We'll crush Boko Haram in 6 weeks — DASUKI

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62338

Polls shift is wrong deal by wrong man, says Tinubu 8

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Soldiers deployed in P-Harcourt as Navy intensifies security in waterways 7

We'll crush Boko Haram in 6 weeks — DASUKI •Says new polls dates'll not be shifted again •Boko Haram dismisses threat from regional forces •Opens new war front in Niger Republic

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA — N A T I O N A L Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) vowed, yesterday, that Boko Haram will be crushed within six weeks.

The terrorists, on their part, opened a new war

Continues on page 5

COLUMNIST: The end of Buhari's presidential candidacy •P.17

Journalism as Tribulation •P.43

Mr & Mrs

AWARD: From left: Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings receiving his Vanguard's African Business Personality of the Year Award 2014 from Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, while Mr Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager/ Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Newspapers looks on during Mr. Elumelu's visit to Vanguard head office in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

NLC DELEGATES CONFERENCE: Unemployment, 55 insecurity, power supply dominate talks C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 3

C M Y K

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

NLC DELEGATES CONFERENCE: From left, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) and Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, outgoing President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, during the NLC delegates conference in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

We'll crush Boko Haram in 6 weeks — Dasuki Continues from page 1 front in Niger Republic with its leader dismissing the threat from the regional force.

Security chiefs had warned that security could not be guaranteed for the elections originally scheduled for this weekend and needed six weeks to flush out Boko Haram terrorists from the 14 local government areas in the North-East states before elections could hold. This forced postponement of the elections throughout the country till March 28.

Speaking, yesterday, Col. Dasuki assured that the new election dates of March 28 and April 11 will not be shifted as “all known Boko Haram camps will be taken out” within six weeks “They won’t be there.

They will be dismantled,” he told AFP in an interview when

asked what gains could be made against the Islamists before the new polling date of March 28.

Dasuki said that Nigeria had been unable to defeat Boko Haram as it had been “fighting it alone for years, with all the limitations in terms of equipment and support.

"Now we are having support. We are having additional troops. We are having additional equipment coming in.

We are better equipped and better placed now to take on that thing than we were before.”

But Dasuki said that even if the goal was not achieved, “the situation then would surely be conducive enough for elections,” with no need for a further postponement of voting.

New polls dates'll not be shifted again

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Never give up, everyone has challenging days.

Pick yourself up and keep just going – Take Heart Quotes

A

LWAYS learn to smile more. If you are feeling down or having a rough day, it is possible to cheer yourself up by simply thinking of a person, place or situation that makes you smile!

Scientific studies show that people who smile more often feel happier. When we appreciate the beauty and truth which is always reflected in nature, it becomes easier to embrace one’s mistakes and benefit from the blessings which come through life lessons.

By embracing your mistakes, you will be able to forgive yourself, and the bonus is that other people might actually like you more! Making mistakes makes competent people seem more attractive and more human to others.

Happy people seem to intuitively know this, embracing mistakes as learning experiences and not judging themselves and others too harshly.

“Those dates will not be shifted again,” Dasuki said when asked if the polls, initially scheduled for February 14, could be pushed back further.

Dasuki had urged election officials to postpone the vote on the grounds that the military could not provide nationwide election security because all available resources were being deployed to the North-East to fight Boko Haram.

In the interview, Dasuki suggested that the reason for the delay was the need to assure safe voting in the northeast states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe where Boko Haram is most active and controls significant territory.

Dasuki insisted there was no political motive underlying his call for a delay, saying: “It’s not everybody who does things for selfish reasons. Some of us have a conscience.”

He said the postponement could easily help the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, because improved security could boost turnout in the northeast, an APC stronghold.

Boko Haram dismisses threat from regional forces in new video

Meanwhile, Boko Haram has released three new videos on YouTube, yesterday, one of them a 28-minute speech from its leader, Abubakar Shekau, in an undisclosed location

flanked by eight masked fighters.

In it, he dismissed the threat from regional forces, stating: “Your alliance will not achieve anything. Amass all your weapons and face us. We welcome you.”

On Saturday, Nigeria and its neighbours — Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Benin — agreed to muster 8,700 troops, police and civilians for a wider, African Unionbacked force against Boko Haram.

The size of the new force had previously been set at about 7,500 but Shekau, whom the United States estimates as having between 4,000 and 6,000 fighters at his disposal, dismissed the threat.

“You send 7,000 troops?

Why don’t you send seven million? This is small. Only 7,000? By Allah, it is small. We can seize them one-by-one.

We can seize them oneby-one,” he said in Arabic.

Shekau also directly threatened Chad’s President Idriss Deby, whose forces have attacked Boko Haram in the northeast Nigerian towns of Gamboru and Malam Fatori in recent days.

Shekau’s challenge came after the United States said on Friday that Boko Haram could face a stronger test against more capable regional forces.

Washington estimates that Boko Haram has a core of between 4,000 and 6,000 fighters and is well-equipped after raiding Nigerian Army positions.

Shekau’s speech appeared to put the Boko Haram insurgency in the wider context of global jihad, possibly in

response to the regional nature of the conflict.

One of the three latest videos shows Baghdadi with archive footage and a voiceover recalling a battle between British soldiers and fighters from the Sokoto Caliphate in northern Nigeria.

We rose up to fight the world — Shekau

In his speech, Shekau appears to broaden the group’s aim: “We never rose up to fight Africa.

We rose up to fight the world. We are going to fight the world on the principle that whoever doesn’t obey Allah and the Prophet either dies or becomes a slave.”

...Opens new war front in Niger Republic

Boko Haram fighters also, yesterday, launched a new attack in Niger Republic as parliament in Niamey was set to vote on joining a regional force against the Islamists.

The insurgents raided a prison in the southeastern border town of Diffa, which they first attacked on Friday, but were repelled after a heavy exchange of fire, humanitarian sources said.

“The attack failed. The assailants were quite easily pushed back,” one source told AFP. Niger’s parliament was expected, yesterday, to support a proposal to deploy troops inside Nigeria to help in the battle, along with soldiers from Chad, which has a battle-hardened army, and Cameroon.

No casualty toll was immediately available after the raid by Boko Haram, which has widened a deadly sixyear insurgency in Nigeria with attacks in neighbouring countries.

A journalist in Diffa said he saw the bodies of

Boko Haram fighters in a hearse but was unable to count them.

Some Boko Haram fighters sought to hide out in the town.

“The soldiers are looking for them, weapons at the ready. The army has encircled Diffa,” the journalist said.

Another journalist said some of the fighters were being held in the prison they attacked.

Niger ’s Defence Minister Mahamadou Karidjo said Sunday that he hoped for a favourable parliamentary vote to “bring the final blow against the forces of evil.

The boys are chomping at the bit to go to fight Boko Haram,” he said on public television.

According to him, “the defensive position our forces have held for more than three months is not a good position. We shall eradicate the Boko Haram plague in the region.”

Niger said 109 jihadists were killed during an attack last week on Diffa and a simultaneous assault on Bosso, also close to the border, the first by Boko Haram in the country.

Four soldiers and a civilian were killed and 17 other troops were wounded.

In the last six years, the group has mainly operated in three states in northeast Nigeria, taking over a succession of towns and villages as part of its aim to create a hardline Islamic state.

It is thought to have few direct, operational links to jihadi groups elsewhere, although it is believed to include some foreign fighters, most likely paid mercenaries.

But Shekau has mentioned groups such as AlQaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the leader of the so-called Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

6 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Pensioners in Plateau protest non-payment of entitlements

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS—PENSIONERS in Plateau State yesterday blocked the entrance to the state secretariat demanding an upward review of their current N5,140 monthly pension to a more humane sum.

They also protested the delay in the payment of the N5,140 monthly pension, saying the payment had not been made in the last six months, even when as much as N4 billion gratuity was being owed them by the state government.

The protest, which took the pensioners from Plateau State Pensions Board on Bank Road across GRA to Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat, saw the protesters displaying placards with inscriptions as “The aged are suffering, treat them with kindness”; “We can’t pay our children’s school fees”; “Many have died. Many more are dying. Pay our pension”; among others.

It would be recalled that executives of the union held a meeting last week and decided to stage the protest rally yesterday and Thursday, February 12.

They also resolved that the demonstration rallies would continue every Monday and Thursday of every week till the state government addressed their plights.

Chairman of the state chapter of National Union of Pensioners, NUP, Chief Sunday Danladi, said: “Government had not been regular in paying even the current N5,140 monthly pension. The government of Plateau State is not taking care of pensioners at all. We have for months been writing letters on harmonization, review of pension but to no avail.

“We did Christmas without arrears and up to now, there is no monthly pension, and our members are dying. We’ve been petting our members and now our backs are to the wall.

“We held a congress meeting last Week and got approval for a peaceful demonstration starting on Monday, February 9, 2015, to show our grievances against the government.”

Ebonyi, EFCC clash over detention of three commissioners

By Soni Daniel, Emma Ovuakporie &Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—EBONYI State government yesterday raised alarm that some prominent natives of the state holding key positions in Abuja were using security agencies to persecute its officials, with a view to bringing down the administration for political reasons.

The state government cited the arrest and detention of three of its officials by the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja under the guise of investigating them for abuse of office without any evidence to back up their claims.

Those said to have been held by the EFCC are: the state Accountant-General, Mr. Edwin Igbele, Finance Commissioner, Barr. Timothy Odaah and the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Celestine Nwali.

Addressing a news conference in Abuja yesterday, the Commissioner for Justice, Mr.

Edwin Igbele, and his Information counterpart, accused some few privileged citizens of the state in the corridors of power in Abuja and those fighting to win election, even after being rejected by the electorate, of being behind the persecution of the state officials.

The two commissioners said that anarchy was imminent in the state, as the Abuja-based politicians from Ebonyi were bent on bringing the state to a standstill for their selfish political reasons.

They maintained that it was in a bid to achieve their set goal of

HELLISH TIME: Traffic snarl on Kubwa-Abuja Expressway caused by check-point at Dutse Junction in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

destabilising the state that the masterminds were writing frivolous and baseless petitions against the three men being detained by the EFCC in Abuja.

They said that apart from the petition to the EFCC and the ICPC, the same group had also filed a suit at a Lagos High Court to stop the state from securing a N15 billion bond from the Stock Exchange to complete development projects.

The two men said: “One of the allegations against the commissioners is that some Local Government funds which were legitimately spent in 2012 and 2013 were unlawfully spent. These are all lies because the documents are there to speak for themselves.

“Even without hearing from the three officers, the Joint Account of the 13 Local Governments was frozen by EFCC contrary to section 34(1) of EFCC Act 2004. The Joint Account of Local Governments was frozen when there was no evidence of the money being proceeds of corruption.”

Explaining the genesis of the political crisis in the state, the two commissioners said PDP in the state had lost the majority of its key members to the Labour Party because of its fraudulent primaries held in the state last December.

They said the state government officials wanted to prove to the PDP that it was the people that make the party and not the other way round and to teach them a lesson for insulting Governor Martins Elechi.

Urhoghide, Edo PDP senatorial candidate alleges threat from rivals

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—A senatorial candidate for Edo South senatorial district on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Matthew Urhoghide, yesterday raised alarm over an attempt on his life on Sunday night by unknown persons.

He also fingered supporters of his opponents in the senatorial race as people responsible for the alleged attack.

He said the matter has been reported at Aduwawa police station in Benin City, the state capital.

Speaking with newsmen, Urhoghide, a pharmacist, said: “At about 7:00 pm last night (Sunday), I was heading towards Urhorha community in Eyean to meet a group of people who wanted to receive me. On my way, at Aduwawa area, near the Big Joe motors, there was a traffic jam as a result of an accident.

“My convoy, consisting of my car and three campaign branded buses, were right behind me. When we saw the traffic jam, we decided to turn.

Turning, we noticed that lot of people were running around as

there was commotion.

“I saw some boys and cars pursuing my car. They were trying to get to my car but one of my buses blocked them. They came out of a vehicle and tried to get inside one of the buses in my convoy.

“They hit the front windscreen, the back windscreen and attempted to use their vehicle, a green Mercedes C-Class without number plates to hit my personal vehicle. As one of the buses in my convoy was trying to block them, they used cutlass to hit the bus.

“They used the cutlass to damage the rear light as well.

Another vehicle, a black Camry car, pursued my vehicle from Aduwawa to Ring Road. That one also had its number plates covered.

“The two vehicles who pursued me actually meant harm. If not for the buses that blocked them, they would have probably got to my car. This, to me, looked like an assassination attempt on my life.”

Urhoghide, who showed newsmen his damaged

campaign buses, described the attack as a vicious one by his opponents.

He recalled that on January 21, 2014, some thugs living in the house of a chieftain of the APC pounced on his boys, who were pasting his campaign posters around Etete Road area of Benin GRA. However, in a swift reaction,a senior member of the opponents’ campaign organisation (names withheld) described the allegations as spurious and unfounded.

