equip them.

Ask them what they did with their defense

budget.

“They said my government is corrupt and that we are not fighting corruption. Only yesterday, I addressed anti-corruption agencies and told them that people are deceiving young Nigerians. I said that they must tell Nigerians what they are doing.

“We have arrested more people and done more convictions. Let me apologise to some Nigerian federal civil servants who did not receive their December salaries early enough and I will tell you what happened. I apologise to those families that suffered because we believe and I believe that for you to fight corruption, we must take measures. If they had succeeded in fighting corruption, corruption would not have been with us today. If they had set up structures especially with the days of modern science and technology using ICT, to manage resources, we would not have been talking about corruption today.

Fight against corruption “What happened in December was because of a software that is used for processing salary packages. Sometimes, people steal through salaries and some federal government agencies, including some ministries try to divert funds to try and pay for some allowances and the system is scientific. It is not a human being. Once money meant to pay salaries is diverted, it shuts you down and those departments of government were shut down. This is the only way you can prevent corruption.”

The president also noted the administration’s success in combating corruption

in the agriculture sector especially through fertiliser distribution.

Affirming that brutal responses would not end corruption, the president said: “If somebody tells you that the best way to fight corruption is to come and arrest your uncle and father and show him on television and jail him, it won’t stop corruption. It even encourages corruption.

Armed robbery is still with us, we are shooting armed robbers, is that stopping armed robbery?

“So, arresting people and showing them on television will not stop it; we must set up institutions and strengthen them to prevent people from touching the money and that is what we are working on and we are succeeding.”

The president also noted the administration’s success in effective distribution of petroleum products affirming that Nigerians do not have to sleep in petrol stations to buy fuel.

Arms procurement Alluding to issues that haunted the administration arising from the procurement of arms, he said: “We talked about corruption and they say that the military is corrupt. When this crisis of insecurity came up, we had nothing, so to get these equipment quickly, we had to use vendors to procure them; but now, what we are doing is government to government transaction.

Any new procurement we are doing whether for the Air Force, Navy or Army, is government to government. There is nothing like corruption any more even if we had some issues. Is that not the way to fight corruption?

“You must prevent people from touching your money and this is what government is

Continues on Page 51

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

FRSC records 120 deaths

Sapele mechanics in showdown with govt officials over land

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—AS Nigerians still bask in the euphoria of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, yesterday, said 120 deaths were recorded during the yuletide.

The Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, who spoke in Asaba during his visit to the Delta State Command in continuation of the monitoring of the patrol operations in the country, said there was 14 percent reduction in auto crashes across the country, compared to 2013/2014, which according to him was made “possible with good planning.”

He said the country was partitioned into 23 corridors, which were effectively manned by personnel of the corps with logistics from the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Works.

He said: “That helped cover all the critical roads.

The focus now is on sustaining the gains we recorded and how to sustain this and our programme for the year, especially the area of speed limiting devices, which enforcement is from June 1.

“One of the issues for us is the enforcement of overloading rule; use of phone while driving and speed violation. We believe we should be able to put them all under control. We are set for the year and the officers are well equipped for these tasks.

“We still have a week more. So officers and marshals are still on the roads to ensure that those who are returning to their various locations get there safely. The officers and marshals have put up a brilliant performance.”

By Godwin Oghre

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APELE—NO fewer than 300 motor mechanics, operating under the banner of Nigeria Auto Technical Association, Sapele Branch, Delta State, yesterday held a peaceful protest on major streets in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of the state.

Their demonstration was against what they described as “dehumanising administrative style of the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Mr. Ejaife Odebala and the Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly, Chief Monday Igbuya, to render us jobless and turn us into miscreants by forcefully and unlawfully sacking us from our workshops.”

Chairman of the protesting mechanics, Mr. Lugard Eko, led the protesters to the country home of the President General of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Chief Joseph Omene, to register their displeasure over alleged hard stance of the council chairman and the state lawmaker.

He said: “The council Chairman and the Majority Leader have directed one Ifeanyi, who is the immediate past chairman of the association, to lock up our workshops and secretariat for over a month with

zThe said land belongs to DDPA— IGBUYA zThey have leadership problem— ODEBALA the intent to acquire the vast land, which is owned by the state government, on which our workshops and secretariat are situated.”

When contacted, the Majority Leader denied the allegation by the mechanics linking him to plot to acquire the land.

He said: “The land belongs to Delta Development Property

Authority, an agency of the state government. They should find out what their problem is and let me be.”

The council chairman also denied the allegation of planning to acquire the land.

He said: “They (mechanics) have leadership problem. They should resolve it themselves and not link me to it.”

My wife demands money for sex, retiree tells court M

Y wife always demands money from me before allowing me to have make love to her, a retired civil servant, Mr. Chibuzo Obiedefu, told an Igando Customary Court, Lagos, yesterday.

Obiedefu, 50, told the court that his wife, Philomena, whom he married seven years ago, was denying him of sex.

He said: “My wife is always starving me of sex and if she will allow me, she will ask me to pay for it. And if I refused to give her money and demand to

z‘I only ask for feeding money’ sleep with her by force, she would hit me with any dangerous weapon she could lay her hands on.”

The petitioner accused his wife of infidelity, alleging that she was dating a policeman.

“Philomena is cheating on me; she is having an affair with a policeman and whenever I caution her, she will flare up,” Obiedefu said.

The petitioner said his wife

I'm one-man squad, says car-snatching suspect

By Esther Onyegbula

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OLICE in Lagos State have arrested a 37-year-old robbery suspect, Kazeem, a self-acclaimed one-man robbery squad, who specialized in stealing vehicles with a master key in Lagos State and its environs.

Vanguard gathered that he was arrested at Oshodi by operatives of Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, while

attempting to dispose off a stolen Sienna to a car dealer identified as Alhaji.

According to reports, Kazeem, who is a trained panel beater, spent eight months in Kirikiri Prison, Lagos, last year for car snatching, before he was released.

He said: “My name is Kareem. I am a panel beater from Osun State. I lived in Oworosonki area before I was arrested. I went to prison

Meanwhile, the mechanics have vowed to continue the protest, saying “until the government officials direct the reopening of our workshops and secretariat, we will not stop.”

Some of their placards read Government officials, leave us alone; Nobody should sack us from Sapele; Our workshops must be open now, among others.

because of my involvement in car snatching business. I was arrested last year January 14.

“I spent eight months in the prison before I was released after my brother facilitated my bail.

“I was in the village when one of my friends, Ayike, called me, saying he wanted me to help him sell a Sienna car. He told me that his mother bought it for him and that he has been using it at school.

“He could not provide any of the vehicle’s documents. He said when a buyer comes, he will provide the necessary document.

“I was with the Sienna for a month and 18 days looking for buyers before I was arrested after I contacted one Alhaji, a prospective buyer.

“It was one Ebuka in Ladipo that introduced into car snatching business. He made a master key for me”

had created enmity between him and his children.

He said: “My wife is telling my children not to come close to me because I am a bad man.

My children now distance themselves from me and I am now like a stranger to them.”

He pleaded with the court to dissolve his seven-year-old marriage because he was tired of the relationship and he was no longer in love.

Responding, the 40-year-old businesswoman denied all the allegations.

“My husband has sex with me anytime he feels like and I only demanded for feeding money from him,” Philomena said.

The respondent claimed that she was not dating the policeman.

“The policeman is only a friend; no strings attached,” the mother of four said.

She urged the court not to grant her husband’s plea because she was still in love.

The President, Mr. Rufus Adeyeri, adjourned the case till January 21 for judgment.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—7

NDLEA uncovers hard drugs factory in Lagos

By Evelyn Usman

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HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Lagos State Command, has said it uncovered a residential building in Okota area of Lagos, allegedly used for the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Arrested at the building located on Lateef Adegboyega Street, Ago Palace Way, was the Chief Executive Officer of Best Fellows Nigeria Limited, Mr. Chijioke.

NDLEA Lagos State

commander, Mr. Aliyu Sule, who made the disclosures yesterday, added that 7.6kg of methamphetamine, nine drums of Toluene, a Toyota 4 Runner, a Toyota Hiace bus and a pressure pot were recovered from the laboratory in the building.

He also revealed that 126 persons, among them a pregnant woman, were sentenced between one day and 15 years in prison for various drug offences in 2014; with 118 cases still pending.

In the year under review, the state command said 434

The seized building.

suspected drug traffickers were arrested, out of which 413 were males and 21 females.

He said the command had won 123 convictions at the Federal High Court Lagos in 2014. Among those convicted he said, was a pregnant woman identified as Kudirat Bello, who was sentenced to one-day imprisonment by Justice Musa Kurya for possessing 33.3kg of cannabis.

Another suspect, identified as Lanre Salami, he said, lied to the court that he was 15 years old, only to be discovered to be 17 years. He was reportedly sentenced to 10 years for unlawful dealing in 400 grammes of cannabis.

Sule said: “Salisu Usman, 42, was apprehended at Iddo Motor Park on his way to Zamfara, his home state with 47kg of diazepam. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labour, while 38-year-old Obinna Okeke was sentenced to 15 years with hard labour by Justice M. D. Idris for being in possession of 3kg of cannabis.

“In the year under review, drug exhibits seized are as follows: cannabis, 1,989.716kg; cocaine, 188.4 grammes; heroin,

1.645kg; methamphetamine, 7.6kg, and psychotropic substances, 57.8kg.

“Apart from those prosecuted, others found to be addicted were counselled.”

A lucrative business—SUSPECT

In his statement, Chijioke, who was arrested at the building allegedly used for the production of methamphetamine, said he was introduced into the illicit business, which he said was profitable, by a friend.

The Anambra State-born suspect said: “I only attended primary and secondary schools before I went into trading. A friend introduced me to the business of chemical importation from China and Europe in 2012.

“A year later, I learned how to produce methamphetamine because there is high profit in it. I began to produce methamphetamine in my house in 2013. My first production was bad because of inexperience.

“Gradually, I was able to perfect the process. That was how I got involved in the drug business.”

Gunmen abduct Benue businessman

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI—GUNMEN have kidnapped a popular Makurdi-based businessman and table water manufacturer, Chief Edwin Agu, at his Makurdi residence, Benue State.

The latest incident in coming on the heels of recent kidnap cases in Gboko and KatsinaAla Local Government Areas of the state.

Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness that the businessman was abducted from his home by a gang of four fully-armed men, Tuesday night.

The source said: “They came to our neighbourhood, shooting in the air, went into his residence, dragged him into their waiting vehicle and drove away.”

When contacted on phone in Makurdi, the Benue Police Public Relations Officer, Mr, John Bako, said the businessman was kidnapped at gunpoint at 7:30p.m., by unknown persons, who were yet to contact his family.

Bako said: “The kidnappers are yet to contact or demand

ransom from the family, but on our part we have intensified efforts to apprehend the masterminds.”

He said investigation into the matter was ongoing, and pleaded with the public to go about their normal business, but to report any suspicious moment in their neighbourhood to any police station for immediate action.

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KURE—FORTY-SEVEN students, who allegedly injured three policemen and manhandled Ondo State government officials during a protest over alleged nonpayment of their bursary allowance have been arrested and detained by the state Police Command.

The students, from higher institutions from the oil-rich communities of the state, staged a protest to the state Oil Producing Area Development Commission office in Oba-Ile, Akure, over alleged nonpayment of their bursary.

By Ifeanyi Okolie

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ROPERTY worth millions of naira were, in the early hours of yesterday, destroyed in an inferno that gutted two residential buildings and some shops on Okoduwa and Dillion streets at the Kirikiri area of Lagos.

Vanguard gathered that the fire, which cause is yet unknown, started around 1:30a.m. from one of the shops on Okoduwa Street, before spreading to other parts of the market, destroying hundreds of trucks tyres, spare parts and other machinery.

A trader said: “The late arrival of the fire servicemen made the fire to last that long. It took Lagos State Fire Service men close to three hours to respond to our call.”

Another residents, who identified himself simply as Emmanuel Ojo, attributed the cause of the fire to an alleged rift between the traders and the new owner of the shops.

NDLEA nabs 471 in Bauchi

By Suzan Edeh

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RETIREES' ARREARS: The 1999 retirees of the defunct Nigeria Airways on a peaceful protest over backlog of arears in Lagos. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

BURSARY: 47 protesting students arrested in Ondo

By Dayo Johnson

Fire razes shops, buildings in Kirikiri town

The intervention of policemen from the state Police Command saved the commission from being destroyed and the workers from further attacks.

The protest turn bloody when the students, according to police image maker, manhandled the Permanent Secretary and other principal officers of the commission.

Vanguard gathered that the students arrived in buses, chantingd solidarity songs and rained abuses on the commission's management for non-payment of their bursary.

They booed the chairman of the commission, Pastor Johnson Ogunyemi, and call him

unprintable names.

Visitors were prevented from going in, just as residents in the area fled their houses for fear that the students may vent their anger on them.

The students alleged that they were owed 2013/2014 bursary allowance.

One of the students said: “They refused to pay our allowance and this is the second time we would be visiting here without being paid. We felt the only language they would understand is to protest.”

Contacted, the Police image maker Wole Ogodo, confirmed the arrest of the 47students for breaking of law and order.

AUCHI—THE Bauchi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has said it arrested 471 suspects and impounded 1,035.938kg of assorted drugs from January to December 2014.

The state commander of the agency, Mohammed Sokoto, while reviewing the activities of the agency in 2014 at the command’s headquarters in Bauchi yesterday, said the drugs include Cannabis Savita, Exol-5, Diazepam, Raphynol, Pentazoine and Tramadol.

Other drugs seized by the command in the year under review, according to the NDLEA boss, include 412 cartons containing 20,639 bottles of benyline.

He said due to the excess demand for benyline with codeine (cough syrup) in the state, a bottle now sells for N800 to N1,000 as against the former price of N200, adding that majority of the drug addicts at the command’s rehabilitation centres were victims of cough syrup abuse.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Jonathan dismisses MEND's endorsement of Buhari zSays he would've rejected it A

By Ben Agande

BUJA —PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, dismissed the alleged endorsement of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, saying no person who means well for the country should be excited by the endorsement of a terrorist organisation.

In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan noted that for a faction of MEND that had attacked venues where the president was presiding over events at least on two occasions, the attacks did not come as a surprise.

Jonathan, therefore, advised Buhari not to “place any stock on his purported endorsement by the renegade faction of MEND which is led by a convicted and unrepentant terrorist with whom no leader who truly means well for Nigeria should be associated with.”

The statement read: “We have noted with amusement, the vituperations against President Goodluck Jonathan by the renegade faction of the MEND headed by the convicted terrorist, Henry Okah, in a statement issued to endorse the presidential candidate of the APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

“While we thank all the people of the Niger Delta, including the former militants whom MEND claims to represent but who have already disassociated themselves from the statement issued by the faceless Jomo Gbomo and reaffirmed their unflinching support for President Jonathan’s reelection, we will like to state that the latest assault on the President by Henry Okah and his stooges did not come as a surprise to us at all.

“It was very much to be expected, coming as it did from an individual and group who have never hidden their vengeful personal animosity against the President and who have even gone to the extent of launching murderous assaults on venues at which the President was present on two occasions.

“It is most regrettable indeed that rather than show remorse for the terrorist acts against his fatherland for which he is now rightly serving a term of imprisonment in South Africa, Henry Okah continues to pursue a pointless personal

vendetta against President Jonathan who continues to advance and protect the interests of the people of the Niger Delta which Okah and his group threatened with their misguided actions.

“The vituperations against President Jonathan in the MEND’s statement endorsing General Buhari are mischievous, baseless and deliberately styled to denigrate the good works of the President.

It is well known that President Jonathan played a significant role in ending the militancy and insurgency in the Niger Delta. Under his watch, the destruction of oil facilities and the incessant kidnapping and killing of expatriates in the Niger Delta waterways have become a thing of the past.

“The attempt by Jomo Gbomo’s MEND to re-write history by tarnishing the person of President Jonathan

for selfish, pecuniary and political gains will amount to an exercise in futility.

“All patriotic and rightthinking Nigerians must consider an endorsement from a convicted criminal and his group who harbour evil intentions against the unity and progress of their country as a poisoned chalice.

“President Jonathan would never have accepted such an endorsement from terrorists and renegades.”

BOOK PRESENTATION: From left: Chief Taiwo Taiwo, daughter; Chief Supo Shonibare, son; Mrs. Olubusola Adekusibe, representative of book presenter, Otunba Subomi Balogun; Dr. Kehinde Dina, daughter and Mr. Dapo Shonibare, son during the presentation of their father’s biography: 'S.O. Shonibare: Legend Of All Time' written by Peju Akande and Toni Kan, in Lagos.

NITEL/MTEL SALE: NATCOM beats dateline, pays N12.7bn

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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BUJA — THE preferred bidder for Nigeria Telecommunications Plc, NITEL and its arm, the Nigerian Mobile Telecommunication, MTEL, NATCOM Consortium, has paid $75,756,300 (about N12, 727,058,400), being 30 per cent of the $252.521 million bid price for the acquisition of the assets and business units of the two enterprises.

A statement signed, yesterday, by Head, Public Affairs, Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe, said the payment was in line with the offer letter by the BPE to the preferred bidder, which mandates NATCOM to make an initial deposit of 30 per cent of the bid price not later than 14 days on receipt of the offer letter.

With the payment of the 30 per cent, NATCOM is expected to pay the balance of 70 per cent of the bid price within 90 days.

It said: “It is, therefore, imperative to inform creditors that disbursements to them will be considered only after full payment has been received."

The National Council on Privatisation, NCP, at its meeting of February 27, 2012, approved the privatisation of NITEL and MTEL through “guided liquidation.”

The strategy was adopted by the NCP after due consideration of other options and in the light of the previous failed attempts to privatise the companies through Strategic Core Investor Sale and Negotiated Sale strategies following the huge liabilities to creditors to the tune of over N300 billion.

Under the guided liquidation strategy, all the core assets and business undertaking of NITEL and MTEL were to be sold as a single or multiple lots to a qualified bidder by the liquidator under the general guidance of the NCP.

According to the terms of the sale, the bidder that acquires the assets of NITEL and MTEL would continue to operate the assets to provide telecoms services. This is as against the traditional liquidation of an enterprise by asset stripping.

One of the two prequalified bidders, NETTAG Consortium was earlier disqualified for not meeting the requirements, but NATCOM Consortium qualified when the bid was opened on December 3, 2014, having scored an average of 92 per cent in its technical proposal, which was above the minimum pass mark of 75 per cent.

“Consequently, the Chairman of the Consortium, Dr. Olatunde Ayeni, on Monday, December 22, in Abuja, signed the Assets Sale Agreement and was given the Offer Letter by the BPE,” the statement added.

CBN pegs foreign exchange reserves at $34.49bn

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AGOS — THE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has pegged the nation’s foreign exchange reserves at $34.49 billion (about N5.74 trillion) as at January 5.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the CBN posted the foreign exchange reserves data on its website.

According to the bank, the figure represents an increase of $20 million (about N3.36 billion) from the $34.47 billion, (about N5.79 trillion) recorded on December 31, 2014.

The bank said the $34.49 billion (N5.74 trillion) represented the "gross’ amount while $33.52 billion (about N5.63 trillion) was ‘liquid’ and $975 million (about N163.8 billion) ‘blocked'."

NAN reports that the Federal Government had through fiscal policies made attempts since 2013 to shore up the foreign reserves to $50 billion (about N9.05 trillion).

The CBN had in 2014 relied heavily on external reserves to support the Naira which came under pressure following falling international prices of crude oil.

Crude oil prices at the international market have continued to rally between $55 and $60 per barrel since December, 2014.

According to the CBN, the continuous pressure on the foreign exchange market was also attributable to the rise in the internal demand for the dollar.

The CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, had earlier said the country had spent huge assets from the foreign reserves in ensuring that the official exchange rate was maintained at its previous value of N155 to a dollar.

NAN also reports that, in spite of the government’s efforts to shore up the Naira, the CBN devalued the Naira to N168 to a dollar in November, 2014.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—9

Buhari takes campaign to Jonathan's Vows to tackle environmental degradation in N-Delta home base zzNigeria'll be unrecognisable in a year of APC govt —Osinbajo

By Jimitota Onoyume, Sam Oyadanga & Simon Ebegbulem

zA bad brother is not as good as a good friend —Sylva

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ORT HARCOURT — ALL Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), yesterday, took his campaign to the home base of President Goodluck Jonathan in Bayelsa and Rivers States with a promise to frontally address environmental concerns and degraded infrastructure, if elected.

Buhari’s promise to implement the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, report on Ogoniland was elatedly received by Ogoni traditional rulers who through the president, Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King Godwin Biniwa, handed him a sword to wipe out their tears when he emerges president.

General Buhari and his entourage, following the stop at Ogoniland, followed up with campaigns in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State the home base of the president and his main rival for the presidency.

Meanwhile, his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in Benin City, Edo State, said the country would be unrecognisable in one year of an APC government.

His position came as Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State regretted that President Goodluck Jonathan was blaming his predecessors in office when his six years in office has only brought agony and poverty to Nigerians.

At an interactive session with students, traditional rulers, market women and professionals in Benin City, yesterday, Osinbajo said an APC government would within one year solve the power problem, free health care and free food for school children.

He added that though the nation was rich, “ we lack the leadership to harness our resources,” just as he noted that insurgency and corruption had thrived because President Jonathan lacks the political will to fight them.

Buhari urges Ogonis to vote APC Speaking in Saakpenwa, headquarters of Tai Local Government Area during a meeting with Ogoni people, Buhari appealed to the people to vote for the APC and urged them to get their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs.

VALENTINE: Feb 14 polls not to slight Nigerians —INEC

PRESENTATION: From left: Former Minister of Power, Prof. Bath Nnaji; Enugu State Deputy Governor, Rev. Ralph Nwoye; Obi of Onitsha, Chief Alfred Anichebe; wife of author, Lolo Nwakaego and author, Prof. Chiweyite Ejike during the presentation of a book entitled: "Aguowulu My Journey Through Life: A Destiny Redeemed," in Enugu.

Flaying the neglect of the region, Buhari put the blame squarely on President Jonathan saying: “The decision of the Federal Government to abandon the Bodo-Bonny road project is a clear case of incompetence and social injustice. It amounts to neglect at the highest level.

A lot is taken from Ogoniland and relatively little is brought back in return. I assure you that an APC-led Federal Government will fulfil all its promises in Ogoniland.”

Senator Magnus Abe, who hails from the area, was absent during the visit. In a statement read on his behalf, he lamented the pains the Ogoni had suffered in the nation.

Magnus, who represents the Rivers South-East senatorial district in the National Assembly, further appealed to the people to vote the APC. He said: “Our position as a people concerning resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni is that, there should be adequate consultation with and participation of the Ogonis in the process leading to their eventual operation.

“As a deprived people, we have consistently placed in the domains of all governments, the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR) that seeks for equal representation of Ogonis in the affairs of the nation. These demands include appointment of Ogoni sons and daughters in government, provision of live sustainable infrastructures, such as good roads, water and development institutions.”

On his part, Director General, Buhari Presidential

Campaign Organisation, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, urged the people to vote for the APC, saying the Ogoni had suffered neglect in the country.

President, Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King Godwin Biniwa, later handed a copy of the UNEP report and a sword to Buhari, urging him to wipe out their tears when he emerges president.

Buhari identifies bane of nation’s march to greatness Buhari repeated the same vow of dealing with environmental problems in Bayelsa where he was received by thousands of supporters who had defied the scorching sun and long delay to receive him at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

The stadium was filled to capacity as at 3 p.m. five hours after his scheduled arrival as party supporters busied themselves with entertainments provided by dance troupes and other entertainers.

Speaking at the event, Buhari identified corruption, insecurity and incompetent leadership as bane of the nation’s march to greatness even as he promised to tackle environmental pollution ravaging the Niger Delta region.

He also promised to revive agriculture and fishing in the region to boost food production and reduce the rate of unemployment in the

country.

He lamented that the PDP neglected agriculture with the result that the nation is dependent on imports to feed her population.

He also noted with sadness that the people of the Niger Delta can no longer fish in their troubled water due to pollution and promised to work with the United Nations to remediate the environment if voted into office.

Also speaking, Governor Amaechi in his speech at the occasion assured that the party would create jobs, tackle poverty, unemployment and insecurity in the country of voted into power.

A bad brother is not as good as a good friend—Sylva Earlier, the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, urged Bayelsans to vote out Jonathan, saying: “A bad brother is not as good as a good friend.”

He said: “Vote APC and welcome prosperity, good governance into your homes.

I have gone to the West, East, North and South, I have one assurance that Buhari has won the 2015 poll.”

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of flags to the party senatorial candidates in the forthcoming National Assembly polls. They include, Chief Timipre Sylva for Bayelsa East, Eddie Julius, Bayelsa West and Preye Aganaba, Bayelsa Central.

BUJA — THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday said it had not fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections on February 14 to rub Nigerians of the joy derivable from the lovers’ day.

The Chief Press Secretary to the commission’s Chairman, Mr Kayode Idowu, said in Abuja that the election date was a coincidence.

He said: “When the commission was taking that decision, it never even occurred to the leaders of the commission that it was Valentine’s Day. But then, it is a day for showing love and if we can show love that will discourage people from fomenting violence.

“That will discourage you from being hateful towards another person on that day.

It will make the election peaceful. So, it is a good coincidence. ” He, however, urged Nigerians to be guided by the meaning of Valentine’s Day to make the election peaceful.

“The message of the day is to show love for one another and therefore, there is no basis for violence, acrimony and being unruly because that day is a day for showing amenable conduct towards others. So, that should guide the behaviours of voters as they go out to vote.”

Idowu also said that the task force set up by the commission on how to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country were given the opportunity to cast their votes in the forthcoming elections had submitted it report to the commission.

Kayode, however, did not gave details of the recommendations but said the report was now going through the internal processes of the commission.

“Very soon, the specific modality will be announced as to how the IDPs will be able to vote,” he said.

NAN recalls that the task force was given seven work days to submit its report, beginning from December 22, 2014.

The terms of reference of the task force, include examining the legal, political, security and administrative challenges in achieving IDPs’ voting during the election.

10— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Lawyers root for Buhari/ Osinbajo

Don't blame Jonathan for Nigeria's woes —OBA AKIOLU L

From agency reports

AGOS—THE Oba of Lagos, Oba Railwan Akiolu, yesterday, said that President Goodluck Jonathan should not be blamed for the problems of Nigeria.

Akiolu said this while receiving Jonathan at his palace in Lagos.

He said that many of the problems in the country predated the Jonathan administration.

The President was in Lagos State for the flag off of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s, presidential campaign at

the Tafawa Balewa Square.

He was in the Oba’s palace to pay homage to him and seek his blessings before going to the campaign venue.

Akiolu said that fighting corruption was the responsibility of every Nigerian.

VISIT: Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I (left) and President Goodluck Jonathan, during the President's visit to the monarch in Lagos, yesterday.

The monarch said: “What will be, will be; God Almighty will give the best person the opportunity to lead this country.

“Mr President, God knows the best; I am happy; what I want are free and fair elections.

“I am happy that Mr President directed INEC to ensure that voters’ cards are distributed to every eligible member of the electorate.”

He urged the INEC to ensure distribution of voters’ cards, saying that Lagos had more than six million eligible voters.

The royal father said that security agents should not be unfairly used against any citizen during the general elections.

According to him, both the PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, and his APC counterpart, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, are his children.

He said that he had presented Ambode’s candidature for God’s blessing at the 2014 Amir Hajj in Saudi Arabia but noted that God would always have the final say.

The Oba expressed confidence that Nigeria would be more united after the elections.

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

L

AGOS—THE presidential ambition of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate and his r u n n i n g mate, Mohammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo got a boost as a group of lawyers yesterday vowed to ensure the team wins the February election.

The team under the platform of Lawyers for C h a n g e (Lawyers4Change), said their decision was based on their belief that the duo got what it takes to rule the country and deliver it out of the present conundrum.

At the inauguration of the group in Ikeja, Lagos yesterday, the National Coordinator of the group, Adesina Ogunlana said the team “represents the best option now for the salvation of our country from the misrule of incompetent and selfish leaders.”

Lagos to spend N101bn on wages, pension

BUDGET:

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By Monsuru Olowoopejo

AGOS—LAGOS State Government yesterday said N101 billion (20.6 per cent) of the N489 billion budget approved by the State House of Assembly would be spent on wages and pension benefits of civil servants in the state.

Meantime, the state Head of Service, Mrs. Oluseyi Williams has warned civil servants in the state that non-collection of their Permanent Voters'

Cards, PVCs, from Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, would disenfranchise them in 2015 election, saying “INEC wants to frustrate you.”

Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension, Mrs. Florence Oguntuase disclosed this at the 7th Pre-retirement seminar for civil servants who would retire between January and June 2015 held at the Alausa

Secretariat, Ikeja.

Oguntuase said the personnel cost in the 2015 budget consist of the wages and terminal benefits of civil servants under the state employ, adding “From the 2015 budget, about N101 billion has been set aside for wages and pension benefits of civil servants.”

The state governor, Babatunde Fashola during the budget presentation at the State House of Assembly last year described the budget as a 'Pensioner’s Budget'.

Adegboruwa pledges free legal service for striking judicial workers

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A Lagosbased lawyer, EbunOlu Adegboruwa, has pledged to offer legal services free of charge to JUSUN as he disclosed that the strike that was embarked on by the judicial workers on January 2 was valid and proper.

He said that the nationwide strike came after several warning strikes that have not been adhered to by various governments

concerned, adding that the action, is to campaign for judicial a u t o n o m y , independence and funding of the judiciary.

Adegboruwa in a press statement noted that it has been very disturbing for him, listening to and reading comments by legal practitioners, denouncing the strike while their umbrella body, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has called on JUSUN to suspend the strike and explore other options.

