Buhari orders re-negotiation of MTN's N780bn fine

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62800

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

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Ese Oruru: Yunusa charged with criminal abduction Story on Page 12

SURVIVOR OF LEKKI BUILDING COLLAPSE

Mother, child, 16 others die as 5-storey building collapses in Lekki Story & more pictures on Page 14

Tax evaders to face revenue courts in Lagos 6

YUNUSA ARRAIGNED—Yunusa, who abducted 14-yr-old Ese Oruru from Bayelsa to Kano State, being arraigned in court, yesterday, in Yenagoa. Photo: Samuel Oyadongha.

Buhari orders re-negotiation of MTN's N780bn fine A

By Prince Osuagwu, Henry Umoru & Levinus Nwabughiogu

Explains why telecoms provider was sanctioned We’re running on a net debt of over N21bn in Nigeria — MTN Zuma visits, promises to return confiscated arms purchase fund

B U J A — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, ordered renegotiation of the N789 billion fine slammed on South African telecoms company, MTN, by Nigeria Communications

Continues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS: High cost of accommodation hits South-East communities See Inside C M Y K

Financial Discipline…

Courage to take making every on Sharia courts Is it true bald and evangelist men are sexier? naira count extremists •P.17 •P.30 —Adeosun •P.40

Open Letter to President Buhari/ Osinbajo: Re: Devaluation of the Naira •P.41

Ocholis for burial next week 8 Mr & Mrs

2— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 — 3

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016—5

POCKET CARTOON which is for the better," he said.

Confiscated arms purchase funds to be returned

ZUMA AT NASS—From left: South African President, Mr. Jacob Zuma;

Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; during Jacob Zuma’s address at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Buhari orders re-negotiation of MTN's N780bn fine Continues from Page 1 Commission, NCC. The President gave the order at a joint news conference with South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma in Abuja, following which Nigeria and South Africa signed over 30 bilateral agreements.

This came as the South African President promised to return Nigeria’s confiscated arms purchase funds seized by the South African government.

Buhari also said the reluctance of MTN to register all subscribers’ lines within the deadline, was the reason for the sanction imposed on it by the NCC, noting that the delay led to the death of no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians in battle against Boko Haram.

Also, the MTN Group has said that contrary to general perception, its Nigerian operation was running on a net debt of over N21 billion, adding that it was considering listing its Nigerian

operations on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. It would be recalled that the NCC asked the Network to pay N1.04 trillion for failing to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered subscribers, but later reviewed the sum to N780 billion.

President Buhari said the concern of the government was not necessarily the fine, but security of lives and property of the people.

He stated that the unregistered lines were being used by terrorists to perfect plans before unleashing mayhem on the country.

The president said MTN's resort to the law courts to contest the fine, made it difficult for him to intervene.

He said: “The concern of the federal government was on the security of the country and not the fine imposed on MTN. You know how the unregistered GSM lines were used by terrorists

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO GOOD name is everything as you journey through life. Be careful not to compromise who you are to get what you want. It’s up to you.

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TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes— Carl Gustav Jung TO love deeply is like making a masterpiece of art, loving is constant unfolding, there is always room for improvement. It comes with an awareness to know what really is...for me, it’s beyond being beautiful, beyond success, beyond the everyday striving to just being and learning to live life in the moment with joy and gratitude.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE One who is absent when the corpse was buried exhumes it from the legs.

and between 2009 and today, at least 10,000 Nigerians were killed by Boko Haram.

"That was why the NCC asked MTN, Glo and the rest of them to register GSM subscribers.

Unfortunately, MTN was very very slow and contributed to the casualties. NCC looked at its regulations and imposed the fine.

Unfortunately for MTN, they went to court and once you go to court, you virtually disarm the government because if the federal government refused to listen to the judiciary, it is going against its own constitution. Therefore, the government had to wait.

“I think MTN has seen that and decided to withdraw the case and go back and negotiate with government agencies on what they consider a very steep fine to be reduced and maybe given time to pay gradually.”

The President also disclosed that both countries had identified areas of mutual interests and were ready to harness them for their benefits.

“I hope you will recall that even before the elections, our party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, realised the state we were in and we articulated three areas - security, economy and corruptionand we realised where we can improve on our relationship with South Africa.

“In terms of the economy, we identified agriculture and solid minerals to come to the fore quickly so that we can provide jobs for the unemployed. South Africa is far ahead of us in agriculture and solid minerals.

So in diversifying the economy, I think there is a great room for improvement

Fielding questions from journalists on the confiscated funds meant for arms purchase and the xenophobic crisis that erupted in his country, which affected many Nigerians, South African President, Zuma, said his government and other relevant agencies were working with their Nigerian counterparts to resolve the matter.

He promised that i m m e d i a t e l y investigations were concluded, the funds would be returned to Nigeria.

“With regards to the things that were either confiscated or went to South Africa, the two governments are working on those matters. The relevant structures are working on it but there are some that the necessary departments are doing the investigations.

"We will appreciate if we succeed in recovering all other things in South Africa so that they will be returned.”.

On Xenophobia, President Zuma said: “It is unfortunate because all Africans are the same, but colonialists through borders have made them think that they are different, but we are the same Africans and that has been our view in addressing the issue of Xenophobia."

Why I came to Nigeria—Zuma

Speaking earlier on why he came to Nigeria, President Zuma stated that the age long relationship which dated back to when Nigeria assisted South Africa in the apartheid liberation was the motivation he had.

“I am happy to be here with my delegation which comprises both Ministers and businessmen. We feel truly at home in Nigeria.

The relationship between South Africa and Nigeria date back to the time Nigeria supported and contributed to the liberation of our country and people.

“Our brothers and sisters here were determined that they would not rest until South Africa was free. That history binds our two countries and informs our bilateral cooperation.

“It is in part due to this memorable and rich history that I accepted the invitation from my Dear Brother, President Buhari,” he said.

Nigeria, S-Africa sign over 30 bilateral

agreements, MoUs

The President also disclosed that over 30 bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, MoU, ranging from trade and industry, transport, among others, were signed between both countries.

He said: “We have had very fruitful discussions today, as we reviewed various bilateral and multilateral issues. We have noted with satisfaction the ever growing cooperation in many sectors including trade and investment; defence and security; immigration matters; energy; mineral resources, to mention but a few.

“We have recognised the important role played by the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-national Commission since its inception in 1999. As we forge a strategic partnership between the two sister nations, we have decided to elevate the BiNational Commission (BNC) to the level of heads of State.

“In this way, my brother and I will be able to lead as well as monitor progress in various areas of cooperation.

“Our two countries have signed over 30 bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding."

The visiting President also revealed that the two countries’ business cooperations had increased in the last 16 years.

According to him, there are over 120 South African companies doing business in Nigeria just as over 4000 Nigerians travel to the country on monthly basis.

“Prior to 1999, there were only four South African companies in Nigeria. Since 1999, the situation has changed dramatically.

“Over 120 companies are currently doing business in Nigeria, in various sectors, mainly t e le c o mmu n ic a t io n s, banking, retail, property, entertainment and hospitality. We welcome this significant development.

"We also see great potential in boosting

tourism between the two countries. According to Statistics, an average of 4000 Nigerians travelled to South Africa on a monthly basis in 2015."

Joint forces against terrorism

While expressing gratitude to President Buhari for the reception granted him, President Zuma sympathized with Nigeria on the issue of terrorism, pledging the assistance of his country to fight terrorism in Africa.

We’re operating on net debt of over N21bn, MTN cries out

Meanwhile, the MTN Group has said that contrary to general perception, its Nigerian operation was running on a net debt of over N21 billion.

According to MTN, the Nigerian operation has a cash equivalent of approximately R24.6 billion (N319.5bn), but was in debt of some R26.2 billion (N337.9bn), meaning that it was running on a debt profile of R1.7bn (N21.9bn).

Meanwhile the Group has dismissed reports that it was planning to list in the Nigerian stock exchange, but clarified that it was rather its Nigerian operation that might be listed and not the group.

The Group’s Corporate Affairs Executive, Chris Maroleng, however, said the idea was still being considered and not that MTN Nigeria had finally concluded it was going to do so.

He spoke on unconfirmed reports, following the announcement of the Group's financial results for the year ended 31 December, 2015 last Thursday."

Maroleng said MTN was very concerned about the inaccurate media reports on some of the topics discussed with members of the media at a press briefing held after the results presentation.

6 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY MARCH 9 , 2016

Lagos declares zero tolerance for Omo-Onile’s activities

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HE Lagos State Government yesterday said it would no longer tolerate the illegal activities of land grabbers otherwise known as Omo-Onile, just as it warned that anyone found using such to disturb public peace and illegally disposes people of their property would be prosecuted in accordance with relevant criminal laws.

The State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, who said this shortly after the monthly Security Council Meeting, said the state government was seriously concerned about the menace of land grabbing, especially as activities of land grabbers have escalated in recent times, and that it would no longer be tolerated henceforth.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting chaired by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and attended by heads of security agencies in the state, Kazeem said the Council strongly condemned the disturbing menace of land grabbing, and advised members of the public who are victims of such to gather enough evidence and forward same to the appropriate security agencies for prompt action.

Also speaking to reporters on the outcome of the meeting, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni said the Council mainly considered the need to build on the successes recorded so far with regard to providing safety and security for the people, and also looked at the need to sustain and improve on measures that have so far been put in place which resulted in successes against crimes.

He said Governor Ambode specifically appreciated the people for providing useful information to security agencies, and urged them not to relent in further supporting the government and indeed security agencies.

Tax avoiders, evaders to face revenue courts – LIRS

By Omoh Gabriel & Iloaze Blessed-Odidi

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HE Lagos State Government yesterday said it has established a Rapid Tax Prosecution Unit to aid the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) in its drive to collect taxes, adding that the unit would work closely with the Revenue Court which the Chief Judge of Lagos State recently agreed to set up.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, who stated this in Alausa Secretariat, said in view of the extreme financial downturn, there was the need for government to ramp up its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, stressing that the state would spare nothing in enforcing the laws regulating tax payment.

Speaking at the event the Executive Chairman of Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, Mr. Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, said that the state will expand the tax base to now include domestic servants, artisans, and the informal sector.

He said; “In view of the declining revenue from the center as a result of the fall in the price of crude oil, LIRS is poised to tap into other revenue sources such as consumption tax from hotels, withholding tax on contracts, rent, royalties and other areas to shore up the revenue.

“We have identified three

categories of tax payers in the informal sector. These are market men/women and artisans, micro, small and medium scale enterprise (including Professionals), Household Domestic Staff, HDS. Continuing, Kazeem said; “Prosecution and jail term for defaulting tax payers will be a tool that we will be actively use to ensure full compliance. Tax officers, I understand, will be very aggressive in their collection of taxes and the public is hereby advised to cooperate with them because obstruction of these tax

officers in their lawful duty can and will lead to prosecution. ‘’Tax dodgers watch out because the long arm of the law will eventually reach you. All tax payers are also reminded that giving false information is also an offence and can be used in the prosecution of your tax default. If you pay your taxes regularly, you will have no problem,” Kazeem said.

On his part, the State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi, said the state generated at least N24.5billion from IGR in the

month of January 2016, in line with the efforts of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to reform its tax system and develop a tax paying culture.

Akinkunmi said that in the light of the reduction of federal transfers to states including Lagos, the state government was looking inwards to secure sustainable ways of increasing its revenue profile and plugging leakages in the system. He said majority of the state’s IGR is generated through tax collection, administered by the LIRS.

SIGNING: From left, Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, CEO, Faith Foundation; Mr Ubaligbo Okonkwo, VSLConsulting Ltd; Mrs Toyin Adedeji, Executive Director, Micro Enterprises, Bank of Industry; Mr Waheed Olagunju, Acting MD, BOI; Mrs Rabiat Ibrahim, CEO, Prinsult Ltd and Mr Peter Bankole, Executive Director, Lagos Business School during the signing of memorandum of understanding MOU between Bank of Industry and Facilitators on Youth Entrepreneuship scheme held in Lagos.

MILE 12: Akiolu, others back Assembly over market relocation

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AGOS—OBA Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, yesterday, supported the proposal by the state Assembly for the relocation of the popular Mile 12 market which witnessed isunderstanding between Hausa and Yoruba traders last week.

According to him, the relocation should however be embarked upon if it will bring peace and tranquillity to the communities.

His view was also echoed by Oba Samuel Oloyede of Ikosi who noted that the call for the relocation of the market by the State House of Assembly was a step in the right direction.

Oba Akiolu also requested that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode should severely punish the perpetrators of the clash.

Akiolu made the demands at a stakeholders forum organised at the Iga-Idugaran, Lagos Island for residents and stakeholders in the communities.

He lamented that the clash which further led to the destruction of property and displacement of residents was not acceptable.

He described ethnic clashes in the state as one too many, urging residents to co-exist with one another, saying that Lagos is a

melting pot of ethnic nationalities in the country and wondered why some people incessantly attempted to threaten the diversity of the state.

The monarch urged traditional

rulers in the communities to give true leadership to their subjects and swiftly intervene in disputes before they escalate.

Earlier, the Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos State, Alhaji Aminu Yaro,

lamented that the incident was unfortunate and promised to constantly engage the leaders of Arewa communities on peaceful co-existence with their host.

His words “The incident was

Labour, Ikeja DISCO face-off throws Lagos into darkness Yesterday, aggrieved members

By Victor Ahiuma-Young & of National Union of Electricity Ediri Ejoh, Bartholomew Madukwe & Prince Okafor Employees, NUEE, and its

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HE ongoing face-off between organised labour in the nation’s Power sector of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja DISCO, over alleged sack of 400 workers, have thrown most parts of the metropolis into darkness.

This came as Electricity consumers under the network of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company yesterday called on the government to intervene in the face-off to save their businesses from incurring further losses due to lack of power supply.

Some residents of Alausa, Egbeda, Agege, Ikorodu, OkeOdo, Iyano-Ipaja. Ojota, Oregun and Ikeja axis who spoke to Vanguard, lamented that the power situation had worsened since the face-off began.

Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSAEAC, in continuation of the siege on Ikeja DISCO, shut all its business units besides the

head office located in Alausa.

Addressing workers at the Ikeja DISCO head office, General Secretary of NUEE, Joe Ajaero, insisted that the siege would continue until the management positively addressed all labour demands.

Oritsejafor sues LASG over V’ Island property Governor of Lagos State, Attorney

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—THE President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and his Church, World of Life Bible Church, has asked a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere, to declare that the demolition of the church’s property in Victoria Island, Lagos by the agents of the state government is unlawful.

Respondents in the suit are

General of Lagos State, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority and Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation.

The cleric, suing under the incorporated trustees of Word of Life Bible Church is asking the court to declare that the sealing of its property since April 2014 is wrong, illegal and unlawful.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 — 7

We were offered $1m to impeach Fayose – EKITI LAWMAKERS

By Ebun Sessou

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DO-EKITI–MEMBERS of the Ekiti State House of Assembly yesterday alleged that some men who claimed to be operatives of Department of State Services, DSS, offered members that will be ready to be part of the impeachment plot against Governor Ayodele Fayose, a sum of $1 million.

They vowed not to collaborate with anyone to

truncate Fayose’s government, adding that; they were prepared to spend the rest of their tenure in DSS cell, instead of causing another political instability in Ekiti State.

Addressing newsmen yesterday, at the Assembly, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon Gboyega Aribisogan said; “In the last four days, eight of our members had

been visited by some men, who claimed to be officials of the DSS. “Our members were told that their names were among those to be arrested and they must ‘cooperate’ if they do not want their bank accounts frozen and be kept in DSS detention indefinitely.”

The lawmakers said the 2006 experience, in which Assembly members in Ekiti State were hounded in EFCC detention and made to sign impeachment of Governor Fayose on the table of the

WORKSHOP: From left; Titilope Owolabi, Director, Drug Evaluation and Research, NAFDAC, Mr Justin Kuatsea, Head ACTU; Mrs Yetunde Oni, Ag DG NAFDAC, Mr Akeem Lawal, representative of ICPC Chairman and Dr Abubakar Jimoh, Dir Special Duties NAFDAC during the sensitization workshop on Anti-Corruption, Gender and Servicom for NAFDAC Staff took place at the Swiss International Hotel, Lagos yesterday. Photo by Biodun Ogunleye.

EFCC Chairman will never be repeated.

Aribisogan, who was flanked by 13 other members of the House of Assembly added; “We are here to inform the public through your various medium the open involvement of men of the DSS from Abuja in the plot to unseat our State Governor, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose.

“The last Friday invasion of the State House of Assembly by armed men of the DSS in which four of our members were abducted, has been established to be a prelude to the clandestine plot to coerce members of the House of Assembly to impeach Governor Fayose.

“As at today, even Hon Afolabi Akanni that we were able to confirm was with the DSS in Abuja is being held incommunicado. No one has been given access to him, not even his lawyers nor doctors.

We do not have any information as to the whereabouts of the other three.

“We are aware of the plot to arrest no fewer than 18 of our members with a view to forcing them to sign impeachment notice against Governor Fayose.

Aregbesola adopts parliamentary system in LGs administration

RESCUED STUDENTS: School partners police on 24-hour patrol

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS—THE authorities of the Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos yesterday disclosed that it was partnering with the Police to provide a 24-hour surveillance in the

school, with a view to avoiding a re-occurrence of last week’s abduction.

As first step, it said efforts were in the pipeline to provide patrol vehicles and motorbikes for this purpose.

Primate of the All Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most,

Reverend Nicolas Okoh, made the disclosure during a thank you visit on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, in his Ikeja office, over what he described as Police display of professionalism in the rescue of the students.

He stated that the incident which devastated the entire members of staff of the school as well as the Anglican Communion , also deprived them of sleep for six days.

But their rescue and safe return he said, had changed his perspective and that of majority of

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: FG urged to step up gender parity

By Josephine Agbonkhese

A

S Nigeria joined the rest of the world

to mark this year ’s International Women’s Day, yesterday, the Federal Government has been advised to take

Zenith Tech to showcase Kaspersky security solutions

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foremost Information Technology providers in the country, Zenith Technology Limited, has concluded arrangement to host Kaspersky Lab Partner event targeted at showcasing the advantages of Kaspersky’s range of Enterprise security solutions to prospective clients.

The Product Manager, Zenith Tech, Olamide Odeneye in a press conference told journalists that Kaspersky’s newest range of Endpoint Security

for Business offers a complete security solution designed to meet the rising security needs of all major enterprises.

The forum, slated to hold on Friday at Planet One Hospitality, Odeneye assured would give the participants ''The opportunity to discuss with industry leading experts including the Enterprise Sales Manager Africa for Kaspersky Lab and existing enterprise clients of the solution here in Nigeria.''

concrete steps towards stepping up gender parity in Nigeria.

Making this call at different events were the Governor of Lagos State, Mr.Akinwunmi Ambode; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Dr. Abiola Akiyode of the Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre, WARDC; Founder, African Women in Leadership Organisation, AWLO, Mr Elisha Attai, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, and Mrs Lola Akande, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lagos State.

While Ambode said persuasively that women had proven themselves in various sectors and contributed immensely to both community development and governance in the state, he emphasised that this year’s

theme, ‘Planet 50-50 by 2020: Step it up for Gender Equality’, had always been the standard practice in public administration in the state.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Oluranti Adebule, said, while reaffirming the state’s commitment towards providing a level-playing ground for women, at an event organised by the state’s Ministry for Women Affairs.

Calling on the Federal government to support effective and accountable institutions, and step up actions towards a more inclusive society, Abiola Akiyode of WARDC, in a statement, argued that the development and growth of the nation could only be achieved through economic improvement.

Nigerians on the Nigeria Police Force.

“We fell happy that the school was not stigmatised by the abduction incident because we have similar cases of abduction in some schools in the country that seemed to have been forgotten. But in this case we saw a determined Police that produced result in less than a week. They did not only show concern but they also put their lives at risk.”

On the security measures put in place to avoid a occurrence, he said “I just visited the school and we went round to access areas that we considered still vulnerable.

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—OSUN State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has announced the dissolution of members of the interim management committee administering the 30 Local Government Areas, LGAs and Area Office in the state.

The directive, made yesterday during a special broadcast by the governor, came after over five years that the committee was constituted, disclosing that in the interim, ‘Council Managers’ will be responsible for the administration of the entire councils for three months.

The ‘Council Managers’, he said, will be appointed and deployed by the Local Government Service Commission are “from among the substantive grade level 14 officers in the local governments, advising officers of Grade 1

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Ocholis for burial next week Death not ordinary —Family Sunday was to be thanksgiving for his appointment

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Boluwaji Obahopo

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BUJA—BARRING any last minute change, the family of the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, James Ocholi, SAN, has proposed to commit his remains, wife and son to mother earth between Wednesday and Friday next week.

The proposal was made when the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, visited the bereaved family to inquire about the burial arrangement.

A reliable family source told Vanguard that the family had presented the proposal to the government and that Ngige was to convey the information to the Presidency.

The family source said the decision to bury the former minister immediately was because he died at a young age, adding that it's only people that died at old age that their burials were delayed.

According to him, the death is unfortunate and a blow to the family, friends and relations who are still to come to terms with the tragedy.

He also said the burial had to be done as soon as possible so that there would be time to plan for the future of the four surviving children as well as reduce their agony.

Vanguard was also informed by the source that because the late minister was a practising and devout Christian, delaying his body and that of the wife and son would clash with Easter activities.

“The minister did not die at an old age. So, there is no way we would continue to delay the burial. His death is unfortunate to us,” the source stated.

As at yesterday morning, sympathisers were still trooping to his residence at 4, Daggash Street, Kado Estate, Abuja, while security personnel, especially the police, have been having a hectic time controlling traffic at adjoining streets to his residence.

Death not ordinary —Family

Meanwhile, family members of the late minister have described as mysterious and not ordinary, the death of their brother.

The family members, who spoke with Vanguard at his ancestral hometown, Ugbanebiomi, and his residential home at Abocho, both in Dekina Local Government Area of the state, said his death was not natural and would not be accepted as an ‘act of God.’ A nephew to the late minister, Mr. Jonah Paul, who spoke at his ancestral hometown at Ugbanebiomi, said arrangement was already concluded for next Sunday to have a thanksgiving service for his appointment as

minister when he died.

He said: “We were suppose to do the thanksgiving the same Sunday he died but he (Ocholi) said the President required his presence in Abuja on Friday and that he would be going on an assignment from the President that weekend.

"He asked us to postpone the celebration till this week Sunday. If only he knew he won’t be available for the thanksgiving.”

Family members speak

Jonah, 56, said: “His death is not natural; we are certain about that. Messages have been on around the village that such evil will happen. It was after his death that we realised that it was against our family such prediction was going to happen.

“His death is a great loss to the entire family. He was the breadwinner to all; both nuclear and extended family members because he did not discriminate.

He followed the footsteps of his father who shouldered the responsibility of the extended family after the death of his father (Ocholi’s grandfather)."

Also speaking at his palace, the traditional ruler of the community, the Onu of Abocho, HRH Tijani Okutachi, said the community was still in shock at his death, describing it as unfortunate.

He said: “He participated in all the activities at home. His demise has brought serious set back to the community, the local government area and the state.

He was a community leader, who was so interested in the development of the community.

This is a disaster to the entire community.”

Okutachi, however, urged the people to discountenance the issue that his death was not natural. According to him, everything that happens is an act of God.

Burial arrangement

The family is, however, making efforts, to ensure that the wife, late Blessing, was buried along with the husband.

It is the tradition of Ankpa people, were the wife hailed from, to take back the corpse of their daughters for burial rather than being buried at the husbands' family.

Jonah said: “Yesterday (Monday), we informed the family about the death of their daughter; today (yesterday) again we have sent a delegation to them asking that we wish to bury their daughter with our son. We certainly understand their tradition but we hope they will grant us this wish."

ARRIVAL: President Muhammadu Buhari (right) introducing the Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Abike Dabiri to President Jacob Zuma of South Africa during arrival formalities for the South African leader at the fore courts of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Nigeria, Switzerland sign agreement on repatriation of $321m Abacha loot FG to set framework on management of funds

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By Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA—NIGERIAN and Swiss governments, yesterday, signed an agreement on the return of illegally-acquired assets by Nigerians forfeited in Switzerland.

This came as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo announced the readiness of the Swiss government to return $321m stolen funds during the government of the late General Sani Abacha.

He said the government was now developing a framework on how the recovered funds would be utilized.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, signed the agreement, described as a “Letter of Intent” for Nigeria while the Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of its Foreign Affairs Department, Mr. Didier Burkhalter, signed on behalf of his government.

The brief event took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a meeting with a Swiss delegation, led by Burkhalter and the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Eric Mayoruz.

Speaking at the event, Osinbajo said: “We guarantee that recovered assets would be put to uses for which they have been intended.”

Osinbajo said the framework once finalized would be made available publicly, adding that it would cover the whole spectrum from the source of the stolen asset to how it would be managed once recovered.

He said: “The framework will guarantee that returned assets will be used in the interest of the people of this country.”

He commended the government of Switzerland for indicating to return the stolen money, noting that the “Swiss had always been at the forefront of returning stolen assets and ensuring that the people of Nigeria get the benefit.”

Reps tackle Kachikwu over unbundling of NNPC into 30 companies Urge Buhari to send executive bill to NASS

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA — THE House of Representatives, yesterday, condemned the planned unbundling of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, as proposed by the Minister of State for Petroleum and Group Managing Director of the corporation, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, this week without following the constitutional process.

It said instead of embarking on an unconstitutional journey, the President should send an executive bill to the National Assembly as soon as possible if he had the intentions to unbundle NNPC or carry out fundamental restructuring or reforms in the oil and gas sector and not for the minister to usurp its functions.

The House, presided over by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, mandated the Committees on Petroleum Upstream, Petroleum Downstream, Gas and Local Content and Legislative Compliance to ensure that the Minister of State for Petroleum and GMD was prevented from usurping the functions of the National Assembly and desecrating the Constitution of Nigeria by not allowing him legislate for the National Assembly in the unbundling of NNPC. The resolutions of the House followed the motion sponsored

by Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency of Cross River State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and entitled, “Urgent need to investigate acts of procedural breach by the GMD of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.” Jarigbe noted that the NNPC was established through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, CAP N123, laws of the Federation, 2004 and that as a creature of legislature, the NNPC Act or any part thereof could only be altered, changed or otherwise amended only by an Act of the National Assembly.

Jarigbe also told the House that the legislative powers of Nigeria was vested in the National Assembly with power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the federation or any part thereof, with respect to matters included in the executive legislative list.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016—9

do it for you.”

Measures to increase IGR and attract investments

WOMEN'S DAY: From left, Mrs Adjaratou Fatou Ndiaye, United Nations Women Deputy Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Chairperson and Mrs Abiola Dada, Director, Library and Documentation Srevices, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, during the International Women's Day workshop and exhibition on Nigeria women and the Post 2015 Development Agenda Contemporary Challenges conference at NIIA, Lagos. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

Low oil price: FG, states to hold retreat on alternative to devaluation States should reduce size of govt, increase IGR —El-Rufai, Amosun Govs clamour for constitution review

By Babajide Komolafe & Peter Egwuatu

L

AGOS — THE Federal Gov ernment and 36 states governors will soon hold a retreat to consider alternatives to devaluation of the naira.

Meanwhile, Governor Nasir elRufai of Kaduna State and his ogun State counterpart, Ibikunle Amosun, have supported the decision of the Federal Government against further devaluation of the naira.

The two governors also called on state governments to reduce the size of government and less dependence on income from the federation account, in order to survive the era of low oil price.