POLLS: 36 illegal immigrants deported from Edo

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—AHEAD of the forthcoming general elections in the country, Edo State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, yesterday deported 36 illegal immigrants in the state.

The move, Vanguard gathered, is to prevent illegal aliens from participating in the election scheduled to hold between March 28 and April 11, 2015.

It was learned that those

deported were screened out of about 300 immigrants arrested by the command during a mop up exercise.

Others who showed genuine documents allowing them into the country were allowed to go but were warned against obtaining the Permanent Voters Card, PVC, or be used as political thugs.

It would be recalled that in November last year, 40 illegal immigrants were deported from the state, with some of the

immigrants claiming that they were given fake papers to enter the country.

Comptroller of Immigration in the state, Alana Olusegun, who supervised the screening, said the mop up was to ensure that non-Nigerians did not participate in the electoral process.

Alana said officials of the command had been placed on red alert across the state to stop immigrants from voting during elections.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—7

Fayose condemns soldiers' attack on journalist

By Gbenga Ariyibi

A

Tomatoes and onions (inset) at Bayara Vegetable Market in Bauchi State, yesterday. NAN PHOTOS.

Soldiers deployed in P-Harcourt, as Navy intensifies security in waterways

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT—THERE was heavy presence of soldiers in major areas of Port Harcourt yesterday, apparently due to the postponement of the general elections.

Some residents said the military was probably being proactive to nip any ugly reaction to the postponement in the bud.

When contacted, the Army Public Relations Officer, Port Harcourt Barracks, Captain Nsima Essie, said the soldiers were on routine operations in the state.

In another development, the Navy assured of effective policing of the waterways in the Niger Delta before and after the general elections.

New Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral, Henry Babalola, who spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, said the deployment of troops on the waterways was in compliance with the request of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, adding that it was part of move to guard against ballot box snatching and issues of electoral violence.

He said the Navy would continue to assist the electoral body to deliver credible elections to Nigerians.

He said: “The dictates of standard operating procedures guarding military operations.

We will standby to assist INEC to provide security to transport electoral materials to riverine areas, when we are called upon.

“We will standby to create an enabling environment that will allow voters to lawfully and legally come out to cast their votes.

“Subverting electoral process starts from when

thugs import arms and ammunition to cause problems, and so we are deploying one helicopter to join the naval flying unit here, and patrol boats to ward-off ships bearing arms to the militants.

“It is a trying moment for our nation, and so the idea is that at the end of the day, we will be on top of the game to create a conducive atmosphere for the elections to take place.”

Suspected cultists hold family hostage in Lagos

By Jimoh Babatunde

I

T was reign of terror, yesterday, as suspected secret cult members held a family hostage for about an hour, while workers were going to work in the early hours of the day.

The cultists, numbering about seven, wielding pistols, suddenly showed up at Ogo Oluwa area of Isashi, all on motor bikes and rode straight to the residence of one Mr. Henry Omoregbe.

They gained entrance on the pretence that they had a message for the family and no sooner was the gate opened than the family realized that they were under siege of the cult members.

The boys immediately started beating up every member of the family with horse whips and base ball bats, while demanding for the whereabout of a member of the family, Emmanuel Omoregbe, who they claimed had refused to carry out their instructions.

Neigbours could not

intervene for fear of their lives, but the head of the family, who pleaded with the young men, told them that he had also been looking for his son for about a year now.

The search

He showed them the police report and sworn affidavit he made in January last year, since his son left home under inexplicable circumstances.

Inspite of this, they still searched the house, damaging furniture and some household appliances.

Having concluded their search, they left with a warning: that the family should tell their son to make himself available or they will kill him should they find him themselves.

Mr. Henry Omoregbe, a marine engineer, who came home on leave, told Vanguard he had reported the case last year when his wife called him at work to report that their son, Emmanuel, had left home due to threats from suspected cult members, who had forced themselves in and beat one his

sons, Stephen.

Affidavit

Showing the police report and court affidavit, he said he and his family were yet to hear from his son as efforts by the police had drawn blank.

The affidavit read in part: “That due to threatening of his life from unknown secret cult gangs Emmanuel Omoregbe has to abscond and leave home.”

He explained further that this whole saga started last year when Emmanuel, 20, went to Lagos State University, Ojo, to check if he had been granted admission, adding that since then he could not really say what happened except that the young man was still missing.

Neighbours, who volunteered information, said they had been noticing some strange looking faces in the area for some time now, but never thought they could be dangerous elements until now.

They confirmed Mr. Omoregbe’s claim of looking for his son for about a year now.

DO EKITI— G O V E R N O R Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has condemned the recent beating of the correspondent of the Sun newspaper in the state, Mr. Wole Balogun, by soldiers while on his way to work.

In a statement, yesterday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, in Ado Ekiti, Fayose described the attack as unwarranted, barbaric and an action not welcomed in a democratic setting and the peaceful situation that currently exists in Ekiti State.

The governor warned all the security agents operating in the state to be wary of actions that could paint the state in bad light in the eyes of the world, noting that whatever happened in the state always attracted public analysis.

JTF discovers cache of arms, ammunition

By Akpokona Omafuaire

W

ARRI—THE Joint Task Force, JTF, codenamed Operation Pulo Shield, has recovered arms and ammunition from pirates that attacked its troops on January 8.

It also arrested two suspected illegal bunkerers, rescued kidnapped victim and destroyed several illegal refineries and implements.

This was contained in a statement by Lt Col Ado Isa, Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre.

He said the arms recovery was the result of a cordon and search operations conducted by 146 Battalion of the task force.

Some of the things recovered were one AK 47 rifle with registration number 02430 and butt number 897 and two magazines, loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition each.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Elections, contest among brothers— JONATHAN

National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun ( r i g h t ) , addressing pressmen at the party secretariat in Abuja .

P H O T O : G b e m i g a Olamikan.

By Abiodun Alade

P

R E S I D E N T Goodluck Jonathan has counselled Nigerians to speak good and peaceable words over the country, stressing that the general elections were contests among brothers and sisters from the womb of country.

In his official Facebook page, which boast of almost two million followers, President Jonathan said: “I want to remind us all that we have no other country other than Nigeria and as we approach the elections, it is wise that we speak good and peaceable words over Nigeria because we will have to eat our words. So let us make them sweet rather than bitter.

“We must see the coming polls as a contest amongst brothers and sisters from the womb of one Nigeria.

He urged political gladiators to avoid the use of threats and desperations in their campaign, noting that whatever the outcome of the polls, victory should be for Nigeria and Nigerians.

In a related development, the Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on New Media, Reno Omokri, faulted claim by the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Major Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), that Nigeria had been reduced to a failed state.

Omokri argued that although there were challenges confronting the country, Nigeria was not a failed state, stressing that it is unfortunate that a former Head of State and a presidential hopeful will speak ill of his country.

He said: “With due respect sir, Nigeria is not a failed state. Yes, we do have some challenges, but true leaders do not condemn their nation to the world.”

Omokri reminded Buhari that Nigeria was making giant strides that placed it among respected countries in the world.

Polls shift is wrong deal by wrong man, says Tinubu

T

HE National leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ahmed Tinubu, has flayed the decision to postpone the general elections, describing the security concerns given as a cover for the desperation of President Goodluck Jonathan to avoid defeat.

In a statement yesterday, Tinubu said: “They were postponed because one man, President Jonathan, feared that an election held on February 14 would for him become an election lost. While the mouth was Jega, the words were Jonathan's.

“He chose to place our democracy at risk than do what democracy demands by facing and risking the verdict of the people. That he would use our security agencies to provide his excuse only adds insult to injury.

“This act was the desperation of a man in fear of defeat. It was not done for the national good. It was the wrong thing done for the wrong reason by the wrong man.”

“The rationale stated by the heavily intimidated INEC chairman does not withstand close scrutiny or the rigours of logical thought. It is nothing but a lie draped in a falsehood born by deceit.”

Faulting the security concerns given by the service chiefs, Tinubu said: “For the Service Chiefs to be inserted in the electoral process in this manner and at the eleventh hour reveals nothing but a cynical plot to thwart elections.

“President Jonathan has revealed that he only wants elections where the

guaranty is that he shall win.

This is not the nature of democratic elections.

“If elections could hold in

Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, why not in Nigeria where only 14 out of 774 council areas are under siege? This

postponement may be the prelude to even rasher more authoritarian action by this desperate, inept government.”

... as Saraki says it's obstruction of democracy

By Gbenga Oke

S

ENATOR Bukola Saraki has described the postponement of the general elections as an obstruction of democracy and accused the Presidency and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of using insecurity in the North-East to delay the elections.

Saraki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment has nevertheless, urged Nigerians not to be deterred by the delay in their resolve to remove the present

administration in Abuja.

He said: “The delay in the elections is an obstruction of democracy led by President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP. All Progressives Congress, APC, has been calling for free, fair, and transparent election for our country and this delay in elections hinders this call.

“The Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, is expected to act independently, but unfortunately the commission is being guided by government officials who believe they are about to lose an election and have decided to stop the election to re-

strategize.

“For the first time in Nigeria, we are seeing a seating government run away from election.

“While we recognise the severity of the security challenges facing Nigeria today, sadly these challenges are not new.

It has been almost a year since Boko Haram kidnapped 200 schoolgirls in Chibok.

“Thousands of men, women and children have died in the hands of Boko Haram and thousands are displaced. So, security should not be an excuse to delay our elections and obstruct democracy.”

Postponement justified, says The Patriots

By Charles Kumolu

T

HE Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerians, has defended the shift of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, saying the reasons are in line with the country’s national interest.

It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to improve on its logistics to be ready for the exercise on the rescheduled dates, as it affirmed that the future of the country depended on the success of the elections.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in Lagos, Chairman of the group, Professor Ben Nwabueze, appealed to the

military and other security agencies to demonstrate professionalism in the discharge of their duties during and after the elections.

Also at the briefing were the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi; former Chief of Army Staff, Major Gen Chris Ali (rtd); Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Chief Philip Asiodu; Chief Solomon Asemota; Mr. Michael Orobator and Mr. Chris Okoye.

‘Presidential qualities’

Nwabueze said: “Our national interest at this point in time demands effective

presidential leadership. The country requires a president with sound qualification.

“In particular, good education up to a minimum level of a university first degree or its equivalent, with academic knowledge, intellectual insights, mental orientation, ideas and perceptions, creative intellect and ability to combine ideas and power, intellectualism and politics.

“We are a non-partisan group and we do not want to take sides. All we have done is to set parameters to be followed.

“We are calling on the electorate to make wise decision this time because the life of this country is at stake in this election.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—9

US envoys denies reports on Nigeria splitting

By Benjamin Njoku

T

HE United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, has denied, for the second time, a report that Nigeria would cease to be a nation in 2015, saying no US official or government made such prediction.

He stated this on Sunday at the Rock Cathedral, Lekki, Lagos, where the American historical film, Selma was premièred. He had first denied the report when he led a delegation of US officials to the University of Jos, UNIJOS, on a courtesy visit last year.

Entwistle, who was answering questions from journalists before the screening of the film, said he has checked everywhere, but could not find out where the US government or any of its official said that Nigeria will disintegrate in 2015.

Mr. Entwistle said Nigeria is not different from all other countries in the world with various degrees of challenges, but that would not make them split. He noted that his country, the United States has had her fair share of political challenges and that did not make her split.

The ambassador said Nigeria is a strong country that had not shown any sign of disintegration. He queried why people predict doom for the country rather than work towards its strength.

Tthe US Ambassador asked:

“Does any of you think Nigeria is going to disintegrate this year? I don’t. I see a country having a positive development, good government and peaceful elections.”

Also speaking at the event, Founder and Senior Pastor at

House on The Rock Church, Lekki, Lagos, Paul Adefarasin said, the church decided to collaborate with the US mission in Nigeria to premiere the film, Selma, which chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965,

PILGRIMAGE: President Goodluck Jonathan (middle) and from left, Chairman, Christian Pilgrims Commission, ArchBishop Nicholas Okoh; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Chairman, 2014 Christian Pilgrims Committee, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Executive Secretary, Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. Kennedy Opara, during the submission of the 2014 Christian Pilgrimage report at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

APC accuses service chiefs of conspiracy in postponement of elections

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, accused service chiefs of conspiring with the Presidency to postpone the scheduled elections despite earlier repeated guarantees that the elections would hold.

National chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, speaking at a press conference in Abuja, also alleged plans by the army to conscript its commanders across the country to rig the elections for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during a strategic retreat for the commanders that opened in Kaduna, yesterday.

He noted that the service chiefs had given assurance of their readiness for the election as late as last month, but suddenly changed tone after the National Security Adviser, NSA, Col Sambo Dasuki (retd), called for the postponement of the election.

Odigie-Oyegun recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan and the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh, had assured Nigerians and the international community that the elections would hold.