He urged all the members of JUSUN to become steadfast, vigilant, unmovable and unshaken in their resolve to prosecute this current strike to its logical conclusion, once and for all.

He said: “I hereby pledge my legal services, free of any charges, to the association in any area that such may be needed, to aid the effectiveness and success of this current strike.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 —11

I cannot sacrifice my life for PDP —OBASANJO zSays ‘I can die for Nigeria' A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—FORMER president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, said that he can never sacrifice his life for the Peoples Democratic Party, but, will be ready to die for the country.

Obasanjo who was a former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the PDP, insisted that though he remains a card carrying member of the PDP, but the first thing is Nigeria and party comes second Obasanjo stated this yesterday during a visit to his Hilltop residence in Abeokuta by the presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party, Dr. Martins Onovo.

He said his pre-occupation after leaving office was to work for the interest of Nigeria, saying, it would be foolish for anyone to say Nigeria did not belong to anybody.

Obasanjo said: “Let me hasten to wish you every success in your endeavour and also pay tribute, as I have done in my recent book, to the founder of your party, Gani Fawehinmi. I believe he was a genuine social critic. You may not agree with all he said or how he went about it but he was definately a genuine social critic.

“Because in this part of the world we have a saying that if people sleep and they put their heads on the same pillow, they are in danger and that means there should be some people

that should be critically looking and watching and also able to speak up when they should speak up, no matter what others may say.

“Because people may come up and say Nigeria doesn’t belong to anybody, I believe that is a stupid saying. Nigeria belong to all of us because anything that doesn’t belong to anybody, anything can happen to it. For me Nigerian belong to all of us and we are stakeholders in this country.

“Let me make my own position

A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—FORMER Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, yesterday, challenged his successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to probe his administration over alleged scandal in the proposed agrocargo airport.

Daniel who spoke at the flag off of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Remo Federal constituency campaign held at the Ikenne Motor Park, accused the present administration of neglecting the road linking Ikenne with Sagamu which he said his administration started.

Amosun’s government had accused Daniel’s administration of defrauding the state through the proposed Agro-Cargo Airport project located at Iperu in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

Daniel said he dared the current administration to institute a probe against his administration to prove the allegations of any foul play against him if there is any.

of Nigeria.

“If what you’re trying to do is in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians accepted and vote for you, who I am not to accept you as President of Nigeria. But what can I do in this your campaign to inform, woo and to convince the electorate. But whatever may be the outcome of the election after you have done all that, once the election is free and fear and undisturbed, uninterrupted, then you have to accept the verdict of the people.”

COMMISSIONING: The newly commissioned CHOIS City, Agbowa by Governor Babatunde Fashola, built in partnership with First World Communities Ltd. INSET: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, (3rd right), Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Bosun Jeje (2nd left), Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi (left), Hon. Olusegun Olulade (3rd left), the Alara of Ilara, Oba Hakeem Adesanya (2nd right) and President, First World Communities Ltd, Brig. Gen. Tunde Reis (retd), during the commissioning of CHOIS City, Agbowa, Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area, Lagos.

AGRO-CARGO AIRPORT:

probe him

clear, I am a card carrying member of PDP because that is the party on which platform I became the President of this country.

“My first pre-occupation is what is best for Nigeria. Nigeria first, party second and any other thing third. Nigeria first, mean I’ll sacrifice anything for the interest of Nigeria and I can sacrifice my own life for the interest of Nigeria. I can’t sacrifice my life for the interest of a party.

I’ll sacrifice my life for the interest

Daniel dares Amosun to

According to him, as a sitting governor, he has all the powers to investigate any shady deal but has failed to do so for close to four years. This shows the clueless nature and grand mischief of his administration.

He said: “No government’s money was spent on the project.

It was solely funded by the consultants who they chased

away on assumption of office.

“A new administration in Ogun State and able representation at the Federal House of Representatives shall revisit all these projects, turn around the fortunes of Ikenne and the entire Remo Federal constituency and make life more meaningful to the people.”

While speaking on the state of

roads in Remo Federal constituency, which comprises Ikenne, Remo North and Sagamu Local Government Areas of the state, Daniel accused Amosun’s government of criminal neglect of Remo Federal constituency, especially the historical town of Ikenne where there is no visible government’s presence for the past three and a half years.

Ekiti APC condemns sack of 180 Assembly workers

By Gbenga Ariyibi

A

DO EKITI—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has condemned the sack of 180 workers in Ekiti State House of Assembly by the management of the assembly 180 workers of the assembly who were wrongly recruited by the last administration had their letters of appointment terminated on Wednesday Reacting to the development in Ado Ekiti yesterday, the Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun,in a statement condemned the decision, saying, "Fayose who claimed to be workers friendly could resort to sacking the same

workers.

“It is becoming clearer by the day that Governor Fayose had conned Ekiti workers into believing that he is their friend only to start making life miserable for them after securing their support."

Olatubosun noted that the affected staff were duly employed by the House of Assembly Service Commission with statutory approval since April 2014 with their conditions of service clearly stated, wondering how such workers could be summarily sacked by announcement immediately after the New Year interdenominational service without following civil service

rules.

He said Olugbemi did not have such powers to sack employees of the House of Assembly Service

Olugbemi warns Omirin

Meantime, the factional Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Dele Olugbemi, has cautioned the embattled speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin against dragging members of the National Assembly into committing contempt of court by requesting their intervention in the crisis that is currently rocking the assembly

Accord Party withdraws petition against Aregbesola

By Gbenga Olarinoye

O

SOGBO—THE second petitioner in the August 9, 2014 governorship election petition tribunal in Osun State and the Accord Party, AP, candidate during the election, Mr. Niyi Owolade yesterday withdrew his petition against the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola before the election petition tribunal.

The tribunal, led by Justice Elizabeth Ikpejime dismissed the petition and slammed a cost of N150,000 on him.

This is just as the judges lashed the petitioner and his counsel for attributing the reason for withdrawal of the petition to the fact that the panel would not be able to conclude its hearing within 180 days, instead of admitting his lack of diligence prosecution of the case.

Owolade's counsel, Mr Jacobs Adedayo at the resumed sitting of the tribunal yesterday moved a motion dated January 8, for the withdrawal of the petition on the ground that the panel would not be able to conclude the hearing of the petition within 180 days stipulated by the electoral act.

Ogun Assembly PDP candidates canvass support for Jonathan, Isiaka

A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—THE 26 House of Assembly candidates of the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have canvassed support for the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan and governorship candidate in the state Gboyega Isiaka.

The candidates said the president’s performance remained the best thing to have happened to the party and the country.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta and endorsed by Wale Alausa, Abdulfatah Agunleti, Bimbo LanreBalogun and Julianah Akintayo, among others, the PDP candidates applauded Jonathan’s investment in infrastructure, agriculture and employment generation in the last three and half years.

The statement reads in part, “Since he was sworn-in in 2011, several projects were purposefully conceptualised to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians without fear or favour."

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Why Obasanjo's at war with Jonathan, by Owie

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—FORMER Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Rowland Owie, has alleged that the reason former President Olusegun Obasanjo was at war with the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan was because the latter refused to be an errand boy to the former President.

He said that Nigerians were suffering today due to the faulty foundation laid by the former President.

He said: “The former president should apologize to Nigerians rather than blame the administration of President Jonathan which is doing very well for Nigerians.

“I am impressed that more and more Nigerians are getting to know that Obasanjo is not truthful and claims to be what he is not. Obasanjo ran the most corrupt government since the amalgamation of Nigeria. The revenue that Obasanjo got in only one year of his wasted eight years regime was almost the total revenue that Ibrahim Babangida's regime got in eight years. While many legacies were left behind by IBB's regime, there is nothing good that can be traced to Obasanjo's regime.

“All Obasanjo was known for was election rigging both

within the PDP and the general elections. Obasanjo openly rigged out late Sunday Awoniyi at the PDP national convention in 2000 at Eagle Square in favour of colourless opponents. He used the police to invade the Apo Mansion, all in his bid to ruin the independence of the National Assembly. Obasanjo is worse

than Hitler. Obasanjo is like a poisonous crop that germinated on Nigerian soil.

“He should hide his head in shame as he is the forerunner of the anti-Christ. In the Benin Kingdom before the arrival of the whites, a man like Obasdanjo who failed woefully in public administration would have

been banished. The problem between Jonathan and Obasanjo is that Jonathan refused to be his errand boy.

“There is no President of Nigeria that Obasanjo has not fought. Even the late Musa Yar ’Adua, whom he brought without the consent of the North, he fought, even after the latter's death.”

BRIEFING: From right: Chief Diepiriye Briggs; Chief Broadfield Micheal-Jack and Chief Gogo Briggs, during a briefing by Kalabari and Ijaw chiefs to declare support for Dr. Dakuku Peterside, in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Kalabari endorse Dakuku for governor

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT—THE Kalabari ethnic nationality in Rivers State, yesterday, endorsed the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, as their candidate for the governorship election.

Flanked by other prominent chiefs from the area, Chief Broadfield Jack, who spoke on the position of the ethnic group in Port Harcourt, said that their decision stemmed from their agitation for power rotation in the state.

According to him, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is from the upland area of the state, should be succeeded by a riverine person in the spirit of fairness and justice.

He said: “Although the APC did not pick a Kalabari Ijaw candidate, the APC adhered to the principle of upland/ riverine rotation and the principle of senatorial zoning.

The candidature of an Ibani Ijaw person, Dr Peterside, who is from Opobo Nkoro, inspires hope in all other ethnic nationalities in Rivers State.

“As the largest Rivers Ijaw group, Kalabari owes it to Rivers people to show

direction whenever such is required. Consequently, we call on all Kalabari Ijaw people, and indeed all well meaning Rivers people, to

support and vote Peterisde across political party lines in next month's governorship election.

“We must vote for Peterside.

We must defeat political hegemony. We must ensure that Rivers State continues to be available to all its component units,” he said.

Group slams Oshiomhole over demoliton of UNIBEN property

T

HE National Movement of Nigeria, NMN, yesterday, condemned Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State for demolishing the property of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, including the residence of the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, in GRA, Benin City.

The movement also called on Edo electorate to vote out Oshiomhole and his All Progressives Congress, APC, in the February 14 and 28 general elections to save Edo people from further torment.

Addressing protesting students and staff of the university on the issue in Benin City, yesterday, National Publicity Secretary of the movement, Mr. Okharedia Ihimekpen, said that the only way their protest could be meaningful to the generality of Edo people and Nigerians

was to ensure that they vote the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the February elections to bring peace and development to the state again.

He said: “It is an irony that

Oshiomhole, who rode to political power through the instrumentality of the court of law seven years ago, has used the same power and privilege to fight the interest of the people and the state.”

Akpabio urges change of attitude to electoral violence

By Chioma Onuegbu

U

YO—GOVERNOR Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has called on politicians, particularly the youths who are usually employed by desperate politicians to perpetrate havoc during elections, to have a change of attitude to ensure peace and stability in the forthcoming general elections in the country.

Akpabio, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Budget

Office, Mr. Nicholas Ekarika, at the South-South flag-off of a two-day stakeholders sensitization forum on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, SALWs in Uyo, said: “It is a call for violence-free election and the need for people to decide their leaders through their votes without intimidation or force.

“The power of the people is their votes and he who takes away the power to choose from them is planning a coup."

WA-DA drums support for Reyenieju

By Daniel Gumm

W

ARRI—THE Warri Democratic Alliance, WA-DA, yesterday, called on the people of Warri federal constituency to use their voting power to do the right thing by voting Mr. Daniel Reyenieju of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, “as a way of defending and saving our democracy.”

WA-DA, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, explained that after meeting to “deliberate and x-ray the different candidates seeking to represent Warri federal constituency, Reyenieju was head and shoulders above all the other candidates.”

WA-DA said it considered experience as a big advantage in the discharge of legislative functions, which, Reyenieju “is well endowed with.

“He is cool headed and has brought his experience to bear on thorny national issues concerning the constituency."

IYC hails Okowa’s choice of running mate

I

JAW Youth Council, IYC, Western zone parliamentarian, Mr. Sunny Ogori, Clerk of the House, has said that the choice of Mr Kingsley Otuaro as Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s running mate will further brighten the chances of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in clinching the governorship seat of Delta State.

He said that Otuaro, being a grassroots mobilizer, tested and experienced, will attract large votes from Delta South and beyond, adding that he has always delivered in any assignment given to him.

Commending Okowa for making the wise choice, he noted that the Ijaw nation was fully behind him to actualise his dreams, addinng that their team if elected would further consolidate the gains of democracy to Deltans.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—13

Better days in sight, Emerhor assures Deltans zReceives APC governorship flag from Odigie-Oyegun

By Egufe Yafugborhi

O

LOROGUN O’tega Emerhor, the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Delta State, has assured the people of the state, that better days were at sight if only they will muster enough courage to clip the wings of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by casting their votes for the APC in the forthcoming general elections.

Emerhor said that the misrule of the PDP was one of the factors in next month’s election, adding that it was now left for the people to decide whether or not they want socio-economic freedom or to remain enslaved by the ruling party’s corruption cabal.

He said that the 16 years of PDP bad governance had retarded the economic growth and overall development of Delta State in particular and Nigeria in general.

The APC candidate, who received his party's flag from the National Chairman, Chief Odigie Oyegun, said that Delta State must be salvaged from the stronghold of economic saboteurs,

who without conscience, looted the treasury for themselves and their political associates.

He charged party supporters at the Warri Stadium that General Mohammadu Buhari was a disciplined man, a fact that need to be put to best during the

elections.

Meanwhile, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has expressed confidence in Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, to change the fortunes of the state as he did in Edo State.

Oshiomhole was appealing to

Delta voters at the Warri Township Stadium where Gen. Mohammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign rally berthed in Delta State.

He said: “With Emerhor, Delta now has a chance to feel the change Edo State has been experiencing under APC."

BRIEFING: From left: Chief Davies Ikanya, Rivers State APC Chairman; Prince Peter Odike, Vice Chairman, APC Rivers State and Mr. Napoleon Ukalipie, Assistant Secretary APC Rivers State, during a briefing by Rivers State APC in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Amaechi releases fund for Rivers fire victims

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ORT HARC O U R T — GOVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has released N300 million and N50 million to fire victims in Rumuwoji Mile 1 and the New Layout Bolokiri markets in the state, in order to alleviate the plights of the traders, who lost all their belongings to the fire that gutted the markets.

The governor released the funds in line with his promise to the victims of the fire incidents in the two markets. Amaechi had earlier in the course of inspecting the two fire incidents, promised that he would rebuild the markets and compensate all the people whose goods were destroyed by the fire.

Dickson reaffirms commitment to Jonathan's re-election

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N A G O A — GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has reaffirmed his support and commitment to the re-election project of President Goodluck Jonathan in next month's election.

Speaking against the backdrop of insinuations that some political appointees were recently dropped because of a rift with the President, Dickson, in a statement in Yenagoa, said that as the leader of the government and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bayelsa State, he personally mobilised women and youth groups from all parts the state and also led the state delegation to the traditional marriage of the President’s niece at Otuoke over the weekend.

He cautioned politicians in the state to eschew subversive and divisive tendencies, capable of threatening the existing peaceful, harmonious, united and conducive environment the restoration

government had worked hard to put in place, that has also ushered in rapid and massive development in the state.

The warning is coming on the heels of recent actions by some politicians to promote the politics of disaffection and divisions in the state.

The statement berated

politicians, led by a former deputy governor of the state and their cohorts for creating divisions among the women, mostly to serve their own selfish interests and personal aggrandizement other than the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN.

Efik chiefs denounce calumny campaign against Imoke

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ROMINENT Efik chiefs, yesterday, denounced what they described as gratuitous campaign of calumny against Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State.

In a communiqué by Etuboms Nya Asuquo, Alex Edem, among others, the Efik chiefs, while thanking Governor Imoke for the choice of the governorship candidate and his running mate for the state, said: “We the people of Cross River Southern senatorial district thank our governor, Imoke, for the wonderful choice of the governorship candidate and his running mate, Professors Ben Ayade

and Ivara Esu. We the people of Calabar are one with our brothers from Biase and Akamkpa. We will not welcome people who do not mean well for us and who by their selfish agenda try to divide us.

The choice of Professor Esu as running mate is excellent.

“Our amiable governor, Imoke, for almost eight years now, he been a saint to these people, but suddenly became the worst Satan on earth, as soon as some people who had benefitted enormously from him, failed to secure nominations in a free and fair contest, they started attacking him.”

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

PDP campaigning with lies, divisive issues —OSHIOMHOLE

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN CITY — GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, alleged, yesterday, that the Peoples Democratic Party had begun a campaign of lies to deceive the people and further impoverish them since they have no record of performance to present to the people.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Auchi-Jattu-Afashio Ikabigbo Road, the governor said: “In the next couple of weeks, in fact, the season is already here, politicians are already into marketing. Politicians are making deliberate efforts to remove the issue of development from political discourse.

"They prefer to discuss issue of ethnicity. They prefer to buffet us with issues of religion, primordial sentiments and all kinds of ridiculous things. But what you the electorate must insist on is that 16 years after democracy, the learning curve is over.

“If you were doing apprentice and you have not gotten your freedom after 16 years, your case is hopeless. If you were pursuing a university degree and after 16 years, you could not obtain a degree, you would be advised to withdraw.

Sixteen years of democracy, we cannot continue to do trial and error governance.

“We must now approach governance on the basis of skills, competence and courage. We must have clarity of industrial policies that are not contradictory, policies designed to reduce and bring Nigeria back to work and give work to our young people.

"We must move away from the tradition where we engage in fraud in the name of SURE-P and give to individuals to share so that we might use them as thugs.

“We must move away from empowering individuals to building institutions. When politicians come to ask you to vote for them like I was reading today where somebody said he was going to provide bursary to our students, we must ask them when you were here for 10 years, how many people did you give bursary to?”

C M Y K

Southern Christian Elders’ Forum calls for Buhari's disqualification

By Sam Eyoboka

F

OLLOWING THE controversy generated by Catholic priest, Father Ejike Mbaka’s purported divine call on President Goodluck Jonathan to quit office before next month’s presidential election, the Southern Christian Elders’ Forum, yesterday, responded, saying

that General Mohammadu Buhari should be disqualified on account of his alleged academic deficiency.

A statement by the Coordinator/ Acting Chairman of the Forum, Bishop David Eberechukwu, argued that if the APC candidate does not possess the minimum academic qualification stated in the 131 section of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution he should be disqualified.

The Forum contended that the forthcoming election can only be adjudged as credible if the provisions of the Constitution are held to the letter, noting, “this is going to determine our readiness to move the nation forward.

“If he (Buhari) is allowed to contest the election, it will be a standard for others to follow. No court of law will disqualify anyone if one fails to present the required documents. We need the

Pa Aig-Imoukhuede marks 80th birthday

From left, Pa & Mrs. Frank Aig-Imoukhuede, and Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the son, during Pa Aig-Imoukhuede's 80th birthday party, at Muson Centre, Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe

Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group (left), and Mr. Aigboje Aig- Imoukhuede, the son of Pa Frank Aig - Imoukhuede.

Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be serious with this, “we cannot allow this to be.”

Worried about public utterances of some politicians, the Forum warned political office holders and clerics not to hide under the privileges of their offices to make utterances capable of heating up the polity.

“We call on all political office holders and clerics to mind their utterances and what they say for the unity of the nation. We want all to be careful because Nigeria is not any man’s property (of any section or group of people) rather, Nigeria is for us all and we will not compromise our faith in this nation,” Bishop Eberechukwu stated.

The statement also congratulated President Jonathan for all his efforts to see that Nigeria was united, and prayed that God will be with him, urging all Nigerians to pray in their respective places of worship for the nation, arguing that "Nigeria needs prayers now and we will not fail to pray as a nation and as a people.”

The Forum argued that Jonathan has done much to be congratulated though many criticise him, but "we owe him our prayers."

It will be recalled that in a New Year message to his flock, at the Adoration Ground in Enugu, Rev. Father Mbaka said the Holy Spirit told him that Nigeria is at the brink of change, following the bad leadership provided in the last six years by President Jonathan.

According to Mbaka, Jonathan's leadership of Nigeria was turned into a national bad luck. The theme of his message was: “From Good Luck to bad Luck”.

“Goodluck met our oil, it turned to bad luck. He met our Naira, it became bad luck. We need change. Christmas that ought to be goodluck Christmas became bad luck Christmas,” he said, to the applause of thousands of people who attended the open air event.

EFCC smashes N300m crude oil syndicate

By Soni Daniel

I

N WHAT may be described as the biggest catch of in new year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has smashed a syndicate of suspected fraudsters, who duped their victims, within and outside Nigeria of over N300million in cases involving different fake crude oil deals.

Two members of the syndicate, Michael and Emmanuel, are currently in the custody of EFCC, explaining their involvement in

the alleged crude oil scam.

EFCC moved against the syndicate following complainants by victims, who had been fleeced by the suspects who operate with different pseudo names and companies.

An unsuspecting victim alleged that members of the syndicate collected the sum of N119million from him in the pretext of supplying him two million barrels of Bonny Light Crude Oil. According to him, the oil supply documents, which were purportedly obtained from the Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation, NNPC, were, however, found to be fakes.

In the course of investigation, operatives of EFCC quizzed one Samson Omobere of Etsam Oil and Gas Limited, who admitted collecting the total sum of money from the complainant.

Omobere alleged that he transferred a substantial part of the money to Magnificent Marine Services Limited.

This led to the arrest of one Michael, a director in Magnificent Marine Services Limited, who allegedly withdrew over $358, 000 and N11.7million

from the company’s account under the names of Boma Harry, Peterson Harry and Elder Dan Jumbo.

Four drivers’ licences bearing his photograph under the name of Michel, as well as several other scam documents from his email address were recovered from his house.

In another case that has now become an albatross around their necks, members of the syndicate also allegedly obtained the sum of N300, 000 from another victim, a Kenyan citizen resident in Germany.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—15

PDP presidential campaign flag-off in Lagos

From left, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, National Chairman of PDP; Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Presidentalial Candidiate; Arc. Namadi Sambo, Vice President Candidate; Senator David Mark, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Imo State Governorship Candidate; Alhaji Ahmadu Ali, former National Chairman of PDP, during the PDP Presidential Campaign flag-off Rally, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos, Photos: Kehinde Gbadamosi & Akeem Salau

From left, Alhaji Waziri, Yobe State Governorship candidate; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Adamawa State Governorship Candidate; Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governorship Candidate, and his wife, Edith.

From left, Senator David Mark,Vice President Namadi Sambo, President Jonathan, Dr Adamu Mu'azu and Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti State governor.

From left, Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State and Omisore Iyiola, former Osun State PDP Cross section of artistes.

Gov Candidate .

From left, Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang; Ondo State Governor,Olusegun Mimiko; Ekiti State Governor; Ayodele Fayose, and Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Niger State Governor.

Lagos State PDP Governorship Candidate, Jimi Agbaje (middle); Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (right), and Jimi Agbaje's Running Mate, Alhaja Safurat Abdulkarim.

From left, former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Ogun State governorship candidate of the party, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, and National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu.

Cross section of the supporters C M Y K

16 —

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Six MASSOB members arrested for hoisting Biafran flags in Anambra

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—SIX suspected members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, were yesterday arrested by the men of the Nigerian Navy in Onitsha for allegedly hoisting Biafran flags and causing breach of peace.

Those arrested were Obiora Igweonwu, Chibuzor Ekwe, Lawrence Nwibo, Okechukwu Nwafor, Okechukwu Emeka and Okechukwu Okoye.

The defunct Biafran flags became noticeable in many parts of Anambra State in the last few days and fingers pointed at MASSOB members for the action.

Handing over the suspects to the Anambra Police Command, the Commanding Officer of the Naval Out-post, Onitsha, Navy Capt.

Mike Oamen, said naval officials nabbed the MASSOB members as they blocked the Onitsha-Enugu road at Awkuzu Junction.

He said apart from blocking the road and threatening the peace of law-biding citizens, the suspects were busy hoisting unauthorized flags.

Oamen said: “We arrested five of them at Awkuzu Junction, while one of them, Mr Okechukwu Okoye, was caught extorting money from traders and disturbing the peace of traders and shop owners in Fegge area of Onitsha. ''Items recovered from them include clubs, charms, as well as MASSOB flags, bags and caps. I urge residents of the state give prompt information about this gang and other criminal elements to the joint security taskforce for prompt action because these people have no place in civilized society.”

2015: APC'll win on first ballot – NGIGE

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—THE senator representing Anambra Central and the South East zonal coordinator of All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Chris Ngige, said yesterday that the party would win the February 14, 2015 presidential election on the first ballot, going by a wellresearched poll conducted by an international organization.

Addressing reporters in Awka as part of the preparations for the launching of the APC campaign in the South East, which kicks off in Ebonyi State

today with the presentation of the party ’s flag to the governorship candidate in the state, Senator Julius Ucha, Ngige said the signs were there that APC will win in 28 states with majority of votes to be cast.

According to him, APC commissioned seasoned professionals who analyzed the situation and with the voters spread and collection of permanent voter cards done, as well as the voting strength of the six geo-political zones in the country, there were indications that APC would coast to victory on the first ballot on February 14.

Ngige advised eligible voters

Jonathan, Adamu Mu’azu present PDP flag to Ugwuanyi

L

A G O S — T H E governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has been presented with the party’s flag with a mandate to lead the PDP’s campaign and ensure victory for the party in the February general elections.

President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu presented the flag to Hon. Ugwuanyi and other governorship candidates of the party at the flag off of the PDP National Campaign Rally in Lagos yesterday.

Ugwuanyi was elected as the PDP gubernatorial flagbearer at

the December 8, 2014 primary election held in Enugu State.

Speaking with newsmen after receiving the flag, Hon. Ugwuanyi thanked the party and the people of Enugu state for the confidence reposed in him and assured that he would consolidate on the current gains and take the state to the next level of development.

in the South East to read the handwriting on the wall, saying: ‘I have been preaching against Igbo pushing themselves into marginalization, but our people preferred to put their eggs in one basket. While many states in other zones have embraced APC, it is only Imo that is governed by the party. That is political shortsightedness and that was why we lost out during the consideration for the vice presidential slot. How can we expect to produce the vice president when we have only one governor?

“Some of us from the South East argued that giving us the vice presidential slot could help to strengthen the party in the zone, but as you know, politics is a game of numbers as we were seen as weaklings in the party. Unless there is a change of attitude by the Igbo political merchants, it will continue to be difficult for us to be given the kind of position we desire.”

On the presidential campaign in the South East, Ngige said the train would move from Abakaliki to Aba in Abia State today, where the party’s governorship flag bearer, Mr. Anyim Nyerere and other candidates would be presented to the people.

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 —17

T

HE late Harold Wilson, a two-time (1964 to 1970 and 1974 to 1976) Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, once expressed the view that “a week is a long time in politics”.

Meanwhile, a Fulani friend gloomily informed me two years ago (we were discussing President Goodluck Jonathan’s unimpressive performance and wondering whether he would up his game before he completed his first term) that his people often say that one can tell by Wednesday what kind of weekend one is likely to have.

Both statements, though contradictory, make sense.

Wilson’s implies that political outcomes can never be accurately predicted because anything – ie, all manner of unexpected developments can happen during any seven-day timespan. The Fulani one implies that most outcomes can be predicted on the basis of recent occurrences.

•President Goodluck Jonathan

New Year, New Government? entirely possible for Jonathan and Buhari, his main rival, to suddenly become much more popular or much less popular.

In other words, even though I reckon that most Nigerians are tired of the Anything Goes Jonathan Administration and desperately want Change, I cannot confidently echo pundits who are confidently describing a Buhari victory as “inevitable” because Buhari might make mistakes before February 15 and because I don’t believe that its “too late”

Recent occurences In other words, while Jonathan’s depressing track record to date suggests that he is much more likely than not to continue to disappoint me and the many other Nigerians who are disappointed in him at the moment, it is also possible that Jonathan’s image and/or performance will suddenly improve at some point in the very near future.

Any politician’s reputation or political party’s fortunes can (for any number of reasons) be mortally wounded or significantly enhanced overnight and within a matter of hours – never mind over the course of the five whole weeks that will elapse between now and the Presidential election in mid-February. And it’s C M Y K

•Gen. Muhammadu Buhari

for Jonathan to regain a large chunk of the support he has lost since his 2011 triumph.

Jonathan can still pull off a couple of last-minute moves that might maybe help him enormously. He can, for example, tell his wife to drastically lower her profile.

He can, for example, sack Abba Moro, the Minister of Interior who presided over a botched recruitment exercise that led to many deaths. He can, for example, instruct Diezani Allison-Madueke and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Ministers of Petroleum and Finance, to stop coming across as shifty and deliver a truthful report about our oil revenues.

And so on

Jonathan can still pull off a couple of last-minute moves that might maybe help him enormously

But will Mr President quickly acquire the guts and wisdom to clean up his act and maximize the advantages of incumbency and maximize his chances of winning fair and square? Will he realise that it will be highly risky to rely on rigging?

I doubt it!

Let me conclude by quoting Dele Momodu, a friend and media colleague who recently made the following comments in his column in another newspaper: “The belief of most people I know is that neither APC nor PDP is perfect. They are readily dismissed as two sides of the same coin. Let’s stretch it further. Buhari and

Jonathan both have their klegs. But the former seems to have managed his own in such a way that people have come to terms with whatever is regarded as shortcomings while they have given up on any redeeming grace for Jonathan’s apparent weaknesses. In fact, Buhari in comparison to Jonathan is like having to choose between ulcer and cancer. Both ailments will definitely cause pain and discomfiture but the difference is still crystal clear.

Stunned wife My Itsekiri brother stretched my thoughts further. He said he had asked his wife a question recently while discussing Buhari and Jonathan: “Darling, who among the two would you want to leave our kids with if we decide to travel for one week...?” The stunned wife took a deep breath before answering: “If I’ve no other person to leave them with than those two, I think I will pick Buhari. I know he might not allow them to eat too much and he may even ban them from watching their Disney channels but at least the kids will be safe and we’ll meet them at home when we come back.” C’est finis!