Speaking on the second day of The Economist Summit on Nigeria, the two governors said the sharp decline in oil revenue in the last two years had had severe impact on state governments, necessitating belt tightening measures and increased internal revenue generation.

The second day of the summit, entitled, “Dawn of a New Era,” featured a keynote panel with Governors Amosun, El-Rufai and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State discussing impacts of the drop in oil revenue on the states as well as policies needed to encourage increased investment and sustained growth

On naira devaluation

El-Rufai said: “In my life time, I have seen three rounds of devaluation of the currency but right now, I am against it. I have clearly not seen the benefits of devaluation to us. Is parallel market the only way to solve the scarcity problem? I don’t think so. The only value of devaluation is the removal of corruption in the distribution system.

"We will be having a retreat soon to look at other options other than the orthodox system of devaluaC M Y K

tion. We cannot continue to subsidise the elite. The elite did not vote us.

On his part, Governor Ibikunle Amosun said: “I support President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue of devaluation. It is not good to devalue naira when we are still import dependent nation. Almost everything we import. So, let those who are importing source for dollar. We should have a secondary foreign exchange market, if you like call it parallel market."

States should reduce size of govt & increase IGR

According to El-Rufai, “the Federal Government has been supportive but at the end of the day, the states must help themselves. The states must shrink their size of governments.

“You cannot run a government that you cannot afford. You cannot exist as a government whose only function is to pay salaries of a very small percentage of the population. It is unjust “So state governments and the Federal Government must undergo significant belt tightening with a view to reducing cost and finding ways of enhancing revenue.”

Need to review the constitution

Governor Al-Makura of Nasarawa State stressed that there was need to amend the nation’s constitution so states could have power to make some economic decisions “He said: “Certain amount of power should be devoted to states to be able to take decisions. Government policies, both federal and states, are intended towards certain category of people. I believe in all-inclusive policy. Government should carry all deprived peo-

ple along. Government should come strong on inclusiveness."

Governor El-Rufai also called for review of the constitution to allow state governments to be more involved in the mining sector.

He said: “We need to amend the constitution to give greater freedom for mining. Agriculture is largely a state and local government matter. Constitution needs to be amended to have a true federalism."

CBN should reduce interest rate

Governor El-Rufai also stressed the need for a low interest rate regime in the country, saying: “The biggest problem destroying the economy is the level of interest rate. With the level of interest rate, no one can borrow at 20 per cent and have real business. We must make policy decisions that will make interest rate to near zero. The CBN should either bring down interest rate or one day we will

The three state governors also spoke on the efforts of their governments to increase internally generated revenue and attract private sector investments.

Governor Amosun said: “In terms of diversification of the economy, we in Ogun State have started investing in the agricultural sector. If you look at our five cardinal programmes, we do not say we just want to implement an agricultural programme. What we are implementing is agriculture that will lead us to industrialization because gone are those days when you engaged in subsistence farming.

“Now we are not just talking mechanized farming, but also farming that will take full advantage of the value chain that agriculture offers. And what do we mean by that? It means that whatever we grow, we must process; whatever we process, we must market once the products are ready. So, it involves a lot of things like the presentation, the packaging, marketing, etc."

Governor El-Rufai stated: “In addition to reducing cost, we have to increase revenue of the state through the collection of tax. Our hope is that we would be less dependent on the federation account. We need to attract the private sector. We have some companies that are interested to come to our state and we are doing everything possible to attract them. The action of paying tax is part of the citizens responsibility, and so we are widening the tax base."

On his part, Governor AlMakura said: “We have opened up opportunity where women will access government support. In Nasarawa, we have deficiency in education but are working towards addressing that.

“We are building markets where women will secure employment. We embarked on biometrics which enabled us reduce ghost workers."

No imposition of candidates in PDP again — Sheriff

By Ben Agande

A

BUJA — THE National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has promised members of the party nationwide that there would be no more imposition of candidates under his leadership, in view of the forthcoming congresses and national convention of the party.

Addressing leaders of the party from Adamawa State who came on a solidarity visit, Senator Sheriff said the era of impunity and imposition of candidates in the party was over, saying the party lost the 2015 elections because of impunity and imposition of unpopular candidates.

He said: “What happened to Adamawa PDP before the election is what happened to most parts of Nigeria, that is why we are in opposition today.

"I don’t believe that anybody, who is not accepted by his municipality, could come to Abuja and manipulate the system. We had no reason to lose Adamawa, we had no reason to lose Borno. It was the impunity that the party was run in the past that caused it.

"I want to assure you that nobody from the NWC will go and do any wrong thing.

Adamawa is a very complicated state. PDP is entrenched in Adamawa more than any state in Nigeria. We must have a base before coming to the national level. ‘’Adamawa is one state, whether you like or not, you must have an understanding between the Christians and the Muslims.

The congress committee will not be manipulated by anybody. I am interested in what happened in Adamawa, Gombe, Borno, Taraba and Bauchi so that we will get it right."

Intensify efforts to rescue Chibok girls, Senate tells Buhari

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA— THE Senate, yes terday, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify efforts to ensure the release of the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents 690 days ago.

According to the Senate, the Federal Government should also come up with micro-economic policies that will encourage women to participate in small scale businesses.

It expressed readiness to reform relevant laws to ensure that certain quota was reserved exclusively for women in the three arms of government.

These resolutions were sequel to a motion on International Women’s Day by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, APC, Lagos Central.

In her presentation, Senator Tinubu, who decried the growing gender inequality in the country, in spite of several gender friendly laws, said Nigerian women had suffered several forms of discrimination, ranging from abduction, rape to male dominance on inheritance.

She said: “I am concerned that rape is on the increase in the country and this is with little prosecution. There is, therefore, a need for re-orientation

on gender equality, women’s rights and adequate allocation of resources.”

In his contribution, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who expressed concern that in spite of the growing level of democracy in the country, the representation of women in all arms of government was dwindling, said that if not promptly addressed, the trend would lead to non-representation of women in governance, adding that such would be detrimental to the development of the country.

Also in her contribution, Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujinmi, PDP, Ekiti South, called for solution to child marriage and other practices that had been detrimental to the survival of the girlchild in the society.

10—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Ogun workers tear-gassed during protests

By Daud Olatunji

A

B E O K U TA — PANDEMONIUM broke out at Ogun State Governor ’s office, OkeMosan, Abeokuta, yesterday, when some policemen fired tear gas at the workers during a peaceful protest.

The workers and state leaders of Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, ran for safety when they were attacked by the policemen attached to the Governor’s Office.

Vanguard gathered that the policemen, who arrested two of the protesters, fired tear gas canisters while the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Taiwo Adeoluwa, was with the workers for discussion.

The union leaders had called for a strike action over alleged non-payment of the deductions from the workers' salaries by the government, vowing not to resume work until the deductions were remitted.

8 killed in fresh Fulani attack on Benue villages

By Peter Duru

M

AKURDI—NO fewer than eight persons have been reportedly killed in a fresh attack on Benue communities by suspected Fulani herdsmen who, yesterday, allegedly invaded parts of Logo Local Government Area of the state.

The attack came on the heels of the Agatu killings, where over 300 people were allegedly killed in over one week of sustained offensive on Agatu communities by suspected Fulani mercenaries.

Vanguard learned that in the latest attack, four villages of Tse Chia, Tse Nhumbe, Deghkia and Ngorukgan were invaded at about 2a.m., shooting sporadically and burning down houses and huts.

According to a source, “it was a coordinated attack on the four villages by the well-armed herdsmen who stormed our villages in large numbers. It was the sound of their gunshots that woke everyone from sleep, resulting in a stampede and the gunning down of about eight persons.

“The causality figures may be more than that, because many people are still unaccounted for

just as scores sustained serious injuries.

“As I speak with you, the affected villages have been deserted and the invaders have

taken over and they are razing the ancestral homes of the people who fled to Anyii, Ugba and Abeda towns, in their thousands.”

When contacted, Benue State Police spokesman, Assistant Superintendent Moses Yamu, said he was yet to receive details of the development.

2 die, 2 injured in Bauchi auto crash

By Suzan Edeh

B

AUCHI—TWO persons lost their lives, while two others sustained serious injuries, in a fatal auto crash that occurred at Magama village along Bauchi Jos federal highway yesterday.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Haruna Mohammed, said the accident involved a dark blue

Toyota Hiace bus with number plates XG-53-JJN and a white Boxer J5 bus.

He said the Toyota Hiace, loaded with eggs from Jos en route to Taraba State, had a head-on collision with the J5, loaded with tomatoes from Jama’are Local Government Area of Bauchi, and heading to Benue. The J5 bus caught fire.

He said: “The J5 driver, Sani

Danmalan, and his passenger, one Salmanu Musa male, 33, of Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were certified dead by a medical doctor at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, while Tanimu Adamu and Sani Mohammed, all of Taraba State, are responding to treatment at General Hospital, Toro.”

Mother of 5 raped, killed in Imo

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—UNEASY calm now pervades the sleepy rural Umuduruegwele autonomous community, Umueze 2, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, following the reported raping and strangulation of a mother of five, Mrs. Esther David, in her farm.

The story making the rounds in the community had it that the victim had gone to her farm to collect palm fruits harvested for her at about 9a.m. on the day.

A villager, who spoke on grounds of anonymity, recounted: “She had barely lifted few bunches into her wheelbarrow when the rapist, who had earlier laid ambush for the woman, pounced on her and

dragged her into a farmland.

“The woman’s husband and children became apprehensive at about 4p.m. when she had not returned home, and began a frantic search for her. They rushed back home and raised alarm after sighting only her wheelbarrow in the farm.”

Villagers then went back in search of the woman and brought her body home.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016—11

Thugs demolish 2,000 shops at Ladipo market

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Angela Okpe

A

section of Ladipo Market in Odo-Aladura, Mushin area of Lagos State, was yesterday invaded by armed thugs, who demolished over 2,000 shops and destroyed

goods worth millions of naira.

The area mostly affected is the BAKKASI Zone, where one of the contenders to a portion of the market, the Owoyemi family, allegedly used one tout to carry out the demolition.

Eyewitness reports had it

that thugs came in company of security personnel with an unmarked Black Maria around 3a.m. to demolish the market.

A trader, who gave his name as Uchenna, said: “The matter is before a court, but surprisingly, no meaningful

Abubakar, Boko Haram war hero dies in auto crash

Major General Yusha’u Mahmood Abubakar

By Kingsley Omonobi

L

EADER of onslaught against Boko Haram, Major General Yusha’u Mahmood Abubakar, is dead.

A top military source confirmed the incident yesterday, stating that the former Commander of Operation Lafiye Dole died in an auto accident along Damaturu Road.

The Nigerian Army confirmed this in a statement last night, saying “the Nigerian Army wishes to inform the public of the involvement of its Chief of Training and Operations (Army), Major General Yusha’u Mahmood Abubakar and the Acting General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General M. S. A. Aliyu in a road traffic accident along MaiduguriDamaturu Road today (yesterday).

“Regrettably, we lost Major General Yusha’u Abubakar

to the accident, while Brigadier General Aliyu sustained some injuries and is receiving treatment.”

solution had been proffered.

This apparently led to one faction fighting for possession by taking law into their hands.

“Two weeks ago, thugs also invaded the market in an attempt to demolish it. We chased them away and defended our shops.

“But they came around 2a.m. because they knew we would not be there to defend our goods. They looted our shops.”

Another trader, Chukwudozie Nnamdi, explained that they had been given two weeks’ notice by the owner of the land to vacate the premises on the ground that they wanted to construct a modern building.

“We went to court because the two weeks’ notice was too short and we got an injunction for two months extension. But the court order was flouted, as the owners brought thugs to demolish the shops this morning (yesterday).”

Chairman of Ladipo Central Executive Auto Dealers Association, LACEADA, Mr. Kingsley Ogunor, said the traders were overwhelmed by their losses.

Ogunor said: “You can see the level of destruction of people’s wealth. They killed Anene Utasi recently. We had planned his wake keep for today. They went ahead to demolish the market.”

The presence of armed policemen and Armoured Personnel Carriers, APCs, stationed at the scene checkmated further uproar.

One dies in fight over urine

By Esther Onyegbula

A

yet-to-be identified middle-aged man has been reportedly killed, while three others were injured during a minor fracas at Berger Suya area of Lagos State, yesterday.

Vanguard gathered that trouble started at about 10a.m., after a middle-aged man, identified as Friday Momoh, urinated beside a parked truck.

It was learned that the victim allegedly confronted Friday, who he had initially warned not to urinate beside the truck because of the offensive stench.

The confrontation degenerated into a brawl between both men leading to Friday attacking the victim with a broken bottle.

When Vanguard got to the scene of the incidents, shops were under lock and key as traders deserted their shops, while policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer from Trinity Division were seen trying to restore normalcy.

Vanguard learned that the victim’s corpse had been deposited in the morgue, while the injured victims have been taken to the hospital.

Women besiege Delta govt house over children's detention They're held for murder—POLICE

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—OVER 1,000 women from Issele-Azagba town in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday, besieged the state government house, Asaba, protesting the continuous detention of four members of the community vigilante by the Police.

The women carried placards with inscription such as “The youths are the future of tomorrow,” “We need our youths, children, husband back to us” and “We need our security back.”

They stormed Asaba metropolis with over 10 buses and a lorry, insisting they were not going anywhere until the detained vigilante members were released.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, who had earlier gone to the state House of Assembly and Police Command, Mrs. Joy Owefe said the detained vigilante members were arrested by police in the course of performing their duties of providing security for the town.

Owefe said: “About three weeks ago, the Principal of Issele-Azagba Mixed Secondary School said there were gunshots around the school and called the vigilante.

When the vigilante got there, they searched the area and found three persons dead in the bush.

“While they were there, police came and arrested them and the Principal, saying they were responsible for the death of the three persons. The Principal has since been released, the boys are still being held by the police.”

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said the three persons were being held for murder, adding that there has been a land dispute between Utulu and Issele-Azagba.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Ese Oruru: Yunusa charged with criminal abduction

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—YUNUSA Dahiru, alias Yellow, the alleged abductor of 14 years old Ese Oruru, was, yesterday, arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, by the Nigeria Police and charged with criminal abduction.

He was arraigned on a fivecount charge of criminal abduction, illicit sex, sexual exploitation and unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor.

The police prosecuting team was led by Kenneth Dika from the Force Headquarters.

The charge read: "That you, Yunusa Dahiru, a male, resident in Opolo-Eipie area of Yenagoa in Bayelsa State, conspired with the duo of Dankano Mohammed and Mallam Alhassan, between August 2015 and February, 2016, to commit an offence of abduction and thereby committed offence punishable under section 27(a) of the Trafficking in Persons (prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015."

Count two: "That you, Yunusa Dahiru, abducted Ese Oruru by means of coercion, transported and harboured her in Kano State and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 13(2)(b) of the Trafficking in Persons

(prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.”

Count three: "That you, Yunusa Dahiru, induced Ese Oruru by the use of deception and coercion to go with you from Yenagoa to Kano State with intent that she be forced or seduced into illicit intercourse and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 15(a) of the Trafficking in Persons (prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015."

Count four: “That you, Yunusa Dahiru, procured Ese Oruru and subjected her to sexual exploitation in Kano State and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.”

Count five: “That you, Yinusa Dahiru, had unlawful carnal knowledge of Ese Oruru without her consent and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 357 of the criminal code Act and punishable under section 358 of the Criminal code ACT, Cap. C.38 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

The suspect, who was brought to court in a Toyota Hilux van with the inscription ‘Legal

Department,’ amidst tight security, clad in cream coloured kaftan and brown cap to match, looked relaxed all through the court session.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge read to him in pidgin English.

A police interpreter, who

A

BUJA—THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, took into custody, a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Steve Oronsaye, over allegation of corruption and

Princess Omatsola for burial

P

RINCESS Comfort Omatsola of late Prince Ijalla Oritsemone family of Usele, Warri South LGA, Delta State and Mrs Titi Omatsola family of Ovu, Ethiope East LGA, Delta State, is dead, aged 80.

Funeral service comes up March 18 at First Baptist Church, Sapele, followed by interment at Usele, Warri South LGA. She is survived by four children, 11 grand children and eight great grandchildren.

Late Princess Omatsola C M Y K

obtaining money by false pretence.

Oronsaye, who is already being prosecuted by the EFCC on 24 counts of money laundering before a Federal High Court, Abuja, is alleged to have abused his position as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Financial Action Task Force and obtained the sum of N240 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria under the guise of assistance to the committee without the knowledge of other committee members and proceeded to convert

the said sum to personal use.

A top source in the EFCC disclosed that Oronsaye who had been on administrative bail over other financial crimes being prosecuted by the agency, was re-arrested at 4.30 p.m., yesterday.

At press time, he was still being grilled by operatives of the commission. “What we are doing now is simply putting finishing touches.

Investigation is almost concluded and the suspect will be charged to court any time from now, “ a source familiar with the case, told Vanguard.

Rowdy session in Edo Assembly

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—IT was a rowdy session, yesterday, at the Edo State House of Assembly, as the lawmakers refused to commence proceedings over what they described as the failure by the state government to pay some money owed them.

The drama started when Speaker Victor Edoror was about to commence proceedings and majority of the lawmakers thundered, "No, no, no, no more proceedings." Efforts by the Clerk of the House

defendant, on the agreed adjournment date of March 14, informed that the priority of the court was the hearing of the case and other motions that may be filed by the counsel.

The court ordered the remand of the accused in police custody and adjourned till March 14, to hear the bail application.

RALLY: Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State (left), presenting the candidate for Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency, Mr. Aniekan Uko, to the people during the election re-run rally held at Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Secretariat, Nung Udoe.

EFCC arrests Oronsaye for 419, to be charged afresh

By Soni Daniel

attempted to assist the accused in Hausa language without the court's clearance was rebuked by the trial judge, Justice H. Nganjiwa.

Justice Nganjiwa, after listening to the prosecuting counsel, Kenneth Dika and Kayode Olaosebikan, counsel to the

and the Speaker to calm the members proved abortive until the member representing Owan West constituency, Mr Victor Aisien, moved a motion to adjourn sine die.

Consequently, Governor Adams Oshiomhole invited the leadership of the House to a meeting, yesterday, following what was described as a rebellion against the governor.

Vanguard gathered that the lawmakers were angry that their vehicles had not been purchased by the state government since they were sworn in last year.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016—13

Delta govt to build monorail in Asaba Approves appointment of Olu of Warri, three other monarchs

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—DELTA State Government has engaged a consultant to carry out a feasibility study on Monorail Transit System in Asaba, the state capital, as it restated its resolve to sell the Independent Power Plant, IPP, project in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.

It also approved the appointment of HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli as the Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM Nwaolise Okwuka I as the Obi of IsseleMkpetime in Aniocha North Local Government Area and HRM Agbaovwe Afugbeya Oyise II, as the Odion R’Ode of Uwheru Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

Briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kingsley Utuaro, yesterday, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said that the state government plans to undertake a study on the viability of mono-rail transit system in Asaba and fit it into the Asaba Development Master plan.

Ukah said the state government had decided to plan ahead because of the increasing population in Asaba in order to boost transportation.

On the appointment of four traditional rulers, Ukah said the council amended the Bendel State Legal Notice, BSLN 88 of 1979 regulating the customary law of succession to the traditional rulers title of the Senior Odion of Uwheru clan.

Explaining the appointments of the traditional rulers, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy

Affairs, Mr Bright Edejevwo, said that the approval was part of the processes for the formal recognition of the monarchs.

According to him, the people had written to the state government officially presenting Prince Ikenwoli as the successor to the throne following the demise of the former Olu, Ogiame Atuwase II, last year.

He told newsmen that the people of the kingdom had fulfilled all the traditional rites to install the new Olu, stressing that there were no crises during the coronation ceremonies.

On the proposed sale of the IPP in Oghara, the Commissioner for Energy, Mr Newworld Safugha, said that the state government was looking into the process of completing the sale as recommended by the last administration.

SWEARING-IN: From left: Newly sworn-in Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Iyayi Lamikanra; the state movernor, Mr. Nyesom Wike; his wife, Justice Suzette Wike and the deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, shortly after the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Judge at Government House, Port Harcourt.

Omoku, Buguma killings: Police arrest two

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Police Commissioner, Mr Musa Kimo, said, yesterday, that one person has been arrested for the murder of late Franklin Obi and two other members of his family in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area of the sate on Saturday.

The Police chief, who spoke at the Police headquarters in Port Harcourt, appealed for cooporation from members of the public to fight crime to a standstill.

He said that the Police also arrested one other suspect over the murder of late Ofinjite Amachree in Buguma on Monday.

He enjoined the media to double check their sources of information to avoid creating unnecessary tension in the state.

Kimo said that the incident in Buguma on Monday was purely murder, noting that there was no

clash between members of rival parties.

He said: “The incident in Buguma was a clear murder, it was not a clash. It was a murder case. There was no disruption of peace in the area. We have a suspect, Ndubisi Tochi, in our custody in connection with the murder of Ofinijite Amachree.

“We also have in our custody one Anthony Ugoh, who was arrested in connection with the murder of Franklin Obi and two other members of his family.”

The Police boss said that eight kidnappers lost their lives in February during an exchange of fire with his men, adding that five armed robbers were also

shot dead by his command.

He said 19 kidnappers were arrested at separate times in February by his men while 33 armed robbers were arrested, adding that 12 AK 47 riffles, two pump action guns, 76 cartridges were among items recovered by his command from hoodlums.

Edo 2016: Delegates list for guber primaries not altered —APC national leadership

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—AHEAD of the 2016 governorship election in Edo State, national leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, led by its Vice Chairman, South-South, Mr Hilliard Ettah, has denied allegation that delegates list for the governorship primaries had been tampered with.

Ettah, flanked by the National

Organising Secretary of the party, Senator Osita Izunaso, at a stakeholders meeting with governorship aspirants of the party and its leaders, yesterday, also condemned the seeming attack on Governor Adams Oshiomhole by some of the aspirants, who accused him of backing the aspiration of Mr Godwin Obaseki, informing them that as a leader of the party, the governor deserves the right to have his preference for an aspirant but that the party will ensure that due process was followed in the conduct of the primaries.

The meeting was attended by Governor Oshiomhole, his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu, who is also one of the aspirants. Other aspirants at the meeting included Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, Engr. Chris Ogienwonyi, Osarodion Ogie,

Godwin Obaseki and Peter Esele, among others.

Mr Ettah, who commended Governor Oshiomhole’s developmental strides in the state, reminded the leaders that Edo remains the only APC state in the South South and that the leadership of the party has no intention of losing it to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as he appealed for peaceful campaign, assuring that while the party will provide a level playing ground, the aspirants too must support the party no matter who wins the primaries.

“And let me also say that nobody is changing the delegate list. Unlike some parties where they always elect their delegates prior to every primaries, the list of APC delegates is already known by everybody because they have been there for four years," he said.

FG drops N70m bribery charge against Orubebe

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, withdrew the N70 million bribery charge it filed against former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja.

At the resumed hearing in the matter, the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mr. Mohammed Diri, secured leave of the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal to withdraw the four-count corruption charge the government filed against Orubebe on October 8, 2015.

Diri told the panel that the government resolved to only prosecute the former minister on an amended one-count charge bordering on allegation that he had in 2007, made a false declaration of assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, contrary to section 15 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap. 15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2014.

Following an application by the DPP, Justice Umar struck out the initial four-count charge.

Henry Ogumade for burial

P

RINCE Henry Otire Ogumade aka Henry the tailor of taste, is dead, aged 85.

Service of songs will hold on March 11, 2016 at 8, Igere Road, Sapele, Delta State. Lying-in-state comes up March 12, in his house at Igere Road, while open air mass takes place at Wesley Primary School to be followed by interment at the family compound, Shell Road Junction, Sapele.

He is survived by a widow, children, sisters and brothers.

Late Prince Ogumade

14 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 , 2016

COLLAPSED BUILDING AT ELEGUSHI, LEKKI LAGOS.

Scenes from the scene of the collapsed building at Kusenla road, Ikate, Elegushi, Lekki, Lagos, yesterday.

Mother, child, 16 others die as 5-storey building collapses

By Ebun Sessou, Bose Adelaja, Monsuru Olowoopejo and Faith Ake

L

AGOS—A five storey building caved in yesterday in Ikate Elegushi area of Lagos, killing 18 persons among whom was a woman and her three-yearold child.

A food vendor was also reportedly among the dead.

The fate of 13 others that were rescued from the debris of the collapsed building, hung in the balance as doctors battle to save their lives.

Most workers who died in the building were reportedly waiting to collect their wages from the contractors. Some of them were said to have been owed up to N40,000.

The building located at Horizon 1, Lekki Gardens which was under construction, was part of the phase 3 project by the Lekki Garden Estate, caved in at about 4.10am after a heavy down pour .

Report said up to 100 masons were working at the site .

Vanguard gathered that the building with 30 flats was erected within four months.

Sources said that at the time of the collapse, over 70 artisans and labourers were passing the night in the uncompleted structure.

Vanguard gathered that one of

the labourers wife came visiting from Benin Republic, with her three year-old child, having seen their bread winner last in December 2015. Bodies of mother and child were recovered 12 hours later . Even in death , the woman was found clutching her baby.

An artisan, Mr. Fidelis Anjolo, said; “She thought that her husband was lying that they were not paid for three months and decided to see things for herself. Her husband even borrowed N4,000 from five of us, with a promise to pay at the end of March. His wife came on Sunday night and was to leave yesterday morning. They used to sleep outside but yesterday they slept outside because of the rain.‘’ Another artisan, Kingsley Mathew, disclosed that seven citizens of Benin Republic arrived Monday evening to start work on Tuesday (yesterday). “But at the moment, we cannot say where they are. They might be trapped in the building.

“Government should do something on issue of collapse buildings in Lagos because the magnitude of death is much. We have families to cater for that is why we are here. They owe most of us here. Hauwa, a food vendor, who hails from Nasarrawa State was also in the building,” he added.

One of the rescued persons simply identified as Hassan, an indigene of Kaduna State. When rescued, he was screaming ‘ALLAH AKBAR’ ( God is Great).”

A resident, Remi, who was in tears, disclosed that her brother, Femi, was still trapped under the rubbles.

Wailing, she said “My brother is a bricklayer. He lives in Alagbado with his wife and children but he couldn’t go home everyday because of transport fare. I don’t know what to do. I have checked the recovered bodies but his is not one of them.

Our elder sister has also been trying his mobile line but it is not reachable. This is pathetic. He has been catering for our needs since the death of our parents. What will be our fate if he dies?”

Also, a carpenter, Mutiu Gani, disclosed that four of his friends were trapped under the debris .

Another worker who spoke with Vanguard, Seyi Oluwafemi, dsaid construction of the building began August last year.

According to him; “ I worked as a carpenter. Carpenters were paid N2,500, bricklayers, N3,000 while labourers were paid N2,000 each daily. At a point, the contractors started defaulting in payment. Some workers who died were waiting to collect their wages and because they were

not paid, they had no choice than to sleep there until the following day.

As I speak, the contractors are owing me three weeks wages. I left when it accumulated to three weeks. About 50 workers were deplored to the site on Monday to continue work on it.

The number of casualties would not have been much, if workers normally go home daily. Most of them stay till weekend before leaving.”

Another labourer who spoke on condition of anonymity said he was owed N317,000. “I do interior decoration job. As I speak I have not been paid. The debt went this bad after the introduction of weekly payment. Because of that, several labourers resorted to leaving on weekly basis.

Some of the aggrieved sympathizers who spoke to Vanguard complained that rescue operation was slow, attributing to the delay in rescuing victims that were trapped .