He wondered why postponement of the election based on the poor distribution of

Permanent Voter's Cards, PVCs, as suggested by Dasuki could have assumed another dimension, this time on security.

He said: “You will recall that on January 22, Dasuki, the National Security Adviser, NSA, at Chatham House, declared that INEC was not ready for the elections and he has therefore advised the electoral body to postpone the election.

“The reason he gave for his unsolicited advice was that substantial number of registered voters had not collected their PVCs. “He did not say anything about security concern, even though Boko Haram was an issue then as it is an issue now. So, at what point did concern over elections shift from PVC to security concern?

Jonathan's assurance

“When the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry visited on January 25, he wanted a categorical commitment from President Jonathan that the elections would hold as scheduled.

“The President assured the American envoy that the elections would hold. Was it that his security chiefs had not briefed him on the

security situation in the country and how this would affect the election time table at the time he was making this promise?

“On February 2, at the National Peace Committee meeting in Abuja with representatives of different political parties, the service chiefs gave assurances of their readiness for the elections.

Badeh's promise

“At the occasion, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh, gave assurances of the Armed Forces’s preparedness for the elections.

“According to him ‘even though we are busy in the North-East, we also have capabilities across the nation.’

“Badeh also admitted that the role of the military is to support for the police in providing security during elections.

“At the same event, Chief of Army Staff, General Kenneth Minimah said ‘we are aware of the need for security, before, during and after the elections.

We will deploy across the states of the Federation in areas we discover that have capacity for violence. We are prepared to ensure we have peaceful elections.’

“Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Adesola Amosun said

‘we have commenced the air lift of the materials needed for the elections, starting from Abuja. We will continue with the elections.’

“The sum total of all these is that only 12 days before the elections and despite the state of insecurity in the North-East, the entire military high command assured the nation of their readiness to provide security for the elections.

“However, only three days later, Friday, February 6, these same service chiefs wrote INEC a letter, which could be described as blackmail, saying that they would no longer be able to provide security for the elections.

“What happened in those 72 hours that brought about this complete volte face?

“It is also important to note that at the National Council of States meeting, Thursday February 5, INEC reaffirmed its readiness and commitment to hold the elections as scheduled.

“Although the service chiefs briefed the Council that they had security concerns, the consensus of opinion at the body of eminent citizens was that elections should go ahead nationwide, except in the 14 councils identified as problematic.”

when Dr Martin Luther King, Jnr, led a campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition as a means to canvass for a violentfree elections in the country.

He said: “Nigeria is going through arguably one of the most defining moments in her 101-year post-amalgamation history. Shortly, tens of millions of Nigerians will perform their civic responsibility throughout this nation by voting for the candidates of their choice.

“The history of elections in Nigeria is fraught with incidents of violence before, during and after all but two elections—1923 and 1959.”

On his part, the Nigerianborn British actor, David Oyelowo, who played King Jnr, acknowledged the timeliness of his movie to the current political experience in Nigeria.

He said it was a thing of joy for him to make a movie that would speak to the need of the country’s social and political development.

INEC extends deadline for PVCs collection

By Dapo Akinrefon

F

OLLOWING the postponement of the general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the deadline for collection of Permanent Voter’s Cards, PVCs, by registered voters.

In a statement by Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Augusta Ogakwu, the commission said the collection of PVCs will continue for four more weeks until March 8.

The statement read: “INEC had on Saturday, February 7, rescheduled the general elections by six weeks due to security challenges.

The Presidential and National Assembly elections have been rescheduled to hold on March 28, while the governorship and state assembly will now hold on April 11.

“The Commission hopes that this extension will finally avail every registered person, yet to collect his or her PVC, the opportunity to do so in readiness for the general elections.”

10— Vanguard, TUESSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Lawyers ask court to restrain Tambuwal from parading self as speaker

Women's group back Ambode

By Dapo Akinrefon

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By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—TWO lawyers have asked a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, to restrain the Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, from further parading himself as speaker.

Anthony Nwajiugo and Okechukwu Ebirim, plaintiffs in the suit are contending that having defected from the party upon which he was elected into the House, Tambuwal “cannot remain and has, by his action, lost the competence to remain the Speaker.”

According to them, the House of Representatives as presently constituted under Tambuwal’s leadership cannot embark on any legislative business, including the adjournment of plenary sessions or the impeachment of the president.

Tambuwal had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to All Progressives Congress, APC, blaming his defection on the crisis within the PDP in his home state of Sokoto.

At the resumed hearing in the matter before Justice Ibrahim Buba, the judge directed the applicants to address him on why the matter was filed in Lagos and not Abuja, being the place of business of the sole

defendant in the suit, the House of Representatives.

Ebirim, who addressed the court, said the matter was a constitutional matter which could as well be filed in the Lagos division of the court.

He argued that the House of Representatives also conduct part of its business in Lagos at its liaison office, and that the court was a

proper venue for the matter to be filed.

But in a brief ruling, Justice Buba transferred the matter to the Abuja division of the court, and further directed the applicants to approach the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta for further directive on when the matter would come up in Abuja.

The applicants in the suit, had set out two issues to be resolved by the court, “Whether by the combined effect of Sections 68 (1) (g) and 50 (2) (a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Tambuwal of Kebbe/ Tambuwal federal constituency of Sokoto State is competent to remain the presiding officer and speaker of House of Representatives?

CAMPAIGN: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (2nd left), his Deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (3rd left), All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) and his running mate, Dr Oluranti Adebule (2nd right), and Women Leader, APC, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, during the APC governorship campaign mega rally at Abesan Estate,, Ipaja, Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos, yesterday.

US holds election security roundtable for Lagos gov candidates

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu & Prisca Duru

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AGOS—THE United States government has sponsored an electoral security roundtable, mandating both governorship candidates for Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje of PDP and Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of APC to sign a peace pledge, promising to ensure they would not participate in pre or post election violence in Nigeria.

The electoral security roundtable is the US government’s additional effort at ensuring fair and violencefree elections in Nigeria, and is targeted at ensuring that each of the participating candidates further pledges to accept the

outcome of the elections or seek redress through legal means if aggrieved.

According to the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwistle, who intimated that the US government sponsored peace signing accord between the two aspirants was an additional

efforts to ensure there was no pre or post violent elections in Nigeria “This is important to promoting peaceful elections in Nigeria and the US government will continue to remain in the frontline for a fair and violence-free elections in Nigeria. Nigeria is our most cherished partner and we must

Agbaje warns supporters against electoral violence signed by governorship

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By Dapo Akinrefon

AGOS—THE governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi

Agbaje, has called on his supporters to eschew violence ahead of the coming general election.

Agbaje, who spoke against the backdrop of a peace pact

Practitioners pledge support for security agencies

ELECTIONS:

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By Evelyn Usman

AGOS—SECURITY practitioners, under the aegis of Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, ALPSPN, yesterday, stated their resolve to assist security agencies in their bid to create a conducive atmosphere for the electorate in the forth

be part of its growth and happiness.

"The two governorship candidates have both displayed love for their country and I am convinced that they would not indulge and or allow their supporters to cause any unwarranted discomfort to the peace of the Nigerian community," he said.

coming general elections.

Hinging its position on recent proclamation of unpreparedness as reason for postponing the general elections, the association stated that it was not impossible for security agencies to be overwhelmed by the population of electorate.

Briefing newsmen on security concerns in the country, National President of the association, Mr. Davidson Akhimien, stated that it would have been better for INEC to go ahead with the earlier date, in order to avoid creating an atmosphere of suspicion that could create unnecessary tension.

candidates in the state, said no meaningful development could take place in an atmosphere of violence.

The PDP candidate noted that he was particularly happy that not a single death had been recorded since kick starting his campaign across the state.

Agbaje, who spoke during his campaign in Mushin and Oshodi/ Isolo yesterday, called on party members to continue to be law abiding.

According to him, this is the major reason loyalists were asked not to retaliate when his campaign materials were defaced on the third Mainland Bridge by APC members.

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AGOS—A coalition of women ethnic groups in Lagos, The Sisters Forum, has declared its support for the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Akinwunmi Ambode.

Speaking at a rally,the forum’s Executive Director, Mrs. Chinyere Anokwuru, said their decision to endorse Ambode was based on their assessment of his competence and experience.

Anokwuru said: “The emergence of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as the APC governorship candidate in Lagos State ended our worries about who could match Governor Fashola’s achievements. A look into his manifesto revealed that he had sufficient relief-oriented programmes for women.

“The welfare and economic empowerment of women is uppermost in his heart among many others.

“Mr. Ambode’s credentials are excellent.

His pedigree is spotless."

....As lgbo monarchs endorse him

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By Anozie Egole

AGOS—IGBO Council of Traditional rulers, Lagos chapter, have endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, as its candidate for the April 11 governorship election in Lagos.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos yesterday, the President of the organization, Eze Nwachukwu, said the call was not only timely but also strategic.

“Why we have gathered here today is not just timely but strategic because the Igbo want to make their stand known in the coming elections.

"We have painstakingly carried out our research on the state administration and we have found out that, starting from the time of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu till the present Raji Fasholaled state administration they have kept to the agreement we had with them before they assumed office," he said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 —11

EKITI SPEAKER'S IMPEACHMENT:

Court

adjourns to March 10

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Lagos, has adjourned till March 10 for further hearing in the suit by impeached Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adewale Omirin and others, challenging the legality of their impeachment.

Omirin, is a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was impeached by seven lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state. He is in court with 18 other APC lawmakers, challenging their impeachment and other steps taken by the PDP lawmakers.

At the resumed hearing in the matter, counsel to the APC lawmakers, Mr Norrison Quakers, SAN, told the trial judge, Justice Saliu Seidu that they have had difficulties serving the court processes on the state governor, Ayo Fayose and other defendants owing to the security of their lives.

Norrison suggested an undertaken by the lawyers to the defendants that their clients be served through them.

But the position was opposed by counsel to the defendants, who insisted that the order of

court as to service of the processes must be complied with.

The matter was subsequently adjourned till March 10, 2015 for mention.

The impeached Speaker, his Deputy, Adetunji Orisalade, and 17 APC members of the House of Assembly are plaintiffs in the case.

The defendants include Dele Olugbemi, Samuel Ajibola, Adeojo Alexander, Adeloye Adeyinka, Israel Olowo Ajiboye, Fatunbi Olajide and Olayinka Abeni.

Others are the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi,

Mr. Kayode Oso, and Chief Toyin Ojo. Omirin and others are praying the court to restrain Odugbemi and Abeni from parading themselves or otherwise acting in the capacity of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively of the Ekiti State House of Assembly as same was illegal, unconstitutional and ultra vires.

PRESENTATION: From left: Chief Kola Jamodu, Chairman, Nigerian Breweries Plc, presenting a souvenir to Mr. Oscar Onyema, CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange, while Mr. Nicolas Vervelde, MD/CEO, NB Plc looks on.

Osun holds referendum on creation of new councils

By Gbenga Olarinoye

O

SOGBO—THE Governor of Osun State, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday, said that the objective of his administration in conducting a referendum on Local Government creation is in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The governor stated this after casting his vote at the Ifofin Ward 8 Unit 1 in Ilesa at the ongoing referendum on the creation of new local governments in the state by the Osun Independent Electoral Commission.

The state government in 2012 set up a committee to look into how the state could create viable local government councils with sustainable socio-economic potentials.

Prof Mojeed Alabi, a professor of Political Science and a former Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly was made the chairman of the committee which has since submitted its report to the governor.

Aregbesola pointed out that the state will do everything possible under the constitution of Nigeria to create Local Governments that will meet all required standards, noting that the basis for the exercise was the genuine desire and consent of the people of Osun.

He stressed that the state government is determined to

ensure that all legal, technical and constitutional procedures are followed to the letter in the council creation processes hence the referendum in all wards of the

state.

The Chairman, Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC, Otunba Oladunjoye Oladitan, held that

the essence of conducting the referendum is for OSIEC to know how desirous the local governments to be created are to the people.

Rural devt 'll be our priority —KASHAMU

A

By Etop Ekanem

BEOKUTA—THE Ogun East Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Kashamu Buruji, has assured the grassroots of urgent development in Ogun East senatorial district.

Addressing a mammoth crowd of party supporters and faithful at two separate rallies in Ogun Waterside and Ijebu East local

councils, Kashamu said the rural areas in the zone needed urgent and prompt development, saying he’s canvassing for grassroots development because he was so much concerned about the people living in the rural areas.

Kashamu, who reiterated his commitment to the creation of Ijebu State, the revamping of Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ijebu Division and Cargo Airport in

Remo Division, assured that he would lobby the relevant government agencies and institutions “to make these projects a reality.”

The governorship candidate of th e party, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, who also spoke at the rallies, said it was a known fact that Ogun Waterside and Ijebu East local councils are the economic hub of the state.

Ondo PDP reconciliation panel submits report

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—THE Eight-man reconciliation committee set up by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State yesterday submitted its reports to the State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko.

This is coming as the governor said he will unite all members of the party in the interest of the state and the party.

