Remove oil subsidy now, World Bank tells Buhari

...towards a better life for the people

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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VOL. 25: NO. 62645

N150

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Why we reduced MTN's N1.04trn fine — NCC 8

No Boko Haram sponsor'll go unpunished —FG

8

Remove oil subsidy now, World Bank tells Buhari •As FG presents MTEF, scraps kerosene subsidy in 2016 Budget •No relief as fuel scarcity bites harder

By Henry Umoru, Emma Ovuakporie, Michael Eboh, Joseph Erunke, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Grace Udofia

A

BUJA—AGAINST the backdrop of the current fuel crisis across the country showing no sign of abating, the World Bank, yesterday, told President Muhammadu Buhari that the time to remove

petroleum subsidy is now.

While the Buhari administration has given hints of its intention to remove fuel subsidy, many Nigerians,

Continues on Page 5

MTEF FAST FACTS

LAUNCH— Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; MD, Thomson Reuters Africa, Sneha Shah; the State Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade; Chairman, House Committee on Judicial Commission, Olufumilayo Tejuosho and Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, during the launching of the Lagos State Laws at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday.

2016 budget: N6.04 trn Revenue: N3.82 trn Deficit: N2.22 trn Domestic borrowing: N1.2 trn Foreign borrowing: N635.88 bn Subsidy: N63.29 bn N350.33bn to be recovered N500 billion for Social Welfare Intervention Programmes Initiative

Dasuki, Dokpesi, others charged BIAFRA: with money laundering MASSOB, 9

P.17

Why MASSOB IPOB agitations will not stop

TABIA PRINCEWILL

— Igbo youths movement Inside See

C M Y K

These are no ordinary times

P.33

BUNMI SOFOLA

She refuses to give up smoking

P.19

ROTIMI FASAN Dasuki's arms deal scandal and blood of the innocent

COLUMNISTS:

SOUTH EAST VOICE

IPOB resolve to halt demonstrations ...why Kanu is detained — FG 15

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

VISIT—President Muhammadu Buhari (R) welcoming President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic who was on a day's working visit to Nigeria at the State House, Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Remove oil subsidy now, World Bank tells Buhari Continues from Page 1 including the organised labour, have rejected the plan. But in what appears to be a prelude to the eventual removal of fuel subsidy, President Buhari made no provision for kerosene subsidy in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, which he presented to the National Assembly, yesterday.

At Monday's Federal Executive Council meeting, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma, while unveiling the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the government’s N6 trillion budget proposal for 2016, said the

government was seriously weighing the options between removing or retaining fuel subsidy next year.

Speaking at the launch of the new edition of Nigeria Economic Report, the World Bank’s Lead Economist, John Litwack, said the best time to remove fuel subsidy is now when global crude oil price is at its lowest level, noting that the Bank foresaw continuous decline in global crude oil price.

Despite last Friday ’s attempt by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, during its 168th conference to maintain its production quota so as to stabilize the crude oil market, the price of the

IT'S UP TO YOU

N

BY AYO ADIO

OTHING in life is more satisfying than sharing bread with the hungry and helping the needy. That is a sure path to true happiness. It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Happiness is largely a matter of choice — Marlena Bielecka

W

HAT makes you happy? If you’ve asked yourself how to become a happier person, this is already a good sign. Happiness is not something that happens to us by chance? Being happy is an achievable and learnable skill,which requires constant work on your attitude and it depends on how you interpret your life situation.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE The king summoned all animals with horns, and the snail appeared!

commodity slumped further to $37.89 per barrel on Monday from $38.09 on Friday.

Mr Litwack said now is the best time for the government to scrap the subsidy, as doing so would not push retail pump price beyond an average of N100 per litre, or generate the kind of pressure that would negatively impact on the people beyond what they are currently facing.

According to Litwack: “The fuel subsidy appears to have vast modest benefits for the majority of citizens, but the costs are quite high.

There is a strong tendency for the cost of fuel subsidy to increase over time as increasing domestic demand for petrol outpaces growth in oil output or revenues.

“The $35 billion cost of fuel subsidy during 2010 – 2014 was one of the reasons Nigeria was unable to accumulate a fiscal reserve in the Excess Crude Account that could have protected the country from the recent oil price shock.”

He explained that fuel subsidy obligations were expected to reach 18 per cent of all government oil revenues in 2015, pointing out that if the current regulated price regime of N87 per litre was maintained, subsidy was projected to increase to more than 30 per cent by 2018.

2016 Budget: Buhari scraps kerosene subsidy

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari may have tacitly scrapped kerosene subsidy in the country as he made no allocation for it in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, which he presented to the National Assembly, yesterday.

The document indicated that the present federal administration is to borrow N1.835.88 trillion to fund the 2016 budget which stands at N6.04 trillion just as it disclosed that a total sum of N350.33 billion misappropriated funds will be recovered in 2016 .

A breakdown showed that while N1, 200.00 trillion would be borrowed domestically, foreign borrowing stands at N635.88 bn.

On the misappropriated funds, the president explained in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework that N137.90 billion will be recovered from strategic alliance contracts, while N162.43 billion will be recovered from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC just as N50 billion will be recovered from other misappropriated funds.

But contrary to expectations that he would remove fuel subsidy following series of complaints arising from its handling, the President did not only retain it but allocates the sum of N63.29 bn for it in the 2016 fiscal year.

Also, in his efforts at fulfilling his 2014 electioneering campaign promises, President Buhari allocated the total sum of N500 billion for Social Welfare Intervention Programmes Initiative, conditional cash transfer to the most vulnerable and post-NYSC grant.

He explained that “these interventions will start as a pilot scheme and work towards securing the support of donor agencies and our development partners in order to to minimize potential risks.”

N39.88 billion for oil exploration in the North

The president, according the document, is expected to spend the sum of N39.88 billion for exploration of oil in the northern part of the country in the, 2016 fiscal year.

According to the MTEF submitted, the sum of N150 billion was earmarked for settlement

of arears of the 2015 subsidy on domestic consumption.

This came as he slashed the yearly budget of the National Assembly from the sum of N120 billion contained in the 2015 budget to N115 billion in the 2016 fiscal year.

He equally trimmed down the allocation for Presidential Amnesty Programme from N47.39 billion to N20 billion.

To improve revenue generation and collection as well as plugging leakages, the president said his administration had commenced a forensic audit of key revenue generating and collecting agencies of government with a view to recovering lost revenues as well as identifying and blocking loopholes for poor collection and remittance of revenue in the treasury.

The president added that the multiplicity of government accounts had made it difficult to have an accurate picture of public financial resources.

“Government has, therefore, enforced the full implementation of the Treasur y Single Account, TSA system.

Already, this is facilitating a more effective aggregate management and control of government cash balances, which, hitherto, had been maintained in several bank accounts.

“Government has similarly, enforced the full implementation of the integrated payroll and personal information system, IPPIS in all MDAs, which should result in some cash, “he explained.

President Buhari hinted of possible job cut as well as mass reduction of MDAs, when he said: "Government will, in the near-to-medium - term, continue to prune the size of federal government and its MDAs to more efficient levels without c o m p r o m i s i n g effectiveness.

“Over the Mediumter m, however, government will revisit the need to rationalize the agencies of government and strategically implement relevant provisions."

The president said the 2016 Budget, standing at N6.04 trillion, proposed government revenue of N3.82 trillion, implied a projected deficit of N2.22 trillion.

No hope in sight, as fuel scarcity bites harder The fuel crisis continued in Abuja, yesterday, as motorists continued to find it more difficult to get the product, with some queueing for a minimum of four hours before getting the product to purchase.

The fuel crisis showed no sign of abating, as the queues continued to grow longer while the number of petrol stations with the product continued to decline.

Despite the sufferings, the Federal Government, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR and the NNPC, seem to have abandoned Nigerians to their fate, as they have kept mute in spite of the worsening situation.

The DPR failed to respond to enquiries on its efforts at alleviating the sufferings faced by Nigerians, while the NNPC had stopped sending its daily update of supply to petrol stations across the country.

In Suleja, most petrol stations were selling fuel to motorists, but the queues were long while motorists accused the filling stations of underdispensing, claiming that their pumps had been tampered with.

At the Airport Road in Abuja, most of the petrol stations were not opened when Vanguard visited, while the few selling, NNPC and MRS, witnessed large number of vehicles and very long queues.

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 , 2015

Police parade masquerade, 20 others for robbery in Kogi

By Boluwaji Obahopo

L

OKOJA—THE Nigeria Police, Kogi State Command, yesterday, in Lokoja, paraded 21 suspected criminals, including kidnappers, armed robbers and others said to have been terrorising the people of the state in recent time.

Among those paraded was a ‘masquerade’ who during a festival, stabbed one Ishak Yusuf to death.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Williams Aya, who paraded the suspects at command

headquarters, said: The ‘masquerade’ (real name, Shaibu Musa) of Okene town in Okene Local Government Area of the state and eight others (now at large) conspired and in the disguise of celebrating Ekhechi masquerade festival brought out the Obiede masquerade to terrorise the people. In the process the ‘masquerade’ engaged the deceased in a fight and stabbed him to death."

Aya, however, said although the suspect denied taking part in the fight during which the

deceased was killed, he admitted that on the said date, himself with his colleagues attended the Obiedu masquerade festival at 11p.m.

Also paraded were three suspects, Lawal Jale, Abubakar Isah and Haruna Iliyasu, for attempting to kidnap a brother to one of the suspects. He said: "Jale of Fulani Camp, Obajana invited his friends from Katsina State to kidnap and assassinate his brother, Mu’azu Yahaya. They were arrested in the process of carrying out the act.”

Another suspect, Aliu Umar,

was arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Usman Waziri of Fulani Camp, Ogale in Ijumu Local Government Area of the state in July.

Aya said after kidnapping the victim, they demanded for N1 million ransom and subsequently released him after the payment of the ransom. “The men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, however, arrested Umar in IsuaAkoko, Ondo State following the complaints by the victim,” he added.

Man commits suicide in Enugu •As Police arrest 2 for concealing pistol in loaf of bread

By Chinenyeh Ozor

N

SUKKA—A middle-aged man has allegedly committed suicide in Ibagwa Ani community, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State over an un-established issue.

Vanguard gathered that the deceased, identified as Chukwudi Ugwuanyi (44) was said to have returned from Abuja where he owned a business, spent two days in the village, only to be discovered hanging from a tree in the village.

His relations wondered what could be the cause of the suicide of their brother, who returned home to put finishing touches to his building in readiness for the Christmas celebration, only to take his own life.

Meanwhile, Enugu State police command has commenced investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of the man.

The corpse of the deceased, Chukwudi had been deposited at Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka for autopsy.

In another development, Enugu Sate mobile police force, MOPOL 3, has arrested two students along Abakpa/ Opi Road, who concealed a local made double barrel pistol in a loaf of bread while on board a commercial vehicle.

The suspects, Omekwoli Olisa, 25 who resides at GRA Nsukka, was said to be a student of a tertiary institution and Ezeugwu Chinedu, 23 who hails from Ihe-owerre community in Nsukka council, were nabbed by the operatives during a stop and search operation.

The two were said to have made confessional statements to police on their mission with the local pistol discovered in

a loaf of bread.

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the two

incidents, saying that investigations had commenced, while the two suspects are assisting the Police in their investigation.

IDP CAMP: A baby at Bama Internally Displaced Persons Camp, IDP, during the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed's tour of Bama, Borno State. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Retired Navy captain faces N45m theft charge

L

By Bartholomew Madukwe

AGOS—A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, yesterday, adjourned to February 8, 2016 for the arraignment of a Navy Captain, Jerry Ogbonna (retd), being accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of stealing and fraudulently converting N45 million, property of Fidelity Bank Plc. Ogbonna, alongside Obyke System Consult Ltd, are also accused of obtaining N45 million

from Diamond Bank Plc by falsely presenting to them that the said money represented the mobilisation fee from the Department of Petroleum Resources of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

The arraignment of Ogbonna, which was to take place, yesterday, failed following inability of the prosecution to produce him before the trial judge, Justice Atinuke Ipaye.

It was gathered that the alleged stealing of N45 million from Fidelity Bank Plc and obtaining same amount money from Diamond Bank Plc was committed

between April 10, 2012 and August 31, 2012 in Lagos.

Ogbonna and Obyke System Consult Ltd are to be arraigned on a two-count of stealing and obtaining money by false pretense.

The prosecution informed the court that the offence of stealing was contrary to Section 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011, while obtaining money by false pretense was contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) and 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006.

POLICE TO DETAINEE:

Pay N80,000 or go to jail

L

By Esther Onyegbula

AGOS—RESIDENTS of Tapa Community in Ebute-Meta area of Lagos State, have called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to come to the aid of a 32-year-old mother of two detained at Denton Police station for allegedly reporting the death of her neighbour to the police.

The woman, identified as Gbemisola, they alleged was being detained for her inability to pay N80,000 to bail herself from the police.

The residents claimed that trouble started for the mother of two, sometimes in November when the apartment of one of her neighbours called Timothy was gutted by fire. Gbemisola was said to have raised alarm that attracted others who assisted in putting out the fire.

One of the residents who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, the arrest and detention of the woman came as a surprise to everybody in the community.

She said: “We were sleeping when the deceased's neighbour raised alarm about the fire incident; we all rushed to the building and put out the fire. Few days later, there was serious odour enveloping the community. So, some concerned youths went into the deceased's apartment only to find his bloated body on the floor and that was what prompted the neighbour to report the matter at the station.

“When we heard about the woman’s arrest and detention, we went to the station in an attempt to persuade the Investigation Officer to release her only for us to be told that we should pay N80,000 or she would be charged to court for murder and arson.

“We are appealing to Governor Ambode to come to the aid of the woman because she is suffering over what she knew nothing about.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 , 2015—7

Gunmen invade Ebute-Meta in Lagos, kill 4, injure 20

By Esther Onyegbula

L

AGOS—SUSPECTED cultists on Monday invaded the Ebute-Meta area of Lagos State, killing four persons and injuring twenty others.

Residents said the gunmen who wore masks and operated for about one hour without any resistance from security agencies, drove into the community at about 9.30pm in two cars and shot sporadically at residents of Odofin, Kano, Jebba, Osolake and Bello Streets.

When Vanguard visited the community on Tuesday, a team of policemen from the Denton Police station and the Rapid Response Squad were seen patrolling the community.

According to a police source, the team of

policemen stormed the Ebute Onipomo area, a slum community, close to where the shooting took place and arrested four persons in connection with the shooting.

The police source also stated that three corpses were recovered from the scene of the shooting at Ebute-Onipomo in the wee hours of Tuesday.

When contacted over the incident, the Chief (Baale,) of the Okobaba community, Alhaji Musbau Junadu said his son is among the residents shot by the gun men.

He said: “I left Odofin Street for my house but as I was parking my car, I got a phone call that gun men were shooting. I hurried back and saw that my son, Muheed, was shot on his

two legs. He is a footballer but they want to render him useless. I am at the Igbobi hospital to ensure that he survives.

“My son and other residents shot by the robbers have been taken to the hospital for treatment. I cannot tell you who these people (gun men) are or where they came from. One Kazeem died from the gun shot he sustained” It was further gathered that the gunmen were repelled from attacking residents at Apapa Road by a combined team of policemen and the vigilante group. Musbau Agbodimu, secretary of the Vigilante Goup of Nigeria in Lagos said: “We learned that the gunmen stormed the area and started shooting sporadically."

Delta auto crashes claim one, injure 4

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—A multiple accident involving a Dangote Truck, a Mack tanker and a Toyota Hiace bus occurred, yesterday on Benin/ Onitsha expressway killing one, leaving four others seriously injured.

An angry mob that witnessed the accident almost burnt the Dangote truck as they accused the driver of negligence for the accident which occurred

at about 2pm around the Mechanic Village in the Asaba metropolis axis of the Benin-AsabaOnitsha Expressway.

A witness who pleaded anonymity, said the Dangote truck colluded with the tanker and the Toyota Hiace bus, adding; “Irate youths would have burnt the Dangote truck if not for the intervention of policemen. They were angry probably because of the impression that

Dangote trucks have allegedly been responsible for most of the accidents on this road.”

Confirming the accident, an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, who also pleaded anonimity, said the deceased had been deposited at the mortuary while the injured victims, including one male and three female were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Teenager found dead in lagoon

By Ugochukwu Alaribe boasted that he could

A

BA—THE lifeless body of a 19-year-old teenager, identified as Obinna Igboke, has been found floating in a lagoon located opposite Umuocham Girls Secondary School, Aba, Abia State, barely three days after he allegedly drowned in the river.

Vanguard gathered that Igboke, who hails from Ikwo in Ebonyi State, engaged in a N2, 000 bet with his friends on who could swim across the lagoon in the area, but the bet turned fatal as he got drowned while his friends fled.

The deceased who also worked as a dry cleaner along Umuocham road, Aba, was alleged to be addicted to alcohol and

swim across the lagoon without harm.

When Vanguard visited the area the body of the deceased was still floating in the lagoon.

The situation caused panic in the area, forcing shop owners and residents to desert the road leading to the lagoon for fear of police arrest.

Some of the deceased’s relations who spoke to Vanguard at World Bank Police Station, said that they were not aware Igboke entered into a bet with anyone which led to his death.

According to them, “We heard he got drowned in the lagoon on Saturday and on Monday morning, we

got information that his body was seen floating on top of the water. We all went to the traditional ruler of the community, where the incident happened to ask for their permission to take his remains home for burial.

On getting the approval, we were trying to bring him out of the lagoon when policemen from World Bank came and took everyone to their station.

“We didn’t know about the betting that he was said to have entered into by whomever that he did that with.”

Igboke’s relations appealed to the Police to release his elder brother who was arrested while trying to recover the corpse from the lagoon.

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Why we reduced MTN’s N1.04trn fine —NCC

By Prince Osuagwu

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AGOS — THE Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has defended its action to reduce the N1.04 trn fine on MTN Nigeria to N780 billion, saying it acted in the interest of the stability of the telecom sector.

The commission said it weighed all pros and cons and arrived at a decision it considered favourable to all concerned.

Director, Public Affairs of the NCC, Mr Tony Ojobo, said after considering the operator ’s admission of guilt, huge investment in the country, the large subscriber base and Nigeria being its largest market, the decision to arrive at the reduction was not too difficult.

According to Ojobo, “MTN wrote the commission, acknowledged that there has been an infraction and are now pleading for leniency. In the past we have also had people plead for leniency on their sanctions.

"At that time, of course the NCC board has not been constituted, no minister, the authority of the president was required for such a decision to be taken in the absence of the minister, and so the commission had to notify the presidency.

“The stakeholders looked at it with all the pros and cons and reduced the fine by 25 per cent. We are aware and conscious of the level of investment MTN has made in this market; they have the largest number of subscribers, it is also important to know that Nigeria remains their biggest market. We have taken all into considerations, and that was what even informed the discussion in the first place.

Weighing all of these issues, is why this action has been taken”.

The controversy surrounding the unprecedented One trillion, four hundred million Naira fine the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, slammed on MTN Nigeria for allegedly not being able to disconnect about 5.1 million improperly registered subscribers on its network, appeared settled Thursday, last week, when the regulator reduced the fine by 25 percent.

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief & Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA— PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari administration will not spare Boko Haram sponsors, in the fight to rid the nation of terrorists and their backers, the Minister of Informational and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said.

Addressing a press conference on the successes recorded by the Nigerian military and other security agencies in the anti-Boko Haram war, in Abuja, yesterday, he said due process would be followed in bringing those behind the terrorists to book.

His words: “The dilemma of government is how to redress the past wrong. What I want to assure you is that nobody, who is responsible for this situation either by sponsoring Boko Haram or stealing our resources, will go unpunished. That I can assure you. But we will follow due process.”

Reacting to the Federal Government’s seeming lack of commitment to bringing Boko Haram suspects to book, as has been the case in Chad where they are usually summarily tried, condemned and killed, Mohammed said that the legal system in Nigeria was different and that the authorities would not want any innocent person killed in that process.

His words: “Our legal regime is different. I can assure you that it is not in the interest of the military to protect Boko Haram because they are the first victims of the activities of the insurgents.”

The minister absolved those in the current government of sponsoring or supporting Boko Haram terrorists in any way, as according to him, “nobody in this government will hide a Boko Haranm suspect.”

He said all Nigerians did not only owe the Nigerian military and other security agencies a debt of gratitude for the enormous sacrifices and commitment in the fight against Boko Haram but also needed to own the war on terror.

According to him, the terrorists’ attacks on Bama were extremely sobering, disclosing that none of the 6,000 houses in that North Eastern town was standing when his team visited last weekend.

The minister disclosed that the project of re-building Bama would commence in January with about 41,000 housing units.

He added that in the case of Konduga, the Borno State had rebuilt the town on three occasions but that on each

VISIT: From left, Vice Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Bandele Aiku; former Chairman, Body of Benchers, Justice Umaru Abdullahi; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and Chairman, Body of Benchers/Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed during a visit to the Vice President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

No Boko Haram sponsor ’ll go unpunished — FG Says search for Chibok girls still on-going Boko Haram ’ll be decimated this month Benin Republic to send 800 soldiers to Nigeria occasion, the town was retaken by the Boko Haram elements and destroyed.

Military still looking for Chibok girls

Reacting to growing disappointment of members of the public in the Federal Government’s failure to reunite the abducted Chibok girls with their parents over six months into this administration, Mohammed said the military was still searching for them.

“The military is leaving no stone unturned up till now.

Right now, the military is undertaking major onslaughts,” he said.

According to the minister, the alleged arms deal fraud negatively impacted on the war against Boko Haram but that the troops and their officers were now adequately motivated to bring decimate Boko Haram this month to the extent that they would no longer be able to hold any territory.

North-East needs Marshal Plan

The minister said there was need for a Marshal Plan for the reconstruction of the North Eastern part of the country, following the massive destruction by Boko Haram.

“Anybody who goes to the North-East will not need convincing that there is need

for a kind of Marshal Plan.

Anybody who has been to Bama will be sober,” Mohammed said.

Benin Republic to send 800 soldiers to Nigeria

Meanwhile, President of the Republic of Benin, Mr. Boni Yayi, has pledged to send 800 soldiers to fight alongside Nigerian troops.

Yayi’s disclosure came on a day President Buhari also charged him to ensure that he conducted a credible election that would herald his exit from office next year.

The visiting President. who addressed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with his host at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday, stated that the soldiers were battle ready.

According to him, Benin Republic would always stand by the government of President Buhari to ensure he succeeds in office.

He said: “President Buhari took over the mantle of government at a time terrorism occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram is high.

“To fight terrorism, Benin is ready to send about 800 men to join the men that are already prepared to fight terrorism. The team is battle ready for deployment.

“The will power is there and Benin is committed to

deploying the men. Benin will always remain on the side of Nigeria in its trying times.

“The sub-region is also going through serious problems of development. Fighting Boko Haram is becoming difficult because OPEC countries are going through oil crisis. We will always stand beside Buhari in his fight against corruption.”

In his response, President Buhari stated that his government was committed to defeating the insurgents.

He said that the terrorists had retreated to the hinterlands of the North-East due to the intensified military operations in the region.

He called for the cooperation of neighbouring countries in the fight against terrorism, oil theft among others, revealing that it was for that purpose that Nigeria would be hosting the Economic Community of West Africa States, ECOWAS, in less than two weeks from now.

Meanwhile, a statement by the presidential spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adesina, about what transpired during the closeddoor meeting stated that President Buhari tasked Yayi on transparent polls in February next year.

“Whatever happens in Benin is of particular interest to Nigeria because we are very good neighbours. I will like to congratulate the President of Benin for successfully completing two terms in office, and his plan to hand over power after the elections in February,” the President said.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015—9

Dasuki, Dokpesi, others charged with money laundering

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor & Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA — THE Federal Government, yesterday, slammed 43-count charge on former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd); former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda; former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa and his son, Sagir.

Others charged with them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on behalf of the Federal Government are: High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, founder and Chairman Emeritus of Daar Communications Plc and Daar Investment and Holdings Limited; former Finance Director in the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu and Aminu Baba Kusa.

Other suspects charged by the anti-graft agency are private companies said to have received huge sums from the ONSA without any clear and specified reasons.

They are: Acacia Holdings Limited, Reliance Referral Hospital Limited and Dalhatu Investments Limited.

A breakdown of the charges, which Vanguard obtained last night, showed that the former NSA, Dasuki, Shauibu Salisu, Aminu Baba Kusa, Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited were slammed with a total of 19 charges bordering on money laundering, diversion of public funds and breach of public trust among others.

Similarly, Bashir Yuguda, Sambo Dasuki, Shuaibu Salisu, Dalhatu Investment Ltd, Sagir Attahiru and Attahiru Bafarawa were charged with 22 counts.

High Chief Dokpesi and his company, Daar Investment and Holdings Limited were slammed with two counts each.

The cases have been filed with the Federal High Court but not yet assigned to any judge, according to findings by our correspondent.

Vanguard had reported exclusively on Monday that the EFCC was set to press charges against the suspects this week but did not specify the date.

The agency had used most part of last Sunday grilling the suspects and confronting them with details of the illicit transactions that made the Federal Government to lose huge sums of money.

Dasuki has already challenged the Federal Government for trying to

investigate and bring him to book for the alleged offence and breach of his fundamental rights.

The case is before Justice Ademola Adeniyi.

Also, Dokpesi in an exparte application he filed through his lawyer, Mr. Mike Ozehkome, SAN, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms, pending his formal arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Instead of granting the motion, Justice Kolawole, in

a chamber ruling last Friday, ordered Dokpesi’s lawyer to go and put the Federal Government on notice, even as he adjourned the matter till December 14.

The court also directed EFCC to produce Dokpesi before it on that day.

However, few hours after the order was made, EFCC granted administrative bail to Dokpesi.

In his application dated December 3, Dokpesi told the court that he was detained for more than 48 hours without

the EFCC entering any charge against him.

Ozehkome told the court that his client was on December 1 summoned via the telephone to report to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

He said Dokpesi has since then remained in custody on the anti-graft agency, adding that he was grilled for so many hours despite the fact that he did not have fore knowledge of why he was wanted by the EFCC.

LAUNCH: From left: Carlos Wanderley, Head Retail Banking, Union Bank Nigeria Plc; Olayinka Ogunmekan, President, Nigeria-Swedish Chambers of Commerce; Emeka Emuwa, GMD/CEO, Union Bank Nigeria Plc and Patrick Balonwu, chairman, Vanmich Solutions Ltd at the Union Bank Oba Akran branch launch in Lagos, yesterday

NPAN condemns Senate over social media bill

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HE Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, has condemned the Bill presently being considered by the Senate entitled “Bill for an Act to Prohibit Frivolous Petitions and Other Matters Connected Therewith” which seeks to abridge the rights of the citizens to freedom of speech NPAN, in a statement

issued yesterday signed by its president, Mr Nduka Obaigbena said: “The NPAN urges the National Assembly to cease and desist from considering or passing any laws seeking to abridge constitutionally guaranteed free speech as such laws will not only be unconstitutional, they undermine our system of democracy and the rights we all fought for.

“We cannot because of a few irritations on the social media seek to clamp down on the rights of citizens to freely hold and share opinion on any platform. We believe any untruths should be confronted by facts not laws, and indeed the Freedom of Information Act should be enhanced to promote more openness in governance.”

Media Perspectives launches Nigerian Media Advertising Guide

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EDIA Perspectives, Nigeria’s foremost media independent agency, has launched the Nigerian Media Advertising Guide.

The Nigerian Media Advertising Guide is a research and data compilation which gives marketing communications professionals the research tools they need to reach consumers in Nigeria.

The event also featured a panel discussion which x-rayed the effects of research on effective

marketing communications and advertising campaigns with both local and international case studies.

The discussion panel comprised experts in the marketing communications industry, including Mr. Feyi Olubodun, General Manager Insight Communications; Dr. Tayo Oyedeji, CEO Media Perspectives; Mr. Jude Odia, Media Director, Media Perspectives and Mrs. Iquo Ukoh.

While launching the book, Oyedeji, Media Perspectives’ Managing Director, gave a background to his agency’s decision to contribute to the growth of the media advertising industry with relevant insights drawn from analysed data.

He further said that “the book is a concise research data documentation that would help marketing professionals understand and work effectively in the Nigerian media market.”

Review Nigeria’s foreign policy in hostile countries, Senate tells FG

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA—THE Senate, yesterday, asked the Federal Government to carry out holistic review of Nigeria’s foreign policy with a view to protecting investors and businessmen in other countries assisted

by Nigeria to gain freedom, peace and security, who have suddenly turned against the country and become hostile to its citizenry.

The Senate had also urged the Federal Government to convene a foreign policy summit that would, among others, address issues on redefining Nigeria’s interests to focus the policy in addressing the global realities.

According to the Senate, it was sad that the fundamental principles and objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy invented by the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, had remained unaltered irrespective of the different changes in government till date.

Against this backdrop, the Senate had directed its Committee on Foreign Affairs and other relevant committees to investigate several alleged maltreatment and killings of Nigerians abroad as well as take into consideration the Doctrine of Diplomatic Reciprocity in its activities and report back in four weeks.

According to the Senate, the government should “go forward, imbibe Nigeria’s economic interest as vital component of our foreign policy objectives, especially in countries where the nation invested her enormous human and material resources to restore security, peace, stability and democracy as the era of Father Christmas Diplomacy is certainly over.”

These resolutions were sequel to a motion by Senator Stella Oduah (PDP Anambra North) and entitled, 'The urgent need to re-assess Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives in line with emerging economic realities.'

10 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 , 2015

Court grants Honeywell access to bank accounts

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, has granted Honeywell Flour Mills Plc access to its funds in all banks in Nigeria.

Trial judge, Justice Mohammed Yunusa said it would be unfair to continue to deny them access to their funds since the case is yet to be determined.

The court had, following an ex-parte application by Ecobank Nigeria Limited through its lawyer Mr Kunle Ogunba, SAN, made an order against chairman of Honeywell Group, the company’s directors and others from withdrawing from any bank or financial institution over an alleged dent.

But Honeywell, through its counsel Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, sought to discharge the order, contending that it was an abuse of court process.

In its counter-affidavit, the company said: “Sometime in 2013, the applicant along with its sister companies, Anchorage Leisures Ltd and Siloam Global Ltd under the auspices of their parent company, Honeywell Group Ltd, commenced discussions with the respondent with a view to a global and complete settlement of their outstanding liabilities towards which parties agreed for a total full and final payment of N3.5 billion the agreed sum.”

Ruling, Justice Yunusa said he was inclined to vary the orders to enable Honeywell group meet its financial obligations.

Meanwhile, further hearing in the matter, continued January 13.

BIAFRA: Soyinka calls for diplomacy

By Our Reporter

N

OBEL laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has urged the Federal Government to employ more diplomacy in handling the agitation for the Republic of Biafra.

Soyinka said statements like “Nigeria is indivisible”, “This won’t happen under my watch,” “Nigeria’s unity is nonnegotiable” would not help matters. The Nobel laureate spoke in an interview on Channels Television programme, Channels Books’ Club.

Agitation for the Republic of Biafra gained more traction recently following the arrest of Director of outlawed Biafra Radio, Nnamdi Kanu.

The protesters had taken over the Niger Bridge, Onitsha, Anambra State blocking traffic and it took the intervention of security agents before they could be dislodged, leaving some persons dead in its wake.

Soyinka asked President Muhammadu Buhari to approach

T

HE general overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has urged Nigerians to love one another.

He made the appeal during the ongoing annual Holy Ghost Congress of the church at the Redemption Camp along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

In his message titled: “Flood of Love”, Pastor Adeboye urged the congregation to love one another just as God showers His unlimited love towards mankind.

According to him, God himself is love and demonstrated His

been misunderstood at the time.

He said the attitude of the government should be to sit down with the those leading the renewed agitation and ask: “What can we do to make the Igbo feel part of the country, what can we do to make them to feel that they

belong and not alienated.

“This is what we are ready to push for in the overall governance content of the country. It is not to be carrying on that this will not happen under my watch; Nigeria is indivisible, Nigeria’s unity is nonnegotiable, he stated” LAUNCH: From left; Mr. Feyi Olubodun, GM, Insight Communications; Dr. Tayo Oyedeji, CEO, Media Perspectives; Mrs. Iquo Ukoh of Nestle Nigeria Plc, the keynote speaker, Mr Biodun Shobanjo, chairman of Troyka Group and Mr. Jude Odia, Media Director, Media Perspectives, at the launching of the Nigerian Media Advertising Guide in Ikeja.

BELLO TO FALEKE: Accept my emergence as an act of God …says late Audu’s supporters now with him

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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TILL savouring the victory of his emergence of as the governor-elect of Kogi State, the winner of the supplementary election in the state, Mr. Yahaya Bello, has asked his unwilling deputy, Abiodun James Faleke to accept his victory as the will of God. Bello said that the only rational option left for Falake was for him to work closely with him so as to move Kogi forward since the election has come and gone and produce winners and losers.

The governor-elect said that the majority of the supporters of the late governorship candidate of the APC, Abubakar Audu, were already working with him so as to take the state

Love one another, Adeboye love towards mankind urges Nigerians manifold by sending His only begotten son

By Olayinka Latona

the agitation in a more diplomatic way, pointing out that he had said earlier that Biafra cannot be defeated.

According to him, ''Once an idea has taken off, you may defeat those behind it in a war but that does not mean the end of the idea.”

But he lamented that he had

into the world that He might save man from condemnation and be propitiation for man’s sin.

Enumerating the results of flood of love from God, Adeboye explained that God’s love covers nakedness, it neutralized death, God’s love gives the best, love guarantees total victory and that God’s love chastises those whom He loves for them to retrace their steps and make necessary corrections.

The cleric said that it is only sin that removes God’s glory and gives room for shame just like when Adam and Eve were sent out of the garden of Eden due to their disobedience to God’s instruction.

forward.

Bello, who was reacting to claims by Faleke that he would not attend the inauguration of governor as his deputy, said that he was not ready to join issues with the lawmaker, who is representing Lagos State in the House of Representatives.

Faleke, who tried in vain to replace the late Abubakar Audu in the December 5 supplementary election, said that he had gone past the stage of bickering over the Kogi polls, which had become part of history.

His position was made known in a statement made available to Vanguard in Abuja by his media assistant, Suleiman Abdulmalik.