When Vanguard arrived the scene family members, friends and other sympathizers were seen be mourning their loved ones while others joined rescue operators in the search for trapped victims.

Call from the debris One of them gave the name of his relatiion as Isaac Martins, he

said “My brother is a welder . He called me on phone this morning to come and help him, that he was in a collapsed building. He called twice but when I got here, policemen did not permit me and other workers to help in the rescue operation. I got here 3am and have so far rescued some people . But I cant find my brother and his phone is switched off.

Another eyewitness Angelo, said that” the building collapse as a result of the inferior materials used and I blame it on the contractors and the engineers who only think about themselves alone imagine you working and not being paid. ''Sometimes, the contractors will go to neighbouring countries to bring workers to work if we refuse to work because of lack of payment I learnt this work in Ghana i stop working here because they don’t give us quantity material to work with and they short pay.

General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Micheal Akindele, who was at the scene described the incident as unfortunate.

He explained that “We moved here immediately information reached us. Rescue operation started at about 4:45am . So far, 18 were recovered dead, while 13 were rescued alive.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016—15

MASSOB TO BUHARI: No going back on Biafra •We are not planning to invade any court—Madu

By Innocent Anaba, Anayo Okoli & Ugochukwu Alaribe

A

BA—MOVEMENT for the Actualization of Sovereign States of Biafra, MASSOB, has faulted President Muhammadu Buhari’s claim that Nigeria won’t tolerate Biafra, stressing that there is no going back on the move by the people of the former Eastern region to actualize an independent state of Biafra.

In an interview with Vanguard in Aba, MASSOB Leader, Chief Solomon Chukwu, who reminded President Buhari that the struggle for Biafra has gone past the stage where any force could abort it, argued that the people of the former Eastern region have tolerated Nigeria for too long, and can no longer bear glaring injustice, but remained determined to actualize an independent state where they would find greater satisfaction.

According to him, “I think President Buhari missed the point when he said Nigeria won’t tolerate Biafra. He needs to be reminded that Biafra had gone past that stage. Between Nigeria and Biafra; it is Biafra who had tolerated injustice for too long. Now we are determined to go; Biafra means freedom, satisfaction, expression and accommodation for the people of the former Eastern region, which they can’t find in Nigeria. The people of the former Eastern region have no future in Nigeria where we are treated as second class citizens.

"So, Mr. President was only pretending on the issue of Biafra. Biafra had tolerated Nigeria for too long. Now, we are determined to go. It is no longer how, but when. Biafra is at hand.”

Chukwu who spoke through MASSOB’s National Director of Information, Sunny Okereafor accused Buhari of double standard through his support for the granting of statehood to Palestine while he continues to frustrate the agitation for Biafra, including the killing and detention of the agitators.

No plan to invade court

Meantime, the Uchenna Madu led faction of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has denied the allegation by the Department of State Services, DSS, that some Biafra agitators planned to invade the court and forcefully free their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying that MASSOB and IPOB had no such agenda.

MASSOB in a statement issued by the factional leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu described the allegation as “ranting of a confused and drowning people.”

He said: “How can a nonC M Y K

You're corrupt, incompetent, Ebonyi Speaker accuses commissioners

E

VISIT: From left: Director, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Folawiyo; another Director, Chief Victor Odili; Minister of Communication, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, and Corporate Services Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, during the minister's visit to the MTN head office in Lagos. violent and armless organization like IPOB and MASSOB invade a courtroom located on the 3rd floor of the Federal High Court surrounded by heavily armed combined team of Nigeria security agents and modern technological security gadgets.

“MASSOB and IPOB have no such intention, plan or agenda as we know that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and others committed no offence against Nigeria.

“The insistence of the Federal Government to hide the identity of their witnesses against Nnamdi Kanu and others is a sign of cowardice and unsteadiness.

“They have no genuine witnesses now because the contracted ones have been exposed. It remains only the staff of DSS who will appear with Igbo names to create negative impression that Ndigbo are against Nnamdi Kanu.

“FG has shot itself on the leg.

For a soft landing, MASSOB advises President Buhari to

immediately reach the principal Igbo leaders and release Nnamdi Kanu to them.

“The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu will bring more devastating diplomatic doom for Nigeria. Biafrans are ready for the trial,” Madu said.

Extra-judicial killings

Also yesterday, Igbo Ekunie Initiative, IEI, comprising individuals in Nigeria and the Diaspora has lodged a case against the Nigerian government at the International Criminal Court, ICC, over the alleged killing of unarmed members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB in Aba, Abia State by Nigerian troops.

In a statement by the President of the group, Mazi Tochukwu Ezeoke, IEI said though section 14 (2)(b) of the Nigerian constitution expressly states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” the Nigerian government has continued to violate it.

“Whereas chapter 4 section 33 (1) of the Nigerian constitution

states that ‘every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in the execution of a sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria,’ but the Nigerian government and her agents (army and police) have continued to breach these fundamental dictates of the constitution through the premeditated and unrelenting mass killing of unarmed civilians as happened most recently in Aba, Abia State where scores of unarmed IPOB members were murdered in cold blood by members of the armed forces and police as they held prayers in a school premises and their bodies dumped in a burrow pit in AbaPort Harcourt road, Abia State.”

According to him, the frequent and unpunished killing of unarmed civilians by the Buhari administration not only violates the Nigerian constitution under whose statutes the state is constituted, but also the United Nations Charter, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and all other conventions to which the Nigerian state is signatory to.

By Peter Okutu

BONYI—SPEAKER of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru yesterday accused some Commissioners appointed by Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State of incompetence, corruption and nonperformance despite the efforts of the present administration towards uplifting the standard of living of the people.

The Speaker stated this during plenary at the floor of the House.

According to the speaker, "it is unfortunate that the set of commissioners we have now under this present government have exhibited high level of incompetence."

He said: “In the ministries, you the lawmakers are the chairmen. The commissioner is like your secretary and that’s why if you invite them, they will come and explain to you what they are doing because you appropriate the fund they are using.

“You need to checkmate, oversee what they are doing and to make sure they are doing it in a proper way. " We can’t fold our hands and say government is doing well. I only see the ministry of Works and Power as the only ministries that are doing well.

"Apart from the two ministries mentioned, other ministries and their commissioners are not performing. But the House members are also not performing because they are not doing anything."

Imo PDP peace meeting ends in deadlock

A

By Ben Agande

BUJA—A meeting convened by the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to find solution to the crisis bedevilling the leadership of the party in Imo state ended in a deadlock yesterday as the two protagonists, Emeka Ihedioha and Senator Hope Uzodinma failed to reach a compromise.

The two protagonists stormed the PDP secretariat with a large number of their supporters to attend a meeting convened by the chairman of the party.

Although tempers flared between the two supporters, the Chairman of the party was able to calm them down before representatives of the two

groups were summoned to a meeting with members of the National Working Committee of the party in the chairman’s office.

After over two hours of deliberation, the two parties stormed out without any solution as the party shifted the meeting to Wednesday (today) to try to find a solution.

Senator Sheriff while assuring members of the two factions that the NWC would be impartial in the crisis, warned them that the party risked losing at the forthcoming re-run elections if its members went into it with a divided house.

Sheriff said: “You don’t go to elections with a divided house.

We insisted that all the leaders must be here. I don’t want people to start grumbling over who will have what. I want to be on the

side of truth” he told supporters of the two groups before representatives of the two factions went into a closed door meeting with members of the NWC. He noted that stakeholders from the two factions must make inputs in forming the congress committees which will conduct the forthcoming congress of the party in the state but maintained that the state caretaker committee as presently constituted remains.

The caretaker committee is believed to be dominated by loyalists of Hon Ihedioha.

The National Chairman who charged them not to be angry promised that the NWC would sort out the matter dispassionately and sincerely.

From the three Senatorial Districts in the state, the national chairman chose speakers, mainly

former governors from the state: Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim, serving Senators and some House of Rep members, including the former deputy speaker, Ihedioha, to ventilate the feelings of their people.

Udenwa stated that there was no need for them to come to Abuja as there was a caretaker committee in place since the tenure of the former state exco has elapsed.

While urging the Imo PDP faithful “to listentothecaretakercommittee,”hewas shouted down by those loyal to Senator Uzodimmawhowereprotesting overtheir non-inclusioninthecaretakercommittee.

Earlier, the Governor of Bayelsa State, HenrySeriakeDicksonwhowascoopted into the meeting by the party’s chairman urged the PDP supporters to present a common front in order to reclaim the state from the All Progressive Congress which producedthegovernorinthelastelection.

16— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 —17

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ELIGION in Nigeria produces zealots who spew gender inequality and discrimination masquerading as religious doctrine.Thepursuitofpoweratany cost is the hallmark of many religious organisations. The Bishop of the Wusasa Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Kaduna State, Reverend Ali Lamido, recently bemoaned a situation whereby the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, “turned government houses into ATMs”.

There seems to have never been a separation of church and state, much to the detriment of the masses who are indoctrinated into believing that such is to their benefit, whereas all it does is enrich a few at the expense of the majority. On the subject of the upcoming CAN election, Rev. Lamidocautioned against zoning the leadership to any part of the country.

How is it that religions which are meant to unite find their principles twisted and usurped by divisive ideas, only to suit the purposes of a few? Furthermore, the suggestion that President Buhari would try to “impose” a candidate on CAN is simply nonsensical, proof that we as a nation have become so obsessed with playing the ethnic card it is now the only way we know how to reason.

tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

Courage to take on Sharia courts and evangelist extremists

National embarrassment

Regional sentiments Rev. Lamido,speaking of religious organisations and CAN in particular, said: “We are supposed to be the ones to de-emphasize tribal or regional sentiments”. So how is it that the public has allowed religious organisations to spread such dangerous,corrupt ideas unchallenged?

There are churches that tell their members not to eat at the same table as Muslims so as not to have their “destinies” stolen.There are Muslim clerics that preach hellfire for anyone who associates too closely with Christians. How is it that such people are not cautioned or better, sanctioned for inciting disharmony in society?

In a country where preachers are millionaires (this is interesting as Jesus wasn’t rich nor did he seem to value money contrary to many evangelistic and materialistic teachings today), they should be taxed, the same way they tax their congregation (encouraging the belief that heaven or “favour” can be

President Lula

T

HE former President of Bra zil was detained and interrogated in regards to corruption at Petrobras (NNPC equiva-

*Lula and Dilma Rousseff

#Armsgate funds were spent on marabouts and prayers) that they must truly believe it is possible for one individual to subvert the religious beliefs of a whole country. In reality, it wasn’t a change of religion they were afraid of, it was that the system, under Buhari would change.

I’m surprised no one asked if Ese could be a “Lolita”. Lolita, an infamous novel by Russian writer, Vladimir Nabokov, tells the story of a teenage girl who was involved with a middle aged man and has come to signify the coquettish ways of the modern teenager who likes to attract (sexual) attention.

No social debate on the ways of the Nigerian teenager (beyond the ethnic Bayelsa vs Kano story, mirroring the Jonathan vs Sanusi issue) was opened, to say, for example, that in our desperate, materialistic society, when parents encourage their teenage girls to accept gifts from men, they are courting trouble.

In fact, no debate occurred at all, other than to state what we all already know, the condition of the girlchild in Nigeria is plagued by atrocities and widespread indifference.

*Ese

*Yunusa bought) as their profits are made using resources and infrastructure provided by the state, like any otherbusiness. Promotinginjusticeand prejudice, couched in religion or tradition, then inciting people to hate others for their “differences”, which we accept so long as they don’t concern us, is serious business in

Tolerance in our secular society for the beliefs of others cannot encompass leniency to any idea or belief that counters individual freedom and constitutionally avowed concepts of justice lent). Lula allegedly received kickbacks from Petrobras, which also financed theparty and electoral campaigns. Yet another country where a former President is investigated for corruption and the heavens didn’t fall. In fact, Lula and Dilma Rousseff (the current President) are from the same party, so he can’t use the witch-hunt defence. Nigerian politicians would probably say “how unlucky!”

Nigeria.One would be hard pressed to find a 10-year-old girl of any faith or religion who would rather marry an elderly man than remain in school.

As Governor El-Rufai recently said, many religious organisations”corrupt every issue, policy or appointment as an outlet to vent religious, ethnic and sectional viewpoints”; therefore, serious conversations about rights and the law are almost impossible.

The Ese Oruru kidnap case: Against this backdrop comes the Ese Oruru kidnap case. The media instantly turned the narrative into: “Bayelsa girl” kidnapped by “Kano man” and “forcefully converted to Islam”, sensationalising the story, playing on the ethno-religious bigotry that has become the foundation of all conversation in this country.

Accounts of the story differ: some say Ese and Yunusa, her alleged

kidnapper, were involved in a consensual relationship, even if as a minor and at 13, the idea has no legal basis. In the US they actually use the term “statutory rape” to describerelationsbetweenaminorand an adult. But Ese and Yunusa’s true ages are sketchy.

Is Yunusa 23 or much older? Then there was the even more bizarre (but frightfully common) suggestion that a parent would want to kill a child for converting to another religion.Why are we so obsessed with the idea of “conversion” in the first place?

During the elections, talk of Buhari “islamising” Nigeria was actually a reason for some to hate him.

Whydoessuchcrazinessevencome up if not because religious organisations have set the stage for such ideas to seem plausible?

Over the years, religious groups have become so subservient to the occupants of various state houses (it was alleged part of the

Dino Melaye’s ‘Made in Nigeria wives'

S

OCIAL media discusses his assortment of luxury cars.

“Start patronising made in Nigeria women,” Senator Dino Melaye recently said in an odd

Senator Melaye

diatribe mentioning GovernorOshiomole. In the words of Bob Marley’s “Bad Boys” lyrics: “bad boys, bad boys, watchagonna do when they come for you?”

Personally, I think the most frightening aspect of the saga is the apparent supremacy of the Sharia courts and traditional rulers over the police or institutions of the Federal Republic. Why couldn’t the Inspector General of Police secure the girl’s release?

It is a national embarrassment for Mr Arase to claim, as was reported, that he couldn’t do so without the Emir of Kano’s consent. Yet another embarrassing moment was the Director of Muslim Rights Concern, IshaqAkintola’s claim that “Islam has no age barrier in marriage.

If the man is a Muslim and the girl is also a Muslim and the girl’s parents give their approval, what is the business of any non-Muslim in that?”Ese’s case nonwithstanding,tolerance in our secular society, for the beliefs of others cannot encompass leniency to any idea or belief that counters individual freedom and constitutionally avowed concepts of justice.

The freedom to believe what one wants doesn’t encompass the freedom to oppress or suppress the rights of young girls. This confusion between making excuses for criminality and religious tolerance, stems from the ambiguity between Sharia law and the Constitution, a legacy of former President Obasanjo’s third term agenda, where he allegedly accepted sharia law in some states to secure their governor’s support.

In Nigeria we love belief systems we can manipulate to our convenience. If we were to investigate the earnings of the super pastors, the sharia courts, the traditional kingships; we would probably find that they are in many ways, the framework through which corruption prospers at the local level. *Tabia Princewill is a strategic communica- tions consultant and public policy analyst. She is also the cohost and executive producer of a talk show, WALK THE TALK which airs on Channels TV.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

The judiciary and the silky path of corruption HE Nigerian judiciary is however would be for the T often described as the last Johnny-come-lately, those too hope of the common man, blind slow to absorb the truth that has and impartial to the cause of justice. But recent events in the land would seem to suggest that this description has, for many members of the Bar and the Bench, long outlived its usefulness. Nigerians have probably come to the realisation that there is nothing that places the judiciary on a higher moral pedestal than any section of the Nigerian society. There is much to be lamented about this as about the corruption that has eaten deep into the very fabric of the larger Nigerian society. The judiciary or more precisely, the Bench, may have since transformed into the haven of individuals disguised in judicial gowns. This is going by revelations coming from investigations into the conduct of some key denizens of the socalled temple of justice.

The temple of justice appears imperilled and grievously sullied by the conduct of some of its members in cahoots with others at the Bar and the larger society.

This third arm of government now begs a new name to reflect its changing status. This is

for long stared them in the face.

The judiciary has always been as corrupt as if not more corrupt than recent events would imply.

This is perhaps the view of an increasing section of the Nigerian population. The only reason many were slow to come to this fact was only because the judiciary is the (most) conservative arm of the Nigerian ruling class. Unlike the executive and legislative arms, the judiciary is not often seen and hardly heard. But even at that it seems to have its snout deeply steeped in the rot that has made the Nigerian state the pathetic case that it is.

The foregoing is surely a very damning and perhaps harsh commentary on an arm of government that is no doubt the least resourced and the worst incentivised of the three arms of the Nigerian ruling establishment. Our judges we’ve been told by those who should know work in the most inclement condition, most times with poor earning power, without electricity in their dinghy chambers and accorded

relatively poor retirement benefits compared to their counterparts in the other arms of government.

Many of this revered category of men and women are longsuffering and have accepted their fate with both dignity and equanimity, neither grumbling nor complaining. They’ve left the task of calling attention to the poor condition under which they operate to others, mostly concerned members of the Bar, their retired counterparts and others public-spirited persons who understand the temptation to which powerful but poorly rewarded persons such as judges, magistrates and other state judicial officers are exposed to.

While members of the executive enjoy lavish state benefits and legislators could freely legislate to set up for themselves very generous allowances, judicial officers are the official orphans abandoned to look out for themselves.

It is the loophole left by societal neglect of judicial officers that some members of the public including lawyers who appear before some of these judges are now exploiting to devious ends.

The case brought by the Economic and Financial Crime

What manner of lawyers are these who stoke the flame of corruption in the name of fighting it?

Financing political parties, elections and corruption

By Patrick Cole

T

HE bane of Nigeria's political system is finance. Nigeria has one of the most expensive political systems in the world. We simply cannot afford it.

There are no laws or culture about how to finance a political party or how much to spend on an election and where the money is coming from. What is the structure of parties and Governance in Nigeria?

There are 774 Local Governments in Nigeria. I want to look at how much it would cost a political party to exist in all these local governments. Each local government will have an average of no less than 15 wards. Each ward will have at least 7 party officials. – headed by the Chairman, Deputy, Secretary etc. Thus, the party apparatchik of each local government will be as follows: 7×15= 105 people (ward level). Each local government will have at least 20 officials at the local government headquarters level (i.e. 15 ward Chairman added to 5 others (in reality they are more than) 15+5 but for illustration purposes let’s take 5, i.e. 20 party officials per local government.

Thus, at the local government level plus ward level there are approximately 105+5=110 party officials. Nigeria has 774 Local Government areas: party office holders will then be 774×110 = 85,140.

Now add the ex-officio members – all members of the State and National Assemblies plus all Commissioners and Ministers and Members of the Board of Trustees – all of whom may attend the National Convention of the party where the Presidential candidate will be elected.

WARD CONGRESS

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONGRESS STATE CONGRESS NATIONAL CONVENTION So how much does a party need to be fully on ground and who pays? As already calculated. - If the South South cocoordinator, for example, was given N600 million i.e. N100 million for each of the six states in the South-South. Rivers State has 23 local governments. He would have to give about N4.3 million per Local Government. The party officials in each local government number about 110.

How long will N4.3 million last during a campaign? The coordinator still has 5 states unfunded.

There may be other sources of funds – e.g. the Governor and some big party wigs.

Conservatively the six states in the SouthSouth will need N2.1 billion. Then multiply that by six zones = N12.6 billion.

When a thief is caught, it is never a good argument of defence that he is not the only one stealing or that Mr. Smith steals also.

The PDP has been caught stealing money with reckless abandon. The sums are seemingly staggering but in reality it is not that much in real terms. Both the APC and the PDP bought thousands of vehicles for the election – no less than about five boats. Both parties had access to private jets which they used. How much did that cost? One important reform of our political system is to record the cost of running the parties and the costs of the

Who funds the parties?

Is there a trade off, in funding and political preferment?

Commission against two senior members of the bar, Rickey Tarfa and Joseph Nwobike, are very suggestive of the kind of improper alliance that has been established between certain members of the Bar and the Bench. The latter category of persons appear to have found an informal way to address the poor working, living and retirement condition of judges, by electing to provide them generous ‘donations’ through which the judges could set up their own egg nests to cushion them through the hard surface of the bench.

If the EFCC is to be believed – and there is no reason why they shouldn’t be believed given the nature of evidence they are offering which include proofs of fund transfers from the accused person’s accounts to the accounts of known judges and call logsthen there is a lot to worry about the activities of most of these socalled senior lawyers who go around perverting the course of justice while pretending to be persons of repute and honour.

They often run with the hare and hunt with the hound. They are the same people who in one breath talk about fighting corruption while in another breath defend barefaced cases of corruption.

The EFCC in its claim against Tarfa has been able to trace payments from the accounts of Mr. Tarfa to the accounts of a number of judges in the last three years. In an earlier case in which the EFCC accused Mr. Tarfa of attempts to obstruct the course of justice, the lawyer tried to bluff his way through by slamming a multi-million naira case on the anti-corruption body.

To show it was out to intimidate the EFCC and by extension anyone alive to their tricks, Tarfa appeared in court with

campaign as is done in all worthwhile democracies. When the President of the United States uses Air force 1, the Presidential plane, for non official duties, he pays for it. Our Presidential candidates of PDP and APC had use of aircraft- who owned the aircrafts and who paid for them?

I have gone into some details to describe the organisation of a Nigeria political party. The number of people involved above does not include those leaders of the Party or Governors etc. would classify as security. All political parties have a large retinue of thugs many of whom follow the winning political party into office – e.g. the Nigeria Militants were largely thugs, who, when the PDP swept the South South and moved into political offices – brushed up their acts and became PAs, Ministers, Members of Board of Parastatals etc.

Among these thugs are various occultists who replenish their members as others get promoted into better positions. The North East militants, especially Borno, Adamawa and Kano were breeding and recruiting grounds for later day terrorists as much as the Niger Delta produced militants who later turned out to be recipients of the amnesty largesse. But a system such as existed in the North East and Kano and in the Niger Delta region can never be fair to all; quarrels were frequent and each dispute led to greater militancy from the disaffected and dissatisfied. Even the strong threat of cults and fundamentalism were never sufficient to bind them together. Put succinctly, each party had active armed guards and a large reservoir of reservists in a country where youth unemployment was over 60% - 70%.

But returning to our theme. So who funds the parties? Is there a trade off, in funding and political preferment?

We now know who and how the PDP was funded until recently. Most of the money came from the South South – especially

scores of lawyers, mostly senior advocates like him. This was an unseemly show of power that did not prove Tarfa’s innocence, and the lawyers who participated in the charade ought to be ashamed of themselves.

Ricky Tarfa is not the only lawyer around, it thus leaves one wondering why he should be the one against whom this kind of accusation has been made. It is hardly a point for debate that many of those who went to defend him in his now-abandoned suit against the EFCC are probably in this same game Mr. Tarfa has been accused of playing. Instead of trying to intimidate everyone they should first try to clear their ‘learned colleague's name in a way that confirms his innocence.

The company these lawyers keep open them to suspicion.

Lawyers have no more business introducing judges to relations of person’s with cases in the judges’ courts than they have attending a book launch that is a secret rendezvous for such meetings.

But that is what the Civil Society Network Against Corruption, a pressure group, says Ricky Tarfa has done when he facilitated a meeting between Chief Mike Igbinedion and Justice Ibrahim Auta of the Federal High Court before whom a son of the chief had a case. Chief Igbinedion allegedly donated N8 Million for the launch of the judge’s book. What was the purpose of this kind of donation as were others allegedly facilitated by Tarfa on behalf of others or made by him to judges before whom he or others had cases? Is it not important that Mr. Tarfa clears his name on these allegations before he goes around trying to scare people into silence? What manner of lawyers are these who stoke the flame of corruption in the name of fighting it?

where a number of ambitious politicians sought the office of Vice-President after Obasanjo in 2007. During Jonathan’s Presidency funding moved away from the South South (except Rivers and Delta, probably to a lesser extent Akwa Ibom) the gamble had paid off for Jonathan but can the formula work again? On the face of it this was highly unlikely, but it did not stop the massive funding from some South South States.

PDP could fund itself also from the Federal purse and did so massively. In all the political parties in Nigeria when you say, for example, PDP was federally funded, you will hear some members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Board of Trustee (BOT) or officials in the PDP Secretariat claim that they did not see any money that the party was broke.

As the revelations from the series of inquiries into Government Departments and Parastatals continue to show - a lot of money went to PDP. They may not have been distributed fairly but money went there. The party’s electoral machine was mobilised; buses and cars were bought, advertisements were commissioned and money voted for these and other necessary election expenses. The party had a budget of some trillion naira; the President and Vice-President, First Ladies and friends, travelled by air, land and sea to campaign, venues booked for campaigns, uniforms, clothes, bunting, flags etc; were bought special events and rallies were organised, throughout Nigeria, in wards, local government areas, states, Abuja and overseas. Traditional rulers, Labour leaders etc. were canvassed, gifts, food, money flowed freely but a large chunk of these funds did not go to party work but to private pockets.

Continues tomorrow on pg 18

*Dr. Cole, a former ambassador, wrote from Lagos.

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Many antics of fuel marketing companies (2) Just after the first part of this report was published last week, Nigerians were confronted by another round of biting PMS scarcity leading to long and chaotic queues at few filling stations with fuel to sell. The situation has more or less given fuel marketing companies the opportunity to up the ante of their antics to exploit consumers.

By Mike Ebonugwo (Features Editor), with additional reports from Jimitota Onoyume,Michael Eboh, Ugochukwu Alaribe & Nwabueze Okonkwo DPR TO THE RESCUE OWEVER, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Aba Zonal field said stiffer sanction awaits both major and independent petroleum marketers who indulged in selling of petroleum products above the approved pump price.

Controller of Operations, DPR, Aba field office, Paschal Ezemandu dismissed the allegation that DPR officials connive with marketers to hike the price of product in the city , stressing that he was yet to receive report against any officer of the agency by the public.

On the claims of the marketers that they sell above the approved pump price to cover cost as they sourced the products outside the state, Ezemandu said: “There is something that we call bridging.

It is done when you source for products outside the state. They, marketers, should bridge their products at the Osisioma depot.

H

Monitoring of the product They don’t have any right to sell above pump price even if they sourced for the product outside the state because as long as they bring the product in and get it registered at the depot in Osisioma, government will pay them the bridging cost.”

He warned that the DPR in conjunction with other agencies, including the DSS, would embark on monitoring of the product sales to ensure there was conformity in the pricing system, and warned that any marketer who sells above the approved pump price will be sanctioned.

Port Harcourt, Rivers State: Under delivery of petrol is still an issue at many filling stations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

At Station Road where there are three filling stations operated by major marketers, motorists, particularly taxi drivers prefer to buy product from one of them.

Most times you saw queues at the filling station while the other two were empty.

VM spoke with some of the taxi drivers who shared their experiences on the matter.

“Overtime we have observed that this particular filling station has a better meter; you get what you pay for. The other two filling stations just rip off customers,” Mr Emenike , a taxi driver said.

Another motorist, Mr Ahamafula Oji, said he investigated claims by the taxi driver himself when he bought with jerrycans at the three filling stations at separate times. “I think at the end of my investigation I had ample reason to agree with the taxi drivers. There is product under-delivery in the other two stations,” he claimed.

On Industry Road, one of the filling stations allegedly has only one pump dispensing accurately to customers. “ It is only when you are told by their workers you will know this,” a motorist who did not want his name in print said. A bus driver, Sam Okpeba, said he is not sure if there will be up to ten filling stations in Port Harcourt that will not be guilty of product under-delivery.