I think that Dele has very cleverly and very neatly

summarised one aspect of the difference between Jonathan and Buhari; and I just LOVE the analogy about childcare and couldn’t agree more with Dele’s Itsekiri brother’s wife!

Finally, let me publish an email I’ve just received from Ifeka Okonkwo, one of my regular readers. Mr Okonkwo is reacting to the APC’s Christmas message to Nigerians, which I reproduced on this page last week. I disagree with Okonkwo on this occasion, but feel obliged to inject some journalistic balance!

“Donu, the minds of Nigerians are presently preoccupied about what will be the fate of our country following the outcome of the 2015 general elections and not about the grandiose promises contained in the Xmas message from APC! They are just playing to the gallery, as we are not sure if they will fulfill even half of the promises they have made when eventually they win the elections.”

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 NIGERIAN party politics since civil rule in 1999 has been dominated by factions, internal crises, irreconcilable differences, open disagreements among members of the same party, especially those in high public offices.

Three parties at the starting line - Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the All Peoples Party, APP, later All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, and the Alliance for Democracy, AD in 1999 morphed at a point to more than 50 parties.

Their politics is indiscernible.

The main parties in the First Republic were the Norther n Peoples Congress, NPC, the United Middle Belt Congress, UMBC, the Northern Elements Progressive Union, NEPU, the National Convention of Nigerian Citizens, NCNC, and the Action Group, AG. Their leaders Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Joseph Tarka, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo had firm grip on their affairs.

From 1979, the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, Nigeria Peoples Party, NPP, Great Nigeria Peoples Party, GNPP, Peoples Redemption Party, PRP and Nigerian Advanced Party, NAP, had their leaders Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim, Mallam Aminu Kano, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Chief

Needed: P ar ty Par arty Discipline Augustus Meredith Akinloye, Alhaji Maitama Sule, Mallam Suleiman Takuma, Chief Tunji Braithwaite who were in control.

NPN wooed voters with qualitative education and agricultural revolution; UPN promised free education at all levels; NPP emphasised social justice and reduced dependence on oil revenue. GNPP was mainly known for “politics without bitterness”; PRP championed the cause of the poor, the talakawas , while NAP was renowned for bombast. Ideologically, the parties had identities.

Internal party discipline was strong enough that disagreements were settled mostly

internally, dissenting members sought their interests elsewhere. Everyone knew who led the parties.

Today, candidates campaign on their own manifestoes, not their parties’. Parties are ordinary platforms for actualisation of personal desires, rather than vehicles for articulating delivery of services to the people.

No single party today has a programme, or manifesto that identifies it with issues it tackles with commitment.

Parties have members with divergent views, people of disparate ideological leanings who are in the same party for the potentials of the platform to provide electoral success. We have a dysfunctional political party system. If the parties had clear-cut programmes, politicking would be saner. Political leadership development would be systematic; unlike the present chaotic system where parties grow leadership by co-option. Co-opted members owe allegiance to their principals rather than to the party, and by extension, the nation suffers the impact of the rumpus.

There is need for a return to genuine, workable, political party system where party discipline would enhance the nation’s political growth and save it from needless political crises driven by personal ambitions.

OPINION Lessons from Elechi's loss of Ebonyi PDP

By Dennis Agbo

T

HAT Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi state has performed to leverage the sleepy but potential state from backwardness to growth in a certain level of infrastructure provision is not in doubt.

By May 29, 2015, the Governor will pride himself with the new Abakaliki city also known as Ochoudo city, connecting the once remote areas in both old Abakaliki and Ohaozara communities with state of the art bridges and measurable roads.

Elechi also tried to provide water for sanitation in the previously Guinea worm endemic villages even though he may not complete the costly project.

The more important thing he did for the state is the assimilation of what used to be the two divides of the related people of the state that were balkanized in the other four states of the South east region before Ebonyi state was made a reality in 1996.

He did all that but towards the end of his eight years reign, Elechi lost grip of the ruling Peoples Democratic party, PDP, that he controlled like a man ruled in his private family.

Now, Elechi could not field, nay, impose his preferred candidates for the 2015 general elections in the state. He did not only fail in imposing the former minister of health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu as the governorship candidate of the PDP for the state, but also failed to nominate himself as the candidate for Ebonyi Central Senatorial district. In the same manner he also could not succeed in

foisting any candidate of his choice for any elective position in the coming election.

What the governor rather did was to push his followers to join the Labour Party (LP) while only him remained in the PDP, pledging to work for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan, even when he is annoyed that Jonathan could not rescue him from the disgrace with which other members of the PDP meted on him by forcefully snatching control of the ruling party away from him.

Elechi’s loss of grip on PDP in the state became an interesting political study because it is on rare cases that such tables are turned against an incumbent governor, particularly when the party needed all the followership to win a return ticket for the President. The last Elechi’s treatment was meted on a governor on South east was in 2003 when the then Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju of Anambra state was denied a return ticket by the PDP and he defected to the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and failed.

It is in the same manner that feelers from

Governor Elechi therefore became the proverbial king who crowned himself without the approval of his subjects

Ebonyi indicate that Elechi’s Labour Party in the state is expected to crash out of reckoning.

PDP stakeholders in Ebonyi state became furious with Elechi when the governor after personal evaluations came to announce his choice of candidates for the election. The governor allegedly shared the positions without carrying along other important stakeholders of the PDP in the state.

After the announcements at the party secretariat, Elechi said that “Rome has spoken,” meaning that his words were final.

For an important stakeholder like the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who hails from the state, Anyim heard about Elechi’s choices in a distant place, and so was the case with people like Dr. Sam Egwu who in 2007 defiled all advice and handed power to Elechi on a platter of gold.

Dr. Egwu’s case is more pathetic because since he handed power over to Elechi in 2007, it is on record that Egwu never picked up quarrels with his successor but rather supported Elechi and did not prey into successive government till date.

Having stayed in the cooler for eight years and as election got closer, Egwu was said to have indicated interest to go to the Senate and discussed it privately with Elechi for about three times and Elechi gave him assurances of his support only for Elechi to turn the tables against the man who left younger men in the state and made him governor even without his asking.

In the case of Senator Anyim, Elechi had

always shown him hatred to the extent that the governor made sure that a local government council chairmanship aspirant from Anyim’s native council was disqualified from contesting the election on a trumped up allegation that Anyim had sympathy for that aspirant. As if that was not enough, Elechi nominated the most visible antagonist of the SGF from his community to become the acting state chairman of the PDP and when that plot failed, Elechi asked the antagonist to run for Federal House of Representatives of Anyim’s constituency, just to spite the SGF and paint him as one who is incapable of delivering even his community.

Similar stories were told by people like the respected Dr. Offia Nwali, the Deputy Governor who now emerged the PDP candidate, Engr. Dave Umahi, two times deputy governor to Egwu and Elechi administrations, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, among other stakeholders of the PDP in Ebonyi state.

It was therefore not surprising that after the national headquarters of the PDP listened to both sides in the Ebonyi PDP divide and seeing what majority of the PDP members in the state wanted, the PDP took a decision to allow due process prevail in the state and at ward congresses of November 1, 2014 and the subsequent congresses that produced delegates for the party primary elections, Elechi was roundly and compoundly defeated.

Governor Elechi therefore became the proverbial king who crowned himself without the approval of his subjects.

*Mr. Agbo, a media practitioneer, wrote from Enugu, Enugu State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015— —19

Costly gamble with this INEC

By Clement Udegbe The time is always right to do right----Nelson Mandela

T

OWARDS the last quarter of last year, Vanguard Newspaper revealed the plan by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to allocate more polling boots to the north than to other parts of the country, especially the five states in the South East zone, to which they allocated less polling units than the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. INEC had planned new 30,000 polling units, and in the distribution of these units favoured the north, against the whole south. This provoked an uproar by all and sundry,who saw the handwriting on the wall, that INEC had a plan to truncate the 2015 election results from foundation, in favour of the north.

People called for the removal of the Chairman of INEC, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, a Hausa Fulani , and a complete over haul of the system, to secure a free and fair 2015 election, and remove any semblance of favouritism to any political zone, party or contestant in the coming elections. The Prof came out in a typically known fashion, to boast about how messianic his mission was to Nigeria, and to defend the indefensible. He was not an ethnic jingoist the head-lines

screamed in his defense. As it is usual with things of life, commentators emerged, on both sides of the divide, in the electronic and print media. And at most fora, analyzing whether there was a plan by INEC, to rig the elections with the allocation of the new 30,000 polling units.

Those who would benefit from the obnoxious plan spoke and wrote emotionally, blowing empty air at their listeners, and readers, calling others ethnocentrics, pessimists, etc, while others accepted that ethnicity is part of human society, and can be used to foster the growth and unity of our nation if applied positively. They provided the facts, and suddenly, when the matter was sent to court, Prof. Jega buckled and shelved the Plan. But to the surprise of many, in the spirit of new impetuosity, and impunity which are major weaknesses of this administration, he was allowed to remain on seat, in spite of all the facts that dictate otherwise.

President GEJ, has achieved much more than any President before him, but impunity tainted with impetuosity, among his advisers and key officers has remained his Achilles heels.

These two factors have worked together to give people who ordinarily should bow before him, the impetus to bad mouth his administration. They have also become a source of frustration and embarrassment

By Eddie Brume

I

T was a damning verdict that did not come to close watchers of developments in the Niger Delta as a surprise. And coming from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, it is a report one cannot easily dismiss or take with a pinch of salt. In a recently published audit report, NEITI had categorically indicted some federal and state agencies for mismanaging and misapplying funds allocated to them. Those indicted included Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account, ECA; the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC; Natural Resources Development Fund; Ecological Fund; Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF; Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETfund, and Stabilisation Fund. The thrust of the report is that, based on investigations, there were anomalies in the management of the funds at the disposal of these interventionist agencies.

But while observers try to come to terms with the NEITI audit report and its implication for the continued operations or even existence of the agencies so mentioned, I will like to take a close look at one of them.

Truth be told, I am not really surprised that the NDDC made that unenviable list given its fast-eroding credibility over the years.

Here is an agency created by government in the year 2000 to facilitate “the rapid, even and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.” But years after, what do we have? Rather than the promised rapid and sustainable development of the nine oil-producing Niger Delta states, it has been complaints galore by the people against an agency that has obviously failed to live up to expectation.

Indeed, NDDC has over the years become a pathetic story of the unfilled expectations of a Niger Delta region that has suffered and has continued to suffer unabating devastation arising from oil explorations.

The reasons for its failure in this regard

C M Y K

About nine months ago, Nigeria had the options to postpone the elections, and use the same Doctrine of Necessity that made GEJ, the President after the death of President Yar' Adua, to let him continue, and focus on winning the war and plan for a smoother elections thereafter to those who believe in him, and are convinced of his abilities to deliver even more no matter what. GEJ, is the first properly educated, President Nigeria has had, since after the civil war and has to the surprise of his traducers proven to be a good man, a balanced listener, a humble but determined President, and a man of the peoples of Nigeria, and the best so far, BUT for these two factors!

People have called for a postponement of the 2015 elections in order to give Nigerian military and our leaders, the time and space to

focus to exterminate Boko Haram, before they become took strong, and too entrenched to be stopped. It took us time to accept that we are and have been in a war with Boko Haram.We first called them terrorists, then insurgents, and finally after it became almost too late, we accepted that they had a clear mission to divide Nigeria along religious lines, with their own caliphate in the North of Nigeria. Yet for parochial political reasons, some eminent leaders still see Boko Haram as a social situation tainted only with religion. What a fallacy!

In all the haze, INEC continues to work assiduously towards its known agenda, to either favour some known sections of the country, or truncate the 2015 elections, by the use of Permanent Voting Cards, PVCs. For example, just about six months to the elections, INEC suddenly discovered that the Voters registrations Data, for most of the South of Nigeria, and especially in the South East, were corrupted. It launched into a half hazard new voters registration exercise without adequate provisions for materials and other requirements for the exercise. I went to register in Orlu, my Local Government, and observed that most registration centres had no power generating sets, no logistics arrangement, no printing inks, and communities had to provide these facilities to ensure that there were not disenfranchised. The story was the same for most registration centres in the South East, and even in Lagos state, but not in the north, where they had all well provided for them.

The question is why the double standard, and why should more huddles be put on the way of the southern voters, if not for an advanced method of rigging to favour in a particular region and candidate ? Now, five weeks to Presidential elections, INEC throws up issues of Certificates against the Opposition Presidential Flag Bearer, and the ruling Vice President, creating unnecessary tension in the polity, and diversion from their main game. Who really cares about the qualifications of a former Head of State of this country?

Let this nonsense stop, as we already know the game, which is why we say, let Buhari run, and if he must lose, let him lose gallantly like the soldier he has been. The key concern remains that INEC allows ALL Nigerians to exercise their right to vote, and chose who leads them, come 2015, as they can block millions of voters, by insisting on PVCs for eligibility to vote!

About nine months ago, Nigeria had the options to postpone the elections, and use the same Doctrine of Necessity that made GEJ, the President after the death of President Yar'Adua, to let him continue, and focus on winning the war and plan for a smoother elections thereafter, but the voice of reason was subdued by the crowd of frenzied power drunks, manipulators and political jobbers. Today, the only option is either to deal with INEC, or INEC will deal with us all!

•Mr. Udegbe, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

NDDC: Whither the envisaged interventions are not far to seek. In the first place the NDDC has over the years been embroiled in leadership succession crises that have consequently undermined its operations.

In fact, the politics of appointing its management staff and board members can be said to be at the root of the crisis that has continued to bedevil its existence.

This is because geo-political and nepotic considerations, including godfather influence, usually take precedence over merit when such appointments are to be made. And what you get at the end of the day is a case of garbage in, garbage out, as they say in computer operation parlance.

This is because the individuals who eventually get appointed usually begin to work at cross-purposes with the objectives of the Commission or the mission it was set up to accomplish.

Apart from that, the frequent infighting among management and board members over control of the Commission's affairs has been traced to the selfish question of who gets what and how by corrupt officials. It is a recurring situation that has continued to make media headlines rather than the envisaged sustained development for the long-suffering oilproducing communities that are being

But one year after, it has since emerged that nothing has really changed even though those presently calling the shots at the Commission seem to have reason to believe that they have done well

ravaged by oil-exploration activities.

The looting spree that has become the rule rather than the exception is responsible for why the Commission has so often deviated from its mandate of implementing, in accordance with set rules and regulations, projects and programmes for sustainable development of the Niger Delta area encompassing transportation, health, agriculture, housing, electricity and telecommunication, water supply, urban development, etc, which in turn should have engendered employment opportunities in the communities.

The NDDC, it would be recalled, was set up by the General Olusegun Obasanjo administration as an intervention agency to address the many years of neglect of the Niger Delta region comprising the nine states of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Abia, Bayelsa, Imo, Edo, Delta and Ondo.

Under its watch and supervision, projects are expected to be conceptualised, designed and executed based on extensive consultation with the benefiting communities and input from interested parties and relevant experts. That is, they are to be awarded based on their potential to make maximum impact on the local region.

But after years of floundering in confusion with not much on ground to justify the huge funds annually allocated to it, many are left wondering whether it was still relevant in the Federal Government’s considered scheme to provide development relief to the oil-bearing Niger Delta states. In fact, some have over time called for the scrapping of the agency, describing it as a huge drain pipe.

But a ray of hope seemingly emerged when the current administration of the Commission came into existence in December 2013. This is because at its inception, it has given indication of making a sharp departure from its inglorious predecessors, raising hope that a new era of

transparent leadership of the NDDC and committed development of oil producing communities of the Niger Delta had indeed dawned.

But one year after, it has since emerged that nothing has really changed even though those presently calling the shots at the Commission seem to have reason to believe that they have done well. So, it must have come as a rude but a truly awakening shock to them when during an event to mark the administration’s one year anniversary on December 16, last year some aggrieved youths took it upon themselves to violently protest the Commission’s poor performance record.

According to media reports, the aggrieved youths had used the protest to express their disenchantment with the way the affairs of the Commission were being handled by the current management and board. They complained about glaring dearth of infrastructure such as roads, schools and hospitals, while employment has remained elusive to them. They cited cases of several poorly executed and abandoned projects as evidence that the contracts for them were not awarded in line with due process, but to cronies of the agency and government. In their view, this would not have been the case if the present leadership of the Commission had been up and doing instead of pandering to the comfort of its staff and officials at the expense of the people for whose interest the Commission was set up.

In my estimation, the worsening poor performance profile of the Commission is an indication that it has clearly outlived its relevance. So, I think it is time for government to critically consider whether to overhaul it for better performance or do away with it. .

•Mr. Brume, an economist and activist, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, JANUARY 9, 2015

Fear, uncertainty in Lagos community over robbery threat, sand dredgers •Residents finger Omo-oniles

By Bose Adelaja

H

IS seemingly fixed coun tenance reminded one of a frowning mask as he approached this reporter. He indeed cut a frightening picture with his long, talon-like finger nails, his torn trousers and dirty long sleeve shirt tied at his waist.

Sweating profusely, he stood arms akimbo while his reddish eye balls blinked repeatedly as he appeared from a nearby spot and ran after this reporter shouting at the top of his voice. ‘’Hey, stop there, you don’t look like one of us. I saw you as soon as you alighted from the motorcycle near the Baale’s house and I have been following your movement. Can you explain your mission to this community...?’’ he asked in an unfriendly, hoarse voice. ‘’Good afternoon gentle man, I have been sent to find out your challenges in this community, to

see where and how we could be of help before the next elections...’’

Looking satisfied with the response, he stretched both hands, stamped his feet on the ground in salute and said: ‘’Twale mama, carry go. See, we get challenges here o, no water, school and good road.

This place na suffer, suffer; I beg, make you tell Fashola to remember us o’’. Having delivered this sentiment, he returned to his abode.

That was an encounter last weekend at Ilemere, a sleepy community in Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area of Lagos which suffers glaring lack of potable water, accessible road and schools.

As the name suggests, Ilemere means a swampy area and this is aptly demonstrated by the fact that the community is a stone throw from the ocean such that on several occasions, some structures have been sub-

The river bank (inset): Baale of Ilemere merged, especially during a downpour.

From the popular Ibeshe town, a ride to Ilemere on a motorcycle can be likened to a thread passing through the hole of a needle. This explains why only few tricycle, cab or commercial bus operators would dare to ply the only unmotorable road leading to the community.

In the past, Ilemere was a market community which served both Ajah and Ikorodu axis until it was submerged

All they do was to tax the dredgers and soon they’re back to business, thus leaving us, the residents, to our fate

ROVING CAMERA

Environmental pollution....A container-carrying trailer belching out thick, hazardous smoke while being driven along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. PHOTO: AKEEM SALAU. C M Y K

some decades back. The major occupation there today is fishing, but this is being seriously threatened as residents claim the water had been polluted due to dredgers’ activities.

On a good day, a ride from IdiOro bus-stop, Ibeshe town, usually attracts between N150 and N250, depending on the time of day, a situation which has necessitated workers resorting to trekking. In fact, some of them informed that they now leave their homes as early as 3am, trekking to the nearest communities.

Apart from lack of infrastructural facilities, a walk round the community revealed that Ilemere is sitting on a keg of gun powder due to the activities of local dredgers, though some of the residents claimed the development had been reported at both the Ministries of the Environment and Water Resources without the desired response.

One of the community leaders who pleaded anonymity said the Ministries’ representatives to the community have been paying lip service to their plight. ‘’On several occasions, government has sent representatives to curb the activities of the dredgers but all they do was to tax the dredgers and soon they’re back to business, thus leaving us, the residents, to our fate,’’ said the community leader. ‘’When I came into this community about a decade ago, the ocean was very far from us but gradually dredging has almost taken over the town. Madam, any moment from now, most of these buildings would be submerged (pointing to the ocean).

Can you see how close we are to the ocean ?’’ said a resident Mama Tunwase.

Vanguard, FRDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 — 21

IMF faults report blaming policies for Ebola outbreak

By Babajide Komolafe

T

HE International Monetary Fund, IMF, has faulted a report that blamed its policies for the Ebola crisis in West Africa.

Three weeks ago, professors from three leading British universities in a report said that policies of the IMF favoring international debt repayment over social spending contributed to the Ebola crisis by hampering health care in the three worst-hit West African

countries.

Conditions for loans from the IMF prevented an effective response to the outbreak that has killed nearly 8,000 people, the academics allege in a report in The Lancet Global Health journal this month.

This allegation was faulted by Sanjeev Gupta; Deputy Director, IMF Fiscal Affairs Department, saying the assertions made by the professors was incorrect.

He said, “First, it is not correct to say

that health care expenditures declined in these countries. As my colleagues, Benedict Clements, and Masahiro Nozaki, and I note in a recent blog, spending on health and education have increased faster in low-income countries with IMF-supported programs, than those without.

“What about the Ebola-hit countries?

Here too, we find an increase in health spending as a percent of GDP. In Guinea, spending increased by 0.7 percentage points, in Liberia by 1.6 points and in

Sierra Leone by 0.24 points (from 2010 to 2013). More generally, World Bank data show that health outcomes in SubSaharan Africa, including the three Ebola-hit countries, have improved significantly over the past decade or so, including improvements in mortality rates (falling by about 30 percent), child nutrition (improving by 9 percent), and sanitation (improving by 9 percent).

Low income countries

“Second, it is simply not correct to say that the IMF requires caps on the public sector wage bill. Since 2007, the IMF announced a new policy on wage bill ceilings, as part of an overall effort to promote more effective and sustainable use of aid flows to low-income countries.

In fact, IMF programs in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone have not had any limits on the wage bill during the period 2000 -2014.

“The fact is that Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia were doing relatively well trying to overcome years of instability as they emerged from conflict, including civil wars that claimed tens of thousands of lives and had a devastating impact on social infrastructure.

The arrival of Ebola put severe pressure on already fragile infrastructure and health care systems.

The IMF recognized the urgency of the situation—and moved quickly to help, as you yourself note. The IMF made available an additional $130 million to the three countries to fight Ebola.

“And we are doing more. The From left: Mrs. Ibiye Ekong, Executive Director, Skye Bank; Mr. Sunkanmi Olowo, Head SME / Value Chain Banking, Ecobank Nigeria; Mr. Tony Okpanachi, Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria and Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, international community is helping Managing Director, Bank of Industry during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Bank of Industry affected countries meet their needs to fight Ebola. The IMF is working on and some SME friendly banks in Lagos mechanisms to allow us to move rapidly to provide more debt relief to these countries—which would free up more resources that could be used for health

By Providence Obuh there will be no jobs for our children. The they destroy it but now we have a testing care spending.” point I am making is that the people laboratory that is world class and this is not TANDARDS Organisation of selling these products to us are not a Nigerian thing. Once we test and certify Nigerian, SON, said it is ready to change because they are making any product here in Nigeria, nobody can considering imposing additional sanctions money from it. So, we have to help challenge it anywhere in the world and this $176. 15 $1.25 on importation of substandard goods. ourselves. is why we must also build capacity,” he said.

The Director General, Standards He pointed out that made-in-Nigeria Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Dr. Joseph goods suffer neglect and destruction President, on maritime industry, Mr. $2,914.00 $12.00 Odumodu disclosed this at a in the global market bringing nothing but Oyewole Leke, urged stakeholders to stakeholders’ forum on the maritime economic loss to the country. support SON in finding a lasting solution $14.93 $0.06 industry tagged: “Seamless importation: To tackle this challenge, he said that to the menace of substandard goods Building stakeholders’ synergy and two of SON’s laboratories are now plaguing the nation’s economy. fostering trade without compromising accredited to ensure that any product “We must decide how and what kind of standards.” that undergoes any form of test in goods come into the Nigerian market. $51.43 $0.33 He said in view of the fact that 90 Nigeria will be accepted globally.

Nigeria is not a dumping ground. We percent of fake products in the country “Sometimes we export products like must search with the depth of our $48. 99 $1.06 are imported products, SON is cocoa to the United Kingdom and when conscience on how best we can considering imposing stricter penalties they test it and it does not meet standards, support SON in its fight against on foreign nations exporting CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL substandard goods,” he said. substandard goods into Nigeria, adding He noted that substandard goods DOLLAR 167 167.5 168 that these countries do not mean well have made many companies close STERLING 254.641 255.404 256.166 for the economic development of the shops; contributed to a lot of EURO 198.997 199.593 200.188 nation. unemployment crisis and has also FRANC 165.608 166.104 166.600 He said, “We need to take firmer actions brought so many deaths in Nigeria.

YEN 1.390 1.394 1.398 against countries that are selling death to The National Secretary, Association CFA 0.293 0.303 0.313 Nigerians. We must take stricter actions.

We must decide how and of Nigeria Licensing Custom Agents WAUA 242.0204 242.745 243.469 It is a self-intervention activity. We are NLACA called for the need to build RENMINBI 26.843 26.924 27.004 losing our people because they are selling what kind of goods come an enduring Public Private Partnership RIYAL 44.501 44.634 44.767 death to us, but more importantly, we also into the Nigerian market.

KRONA 25.738 26.818 26.898 (PPP) for the maritime sector, adding need industries in Nigeria.

SDR 239.394 240.111 240.828 that PPP is a necessary tool for the Nigeria is not a dumping “If they continue to sell these products growth of the nation’s maritime CBN Exchange Rate as 7/1/2015 to us and our industries continue to die, ground industry.

SON mulls stiffer sanctions against substandard goods

S

C M Y K

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

No certainty on merger deal with Afren — Seplat

By Nkiruka Nnorom

S

EPLAT Petroleum Development Company Plc has said that there is no certainty of a business combination with Afren Plc. The company stated this in a notice filed with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, yesterday.

This followed an earlier indication of interests communicated to the investing public last month by Afren Plc of a take-over bid by Seplat Plc. Though Seplat confirmed that it had made a highly preliminary approach regarding a possible combination with Afren, it however, noted that there can be ‘no certainty that an offer will be made or as to the terms of any offer. ‘ The company stated that “in accordance with Rule 2.6(a) of the UK City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Code”), by no later than 5.00 pm on 19 January 2015, it must either announce a firm intention to make an offer under Rule 2.7 of the Code or announce that it does not intend to make an offer, in which case the announcement will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Code applies.

“Seplat notes that this deadline can be extended with the consent of the UK Takeover Panel (the “Panel”) in accordance with Rule 2.6(c) of the Code.

Seplat, noted that further details cannot be provided at this stage due to the highly preliminary status of events, but assured that further announcements will be made as soon as the need arises.

It would be recalled that investors had swooped on the shares of Afren Plc following the announcement by the company in December of a possible take-over bid by Seplat Plc. Afren had stated that it

had received a “highly preliminary” approach from Nigerian oil and gas company, Seplat Petroleum Development Company plc, regarding a possible combination with it.

However, Afren has said that there can be no certainty that an offer will be made or as to the terms of any offer.

Available information had shown that Seplat has acquired just over seven percent of Afren since

September last year.

However, even though Seplat has approached Afren, Afren’s press release on the matter, made it quite clear that: There can be no certainty that an offer will be made or as to the terms of any offer.

So there’s no indication of how much Seplat will offer for Afren. Additionally, as of now there has been no comment on whether Afren’s shareholders will be offered cash or stock for their holdings.

Bull and bear of the stock market

John Holt records N3.3bn negative shareholders’ fund

By Michael Eboh & Nkiruka Nnorom

J

OHN Holt Plc has recorded significant erosion in its capital, as it posted a negative shareholders’ fund of N3.3 billion in its financial statement for the year ended, September 30, 2014.

This prompted the auditor of the company, BDO Professional Services, in the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to raise an alarm over the ability of the company to continue as a going concern.

Specifically, John Holt has announced a profit before tax of N427 million for the group and N266 billion for the company, compared to N264 billion and N111 billion for the group and company respectively in 2013.

The Group also posted a profit after tax of N591 million compared to N93 million in 2013, while the company recorded after tax profit of N246 million, as against N97 million 2013.

However, the company ’s revenue for the period nose-

dived by 7.3 per cent to N2.815 billion compared to N3.038 billion recorded in the same period in 2013.

BDO Professional Services in the report of independent auditors, presented to shareholders of the company, said, “We wish to draw attention to note 42 to the financial statements which indicates that while the Company made a profit before taxation of N266 million, during the year ended 30 September 2014 and as at that date its current liabilities exceeded its current assets by N7.1 billion (2013:N6.9 billion and had a negative shareholders’ fund of N3.3 billion (2013:N3.7 billion).

“As at the same date, the Group’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by N4.3 billion (2013:N4.3 billion).

However, the Group had a positive shareholders’ funds of N3.3 billion (2013:N2 billion).

“These conditions indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt the company’s

ability to continue as a going concern.”

Giving a basis for its opinion, the auditors said, “The comparative figures in the current year ’s financial statements are as reported in the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2013, which were issued by another auditor.

“We were unable to review the

This prompted the auditor of the company, BDO Professional Services, in the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to raise an alarm over the ability of the company to continue as a going concern

working papers of the predecessor auditor in line with the provisions of the International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 510. It is therefore not possible for us to carry out the required audit procedures necessary to obtain the required assurance in relation to the opning financial position included in the preceding year ’s financial statements.”

Continuing, the auditors said, “We have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about whether: the opening balances contain misstatements that materially affect the current year ’s financial statements.

“Appropriate accounting policies reflected in the opening balances have been consistently applied in the cur rent year ’s financial statements or changes thereto are appropriately accounted for and adequately presented and disclosed in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.”

Courteville celebrates 10th anniversary amid growth

C

OURTEVILLE Business Solutions Plc, a sub-regional business solutions development company, has announced the celebration of her 10 years in operations.

Over the past decade, Courteville has recorded consistent year-on-year growth in clientele base and key financial indices.