Describing Faleke as a friend and brother, Bello, said he would do his best to continue to dialogue with him and other aggrieved members of the party to drop their grievances and work with him for the greater benefit of Kogi State.

Bello said what had happened in the state was a mere family affair which would be resolved amicably.

He said, “I will continue to appeal to him and others to join hands with me in moving Kogi State forward because in politics we agree and disagree but dialogue remains the only solution to issues. What happened in my state is nothing but an act of God” Bello disclosed that the ongoing reconciliation in the state had paid off; saying most of late Audu supporters were now with him.

“In fact, those who matter in Audu’s camp were already working for me even before the supplementary election and that the reconciliation effort greatly helped in defeating the PDP,” he said It will be recalled that shortly

after failing to be fielded by the APC as Audu’s substitute; Faleke approached the court and pressed to be declared the governor-elect of the state.

After the results of the supplementary polls were announced, he vowed neither to present himself as Bello’s deputy nor attend the inauguration.

He is confident the Supreme Court would fault INEC’s declaration of the

November 21 election as inconclusive and name as the governor-elect following Audu’s death.

Many lawyers have argued that it was wrong for INEC to have used the total number of registered voters in Kogi’s 91 units where election was cancelled instead of accredited voters to declare the election inconclusive, thereby stopping Faleke from automatically becoming governor.

Lagos creates online platform for state laws Warns against reckless driving, use of fireworks

By Olasunkanmi Akoni and Monsur Olowoopejo withp Agency reports

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AGOS—THE Lagos state government has perfected plans to launch an online platform where people all over the world can access the laws enacted by the State since 1967 till date.

Governor Ambode, who made the announcement yesterday at the formal launch of Laws of Lagos State 2015, said the online platform would not only enable investors and would-be investors to make informed decision about investing in the State, but would also help them to appreciate the various legal protections available for their persons and investment.

The Governor said that the Law Reform Commission of the State was saddled with the task of developing the online platform, adding that the development was geared towards promoting a platform for accountability and respon-

sibility thereby fulfilling the obligation of the government to create easy access to the laws of the State. From the online platform, people from any part of the world can easily access and download all the laws in the State since inception in 1967, the Governor said.

Earlier, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem explained that the decision of government to embark on aggressive and extensive law reform was strongly informed by the need to avail the citizenry the opportunity of being properly guided and informed through the laws, which in turn, would enhance the effectiveness of the laws, the efficacy of the judicial system and form the platform for economic and infrastructural transformation of the State.

He said that a prominent feature of the 2015 laws is that textual amendments of archaic and colloquial words were replaced with other words for simplicity and clarity of meaning.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015—11

Yoruba leaders charge FG over Biafra protests

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—LEADERS under the auspices of Yoruba Summit met in Akure, the Ondo state capital yesterday and asked the federal government to look critically into the causes of separatist feelings and initiate constitutional reforms to give sense of belonging to all constituent units of the country.

Conveners of the summit include Chairman of the Yoruba unity Forum, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chairman of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Oodua People Congress Otunba Gani Adams, Chairman of Yoruba Council of Elders, Gen Adeyinka Adebayo, Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, Dr Kunle Olajide and Agbekoya Their position was contained in a Communique issued and signed by the conveners of the summit.

They said that “We should not paper over the cracks and watch till the situation gets out of hands nor take precipitate actions.

The leaders observed the protracted agitation by the indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the Republic of Biafra.

“We stand for the unity of Nigeria, we ask the federal government look critically into the causes of separatist feelings and initiate constitutional reforms to give sense of belonging to all constituent units of the country “The recommendation of the 2014 national conference offers a good template for such engagement of the nationality question.

“To this end, summit is irrevocably committed to pushing for the resolution of the lingering national question via restructuring of our federation, devolution of power and corresponding review of the revenue allocation in favour of the federating unit and centralisation of the security network.

“The summit will work with all groups in Nigeria who believe in the true federalism to ensure their attainment of this project.

Also, the communique review the “harsh economic situation in the country as evident in massive unemployment, fuel scarcity, biting inflation, difficulties businesses are facing over the volatile foreign exchange regime by the CBN. The summit therefore called on the Federal Government to roll out a comprehensive economic plan to rebuild the nation’s “infrastructures, reflate the economy, create massive jobs, raise the standard of education.

Provide affordable health care and review monetary policies making investors to flee Nigeria.

The leaders called for the meeting of Yoruba states governors with leaders of the nation to fashion out an agenda

for cooperation that would leverage on the economic strength of each state to create a conducive atmosphere for entrepreneur to tap the resources across the states.

They noted with regretted the activities of nomadic Fulani cattle rearers, which continued to constitute a menace to the host communities.

The Yoruba leaders called on the federal government to “put a stop to this scourge by facilitating the establishment of ranches to prevent nomadic grazing and associated conflict and criminalities.''

Governor Olusegun Mimiko said a meeting such as this remains fundamental to the constant examination and reexamination of the place of the Yoruba nation in our country, Nigeria.

“This gathering is indeed essential for us as a people to think through so many things considering the present state of the politics, economy and security of Nigeria. ''The security challenges confronting Nigeria are daunting. The Boko Haram insurgency tops the scary security situation of our country. ''The scourge has pitted neighbour against neighbour, displaced close to half a million

people, destroyed hundreds of schools and government buildings and devastated the economy.''

Other leaders present at the summit include: Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae, Alhaji Raji Rasaki, the secretary of Afenifere, Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Chief Olanihun Ajayi while Ajibade Oyekan represented the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and former Lagos State governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande sent representative.

The next summit, according to the Chairman of the YCA, General Adebayo will hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

PROTEST: Members of civil society groups protesting over the anti-social media bill by the Senate in Abuja, yesterday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Fayose presents N67.04bn 2016 budget proposal

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

A

DO-EKITI—EKITI State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose yesterday presented 2016 appropriation bill, christened budget of reality to the state House of Assembly, with a promise that 10,000 indigent citizens across the state would be paid N5,000 monthly from January next year.

Fayose, who proposed budget of N67.044bn, described it as 83% of the 2015 budget of N80.78bn, said the reduction was informed by the desire to live within the means of the state and achievable estimate rather than decorate the budget with unrealistic figures.

He said 39% of the budget would be funded by the revenue from the Federal allocation accounts while the internally g e n e r a t e d revenue source is expected to fund

15% of the budget.

The budget has a capital expenditure of N24,935,299,879.11kobo for the 2016 fiscal year, which represent 37 percent of the total budget, while recurrent expenditure stands at N42,109,095,668.79 kobo, representing 63 percent of the total budget.

Economic sector is expected to gulp 57% of the budget size, while N100m would be expended on stomach infrastructure.

Fayose, who disclosed that copies of the 2016 Budget will be sent to the EFCC and ICPC for effective monitoring, also

disassociated himself from the position of the Governors Forum to reduce minimum wage and massive retrenchment of workers.

In the proposals, Fayose said three capital projects, the airport project, the Oja-Oba ultra modern market and the flyover bridge are designed to open up Ekiti State to the entire world and present the state as an emerging land of opportunities.

ASUU tasks Buhari on Micheal Okpara varsity’s course

By Dayo Johnson & Daud Olatunji

A

KURE—THE Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, yesterday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to wade into the crisis rocking the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Imo state, MOUAU, to save it from total collapse.

Coordinator of the union,Akure Zone Dr. Alex Odiyi made the call in Akure.

According to him; “The union is of the opinion that Prof. Edeoga is acting as one bereft of knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the university or is above the law “Under his leadership, the university has lost direction and is totally deviating from the vision of its founding fathers.

“It is disheartening to observe that the Governing council of the university has not been alive to its responsibility.”

The leadership of the union in the zone which include leaders from Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and Ekiti State University (EKSU) called for the halt of the “ reign of terror and arbitrariness”

FG tasked on proliferation of varsities

Meantime, the Vice Chancellor of the Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, Prof.

Rotimi Ajayi has urged the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu to check the proliferation of universities in the country.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

CONVOCATION: Famous gynecologist, Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie (OON), being conferred with the honorary Doctorate of Science (DSc) degree by the University of Benin, during its recent convocation.

Some chiefs of Benin Kingdom led by Dr. Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin at the convocation.

Bayelsa: My victory'll be restored soon —Sylva Polls not credible —TMG

By Samuel Oyadongha & Omeiza Ajayi

T

HE candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the inconclusive Bayelsa State governorship election, Chief Timipre Sylva, has urged his supporters to remain calm over the issues arising from the exercise because the electoral process has not been completed.

The former governor, in a statement by the Director, Media and Publicity of the Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, urged APC faithful and Bayelsans to remain positive and prepare for the best Christmas gift ever.

The statement read in part: “Our leaders, the APC governorship candidate Chief Sylva and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, are working hard to resolve the issues around the so-called cancellation of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area election results.

“We are very confident that our victory will be restored in no distant time and our candidate, Chief Sylva, declared as the duly elected governor of Bayelsa State having won the majority of votes and satisfied all requirements of the Electoral Law. “As a party, we know that whatever happened at Southern Ijaw LGA could not have been worse than what took place in Sagbama and Ekeremor, yet those results were not cancelled. Let us remain positive and prepare for the best Christmas gift ever.”

Polls not credible —TMG

Sylva spoke as one of the observer groups in the election, the Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, faulted the conduct of some stakeholders in the exercise, saying the election lacked credibility.

TMG, which said it deployed

300 observers in the state, condemned the military and other security agencies in the state for doing the bidding of certain players and refusing to act professionally despite earlier warnings three months before the governorship election regarding flash points.

Unveiling its preliminary report in Abuja, Chairman of the group, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said: “TMG highlights again with grave concern, persistent challenges in the organization of credible elections in Bayelsa State. In the seven LGAs where elections held on Saturday, December 5, 2015, proper accreditation procedures were not followed in many polling units. TMG observers reported that in 42 per cent of polling units observed, individuals were permitted to vote if the card reader could not read their PVCs. In 11 per cent of polling units observed, significant numbers of individuals - 26 or more, were permitted to vote although the card reader could not read their PVCs. “In 19 per cent of polling units observed, 26 or more

individuals were accredited to vote while voting was ongoing.

According to INEC’s Approved Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of 2015 General Elections, accreditation should

be declared closed before voting commences (sections 14a and 16a).”

According to the group, the above findings suggest that the governorship election in

Bayelsa State was characterized by serious irregularities throughout the process, which call to question the credibility of the election.

FG to re-introduce toll gates —Fashola

By Favour Nnabugwu

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INISTER of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, disclosed yesterday, that the Federal Government will reintroduce toll gates where revenue generated can be channelled towards sustaining and maintaining quality federal roads. He promised that money generated from the toll gates will be properly accounted for and judiciously put to use.

Fashola, in his maiden press conference at the Ministry of Works in Abuja, also said the former Ministry of Works owes 206 contractors over N2 trillion for which only N13 billion

was released to the Ministry out of the N18.132 billion it budgeted for.

In the housing sector, the minister also said that the Federal Government would spend N10 billion to build low income housing estates in each of the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

On toll gates, Fashola said the Federal Government will re-introduce highway tolling to raise additional funds to finance road infrastructure and ensure efficient road maintenance.

His words: “Maintenance would be our watchword. We are setting up a robust maintenance regime to keep our highways in good shape.

This shows that tolling is

necessary to support government funding. So, it will not be too much if we ask every road user to pay a little to augment government funding for road maintenance.

“It is eminent commonsense for us to find that money. We will use technology; so if you don’t pay cash, you will pay by tokens or tickets and the money is accountable and it will go to the right place. We will manage that fund properly and we will hold those who we put there to account.”

The Minister further said that the Ministry will have to focus on states link roads and roads with the heaviest traffic flow before it will continue with some other ongoing projects.

Urhobo Social Club honours Delta monarch

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RHOBO Social Club, Lagos, will on January 16, 2016, hold a grand reception in honour of Chairman of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council and the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Richard Ogbon, OgoniOghoro I. The reception for the 99 year-old monarch, who is also a Royal Canon of the Anglican Communion, Ughelli Diocese, takes place at the Palace Ground, OgoniOlomu, Delta State.

In a statement, Chairman,

Reception Planning Committee, Olorogun Edoreh Agbah, said the reception, which will be under the chairmanship of Olorogun Moses Taiga,was in recognition of the immense contribution of the Ohworode to the development and peace in Olomu Kingdom, Urhoboland and Delta State in general, in his 27 years on the throne.

According to Agbah, “God has blessed the Ohworode with the rare combination of

longevity and health of body and mind. At 99, he still reads without his glasses. He can drive himself around and travel round the world unaccompanied. The Urhobo Social Club, being a proactive body, believes that he should be celebrated now that he is still with us.”

The event, which will attract other traditional rulers, very important personalities of Urhoboland, Delta State and beyond, will also witness a lecture by Professor Sam Ibodje of the University of

Port Harcourt, performance by the famous Ema Dancers of Ughelli among other attractions.

HRM Ovie Richard Ogbon

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015—13

Okowa proposes N265.6bn budget for 2016 A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, yesterday, presented his 2016 budget proposal of N265.6 billion, allocating 57.65 percent to recurrent expenditure and 42.35 percent to capital expenditure to the state Assembly.

Presenting the budget which he said, would provide a roadmap for revitalizing the economy, maintaining strict fiscal discipline, creating wealth, promoting employment, encouraging self reliance and developing a knowledge-based economy on the floor of the state House of Assembly, Okowa said the 2016 budget “showed a marginal increase of N12.72

billion when compared with the 2015 approved amended budget of N252.943 billion.”

Giving the breakdown of the recurrent expenditure of N153.156 billion, the governor said N68.453 billion is for personal cost, while N30.166 billion is for overhead costs.

He added: “The Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges has a proposed sum of N54.536 billion or 35.61 percent. On the whole, the recurrent proposal for 2015 is lower by N9.587 billion or 5.89 percent when compared with the sum of N162.744 billion approved amended budget for 2015.

“I present this budget today (yesterday) in an economic

environment of anxiety and uncertainty, amidst expectations for quick results, faster development and the highest levels of discipline, honesty and transparency in government.

“It contains guidelines to enhance our competitiveness

in areas where we are strong and facilitate the development of our state, foster a clean, efficient and dedicated civil service, support social enterprises, promote investment, stimulate economic growth, and articulate the strategies for

passing on the benefit of this growth to the common man, woman, youth and child whose quality of life desperately needs to be enhanced. To these aspirations, we are irrevocably committed, and we will do everything as a government to actualise them."

Rivers Assembly passes N104.2bn supplementary budget

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State House of Assembly, yesterday, passed a supplementary budget of N104, 287, 285, 108 sent to it by the state governor.

The House also screened two nominees for appointment as commissioners and further approved request by the governor

to appoint five additional special advisers.

This will bring to 22, the number of commissioners designate so far screened by the lawmakers.

Speaker of the House, Mr Ikuinyi Ibani-Owaje, commended members for their contributions, assuring that the House will always discharge its oversight functions effectively.

BUDGET: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State (left) and Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Monday Igbuya, during the governor's presentation of 2016 Budget, to Delta State House of Assembly, in Asaba yesterday. Photo: Nath Onojake.

Climate change: Ayade seeks equalization fund for Africa

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ROSS River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has made a strong case for a climate equalization fund for Africa if the battle to reduce Green House Gas emissions was to succeed.

Ayade, a professor of Environmental Science, made the call at the ongoing Climate Change Summit in Paris, France.

The governor, who is the leader of African governors to the summit, was of the view that the fund had become imperative since Africa must find an alternative source of livelihood for its people who are largely dependent on forest resources before it can embark on forest conservation.

“Decarbonisation is sequestration of African economy. A climate equalization fund for

livelihood adaptation is imperative if Africa must conserve her forest, cap their oil wells and shut their coal mines,” he stated.

He, however, advised against a holistic adaptation of the approaches being employed by the West and other developed nations in the climate change battle by Africa.

Ayade, the only African governor who addressed the summit, said Africa must

design her own solution to the climate change challenge.

According to him, “Africa must respond but slowly to renewable energy. We copied democracy without modifications, so we are about copying climate change battle without designing our own solutions. Africa must not come to the international community cap in hand begging for pittance."

14 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015—15

BIAFRA: MASSOB, IPOB resolve to halt

demonstrations ... task FG on commitment to dialogue •Kanu detained in the interest of peace, FG tells court •Court adjourns hearing on bail applications for 8 to Dec 17 •Veterans warn Biafran youths against Buhari’s proposed Police, Army recruitment

By Jimitota Onoyume, Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Francis Igata, Nwabueze Okonkwo

E

NUGU—THE peaceful protests staged by members of Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, over the continued detention of the Director, Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu and the demand for creation of Biafra state may be halted following the resolve of the two pro-Biafra groups to give Federal Government room for dialogue.

Protesters in the South-East and parts of South-South geopolitical zones had vowed to continue demonstrations until they actualize Biafra, which prompted governors from the region, under the aegis of South-East Governors Forum, SEGF, to push for a dialogue to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, among other issues of neglect and marginalzation of the people, at a meeting held at Enugu Government House.

Resolution A joint resolution by Ugwuoke Ibem, National Secretary, MASSOB, and Emma Powerful, spokesman for IPOB, read: ”We have decided to halt our demonstration, protest to pave way for the much published dialogue on Nnamdi Kanu’s release. Our withdrawal from the major cities of Biafraland is not out of cowardice, but to prove maturity, professionalism as a decent self-determined group.

“We hereby issue an ultimatum to the Federal Government to prove their seriousness and sincerity on the much published dialogue on the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

We shall continue with our nonviolent self-determination on Biafra. MASSOB, IPOB will never relent or backside on the agitation for Biafra actualization. We condemn the stupidity, sabotage statement of Ralph Uwazuruike that IPOB,MASSOB introduced violence to Biafra struggle.

“Uwazuruike is a drowning man, who is living on yesterday shadow. Uwazuruike has lost grip on Biafra issues because of his deviation, compromise, open romance with Nigeria Government which has grossly affected his personality. We warn Uwazuruike and his group to stop dragging MASSOB,IPOB into a

INSPECTION: Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (middle), inspecting the drainage of an on-going road project on Kamalu Street in Aba. With him, are some state functionaries and contractors. shameless, naked dance of visionless, missionless, blind existence.”

Meanwhile, Association of veteran ex-soldiers under the aegis of Care First for the Aged Welfare Development, CFAWD, has distanced itself and also condemned the recent demonstration by group of persons agitating for creation of Biafra republic.

In a statement by its national chairman, Dr. Ubi Ikoi, CFAWD expressed displeasure over what it called the unnecessary and uncalled demonstration.

Ubi made a solidarity support to the President Mohammadu Buhari administration for steering the ship of the nation to an enviable height and frowned at the lacerant attitude and unwholesome destruction of property, loss of lives as well as disturbance of peace of the country by the agitators.

CFAWD boss remarked that there was need for every right thinking Nigerian to rally round and support the President Buhari led government in its strive to turn things around for better, rather than engage in causing confusion that will lead no one to any good.

Investigations Meanwhile, the Federal Government, yesterday, told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, why it was not in a hurry to release the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, claiming that its investigations

revealed that Kanu, who it identified as the brain behind recent clamour for the creation of ‘Biafra Republic’, had already received huge sums of money to purchase weapons.

Government in a counteraffidavit before the court, said that prior to his arrest, Kanu, had already made enquiries about prices of all the weapons he intends to buy.

In the counter-affidavit by a senior officer with the Department of State Services, DSS, Mr. Ayo Ibitoye, it insisted that it would be in the interest of justice, peace and order, to allow the IPOB leader to remain in custody of the security agency.

It will be recalled Kanu who is also the Director of Radio Biafra and Television, was on October 17, arrested in Lagos by security operatives, shortly after he arrived Nigeria from his base in the United Kingdom.

He was later arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja over allegation that he engaged in criminal conspiracy, managed and belonged to an unlawful society.

But on October 19, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the tune of N2million.

The court further directed the defendant to produce a civil servant of Grade Level 16, to stand as his surety.

However, the accused person alleged that the Nigerian government refused to release him from detention despite the fact

that he had met the bail conditions.

FG had while the matter was pending before the Magistrate court, secured an order from the high court to further detain Kanu for 90 days.

It was sequel to the order that government lawyer, Mr Moses Idakwo, asked Magistrate Usman to step down from the trial on the ground that his court lacks the power and jurisdiction to prosecute terrorism charges.

Following an application by Kanu before the high court, seeking to enforcing his fundamental right to freedom, government filed a counteraffidavit, explaining why he will not been released, despite the clear orders of the court.

Adjournment Also, Justice Hassan Quadri of a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, adjourned hearing in the bail application for eight proBiafra protesters to December 17.

The court ordered that they be remanded in prison custody till the date for hearing of their bail application.

Counsel to Onyema Obilor the 4th accused, Mr Princewill Mukoro told the court that he filed application for bail about three weeks ago. Insisting that his client was innocent, he said he was disturbed by his detention.

The accused who were brought to court were later driven back to prison custody.

The court premises was filled with many of their supporters.

Meanwhile, reacting to the recent directive by President Buhari for the recruitment of an additional 10,000 policemen, nationwide, the Biafra Independent Movement, BIM, former Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, in conjunction with Biafra Veteran Soldiers in Anambra North Senatorial Zone, yesterday, cautioned their Igbo kinsmen and their South South counterparts against participating in the proposed recruitment into police and Army for now.

The Biafra veterans, who spoke against the backdrop of the current insecurity of Ndigbo who are serving in the Federal Government armed forces and the police, also condemned the siege laid by policemen and soldiers in some states of the South East zone, including Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Eboyi and Rivers.

Recruitment In a statement after a meeting at Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, which dwelt on internal security matters, in Anambra North senatorial zone, leader of Biafran Veterans, General Robinson Nnanna said, intelligence report at his disposal on the formula regarding the police recruitment exercise had revealed that Igbo applicants upon their completion of intensive courses, either as cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Inspectors or as recruit constables would be posted to North East where they would be vulnerable to Boko Haram attacks while their Northern police counterparts would be transferred to South East and parts of South-South.

The statement by Deputy National Director for Information, of Biafra Independent Movement, BIM, Mazi Chris Mocha, enjoined Igbo applicants, who have interest in joining the Nigeria police or Army to wait until the terror war in Northeast was over.

At the zonal meeting attended

by Lt. Col. Alex Ezenwaka, Col. Anthony Onyeesi, Emelife Francis, among others, the Veterans frowned at the critics of the emergence of pro-Biafra groups, saying there would have been no clamour for a Biafra republic if the Igbo were not treated as second class citizens and seen as inferior subjects rather than as equal owners of Nigeria.

They however, urged the Biafran leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike to keep up his good work, without minding whose ox is gored.

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

ALLEGED N3.1BN FRAUD: EFCC tenders evidence against

ex-Benue gov, Suswam

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA— THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, tendered evidence against the former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, who is answering to a nine-count money laundering

Abuja, yesterday.

Suswam is facing trial alongside his erstwhile Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Omodachi Okolobia.

The duo were alleged to have looted about N3.1 billion, being proceeds of shares owned by the Benue State government and Benue Investment and Property Company Ltd. They were docked before the high court on November 10.

Though they pleaded not around this part of Nigeria. guilty to the charge, Our desire to do this is however, EFCC, informed by the fact that we maintained that it had need to do roads that will sufficient evidence to prove last at least 20 years. that the former governor “I m satisfied with the and his alleged accomplice, materials they are using to committed an offence reinforce the concrete punishable under section before asphalting. Cement 15(3) of the Money pavement technology will Laundering (Prohibition) be the minimum standard Act 2011 as amended in of roads we are going to do.

2012.

As far as our resources can Led into evidence, take us, we try to do that. yesterday, by the “The overriding import is prosecuting counsel, Mr. service; we are desperate Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, the to give service to the EFCC investigator, Sa’id, people of Abia State. We narrated before the court will continue to do it as the how Suswam allegedly funds are available. It is connived with his erstwhile better we die serving Abia Commissioner for Finance, people. So, what are we Mr. Okolobia and diverted keeping the money for? If funds into his private bank money is available; we will accounts. use it to serve the people.

The witness told the Funding is not a barrier." court that after the accused

charge.

The anti-graft agency, brought its lead investigator, Mr. Junaidu Sa’id, who it said uncovered how Suswam who piloted the affairs of Benue State from 2007 to 2015, diverted about N3.1billion from the public treasury, to testify before the Federal High Court sitting in

We ‘ll deliver quality service to Abia people —Ikpeazu

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

A

BA—ABIA State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has said he was desperate to serve the people of the state through the delivery of quality democracy dividends in the areas of infrastructure to boost the economy of the state.

Ikpeazu while inspecting ongoing road projects in Aba, charged contractors handling road projects to ensure quality work with

Roseline Kalu for burial

Late Mrs. Kalu RS. ROSELINE Mgbeke Kalu of Ndi Okwo Akwu Compound, Amasa Ututu in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, who died on November 10, 2015, will be buried on December 11, 2015, after a funeral service at St. Pauls Catholic Church, Ututu.

She is survived by children, and many relations.

M

Prayer Ministries holds 2015 anniversary

A

CTIVITIES MARKING the 2015 anniversary of Wonderful Bible Prayer Ministries, will kick off in Lagos, today, December 9, 2015 to Sunday, December 13, 2015 daily, at 13, Kehinde Ogunnusi Str, Off Yetunde Brown Street, Ifako, Gbagada, Lagos.

A statement by the host, Prophet Paul Oluyombo, said the programme with the theme, 'Good news,' will be rounded off with a special thanksgiving.

well fitted drainage systems which would stand the test of time, stressing that with the cement pavement technology used in constructing the roads, they will outlive his administration.

Inspecting ongoing road projects at Ehere, Echefu, Owerri, Umuola, Emelogu,

and Kamalu roads, the governor said that work will soon commence on the dilapidated portions on St. Michaels, Hospital, Jubilee Roads and Old court located within the city centre.

According to him, “We are pioneering the cement pavement technology

Osinbajo, Fashola, others expected at 2015 Lagos bar dinner

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IGERIA’S VICE President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN and the Minister for Power, Housing and Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN are amongst dignitaries expected at the 2015 annual dinner of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Lagos branch.

Both government functionaries, who are also lawyers, will join colleagues at the annual celebration of the Premier Bar, NBA Lagos branch, slated to hold on December 10, at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

The event is part of the year-end tradition of the Bar to foster unity among its members as well as honour those, who have distinguished themselves in their fields of practice and continue to make v a l u a b l e contributions to the legal profession in Nigeria. This year, the branch will honour lawyers recently conferred with the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN. To speak on the theme for this year, “Undressing Themis” is the Chairman of the Editorial Board of T H I S D A Y Newspapers, Segun Adeniyi, while the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Funmilayo Atilade will be the distinguished guest at the event.

Themis in Greek terms personifies divine order, law, natural law and custom.

person sold shares owned by the Benue State government and Benue Investment and Property Company Ltd, they transferred the proceeds to two separate bank accounts at Zenith Bank Plc. Sa’id maintained that investigations by the antigraft commission revealed that out of N9 billion the accused persons raised from sale of the shares, they diverted N3.1 billion, a sum he said they eventually used Bureau de Change operators to convert to about $15.8 million.

The witness said: “My Lord, sometime in July, 2015, the Commission received a petition dated July 14, against the 1st defendant, Dr. Gabriel Suswam and the 2nd defendant, Mr. Omodachi Okolobia.

“Investigation revealed that that the 1st defendant had requested that shares owned by the Benue State government, be sold for the sum of N10billion to be raised.

Trial Justice Ahmed Mohammed, yesterday, adjourned the case till January 18.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 17

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HAT is accountability?It means that leaders acknowledge responsibility for actions or events taking place under their watch, and most importantly, they understand that they are morally, legally and ethically obliged to explain to stakeholders (the Nigerian people) how and why certain things occur. In fact, leaders accept scrutiny; submit themselves to investigation or even punishment if it is proven that things went terribly wrong during their tenure. Therefore, if we can all agree that Presidents are accountable to the people who elected them into office, Goodluck Jonathan’s defence stating he was not aware of Sambo Dasuki’s alleged actions or that he did not participate in any way, is simply not good enough. It is not just Mr Dasuki and his associates who are on trial: it is the Nigerian understanding of accountability and of what it means to occupy public office that will be judged, tested and unfortunately found lacking in depth, honesty and sincerity of purpose.

The list of individuals and corporate bodies fingered by the EFCC as having reportedly participated in the massive arms fraud isn’t just shameful, it’s scary: is it so easy to defraud the Nigerian government? But most importantly, who knew about this and when will they be made to answer for such despicable acts?

I am personally a big supporter of Mr Femi Falana’s (SAN) declarations: he is, in many ways, the Gani Fawehinmi of our time.

Dreamlike accusations I appreciate that as a lawyer, he is able to demystify many of the witch-hunt propagandists’ magical, dreamlike accusations, basing himself on the law, which sadly not too many Nigerians know to the advantage of the despoilers of our commonwealth.

There is much talk of the accused’s human rights, but as I said last week, it’s the sort of treatment that only money can buy: I’d love to see the “wailing wailers” campaign for the human rights of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, who, had the military been well equipped, might not have lost their homes or their loved ones.

Upon reading Mr Falana’s declarations, it became clear that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA(2015) signed into law, ironically, by former President Jonathan, enjoins the courts to hold trials daily, therefore making the endless adjourning of corruption cases (the reason why there are never any real convictions in Nigeria, despite all the evidence presented) illegal!

When I think of Mr Dasuki calling Nigerian soldiers “cowards” or of the men sentenced to death for refusing to fight without weapons, I wonder what their families are thinking now, faced with the EFCC’s revelations about the arms procurement contracts. Do they feel vindicated by the probe? The word that comes to mind is “bittersweet”. Another is “crime against humanity”: if the EFCC wins this case it will prove that the Nigerian government, at various levels, was guilty of genocide

tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

These are no ordinary times

side government, are clueless when it comes to understanding basic precepts of governance. The Raymond Dokpesi family’s press release denying his involvement in any arms procurement contract is one thing but it acknowledges a payment to him and his company by the Presidency, through the office of the NSA, as if that were normal.

Neither the NSA nor his office should have anything to do with elections in a democracy. Plus, it is illegal to use state funds for a private campaign. Furthermore, why were funds earmarked to fight terror and protect Nigerians used to fund the President’s media and publicity campaign? Who, again, authorised this?

Publicity cmpaigns

*Former President, Goodluck Jonathan against its own people. Some petitioned the International Criminal Court in the Hague to sanction Patience Jonathan for comments she made during the past elections which incited violence and ethnic hate.

These are more than just comments. If the EFCC’s lawyers can prove their case in court, this would prove the systematic, orchestrated attack on a civilian population, all because of the negligence of some and the immeasurable greed of others. What a country.

At dinner this week with some expatriates, not for the first time in my life, I cringed when the discussion came to Nigerian politics.

“Vampirism”, “Barbarians”, and “Animalistic”: these are the sorts of words foreigners think quietly to themselves when talking about a country that kills its own people. Most times, according to the EFCC, arms paid for by the NSA did not arrive. Beyond asking where the money went, there is an even more heinous accusation

I’d love to see the “wailing wailers” campaign for the human rights of the Internally Displaced Persons who, had the military been well equipped, might not have lost their homes or their loved ones

*Femi Falana (SAN)

this time by the National Task Force on Illegal Importation of Firearms, NATFORCE, which claims that some weapons, illegally brought in were delivered (the question is by who exactly and

what was the chain of command) to Boko Haram. Is there no end to the sleaze?

The story just gets stranger, more surreal as time goes on proving that many of us, both in and out-

What then was Femi FaniKayode’s role as director of the PDP presidential campaign organisation’s media wing? In a drole but perplexing turn of events, Mr Fani-Kayode denies any knowledge of a payment made to Mr Dokpesi for campaign publicity. But of course, Nigerians never expected any less. In such a situation, many would deny even their father’s name.

The Dokpesi press release apparently (unless its provenance is denied) inadvertently admitted, by acknowledging receipt of the NSA’s funds, that public funds were put to private use: is that not the definition of corruption? The “goats”, the fools the Nigerian people are taken to be, might just have found their own “yams”, i.e. a juicy story to fuel anger at their destituteness. The hunters are about to become the hunted and our democracy will be better for it. These are no ordinary times: impunity just received an upper cut and a bloodied nose.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Adams Oshiomhole

I

WONDER who advises Nigerian public officials on what to say, particularly when they are in trouble. If this were the United States, a public relations practitioner would have written a book aptly titled: What to say and what not to say when questioned over allega-

tions of corruption even if not directly responsible. Governor Oshiomhole rightly pointed out the paradox behind the former Finance Minister distancing herself from Dasuki’s travails.

Whose signatures are needed to withdraw such important

funds from federation accounts?

The CBN governor, the Finance Minister and….the President’s. If the EFCC can prove Dasuki is guilty, then some very powerful people are either guilty of gross negligence and incompetency or much worse.

Toyin Saraki

T

*Mrs Toyin Saraki

HE wife of the Senate President, Toyin Saraki, recently challenged girls to get an education and acquire leadership skills. That is all very well, but how many opportunities exist for Nigerian girls to do so? Does anyone honestly believe that if given the chance, girls wouldn’t want to go to school? And why is it that despite years of first lady advocacy across Nigeria, girls remain so underprivileged?

The office of the first lady, until the Buhari administration, was treated like a ministry, with its own budget: what were those funds used for? The real corruption in Nigeria happens under the guise of “security budgets” or often, under the watch of first ladies. Corruption is a crime against humanity. Think of the Chibok girls and the under equipped military which

arrived on the scene hours later.

On the subject of Mrs Saraki, the press release appealing to Nigerian women to make a difference was signed and sent out by her husband’s media office. We remain incapable of separating public office (and funds) from private affairs or simply put, a man’s office from his wife concerns. “What God has put together let no man put asunder”, but this doesn’t quite work when the husband is the Senate President. *Tabia Princewill is a strategic communications 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.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 HIV/AIDS remains a global challenge for which there is no cure.

In the three decades since the epidemic reached its height, 39 million people have died while 35 million people are living with the virus worldwide. Most of the dead and infected are in sub-Saharan Africa or other low- and middle-income countries of the world. The social stigma remains, but medical advances have allowed people with the disease to live longer, healthier lives.

Based on Nigeria’s multi-sectorial response to HIV/AIDS, led by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) the national HIV prevalence in Nigeria dropped from 5.8 percent in 1991, to 3.4 percent in 2013, going by the last National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health (NARHS) Survey.