In reaction to President Goodluck Jonathan’s directive that all the warring leaders in the state to work together and avoid selfish interest, the governor had

set up a reconciliation committee on January 10 to bring back all aggrieved members of the party together.

Chairman of the committee and deputy governor of the State, Alhaji Alli Olanusi submitted the report to Governor Mimiko in his office in Akure.

Yoruba progressives in Ondo back Jonathan

A

By Dayo Johnson

KURE—ANOTHER Yoruba group has supported the reelection of President Goodluck Jonathan, saying continuity will bring about more development in the country.

The coordinator of the Yoruba Progressives in Ondo State, Senator Omololu Meroyi said this in Akure during a rally.

Meroyi said the group moved round the state capital

to show their support for President Jonathan.

According to him President Jonathan deserves to be reelected for another term to usher more development to the nation.

Appeal Court reserves judgment on Fayose's case

A

By Gbenga Ariyibi

DO EKITI—THE Court of Appeal, Ado Ekiti Division has reserved judgment on the appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State challenging the victory of Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose at the June 21, 2014 governorship election Mr. Fayose, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate emerged winner having defeated Dr. Kayode Fayemi of APC in all the 16 local councils of the state. Not satisfied with the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Fayemi approached the tribunal praying that Fayose was not qualified to contest the election having been impeached as the governor of the state in 2006 among others But the election petitions tribunal on December 19, 2014 dismissed the petition and upheld Fayose’s election.

At yesterday’s sitting at the Court of Appeal, the five-man panel led by Justice Abdu Aboki after hearing submissions of both parties adjourned for judgment

I never admitted Ekiti election was rigged —ADESIYAN

By Gbenga Olarinoye

A

DO EKITI—MINISTER of Police Affairs, Alhaji Abdul Jelili Adesiyan, yesterday, said tha he did not admit that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, colluded with the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to rig June 21, 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State to favour Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The minister, while reacting through his Chief Press Secretary, Wale Akinola, to the media reports that he admitted the Ekiti election was rigged through the aid of the security personnel, said the reports were not only misleading, unfounded but also calculated attempt to tarnish his image.

The statement read in part: “My attention has been drawn to the media reports which purportedly claimed that I admitted that the Ekiti election was rigged in favour of Governor Ayodele Fayose."

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Fresh crisis looms in Bayelsa PDP over alleged substitution plot

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bayelsa State may be heading for fresh crisis following alleged plot by the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu and the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, to substitute the party ’s Bayelsa West senatorial district’s candidate, Foster Ogola with Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

The plot to replace Ogola with the incumbent Senator Lokpobiri, the First Lady ’s alleged candidate, it was learned, has reached an advance stage.

Lokpobiri lost out in the primary election of the party at Sagbama, Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, where Ogola was declared winner.

But the ticket was contested

by Lokpobiri after winning a parallel primary election, the result of which was rejected by the national leadership of the party.

It was learned that Mu’azu had been drafted into the First

Lady ’s scheme to seek alternative ways of replacing Ogola with Lokpobiri.

A party source who spoke on condition of anonymity said “ very soon” Mu’azu will, through the PDP, file a suit at

the Federal High Court to that effect.

He said lawyers attached to the PDP were already working on the legal documents and will soon institute a case at the Federal High Court sitting in

Yenagoa to reclaim the party’s ticket from Ogola.

Among other things, he said the substitution case will argue that Ogola’s name was sent to INEC in error.

BRIEFING: From left: Chief Tony Ezeagwu, Chairman, Labour Party, Delta State; Chief Great Ogboru, Labour Party governorship candidate in Delta State and Obarisi Ovie OmoAgege, Delta Central senatorial candidate, during a press briefing by Chief Ogboru, on the forthcoming general elections, in Asaba. Photo: Nath Onojake.

PDP can’t postpone May 29 handover date —OSHIOMHOLE coming up with issues. The through with them and get on

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has reacted to the postponement of the February general elections by six weeks, saying that the May 29 handover date of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led Federal Government to the All Progressives Congress, APC, cannot be postponed as no one can postpone Christmas.

Speaking while receiving some defectors from the PDP in Benin City, Oshiomhole, said: “You heard what happened.

They said they have postponed the elections. Few days back, they called us for a meeting of the Council of States and we said they should go ahead and conduct the elections. In any event, we are not the only country with security challenges.

Even in Afghanistan and Iraq, elections were held.

“So, whether they postpone the elections or not, we won’t fight. They can’t postpone Christmas. I want to appeal to all of you, nobody should be angry because I know you were ready for Saturday’s elections.

Only a debtor thinks tomorrow is far. Everybody has seen they don’t want elections. They sponsored discussions on television, Prof Attahiru Jega

said that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was not the issue, so they came up with security.

“If they like, let them keep

elections will hold. So, I urge you, just take it easy. The six weeks will cost us more resources and time because we thought we would contest the elections in February, get

with our lives but they decided to postpone the elections. But let me ask you, a child that is due to arrive after nine months, how long can you prevent it from birthing?"

Polls postponement, blessing to Nigeria —OSHEVIRE

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—FORMER member of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Abel Oshevire, yesterday, said that the postponement of the polls earlier scheduled for February to March 28 and April 11 by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was a big blessing to the country.

Oshevire, in a statement, said: “To me, the postponement is a big blessing because given the state of preparedness by INEC, it would have been a monumental disaster if the elections had held as scheduled.

“I commend Prof. Attahiru Jega for his honesty and courage in taking that bold decision that saved the country from being plunged into an unprecedented chaos that would have attended the conduct of the elections where

many people would have been disenfranchised.

“We thank God for intervening in the situation because how would INEC have been able to train all its

adhoc staff needed to conduct the elections without running into serious challenges that would have called the outcome of the entire exercise to question."

RIVERS GOV POLL: Abe, David-West canvass votes for Peterside

By Gbenga Oke

F

ORMER Minister of Petroleum, Professor Tam David-West and Senator representing Rivers-East senatorial district, Senator Magnus Abe, have called on Rivers people to vote the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, because he has an impeccable character and is God fearing.

The duo, who spoke at different rallies in Buguma and Gokana areas of Rivers

State, described Peterside as humane, God-fearing, competent and stable.

According to West, “I love Peterside because he has God on his side. I know he will improve on the achievements of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, our son who has led our state very well."

Speaking in Gokana, Senator Abe called on all Ogoni and Rivers people to vote massively for the APC governorship candidate because he is known for his uprightness and integrity.

Celebration greets A-Ibom PDP campaign train in Abak

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HE campaign rally of the Udom/Moses 2015 Campaign Organisation in Essien Udim and Abak, Akwa Ibom State, became a carnival of sorts as the team arrived at the venues to a tumultous reception.

Prided as great beneficiaries of the leadership of Chief Godswill Akpabio, the two neighbouring local government areas displayed a high level of support that can easily guarantee victory for any candidate in an election.

Speaking at the rally in Afaha Ikot Ebak, headquaters of Essien Udim, Mr Emmanuel Udom, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, promised to do more to create wealth and empowerment from the vast oil palm and other agricultural resources in the area.

Group seeks support for Okowa/ Otuaro

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ORE Democrats for Prosperity, CDP, has said that the Ifeanyi Okowa/Otuaro, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship ticket was perfect partnership for prosperity given the detribalised credentials of the duo and urged Deltans for support.

CDP, in a statement by Louis Otuisi and others, said Otuaro’s peace resolution skills which halted hostilities in the inter-ethnic Warri crisis in 2004 holds foundation for enduring peace and prosperity in Delta State.

It noted that the Sen. Okowa’s SMART agenda draws from Okowa’s experience in various tiers and arms of government and holds prospect for massive transformation of communities from rural to urban status and move Deltans to attain wealth through feasible programmes.

The group has begun a door to door campaign in Patani Local Government Area of the state for the PDP.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—13

A-Ibom requires 16,016 support staff for polls —REC

By Tom Moses

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YO—AKWA Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Austin Okojie, yesterday justified the postponement of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to March 28 and April 11, 2015, disclosing that the commission will require 16, 016 support staff for the rescheduled elections.

The REC explained in an interview with Vanguard in Uyo, that the postponement of the elections would enable the commission at all levels to address the problems which would have emanated from insufficient Card Readers procurement and distribution, Personal Voter Cards, PVCs and other logistic issues.

Okojie expressed optimism that the period would enable the Federal Government and security agencies in the country to address the escalating security challenges in the North-Eastern part of the country.

Okojie noted that he will require 16, 016 support staff comprising Senior Polling Officers, SPOs, Presiding

Officers, POs, Assistant Presiding Officers, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members, former NYSC members and final year students in Federal Government institutions for

the conduct of the polls in the state.

Okojie, who was returning from supervision of centres where the ad-hoc staff, NYSC members, former NYSC members and other categories

of staff were under-going training to ensure the conduct of a globally attested electoral standard, appealed to Akwa Ibom people to bear with the commission over the rescheduled elections.

By Godfrey Bivbere

I

AWARD: From left: Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs. Sola DavidBorha; a guest, Mr. Roland Ojokojo; his wife and Regional Manager, North West, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs. Yetunde Sanni and Managing Director, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Yinka Sanni, at the Stanbic IBTC 2014 Mark of Excellence Awards, in Lagos.

ALLEGED N1.5BN LARGESS: Keep me out of your dispute, Oshiomhole tells Ize-Iyamu

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has told the state Coordinator of Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organisation, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu not to get him involved in the crisis between him and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, youths in the state who accused him of diverting N1.5 billion meant for the youths when the campaign train of President Goodluck Jonathan visited the state last week.

The protesting PDP youths had vowed to continue the protest until the money was made available to them before some leaders of the party waded into the matter to calm the youths, assuring that no such money was provided.

In his reaction, Ize-Iyamu had accused Governor Oshiomhole and the All Progressives Congress, APC, of fuelling the crisis with a view to destabilising the PDP before the forthcoming general elections.

Oshiomhole, who reacted while receiving PDP defectors into the APC in Oredo, said: “I watched on television the protest by PDP youths asking for their money from Pastor. N3,000 each was budgeted for the

Fish poaching, piracy draining Nigeria's foreign exchange —Ex-NITOA boss

youths but they were given N500. The youths now said Pastor cannot be building new estates and leave them hungry, so he must produce the money.

“Rather than Ize-Iyamu addressing the issue of the missing money, because I am not a PDP member, he was saying that the allegation was

an attempt by political opponents to discredit him and he was mentioning my name.

Please he should leave me out of his problem and settle the boys. As I was watching him on TV, he agreed that money came, but he refused to disclose how much he received.

“No genuine pastor can be a

politician. The boys said this pastor has been using them but today they will tell him we are not fools. These PDP people believe everybody is a fool. A party that can even defraud the poor has no conscience and that is why they cannot know peace because you cannot have peace without justice and fairness.”

MMEDIATE past President of the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association, NITOA, Margaret Orakwusi, has said that the country was losing huge foreign exchange as well as e m p l o y m e n t opportunities for youths to fish poaching and piracy attacks on fishing trawlers operating in the country.

Orakwusi told Vanguard in Lagos, that the persistent pirate attacks had forced a lot of indigenous operators out of the business.

She noted that the number of companies operating in the sector in 2005/06 were about 39, adding that the number had reduced to nine in 2014.

“Fish trawling is a capital intensive project and fish trawling also brings the much needed foreign exchange. There was a time the industry ranked second to the oil industry in foreign exchange earnings. I will like to see us go back to that period."

Rivers women endorse Wike-Banigo gov ticket

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HOUSANDS of Rivers State women, yesterday, unanimously endorsed the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate and his deputy, Nyesom Wike/Ipalibo HarryBanigo ticket, giving the team the mandate to revive the state.

The women who participated in the women rally for WikeBanigo, said that the state will be transformed when the team assumes leadership on May 29, 2015.

Speaking at the rally, Rivers State deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Harry-Banigo, assured Rivers women that the incoming PDP administration will reposition the state for the benefit of all residents.

Banigo said that the incoming administration will ensure the welfare of women across the state.

She said that their administration will not disappoint Rivers women as it was committed to changing the fortunes of the state.

According to her, the future of Rivers women was embedded

in PDP as the opposition party has no place for women in its framework.

She said: “I urge Rivers women not to have anything to do with the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the party has

no consideration for women in its ranks. The future of Rivers women is embedded in PDP as the party has made a woman the deputy governor hopeful and a key participant in the decision making process of the state.”

POLLS: Bayelsa monarchs turn prayer warriors for Jonathan

By Samuel Oyadongha

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E N A G O A — MONARCHS of E/A Oil Fields in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have turned prayer warriors for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The traditional rulers, under the aegis of Traditional Rulers Prayer Warriors, in Yenagoa, said they will not rest until President Jonathan emerges

victorious in the March 28 presidential election.

Chairman of E/A Oil Field Traditional Rulers, Decca Keredei, who disclosed this, said they had also endorsed President Jonathan and his vice president, Namadi Sambo, for a second term in office.