Speaking to shareholders at the 9 th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, the Chairman, Capt. Murtala Salami, had expressed his delight over growth in the company, saying, “since our incorporation, we have, as an organization crossed frontier we never imagined possible and pioneered first-of-a- kind e-service delivery models that have become industry standard while achieving corporate governance and service delivery benchmarks that would have been thought impossible in Nigeria” In less than five years of operations, CBS became a publicly quoted company and in November 2008, with its Operation and Management systems certified to be compliant with International Standards under the ISO 9001:2008 approved standards, CBS became the only company so certified from the business solutions development sector of the Nigerian Economy.

The 10 years anniversary, according to the company will be a one-week celebration starting from Saturday 10th January to Saturday 17 th January, 2015.

Activities lined up for the event include; a two kilometer “Walk For Life” from the Company’s Head Office to University of Lagos (UNILAG) gate and back to the Head Office on Saturday .On Sunday, a thanksgiving service will hold at RCCG, Commercial Avenue, opposite the Head Office. A Seminar themed “Empowerment Strategies to Developing, Social Entrepreneurship” will take place at The Knot Centre in 1, Tobi Lawal Road, Yaba, Lagos on Monday.

On Tuesday, the commissioning of the Head Office by the company ’s Chairman will take place while on Wednesday, staff of Courteville will pay a visit to Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care at St. Finbarrs Road, Akoka, the Old People Home at Yaba and a Public Primary School in Yaba, where food items and educational materials would be distributed respectively.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—23

How govt policy enhanced seed business ---- Zangir

By Jimoh Babatunde

G

ETTING quality seeds a c r o s s to the smallholder farmers was the major problem that Sir. George Zangir and his team in Value seeds, Nigeria, faced at the inception of the company in 2009 as they lacked the funds to create the necessary awareness among the farmers on the need to use improved seeds.

All this changed in 2011 when the government of Nigeria came up with Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA) and chance meeting with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

The company's President, Sir. George Zangir, in this chat disclosed what the chance meeting with AGRA has done to the company in terms of capacity building and scaling up.

Capacity building "I don't have agric background.

When I started working for UAC back in 2003, I was in administration and at a point the Managing Director felt I should be converted to marketing and since then I have worked in the marketing units of either seed companies or Agro chemical companies.

"So in the agric sector I have always been a marketing person and I have always worked for companies that valued trainings.

I was very fortunate to be so trained and well trained as well.

"I have experience cutting across technical aspects of seed production and of course marketing aspects of it. I have been t o Lagos Business School and Harvard Business School too. " Having worked with UAC where he discovered that the major challenge of the

smallholder farmers was the availability and access to top quality seeds, he decided to go into seed business with the establishment of Value Seed Company in 2009.

"When we started in 2009 we could barely sell 100metric tonnes of seeds.

The challenge had always been that of distributions, we did not have money to create good awareness for seeds of improved varieties.

"Farmers did not know about the existence of quality seeds, you needed to do demonstrations, you needed to do •George Zangir a lot of activities that will create awareness, but we were handicapped by dearth of funds and in time with access to funding we we decided to go small and decided to implement and since increase gradually." then we have done a lot in The solution to funding came developing farmers' awareness in 2011 when the Nigerian to improve seeds of good Government decided it was time varieties. to pay more attention to Since 2009, Zangir sees their agriculture with the introduction assistance to almost 10,000 of the Agriculture farmers in the area of extension Transformation agenda. "The services as a major achievement, ATA program which gave the "We have also introduced seed companies access to improved varieties and like I told affordable financing with you in my introduction that our sovereign guarantee to a key focus is bridging the gap number of banks and today a lot between top quality materials, of Nigerian seed companies which are results of good have been empowered and it can research, and commercializing only get better." the research work.

He added "We were fortunate "So what we have done is also to be among the seed companies take this to the farmers by picked, though we had always creating very good distribution had our plans to transform the channels over the years. We sector but for lack of funds. So have done a number of works in

moving into the South West."

He added "Until we came on board the packaging in the seed sector was something that needed a lot of improvement.

Lots of seeds companies were using the polythene; we came and started using the poly woven sacks.

"We introduced affordable packages like 2kg, 1kg which were not in existence and this provided affordable seeds to farmers.

"We have also gone ahead in the area of seed dressing as most often farmers are short changed by being given seeds with only colorant instead of seed dressing. We have partner with some agro chemical companies in making available to farmers seeds that are dressed with top quality dressing materials.

"This has helped in improving the yields of farmers and I tell you they calling to commend what we are doing .Most of the farmers that have been using our seeds have been able to turn around their fortunes."

Green revolution

lots of states in Nigeria cutting across the northern states, the middle belt and we looking of

We have also gone ahead in the area of seed dressing as most often farmers are short changed by being given seeds with only colorant instead of seed dressing

Farm mechanisation policy to create 800,000 direct jobs — Adesina

By Gabriel Ewepu

T

HE Minister of Agriculture and R u r a l Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said implementation of farm mechanisation policy under the Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprise, AEHE, will create 800,000 jobs.

Adesina also disclosed that President Goodluck Jonathan has approved N4.5 billion to implement an intervention scheme that will serve as a model for replication of the AEHE. He explained that the 800, 000 jobs were for unemployed youth, and will serve as direct and indirect employment C M Y K

nationwide under the AEHE. According to him the network of AEHEs will provide mechanisation services for 1,200,000 hectares of farmland, add an additional 4,800,000 mt of food to national food production, while 10,000,000 Nigerian farmers will have access to mechanisation through the AEHE. He further stated that the first phase of this intervention will make available 590 units of tractors, 500 power tillers, and various harvests and post harvest equipment to set up 118 AEHE centres.

The Minister also expressed optimism that when fully these centres were comes on stream, the on-going mechanisation

scheme will provide 1,230 units of tractors, 2000 power tillers and 3400 units of various harvest and post equipment such as rice reapers, grain threshers, cassava planters and harvesters, boom sprayers among several other equipment to set up 246 units of AEHEs in demand driven locations across the country.

However, the new mechanisation policy will be a Public Private Partnership, PPP, where the government will provide 35 per cent of the finance, financial institutions will provide 35 per cent, Agro-machinery Vendors provides 20 per cent, while Service Providers Operator (SPOs) makes available 10 per cent.

Zangir believed the achievements and impacts they have made would not have been rapid without coming in contact with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) as they are one of the latest guarantees of AGRA having accessed their grants to boost their activities in seeds distributions and awareness creation in Nigeria.

"AGRA is good news to Africa; AGRA is good news to Nigeria.

AGRA is good news to farmers and extremely good news to Value seeds.

"In 2011, AGRA officials were in Nigeria going round to look at what their guarantees have done and then they were going to hold meetings of guarantees in Kano. I think as they were going they got to a village at Kura and were meeting with Agro dealers.

"In one of the agro dealers' shops, I think they spotted our seeds, we were completely not known by AGRA at that time, but when they saw the seed they insisted that this seed company should be among those to participate in their meeting in Kano.

"So we were invited and for the first time participated in AGRA activities and since then it has been one added value addition activity to the other.

"We have benefited from AGRA in the area of training; technical capacity development; in the area of marketing; in area of distribution channels and development.

The result of AGRA in the life of the company is giving them hope of scale up their seed production to 10,000 metric tonnes soon as they are already producing above 5,000mt.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

NIMASA targets 90% ISPS compliance by year end

By Godwin Oritse

T

HE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said that it will increase the compliance level of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code by as much as 90 percent before the end of the year.

In a statement by the Head of Public Affairs department of the agency, Mr. Osamgbi Isichei said that the compliance level of ISPS Code in Nigeria is presently at 38 percent According to Osanbgi, “the Compliance with (ISPS) Code has been vigorously pursued since the Agency was made the Designated Authority (DA) for its implementation in May 2013.

“Over 38percent of port facilities in the c o u n t r y are f u l l y compliant comprising all the major ports in the country. Our goal is to attain over 90% compliance level before the end of 2015.

Radar installation “The Agency is upgrading its Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) in Lagos, Bonny and Oron. The Radar installation in Escravos, Bonny and Takwa Bay in Lagos will complement the satellite facility and further boost our domain awareness response capability ”.

He explained that the agency’s partnership with Messrs Global West Vessels Specialist Limited (GWSVSL) for the supply, operation, management and maintenance of operational platforms and associated electronic surveillance systems on a Public Private Partnership basis has significantly improved the operational capabilities and response time of the Agency.

He added that NIMASA has been able to

achieve full domain awareness of its maritime environment adding that the Agency can detect in real time, all activities of vessels involved in trading on the nation’s waters and even beyond with the aid of a satellite surveillance facility installed in the Agency ’s head office.

The MoU entered into with the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force has also been instrumental to curbing the menace of piracy and illicit activities in the maritime domain.

•From left: Out going Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Comptroller Willy Egbudin and new Seme CAC, Comptroller Ndalati Mohammed at the handing over ceremony in Seme.

179.7MT of rice imported in December

By Godfrey Bivbere & Agnes Obiabo

D

ESPITE efforts by the federal government to improve the nation’s local rice production, a total of 179,682 metric tones of the staple food were imported into the country last month alone.

Another 30,000 metric tones of the product is expected to land ENL terminal on the 7th of this month.

According to the shipping position of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, made available to Vanguard, 41,382 metric tones which represent the

Over 38% of port facilities in the country are fully compliant comprising all the major ports in the country.

Our goal is to attain over 90% compliance level before the end of 2015

largest volume for last month landed at Greenview Development Nigeria Limited, GDNL and ENL Consortium Ltd, ENL, operators terminals E and C and D respectively on the 14th of December.

On the 27th and 29th, 38,000 and 30,800 metric tones were shipped into Apapa port while the same port received 26,000, 25,000 and 18,500 metric tones between 8th and 27th of last month.

Similarly, five vessels laden with frozen fish are expected to bring in a total of 12,200 metric tones between the 6th and 7th of this month. Three ships, M.V Frio Vladivostok, Green Nova and Green Brasil are expected to have berth on Tuesday with the same product at the Lagos port.

Two vessels, M.V Harengus and Breizklipper are also expected to berth with 4,300 metric tones of frozen fish on the 7th. Meanwhile, 13,527 metric tones of the same product had already been discharged at the Lagos port between the 19th and 31st of last month.

In the month of December, M.V Summer Flower, Cape Belle, Alma and Silver Horn brought in 4,847, 3,400, 3,300 and 1,980 metric tones of frozen fish respectively.

On Wednesday, January 07, 2015, a total of

43,400 metric tones of bulk sugar was brought in by M.V Ocean Splendor and is expected to have berthed at GDNL. Between Thursday and Saturday this week, 76,826 metric tones of bulk wheat are expected

to arrive at the Lagos port on board M.V Ocean Beauty and Desert Victory. Similarly, M.V Elenim is expected to bring in 24,000 metric tones of bulk salt on Wednesday while 46,405 metric tones of bulk coal are expected to have

berthed at the Lagos port on the same day.

Other consignments expected at the Lagos port are ethanol, general cargo, vehicles, containers, soda ash and petroleum products from this week to the 23rd of this month.

Shippers Council’s action in interest of national economy — Capt Biu

By Godwin Oritse

T

HE immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Captain Adamu Biu has said that the Council’s recent action to review port charges downwards was in the interest of the national economy.

In an exclusive chat with Vanguard, Biu said that the Council was doing everything possible to reduce inflation in the country.

He added that the cost of doing business in the nation’s port has added to the high rate of inflation in the country.

The former ship Captain explained that terminal operators need to be regulated adding that their being aversive to being regulated is the reason behind the current face off between both parties.

Explaining further, the

action of these terminal operators will continue to undermine the nation’s economic wellbeing if they are checkmated.

Biu stated the Nigerian Shippers’ Council was in the best position to regulate the activities of operators because it has no interest in the port.

He also noted that some stakeholders are working against Shippers’ Council effort at regulating operations at the ports.

He called on stakeholders to join hands with the Council to reduce port charges and attract more foreign investments.

“In as much as we want to relate with foreigners, they must subject themselves to our laws, we must also create a conducive environment for them to operate if the benefits of the port concession arrangement must be achieved.

“Most of these terminal

operators are foreigners or foreigners being represented by their Nigerian partners and they must subject themselves to the laws of the country.

“What the Council is trying to do is to reduce the rate of inflation in our country by reducing the cost of doing business in our ports “Shippers’ Council is a neutral body, it has no interest in the port, it is the most appropriate agency to regulate operators” he added.

The former Executive Secretary disclosed that the appointment of an economic regulator was contained in the concession agreement with concessionaires.

He also called on the current management of the Council to ensure that its staff are trained with a view to being abreast with its current status as economic regulators.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—25

along you can rent. Once seated, you can be served a big bottle of Star beer or suya or spliff while gazing out onto the tropical horizon.

ATICAN BEACH Atican Beach Resort is a beautiful relaxation spot and private beach located on the axis of Lagos-Epe Expressway.

It is one of the few well managed beaches, which lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos.

The resort was privately built based on the inspiration of making Lagos a vibrant Tourism attraction. Its white pristine sand, clean beach environment, Lodging and restaurant makes it one of the best place for family relaxation, parties and corporate functions. Since its existence, it has been the haven for Lagos citizens.

At the Atican Beach Resort, you can host a private party for your friends, family, work group. Tourists can also meet the locals there and expand their network. The beach is on Abraham Adesanya Road, Okun, Ajah Lagos.

Every friday tourists are trilled to evening live music provided by their in house live Band. Its an opportunity to have cool fun at the Beach side.

At Atican Beach Resort , the children have a private play ground provided for them with opportunity to go horse riding.

Kids are guaranteed of their own fun moments.

TOP: Inagbe beach and (RIGHT):Toúrists at the Elegushi Beach

Beach holidays 2015:

Best beaches in Lagos F

or those who are big fan of the ocean or those dreaming of that weekend in a very serene environment that will link them directly with nature, Lagos is a most visit destination this year with several beaches from which to choose.

Lagos state is blessed with Oceanic splendour and offers various beaches both private and public where you can have a special time out. Below are the best beaches in Lagos.

BAR BEACH Bar beach is arguably the most popular beach in Lagos.

Located on Ahmadu Bello way in Victoria Island, Bar beach known for its sand bars, extends from the west by the Institute of Oceanography all the way to Eko Hotel toward the east. If you would like to take a walk by the ocean-side while enjoying the cool breeze, Bar Beach is the place to be.

The beach is sandy without any plants or coconut trees.

Many activities are available for sports enthusiasts including horse back riding, swimming and football among other popular beach sports. Though C M Y K

you may be tempted to jump into the water on a sunny day, swimming and surfing is seriously discouraged because of the strong churning currents of the sea.

Care should be taken though while at this beach as the waves are extremely strong.

TAKWA BAY The Tarkwa Bay, which is an Island of about 20minutes Boat cruise from the Lagos CMS Boat jetty, is a serene environment sparsely populated with friendly residents some of whom are fishermen. The Tarkwa Bay Island affords one of easy access to the raging and boisterous waves of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the less aggressive water of the Lagos lagoon both of which gives a refreshing and recreational beach activies.

A sheltered beach within the harbour breakwater. It is easily accessible by boat from Tarzan Jetty at Maroko (N1000 per person) or under Falomo bridge on Victoria Island. The beach is a pleasant outing and has safe bathing even for children. Deck chairs are

available for hire and a variety of fruits (pineapples, coconuts, oranges and so on) to buy.

Make sure you book your return time with the boat driver.

Tarkwa is a man made bay and beach created during the formation of the Lagos harbour.

The beach was shaped by the moles used to form the inlet to the harbour and covered with sand dredged from the bottom of the channel. As a result the water is a lot calmer than the exposed Atlantic coastline elsewhere around Lagos.

The Tarkwa Bay, which is an Island of about 20min Boat cruise from the Lagos CMS Boat jetty, is a serene environment sparsely populated with friendly residents some of whom are fishermen

The fine sand is also much more comfortable to walk and lie on than the coarse/sharp sand of the other beaches. With its own resident community, most of whom make their living from the tourists who visit the beach, this is the only “maintained” beach in Lagos with the beach hands cleaning up the garbage every weekend before the influx of tourists.

Also given the fact that it is cut off from the main habitations of Lagos by water and is therefore only accessible by boat, this makes it a beach for real beach bums and sun worshippers, in contrast to the other “bums and worshippers” that flock to the Bar Beach.

It is also possible to surf in a corner of Tarkwa Bay and other water sports such as Jet Skiing and Water Skiing are fairly common, although don’t expect to find equipment there to rent! Make friends with the local nautical elites so you can use their water sports equipment.

Tarkwa Bay is a short speedboat trip from Lagos. It’s the perfect place to spend your Sunday. The beach is crescent shaped and has deckchairs all

ELEKO BEACH This is one of the most serene and clean beaches in Lagos, a big 60km trip east of the city.

This beach is frequently visited by local families and fun seekers looking for some quieteness. Eleko Beach offers sporting activities for everyone.

The atmosphere is relaxed and rejuvenating for beach combers of all types.

A N500 fee is charged at the entrance to the beach which is less than what is charged at Elegushi Beach.

You can rent a beach hut for the day here, and get someone to make a barbeque for you.

There’s also a small market selling interesting art. You’ll need to hire a drop taxi to get there.

ELEGUSHI BEACH Elegushi Beach is a hot, sandy, beautiful oasis located at Ikate Elegbushi bus stop, a 2km drive from the Lekki toll off Lekki/ Epe Express way.

Though it is not the cleanest of beaches, it remains one of the most patronized beaches in Lagos. Elegushi is a private beach and offers a mix of music, food and beautiful scenery of the water.

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

I N S I D E

Ogun Governorship: How ambition is tearing Ogun PDP apart

•Jonathan: Angry with motor park tout statesmen

APC jolts PDP in Cross River

•Obasanjo: Peeved by incompetence in leadership

Obasanjo vs Jonathan:

Innuendoes on motor park touts and incompetence INNUENDOES which are insinuations often of a derogatory sort have recently rained down the polity from unusual political heights. The recent assertions of President Goodluck Jonathan and his onetime benefactor, President Olusegun Obasanjo are typical case studies.

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

T

HE

usual

fine

boy

mien

was dropped last Wednesday as President Goodluck Jonathan hosted a delegation of northern elders led by the elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakassi.

The trouble with the president flowed from the innuendoes poured on him earlier in the week by President Obasanjo in Abeokuta.

Obasanjo’s meeting on Monday with

Iyalodes and Iyalojas from across the Southwest was indeed very significant.

In the audience were the women who could help sway the voting pattern of almost half of the population of the Southwest region given their influence over other market women. The market women according to the calculations would in turn persuade their customers in the markets around the region.

The delegation was led by the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs.) Alaba Lawson. Significant in the membership of the delegation was the presence of

the Iyaloja-General of Lagos, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Just few years ago, the Tinubus and Obasanjo were on warring paths but the realignment of forces has seen to it that even these days Tinubu comes on political consultations to Obasanjo’s Abeokuta residence.

Noting the economic downturn in the economy, Obasanjo had whined and wailed the fate of the nation lamenting

how the present administration had blown about $55 billion from the reserves.

In words that would ordinarily touch the women traders, he lamented that the drain of the foreign reserve was responsible for the slide of the naira to the dollar which he said he had heard was sliding towards N190 to the dollar.

Obvious innuendo In an obvious innuendo, he said: “In the profession I know very well, the military, what we normally say is that there are no bad soldiers but bad officers. If you see a situation where the soldiers are not doing well, we need to examine the officers in charge. So it is in the family, the community, the town and the country.” Without mentioning President Jonathan in name, Obasanjo had clearly shown to the women that the problem with Nigeria was with its leadership.

Even though the innuendo was a direct hit at President Jonathan, the former general was quick to say “I have no grudges against Jonathan and I think Jonathan equally has no grudges against me. I’m not quarrelling with Continues on page 27

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—27

Innuendoes on motor park touts and incompetence

•Obasabjo with the South-West Women leaders on Monday

In the profession I know very well, the military, what we normally say is that there are no bad soldiers but bad officers. If you see a situation where the soldiers are not doing well, we need to examine the officers in charge. So it is in the family, the community, the town and the country.” Without mentioning President Jonathan in name, Obasanjo had clearly shown to the women that the problem with Nigeria was with its leadership

Continues from page 26 Jonathan but all I know is that whatever is good for Nigeria, that I’m ready to die for.”

“I emphasize that whatever is good for Nigeria, is what I’m ready to defend with my life. Whoever, I emphasize, whoever says he would not do anything good to Nigeria, even if he says he’s ready to go ‘konko below’, I’m ready to square it up with such a person. I say again, whoever that person may be, I want you to get that correctly. If this country is going to change for the better, it would start from the top and if it’s going to be otherwise, it would start from the top, too,” the former president stressed.

himself was going to deliver the poison.

Dr. Jonathan had given notice of his coming attack within 24 hours when he inaugurated his presidential campaign council the following day, saying that he would come out to give his performance against that of former

Presidential campaign If anything, the hit was painful and perhaps calculated at damaging the president before the formal launch of his presidential campaign which took place in Lagos yesterday.

Remarkably, efforts to get a response from senior presidential aides on the issue were rebuffed. The usually voluble attack lion, Dr. Doyin Okupe was out of reach. Peoples Democratic Party, PDP spokesman, Chief Olisa Metuh demurred.

It was to later emerge that senior presidential aides had been told not to respond to Obasanjo. The president

As he spoke and as the anger boiled over, the president, to the amusement of his audience, said that it was not the time for talking too much even though he had said a mouthful in 10 minutes

•Jonathan with the Northern Elder Council members on Wednesday. Pix by Abayomi Adeshida

Some people, including those with big names, are hiding under some clogs and creating a lot of problems in this country. They are making provocative statements that will set this country ablaze. How can someone tell me that such people are senior citizens, they are not senior citizens and they can never be. They are ordinary motor park touts

heads of state.

“When we start campaigns, we will confront them with what we have done as a government, we will tell them what they did not do when they were heads of State,” President Jonathan had said last Tuesday.

Like Obasanjo, he did not mention any name but given the background of the event in Abeokuta the day before, the innuendo directed at Obasanjo could not be hidden.

Meanwhile, the mobilisation was on for the Northern elders to serve as a fitting audience for the president’s reply which came on Wednesday.

Remarkably, as he spoke that day just after the routine Federal Executive Council, FEC meeting, the anger swelled in him as he gave his own frontal response to Obasanjo, albeit in innuendo.

He said: “Some people call themselves statesmen but they are not statesmen, they are just ordinary politicians. For you to be a statesman, it is not because you have occupied a big office before but the question is what are you bringing to bear on the nation?”

“Are you building this country? Or are you a part of the people who tell lies to destroy this country; to create enmity and make people who ordinarily would have been living together to fight themselves?”

“Are you planning to set the country ablaze because you did not get that particular thing you want?

“Some people, including those with big names, are hiding under some clogs and creating a lot of problems in this country. They are making provocative statements that will set this country ablaze. How can someone tell me that such people are senior citizens.

They are not senior citizens and they can never be. They are ordinary motor park touts.

“If you are a senior citizen, you will act like one. It is not because of the offices we occupy, it is by divine grace and providence that some of us occupy these offices. But what role are you playing to build this country?”

Outbursts from the two men As he spoke and as the anger boiled over, the president to the amusement of his audience, said that it was not the time for talking too much even though he had said a mouthful in ten minutes.

The outbursts from the two men just few weeks before the presidential election in which Obasanjo is opposed to Jonathan is reflective of the struggle for power by the two men.

Obasanjo in his audience with the market leaders affirmed that his interest was in the well being of the nation which he clearly stated was in bad shape.

Jonathan and his aides, however, counter that Obasanjo’s objections are an ego trip essentially because he has been shoved aside from the driver’s seat.

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Ogun governorship:

How ambition is tearing Ogun PDP apart

•Bankole: Weighing his options

•Isiaka: The PDP candidate

By Daud Olatunji THE People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State is on the verge of becoming an empty house following the rift arising from its recent primaries on account of the emergence of some candidates believed to be loyal to Prince Buruji Kashamu.

For instance, at the governorship primaries monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Gboyega Isiaka emerged as the state PDP standard bearer, having scored 705 votes to defeat Jelili Kayode Amusan (151 votes) and Omoba Segun Adewale (zero vote). Over 900 delegates voted in the governorship primaries that were boycotted by eight of the party’s aspirants.

Aggrieved aspirants The eight aspirants who boycotted the governorship primaries were Asiwaju Tony Ojesina, Prince Yanju Lipede, Dr. Remilekun Bakare, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Dr. Yomi Majekodunmi, Professor David Bamgbose, Isiaq Akinlade, Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye and former speaker of House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole.

Return of numerous groups The PDP is made up of some groups which include the Chairman, Mobilisation and Organisation committee in the South West, Prince Kashamu, former Governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Dimeji Bankole and former Minister of Finance, Chief Jubril MartinsKuye.

Apart from these groups, the

party in the state also has other groups like that of the former Deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye which had made the party become strong and formidable.

Few months ago when Daniel, who had defected to the Labour Party with his followers, rejoined the PDP, many political analysts averred that the PDP was on the verge of reclaiming the governorship from the All Progressives Congress (APC) which dethroned it in 2011 due to a serious internal wrangling.

It was observed that apart from Daniel and Ogunleye’s groups, other groups such as those of Martins-Kuye and Bankole did not leave the party but they were just passive.

So, when all of them came together and began to work for the victory of the party, the PDP became the talk of the town. In fact, some pundits had rated the umbrella party high, saying that the PDP had come out of its hooks to dislodge the APC from the state.

However, all the groups seem to be at the mercy of the group led by Kashamu, who had been ‘maintaining’ the party while the other groups were away.

Kashamu, who had successfully installed the state exco led by Engineer Bayo Dayo shortly after the 2011 elections and had since been maintaining the party and attracting different people.

When Daniel and others rejoined PDP, the general belief was that Kashamu would be shoved aside while Daniel would call the shots but the reverse is the case as Kashamu has continued to dictate while other groups had no choice but to follow.

Bone of contention The bone of contention now, which may affect PDP’s victory, is the choice of candidates.

All the groups had gone the extra mile to ensure that their delegate’s lists were used for the primaries so that their candidates would emerge as party candidates but as at this moment, Kashamu’s endorsed candidates had the upper hand from the wards to the state level including the governorship.

Unity list This development pulled the leaders of the losing groups together and they resolved to go for a “unity list” which would comprise delegates of all of them.

But Kashamu rejected the idea and insisted that he could not be

When Daniel and others rejoined PDP, the general belief was that Kashamu would be shoved aside while Daniel would call the shots but the reverse is the case

part of the process that would deny the winners of the party primaries their victory.

According to findings, all the candidates that emerged were not Kashamu’s loyalists. Some are Daniel’s loyalists.

The candidates For instance, for the Senate, the candidates that emerged include a former commissioner for works during Daniel’s administration, Waliu Taiwo from Ogun West; wife of Ijaw leader, Chief Bisola Sodipo-Clark (Ogun Central) and Kashamu himself, who emerged as the candidate for Ogun East Senatorial District.

For the House of Representatives, Oladipupo Adebutu, the son of pools magnate, Chief Kessington Adebutu, emerged as the party candidate for Remo Federal constituency, while Adekoya Adesegun Ijebu clinched the ticket for Ijebu North-East/Ogun Waterside. Both are loyalists of Daniel.

Others include a serving member of the House of Assembly from Ifo 11 state constituency, Adijat OladapoAdeleye (Ifo/Ewekoro federal constituency) while a former member of House of Representatives, Hon. Amusan Jelili got the ticket for Abeokuta North/Odeda/ Obafemi-Owode.

A reliable source hinted that the national leadership of the party waded into the crisis and came come up a unity list. It was said to have pruned the number of governorship aspirants from 11 to four, two from Ogun West and two from Ogun Central.

It was gathered that those favoured among the 11 aspirants by the party leadership include a serving member of House of Representatives from Yewa

South/Ipokia federal constituency, Hon. Abound Akinlade; former General Manager of Gateway Holdings, Bodega Sakai from Ogun West while former Speaker of House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and a former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Musharraf Tunji Ishola were picked from Ogun Central.

The PDP national leadership reportedly agreed with the idea of a “unity list” with a view to accommodating all the groups within the party in the state.

But there were conflicting reports about the composition of the unity list. A version had claimed that the unity list favoured Bankole as the governorship candidate of the party while another version said Sakai is the party’s standard bearer.

As of the moment, Tunisia’s name has been submitted at the INEC office but feelers from Abuja indicated that there may be an amendment in the list to prevent mass exodus of aggrieved party members to other parties.

Working together Many of the aggrieved leaders have already approached the newly introduced Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state and had been reportedly accommodated.

Findings showed that some of them have been given some slots including a Senate ticket belonging to Ogun West as part of the process of working together ahead of the coming election. It was gathered that,Daniel and other aggrieved leaders have been asked to nominate a senatorial candidate and had reportedly nominated Bi Begotten.

Bankole was reported to be eyeing the governorship ticket of the SDP which had been given to an Worrier man and a serving Senator from Ogun West, Senator Akin Unshod.

Unconfirmed reports had it that Bankole had been tipped as the SDP governorship candidate, by the leader of the party, Aremo Segun Osoba.

The former Speaker was said to have been chosen as the substantive governorship candidate to replace Odunsi. But it had been denied by the SDP which said, it had not and would not replace Odunsi with Bankole.

SDP’s spokesman, Clement Adeniyi told our correspondent that Bankole had not become a member of the SDP and could not have become the party ’s governorship candidate.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—29

I

must apologise to my readers for absconding from my weekly assignment without due notice. I went in search of better sight and improved hearing. Though I can now see and hear a little bit better. I must confess that my sight is being blurred by the devastation of Boko-Haram bombs and my ears are blocked by nasty rumours of impending post-election reactions.