The universal goal of HIV prevention and control is to reduce new infections to zero by 2030, but worries remain about gaps in

Ending the HIV/AIDS menace the number of people receiving treatment in Nigeria. With a population of 3.8 million People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) which is equivalent to 10 per cent of the global HIV burden, only an estimated 520,000 are on treatment. Several hundreds of others that qualify for treatment are left out.

In 2013, 22 percent or 51,000 of all new child HIV infections that occurred globally were recorded in Nigeria and findings also show that the nation is not progressing as expected with its Preven-

tion of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV or PMTCT programme because thousands of HIV positive pregnant women that are not on treatment still transmit the virus to their babies during or after birth.

Nigerians appear to be resting on their oars with the false perception that HIV/AIDS no longer poses danger to our society. We must re-jig our information strategy to encourage behaviour change for key affected populations and urge all pregnant women to get screened for HIV. We must also invest more on PMTCT.

OPINION Climate change, weaponry and a dying world?

By Bobson Gbinije

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HE destructive capabilities of nuclear weapons make their good uses to pale into insignificance. Our world and its environment is now facing total annihilation because of wanton and uncontrolled flaring of gas, development of chemicals, industrial emissions and manufacturing of weapons of mass destruction.

Efforts to remedy a highly polluted global environment have been in vain as America and various culpable polluting nations have refused to sign and ratify treaties against pollution. They have failed to agree on reductions in the carbon-dioxide emissions that accelerate global warming because they said this would hamper their economic growth. The Kyoto Protocol, Canada Declarationand the Montreal Convention of March 1989 commit the international community to a 100% reduction, but they have turned out to be mere placebos.

We live with the fear of air, water, pesticidal poisons, ozone layer depreciation and forest pollution, but there is a greater disaster inherent in global warming and nuclear power fission and testing. It is clear that the carbondioxide emissions now threaten the world’s climate, by causing a gradual warming of the planet, the so-called “Green House Effect”.

Climatologists have posited that the average temperatures of the earth have increased tremendously in the last century. They assert that greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels are accumulating in the atmosphere and trapping heat that would normally have escaped into space. This will trigger

hotter weather conditions which is already prevalent and also the polar ice caps will release more water into the oceans, raising sea levels across the globe.

The ozone layer, which protects us is also threatened. Ozone is a gas made up of three oxygen atoms (O3). It is inherently unstable, and is formed partly by the action of sunlight on normal oxygen, which is made up of pairs of oxygen atoms (O2). Ozone is minor constituent of the atmosphere, found in varying concentrations between sea level and a height of 60km. Most ozone is in the layer of the atmosphere called the stratosphere, which extends from around 10km to about 40km above the earth’s surface.

The ozone layer filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ultraviolent radiation can cause skin cancer and eye cataracts, and can damage crops. The depletion of the ozone layer is majorly compounded by “chlorofluorocarbon, CFCs, man-made gases used in air conditioning, fridges, many aerosol and foam-blown cartons. The gases released from these products collect in the upper atmosphere and then decay into chloride gas, which destroys the ozone. The world should develop safer substitutes for CFCs as a delay will create

We want to see a nuclearfree world where our environment will continue to concretise the basis of our lives and progress

more holes in the ozone layer thereby endangering the planet earth alongside the nuclear armament.

The nuclear power is the most ghoulishly dangerous decimation weapon and pollution agent in our world today. Although, as an electricity supply format it could be put to good use, but the bellicose and power – acquisition instinct of man has made it very dangerous in our midst. The Pressurized Water Reactor, PWR, the Advanced GasCooled Reactor, AGR, Boiling Water Reactor, BWR and the Fast Breeder Reactor, FBR, could be put to good use, but the fear of the capricious and wicked introduction of Uranium (U-235) and plutonium could cost us our world and humanity.

On August 6, 1945 America unleashed the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, killing 155,200 people and the same thing in Nagasaki killing over 83,000 people. The disastrous consequences are still being felt till today. At 1:23 am local time on April 26, 1986, a nuclear reactor disaster at Chernobyl’s No. 4 Reactor in the former Soviet Union resulted in innumerable deaths, but 1.7 million people were exposed to varying levels of radiation.

On July 9, 1962, a 1.45-megaton nuclear explosion occurred in space 399km above Johnson Island (Christmas Island) in the Pacific Ocean. The 7,500kg warhead, codenamed ‘Starfish’ was launched by the American Air Force. The explosion was 100 times more powerful than the 1945 Hiroshima blast and formed its own artificial aurora as radioactive particles interacted with the earth’s magnetic field. The height of this deto-

The message about HIV testing should be clear. Even with all the medical advances, it is essential to encourage HIV testing within the populace to ensure everyone knows their HIV status. We must address complaints by people living with HIV/AIDS about dwindling access to treatment and join efforts to get international donors to renew interest in the funding for the eradication of the scourge.

Tackling the HIV epidemic with so many people not on treatment would be an exercise in futility.

Therefore, the way to go is to ensure antiretroviral treatment is available and accessible for all people living with HIV. Nigeria must adhere strictly to the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that everyone with a diagnosis of HIV should be placed on antiretroviral treatment as soon as possible, irrespective of viral load.

nation equals the orbital altitude of the space shuttle. What a shame!

It is clear that the ultimate dream of the nuclear industry is not to spill big nuclei as at present, but to combine small ones to exploit nuclear reaction rather than nuclear fission.

This is evidenced by the fact that many countries apart from America, Iran, France, Russia, Britain, China and North Korea, have slowed down their construction of nuclear reactors. In principle, nuclear fusion sounds the perfect answer. The fuels required are deuterium and tritium, isotopes of hydrogen can be produced relatively simpler and in unlimited quantities. Whichever way, the manner in which countries in Asia, America and Europe are developing nuclear warheads in obvious disregard for the Non-proliferation Treaty, Strategic Arms Limitation Agreement (I and II), Entente détente and other moratoriums on nuclear disarmament calls for action by the United Nations.

It is in this light that one must condemn in no uncertain terms the testing by North Korea of its ballistic missiles and nuclear devices along the Sea of Japan, Yellow Sea and the Korea Bay respectively. The United Nations must invoke all necessary statutory sanctions against North Korea. But North Korea is not alone in this, as America followed by France, China, Russia, Britain, Iran and Ukraine, etc, are still acting in breach of the Nonproliferation Treaty.

We want to see a nuclear-free and pollutionfree world where our environment will continue to concretise the basis of our lives and progress. We opt for a nuclear-free world.

America must blaze the trail.

•Chief Gbinije, founder of Mandate Against Poverty, wrote from Warri.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015—19 —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Dasuki’s arms deal scandal and blood of the innocent

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HE latest arms deal saga started after several days of siege laid on Sambo Dasuki’s house by the Directorate of State Security was called off. This followed relief granted him by a court to travel abroad after he had been stopped by the DSS. The retired colonel and former National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan was to travel abroad to attend to his health after his arraignment for illegal possession of arms and money laundering among other serious charges preferred against him by the state. It is both an astounding and intriguing coincidence that the urgent need to travel abroad on health ground has become the convenient excuse among leading members of the Jonathan administration that have been accused of corruption or one infraction of the law or another? It is as if that administration was dominated by sick Nigerians going by the rate at which several of its members have or are coming down with ill-health. Yet, Nigeria’s derelict health care system, a death trap to the poor who cannot afford to embark on medical tour-

ism, owes a lot to the leadership of this same people and their ilk from previous administrations.

But rather than allow Dasuki travel abroad, the State claimed he was yet to respond to an invitation sent to him by a committee investigating award of contracts for the procurement of arms for the military under the previous Peoples Democratic Party-led administrations. The NSA disputed the claim that he had been invited to appear before any panel. According to the investigative panel’s report, the NSA’s office was involved in a shady deal that involved the procurement of arms for the military in its fight against insurgency up to the tune of $2.2 billion. Dasuki’s response, when he finally spoke on the arms procurement deal, was that he did nothing without the authorisation of President Jonathan. Jonathan, in faraway US, denied knowledge of any such contract, wondering where the money for that could have come from. But the EFCC has gone ahead with its investigation that the PDP has dubbed a witch-hunt of its members.

There have been some interesting revelations since the EFCC first commenced its investigations. The crux of all these is that the majority of the accused persons are suspected to have simply taken their share of the NSA’s largesse and walked away without delivering what they were paid to deliver.

No wonder our military most times performed no better than a platoon of boys scouts in their many encounters with the Boko Haram. They were randomly and comprehensively sacked from their bases and from one town to another by a group such as Boko Haram that in the main lacks the discipline of a professional force. It’s indeed worrisome to note that the individuals accused of involvement in this scam possess no clear or apparent business link to the military, to say nothing of their qualification for the contract awarded them. What seems clear from the details that have so far come out is the corrupt network of patronage system set up to simply rip apart the national treasury while putting back nothing of value.

Well, that’s for those among the accused ready to betray any knowledge of an arms procurement deal. Otherwise, most of

There are lots of questions begging for answers even if issues are being unnecessarily muddled up

Edo 2016: Will godfatherism play a role?

By David Ikhueoya

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HE coinage, godfatherism, is perhaps one of the most popular and self explanatory adjuncts in the world today. It has a dual meaning, one being religious and seemingly harmless and the other political and sometimes dangerous. In the sphere of religion, a godfather is supposed to be a guardian that undertakes to teach a child (grandson) Christian values. In politics, however, godfatherism connotes favouratism, undue advantage, tyranny, suppression and even treachery.

Godfatherism gives undue advantage to a particular individual to excel over others; it grants unmerited favour on its candidate over others, especially in a competition or contest.

It allows tyranny to lord over the people; it aids and even supervises suppression of fairness, truth and justice. Above all, godfatherism is an enemy of national development.

But in no sector of national development is godfatherism as prominent and pronounced as in politics. The history of our dear country, Nigeria, especially her political history, is replete with stories of political kingmakers who have in the last five decades, bestrode our political landscape, dictating not only the pace of leadership and governance but also our political development. In the last 16 years, this political cankerworm has caused tremendous damage and stunted the development of the political process in the country.

The political strategy of godfathers is well known. They anchor the political campaign to install their political sons to public offices as governors, legislators and local government chairmen in processes which involve huge resources and most times circumventing of electoral processes for their

candidate who may not be the best on grounds of merit or the people’s choice by popular demand or vote.

The Nigerian experience of godfatherism has largely left the nation politically and economically underdeveloped in spite of the years of democratic governance. This is both true in its ability to subvert the people’s right to vote in leaders of their choice at elections as well as the frequent backlash resulting from the fighting that often erupts between the godfathers and their grandsons after the elections.

It has been a recurring experience across the country in the last 16 years seeing these godsons turning around to fight their godfathers over control of the state or whatever level of influence they are meant to be in charge of.

There have been numerous examples of political sons and their erstwhile godfathers going for each other’s jugulars, often over the control of resources of the state.

In Edo State the issue of godfatherism in its political affairs centred on three personalities namely Chief Tony Anenih (Mr. Fix-it), former Chairman Board of Trustee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Samuel O. Ogbemudia, and Chief Gabriel Iginedion, father of the former Governor Lucky Igbinedion. The ugly head of godfatherism was first raised during the process of the party’s primary where the gubernatorial candidate selection saw a popular Alhaji Azeez Garuba losing to Lucky prior to the 1999 election in an undemocratic manner. Again in 2003, on behalf of the trio, Chief Igbinedion, boasted at a campaign rally at Sam Ogbemudia Stadium that government house was not vacant, even though it was manifestly clear that the performance of his son Lucky’s administration was nothing to write home about. The governor was loyal to his godfather (Mr Fix-it ) until 2006, but

them have simply washed their hands off the entire business, claiming total ignorance of the matter. While Bafarawa is alleged to have been paid hundreds of millions of Naira for spiritual consultation to Dasuki, Dokpesi claims the N2.1 billion he received from Dasuki was for providing publicity for the PDP during the last general election. Leaving aside the highly partisan and somewhat unprofessional coverage of the elections by Dokpesi’s media outfits, it remains a mystery that only Dasuki and Dopkesi can resolve whatever professional links existed between the office of the NSA and a political party that could justify the kind of payment made to Dokpesi.

Was the PDP an arm of the security apparatus that Dasuki thought it necessary to fund its media activities? Does this payment not prove the corrupt link between the office of the NSA and the national security apparatus on the one hand, and the unconscionable service into which the security forces were put in the service of the PDP in the series of elections that culminated in the 2015 general elections? The likes of Bukola Saraki have simply denied any complicity in the deal and gone ahead to propose a gag order to be placed on social and online media platforms that they hold responsible for linking them to the unfolding arms saga. In all his years as governor and senator, Saraki was not known to have supported any of the initiatives aimed at enhancing press freedom.

But now for his own selfish reason, he and his surrogates at the National Assembly (they never do anything for the interest of the public) have decided to muzzle the press.

There are lots of questions

when the issue of who would become the PDP flag bearer for 2007 gubernatorial elections came up, things fell apart.

The matter was serious to the extent that two factions of the party emerged with two secretariats, both at the state and local government levels with Chief Anenih and Dr S.O Ogbemudia on one side and governor Lucky Igbinedion and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion on the other side. With the older Igbinedion on his side and in the bid to prove his political might, the governor relieved appointees loyal to Chief Anenih and his group from their positions. But in reward for their loyalty, those people were often compensated with federal appointments . The tussle came to a head when Friday Itulah, an Anenih loyalist, was removed from office as speaker and replaced with David Iyoha, an Igbinedion supporter. It is no gainsaying that the people of Edo State suffered immeasurably in terms good governance and legislation as well as the development of social amenities while the economy also suffered considerably.

That was the situation which the incumbent Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, found on ground when he contested the Governorship of the State in 2007 on the platform

On the whole, there is need to address the evil of godfatherism if this country must develop politically, socially and economically

begging for answers yet even if issues are being unnecessarily muddled up to look like somebody is out to deny others their rights under the law. Buhari and Dasuki may not see eye to eye going by their past relationship in the military and Dasuki’s role in the ouster of Buhari from power. But that is no reason to see every issue involving the two as one of personal vendetta. It’s possible the Buhari administration might have been less resolute in its investigation of the arms scam had it involved someone other than Dasuki. But that’s a possibility nobody can prove for as it seems now, Dasuki has a case to answer. What we should all demand is that the investigation should be as transparent as it could be and that the law should not in anyway be trampled upon. Beyond all of this, it is simply unacceptable that some people can just sit somewhere, as it seems is the case here, and decide to share out Nigeria’s wealth among themselves.

If nobody else is asking questions, the blood of innocent Nigerians sent to their untimely death by Boko Haram bombs, killed in villages and towns captured by the group, and the military personnel ordered to battle the insurgents with no weapons- the blood of these Nigerians cry out for justice. These people had no opportunity for foreign medical checks nor were they allowed to choose where to be treated. They were simply dispatched to the great beyond in the most horrendous fashion, often with the deliberate connivance of men and women who chose to keep for themselves funds that could have been used to procure needed weapons to protect us all.

of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. Of course he had to undertake a tenacious legal battle that lasted almost one year before he could reclaim his mandate from Professor Oserheimen Osunbor of the PDP. The incumbent, whose popular campaign slogan was “One Man One Vote”, quickly went into battle to dismantle the machinery of godfatherism in the State. There is little doubt that his political battle with the “invincible Mr. Fixit” is still fresh in the memory of Edo State people who welcomed it as a sign of freedom and the beginning of development for Edo State.

That is why it is still unbelievable the rumours making the rounds in the State at the moment that the same Governor has anointed some candidates for the coming governorship election in the State. It would amount to going against what he fought for if the rumour is true. Firstly, it will be an indictment on his part that his battle against the godfathers in the State was all done to gain control of the State’s political machinery for his own self interest. Secondly, aside denying the people of Edo State the freedom to make their choice at the election, the act would be taking the State’s political development several steps backward. Thirdly, the former godfathers whose wings he was able to clip in the past seven and half years, would now feel justified to return to their old arena. There is no doubt that Edo State will be the worse for it. And of course it will be an unfair contest for other candidates to go into such a competition with the power of incumbency behind one of the contestants.

On the whole, there is need to address the evil of godfatherism if this country must develop politically, socially and economically.

*Mr Ikhueoya, a political analyst, wrote from Benin City, Edo State.

20—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Frequent fire outbreaks: Lagos community cries out •As social media group provides lifeline

By Esther Onyegbula

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OR residents of Okob aba sawmill community in Ebute Metta of Lagos the fire incident that wreaked havoc in the area on November still remains a bitter pill for them to swallow. Then residents are particularly devastated because the fire to them was one too many, saying they are yet to recover from the incident.

According to investigation, the fire started at 5pm on the fateful day and was said to have rapidly spread, destroying more than 150,000 wooden houses as well as rendering over 500 residents homeless.

When our correspondent visited the community, many of the residents were seen staring helplessly at the ruins of what used to be their homes, while others were rumaging through what was left of their property.

An elderly man, Alhaji Suliaman Badmus was seen under an old umbrella with his children. The septuagenarian and his family were among those worse hit as their three apartments were razed by the inferno which lasted for more than three hours.

Flame from a gas cooker Albania Badmus, while narrating how the fire started, said: “The fire started from a hotel called Mosefunito hotel. That hotel is in the middle of the community and the place was always bubbling. I was informed that the fire was caused by a naked flame from a gas cooker. I thought the fire will not burn beyond that point but I was shocked when it spread to my houses. My children fled as the fire continued to rage.

“That fire destroyed my three houses and rendered me and my children homeless. We have nowhere to go and we have been sleeping in outside under this cold weather. We peal to government to come to our rescue and rebuild our community”.

Another victim, Mr. Lateef Omola, said the fire affected his store and all the goods were burnt.

He informed thus: ‘“I am a technician and I sell electrical appliances. I was not at home when the fire stated but as soon as I heard C M Y K

about it, I rushed back to my shop and what I saw threw me into shock. At the end of it I lost goods running into millions of Naira.

The fire affected and destroyed my television, DVD players among other electrical *Okobaba residents receiving relief materials from members of the social media group fittings like bulb, cable story of the Okobaba fire incident nets, blankets and cash to hunwire, and other electrical applianc- sorted to begging, while others are on Facebook and we decided to dreds of residents” es. I am devastated and in need of sleeping outside after waiting for relief materials from the governAnother victim, Baba Ibeji, was visit the victims with relief urgent help to rebuild my shop”. materials on our first Mobile beside himself with joy after he Vanguard Metro, VM, was ment for weeks to no avail.

It was, however, gathered that a Charity Day. It was a very happy received his donation. “My house informed that more than 150 day and we are fulfilled donating and other property were destroyed apartments were affected by the in- group of young people using the social media were able to mobilto alleviate the sufferings of the by the fire. We have been calling ferno and which allegedly emanatvictims. Our members came from on government to come to our aid ed from a gas flame and spread ise aid which served as succour far and near to put smiles on the but nothing came from them. But like wild fire for more than four to the victims of the fire.

The group of social media faces of these people. These are God heard the prayer of the poor hours before it was put out by a friends read about the plight of the people I met on social media: Fa- and sent helpers. I am very gratecombined team of fire service men, cebook, twitter and Instagram. ful to these young Nigerians. the residents and security agen- residents and decided to take up the task to cater for their Social media can be used for good I got blankets, soaps, garri, beans, cies. and bad and I would like to en- rice and other goods. I am very Giving account of his own immediate needs. courage members of the public that happy. “ experience, a 65- year-old man For Moji Dayo: ” I lost everynothing is too small to give”.

AlhajicTijani Sule said: “I was not Relief The traditional ruler of the thing to the fire. I thank God that I at home when the fire started. I materials community, Chief Musbau am alive with my children. But life was at work but I got a phone call Junadu, expressed joy over the do- has been hell for us as we have The youths led by Mr. Mike from my children that our communowhere to go or food to eat. The nation. nity was on fire and I raced down Achimugu, an Abuja-based He said: “This is a big surprise fire has turned us to beggars. It to see things for myself. What I saw philanthropist, stormed the from an unexpected quarter. The was an unfortunate fire that dewas a raging fire. The inferno was Okobaba community on Saturfacilitator of the group, Mr. Mike stroyed our home and means of so much that people could not day and distributed relief materiAchimugu, called me on my liveihood but God used these peosalvage any of their belongings. als to the victims of the fire. Mr. mobile phone that they were ple called Team Social Media to “We however thank God no Achimugu said he was moved by coming from Abuja to Okobaba. wipe our tears. I got rice, blanket, lives were lost.My wives and chil- the plight of the less-privileged They gave out bags of rice, beans, toiletries and other relief materidren were saved because the fire to mobilise a social media team toiletries, garri, detergents, in- als. I will continue to pray for them” got to our house later but we could to alleviate their plight . secticide, disinfectants, mosquito “One of our friends posted the not save anything. We only have the clothes on our backs”.

A month after the fire disaster, VM visited the community and noticed that the residents had re-

Alaguntan residents urge IKEDC to end blackout in community

By Ebun Sessou

A month after the fire disaster, residents had resorted to begging, while others have been sleeping outside after waiting in vain for relief materials from government

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ESIDENTS of Ala guntan Community Development Area,CDA, in Agbado Oke-odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos recently appealed to the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company,IKEDC, to put an end to the prevailing blackout in the community that started over two months ago.

Some elders of the community told newsmen that the situation has not only paralysed the economic activities and also worsened the health condition of residents.

According to them, several efforts have made ensure the

restoration of power, including appeals to IKEDC to replace the transformer that was taken away from the community.

Alhaji Ahmed Amosa, the CDA’s Chairman of Electricity said: “Our transformer parked up since three months and we have been appealing to the management of IKEDC but no avail.

“They keep promising us, but up till now we have not seen anything. We appeal to them to help us with another transformer because we are already in the dry season with its attendant heat “Let them help our children who use power to read at night and pregnant women who could be affected by the heat,” Amosa said.

He added that before the transformer was taken away by IKEDC, the power had been epileptic just after the general elections in the area.

According to him, the area has been groaning under poor power supply, while other communities were enjoying supply.

Also, Mr Suabana Bada, the General Secretary of the CDA, who decried the insensitivity of IKEDC to the plights of the residents, added that electricity provider has continued to bill resident for power not consumed.

Bada said, “The blackout has lingered more than necessary. We don’t like this kind of insensitivity of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) to the plight of the people.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

— 21

AMCON battles economic difficulties to repay N5.6trn bond obligations

By Babajide Komolafe

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HE Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) is battling with the challenges of economic difficulties including decline in crude oil prices in its efforts to repay N5.6 trillion bond obligations to banks.

Managing Director and Chief Executive, AMCON, Ahmed Kuru disclosed this at an interactive session with journalists in Lagos yesterday.

He said that AMCON is expected to pay up N5.6 trillion of the funds raised through bond issuance over the next 10 years but it is finding it difficult to get enough money to pay up.

He explained that banks which contribute 70 per cent of the AMCON sinking fund is growing at about 12 per cent which is less than the 20 per cent projected growth.

Banks are contributing 0.5 per cent of their balance sheet into the AMCON sinking fund but Kuru says that the contribution of banks to the sinking fund is going to fall short of expectations this year.

The bad bank he explained is also faced with the challenges created by the dwindling oil price.

According to him, the low price of crude oil at the international market is affecting its ability to sell off some of its assets and pay up on its obligations.

Kuru explained that decline in price of crude in the international market has affected the valuation of some of the assets which it is holding. With over 30 per cent of its assets being in the oil and gas sector, he said “we all know what is happening to the price of crude, what it does is that it affects the price of the assets that we are holding.”

He also listed as challenges of the bad bank the slow nature of the judicial system, “We have some obligors that are trying to abuse the court processes. We are challenged with an economy that has low purchasing power and this year we were also challenged with the elections and aftermath of the elections and the changes that was experienced in AMCON. On the increasing non performing loans being held by banks, Kuru assured that AMCON would no longer buy off any NPL from any bank as he said this will lead to irresponsible lending by the banks.

Stating that AMCON was not set up to be in existence forever, Kuru said if it continues “to be

C M Y

intervening in purchasing non performing loans, it is more like encouraging rascality, people will go and book facilities that are terrible that they know will go bad then someone will come and take it off at the end of the day. I don’t think any economy should support that.

“If we leave our door open to purchase new loans that means we will never close shop. Where there is a banking business there must be bad loan and any cycle where you have economic downturn, the first casualty is the loan. If you have to do proper potential analysis of the assets that banks are holding, you will be shocked by what you will find.

Financial institutions are businesses people set them up to make profit they must be allowed to fail if they fail to make profit,” He said.

AWARD: From left, former President, Institute of Directors (IODs), Femi Ekundayo; President, IODs, Yemi Akeju and chairman, Keystone Bank Limited, Moyo Ajekigbe, during the annual IOD 2015 dinner/award, where Ajekigbe received Director Development Award, in Lagos.

Shipowners canvass master plan for Commonwealth members

By Godwin Oritse

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HIP-OWNERS Association of Nigeria, (SOAN) has proposed a maritime master plan for the Common wealth member states with a view to enhancing maritime and shipping activities within the region and beyond.

Speaking at the recently concluded 2015 Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) hosted by the European Island nation of Malta, President of SOAN, Engr Greg Ogbeifun said that the plan will also create the enabling environment for international investments in every facet of the maritime domain within member-nations.

Ogeifun whose presentation titled ‘The Shipping and Maritime Industry in Nigeria: Opportunities highlighted the present state of the maritime domain and shipping activities in Nigeria and the huge opportunities offered for investments and growth by this major contributor to the national economy. He invited foreign investors to tap into these opportunities to expand the frontiers of their businesses. The maritime environment in Nigeria, according to Ogbeifun, will continue to be a veritable platform for transportation, global commerce, resource exploitation and recreation.

He said “The Nigerian maritime sector will remain relevant for the economic

prosperity and development of most nations because of its abundant mineral resources and huge maritime ecosystem.

Ogbeifun told participants at the forum that Nigeria’s maritime sector remains the nation’s economic Centre of gravity with 80 per cent of the national budget based on revenues from crude oil and gas exports, taxes and royalties.

“This, therefore, underlines the fact that Nigeria’s maritime industry will remain attractive as a sector that will continue to generate interest on account of its resource potentials.” he added He also debunked negative media reports in the local and international media portraying Nigeria as a ‘no-go area’ for foreign investors owing to a

Nigeria’s maritime industry will remain attractive as a sector that will continue to generate interest on account of its resource potentials

number of concocted and unsubstantiated reasons proffered by people with various interests that are known to be largely selfish. Nigeria, through SOAN, also made a strong argument that it has become inevitable that developed nations within the Commonwealth family must partner with the poorer and developing ones in whatever ways possible to drive investments and development in them for the overall advantage of the people.

As the largest market in the African continent and the biggest economy in the subSaharan Africa, Nigeria accounts for over 65 per cent of total sea-borne traffic in volume and value in the West and Central Africa. He explained that following the enactment of Nigeria Cabotage law there has been a growth and development domestic water-borne transportation. The Cabotage law according to Ogbeifun has also brought about an increase in the demand for cargoes and persons to be transported between the country’s ports and inland waterways by ships and ferries, a development that has

prompted calls that modern, safe, reliable and efficient domestic water-borne transportation be expanded for the benefit of the people, shippers, their businesses and the economy.

Explaining furthers, he said that in the first quarter of 2015, a total of 5,139 ocean-going vessels with a total Gross Tonnage (GT) of 61,990,999 called at Nigerian ports compared. This is compared with the GT of 57,034,338 recorded in 2014.

122.55

-1.45

$3,347.00 63.00 $15.52

0.22

$40.17

CURRENCY US DOLLARS

POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI

RIYAL KRONA

BUYING 196 295.2936 211.9348 195.7064 1.5873 0.3066 271.1073 30.5844 52.2291 28.3976

-0.56

SELLING 196.5 296.0469 212.4755 196.2057 1.5914 0.3166 271.7989 30.6629 52.3623 28.47

197 296.8002 213.0161 196.7049 1.5954 0.3266 272.4905 30.7414 52.4955 27.5425

SSDR

270.9504 271.6416

272.3328

CBN Exchange rate as at 08/12/2015

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

With insurance penetration in Nigeria still below one per cent, it is obvious that the greater part of the population have refused to accept insurance as a risk transfer mechanism

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Kari calls for proper assessment of risks to ensure effective change

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OMMISSIONER for Insurance, Mr. Mohammed Kari has said that to ensure effective risk change, there must be a proper assessment of the risk involved most especially when new products are introduced.

Kari who stated this at a conference organised by Commercial Risk Africa in Lagos last week, said that tools available for measuring risk must be expanded and tested over time to ensure that they are in conformity with the country’s environment since different countries have different levels of risk.

Kari said, “It is obvious that risk is definitely changing the various sectors at a fast pace and it is our duty to find different avenues to mitigate the identified risk.

Policymakers most especially from the public sector must ensure that there are laid down processes and guidelines for strengthening risk management so as to prevent any unfavourable circumstances such as the global financial crisis of 2007/ 2008.

Regulatory agencies In addition, they must also ensure that there is a good monetary and fiscal policy in place for the economy to thrive in and maintain a stable inflation rate. Government should also ensure that the policies are implemented and not just on paper.”

According to him, on the other side of the divide, the private sector and regulatory agencies must continue to collaborate to develop an effective and efficient risk management framework. They must work together to break the traditional mistrust that has existed between them, he said.

“In changing the risk landscape, it is imperative that we discuss the risk management and compliance level because the ability to manage risk is fundamental to growth and development. The evolution of financial markets and institutions has greatly affected the process of risk management which has broadened dramatically and thus affects the overall outcome in the various sectors. “”Nigeria is one of Africa’s C M Y K

leading economies, the engine of much growth in Western Africa and developing fast.

Companies from across Africa and the globe are keen to take part in this exciting growth story. But with rapid growth comes risk of all sorts – political, financial, legal, social and, of course, physical - and this risk needs to be managed if institutions and individuals across the region are to derive maximum benefit from this growth.

“To curtail the risks associated with the growth in our economy, the various regulatory organisations in Nigeria have come up with different risk measures.

Different risk measure In July 2012, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) introduced the Risk Management Framework Guidelines for identifying, measuring, monitoring and limiting the risk involved in the business of insurance in the country for insurance and reinsurance companies. The guidelines also laid down the processes for reviewing risk, identifying and prioritizing risk, and corporate governance issues, among others.

The guidelines is primed to facilitate risk based approach and regime in the industry to ensure performance and effectiveness in its Risk Based Supervision and Risk Based Capital Approach,” Kari stated..

To curtail the risks associated with the growth in our economy, the various regulatory organisations in Nigeria have come up with different risk measures

INSURAN How insurance benefits the poor

By Princewill Ekwujuru & Rosemary Onuoha

S

TUDIES have shown that insurance is more beneficial to the poor than the rich. However, with insurance penetration in Nigeria still below one per cent, it is obvious that the greater part of the population have refused to accept insurance as a risk transfer mechanism.

This is so because a large proportion of the Nigerian populace are indeed living with very small income and that is one of the reasons clearly why many do not buy insurance. Consequently, only the very few rich have more or less benefited from insurance.

It is therefore in light of this that insurance stakeholders are working together to achieve greater insurance penetration in the country.

Managing Director of FBN Life Insurance, Mr. Val Ojumah said that insurance penetration in Nigeria is still below one per cent because insurance is not typical of the Nigerian culture.

Ojumah said, “So we are working both as a company

and as an industry to grow the business, to bring insurance awareness to the public, and to make sure the general population finds value in insurance. Once we are able to do that, I think the industry will grow.”

While hinting on activities lined up to celebrate FBN Insurance’s fifth anniversary, Ojumah said that the company has supported government’s

drive to providing employment to millions of Nigerians.

“FBN Insurance started from day one to bring insurance to those who ordinarily would not have been able to buy insurance. So we had focused on retail insurance from day one.

Today, we have over 200,000 active life customers, which means over 200,000 people are paying premium regularly into our coffers. We are pioneer in retail insurance through which we have been able to bring insurance to people who ordinarily would not have talked about insurance at all.

Landscape of insurance

To make sure the general population finds value in insurance, once we are able to do that, I think the industry will grow

“This is actually phenomenal because its uncommon in Nigeria insurance industry, definitely all of that would not have been achieved without the commitment of our employees, stakeholders, parent companies, First Bank of Nigeria, and Salam Group of South Africa, together we have been able to change the landscape of insurance industry in Nigeria. I am very

Risk transfer needed to protect emerging economy agriculture

T

HE increased severity and frequency of extreme weather and climate-related disasters presents a grave threat to the important agricultural sectors of emerging economies, a trend that is likely to continue without adequate risk transfer solutions and improved disaster

resilience efforts.

During the ten years spanning 2003 to 2013, 78 natural disasters occurred in developing regions of Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, and Latin America, causing damages of roughly $30 billion to the regions agricultural sectors, according to a report

released by the FAO around the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris.

The report highlights that while the agricultural sector experienced roughly 14% of the physical damage from these events, in respect to all other sectors, agriculture and its

ANNIVERSARY: Kunle Awolaja, Guest Speaker (left), receiving appreciation plaque from James Omeru (right) while Mr Emmanuel Mark looks on, during the Nuel Mark Group’s 10th anniversary in Port Harcourt.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

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CE & YOU

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Large proportion of the Nigerian populace are indeed living with very small income and that is one of the reasons clearly why many do not buy insurance

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Oyefeso bags WAII fellowship award

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CORPORATE ELITE NITE: From left, Akinlolu Oludina, Manager, Meduim Value Segment, MTN; Esther Odo, Marketing and Strategy Segment and Richard Iweanoge, Consumer Marketing Manager, all of MTN Nigeria during the MTN Corporate Elite Nite, in Lagos. proud of where we are today.

FBN as a bank is over 100 years old, but I can tell you that it will not take FBN Insurance 100 years to get to where first bank is today.

Ojumah stated that FBN Insurance has come out with a product to enable the ordinary person buy insurance with just

N2,000.

“So, even before the insurance regulator came out with the microinsurance policy, as a company we needed to recognise the importance of microinsurance to this economy, and that also is the driving force behind our foray into mobile insurance. There

are more than a million active mobile lines in Nigeria and many belong to the low income earners in the society. So the easiest way to reach this large proportion of our population is via the principle of microinsurance. So we support microinsurance 100 percent.

subsectors account for nearly 30% of losses, which includes a decline in the output of crop, livestock, fisheries, and others.

In fact, the FOA states that the 78 events used for its research, which includes drought episodes, flooding, severe storms, tsunamis and earthquakes and more, cost some $30 billion in damage and losses to the agriculture sector in the regions noted above.