In the North: In the Northern part of the country, Mr. Usuma Ndanusa, Kaduna Zonal Cordinator, DPR stated that compliance around the Kaduna metropolis is almost 100 per cent, adding that it is intensifying its activities in the remote areas of the state.

He said: “We are still in process of going round the interiors, but within Kaduna metropolis, the compliance is almost 100 per cent; but we still have to go to places like Birni Gwari and other places where we have to take two to three hours. There are still some level of non-compliance.

For this, we sanction marketers that sell above the pump price.

For instance, we have about 13 filling stations have been suspended for violating this policy in the last two weeks.”

On his own part, North East Coordinator, DPR, Mr. Idris Zoaka said: “Product supply is

Let government allow those who have money to import petroleum products so that there can be enough fuel to go round

*A filling station attendant dispensing PMS...But how reliable is the pump not enough; there are problems here and there; where they convey the product through Maiduguri depot, we normally have six or seven, but recently, we have between 15 and 20. In Borno and Yobe , it’s mainly in the metropolis because its not too safe to go to some areas. “ In Damaturu and Potiskum, we have achieve some level od stability, and with product supply coming, we set up a monitoring team. In Bauchi and Gombe, they have formed monitoring teams and they are up and doing.

“In Yola and Taraba, compliance is okay at the metropolis; but at the hinterland, we have challenges which we are trying to address. The monitoring teams are working with the security agents and PPMC; we go out often with the teams.”

Selling above pump price As a means of ensuring compliance, Director of the DPR, Mr. Mordecai Ladan, disclosed that any filling station found under-delivering would be charged N1000 per litre sold and the station closed down.

He said: “Any filling station owner found manipulating pump price will be shut down and we will charge the marketer N1 million and close the station for three months. Those under delivering products would be charged N100,000. If you are selling above pump price, we will charge N100,000 per pump, so if you have six pumps, it will be charged N600,000 and the station closed down for three months .

“If you hoard product, we are going to sell the product free to the public as the minister has directed us to do. We have been doing that. However, Abuja is not a problem in that regard.”

Onitsha, Anambra State: An Onitsha-based independent marketer, Elder Onuigwe Sylvester of the Silver Oil who spoke on the issue, defended the marketers for selling above the pump price, saying that they do not get their supply directly from the NNPC. Onuigwe contended that the disparity in oil pump

prices should be blamed on NNPC because its supply is inadequate, while independent marketers who do not get direct supply from NNPC but from private depots do not buy at government rate from the private depots.

According to Onuigwe: “We sell according to what we buy from private depots. Let government ensure that the supply is available. Let government allow those who have money to import petroleum products so that there can be enough fuel to go round and when that is done, competition will not allow marketers to sell above the pump price because if you do, nobody will buy from you”.

But in his reaction, the member representing Onitsha North I constituency in Anambra state House of Assembly, Chugbo Enwezor, said there is no justification whatsoever for any fuel dealer or independent marketer to sell above the pump price because it is purely against government policy.

Condemned fuel dealers In his own reaction, the Traditional Prime Minister (Onowu) of Igbo land, Chief Michael Ozua Okoye, condemned fuel dealers who are involved in such a shoddy practice. Okoye who is also the Onowu of Awkuzu community in Oyi Local government Area of Anambra State and one-time Chairman of Old Onitsha Local Government Council, said government should close all the filling stations caught selling above the official price or those who tampered with their meters.

Chris Adimora and Ben Okoko, legal practitioners based at Onitsha and chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Anaocha and Idemili branch respectively, in their separate reactions, regretted that various government task forces charged with the responsibility of ensuring compliance with government directives had since compromised.

For the Ogirishi Igbo, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka: “I do not advocate subsidy on petrol but

on power. I am not bothered about fuel subsidy. What borders me most is lack of power to operate our manufacturing industries and grow our economy. It is very dangerous to increase electricity tariff without corresponding power supply”.

Ezeonwuka added: “In the nation’s economy, power is the first choice while petrol is second because with power, our industries will thrive and employment opportunities will be created; looking for petrol to fuel our vehicles is almost a luxury. So, let government concentrate on improved power supply at all cost or else our economy will grind to a halt at a point and everybody will suffer it”.

Task force in existence Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Anambra State branch also in a reaction, urged government to set up a task force to monitor oil and gas sales, adding that if there is any such task force already in existence, it should wake up from its slumber and become active.

State Secretary of NURTW, Comrade Charles Nweke who spoke to newsmen in his office in Onitsha, on behalf of the state chairman, Chief Austin Udeozor, regretted that while the nearby Asaba is selling N86.50, Onitsha is selling at between N100 and and N120, adding that such a disparity has a negative effect on transport fares.

Nweke called on government to impose stiff sanctions against those who sell above the pump price and those who adjusted their meters, to avoid imposing hardship on the masses out of selfishness.Adimora and Okoko therefore urged the task forces not to announce their inspection time to avoid giving the marketers the room for a cover up towards their sharp practices, adding that the presidency should enact a fiat to deal with the situation if there is none already in existence; but if there is one in existence, defaulters should be dealt with for running foul of the law.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Brent hits three-month high on hopes for producer price support O

IL prices rose one per cent on Tuesday with benchmark Brent prices hitting a three-month high on hopes for a coordinated approach by major producers to support prices. Brent crude futures were trading at 41.43 dollars a barrel, their highest since Dec. 9, up 59 cents on the day.

On Monday, the contract had climbed by 5.5 per cent in intra-day trading and it has now gained more than 50 per cent since its 2016 low on Jan. 20.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures were up 38 cents at 38.28 dollars a barrel.

“The bullish sentiment continues to push prices up or the absence of negative news,” said Carsten Fritsch, senior oil analyst at Commerzbank in Frankfurt.

Bullish sentiment News of a meeting of Latin American crude producers set in Quito for Friday had boosted oil prices on Monday, and bullish sentiment swept over into Tuesday’s session.

OPEC members and other producers in Russia are also due to meet for talks on March 20, according to the Nigerian petroleum minister. Kuwait’s oil minister said on Tuesday that his country’s participation in an output freeze would require all major oil producers, including Iran, to be on board.

“I’ll go full power if there’s no agreement. Every barrel I produce I’ll sell,” Anas al-Saleh told reporters in Kuwait City.

Women in board positions rise one per cent in last 3 years — EY

By Peter Egwuatu RNST & Young, EY has revealed that gender parity progress is slow in the global power and utilities sector, with the number of women in board positions rising just 1% in the last three years According to EY’s Women in Power and Utilities Index 2016, which identified the largest 200 utilities by revenue and ranked them according to representation of women in executive positions found that only 25 women are in board executive positions globally (5%).

Research also shows women occupy just 19% of non-executive board positions and 14% of senior management team (SMT) roles. The proportion of women in SMT roles was the only statistic to increase each year from 12% in 2014 and 13% in 2015.

The Index’s global list of the top 20 most gender-diverse Power and Utilities (P&Us) places Eskom at sixth place. In addition, the list of the top 200 P&U companies with the most gender diverse workforces in the Africa and Middle East region also places Eskom at sixth place and Mozambique’s Electricidade de Moçambique at 53rd.

E

FACILITY TOUR: From left, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Aminu Aliyu Bisala; Alhaji Muhammed Murtala, and Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Paul Angya, during the inspection tour of the construction of the building of Lagos State office of SON at Industrial Estate, Surulere Street, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

OPEC member Kuwait is currently producing three million barrels of oil per day (bpd), he added.

But analysts at Goldman Sachs said in a report on Tues-

day that the price rally was premature and unsustainable. SEB chief commodities analyst Bjarne Schieldrop said that U.S. shale oil rig numbers could soon rise again, halting the re-

cent price rally.

A global supply glut that has brought prices down from highs reached in mid-2014 continues to weigh on the market.

LASG shuts 2 companies for tax evasion

T

HE Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has shut two companies for alleged failure to remit a N4.01 million Personal Income Tax of their employees to the state government. Mrs Ajibike Oshodi-Sholola, Head, Distrain Unit of the LIRS, said this after a state-wide tax law en$117.20 -1.60 forcement in Lagos on Tuesday. $2,878.00 -61.00 Oshodi-Sholola, who led the enforcement $14. 71 -0. 12 team, said that the firms were audited about four to three years ago, adding that the companies’ $39. 63 0.91 liabilities were for 2009, $36. 86 0.94 2011 and 2012 tax audit year. She said the CURRENCY BUYING SELLING companies accepted the liabilities that were US DOLLAR 196 196.5 197 given to them but rePOUNDS 277. 3988 278.1065 278. 8141 fused to make the payEURO 215. 816 215. 816 216. 3651 FRANC 197. 2228 197. 7259 198. 229 ment.

YEN 1.7225 1.7269 1.7313 According to her, CFA 0.3066 0.3166 0. 3266 LIRS has sent two noWAUA 270.2666 270.956 271.6455 tices to the affected RENMINBI 30.0757 30.1528 30.23 RIYAL 52. 2402 52.3735 52.5067 companies, reminding KRONA 28.8452 28.9187 28.9923 them of their liabilities SDR 272. 048 272.742 273.436 and LIRS’ intention to close down their comCBN Exchange rate as at 08/03/2016 panies. “Both demand

C M Y K

— 21

notice letter and letter of intention were sent to the companies, which they ignored.

That is why LIRS enforcement team sealed the companies for non-compliance and failure to object to the liabilities until the debt is paid,” she said.

She added that the affected companies were publishing and printing firms.

She said that if a company was satisfied with its tax liabilities, it could object to it and

Some companies in the state have relocated to an unknown destination, change address or move out of business without the notice of LIRS

have a meeting with LIRS and the amount might be amended.

However, Oshodi-Sholola advised corporate organisations operating in the state to always notify the LIRS of any change in their companies’ name and address for proper records. She said that notifying the LIRS would enable it to have valid and up-to-date information about the organisation.

Accumulation of taxliabilities Accordingtoher,somecompanies in the state have relocated to an unknowndestination,changeaddress or move out of business without the notice of LIRS. ‘’Such act do not aidtheoperationsofLIRSbecauseit will assume the companystill use its old address/name and keep sending mails to wrong address.

If a company liquidates, change name or address, its management issupposedtowritetothenecessary authoritiesinformingthemofthenew developments. Such information helps an authority like LIRS to stop accumulating tax liabilities for nonfunctional companies,” she said.

Female board executives With 345 women out of a total of 2,149 positions (16%) currently in board roles, it will take 515 more women appointed to reach just 40% representation. And to grow from the existing 5% women in board executive roles to 10% requires another 24 women to be appointed.

Regionally, the Americas have the highest percentage of female board executives (led by Latin America with nine percent), followed closely by Europe (7%), with Africa and Middle East at 6 %. These regions also top the list for the percentage of women in non-executive board roles. AsiaPacific had the lowest percentage of women board executives at just 3%. Claire Lawrie, EY Africa Energy Lead stated: “Women in leadership is a business issue. It is not just a female issue – given that diversity is linked to company performance. More companies should start measuring and reporting on gender diversity in leadership.

At the current rate of progress, the advancement of women will not happen anytime soon.

22—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

From left: MainOne’s Regional Executive, West Africa, Kazeem Oladepo; Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu; Chief Executive Officer, MainOne, Funke Opeke and Special Assistant, Media, Ministry of Communications, Victor Oluwadamilare, during the minister’s courtesy visit to MainOne’s Data Centre subsidiary, MDX-I’s Lekki Data Centre, in Lagos.

Digital Bridge Institute to become Nigeria’s first ICT university •As Comtech Minister promises to uphold local content policy •Challenges MainOne, MTN, Glo on growth sustenance

By Prince Osuagwu (Hi-Tech Editor), Emeka Aginam & Anozie Egole

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HERE are indications that Nigeria may, very soon, have first Information and Communications Technology, ICT University in the country, to underscore the rapid growth and pervasive diversified business culture technology has engendered in the nation Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu dropped the hint exclusively to Hi-Tech when he visited the corporate headquarters of Vanguard media limited, recently in Lagos.

Level of infrastructure Establishing the university, according to the minister, became imperative after evaluating the level of infrastructure and facilities at the Digital Bridge Institute, DBI, located in Oshodi, Lagos, during a recent visit.

He noted that the DBI which is currently a Nigerian International Centre for Information and Communications Studies, could be converted to a full blown ICT university since such centres now lack patronage.

The Minister said that after his C M Y K

tour of the facilities, it became obvious to him that the country was sitting on gold mine, describing the facilities he saw as low hanging technology fruits that needed exploiting. “The centre will be converted to ICT University where people will be trained in the Information Communication Technology development. ICT goes beyond Computer as a course. There is hidden treasure in the DBI which government is not exploiting.

The state of ICT facilities in the centre is strong."

Sanction looms on nsolicited messages: The Minister also promised to have a meeting with the Nigerian mobile operators on issues bordering on drop calls, unsolicited text messages, exploitative data bundle pricing

ICT goes beyond Computer as a course. There is hidden treasure in the DBI which government is not exploiting

among others.

Expressing frustration at several complaints from scores of telecoms consumers on dropped calls and other network related issues, the Minister revealed that his Ministry may have to resort to sanctions on mobile operators who fail to address these issues.

For him, broadband infrastructure is key to continued sustenance of the economy and so, his Ministry will engage the operators to invest on broadband development in the country.

The Minister also disclosed that the country needed additional two communications satellites to serve as a backup to the existing one.

“The existing satellite is not optimally used. If the one we have now collapses, the country will lose a lot of data. There is need to have alternative for backup. I will initiate policy that will make agencies to patronize the satellite. That is the only way to promote and encourage government effort.

Meanwhile, true to his promise, Shittu also stormed Lagos Monday in what he described as “visit to seek collaboration on policy, infrastructural development and patronage of indigenous companies.”

Local content policy: The visit

was to MainOne, MTN and Globacom and after inspection of their respective facilities and closed door meetings that followed, Shittu challenged the operators to commit more to the growth sustenance of the ICT sector, promising that government will protect their businesses.

Level of ICT dependency According to him, “my main aim of being here is to support all Nigerian enterprises to grow and with the help of government, we want to ensure that Nigeria achieves the highest level of ICT dependency which will also translate to self sufficiency. I am therefore seeking collaboration on policy, infrastructural development and patronage of indigenous companies. We need to patronize our local companies our patronage of foreign companies, will only encourage capital flight.

On our part, we will ensure that policies that will enable proper patronage of indigenous companies are put in place.”

Minister commends Glo: At Globacom the minister commended company on its several laudable contributions to the growth of many sectors of the

economy including, sports, banking, oil and Gas, entertainment and the telecommunications sector among others.

He said:”I am very grateful for the opportunity to be in Globacom today. I have been in Lagos close to six times since I assumed office as the minister but today is my first time to visit the major telecommunication giants in the country.

Per seconds billing Glo is a proudly Nigerian company owned by a Nigerian who believes in himself and who knows that there is nothing anybody does to succeed that he can not do.

Before Glo came on board, communication was a very big problem in the country; people paid a lot to communicate. But the company came to the rescue of Nigerians, giving an average Nigerian an opportunity to communicate freely on phone.

What seems to be impossible in the area of per seconds billing, Glo made it possible. Therefore every Nigerian deserves to respect and appreciate the company.

“When I saw how much Glo spends in sponsoring football award last year, I was shocked.

And as a leader, I know what many Nigerian pass through in the hands of sickness and diseases therefore, I am pleading with the company to diversify its Corporate Social Responsibility to extend to health where lives of many Nigerians could be touched by improving the healthcare services.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 — 23

VOL. 1 NO 59 Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JANUARYWEDNESDAY, 20, 2016 Vanguard, MARCH 9, 2016

The residents of Ozubulu Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, Enugu State, say dust in the dry seasons and mud during rains were taking their tolls on their health and socio-economic activities in the area.

High cost of accommodation hits South-East communities

By Vincent Ujumadu, Anayo Okoli, Chidi Nkwopara, Francis Igata & Peter Okutu

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HERE is acute shortage of land in the Igbo states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, hence the increase in rent payable in the cities of the south eastern states. Apart from children, land and shelter are the second most valuable assets of any family in the southeast. As a result, it is a taboo in some places for people to sell land to strangers or non-natives without exhausting the family option to see if any of its members would buy.

Families also, live in clusters and strangers are not encouraged to own properties in such clusters, leading to high demand of available land.

In Anambra State, high cost of rents and accommodation is driving many people to the villages as many of them say their incomes could no longer match the rents charged by many landlords.

Investigations by South East Voice showed that the reason for the development was due to the near total neglect of housing sub-sector by previous administrations in the state, as well as the dwindling finances in the country.

For instance, a two –bedroom apartment, which attracted annual rent of about N120,000 in Awka and Onitsha, C M Y K

Anambra State, six years ago is about N250,000 at present, while a three bedroom flat that attracted about N200,000 per annum at the same period is now about N450,000, depending on the location. Similarly, duplexes and bungalows in highbrow areas in the two cities attract N1 million and N600,000 per annum respectively, while self – contained apartments which is very popular among undergraduates and unmarried workers, has increased from

N120,000 few years ago to about N250,000 per annum.

In all situations, the prospective tenants are usually made to pay agency fees of 10% of the rent before moving in, and an agreement fee that is also negotiable between the tenant and the lawyer involved. As a result of the consistent rent increase, many residents in the urban towns have been forced to relocate to their villages from where they transact their business. This has

also affected many children who have been forced to change from schools in urban towns to rural schools with their attendant problems.

Experts in the housing sector believe that the housing problem became very acute because the various administrations have not been investing much in housing development. For instance, since the creation of the new

Continued on Page 25

Operation save Igbo language: Okorocha launches Ikoro newspaper

By Clifford Ndujihe

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OR a host of Igbo leaders, all roads will lead to the Imo International Conference Centre, Owerri on March 15. That is the day the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, will present the first Igbo language newspaper, Iko r o and launch the compulsory learning and teaching of Igbo language in all schools in the state.

Eminent Igbo leaders including Dr Alex Ekwueme, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd), Chief Enwo Igariwey, Pascal Dozie and Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (retd) among others are expected at the ceremony, according to

Dr. Samfo Nwankwo, Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Igbo Affairs.

Nwankwo, who is also director, Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu Centre, OWENI, disclosed that publication o f Ikoro is being funded and sponsored by the Imo State Government, he said the paper would cover the five SouthEast states and other Igbo-speaking parts of the country.

Asked if the governor was copying the Yoruba and Hausa, which have newspapers in both languages, Nwaankwo said no, stressing that the move is to ensure that the Igbo language did not go into extinction. ‘’The fact that Igbo language is going

extinct, which is a dangerous development is behind the move. If nothing is done to arrest the situation, we will have identity crisis. We felt attention should be paid to the reading of Igbo language, which is part of our culture. It is time for us to go back to our roots and be proud of our language,’’ he said.

He said the compulsory learning and teaching of Igbo language in all schools in Imo up to first and second years in higher institutions is backed by the “Development of Igbo Language Law 9 of the Imo State House of Assembly.’’

Continues on Page 25

24— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Gov Umahi, agent of unity- OAU

By Emeka Mamah

Criminals on rampage in Imo

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—TO say that these are not the best of times for people either living in or passing through Imo State, will safely translate to telling the truth. The criminals have not ceased from injecting new and deadly tactics in the criminal lexicon of the state.

It must also be stated in clear terms that while the diaries of security agencies operating in the state will bear out in the truism, it remains also true that not all crimes were reported to the security organizations.

The above facts do not in any way rubbish the efforts of the nation’s security personnel in combating crime and criminals operating in the state. The success stories of the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Obinze, Owerri West local council area of the state, gives the citizens a ray of hope.

As at the last count, the Brigade arrested 13 suspects for sundry crimes committed in the state. They include three suspected kidnappers, nine suspects for illegal oil bunkering and another for illegal possession and use of firearm.

Giving a graphic account of the Brigade’s success stories, the Army Public Relations Officer, APRO, 34 Artillery Brigade, Captain A. Y. Jingina, said that in January 2016 alone, operatives from the Brigade impounded two Sino trucks for illegal oil bunkering.

“On January 21, 2016, our troops deployed as Quick Response Group, QRG, along Port Harcourt-Owerri road, arrested four suspects for illegal oil bunkering. The suspects are

Mr. Anas Mohammed (driver), Mr. Abdulmajid Aliyu (conductor), Mr. Christian Nnochiri (loader) and Mr. Ejima Emeka, the owner of the product”, Jingina said.

According to the APRO, “the suspects were carrying unquantified volume of substances suspected to be diesel in Dangote Sino truck with identification number ICT15D-038” and registration number Kano, WDL 491 XA. Six days after the first arrest, another Dangote Sino truck with registration number, KMC 136 ZY and identification number, ICT-16B-041, was nabbed also, for illegal oil bunkering, at about 5.25am in Eziorsu, Oguta local

government area of the state.

“The truck was loaded with 22,000 litres of substances suspected to be crude oil. The truck was arrested on a tip-off to our soldiers and men of the Civil Defence. The suspects were said to have locked and abandoned the truck. An electrician and excavator were hired before the truck could be pulled out from the sand and driven to the barracks”, the APRO said.

Beyond the Dangote trucks, the Brigade equally impounded other vehicles fully laden with petroleum products. These includes a Man Diesel truck with registration number, ABB 239 XA, and another articulated

Philanthropist initiates empowerment scheme in Ebonyi community

By Peter Okutu

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BONYI—A Lagos State based businessman and Philanthropist, Chief Chibuike Orogwu of Amudo in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State weekend began an empowerment scheme needed to uplift the living standard of his community members.

He provided them with work tools, wheelchairs, rice, financial donations and paid the hospital bills of some less privileged in the area.

He also spent over N2million on a tournament in which the oldest participant, Emmanuel Aduke, was given N300,000.

That was not all. Orogwu is equally building a house for a needy man, Jacob Ogbene who had lived in a muddy

Chief Orogwu and a beneficiary apartment for many years.

In a chat with South East Voice, Orogwu stated that: ”The man has been living in a mud house which is dilapidated and may cave in at

Enugu Catholic varsity bags best campus radio award

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—THE Godfrey Okoye Catholic University Radio has received the Nigeria Broadcasters Meritorious award as the best campus radio for its outstanding dissemination of information that borders on proper upbringing given the decline in moral standards in the society. The award was bestowed on the radio -GO Uni Radio on 106.9 FM band, by the Nigeria Broadcasters Association following a voting process on social media platforms that saw the ivory tower come tops among over 100 competitors.

While receiving the award on behalf of the management, the

Man Diesel truck with registration number, ACA 744 XA. The APRO disclosed that the former truck was carrying 10,800 litres of suspected diesel, loaded into a well constructed metal and concealed with piles of 2x4 inches wood, while three suspects, Mr. Charles Anayo Nwachukwu, Mr. Chika Uche and Mr. Chuks Samuel Agwa, were apprehended inside the truck.

“Items recovered from the suspects includes three mobile phones and the sum of N63,000, which was used in feeding the suspects, while the preliminary investigation lasted”, Captain Jingina said.

Vice Chancellor, Prof (Rev) Christian Anieke assured the broadcast association and the general public of the commitment of the university towards the sustenance of radio programmes that would impact positively on the moral fabrics of the society.

“This award has shown that the public takes cognizance of

the programme content transmitted from our radio which prompted the confidence they expressed while voting us as the campus radio.

“The award serves as a tonic that will spur us to greater heights and task ourselves on creative programme to sustain the public goodwill and trust,” he said.

anytime. So I decided to build the bungalow to protect him from danger” According to Orogwu the house is nearing completion and will soon be dedicated and handed over to Pa Ogbene.

On why he is dedicating his life to helping the less privileged, the philanthropist said he has the burning desire to help people because people also helped him to achieve success in his business.

“So, I have to help the people to also be comfortable and to also uplift their living standard.

If people didn’t support me, maybe I wouldn’t be here today to help others. So any little way I can help others, I will do so.

“I am not a politician, I don’t give for you to vote for me. I’m not aspiring for any post and I don’t give because I’m the richest but I suffered and each time I see people I’m better than, I do my best to identify with them.”

South East Voice further gathered that Orogwu’s road to fortune was rough. He was once unable to pay rent or fend for his family.

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BONYI State Governor, David Umahi and his wife Rachel, have been honoured by the people of the Old Afikpo Union, OAU, for setting a number of records in the area.

The reception which took place at the Government College, Umahi’s Alma Mater in Afikpo on February 27, attracted sons and daughters of the zone as well as dignitaries from other parts of the state.

Umahi was conferred with chieftaincy title of Dikedioranma 1 of Ebonyi South, while his wife bagged the title of Ojiugo 1 of Ebonyi South by the OAU. The OAU, comprising Afikpo North, Afikpo South, Ivo, Ohaozara and Onicha Local Government Areas which make up Ebonyi South Senatorial District.

According to the OAU, Umahi was the first deputy governor in the country to outsmart his former boss to clinch his party’s ticket before going ahead to win the governorship election.

The former deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Shinkafi became the substantive governor but that was with the active cooperation of his principal, Senator Sani Yerima.

Apart from this, Umahi was also the first from Ebonyi Southern Senatorial District to be elected governor since the creation of the state more than 19 years ago.

Thirdly, the people said that Umahi “has recorded a feat as the first governor to break the animosity, hatred and disunity which hitherto threatened the very foundation and peaceful co-existence of Ebonyi people,” as “there is no gain saying the fact that prior to this time, villages were against villages and political blocs against political blocs.”

However, according to them, since Umahi became governor, old things have since passed away and everything has become new in the state, signalling a paradigm shift in all spheres of life in the state.

Chairman of the occasion and former deputy governor of Old Imo state, Chief Francis Orji, recalled how OAU came to be. He said the ceremony was organised to appreciate and commend Umahi.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016—25

Operation save Igbo language: Okorocha launches Ikoro newspaper Continues from Page 23 On why Okorocha, an Igbo, appointed a special adviser on Igbo Affairs, he said: “The governor has passion for Igbo affairs. He believes that the Igbo world view must be made paramount. He believes that Igbo should be united. Being our brother’s keeper, which we are known for, has been abandoned.

“Before the civil war, we had the Igbo Union, which propagated and protected Igbo interests wherever they are found. The governor believes that we should harness our values and what we are known for. We should be able to come together to attain the goals we are known for. ‘’The Igbo Bureau has been working to ensure that these ideals are actualised. The culture, language, music, folklore, etc, all that Igbo are known for must be packaged so that when we display them in the public, we will be known as highly creative people. All these properly harnessed will strengthen the economy of the Igbo man.’’

To achieve these goals, he said that Okorocha is collaborating with the other South-East governors and only recently played critical roles in resolving the leadership crisis in Ohanaeze Ndigbo by getting Chief Ralph Obioha and Chief Enwo Igariwey to reconcile.

Nwankwo also dismissed allegations that the Imo State Government was owing workers several months of salary arrears insisting that the arrears had been cleared.

Besides he said the government had embarked on a number of life-changing projects that had improved on the welfare of Imo people.

THE TEAM Supervising Editor: Chioma Gabriel, Lagos (08052201257) Editor: Emeka Mamah, Enugu email: emekemamah@yahoo.com) Anayo Okoli, Umuahia Vincent Ujumadu, Awka Austin Ogwuda, Awka Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri Peter Okutu, Abakaliki Chimaobi Nwaiwu, Nnewi

Francis Igata, Enugu Nwabueze Okonkwo, Onitsha

Ugochukwu Alaribe, Aba Enyim Enyim, Onitsha Chinoso Alozie, Owerri Chinenye Ozor, Nsukka Eric Ugbor, Aba

According to him, the projects include free education at all levels; construction of 27 new general hospitals, one per local council;305 schools, one per

ward; provision of pipe borne water in Owerri city and environs; construction of inland roads in Owerri and two flyovers – one on Okigwe Road

and the second on Orlu Road. ‘’So, it has been five years of productive governance.