He said one of the reasons for endorsing the duo for re-election was to further strengthen the peace and unity of the country.

The royal father noted that

despite the security challenges bedeviling the country, the Jonathan administration had performed creditably in the areas of road construction and rehabilitation, rail transportation, aviation and agriculture, among others.

Calling on Nigerians to shun violence and politics of bitterness, he condemned the recent attacks on the convoy of President Jonathan in some parts of the North.

C M Y K

14 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

10 political parties condemn polls shift

Buhari asks court to dismiss suits seeking to disqualify him

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

By Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA — A group of ten political parties under the aegis of Coalition of Progressive Political Parties, COP3, yesterday, joined in the condemnation of last Saturday ’s postponement of the 2015 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The group, which blamed the INEC chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, for what it described as playing into the hands of the Presidency, through the service chiefs, warned against any attempt by Presidency to remove Jega, saying it would go all out to resist any such action.

At a press conference, in Abuja, the parties said they were deeply disappointed by the decision of the commission to postpone the elections that were scheduled to commence next Saturday, with the presidential and National Assembly elections.

A

BUJA — THE Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), yesterday, queried the competence of two separate suits seeking to disqualify him from contesting against President Goodluck Jonathan on March 28.

The suits that came up for mention yesterday were the ones that were lodged against the APC presidential candidate by two plaintiffs, Mr. Chukwunweike Okafor and Mr. Max Ozoaka, who were both represented in court by their lawyers.

This was even as the APC sent a team of six Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun and Prince Lateef Fagbemi, to represent Buhari in the matter.

Ozoaka who is represented by four SANs, is also seeking for an order of court declaring as invalid the INEC Form C.F. 001 as filled and submitted by Buhari “as being inchoate and manifestly in contravention of the provisions of the Electoral Act.” He argued that Buhari’s failure/ refusal to attach evidence of his

birth certificate and educational qualifications, “ which are conditions inherent/ precedent as prescribed in the form,” was in breach of relevant laws in Nigeria pertaining to presidential election.

Consequently, he prayed the court to declare the Form CF. 001 that was submitted to INEC by Buhari for the 2015 presidential election as incompetent.

Meantime, Buhari, yesterday, challenged the propriety of orders that were made by Justice Ademola Adeniyi granting leave to the plaintiffs to serve the court processes on him via substituted means.

The court also granted an order of abridgment of time within which the defendants must respond to the suits.

However, both Buhari and his party, told the court that they would file applications to challenge the competence of the suits and for the court to set aside all the steps that have been taken in the matter so far.

Thus, they applied for a short adjournment to enable them to file all the necessary documents.

POLLS SHIFT: Canada worries, ECOWAS cautions

By Victoria Ojeme

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B U J A — T h e Canadian government has expressed concern over the shift of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Parliamentary Secretary to Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, Deepak Obhrai, said in a statement: “The people of Nigeria must be allowed to exercise their democratic right to choose their representatives through free, fair, peaceful and credible elections.

“All institutions of state as well

as political parties and candidates must uphold democratic values. It is particularly important that security agencies provide security for elections in an impartial manner, and that journalists are allowed unfettered access in reporting on the election process.”

Meanwhile, ECOWAS has called on all the political actors in the country to respect the decision by INEC and accept it in good faith.

While noting the concerns and disappointment of Nigerians and all other stakeholders occasioned by the shift, the commission

urged all Nigerians to abide by the democratic process and uphold the rule of law.

It said in a statement in Abuja: “ECOWAS has noted the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to respectively postpone the presidential and national legislative elections scheduled to hold on February 14 to March 28, 2015, and the governorship and state legislative elections from February 28 to April 11, 2015, as a result of security challenges.”

It also called on security services to remain dedicated towards restoring normalcy in the North East of the country.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—15

PVC distribution should be taken to wards, Ohanaeze tells INEC

By Chris Onuoha

L

AGOS — THE Central Working Committee of Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, to decentralise the distribution of Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, in Lagos State to enable non-indigenes in the state get their cards before the forthcoming election rescheduled to start March 28, 2015.

In a statement by president of the chapter, Fabian Onwughalu, who made the call at a media briefing in Lagos, expressed displeasure with the distribution of PVCs in in the state, describing it as a calculated attempt to disenfranchise Ndigbo in Lagos.

According to him, developments in INEC offices in some local government areas and Local council development areas in Lagos indicates that INEC officials give voters cards to certain leaders of Lagos indigenes to distribute to their people who cannot queue at their offices, while the same denied

non-indigenes.

Lamenting manner the cards were being distributed and the subsequent non-inclusion or disappearance of names of mostly Igbo residents in Lagos from the INEC computers, he said: “It is unjust and unacceptable.

“Ndigbo residents in Lagos are predominantly traders and the harsh condition placed by INEC

for people to pick their PVCs at local government offices is cumbersome, which also affects their business hours.”

Onwughalu called on INEC to decentralise the distribution of cards to wards or selected recognised leaders of various associations in the state to give to their people.

Representatives of various Igbo

groups, under the umbrella of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, present at the meeting lent their voices to the condemnation of the manner PVCs were distributed, and asked INEC to put things right before the election or allow people to use their Temporary Voters Cards, TVCs, since it was becoming difficult to collect the PVCs.

ANNIVERSARY: President, Igbobi College Old Boys Association, Mr. Tom Ipaye (right), presenting merit award in category of professional excellence in journalism to Mr. Muyiwa Adetiba (middle), while his wife, Iguehi, looks on, at the Igbobi College Old Boys Association 83rd Founders' Day anniversary annual luncheon and merit award ceremony, in Lagos, Sunday. Mr. Adetiba was the pioneer editor of Vanguard Newspapers. Photo: Akeem Salau

JONATHAN'S ENDORSEMENT: Igbo Delegates Assembly

battles Ohanaeze

By Innocent Anaba

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HE CRISIS rocking the Igbo apex body OhanaezeNdigbo over the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan has taken a new twist as the Igbo Delegates Assembly, has distanced itself from the endorsement of the President for a second term in office.

In a statement after its meeting, yesterday, in Abuja, by Chief S. Iyamah, the President General, in a statement,, called on all Igbo in the North to remain where they stayed and collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, just as it called on Federal government to protect their lives and investments.

The statement read: “Ndi-Igbo in the North, under the umbrella of Igbo Delegate Assembly, have not adopted anybody as our presidential candidate as we are yet to recover from the devastation of the 2011 post-election violence, we are still consulting with major stakeholders.

“We appeal to our members to

Chidoka woos Anambra voters for Jonathan

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA — AVIATION Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka is leading top officials of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State to the three senatorial zones of the state for a final push at wooing voters for President Goodluck Jonathan.

Apart from meetings with members of the state presidential campaign committee, Chidoka has also addressed traditional rulers in the three zones during which he spoke of the need to ensure peace in their domains before, during and after the elections scheduled for March 28, 2015.

He also urged the royal fathers to go to their various domains and educate their subjects on the need to collect their permanent voter cards, PVCs, and ensure that peace reigned in their

communities, during and after the elections.

Speaking in an interview after one of the meetings at Obosi in Idemili North local government area, Chidoka said PDP recognized the fatherly role of the traditional rulers in their various communities, adding that for a peaceful poll, the royal fathers should prevail on their subjects to maintain peace.

The minister explained that with the issue of the rightful candidates of the party settled, stakeholders had started strategizing on how to work as one family to ensure that President Goodluck Jonathan was voted overwhelmingly in Anambra State.

“Victory for us means that PDP candidates win in all the elections in Anambra and we must therefore ensure that our supporters and voters come out and vote and the only way they

can vote is for our people to collect their PVCs and use them on the day of the election,” Chidoka said.

Meanwhile, the state coordinator of the Presidential Campaign Committee, Chief Okey Ezenwa has said that in addition to ensuring that President Jonathan secures majority of the votes in Anambra State, his committee would assist the various candidates for other elective positions in their campaigns.

He said: “You are aware that the Court of Appeal has taken decision on who are the candidates of PDP in Anambra State and so, we don’t have any confusion about the candidates in PDP any longer.”

Ezenwa said it is a known fact that Anambra is predominantly a PDP state, adding that the party would work hard to ensure victory at all levels.

remain peaceful and vigilant wherever they are in the North in particular and Nigeria, get their PVCs and participate in all the election, nobody should run away from his station as we remain bona fide citizens of Nigeria. We appeal to the President and all security agencies to guarantee our safety and that of our investments.

“For the Igbo Delegates which is made up of Ndigbo in all the 19 states of the North and FCT and all the affiliate Igbo leaderships in the north, for record purposes and avoidance of doubts, Ndigbo in the North are the second largest ethnic group in every nook and cranny of the country. We are domiciled in every village in the northern Nigeria and interact peacefully with our host communities.

“Unfortunately, politics has brought another dimension to our peaceful co-existence. Politics, religion and tribalism have once again put the Igbo man in the North on a slaughter slab. Tension is high and that dependable instinct of self-preservation has come to the fore with its attendant backlash.

"We shall all be disenfranchised if we leave the North, we shall suffer social and economic disruption, our children will drop out of school and our meals no longer regular. These discomforts are better than death."

POLLS SHIFT:

Abia govt warns trouble makers

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA— FOLLOWING the shift of this month’s polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Abia State government, yesterday, warned those planning to protest against the commission in Aba to desist or incur its wrath.

The government told politicians behind the planned protest to steer clear of Aba and, indeed, the whole of Abia State, stressing that security agencies had been put on the alert.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Theodore Orji, Charles Ajunwa, the government said though the constitution allowed freedom of speech and association, they should be applied responsibly.

“In as much as the 1999 Constitution (as amended) allows for freedom of speech, association and movement, these unpatriotic politicians should not use Aba as base for perpetrating their evil intentions thereby portraying Aba as where anything goes."

Elechi, lawmakers at daggers drawn over LG polls

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—THE crisis between Ebonyi State government and members of the state House of Assembly appears not over as Governor Martin Elechi has put modalities in place to conduct fresh local government elections.

Chairmen and councillors had challenged the local government polls on October 5, 2013, at the Court of Appeal against the ruling of Federal High Court, Abakaliki.

The Federal High Court had set aside the amendment of the state Electoral Act by the House and nullified the last local government election.

The court had nullified the election on the ground that the open ballot system adopted by Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, EBSIEC, negated the right to individual privacy.

16 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Okorocha shuns CAN interactive session in Owerri

By Chidi Nkwopara & Chinonso Alozie

O

W E R R I — GOVERNORSHIP candidates of all registered political parties in Imo State, except Governor Rochas Okorocha, yesterday honoured the invitation of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the state for an interactive session at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Egbu.

Flagging off the discussion, the Anglican Bishop of Okigwe South, Rt. Rev. David O.C. Onuoha, who also chaired the event, admonished candidates, not to overheat the polity, as

whosoever was not lucky this time, should look forward to 2019.

“Any candidate that fails to clinch the governorship seat this time, should look forward to 2019. We can only have one governor at a time.

“We look forward to seeing a situation when other candidates will gladly congratulate the successful candidate,” Bishop Onuoha pleaded.

He appealed to the contestants to implored their supporters not to destroy other contestants’ posters and billboards, stressing that the stories flying in the state were very disturbing.

Addressing the congregation, the

governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, said his attitude and thinking were peopleoriented, promising that if elected, his interest would be youth empowerment.

Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, decried what he termed the misgovernance going on in the state, promising that comatose industries will come back to life.

Vanguard recalls that the theme of the interactive session was “Let God choose through his people, who governs Imo State”, while one of the highlights of the event was the denouncing of membership of secret cults by all the candidates present.

PDP masterminded polls shift to avert defeat — NGIGE

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

O

NITSHA—THE senator representing Anambra Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, has reacted to the postponement of the general elections from February to March and

April, this year, accusing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP of masterminding the pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to postpone the exercise.

According to the former governor, the essence is simply to avert imminent electoral defeat of the PDP, if the elections were

‘Sen Okonkwo remains PDP candidate for Anambra Central’

T

HE campaign organization of Senator Annie Okonkwo, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, for the March 28 elections, have described as wild and baseless rumours that he has been replaced as the candidate of the party by another aspirant.

In a release by the campaign organization signed by Collins Steve Ugwu, they stated that “It is regrettably worrisome, how undisguised desperation blinds some people to reality.”

The statement reads in part: ''How else can a simple straight forward judgement elude the grasp of sensational aspirants whose noise repel decency.

“For the avoidance of doubt and to keep the records straight, we make bold to state categorically and to inform our teeming loyal supporters that Sen. Annie Okonkwo, at this

very moment and to the conduct of the elections remains and will remain the candidate of Anambra Central Senatorial District under the accommodating umbrella of the PDP. “The Court of Appeal ruling that has been so recklessly adapted to this comical orchestra to purport that our distinguished Sen Annie Okonkwo has been replaced as the candidate never made such consequential order. Rather, it cautiously reaffirmed his eminent position as the party's candidate by returning everyone to status quo ante bellum.