Perhaps it is too late to persuade the political gladiators against the futility of rushed elections, especially when the political atmosphere is already charged. There is that craze for a CHANGE by the Opposition against the sit-tight posture of the ruling caste in the Federation and the states. Every party is caught in the web of enlightened self interest through manifestoes which are neither enlightened nor revolutionary. At best, the election promises are the familiar ones – Improved Security and Economic Prosperity which have remained elusive over the years.

Perhaps those patriotic Nigerians who cry for the postponement of the elections have their points. Nigeria is in a civil war – a deadly combat in which our gallant armed forces have the unpleasant duty of turning their weapons against rebellious and deadly Nigerian insurgents. Many believe that the final resolution of the conflict is far beyond the capability of a single political party whose leadership lacks strong national appeal in a seemingly divided nation.

The other important aspect of the many unresolved issues is

By Emmanuel Unah

B

EFORE Wednesday, January 7, 2015, the regular refrain among the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, leadership in Cross River State was, “there is no opposition in Cross River state” but the rally held by the All Progressives Congress, APC, on the above date has seemingly changed the political language and equation in the state.

The rally, which was organised as one of the campaign stops of Major General Muhamadu Buhari (retd), the APC presidential candidate, attracted an unprecedented crowd of supporters which no opposition party has been able to muster in the past 16years of the present political dispensation and this marks a significant tipping point in the political affairs of the state From all parts of the expansive state, crowds of the party’s faithful converged on the Mayne Avenue Primary School, venue of the rally as early as 9 am singing and dancing while awaiting the arrival of Buhari and his entourage whose delayed flight arrived the Margaret Ekpo International Airport , where another large crowd of supporters was waiting for him, at about 4pm before proceeding to the rally centre.

Who will save the nation and rescue the Naira that of Electoral Reform to ensure free and fair election. In a plural society with multi-party political system, the electoral body (INEC) should be representative and not one selected by the ruling party either in the Centre or in the States. Also, any electoral system that denies the individual (Independent candidate) from being voted for

Oil revenue should be seen as providing the fuel for engineering the growth points

cannot be fair and just.

The question is, why the haste when the electoral body is not 90 per cent ready in the distribution of voters‘ cards and revision of voters list?

Caught in the mood of ‘rushrush‘ psychology of Nigerian political system, the media do solemnly ask for debate on Issues of the day: Security and the Economy: those are the two vital issues on which the government and the opposition are expected to be on familiar grounds. The governing parties should rely and defend their activities and the opposition to convince voters of their alternative routes to security and prosperity in an atmosphere of dwindling oil revenue and hostile political environment.

Many observers of Nigerian political situation believe that issues raised at the last National Conference (at President Jonathan‘s initiative) should have been resolved and concrete steps taken to amend, if

necessary, the 1999 Constitution before any election is undertaken. With Political and Economic issues unresolved, the new government of any shade or colour after the elections would still be confronted with the unresolved burning questions.

That situation might become volatile and result in political instability.

On the issue of Political Economy, the country seems to be remiss while the ruling party (PDP) is amiss. The Central Bank has opted for a policy of Devaluation as a measure of lack of vision. My view has not changed from that taken in 2000 (see quoted view below) DEVALUATION Devaluation (lowering the value) of the Naira has been rated as one of the main factors affecting the competitiveness of Nigerian products at home and abroad.

Nigeria, being an import dependent country has to pay

APC jolts PDP in Cross River

•All Progressives Congress, (APC) Presidential candidate, Gen Buhari and his entourage arriving Calabar for the rally.

Many political watchers in the state were taken aback by the large turnout of supporters judging from the near comatose position of the APC and other opposition parties in the state.

Following their persistent battering by the forces of the ruling PDP right from the days of Mr Donald Duke who during his eight years tenure consistently wooed over many members of the opposition

parties while those who remained adamant were decimated politically.

From being the majority with 13 out of the 25members in the State House of Assembly in 1999, the APC then called APP went down to zero in the 2003 elections as all those who contested elections for the positions of chairmen of councils, Senate, House of Representatives, State House of

Assembly and e v e n councilors on the party ’s platform lost woefully until 2011 when Ernest Irek, a member of the PDP who lost nomination to Mr Fabian Okpa crossed over to the then ACN and won Okpa in the general election to become the House of Assembly Muhammadu m e m b e r representing Obubra 11 S t a t e Constituency.

The cantankerous outcome of the party ’s state executive council election of the party in 2014 did not help matters as some staunch members were expelled leaving many people disgruntled. However, like the proverbial kiwi which rises from its ashes, the party found its foot back in the months of November and December 2014 with the influx of some PDP members following the acrimonious

more for its raw materials, spare parts and machinery. The high cost of imported inputs added to increasing local cost of productions (because of poor infrastructures) tends to affect the price of locally produced goods.

On Devaluation, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, a former President was bold and categorical in his 1983 Budget Speech when he said, “I have followed with keen interest the on-going debate on the devaluation of the Naira, I am convinced that given the present structure of the Nigerian economy which depends largely on one export commodity on the one hand and places heavy reliance on imports of capital goods and raw materials on the other, devaluation will not be in the best interest of the country.

I therefore wish to state without any equivocation that under the present circumstances, this administration has no intention of devaluating the Naira”.

Nigeria had operated a fixed foreign exchange system at the time.

However, a former Head of Civil Service, Chief Allison Ayida noted in his ‘Reflection on Nigerian Development‘ that ‘the way out is to evoke a new strategy involving less dependence on imports and the promotion of local manufactures and agricultural production.

Oil revenue should be seen as providing the fuel for engineering the growth points.

If we can manage the domestic economy properly and efficiently, the external sector will gradually assume less importance and the Naira will find its level in the floating basket of currencies‘. outcome of the PDP primaries and this significantly boosted the ranks of the party.

Effectively, with the entry of defectors from PDP, the party which in 2011 could hardly present candidates for elections in half of the constituencies was able to fill every vacant position as many people, particularly the PDP renegades fell over themselves to pick the party’s tickets to contest elections for the various positions. So most of these candidates unlike the dead woods of the past were able to muster resources to ferry their supporters from across the state to the rally venue.

Elective positions With the large turn out and the enthusiasm on the faces of most of the candidates an d their supporters, the state is set for a strong battle for elective positions beginning from the House of Assembly to the governorship and the presidential election.

The party may, however, need a miracle to win the governorship slot owing to strong political calculations and indices that prevail in the state.

But to say the party would lose all the positions it has fielded candidates has always been the

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

I worked free to get my acting caree r on track – Mary Adufe

Mary Adufe is a fast rising actress in the Yoruba movie industry.

She studied communication and language at the Obafemi Awolowo university, Ife and later worked as a journalist for a while. She resigned to become secretary to popular Yoruba actor Yinka Quadri . She has featured in so many soap operas and Nollywood movies like Ona Abayo, Effisy po, Ifokantan, Nitori Aye and many more. In this interview with Aderonke Adeyeri, she talks about her passion for acting and other interesting things. Excerpts. have to your credit?

I am the producer of Ifokantan, ANY Nigerian women are Magretino and Life drama. Magretino into bleaching, what is your and Life drama will hit the market soon. I have featured in so many take on this?

Every human makes choices that movies that I have lost count. Movies best suits them and that is where like Ona Abayo, Ologo, Effisy po, Individual differences comes to play . Ifokantan, Nitori Aye, Metomi, I cannot judge or condemn Akanda Olorun etc. any one who chooses to tone and soap operas like or bleach their skin. Every Footprint, Girls next individual has the right to door, Kilanta, his or her choice.

Eldorado etc.

I started with Why did you opt for You started with acting instead of soaps but English soaps but journalism? now focuses on Acting is an in borne because I could Yoruba home videos ability for me because it not forgo my , why? comes naturally. Though I I started with soaps loved journalism as a passion for the but because I could profession but I could not Yoruba sector, I not forgo my passion help following my dreams to for the Yoruba sector, had to find my become an actress.

I had to find my way there. I didn’t know way there How many films do you any one in the Yoruba

By Aderonke Adeyeri

M

Day Uti Nwachukwu, Seyi Shay, others touched lives in Surulere C M Y K

•Mary Adufe

movie industry but when I met Yinka Quadri, it was the beginning of dreams come true.

Challenges of been an upcoming actress?

It has not been easy but I have to move on. I agree at times to work for free just to be noticed in the industry. The journey has not been rosy but I know I will get there.

What was your first acting experience like ?

It was an experience I will not forget in a hurry. I made some mistakes that I can now laugh at but I was fortunate that the director was lenient back then.

Mistakes like?

As an amateur, I backed the

I will take up more Where do mobile challenges devices in 2015, Mercy Johnson tells fans

go when they die?

camera.

Did your first role as a lesbian marred people’s opinion about you?

(Smiles) not at all. It is just a character and not Mary Adufe. I am a different person from what you see on camera.

Your pet name is Magretino and you titled your new film Magretino too, what is the connection?

I don’t want to talk about why I named the film after my pet name.

The reasons will become obvious when the film hits the market.

What do you want to be known for?

I want to be known for good leadership, become mentor to a lot of people and to touch many lives positively.

There is a popular belief that upcoming actresses sleep their way through to be get roles in

Continues on page 31

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—31

Synopsis

I worked free to get my acting career on track

•Mary Adufe

Continues from page 30 the industry, your take?

That is not true. I have never slept with anybody to get roles. But that does not mean it does not happen. God and humility is my secret.

Why do you think some actresses fall victims of sexual harassment?

I believe it is because of the way these actresses dress. Many of them dress provocatively. Acting does not mean forgetting our culture or throwing decency into the wind.

What will be the price to have Mary act nude?

No way. I can not do that for any price. I will never sell my dignity and become a disgrace to the womenfolks How far can you go to interpret a sexual role?

I don’t intend accepting sexual roles. My body belongs to my husband and him alone will touch it.

You once said Doctor Bankole Martin makes you happy and also said the lucky man is D. B. M,these puts together..... your comment?

It was a mistake. My fiance’s name is not close to those initials. Doctor Bankole Martin came to my aid when I was ill and had nothing on me to settle my medical bills. He is one of my mentors.

Have you ever felt like giving up your acting career?

No, not for any thing in the world.

Can you invite your ex to your wedding? (smiles)Do you know if I have an ex.? It is no big

I don’t intend accepting sexual roles.

My body belongs to my husband and him alone will touch it deal, I can invite my ex boy friend to my wedding ceremony.

What is your favorite colour?

I cherish pink and white.

You once said you like Funke Akindele when she is not angry, does that mean she goes crazy or what?

To err is human and the only perfect being is God. I can not really say much about that.

The movie industry is a very competitive one, how do you intend surviving?

With God by my side, the sky is a stepping stone for me.

C M Y K

This titles JOHN WICK , SEVENTH SON and SILENCE will be releasing on Friday 9th of January

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK • • • • •

30 DAYS IN ATLANTA ANNIE CHAMPAGNE INVASION BOXTROLLS

Movie schedule from January 9th - 15th 2015 SILVERBIRDCINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND John Wick : 1:00pm,4:20pm,7:05pm Seventh Son : 11:45am,4:20pm,6:15pm Annie : 1:45pm,4:50pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 9:05pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA John Wick : 12:40pm,6:45pm,8:45pm Seventh Son : 12:10pm,7:10pm,8:50pm Silence : 12:15pm Magic in the Moonlight : 2:15pm Annie : 12:00pm,4:15pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 5:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC John Wick : 1:10pm,3:10pm,5:10pm,7:10pm,9:10pm Seventh Son : 12:50pm,2:50pm,4:50pm,6:50pm,8:50pm Annie : 11:50am2:10pm,4:30pm,6:50pm9:20pm Champagne : 1:20pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 12:00pm,2:10pm,4:20pm,6:30pm,8:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA John Wick : 12:00pm,6:50pm,9:05pm Seventh Son : 11:00am,7:25pm Annie : 4:35pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 2:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT John Son : 11:00am,2:50pm,6:50pm8:25pm Seventh Son : 12:50pm,4:50pm,8:50pm Silence : 11:35am,3:50pm,8:10pm Magic in the Moonlight : 2:20pm Annie : 11:00am,1:15pm,5:25pm Champagne : 11:20am,3:10pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 1:40pm,6:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO John WICK : 6:20pm,8:25pm Silence : 11:50am,2:05pm,4:20pm,6:35pm,8:55pm Annie : 11:30am,1:50pm,4:10pm,6:30pm,8:50pm Champagne : 12:20pm,2:30pm,4:40pm,6:45pm,8:45pm Magic in the Moolight : 4:15pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 4:20pm,6:30pm,8:40pm OZONE CINEMAS SABO YABA John Wick : 3:50pm,5:50pm Seventh Son : 1:00pm,4:55pm,7:45pm Annie : 10:50am,1:40pm Box Trolls : 10:00a 30 Days in Atlanta : 6:20pm,8:25pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS John Wick : 11:20am,4:25pm,10:00pm Annie : 11:00am,3:40pm,6:15pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 11:50am,3:45pm,7:40pm,9:55pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT John Wick : 12:10pm,7:00pm Annie : 11:40am,4;05pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 11:50am,3:55pm,8:00pm,10:05pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU John Wick : 2:50pm,9:55pm Annie : 10:50am,5:40pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 1:10pm,7:35pm,9:45pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, LAGOS John Wick : 12:10pm,2:15pm,6:55pm Annie : 10:00am 30 Days in Atlanta 10:05pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS,HERITAGE MALL, IBADAN John Wick : 12:05pm,2:00pm,4:30pm,6:25pm Annie : 10:00am 30 Days in Atlanta : 6:15pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS SAMONDA John Wick : 10;00am,11:50am,4:15pm,6:10pm Annie : 10:30am 30 Days in Atlanta : 8:05pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR Annie : 10:00am,12:10pm,2:15pm,6:20pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 4:20pm,6:00pm

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Day Uti Nwachukwu, Seyi Shay,others touched lives in Surulere

I will take up more challenges in 2015,

I

Mercy Johnson tells fans

J

UST as every country is expected to read their budgets at the beginning of the year, entertainment stars too are expected by their fans to say what they have to offer in a new year.

For Nollywood super star and mother of two, Mercy Johnson, she began her New Year with a message to her teeming fans and told them she would be taking up more challenging roles.

“One of the best feelings one can have is the feeling that some people who have never met you in person have your back. I have experienced love from unimaginable people; Ghana, Liberia, Paris, UK, USA, Seychelles and all over the world” she began, in her New Year message to her fans.

Continuing in the same vein, she thanked her fans for being there for her and husband, who, according to her, was very supportive of her

career “I want to also say a very big thank you to my husband for giving me room to fly.

Some men out there would probably have clipped my wings but Odi is not some kind of man. I want to say thank you for being so supportive and understanding” she said.

“I plan and hope that 2015 will be different from previous years.

The jobs I will do will be slightly different from that of the past. I will take up more challenges. I will also have to balance things out

Ex beauty queen, Ibidun Ighodalo lights up Lagos

By Kehinde Ajose

E

X beauty queen turned event entrepreneur, Ibidun Ighodalo added glamour and excitement to Christmas celebrations in Lagos when the streets were given a glittering makeover by her events planning and management company, Elizabeth R .Christmas celebration in Lagos state before Governor Fashola’s administration was an okay one, albeit a bit dreary, save for firecrackers (knockouts) and a few Christmas decorations on few houses. Though it was festive, it was largely celebrated among friends and families Ibidun Ighodalo is renowned for her ability to transform mundane settings into exquisite spaces that serve as feasts for the senses. Her dream and vision of transforming Lagos into a fantasy land during Christmas season was ground-breaking and laudable. It ushered in an era of goodness and goodwill for the state. Christmas lights and displays adorned heritage structures, sites and parks, to brighten up the capital. Lagos twinkled with an array of Christmas decorations in all shapes, sizes and colours, giving our streets a festive sparkle. Under Ibidun’s direction, Lagos streets and sites are a masterpiece and a beauty to behold.

•Mercy Johnson

because I still have to play the role of a wife and mother, but all in all, there should be a new Mercy Johnson of sort” she added.

•Seyi Shay, Uti and Flavour

At last, Victor Ashaolu sworn in as ANTP President ...suspends 8 members indefinitely

A

FTER more than three years of legal tussle between the top members of the Association of Nigeria Theatre-Arts Practitioners, ANTP, veteran actor, Comrade (Dr.) Victor Ashaolu, has finally been sworn-in as the new President of the association.

Ashaolu last year was declared the authentic president of the association by a Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He defeated his close rivalry, Dele Odule.

While the case lasted, prolific actor, Prince Jide Kosoko, whose tenure ended few years ago as the president of ANTP, has been regarded as the stand-

•Mr AbdulMalik and Comrade Victor Ashaolu

•Ibidun Ighodalo

T was a pay back time for ex-BBA winner, Uti Nwachukwu as he led other celebrities including Seyi Shay, Saeon, dezign, New Age and Flavour to put smiles on the faces of the less-privileged members of the society in Surulere, Lagos, during the Yuletide season. th The event was the 4 edition of Uti leads the Stars charity project which held amid pomp, at Calabar Hall in Surulere. While the event lasted, over 500 lessprivileged members of the society were hosted to a mouth-watering lunch buffet. Thereafter, they were spoilt with gift items as they entertained their donors and also got entertained by the stars.

Among them were the widows, orphans, the blind, down syndrome and students from poor homes who benefitted from the gesture.

Speaking at the event, Uti said, “I’m truly in awe! I never expected it to be this big. All along we kept saying this year would be bigger and we wanted to touch more Lives. To stand here today and see all these happening just warms my heart. To hear the widows and other lessprivileged members of the society pray for us and bless us for our good deeds is priceless! This is why I always say people should grab the opportunity to care for the needy.”

However, like other celebrities, Uti was moved by the level of poverty in the country to give back to the society in his own little way.

in president of the association following the leadership tussle between Ashaolu and Dele Odule.

Meanwhile, upon his assumption of office, Ashaolu presided over the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANTP, where a resolution was taken to suspend 8 members of the association indefinitely for anti-association activities, ranging from lawlessness to persistently and consistently violating the constitution of the association with impunity. They were; Chief Jimoh Aliu (Ekiti state) Mr. Olowomojuore Wole (Oyo state), Mr. Yahaya Adetunji (Oyo state), Mr. Rasaki Oyadiran a.k.a. Baroka (Ogun state), Mr. Jare Adeniregun (Ogun state),Mr. Bashiru Sanni (Ogun state),Mr. Musiliu Dasofunjo (Oyo state), Mr. Biodun Adekanbi (Oyo state) In his acceptance speech, Ashaolu pledged to eradicate poverty, ignorance and immaturity among members of the association stressing that “I am not seeing the office of the National President as a stepping stone of prestige or glory. Rather, I believe that ANTP has reached a stage where dedication, hardwork and sacrifice must become the key factor in national leadership.”

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—33

Most admired actors in Nollywood

By Aderonke Adeyeri HATE them or like them. They are among the very few popular faces that adorn our TV screens you cannot help but admire unconditionally. From Pete Edochie to Olu Jacobs and Mike Ezuruonye, we bring to you some of the rare actors have become household names in the country and beyond.

Pete Edochie

V

ETERAN actor, Pete Edochie came to limelight after playing Okonkwo in Chinua Achebe’s classic novel turned-serial-movie, ‘Things Fall Apart.’ He is considered one of Africa’s most talented actors, having featured in, over 500 films. A seasoned administrator and broadcaster, Edochie, whose second son, Yul Edochie is also one of the most sought after actors in Nollywood has paid hie dues. Pete Edochie is a man who commands respects in Nigeria and around the world, known to be a mean and no-nonsense actor in his roles.

Many of his fans believes that he is like that in real life and this contributes to why he is admired by all.

Majid Michel

I

N secondary school, Majid was actively involved in acting being a member of the school’s Drama Club; he received the Best Actor Award in one of their performances on Emancipation Day in Cape Coast, Ghana. Afterwards, he enrolled in the Academy of Screen Arts which is affiliated with Ashesi University. He was invited by a director of a modelling agency cum producer to participate in a TV series titled ‘Things We Do For Love’. He got the name Shaker from that set.

This TV series marked the beginning of his success in the movie industry.

His first movie titled ‘ Divine Love’ also shot him up the ladder of success and made him a household name in Ghana. Stella Damascus recently wrote on Instagram, @majidmichelmm is the best actor to ever come out of Africa as far as I am concerned.

Olu Jacobs

O

LUDOTUN Baiyewu Jacobs popularly known as Olu Jacobs is one of the veterans in Nollywood.

He is an international superstar that has worked with international actors like Jean Claude van Damme. He has also become the favourite for elderly roles in the industry. Olu Jacobs’s charisma and manner of delivery in Nollywood movies cannot be rivalled by other actors, even his baritone voice also add some uniqueness to his mastery of the profession and why he will always be relevant in the industry.

Mike Ezuruonye

M

IKE Ezuruonye has written his name in the annals of Nigerian movie history. The handsome, fair complexioned actor, who also is a brand ambassador of Airtel, has won several awards since he joined the industry. Not only that his good looks has opened many doors for him in Nigeria and beyond but also his creativity and style of delivery has made him the viewers choice especially among the ladies. When he travelled to United States US, a woman from Trinidad and Tobago got a shirt and put it on the ground and said to me, ‘please Mike, just touch the shirt for me and I promise I’m going keep it, I’m not washing it. That was so deep for me, he confessed in an interview.

Desmond Elliot

A

CTOR turned-politician, Desmond Oluwashola Elliot is an actor, you cannot help, but admire unconditionally.

He has starred in over two hundred films and a number of television shows and soap operas.

He won best supporting actor in a drama at the 2nd Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and was nominated for best supporting actor at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Award. He has also won several awards for his directorial work in the film industry. Elliot is also an ambassador and sponsor for the “Face of Hope” project.

The project is best known for their campaign to eliminate child illiteracy both in Nigeria and Africa at large. Desmond seems to prospering in every field. He has just won the APC primary for the Lagos House of Assembly and he’s looking forward to becoming a law maker.

C M Y K

Kunle Afolayan

T

he handsome dude, Kunle Afolayan cannot be excluded from the list of admired Yoruba entertainers because his vast achievements not only in Nigeria but in the whole of Africa. His recent celebrated movie,October 1, top the classic cinemas nationwide. It could be said that the film came with great promises, as, prior to its release. Its trailer won the Best Fiction Film Trailer at the International Movie Trailers Festival in 2013, while Afolayan himself received two awards; the ‘Creative Entrepreneur in Film making‘ and ‘Overall Creative Entrepreneur‘ by the British Council in Nigeria. Kunle became relevant in the industry in 2005,and since then he has produced many award winning films such as “Irapada”, “The Figurine” , “Phone Swap” which featured Nse Ikpe Etim. The latest of his works, “October 1” is currently making waves at the cinemas across the country.

Jide Kosoko

T

HE name Jide Kosoko is a household name in the movie industry. Jide Kosoko came to prominence through television as a member of Awada kerikeri theater group, which had a successful series on television. He also produces and directs films. What he has going for him is that he has successfully made a cross over doing both English and Yoruba films. The veteran actor top the list, due to the huge success he has recorded in the movie industry which earned him numerous awards both local and at international level. With multinational endorsements coming from many multinational companies has placed him on top of his games. Jide Kosoko was born on January 12, 1954 in Nigeria.

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY,JANUARY 9, 2015

closely protected, so that those who have invested heavily into research can reap fair fruit of their investment before the drug’s manufacture can be thrown open. While it is therefore unlikely that an untested drug will be approved by food and drug regulatory bodies, it does not make the substance ineffective. In any case, will people stop using alternative medicine? Not likely!

Home remedies:

How far should you go?

M

RS. Adeagbo and her spouse, like every new parent, looked forward to taking their newborn home from the hospital, but that was not to be. The baby was diagnosed with neonatal jaundice, a common albeit dangerous condition.

After almost a month in the hospital on admission, mother and baby could no longer hide their stress, as doses upon does of antibiotics as well as radiation treatments failed to yield any tangible results. It was a visit from a family friend that saved the day as the latter offered a traditional remedy she has used and found to be tried and trusted.

A few hours later, the Adeagbo’s family friend surreptitiously arrived with a bottle of the natural remedy, which was furtively administered on the baby.

Within two days, the condition had already cleared and the Adeagbos- who had previously turned down their noses at alternative medicine- became sold.

Home Remedies for Coughs

Alternative medicine But Francesca, a bank executive in Lagos, had been advised to use a well known tropical plant when her asthma became too stubborn. The remedy worked, but to her amazement, she passed out and landed at the hospital. The problem? The same remedy that had relieved her asthma had also brought down her blood sugar levels, resulting in hypoglycemia, a serious condition itself.

All of a sudden, herbal medicine has become all the rage. While they had once been snubbed by the Nigerian elite as being uncivilized, they are now more widely embraced, as plant based substances such as bitter kola, moringa, aloe vera and bitterleaf have now become staples in medicine cabinets.

For everyone who has had success with the use of herbal/ alternative medicine, there is another one who has had bitter tales to tell, like Helen, who

•Natural Home Remedies almost lost her entire womb as a result of Chinese herbal medicine when she had fibroids.

And while there is no doubt that Africans have used leaves and foods to cure as well as prevent disease for centuries, there are no existing structures to ensure the

science is passed from hand to hand and over the centuries. The result has been a distortion Reactions range across a wide spectrum- those who swear by herbal remedy regardless of the strength of the argument against; and those who would not touch it with a ten foot pole.

During Nigeria’s short Ebola

episode, bitter kola was touted a veritable cure not only in Nigeria but along the West African subregion.

In actual fact however, some early stage laboratory tests in 1999, did indeed show promising signs that a compound from the plant might halt the deadly virus. The tests were widely reported. Crucially, the findings were never taken forward into more advanced tests, either on animals or humans, and no drug was ever approved for use.

The global pharmaceutical industry is a highly regulated one, and approval of a drug substance is subject to rigorous tests and counter tests with bills running into billions of dollars. Patents are

Do not ever combine herbal medication with orthodox medication as the two might have similar active ingredients, as in dogonyaro leaves and quinine

Trying herbal/traditional substances outside strict regulations means you have to do your own regulations and tests.

1. Investigate claims Fortunately, many substances we classify as herbal remedies are already being investigated by medical laboratories around the world.

Moringa, for instance, has been worked on extensively by Johns Hopkins and found effective in the control of several ailments. Go on your computer and get asking.

2. Investigate source With all the rage about herbal medicines, it is no wonder that several charlartans are in the market claiming to have the sources of some of these substances.

Case with aloe vera Ensure what you are being sold is exactly what you are being told, not something similar. Also ensure you are not being sold the wrong breed, as is often the case with aloe vera.

Avoid buying anything in liquid or powdered form, unless you were present while it is being processed.

3. Do not combine Do not ever combine herbal medication with orthodox medication as the two might have similar active ingredients, as in dogonyaro leaves and quinine. This might result in an overdose, with disastrous consequences.

Another situation that could be disastrous is if herbal remedy is working at cross purposes with 4. Do hygienic Many people go for herbal remedies that actually do work for them, only for them to come down with a worse ailment as a result of germs. If the herbal remedy comes already prepared, do not buy or use.

5. Test for Allergy As with everything that enters the body, it must first be taken in small dozes in order to carefully watch for reactions, then use full on.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 —35

Best and worst dresses of 2014 Ugonna Umeruo- AMVCA, 2014 This House Of Nwocha Avante-Garde themed dress is undisputed proof Nigerian red carpet designers have come of age. And Ugonna also pulled the outfit off - it is one thing for the outfit to be tailored to perfection and it is another thing for the celebrity to wear it well. She rocked it.

Zainab Balogun- AMAA Awards The screen siren not only saved the day at the AMAA awards last year (you would think all stylists had gone on leave), she make good the term “less-is-more” with a simple black satin shift.

Deceptively simple but effortlessly chic, there’s nothing better than a woman who knows how to accentuate her assets.

Tiwa Savage- BET Awards 2014 The beautiful Tiwa disgraced her stylist at the BET awards last year.

As with every other BET award, it was star studded and had a many Nigerians up for the nominations and amongst them was artist Tiwas Savage-Balogun. On her first ever BET Awards red carpet, Best International Act – Africa nominee Tiwa Savage rocked a navy blue floorlength sheer-top dress by Valery Kovalska. Her make-up was subtle and was done by Joyce Jacobs. She completed her look with pop’o’colour: pink lipstick, gold accessories and purse.

•Tiwa Savage •Zainab Balogun

•Ugonna Umeruo

Clarion Chukwura- Amaa Awards, 2014 Rarely would you find a better combination of beauty, brains and talent as you would in veteran actress Clarion Chukwura, who got the welldeserved ‘best actress in a leading role’ award for her role in Emem Isong’s ‘Apaye’ in last year’s AMAA Awards in Bayelsa. If anything could have marred the moment, it was her dress, a one-arm number with thigh high slit.

•Clarion Chukwura

Ashimolowo fetes 4,000 widows in Osun

By Josephine Agbonkhese

students of Ode-Omu descent.

The preference for university students, according to Ashimolowo, was to encourage more youths from the locality to be science-oriented as opposed to the status quo.

“Three years ago, we paid for the university fees of 25 students.

Last year, we paid for 20.

R

espite came the way of about 4,000 widows in Ode-Omu area of Osun State and environs three days into the new year as renowned clergyman, Rev.Matthew Abiodun Ashimolowo and wife, Pastor Yemisi, treated them to a colourful New Year celebration in Osun State.

The yearly event saw the widows each return home with six yards of beautiful African prints (ankara), monetary gifts and food items.

This year ’s ceremony, according to Ashimolowo who is Senior Pastor, Kingsway International Christian Centre, KICC, and who was particularly excited throughout the day, marked the ninth year of the Annual Widows Party which took roots from a family reunion conceived ten years ago.