Okorocha’s popularity has soared in Imo. That was why Imo people elected him for a second term,’’ he added.

Dr. Samfo Nwankwo, Special Adviser to Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on Igbo Affairs.

High cost of accommodation hits South-East communities Continues from Page 23 Anambra State in 1991, not up to 200 houses have been completed by any state government.

When civil servants relocated to Awka from Enugu after the state creation, there were virtually no houses in their new state capital and most of the workers stayed put in Enugu and many of them are still shuttling between Enugu and Awka for work. The government of Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the first civilian governor of the state built the Real Estate close to the Government House, which contained only few houses, while the next civilian governor, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju planned the Abuja Estate opposite the Government, the Iyiagu Estate and the Ngozika Estate, although he could not complete them before leaving office.

When Dr. Chris Ngige and Mr. Peter Obi mounted the saddle, they were more preoccupied with the opening up of the rural areas of the state and concentrated on road

development to the detriment of the housing sector.

Investigations by the South East Voice at the Government House, Awka, showed that both governors tried to use private developers for mass housing, but it appeared funding was a major drawback.

However, the state-owned Anambra Housing Development Corporation has been serving as a catalyst for housing development and over the years, had developed few estates in Awka and Onitsha, though its efforts could best be likened to a mere drop of water in the ocean.

The present administration of Governor Willie Obiano has however announced plans to develop massive housing estates for workers in Awka. A large expanse of land was recently acquired for a multi – billion Naira project expected to be executed under Private Public Partnership, PPP. Some private organizations have also been acquiring land for housing under the sight and services scheme, although some of those who paid for the

land are complaining that development was very slow due to lack of funds.

Lack of adequate housing has however been having its toll on the lives of the people. Take the pathetic story of Mr. Ikenna Nwafor, a father of six for example. Nwafor was a Grade Level 7 officer at the time Anambra State was created. He managed to secure a two bedroom apartment at Nkwelle Village in Awka immediately he returned to Awka and relocated his family from Enugu.

At inception, Nwafor paid N80000 per annum for the house, but with systematic increase by his landlord, the rent jumped to N250000 per annum, forcing him to move his family to his village from where he comes to work.

Unfortunately, Nwafor has not been able to build his own house in his village and so, is sharing a family house with other members of his extended family.

He told South East Voice: “It

Continues on Page 26

Ozubulu Street residents appeal for road rehabilitation

By Anayo Okoli

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HE residents of Ozubulu Street in Independence Layout, Enugu have appealed to the Enugu State Government to rehabilitate the eastern wing of the street.

In a communiqué after their emergency meeting Tuesday, the residents said that the condition of the road had become unbearable.

They stated that they were aware of the tight economic situation in the country, which had adversely affected the resources of the state government.

“In spite of these challenges, the state government has prudently managed the resources at its disposal to build infrastructure in parts of the state.

“We want to draw the attention of the state government to the fact that Independence Layout is one of the flash points of Enugu Capital Territory.

“Visitors pay special attention to this area due to the numerous state and Federal Government establishments located here.

“It is in the light of this that we earnestly plead with the state governor to pay special attention to this very important street for the socio-economic wellbeing of the residents and visitors,” they stated.

The residents said that the dust in the street in dry seasons and mud during rainy seasons were taking their tolls on the health of the people, vehicles and other socio-economic activities.

They recalled that the road was scraped by the previous administration in 2013 but could not be worked on before the expiration of its tenure in 2015.

“We, therefore, make a passionate appeal that the street be asphalted, counting on the governor’s milk of human kindness,” they stated.

The organisations on the street include News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Nigeria Customs Service, The Grail Movement, the national headquarters of the Assemblies of God Church, Agric Quarters, Grandchavy Hotels Ltd among others.

26—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

MARCH 9, 2016

High cost of accommodation hits South-East communities Continues from Page 26 is pathetic situation. I was forced to move out of Awka because I could no longer pay the rent in the township. Even in the village, life is not easy because the family house is not adequate for us. Besides, I have to be paying transport fare to my office in Awka every day and though I will soon retire, I have not been able to put up any structure anywhere.”

Nwafor said he could not even afford to buy a parcel of land even in his village because of the high cost. On the average, a plot of land of 50ft by 100 feet in Awka costs between N2 million and N8 million depending on the location and only those in business can afford to buy them. Though land is cheaper in the villages, the fear is that squabbles among families is scaring buyers who often discover that the land they bought for building houses was in dispute.

Some communities around Awka and Onitsha have designated some of their communal lands as housing estates and plotted and sold them to people, but the present economic crunch in the country has made it difficult for those who bought the land to develop them.

In Umuahia, capital of Abia State, a plot of land in the main city goes for between N2 million and N15 million, depending on the area of the city, even as a plot in new developing areas around the city goes for between N1 million and N2 million, making it difficult for the poor to build or own his/her own house.

However, there a number of housing estates initiated by the administration of former Governor Theodore Orji in collaboration with private developers for civil servants in the state. The projects are stalled for now and it is left for the current Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration to continue with the projects which are located at the outskirts of Umuahia or not.

In Umuahia for instance, houses have become very expensive to rent, coupled with the nuisance of agents who first collect money from a prospective tenant to register with them and collect another 10% of whatever amount the tenant agreed with the landlord.

The agents charge between N1000 and N2000 for registration to enable them look for accommodation for potential tenants or traders.

A room apartment in a faceme-I-face you apartment goes

for between N2000 and N3000, per month, depending on the area, and the potential tenant is asked to pay between one year and two years. A selfcontained one room apartment goes for between N80, 000 and N120, 000, also depending on the location.

A two-bed room goes for between N15, 000 and N20, 000, per month while a threebed room apartment goes for between N20, 000 and N25, 000, per month.

However, in Aba, a one- room apartment goes for N3000 per month. While a self- contained goes for N10, 000 per month.

Two bed-room apartment is rented for N12, 000 and above per month, depending on the area, while three-bed room apartment goes between N15, 000 and N20, 000, per month depending on the area and the age of the house.

Like other places, residents of Aba also face the nuisance of agents who ask for money to register as well as commission.

Ebonyi THE cost of accommodation in Ebonyi unlike before has risen astronomically to the amazement of the people of the state.

The following factors are responsible for the high cost of accommodation within Abakaliki metropolis.

At the time of this report, the rent for a three bedroom flat ranges between N250,000 and N400,000; two bedroom N180,000 to N200,000; One room self- contained -

N120,000 to 150,000 depending on the location while one room with separate toilets and bathroom costs between N2,500 and N3,000 monthly. Tenants are also expected to pay agreement or lawyers’ fees as well as 10 percent agency fees before taking possession of such accommodation. , is the payment of Lawyer fees which is usually an agreement between the landlord and his lawyer while the Agent fees is usually the 10 percent of the total cost of the accommodation.

High cost of building materials, greed among landlords and the new tax laws passed by the state House of Assembly are said to be responsible for high cost of accommodation.

Enugu Rents were cheap in Enugu until few years ago when the Boko Haram insurgents started killing Christians and nonnortherners in the northern states, forcing majority of Igbo who were displaced to run back to Enugu.

However, residents of the area are now facing problems of high cost of accommodation like other states in the geopolitical zone.

In Enugu metropolis, highbrow areas in places like New Haven, Independence Layout, GRA, peg rents on one room self- contained at N130,000 while two bedroom flats go for between N300,000 and 400,000.

A three bedroom flat also,

goes for between N500,000 and 900,000 depending on the facilities in the accommodation which ranges from availability of overhead water tank, security, parking space for cars and cleaners among others.

For bungalows, tenants pay between 800,000 and N1.3 million.

Most bungalows come with boys’ quarters inside the compound which the tenant could in turn sublet to other tenants for fee ranging between N60,000 to 80,000.

At Enugu North, Enugu South and Enugu East local governments, rents range from N60,000 to N500,000 per annum. A one- room apartment goes for N60,000 a year, excluding agency and agreement fees while a selfcontained apartment goes between N120,000 to N150,000 per annum excluding agency and agreement fees.

Agency fees for one room selfcontained ranges between N30,000 to 40,000 while agency fees and agreements for flats range from N100,000 to N150,000 In the same manner, a twobed room flat costs N216,000 at N18,000 per month while three- bed rooms go for between N300,000 and N400,000 a year.

A duplex costs about N1million to rent and all the prices exclude agency and agreement fees. It is the same situation at the Trans- Ekulu and Federal Housing, Abakpa.

Shops costs as high as N50,000 monthly along the Ogui Road in Enugu North

and all the fees are without agency and agreement fees.

Some landlords demand two years of the rent in advance.

Generally, amounts payable for plots of land are dependent on their strategic locations.

Highbrows areas of New Haven, Independence Layout and GRA attract amounts ranging from N20 million and N50 million per plot.

Apart from the Real Estate which was built by previous administrations during the defunct Eastern Region, the former governors of the state, Chimaroke Nnamani and his successor Sullivan Chime, embarked on the construction several expensive housing estates that were clearly beyond the reach of the ordinary man on the streets.

The governors allocated Enugu Zoo Estates to their commissioners and cronies just as they developed the various Golf Estates for top party and government officials. Recently, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi has commissioned 100 twobedroom flats at Elim Elim Estate, Ibagwa Nike; the Liberty, Trinity and Victory Estates along the Airport Road for civil servants as well as embarked on the development of new estates through the Enugu State Housing Development Authority to ease the acute shortage of accommodation in the state.

There are however, private housing estates including Jubilee, Goshen, Elim and Bethel among others where rents are said to be even higher.

Those living at Emene, Amechi and Ngwo which are at the outskirts of the Enugu pay relatively cheaper rents.

Imo Comfortable accommodation remains a major problem in Imo State, where the percentage of fertility is reportedly very high.

Imo is one area where some married women have as many as 12 or more children. The situation is even made more attractive as women are handsomely celebrated if and when they give birth to 10 children.

The population of Imo State virtually exploded when Owerri took the toga of a state capital.

This development engineered the influx of several people into Owerri municipality and other adjoining communities, including Orji, Uratta, Egbu, Naze, Obinze, Nekede, Irete, Obilubi, Amatta, Emii and Emekuku.

Currently, house rents have hit roof tops, especially in the past one year. This however, depends on the area and the kind of building the tenant was looking for.

In Owerri, nobody gives a room in a public yard for less than N5,000 per month.

A tenant, who spoke on the issue claimed that “when the room is self-contained, it goes for about N7,000 and above,” adding that landlords ask for and receive up to two years.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016—27

Inlaks links NCC on greater broadband penetration in Nigeria

Two Nigerian mini-aircraft wizards hold minister spellbound

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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N the past, it would only happen in a fairy tale. But today, it’s happening live and the world is becoming witness to the talents being unleashed to the society through Nigeria. How else can one describe a country which teenagers could design and produce a mini-aircraft that could fly for about 3000 to 4000 miles above the sea level and covering a distance of about five to six kilometers.

This was witnessed by the Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, with staff of the ministry and other observers when the Delta State born inventor of the technology, Aghogho Ajiyen and Ayola Olaolu of Oyo State demonstrated their craft at Eagle Square, Abuja last week. Ajiyen, an indigene of Oghara, in Delta state told the minister that his creativity and passion for aircraft fabrication dated back to his teenage years when he watched planes land and take off from the Old Warri airport.

Ajiyen who also told the minister that

By Laju Iren

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he neither had formal education nor entered an aircraft in his life, said he only conducted personal research and read books until he discovered some of the basic principles of flight and converted them into a real live machine.

His words: “when I was very small, around 1992, I tried to build my first aircraft, living somewhere around old airport in Warri, where I used to see aircrafts flying up and landing. Before then, I had been building cars. But seeing planes triggered a passion in me to create something that can resist the downward pull of gravity.

“In that 1992, I tried but it did not move not to talk of flying. I tried again in 1994, but no way. At a time, I concluded that these white men were into some voodoo and I eventually backed off.

“Not being too comfortable, I decided to go back. In 1997, I tried again and at a point I mustered courage, insisting that even if it means dying there, at least to prove that a black man can do it. I went into a research, reading books until I

CT and Infrastructure Solutions provider, Inlaks, has expressed readiness to partner with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the provision of broadband services to Nigerians in all the 36 states of the federation.The partnership will among others things ensure that most Nigerians have access to faster and more affordable internet services on their mobile and desktop devices.

Speaking at the Members’ meeting of the Institute of Directors in Lagos recently, tagged ‘Broadband ecosystem: The role of the regulator,” MD/CEO of Inlaks, Mr. Femi Adeoti, said it was important for the regulatory commission to increase its current proposed broadband speed for faster internet penetration in the country.

discovered some of the basic principles of flight, pressure, Newtons Law of Motion among others. I also went further to study how the powers in the principles can be converted into a real live machine.

“It was after these much struggle that around 1999, I built another plane, in a very shaky way, it was a able to leave the ground to just a couple of feat. To me then, it was a major milestone but to people around, it was a waste of time.

But from 1999 to date, I have been able to refine and transform that primitive plane to sophisticated master piece I have shown today.” In his remarks, the Minister said he was happy that the strength of Nigeria can not only be described as lying in the mineral resources but also in the citizens.

He assured that the ministry would assist all Nigerian inventors to realize their dreams by making their ideas become products and services to the global market place that will be of tremendous benefit to the nation.

IT service provider He said, “We are an IT service provider and we are also now delving into cloud computing, which cannot work without effective broadband. That is why this partnership is very important to us. The cloud solution works solely on internetbased infrastructure and if the internet infrastructure of our clients is not good, they cannot do cloud solutions effectively.

So we have been discussing with NCC to see how we upscale the level of broadband that is available in the country.

The NCC is prospecting about 1.5Mbits/ sec, which is rather too low. Other countries are executing 100Mbits/s, and even up to 2Gbits/sec, and we are talking about 1.5.

However, with the partnership between the private and public sectors, we will be able to provide an increased broadband together. NCC is required to work on policy framework whilst Inlaks will work on the implementation.”

Strong internet connectivity ‘ll bridge digital divide — Danbatta Services for South Africa, Prof. (Ms) Stories by Prince Osuagwu

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XECUTIVE Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta recently assured the international community that Nigeria is putting up plans to use strong online presence through appreciable internet connectivity, to bridge the digital gulf between Africa and the rest of the developed world. He also challenged potential investors to make substantial investment in the Nigerian broadband ecosystem and see what a return on investment such an attempt could yield.

Danbatta spoke during a panel discussion in Barcelona, Spain, on the topic: “Is closing the digital divide in Sub-Saharan Africa myth or reality?"

He assured the International Community that the NCC’s eight-point agenda has been carefully packaged to cushion all aspects of investments,

especially “as we move to the next frontier of ICT revolution – broadband for internet connectivity.” The panel discussion was a part of the Regional summit for Sub-Saharan Africa at the just concluded, Mobile World congress, MWC, by GSM Association, in Barcelona, Spain.

Danbatta told the panel which was moderated by the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), Nigeria’s Shola Taylor, that the NCC has put in place the agenda to encourage investors. “Two of the prominent goals are related to deployment of infrastructure for broadband and efficient utilization of Spectrum to benefit all Nigerians in all the regions.” He told the audience which included Secretary General of African Telecommunications Union (ATU), Mr. Abdoukarim Soumaila, Deputy Minister, Telecoms and Postal

Nlengiwe Mkhize, Meg. CharlesHorn (Africa mobile Networks), Shiletsi Makhofane (Ericsson Subsaharan Africa), Mr. Mortimer Hope, Director Africa for GSMA, Alan Marcus (World Economic Forum) and Nkateko Nyoka of Vodacom Group among others, that the NCC will keep faith with the National Broadband Plans and in line with this, the country now has seven zones and each zone will have one operator which will deploy broadband services to every part of that zone. So far, two infrastructure licences have been issued for Lagos and North Central Zones including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the process for issuing licenses for the other five zones has begun. Danbatta assured that “the regulatory framework has been put in place to ensure a transparent licensing process because

we really want to bridge the digital divide”. “We want to bridge the digital divide by addressing infrastructure divide and we will be transparent and open about this, Danbatta further submitted.

He believed that with over 107 percent teledensity for voice segment of telecommunications services already achieved, the country was in the right direction in creating new frontier of telecom business in broadband.

Meanwhile, Chief Officer, Regulatory Affairs, Vodacom, Nkateko Nyoka said to bridge the digital divide, emphasis should be shifted from voice to data and “we need skills to run sustainable businesses”.

Appzone’s Creditclub to benefit under-banked population

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FRICA’s leading provider of home-grown banking and financial technology solutions, AppZone, has intensified focus on improving financial services access to the under-banked members of the informal sector by piloting Creditclub.

Creditclub is an alternative banking channel solution developed for licensed deposit money Banks with primary application in the area of delivering basic Banking services to remote customers outside traditional branches and in collaboration with affiliated third party entities.

Speaking on the development, the company explained that “Banks can leverage AppZone’s shared Core Banking platform along with the Creditclub technology and agent network to exploit the huge opportunity for customer acquisition and liquidity growth as well as to significantly increase operating margins through low cost and relatively stable savings funds.” “ The CreditClub technology addresses branchless banking challenges by providing a robust software core and embedded core banking application that

seamlessly integrates with portable mobile phones and POS devices as well as third party core banking applications.

CreditClub also offers mobile banking self-service applications and functionality for issuing and managing debit cards.

Using applications on mobile devices, agents are able to perform basic banking operations such as instant account opening and debit card issuance, as well as cash deposits and withdrawals. Other supported services include bills payments & funds transfers. The Instant card issuance feature allows Agents link

non-personalized debit cards to newly created accounts of customers thereby allowing new customers access their funds at ATMs from day one.

The CreditClub agent network is currently being piloted in Lagos, Abia, Owerri, Oyo and Kwara with the ultimate goal to rollout across the 36 states of Nigeria in 2016.

CreditClub is a flagship product of AppZone limited; a Nigerian software company that was established in 2008 and has grown to become Africa’s No. 1 provider of home-grown software solutions for the financial services industry.

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28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Ali promises more goals for Pillars

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ano Pillars climbed to second spot in the NPFL table after securing a 3-2 win over Akwa United thanks to a hat-trick from Rabiu Ali. Ali, who boasts of eight caps for Nigeria was in splendid form as Pillars came from behind to secure a win over Akwa. According to him, Pillars approached the game positively against the Promise Keepers and thus deserved the win.

“We approach every match with a positive mindset and that match against Akwa United wasn’t an exception,” Ali said. “The continuous cheer from our fans is enough reason to give one’s best at all times. I’m really glad that I got those goals but I must thank my team mates for those opportunities they created for me.

Saviour gets Brazil for Olympics warm-up

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V Oostende of Belgium forward Godwin Saviour has been granted his entry visa to Brazil for a friendly against the Rio Olympics hosts later this month.

Brazil will host Nigeria on March 24 as part of the two countries’ preparations for the Rio Olympics in August.

“Saviour has got his visa to Brazil. He will fly out from Belgium for the friendly,” a representative of the player informed.

The foreign-based players called up by Nigeria for the friendly are expected to join up with the rest of squad directly in Brazil on March 20.

Saviour helped Dream Team VI to qualify for the U23 AFCON in Senegal, which doubled as a qualifying tournament for the Rio Olympics.

•Saviour

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•Ighalo

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atford striker Odion Ighalo has vowed he will soon start scoring again after he has now gone seven games without finding the back of the net.

Ighalo has fired 14 goals in the English Premier League, but he last scored on January 30.

It’s a concern for both his club, who want to secure their Premier League status as soon as possible, and also for Nigeria, who face Egypt in two AFCON 2017 qualifiers later this month.

“I won’t allow this ( g o a l s drought) to put me down, it happens to all strikers, but I know

AFCON 2017 qualifier: I ‘ll give Siasia 100% — Ighalo the goals will soon start coming.

I will continue to work hard and it will be a matter of time before I am scoring again,” he declared.

“The second half of the season is often more difficult, but we will get 40 points as we already have 36 points and we still have nine games to go. We have had some bad results in the last two, three games.”

Seven-time African

champions Egypt will be guests of Nigeria on March 25 in Kaduna, before they welcome the Super Eagles to Alexandria on March 29.

“It won’t be an easy game, I won’t lie. But it’s possible to win, we have what it takes to win, we will fight for the whole game to win,” he assured.

Samson Siasia is the Eagles caretaker coach following the shock resignation of Sunday

Oliseh.

Ighalo noted he has previously worked with the coach with the U20s and Olympic team and he will give him his full support.

“I have worked with Siasia in the U-20 and U-23 teams, he is a disciplinarian and knows what he wants. He will play an attacking football and we have to give him our best. I will give him 100%,” he said.

Oshoala wants more money for African women football

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uper Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala has called for more investment in African women football, if progress were to be made in the sector.

Oshoala who was speaking at the FIFA Women’s Football and Leadership Conference in Switzerland, said that poor facilities and lack of grassroots development were a bane of the women game in the continent. She urged FIFA, African football administrators and politicians to pay more attention.

“We have poor facilities in Africa, talking about the pitches.

We sometimes play on sandy and rocky pitches which matters.

“The grassroot is the future of football. That’s what I believe. It’s not about what you get now, but “Football is creating a lot of opportunity for youths.

“I want to say to everyone to please do whatever you can do to help move women’s football forward. Please do it. I’m not going to wait any longer,”Oshoala said.

Oshoala who is expected to complete here move to Arsenal Ladies on Wednesday, featured longside 2012 Fifa Women’s World Player of the Year, Abby Wambach, Samar Nassar (Chief Executive Director of the Local Organising Committee for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016) and Brigitte Henriques (General Secretary of the French Football Association).

•Oshoala

•Igh

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 — 29

GOtv Boxing Night 6:

Rasheed, Fijabi target W.African titles

UEFA C/LEAGUE MATCHES TODAY Chelsea v PSG 8:45pm Zenit v Benfica 8:45pm

•As Joe Boy takes on Hogan Jimoh Jnr.

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•Ibenegbu

CAF Champions League:

We want to win well against Vital’O — Ibenegbu

halo

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nyimba attacking midfielder, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu has said his side will be convincing with their performance against the Burundian side, Vital’O FC. The Nigerian champions will host the East African side in Sunday’s CAF Champions League second round first leg clash at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Ibenegbu said the side performance in the five-week old Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will count for nothing when they confront the East African foes, Vital’O FC. “Of course, our performance or position on the domestic league will not count at all against the Burundian side, Vital’O FC on Sunday in Port Harcourt.

“The CAF Champions League is an entirely different ball game compared with the domestic league.

“We have challenges with the new players in our midst who are yet to blend perfectly well with the rest of the team which I believe in the very shortest time that will be history. “We have two matches to spare against Sunshine Stars and Ikorodu United we are certain to improve our fortune on the log after the matches.

“We had similar challenges when we faced the Ugandan side, Vipers SC and at the end of the day we came out winners.

Rio 2016 qualifier: Nigeria boxers depart for Cameroun

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he Nigerian Boxing Team to the Rio 2016 Olympic qualifiers holding in Younde Cameroun departed the country yesterday with a Camairo-co airline that left the country’s shores at exactly 5.45pm Nigeria time.

Made up of seven men and three women, the boxers who are already in Younde, Cameroun, include three 2015 Congo Brazzaville All Africa Games gold Medalists, Efe Ajagba, Soldier lady Edith Ogoke-Agu, her colleague, Kehinde Obare and two silver medalists, Efetobor Apochi and Caroline Linus also a solider.

Vice President of the NBF Ibrahim Suleiman Zango, who disclosed this said the boxers are being accompanied by same coaches that led them to the 2015 All Africa Games success stories, Tony Konyegwachie (Head Coach), Adurah Olalehin, Mohammed Sabo and Friday Ossai.

ast rising middleweight boxer, Abolaji “Afonja Warrior “ Rasheed will have the chance to win the West African middleweight title when he takes Ghana’s Adjei Sowah in the sixth edition of GOtv Boxing Night. The event is billed to hold on Good Friday, 25 March at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

This was disclosed by the organisers at a press conference yesterday in Lagos to announce the fight line-up.

Speaking at the occasion, Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director of Flykite Productions, promoters of the event, said he was delighted at the progress boxing has made in the last one and half years, the evidence of which is visible in improved purse, insurance package, N1 million cash prize for the best boxer and frequency of fights.

Another big fight at the event will see national light welterweight champion, Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, make a bid for the West African title when he takes on Republic of Benin’s Djamiou Ekekpo.

I want to break my own record — World record holder

By JACOB AJOM

H

arrison Chinedu who holds the world record of walking the longest distance of 48.04 kilometres in 6 hours,15 minutes with a ball on his head, has said he has already started working on how to beat his own record.

The Cambodia based Nigerian footballer, walked a total distance of 48.04 kilometres in 6 hours,15 minutes to beat the record formerly held by Indian soldier Naib Singh who walked a total distance of 45.64km in his country in 2014. Chinedu’s feat attained Sunday, March 6, has attracted a lot of global attention and suitors are already falling heads over heels to identify with him.

Speaking at the National Stadium, Lagos yesterday, Chinedu said the achievement was testimony to his strong belief in his his innate powers. “My biggest motivation was that I believe in showcasing my God-given talent. I know I have the skill and I want to show the world what I can do,” he said.

•Terry Willian

Chelsea’s Willian targets C/ League final without Terry

J

ohn Terry looks set to miss Chelsea’s Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Paris Saint-Germain, but Willian is targeting the final.

Terry has missed Chelsea’s last five games with a hamstring injury, but Hiddink had hoped his captain would be fit to face PSG today and planned to include him in a seven-a-side practice match over the weekend.

However, Terry is still unable to take part in full training and so is highly unlikely to play in the crucial tie at Stamford Bridge, with next weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final at Everton his next target.

Hiddink said: “I don’t think John will make it on

Wednesday (today). For the time being, there has not been enough development to put him on the list.

“It’s not worse – he trained and had treatment on Saturday morning, and he can run, but he cannot go into a longer stretch where you have to accelerate. There he has to be careful.

“When he is ready to do so, maybe he will play in a practice match, but I don’t think he will make it. Hopefully, let’s see what can be done for next weekend.”

Despite the blow, Willian is hopeful Chelsea can overturn a 2-1 deficit to see off PSG as they look to seal a place in next season’s Champions League by winning it.

Verratti ready for ‘war’ with Costa

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aris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti is ready to go to war with Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge tonight.

The Blues trail the French giants 2-1 from the first leg at Parc des Princes but a rare John Obi Mikel away goal gives Guus Hiddink’s men hope of making the quarter-finals.

Mikel goals are seen about as regularly as Halley’s Comet and Costa’s name is far more likely to appear on the scoresheet in west London this evening.

Italian enforcer Verratti shares the fiery Spanish internationals will to win and expects theChelsea star to try every trick in the book to turn the Champions League tide.

Verratti said: “I prefer entertaining football but having a personality like Costa in your team is always good.

“He uses warfare to win the games but I know him, he’s a good guy who transforms when he comes on the pitch.” PSG are not in great form heading into the last 16 showdown but •Verratti should be considerably fresher than a Chelsea side who were frustrated by Stoke City on Saturday.

C M Y K

30—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

He can’t just walk back into our lives

My ex is hurting me with our son Dear Bunmi, When I got pregnant early last year, my boyfriend promised to stand by me and we even talked of marriage.

Shortly after I had our son, however, he left me for another woman and they now live together. I am very upset, angry and lonely. My ex wants to keep in touch with our son and visits him at my place as he’s not a year old yet.