“This status quo is that ‘the validly elected PDP candidate for Anambra Central, whose name is validly submitted to INEC and whose validity shall subsist is Senator Okonkwo. ''We appreciate the goodwill of our loyal supporters that have sustained and energized our campaign.”

allowed to hold as scheduled.

The presidential/National Assembly elections and governorship/State House of Assembly Elections previously scheduled to hold on February 14 and 28, 2015 were postponed to March 28 and April 11, 2015 respectively by INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, who cited security challenges and logistics problems as reasons for the postponement.

But Senator Ngige, while reacting to the announcement of the postponement 24 hours after a mammoth crowd of party supporters and members welcomed his campaign train to Isiagu, Nibo, Umuawulu and Mbaukwu towns of Awka South II constituency (Obizi), faulted the postponement.

He expressed doubt that the six weeks given, within which to tackle the challenges to the polls, would be met.

According to him, the ruling PDP has lost steam, having not performed to convince the electorate to return the party to power.

He stressed that the opposition party, All Progressives Congress, APC, would disgrace PDP any time the polls were held.

He canvassed support for APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), pointing out that Ndigbo would be better off under the APC administration than PDP.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 17

I

F Nigeria is a nation of laws and of the rule of law, the presidential candidacy of Muhammadu Buhari should end this week. The reason is well-known to all. Buhari swore an oath on his INEC application that his credentials are with the military. This turned out to be a lie. The military has come out to deny that it has Buhari’s credentials.

That means Buhari committed perjury instead of fulfilling INEC requirements. For this reason, he must be disqualified from contesting the presidential election.

The matter has been taken to court and the courts should decide the matter this week. I am not a lawyer, but from my layman’s perspective, this is an open and shut case. Buhari lied willfully. As a former military secretary of the Nigerian Army, he knew that the military does not keep any credentials of its service-men.

Nevertheless, he lied on oath that his credentials are with the military. He must face the penalty for this perjury. There can be debate about whether, and for how long, he should go to jail. However, there can be no question about his resultant ineligibility to contest: he must be disqualified.

To overlook this infraction is to succumb to Buhari’s appraisal that Nigeria is corrupt. If we are going to deal with corruption, we must not fail to deal with the likes of Buhari, who are contemptuous of the laws of the land. Buhari’s false affidavit is corruption. The disqualification of Buhari by the courts will be a testament to the determination of the judiciary to show zero tolerance for corruption in the coming new dispensation.

Some of us have watched APC make a song and dance about the possibility of postponing the 2015 elections. The party brought out all its big guns to tell us that the election cannot be postponed. They insisted that if it is postponed all hell would break lose. Well, the election has been postponed and nothing has happened.

It has been postponed and the APC can do nothing about it.

It was postponed according to the law.

Similarly, the heavens will not fall with the lawful disqualification of Buhari.

Of all those APC could present as its presidential candidate, it chose a man without the appropriate credentials.

APC has nobody to blame but itself for this fiasco. It has forfeited its chance of presenting a candidate for the 2015 presidential election. The contest should now be between the remaining 13 presidential candidates .

Shikenan!

JEGA MUST IMMEDIATELY

GO

The excuse used to force Attahiru Jega to postpone the elections is the inability to provide effective security given the insurgency in the C M Y K

$1.00 is equal to N4.2 trillionnearly a year ’s federal budget.”

If so, how can Buhari believe an a mount nearly equal to

The end of Buhari's presidential candidacy North-East. However, there is little likelihood that the security situation will improve within the next six weeks of the postponement. So, strictlyspeaking, security has nothing to do with the postponement.

One major reason for the postponement was to prevent INEC from compromising the election.

INEC has long ceased to be a disinterested umpire in this election. The evidence is now overwhelming that INEC is determined to bias the election in favour of Muhammadu Buhari and the APC. This is evident in INEC’s determination to go ahead with the election in spite of the fact that out of 68 million registered voters, over 20 million have yet to receive their permanent voter ’s cards (PVCs).

It is remarkable that, in announcing the postponement, Jega conveniently forgot to mention the nagging issue of the inadequacies of INEC in providing voters with their PVCs. It is also remarkable that Jega briefed the Council of State that INEC was ready to conduct the elections. This was one big lie. You cannot be ready to conduct elections when there is a cacophony of complaints, especially in the South, that people are unable to claim their PVCs. Given the time it took INEC to distribute 40 million PVCs, it could not have realistically expected to be able to distribute the outstanding 20 million in just one week?

APC has forfeited its chance of presenting a candidate for the 2015 presidential election

INEC rigmarole What is even more sinister is INEC’s willful determination to disenfranchise select geopolitical regions which represent areas of strength for Goodluck Jonathan. Credible Alternative Alliance, an independent political interest organization led by former Kaduna State gover nor, Balarabe Musa, observed in

INEC activities: “a criminal gross disparity of voter spread designed to tilt the election to a pre-determined outcome.”

It said: “Voters in the zones that tend to support President Goodluck Jonathan are massively disenfranchised by the application of the so-called PVCs debacle, 40% to 50% of voters in these regions who are lawfully and duly registered to vote will be denied their right to vote by INEC. That is nearly half of the support base of the President, simply nullified by administrative failure prior to the election.

By comparison, the zones that tend to support Buhari are handed a massive voter advantage, nearly 80% of his support base will be allowed to cast their votes by INEC.” “In an election, which many say will be won or lost by a slim margin, to now disenfranchise 20 million voters through a questionable and unlawful rule by INEC is not acceptable by any measure. CAA condemns in its entirety this attempt by INEC to undermine our nascent democracy through this criminal enterprise to determine the outcome of this election before the ballot is cast.”

This position is corroborated by d ifferent

observers in the field. INEC needs to explain how more people in the war-torn NorthEast have collected their PVCs than in the South-West, SouthSouth and South-East. In the APC strongholds of the NorthWest and the North-East, 80.18% and 81.09% collection rates were recorded respectively. In the NorthCentral, the figure was 69.89%.

However, the figures in the South were significantly lower than these. In the South-East, it was 59.22%. South-South:

66.66%; and South-West 43.15%.

Since INEC under Jega is no longer an independent umpire but is now clearly working for the opposition, Jega should be sent on compulsory leave and a temporary chairman should be nominated to handle the elections. Jega can no longer be trusted.

THE MISCHIEF OF FORMER CBN GOVERNOR, LAMIDO SANUSI Former Central Bank governor,

Lamido Sanusi, caused uproar when he declared that $49.8 billion of Nigeria’s oil money was missing, allegedly diverted by the NNPC. For a Central Bank governor, the

statement was not only irresponsible, it was downright mischievous. If it were not that Nigeria is an innumerate society where we have little or no understanding of figures, it would have been obvious that, for the size of the Nigerian economy, it was impossible for such a large sum to be missing.

However, the allegation fell into the narrative of the opposition APC party which was determined to portray the Jonathan Administration as the most corrupt in the history of Nigeria. There was a lot of hue and cry in the press about the missing money; after all, the claim was made by the Central Bank governor no less.

However, the governor seemed to have plucked the missing figure out of thin air.

Soon, it was not $49.8 billion at all, but $10.8 billion.

Then again, it was no longer $10.8 billion but $20 billion.

It should have been clear from all this that the CBN

governor was just fibbing. But in Nigeria, we are socialissed to believe the worst.

School-certificate economics General Buhari, the APC presidential candidate, has used this fictitious $20 billion dollars to preach his own school-certificate economics on the campaign stump. He said: “$20 Billion at N210 to

Nigeria’s annual federal budget could possibly be missing? No matter how corrupt a nation can be, it is ridiculous to presume that public officers would go ahead and steal the entire annual federal budget?

Haba! Buhari then used this malarkey to formulate his own voodoo economics.

He said: “If it is true that this sum cannot be accounted for, this is grossest form of corruption. Just think at N5 million per vehicle, this money would have bought 840,000 patrol vehicles; (this would have improved security in every town and village in the country). At N13.5 million for a high capacity bus this money would have bought 311,000 buses; (this would have revolutionised the transport and production side of the economy).”

It is this kind of rudimentary economics that Buhari has been presenting as an excuse for an economic policy to Nigerians in this election season. Just listen to this vain platitude from our eminent retired general. He says: “The monies we realised from anti-corruption campaign will be adequately used to improve education in the country.” Now that is an economic policy that is practically meaningless.

Forensic audit Because of the nuisance value of men like Buhari, the Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala was constrained to ask for a forensic audit of NNPC accounts in order to put the matter to rest. She chose PricewaterhouseCoopers

(PwC); one of the big four auditors in the world, along with Deloitte, EY and KPMG. PwC has now provided a conclusive report that shows Sanusi’s allegation of a missing $20 billion is one big fabrication. This matter needs to be emphasized now that the report is out. Lamido Sanusi lied. The Central Bank governor deliberately cried wolf when he jolly well knew there was no wolf. He was just determined to malign and discredit the government; and he was playing a script to the benefit of the opposition APC. This then lends credence to the PDP allegation that Sanusi was an APC mole in the government. Indeed, the PDP claims Sanusi gave the APC 1 billion naira of Central Bank money to open its offices nationwide. It also maintains that a fraudulent N48 billion contract was awarded by Sanusi’s CBN to a leader of the APC, while a further N5 billion was paid to another APC member as consultancy fee. So much for APC’s anticorruption hogwash!

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 SIX weeks are not eternity as we would find out soon. Whatever the reasons for postponement of the elections, some fundamental issues about these elections have not been addressed. They include distriAbution of PVCs and the fidelity of the card readers. Will these, in addition to the security concerns, be tackled in manners that would result in free and fair elections?

Another issue is the powers of our public institutions and unlawful use of their powers.

In this instance, the security agencies played an unexpected role in the postponement of the elections. Their apparent refusal to provide security for the elections, something akin to a mutiny, raises new questions about the control of security agencies.

Their position appeared to have ultimately decided the fate of the elections. It would really worry anyone who is interested in the country that after years of preparations, with the investments that various parties and individuals have made in the elections, some individuals – who should be taking orders – would give orders to call off the elections.

Would six months be enough to fully deal a fatal blow on the insurgents, something the security forces have not been able to do in five years? What will happen if they don’t?

After Postponing Elections Other reasons abound for worries. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is still not ready. Professor Attahiru Jega, its Chairman, was in-charge when the previous general elections were postponed.

The 2011 postponement was so late that some voters were already being accredited when Jega made the announcement on national television. The issue then was nonavailability of voting materials.

Jega spent the past four years promoting INEC’s readiness. During each of the stand alone governorship elections in Anambra,

Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Cross River, Kogi, Imo, Ondo, Osun States, INEC excused its lapses with claims that its experiments would result in improved elections in 2015. The poor distribution of the permanent voter ’s cards, PVCs, and the non-readiness of some materials required for the elections are question marks on the preparations that INEC made.

INEC threw in the additional drivel that it had not completed the training of casual staff it hired for the elections – all these with days to the polls. INEC is still not open enough about the state of its readiness. When it releases statistics like 65.68 per cent for collection of PVCs, it is giving the national average. It is unwillingly to state that some States have less than 50 per cent collection rate, even those outside the troubled parts.

Unless Nigerians keep their eyes on the ball, the six-week postponement would prove inadequate. A further postponement could throw the country into a crisis she does not have mechanisms to handle. These elections should hold on the re-scheduled dates, even if all parts of Nigeria are not ready as Section 26(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) had anticipated.

OPINION

By Peter Obi Continued from yesterday pg 18

T

HE attainments of the programme to date have been acknowledged across the country -- in jobs generated, projects implemented and its sustainability prospects. For instance, one of its components [Public Works and Women/Youth Empowerment -- PW/WYE scheme] has been generating several thousands of direct, quick employment opportunities for women and youths in labour-intensive projects.

For Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises [MSMEs], a N200 billion Fund is operational to offer inexpensive, long-term support for youth and women entrepreneurs; with foci on credit, insurance, capacity building and interest draw-back. The Fund is thus facilitating job/wealth creation, innovations and general economic development of the country. Tremendous boosts to the operations of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria [SMEDAN] have also engendered concrete support for the MSME sector, especially in entrepreneurship development.

The Graduate Internship Scheme [GIS] has provided thousands of unemployed & underemployed C M Y K

Taking on the youth development challenge(2) graduate youths with platforms to acquire skills and experiences relevant to the labour market.

The Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria [You WIN] programme of the present dispensation provides one-time equity grants of N1 million--N10 million to each of 1,200 selected aspiring entrepreneurs to start/ expand their business concepts and cushion start-up risks. The facilities are further expected to generate some 110,000 new jobs for unemployed Nigerian youths over a three-year period. There is also provision for training 6,000 aspiring youth entrepreneurs as well as business expansion, specialization and spinoffs, and exposure to professional networks.