Asia-Pacific are extremely vulnerable to natural disaster events like flooding, and severe storms, while parts of Africa experience some of the worst droughts anywhere in the world.

Add to this a severe and dangerous lack of insurance or reinsurance in some regions, which results in the emerging economies discussed in the FAO report as having some of the lowest insurance penetration levels globally, the need for risk transfer solutions becomes clear.

Insurers, reinsurers, and increasingly insurance-linked securities (ILS) investors are constantly looking for opportunities to expand and enter new markets, particularly at a time of continued market turmoil, underlined by competition and intense pressure on rates.

With agricultural production so tied to weather and climate, the use of alternative risk transfer tools, such as index insurance, weather derivatives, satellite sensing to create indices based on crop growth, or even structures such as parametric triggers and even catastrophe bonds, could all help to channel more capital to protect agricultural outputs.

SA Insurance, Uber enter into complimentary first ride partnership

Agriculture sector With the expectation of more frequent and severe adverse weather events in the future, it’s likely that the number of events and the level of damages incurred will increase over the next ten years, a worrying trend that could be mitigated and controlled somewhat by the expertise, capacity, and willingness of the insurance, reinsurance and insurance-linked securities (ILS) markets.

For emerging economies it’s often the case that the agricultural sector is vital for the livelihoods of many of its citizens and, owing to their location, region’s like

Send comments & enquiries to insuranceandyou@yahoo.com C M Y K

BOUT two years after the Gambia-based West African Insurance Institute (WAII) appointed the Managing Director of Staco Insurance Plc, Mr. Sakiru Oyefeso, as a member of its 14- member Governing Council, he also bagged the fellowship award of the institute.

Oyefeso holds a 1983 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Insurance from the Lagos State Polytechnic (Formerly Lagos State College of Science and Technology) and an MBA from Lagos State University.

He qualified as a chartered insurer as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1984 and currently, a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, London (CII).

A seasoned insurance professional, Oyefeso started his insurance career at NICON Insurance Corporation in 1978 and later worked for Leadway

S

TANDARD Alliance Insurance Plc, has entered into partnership with Uber, a company that seamlessly connects riders with drivers, to make moving around the city comfortable and affordable for its clients and staff who would need to be on the road to meet appointments.

In a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Nelson Egboboh, the underwriting company explained that it went into the partnership due to its desire to help its clients and members of staff get ultimate value for their hard-earned money which they had hitherto been spending to meet up with the costly fares being charged by other transport service providers.

According to the statement, Uber will be offering a “free first ride of up to N5,000 when signing up for the service using the promo code SAINSURANCE. Uber offers reliable and affordable rides at the touch of a button.”

While noting that this free

offer was for first time riders only, the statement explained that to enjoy the service, “the individual will have to download the Uber app on his mobile device and sign up with SAINSURANCE code indicating his location and destination,” stating that “driver-partners are at multiple locations which makes it easy for them to reach any interested person within few minutes.”

Assurance Company Limited, Financial Assurance Company Limited and other companies respectively.

The Staco Insurance boss also sits on the Governing Council of the Nigerian Insurers’ Association (NIA), Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) and the Nigerian British Chambers of Commerce (NBCC). He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the LASUMBA Heritage, and Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and Institute of Directors (IoD).

WAII is an insurance training centre with full diplomatic status, juridical personality and financial authority and provides professional insurance education and allied courses to the personnel of insurance firm and finance organisations in both private and public sectors.

Technical assistance Owned and established by the Government of the five English speaking West African countries with the support of the UNCTAD, the institute serves as a centre for the collection of technical and other insurance data.

It also provides technical assistance to member-countries and organises research programmes and projects in all aspects of insurance, reinsurance and allied subjects.

Originally established to train middle level manpower for the insurance industry, WAII has expanded its scope to cover other courses including Law, banking and other financial studies and there are ongoing arrangements to transform it into a full-fledged university before the end of 2015 in partnership with the University of South Africa.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Our regulatory authorities and national code of corporate governance

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From left: Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Unilever Nigeria, George Umoh; Director/Head, Dentistry Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Adebimpe Adebiyi, and Category Manager , Oral Care, Unilever Nigeria, Bunmi Adeniba, addressing students of Government College, Maitama during the National Oral Health Week organised by ederal Ministry of Health in partnership with Pepsodent.

NBS adopts Stanbic IBTC PMI as govt’s official index for private sector

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Stories by Nkiruka Nnorom

HE National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has officially adopted the Stanbic IBTC Nigeria Purchasing Manager ’s Index (PMI) as the Nigerian government’s private sector-based index for the country.

Statistician General of the Federation/Director-General, NBS, Dr. Yemi Kale, made the revelation at the official launch of the Stanbic IBTC PMI in Lagos.

Stanbic IBTC Bank which launched the index, compiled

by Markit, as part of efforts to ensure a vibrant business environment, said that the monthly index will help gauge the health of private sector businesses in the country.

The NBS SG commended Stanbic IBTC for again taking the lead in the financial services industry with the PMI launch. He said his agency is pleased to partner with the bank on the index and assured that it will continue to extend the necessary assistance and support to ensure the PMI is robust. “We looked at the methodology, asked questions and we are extremely happy with the PMI. And to show the extent to which we are happy with it, we have officially adopted the Stanbic IBTC Nigeria PMI as government’s PMI,” Dr Kale said.

The index, according to Stanbic IBTC, will reflect figures derived from the survey of the business landscape. The index, among other things, will measure private sector operating status and thereby provide an early C M Y K

indication of business conditions in the country. It is a composite index, calculated as a weighted average of five individual sub-components: New Orders (30%), Output (25%), Employment (20%), Suppliers’ Delivery Times (15%) and Stocks of Purchases (10%).

In his address, CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Yinka Sanni, said the availability of data has been an invaluable input for individuals and businesses to

weigh in environmental, political, economic, financial and capital market opportunities and issues in taking strategic positions for the future.

“Given the importance of data and acknowledging the good works the National Bureau of Statistics has done over the years to improve collection and dissemination of statistics, Stanbic IBTC looked to identify a need in the space,” Mr Sanni said.

AFC invests $2.6bn in 24 countries, expands to East Africa

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FRICA Finance Corporation (AFC) said it has invested a total of US$2.6 billion in projects across 24 African countries in a wide range of sectors including power, telecommunications, transport and logistics, natural resources and heavy industries.

The Corporation also announced expansion of its operation to East Africa with the inclusion of Rwanda and Uganda in its membership.

Rwanda, which signed the Corporation’s instrument of accession and acceptance of membership on 4 November and Uganda, which signed on 6 November bring the Corporation’s total members to 13. AFC’s other members are: Cape Verde; Chad; Côte d’Ivoire; Gabon; the Gambia; Ghana; Guinea-Bissau; Guinea; Liberia; Nigeria and Sierra-Leone.

The accession of these countries marks a significant milestone in AFC’s mission to ad-

dress Africa’s pressing infrastructure needs and build the foundations for robust economic development across the continent.

According to Andrew Alli, CEO, AFC, “By improving the infrastructure of these fastemerging East African economies, we hope to facilitate closer intra-regional trade links, a goal that can only be achieved if the adequate transport, telecommunications networks and power supply are in place. This is where AFC steps in, and we are excited by the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

“Lack of essential infrastructure remains a critical constraint across Africa; for example, over 620 million people do not have access to reliable electricity. AFC works closely with both public and private institutions to develop innovative financing solutions for large scale infrastructure projects in Africa and oversees the whole project cycle, from concept to completion.”

HE major regulatory au thorities of our commercial and industrial organisations include the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, the National Pension Commission, PENCOM, the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON. These authorities supervise one aspect or the other of the work of our commercial and industrial organisations. The financial performance of an organisation determines its viability.

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRC, Act 2011 established the FRC which is charged with the responsibility for, amongst other things, developing and publishing accounting reporting standards to be observed in the preparation of financial statements of public entities in Nigeria. The objects of FRC include, but are not limited to, protecting investors and other stakeholder interests, ensuring accuracy and reliability of financial reports and corporate disclosures pursuant to the various laws and regulations currently in existence, and harmonizing activities of relevant professional and regulatory bodies as relating to corporate governance and financial reporting.

The FRC has the power to enforce and approve enforcement of compliance with accounting, auditing, corporate governance and financial reporting standards in Nigeria and, as the first step, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment issued S.I No 37 of October 2014 – guidelines/regulations for inspection and monitoring of reporting entities. As a second step, the FRC during 2015 issued draft codes of corporate governance for the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

The steps taken by the Minister and FRC have encountered resistance and are now the subject of litigation. S.I. No. 37 provides strong sanctions/ penalties for contraventions of financial reporting standards and codes of corporate governance. Measures could involve withdrawal of published accounts followed by revision/

restatement of the accounts.

The regulations also provide a list of unacceptable accounting and disclosure practices.

One example of irregularities in a company’s accounts leading to litigation over several years is given here. Sadiq Petroleum (Nig.) Limited was the core investor in 2000 when the Federal Government of Nigeria made a public offer of African Petroleum Plc, AP, shares. A year later, Sadiq Petroleum alleged that AP’s debts of about N22.5billion were not disclosed in the accounts presented for the public offer. Consequently, AP’s auditor, Osindero Oni and Lasebikan, were summoned to appear before the Administrative Proceedings Committee, APC, of SEC. AP’s auditor approached the Federal High Court and obtained judgement in its favour in 2004 prohibit-

The FRC has the power to enforce and approve enforcement of compliance with accounting, auditing, corporate governance and financial reporting standards in Nigeria ing any action by the APC of SEC. On an appeal by SEC, the Court of Appeal in 2008 overturned the verdict of the Federal High Court. AP’s auditor thereafter filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.

To date, SEC has not been able to find anyone culpable for the misstatement in AP’s accounts.

The FRC Act provides the framework for anyone to bring a complaint to the FRC about the accounts and governance of a public entity. The new Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment is a chartered accountant and he comes into office from the capital market/ financial services sector. The resistance to the implementation of the FRC Act comes from bodies that would not like to be sanctioned. The Minister should step into the fray such that the resistance to operations of the FRC Act is removed.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015—25

Five ways to curb social media addiction

WeChat opens platform for Nigerian business start-ups

PAGE 26

Leverage on technology for global presence, Microsoft urges SMEs

PAGE 26

PAGE 32

Globacom signs agreement with Vodafone to enhance customer satisfaction

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building all requisite ICT cyberspace capacities in Nigeria.

The Minister, who described ICT as the bedrock of Nigeria’s Change agenda, said that the new post-modern realities of ICT and cyberspace have extended the frontiers of living space from physical space into cyberspace.

According to him, the workshop was designed to explore ideas and to draw experience from global community, who have experienced it and utilized modern solutions and to identify various modes of committing crime in cyber space and evolve answers to them.

Campaigns against cyber crime

Nigeria loses N159bn to cybercrime •Hopes on CTO’s support to address scourge

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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TAKEHOLDERS in the nation’s ICT sector last week gathered in Abuja to discuss recent developments and challenges bedeviling the country’s cyberspace.

The three day workshop organized by Common Wealth Telecommunications Organization(CTO) in collaboration with Ministry of Communications drew participants from within and outside the country, who made valid assessment of danger and damages so far caused by the cybercrime menace.

According to the Minister of Communications, Barr.

Adebayo Shittu, Nigeria lost about N159 billion in C M Y K

cybercrime in 13 years, a development he described as

unacceptable.

He asserted

that

the

Ministry would leverage the active support of the CTO to

Also speaking at the occasion, the Secretary General of Common Wealth Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n Organization (CTO), Engr.

Shola Taylor said Nigeria remains a major force to be reckoned with in terms of cybersecurity plans with unique opportunities to drive the campaign against cybercrime.

He promised to collaborate with Nigerian government and all relevant agencies to tackle the menace of cybercrime in the country.

NCS presents 10-point agenda to Buhari ...pushes for comprehensive broadband access

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By Emeka Aginam

HOSE who think that Nigeria will not attain global competitiveness in the new economy will soon be disappointed as effort to achieve local content, broadband access, professionalism in governance, youth innovation; among others will start yielding the expected results.

Reasons; the Nigerian Computer Society, NCS, last week in Abuja visited the Ministry of Communications presenting ten points agenda that can help the new administration make its mark in the present knowledge economy.

NCS is the umbrella body of all IT

professionals and Interest groups in Nigeria.

Already, the Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu during the courtesy visit assured the NCS delegation that he was ready to learn, listen and collaborate with the IT Professionals in all IT related issues that would bring development and growth to Nigeria through IT. Although a number of industry issues were discussed with the Minister on pathway to digital economy, how best to develop and deploy IT tools and solutions to enable interception of criminals, terrorists and related

communications top the agenda of the visit.

Earlier in his presentation, President of NCS Prof. Sola Aderoumu told the Minister that to fully pursue the administration’s goal of ensuring improved security for the nation and its citizens, IT in security must be placed high on the agenda.

The 10 point agenda for President Buhari The NCS president among other things through the Communication Ministry prayed for the presidential endorsement and approval of the Continues Continues on pageon 32page 28

26—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Five ways to curb social media addiction

By Laju Iren

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F you had any doubts as to whether or not you are a social media addict, last week’s article, ‘Six signs that you’re a social media addict’ must have set you on the right track. The next step however is overcoming your addiction.

Here’s how: Admit that you’re an addict The first step to overcoming addiction is to stop living in denial. You need to admit that you spend more time and share more information online than you are supposed to.

Once you do that, you’ll be in a much better position to overcome your addiction.

Stick to the time table Watch your time. Don’t go online without having a stipulated timeline before hand. In fact, let your device work as your alarm clock and if possible, set the device to go off at the stipulated time.

Instead of treating yourself to social media access for a long stretch, settle for a few minutes per time about three times a day.

Limit access

E

•social media addiction

Reduce your monthly data budget. That way, you reduce access to the internet. Also reduce the number of devices

You don’t have to stay offline for a year, but you can try it for a weekend.

Focus on spending time with family and friends. Read a book, visit a loved one

that can access the internet.

Learn the art of ‘fasting’ You don’t have to stay offline for a year, but you can try it for a weekend. Focus on spending time with family and friends. Read a book, visit a loved one...you’ll be surprised at how fulfilling your life can be even when your offline.

Limit real time messaging It’s not entirely your fault that you’re an online addict.

Your contacts are also to blame for expecting replies to their messages as soon as they click send. Let your friends know that to get immediate feedback, they should call or text.

Gyming with the stars: Ali Baba, Iyanya, to storm Festac for Yudala event

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By Laju Iren

LI Baba, Iyanya, Naeto C, Uru Eke are just a few of the big names that will storm Festac town for Yudala’s Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, initiative tagged Gyming with the Stars on Saturday, December 12, 2015.

The event, which is scheduled to hold at the Federal Housing Association, FHA field at 23 Road, Festac Town is the third in the series organized by the composite online and offline retail. The event, which is scheduled to commence from 7am is targeted at improving the quality of lives of participants through the promotion of values such as fitness, wellness and entrepreneurship. The star-studded event would also

be an opportunity to register for YUBOSS – an entrepreneurship and wealth creation scheme set up by Yudala and supported by Access Bank and Airtel –at the event.

Also expected at the event is a special Yu-Jara auction sales featuring a wide range of products including mobile phones, computers, printers, consumables and accessories, food stuff such as bags of YuRice, high quality drinks including choice wines, Champagne and Cognac; Fashion, Lifestyle and Consumer goods, Gym equipment, perfumes and much more. Lucky winners will also go home with a number of mouth-watering gifts including TV sets, music systems, mobile

Yudala

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ASUS adds fun to Nigerian mobile market with ZenFone Selfie

phones and refrigerators, among others.

Vice President, Yudala Online, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, stated that the initiative is in line with Yudala’s mission of empowering Nigerians, while equally offering them valueadded offerings as the Yuletide season approaches.

Impressive attendance “Our Gyming with the Stars series has enjoyed huge acceptance and impressive attendance figures since we launched it. Through this event, we are promoting a positive lifestyle that keeps diseases away by offering Nigerians from all walks of life a chance to work out with some of their favourite celebrities. In the spirit of the Christmas season, we are also offering participants a chance to get huge discounts and jara (free gifts) at the auction sales which will happen right there at the venue.

“We must also not lose sight of the fact that Yudala is passionate about supporting the Federal Government’s effort in generating creative employment for our youth through YUBOSS. Participants at the venue can sign up to join YUBOSS which offers a zero investment platform to create wealth in the 21st century,” he noted.

BY Prince Osuagwu

UROPEAN laptop maker, ASUS has added to the bourgeoning Nigerian mobile market, a bouquet of ZenFone brands and promised to make them affordable to give Nigerian mobile phone users value for their •Zenfone-Selfie money.

The array of phones it launched included ZenFone Selfie, ZenFone Laser 5.5, ZenFone Go 5.0, and ZenFone C 4.5. Unveiling the products in Lagos recently, ASUS Nigeria Country Product Manager, Mr. Simplice Zaongo said each of the innovations was “an empowering luxury that strikes the perfect balance of beauty, functionality and performance, and especially offers Nigerian consumers a comprehensive camera experience via both hardware and software.”

He noted that all ZenFone models are equipped with ASUS PixelMaster technology. PixelMaster is a unique ASUS-developed technology that combines software, hardware and optical design to deliver incredible image quality. ZenFone Selfie is the ultimate choice for selfies, with its twin 13MP PixelMaster cameras and a dual-color, dual-LED Real Tone flash at both front and rear. ZenFone Selfiealso features the new multifaceted polygonal design aesthetic to the ZenFone, offering beauty and power in abundance. ZenFone Laser 5.5 includes laser auto-focus technologyin its 13MP PixelMaster camera for clear, near-instant shots in just 0.3 seconds. ZenFone Go 5.0 and ZenFone C 4.5 are also equipped with PixelMaster camera for up to 400% brighter photo & video.

WeChat opens platform for Nigerian business start-ups

BY Prince Osuagwu

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OBILE communication app, WeChat has opened up its platform to give Nigerian business start-ups leverage to the global market. The idea, according to WeChat, was to enable the new businesses, which ordinarily would lack global presence, come into the global map and add to the respect the Nigerian business economy attracts from all over the world.

The start-ups, Pass.NG and Traclist are two out of the ten applications chosen from the company’s October ‘Ídeathon,’ organised to select the most interesting ideas that can ride on the WeChat platform. Both ideas are the first set of newly launched services on WeChat and as all result can now be accessed on all smart phones running on Android, Blackberry, Windows and iOS operating systems.

Traclist, an o n l i n e marketplace WeChat Regional manager, West Africa, which brings Mr Idemudia Dima-Okojie,(M)flanked by f a s h i o n two start-ups : Kunle Jinadu,(l) and merchants Habila Musa-Luka (r) and buyers together gives a ten percent discount to users that buy through Traclist official account on WeChat for their first order. Pass.NG, an examination preparatory and testing platform aids users prepare for the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations, WASSCE, Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, among other tertiary institutions to get admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The Pass.NG service on WeChat offers one month free subscription for users that subscribe via Pass.NG’ on WeChat during the period of this campaign.

WeChat Regional Manager for West Africa Mr. Idemudia DimaOkojie disclosed that “with the launch of these services, WeChat is creating a vibrant ecosystem with different services that are of value for WeChat users. While messaging is at the heart of WeChat, we are creating a platform that goes beyond simply instant messaging, a platform that provides a set of functionality ranging from service delivery & transactions, product discovery, customer relationship management, ecommerce, media distribution and much more.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 27

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28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Ekpolo regrets missing Dakar tournament

By Ben Efe

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arcelona FC defender, Elohor Godswill Ekpolo stated that it was hurting missing the matches of the CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations, which enters its semi-final stage today with Nigeria facing hosts Senegal.

Ekpolo a stalwart in the Barca team B, was one of the overseas players invited to camp by coach Samson Siasia ahead of the tournament, which will determine the nations that will represent Africa at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. But the youngster was denied participation by Barcelona as he was crucial to their campaign in the second division of the Spanish league.

“It was painful missing the tournament. But there is little I can do as I did not get clearance to report by my club,” said Ekpolo who is also very effective in the midfield and can score goal.

However, he added that he has been following the activities of the Olympic Eagles in Senegal and he wished that Nigeria qualify for the Olympics as they take on Senegal in the semi-final.

“I have been following the team. And my prayer is that they qualify for the Olympics.

“This is because by then I hope to be available to contribute to the success of the team. I have also been in touch with coach Siasia, he understood my predicament,” added the 20-year-old Delta-born player.

This was his first invitation to the national team, despite declaring his interest to play for the national junior teams, since 2012, when he came into limelight with the Barcelona juniors. He captained the Barca juniors to winning local league and UEFA junior champions league in 2013.

“He will be very useful to the U-23 team.

This is because the team needs fortification in the defence and midfield these are the positions he thrives and I am sure that he can fit in very well.

“The Barcelona team B are mounting a serious challenge for the title. That was why they couldn’t let him join the team in Dakar,” said a source very close to the player.

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Senegalese coach wary of ‘very experienced’ Nigeria S

enegal U-23 coach Serigne Saliou Dia insisted that they must keep their focus ahead of their clash with Nigeria in the semifinals of the 2015 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

The tournament hosts finished top of Group A to book their spot in the last four of the competition, after enjoying consecutive victories over South Africa, Tunisia and Zambia.

And the young Lions will be

determined to extend their winning run against the Nigerians and punch their ticket for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

“What is important is that we remain true to ourselves. We must rely on our qualities and keep our values,” Dia told the media.

“We must try to avoid mistakes.

We are going to impose our game so we can qualify,” added the

tactician, who, however, does not underestimate their opponents.

“It is going to be a very tough match. It is a semifinal and a qualifier to the Rio Summer Olympics. Nigeria are used to these competitions and are very experienced.”

The game will kick off at Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor at 6:00pm today.

Anefiok replaces suspended U-23 skipper, Okechukwu K ano Pillars defensive midfielder Godspower Anefiok is most likely to start for Nigeria in place of suspended skipper Azubuike Okechukwu for Wednesday’s U23 AFCON semi-final against hosts Senegal.

Okechukwu will miss the semi-final after he was booked against Mali and Algeria.

Godspower got his first start in the final Group B match against Algeria last weekend, but he was played out of position as a winger.

Officials said the former Akwa United star will now stabilize the team’s rather shaky defence as he will focus more on doing his defensive shift as against Okechukwu, who preferred to join the attack.

Bayelsa United winger Toingoli Tonbara will also most likely get his first start in Senegal in place of the injured Stanley Dimgba.

He was a second half sub against Algeria and his mazy dribbles troubled the defence of the North Africans.

Okechukwu

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 29

s te ri u o v fa re a a n lo e rc Ba to win the C/League Veteran Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon claims Barcelona are the favourites to take out this season’s Champions League crown.

The Italy international was on the losing side in last season’s final as Barca defeated Juventus 3-1 in Berlin.

Barca have scored the second most goals of any side in the 2015-16 edition of the Champions League and are hot favourites to go back-toback, according to Buffon.

“It’s difficult to say. The season goes for 11 months and there are moments of elation and moments of suffering,” Buffon said as Juve prepare to face Sevilla in Spain.

“At this point in time I think there is no team that have more chance of winning the title than Barcelona.

“But if you think back to last year, until December Barcelona were a very strong team, a squad to be feared, but they didn’t shine.

“Maybe at that point Bayern Munich or Real Madrid were seen as favourites ahead of Barcelona. That means that over 11 months a lot can change in terms of the odds and your chances of winning.

“Right now Barcelona are absolutely the strongest, both in regard to the Spanish teams and the European teams.”

TODAY’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES

AA Gent B/Leverkusen Chelsea D/Zegreb D/Kiev Olympiakos Roma Valencia

since he picked up an ankle injury at the Maccabi Tel Aviv game for the Champions League last month while Ramires was out due to a knock

acquired in training before the same match, but noted that the pair ‘looked fine’.

Terry’s current form isn’t nearly as good as last

ead coach of Nigeria’s Under-23 team, Samson Siasia believes his side have improved with each game at the ongoing Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Senegal.

Nigeria’s Dream Team VI put up shaky performances in their opening two games of the Under-23 AFCON where they conceded four goals despite defeating Mali and drawing with Egypt.

A 0-0 draw with Algeria in their final group game has however suitably impressed Siasia who believes things are getting better with his side.

“First I want to congratulate the boys for qualifying for the semifinals because it is not an easy thing to accomplish.

“The most important thing is that they (Algeria) didn’t score against us.

“We conceded in the last couple of games (against Mali and Egypt).

“Our defenders played well against Algeria and we didn’t concede so that represents an improvement from our performance in the first game,” he said.

Nigeria will next meet Senegal in the semifinals with the winner claiming a place at the men’s football event of the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

Senegal are overwhelming favourites but Siasia says his charges will be looking “to take our chances.”

“The important thing is to qualify for the semifinals so now that we have achieved that, I am happy.

“We will try to take our chances and see what happens from there,” he said.

8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm

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ayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will be rested for today’s Champions League group stage finale against Dinamo Zagreb, although Franck Ribery and Thiago Alcantara are in the squad.

The German champions are assured of top spot in Group F prior to their trip to Zagreb, with the hosts consigned to a fourth-place finish whatever the outcome of today’s matches.

And Pep Guardiola is set to ring the changes, with Neuer’s place in the squad taken by young goalkeeper David Hundertmark.

He is joined in the travelling party by Julian Green, Fabian Benko and Niklas Dorsch as well as more senior talents such as Ribery and Alcantara following their recent injury troubles.

season’s; and Ramires himself doesn’t look like much of an improvement over Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fàbregas, even if the pivot duo aren’t doing much to justify their starting eleven places themselves. But a clear injury chart is always good news nonetheless.

Ribery came off the bench to feature for the first time this season during Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to B o r u s s i a Monchengladbach after an ankle problem while Alcantara has not played since sustaining a knee injury while on international duty with Spain in November.

Smokin Hills Golf hosts 1st Royal golf TTournament ournament

By Solomon Nwoke

Siasia happy with improvement H

Zenit Barcalona FC Porto B/ Munich M/ Tel Aviv Arsenal BATE/B Lyon

Neuer rested for Bayern’s Zagreb trip

Terry, Ramires, Falcao return against Porto tie Chelsea have been a bit banged up of late, but there’s good news from Cobham today on the injury front. All of John Terry, Ramires and Radamel Falcao trained yesterday ahead of tonight’s Champions League tie against FC Porto.

Of the trio, only Falcao is the only player Mourinho ruled out, perhaps due to a lack of match fitness, since his last appearance for Chelsea was as a sub in our Liverpool match at Stamford Bridge back in October. John Terry has missed playing time

v v v v v v v v

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mokin Hills Golf Resort, Ilara-mokin, Ondo state arguably the number one international golf course in Nigeria plans to host the first edition of Royal Golf Tournament for Traditional rulers in March 24th to 28th , 2016 According to Prince Bayo Aderinto, Marketing and Promotions Manager, the event is in line with the vision of Chief Michael Ade.Ojo OON, Founder of the resort & Elizade Nigera Ltd, to use golf as veritable tool for national unity and development.

He confirmed that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Saad Abubakar IV has accepted to be the Royal Guest of Honour, while HRM Oba Samuel Adewole, Alara of Ilara Mokin and Ajero of Ijero would be the Royal hosts.

Top golfing traditional rulers expected at the occasion are: HRM Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu II (Alake of Egba Land), HRM Alh. Najib Hussin Adamu (Emir of Kazaure, Jigawa State), HRM Alh. Muhammadu Nuhu Sanusi (Emir of Dutse, Jigawa State), HRM Alh. Zubairu Mai Gwari (Emir of Birnin Gwari, Kaduna), HRM Alh. Auwal Ibrahim (Emir of Suleja),HRM Alh. Adamu Maje Haruna (Emir of Hadejia, Jigawa State)

Also expected to partake in the Royal Tournament include HRH Dr Patrick Acholonu, the Igwe of Orlu, King Alfred Diette Spiff - The Amanyanabo of Twon Bras, the Obi of Onitsha, HRH Alfred Achebe, Ugo Obi Ralph Ekezie, HRM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi the Ooni of Ife, Eze G.C. Adikwu of Imo state among many others.

Smokin Hills Golf Resort, Ilaramokin is the largest privately owned sporting facility in Nigeria and among the top three golf courses in Africa. “ All I can say at this point In time is that the sky will be too near in future for Smokin Hills because it has continued to position itself with tournaments of this nature and the next destination is to invite famous golfers like Tiger Woods, McRoy and many others to come”, said Prince Aderinto adding that, ever since it was opened in 2010, it has hosted a lot of major golf tournaments such as Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Memorial Golf Tournament, CMCL Golf Championships, NAPE Golf Tournament and attracted over 500 amateur and professional golfers with diverse business interests from all over Nigeria and abroad.

Various companies and multinationals have already shown interest to sponsor this epoch making event.

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32—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Olashore’s online podcasts to boost students’ performance

Leverage on technology for global presence, Microsoft urges SMEs

SMEs

By Emeka Aginam

H

OW best to leverage on tech nology to take businesses of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to global market was the focus of empowerment program organised last week in Lagos by the software giant, Microsoft in partnership with Olakunle Soriyan Company.

At the empowerment program that with the theme , “Ideas Going Global”, Microsoft said that Ideas Going Global Business was designed to inspire and motivate individuals to come up with laudable ideas that will be universally acceptable and profitable.

The capacity program which is ongoing in different locations across the nation is aimed at easing up the country’s unemployment challenge and equip SMEs with cloud-based technology which will make them productive.

Explaining Microsoft’s motivation on the partnership, Corporate Citizenship Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Olusola Amusan said, “At Microsoft, we are committed to empowering every individual and organization on the planet to achieve more, to be productive in business processes and create a more personal computing experience for individuals in the SME space.”

According to him, “Due to the evolving nature of businesses in Nigeria, it is a necessity to adopt superior tactics that enable brands and businesses to

be acceptable globally and tradable in any economy. At this conference, Microsoft would afford participant’s opportunities to harness the power of technology in boosting their businesses.”

Commenting on the Ideas Going

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ELECOM operator, Globacom, has signed strategic partnership deal with UK based Vodafone, to give more value, customer satisfaction to its teeming subscribers in Nigeria and Benin Republic.

The company assured that the new partnership will ensure subscribers of a new phase of innovation-leadership and unprecedented quality of service.

The agreement was formally consummated in Lagos recently at an event attended by senior officials of British High Commission, top government officials, Globacom’s brand ambassadors, high net worth customers, captains of industry, top officials of the two companies, C M Y K

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Global initiative, visionary and initiator of Ideas Going Global and Principal Transformation Strategist, Olakunle Soriyan Company (OSC), Olakunle Soriyan said Ideas Going Global Cocktail was packaged to encourage people buy into technological inventions and innovations that can leverage their businesses on a global landscape, thereby, attracting purchasing power to Nigeria and consequently impact on GDP and per capita income.

He added that, “We are building a network of dreamers that want to go global. With this, we intend to create a synergy between Nigerian businesses and international businesses. Furthermore, we will be empowering the workforces who are better equipped as change agents. Ideas Going Global Conference would also increase access to quality service delivery in SME businesses.”

Weco, Microsoft partner to boost business through cloud solution

By Richard Udofia N the wave of an increase in solutions, an Innovative and leading Systems Integration company in Nigeria, Weco Systems International has partnered Microsoft Nigeria, to reiterate the need for companies to adopt Microsoft Cloud solutions.

The partnership took place recently at a workshop with its theme , “Deliver Rapid Time to Value” held in Lagos.

The business workshop was anchored on three major Microsoft cloud solutions that businesses need to incorporate into their work process come 2016 for better work productivity and business outcome.

Solutions like Microsoft Azure, Microsoft O365 and Microsoft CRM Online were made to the public on how they can be best maximised to achieve the company’s objectives.

A team of experts at the event

I

disclosed that Microsoft Azure delivers unmatched productivity noting that any developer or IT professional can be productive with Azure.

With Azure’s integrated tools, prebuilt templates and managed services make it easier to build and manage enterprise, mobile, web, and Internet of Things (IoT). It’s open and flexible; Azure supports the broadest selection of operating systems, programming languages, frameworks, tools, databases and devices. It works with existing IT; some cloud providers make you choose between your data center and the cloud. Not Azure, which easily integrates with your existing IT environment through the largest network of secure private connections.

Microsoft Azure is built to protect your data. It is fact that some organizations are still wary of the cloud. That’s why Microsoft has made an industry-leading commitment to the protection and privacy of your data. It’s economical and scalable; it’s ready for any business.

Globacom signs agreement with Vodafone to enhance customer satisfaction

By Prince Osuagwu

By Laju Iren

and other categories of guests at Eko Hotel.

Under the Partner Market Agreement covering Nigeria and Benin Republic, Globacom and Vodafone will work together to significantly enhance the experience of individual and corporate customers in terms of access to more robust bouquet of telecom products and services as well as improved service quality levels.

Speaking just before the symbolic unveiling of the partnership at the ceremony, Group Executive Director, Globacom, Mrs. Bella Disu, said, “This partnership is something that we both have been yearning for. Globacom is known to be a leader of innovations and we

really have the hunger to increase our subscriber experience to the highest level possible.

Vodafone has the scale; it has the experience and we both have the same customer-obsession to make that experience even better for our customers. We are very excited.”

Welcoming guests on behalf of Globacom at the ceremony, the company’s Head, Corporate Sales, Mr. Kamaldeen Shonibare, said the partnership is consistent with Globacom’s commitment to improving access to affordable telecommunications services for all categories of Nigerians.

“We care about our customers, and we spare no resources to bring to them world-class telecommunications services.

HE Management of Olashore Inter national School has said that its newly introduced online podcasts for students preparing for final year exams will help boost their performance in qualifying examinations.

Principal of the school, Mr. Derek Smith, said this during the Speech and Prize Giving Day celebration, held at Illoko-Ijesha, Osun State recently.

His words: “In the senior classes, we already introduced Online Podcast for students offering IGSCE subjects. It will help them to improve on international subjects. The Podcast is used in variety of ways. For example, the podcast is online so whether they are in school or at home they can use it. We recommend the teachers to give them the playlist of podcast of various topics in various subject, so they can read up in advance. It is similar to the playlists that all these young people use. It can also be used in form of videos such that the teachers can use them for introMr Derek Smith, Principal, duction of a Olashore International School topic in classrooms during lessons.”

“Blending technology with learning is highly effective and will give students from Olashore International School a strong competitive advantage in the new competitive global economy” added Smith.