I’ve asked him to arrange a day or two each week when he’ll see him but he says he’ll phone when he wants to visit because he doesn’t know

when he’ll be free. I understand his position but it seems he wants to eat his cake and have it. He has got a way of hurting me and that upsets me. I feel I’d be unable to move on if I was always expecting him to call.

He’s told me to get on with my life but it’s not that easy.

It looks to me as if he’s in control but do you think I feel this way because he’s hurt me? I feel he needs to know the damage he’s caused me as it looks as if he doesn’t care. I still love him and want things to work out between us Deep in my heart I still do. I

He left with two years’ rent in arrears Dear Bunmi, Some months back, I found out that my husband had been having an affair for several months while he’d been working away in one of his firm’s branch offices.

Before then, he’d had a string of girlfriends some of who I know. When I discovered his recent affair, I was so hurt that I really tore into him. You can then imagine how shocked I was when he suddenly became physically violent towards me, telling me he was fed up with my naggings and was moving out. Weeks later, I came back from the office to find his things gone and the rent in arrears of two years!

I contacted his ‘out of town woman’ after he left and she confessed to his cheating on her too. I am still raw from all this deception and wary of a new relationship. Can I ever move on from this nightmare?

I have only one daughter to consider.

Mowo, By e-mail.

Dear Mowo, Before you move on, there are two things you’ll need to get over. Firstly, believing that you somehow failed in your marriage. You did not. You cannot be held responsible for your husband’s irresponsible behaviour. In time, you’ll look back and see things you could have done differently. But right now hang on to the fact that you did your best to make your marriage work. No one can expect more.

Secondly, because you believed in your husband and he let you down, you may feel you can never trust anyone again. Yet, at the start of your relationship, he probably was trustworthy. His downhill slide was slow and unnoticeable, so you were taken by surprise.

That doesn’t mean you’ll get conned again.

Your daughter, the only offspring of the marriage, is now your temporary focus. In time you’ll recover from this nightmare and will be ready to move on.

feel that by allowing him to see our son or phone whenever it suits him, I’m giving the impression that I don’t have a problem with what he’s done to me and that it’s all right that he’s with someone else.

Please help me to make sense of the deep hurt I feel.

I need to move on.

Joke, By e-mail.

Dear Joke, Your anguish is raw and real and I’m sorry you’ve been hurt this way. You need to have time away from the ex that hurt you in order to numb the pain of parting and help you plan your life without him. However, because you need to protect your son’s relationship with his dad, you will be unable to totally exclude him from your life.

Tell him he needs to stay away for a while so you could get your thoughts together and get to terms with his moving on to another woman.

When eventually you meet another man, and you will, believe me, you’ll feel relieved that this unsatisfactory relationship came to an end.

Meanwhile, accept the reality that you and him will not get back together.

Sometimes, when the phone rings and it’s him, deal with those calls impersonally.

Agree with him on whether or not it’s convenient for him to see his child and at what time. When your son grows older they can both meet away from your home.

Although he may hide it, your ex is uneasy about what he’s done to you. After all, he’s betrayed the mother of his son. Believe me, he didn’t want to bring you this pain.

As best you can make this period of transition easy on you both.

My brother-in-law could be the father Dear Bunmi, At a recent family wedding reception which took place at my brother-in-law’s house, I had a really drunken night with a few family friends, including my brother-in- law.

Things got out of hand and we ended up having sex in a spare room in his house.

I regretted it immediately as I’m very happy with my husband.

We have two children and are planning for the third one.

Now I’ve just discovered I’m C M Y K

pregnant and there is a good chance my brother-in-law could be the father. Should I discuss this with him before I tell my husband?

Dunni, By e-mail.

Dear Dunni, I can’t make this decision for you. If you come clean you’ll destroy your marriage and your husband’s family as there’s no guarantee your brother-in-law would keep quiet once he knows. If you

keep quiet then you’ll have to live a lie, and since your brother-in-law and your husband are blood brothers, you might just get away with it.

You need to do a bit of soul searching though. You say you’re happy with your husband but if you were, things wouldn’t have got out of hand with his brother.

Whatever you decide about the baby, you need to take a hard, long look at what’s happening in your marriage.

Dear Bunmi, After over 20 years of marriage, my husband finally left me and our five children to live with a widow. We are quite comfortable and live in our own house, and my children, all in their teens, were shocked and embarrassed by his decision to move.

It seemed the widow wanted a proper live-in husband, so my husband did a native wedding with her. That was some three years ago. Now his merry widow is fed up with him as she’s often seen at parties, having the time of her life without him.

My husband recently confided in our eldest daughter that he would be happy to come back as he was being made to look like an errand-boy in this widow’s home. Without waiting for an answer, he’s moved back in and I feel really resentful. He says the house belongs to him, that we’re not divorced yet and I could leave if I wasn’t pleased with him being back.

The children are happy that he’s back but I was getting used to my freedom before he came back. How should I tackle this problem?

Franka, By e-mail.

Dear Franka, Except you have somewhere to move to, I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with your husband. He’s burnt his fingers and he’s come running home like the prodigal son. It’s his house, so he’s welcome to stay. But until he’s earned your trust, you don’t have to dance around him to make his stay comfortable.

In the meantime, encourage him to talk frankly about his feelings for this widow and the excitement he once found with her. How does he now feel about you?

You and your husband will not quickly re-establish the love and trust you once shared but you can patiently rebuild your marriage once you find it in your heart to forgive and hopefully forget.

Is it true bald men are sexier?

Dear Bunmi, I’m a mother of two, separated from my partner and have just met this lawyer who is a widower. Although he is in his early 40s he’s gone bald but a close friend said I should consider that a bonus that bald-headed men are better lovers. Is this true? My ex wasn’t that much of a good lover and I might overlook the bald head if there are promises of good things to come!

Alero, By e-mail.

Dear Alero,

Although I can’t answer your question from personal experience, theory says there might be some truth in it!

Some men go bald because their bodies produce a lot of one particular hormone called testosterone. This is also the hormone that makes people women as well as men - feel randy.

A lack of sex drive is often caused by a lack of testosterone. So it seems fairly safe to say that the two things might be linked. My advice?

Never turn down a guy just because he’s going thin on the top!

You say you’re happy with your husband but if you were, things wouldn’t have got out of hand with his brother; whatever you decide about the baby, you need to take a hard, long look at what’s happening in your marriage

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016—31

How Nigerian banker drowned in Liberia •Family allege client’s involvement

By Esther Onyegbula

T

HE human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked.” This Bible verse readily comes to mind when you read about the circumstances surrounding the death of Nigerian-born Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank in Liberia, Mr. Daniel Orogun who was allegedly murdered in cold blood by an associate who invited him and his family to dinner on January 24, 2016.

It was learned that contrary to information received after the incident that Mr Daniel Orogun was celebrating his an anniversary on a boat cruise, investigations, according to close family sources, revealed that a client of the deceased invited him to his seaside mansion where the unfortunate incident occurred.

Dinner at the seaside: According to reports, the client has been inviting the deceased and his family to his seaside mansion home for dinner but he could not honour it.

Dinner invitation However, it was gathered that in November last year when the banker wanted to honour one of such invitations, he failed again after he accidentally injured his thumb on his car door while preparing to honour it.

Elder brother opens up: Elder brother to the deceased banker, Felix Orogun who spoke with Crime Alert narrated how the ugly incident took place. He said he led a family delegation to Liberia after receiving the sad news of the death of their brother. His words: “His wife, Isioma told us that on that fateful day, after church services that Sunday, my brother Daniel was having a haircut at home when he received a phone call from a customer reminding him of a dinner invitation.

Reluctantly, he, alongside his wife and children, decided to honour the invitation after the client called three more times.

Before he left the house, he took a bottle of wine and some soft drinks. Being a footbal fan, he was said to have called his client to inform him of developments in the Chelsea and Arsenal match.”

C M Y K

Mr. Daniel Orogun and his family

Late Mr. Daniel Orogun Narration by deceased's wife: According to his wife, “On getting to the house of the host, he offered us drink but Dan went into his vehicle and brought a bottle of the drink he brought from home. After a while, his host said we should all go for a boat ride and return for dinner.

He took us to the boat, not knowing that there was no life jacket. We were eight in the boat — my husband and I, our three children, our host, Mr. Kailondo and two others.

Experienced divers A diver named Michael was also following us on a Jet Skii, while our host was in charge of the helm. Before we set out on the calm river, I asked for safety procedure and life jacket, but was shocked when our host said there were no life jackets but we were assured that there was no problem and that experienced divers were with us.

It was too late for any of us to get out of the boat because as soon as I raised the question about life jacket, our host, Mr Kailondo quickly moved the boat from its moorings.

“While we were inside, Michael the diver was displaying some acrobatic as he followed the boat with the jet skii, two other divers were seated at the nose of the boat.

When we got to a point, our host suggested that we should ride into the high sea. Dan and I

rejected the idea. We then stopped, relaxed and were chatting while Dan was responding to news on the football game going on through his phone. Music was going on in the boat.

Dan was at the back seat. Our host took a bottle of whisky, emptied part of it into Dan’s cup, luckily he saw it and challenged him by asking whether he has forgotten that the cup was his.

I made sure he did not drink from the cup again.

New twist: “While everyone was relaxed, our host was

While we were inside, Michael the diver was displaying some acrobatic as he followed the boat with the jet skii, two other divers were seated at the nose of the boat

watching my husband and dancing at the same time. All of a sudden and unexpectedly, he started the engine with very high speed and made an almost 360 degrees anti-clock wise turn with the boat. While the children and I fell inside the boat as we lost balance, my husband fell off the boat into the river.

Michael, the diver that was following the boat on jet Skil was suddenly no longer in sight.

Surprisingly, the young men that were sitting on the nose of the boat did not fall inside the river, which shows they were expecting such a move.

Instead of our host to stop, he rode away for a few minutes while the children and I were screaming for him to go and get their father. He reluctantly turned the boat to go and meet him, and he put-off the engine midway.

Struggle for safety: “In the meantime, my husband was swimming towards the boat, while I was fighting hard to prevent the children from jumping into the river because they wanted to go and rescue their father.

Jumping into the river I cried and pleaded with our host to go and assist my husband while the children were crying. I also pleaded with the two young men who were sitting on the nose of the boat to throw the rescue rope to my husband but they refused and suddenly claimed that they could not swim though our host introduced them at the onsets as divers.

All this while, Michael the diver who was following the boat

was nowhere to be found. I had to start calling for help with my phone when I saw the way things were going, I called for help from outside.

Belated last minute efforts: “Reluctantly, our host removed his shirt, jumped into the river, swam and met my husband who was already swimming towards the boat, held him back to prevent him from swimming towards the boat by clipping his hands to his body. The next thing was that he sank into the water with him, stayed under the water for some time and came out of the water from another side without my husband.”

Distraught family members The distraught family members of the deceased further alleged that when questioned after the lifeless body of the banker was found three days later at the scene of the incident, their host simply attributed it to witchcraft.

Doubts over role of Liberian security: Lamenting the manner the case is being handled by Liberian security operatives, the family spokesperson said; “These criminals and murderers ought to have been taken into custody instead of allowing them to roam the streets of Monrovia with impunity.”

He also appealed to Liberian Director of National Police, Mr Clarence Chris Massquol, who is alleged to be an in-law to the man that hosted the bereaved family, George Kailondo and the main suspect, not to allow marital ties to succumb to the pressure that this relationship will exert upon his office.

32— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 ARIES: The more self assertive you are the better but then it is important you don’t take things and people for granted. Be wise.

TAURUS: ALTHOUGH there seem to be an air of understanding within your working arena today, tomorrow may turn the whole thing the other way.

GEMINI: HERE is an exciting day that will climax tomorrow. After a long time, others will see how passionate you can be even in love. Don’t gamble, please.

CANCER: IF your desire is to make money today, you will need to be less emotional and prepare for domestic challenges tomorrow. Enjoy your love life.

LEO: GOOD relationship between the Moon and other Planets will bring you good opportunities. Be less argumentative and take your love life more seriously.

VIRGO: THIS is your day when things will go according to your plans. Financial success indicated but if you wait till tomorrow, opposition’ll bring disappointment.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Rsted

ECENTLY, a journalist acme and co wanted to know from me what my expectation is concerning the new government. My answer simply is:

Limiting Your Expectation I expect nothing special. Before you crucify me, let me ask you. Haven’t we been having new governments

TERROR MUDA

in Nigeria? Government come and go but our problems don’t just remain, they get bigger and bigger.

in “Scavenger Elite”

Over the years, I have learned not to expect much from government as well as individuals. My policy is: blessed is he that expects nothing for he shall not be disappointed.

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA: THE Moon encourages you to be as assertive as possible but you will need to expect certain level of opposition. Try to be more friendly.

SCORPIO: HAPPENINGS within your working arena should be taken more seriously now or else, avoidable trouble would start tomorrow. Again, it’s important you are more practical about your health. Be more loving.

SAGITTARIUS: EVEN, if friends and others are helpful and pledging loyalty today, they may be forced and get on your nerve tomorrow. Be graceful in your expression.

CAPRICORN: WHATEVER can lead to avoidable trouble tomorrow, either at home or along your career/ business lines, should be well taken care of today. Be very open.

AQUARIUS: YOUR best bet today is to seek important co-operation of influential people and that of your spouse/ partner. The more legal conscious you are, the better for you.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in “HEY’

By Andy Akman

PISCES: IF others want you to conclude an important financial transactions that can possibly be done today, you’ll need to say no and go ahead as tomorrow may not be as conducive as today.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my immediate future?

Dear Joshua, I am interested in what you are doing. Please tell me what I should expect concerning my immediate future. Would I succeed in business ?

George, Lagos.

Dear George, Few years back you have started a very longer (years) great cycle of success and happiness, and this year you will be moving closer to the peak of the said cycle. What are ahead of you between now and the month of March 2016. If you utilise those sub-periods and your lucky dates you would be successful.

Similar to your immediate past (two week) period. Good opportunities to assert yourself will come your way but the Stars are saying tarry a while till your next period that will prove tremendously fortunate for you.

That is not to say the business world have to be avoided but whatever will need higher degrees of positive luck should be delayed till next month when the heavens will smile broadly at you.

During this period you will have more to gain if you take your younger subordinates seriously so also your personal new ideas on the best ways to successfully forge ahead in the business world, especially during the last two weeks of the period Ironically the same last two weeks called for carefulness while handling spiritual related issues, so also behind-the-scene-activities. Then a particular member of your opposite sex may be looking for a man she would like to lure into secret affairs; it is better for her to get such elsewhere so that one will not run into avoidable troubles.

Major emphasis will be on MONEY, YOUR INITIATIVE, TRAVELLING, CONTROVERSY and very important LOVE AFFAIRS. This is your first most fortunate period of the year 2016 which must be fully utilised.

MONEY will come in where you expect it and from unexpected sources too. If there are times when element of luck is needed to succeed, this is one of such periods; actually British Astrologer will say go for sweepstakes (like lotteries, lotto, pool betting and the like) and truly you can win. With romantic Venus in your Star Sign, important matters-of-the-heart should be taken very seriously.

Whatever your posture, nature will have it’s way and you will give in to enjoy your love life; members of your opposite sex will be willing to assist you now, either for romantic interest or otherwise.

Yes all your new ideas you have recently been keeping to yourself can be executed and rightly expect success. There are more likely to be some form of controversies, especially during the last two weeks of the period but you just have to do away with sentiment and remain focused on the best way you can better your business cause because if you carve-in to emotion, unworthy competitors would painfully take advantage of your labour. God forbid!!!

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016—33

NPS probes allegation of prison inmate directing kidnap activities

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— CONTROLLER-General, Nigerian Prisons Service, NPS, Dr Peter Ekpendu, has ordered an investigation into allegation by four kidnap suspects in Police custody in Rivers State that a prison inmate on awaiting trial coordinated their kidnap activities from the Port Harcourt Prison with a mobile phone.

NPS Public Relations Officer, Enobore Francis, who spoke in Port Harcourt, yesterday, said that the Controller-General, Dr Ekpendu, had set up a high powered investigation team made up of senior officers of the Nigerian Prisons Service to look into the issue, adding that their findings will be disclosed to the media at the end of the exercise.

He said he was in Port Harcourt to brief the media after reading about the allegation by the suspects in Police custody.

He said: “The ControllerGeneral of Prisons, on reading the report, immediately directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated by a team of senior officers considering the weight of the allegation.

“He has vowed that anyone found culpable in the saga will be made to face the full wrath of the law as the Nigerian Prisons Service is a disciplined

organisation established to reform the maladjusted using force of personality and leadership, therefore, it cannot afford to harbour persons of questionable integrity within its ranks.”

The prisons image maker also spoke of the state of Port Harcourt prison, saying that

the facility which was built to accommodate 804 inmates currently accommodates about 3,613 and out of that number, 3,199 are on awaiting trial.

“Port Harcourt prison was established in 1900 with a carrying capacity of 804 inmates but the same facility

presently houses about 3,613 prisoners. Out of this number, about 3,199, representing 89 percent, are awaiting trial prisoners,“ he said.

He added that the prison authorities run different rehabilitation programmes for the inmates, including vocational skill acquisition programmes.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: From left: Dr Victoria Amadasun, Woman Leader, All Progressives Congress, Edo State; Mrs Mariam Edoror, wife of the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly; Mrs Endurance Odubu, wife of Edo State Deputy Governor; Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Princess Ekiuwa Inneh, former Head of Service, Edo State, at the 2016 International Women's Day celebration in Benin City, Tuesday.

Wike swears in Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra as Rivers Chief Judge F

OLLOWING the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, NJC, and the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor Nyesom Wike, yesterday, swore in Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra as the substantive Chief Judge of the state.

Governor Wike advised the judiciary not to be influenced by the antics of politicians, saying that they must uphold the rule of law at all times.

Performing the swearing-in of Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra, who is an indigene of Edo State, Governor Wike charged judges of Rivers State Judiciary to be courageous in their dispensation of justice in line with the tenets of the law.

The governor assured the judiciary that he will continue to support the arm of government to dutifully serve the people of Rivers State.

He noted that he worked towards the emergence of the substantive Chief Judge on the premise of laid down precedents and traditions, despite the petitions by some persons against Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra on the basis that she is not an indigene of the state.

Governor Wike said: “Judges should not allow politicians to

manipulate them to cause crisis in the judiciary. “ The governor said that he had sworn to oath of office to always do what is right.

He said: “They claimed that this administration does not allow non-indigenes to breathe.

They said if we are voted in, we will chase non-indigenes away.

But I believe in the laid precedent and the promotion of the best practices in governance.”

Governor Wike said those opposed to the emergence of Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra on the premise that she is not an indigene of Rivers State, must realise that she was appointed

Magistrate and Judge in the state without anyone raising questions on her state of origin.

Responding, the newly sworn in Substantive Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice IyayiLamikanra assured the people of Rivers State that she would dispense justice in line with the law.

Delta govt partners Indian firm on vocational education them in making technical Earlier, the Co-founder of MBy Festus Ahon

A

SABA—DELTA State Government is to partner Mobile Tutor Limited, M-Tutor, an Indian organisation, to boost the delivery of practical skills to students of technical colleges and vocational centres.

Executive Secretary of the state Technical and Vocational Education Board, Mr Michael Akpobire, who disclosed this after a meeting with representatives of M-Tutors in Asaba, said that the meeting was to work out modalities on how to make learning easier for students.

Akpobire said that the board was out to make technical education attractive to students and commended M-Tutors for deeming it fit to collaborate with

learning worthwhile.

He promised to inculcate MTutor into the technical education learning process.

Tutor, Sundra Moothy, explained that they would create passion for students, improve conceptual and contextual learning.

C-River engages German firm for superhighway, sea port devt

A

S the grading of the 260 km superhighway nears completion, Cross River State Government and Liebherr Ltd, an earth moving and mining equipment company with branches in Germany and Nigeria, have agreed on a pact.

Leading a three-man team from Germany on an inspection of the various grading sites from Bakassi to Obudu, as well as work on the deep sea port, Sales Manager of the company, Rolf Bachmann, said he was impressed with the progress of

the grading work, which he noted was near 90 per cent completion.

“The next thing we need to do is arrange special machines to embark on the next phase of the project,” he told journalists.

According to Bachmann, special equipment for bridge and road construction will be brought in by his firm.

He said, “With the bush being cleared, one phase of the job is nearly completed. The job so far done looks impressive but now the difficult stuff starts."

IDU decries abandonment of DESOPADEC projects

By Ochuko Akuopha

O

LEH—ISOKO Development Union, IDU, the apex sociocultural organisation of the Isoko nation, has decried the spate of projects abandonment by Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, in the various communities in Isokoland.

It called on the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to expedite action in “ waking up” DESOPADEC to serve oil producing communities across the state effectively, saying it was imperative to bring the commission back on track.

Speaking at a meeting of the Isoko Unity Complex, Oleh, President-General of IDU, Chief Idu Amadhe, noted that the commission had of late, failed to carry out its responsibilities to the oil bearing communities, thereby leaving many projects uncompleted in its mandate areas.

He commended Governor Okowa for the ongoing massive renovation and construction work at Ofagbe Technical College, Ofagbe, and the Law and Engineering faculties of Delta State University, Oleh campus.

Pastor Olorunfemi for burial

P

ASTOR Leslie Olorunfemi of Aiyeteju-Amuro, Mopamuro LGA, Kogi State, aged 79, is dead.

Lying in state holds tomorrow at his residence, 78, Alhaji Amoo Street, Okota, Lagos by 10a.m., followed by wake keep at World Evangelism Bible Church.

Burial service is Friday at same church, followed by interment at Atan Cemetery, Yaba.

Late Pastor Olorunfemi

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

ARMS PROLIFERATION:

Presidency begins

survey in Anambra A

By Vincent Ujumadu

WKA—THE Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, PRESCOM, has commenced a four- week national survey on the proliferation of illicit arms in Anambra State.

Programme Manager of PRESCOM, Mr. Dickson Orji told reporters in Awka yesterday that the mandate of the committee from the presidency was to curtail the menace of illicit arms in the country, adding that the exercise was being carried out in the 36 states of the federation.

Orji, who spoke through the Anambra State coordinator, Mr. Chris Oko, said the exercise was important because of its relationship with crime.

According to him, “The aim of this survey is to ascertain the true situation of the illicit circulation of SALWs in all the states of the federation by obtaining through a representative sampling process, scientific data on the subject for the purposes of articulating a National Programme of Action, NAP. He called on residents of the selected communities in Anambra where the survey would be carried out to cooperate with its field researchers for ultimate goal and for common good of all the citizens of the country.

Orji explained that the said survey was being undertaken within the context of a regional survey programme initiated by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS .

He said the programme required the national agencies and commissions on SALW in member states to conduct their national action plan for combating the evils of proliferation in their respective countries, adding that PRESCOM was embarking on the project in partnership with a

number of foreign and local consultants.

The local consultants, he said, were the Centre of Population and Environmental Development, CPED, the University of Benin, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS,

Kuru, Jos and MAXPRE as the lead Statistician and Data Analyst He stated that each of these consultants had zonal and state coordinators as well as researchers and enumerators working with them in the 36 states and the FCT.

Orji further said that the critical parameters of the survey covered approximately 9,000 households, 300 representatives of Civil Society Organizations and 900 law enforcement officials from various security and law enforcement agencies.

PPA rejects Abia North re-run election results •As Kalu heads to court

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By Chris Ochayi

BUJA—THE National Working Committee, NWC, of the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, yesterday, rejected the result of the Abia North Senatorial re-run election conducted last weekend in Abia State.

The NWC vowed to deploy every legal arsenal available to unmask perpetrators of the electoral robbery and retrieve the stolen mandate of PPA’s candidate, Chief Orji Ujor Kalu.

The party’s NWC members, who rose from an emergency meeting in Abuja, particularly rejected the result of the re-run election announced by 1:45pm of Sunday March 6, 2016, in favour of PDP candidate, Mr. Mao Ohabunwa, which they described as daylight robbery.

The NWC therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to revert to the declaration of returning officer, Dr. Ejike Nwankwo by 7:00pm that the results were inconclusive by affirming the cancellation of the controversial polling units in Ohafia and Arochukwu Local Government Areas.”

Accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of complicity, the NWC noted that what happened later the same day was a product of compromise and arm twisting.

It said, “INEC having done its duty fairly and correctly in the morning should never have allowed itself to be prevailed upon to shift ground."

Recall that the founder of PPA, and former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Ujor Kalu was the party’s candidate for the Abia North senatorial election of March 28, 2015 and subsequently participated in the March 5, 2016 re-run election as ordered by the Court of Appeal.

Rejecting the result of the election it tagged “Daylight Electoral Robbery,” the National chairman of PPA, Chief Peter Ameh, told newsmen in Abuja that the NWC stands by the decision of the returning officer, Dr. Ojike Nwankwo at 7:30am of March 6, 2016.

According to him, “The National Working Committee of the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, strongly disagrees with and rejects the result of the Abia North Senatorial re-run election announced by 1:45pm on March 6, 2016.

“We state that it is indecorous to announce one result in the morning and another in the afternoon.

“We believe that the decision of the returning officer, Dr. Ejike Nwankwo at 7:00pm on March 6, 2016 at the Ohafia collation centre to cancel the results of some poling units in Ohafia and Arochukwu Local governments

for irregularities and declaring the election inconclusive thereby, is correct fair and even-handed.

“We state that what happened later same day is a product of compromise and arm-twisting.

INEC having done its duty fairly and correctly in the morning should never have allowed itself to be prevailed upon to shift ground.

“We call on INEC to revert to the 7:00pm declaration of the result as inconclusive by affirming the cancellation of the controversial polling units in Ohafia and Arochukwu Local Government Areas.”

Enugu House steps down debate on Citizens' Rights Bill

E

By Emeka Mamah

NUGU—MEMBERS of the Enugu State House of Assembly yesterday resumed plenary after a one-month recess and stepped down debate on the Bill for a law to amend the Citizen’s Rights and Mediation Centre Law, Cap. 45.

Leader of the House, Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, who sponsored the bill, asked that the bill be stepped down for deliberation on a later date without giving reasons for his request.

“I move that the bill for a law to amend the Enugu State Citizen’s Rights and Mediation Centre Law Cap. 45 Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004… standing in my name be stepped down for a later date, I so move,” Ezeugwu said.

The request was unanimously approved and the bill was then subsequently stepped down.

Judge asks court to declare him SL Akintola's son

I

By Dotun Ibiwoye

BADAN—A Judge of the High Court of Oyo State, Ibadan Division, Justice Ladiran Akintola, has approached the court to be recognized as one of the sons of the late Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.

The suit was previously pending before Justice Akinteye for pre-trial before being assigned to Justice Esan.

Counsel to Samuel Ladoke Akintola's family, Olaseni Oyefeso had challenged the locus standi of the claimant on the grounds that he could not have validly sued as a ‘’beneficiary in the estate of late S.L Akintola”

reckoning that was the subject matter submitted to the court for determination.

Justice Akinteye dismissed the application and consequently, an appeal was lodged at the Court of Appeal Ibadan against the decision.

The suit was adjourned to March16, 2016 for trial despite the pending appeal.

However, the second defendant in the suit and daughter of the late Premier, Dr. Abimbola Akintola, said she had along with her brother, the first defendant in the suit, Bashorun Abayomi AkintolaforwardedapetitiontotheChief Judge of Oyo State requesting a transfer of the suit to another judge of the court on the grounds of ‘’likelihood of bias.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On Oliseh’s resignation as Super Eagles coach

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he appointment of Siasia cum Amuneke is spot on. I like Amuneke, he is mature and professional. I hope two of them will cooperate to work amicably in an already tensed situation in the national team. Miss Chika Dike, Model

N

ow he (Oliseh) knows better. He criticized those before him as if they did not know what they were doing. His major achievement was the resignation of Enyeama and Emenike from the national team.