“I’m here in Ode-Omu which is my father ’s hometown. I wasn’t born here though but in Zaria. The inspiration for this came 10 years ago when I began bringing together all the children and great-

Provision for widows

HRM, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Ekiti State(2nd right) presenting yards of ankara to a widow while Oba Olu Adegoke Adeyemi, Alara of Aramoko(1st right) gave out monetary gifts as the host, Rev. Matthew Ashimolowo (3rd right), looks on at the event in Osun. grandchildren of my grandfather- almost 400 of them, for a get-together. About the second year, I felt a burden to bless the widows in this city with my resources when I remembered how I was denied a Buba and Sokoto I desired by an Uncle I once lived with.

“In the first year, we had 308 widows, 850 in the second year, and 1000 in the third. That was how it kept climbing every year.

About three years ago, a neighbouring town called Modakeke showed up with over 640 widows and has since then increasingly been part of the event. We had 1,703 widows from

that town this year while some also came from a church in Osogbo. In all, we had a total of about 4,000 widows,” Ashimolowo said while fielding questions from journalists at the event.

The event also witnessed the presentation of scholarships to 12 university

This year, the cost of catering for the massive number of widows made us cut down the scholarship to 12 beneficiaries only. The vision I have personally is to give out 50 scholarships every year,” he buttressed, expressing gratitude to God over being able to provide for the students and widows without seeking help from any individual or group.

The ceremony had a multitude of famous anointed men of God in attendance, as well as delegates from the Osun State government and high-profile traditional rulers both from Osun and Ekiti states, who took turns to hand over the items to the widows.

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—37 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

Where do mobile devices go when they die?

Stories by Laju Iren

A

CCORDING to recent studies, the average user gets a new phone about every 18 months and then ends up retiring the old one. While the emphasis is mostly on the new device, little attention is paid to what happens to the old one.

Nigeria, a mobile consumption giant with a craze for all things new and foreign can identify with this fact. The country is seventh in the world in terms of mobile phone usage with over 167 million mobile phones in use as at February 2014. Another report recorded that Nigeria is responsible for 40 percent of the smart phone sales in Africa. As nearly every other property in the Nigerian culture, used mobile phones are sold or passed on from one family member or friend to another. But at the end of the day, mobile devices will not be in use forever, and have to be disposed of eventually.

That is where the problem arises. Mobile Devices contain a variety of toxic materials that can poison the soil, water and air. In many advanced countries, most major mobile

device carriers will allow you to drop off your older devices. But this is not a common practice in Nigeria. In fact, Nigeria has no long term plan for disposal of such devices, but is instead a dumping ground for such devices by many western countries.

According to a study by Christine Terada on recycling

Nigeria is responsible for 40 percent of the smart phone sales in Africa

electronic wastes in Nigeria, electronic waste, e-waste, contains approximately 1,000 chemicals that are hazardous to human health. It is estimated that 500 containers of secondhand electronics are imported to Nigeria every month from Europe, with each container holding about 500 computers.

About three quarters of these imported devices are junks that cannot be reused and are

Is OLED TV the next big thing?

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ID you know that you only need red, green, and blue light to create a TV image? While Liquid Crystal Display TVs, LCDs, use color

filters and light-blocking liquid crystals above a light-creating backlight and plasmas use Ultra Violet, UV, light created by igniting pockets of gas to excite

red, green, and blue phosphors, Organic Light Emitting Diode, OLED, TVs work by putting electricity through certain materials that glow these specific colors. No other TV technology creates light directly like this. Make OLED pictures superior in quality.

L e a d i n g electronics manufacturers are now introducing their OLED TVs. One of such companies is LG Electronics with its OLED TV which comes in both curved and flat designs. LG has championed the technology since inception and today remains its key strategic advocate

dumped in landfills. Terada’s study shows that roughly 45 percent of Nigeria’s e-waste imports are shipped from the United States and another 45 percent comes from the European Union, EU. Exporters from the West usually intentionally mix bad electronic parts with good ones to reduce disposal costs.

Studies by the Nigeria ministry of environment suggest that basic components such as lead are being recovered and smelted in people’s backyards, which pose a risk of lead poisoning.

Professor Oladele Osibanjo of the University of

by being the only manufacturer to support its application across large-size TV display screens as well as other smaller screen uses.

LG says that it is the only company to effectively offer consumers the full gamut of choice across all forms of largescreen TV technology – that includes LCD(LED backlight), OLED, 4K Ultra HD, Curved, and most recently 4K OLED, consumers have come to expect leading edge offerings from the brand.

“We are fully committed to bringing next generation technologies to the Nigerian market,” said Mr. Steve Ryu,

We are fully committed to bringing next generation technologies to the Nigerian market

Ibadan said that researchers have found excess heavy metal in the soil, as well as in plants.

Furthermore, unregulated ewaste dismantling has led to illness in grazing animals, tainted vegetables and contaminated drinking water.

Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, raised a salient point while speaking to stakeholders in Lagos last year.

Nigerian environment “There are issues peculiar to the Nigerian environment that we must take into cognizance when we do research and development. Many developed countries have a disposal policy for mobile devices. But what is our disposal policy as a nation?”

Young as the mobile industry in Nigeria is, the issue of e-waste is already gigantic challenge.

The market will grow, and unfortunately so will the waste.

But the question remains: Where do mobile devices go to where they are no longer in use? In Nigeria, the answer is nowhere.

If they are thrown into the bin, they will come back in the soil. If they are burnt with fire, they will come back as poisonous fumes. It they are thrown in the sea, they will come back t h r o u g h drinking water.

General Manager, Home Entertainment division, LG Electronics West Africa operations. “The next-generation display technology and the advanced ultra-thin depth of 4.3mm comes with a unique curved design which represents a new era in home entertainment. It must be seen to be believed.”

Currently, yields are on average from 60% to 70% for large-screen TVs, which leads to a higher retail price. The focus on production processes is aimed at improving overall yields and reducing costs, and LG has developed a process for its curved OLED displays that makes use of encapsulated OLEDs on a flexible polyimide substrate —providing a robust and reliable backplane for the OLED that will improve overall yields as well as providing a display that can be flexible.

The promise of lower-cost manufacturing, cost parity with LCD panel production, and the development of flexible displays, is driving investment in OLED technology as a viable competitor to LCDs.

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

• Broilers. Safe for consumption.

Why cancer agent in chicken is safe for consumption

By Sola Ogundipe & Gabriel Olawale

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OLLOWING reports of the presence of arsenic, a cancercausing toxic chemical that’s fatal in high doses, in the meat of specially bred chickens in parts of the US last year, concerns continue to trail the overall safety of consumption of artificially-bred poultry products.

In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration, USFDA,admitted that chicken meat sold in the USA contained arsenic. Vanguard Health & Living, VHL, gathered that the arsenic was deliberately added to the feed given to more than 70 percent of all broilers (chickens raised for meat) in the US and environs for commercial purposes.

Findings revealed that the arsenic is injected into the feed to induce faster weight gain on less feed, and creating the appearance of a healthy colour in meat from chickens, turkeys and hogs.

Reports say the USFDA discovered that up to half of all chickens tested absorbed inorganic arsenic, the most toxic form, in their liver. Based on the finding, the manufacturers of the arsenic-containing additive, known as 3-Nitro- (Roxarsone).

High levels of arsenic

In a report published by the Wall Street Journal, the USFDA claimed to have conducted a study of 100 broiler chickens that detected inorganic arsenic at higher levels in the livers of chickens treated with 3-Nitro compared with untreated chickens.

Sale of the compound was to have stopped by July 2014, but concerns are still being raised over the arseniccontaining product even as the FDA maintained that the doped chicken was safe to eat because the level of arsenic was extremely low.

Toxicology experts warn that arsenic, along with lead and mercury, produce horrible neurological effects on developing fetuses and young children. Arsenic in general is said to be about four times as poisonous as Mercury.

Components of poultry diets

VHL findings show that normally, chicken feed composition does not include arsenic. According to the Nutrient Requirements of Poultry: Ninth Revised Edition, (1994), poultry diets are composed primarily of a mixture of several feedstuffs such as cereal grains,

The results of the study reveal that arsenic concentration was higher in breast meat of the tested chicken, followed by the kidney, gizzard and liver

soybean meal, animal by-product meals, fats, and vitamin and mineral premixes.

“These feedstuffs, together with water, provide the energy and nutrients that are essential for the bird's growth, reproduction, and health, namely proteins and amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. The energy necessary for maintaining the bird's general metabolism and for producing meat and eggs is provided by the energyyielding dietary components, primarily carbohydrates and fats, but also protein.

“While poultry diets also can include certain constituents not classified as nutrients, such as xanthophylls (that pigment and impart desired colour to poultry products), the "unidentified growth factors" claimed to be in some natural ingredients, and antimicrobial agents (benefits of which may include improvement of growth and efficiency of feed utilisation), the requirements note.

Further, it states: ”Numerous reports have since confirmed that ingested arsenic can cause Bowen disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ); invasive squamous cell carcinoma; basal cell carcinoma of the skin; and (less frequently) internal cancers of the lung, the kidney, the bladder, and the liver.

Nigerian study

However, in a special study conducted to determine heavy metals including Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Ferrous (Iron) and Lead in the breast meat, gizzard, liver and kidney of chickens. Abdullahi Idi Mohammed, Babagana Kolo, of the Department of Chemistry, University of Maiduguri, and Yakubu Ahmed Geidam of the Department of

Veterinary Medicine, also of the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, investigated the heavy metal content of selected species of agriculturally bred chicken.

In the study published in Vol. 3, No. 5, of the ARPN Journal of Science and Technology, of May 2013, entitled “Heavy Metals in Selected Tissues of Adult Chicken Layers (Gallus spp)”, the species teated were the Hacco and Isa Brown adult chicken layer (Gallus spp).

The sampling was carried out in two chicken layer farms in Maiduguri between November 2012 – January 2013. Heavy metals were determined by the standard methods of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).

Arsenic highest in breast meat

The results of the study reveal that arsenic concentration was higher in breast meat of the tested chicken, followed by the kidney, gizzard and liver. For cadmium, the content progressed in descending order, kidney, gizzard, liver and breast meat.

For chromium, it was gizzard, breast meat, liver and kidney, whild ferrous (iron) concentration in layer poultry tissues studied was breast meat, gizzard, kidney and liver.

According to the study, lead was not detected in all the samples analysed. In conclusion, the researchers stated that from the study, “the adult layer chickens are within safe limits for consumption.

“The information provided herein will be essential to frame guidelines and standards for heavy metals in feedstuff and meat products in Nigeria,” the study noted.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 — 39

40— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 Bismillahi-Rahamani-Raheem NDEED, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.

The above verse of the Holy Qur ’an must have spurred some of the Tabi‘in (the successors of the Companions of the Prophet) over 2000 years ago to hold sessions in which poetry and songs were composed and rendered to honor the dignity and the righteous example of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w). Scholars have told us time whether in the company that the immediate companions of the Prophet (s.a.w) did not of others or in jamat to reflect necessarily engage in the prac- on the episodes and events of his unique life from the time, tice, but this, however, does not mean to say that the Holy about the life, values of the Prophet (s.a.w) forbade his any great Prophet; his life from prophet hood to the beginning act of ibadaah to commemorate of revelation, the trials and sufthat day.

Although this practice has ferings endured while calling men to Allah, the Hijra, the been a bone of contention among Muslim jurists (fuqaha) great and heroic battles against and Muslim scholars since its paganism, the creation of the Islamic State, the farewell pilinception, but Muslims world over and intellectuals over time grimage, and finally, the mohave come to accept it as part ment when revelation to earth came to its conclusion as well of the ibadaah and culture of as his demise.

Islam.

Every man who lives in accordance to the teachings of Teaching of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) prophet finds internal and external peace. He can easily establish For those who celebrate the harmony with his immediate day, it is another day to step up environment (with his family, ibadaah; a memorial day when relatives, neighbours and the life story of the Prophet is friends) and those outside his revisited and people are en- community. The teachings enjoined to learn and imbibe the courage smooth interpersonal teachings of the Prophet relationships between and (s.a.w). among nations. They assure It is also a moral and social mankind of universal brotherbridge that links many diverse hood, equality, justice, digniMuslim groups. I think no ty and honour, guidance and Muslim should be stopped to salvation. They are very pracattend any spiritual function, tical, so full of common sense where the life story of the No- and so full of truth. They apblest Prophet in creation is be- ply to every situation, every ing discussed, where a life age, and every man of all walks changing morals, values and of life. They revolve around the ideas could be learned.

Islamic way of life which tranFor us in this part of the world, scends and penetrates far bethe government dedicated last yond all barriers of race and Friday for the celebration. Al- status of wealth, prestige or though that day was not 12th classes of people. of Rabiu-Awwal, but within the No other great man and period, it is good to spend some prophet had come up with

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Maolud Nabiyyi: Transforming the ummah such teachings so full of moral guidance that awakens the mind and shakes the heart of every rational being on earth. It was Allah’s miracle that the Prophet (s.a.w) who was never taught but grew in the dark age and rose to teach the whole of humanity. This historical fact shows a clear sign for those who deny Muhammad (s.a.w) as Allah’s universal Messenger to all nations.

Allah the Almighty blessed

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “Shake hands and rancour will disappear. Give presents to each other and love each other and enmity will disappear

him with wisdom to propagate the Truth. In his teachings, he enjoins every man to speak the truth and refrain from falsehood. He says: truth leads to piety which paves the way to Paradise; while falsehood leads one to vices and evils land one in hell.”

The Prophet’s teachings are indeed so full of truth. They guide mankind to the right path in this world and In the hereafter. Every essence of his teachings serves as guidance to Truth. His teachings constitute the most comprehensive, practical, sensible and truthful guidance to all peoples in all walks of life and in all conditions of human endeavour.

In spite of all these and the tremendous success he recorded in delivering the message, he shows his humility and modesty when speaking about himself, by saying, “Do not exaggerate in your praise towards me. I am only God’s messenger and servant.”

When speaking about the prophets that came before him he says, “I am the prayer of my ancestor Abraham and the good tidings of Prophet Jesus.”

My state and that of the other prophets is like the following parable: A man builds a perfect and beautiful house but leaves one brick missing from a corner of the house. People come and gaze at the house. Noticing the missing brick they say “Will a brick not be put in this niche?” Now, I am that brick and the last of the prophets.

I present below some of his sayings and practices which can help those who know very little about him to appreciate him better. These are areas which he taught and challenged his companions to live their lives.

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “ALLAH has revealed to me that you must be humble, so that no one oppresses another and boasts over another.” Abu-Dawood.

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they do wrong you will do wrong. Instead, accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong if they do evil.” _ Al-Tirmidhi, The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “Shake hands and rancour will disappear. Give presents to each other and love each other and enmity will disappear.” -Al-Muwatta, Volume 47.

Legal punishment The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) also said: “The people before you were destroyed because they inflicted legal punishments on the poor and forgave the rich.” - Sahih AlBukhari The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “O ALLAH, grant me life as a poor man, cause me to die as a poor man and resurrect me in the company of the poor.” His wife asked him why he said that, and he replied: “Because (the poor) will enter Paradise (before) the rich.

Do not turn away a poor man even if all you can give is half a date. If you love the poor and bring them near you ALLAH will bring you near HIM on the Day of Resurrection.” -Al-Tirmidhi, The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “The best of you are those who are slow to anger and swift to cool Continues on page 41

2015: Ansar-ud-deen calls for prayers, tasks stakeholders on peaceful polls

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Cross section of Awardees with Sadr, Lajnal Imaillah Nigeria, Dr. Basirat Dikko (4th left), during the 63rd Jalsa Salana of Ahmadiyya Mulism Jamaát held at Jamia School Ilaro, Ogun State, recently.

HE Ansar-ud-deen Socie ty (ADS) has called for prayers for peace to achieve free, fair and credible general elections in 2015.

The Publicity Secretary of the Islamic organisation, Alhaji Muibideen Adebanjo, made this known in his Eid Maolud message.

He said: “As we celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (pbuh), we enjoin Muslims all over the world to observe the occasion with sober reflections in line with the teachings of the prophet.

“We call on all to pray for the nation to have absolute peace; enjoin voters to exercise their important civic right

peacefully as the elections draw nearer.”

The society urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fear God and ensure that the conduct of the election would be fear and credible, while also W While also congratulating the Muslims all over the world on the Eid Maolid occasion, Adebanjo stated that the society dissociated itself from any Islamic group involved in whatever heinous or evil activities targeted at denying the nation peace and peaceful co-existence.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015— 41

2015: Ansar-ud-deen calls for prayers •Tasks stakeholders on peaceful elections

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HE Ansar-ud-deen Soci ety (ADS) has called for prayers for peace to achieve free, fair and credible general elections in 2015.

The Publicity Secretary of the Islamic organisation, Alhaji Muibideen Adebanjo, made this known in his Eid Maolud message.

He said: “As we celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (pbuh), we enjoin

Muslims all over the world to observe the occasion with sober reflections in line with the teachings of the prophet.

“We call on all to pray for the nation to have absolute peace; enjoin voters to exercise their important civic right peacefully as the elections draw nearer.”

The society urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fear God and ensure that the conduct of

the election would be fear and credible, while also W While also congratulating the Muslims all over the world on the Eid Maolid occasion, Adebanjo stated that the society dissociated itself from any Islamic group involved in whatever heinous or evil activities targeted at denying the nation peace and peaceful co-existence.

From left: Naib Amir, South-West, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát Nigeria, Mr Azeze Alatoye; Guest Lecturer and National Tabliq Secretary, Dr. Saheed Timehin and Missionary-in-Charge, Maulvi AbdulKhalique Nayyar, during the 63rd Jalsa Salana 2014 of the Jamaát held at Jamia School Ilaro, Ogun State.

Ahmadiyya produces 2 profs, 2 Ph.Ds, 4 first class honours

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HE Ahmadiyya Muslim jamaat ,Nigeria, has justified its pioneering status as champion of western and secular education in Nigeria as it produces two Professors in the Animal Science and Clinical Pharmacology, two

Ph.D in Islamic Law and Educational Foundation, seven Masters graduates, and four First Class Honours in Mathematics, Biochemistry, Anthropology,Plant Physiology and Crop Production in four Nigerian Universities. The uni-

Maolud Nabiyyi: Transforming the ummah Continues from page 40 down...Beware of anger, for it is a live coal on the heart of the descendants of Adam.” - AlTirmidhi One of the major doubts against Islam revolves on the personality of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and his great mission to mankind. But interestingly, those who bring forward such arguments failed to provide substantial evidence or sensible explanation to buttress their points.

All they will tell you is that Muslims are terrorists; if you kill you go to heaven and other baseless arguments - which Muhammad taught them to kill to go to heaven. Islam has never told any Muslim to embark on a killing spree for admittance into paradise; neither did the prophet taught any act of violence or intolerance. It is nothing but sheer ignorance especially from those who claim to have read. But, Al-

hamdullilah, they cannot distort the Qur’an, they cannot change the enduring legacies of Prophet Muhammad; they will forever be obsessed in the act of decimating the religion but without success until they meet with Allah.

Islam has never told any Muslim to embark on a killing spree for admittance into paradise

versities are University of Ibadan, Ilorin,Lagos,Obafemi Awolowo University, federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,Lagos state Univeristy, Ladoke Akintola University, Tai Solarin University of Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin and Babcock University, Ilishan Remo.

The two Professors are Professor Abdul Rahman Abdullah, Animal Science ,Bbacock University and Professor Abdul Fatah Fehintola of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Ibadan.

Dr (Barrister)Owoade Abdul Lateef had Ph.D in Islamic Law and Dr Basirat Dikko bagged her Ph.D in educational Foundation from the University of Lagos. Two females bagged degree in Medicine and Surgery.

These educational honours were part of the success of the 63rd annual conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria, held at Ilaro ,Ogun State recently.

The new scholars represent fourteen circuits and twenty one Jama’at across Nigeria.

An elated head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Nigeria, Dr Mashuud Fasola said the Islamic organisation decided to give an academic merit award to members to encourage scholarship and educational development in Nigeria, at a time when education is not given its pride of place in the Nation’s growth.

From left: Imam Salat of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria Bode-Olude Mosque, Abeokuta in Ogun State, Missionary Muyindeen Dikko; Majlis Ansarullah member, Alhaji Hamzat Okunnu; President, Obantoko Jama’at, Dr. Abdul Lateef Shotiyo; Personal Assistant to Amir. Soliu Muhammed Akewugberu; Amir, Dr. Mashhud Aderenle Fashola; Circuit Missionary, Missionary Abdul Sobur Kolade; Ustas Alliu Akewugberu and Circuit President, Abeokuta, Alhaji Mustafau Onabanjo, during the commissioning Ahmadiyya Mosque in Abeokuta

From left: Representatives of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, at Qudian 2014 Jalsa Salana in India, 1ST General Secretary, Bro. Taoheed Shoboyede; Missionary Abdul Hakeem Ariyo; Sadr. Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria, Alhaji Mikail Odukoya; Missionary Abdul Ganiyyu and National Secretary Taleem, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyyu Ahmad, during the Jalsa Salana in India.

ASK Y OUR IMAM YOUR Question: How will women pray in a congregational prayer where there is no partition or barrier behind Imam?

Answer: Muslim women may join the congregation salat, but they will keep their position behind the men. Although in congregation salat, no obstruction between the Imam and Ma’mun is permitted, the women are permitted to stand behind barriers such as a partition, wall, curtain, etc. while they follow the salat as led by the Imam. Where there is none, you can create one, or stay distance away from where the men are gathered.

However, where the Imam is not present, and in order not to miss the salat in congregation, the women are also permitted to have their own congregational prayer in which one of them can lead -as long as is no no man amongst them for the congregational prayer. However, she will not stand in front, but will position herself in the center of the first line, and those following her will form the first line by standing by her sides. Allah knows best.

From left: Chairman, Jalsa Planning Committee, Alhaji Mufalilu Bankole; Naib Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát Nigeria, North Zone, Dr. Habeeb Yeqeen and former General Secretary, Alhaji Raji Dauda, at the closing ceremony 63rd Jalsa Salana 2014 of Ahmadiyya Mulism Jamaát at Jamia School Ilaro, Ogun State.

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—43

We never endorsed Buhari —EX-MEND COMMANDERS

By Emma Amaize & Jimitota Onoyume

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HE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, may have been hit by a crisis, following the purported endorsement of General Muhamadu Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the presidential election, as a former leader of the group, ‘Gen’ Reuben Wilson, has called on Nigerians to disregard the said endorsement.

He said that the ex-militants were all for President Goodluck Jonathan in next month’s presidential election.

But Jomo Gbomo, who speaks for the group, has lambasted the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, for questioning its credibility and describing MEND as a ghost organisation because of its proclaimed support for Buhari.

Gbomo said: “MEND views the recent question and statement credited to the PDP National publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, as very callous and irresponsible. The question: ‘Explain your connections with MEND’ further confirms and vindicates our views about President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP. “MEND strongly denies any links with the APC and has never been approached for anything, at any point in time, by the party, as alleged by Olisa Metuh.”

Wilson, on his part who spoke for the ex-militant commanders, called on Nigerians to ignore the Buhari endorsement story, describing same as part of the APC, propaganda ahead of the general elections.

Reaffirming the support of ex-militants in the region for the second term bid of President Jonathan, Reuben who is now a Pastor, said: “MEND ceased to exist from the day we all keyed into the amnesty programme of the Federal Government,” adding that what they had as Jomo Gbomo was a pseudonym used by the ex-agitators to prosecute their crusade as MEND years back.

“We challenge the Jomo Gbomo to show his face on a national television the way we will do, as we have always done. Since we left the creeks, we have integrated into the society, contributing to the development of the country.

We have stopped all forms of militant activities under any guise, including MEND activities.”

He added that at the moment

there was nothing like Jomo Gbomo or MEND, stressing that they owned MEND and also collapsed it after they embraced the Federal Government’s amnesty programme.

“We have read and heard of reports in the media on the purported endorsement of the APC presidential candidate, Buhari, and have decided to

inform the public that we, the former leaders of militant camps, who owned and controlled the activities of MEND, did not and could not have endorsed Buhari as our candidate.

“We are aware that the APC and their presidential candidate are desperate for power and are ready to do anything to mislead the public

as part of their desperate efforts to take over power this year. But it is criminal to use the name of MEND to score a cheap point and deceive the public.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let us put it clearly that we owned MEND and we never endorsed Buhari. Neither Buhari nor MEND can shave our head in our absence."

COMMISSIONING: From left: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; His Eminence, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto and HRH, Alhaji Haliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, Otaru of Auchi , at the commissioning of the Auchi-Jattu-Afashio 6-lane dual carriageway in Etsako West Local Government Area, yesterday.

Urhobo monarchs deny endorsing Okowa for Delta gov race

By Godwin Oghre

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GHELLI—THE Urhobo Traditional Rulers Forum Ukoko R’Ivie Urhobo, yesterday, condemned a publication by a section of the media, linking them to a purported endorsement of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in

Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, through the influence of ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, alias, Tompolo, saying that there was no iota of truth in the said publication.

The monarchs, through their Chairman, HRM, Ojakovo Oharisi III, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, said: “We don’t

Edo youths reject return of PDP leader to APC

By Gabriel Enogholase

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E N I N — A L L Progressives Congress, APC, youths in Isi North (Ward 7) of Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, have said that they will resist any attempt by the former Chief of Staff to former Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor, Dr. Isaiah Osifo, to return to the party from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. A statement in Benin yesterday by Mr. Francis Osamwonyi for concerned youths in the Ward, said they were rejecting Osifo coming back to the party for jumping

from one party to another for a record of six times since the inception of democracy in 1999.

“The entire youths of APC in Uhunmwode and especially Isi North (Ward 07) denounce and reject the purported attempt by Osifo to return to a party he has severally condemned and abandoned at critical moments.

We seriously warn the leadership of our party at all levels against re-admitting Osifo into the party at this critical time."

Reacting, Osifo said those saying he should not return to the party were neither the party’s Publicity Secretary at the local nor state level that can speak on the issue.

endorse candidates. We are royal fathers and all the candidates are our children. We only pray for them whenever they come to seek our blessing.

There was no time we endorsed Okowa on the influence of Tompolo or any other candidate for the governorship race in the state.

“By the way, neither Tompolo nor Chief Wellington Okrika who brought Tompolo to us is a royal father. The two are not members of our forum. So, how could they have influenced our thinking, actions and decisions? The truth is that they came to consult with us on how to settle the bitterness between the Ijaw people and the Urhobo over the PDP governorship primaries. Tompolo who spearheaded the move, does not know here, so Chief Okrika led him here.

“They told us that they didn’t want the bitterness to continue.

They said they took cognisance of the fact that the Urhobo and the Ijaw are brothers existing together for ages which they said should continue. We saw wisdom in what they said so we told them that we shall convey their message to the umbrella body of Urhobo Nation, the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, and get back to them."

Izonebi hails Otuaro's emergence as Okowa's running mate

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EPUTY Majority Leader of the legislative arm of Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr Wuruyai Izonebi, has hailed the emergence of Mr Kingsley Otuaro as the running mate to the state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

He lauded the emergence of Mr. Julius Pondi as the PDP House of Representatives flag bearer for Burutu federal constituency.

Izonebi, who is representing the people of Kokodiagbene/ Benekrukru Ward, Warri South-West Local Government Area, said in an interview that Otuaro's choice as the running mate to Okowa was a wise one, urging all members of PDP in the state to support the leadership of the party to ensure a total victory for the party in the February general elections.

Delta Monarch inaugurates palace building c'ttee

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HE monarch of Agbon Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ogurime-rime Ukori I, has inaugurated the Agbon Palace Building Committee to build an ultra-modern palace at Otorho-Agbon (Isiokolo), headquarters of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The monarch charged the chairman and the members of the committee to commence work on the project immediately and also urged them to put all hands on deck to ensure that the foundation was laid within a short time.

Secretary of Agbon Traditional Council, Chief Emmanuel Avworo, in a statement, said that the monarch was fully committed to the actualisation of the project within the stipulated time.

44— Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 AQUARIUS Yes! You’re not scared a bit even, when opposition and/or competition come your way but, if you give in to diplomatic approach, you’ll fare better today.

PISCES: Pressure that came your way suddenly will give way unexpectedly, today, to the betterment of your course. The more financially ambitious you are today, the better for you. Be steadfast.

ARIES: You sincerely believe in intelligent argument or discussion. And if you allow your ability to be diplomatic come to play today, you’ll be better for it. Enjoy your love life.

TAURUS: You’ll tend to become both creative and persuasive to the administration of others. Then those who’ve been resisting secret love may slip suddenly and become excited.

GEMINI: Even if opposition persists, supports you are getting from the influential people will be enough to see you through.

Yet, the more cooperative you are the better.

By Richard Eromosele

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IME is an irreplaceable resource. It is one resource that has the capacity to influence and affect other resources and ultimately determine the overall result.

An average human

Learning to spend your time being has a thousand and one things to do, yet, the time to do this is highly limited. This is where time management skill

TERROR MUDA

comes in. You should be able to prioritize your time and activities.

Unlike money, time lost can never be regained.

in “Never say goodbye”

That is why you should learn how to maximize your time.

Do not waste your precious time on things of lesser value.

As you celebrate the New Year, make it a duty to monetize your time. Remember the old adage – Time is money.

By Lanre Kehinde

CANCER: Your creativity quotient within your working arena will today be enhanced. You’ll be blamed if you keep official issues secrets from your challenges at work.

LEO: After a few tension soaked days, you’ll have the needed opportunity to look through windows of the world and have your way as well. Magnetic and/or magic days is predicted for lovers today.

VIRGO: Even if you continue to work under pressure via increased workload, you will have good results to show for your efforts today. Be steadfast.

LIBRA: Better than yesterday. And the more co-operative you are today the better for you. Those of you travelling for love are in for an exciting day.

SCORPIO: Those of you willing to let go hard feelings at work are for a progressive day to the betterment of your finances. Let go yesterday, move ahead.

SAGITTARIUS: Once again, you’ll have the needed opportunity to assert yourself to the administration of others. Both love and financial success can be yours with efforts. Reason with your tried and trusted friends.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

CAPRICORN: You can make it a successful day with positive approach on your part. You will be in a better position to defuse tension within your working arena. Try to be more ambitious.