The Guest Speaker, at the Speech and Prize Giving Day event, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, while speaking on ‘The Challenges of the Future’ , highlighted the importance of superior knowledge and creative thinking in order to excel in the new world order. “Today’s prize-winners are true representatives of the best that this school stands for: hard-work, commitment to excellence, good manners, industry, integrity, self-motivation and a sense of service to others. And for those of you who would not be receiving prizes today, I urge you not to give up. You must look forward to new opportunities and the adventures awaiting all of you”. The best prize winner in this year’s PrizeGiving Day Miss Mofiyinfoluwa Okupe, a 16year old girl in year 12 students and the Media Prefect who clinched awards in 9 subjects, x-rayed her feelings as the best awardee.

NCS presents 10 points agenda to President Buhari Continues from page 25

following ten points agenda. *The establishment of the ‘Office of the Chief Information Technology Officer of the Federation’. *Presidential endorsement and approval of the National Software Policy; * Establish a National Information Technology Research Center (NITRC); *Establish a National Software Engineering Institute(NSEI); *Ensure that registered IT professional are appointed and represented in all Board of Federal Government, State and Local Government of Nigeria, at the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary in the spirit of CPN Act 49 of 1993;

*Establishment of IT parks using Public-Private-Partnership models *Establishment of Digital Centres in all the 774 LGAs in collaboration with the State Governments. *Ensure ownership of access devices at cheaper prices; *Extend broadband access to the rural areas, and *Work with relevant IT professionals to apply IT as a fundamental and veritable tool and indeed, the core accelerator for innovative government in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Minister earlier in his response assured the NCS President and his team that he was ready to learn, listen and collaborate with NCS in all IT related issues.

VOL. 1 NO 49

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

WHY MASSOB/ IPOB agitations will not stop —Igbo youths movement

Pro-Biafra portesters sha; don’t you think this ongoing protest is getting out of hand?

My dear brother, I am as worried as you are, I find it difficult to sleep at night when I remember what will happen if this protesting army runs into Fulani herdsmen or if they match through Lokpanta near Okigwe or Amansia near Awka where Northerners live and do business. These are troubled times indeed, I have just talked to their leaders, but they denied burning the mosque in Onitsha. All the same, I together with some respected Igbo elders plan to

By Emeka Mamah The National President of Igbo Youths Movement, IYM, Evangelist Elliot Uko has given reasons MASSOB and IPOB would not give up the fight for the actualisation of Biafra Republic.

Elliot said that the over six million MASSOB members were protesting what he described as the “shameful bootlicking and crumb picking culture of a large section of Igbo elite,” which they believed was largely responsible for the pitiable condition of Igbo land.

He further said that Ndigbo had been aggrieved against Nigeria for over 45 years now due to marginalisation in all spheres of life, pointing out that MASSOB and IPOB leaders were afraid of bringing up children that would be treated as slaves in their own country.

He spoke in an interview with newsmen in Enugu, weekend.

Exercepts:

E

NUGU—THE Pro-Biafra boys are alleged to have burnt down a mosque in OnitC M Y K

XMAS: FRSC/ PMT partner to train 2,000 drivers Evang. Elliot Uko

meet with them this week in order to plead with them to give peace a chance.

Everybody agrees that violence is not the way to go and that the Federal Government must sit down with the authentic leaders of IPOB and MASSOB immediately. These boys really feel unwanted and isolated by Nigeria.

For 40,000 people to march on the street day in day out means that they believe in something unique.

The silence of Igbo leaders and elders is a source of worry to everybody.

People are unfair to Igbo elders, the elders are more afraid than anybody else. They do not control these boys; besides, everybody knows that Ndigbo have been aggrieved for 45 years. Every Igbo man or woman knows that Nigeria is merely subsisting at the expense of Ndigbo. Ndigbo are deliberately excluded in Nigeria. The boys mobilized themselves and grew into millions over the last 15 years. It is a delicate and dangerous enterprise confronting them. If you ask them to calm down they call you a traitor, if you openly identify with their grievances Nigeria will brand you their sponsor, everybody is scared.

You said Ndigbo have been aggrieved since 1970, how, why?

The code of silence over the usually undiscussed reality of the Nigerian political equation is not helping matters. Nigeria thrives at the exclusion of one zone; others pretend that is fine and all right as long as the youths of that zone have not taken up arms. Everybody knows that the delineation of federal constituencies was specifically designed to favour and disfavour certain zones.

The creation of states and local governments were also designed to cage and hold down Ndigbo because they lost a war. Discerning people always knew that a generation will rise someday to question that injustice, may be that day has come. These young people are clearly saying that the present structure of Nigeria is unacceptable to them. The present government also chose to rub it in to Ndigbo that they are lost and finished. Every commentator mocks them to no end that they put all their eggs in one basket and therefore, they are in trouble.

One Junaid Muhammed advised them to go to war again if they are still bitter. Mr. President himself announced to the world in far-away America that he has a formula of governance known as 5/97 per cent. Everybody painted gloom and hopelessness Continues on page 2

Page 3

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

WHY MASSOB/ IPOB agitations will not stop —IYM Continued from page 1 to the Igbo, laughing at them.

The youngsters now believe that they have no stake in Nigeria, that they would rather fight and die for freedom than remain eternal slaves. These are self-evidence truths that Nigerians shy away from, assuaging aggrieved Ndigbo through affirmative action.

Instead of initiating genuine attempt to restructure Nigeria along the line of true federalism, Nigerians of all ages and status choose only to mock and remind them: that your zone is landlocked; you have investments all over the country; you are not sure southern minorities will flow with you; and we will fight you and conquer you again.

Nigerians justify the injustice against Ndigbo for two main reasons: They believe secession is difficult to attain, therefore, the injustice against Ndigbo should continue. The fierce envy towards the Igbo man because of his Godgiven talent makes it difficult for others to empower him politically. Therefore, everybody seems comfortable with the oppression of Igbo man, as everybody conveniently pretends that they are not aware that the Igbo man has been denied his rightful place in Nigeria since 1970.

These are the roots of the birth of an army of five to six million young men who say they want to be out of Nigeria. Everybody knows the solution to this insanity, it’s just that some people believe Nigeria is their property.

What is the way forward?

These boys, who are so well organised with branches all over the world, told me that they are clearly tired of Nigeria. They believe Nigeria will never give them justice, they are afraid of tomorrow, they don’t want to give birth to children, who will remain political slaves in their country and despised by all.

They are angry at the fraudulent census figures where states who give themselves five and six million population in the North East and North West, produce only 10,000 candidates for West African School Certificate Examination, WASCE, while the states they gave 2.8 million population here in the South East produce 350,000 candidates for WASCE yearly. How do you reconcile that? The disparity in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, cut off mark between the north and southern students embitters South East students.

They strongly believe that if the oil wells that sustain Nigeria were located in the North East or North West that Nigeria would have split decades ago. They believe that the peace of 1970 was forced on them with the help of Russian jets, Egyptians pilots, British military advisers and the wicked blockade that led to starvation, everybody knows that the peace of Nigeria is the one that is forced on people by the force of arm, but peace that endures is agreed by consensus and built C M Y K

Pro-Biafra protesters on true federalism; peace that gives everybody a sense of belonging where nobody is born to rule and no section is oppressed, that is the peace everybody wants.

And the peace Nigeria needs, these boys are angry because some people in Nigeria have sworn that they will block every attempt at amicably addressing the unresolved national question.

What actually is this unresolved national question?

A willingness to address the fears and grievances of Nigerians across the six zones. I can only talk about the South East where I know that the younger Ndigbo are so bitter with Nigeria and the formula which Nigeria applies on Ndigbo for decades now. For instance, *Erroneous application of the very wrong strategy of compromising large sections of the elite of the oppressed zones in the false belief that they could be useful in holding their own people down in the event of a rebellion. *The mindless and single minded commitment to the breeding of quislings and vassals in the oppressed zones, who are deliberately empowered by external forces just for the sole purpose of weakening the elite base of Ndigbo. The idea is to make a large number of them to own allegiances and loyalty to power bases outside Igbo land *The abuse and talking down of youth activists, who genuinely believe that it is better and more honourable to die fighting for freedom than to remain in perpetual slavery. The truth is government can only succeed when the Federal Government gets down to reality and acknowledges and regards them. *The dangerous and false belief that secessionist agitators can be intimidated by threat of military action. In actual fact, the use of force can only result to pouring petrol to fire. *The continuous insistence that the lopsided structure of state, local government and delineation of federal constituencies based by land mass is iron cast.

As this remains the root of much bitterness to those, who genuinely feel short-changed by the military creations. *The refusal to create and adopt a people’s constitution based on true federalism, as the majority

Evang Elliot Uko E

of Nigeria do not have faith in the 1999 military constitution. *The shameful boot-licking and crumb-picking culture of a large section of Igbo elite, something the young generation, not only believes is disgraceful, but largely responsible for the pitiable condition of Igbo land. *They believe by 99 per cent of Ndigbo that most Igbo organisations are merely tools designed by the elite to achieve relevance as opposed to the great need to protect and promote group interest. Nobody believes they are interested one bit in group interest. *The continuous encouragement by the oppressive Nigerian state to practise carpet-bagging on Ndigbo, thereby, successfully dividing the masses and the so-called leaders. Imposed

What is the truth; that Nigeria should return to true federalism in order to give every section a sense of belonging .....Mr. President must as a matter of urgency meet with authentic leaders of IPOB and MASSOB. That meeting is the only way forward now.

leadership, has remained the biggest problem facing Ndigbo. As the queer political structure of Nigerians makes it possible for external forces to influence, who and who emerges as leaders in Igboland. *The blunt refusal by Nigeria to face the reality that someday, a generation of Ndigbo will arise, who will reject the unending humiliation of Igbo race. Worried about the future of their unborn children. This generation will fight for their honour. That day has come. *The ongoing Pro-Biafra agitation has clearly split Nigerians, and Ndigbo along three and six broad groups respectively.

Amongst Nigerians, the first group are angry at Biafran boys and want them crushed even if it means spilling blood.

The second group wants Federal Government to reassure the East, by addressing infrastructure decay and draw the East closer to Federal Government through appointments and other incentives that will give Ndigbo a sense of belonging to avoid crises of any sort.

The third group wants Nigeria to use this opportunity to find lasting solution to the lingering unresolved national question.

They want Nigeria restructured along the lines of true federalism. They know that when Nigerians agree peacefully on how best to stay together that Nigeria will unleash her God given potential towards true greatness.

For the Igbo, the first of the six groups are the Pro-Biafra boys, who believe Nigeria hates them with passion, that salvation lies only in actualizing a separate state, where no one will oppress them again. The second group is afraid of and averse to bloodshed, they don’t want anything that will lead to violence, they pray for peace and harmonious co-existence.

The third group are quisilings and opportunists, who as always are only out for their own pocket either way, they don’t care about the future of the country, they work against everything good as long as they pick crumbs that fall off the table. They exploit every situation just to advance their self-interest. They ruthlessly take advantage of every situation to benefit themselves. Their philos-

ophies is me, myself and I. They are usually everywhere in situations like this, running up and down as informants and agents of oppressors while pretending to mean well.

The fourth group are selfish leaders who try to cash in on the situation to achieve relevance.

Pricked always by their conscience that they are neither respected nor accepted by Ndigbo as their leaders, they always form convenient cabals in their struggle to present themselves as the leaders. They run to Northern leaders, Presidency and organisations of all sorts, pretending to have the answers to the problem, they claim they control the Biafran boys which is false, they hustle to put themselves into and inside every arrangement, their desperation for relevance knows no bounds. They don’t believe in anything.

The fifth group are clearly the majority, they empathise with the Biafran boys, but they don’t believe secession is the only solution. They are sitting on the fence, they will only throw in with the Biafran boys if the Federal Government applies force. The Biafran boys are their sons, cousins, brothers, among others. They believe in the justice of the struggle, but they lack the courage to join now.

The sixth and final group are honest Igbo men and women, who know that only a presentation of the truth will save the country. What is the truth? That Nigeria should return to true federalism in order to give every section a sense of belonging. This group, where I believe I belong, is standing up for truth, knowing full well, that they will not be popular with the oppressive elements of Nigeria who want to sustain at all costs this unsustainable unitary structure.

They also know that elements within the F.G. are only interested in those Ndigbo who will help to crush these boys without addressing the real root of the problem, the root and the truth is that Nigeria must be restructured without delay. Not heeding to the truth is only postponing the evil day.

What is your final word?

Mr. President must as a matter of urgency meet with authentic leaders of IPOB and MASSOB. That meeting is the only way forward now.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 3

XMAS: FRSC/PMT partner

to train 2,000 drivers

Some PMT drivers at the training

BY FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU—Determined to reduce road accidents to the barest minimum ahead of the festive season, the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, last week, commenced a six-day training of over 2,000 drivers of

Federal Road Safety Corps / PMT training team a leading road transport company,Peace Mass Transit, PMT, in Enugu.

The training, which is the last quarterly exercise with theme, 'Defensive driving as a habit for all motorists,' took place at the company’s headquarters, 2, Destiny Layout, Emene, Enugu, in collaboration with the management of PMT.

We teach them the mechanical maintenance, highway codes and what it takes to be on the road.This exercise will surely reduce the accident rate.

The management said apart from the continuous in-house safety training conducted by the Safety Department, it holds regular quarterly training superintended by officials of FRSC to reduce man-made, mechanical and nature-induced sources of road accidents.

PMT Safety Manager,Tabugbo Igwegbe told South East Voice

Sir & Lady Daniel Chukwudozie donate three storey school building, Hummer bus to church

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu, Nnewi

T

HE ROLES parents, especially mothers play in the lives of their children, are always indelible in the hearts, only very few people seem not to remember, appreciate and sometimes trivialize, or even forget the suffering of their parents to see them through in life.

It is an indisputable fact that most wealthy people, who could be described as money-bags today went through crucibles of life before they became what they are today, through dint of hard work, probably because they did not want to go through what their parents went through training them or they simply want to make life easy for their own children.

However, for Sir Dan Chukwudozie, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Dozzy Group of Companies, there is no better way of thanking his late lovely mother, Lady Hannah Ugoyibo Chukwudozie than immortalizing her name in the house of God. This, he is doing by yearly promoting Anglican Singing Heritage, in form of singing competition in the Church of Nigeria Diocese on the Niger, and this year’s edition came as a ‘Special Music Festival to commemorate the three years of his mother's passage, entitled, ‘Go On To Maturity.’

Chief Chukwudozie and his wife Lady Ada Chukwudozie, C M Y K

The three storey school building donated to St James' Church Awada, Obosi.

Sir Chukwudozie and his pillar of support, Ada. described as a strong pillar of support to her husband, sponsored the competition with a brand new Hummer bus for the winners, which was taken home by St Mark's Anglican Church, Omagba, presided over

by Ven. Israel Odita as Archdeacon, while N1million was for the runners-up with 3rd to 6th positions going home with not less than N500,000.

They crowned the singing competition with building of a three storey gigantic school block at St James' Church Awada, Obosi, in Idemili North

Council Area, where his late mother was said to have been part of its foundation members and worshiped until her death.

They are also building a conference centre called ‘Glory Land Conference and Resort Centre’ at St James' Church, Awada, that is nearing completion.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the singing competition at All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, on Saturday, preceding Sunday dedication of the school building by the Bishop Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, Chief Chukwudozie, said:

“Music is a foundation God used his mother to lay in his life and his siblings.

“Our mother was a woman that loved and had covenant with God, and God honoured her by keeping His own covenant with he. She brought us closer to God with music, she made us to know God, and we have not departed from that foundation.

“That is the foundation and we will continue to stand on, that is why we have found ourselves in the positions we are today. We are grateful to God, and we looked around and the only thing we chose to honour her is to form a festival of praising God and also building a school where the less privileged can be trained.

“We chose to build the school in the church premises as God will guarantee good foundation for children, and for the church to help in training the people, you cannot use money to get to heaven, but you can use praises and singing and worshiping God to get to heaven,” he said.

Speaking during the church service, attended by Governor Willie Obiano, represented by Sir Okey Morka, Commander, 14 Field Engineering Regiment Onitsha, Lt Col Sheriff Aremu, Sir Godwin Okeke of GUO Group, Sir Cletus Ibeto, of Ibeto Group, Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK Awka Prof. J.E Ahaneku, Prof Charles Esimone, Bishop Isaac Nwobia of Isiala Ngwa South Diocese, Abia state and His Royal highness Igwe P.Okeke of Okija and many others, Sir Chukwudozie thanked God for the life her mother lived.

that the Chairman,Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi had established various types of training programmes in order to stop causes of road crashes which includes, over-speeding, cover confidence, dangerous overtaking, weather conditions, alcohol and drug intake while driving, among others.

“Our training is peculiar and unique because of the calibre of resource persons to guide us through the exercise. We have health clinic where drivers health is checked and eye test performed. A workshop where a good maintenance culture is provided. We have also fixed speed limiter on every vehicle in our fleet to ensure that speed limit is not exceeded.

“Our patrol men are always on the watch out for black spots and yawning craters on all routes to warn our drivers. The company has also provided a Breathalyzer to check a drunken driver on the highway. Recruitment of drivers is done by competent human resource officers to enlist the most qualified into our fold.”

REGULAR TRAINING The Zonal Commanding Officer, FRSC, South-East, Mr. Samuel Obayemi advised ”the drivers to put into practice,what they have learnt from the training. The training is a regular one which attempts to add on what they already know about driving. Around this time is when a lot of people will want to overspeed, overload, to undertake as many trips as possible. So drivers should have consideration for other road users as defensives drivers having undergone this training, ofcourse, crashes would reduce to barest minimum.

“We are in charge of this training. We teach them the mechanical maintenance and what it takes to be on the road. We equally teach them the highway codes. These are the things necessary for them to remain safe while driving. This exercise will surely reduce the accident rate.

We will monitor them to ensure compliance. Though we will know the impact of the training during our Q1 report appraisal.”

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

DECEMBER 9, 2015

CRIME-FIGHTING: SARS

commander, 23 others receive special awards

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

never knew that they were being watched while they were working and commended the state Commissioner of Police and the state government for the encouragement given to the police, which made their operation easier.

Nwafor said the police in Anambra would not rest until all criminals run away from the state.

Former PPRO, DSP Emeka Chukwuemeka said they would always cherish the award, describing it as a source of encouragement to members of their families, who had to endure the risky nature of the work of the police.

A

WKA—IT was laurels galore in Awka, weekend, when members of the Anambra State Police Officers Mess honoured 24 hard fighting policemen in recognition of their outstanding performance in the past one year.

Among those honoured were the officer in charge of Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, in Anambra State, Mr. James Nwafor, a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, who received an all time outstanding performance award, Abubakar Isah, Ikechukwu Egbonekwu and Chuks Nwoke, who received best performing Divisional Police Officers awards.

Other awardees were SP Temitope Fasugba, Abel Ademola, former PPRO, DSP Emeka Chukwuemeka, DSP Sunday Okpeh, DSP Anthony Okharedia, DSP Ogedemgbe Areguamen, DSP Spencer Tyozua and ASP Christopher Ogbonnaya. Interestingly, most of the award recipients belong to SARS, an organization that had made Anambra unsafe for criminals during the year under consideration.

The award, which was instituted by members of the Anambra State Officers’ Mess comprising the police and civilians of various backgrounds in the state, was the first in the history of the new Anambra State. A joint committee, made up of police and civilians, screened the beneficiaries and came up with those selected.

Chairman of Anambra Police officers Mess, Dr. Jeff Okeke said at the well –attended ceremony that it would henceforth be an annual event. Okeke said the achievements recorded by the police in Anambra State would not have been possible without the encouragement of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hosea Karma, recalling that before his arrival in the state, kidnapping, armed robbery and other vices were rampant, but he succeeded in reducing them drastically.

To Okeke, the way the CP dealt with the hoodlums in Anambra State was still a mystery to most people.

He said further: “The CP has successfully changed the face of police and their activities in Anambra State. People now see police as a place to run to when the need arises. For this, we are very proud of him.”

According to him, the award was not for the recipients to go and sleep, but for them to work harder, assuring that beneficiaries of the annual event would always be selected on merit.

“We are not policemen to know those who performed well, but there is a joint comC M Y K

The awardees displaying their plaques mittee that came up with the list of those who were outstanding and I can assure everybody that only the best will always receive the award,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, the OC SARS, Nwafor dedicated the award to God who, he stated, had been guiding them during their operations, assuring the people of Anambra State that the award would spur them to work harder because ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’

He said that the recipients

Abia governor’s wife gives succour to indigent widows, blind man He said that the recipients never knew that they were being watched while they were working and assured everybody that only the best will always receive the award

By ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA — WIFE of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu has built houses for six indigent widows and one blind man to better their living standard.

The beneficiaries were from Osisioma, Obingwa and Umua-

Nwafor Orizu College denies imposition of illegal fees on students

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

NITSHA - Authorities of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, NOCEN, Anambra state have denied ever imposing illegal levies or hiking fees payable by students of the institution, as alleged by some aggrieved staff and students.

Some staff and students of the institution which offers National CertificateinEducation,NCEandBachelor of Education, B.Ed in affiliation with the University of Nigeria, UNN, had accused the Provost of the.College, Dr. Cordelia Ego Uzoezie of high-handedness and alleged secrecy, adding that three months staff salaries are yet to be paid on the excuse that Governor Willie Obiano had not released funds to the school The aggrieved staff and students also criticized alleged casualization of ICT staff and constant hike in school fees, citing an example of imposition of N10,000 on each student across the NCE and B.Ed programme from year one to final year in both programmes for accreditation of courses in the College which they said was pegged by the Provost recently at N34 million They added that both programmes have about 11,000 students, and that if all students pay accreditationfeeofN10,000,thesum of N110 million,would be netted.

Provost of the.College, Dr. Cordelia Ego Uzoezie (left) They also accused her of allegedly shutting the school from press coverage of these issues by gagging staff and students from protesting, using security operatives to threaten them, adding that school fees paid by the NCE and B.Ed students across board are so astronomical.

Giving the run-down of the fees for the years NCE students for the 2015/2016 academic year, the critics alleged that year one students are charged the sum of N66,550, broken down as: NCE Year I -tuition fee -N15,000, library -N2,000, sports -N2,000, exam fee -N2,000, caution fee -N6,000, medical N5,000, development levy N15,000, moderation fee -N3,500, ID card -N2,000, general service N2,000, certificate verification N2,500, and screening -N1,000.

Others are: Insurance -N2,000, teaching equipment N2,000, academic regulations N1,500, PTA levy -N1,000, inter-

net service -N1,000, SUG fee N1,050, totaling N66,550, excluding matriculation gown/files of N5,500, accreditation fee of N10,000, G.S. textbooks- N3,100, College official T-Cap -N2,000, AFRIHUB fee -N8,750 (compulsory) payable at Fidelity Bank, notice: Hostel facilities (optional), open accommodation -N10,000, partitioned accommodation N18,000, newest hostel -N22,000, noting that school fees are payable at all banks.

Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe is on an e-transact payment platform. On hostel accommodation, they alleged that it cannot be granted for all students, but allocated on the basis of first come first served, adding that those who wish to be allocated college hostel accommodationsareadvised to report to the Dean of Student Affairs with thebursary receipts showing payment for such accommodation.

hia North Local Government Areas of Abia State. The houses were built under the umbrella of the Vicar Hope Foundation, the pet project of Mrs. Ikpeazu.

The beneficiaries include 63 year old Mrs. Happiness Nweke from Umuosu village Amavo in Osisioma, Mrs. Ngozi Nwaze Nwachukwu, 37 years, of Umugbugo Etili Ohanze, Obingwa Council, Mrs. Ahaoma Nkuba, 34 years, from Itungwa Umuobiakwa and Mrs. Oluchi Anyanwu.

Other were Mrs. Lovina Emenike from Avonkwu Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area and a 68 year old blind man Mr. Isaac Otuji of Umulelu Itungwa.

Speaking at commissioning ceremony of the houses, Mrs. Ikpeazu said that that her passion to help the indigent widows and other less privileged persons in the society was her covenant with God. Her pet project would also complementary Government’s role of providing succour to the less privileged, particularly those who have no decent homes.

She thanked good spirited Abians, who contributed funds towards the buildings through her pet-project the Vicar Hope Foundation and called for more support from well endowed Abians to enable her assist the government in ameliorating the plight of the indigent widows and other vulnerable persons.

In their remarks, the Transition Committee Chairman of the councils commended the wife of the Governor for her the effort in assisting the Governembnt through her pet project and assured her of their corporation.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Happiness Nweke thanked Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu and prayed for God’s protection and divine health for her to continue her selfless services to mankind.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 5

We’ll continue to pay teachers 15th of every month - Umahi A

BAKALIKI-The popular saying that the teachers’ reward is in heaven to justify their suffering on earth is no longer the case in Ebonyi State as the state Governor, Dave Umahi has vowed that the state government would henceforth pay teachers’ salaries on the 15th of every month.“Over the years, various state and Federal Governments had always enjoined teachers to bear their non- payment of salaries and other entitlements as they would be rewarded when they made heaven after their sojourn on earth. “However, Governor Umahi, who received a delegation of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, at the Executive Council, EXCO Chambers in Abakaliki, the state capital, said that his administration would give priority to the payment of teachers’ salaries adding that they must be at the middle of each month in spite of the fact that allocations from the Federation Account get to the states a month in areas.“According to him, his administration was not prepared to toy with the welfare of teachers because of their importance to the upbringing of future leaders.“Umahi frowned at the poor performance of Ebonyi State students in the West African Examination Council examinations and charged the NUT to re-evaluate its members first before the middle of January 2016, as his administration would re-evaluate the teachers same year, because “we can’t

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 C M Y K

Governor Umahi continue to come last in WAEC evaluations. We need to be one of the top threes.”“He noted that the re-evaluation of teachers was necessary to arrest the dwindling academic standard in the state since “we

cannot afford to mortgage the future of our children.”“He, however assured that no teacher would be disengaged as a result of the reevaluation.“Umahi told the NUT to liaise with the Commis-

sioner for Education, Prof. John Eke, in a bid to come up with a programme that would enable the government supervise and monitor the schools effectively, even as the government had resolved to put smiles on the faces of its workers in spite of the economic hardship in the country.“His words, “During this Christmas, every teacher must go home with a bag of rice. In this Christmas every senior civil servant must receive 50 per cent of his salary as bonus and every junior civil servant must receive 100 per cent of his or her salary as bonus,” even as the state Executive Council had approved the purchase of computer laptops for primary and secondary school teachers in the state.”

EXCO has approved laptop

EXCO has approved laptop for teachers; but certain measures have to be guaranteed to protect you (teachers). I want the deduction on the teachers to be very low. N o teacher should pay more than N2,000 monthly under this programme

for teachers; but certain measures have to be guaranteed to protect you (teachers). I want the deduction on the teachers to be very low. No teacher should pay more than N2,000 monthly under this programme,” he stressed.“The governor, who accepted the proposal for the establishment of at least one ICT centre in each of the senatorial zones of the state, stated that the government had commenced the training of teachers on ICT to bring them in tandem with development across the world.“He then directed the managers of the education system in the state to as a matter of state policy re-introduce clubs like the debating societies, press clubs and drama club among others in both the primary and secondary schools in the state to assist in brushing up the students and urged teachers to support the government’s agricultural policies, stressing that the 2016 budget of the state was predicated on Agriculture.“On the arrears of salaries and leave allowances owed to the teachers, the governor said, “I will appeal to you to look at our circumstances and continue to believe that we are owing you.”“Earlier, the state Chairman of the state NUT, Mr Joseph Nweke, had toldUmahi that they were at the Government House to thank him for his kindness to them in the state.“Nweke, who enumerated various areas teachers had benefited from the government, applauded the governor for his giant strides in infrastructural developments across the state.

Estate residents in Enugu protest over 'crazy' electricity billing

By CHINENYEH OZOR

E

LECTRICITY CONSUM ERS at the Shagari Low Cost Housing Estate, Imufu, Enugu - Ezike in Igboeze Local Government of Enugu State have demonstrated over alleged arbitrary billing by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC. They said that the EEDC disconnected them about two months ago claiming that they were owing about N900,000 which accumulated when their transformer packed up between July 2012 and January 2014, wondering why they should pay for electricity which was neither supplied nor consumed.

A spokesman for the community, Hon Pius Mamah, said that the area was in darkness for 18 months then as the transformer was restored in January 2014, wondering why EEDC continued to give them monthly estimated bills of N50,000 each within the period.

Brandishing copies of protest letters earlier submitted at the EEDC office at Nsukka, Mamah said, “We wrote letters complaining that we were billed wrongly.

EEDC knows that it did not supply electricity to the area for 18 months then.

Mr. Raji Fashola, Minister of Power, Works and Housing.

Most of us are billed arbitrarily, with electricity supply, the consumers said.

If the people claim to have been billed outrageously, they should put such claims in writing for EEDC, the operations manager, advised

“We are suffering for what we do not owe. We want the regulatory authorities to investigate this fraud. Most of us are billed arbitrarily when we have no electrical appliances like fridges, electric irons or even fans except ordinary bulbs.

“Indeed, we are suffering for the incompetence of EEDC officials.

Theyshouldsupplyuswithpre-paid meters to reduce these fraudulent billings.”

However, reacting to the complaints, the Operations Manager of the EEDC, Mr. Jude Ajaegbu denied that the community submitted any letter complaining about the is-

sue.

Ajaegbu said that it was not possible for the community to be billed when they were not supplied with electricity from July 2012 to January 2014.

According to him, “if the people claimtohavebeenbilledoutrageously, they should put such claims in writing for EEDC to investigate and come up with solutions to their claims,” instead of resorting to the press for help. ‘’LetthecommunitywritetoEEDC to authenticate their claims so that due process can be followed to resolve the problem,‘’ he said.

6 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Why Health sector in Imo has fallen below standard – Special Adviser

BY CHINONSO ALOZIE

ANCESTRAL LAND: Owerri

communities warn Imo govt over wiping out their his histtor oryy

BY CHINONSO ALOZIE

O

WERRI — COMMUNITIES in Owerri, Imo State have accused the Imo state government of trying to take over their ancestral lands.

The communities said that the government had concluded plans to take over their remaining lands and forcefully relocate their Eke-Ukwu market along the Douglas Street, adding that this would not only render them homeless but turn them to strangers in their own land.

According to a statement issued by the Amawom Welfare Association, AWA, four villages including Umuerekwerenwa, Umunjemanze, Umuokoro and Umuogbugba-na-neke, Umuokorie, in Owerri Municipal Local Government would be dislocated if the government’s plans sailed through.

The state government under Governor Rochas Okorocha has allegedly threatened to move into the AZUELU farmland located at EKWEMA layout, behind the Holy Ghost College.

However, the communities said that the said land had been a subject of litigation since 2010, wondering why the state government, which should be a respecter of the rule of law should disobey it.

They said, “that the layout is a subject matter of a suit No. How/ 140/2010 instituted by Amawom village or community of Owerri Municipal Local Government Area, against the Imo State government and still pending at an Owerri High Court.

“Any allocation, sale or lease trespass in whatsoever manner to any person or persons is illegal, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect. The interests and rights and property of the said Amawom village/ community in the aforesaid land subsist.”

Furthermore, “the general public is hereby reminded that AZUELU farmland, Ekwema layout of New Owerri, Territory has not been acquired by Imo state government in accordance with any enabling law in that regard,” the communities added.

Some members of the communities who spoke to the South East Voice on the condition of anonymity said that the planned relocation of the EkeUkwu Market which they said was one part of their history and culture amounted to annihilating them in the area. They then urged the government not to C M Y K

Gov. Rochas relocate the said market, for the simple reason that it was causing vehicular traffic along the Douglas road.

The communities said that the said land had been a subject of litigation since 2010, wondering why the state government, which should be a respecter of the rule of law should disobey it.

They rather advised the government to use every lawful means to stop the activities of traders along the streets in Owerri instead of taking steps that would possibly eliminate the cultural identity of their people.

The Imo State Government had severally issued warning to the traders along the Douglas Street to ensure free flow of traffic on the road by avoiding street trading but these has not yielded any positive results.

The government then resolved to solve the perennial traffic gridlock at the Eke-Ukwu Market along the Douglas Road, by relocating the market out of the state capital to ensure sanity in the area.

T

HE SPECIAL Adviser to the government on Health and Medical Supervisor of the Ochiedike Diagnostic and Dialysis Centre, Imo State, Dr Iheanyi Nwachukwu has said that lack of commitment and discipline among health workers in the state, has led to falling standards in terms of delivery of medical services.

Nwachukwu said that the only functional department in the public health centres in the state were the mortuaries, which he said were used by them to make money for themselves even as mortuary fees were never remitted to the government’s coffers.

He spoke in Owerri, at a time the state government and the health workers were at loggerheads over alleged governments plan to concession the various public hospitals to a new management.

Nwachukwu said that the concessioning plan by the government was born out of the need to put some level of seriousness in the way public hospitals were being managed, saying that the doctors were ones contributing to the poor services by public health institutions.

According to Nwachukwu, most of the government doctors and nurses had their own private hospitals where they worked leaving the public health institutions to suffer.

He further said that the doctors referred some patients to their private hospitals contrary to the civil service rules, thereby leading to the

Rotary club of Ohafia Central gets new president ...embarks on construction of club house

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

M UA H I A — B I G G E R presence and activities of the Rotary International would hencforth be witnessed in Ohafia community of Abia State and environs following the decision of the Rotary Club of Ohafia Central, District 9140, to build a Club House where members would congregate to articulate community development projects to embark on.

The foundation laying ceremony for the Club House was performed by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, RT. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu last weekend at Amaegbu Ohafia, shortly before the installation of Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai as the new President of the club in Ohafia Central for the 2015-2016.

Ukpai, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Special Duties donated the land where the construction of the Club House

is being constructed.

Accepting his election, Ukpai promised to work harder and rekindle the right spirit and pursue with greater zeal the the “goal of ameliorating the plight of the less privileged” and strenghten the “diginity of Rotary by bringing Rotary family together, workng in the spirit of cooperation and understanding through service and membership development”.

The new President also said that his administration would “fashion out a road map to strenghten our” and embark on projects such as donation of clothes to the less privileged, carry aggressive campaigns against measles, conduct pediatric eye screening as well as diabetic screening, among others.

For the club to effectively function, Ukpai said that there should be a platform in form of a Club House where the members would congregate and think out development projects.