Mr Kazeem Aremu, Worker

W

hy is NFF always wanting to call the short of Musa, Abdullahi and Garba must play? If NFF wants respect from any of the coaches, they must first of all respect the coaches and the agreements entered. Miss Precious Okoye, Graduate

I

t is a criminal act not to pay salaries and entitlements of your workers. I pray they (NFF) will give Siasia and Amunike chance and time. These people are on ground, they know all our players well.

Mr Imanuel Jannah, Communicator

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FF is full of corrupt people. When Stephen Keshi was having problem with NFF, even after winning African cup of nations and qualified Nigeria to world cup, Oliseh was busy criticizing him. Miss Udeaku Nwazota, Graduate

G

ood move by NFF. the trio of Siasia, Amunike and Salisu will take Nigeria football to greater heights. Oliseh ought to have waited till after the match with Egypt before his resignation. Mr Sharafa Samsideen, Footballer

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 — 35

Troops repel fresh Boko Haram attack in Borno

By Ndahi Marama

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AIDUGURI— TROOPS of 26 and 28 Task Force Brigades have repelled an early morning daring attack by Boko Haram terrorists on military locations at Pulka and Bitta in the fringes of Sambisa forest.

This was disclosed by Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director Army Public Relations in a statement yesterday.

Pulka and Bitta District is in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno state located south and about 150 km drive from Maiduguri, the state capital.

‘Today, (yesterday) troops of 114 Task Force Battalion came under three-pronged attack by Boko Haram terrorists fanning out of Sambisa forest from Damboa, Tokumbere and Pulka axis.

“At the end of the debacle, 2 Boko Haram insurgents paid for their atrocities with their lives

Be fair to Akpobolokemi’s lawyers, EFCC told

A

By Dave Oso

group under the auspices of Concerned Lawyers has raised the alarm over allleged intimidation of Mr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, the counsel representing former Director General of National Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, stressing that the commission should be called to order.

In a statement by its spokesperson in Lagos, Mr. Hanacho Alogie, the lawyers noted that: ‘’The manhandling of Dr Akpobolokemi at the premises of a Federal High Court in Lagos, in spite of the position of the law, is an abuse of power and an affront on rule of law, as a man is presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law.’’

It also stated that: ‘’The latest in the series of harassments is the allegation leveled against Mr. Nwobike, by the commission. Is it in the position of the commission to discredit the guardians and custodians of the law? If all lawyers are actually corrupt as they claim, who would then defend the defenseless in the face of the commission’s seeming resolve to jail people without concrete evidence?’’

Alogie described EFCC’s penchant to disobey court orders as a dangerous development, stressing that if the trend is not stopped, it would gravely undermine the position of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

The group also urged the

while several others sustained gun shot injuries. The fate that befell those that attacked Pulka was more dreadful.

‘The ever ready and vigilant troops rose to the occasion by repelling the attacks and killing all the 16 attackers and captured one of them alive during the exploitation.

The gallant troops also recovered 11 AK-47 rifles, 3 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 1 Browning Machine

Gun (BMG) and 2 Toyota Hilux vehicles. Others are a 60mm Mortar tube, 7 boxes of 12.7mm ammunition and 1 belt of 12.7mm ammunition” Col. Usman stated.

The statement however said, it is gratifying to state that there were no casualty on the troops for 3 soldiers that sustained minor injuries.

He therefore stated that the troops remained on maximum alert and are equally busy consolidating and continuing with

their clearance operations with high morale.

The Army Spokesman noted that it has become imperative and compelling to warn all Boko Haram insurgents to heed Mr. President Muhammadu Buhari’s fatherly counsel for them to drop their weapons and accept the option of peaceful resolution of this crisis before the superior military might is unleashed on the remnant renegades hiding in the Sambisa forest.

RETREAT: Special adviser on Education, Obefela Bank-Olemoh, Commissioner for Establishments, Training & Pension, Dr. Akintola Benson-Oke, Head of Service (Lagos State), Mrs. Olabowale, Ademola, Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Adebule, Accountant-General, Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Umar, Commissioner, Economic Planning & Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, State Auditor-General, Mrs. Helen Deile and Mr. Lamai during the opening ceremony of the 8th Annual Accountants’ Retreat tagged Pubic Sector Accountants as Agent of Change held at Peninsula Resort, Ajah, Lagos.

Uproar over perm sec's tenure extension in Petroleum ministry

By Victor Ahiuma-Young & Michael Eboh

A

BUJA—THERE is high tension in the Ministry of Petroleum following one year tenure extension granted to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Jamila Shu’ara, by the Federal Government.

Mrs Shu’ara was alleged to have retired from service on February 17, 2016, but seven days later, had her service extended to February 16, 2017 by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, OHSCF, for inexplicable reason The extension of tenure is said to have violated Public Service Rules, PSR, 020810 which states that “the compulsory retirement age for grades in the service shall be 60 years or 35 years of pensionable service whichever is earlier.

Already the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, has expressed surprise the extension and has rejected it, warning of its negative consequences.

Vanguard investigations revealed that Mrs. Shu’ara requested for the extension, claiming that since she had since last year been part of the organising committee of a oil and gas conference scheduled to hold next week in Abuja, her disengagement from service

would affect the success of the programme.

The programme is the Sixth African Petroleum Congress and Exhibition, (CAPE VI) organised

by African Petroleum Producers’ Association, APPA, and to be hosted by Nigeria between March 15 and 17, 2016.

Rejecting the extension, through a statement yesterday

ASCSN President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and the SecretaryGeneral, Alade Lawal, claimed the extension of tenure of the Permanent Secretary violated Public Service Rules, PSR, 020810 which states that: “the compulsory retirement age for grades in the service shall be 60 years or 35 years of pensionable service whichever is earlier.”

Nigeria is indebted to Glo – MINISTER

E

NCOMIUMS have poured in on next generation telecoms operator, Globacom for making telephony more affordable for the citizenry.

The Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, extolled the company for liberalizing the nation’s telecoms industry.

While on a courtesy call to Globacom headquarters, Mike Adenuga Towers in Lagos on Monday, Barrister Shittu said the company brought telecommunications closer to the people, adding that Globacom also pioneered so many innovations which revolutionized the telecoms sector.

“Nigeria owes a debt of gratitude to Glo and we shall support you until you become an Octopus on the African continent. Given what you have done in Nigeria, I am not surprised that Glo is conquering Africa now. I urge you to continue to play your role, and Africa will continue to show

appreciation to you for liberating the space for telecommunication services,” Barrister Shittu stated.

The Minister also made a case for coverage of emerging rural areas. “There are so many new settlements around where GSM connectivity is not available at all and people still have to travel long distances. I appeal to Glo to investigate this very quickly and take steps to remedy the situation.

This may not be peculiar to Ikorodu; I know that many new communities are growing in leaps and bounds and such situations exist.

I am happy with the giant strides you have made in continental interconnectivity of cables across the Atlantic. I want to commend you on this, and I believe that, having succeeded with continental interconnectivity, within Nigeria there are still challenges in many communities.

There is need for you to make more investments to ensure that

KOGI GOV POLL: Tribunal adjourns Faleke, Wada’s petitions to March 14, 15

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—THE Kogi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja, yesterday, adjourned further proceeding on the case that was brought before it by Hon. James Faleke of the All Progressives Congress, APC, till next week Monday.

The case was adjourned after all the parties filed and exchanged their pre-hearing reports, having distilled all the issues they want the court to resolve with a view to determining whether Governor Yahaya Bello was validly elected to pilot the affairs of Kogi state for the next four years.

The Justice Halima Mohammed-led three man panel tribunal directed the parties to return on March 14 to adopt the reports, so as to enable it to commence fullblown hearing on the substantive matter.

The panel had earlier adjourned the petition that was brought before it by the immediate past governor of the state, Capt. Idris Wada (retd), who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the election, till Tuesday next week.

The two petitioners are praying the tribunal to invalidate the process that led to the emergence of Governor Bello as winner of the gubernatorial election that took place in Kogi State last year.

Specifically, Faleke went before the tribunal to challenge the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to declare him as the valid winner of the governorship election in Kogi State.

He is among others, praying the tribunal to declare that INEC acted wrongly when it declared the outcome of the November 21 gubernatorial poll inconclusive.

Faleke through his team of lawyers led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN) contended that the initial election had produced a winner in late Prince Abubakar Audu, saying his death arrogates to him the status of Governor-elect.

Insisting that he had a joint ticket with late Audu, Faleke argued that INEC should not have declared the election inconclusive since they had already secured enough votes to warrant the declaration of a winner on the basis of the total number of votes that was cast.

36—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

UN/MASTERCARD: From left— Lagos State Coordinator, National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Mrs Titilola Ejiofor; Vice President and Area Business Head, West Africa, Mastercard, Omokehinde Ojomuyide, and United Nations representative, Mrs Adjaratou Ndiaye, during a global partnership announcement between Mastercard and United Nations Women in celebration of International Women's Day in Lagos. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

BRIEFING: From left— Managing Director, CAP Plc., Mrs. Omolara Elemide; Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV, Lagos State chapter, Mr. Rogba Orimalade; President, Dulux Decorators Club, DDC, Mr. Sam Unwene, and Marketing Manager, CAP, Mr. Dominic Oladeji, during a briefing of professional bodies on the 2016 Dulux Colour of the Year (Monarch Gold) in Ikeja, Lagos.

INAUGURAL: From left— Deputy Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, Professor Olatunde Arayela; Vice Chancellor, Redeemer ’s University, Ede, Professor Debo Adeyewa; Professor Oluwatooyin Osundahunsi and Dean, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering, Professor Olufemi Akindele, shortly after Osundahunsi delivered FUTA’s 75th inaugural lecture entitled Food: The Fuel and Vehicle for Life, last Tuesday.

DOCTORS: From left— Managing Director, Niche Communications, Mr. Ola Awosemo; Executive Director, Diamond Helix Medical Assistance Ltd, Dr. Vivian Mbaba; Senior Consultant, Apollo Hospital Transplant Institute, New Delhi, India, Professor Devendra Agarwal, and Country Manager, Apollo Hospitals, India, Mr. Rakesh Jalla, at a CME programme organised by the hospital for doctors in Lagos.

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 — 37

38—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

New College President tasks teaching hospitals on accreditation

By Chioma Obinna

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T will no longer be business as usual for the various Teaching Hospitals and training institutions in the country as the newly appointed President of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, NPMCN, has vowed to deal decisively with training institutions that fail to comply with accreditation standards.

Reading the riot act during his investiture, the College President, Prof, Ademola Olaitan said strict monitoring of personnel and facilities employed in achieving accreditations by teaching hospitals and training institutions would be undertaken periodically to maintain standards.

Olaitan who said his vision would be guided by principles of excellent, high quality training, examinations and research, promotion of openness, accountability and proper ethical values said he would target improvement in the quality and standards of all aspects of preexamination.

He said the idea of a postgraduate medical college in Nigeria was to save the huge sums expended on overseas training on other developmental projects in the country.

“It is our hope that these trainees will learn and better understand diseases that are prevalent in our environment.

The idea of these great men has seen the training of over 5,000

every aspect of the college examinations will be computebased.

In his keynote address, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire who disclosed that Nigeria loses over N1 billion to medical tourism said the government would no longer fold its hands and watch Nigerians go through such difficult situation.

“We want to see a situation where Nigeria becomes a tourism destination for all. We need to improve our human resource, management and governance.

“Medical tourism is like a slap on the faces of Nigerians and the loss of confidence in the entire health system has to be recovered.”

LUTH offers free glaucoma screening INVESTITURE: From left - Minister of State for Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire congratulating the College President, Prof Ademola Abayomi Olaitan during the investiture of the latter in Lagos last week. fellows.

“Over a $1 billion in foreign exchange has been saved the nation by the college. The large proportion of Nigerians through services rendered by the college Associate Fellows while training were also saved from unnecessary deaths and the agonies of morbidities.

“Government and employers were saved the losses of man – hour because of easy access to specialist medical care provided by our associate fellows while training.” Lamenting that the

huge sums saved the government has not impacted on the

Over a $1 billion in foreign exchange has been saved the nation by the college through services rendered by the institution’s Associate Fellows

development of the College, he said attempts would be made by his team to seek ways and avenues to adequately inform and genuinely educate government on the need to plough back a reasonable part of the saved funds to the College for improvement of training infrastructures, educational facilities among others.

On digitalisation of the college, Olaitan promised that all processes, procedures and transaction of the College will henceforth be computerised and

T

HE Guinness Eye Centre, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, begins free glaucoma screening for Nigerians as part of activities to mark this year's World Glaucoma Week.

The exercise started on 6 and will run till 12 March, 2016 at the hospital's eye centre.

A statement by the hospital's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kelechi Otuneme stated that the programme was part of the Hospital's Corporate Social Responsibility and geared towards helping to raise awareness for glaucoma which is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. The statement noted that early detection is one of the preventive measures to prevent blindness from the disease.

Doctor, get rid of my pain!

L AST week a patient called me in distress. "My Doctor", he yelled over the Lagos traffic. "I need to see you. I'm begging you; you must get rid of this pain TODAY!" "How long have you had the pain?" I asked.

"Two years now...." he said.

I got out my magic wand, and waited for him.

Pain can be quite an irritating aspect of life.

Its magnitude or severity doesn't always correlate with a level of tissue damage. It may be severe yet have no significant underlying body tissue damage. It may be minor and barely noticeable yet associated with serious tissue damage.

Even something as devastating as a heart attack may sometimes, uncommonly, be painless.

To make matters more interesting, for the Pain Doctor at least, each human being perceives and reports pain from different thresholds and tolerances.

Acute and Chronic pain Acute and chronic pain are very different conditions.

Acute pain is short lasting pain that goes away when the tissue damage heals.

Acute pain includes the pain of surgery, childbirth, fracture, toothache, abscess, and many others. If my distressed caller had acute pain, I would confidently use my magic wand to "get rid" of it.

Poorly treated acute pain becomes chronic after about 3 to 4 months.

Chronic pain is a rather different entity. The receptors that pick up the pain sensations have become very,

very sensitive; the nerves that carry the pain messages to the brain have become more active; the central nervous system that processes the pain messages begins to adapt itself to the pain input.

The sufferer then becomes prone to depression. Their sleep becomes disturbed. Work and play becomes difficult. Over time, family and work relationships begin to suffer. Who wants to hear constant complaints of pain ....?

Separation, divorce, job dismissal may be eventual outcomes in severe cases of chronic pain.

Pain management, with relatively few practitioners 30 years ago, has become recognized as a true specialist field in the last decade.

The Pain Doctor has much more than medications in his arsenal of treatment. He (or she) partners with physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists, among others to care for the pain sufferer.

In addition, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly being used by patients, especially those with back and neck pain, arthritis, headaches and fibromyalgia.

CAM is generally not considered part of conventional medicine. There are two types: natural products (like glucosamine, chondroitin, herbs) and mind/ body “medicine ( like acupuncture, tai chi, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, yoga, spinal manipulation, massage and relaxation).

Evidence continues to grow from more studies supporting some benefits of CAM. Chronic pain treatment remains very challenging because what works for one person may not work for another, and vice versa.

doctor@lagospainclinic.com The Pain Doctor's objective is always to relieve pain so the patient may FUNCTION. If, during this process, we "get rid" of the pain, that is an added bonus.

I had urgent business today at the British High Commission. The Consular Section provided prompt, courteous and professional resolution of an emergent situation. At the end of my visit, the young lady who had attended to me asked: "Sir, do you, yourself, feel pain?"

I looked puzzled as I gathered my papers and the ETD she had just given me.

"No, Sir," she said. "I mean, as a Pain Doctor, do you feel pain yourself?"

I smiled and nodded.

"Yes," I said. "I feel pain when I see a 4 year old girl, arm in plaster, waiting 5 hours to see a specialist for 10 minutes in the Casualty of a Nigerian Teaching hospital; I feel pain when I see a woman die because dialysis was not widely available and, when found, not affordable; I feel pain when I see an old retiree dying of cancer, with no strong opioid pain medicines to give him comfort.

How do I "get rid" of these pains?" I wondered aloud.

She had no reply

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 — 39

In her remarks, Mrs Ambode commended Sen Tinubu for her relentless efforts at adding value to her constituency, describing her as a committed representative of the constituency.

She said: ”Since her election into the sixth Senate, Sen Oluremi Tinubu has inaugurated many constituency projects. This speaks of the high quality of representation of the people. It confirms that our senator is not just there in Abuja, she truly knows where the shoe pinches her people and how they really feel. ‘’The essence of constituency projects is to locate •Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, former Lagos Governor; wife, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; Mrs Bolanle Ambode, Wife of Lagos State Governor; and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the convener of the project during the occasion.

Remi Tinubu excites constituency with consistency SENATOR Oluremi Tinubu last week again confirmed her rating as one of the most effective representatives of the Lagos Central Senatorial District with an empowerment programme.

By Charles Kumolu

C

OMING against perceptions of the misuse constituency allowances and public funds by federal and state legislators, Senator Tinubu’s efforts undoubtedly came as profoundly salutary.

Her latest action, however, was not novel, as she had through constant interface cultivated a relationship that could be described as umbilical with her constituents since her first election to the Senate in 2011.

Little wonder the commissioning of the Ambimbola Jakande Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre and Folashade Tinubu-Ojo Model Market in Lagos, which she built, attracted prominent political leaders in the state.

Notably present were former Lagos State governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; former Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs. Sarah Sosan; Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Wasiu Eshinlokun; wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode; Senator Olugbenga Obadara; Alhaja Abimbola Jakande , Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo and Prince Tajudeen Olusi among others.

At the event, various speakers extolled Tinubu's ceaseless commitment to the plight of constituents, describing her as an asset to Nigeria’s democracy.

The choice of projects also impressed many considering the direct value they would add to the constituents.

Relying on that, Mrs. Tinubu urged Nigerians to rise against the prevalence of maternal and infant morbidity to ensure that C M Y K

Nigeria is no longer regarded as the second largest contributor to global maternal and infant mortality.

She also called for more health centres in Lagos State, stating that the growing population of the state implies that there can never be too many of such facilities to meet the increasing demand for health services.

Besides, she commended the state governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode for sustaining the state on the path of greatness, noting that he has elevated the status of Lagos.

She said: ‘’Today’s twin events mark a milestone in my journey in Lagos Central Senatorial District because it validates my commitment to the upliftment of my constituents. Constituency projects have always been part of the incentive given to us as senators to add value to our constituency. I am glad that today’s two events are a dream come true. ‘’The idea of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre is to provide

A recent statistics show that one in 13 women die in pregnancy or childbirth.

Neonatal mortality is 37 deaths per 1,000 live births and infant mortality is 69 deaths per 1000 live births

Dickson installs new order as second term takes off

By Lindsay Barrett

CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS:

adequate, easy medical care for mothers and children. The growing population of Lagos State did not help matters as there can never be too many health centres to meet the growing demand for healthcare delivery. ‘’The alarming rate in which women die daily during the process of childbirth is of great concern to me, hence my desire to support the government’s effort in providing easy access to healthcare delivery for women and children in particular to reduce the high rate of infant and maternal morbidity.”

Devastating outcomes ‘’Nigeria bears the burden of some of the world’s most devastating outcomes in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child healthcare. A recent statistics show that one in 13 women die in pregnancy or childbirth. Neonatal mortality is 37 deaths per 1,000 live births and infant mortality is 69 deaths per 1000 live births.” Continuing, she said: ‘’No responsible government will fold its arms and watch this unprecedented number of women die while giving birth to children. I must congratulate the Lagos State Government for providing affordable medical services to pregnant women. This Obstetrics and Gynaecology Centre is named in honour of Alhaja Abimbola Jakande, the wife of Alhaji Lateef Jakande. This is in recognition of the supportive role being played by our First Ladies in buttressing the good works and supporting the vision of their husbands while in office.”

the specific needs of the people of an area for direct intervention to complement the efforts of the government at the federal, state or local government level. We are grateful to our very distinguished senator for doing women very proud and for putting her constituency at the forefront and above narrow considerations.”

A member of the constituency, Mr. Mathew Odekunle, who spoke to Vanguard expressed delight at the lawmaker ’s relationship with the constituency, describing it as rare in the country.

A

S Governor Henry Seriake Dickson installs a new administration for his second term in Bayelsa State there are signs that he intends to make farreaching changes in the nature of governance the hallmark of his new tenure.

In a short but uniquely innovative ceremony on Tuesday, 1st March, he swore in two of the most important officials of the new government and pledged that their role in assisting him to govern would be enhanced by their reputation for professionalism and probity.

The two officials are the new Secretary to the State Government His Royal Highness David Serena Dokubo-Spiff, and the new Chief Economic Adviser, and Chairman of the State Economic Team, Hon. Patmore Duate Iyabe, who was the immediate past Commissioner of Finance in the state.

Governor Dickson paid tribute to both men’s commitment to the best interests of the people of the state in particular and the Niger Delta as a whole and stated that their selection was based on their record of service as known to him. He praised the resilience and energy that Hon. Iyabe displayed over four years as Commissioner of Finance and declared that now that the economic climate had worsened the state had even greater need of his expertise.

He said that Hon Iyabe’s professional experience was of the highest quality and this was needed now more than ever if

the state was to overcome the dire economic circumstances confronting it. Having witnessed his commitment to work and the principles of good management over the last four years, Gov. Dickson said he would now be entrusting even greater responsibilities to the new Chief Economic Adviser.

While introducing the new Secretary to the State Government Governor Dickson revealed that he had served his legal apprenticeship as a young barrister in the Chambers of HRH Dokubo-Spiff in Port Harcourt.

He said that many of the principles that have driven his own career were inculcated in that period of his life and work and that he had found the lessons he learned from Dokubo-Spiff to be useful in developing his policies as Governor. He praised Dokubo-Spiff’s service as Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State at the most trying time of the party’s existence and asserted that this experience has revealed particular strengths of character and political wisdom., which needed to be tapped for the advancement and progress of the state. According to Governor Dickson the passion with which HRH Dokubo-Spiff served the people and the party during the electoral season showed that he was the right person to take over the onerous duties of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, at a time. All indications are that the state will face new challenges and difficulties.

•Governor Dickson congratulates the new appointees HRH David Serena Dokubo-Spiff & Hon. Patmore Duate Iyabi

40 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

•Passenger boat on Lagos channel

Frequent tragedies on Nigerian waterways ••How sand dredgers, greedy boat operators aid fatal boat mishaps

By Dotun Ibiwoye

I

T was an unlikely tale of boatrelated tragedies on the waterways of Nigeria in the past months. The immediate past year was particularly eventful with several such tragedies recorded.

The tragic tale of mishaps continued in 2016 as last month, a boat conveying 17 passengers capsized, killing seven persons in Badore area of Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The ill-fated boat took off from Ijede shortly after the monthly sanitation exercise and capsized around 10.20am barely few minutes after it sailed and ran into a heap of sand left by sand scoopers.

Passengers on board This incident occurred nine days after a fatal boat collision at Ibeshe in the Ikorodu area of Lagos state, which claimed the life of one passenger, while several others sustained injuries.

An eye witness, Mr Akeem Balogun, who spoke to Vanguard Features, VF, on the Badore incident, said he was at the jetty when the boat took off with 17 passengers on board.

Asked the likely cause of the incident, he said: ‘’All we gathered was that the boat operator heard a strange sound underneath the boat and the next thing the boat capsized. The fishermen around immediately ran to their rescue”.

Also not long after, emergency C M Y K

officials in Jigawa State confirmed that 13 young girls perished when their boat capsized in River Gilbi between Tsuburi Darai and Gilma villages in Jahun Local Government Area of the state. The death toll was likely higher as emergency officials also informed that 15 of the passengers on the boat were declared missing.

The executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Yusuf Sani Babura, told reporters in the state capital, Dutse, that the rescue team initially recovered seven bodies, with additional five bodies recovered the next day, making a total of 13 dead.

Babura disclosed that the young girls, aged between nine and 12 years, boarded the boats at Tsuburi Darai village and were on their way to Gilma village to

The mishap was caused by the activities of sand dredgers. They filled a section of the water with sand without the knowledge of the boat operators. The affected boat ran into the accumulated sand, tumbled and fell off

attend a wedding.

In several littoral states in Nigeria, most roads in the cities are unmotorable and congested because of potholes and heavy traffic. The alternative is for commuters to patronise boats.

But the increasing cases of fatal boat mishaps have continued to defeat the inherent advantages.

Activities of sand dredgers NEMA reacts: Cospas-Sarsat, corps members to the rescue: Speaking on the Badore incident, the Publicity Secretary of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, South West zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, said: “The mishap was caused by the activities of sand dredgers. They filled a section of the water with sand without the knowledge of the boat operators.

The affected boat ran into the accumulated sand, tumbled and fell off.”

Farinloye also told VF that NEMA works as a coordinating agency in collaboration with other agencies of government like the marine police, National Inland Waterways Authority, Lagos State Waterways Authority, other stakeholders and the communities to prevent the occurrence of boat mishaps.

“In other to get to the grass roots, we train National Youth Service Corps members so that they will pass the knowledge to members of the communities at their primary places of assignment, “ he informed.

•Ibrahim Farinloye He said the corps members are key to the training because: “They identify the risk in the society and send a feedback to us. There are tripartite ways of attending to the community. The corps members posted to the riverine communities are given more of the training. When people are informed, they are empowered”.

He also said that as guide and guard against boat mishap and other disasters, the agency recommends that the people should embrace what he identified as Cospas-Sarsat.

Tremendous resources The Cospas-Sarsat system, according to him, provides a tremendous resource for protecting the lives of aviators and mariners. With a 406 MHz beacon, a distress message can be sent to the appropriate authorities from anywhere on Earth 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It is a satellite-based search and rescue, SAR, distress alert detection and information distribution system established

by Canada, France, the United States and the former Soviet Union in 1979.

The system detects and locates emergency beacons activated by aircraft, ships and back country hikers in distress. Once people are in distress, the device which is worn on the shoulder, will be

switched on and he/she will be located at the disaster spot.

According to Farinloye: “We are trying to enable individuals have it as security measure. We have it at our headquarters at NEMA and when the signal is switched on, we will locate the individual”.

When asked about the cost of acquiring the device, the NEMA spokesman said: “The CospasSarsat system has been in NEMA since 2005. Nothing is as costly as one’s life. So when anyone appreciates the value of his life and security, price and monetary expenses must not be a limitation.

Many organisations and individuals have acquired this device. After acquiring it, the next stage is to have it registered with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA; the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and NEMA. “All of us will have access to the documentation and device so that we will be able to know where the individual needs help.

A typical example is when you see the United States military carrying a bag with an antenna on it and he is able to communicate with the outside world when held up in enemy territory,” he said.

On the issue of sand dredging as a causative factor in boat mishap, Farinloye averred that Continues on page 41

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 — 41

Frequent tragedies on Nigerian waterways Continues from page 40 it should be noted that it is a legal when it is mechanised and authorised. But mining and scooping of sand remain an illegal and risky way of taking the sand out,and therefore a major cause of boat mishap.

“When the legal owners of a particular place in the coastal areas install a beacon, they will be able to detect people who are encroaching their areas and involved in illegal sand mining.”