Youths are not some strange elements in our midst, but catalysts for meaningful and sustainable development and an assured future

The administration remains committed to the Niger-Delta Amnesty/Post-Amnesty programmes. Aside from investments in the training of affected youths in various institutes across the world, over 5,000 others are enrolled in formal educational institutions and vocational centres locally and abroad.

There are now thousands of beneficiaries skilled in welding/ fabrication, entrepreneurship, pipefitting, carpentry, plumbing, oil drilling, electrical installation, ICT, and marine-related activities. Total investments to date are in excess of N155 billion.

The Jonathan administration reinvigorated the Petroleum Technology Development Fund [PTDF] to boost Nigerian capacities in engineering, geology, geo-sciences, management, economics and other relevant fields for the oil, gas and solid minerals sectors. Aside from direct scholarships to Nigerian beneficiaries, there are donations of infrastructure, furniture, publications/libraries, machinery and equipment to several educational institutions in the country.

The NYSC Venture Price competition [operated by the Central Bank of Nigeria] promotes the

entrepreneurship spirit and expertise in national youth service members; to encourage them pursue selfemployment options. Their exposure includes rudiments of investment/ feasibility reports, business start-ups and expansion.

Even as the youth development programmes and activities of the Jonathan administration are yielding positive outcomes, there are challenges ahead. The populations of the unemployed and unengaged youths are teeming, what with accumulated neglect over the decades and increasing number of products from the nation’s educational institutions.

Youth development in Nigeria poses a collective responsibility.

Governments at all tiers, their institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, donor agencies and endowed individuals are all stakeholders. Youths are not some strange elements in our midst, but catalysts for meaningful and sustainable development and an assured future.

Concluded *Mr. Obi, former governor of Anambra State, is Deputy General of the PDP National Campaign council.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015— —19

Analysing INEC's postponement

By Sunny Ikhioya

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RITING these days in the midst of passionate electioneering is becoming a challenge. There is no stand you take that will not generate reactions of bias in favour of one party or the other. It is a difficult position to be neutral. According to John Adams:"In politics, the middle way is none at all".

That is the challenge that I face as I attempt to do an analysis of the recent INEC's postponement of the 2015 elections from the February 14 to March 28th and April 11 for the presidential and governorship respectively. The postponement did not affect the politicians alone, but, every Nigerian, especially those whose business(es) have been at stand still these past few months because of the activities of the politicians and cannot wait to return to their normal activities. Unfortunately, this will have to wait for another six weeks.

We shall attempt to answer the following questions: Is it possible to have a free and credible election in the geographical space of Nigeria as it is today? Would INEC be able to conduct the elections independent of the input of the security organisations? If the elections take place and it resulted in the death of so many people like it did in 2011, who will

be held responsible ? Will the parties calling for elections to be held now, be able to provide security for the INEC and its ad hoc staff if INEC chose to go ahead with the exercise without government's security? Who stands to gain in the whole arrangement? Can we in all honesty,claim that the PVCs have been equitably and adequately distributed across the length and breadth of the country including the war ravaged states? Is the election to build on our democracy or a do or die, winner takes all war? If the opposition is in the position of President Goodluck Jonathan, will they go ahead with the elections with the present state of affairs in the country? Which is in the overall interest of the country, going ahead with the elections, which is surely bound to be defective or, postpone it forward by a few weeks? Does the postponement agree with the laws of Nigeria as contained in our constitution? Will INEC benefit from the postponement in terms of better and adequate preparations? These are the issues.

For me, the announcement did not come as a surprise. If you have been following this page, I have always wondered how free and fair elections can be conducted in the war ravaged

areas of the north east, as only a peaceful atmosphere will benefit all in the conduct of elections but other opinions have since scoffed at this suggestion. Some politicians and elders even went to the extent of demanding that elections must be conducted in these areas? I have also maintained that we needed the co-operation of all, including neighbouring countries; we can see the success been recorded now with the full involvement of the Chadian, Nigerien and Camerounian troops. It does not take rocket science to understand this, but our politicians have chosen to play politics with it, now the whole thing has come

The election is to build on our democracy, under a peaceful environment, therefore, it supersedes any individual or party interest

back to haunt us, no exception.

INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega said in his statement that, without the assistance of security agencie, INEC cannot conduct any free and fair elections. If the security says it is not safe, then it is not safe, nobody should argue with that, unless there are superior and better alternative which has to be put in the public domain.

There is no law that is promulgated in this country that does not favour a few or more individuals, like the import/ ban of some essential commodities, the new vehicle registration licensing, power holding fixed charges and so on. This one will certainly favour some parties, In this instance, I dare say the PDP stands to benefit more, as the APC seems ahead of all other parties in the campaigns, six weeks is a long time to do some catching upremember the Obama and Rumsefeld US debates. But, can we say, because it will favour the PDP, we should discard the overall national interest and allow lives to be wasted unnecessarily? The election is to build on our democracy, under a peaceful environment, therefore, it supersedes any individual or party interest. The international community must do well to understand our peculiar circumstances. Thus, the statement released from the US embassy is unacceptable. The US government cannot love this nation more. No credible and fair election can take place under an

By Patrick Dele Cole Continues from yesterday Yorubas – Music and Parties FFERVESCENT, vivacious, an almost hedonistic Commitment to pleasure, enjoyment. They make no apology for enjoyment and are open about it. At a Yoruba party, there is a sing-along ability – everybody seems to know the words, and the party goers are in full and fine voice, as they belt out song after song.

Women and girls, including our daughters see parties as a time to show off. Musicians will call out or sing out the name of each celebrant and celebrity, when he or she has the floor. Such celebrant or celebrity then sprays a lot of money, preferably, newly minted notes, in a simple and enjoyable way. The noncelebrants thereby indirectly contribute towards cost of the party, and to show affection or closeness to the celebrant. Also the floor is given to other show offs. Even so, a good guest comes with a cheque or cash in an envelope to the party.

Parties are also opportunities to find a marriageable partner, when one’s parents have been unable to secure a spouse.

The Entertainment Industry is quintessentially Yoruba. They were the first to put up canopies, the use of which has now become country wide. Lagos has over 30 Event/Entertainment Centres, some of which are owned by nonYorubas; whilst the majority are Yoruba owned.

The Yoruba love of entertainment has also stimulated other Industries in the areas of clothing, (like damask, aso oke, Ankara, woudin, and headties, etc.), hair, cosmetics, etc.

The Yoruba Party Catering Philosophy is different from that of other cultures: Thus, among the Yorubas, each member of the family, who can, creates a spending point – brother, sister, etc.

These parties encourage the Catering Industry as a whole.

Sometimes with different headgears or even asoebi, so guests know who is their host or hostess.

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The Yorubas (2) Each member of the family has different attire. They have separate kitchens and food stalls, different musicians – depending on how big the occasion is. Here I am referring to a really big party, with sibling from a polygamous marriage.

The clothes are of many designs, some of which are unique for the occasion.

Matching jewelry, shoes, handbags, and specialist head ties - some of which (like head ties) are so specialized that it is named after a celebrity, e.g., Sagoe head tie.

Style consciousness, including the use of colour in attires; promotion of elegance are all hallmarks of Yorubas culture.

The Yorubas introduced “political “parties. I duff my hats to Yoruba musicians: There is no song, in any language, which is popular that they won’t sing – from Victor Olaiya’s Anyigana, and Bakwodaya, and Rex Lawson’s Berebote, Asewo, etc.

There are other ethnic groups who also do what the Yorubas do – but not as lavish or as common as the Yorubas. A good Yoruba socialite has, at least, three or four parties to go to every weekend

James Brown’s king of soul – it’s a man’s world, P square – Igwe, and Chop my Money, African Beauty Queen by 2 face, Victor Uwaifo’s Jolomi, etc.

If you are throwing a party, one of the secrets of having a successful party is when the revelers sing along with the band or music playing. For a party, you provide catering, wine, beer and other drinks, and music. Over a hundred people do this weekly in Lagos. Yorubas have a mini carnival every weekend – The beauty of the Yoruba Language from the mouth of an expert – the cadences, the lyrics, are legendary.

The Orikis, which to the uninitiated, sound like a different language, depict the historical antecedents, particularly their ancestry, and achievements of the respective families; and the average Yoruba man and woman are keenly aware of their history, and they follow the orikis of their families. These Orikis many times correct facts, and their interpretations do help to clear misunderstandings, as well as erase misrepresentations about people and their families.

Sometimes mischievous, praise singers, in reciting the Orikis, would say something less complimentary about a person’s ancestor, especially if the member of the families is parsimonious to the singer.

Yorubas have brought Theatre Arts to the ghettos where the ordinary people live.

Many praise singers are careerists – this is all they do. There are professional masters and mistresses of ceremonies, at traditional weddings, wake keeping, receptions after burials. The late M.K.O. Abiola told us that he paid his school fees through being a professional street singer.

The depth of some of the dialects of the Yoruba Language, in some respects, is similar to those of the Ibo Language. Many Igbos from Nsukka, Afikpo, Owerri, Abriba when they speak their dialects. etc are not understood by other Igbos. But the Nsukka, Afikpo, Owerri people are able to

environment of war, such as it is in the Boko Haram ravaged areas and the threat of violence from someo geo political zones if their preferred candidates lose the presidential election. Our security agencies must be very well prepared to handle this because it is not as easy as it seems. In fact, I do not envy our security officials. The politicians have totally let them down and exposed them to unnecessary ridicule.

I have talked about the incumbency factor in the past, it is used all over the world, Jonathan will not be a good politician if he refuses to bring it to bear here, considering the barrages he has received from all corners. Even if the action favours the PDP, the APC will do the same if they are in Jonathan's position, that is the simple truth. They will even do worse, judging from their antecedents in Rivers, Lagos, Edo and other APC controlled states.

Incumbency factor cannot be taken lightly and in most cases, it determines the final outcome of an election. I guess that is why the APC wants the centre by all means.

The postponement is for the overall benefit of democracy. It is within the confines of the law as enshrined in our constitution.

We must accept it in good faith as advised by Prof. Jega. *Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

step down a gear to union Ibo to be understood.

Among the Yorubas, the Ijebus, the Ekitis, the Ondos speak a brand of Yoruba which is unintelligible to the uninitiated. But they can switch to what can be called, the Union Yoruba, which is spoken by the people of Oyo, Oshogbo, Ogbomosho, and Ibadan, to be understood. (Probably the analogy will be the Queen’s English and the Cockney of East London, or the Scottish Language. I must confess that I do not always understand what they say).

Among the Yorubas, there is an incredible network of information as to where the parties are: musicians like Christmas or other traditional events/ occasions, rather than a designated Party as such. Uninvited musicians only come to facilitate with important people only on such ceremonial occasions, area boys, etc., flock to these venues, adding the element of unpredictability to a joyous occasion. Sometimes, the situation gets too boisterous as each singing group tries to occupy and retain his territory.

Of course, there are other ethnic groups who also do what the Yorubas do – but not as lavish or as common as the Yorubas. A good Yoruba socialite has, at least, three or four parties to go to every weekend.

Some of these occasions demand three or four Aso Ebis, e.g., a funeral, may demand one Aso Ebi for the Service of Songs, one for the Burial (that is, the Church and the Interment); one for the Reception after the Burial, and another for the Outing Ceremony. It is not unusual for a family to have a party some years after the patriarch’s or matriarch’s demise; the excuse, is that the dead person has been lying in one position for too long, and he or she has to be turned to another side!!

The male Yorubas in this kaleidiscop of colour and cacophony of noise at parties come out in simple white Sokoto (trousers) and jumper or even white Agbada. The only concession they make is a head gear, cap that is the Aso oke. The Italians or French invented the chutch bag.

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

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 21

FMBN grants N1.5bn to Resort Savings and Loans

A

From left: Director of Trade, Mr. Felix Aksipata; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; Head of Mission, Taiwan Trade Mission, Mr. Morgan Chao during a bilateral meeting in Abuja.

AMNI threatens to terminate partnership with Afren All seems not to be well with the relationship between Afren Energy and Amni International. This is because Afren Energy Resources, a subsidiary of Afren PLC in the UK has received a notice of default and termination from one of its Nigerian partners, Amni International Petroleum Development Company Afren Energy, a technical service provider to Amni International in the operation of Okoro field has been having trouble lately as its share price fell from two pounds on London Stock Exchange to less than ten pence in few months.

Vanguard gathered that the genesis of the current disagreement with Amni International is the termination of the Okoro further field development project in oil mining lease (OML) 112 by Afren despite Amni’s contrary opinion. , mobile offshore production unit may cause the proposed Okoro further field development project over one hundred million USD in avoidable liquidated damages and losses.

A source close to the two companies said the crisis currently engulfing Afren on the London Stock Exchange coupled with the current low oil price

environment may have informed the decision of Afren to terminate contracts related to Okoro further field development project without due regards to the position of Amni International, who is the operator.