“We need a platform to execute our loafty plans for the

communities and that platform is a Club House where shall be meeting. Without the club house, our dreams to impact service in the community through wellthought projects will remain only that dream.

“It is time to rededicate ourselves through courage and our conviction to recreate the club of our dreams. I am therefore proud to announce this great audience that to establish a befitting Club House, I have donated a piece of land for the construction of a Rotary Club of Ohafia Central, Rotary International District 9140”, Ukpai said.

Dignitaries at the installation ceremony include Abia State Deputy Governor, Ude Oko Chukwu, Secretary to the Government, Dr. Eme Okoro, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Azubuike and some members of the House, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constittuency, Uko Nkole, traditional rulers, among others.

neglect of the government owned hospitals.

Nwachukwu noted that other health workers including the gatemen collected commissions for directing patients to some private hospitals and clinics of their doctors, pointing out that the “illegality has been on for decades without being checkmated,” hence the decision for the concessioning of the health institutions due to falling standards.

He also pointed out that, the worst of it, was that the government doctors established their private clinics very close to the government owned hospitals to make it easier for them to transfer patients, adding that, this had also rendered them unproductive. He said rather the doctors help to the growth of the government of the public hospitals, they use it as a channel to enrich themselves to the detriment of the members of the public and their employers, a situation he said had continued to pose challenges in the government’s efforts to develop the sector.

The said that the state government started with the concessioning of the public owned hospitals in a bid not only to make them viable but to bring it to a standard whereby they can compete with any public health institutions in Israel and Indian among others.

He blamed the poor management of the hospitals on the Hospital Management Board, HMB, which he said failed on its mandate of ensuring adequate running of the public health institutions. On the issue of non-payment of salaries of the health workers in the state, he denied the allegations that the government was withholding their entitlements adding that what seemed to be the problem rather was that some of the workers refused to sign that they were ready to return to work under the new management and collect their salaries.

According to him, the health workers had a choice to either sign to work under the new management or be paid off.

Meanwhile, the South East Voice gathered that some of the health workers were angry that the challenge facing the health sector in the state over the years had been poor funding even as only adequate funding and welfare package could restore and stimulate staff to be serious with their jobs. They said that for the hospitals to function effectively, the government as the proprietor ought to have equipped them with the modern facilities. Some of those who spoke to the South East Voice on the condition of anonymity asked Governor Rochas Okorocha to upgrade the medical facilities in the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, IMSTH, as doing so, would go a long way in assisting in the training and retraining of medical students.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 7

How enugu celebrated world AIDS day

T

HE FIRST December of every year is the day set-aside by the World Health Organization, WHO, for the celebration of people with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, AIDS. The day offers an opportunity for people all over the world to unite in the fight against HIV, show solidarity with those living with HIV as well as remember those who have died as a result of the killer disease.

According to the WHO, HIV which has so far claimed over 34 million lives has continued to be a major global public health issue.

However, in Enugu State, the marking of this year’s event attracted over 400 women who gathered under the aegis of TAMAR Sexual Assault Referral Centre, SARC, a nongovernmental organization, NGO, and another NGO, Women’s Aid Collective, WACOL, female journalists as well as the state government represented by the Ministries of Health, Justice and Gender Affairs and Social Development

Participants at the event who took to the streets to create awareness on the dreaded AIDS and rape/sexual assault cases in Igbo land.

The procession which was led

by WACOL’s founder, Mrs Joy

Ezeilo began from the gate of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS, through the Independence Layout down to the Enugu State College of Education (Technical) along the

Enugu-Abakiliki Road.

Also, in the train were men, women and children as well as Nollywood actors/actresses.

They marched peacefully along the major streets in the Coal City

How text message earned undergraduate Ph.D scholarship

A cross section traditional rulers at the event

BY FRANCIS IGATA

E

N U G U — A N undergraduate of Geology, University of PortHarcourt, Rivers State, Paul Chidozie,26, last Sunday, bagged a PhD scholarship following a text message he sent to the Leader, Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Ikechukwu Ezugwu. In the last three years, Ezugwu had marked his birthday on November 24, with award of scholarships to indigent students of various tertiary institutions in the country.

It was like the Biblical lesson where Jesus Christ treated 10 leprosy patients but only one person went back to thank him.

South East Voice watched as tears of joy rolled down freely on the House Leader’s chicks C M Y K

with nostalgia, that out of 20 persons who benefitted from the yearly scholarship scheme, only Chiedozie deemed it fit to come back to show appreciation and wish him many happy returns on his birthday.

Ezugwu told South-East Voice that in the last three years, he had marked his birthday by reaching out to the less privileged.

“I decided to celebrate my birthday annually by selecting two undergraduates from 10 wards in Udenu Local Government Area on merit for the award of scholarships.

This is the third year into this scheme and I am bent on expanding, so that more people would benefit.

“Usually, November 24 is my birthday which I have decided to be marking with giving of awards.

Out of the undergraduates that have been receiving this,

Hon. Ezugwu, Enugu House Leader disbursing a cheque during the exercise Chiedozie was the only one who remembered to wish me well on my birthday. I was so touched emotionally and that singular gesture has earned him a full scholarship to PhD level.

“Even if am not alive (God forbid) the machinery to ensure that he studied to PhD level has been put in place. My prayer is that at some point in life, the beneficiaries will do unto others, that which has been done unto them. I urge them to prudently utilize the funds to advance the course of their academic pursuit. Shun vices that will detract them from giving their career utmost attention.”

The package The 20 benefiting students received N50,000 each bringing the total amount to about N2 million doled out in this year’s scholarship scheme alone.

Beneficiaries elated Celestine Odo, from Obollo-Eke ward and a student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, who was visibly elated prayed Almighty God to expand and refill the pocket of the House Leader even as he assured of prudent deployment of funds.

Also, Paul Chiedozie, who was the major beneficiary revealed that with the gesture from Hon Ezugwu,a jinx has been broken in his family where none of the members is, so far, a graduate.

“In my family, we do not have any graduate both from my maternal side. Look at me now, I am in third year in Geology Department and already have scholarship to study to PhD level. I want to assure my benefactor that I will not disappoint him. I will not be distracted in the campus.”

singing solidarity songs.

Ezeilo later told newsmen that her centre was set up to provide rapid, holistic and high quality free medical, counselling and other support services to victims and survivors of sexual assault in Enugu and beyond.

“We render without discrimination confidential and high quality medical, counselling and other support services to victims/survivors of sexual violence, especially women and minors, by supporting their recovery and encouraging increased reporting of tape and other sexual assault cases,” she said.

Ezeilo further said that an 80 year woman as well as a two month baby were raped at different occasions, lamenting the trauma the victims had passed through.

She also, lamented that over 200 rape and other sexual assault cases were reported to WACOL this year alone by the police, and expressed happiness that victims were no longer shying away from reporting such sexual abuse cases to the security operatives.

According to her, victims of rape and other sexual assaults should report such cases in time, as rape was a serious crime in the country and punishable under the law.

“Attempted rape and child defilement is also punishable under the law. About half of all rape cases are committed by persons known to the victims or survivors. Date or acquaintance rape is very common. Women are often raped in their homes.

Young girls/ minors are often defiled and sexually abused at home.

“Rape and other sexual assaults victims should not be blamed for what happened to them. Only the rapist is responsible for the rape,” she added, and advised rape victims not wash away the evidences but instead, preserve their clothes.

“Don’t bath or wash your body and hands or brush your teeth until you are seen by us.

No self- medication. Report and come to us immediately for professional help. Break the silence/ report such cases. You do not have to suffer alone or in silence,” she added.

In Enugu State, the marking of this year’s event attracted over 400 women who gathered under the aegis of TAMAR and WACOL, who took to the streets

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

DECEMBER 9, 2015

Nkpor town union leadership crisis deepens ...stakeholders pass vote of no confidence on mgt c'ttee

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

NITSHA—AS the town u n i o n leadership crisis persists at Nkpor community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, the traditional ruler of the area, Igwe Christopher Ibegbunam II (Eze Nkpor) has appealed to the state government to approve December 29 as a chosen date for an election of an executive committee of Nkpor Development Union, NDU. Igwe Ibegbunam, who made the appeal, while speaking to newsmen in his palace, said that having passed a vote of no confidence on the remaining

Chief Ngozi Anyakorah and Barrister Raphael Asha Nnabuife two-man Interim Management Committee, IMC of NDU set up by the state government about eight years ago to conduct an election within three months and hand over to a democratically elected executive of NDU and which they failed to do till date.

Flanked by some of the stakeholders, including Dr. Christian Okeke, Uche Darlington Okeke, Chibuzo Okeke and Augustine Udo, the monarch noted that the stage is now set for an election that will usher in democratically elected executive committee of NDU. According to Eze Nkpor: “You can see that the Igwe-in-council, past Presidents-General, village

December 29, 2015 has been chosen by Nkpor community as a convenient date for the election and we urge the state government to approve the chosen date for the election,” the monarch further requested

Iger Ibegbunam 11 of Nkpor

chairmen and key stakeholders in Nkpor community are gathered here today on my invitation to review the general state of affair in Nkpor community in line with the preparations of

Obi of Onitsha urges corporate organizations to positively af ation afffect their places of oper operation

NBL officials during the visit to Igwe Achebe’s G.R.A home in Onitsha

BY CHIMAOBI NWAIWU

N

NEWI-THE Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnemeka Achebe has called on corporate organizations operating in Nigeria, and Onitsha in particular, not to abandon their corporate social responsibility to the people living in their places of operation.

The revered traditional ruler made the call when a team of officials of Nigerian Breweries Plc, NBL visited him at his Government Reserved Area, GRA, Onitsha home to receive his blessing for the commencement of their Umu Oganiru Carnival, a program the company is using to empower youths in South East.

C M Y K

The company after it completed the take over of the defunct Life Breweries Limited, paid a similar visit to the traditional ruler, to receive his blessing which he obliged them, but shortly after receiving the Royal fathers blessing NBL relocated the production of Life Continental Larger Beer from Onitsha to Ama Breweries Enugu, a subsidiary of Nigerian Breweries in Enugu State.

Igwe Achebe, who does not fail to tell companies operating in Onitsha that employment opportunities should be given to the residents in Onitsha and South East in general, and generating employment for the residents of the commercial city, expressed concern about the employment opportunities denied the residents of Onitsha with the relocation of the production of Life Continental

Larger Beer to Enugu.

He therefore did not mince words in telling the officials of Nigerian Breweries that they need to do something to compensate the residents especially now they are receiving high patronage from the residents of Onitsha and Anambra State in general.

When your organization told me that they were moving Life Beer production to Ama Breweries in Enugu state, I expressed concern about the employment opportunities that we will lose people who would have been employed directly and indirectly have all been affected.

“I expected that what NBL should have done is to find something commensurate to compensate the residents, all these restiveness by the youth’s agitating for one thing or the

other will not be if they are gainfully employed, the system is not creating enough job opportunities, including the private companies operating here for the youths, companies have abandoned the corporate social responsibilities to the people and focus on marketing and making gains without giving back to the people.

“Relocating Production of Life beer means you can produce cheaper and make profit, I am challenging employers, including banks operating in Onitsha and the state to come up with programmes that are sustainable to create employment for the youths, so that the output of the universities will be suitable with what the employers want, the universities generate more graduates that the system cannot employ, so there must be a way to produce those who can employ themselves,” he said.

Igwe Achebe therefore, urged cooperate organizations not to focus only on marketing activities to sell their goods, just as he told the alcoholic beverage companies not to give only free drinks to the youths who will after drinking, the next day their frustration will continue.

He thanked NBL for introducing programmes that will empower the youths, but urged them to do more as what they are currently doing is not commensurate with the gains they are making from the people, “your programmes should not be all about branding and marketing and making money but, affecting the people positively.

NDU executive election which the Anambra State government has agreed to oversee.

“This meeting," he continued, "therefore, resolved that we are grateful to Governor Willie Obiano on his resolve and efforts to set Nkpor free after eight years of bondage in the hands of Nnabuife, the de facto chairman of the IMC. Since the IMC had ceased to exist and function in Nkpor community, which is no longer in doubt, based on the letter through its Secretary, Mr. Okey Enekebe to the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and copied to Governor Obiano and whereas the Nkpor General Assembly had earlier passed a vote of no confidence on the remaining two-man IMC, we want to call on the governor to announce the official dissolution of the IMC so that it will not constitute a clog on the wheel of the planned election which the two-man IMC is planning to do.

“We want to draw the attention of the governor on the real person of Nnabuife, who the audit report of Anambra State government on his two and a half years as Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, has allegedly indicted.

"Nkpor community and other members of IMC, excluding Anyakorah and Nnabuife, having the interest of peace in the community, resolved that no member of IMC shall contest the NDU election or be part of the conduct, more so anybody who has been indicted by the state government for fraud.

“That December 29, 2015 has been chosen by Nkpor community as a convenient date for the election and we urge the state government to approve the chosen date for the election,” the monarch further requested.

VANGU ARD, WEDNESD AY, DECEMBER 9, 2015—33 ANGUARD, WEDNESDA

I can’t decide who to settle with

She refuses to give up smoking Dear Bunmi, My girlfriend of two years smokes like the proverbial chimney. She was a smoker when I met her, a habit she picked up abroad when she was a student. I hate her smoking as I’ve never touched the stuff. Not only does the smell put me off, she’s so addicted that it interferes with our relationship. Immediately sex is over, she lights up instead of cuddling up to me. Even when we’re relaxing in front of the teIly, she’s always getting up to go outside and

smoke. As a result, we seldom snuggle up to each other on the sofa.

Apart from this irritation, I also worry about her health.

She’s the type of girl I would like to get married to, but I don’t want to spend my life surrounded by smoke or marry someone who is likely to get sick from too much smoking. I’ve asked her to stop but she won’t, reminding me she was a smoker when I met her. Anything else I could do?

Goriola By e-mail.

She still sees her ex-husband Dear Bunmi, I met my current girlfriend three years ago after she’d been let down by her exhusband.

She said he told her their marriage was a mistake and he just took off. For two years she didn’t even know where he was. Now he’s shown up again. Since then, she’d been distant and less keen on our relationship.

A few nights ago, she went out and came home at 3 am.

She told me she was with friends but I’m sure she was with him. Does our relationship stand a chance?

I’m really upset by this development.

Michael By e-mail.

Dear Michael, It is often very difficult to get

over your first love and right now, your girlfriend is confused. Her behaviour might look suspicious but you need to trust her. Give her space but let her know you’re willing to listen whenever she feels like talking. If she keeps on giving you the cold shoulder, try initiating the talk and let her know you understand why she’s confused.

Just bear in mind that no matter how much you hate this man, you should try to avoid being too critical or angry with him, or your girlfriend won’t feel she can open up to you. The man broke her heart once and left her in the lurch. Trusting that kind of man again takes a lot of courage. Be patient and with time, your girl might get over her confusion.

Dear Goriola, When you asked her to stop, how did you put it? There’s an enormous difference between being really concerned and being irritated. Telling her how much you hate smoking is just going to make her stressed, which in turn will make her want to smoke more. If, however, you sat down with her and said you want to spend the rest of your life with her but are desperately worried about her health, you might get through to her.

A lot of smokers are aware it’s bad for them and repulsive to those around them. They would really love to stop smoking but are caught up in a powerful addiction and feel powerless to stop it.

Let her be aware of the practical things she can do to make giving up less scary than she thinks. Some reputable chemists have very effective drugs to suppress the urge to smoke amongst which are nicotine replacement aids like patches. You need to work with your partner to beat this habit, giving her encouragement for cutting down or quitting rather than grieve when or if she fails, you may get somewhere. Very few smokers are more committed to the cigarettes than someone they love dearly, so if you’re patient and work together to a quitting plan she’s comfortable with, she may give up smoking altogether.

My real father now wants to be part of my wedding Dear Bunmi, My mother and I returned to Nigeria when I was five, after a bitter divorce. My dad remained abroad and we rarely heard from him. Mum later met and married another man who raised me and my brother as his own. We have two half siblings. Growing up, I always dream of this society wedding I often read about in the soft sells. Late last year, my boyfriend of four years proposed to me and we’ve planned a December wedding.

My parents have offered to pay for part of the wedding, but as none of us has much money saved, we had settled for a small wedding and reception.

Then out of the blues, my real father got in touch. He said he’d heard I was getting married

and wanted to help. He’s offered to pay for the whole wedding and said money was no problem. I talked to my mum, who said we could accept the offer if we wanted to. My fiance and I don’t know what to do. The money would certainly give us the wedding of our dreams, but I know that my mum and stepfather would be hurt. Do you think I should take the money?

Anita By e-mail.

Dear Anita, Any dark clouds on the day you get married should be avoided. Your real father has played no part in your upbringing. Why should he be given the chance to steal all the glory and have everyone

thanking him for a great party?

The best weddings are often not in posh event-centres with fancy food and free booze.

They’re the ones where the bride and groom are so filled with love that it is infections.

You’ve already had a word with your mum and drawn the conclusion she would be unhappy if you went for the money. Your mum and step dad are the ones who have been there for you throughout your life, not your dad. Have the small wedding you’ve planned, with the people you love around you.

If your real dad has money to throw around, let him know it wouldn’t be used towards the wedding. That way, he might stay back and not steal your step dad’s thunder on your wedding day.

Dear Bunmi, I’m currently involved with two men and can’t choose which one I really want to be with. One man is exciting and l have very strong feelings for him. The problem is that he’s extremely good-looking and I’m not sure I could trust him.

We also argue a lot.

The other man is sweet and cannot do enough for me. I trust him completely but, as much as I’m fond of him, I don’t love him as much as the other man. I’m at the early dating stages with both men.

There are pluses and minuses to both of them. My problem really is that I long for a longterm relationship but don’t know which of the men would give me a better life.

Bosun By e-mail

Dear Bosun, What exactly do you think you want from life? If you’re

a passionate person and strong enough to cope with uncertainty, then Mr. Excitement might suit you perfectly. You don’t say why you don’t trust him. Is it because he is good looking and is constantly hit on by the girls? That alone isn’t a reason not to trust him. Is he as intensely into you as you are into him? The more intensely we feel for someone, the more we have to lose and this could explain the arguments you’re always having.

Do you thrive on a challenge or prefer to feel safe? If a safe loving relationship without drama is what would suit you, then go for the nice guy. It is possible to get the excitement you crave from other areas of your life. The other option is to ditch them both and try to find someone who has a balance of both!

It bothers me she hasn’t had an orgasm Dear Bunmi, I’ve just met a girl I’m crazy about. We have a good sex life at the moment but she hasn’t reached a climax yet. She’s always been eager to have sex whenever I initiated it, though I don’t ask for that often.

Could her lack of orgasm have anything to do with my wanting sex? I want her to enjoy the act as much as I do, otherwise I feel selfish. Am I doing anything wrong?

Mustapha By e-mail.

Dear Mustapha, What you should ask yourself is: Would you think

less of your girlfriend if she doesn’t want sex? Contrary to popular belief, men are not ready for sex at any time. Like women, they have to be in the mood. That doesn’t mean to say that sometimes, it is not kind to make love with your partner if he or she really wants it, even if you’re not that keen.

As for her not having an orgasm when you make love, if she doesn’t seem to mind and says she enjoys sex with you, then don’t worry. It is her problem not yours. Girl’s case is no problem at all. So if she says sex is fine for her, don’t nag her about that.

Your real father has played no part in your upbringing; why should he be given the chance to steal all the glory and have everyone thanking him for a great party; the best weddings are often not in posh eventcentres with fancy food and free booze; they’re the ones where the bride and groom are so filled with love that it is infections

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

34—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

You must select the best of vendors to provide good and well-interpreted ambience in line with the event in terms of decoration. Food must taste nice with good presentation, too

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urful t/plan orous, colo events managemen r, Mrs Bunmi m la g r fo is ire ato As the des as boomed steadily vent planner/decor ts management n h e -e t v d a e e dustry th with banker-turn st-growing ate of Microbiology the fa a , ta s p u li 5 gradu hooked O of Sty fe, says who is CE is inter view, the 199 wo University, lle-I r. , e y o b e d A to nking sec agos. In th femi Awolo outfit in L lumnus of the Oba n working in the ba a a who is an more gratifying th is s busines

By Josephine Agbonkhese

W

HAT are the technicalities involved in planning/managing an event?

So many things must be borne in mind when planning an event. Venues should be easily accessible.

Parking space within the venue must be ample enough to accommodate at least 80% of the guests with little or no strain .

You must select the best of vendors to provide good and well-interpreted ambience in line with the event in terms

C M Y K

of decoration. Food must taste nice with good presentation, too.

Technicians must test their light and do their sound checks hours before the event; not 1, 2, 1, 2 sound check.

Also, ushers must dress neatly and respectable. No bad breathe or armpit stench, with hair neatly put together and not flying around.

Would you say it is really challenging and worth the bill customers usually have to pay?

Yes, it is most time worth it when the abstract of

thoughts and ideas put together for a concept or theme becomes concrete. For the passion driven entrepreneurs, monetary gains are secondary. We have had instances where clients credited us more after all bills have been settled just to show appreciation. Such encouragement is motivational and keeps one forging on regardless.

Are there risks involved?

There are risks and so are mitigants; as an ardent event planner, you don’t expect anything not to go wrong. In fact you must assume things may go wrong and must prepare for plan B at all

time.

How come parties put together by Nigerians are the most sought after anywhere in the world?

Our parties are extremely full of life and that’s because we are happier people in this part of the world.

Besides, that is because our the rate of suicide is minimal compared to other parts of the world. So, anything to keep us happy, we will embrace, including parties.

We live life in spite of harsh economic realities in our society. “Country hard, country hard, no one wants to die” What’s the most challenging aspect of event planning like for weddings and corporate events?

I’ll say budget. Some have lofty ideas with slim budget.

Like my Chinese friends will say: “big thunder, little rain”. They want heaven and earth and they can’t pay. This drags the planning process back and forth till we have a common ground between both parties; where client is happy and the event goes on smoothly with all loose ends tightened. In cases of corporate events, it is more of bureaucracy/ chains of approval processes which eventually eat into planning time and some events come with very late notification.

A lot of people seem to be venturing into the industry these days; can it really be a money-spinner for anyone who seeks self-

employment?

I want to believe the market is wide for events and entertainment. If someone is venturing into the industry for self-employment, I’ll advise he or she to come in with a need and then launch deep because a lot of people are coming up with various innovative ideas and for those that also feel the market is wide and unsaturated, yes it is also possible. It all depends on whether you are in for daily bread or to leave a foot print in the sand of time as an astute solution provider in your field.

What actually made you shelve your banking career for this business?

Over the years when I was in the bank, I realised my friends would always call me to help them organise parties. They probably had observed the manner in which I organised events even on impromptu basis.

Later, I looked inward and realised this is something I have a flair for. So, I eventually decided to follow my passion. While in the bank however, I was known for my prolific deposit mobilisation; I was a goal-getter and passionate banker. Hence, I was identified as a banker with distinction. ...and judging from the 15 years you worked in the bank, is this more rewarding?

Frankly, I get even much more than I got as a banker!

We had this myth that banking was well-paying, but you see, with the quality of my time management and with doing what I enjoy doing by putting smiles on clients’ faces, you can’t quantify with cash.

But didn’t you fear failure while venturing full scale into this?

I’ve had this tutor in my husband for a long time and he has remained my mentor in this business. He had always wanted me to use a third of that energy which I was using to work for the bank, for myself. He is Rotimi Adeboye Have you managed a road-closing(street) event before? How did it make you feel, considering the fact that you hindered vehicular movements?

No, I’ve never. I dislike it as a matter of fact. Why block roads when there are school fields all around?

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 , 2015—35

Harmattan increases risk of infections — EXPERTS U

By Chioma Obinna

NDOUBTEDLY, there is no season of the year that does not come without affecting people's lives either positively or negatively, but the negative effects of harmattan season seem to outweigh its benefits. The season is here again. But the big question is how well are you protecting your self? Experts say harmattan comes with dust that can trigger asthma and bronchitis attacks as well as cause cold, cough, catarrh, and even meningitis.

Harmattan season is usually a dry and dusty period associated with low humidity. As a result, the weather is harsh to the hair as well as the skin. Also, studies have shown that some microorganisms that cause diseases increase during harmattan period.

According to experts, harmattan can be described as a hot, dry and dusty wind that blows over West Africa. The wind is said to blow from the Sahara Desert into the Gulf of Guinea between the end of November and the middle of March.

Desert-like weather conditions On its passage over the desert, the wind is said to pick up fine dust and sand particles, while the air is particularly dry and desiccating when the wind blows over the region.

As a result, harmattan induces desert-like weather conditions: it lowers the humidity, dissipates cloud cover, prevents rainfall formation and sometimes creates big clouds of dust or sand which can even result in violent duststorms or sandstorms.

However, when the haze effect is weak, this dry wind creates beautiful sunny days with plenty of clear skies.

In the views of medical exrperts, the dry weather conditions associated with it have various health implications on humans, affecting their respiratory system, skin and eyes.

A Consultant Public Health Physician/Epidemiologist, Prof.

Akin Osibogun, who linked the current increase in the number of people coming down with cold and cough to outbreak of a viral infection commonly referred to as flu, noted that the ear, nose and throat are the first line of receivers.

"The nose is at the fore front, it's the first organ that takes in air that we breath, before the air gets to the throat and then to the lungs. So, the nose is at the receiving end. When the weather

changes, and there is this dry humid air coming in with lots of dust and haze, you find out that the nose has to adjust itself, it works like the air-conditioning system in the nose and sinuses.

They warm the air before it's transported to the lungs just to make it feel comfortable and they also feel tight.

In harmattan season, there is a lot more solids in the air because of the dust, so the air is heavier, more irritating to the nose. The inner part of the nose is very soft and delicate just like a blanket and the nose produces this mucus that makes it a lot more comfortable so when there is a lot more dust, that blanket is almost overcome.

The Consultant said it can affect the nose, skin and lungs, but that of the nose comes with lots of sneezing and watery discharge.

When it is so much, you find some people sneezing a lot and that can also lead to a lot more crust in the nose.

Seasonality is not uncommon with many living things because of the weather changes that go with different seasons. Dry cold weather allows for the transmission of airborne infections. The same factors account for the seasonality of Meningitis in the Northern parts of Nigeria which is seen mostly between November and February.

Experts advice The expert advised people to limit their exposure to dust.

"How do you do this? Like in a house that have curtains, you can wash them.

"Air-conditioners should also be serviced to avoid harmattan induced symptoms. Wipe windows, fans with wet rags. You cannot really control the dust on the street but you can control the ones around your environment.

Also in his views, a Family Medicine Specialist in the Lagos State University Teaching

Harmattan comes with dust that can trigger asthma and bronchitis attacks as well as cause cold, cough, catarrh, and even meningitis

Harmattan comes with dust that can trigger asthma and bronchitis attacks as well as cause cold, cough, catarrh, and even meningitis.

How to protect yourself from Harmattan The skin can be kept healthy by application of oily creams and weather friendly clothing. Lip balms or the application of Vaseline to the soles of the feet will prevent them from cracking.

Wearing warm clothes will keep you warm and protect us from the severe cold. Proper eye hygiene by rinsing with clean water and reducing the exposure to the dust by wearing protective spectacles is advised.

Asthma patients or those with chronic respiratory conditions should pay special attention to their health and take all possible and practicable measures to reduce exposure to the dusty atmosphere and they should carry their inhalers with them at all times.

Sickle cell patients should be vigilant and keep warm as much as possible to prevent crisis.

Hospital, Oluwajimi Shodipo said that harmattan dust increase cases of respiratory infections such as asthma, cough, catarrh, tonsillitis, influenza, and pneumonia.

"Harmattan comes with dust that can trigger asthma and bronchitis attacks as well as cause cold, cough, catarrh, and even meningitis. "This gives discomfort to people with certain allergic conditions as well as causes infections.

"Asthma patients should be cautious. They tend to have more attacks because harmattan carries dust, pollen grains and other allergenic materials capable of triggering attacks,'' he said.

He advised people to take more liquid, especially water, during harmattan to prevent dehydration and heatstroke.

"Another thing that can help is steam inhalation. Just boil water, cover your head. The water doesn't have to be at boiling point to avoid face burns. The moisture will help to sooth the nose, sinuses as well as the lungs.

"Harmattan also worsens conditions like the sore throat, the dry air taken irritates the throat

adding that "Some people that have allergy (and it worsens) as the voice changes and becomes very croaky. As for such people, it could go further and they have asthmatic attack because that dry air when it gets to the lungs it starts a chain reaction. Some children at this time also have a lot of asthma. If the symptoms persist you need to visit a doctor."

Studies have also shown that harmattan also triggers sickle cell crisis in those with sickle cell anaemia. Oxygen in blood is usually reduced in extreme temperatures, like cold. Thus, patients with sickle cell anaemia should take precaution and keep warm as much as possible to prevent a crisis.

Why there is cold and cough in environment Also, a Consultant Public Health Physician/ Epidemiologist, Prof. Akin Osibogun, who is also a former Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, advised that people should observe high level of

personal hygiene as the infection is often spread from person to person through sneezing and coughing.

According to him, Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can cause mild to severe illness.

Osibogun who listed some of the symptoms of flu to include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, and headache also explained that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

The flu is different from a cold.

It usually occurs from late November through February.

Serious flu complications "Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year; unfortunately, Nigeria is yet to get a vaccine for the contagious infection."

Osibogun further explained that usually the virus wears out in a couple of days unless complicated especially by a superimposing bacterial infection which must be aggressively treated with appropriate antibiotics.

He, however, said people should not panic but observe high level of personal hygiene to prevent spread of the virus.

Osibogun, who acknowledged that there could be complications in some cases, added that complication such as bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes could occur.

Also, children may get sinus problems and ear infections as complications from the flu.

36—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 , 2015

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015—37

Save N-Delta from collapse, rights groups urge Buhari

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—COALITION of civil society organisatìons in the country have raised alarm over what they described as the deteriorating state of the Niger Delta region, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to reposition the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and other agencies set up for the region so as to save the region from total collapse.

The appeal was made by African Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, and Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Environment, at a briefing in Benin City, Edo State.

Executive Director, ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, and Mr. Jerry Nwigwe, Senior Programme Manager for LITE, lamented that years after the establishment of NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, 84 projects in 24 communities in four states in the region have been abandoned due to inadequate funding and poor planning.

They urged the President to hasten action on those agencies and also beam his searchlight on the Oil Commission Agencies in the states which they accused of

abandoning the objective for which they were established.

Ugolor said, “The abandonment of important projects in the Niger-Delta by various institutions is a source of worry to most citizens of the region. The result of the research and citizen report card survey showed that the law setting up

the agencies was explicit on their mandates including issues relating to sources of funding, areas of focus, representation and reporting among others.

“The report showed that development intervention in the Niger-Delta needs to be refocused to meet the needs of community residents. It reveals poor planning

in some cases failure to properly, incorporate community residents in the development decision process and lack coordination among the development agencies in the region leading to duplication, abandonment and substandard projects in some communities,” he stated.

P

ORT HARCOURT— THE Nigerian Navy has impounded six badges and two ships for offences bordering on illegal bunkering activities in Rivers State.

Similarly, the Nigerian Army has warned oil thieves and vandals to steer clear of Port Harcourt Refinery and its environs, saying it would not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone arrested.

Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Atiku Abdulkadir, while parading six suspects onboard one of the ships, Purity, around Onne waterways, yesterday, said, the vessel was arrested with about 400,000 litres of illegal crude.

According to him, test conducted on the content of the vessel showed that it was tampered with, thus confirming it was illegally refined.

He said the ship and barges were arrested within one week at different locations on the waterways in the state.

According to him, four of the barges and a vessel were impounded around Onne River, two in Andoni, one barge and a ship on Bonny waterways. He gave some of the names as Atlantic One and Two, and

By Chioma Onuegbu

U

YO—AN Uyo-based non-governmental organisation, Community Partners for Development, CPD, has expressed worry over the increasing incidence of Visco-Vaginal Fistula, VVF, complication among young women in Akwa Ibom State and called for legislation to address the health problem.

Executive Director of CPD, Dr Nsekpong Udoh, yesterday, during an awareness seminar organised for representatives of women groups in the state, stressed that the situation demands a law to put a stop to child pregnancy, child marriage as well as stigmatization of VVF victims.

Etolor emerges new head of Delta Ijaw Elders’ Council SUMMIT: Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State (left) and Mr. Tom Carnac, Special Adviser to the Executive Secretary, United Nations Climate Change, at the Climate Change Summit in Paris, France.

Illegal bunkering: Navy impounds 6 barges, two ships in Rivers

By Jimitota Onoyume

NGO calls for legislation over VVF in A-Ibom

Purity.

Meanwhile, The Nigerian Army in a statement by the 2 Brigade and Sector 2 Operation Pulo Shield, Port Harcourt, said, it was aware of alleged moves by some oil thieves to sabotage its efforts

at ridding the refinery area of their illegal operations.

Spokesman of the Brigade, Captain Eli Lazarus, said the Army had evolved a new strategy to smash oil thieves in the area, warning those behind such acts

to turn a new leaf or be ready for the Army.

He said the new security measure introduced by the Army had started yielding results, adding that it wwould continue to protect oil facilities in the areas.

Graduate Internship Scheme participants bemoan non-payment of stipends

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—PARTICIPANTS in the Graduate Internship Scheme, GIS, in Edo State, have complained of the non-payment of their monthly stipend of N30,000 in the last six months by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The participants who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, in Benin on the condition of anonymity, described the non- payment of their stipends as the greatest challenge facing them, adding that they have been unable to make ends meet even in the areas of their primary assignments.

The participants who are currently attending a workshop on Career Development and Entrepreneurship Training in Benin, Edo State, appealed to the Federal Government to pay their stipends before the internship programme winds

up.

However, an official of the Finance Ministry, who did not want his name in print, attributed the delay in the payment of the stipends to the

introduction of the Single Treasury Account, TSA, by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

She said that once funds were made available, the

Okowa hails Ibru at 80

A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has congratulated former governor of the state, Olorogun Felix Ibru, on his 80th birthday.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, described Ibru who, as a senator represented Delta Central senatorial district, as a patriot and political icon who led the state in her embryonic stage.

Okowa said that the birthday was a celebration of the attainment of another significant milestone in a long, fulfilled and achievementladen life.

He said Senator Ibru entered the elite club of the world’s highly revered octogenarians and very special people who have made significant and indelible contributions to their countries and humanity.