National Inland Waterways Authority: Giving his thought on the subject of frequent boat mishaps on the waterways, Tayo Fadile, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, National Inland Waterways Authoritys, NIWA, in a chat with VF, affirmed that his agency has consistently carried out sensitisation campaigns on the danger of over-loading of boats and the need to embrace safety consciousness.

He also stressed that his organisation cannot be everywhere at all times and cannot stop boat owners from doing their businesses.

According to him: “Safety consciousness is what we have been advocating. We spent several months last year in our sensitisation campaign on safety. Everyone knows the basis of safety. As an adult we all know what is dangerous.

Boat transportation “In reality we cannot stop people from doing their businesses as boat and ferry owners. We cannot be everywhere at all times. We have been enlightening people about safety.

Overloading is common in every boat transportation.

“It is an unfortunate incident and we commiserate with the families of the bereaved. Our campaign is zero tolerance to death on Nigerian waterways”.

Discoveries: FVF investigations revealed that several companies operating water transport business usually sacrifice safety precaution for profit. Daily, they all bring their boats to the jetties in the hope of making as many trips as possible before the rush hours gradually draw to an end.

The traffic peak period is between 7am and 10am when several people throng the Lagos Island from the Lagos Mainland for their daily businesses.

Then by 11am, the number of people waiting to be ferried begins to decline until noon.

The entire process becomes reversed in the evening when residents start to return home again.

VF’s checks revealed that an average ferry makes about four

trips while every passenger is equipped with a life jacket and is charged N600 per trip.

Thus, a ferry with a capacity for 20 people makes about N12,000 per trip.

This means that if the same ferry makes four trips in a day, it would have fetched its operator about N48,000.

Each trip, it was gathered, lasts for about 30 minutes, meaning that an individual making use of a ferry would have long been on the Island when another going in the *Wreckage of a capsized boat being dragged to shore same direction using the conventional road transport The total disregard for the knowing the rules and system would still be manufacturer’s instructions for regulations guiding its struggling to make his way the maximum weight on the operation.

The Association of Tourist through gridlocks. ferry or vessels also violates On the other hand, some of the safety of the passengers Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria, the accident survivors said the they carry. loading of 40 people into a boat Having more passengers on sometime ago, identified 30 designed for 22 passengers board over the boat’s capacity tragedy-prone spots on Lagos caused the accident leading to could lead to injuries or deaths waterways. The President of the loss of eight lives. when an accident happens. the association, Mr. Ganiyu It was also discovered that Most often there are no Balogun, had said wrecks and over- speeding, while ignoring provisions for emergency exits logs on waterways constituted the major source of hazards in pleas from the passengers to in the ferries. slow down, is a major cause of Some boat owners venture recent times.

He noted that about 30 spots boat mishap in Nigeria. into the business without

••Recurring boat mishaps in Lagos T

HE Lagos State Waterways Authority Act enacted in 2008, empowers the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, with the responsibility coordinating and regulating of water transportation in Lagos State and this includes the granting of ferry licenses.

So the question is why are operators allowed to run death traps on Lagos waters?

The authorities saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the activities needs to do more.

LASWA ought to do a better job.

It is the duty of every government to protect the lives of her citizens.

A situation where boat operators are either allowed to operate without regulations or where existing regulations are not enforced is absolutely deplorable.

Fatai Mojeed, representing Ibeju Lekki Constituency I, who is also the chairman House Committee on Transportation. Mojeed had during Matter of Urgent Public Importance referred members to the re-occuring boat mishaps across the state, leading to loss of lives. He noted that it was becoming worrisome and hence it needed to be addressed. He regretted a situation where in the last months, the state recorded three incidents happening in Ijede, Ikorodu and Badagry areas of the state.

In his submission, Rotimi Olowo of Somolu Constituency II, condemned deaths on the waterways. At the time of filing this report the two telephone numbers placed on the website of LASWA was switched off for

Boat mishaps A week after the January 30 boat mishap in Lagos, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly summoned the state Commissioner for Transportation, and the general manager of LSWA to appear before it to give clarification on the incessant incidence of boat mishaps across the state.

The Speaker of the State Assembly gave the ruling after the submissions of members in response to a motion moved by

About 30 spots have been demarcated with danger floating signs. The government should clear the wrecks to forestall mishaps and to keep the waterways safe

more than one week and in the space created for messages, the messages sent to their website remained unanswered.

Enforcement of safety regulations: On World Safety Day Celebration, July 2015, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has received 2,400 life jackets donation from Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited to be distributed to riverine areas in order to curb incessant boat mishap in the state’s waterways.

Safety regulations The Governor re-affirmed the determination of his administration to strengthen the enforcement of safety regulations and laws in order to reduce to the barest minimum incidents of loss of lives and property arising from negligence and noncompliance with the safety measures put in place by the state government.

He noted that in recent times, incidents of building collapse, fire disasters, boat mishaps and other avoidable accidents were becoming rampart across the country because of people’s disregard for safety regulations and guidelines in their daily activities. Although the gesture was good, there are hundreds of thousands of life jackets needed for the people in Lagos is not

have been demarcated with danger floating signs and implored the government to clear the wrecks to forestall mishaps and to keep the waterways safe without delay.

He said the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, told the association to help identify the areas and promised to work on them, adding that safety of lives should take precedence over the quest for taxes.

enough for the people. Not even a fraction of what is needed.

The Lagos State Government is also quick to point out that it is making the water ways safe for passengers and as a way to decongest traffic on the roads.

However, the increasing incidence of boat accidents in the state since the beginning of 2014 has created fear in the minds of passengers, who are mostly living in Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos State, Ajeromi-Ifelodun area, Badagry and Ibeju- Lekki Local Government Area. For example, on January 24, 2014 three people drowned after a boat capsized at Ogogoro village, Boulos, at Navy Town in Apapa, while on a trip from Coconut Jetty to Ojo Town.

Seven of the 10 people on board were lucky to escape as help came on time. Majority of the passengers were women and children, even as the boat, which had no headlights collided with a bigger vehicle and broke into two. Also in April last year, a boat conveying more than 20 people from Ebute Ero on Lagos Island to Majidun, Ikorodu capsized.

The ill-fated boat that claimed the lives of eight people was reported to have hit an object in the lagoon before going down, according to Bell Marine Services, owner of the boat. Twelve passengers were rescued after the accident that occurred between Eko Bridge and Ikorodu waterways.

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016—43

44 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Kachikwu unbundles NNPC US missionary jailed for sexually ...appoints 7 CEOs

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief & Mike Eboh

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BUJA—THE Minister of State for Petroleum and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has unbundled the organisation into five Business and two services components.

He has also converted the Group Executive Directors , GEDs, to Chief Executive Officers, CEOs, and redeployed them to the various business components.

The GMD told journalists in Abuja, yesterday, that the movements were part of his strategy to ensure that each of the former GEDs pushed what used to be the former divisions in the group to profitability.

Those moved were: Alhaji Bello Rabiu, who has been appointed CEO, Upstream. He was formerly Group General Manager, Corporate Planing $ Strategy, CP&S; Mr. Henry Ikem-Obih was brought in as CExecutive Officer, Downstream; Anibor Kragha who was formerly GGM Treasury has been appointed CEO Refineries; Alhaji Saidu Mohammed who was the MD of Kaduna Refinery has been appointed CEO, Gas & Power; Mr. Babtunde Adenira, formerly GED C&I is now CEO, Ventures; Isiaka Abdulrazak is CEO Finance and Services; while Isa Inuwa who was DMD, NLNG is now Executive Head of Corporate Services.

According to Dr. Kachukwu, the new arrangement will eliminate bureaucracy in the operations of the corporation and that each of the constituent units would be profit-driven.

Asked if the steps he was taking won’t conflict with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill, the GMD said he was speaking with members of the National Assembly and that the structuring agreed with the PIB, in principle.

“What we are doing is anticipation of the PIB. We are tailoring it towards the PIB because we are in conversation with the legislators,” he said.

No job losses

He allayed fears of job losses among staff of the corporation and all its subsidiaries, saying his

mandate did not include sacking workers.

His words: “There are lot of worries that they would be a lot of job loss in the system, one can understand that given what is happening in the global oil industry. Any attempt to transform, people would think there would be job loss.

“We are quite truly overstaffed but the principle of the restructuring is that nobody loses his or her job but everybody will get busy.

“I do not have the mandate of the president to create a job loss situation, his mandate is to try and ensure, unless for reasons of bad staff performance, fraud, which obviously requires investigation, there is no mass attempt to let people go and the present structure has a zero sum game in terms of job loss for now.

“When the entities begin to run their business, the managing directors would look at it and see how they create enough utilization for everybody who is in there and if there is the need to change that model, they would come back. That would be the call of an MD of a subsidiary company to make, not the call of the GMD.”

To stop fuel importation in 12 -18 months

The GMD said that his team planned to stop the importation of refined products in the next 12 to 18 months.

According to him, the strategy towards achieving this objective has been clearly laid out and that it included the partnership with Joint Venture partners and other investors who have been invited to colocate new refineries within the premises of existing ones.

Dr. Kachikwu stated that the process of fixing the refineries had started and that the NNPC was looking at entering into a series of partnerships with investors and oil majors on the upgrade of the refineries and in co-location of refineries along with existing refineries.

However, he said to fix the four refineries, the country would require about $400 million, adding that the Federal Government was considering sourcing the amount from investors.

According to him, the total revamp of the refineries is being hindered

by lack of funds and investment, especially as most of the refineries are old and needed massive overhaul and refurbishment.

He said talks were already ongoing with the original builders of the refineries and some oil majors who had shown interest in investing in the upgrade of the refineries, adding that when the refineries were finally fixed, they would contribute in building the country’s strategic fuel reserves.

Furthermore, he explained that addressing the issues of JV cash call arrears and ensuring adequate security of the pipelines and other critical petroleum infrastructure was part of its grand plan to boost Nigeria’s crude oil output to 2.4 million barrels per day before the end of this year.

On fixing pipeline

On the damaged Excravos facility, he said: “We have been, after six years, to get back the Brass-Port Harcourt pipeline and we have started pumping to the Port Harcourt refinery and it resumed production just a few days ago.

“We are putting in a lot of effort to see how we can get back the pipeline from Escravos to Warri. In the interim, we have resorted back to trying to move on a temporary basis, crude cargo into Warri, using vessels. But short of leaving Kaduna and Warri idle, while still trying to restore the pipeline, we had to negotiate hard and take an emergency position and send crude.

So, crude is being pumped to Warri as we talk, but by vessels, which is not the most ideal.

“The hope is that before the end of the month, the three refineries would have received crude and hopefully begin to work and that would soften the situation."

We have not removed subsidy

Dr. Kachikwu clarified that the federal government had not removed subsidy. He however, said that at the current crude oil prices at the international market, therewas“subsidygain”forthe federal government.

He said it would enable his team to build up reserves for a periodinthefuturewhencrude oil prices would rise , as being anticipated.

abusing Kenyan orphans former US missionary placed in him”, the Asso- filed the children. MatA has been sentenced to ciated Press news agency thew has no remorse. After he got caught, he still 40 years in prison for sexually abusing children at an orphanage in Kenya.

Matthew Lane Durham, 21, had committed “heinous crimes on the most vulnerable victims”, the US court said.

Durham targeted orphans while working as a volunteer at the Upendo Children’s Home in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, between April and June 2014.

He is the latest charity worker in Kenya to be convicted of sex crimes.

Upendo Children’s Home, where Durham was accused of abusing more than 10 children - some as young as four years, has welcomed the sentence by an Oklahoma court.

It has put up a video on YouTube with the headline: “Upendo Children Celebrate Justice!!”, showing the orphanage’s founder telling her colleagues in Nairobi about the sentencing, which she had attended.

“It is a new beginning for them,” Eunice Menja said.

In court, Ms Menja fought back tears as she read a statement, saying that the sexual abuse carried out by Durham was “not only a betrayal of the Upendo mission but of the trust Upendo

reports.

“Matthew Durham de-

Durham

Be active in politics, US Consul General urges Nigerian women

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu & Prisca Sam-Duru

T

HE US Consul Gen eral, Mr. John Bray has described his country’s bilateral relationship with Nigeria as mutually benefiting, say-

Egyptian student agrees to leave US after Trump comment

A

student pilot from Egypt has agreed to leave the US after posting on Facebook that the world would thank him if he killed Donald Trump.

Emadeldin Elsayed, 23, was not charged with a crime but the US authorities sought to deport him, his attorney, Hani Bushra, said.

Immigration authorities said they would allow him to return home voluntarily as long as he departed by 5 July.

Mr Elsayed is being held in a jail in California after his visa was revoked.

Mr Bushra said on Monday that Mr Elsayed’s detention was illegal.

“He’s being detained, I think, primarily because he’s

denied [the charges],’’ she is quoted as saying.

a Muslim and he’s a Middle Easterner,” Mr Bushra told the AP news agency. “This kid is going to become a poster boy for hating America.”

US Secret Service agents interviewed Mr Elsayed in early February after he posted a photo of Mr Trump on Facebook and wrote he was willing to serve a life sentence for killing the billionaire, and the world would thank him, Mr Bushra said.

Mr Elsayed had said earlier that he never intended to hurt anyone. He said he wrote the post because of Mr Trump’s comments about Muslims.

ing he would want Nigerian women to consider playing more active roles in politics.

Bray said this at the event marking Women History Month at the Public Affairs Section of the Consulate in Lagos.

The event with the theme, ‘Women in Leadership and Good Governance’ encourages activities to promote political and economic opportunities for women, access to health and education services, and efforts to prevent and respond to genderbased violence.

He said the US is consistently looking at ways to understand better and take action to promote women’s equal participation.

His words: “This May, the White House will host a summit on ‘The United State of Women,’ to highlight the advances we have made in the United States and across the globe and to expand our efforts at helping women confront the challenges they face and reach for their highest aspirations.

Benin PM Zinsou faces run-off in presidential election

By Tony Lohou

B

ENIN’s Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou will face a run-off against businessman Patrice Talon in a second round of presidential elections, after getting 28.4 percent of votes, provisional results showed on Tuesday.

Sunday’s election, which was contested by 33 candidates, is to choose a successor to President Thomas Boni Yayi, who is stepping down from power in the small West African state af-

Benin’s Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou casting his vote ter two terms as mandated by the constitution.

Zinsou and Talon, who won 24.8 percent of the vote, will now have to

compete for the support of the candidates who came third and below. The date for the run-off was not announced.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 — 45

46 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

OH MY GOD ... Maria Sharapova laments

Sharapova’s fall from grace •3 sponsors dump Russian star after failed drugs test •Losses to reach £100m

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IKE has suspended its sponsorship deal with Maria Sharapova after the tennis star revealed she had failed a drugs test.

TAG Heuer and Porsche have announced they are also dumping the former world No1.

And more sponsors may now follow suit and examine their lucrative contracts with the Russian after she tested positive for newlybanned substance meldonium at the Australian Open.

In a statement, the US sportswear giant said: “We are saddened and surprised by the news about Maria Sharapova.

“We have decided to suspend our relationship with Maria while the investigation continues.

“We will continue to monitor the situation.

S h a r a p o v a ’ s relationship with Nike stretches back to when she was 11 years-old.

In 2010, she signed a new eight-year contract with the company worth almost £50million as well as a cut on sales of her own branded clothes.

Last month, Nike dropped Manny Pacquiao after the boxer said homosexuals were “worse than animals”.

The company also severed ties with drugs cheat Lance Armstrong as well as Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius.

Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer revealed they had been in talks with Sharapova about extending their collaboration, but has “suspended negotiations and has decided not to

C M Y K

renew the contract”.

And German sportscar manufacturer Porsche announced they will steered clear of their brand ambassador until more details are known.

A statement read: “We regret the current news about Maria Sharapova.

Until further details emerge and we are able to analyse the situation, we have decided to suspend planned activities.”

Sharapova is the highest-paid female athlete on the planet, with estimates earnings of £20.7m in 2015 – largely through associations with a number of high-profile brands.

The 28-year-old also profits from deals with the likes of American Express, Tiffany, Evian and Avon.

Sharapova — a five-

time Grand Slam champion — now faces a ban of up to four years which could all but end her life as a professional athlete.

She will be provisionally suspended from the sport on 12 March.

And leading sports marketing expert Nigel Currie estimates she could be in line to lose a w h o p p i n g £100MILLION in earnings.

Currie said: “If Maria does get a four-year ban then that probably is it for her as a top tennis player and we are talking about potential losses of £100m.

“Her player earnings pale into insignificance compared to her off-court endorsement and she has been the highest paid sportswoman for 11 years and is a marketing dream.

Expect more doping revelations, Russian minister warns

R

USSIAN Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Tuesday there would be more cases of Russian sports people using meldonium, a banned substance for which star tennis player Maria Sharapova tested positive. reported.

“It’s not my position to make public announcements, but there will be more cases,” TASS news agency quoted Mutko as saying.

He also said that the ministry had warned Russian sports people before about meldonium being outlawed by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

He Russia needs three to four years to restore order to its sports antidoping regime, and that tough measures will be taken over doping.

“We need three or four years, we are only now beginning to restore order,” the agency cited Mutko as saying.

He said that tough measures will be taken over doping and a number of sports federations will be affected.

Commenting on the case of Sharapova, who revealed she tested positive for the banned substance meldonium, Mutko said that: “I think Masha will sort it out herself.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 — 47

We're ready for Nigeria –S/A Coach

A

CTING head coach of the South African u17 Women’s National Team (Bantwana) Maude Khumalo is excited at the prospects of playing against their Nigerian counterparts in a FIFA u17 World Cup Jordan 2016 qualifier.

The two nations meet on Saturday, 12 March 2016 at the Abuja National

Stadium in Nigeria.

Bantwana travel to Abuja tonight (Tuesday, 8 March 2016).

“We have just finished our final training session ahead of our trip to Abuja.

Playing against Nigeria has never been an easy task, but we are up for the challenge. We are not going to put too much pressure on the girls

because this will be their first ever international match after Zambia pulled out in the previous round,” said Khumalo.

“We are going to Nigeria with a positive attitude. We will keep the players motivated and we want them to learn as much as possible from this encounter ahead of the return leg in a fortnight’s time.”

F

OLLOWING Their second consecutive football gold medal win at the just ended Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry games (NOGIG) at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos, Chief Coach of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Frank Onyiriuka has Onyiriuka whose team whitewashed Shell F.C 3 nil in a pulsating final Saturday said team work and total dedication fetched them the result.

The ex player of defunct

ALL FOR YOBO – (L-R) Boma Iyayi (Rivers State Sports Commissioner), Kanu Nwankwo, Joseph Yobo, John Mastrodoeus and Austin Jay Jay Okocha at the Press Conference to announce Yobo’s testimonial match.

Rooney

Continued from Back Page requests by players all over the world to be part of the testimonial was frightening. ‘’I keep asking if we can contain the number of players who want to come here,’’ he said yesterday at the Eko Hotels where he set another record, drawing 16 exinternationals, four former coaches of the Eagles and six former captains of the Super Eagles to attend his testimonial Press Conference.

Though Yobo would not speculate on names, he assured that the scramble to part of his testimonial was huge but noted that his former coach at Everton, David Moyes would come with a team. ‘’Moyes coming with a team to me is huge.

Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure, Samuel Eto Fils are all confirmed for the match in Port Harcourt.’’

It was a day of accolades for Yobo by his ex-international colleagues and coaches.

John Mastoroudes, former General manager of defunct Leventis United sparked off the praises. ‘’He was a great worker and captain for C M Y K

Nigeria. We must honour him for his works for the country.’’

Austin Jay Jay Okocha: It’s a special day for all of us. It’s good to celebrate people because we only celebrate people when they are dead. Yobo didnt know what he achieved in the Eagles.

He met us in the team but ended up with more games than we did. His commitment to the game cannot be compared to what we see in the new Eagles team. We played our hearts out. You can fault us in other things but not commitment.

Taribo West was Yobo’s mentor in the defence.

You are welcome to the other side of the game – retirement. You’ll enjoy it if you made good investments, if not, you’ll find it rough.’’

Kanu Nwankwo: It was Kanu that passed on the captaincy of the Eagles to Yobo. ‘’Yobo is known for hardwork and sacrifices.

Looking at this hall, this is the first time to see such a huge crowd of who is who in Nigerian football. It shows we recognise what he did for Nigeria and the Eagles.’’

Henry Nwosu: When I met Yobo for the first time

in 2002, he was like a lamb but he was dumb.

He hardly speaks. One day, I asked him if he was dumb. Today, he has surpassed us with the number of caps. The young players should emulate his hardwork and discipline’’.

Christian Chukwu: My captain Yobo. That’s what I called him. When he became captain, I went to sleep as a coach. There was no rancour. He’s disciplined and born to lead.

Even when allowances were not paid, he marched on, commanding his colleagues well.’’

Amodu Shuaibu: Quintessential Yoboristic!

He has class. He does it with panache. He lives a beautiful life. He scored goals as a defender. He’s a dogged fighter.

Augustine Eguavoen: Yobo played his first cap in Kitwe, Zambia. He’s known for his hardwork, dedication and discipline. May the labours of our heroes past not be in vain.

Taribo West: You are going to excel in all endeavour. The best of your life is yet to come.

Discipline, hardwork are part of Yobo. I want him

to still remain in sports to impart his experience to teeming youths who look up to him.

Peter Rufai, Victor Ikpeba all spoke in the same vein. Aisha Falode summed it up; ‘’it great to have a glittering career but even greater when you end it on a high.’’

Some of the dignitaries that attended the conference include; Christian Chukwu, Amodu Shuaibu, Nwankwo Kanu, Ifeanyi Udeze, Fanny Amun, John Mastoroudes, Peter Rufai, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Henry Nwosu, Austin Eguavoen, Waidi Akanni, Boma Iyayi, Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West, Tajudeen Disu and Austin Popo.

Chikatara Continued from Back Page from now before proceeding for training later in the afternoon.

Of the 22 players originally named to the roster, only Enyimba marksman Ezekiel Bassey is still being expected but by all indications he will begin training with the squad today, having departed his base in Aba.

NOGIG gold excites NNPC coach IT.T, Stationary Stores and NNPC Football Clubs stated that the players’ total commitment and spirit of

Nikyu Continued from Back Page up at the National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, March 12, Head Coach of the U-17 Women National Team, Flamingos, Bala Nikyu has assured that his girls are ready for the encounter.

Nikyu, who led the Class of 2014 to the quarter –finals of the World Cup in Costa Rica, spoke after the team’s evening training session on Monday, just as the South African Football Association announced that their contingent to Saturday’s game would arrive in Abuja in the early hours of Wednesday.

“Since resuming camp on February 7, we have been doing a lot of work, and I am very happy with the way everything has gone. I am happy there are no injury worries apart from one that happened few days ago, but the player is fine now.

We have been working on our past mistakes and

Siasia

Continued from Back Page Tuesday afternoon, as no other person wanted to suffer the fate of Segun Oduduwa, Usman Mohammed and Stanley Dimgba, who were on Monday barred from showing up at the Bolton White Apartments after reporting late to the camp of the intermediate squad.

Siasia said yesterday in Abuja that discipline, strong mentality, selfbelief and support of Nigerians can steer the Eagles to heights attained by their predecessors, who pounded the Pharaohs 40 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Lagos in October 1977.

“We can recreate October 1977; why not?

The home –boys have come in and full training has commenced.

Everyone is raring to go.

By the time the foreign –

sportsmanship, added to management’s total support propelled them to beat all comers to the title at the biennial games.

rectifying them, and I believe we will go out there and do the country proud on Saturday.”

The Flamingos pummelled Namibia’s Baby Gladiators 9-0 on aggregate in the second round of the qualifying series, winning 4-0 in Abuja and 5-0 in Windhoek.

Captain of the team, Rasheedat Ajibade is confident that with the high spirit in camp, the girls will deliver on their promise to qualify for the World Cup finals, slated for Jordan in October this year. She also called on Nigerians to come out en masse and support the team with their presence and prayers, promising they will not be disappointed.

Nigeria has never failed to qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup since its inception in 2008. So far, only four countries are through to the final competition of this year’s edition, namely Jordan (the hosts), Japan, Korea Republic and New Zealand.

based players arrive, the competition will be what we want.

“I insist that we have invited the players who are capable of giving us the three points in Kaduna and another three points in Alexandria.”

Apart from being two points behind the Egyptians on the Group G table, the Eagles also lag behind the Pharaohs on goals scored. The Pharaohs have scored eight while Nigeria have scored two in the two matches played by each team, meaning the Nigerians have to start racking up the goals.

On October 8, 1977 the Eagles thrashed the Pharaohs 4-0 in a 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium, Lagos, with the inimitable Segun Odegbami bagging a brace. Skipper Christian Chukwu and John Nwadioha got the other goals.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

Nikyu: Flamingos ready for Bantwana A HEAD of its crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final round, first leg qualifying

match against South Africa’s Bantwana coming

•Nikyu

Continues on Page 47

We’ll humiliate Egypt with goals — Siasia S

AMSON Siasia says he believes the Super Eagles can give Nigerians joy on Friday, March 25 by winning and picking all three points in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna.

All the 19 expected home boys were in camp as at Continues on Page 47

•Chikatara

•16 ex-internationals, 4 coaches, 4 former captains honour him

By Tony Ubani

M

ANCHESTER United captain, Wayne Rooney would

Chikatara hits Eagles camp A

BIA Warriors striker Chisom Chikatara hit the Bolton White Hotel Apartments camp of the Super Eagles at about 1300 hours on Tuesday.

The 2016 African Nations Championship star will

TODAY'S PUZZLE

Rooney, Drogba, to play for Yobo

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS

have lunch with the rest of the squad any moment Continues on Page 47

Tonight’s Marches Chelsea v PSG 8:45pm Zenith v Benfica 8:45pm

lead a galaxy of European and African players to the Joseph Yobo Centenary and testimonial game to be played on May 27, 2016 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Yobo, former captain of the Super Eagles who remains Nigeria’s highest capped player with 100 appearances, three World Cup appearances and six African Cup of Nations appearances said that Continues on Page 47

•Rooney

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 2 Compact (5) 7 Cut (4) 8 Combined (6) 9 Saying (5) 11 Girl’s (3) 13 Delve (3) 15 Flag (4) 16 Border (3) 18 Scoff (4) 19 Widespread (7) 20 Enormous (4) 22 Intend (4 23 Durable (7) 25 Prophet (4) 27 Heated (3) 28 Lake (4) 30 Bird (3) 31 Performed (3) 33 Emblem (5) 36 Rescind (6) 37 Frustrate (4) 38 Important (5)

DOWN 1 Go in (5) 2 Spring (3) 3 Meadow (3) 4 Owing (3) 5 Hairpiece (3) 6 Contradict (5) 10 Valley (4) 11 Tallest (7) 12 Curl (7) 13 Erased (7) 14 Permitted (7) 16 Moot (5) 17 Intended (5) 18 Preserve (3) 21 Spike (3) 24 Jot (4) 26 Sea-duck (5) 29 Inflexible (5) 32 Intimidate (3) 33 Plead (3) 34 Expire (3) 35 Newt (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Greed 5, System 8, Nudge 10, Settee 11, Arid 14, Relate 15, Deficit 18, Pot 19, Dab 21, Rest 23, Melee 24, Less 27, Don 29, Tip 31, Negated 32, Reeled 34, Pear 35, Trance 38, Ached 39, Gentry 40, Deity.

DOWN: 2, Rue 3, Entail 4, Due 5, Sear 6, Sailor 7, Modest 9, Decided 12, Rep 16, Ease 17, Talon 20, Beneath 22, Safe 24, Luring 25, Step 26, Silent 28, Parade 30, Pea 33, Dray 36, Red 37, Cut.

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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