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,

Which day was I born?

Dear Joshua, Kindly tell me how the planets lined up when I was born and the day of the week I was born but don’t publish my date of birth.

Abubakar, Kaduna.

Dear Abubakar, Under-here are the planetary positions as requested by you.

YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA Day of Birth = Sunday Sun Sign = Scorpio. Sun in Zero Degree of Scorpio Moon Sign = Libra: Moon in 5th Degree of Libra Mercury in 12th Degree of Scorpio Venus in Zero Degree of Sagittarius Mars in 1st Degree of Aquarius Jupiter in 29th Degree of Cancer Saturn in 10th Degree of Scorpio Uranus in 27th Degree of Cancer Neptune in 25th Degree of Libra Pluto in 26th Degree of Leo North Node in 8th Degree of Capricorn South Node in 8th Degree of Cancer No planet in earth spar sign, one in available, two in fire, three in air, four in cardinal, fixed and water star signs hosted five planets each.

PHYSICAL INFLUENCE = 50% NON-PHYSICAL INFLUENCE =50% PLANET AT HOME = NONE ANALYSIS OF THE HOROSCOPE DATA You are both an intelligent and emotional person. And as there was planet at home when you were born, too many ideas will always struggle for prominent place in your mind, thus decision making is difficult but most times, your intelligence comes to the rescue.

Certainly, you appear to other as a gentle person who can be mistaken for soft fellow but your inner-self is the personality with a steel like will power.

You are the consistent type who may find it difficult to change once you have made up your mind as indicated by distribution of the planets as written out in paragraph two of this exercise.

One major challenge you have been battling for a very long time is constant worries, some times, necessarily and the other time, uncalled for, as indicated by conjunction Mercury and Saturn formed when you were born.

Placement of your natal Sun (basic self head) and Moon (your sub-conscious self) in Scorpio and Libra respectively are indications of your being mainly Scorpio born person and partly in Libran. And that is to say basic characteristics of both Scorpio and Libra are highly pronounced in you.

Then, you are spiritually gifted; if you don’t develop it is another thing.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015—45

Need for review of migration laws

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu

N

IGERIA, the eighth m o s t populous country in the world today, is estimated to have a population of about 178 million people and more than 30 percent of its total population is said to have migrated to different countries across the world in search of better livelihood. There are several reasons behind this, and one of these is traced to the dampening economic situation of the country.

Although Nigeria is a very rich country in terms of human and natural resources, in addition to availability of

natural gas, petroleum, etc, the basic challenge leading to a large number of its national migrating to several countries across the universe is not far from corruption and inability of the government to provide nationals with workable infrastructures to thrive better.

It is worthy of note that the Nigerian petroleum industry remains the largest industry and the main generator of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the country today. Despite the abundance of the aforementioned, it is sad to describe the country as one of the poor countries in the world. This is as a result of

the incessant mishandling of the country’s revenue, which to a large extent has prompted thousands of the country’s best brains to migrate to foreign countries in search of better livelihood.

Better livelihood Vanguard Consular Advisory (VCA) authoritatively gathered that corruption, poor management of funds, political instability and poor governance continue to tear Nigeria apart, making it almost impossible for the

citizens to effectively manage their welfare.

According to a source who spoke on grounds of anonymity, Nigeria may not be the most corrupt country across the globe, but with very high unemployment rates, poor leadership, poor infrastructures, Nigerians no longer care a hoot about what it takes to put food on their table.

The source said, “almost all political figures in Nigeria today engage in corrupt activities, leaving the average Nigerians on the streets with nothing but poverty and despair, just as children of school-going age engage in street hawking, just to assist their parents stay above water level. Graduates are not left out in the frustration as many most often, engage in online scams and several other fraudulent practices in the bid to survive.”

He added that about 55 per cent of the total population lives below poverty line, stressing that religious and ethnic conflicts in the country also put more pressure on Nigerian youths to consider migrating abroad as the only available option to survival.

Nigeria is being mismanaged in spite of its vast material and human resources

•Jonathan

“The situation appears to be ridiculing as Nigeria continues to move in a vicious circle, shoveling from one failed leader to another and from one unproductive budget to another,” source added.. .

However, the situation has prompted a good number of Nigerians suggesting that the Nigerian government and other responsible authorities ensure a new and better humane society, to reduce the volume of individuals leaving the country to service other countries economies.

Common good Many opined that the country deserves creative, development-conscious, and corrupt-free minded leaders, who would work for the common good of all nationals, making a difference in the lives of the citizens. It may be sad to know that Nigeria is mentioned in the list of countries whose leaders are only good at making empty promises, but the resolution is not far reached.

Nigeria’s perpetually unresolved challenges, ranging from socio-political to economic problems have continued to raise some pertinent questions to which the leaders must address for a better Nigerian economy.

For fact, Nigeria is being mismanaged in spite of its vast material and human resources, just as its leaders appear to be failing in their mandate to developing the society with the revenue from its numerous endowments.

In other words, it is imperative for the Nigerian nationals to map out strategies that will ensure those who are bleeding the society dry are fished out and exposed, in order to help the country build its economic future and cut down on youth migration.

C M Y K

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Suspected thugs, police invade APGA office in Ebonyi

DELTA: Okowa's candidate to beat —DDA

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—THE governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Ebonyi State, Senator Anthony Agbo, yesterday, alleged that some suspected thugs and policemen in bullet proof vests invaded and destroyed the party’s office in Ohaukwu Local Government Areas of the state, last Saturday.

Addressing newsmen at his home town in Ohaukwu, the Senator, who also revealed that his file which was missing at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office in Abuja only to later resurface, was orchestrated by politicians who are jittery over his candidacy and the impact APGA would make.

He said: “Last Saturday night, thugs and policemen, numbering about 20, came with bullet proof vests and AK47 rifles to Ohaukwu and tore off my posters and destroyed

By Oboh Agbonkhese

T

HE Delta Democratic Alliance, DDA, a socio-political pressure group, has reiterated its support for Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate.

Speaking through its Director-General, Mr. Sunday Onyewonsa, yesterday, the group said Senator Okowa remains the only candidate whose popularity cuts across ethnic divides in the state.

According to him, “ while candidates of other political parties were products of ethnic agitation, Okowa emerged from the crucible of ‘real politik,’ making him the most formidable of all the governorship aspirants and the man to beat.

“DDA believes in the philosophy of egalitarian political equation and, therefore, abhors the arrogance of the born-torule attitude of few elements.

“We stand against every form of political arrogance, therefore, we have embarked on house-to-house campaign to ensure victory for Okowa.”

zNo report has reached us— POLICE our party office.

“Party flags, posters, chairs and tables were destroyed. I do not know their motivations, but I know those behind all these things and am not going to reply now because of where am coming from.”

However, state Police Public

Relations Officer, ASP Chris Anyanwu, said the command was yet to receive information regarding the incident, adding that police will not tolerate such development.

He said: “No policeman will do such thing; the APGA candidate should report the

Igbo youths, groups endorse Jonathan; say alternative is madness

By Clifford Ndujihe

A

host of Igbo groups, yesterday, rose from a meeting in Enugu and endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for second term, saying “the alternative is sheer madness.”

Among the groups that met were Igbo Youths Movement, IYM; South-East Self

Determination Coalition, SESDC, and some women groups.

Speaking on why they endorsed Jonathan, IYM Founder, Evangelist Elliot Uko, said apart from performing well, there was no better alternative to President Jonathan yet.

His words: “On Saturday February 14, our people will

Njiko Igbo accuses PDP, APC of marginalization

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—A socio-political organization, Njiko Igbo Forum, NIF, yesterday, accused Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and All Progressives Congress, APC, of marginalizing the people of South-East geopolitical zone.

President of NIF, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, in an address he presented during the group’s meeting in Enugu, accused the two leading parties of favouring other political zones in the country.

incident to the Division in Ohaukwu council and it will immediately come to us at the headquarters.

“You have to know that uniforms are easily accessible and anybody can wear them. The command is not going to relent in ensuring a hitch-free election.”

At the meeting, representatives of PDP, APC and United Progressives Party, UPP, had each appealed to Ndigbo to cast their votes for their respective presidential candidate.

However, in setting the tone for a discussion on the way forward for Ndigbo in the forthcoming presidential election, Obioha said: “The two major political parties have marginalized Ndigbo.

They have not reckoned with Ndigbo at all.

“President Goodluck

Jonathan has not been fair to us to justify the heavy support we gave him since 2011. He seriously neglected us.

“General Buhari, by his choice of running mate from the South-West that just produced President in the person of Olusegun Obasanjo, has foreclosed Igbo from becoming the President of Nigeria until after 24 years.

“It is incredulous. Must Ndigbo continue to be Nigeria's political junction box?”

troop out in their millions and vote right. They will vote for stability, they will vote for equity.

“We will vote for light, we will vote for a just, new united and better Nigeria. The choice is so clear that even the blind can see.

“Since Nigerians crossed the Red Sea a few years ago on the glorious march to the Promised Land, our nation has experienced a new wave of freedom and decency hitherto unknown.

“Nigerians are witnesses to the ongoing great rebuilding of the years the locust had eaten.

Every sector is receiving attention simultaneously.

The President has enthroned equity in the land, giving hope to all sections of Nigeria. It would be a national calamity to take Nigeria back to slavery.

“We will not make the costly mistakes of the past. We will vote for President Jonathan not just because he has done well, but because there is no alternative. Ndigbo will vote Jonathan; the alternative is sheer madness.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On judiciary workers strike?

A

nation is insecure when the executive flouts the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

Financial autonomy for judicial workers is needed instrument to fight off what many perceive as judicial corruption and ineptitude; government should do the needful.— Mr. Chukwunonso Rossoneri, Graduate.

O

UR lawyers ought to stand and defend societal justice by championing the fight for financial autonomy for the judiciary workers.

I think the executive has tossed and infiltrated the judiciary and such is not part of the democratic system. The workers have a case.—Mr. Uduma Ogbu, Worker.

W

ORKERS of the judiciary, which is a source of headache for this country, should hide their heads in shame.

What is giving corrupt politicians nerve, if not judicial protectionism?

This issue should be resolved quickly for the sake of justice for all.— Mr. Timileyin Jaiyeola, Freight Forwarder.

J

UDICIARY's financial dependence on the executive is responsible for justice manipulation by the executive and the phantom corruption in the judicial system. I support this strike to go on indefinitely, 100 percent, until the longstanding error is corrected.—Mr. Azuka ThankGod, Computer Engineer.

W

HAT is the executive afraid of? Must they control everything, forgetting about the needed independence of the three arms of government: judiciary, legislature and executive? Why does the executive want to control money? I totally disagree with that.—Mr. Adedeji Aremu, Worker.

J

USUN strike continues. Even the judiciary is not spared of strike. In all of these, what I want them to know is that there is God. And that one day, we shall all stand before God and receive our rewards over our deeds on earth.— Mr. Emoefe G o o d l u c k , Businessman.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015— 47

Kwara govt begs health workers to call off strike I

By Demola Akinyemi

LORIN—THE Kwara State government has pleaded with health workers in the state to call off their ongoing strike in the interest of the public.

The state Head of Service, Alhaji Dabarako Mohammed made the appeal in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Usman Abdulateef, in Ilorin yesterday.

He said that the state government could not meet the demands of the health workers because of the dwindling allocations from the Federation Account.

However, the Coalition of Health Sector Unions, COHESU, in the state rejected the plea by the state government.

The state chairman of COHESU, Comrade Moses Ajiboye explained that the ongoing strike was a directive from the national body of the union, hence it was impossible for them to call off the strike.

The head of service had asked the striking workers to reconsider their stance for the implementation of 50 per cent

CONHESS as the state and indeed the entire nation was passing through hard times because of the falling price of crude oil in the international market.

He also noted that the falling price of crude oil had caused a dislocation in the calculations of the state government, following its dwindling monthly revenue.

Health workers in the state

last week embarked on strike for upward review of CONHESS from 50 to 100 per cent in solidarity with their counterparts in the federal health institutions.

VISIT: From left: APC Presidential candidate, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd), President General, Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Chief Joseph Omene, Delta State APC governorship candidate, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, Rivers State governor, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi, and APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, during General Buhari's visit to the executive of UPU in Mosogar, Ethiope West Local Government Area, Delta State.

Saraki calls for law on equitable oil spill compensation

I

By Demola Akinyemi

LORIN—THE Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Bukola Saraki has said that there was urgent need for a comprehensive law on oil spill in accordance with international best practices to ensure early and equitable compensation of victims.

This was contained in a statement signed by Saraki’s assistant on Media and Advocacy, Mr Bamikole Omishore, in Ilorin yesterday.

Saraki who commended the agreement signed by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd, SPDC, to compensate the Bodo Community in Ogoni, Rivers State, following the two oil spill incidents in the area in 2008 said: “As commendable as these recent developments are, it is also crucial to point out the fact that without clear-cut and sustainable policies in place, such compensations might only be one-off occurrences. ‘’What Nigeria needs right now to operate in line with

international best practices is a comprehensive law that works to ensure that oil spill compensations are not arbitrary, but equitable for all affected parties. ‘’The issue of oil spills and compensation for the resident communities would not even be

a ground breaking issue if Nigeria and Nigerians had an executive branch of the Federal Government that saw it as its fundamental duty to fight for the people. ‘’Nigerians both at home and abroad should be absolutely appalled by the fact that the

Taraba PDP sets up 7-man CWC on elections

J

By Mkom John

ALINGO—THE Taraba State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has inaugurated a seven-man Central Working Committee, CWC, to pilot the campaign of all it’s candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

The committee was inaugurated by the state Chairman of the party, Mr. victor Kona yesterday at the Women and Youths Centre in Jalingo, the state capital.

Speaking on the occasion, Kona urged the committee to ensure victory for all the PDP candidates from both the presidential, governorship as

well as the national and state assembly elections.

The committee which has the Senator who represented Taraba South Senatorial District, Sale Danboyi as it’s chairman.

Kona who expressed confidence in the ability of the committee to work for the victory of PDP in the state at the polls

L

By Tare Youdeowei

admitted in her hospital in Lagos, to forcefully cause widespread of the deadly virus.

“We are proud to admit this rare breed, Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh into the Niger Delta Hall of Fame as an honorary member. She become one of Africa’s giants in medicine and pride to every African woman with her uncommon effort.

“It is now in the world record that Dr. Adadevoh stopped the spread of the deadly disease in Nigeria and by extension, she

said: “The inauguration of these distinguished men of proven integrity today is an indication that the sun has brightened the dark horizon, particularly with the return of the Acting Governor, Alhaji Sani Danladi who was conversant with the political terrain of the state to his seat."

Plateau HoS commends media

J

OS—MR Ezekiel Dalyop, the Plateau State Head of Service, yesterday, commended the media for portraying the state in good light in 2014.

Dalyop told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Jos that the

IMG names Adadevoh Person of the Year 2014 AGOS—THE Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, has named Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, the medical doctor who sacrificed her life to save Nigeria from deadly Ebola as the group’s 2014 person of the year.

In a statement signed by Comrade Joseph Evah on behalf of IMG, the group lauded the courage and patriotic spirit of the late doctor for resisting the attempt by the Ebola patient, Mr. Patrick Sawyer from Liberia who was

affected communities had to go beyond our borders to seek redress in the courts despite the fact that we have an executive branch that has the power vested on it by our constitution to protect and defend the people of Nigeria."

prevented the death of thousands of Nigerians in this generation and beyond. Instead she became the sacrificial lamb, dying so that others may live.

History will always remember Adadevoh for her sacrifice to save humanity.”

The Ijaw group insisted that ECOWAS headquarters building in Abuja be named after Dr. Adadevoh because Mr. Patrick Sawyer was an ECOWAS staff who came to Nigeria on ECOWAS mission.

state had enjoyed positive media reportage during the year under review.

He said that the implementation of most of the state government programmes and policies were positively reported.

He said: “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the media for doing their best in the year 2014 and for giving Plateau the needed spotlight in their reportage.

“We believe that this New Year will afford us the opportunity for a better rapport, being a year of general elections."

Dalyop, however, urged the media to ensure that the 2015 elections were hitch-free by adhering to the ethics of journalism profession.

Customs rakes in N977.09bn revenue in 2014

A

BUJA—THE Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, raked in about N977.09 billion revenues in 2014 from its target of N1.2 trillion for the year.

According to the service’s summary of monthly revenue figure obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Abuja, the revenue came from import and excise duties, levies and other fees.

NAN reports that the revenue figure showed an increase of N143.79 billion over the N833.4 billion NCS collected in 2013, representing about 15 per cent increment in collection.

The breakdown of the figure showed that N586.91 billion out of the amount collected was remitted to the Federation Account while N390.18 was remitted to non-federation account during the year.

A further breakdown showed that N511.55 billion was collected from import (cash); N8.59 billion from import duty, while N39.76 billion was collected from fees.

EPZ: Egbema

leaders demand recognition as host community

W

ARRI—THE crisis rocking the Export Processing Zone, EPZ, in Ogidigben, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, has taken another dimension as the people of Egbema kingdom in Warri North local government are demanding for recognition as host to the controversial project.

This was contained in a letter addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan by the Egbema People Rights Movement, on behalf of the people of Egbema kingdom, dated November 15, 2014.

The letter was signed by Comrade Mike J.K. Tiemo, president, Comrade Markson J. Aboh, assistant secretary, Comrade Kelvin Igbikiri, chief logistics and Dr. Isaac Koroware, PRO respectively.

“We request for the recognition of Egbema coastal offshore and onshore communities as host to the EPZ project, being host and operational vicinity of Chevron/Texaco, SPDC and NPDC in accordance to an existing MOU regarding the Opuekeuba platform, Alero and Dibi flow stations”

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Delta PDP Gov Candidate's parley with Deltans in Lagos

From left, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta PDP Governorship Candidate; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, and Mr. Ted Iwere, Managing Director, Independent Newspapers, at a parley by Senator Okowa with Deltans in Lagos. Photos: Lamidi Bamidele

Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta (left), and his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, addressing the guests at the parley.

From left, Mr. Abi Ayidah; his wife, Ete; Tony Anenih Jnr, and Hon. Magnus Onyibe.

From left, Mrs. Ngozi Oboegboni; Mrs. Florence Omumu; Mrs. Grace Osagie, and Mrs. Ngozi Bama.

From left, Dr. Joe Okpaku, Publisher, Third Press, New York; Arc. Fred Dudu, and Chief Brown Mene.

From left, Frank Gboneme, Mr. Gabriel Ogbechie, and Dr. Kingsley Emu.

From left, Chief Paul Odhomor, Chief Brown Mene, and Olawale Rhode-Vivour.

From left, Sammie Okposo, Alleluya Akporobome (Alli Baba), Mrs. Ann Orumade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Poverty Alleviation, Delta State; Mr. Karo Agono, and Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo.

Senator Okowa's wife, Edith (left), and Atake Ibori, PDP candidate for Delta State House of Assembly.

From left, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Delta State Governor; Jay Jay Okocha, and Mr. Chike Ogeah, Delta State Commissioner of Information.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 — 49

C M Y K

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 —51

My generation has failed — JONATHAN Continues from Page 5 doing and succeeding in a number of areas especially in the procurement area. If you look at it, we are reducing corruption.”

Umaru Dikko's abduction Referring to the aborted kidnap of Alhaji Umaru Dikko from Britain by the Buhari administration in 1984, Dr. Jonathan said: “They say we are weak but we know that there were

some people who, while they were abroad, some people drugged them and put them in crates and attempted to fly them to Nigeria but they were intercepted by superior powers. That blocked Nigerians from even going to Britain; the whole world isolated Nigeria. They say that is the best way to fight corruption. Is that the way to stop corruption?

Not to follow due process? So, immediately I suspect your uncle, I just go and crate him and put him in Kirikiri

(Kirikiri Prison). Is that the way to stop corruption?”

Noting that Buhari’s anti-corruption stance was a posture to deal with enemies, he said: “They want power at all cost, all they want to use power for is to lock up and imprison their enemies. I have no enemies to fight. I won't stop corruption by arresting people and putting them in jail. You cannot stop corruption that way.”

Empowerment of youths Lamenting the failures of his generation, the president said his administration decided to motivate the younger generation with sharp ideas. “Government feels that Nigerians are very dynamic people, creative and industrious people and, as you know, we are over 200 million people but we cannot touch everybody the same day.

“We came up with the concept of YOUWIN to

give grants and not loans to young Nigerians that have ideas. We have done that and some of them are already manufacturing things. In the next five years or so, some of them will be exporting things out of the country. Can you do that without planning?

And they say we have no plans for the youths, let them come and tell us the plans they have for the youths. Look at what India is doing, look at what countries that we were at par at

independence are doing. Do you want to go back to those days where they had no plans for the youths?”

In a throw back to the military era, he referred to the Buhari regime which he said had no single woman in cabinet.

In a shocker before he concluded, the president who had earlier in 2010 defended MEND of allegations of orchestrating the 2010 Independence Day bomb attack at the Eagle Square, Abuja reversed himself, yesterday, saying the attack was an assassination attempt on him, the president.

He said: “Let me say one thing and conclude.

I read in a paper recently where it said ‘MEND dumps Jonathan’. I am from the Niger Delta, the leader of MEND is one Okar. Okar is in a South African prison because on October 1, 2010, when we were to celebrate our 50th Independence anniversary, Okar was hired by some Nigerians to assassinate me.

“Okar bombed Abuja and the attempt was to assassinate me but intelligence report from South Africa hinted me on the plan to assassinate me. He is now in jail in South Africa and they said MEND dumped Jonathan. Okar that wanted to assassinate Jonathan, will he support Jonathan? I am told that Okar is supporting some people.”

ROLL CALL

C M Y K

Notable PDP stalwarts present included among others: Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, Senator President, David Mark; Emeka Ihedioha, Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Theodore Orji (Abia), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Lyel Imoke (Cross River), Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti), Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) Idris Wada (Kogi) Aliyu Babangida (Niger) Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo (Gombe), Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, Minister for Police Affairs; Mrs Deziani Allison Madueke, Minister for Petroleum Resources; Kem Achikwe, Sen Modu Sheriff, former Governor of Borno State; Sen Bala Mohammed, FCT Minister; Mrs Olajumoke Akinjide, Minister of State for FCT; Musiliu Obanikoro, former Minister of State for Defence; Tom Ikimi, former Foreign Affairs Minister; Nuhu Ribadu, former EFCC Chairman and Senator Iyiola Omisore.

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 15 9,, 20 2015

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NDUKWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ndukwe, Maureen Uloma E., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eike, Maureen Uloma E. All former documents remain valid.

Department of Computer Science, School of Science and Industrial Technology (CSSIT), Abia State Polytechnic, NYSC, and general public please take note.

SULE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sule Wosilat Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fakolujo Marilyn Oluwakemi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AMADI-ORWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lydia Amadi-Orwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lydia Dagogo-Jack.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGHANEME—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Emeka Aghaneme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. E m e k a Chukwuemeka. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria, EcoBank and general public, please take note.

AGHANEME—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Ego Aghaneme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ego Chukwuemeka.

All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria and general public, please take note.

ORUKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Oruka Gerald Nnaemeka, now wish to be known and addressed as Gerald Dominic. N. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONWUTUEBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kelechi Onwutuebe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osinachi Kelechi Favour. All former documents remain valid. Abia State Universal Basic Education Board and General Public please take note.

CHIDINMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Doris N w a c h u k w u Chidinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Doris Nkenchor Chidima.

All former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

NWANI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezinne Helen Nwani, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezinne Helen Nwabuokei. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BARKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Gana Barka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gana Jonathan. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and general public please take note.

E H I C H I O YA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Maris Ehichioya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Usifoh Maris.

All former documents remain valid. United Bank for Africa (UBA) and general public please take note.

IKUBAIYEJE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ikubaiyeje Folashade Florence, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Folashade VictorOtitoyomi. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Ltd and general public please take note.

OJO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojo Titilayo Omolola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinola Titilayo Omolola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jessica Ruth Igba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Jessica Ruth Opara. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DURU—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Duru Peter Ikenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Duru Peter Ikechukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AYENI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayeni Tosin Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunleye Tosin Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IDOGU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Queen Osiewundo Idogu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Queen Osiewundo IsaacAkanji. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and general public please take note.

MOMOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Momoh Daniel, now wish to be known and addressed as E z u d u e m o i h Ekhaeyouno Daniel.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MONIGHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Karinatei Monigha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Karinatei Etieme Igwele. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SAPERE-OBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sapere-Obi Bibobra, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikporo Bibobra. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

IZIENGBEAYA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss I z i e n g b e a y a Christina Itohan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Owraigbo Christina Itohan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADENIYI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mojisola Bolaji Adeniyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mojisola Bolaji Oki. All former documents remain valid. National P o p u l a t i o n Commission and general public please take note.

LUWEI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Luwei FunEbi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekos Fun-Ebi. All former documents remain valid. Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board and general public please take note.

TIMIBOFA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tarilanyun Timibofa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tarilanyun Gbeinbo.

All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Education, Bayelsa State and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Nyovele Emmanuel Chima, hereby confirm that the name Nyovele Emmanuel as it appears on my WAEC result of 2009 and on my Local G o v e r n m e n t Identification Letter refers to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, James Michael Egegede, hereby confirm that the name James Michael DJ as it appears on my NECO result refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 15 — 53 9,, 20 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED O S O N D U — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Chizurum Gift Osondu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chizurum Gift Anuforo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UDOKANG—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Udokang Umakiso Sunday, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Umakiso Emem Eno. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Controversy over fresh Boko Haram attack on Baga ...2000 killed — Agency reports; It's not true — District head

By Ndahi Marama

M

AIDUGURI—THERE was controversy yester day over alleged reports that Boko Haram insurgents attacked Baga in Borno State, killing over 2,000 residents.

Agency reports said that the attackers killed the victims after killing over 100 other residents on Saturday but the District Head of Baga, Alhaji

Baba Abba Hassan, debunked the reports describing them as not only false but outrageous.

Hassan said although hundreds of people in the area were killed weekend, it was not true that the insurgents struck yesterday. The military base in Baga, a border town with Chad was overrun by the insurgents last week, carting away military hardware.

However, Hassan told newsmen on the phone that, “although hundreds of people were killed in the last Saturday Boko Haram attack on Baga town in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, there was no second attack on the ghost town, the town was not attacked Wednesday.’’

He said that the corpses of

OWOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Florence Nnenna Owoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Florence Nnenna Ngwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

S Y LV E S T E R — I , formerly known and addressed as Charles Efe Sylvester, now wish to be known and addressed as Charles Efe Emukowhate. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obi Deborah Chukwudi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Deborah Chukwudi Adekunle. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TONIFIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Tonifie Munamuna, now wish to be known and addressed as Oyintonifie Munamuna. All former documents remain valid.

Century Group International and general public please take note.

IZIENGBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odeh Iziengbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odeh Iziengbe Ighofimoni.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ROAD SHOW: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and Imo State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha (right) and the State Chairman of PDP, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie acknowledging cheers from supporters during a road show kicking off his campaign in Owerri, Imo State.

those killed were still littered on the streets and the bushes in the town as there was no way they could be buried because of the security situation there. ‘’There was no fresh attack on Baga as widely reported by some foreign media which put the figure of 2000, adding that the actual figure of those killed cannot be ascertained, although hundreds were killed with many displaced.’’

The traditional ruler said most of those killed were women and children whom the insurgents pursued into the bushes before unleashing terror on them.

According to him, many of their people had crossed over to Chad and Niger Republics, just as many others got drowned in the Lake Chad while trying to escape.

Also commenting on the Baga attack, a Senator representing Borno North at the National Assembly, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan said on the BBC Hausa service monitored in Maiduguri that “nobody can actually tell you the number of the people killed and the number of houses that were burnt down.”

He, however, thanked God and the Borno State government for sending buses to the area to convey the fleeing residents to safer zones.

Jonathan has delivered on agriculture — PDP

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA—AS political parties begin nationwide campaign ahead of next month’s general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP said yesterday that the nation’s agricultural sector has witnessed massive growth and improvement with the coming on board of President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to PDP, the unique intervention of Jonathan in agriculture has placed Nigeria on the sure path to food sufficiency and that the President has delivered in the sector.

In a statement yesterday by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the party noted that Jonathan has strategically re-engineered the sector which had direct impact on the welfare of the citizens in line with what he described as the manifesto of the party and its commitment to uplifting the living standard of Nigerians.

Metuh noted that the party would ensure that its government at all levels continue to pay greater attention to agriculture, and urged Nigerians to massively vote for Jonathan and all its candidates during the general elections so as

to sustain its achievements in the agricultural sector among others. “In the last four years, the Jonathan administration repositioned agriculture from the traditional subsistence occupation to an investment-driven, wealth-creating sector that guarantees food security in the country.

“Under Jonathan, our country has through strategic partnership with the private sector, expanded food production by an additional 21 million metric tons between 2011 and 2014, a record exceeding the nation’s set target of 20 million metric tons set for 2015.

“Between 2013 and July 2014, the nation’s food import bill declined by $5.3 billion and still falling, even with our increasing population. Within the same period, additional 9 million metric tons of food has been produced, while over 2.7 million farm jobs have been created. With all these, Nigeria now ranks as one of the biggest food producers in Africa.

“Under President Jonathan, our country has met its Millennium Development Goal, MDG, on agriculture and food production two years ahead of

2015 target set by the United Nations, thereby earning a special award by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

“This feat was achieved by

meticulous implementation of deliberate policies that empowered millions of our farmers and strategic investors with private sector investment rising to about $5.6billion.

FG to issue circular on electronic revenue collection regime

By Babajide Komolafe

T

HE Federal Government will next week issue a circular and a booklet of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), on the new electronic revenue collection regime.