Joining his family, friends and associates in giving thanks to God for Ibru's glorious life of service to Delta State, Nigeria, Okowa commended Ibru for his dedication and indefatigable commitment to the service of the people of the state as well as the Urhobos worldwide where he served them meritoriously as senator and as President of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU.

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI—IZON Council of Elders in Delta State, also know as Izon Okosu-Otu, has elected a founding member, Chief Bare Etolor, as its new Chairman.

In a statement by former Chairman, Brig-Gen. Cletus Emein, following a general meeting he hosted in Warri, the body unanimously chose Chief Etolor to head its affairs.

He said: “Etolor’s election ends the tenure of Chief Emmanuel Ebimami, who has been at the helm of affairs for about four years,” noting that the body has been in the forefront of Ijaw affairs in Delta State since its creation over 14 years ago.

Passage

M

ADAM Comfort Kukune Caroline of Kukune and Ejo families of Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), is dead, aged 88. A statement

by Mrs. J. A. Olley said the deceased died on August 9, 2015.

She is survived by children and grandchildren.

Late Madam Kukune

38 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

ENUGU COUNCIL POLLS: Workers, IPAC back

A’Court upholds Uviejitobor’s DTHA poll victory

caretaker c’ttees for 17 LGAs

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—WORKERS in Enugu State under the auspices of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union

T

HE COURT of Appeal, Benin-City, Edo State, has upheld the Delta State House of Assembly election petition tribunal judgement which earlier upheld the election victory of Chief Peter Uviejitobor, as winner of the April state House of Assembly election for Udu constituency.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the poll, Moses Odibo, had prayed the Appeal Court to set aside the judgment of the lower tribunal, Asaba, which affirmed Uviejitobor ’s victory.

Delivering his judgment, presiding judge of the Appeal Court panel, Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, said, the appellant’s petition was devoid of merit, accordingly failed and dismissed same with a cost of N50, 000 each to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents respectively.

Reacting to the judgment in a statement, the Minority Whip of DTHA, Chief Uviejitobor hailed the judiciary for dismissing Odibo’s appeal, adding that his election was a welldeserved mandate freely given by the good people of Udu. “My confidence in the nation’s judiciary is renewed. My victory is a victory for Udu state constituency and all political parties,” he said.

Congress, TUC, and Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, JPSNC, have thrown their weights behind the move by the state government to appoint caretaker committees to run the affairs of the 17 local government

areas in the state.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Enugu State chapter, and Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, had last week, given the same support.

The workers in a statement by

Anamabra targets 2.5m children, women for immunization

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—NO fewer than 2.5 million women and children have been targeted by the Anambra State Government to benefit from health care services during this year’s second round of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week starting in all parts of the state, today.

The break-down shows that 900,970 children from six to 59 months would receive Vitamin A supplement, while 211,993 children of zero to 59 months, 264,991 pregnant women, and

1,165,960 women of child bearing age would be immunized against diseases such as measles, yellow fever and tetanus.

The programme, to be launched

by Governor Willie Obiano at Obeledu in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state, is sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, and World Health Organisation, WHO, in partnership with the state government.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Josephat Akabuike

told reporters, yesterday, that the exercise will take place in all government-owned health institutions, select private hospitals and other designated centres, and urged women to avail themselves of the opportunity, noting that all the vaccines were free and safe.

“This exercise is an integrated package of preventive and curative health intervention services known to be highly costeffective, yet result-oriented. It is aimed at reducing neonatal, maternal and child morbidity and mortality in the country,” he said.

N400m scam, councillors call on EFCC to probe LG boss

By Chinenyeh Ozor

N

S U K K A — COUNCILLORS in Igbo-etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, have called

on Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, to probe the outgoing chairman of the council, Chief Festus Ozoemena over alleged embezzelment of N400m road

project fund.

The councillors, who pleaded for anonymity, said, that the legislative arms of the council had on two occasions approved the said amount for the construction

Ban of anti-cultism book by Delta State varsity faulted

By Tare Youdeowei

A

GROUP, Deltans United Against Cultism, has faulted what it described as the “perplexing and inexplicable ban” recently placed on a book against campus cults, entitled, Anchor, authored by anti-cult campaigner and author, Austine Onodarho, by the authorities of the Delta State University, Delsu, Abraka.

Addressing newsmen, in Warri, the group through its

coordinator, Mr. Ambrose Etaghene, wondered what could “possibly have warranted the banning of a celebrated book on anti-cultism that was approved for tertiary institutions by the Federal Ministry of Education, the Delta State Ministry of Education, the Senate Committee on Education, the Nigerian Police Force and the authorities of Delsu," when” according to him, “certain undesirable elements in the varrsity are noted for cult-related activities which the varsity itself,

has been trying to curb.”

Wondering how the banning of a book, which exposes the “dark and clandestine world of campus cults, prostitution and indecent dressing can possibly aid the effort to eradicate cults in our universities,” the group insisted that “what we suspect is that certain unsavoury interest groups are determined to perpetuate cultism by banning this book.

“We urge the Vice Chancellor, Professor Victor Peretomode, to immediately reverse the ban."

awmakers cannot and should not impose candidate to APC because I believe the party knows how to resolve their issues. APC change has become a monarchy and no more democracy. -Mr. Odeghara Camillus, Worker

On Kogi governorship election

I

s the governorship of Kogi State now a traditional stool? No wonder we have leadership issues, when people are just called upon to take the mantle of leadership without being prepared for it; I weep for Nigeria. -Mr. Samm Alakiri, Self Employed

I

t is a clear mockery of the electoral process and the system of government in practice because the office of deputy or vice in the elections is in existence for the purpose of this kind of political gridlock. -Miss Evan Ukogu, Musician

T

his is a delicate issue, if APC candidate is wrongly picked and fresh election conducted, PDP will just gain the state back.

APC should know that even Audu was not all that okay for Kogi people, but because Kogi people were tired of PDP. -Mr. Deson Sonofman, Worker

of Ukehe, Ogbede,Ohebe, Aku and Nkpologwu road, but the chairman abandoned it while the contract sum was paid in full.

The councillors also accused the leader of the council legislative arm for conniving with the council boss to embezzle council funds, explaining that in the first phase of the road project, the sum of N150m was approved as mobilisation, later N250m as full payment while the project was not up to 50 per cent executed.

The councillors noted that the chairman not only abandoned the road project but also published calendar and brochures exhibiting the project and others as completed, pointing out that most of the completed projects were the ones executed by his predecessor, Chief Ogbonna Idike.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

L

the Enugu State Chairman of NLC, Viginues Chuks and Chairman of TUC/JPSNC, Chukwuma Igbokwe, commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi “for the decision to appoint Caretaker Committees for councils in the state pending the conclusion of the on-going staff audit.”

They pointed out that the Local Government system in the state had “failed woefully in service delivery and provision of dividends of democracy to the grassroots,” adding that the labour unions support any policy of the government aimed at cleansing the rot in the system before constituting a new council administration in the state.

The workers urged the governor not to compromise merit in the appointment of the caretaker committee members and charged him to remain resolute in his efforts to, “recover any public fund misappropriated by any public officer in the councils.”

S

o late Audu had a son that was old enough to be fielded as governorship candidate, why then did he decide to run? Power drunk politicians will never let the youths get involved in leadership. The youths have no future in this country. -Mr. Munachim Nwakobi, Brand Builder

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his is disgusting, if Audu, the father was nominated because he was capable, has that capability been transferred to the Son? What kind of change is this? The more you look the less you see. Miss Pretty Cool, Businesswoman

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2015—39

Malnutrition: FG to provide milk to 30m students

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HE Federal Government plans to address the problem of malnutrition in the country with the proposed provision of a litre of milk a day to over 30,000,000 children in secondary and primary schools under the school feeding programme.

Quoting UNESCO statistics that said 24 per cent of Nigerian children under the age of five are under weight while 37 per cent are malnourished.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh said that the Federal Government will tackle the problem of malnutrition which adversely affects the intelligent quotient of children.

Ogbeh, who disclosed this during a meeting with a team from the West African Milk Company (WAMCO) in Abuja, added that the Federal Government will next year embark on a programme to develop massive grazing grounds for cattle to bring roaming and its attendant problem to an end.

The minister disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will acquire 10 deep water rigs from the Borno State Government and build windmills to operate wells that will provide water for the planned grazing grounds.

He added that the grazing grounds will not only improve the quantity and quality of beef and milk produced in the country, they will also make cattle rearers more sedentary.

Responding, Managing Director of the company, Mr. Rahul Colaco, explained that WAMCO, producer of Peak milk brand which has been in operation in Nigeria for about 60 years, was committed to creating the most professional and attractive dairy production in the country.

AGM: A cross section of Vanguard Media Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Ltd executives during the 12th Annual General Meeting of the society at Vanguard premises, Lagos, weekend. Photo: Diran Oshe.

Jigawa proposes N137.23bn budget for 2016

By Aliyu Dangida

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UTSE— GOVERNOR Muhammad Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State has proposed a budget of N137.23 billion for 2016 as he presented an appropriation bill tagged “Budget of Change and Sustainable Development” before the state's House of Assembly.

Presenting the budget, the governor said the proposed 2016 budget is 37 per cent higher than that of last year, as it is articulated in such a way that it is consistent with the government’s vision and aspirations.

He said the total retained revenue based on which the proposed recurrent and capital expenditure estimates were prepared is N134.23 billion, of which N62.92 billion representing about 46 per cent is the total envisaged revenue.

Badaru said the balance of N71.31 billion representing almost 52 per cent is for capital investments.

The largest share of N39.27 billion is to be expended in the economic sector, representing over 55 per cent of the total capital expenditure and the health sector accounts for about 47 per cent of the entire budget.

The governor also announced that N43.5 billion, representing 32 per cent of the budget, will be spent on education which is above the UNESCO’s Education for All prescription of 26 per cent allocation.

N the spirit of the Yuletide, and as a gesture to appreciate loyal customers who have contributed to making 2015 a successful year, MallforAfrica.com will be giving out N5,000 free from Monday, December 7 to Monday, December 14, 2015 to both new and old customers on the platform who possess the Mall for Africa Loyalty Web card.

MallforAfrica.com is an app that allows you shop directly on over 150 US and UK stores and receive your items in

Nigeria. The app is available on Android, Apple and Windows devices, the app enables you shop from the convenience of home, school or work. You can also pay on the platform using a variety of local payment platforms including Verve, MasterCard, Visa Card and Paga.

To enjoy the N5,000, a simply shop on any of your favourite 150 US & UK stores on the MallforAfrica App, simply install the MallforAfrica App which is available on Apple, Android,

Other areas include Personnel Cost, N39.0 billion, representing 29 per cent of the total projected income and an increase of almost eight per cent over the 2015 approved estimates.

Why govs are against N1,800 minimum wage—ASCSN

By Victor Ahiumayoung

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AGOS—THE umbrella body for senior public servants in the country, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, yesterday in Lagos, accused the state governors of using the threat to reduce the N18,000 minimum wage or reduce the workforce to avoid entering into negotiation with organised labour for the upward review of the National Minimum Wage as required by law.

ASCSN advised governors who were tired of governance because of fall in revenue allocation and downward slide in the price of oil in the international market to resign immediately and allow more serious minded individuals, who are prepared to harness resources of the states for the benefit of the people including

MallforAfrica.com rewards loyal customers

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The Health sector, according to Badaru, is earmarked N20.4 billion, equivalent of about 15 per cent of the total budget which is in line with the prescription of the Abuja Declaration.

PC or Windows devices, sign up, shop, enter promo code “MYXMASGIFT” at checkout & enjoy N5,000 off your order this Christmas.

Apart from enjoying this Christmas gift card, Nigerian shoppers can also enjoy the ongoing amazing clearance sales from international stores such as House of Fraser, World of Watches, 10 Dollar Mall, Sports Direct, Wal-Mart, Macy, Debenhams and smartphones from Amazon via the Mall for Africa platform.

workers, take up the mantle of leadership.

The body recalled that the National Minimum Wage Act was signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 after both houses of the National Assembly passed it into law, with a proviso for it to be reviewed up after five years.

In a statement by ASCSN’s

President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, and the Secretary-General, Alade Bashir Lawal, the body warned of dire consequences, which might include the shut-down of the state governments, if the governors carried out their threat to reduce the N18,000 monthly minimum wage or embark on massive retrenchment of workers.

Residents accept proposed Nasarawa airport construction

By Abel Daniel

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ESIDENTS of Kwandere and Shabu in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have given Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura the consent to construct an airport in the area to boost the economic potentials of the state.

The stakeholders gave their consent, yesterday, at a panel review meeting on the environmental impact assessment of the proposed airport project by Governor Al-makura at Kwandere and Shabu of Lafia LGA. Speaking at the Dr. Ekehled panel meeting, the Sangari Shabu, Mahmud Umar Bwalla said the interest of the state supersedes the community’s interest hence, the need for the airport.

He, however, noted that his subjects would be prone to noise pollution from

planes and air crash, saying that the government should fashion out ways to compensate them.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Sarkin Kwandere, Ahmadu Al-Makura disclosed that his subjects have accepted the construction of the airport in their area.

Anniversary

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CTIVITIES marking the 2015 anniversary of Wonder ful Bible Prayer Ministries kicked off in Lagos, yesterday to end on Sunday December 13, 2015 at 5.30pm daily.

Venue is 13, Kehinde Ogunnusi Street, off Yetunde Brown Street, Ifako, Gbagada, Lagos, A statement by the host, Prophet Paul Oluyombo said the programme with the theme "Good news" will be rounded off with a special thanksgiving on Sunday.

40—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

VISIT: Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland (left) and Otunba Rotimi Paseda, during the visit by the former governorship candidate of Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, in last general election to the monarch, at his palace in Ilaro, Ogun State. Photo: Wunmi Akinola.

LONG SERVICE AWARD: From left: Dr. Fola Rogers, Executive Secretary to Honorary Consul of Djibouti in Nigeria, Mr Markus Brinkmann, MD, Sifax Shipping Ltd, Mrs Chichi Ezetu, 15 years long service awardee, Mr Olumayo Adeolu, 20 years long service awardee and Dr Phil Ofulue, Executive Director, HR and Admin, Sifax Group at Sifax Group long service award in Lagos.

UNVEILING: From left: Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Builders, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Dr. Akaninyene Umoh, Living Faith Church Pastor, Pastor Dele Bamigboye, Franchisee, Sandtex Experience Centre, Uyo, Mrs. Funke Aderemi, and Sales & Marketing Manager, Portland Paints & Products Nigeria Plc., Mrs. Nnenna Azuka-Onwuka at the unveiling of Sandtex Experience Centre in Uyo.

AGM: From left: Director, Raw Materials Research and Development Council, RMRDC, Dr. Moses Omojola, Mr. Idowu Oluwadare, representing the President, Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria, IPAN, Dr. Dahiru Adamu, Head, Chemical Technology Product Certification, SON, Mr. Folayan Ayodele, representing SON DG, and CEO, Olite Manufacturing Company Ltd, Mr. John Nwabueze, at the Annual General Meeting, AGM, and launching of Personal Care news splash, newsletter, organised by Toiletries and Cosmetics Group of MAN, in Lagos.

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RECEPTION: From left: Mr. Adebola Williams, co-founder RED Media Africa, Mr. Ray Kyles, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Phillip Obaji, winner, The Future Award Africa Price for Young Person of the Year, 2015 and Mfon Ekpo, Executive Director, The Future Project, during the winners reception organized by Mr. Ray Kyles in Lagos. Photo: Oscar Ochiogu.

AWARD: From left: Mrs Mabel Ndagi, Dr. Azuka Onyia, Chief Financial Officer, Mouka Foam, Mr Joseph Babatunde, Divisional Head, Large Enterprises, Bank of Industry, and his his wife Mrs Babatunde, at the 2015 Bank of Industry award in Lagos.

BRIEFING: From left: CEO, GingerBox, Kunle Jinadu; Co-founder/TechLead, Pass.NG, Joshua Adebagbo; Regional Manager, West Africa, WeChat, Idemudia Dima-Okojie, and Customer Service Manager, PayLater, Habila Musa-Luka, at a briefing to announce Wechat partnership with start-up companies in Lagos.

INTERNSHIP SCHEME: From left: Shittu Sherifat Olayemi, intern, Henri Ltd, Mrs Chinyere Igweonyia, intern, Mr John Umoren, representing the Director of GIS, Mr Adewunmi Adepoju, Coordinator, Financial Consultant, Abuja, Ogunade Adeyinka, Intern, Western Delta Consults and Mr Christopher Anyibuofu, intern, during the graduate internship training sheme for unemployed graduates organised by Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja.

Photo: Diran Oshe.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 41

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42 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 43

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44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

By Samuel Oyadongha

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HE battle is far from over for the two leading political parties in the Bayelsa State governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressive Congress,APC following the cancellation of the last Sunday rescheduled election in Southern Ijaw Local Council by the Independent National Election Commission over alleged irregularities.

While the ruling PDP has left no one in doubt of its preparedness to retain its plum position as the occupant of Creek Haven, the seat of power, the APC, which is locked in fierce struggle to break the former’s hegemony has proved to Bayelsans that there is alternative to the ruling party and was banking on the result of Southern Ijaw as its joker to dislodge the PDP. Though no date has been fixed for a fresh poll in Southern Ijaw, the proposed election may be stalled by litigation as the APC has insisted that the result of the cancelled polls must be announced. Already, the PDP has won six out of the seven council areas released by the electoral commission polling 105,748 votes as against the APC, which scored 72,594 with victory in one council area.

Southern Ijaw Local Council has 120,827 registered voters, the second highest after Yenagoa, which has 135,025 registered voters, hence the desperation of both parties to carry the day in the council which has turned out to be the beautiful bride in the Bayelsa 2015 governorship polls.

Political gladiators The political gladiators are expected to dig deep into their trenches and restrategize on how best to outwit each in the race.

Botched poll: While supporters of the APC were banking on their party ’s alleged victory in Southern Ijaw to cancel out PDP’s lead, INEC cut short their anticipated victory dance by announcing the cancellation of the poll.

The state REC, Baritor Kpagih, said there were reports that the election in the area was “substantially ” marred by violence, ballot box snatching and hostage taking of electoral officers.

The pronouncement came immediately after the state Returning Officer, Prof. Zana Akpagu, told newsmen and election observers that he would not be able to take a final decision on the exercise until the result of the Southern Ijaw election was received. “We have yet to receive results from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. They (Southern Ijaw LGA) have 120,827 registered voters. As a result of this, I, as the Returning

BAYELSA POLL:

Southern Ijaw becomes beautiful bride •Indigenes of Southern Ijaw calling for the cancellation of the election in the area.

Officer, cannot return on this election until the results of this local government (Southern Ijaw) are received,” he declared.

But the REC stated that he was, on behalf of INEC, cancelling the election in order to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

His words: “You will recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission conducted governorship election in Bayelsa State on the December 5, 2015.

The commission announced that the polls should be discontinued in some local government areas, including Southern Ijaw LGA of the state.

“As of today, December 7, 2015, the results of the election in all local government areas, except Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, have been collated.

Reports on the election conducted in Southern Ijaw LGA on December 6, 2015, revealed that the election was substantially marred by violence, ballot

While supporters of the APC were banking on their party’s alleged victory in Southern Ijaw to cancel out PDP’s lead, INEC cut short their anticipated victory dance by announcing the cancellation of the poll

snatching and hostage taking of electoral officers. These include reports from political parties, observers, both local and foreign, among others. These fall short of internationally acceptable standard for credible elections.

“Consequently, the commission has decided, in the interest of the integrity of the process, to cancel the governorship election in Southern Ijaw LGA. A new date for Southern Ijaw governorship election will be announced in due course.”

Prior to the announcement, the state REC and some top security officers held what was tagged ‘a security meeting’ at the INEC office in the state capital over the situation in Southern Ijaw.

Election in a volatile terrain: The outcome of the poll did not come to many as a surprise considering the terrain of the council and the undercurrents that preceded the exercise.

Amnesty programme Southern Ijaw, with its voting strength will ultimately be decider of the polls. Aside its high number of registered voters, Southern Ijaw is a highly volatile area and at a time hosted the highest number of militant camps in the troubled Niger Delta region before the amnesty programme took off.

It is also the biggest council area in the state and is predominantly riverine with most of its communities far flung, making effective policing a difficult exercise because of its tricky and risky maze of creeks The entire governorship election in the state has been characterized by voters apathy as could been seen in the voting pattern in the seven local councils where elections had

been concluded. The Southern Ijaw council area many argue may not be different.

Some people believed that most eligible voters stayed away from the polls due to fear of violence.

Besides, voters’ apathy is a common trend in the state governorship election. Even in areas where election was peaceful like KolokumaOpokuma, Yenagoa, many people still shunned the polling units.

Sylva kick against cancellation, threatens court action: The APC Candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, described as unacceptable the cancellation of the Southern Ijaw council polls.

The former governor who spoke to newsmen in Yenagoa accused INEC of colluding with the PDP to cancel the rescheduled poll in Southern Ijaw because his party the APC was coasting home to victory.

Sylva insisted that he won by a large margin that made him the winner of the election, adding that, if the commission must cancel the election in Southern Ijaw, where he claimed that he won convincingly, on flimsy excuses, justice demands that it also cancel the poll in Ekeremor, Nembe, Sagbama and other places.

His words: “We had an election two days ago. In Ekeremor, there were widespread shooting; they beat up people; the minister’s house was under siege for a long time. It took a team of security operatives to repel the assailants, yet election was held in Ekeremor. When APC protested, the protest was waived aside; our protest died like a candle in the wind. ‘’In Sagbama, we did not see election materials. As I speak, one of the chieftains of our party is lying critically ill. The APC

protested vehemently, nobody heard our protest.

“In Nembe, where the APC won, they quickly cancelled two wards, 8 and 9. We protested and our protest was rejected. The election ab initio was set up for the PDP to win. In Southern Ijaw, we have a good showing there, and the election is cancelled.

“When the REC saw that the APC was leading, he cancelled it. This is very unacceptable to our party. If they want us to accept it, they must cancel the elections in Ekeremor, Sagbama, part of Ogbia and Nembe.”

Cancellation of election According to him, the REC had no power to cancel election that had taken place, noting that it was only the state Returning Officer that had the power to announce a cancellation.

Sylva said the APC was going to collate all results in Southern Ijaw local government area and head for court.

Disqualify Dickson— APC Indeed, the Sylva/Igiri Campaign Organisation, had on Monday condemned what it described as Governor Seriake Dickson’s inciting statements on radio over an election that had not been concluded.

The Director Media and Publicity of the campaign organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, who, in a statement called on Bayelsans to remain calm, said: “In the past two days alone, Governor Dickson has been on air in several radio stations in Yenagoa, the state capital, inciting Bayelsans against the Federal Government and establishments.

“It is surprising to note that even when Governor Dickson claims to be leading in six out of Continues on page 45

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015—45

RIVERS: How d e d n u o r g s n ia ic polit s ie ll a r h it w y m econo

By Jimitota Onoyume OR the better part of two days, members of the All Progressive Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. literally crippled the economy of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital as they tried to outshine one another via rally and march on the ever busy Aba road.

Black Rivers Day: The APC was the first to storm Aba road with their members. Decked in black attire, they came out in their huge numbers to remember those who were allegedly murdered in the state over issues relating to the last general elections.

They dubbed the day Black Rivers. Governorship Candidate of the party, Dr Dakuku Peterside, Senator Magnus Abe, state leadership of the party and other chieftains took turns to address party faithful at the Port Harcourt Pollo club where they finally assembled.

Some of them called for declaration of emergency in the state, saying there had been high level of insecurity.

Dr Peterside alleged that about 100 persons were assassinated during the last elections because of their party affiliation, stressing that most of those killed were members of his party. He appealed for implementation of the Professor Chidi Odinkalu commission’s report on politically-motivated killings in the state. He said the essence of the Black Rivers Day rally and

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procession was to honour those who killed because they are martyrs of democracy.

He said it was also very painful that security agencies had not been able to unravel the mysteries around their death several months after their murder.

PDP’s peace procession: Three days after the Black Rivers rally of the APC, the PDP also mobilised its members and supporters to the ever busy Aba road on a procession. This time they code named it Peace Procession.

Decked in white attire, members of the PDP marched from the state secretariat of the party on Aba road down to School of Arts and Science, Rumuola.

•Members of PDP in Rivers State during the Peace Procession

Atmosphere of insecurity State Chairman of the party, Mr Felix Obua and others, who spoke, lauded Governor Nyesom Wike for restoring peace in the state. They dismissed as untrue allegations by the APC that there was an atmosphere of insecurity and also denied claims by the APC that people were killed on account of their politically persuasion.

The state chairman said it was unfortunate that some persons were playing politics with the dead, adding that the state government would continue to protect lives and properties of people in the state.

Member representing Obio

•Rivers APC during a Black Day rally for victims of 2015 election Akpor federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Kingsley Chinda, alleged that the APC cleverly fed the public lies with its allegation of politically related assassinations in the state.

According to him, the APC had not been able to establish in court that most of those who died were killed for their political convictions. He reaffirmed that the last general polls were peaceful. Hon Chinda brought a touch of humour to his speech when he claimed that one of

those who said his son was murdered during the Black Rivers day rally organised by the APC did not have a child of the age he said the murdered son was.

According to him, the person was from his community and his child is still alive, “Incidentally I contested that election and I won, and that is the same line of evidence they tried to put forward in court that there were killings and crisis during the election, but unfortunately they were unable to establish that fact in court.

BAYELSA POLL: Southern Ijaw becomes beautiful bride Continues from page 44 the seven results so far released, he is still the one complaining and calling for protests as well as civil disobedience.

“The APC Campaign Organisation and the Governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva have noted the results released so far and are willing to accept the outcome of the vote in Southern Ijaw as long as the process is credible.

“We , however, wish to condemn in very strong terms the serial breach of all known electoral laws by Governor Seriake Dickson. First, was his storming of the Yenagoa LGA Collation Centre on Saturday night after the election. Next day, Governor Dickson was again at Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw LG calling for the postponement of the elections in the LGA before he was chased away by APC supporters. Since then he has been on one radio

station or the other making inciting statements.

“Gov. Dickson’s desperation to cling to office in the face of imminent outright rejection by the people of Southern Ijaw, which is APC’s strongest hold and coincidentally the LGA with the largest voter strength has made him breach so many electoral laws.

Campaign organisation Our Campaign Organisation does not have any option at this point than to call for his outright disqualification from the governorship race.

“This would mean that the APC candidate Chief Timipre Sylva would automatically become the Governor-Elect of Bayelsa State.”

We have been vindicated— PDP However, the PDP in Bayelsa

State described the cancellation of the rescheduled Southern Ijaw council election as a vindication of its earlier position that conducting the said election as INEC did was a wrong decision on account of security concerns in the area.

In a statement by the Director of Publicity of the Restoration Campaign Organisation, Jonathan Obuebite, PDP said before the election was conducted, it had informed the electoral body and security authorities that the whole of Southern Ijaw had been taken over by thugs and criminal elements who, he claimed, were recruited by the APC but its advice was ignored.

He noted that as at 4pm on Sunday, election materials were still being distributed and wondered how such process could lead to a transparent election, adding that it was an orchestrated plan to rig the

election as voting went on in the dead of the night.

He said the situation also afforded political thugs to infiltrate the polling units, snatching ballot boxes and intimidated the voters under the close supervision of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF).

He said the whole exercise was marred by apathy due largely to the wanton violence and mayhem unleashed by APC thugs and militants.

Obuebite further justified the cancellation thus: “In a situation where so many people had even ran away from home on account of insecurity having been traumatized the previous day and others still seeing a repeat scourge of violence, it ran against good conscience and judgement to say you are conducting election in that kind of atmosphere thereby disenfranchising a lot of people in a crucial election.

Today we know that we are close to the time for judgement again at the Court of Appeal and what they are doing is just to play to the gallery and sway public sentiments and make it look like it was a battle field in Rivers State.

Public sentiments “You can imagine the one, who I saw on the screen crying that his son was killed is my constituent, the elder brother to my aide is from the same community, nothing of such happened. The young man has no son apart from one boy that he had outside wedlock and he’s still alive”, he said.

How rallies affected us – Residents The politicians disrupted the economy of the state for several hours on the days they embarked on their rally and procession.

There was traffic gridlock as most residents were stranded on the road and in their vehicles for several hours.

A taxi driver who simply identified himself as Opuda said his transport business was almost grounded for two days by the politicians. “Politicians should know there is hardship everywhere now so they should not add to our pain,” he begged.

There were speculations that the parties organised the events to sway the decision of the Appeal court ahead of its ruling on the last elections. It will be seen if the events would have any impact on the verdicts of the appellate court.

46—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

•Senate chambers of the National Assembly

Social Media Bill: Before the fatal blow is unleashed

By Charles Kumolu

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R Chijioke Udemezue who resides in the United Kingdom, UK is one of the numerous Nigerians in diaspora whose opinions on the internet influenced the outcome of the last general election in the country. A die-hard apostle of “change,” Udemezue is hardly critical of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Even when some actions of the present government lack public approval, Udemezue would unusually not make any comments on his Facebook page and twitter handle, except on his online newspaper, where he publishes opinion articles written by other contributors.

Boundless freedom: When Vanguard Features, VF recently sought to know from Udemezue the reasons behind his strange silence on the happenings in the country since May 29, 2015, the Anambra State-born lawyer noted that as someone who supported the berthing of this government, it would be unfair to criticise the Buhari administration at this early stage.

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Surprisingly, on December 5, 2015, the UK-based attorney reneged on this stance when he wrote about a nation of misplaced priorities on his Facebook page. ‘’A nation of misplaced dreams and priorities, a people who thrive in falsehood and deceit.

Those of us who gave the present crop of lawmakers the benefit of the doubt, are appalled by the planned anti-freedom of speech bill being sponsored by those who benefited much from the boundless freedom on the cyber space. I hope what I have read in that line is wrong,” Udemezue wrote.

Freedom of speech It takes no probing to know that Udemezue was irked by the plan to severely sanction anyone behind any opinion found offensive to public officials and institutions on the social media . The bill: The contentious bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Prohibit Frivolous Petitions and other Matters Connected therewith, was sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na’allah, a member of the All Progressives Congress ,APC, representing

Kebbi Central Senatorial District.

The bill seeks to compel critics of persons and institutions on the social media, to accompany their petitions with sworn court affidavit, or face six months imprisonment upon conviction.

It is also seeking a two-year jail term for any person who makes allegations or publishes any statement or petition in the newspaper, radio or medium of

Those of us who gave the present crop of lawmakers the benefit of the doubt, are appalled by the planned anti-freedom of speech bill being sponsored by those who benefited much from the boundless freedom on the cyber space

whatever description against another person, institutions of government or any public office holder.

In fact the bill included as its target, very personal and private means of communication such as SMS or text messages and WhatsApp, among others.

Apart from Na’allah, another Senator considered as possessing social media savvy, Senator Dino Melaye, had while the bill was being debated, decried what he called the growing ‘’unlawful activities” of some social media users in the country.

Melaye who many see as a beneficiary of new media, posited that social media operators should be held accountable for their reports and publications.

Melaye who was pissed by some publications about him in Sahara Reporters warned that if strict measures are not put in place to check the excesses of such some social media outfits, especially Sahara Reporters, the social media could truncate the nation’s democracy.

The anger: The bill which had passed through the second reading in the Senate, is being construed by many Nigerians as

an affront on freedom of speech and a deliberate target at the critics of the members of the National Assembly,NAS. To many discerning commentators, the progress the bill has made towards becoming a law within so short a time, appears shocking considering the fact that the Senate is not known to pass bills in a hurry.

“I presented the bill for its first reading on November 24 at the Senate and the second reading was passed yesterday (December 2),” Na’allah who was apparently referring to some of his colleagues, who both claimed ignorance of the bill, said.

Face saving moves: In the midst of the growing controversy, the Senate in move seen as face saving, explained that the proposed law does not intend to suppress the freedom of expression as guaranteed in Section 22 and 39(1) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

Ploy to gag the press The aim of the bill according to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Aliyu Sabi said it “is meant to protect all individuals and institutions, including journalists and social media users”.

Similarly, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio has allayed the fears Continues on page 41

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015—47

Social Media Bill: Before the fatal blow is unleashed Continues from page 40 being expressed by Nigerians that the bill is another ploy to gag the press. Using his Twitter handle @SenAkpabio, the Senate Minority Leader said that they would not pass into law any bill with the aim of sending social media users to jail. “Dear Nigerians, go to sleep & stop worrying; nobody is going to send social media users to jail through the senate. It will not happen,” he twitted.

These explanations did not however assuage the anger of most Nigerians in the offline and online communities.

Restriction of human freedom The Publisher of an online site, Elombah.com, Mr. Daniel Elombah is one of such Nigerians. He alleged that the Senate ‘“ is seeking to restrict the scope of human freedoms, growth of new platforms of social interaction and public accountability.”

Elombah who is an executive member of the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria, OPAN told VF that he was saddened because most of those promoting the bill had used the social and conventional media to get elected into their various positions.

He warned that if such plan is not strongly resisted by Nigerians, the media may soon experience more censorship.

“The summation of our findings is that this is both a “signalling as well as “a kite” that if not nipped in the bud, will open the doors to direct censorship, limitation of freedom and a deliberate attempt by law makers who having deployed the social media platforms and publishing platforms to gain office, want to control the lever,” Elombah posited.

technological and civil advancement, as well as the advancement of the democracy we hypocritically claim to be practising. “ In Nigeria, Africa’s largest and most vibrant economy as well as home to most black men on earth, we cannot be plunging ourselves into retrogressive advancement,” he said.

Maintenance of standards: Although many commentators have cited the regulation of social media in some countries and the need to ensure the maintenance of standards, the online publishers insist that the Senate’s plan is not being driven by need to ensure standards in the media.

Jeremy Bender in a piece titled: Countries that Blocked the Internet observed thus: “Political censorship is alive and well in countries throughout the world.”

Political censorship Similarly, Dana Liebelson in Social Media under Fire pointed out that some countries had at different times promulgated laws regulating or perhaps banning the freedom of expression on the new media for obvious reasons.

The report which was done with help from Google’s transparency report listed about 16 incidents in 11 regions since 2009 where such laws had been promulgated often in the wake of protests. VF also learnt that there laws in other jurisdictions guiding internet usage.

Examples in the UK include the Computer Misuse Act, Electronic Communications Act (2000) and Electronic Commerce Regulations (2000).