The circular and booklets, which would be will be available at the registration desks of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and project members’ banks, are aimed at enlightening the public and all interested stakeholders on the usage of electronic revenue collection platform aimed at checking theft, diversion of collected revenue and all sorts of corrupt practices associated

with revenue collection.

Recently, the Federal Government held a sensitization workshop on e-collection in Abuja last week where the Accountant-General of the Federation, Jonah Otunla directed all its MDAs to close their revenue accounts with Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) latest by February 28.

Government gave the directive while unveiling an electronic revenue collection platform, powered by Remita, indigenous software package developed SystemSpecs, Nigeria’s software powerhouse.

The platform was built to check theft, diversion of collected revenue and all sorts of corrupt practices associated with revenue collection.

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

Why I propagate Yoruba culture

Ebonyi: Izzi clan stakeholders endorse Umahi for governor

– GANI ADAMS

By Peter Okutu

A

L

AGOS—THE N a t i o n a l Coordinator, Oodua Peoples ‘Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, said he has taken the burden of Yoruba cultural rejuvenation and sustainability upon himself as he does not want modernisation and social indoctrination to subdue Yoruba intrinsic cultural heritage, traditional values and norms.

Speaking at the inauguration of a chapter of OPC in Gutenberg, Sweden recently, Otunba Adams noted that many people might not care about their children embracing foreign culture, but warns this will become counterproductive.

Otunba Adams warned, “if Africans in Diaspora failed to aggressively address the deliberate cultural imperialism being launched in a systematic destructive process by the western world in the name of vogue and modernism, the continent will wake up one day to find out that its culture and values have been obliterated from the social-cultural map of the world.

In the speech read on his behalf by Captain Abiodun Adesina, Gani Adams said it is imperative on us, as a true son of Oduduwa to rise up and quash the scientific and systematic obliteration of the pristine Yoruba cultural heritage and value particularly among the new generation of the Yoruba in Diaspora.

RALLY: Oyo State Labour Party governorship candidate, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala acknowledging cheers from market women and men at Oja-Oba, during his market-to-market rally in Ibadan.

Lagos health workers protest unpaid salaries

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

L

AGOS—ACTIVITIES in Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja were yesterday halted for hours by about a thousand health workers under the Lagos State employ, protesting over their unpaid December salaries.

The protesters, who chanted different anti-government songs, lamented that the unpaid fund had brought untold hardship on them and their families who depend on them for survival.

The protesters, under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Workers Union, JOHESU, defied the cold weather and sun, stormed the seat of power at about 1:00 pm to demand for their wages. They were armed with placards, which reads: “Pay us our right”; “Payment of Teaching Hospital Salary Scale” Free LASUTH workers from slavery” and “Incompetent LASUTH Management must go”, among others.

Vanguard gathered that the protesting workers, who were

middle-aged women from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, had joined the JOHESU national body on an industrial action.

They alleged that the LASUTH management intentionally suspended their salary having collected same from the State government, saying “That is our grouse and the reason we have decided to come to the seat of power. ”

...As union gives condition to end strike

By Ola Ajayi

I

BADAN—MOVED by the groaning of patients in various teaching hospitals as a result of the on-going strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, NUAHP, the union has said it would call off the strike if some of its demands are met by the federal government.

The union, while addressing newsmen on the

APC aspirants vow to work against party in Ebonyi if...

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—SOME House of Assembly aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC in Ebonyi State whose names were not submitted to Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, after allegedly winning the party ’s primaries,

yesterday, vowed to work against the party in next month’s election if it failed to submit their names.

They also argued that the party ’s candidate in the state, Senator Julius Ucha was not the winner of the governorship primaries, which they said was won by Chief Austin Edeze.

In a communique signed

They argued that the “No work, no pay” policy of the State government doesn’t applies to their case. And that LASUTH management has taken to selective payment of the December salary to their members.

The leader of the protesters, Rasheed Bamise said they are members of a union that had complied with directive of the national body to embark on strike.

by Ebere Benard for Izzi West constituency, Demain AgwuaOnu for Afikpo South East and Chief Nwankwegu Alo, Leader Ebonyi Local Government Area among others at the end of their emergency meeting in Abakaliki, they further stressed that the party would lose the governorship election, if it insisted on presenting Senator Ucha as its governorship standard bearer in the state.

strike which started on October 16 and 12 November, 2014 at the University of Ibadan yesterday, through its National President, Comrade Felix Faniran said if five of its numerous demands were met, the union would call off the strike and allow negotiations to continue.

The demands which he wanted the government to address quickly include adjustment of CONHESS salary as done for the Nigerian Medical Association in the same sector, payment of Arrears on skipping of CONHESS 10 since year 2010, promotion of our members from CONHESS 14 to 15 for over ten years, appointment of our members as Chief Medical Directors.

Others are abolition of the post of Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, immediate circularization of retirement age of Healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years and immediate payment of arrears of Specialist allowance to all Hospital based Healthcare Professionals who possess relevant post graduate qualifications.

B A K A L I K I — STAKEHOLDERS of Izzi extraction have endorsed the Ebonyi State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Engr.

Dave Umahi for next month’s election.

The stakeholders, drawn from Izzi, Ebonyi and Abakaliki local government areas of the state that were part of Ekumenyi extraction, endorsed Umahi at a gathering at Central Primary School, Nwofe Agbaja in Izzi local government area.

Making their stand known, the stakeholders comprising, Chief Elias Mbam, former chairman, Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC; Senator Ngige Ngele, former National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and DirectorGeneral of Dave Umahi’s Campaign Organization, Chief Fidelis Nwankwo, Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku; member representing Abakaliki/ Izzi federal constituency, Hon. Sylvester Ogbada; former LGA Chairmen and House of Assembly members among others, expressed their determination to ensure that Umahi won emerges the polls.

They stressed that it was necessary for power to shift to Ebonyi South Senatorial District of the State adding that it was unfair for Governor Martin Elechi to reverse his earlier statement supporting power shift to the South.

Obiano pays housing corp pensioners N36m

By Enyim Enyim

O

N I T S H A — GOVERNOR Willie Obiano of Anambra State has paid about N36 million to pensioners of the state housing development corporation, some of who were owed since the old Anambra state.

About 29 staff of the corporation benefited from the long service merit award, out of whom Mrs Ifeoma Igwebuike got the best performed staff of the corporation.

Commissioner for Housing Development, Mr Law Chinwuba who represented the governor on the occasion of the meritorious award ceremony organised by the housing corporation, said that government had concluded plans to re-energize the corporation in the first quarter of this year.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 — 55

56 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 , 2015

Chilling image of Paris newspaper newsroom massacre emerges as world leaders react T

HE first photograph from inside the devastated Charlie Hebdo office hit in a deadly terrorist attack in Paris emerged yesterday.

Thechillingimagefromthe buildingshowsblood-stained woodenfloors,papersstrewn across the corridor and a pool of red in one corner.

Also,aFrenchpoliceofficer was shot and killed in the second horrifying gun attack on Paris's streets in less than 24 hours has been named as a 27-year-old rookie who 'dreamed of serving her country'.

The young police woman who was gunned down as she attended a routine traffic accident in Montrouge at 8am today is called Clarissa Jean-Philippe, according to the French media.

A second victim - a street cleaner who was shot in the face after he confronted the gunman - is said to be in a serious condition.

This shooting came less than 24 hours after the massacre at the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, which left 12 dead - including two police officers.

It is not known if the two attacks are linked.

Meanwhile, terrified workers in Paris’s business district La Defense were warned not to leave their office after a gunman was seen outside, French newspaper Le Figaro reported.

Mosques, prayer halls and a kebab shop near a Muslim temple(picturedabove)were targeted today following yesterday's terrorist attack in which 12 people were murdered by suspected Islamist fanatics. The retaliation comes as French citizens attempt to come to terms with yesterday's shocking attack..

Eight journalists, two policeofficers,amaintenance worker and a visitor were killed in the horrifying attack on the anti-Islamist newspaper.

Tonight, two armed suspects wanted over the massacre were being pursued through woodland as a huge manhunt closed in on a forest. Police believe they have tracked down the brothers to a remote area about 50 miles north-east of Paris after reportedly robbing a nearby petrol station.

Officers are said to have found a Molotov cocktail bomb and jihadist flag in the car of Cherif and Said Kouachi, which they abandoned before fleeing.

The men, still armed, headed on foot into the vast Forêt de Retz (Retz Forest) that measures 32,000 acres,

•People gathered around candles and pens at the Place de la Republique in Paris in support of the victims after the terrorist attack

Jonathan, world leaders react

A

Shocking: The chilling image from the Charlie Hebdo office shows blood-stained wooden floors, papers strewn across the corridor

•Clarissa JeanPhilippe, the police woman killed yesterday

an area roughly the size of Paris. The office picture was released following images showing the moment that a murdered police officer

pleaded for his life before beingexecuted.Avideofrom the scene of yesterday’s massacre shows officer Ahmed Merabet - believed

...As WCC, ICC condemn killings •Said Kouachi

By Sam Eyoboka

T

•Cherif Kouachi

HE World Council of Churches, WCC, and the International Christian Concern, ICC, have condemned the killing of 12 persons in Europe’s wort terror attack since 2005 London bombings when two men were said to have attacked Paris offices of magazine Charlie Hebdo.

Reacting to news of the deaths of 12 persons in an armed attack on the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo,

acting general secretary of the World Council of Churches Georges Lemopoulos said: “The fatal attack that has taken place in Paris against the satirical newspaper, Charlie Hebdo is an attack on human life, human dignity and the human rights of all.

In its reaction, the International Christian Concern (ICC) condemned the latest incident of an attack inspired by Islamic extremism, gunmen who targeted the magazine known to

to be a Muslim - lying wounded on the pavement andbeggingformercybefore being shot at point-blank range by the terrorists. openly criticize Islam and that has been targeted in the past by Muslims angered over its content.

“The World Council of Churches utterly rejects and condemns any religious justification advanced for it. Together with all people of true faith and good will, we pray for the victims and their families, for the perpetrators to be brought to justice, for the extremist ideology that inspired this attack to be extinguished, and that justified outrage may not lead to reprisals against Muslims or fuel anti-Islamic sentiment.”

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the attack on the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, saying “the cowardly and ignoble attack by violent extremists is a monstrous assault on the right to freedom of expression”.

US president Barack Obama, British prime minister David Cameron, the Queen and the Pope are among a band of world leaders condemning a deadly shooting at the offices of French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.

The United States said it condemned the deadly attack in the “strongest possible terms” and Mr Obama committed US assistance to apprehend the gunmen responsible.

“We are in touch with French officials and I have directed my administration to provide any assistance needed to help bring these terrorists to justice,” Mr Obama said.

“France is America’s oldest ally, and has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the fight against terrorists who threaten our shared security and the world.”

US secretary of state John Kerry said the United States is offering France its deepest condolences.

The “pen is an instrument of freedom, not fear,” Mr Kerry said.

In Australia, Prime Minister Tony Abbott described the attack in Paris as an unspeakable atrocity.

He said the thoughts of all Australians were with the families of those killed in the barbaric act.

British prime minister David Cameron described the attack as “sickening”.

“We stand with the French people in the fight against terror and defending the freedom of the press,” he said in a message on Twitter.

Queen Elizabeth II sent her “sincere condolences” to the wounded and the families of those killed.

In a rare response to an international news event, the monarch and her husband sent a message to French president Francois Hollande.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 ,2015 — 57

AFRICAN NEWS BRIEFS

Egypt’s President calls for ‘religious revolution’ E

GYPTIAN President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has called for a “ religious revolution,” asking Muslim leaders to help in the fight against extremism.

In a speech celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Mu%ammad, which coincided with New Year’s Day, he said they had no time to lose.

“I say and repeat, again, that we are in need of a religious revolution. You imams are responsible before Allah. The entire world is waiting on you. The entire world is waiting for your word because the Islamic world is being torn, it is being destroyed, it is being lost. And it is being lost by our own hands,” elSisi said.

“We need a revolution of the self, a revolution of consciousness and ethics to rebuild the

Egyptian person — a person that our country will need in the near future,” the President said.

El-Sisi, himself a pious man, was elected in May after leaving the military to run for the office.

A former defense minister, he led the ouster of Mohamed Morsy the Islamist who was Egypt’s first democratically elected President and has long positioned himself as a more secular option, and defender against extremist views.

“It’s inconceivable that the thinking that we hold most sacred should cause the entire Islamic world to be a source of anxiety, danger, killing and destruction for the

British Ebola nurse still in critical condition

T

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi spoke out against Islamic extremism on New Year’s Day, which coincided with the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

rest of the world.

Impossible that this thinking — and I am not

saying the religion I am saying this thinking,” el-Sisi said.

Crashed jet’s tail may be raised in hunt for AirAsia ‘black boxes’

I

NDONESIAN search and rescue

teams plan to start lifting the crashed AirAsia jet’s

tail off the sea bed on Friday, officials said, raising hopes that “black box” recorders can be retrieved to reveal the cause of the disaster.

Scores of divers plunged into the Java Sea yesterday to search the wreckage of Flight QZ8501, which vanished from radar screens on Dec. 28 less than half-way into a twohour flight from Indonesia’s secondbiggest city of Surabaya to Singapore.There were no survivors among the 162 people on board.

The cause of the crash remains a mystery, with hopes centering on the so-called black boxes the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder - providing vital clues.

The plane was an Airbus A320-200, which carries the recorders near the tail section.

Officials have warned, however, that the recorders could have become separated from the tail during the disaster.

The tail of the plane was found on Wednesday, upturned on the sea bed about 30 km (20 miles) from the plane’s last known location at a depth of around 28-32 meters.

“The weather prevented the operation to lift the tail today,” search and rescue agency coordinator Supriyadi told reporters in Pangkalan Bun, the southern Borneo town closest to the crash site.

HE British nurse who contracted Ebola in west Africa remains in a critical condition inside a hospital isolation unit and her health may not improve for “some time”, her family said yesterday.

Pauline Cafferkey, who is being treated at London’s Royal Free Hospital, contracted the disease while working as a volunteer at a British-built Ebola treatment centre in Sierra Leone.

She felt unwell as she returned to Britain and was diagnosed in Glasgow on December 29, before being transferred to the Royal Free, which has the only isolation ward in Britain equipped for Ebola patients.

“We would like to thank all our friends, family and the members of the public who have contacted us with support following Pauline’s diagnosis with Ebola. We have been very touched by the kind words,” her family said.

“Pauline continues to be in a critical condition at the Royal Free Hospital. We want to thank all the staff caring for her for their kindness, support and compassion.

“Pauline’s condition could remain the same for some time.”

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Monday that the 39-year-old’s condition was critical but had stabilised.

Cafferkey has been treated with blood plasma from an Ebola survivor containing virus-fighting antibodies as well as an experimental anti-viral drug.

Al Qaeda’s North Africa branch praises gunmen for Paris attack

A

L QAEDA’S North African branch praised the gunmen behind this week’s killings at the Paris headquarters of the Charlie Hebdo weekly newspaper as “knight(s) of truth”, a monitoring group said yesterday.

The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors radical Islamist organizations in the media, reported that Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) lauded the attackers with Arabic poetry on its Twitter account.

In France, a manhunt was under way for two brothers suspected of carrying out Wednesday’s attack on Charlie Hebdo, a satirical newspaper which had published cartoons of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad as well as other religious and political figures.

Ten journalists and two police officers were killed in the attack, which has raised questions of security in the Western world and beyond.

Many Muslims consider any depiction of the Prophet Mohammad to be against Islamic law.

AQIM has in the past killed French hostages in North Africa, and also clashed with French forces in northern Mali after Paris launched a military offensive in 2013 to dislodge Islamist fighters from the area.

Tunisia military receives US aircraft to bolster defense

T

UNISIA’S defence minister has said that the country has received a second C-130 military transport from the U.S. to help defend its frontiers and fight terrorism.

During a ceremony yesterday at the Aouina airbase near the capital Tunis, Minister Ghazi Jribi welcomed U.S. assistance in facing the country’s security challenges.

Tunisia is sandwiched between Algeria, home of North Africa’s al-Qaida branch and Libya, which is awash in battling militias and sophisticated weapons.

Tunisia received a first C-130 late last year and has also concluded deals to receive speedboats to guard its coasts, advanced helicopters as well as night vision equipment.

In August Gen. David Rodriguez of the U.S. African command said Tunisia would receive $60 million in military aid in 2015 in addition to $100 million given since 2011.

58 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 — 59

60 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

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TLETICO Madrid striker Fernando Torres once again had butterflies in his stomach as he made his return to the Vicente Calderon.

Torres played an hour for Atletico as they claimed a 2-0 win over city rivals Real Madrid in their Copa del Rey round-of-16 first leg on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old, who was greeted by over 40,000 fans at his presentation, said he had a similar feeling in his first game back for his boyhood club.

“You always get butterflies in your stomach at times like these,” Torres said.

“I got them the other day in the presentation and I had them again today.”

Goals from Raul Garcia – a penalty – and Jose Gimenez put Atletico in control of the tie ahead of the return leg.

But Torres warned his side the tie was far from over as they prepare to travel to The Santiago Bernabeu on January 15.

“It was a great job. The second leg has to be outlined in a very similar way,” he said.

“The clean sheet gives us many options, but a 2-0 in the Bernabeu is far from a definite result.”

Torres added: “We are happy for many things: for the work of the team, for the atmosphere that we have lived and are still living at the Calderon.”

Winning return excites Torres

FACE TO FACE: Fernando Torres (r) confronts Real Madrid's defender, Sergio Ramos in a Copa del Rey round-of-16 first leg on Wednesday. Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid 2-0.

Ojo-Oba retires, rallies support for Pinnick’s board

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

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•Ojo-Oba

OML 58 football tourney enters semis

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HE 2014 OML 58 football tournament has entered the semi final stage.Sixteen teams started the annual tournament last month,but the boys have been separated from the men.

In the quarter finals decided this week, Eyekele defeated Obiyebe 3-1, Erema were 2-1 victors over Elele Okinali while Akabuka lost 1-2 to Ogbogu Rumuekpe 0, Elele Alimini 1.

The semi final fixtures will be decided in the next few days,while the final match will hold on the 16th of January 2015.

It must be noted that mammoth crowd have attended most of the matches played in the tournament so far.

Chairman of the Orga-

n i s i n g committee,Goodnews Mbonu has commended all the participating teams for the technique and standard displayed in virtually all the matches decided. He said it was heartwarming to see that the standard of play has improved greatly.

Members of the technical committee have also pencilled down names of players who have been outstanding in the course of the tournament .The list will be unveiled during the final match on the 16th of January 2015.

Semi final matches come up, Monday, January 12. Eyekele will clash with Erema at Ekele Okinali, while Ogbogu will meet Elele at Ahoada.

TAKEHOLDERS in Nigerian Football have been urged to support the present board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Amaju Pinnick to properly develop the nation’s football.

Immediate past director of federatoons and elite athletes department of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr.

Bolaji Ojo-oba stated this yesterday at the world press conference to announced his retirement from the civil service.

The former general secretary of the NFF said instead of condemning the federation for not qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup Nations (AFCON), Nigerians should support the Amaju Pinnick-led board to move the game forward.

He further appealed to Nigerians to be patience with the board and keep

praying for their success because football is a game where you win and also loose.

“Nothing is wrong with our football but we need to exercise patience and keep praying for those that are incharge of affairs of the NFF to succeed. I left NFF since 2010 and I have never for once said anything negative about them. I If feel there is anything I call them to discuss it, that is how it should be.

•Pinnick

ITTF awards: Elegbeleye lauds Aruna T

•Quadri

HE Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye has showered encomiums on Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna for winning two awards at the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) 2014 Star Awards in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Wednesday night.

Aruna who is ranked 30th in the world in the ITTF rankings, edged out three other nominees, China’s duo of Fan

Zhendong and Xi Xin and Portugal’s Marcos Freitas to win the Male Table Tennis Star of the Year.

Explaining why Aruna won the two awards, the ITTF said that the African champion was nominated for the Male Table Tennis Star because of his astronomical rise in the ITTF rankings during the year to become the highest-ever ranked African player in history.

The DG of the NSC praised Aruna for doing the nation proud.

Elegbeleye applauded ITTF’s choice and thanked

the world Table Tennis Federation for recognizing Aruna’s feat in the game for the Year 2014 and believes that the player will continue to improve in performance this year too.

“The National Sports Commission is elated with the achievement of our athlete, Quadri Aruna in world table tennis last year.

We are happier that his hard work and dedication to his chosen profession has yielded dividends by winning two world recognized ITTF awards for the Year 2014."

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 — 61

Real confirm Bale sale

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EAL Madrid plan to sell Gareth Bale to Manchester United.

The Spanish giants are clearing the decks to ensure they sign Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus in the summer.

Reus has a £20m release clause which comes into effect in the next window and is wanted by a host of top European clubs.

The German is interested in a move to Madrid but is said to be concerned he will struggle to get a game if he makes the move to the Champions League holders given their array of attacking talent.

The Daily Express claim Madrid have assured Reus he will get a game because Bale is in line to be sold to United.

Bale joined Real in a world-record £80m deal in 2013 but looks set to smash that in a stunning Premier League return.

United have set aside a huge £120m war chest in order to land the Welshman.

And with the Red Devils desperate to land their man Real are prepared to cash in on Bale pay out a bargain price of £20m for Reus and be left with a healthy profit.

Imenger set to seal deal with Egyptian club

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•Bale

Chelsea to offer Messi mega six-year deal L

IONEL MESSI has been told there is an eye-watering sixyear contract waiting for him at Chelsea.

Sources close to the Barcelona star insist the Blues have made it known they are willing to pay his £200m buyout clause.

But they also claim Chelsea are willing to meet his wage demands - which could double the total cost of the deal.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho described stories linking the Premier League leaders with Messi as “obviously not true” in November.

But Barcelona have been in meltdown since then and reports in Spain suggest the player is at war with boss Luis Enrique.

Messi failed to show up for training on Monday, and Enrique failed to deny talk of a rift between the pair yesterday.

He said: “I neither confirm nor deny those reports. The things that are part of the team always remain in the changing room.

“I have the same

MOUHA Sports Club have reached an agreement in principle to sign Barnabas Imenger Jr. The Nigeria

relationship with all my players that I had at the start of the season. That has not changed.”

Reports in Spain suggest there is a power struggle going on between Messi and the manager, with the player favourite to win.

But those close to Messi insist Chelsea are ready to take advantage if he does decide to quit the Nou Camp next summer.

Signing him would test Chelsea’s ability to stay within the limits of Financial Fair Play to the limit.

But Blues owner Roman Abramovich could find the chance to sign one of the best players in world football too good to pass up.

•Messi

international has already agreed personal terms with the Egyptian Premier League vice champions, and is set to travel to North Africa next week to pen a three - year deal, subject to a medical.

For Lobi Stars agreeing to terminate the contract of the 23 - year - old before its expiration, they will be paid compensation by Smouha Sports Club.

It is confirmed that Barnabas Imenger will not be subjected to trials before sealing his move to The Blue Wave.

Smouha Sports Club will represent Egypt in the 2015 CAF Champions League, having finished in second position in the 2013 - 2014 season.

Imenger, whose dad represented Nigeria as well, previously sported the jerseys of Kwara United and Trelleborgs FF (Sweden), in addition to his stint with Lobi Stars.

United offer De Gea new deal M

•De Gea

ANCHESTER United will accelerate contract talks with David de Gea after agreeing an 18-month deal with World Cup winner Victor Valdes.

As revealed by MailOnline, United are set to announce that Valdes, 32, will become the club’s first signing of the transfer window after the out-ofcontract goalkeeper came through an extended trial.

The signing of a man who won three Champions League medals at Barcelona and was in Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad has raised questions about De Gea’s future. The 24-yearold has only 18 months left on his contract and is being courted by Real Madrid.

United chief executive Ed Woodward and De Gea’s agent Jorge

Mendes plan to move the matter of the player ’s contract forward this month in the hope he will agree to stay.

De Gea has not closed his mind to a move back to Spain but he and his parents, who remain influential, are not actively looking to leave Manchester and recently declared themselves happy and settled in the North West.

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62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 — 63

Mikel rejects AC Milan C

•Mikel Obi

Continues from BP

Toure

Manchester City is above 140 with over 39 goals.

The Ivorian captain defeated his nearest rival, Nigeria captain and first choice goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama and Gabon international, PierreEmerick Aubameyang.

Toure was voted African Footballer of The Year for 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively.

While in Bacelona, his

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club side won six trophies in 2009 alone.

He was nominated for The Personality of The Year Award at the MTV Africa Music Awards in July 2014. He was also nominated for the Prize in Entertainment category at the 2014 edition of The Future Africa Awards.

With this towering profile, the Ivorian captain was clearly, the pundits’ favourite to cart home the prestigious

H E L S E A m i d f i e l d e r, John Obi Mikel, has rejected reports suggesting he is primed for a move to AC Milan.

Obi has reiterated that his immediate future lies in London.

The Rossoneri manager, Filippo Inzaghi, wants to add another midfielder to his squad, and has beamed his searchlight on the experienced Super Eagles star.

However, Mikel has insisted that he will not be joining another team in the winter transfer market, stressing that he will weigh up his options in the summer. ‘’For now, Mikel is remaining at Chelsea.

It is true AC Milan are interested in him. He doesn’t have the mind of changing clubs in this window,’’ one of Mikel’s representatives

said. ‘’He wants to concentrate on the Premier League, and after the season he’ll make a decision.’’

Schalke 04 coach Roberto Di Matteo had

been in touch with Mikel’s camp over a move this month, but the Nigeria international was no longer enthusiastic after getting a run of games.

The 27-year-old

intends to see out the remainder of his contract except he is declared surplus to requirements by manager Jose Mourinho.

This season, the ex Lyn Oslo man has appeared 12 times in the English Premier League, including four starts.

Eagles Continues from BP Super Eagles team to the two international friendly matches against Cote D’Ivoire on January 12 and Sudan January 17.

Others who did not make the cut are Ammel Angel Wilfred of Kogi Unted, another Rangers star, Chinedu Udeaga and Mighty Jets central defender, Ahmed Idris, who was a late replacement for injured Kano Pillars ‘big man’ in defence, Zango Umar.

Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi, explained that Ighodalo,

was off form and the other players who were battling for positions with him were simply better.

“Recall that I did say to the world and especially to the players that only 19 of them will make the team and current form and not names will form the basis of selection, that was exactly what happened in the case of Osaguona”, he declared.

The national team made up of wholly professional players from the Nigerian league departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International

Airport last night for the United Arab Emirates via Emirates Airline.

OTHER WINNERS Continues from BP – Yacine Braimih – Algeria Best Youth Player of the Year – Asisat Oshoala – Nigeria Woman Footballer of the Year – Asisat Oshoala Coach of the Year – Kheeireddine Madoui (ES Setif) of Algeria

Vanguard, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Eagles remain 43rd in FIFA rankings I

N the latest ranking of teams by the football governing body, FIFA published on its

2015 Glo CAF Awards:

official website yesterday, the Super Eagles maintained the 43rd position globally while in the continental ranking , the African champions are ninth.

Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Ghana are the best 5 teams in Africa, according to the rankings.

Toure floors Enyeama I

By Solomon Nwoke

VORY Coast and Manchester City of England play maker, Yaya Toure has claimed the 2014 Glo-CAF African Footballer of the Year award, thus winning it for the fourth straight time, since 2011.

The Ivorian midfielder who is 1.88 meters tall was born in Bouake in May, 1983.

He has over 85 caps for Ivory Coast with 16 goals while his appearance for

Continues on Page 63

OTHER WINNERS •National Team of the Year – Algeria Women National Team of the Year – Nigeria Club of the Year – ES Setif (Algeria) Most Promising Talent

Continues on Page 63

•ALL HAIL THE KING: Yaya Toure with the CAF award

Sudan, who will clash with the Eagles later this month in Abu Dhabi, UAE, occupy the 108th position.

The finalists at the 2014 World Cup - Germany and Argentina - have maintained their positions in the rankings, with Colombia, Belgium and Holland completing the top five countries in the world.

The next ranking will be published on February 12.

Eagles depart for UAE

E

XPERIENCED R a n g e r s International of Enugu striker, Christian Osaguona Ighodalo, was the surprise exclusion from the

Continues on Page 63

Top Ten African Teams Algeria Tunisia Ivory Coast Senegal Ghana Guinea Cape Verde Islands Cameroon Nigeria Mali

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Snub (6) 5 Debase (6) 8 Persuade (8) 9 Informed (4) 10 Novel (3) 12 Booth (5) 15 Donkey (3) 17 Consume (3) 18 Scull (3) 19 Deity (3) 20 Garret (5) 21 Mineral (3) 22 Jewel (3) 23 Point (3) 24 Fasten (3) 26 Danger (5) 29 Enquire (3) 33 Irritation (4) 34 Quarrel (8) 35 Felt (6) 36 Swallow (6)

DOWN 2 Lax (5) 3 Donate (4) 4 Principle (5) 5 Live (5) 6 Companion (4) 7 Map-book (5) 10 Darkness (5) 11 Jam (5) 12 Impress (5) 13 Performer (5) 14 Regional (5) 15 Fragrance (5) 16 Utter (5) 25 Bury (5) 27 Finished (5) 28 Outcome (5) 30 Charm (5) 31 Emporium (4) 32 Expectant (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Slip 4, Mob 6, Sick 8, Street 9, Silent 10, Hot 12, Hover 14, Stood 15, Duped 18, Scheme 20, Issued 24, Tempt 26, Snare 28, Yearn 30, Wet 32, Repute 33, Rumple 34, Used 35, Tap 36, Dark.

DOWN: 2, Lotto 3, Precede 4, Myth 5, Best 6, Split 7, Console 11, One 12, Has 13, Rum 16, Pet 17, Dim 19, Confess 21, Spy 22, Stemmed 23, Don 25, Eye 27, Round 29, Ruler 30, Went 31, Trip.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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