Advancement of democracy Similarly, the Publisher of Biztellers.com, Mr. Yemie Adeoye decried the move to gag the contents of social media outfits.

Adeoye who is a member of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GCOP said: ‘’ It is shocking how Senators who campaigned on platforms of various social and news media, would contemplate such a move at a time when Nigerians are queuing for days to access basic necessities like petrol, electricity and even security.”

To him, “The bill as proposed

by Senator Ibn Na’Allah is to say the least, ludicrous and unreasonable especially in this age and time where social media advancement is contributing in no small measure to global C M Y K

The bill as proposed

by Senator Ibn Na’Allah is to say the least, ludicrous and unreasonable especially in this age and time where social media advancement is contributing in no small measure to global technological and civil advancementt

•Melaye

•Na’ Allah Others are the Electronic Communications Act, 1999 of Australia, Electronic Transactions Act, 1999 of Australia, Measures on the Administration of Internet Information Services, 2001 of China, Electronic Transactions and Commerce Law No 2 of 2002 of Dubai, Act on the Dissemination of Publications and Media Contents Harmful to Youth of Germany, Digital Signature Act, 1997 of Germany, Child Online Protection Act, 1998 - United States and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 1986 of the United States among others. ‘’This is not the way nor is it the appropriate vehicle to ensure standards and it is nothing more than an attempt to muzzle public opinion under the guise of protection of individuals from false attacks,” Elombah said.

“Nigeria has extant laws that have now been shown to be inefficient, unworkable and inadequate by the actions of the lawmakers. Their response however falls short of the responsibility and mandate bestowed on them. This is a clampdown on the freedom provided for in the constitution of the Federal Republic to which they swore to protect. We align with the Nigerian public in describing this action by the Nigerian Senate as pure idleness and an abandonment of the electoral mandate to focus on laws for good governance and increased welfare for the people,” he added

Laws for good governance Another online publisher who does not want his name in print said: “Our lawmakers are afraid of the fact that the country ’s vibrant internet community is poised to serve justice to them by exposing their dirty deals. They need to be asked what they are scared of?

It is an indirect way of introducing repressive media laws. The country had been on this path before, and this time,

we will collectively refuse to travel on that road,” he said’ Adeoye, did not also differ on that. : “In my opinion, our Senators are either having too less on their to-do list or totally out of tune with the yearnings of the electorate, whom they swore by their election to protect and defend. They should sit down to conceptualise bills that would ensure every children of school age must either be in school or their parents be arrested. Bills that would finally put an end to looting of public funds should be debated on.”

Also reacting to this, the President of OPAN, Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi said:‘’The proposed bill immediately reminds the general public of the infamous Decree 4 of 1984 passed under military rule; one that took away our freedoms. The continuous attempt at gagging members of the public was again reenacted in 2011, when the Senate attempted to pass a bill by another APC Senator; for which ironically, the current members of the Senate stepped down after extensive public outcry.

Extensive public outcry This appears therefore to be an on-going project in the Nigerian Senate. ‘’The planned action by the Senator Bukola Saraki -led Senate seeks to negate Chapter IV section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution which provides that “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference”. Equally, it seeks to set aside the UN Charter: Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948 which states that – “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions

without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari, has distanced himself from the proposed bill.

The President speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, stated that the principle of the bill was inconsistent with democratic ideals of free speech enshrined in the constitution of the land.

Dictates of the constitution He added that he had sworn to protect and uphold the dictates of the constitution and would not in anyway go against it.

President Buhari, however, stated that he was “not averse to lawful regulation, so long as that is done within the ambit of the constitution” which he swore to uphold, noting that free speech was central to democratic societies anywhere in the world.

“The President won’t assent to any legislation that may be inconsistent with the constitution of Nigeria,” he said. He further explained that without free speech, elected representatives won’t be able to gauge public feelings and moods about governance issues.

“As a key component of democratic principles are so emotionally attached to free speech that they would defend it with all their might,” he said.

Shehu explained that President Buhari was fully aware of the public reservations about the proposed legislation but assured that there was no cause for alarm “because the Senate is a democratic Senate.

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Showcasing new, improved RRS – ACP Disu’s magic wand Dateline: November 23, 2015. Time: 8.30pm. Take-off point: Apapa. Destination: Ikeja, Lagos.

And, this reporter was on his way home after the day’s strenous exertions coupled with the ever-increasing hardship of having to spend hours on end in the notorious traffic gridcklock at Mile 2 bridge towards Apapa. After the narrow escape and meandering through heavy duty trucks, it was time to shift base towards home. On approaching the second traffic gridlock zone at Iyana-Itire, a heavy duty truck laden with fuel recklessly swerved its way out of the very bad spot that dot the highway and bashed my car — destroying the back door. The monstrous truck —equally driven by a maniacal beast looking for what to devour — trudged on, regardless of the danger it posed to both occupants of the car and other stranded motorists struggling to find their way out of the spot. A dingdong affair ensured between my driver and the and the offending truck driver in what could be termed a tussle between unequal road users.

At this stage, officers of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, materialized from nowhere on two bikes and accosted the errant truck driver. Notwithstanding the intimidating presence of the armed RRS team, the truck driver was intent on having his way and zooming off to Gombe State where he claimed he was rushing to deliver the fuel he was carrying. In fact, he was ready to brush my car aside with the truck and disapear from the scene in spite of the damage he earlier done to it. But, the timely intervention of the RRS team saved the day as they arrived the scene, took control of the ugly situation and even invited policemen from nearby Itire Division to come and take charge.

Shockingly and at nobody’s prompting, they took charge of the ugly situation and the traffic that had built up dangerously for over thirty minutes. They only left after traffic policemen from Itire arived and took control. Interestingly, the unusualness of their behaviour, the candour and, especially, their dedication to duty without strings attached overwhelmed all the motorists that witnessed the ugly incident, prompting this interview with the RRS boss, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, at his headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja. His indifferent responses nearly ruined the encounter but for our reporter’s insistence that a story of the good, commendable turn of events must be told.

Excerpts:

By Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor

D

OING our things differently: Policing is about the protection of lives and property and that is what we are doing in RRS. We like to do our things differently. We like to satisfy members of the public and through that, we get our salaries. The best job you can do in the world is policing.

We are everything you can think about. Yes, we noticed the change of the RRS men because we have been talking to them. We have had lectures and courses and recently, we had one on law and enforcement attitudinal change programme that is (LEACP) for them to change their attitude as policemen and for them to see the citizens as responsible people.

They should get closer to them and see themselves as servants.

I give them

examples. I usually tell them that a policeman, whether on duty or off duty should not see anybody in distress and walk by. It is a very painful thing for you to be in distress and have injury, then you see patrol people standing by without even giving helping hands.

CP Owoseni and RRS Commander, ACP Disu during an outing. setup, and the Commissioner of Police is in charge and has laid down strategies to effectively combat crime in the state. All parts of Lagos has been mapped out. That is why we are seriously battling robbery in traffic and other crimes. We have seen increase in changes and the crime is going down.

Checking his men's excesses: In RRS, we have those we call the Ops (operations) officers.

Part of their assignments include; going out and checking these men and taking complaints from members of the public over the activities of our men. That's how we checkmate them and whenever we find them wanting, we send reports to the commissioner of police.

They trail them and are punished accordingly.

Synergy with other security

Appreciative people We have told them that wherever you see anybody in distress, stop and help them.

Whenever you see anybody with flat tyres late at night or anyone with injuries, stay with them and assist them.

Nigerians are very appreciative people.

They appreciate any little thing you do for them. A lot of people have been coming to appreciate the good deeds our men did to them and we are happy about it.

Coping with crime in Lagos: Don’t forget that RRS is just a unit in the Lagos state police

Nigerians are very appreciative people.

They appreciate any little thing you do for them. A lot of people have been coming to appreciate the good deed our men did to them and we are happy about it

agencies: The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State is very friendly and you can see him every time, at one meeting with one agency or the other.

This has trickled down to all other departmental commanders and DPOs. Security is one although, the police, no doubt, is the lead agency and when it comes to internal security, we have good working relationship with other security agencies and the most important thing is that we share the same information.

Donations to the police The Inspector-General of Police has spoken, my Commissioner of Police has spoken. To whom much is given, much is expected. We have no cause to fear. We will deploy the vehicles accordingly and we have tried mapping and all the men have been trained again and again and we will give the robbers a good chase.

All RRS men have been trained and are being talked to daily. They are ready to do their jobs and we've made them realize they get paid from the taxes collected from members of the public. They are ready to go, and the last time I spoke with them, they told me: “Oga, don’t worry, we don vex” and they feel bad whenever crimes are being committed and they can't make an impact.

New slogan: The slogan goes this way: “Our Nigerian police are good guys, good

guys, our Nigerian police.” It’s a kind of attitudnal thing, psychological thing. If you call somebody bad, the person will continue to be bad. So, they want to see themselves as good.

We have asked them questions on why members of the public don’t like us. Why, because of a lot of bad things we do as policemen and they have made up their minds never to indulge in bad things.

They want to be trained for the members of the public.

So, we want members of the public to see us as good guys.

If you see us as good guys, we will know that that is one of our friends. Nigerian police good guys, good guys, Nigerian police.

Xmas packages: Lagosians should know that crime is a general thing and they should not leave it to the law enforcement agencts only.

Control of crime belongs to everybody; give useful information to members of security agencies and it will help us to bring crime to the barest minimum and then they should take care of themselves for the yuletide.

For those of them travelling, try to check your cars very well before putting it on the road.

They should check the tyres and service the cars. They should not service vehicle immediately and put it on the road. They should leave if for few days before travelling on the road and they should make sure they have extra tyres and then we wish them the best of celebration.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 49

C M Y K

50 —VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Oscar Pistorius granted bail after murder conviction OUTH African uncle’s home until senHe is currently under S Olympic athlete Os- tencing next year, and house arrest after spendcar Pistorius has been will be electronically ing one year of his orig-

*Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI (centre) was among those to pass through the Holy Door as Pope Francis (left) looked on.

Muslims must be banned from entering US —Donald Trump *Says country prone to more terrorist attacks

D

ONALD Trump warned Tuesday that there will be additional terror attacks in the U.S. if his temporary ban on Muslim immigration is not put in place.

“You’re going to have many more World Trade Centers if you don’t solve it — many, many

more and probably beyond the World Trade Center,” Trump told CNN’s Chris Cuomo in a contentious interview on “New Day.” A defiant Trump said he believes that there are already terrorists in America eager to harm the country.

Pope Francis opens St Peter’s Holy Door to launch jubilee

P

OPE Francis pushed opened the huge bronze Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome to launch the Catholic Church’s “Year of Mercy”.

Tens of thousands attended a Mass in St Peter’s Square for the start of the Pope’s “revolution of tenderness”.

It took place place amid tight security with extra police and soldiers deployed, and a no-fly zone imposed.

Under the year’s theme of mercy, the Pope has said priests can absolve women who have had abortions.

During the jubilee celebrations, one of the most important events in the Roman Catholic Church, pilgrims travel to Rome and religious sites around the world.

At the end of the Mass, Francis opened the basilica’s Holy Door. He said that by passing through it, Catholics should take on the role of the Good Samaritan.

It is the first time the Holy Door has been opened since the Great Jubilee in the 2000 called for by St John Paul II. It has been bricked up since then.Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, 88, attended Tuesday’s event.

France urges EU to act faster on funding of terrorism

F

RANCE urged its European Union partners on Tuesday to speed up efforts to cut off funds to extremists groups, nearly a month after the Paris attacks.

S/Arabia to reopen Sri Lankan maid’s adultery case

S

AUDI Arabia has agreed to reopen the case of a Sri Lankan maid sentenced to death for adultery, Sri Lanka’s deputy foreign minister said.

The woman - a 45-yearold mother of two - was convicted in August along with an unmarried Sri Lankan man.

She was sentenced to death by stoning, while the man was sentenced to 100 lashes.

Saudi Arabia’s decision to stone the woman was

“They want our buildings to come down; they want our cities to be crushed,” he said, noting that the Trade Centers were attacked twice and citing last week’s shootings in San Bernardino. “They are living within our country. And many of them want to come from outside our country.”

Cuomo repeatedly pushed back against Trump’s plan as not what America stands for and the host noted that most of the developer’s Republican rivals have criticized it.

Trump said he didn’t care what the GOP thinks about his call to pause Muslim immigration.

“We can close our eyes,” Trump said. “We can put the blinders on, but I don’t choose to do that.”

condemned in Sri Lanka, where protests were held.

Sri Lankan embassy officials visited the woman in a Saudi jail on Sunday, Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva said. The country had appealed to Saudi Arabia’s government to pardon the couple.

“Through our intervention, they have agreed to reopen the case,” Mr de Silva said. This is a big victory. We will provide her with legal help.”

“We have to go faster, but also further, stronger,” French Finance Minister Michel Sapin told reporters after talks with his EU counterparts in Brussels.

Based in part on a list of measures suggested

by France, the ministers discussed ways to better track financial transfers, control prepaid bank cards, freeze assets and limit movements of cash and precious metals.

But no firm decisions were taken, and the EU’s executive Commission was tasked with drawing up a list of priorities for their next meeting in January.

The Nov. 13 attacks in the French capital, in which 130 people were killed and hundreds injured, have highlighted the need for new finance tracking measures.

granted bail while he awaits sentence for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.

Judges changed his conviction from manslaughter to murder last week. He has already served one year in prison.

Pistorius now faces a minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, if he fails in a bid to overturn his conviction.

He intends to mount an appeal at the highest court in South Africa, the Constitutional Court.

Pistorius can remain under house arrest at his

tagged. He also has to hand over his passport.

He will be able to leave the house between 07:00 and midday, but will only be able to move within a 20km (12 miles) radius.

Ghana dismisses judges guilty of bribery charges

T

WENTY judges and magistrates have been sacked in Ghana after being found guilty of bribery.

The dismissals followed a thorough inves-

*Oscar Pistorius, center, leaves a courtroom of the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday Dec. 8, 2015.

Two charged with poisoning famous lions in Kenya

T

WO Maasai herdsmen have been charged after allegedly poisoning a famous pride of lions in Narok, southwest Kenya, a wildlife official said.

Simindei Naururi and Kulangash Toposat reportedly doused a cow carcass with poison at the Maasai Mara Game reserve.

Two lions from the pride were killed and one is missing. Eight are being treated after falling ill.

The lions are thought to have killed three of the herdsmen’s cows when they entered the reserve.

The Kenyan Wildlife Service warned that other animals might have been affected. The lions, from the famous Marsh pride, were featured on BBC wildlife programme Big Cat Diary. The poisoning was confirmed on the pride’s Facebook page on 7 December. One of the two lions killed was Bibi, a 17-year-old female lion.

She was found “foaming at the mouth, fitting and panting”.

Another lioness, Sienna, is missing, according to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Her two-yearold cub is reportedly being treated by vets. There

inal five-year sentence in jail.

In his bail affidavit, he said he had no income.

During the hearing, his lawyer said he was only able to pay a sum of 10,000 rand for his bail.

is conflict between the big cats and Maasai herdsmen. Local cattle herders have poisoned lions in the past to stop them eating their cattle.

tigation into allegations of corruption in the judiciary, Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood said.

In August, a journalist revealed that he had evidence showing judges demanding bribes and sex to influence judgements in court cases.

The revelation shocked Ghanaians who packed cinemas to see his documentary.

Announcing the sackings, the chief justice said she wanted to assure the public that the judicial council, the regulatory body for judges, would take “prompt and resolute” action to “redeem” the image of the judiciary.

Judicial council secretary Justice Alex Poku Acheampong said some of the sacked judges had been stripped of their benefits.

However, the benefits of other judges had been retained, after they had shown show remorse and had apologised “profusely” for bringing the judiciary into disrepute, he added.

Nearly 100 protesters released from Burundi prison

N

EARLY 100 Burundian protesters who opposed President Pierre Nkurunziza during months of violence in the capital Bujumbura have been released from prison, officials said on Tuesday, as the government held aid talks with European Union officials.

Burundi, which emerged from a 12-year civil war a decade ago, began spiraling into chaos in April when Nkurunziza announced he would seek a third term, causing months of protests in Bujumbura and a failed coup.

Bujumbura has been holding talks with European Union officials about whether the tiny East African nation can continue benefiting from EU aid after arresting hundreds of protesters, shuttering private media

houses and closing bank accounts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Deo Ruberintwari, the Interior Ministry’s permanent secretary, said the release of 97 prisoners “has no connection with the consultations under way”.

Activists and human rights groups say many of the protesters were young men who were beaten while in prison, something officials deny.

Philippe Nzobonariba, the government spokesman, said media and other organizations were closed for criminality and there was evidence a failed coup in May was financed through bank accounts of NGOs. Nzobonariba said he expected Burundi and EU countries to come up with an agreement for vital aid flows to continue.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 51

YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

TAURUS: It’s important to differentiate between enterprise, gambling and adventure, because you may not go free by unnecessary mistake. Take love very seriously.

GEMINI: Many people are not in the mood to take thing lightly probably because of tension generated by the Moon and Saturn. Thus you’ll need to be prepared to take responsibility of whatever you do and/or say.

CANCER: Unnecessary argument can not help your cause today, no matter how logical you think you are. Take domestic issues more seriously than before.

LEO: good results, your mood looks less buoyant.

Whatever this is the wrong time to gamble with matters of the heart.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

guess your answer will be yes.

But let me ask you directly,do you love Okoro?

Do you also love Ahmed? How about Wale,do you love him too?I ask this be-

Do you really love God? cause the reason why Nigeria is the way it is today is because we do not practise love. True love does not seek its own. True love is selfless. True love knows

TERROR MUDA

no ethnicity. True love is kind. The holy writ says, if you love Him you should feed His sheep. How many have you fed?Now,it’s very easy to give ex-

in “Never say goodbye”

cuses on why we deny someone love.

The truth is that love is not earned.

Can you imagine what would have been your fate if you need to earn the love of God? If you truly love God,you will love your neighbour.

By Lanre Kehinde

VIRGO: Since you cant run away from your shadow it is better you face challenges coming your way both at home and in the office. Eventual success’ll be yours very soon.

LIBRA: Although, partnership related issues are becoming seriously, today you will need to rely on your creative mind to get the desired results.

SCORPIO: Similar to yesterday as money continues to dominate issues. This is the wrong time to rely too heavily on friends either for assistance or advice.

SAGITTARIUS: You’ll continue to be relevant in the scheme of things, although you’ll be made to operate under pressure through career/business related affairs but great success indicated for you today. Be stable.

CAPRICORN: It’s your day when good luck’ll crown your efforts. The more secretive you are the better for your cause. Avoid unnecessary argument.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

AQUARIUS: Reliable associates of yours may unconsciously disappoint you. Nursing false hope may force emotion to run very high. Be patient please.

PISCES: If you like to cut-corners you’ll need to prepare for unpleasant surprise as those you least expect’ll disappoint you. Prepare to protect your image.

ARIES:Relying on the element of luck today may fail to give you the desired results.Then it’ll be wrong of you to disrespect the law and/or it’s enforcement agents.

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,

Who is me?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Joshua, Kindly analyse my star and tell me the type of person I am. Because not only other people do misunderstand me. I do not sometimes know myself.

Please tell me the truth.

Akintola, Oyo. Dear Akintola, As you were born when both career-oriented-Saturn and loving Venus were prominent in the heaven, you are giving to both ambition and love related issues. And with Venus having more powers than Saturn, PEACE, LOVE and harmony will always have final influence whenever you are to take important final decision.

As loving, gentle, caring and good hearted as you are, with your final-dispositor (Venus) at 90th degree apart to rebellious Uranus in Kingly Leo, FREEDOM and JUSTICE must come to play before the said love and peace will get your final approval. Naturally Cancer makes it’s natives to appear timid and cool headed but another vigorous aspect in your chart is conjunction formed by aggressive Mars and manipulative Pluto when you were born; thus your will-power is very strong, making it difficult for people to manipulate you at will.

To crown it all the Moon (an indicator of sub-conscious-self ) was placed in genius related Aquarius.

Therefore will power strengthened by educated mind will always want to have FREEDOM. With your natal Sun (basic selfhood) and Moon placed in Cancer and Aquarius respectively, you are mainly a Cancer born person and partly Aquarian; meaning that basic characteristics of the two said Star sings (Cancer and Aquarius) are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

52 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Ideye: People in England want us to knock out Arsenal O

LY M P I A K O S striker Brown Ideye is feeling support from across the continent, even in England, as his side look to dumpArsenal out of the Champions League.

Arsene Wenger ’s side must better the 3-2 victory the Greek side achieved at the Emirates if they are to complete a remarkable turnaround in Group F, but the odds are against them.

Olympiakos have never lost a home game to Arsenal, though on previous occasion qualification was not on the line.

Though a draw or a low scoring defeat would take them through Ideye, who endured a

Roma need 11 wolves against BATE — Garcia

Brown Ideye (c) in action against Arsenal

Ozil: Arsenal not thinking of crashing out

dispiriting season in English football at West Bromwich Albion, wants his team-mates to attack from the start as they target a place in the last16.

“They’re here to attack and score goals,” he said.

“We can’t wait for them, we must attack first. We respect them - they are a great side.”

Ideye also revealed that he had received words of support not only in Greece but from friends closer to the Emirates.

“I’ve had phone calls from friends in England who really want us to win.

Everybody is behind us.

I took my family to a shop and people wouldn’t leave us alone, urging us to win.”

Mourinho: Bring on Barca, Bayern, Madrid

A

RSENAL’s in-form playmaker Mesut Ozil has stated that he is not contemplating being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League tomorrow by Olympiakos.

The Gunners take on the Greek Super League champions tomorrow in their final group stage game. Arsenal need to win by two goals in order to advance to the next round.

“We’re not looking at that [getting knocked out],” Ozil was quoted as saying by ESPN. “We have the quality to beat them and our goal is not to think about going out of the competition. We want to win this game and get through to the next round.”

•Garcia

R

UDI Garcia wants “11 wolves” on the pitch for Roma in the crucial Champions League tie with BATE Borisov. The Giallorossi will progress to the Last 16 with a win at Stadio Olimpico tonight, and a draw would be enough provided Bayer Leverkusen don’t beat Barcelona.

“I’m only thinking about winning, and tomorrow we’ll win.There’s nothing else to say or do, we can’t rely on a draw between Barcelona and Bayer.

That’s not the right attitude. We must have a fierce desire. These qualification games don’t come along very often for this club, and we want to have more in the future.

“As I said after a few games, at least Roma are never boring. Tomorrow there’s nothing to think about, we have to play the match in the right way. We have to show on the pitch that 11 wolves will start, three more can come on, and there will be 18 on the bench including all the staff to make sure we achieve our first goal of the season, which is qualifying for the knockout stages.”

Leverkusen hope to end losing streak AYER Leverkusen must break their sixmatch losing streak against reigning champions Barcelona tonight if they are to have any chance of reaching the Champions League’s knock-out stages.

Leverkusen lost 2-1 at

C

HELSEA manag er Jose Mourinho insists the opportunity to qualify for next season’s Champions League by winning the Europa League will not soften the blow of failing to progress from the group stage of Europe’s top competition.

“I know that in this moment, it looks that to win the Europa League

Suarez banks on relationship with Messi, Neymar

•Ozil

B

•Mourinho

the Camp Nou in October, despite taking a shock lead, and want to avoid a repeat of the 6-1 pounding Barcelona dished out to Roma a fortnight ago when Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi ran riot in the home match.

A

S Barcelona battle Bayer Leverkusen tonight, Luis Suarez believes the close bond between himself, Neymar and Luis Suarez is why the Barcelona front three is so lethal.

The trio have gelled in spectacular fashion and Suarez told Uruguayan radio station Radio Sport 890 that, for his part, understanding his place

in the pecking order has been crucial.

“The relationship is exemplary. We assume Messi is the best and Neymar is No 2,” Suarez said, Marca reports.

“I enjoy playing with them, the form of the team. It’s a privilege. The good relationship means a lot because no one believes they are superior to anyone. We know Leo is above everyone.”

would be an easier way to be in the Champions League next season than to finish in the top four,” Mourinho told reporters.

“We want to play Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern - we want to play all the big teams and for that we need to win on Wednesday. But there is another possibility, which is to win the Champions League. Yes, it is harder than winning the Europa League, but this is the competition where we are. I think if you are knocked out of the Champions League, you should go home and focus on domestic competitions”.

•Suarez

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 53

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54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 — 55

Musa laments goal drought for club, country S UPER Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa said that his inability to find the back of the net in 15 games for club and country is worrisome.

He told his club CSKA Moscow website that it was a shame that his goal scoring has deserted him.

He has played 11 games

before yesterday’s Championships League clash against PSV and four games for the Super Eagles without scoring.

“I am no longer a scorer, it’s a pretty painful subject.

I have nothing to say.

Myself, it’s a shame that so many matches I can not score,” says Musa to CSKA

Moscow’s official website, pfc - cska.com.

“But it’s not that I do not want to score or go all out on the field. I am doing everything possible, just that the ball does not go into the net.”

The Super Eagles skipper last hit target in a competitive fixture in CSKA Moscow’s 2 - 0 win over Dinamo Moscow on October 4.

Gov’s Cup: Six Nigerians in line of fire

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

W

HOEVER said professional tennis is easy needs a quick rethink as no fewer than six Nigerian players will face the firing line today in the second round matches of the Governor ’s Cup Lagos Tennis Futures 1 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club I Onikan.

After their relatively easy passage on the opening days of the only international point awarding tournament in the country, the real test of character starts for the home players, who must now bring in their Agame to stand any

chance of progressing to the quarter-final.

Sylvester Emmanuel, a former Chevron Tennis Academy player, who upset American Anderson Reed in the first round on Monday, will have his hands full when he confronts men’s singles number two seed Pere Riba of Spain.

This is potentially the highlight of the day’s matches as Emmanuel, seeks to continue his giantkilling streak event sactioned y the International Tennis Federation.

According to the order of play, Albert Bikom squares up against top

seed, Aldin Setkic of Bosnia, in a match that tennis faithful feel may mark the end of the road for the Nigerian, given the imperious play of the French guy in his opening match.

It gets hotter for the home stars as Thomas Otu battles Van Der Duim of The Netherlands, while Christian Paul confronts last year ’s finalist, Duncan Mugabe of Uganda, who interestingly is the sixth seed.

In the Women’s Singles draw, home-girl, O s a r i e m e n Airhunmwunde comes us against

TIGHT••• Nigerian players contest for ball possession during their match against Algeria at the CAF U-23 AFCON. Andrianjafitrimo Tessah of France, while another crowd favourite, Ronke Akingbade confronts sixth seed, Uirkke Eikeri from Norway.

Other matches of the second round will see South African Llyod Harris taking on David Pel of The Netherlands in the men’s singles, while Murta Lazareva of Russia will battle Thombere Prarthana Thombre of India in the women’s singles.

Yakmut praises Adeboye, RCCG on Sports Summit

T

HE DirectorGeneral of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Al Hassan Yakmut, was full of praises for the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, over the church’s initiative to wake-up the country’s sports authorities on the

possibility of the Team Nigeria winning gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Yakmut, who spoke at the 4th Annual Redeemers Sports Summit held at the Youth Centre of the Redemption Camp on Km 46 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday, expressed his delight to the

Nigeria, Senegal Continues from BP each for them and a draw.

Their first meeting was at Abuja 2003 All Africa Games football event where Nigeria won 2-0 with goals from Emmanuel Izuagha and Emmanuel Okoduwa.

Senegal then took their pound of flesh at the first edition of CAF U-23 AFCON in Morocco in 2011 with a 2-1 win.

Their third meeting was at 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville in September, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

To reach the semi-final of U-23 AFCON, Senegal won all their

three games, while Nigeria were also unbeaten, posting a win and two draws.

The Nigeria defence, who let in four goals in three games, must be wary of the Senegalese attack led by Moumodou Habibou Diallo as they have scored six goals, while Nigeria strike force led by Junior Ajayi have to work harder to get the goals against a strong Senegal defence, who have let in only a goal in three games.

The crowd will be behind the home team, whose confidence has been on a high since they struck gold at the AAG in Congo earlier

leadership of the church for deeming it fit to organize such an event aimed at paving the way for Nigeria’s excellent performance at the biggest Games in the world.

“The RCCG Sports Summit has opened the way for active stakeholders’ collaboration for Nigeria to win medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”

He noted that: “If the

National Sports Commission should do the right things with athletes without interruption from the ages of 18 to 19 years, the Team Nigeria would better for it. When the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, hit the limelight in 2008, he was just 19 years old and five years down the line he has become the fastest man on the planet.''

this year.

Samson Siasia’s team will be without suspended skipper Azubuike Okechukwu and winger Stanley Dimgba, who is nursing an ankle injury.

Senegal will also be sweating on attacking midfielder Sidy Sarr, who was forced out by injury in the final group match against Zambia.

Dream Team VI defender Chizoba Amaefule has assured the defenders have grown in confidence after keeping a clean sheet in their last group game against Algeria and he is confident Nigeria will beat favourites Senegal to

reach the championship final.

“Keeping clean sheet against Algeria has boosted our confidence and morale,” he said.

“Everybody is working harder and ready to do more. The semi-final against Senegal is not going to an easy game, but it’s a game we must win to actualise our dream of coming here, which is to win the competition and qualify for the Olympics.

“I am ready for the game and my teammates are all ready to win the game.”

Kick–off time is 4pm Nigerian time at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.

Daily Sports debuts today

D

AILY Sports, Nigeria’s first online sports daily, debuts today.

A statement by the publishers described Daily Sports as a leading online daily newspaper dedicated to the effective coverage of sports, sports people and sports-friendly corporate organisations and their invaluable contributions to sports development in the country.

“Known for breaking news, exclusives and daily updates from

around the world, Daily Sports has been test-run to critical acclaim since September, 28 2015 and boasts diverse online readership that cuts across various age groups and status. This is because Daily Sports covers a wide range of sports ranging from Football to Athletics, Basketball, Tennis, Golf, Table Tennis, Boxing, Weightlifting and Grassroots Sports,” the statement signed by Daily Sports Corporate Affairs Manager, Ms Betty Osagie, said.

Pinnick Continues from BP Siasia believes his boys improved in their last game against Algeria by not conceding a goal, but Pinnick wants the players to show no mercy when launching onslaughts and do everything to keep the rearguard tight against the rampaging Senegalese.

Both teams clashed at the men’s football event of the 11th All-Africa Games in Brazzaville in September, with Nigeria scoring a last –minute goal to tie the match 11.

“It is not going to be easy playing against the host nation that is high on confidence, having won all their three group phase matches. Extra effort will be needed in all departments; hardwork and courage are critical virtues that the U-23 boys must take to heart today.

“Our country is on a

run of excellent results in international competitions. We are determined that run must continue and that is why the U-23 boys must defeat Senegal to assure of a place in Rio de Janeiro next year.”

Nigeria, 1996 champions and 2008 vice champions, missed the 2012 Olympics as Coach Austin Eguavoen’s Class of 2011 lost out at the inaugural Africa U23 Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Siasia’s group will miss team captain Azubuike Okechukwu, who is suspended after receiving a second yellow card in the game against Algeria on Saturday. But Siasia says there is no reason to panic.

“We would have loved to have Azubuike because he is the captain and a big motivator, and you have to have a leader on the field.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

Gov’s Cup: Six Nigerians in line of fire — Page 55

Nigeria, Senegal fight over Rio Olympics ticket

Today’s Champions League Ties ÄA Gent (Bel) Leverkusen Chelsea Dinamo Zagreb Dynamo Kiev Olympiakos FC Roma Valencia

v v v v v v v v

Zenit Barcelona FC Porto Bayern Munich Maccabi Tev Aviv Arsenal BATE Borisov Lyon

8.45 8.45 8.45 8.45 8.45 8.45 8.45 8.45

Mourinho: Bring on Barca, Bayern, Madrid — Pg.52

•Mourinho

Kick–off: 4pm

N

IGERIA will today face hosts Senegal in the first semifinal of the U-23 AFCON with a ticket to the Rio 2016 Olympic football event at stake.

The winners of this tie will qualify for the Rio Olympics and the final of U-23 AFCON. Both teams are not new to each other having met three times with a win Continues on Page 55

•Junior Ajayi

Ozil: Arsenal not thinking of crashing out — Pg.52

Fire from all cylinders — Pinnick

N

•Pinnick

FF President Amaju Pinnick has charged players of the Nigeria U-23 squad to fire from all cylinders when they clash with hosts Senegal in the first semi final of the 2nd Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Dakar today.

Head Coach Samson Continues on Page 55

Ideye: People in England want us to knock out Arsenal — Page 52

Senegal coach wary of ‘very experienced’ Nigeria — C/Spread

•Ozil

QUICK CR OSS WORD CROSS OSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Usual (6) 5 Box (4) 8 Artery (5) 9 Fuel (3) 10 Borough (4) 11 Danger (4) 12 Anaesthetic (5) 13 Skulked (6) 16 Intend (4) 18 Cot (4) 20 Man’s (3) 22 Pose (3) 23 Owned (3) 24 Food-list (4) 25 Excuse (4 2l Hung (6) 30 Fun (5) 32 Threesome (4) 33 Assistant (4) 34 Silence (3) 35 Banal (5) 36 Encounter (4) 37 Atelier (6)

DOWN 1 Fuss (6) 2 Curb (8) 3 Hymn (6) 4 Satisfied (9) 5 Expanse (7) 6 Couple (4) 7 Scour (4) 8 Wonder (3) 14 Hopeless (9) 15 Offer (3) 17 Sicken (3) 19 Stormed (8) 20 Border (3) 21 Brace (7) 26 Passionate (6) 27 Slowly (6) 29 Staunch (4) 30 Location (4) 31 Fasten (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Panic 9, Earned 10, Nudist 11, Price 12, Iron 15, Part 17, Nemesis 20, Lee 21, Tower 23, Aped 25, Test 26, Rigid 28, Wed 30, Concert 33, Edit 35, Tier 36, Treat 38, Reason 39, Talent 40, Newer.

DOWN: 1, Began 2, Groom 3, Pep 4, Adroit 5, Inch 6, Cue 7, Rival 8, State 13, Relaxed 14, Never 16, Restor 18, Sonic 19, Jet 22, React 24, Did 27, Donate 28, Weary 29, Divan 31, Eider 32, Truth 34, Erne 36, Ton 37, Tar.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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C M Y K