By the production sharing and technical services agreement between the two companies, Afren has 30 days to remedy all the defaults and complaints made by Amni, if a dispute leading to termination is to be avoided.

S the nation grapples with the challenge providing affordable housing for itscitizenry, a leading mortgage Bank, Resort Savings and Loans Plc recently got an approval for N1.5 billion mortgages for more than 125 beneficiaries under National Housing Fund Scheme in January, 2015.

Managing Director, Mr Abimbola Olayinka during a recent interview said the approval was highly indicative to other Nigerians who are yet to apply for National Housing Fund to do so immediately, as it gives them the opportunity to affordable housing plan.

The MD further disclosed in the statement that the bank had been able to bridge the gap in the housing deficit nationwide by creating over 4,000 housing units, with plans to improve on this target with the recent approval of 1.5 billion from FMBN. He said to strengthen the Bank’s market position in providing affordable housing in the country, Resort savings and loans plc is partnering with a host of developers in either financing their projects or providing mortgage facilities to their off-takers at affordable interest rates.

This is made achievable through RSL’s wide spread branch network to be able to reach the Bank’s teeming customers in need of affordable mortgage.To this end, MD/CEO of Resort Savings and Loans states that RSL further expects approval for over 5,000 applicants using the National Housing Fund and Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company within year 2015.

BoI earmarks N2.2bn for Cassava Bread Fund scheme $166.70

-0.15

$2.865.00

90.00

$14.76

0.25

$58.54

0.74

$58.54

1.69

CURRENCY

BUYING

CENTRAL

DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

167 167.5 256.2114 256.9785 191.8043 191. 1673 180. 1316 181. 6709 1.4233 1.4276 0.2722 0.2822 236.4102 237.8232 26. 7426 26. 8232 44.4954 44.6286 25.6816 25.7585 236.6891 237. 3978

168 257.7456 192.3768 181.2102 1.4319 0.2922 237.8258 26.9037 44.7618 25.8354 238.1064

CBN Exchange Rate as at 09/2/15

C M Y K

By Franklin Alli

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he Bank of Industry Limited has announced a N2.2 billion Cassava Bread Fund Initiative for 174 Members of the Association of Master Bakers of Nigeria.

The money is being disbursed to the beneficiaries in forms of loan and grant by the bank in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

In a statement, the bank’s Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, stated that the bakers are to use the money for the acquisition of baking equipment to enable the bakers achieve principally the inclusion of 20 percent cassava flour into wheat

flour for baking of cassava bread as well as other confectionary as part of the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government for the sector.

To this end, he said the sum of N2.2 billion was earmarked for this category of beneficiaries in form grants and loans.

“The members were grouped in two batches. The sum of N989 million has been disbursed to the first batch of 100

The Fund is a revolving one and the sustainability of the scheme is considered paramount

beneficiaries which represents 92 percent of the approved sum of N1.074 billion.

“In addition, of the remaining 74 beneficiaries, only 60 have met basic conditions precedent to facilitate the disbursement of 50 percent grant amounting to N537.93 million.

The requests for this batch are being processed as the suppliers of equipment only provided Performance Bonds as equipment delivery guarantees and the funds will be released on February 9, 2015,”he said.

According to him, the Fund is a revolving one and the sustainability of the scheme is considered paramount.

“Consequently, the Bank’s Regional Officers have been engaged in visiting and verifying the effective and efficient utilization of the funds in terms of equipment delivery, installation and efficient operation across the nation,” he stated.

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Another painful reality of this law is that, when you invest in what you are not familiar with, you become vulnerable to exploitation of others, it may even be your business partner, your stock broker, or even your banker

,

TOP 10 PERFORMING STOCKS

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

n the top 10 performing stocks last week were the shares of R.T Briscoe Plc, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, UACN Property Development Plc, Ikeja Hotels Plc, Champion Breweries Plc and National Salt Company of Nigeria (NASCON) Plc. Others were Access Bank Plc, N.E.M Insurance, Seplat Petroleum Development Co. Plc and Diamond Bank Plc. R.T Briscoe, which recently has become investors toast, rose by 34.43 percent or N0.21 to close at N0.82 from N0.61 it started the week at.

Last year, the company secured shareholders approval to raise additional N10 billion to support its operations. The shareholders also authorized an increase in the company ’s share capital from N2 billion divided into 4.0 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to N3.25 billion divided 6.5 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. For the past two years, t h e company has been suffering from losses arising from high interest expenses.

For instance, the 2013 audited financial statements and accounts showed that the automobile and Real Estate Company posted loss before tax of N151.60 million, thereby consolidating the loss streak in 2012. The company had in 2012 recorded loss after tax of N228.50 million. However, with tax gains of N59.59 million in 2013, net loss after tax dropped from N280.72 million in 2012 to N92.02 million in 2013. The turnover also dropped from N21.98 billion in 2012 to N21.77 billion in 2013, while the gross profit slipped from N2.68 billion in 2012 to N2.56 billion. Similarly, the operating profit dropped from N941.78 million in 2012 to N801.81 million. However, the company ’s finance expenses rose from N1.26 billion in 2012 to N1.47 billion in 2013. The depressed bottom-line also impacted on shareholders’ funds, which slipped from N3.13 billion in 2012 to N3.05 billion in 2012. Also, as a result of the negative performance, value creation

for shareholders has taken a downturn, which warranted a reduction of about 25 kobo in the underlying value of dividend paid in 2012 in contrast with dividend per share of 10 kobo received in 2011 and 2010 respectively. The company did not pay any dividend in 2013 financial year, due to the negative bottom-line.

Dangote Flour Mills followed closely behind with 33.33 percent or N1.00 price appreciation to close at N4.00 from N3.00. Analysis by a London based firm, Baker & McKenzie had through its analysts led by Chris Hogan said on Jan. 29 in a interview that Dangote Flour mills is the second worst performing stocks on the Nigerian stock Exchange, NSE, this year, having declined by 34 percent just behind Diamond Bank Plc, which has retreated by 37 percent. The company released its three months financial result to March, 2015 with the revenue rising by 28 percent to N10.67 billion as against N8.34 billion posted in the previous year. However, it recorded loss after of N2.92 billion, 18.51 percent increase over N2.81 billion loss recorded in the previous year in continuation of its losing streak. ARM Research, an equity research firm, said in an analyst note that the 28 percent growth in revenue, which was seven percent higher than its forecast, marked the second consecutive quarterly rise in revenues, adding that the company linked the sustained improvement to volumes, which given the subdued pricing environment and declines in receivable days outstanding (-28% YoY to 67days) points to increasing geographical diversification of revenues away from the North.

U A C N Put (UACN Property Property’s) was the logo here next with 3 0 . 7 8 percent or N2.81 increase, closing at N11.94 from N9.13.

UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust (UPDC REIT), recently announced the payment of N1.4 billion interim dividend to the unit holders for the period ended June 30, 2014. The dividend, which translates to 56kobo per unit, will be paid to holders whose names appear on the register of the UPDC REIT on November 20, 2014.

INVESTORS

,

I don’t want to lose money (3)

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE “Money is lost when invested in things you are not familiar with”. This is the fourth basic law of money, according to the Richest Man in Babylon. It is also the reason why many people lose money in investment. It appears simple, but unfortunately, it is often ignored or taken for granted by investors.

The reason why most people lose money investing in shares

is because they personally are not familiar with shares.

People have also lost money investing in poultry business because they know little or nothing about it.

There is this young graduate that went into the business of food stuffs, specifically rice and beans. He confessed that he lost some money at the early stage of the business because he did not have adequate knowledge about the business. He had to go and

learn from the mallams, who of course have years of experience in the trade. Most times, because we see people succeeding in a particular type of business or investment, we rush into it, only to get our fingers burnt simply because we did not take time to get ourselves acquainted with that business.

Another painful reality of this law is that, when you invest in what you are not familiar with, you become vulnerable to exploitation by others. It may even be your business partner,

MARKET NEWS

SEC intensifies capital market operations awareness to students

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria has played host to student groups from Nakam Memorial Secondary School, Panyam, Mangu, Plateau State and the University of Abuja. The students visited the corporate head office of the apex regulator of the Nigerian capital markets in furtherance of the latter ’s “Catch ‘em Young Series,” a capital market awareness programme aimed at spreading capital market education among young Nigerians.

The Series particularly aims at inducting school age Nigerians into a culture of saving and investing in the capital market.

The delegation from Nakam Memorial School, Panyam, Mangu, Plateau State visited the SEC Nigeria on Thursday, 5th February 2015 while the National Association of Banking and Finance Students (NABAFS), University of Abuja Chapter were received in

audience on Wednesday, 4th February 2015. During both visits, the students were taught the virtue of a culture of saving and investing as well as the role

of the capital market in providing investment opportunities for wealth creation. They were also taught the rudiments of investing in the capital market

From left: Mr. David Okeme, Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc; Dr. Bimpe Adebiyi, Chief Dental Officer of the Federation; Mrs. Olubunmi Okunnu, School Health Program Coordinator, Ministry of Health, Lagos State and Mr. Kosala Hewemodduasa, Regional Brand Development Director, Unilever Africa, during Nigeria Dental Association Oral Health Expert Forum in collaboration with Unilever Nigeria Plc, in Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 23

,

S FORUM your stock broker, or even your banker. Once they know you know little about what you are investing in, they exploit you, and you lose money or make less money. For example, if you want to invest in a bank deposit, the bank would ask you for how many days or months. If you are naive, you can say for one year (365 days). Meanwhile the best thing to do is to invest the money in 30 days deposit, and roll over at the end of the 30 days, and thus get more returns courtesy compound interest. Your bank or banker may however not advise you to do it this way because fixing the money for one year, is more expedient for the bank and not for you the customer.

Hence for those who know they need to invest but are

The important thing is to educate yourself about any business or investment activity before you invest your money in it

and the oversight / governance role of the SEC. Beyond the teaching sessions, the students were entertained with a telecast of “Easy Money,” a Nollywood movie sponsored and produced by the SEC to give dramatic and entertaining expression to the nefarious activities of illegal Fund Managers or Wonder Bankers or Ponzi Schemes.

This was with a view to sensitizing the students to the modus operandi of

During both visits, the students were taught the virtue of a culture of saving and investing as well as the role of the capital market in providing investment opportunities for wealth creation

deterred or discouraged from doing so due to fear of losing money, the important thing is to educate yourself about any business or investment activity before you invest your money in it. For example, before investing in shares, learn about shares and stock market. Before investing in bank deposits, learn about bank deposits, before you invest in mutual funds, learn about mutual funds. The implication is that you must invest time to learn about that activity before you invest money in it. And the internet has made it easy to learn anything within few minutes.

On the internet, you can get materials that offer basic education about any form of investment, which would not take you more than one hour to read. You can visit somebody that you know has some experience in that investment activity and ask for education. But if you are not willing to take this first and critical step to profitable investing, you have chosen to invest in something you are not familiar with, and hence losing your hard earned money. (To be continued next week) Send comments and enquiries to vanguardinvestmentforum@:gmail.com)

investment scammers to enable the students recognize a scam for what it is, and to alert their parents or guardians when such manifests.

The students were also given a number of capital market literacy resource publications produced by the SEC Nigeria both for their individual use, as well as for enriching their school libraries. The publications include: “Investing in Shares”, “Opportunities in the Capital Market: A Guide for Graduates”, “What Is E – Dividend, Dematerialization and Straight – Through – Process?”, “Doyin and Friends in the Capital Market” and “Beware of Investment Scams (Ponzi Schemes)”.

According to Obi Adindu, Head of Investor Education and Outreach at the SEC, the educational visits form part of the SEC Nigeria’s drill – down strategy for capital market awareness to the country’s lower demographics in order to strengthen retail participation.

Hence for those who know they need to invest but are deterred or discouraged from doing so due to fear of losing money, the important thing is to educate yourself about any business or investment activity before you invest your money in it

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INVESTORS SPEAK

Suggestion on solution to the exodus of international investors from the capital market

By Providence Obuh

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ORRIED over the way and manner in which foreign investors play around with the Nigerian capital market in the name of investment, a Nigerian investor shared with the Vanguard Investors Forum, some of the solutions to curb foreign investors' influx into the market.

Shareholder Activist and a founding member of Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association, Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunbo: As a Nigerian and stakeholder in our capitalmarket affairs, I couldn’t continue to pretend nor hold back my frustration any further and I have to hereby confess that, I hate to continue hearing of how important the foreigninvestors (those that I tagged “CasinoPlayers” and care less about our economy) are to our economy, which to my thinking have beclouded our senses of reasoning so much so that we couldn’t think right any more or have lost focus/vision on whose interest were paramount at this stage of our economic-survival.

After all,what is the benefit of any relationship, if one must depend on the other for support at all time or what always led to foreign-relationship between two countries, if it will not be of benefit to both parties. I mean why does the economic-fundamentals say “All things being equal” or why must we always be at the receiving-end in all our foreign-participations; can’t we for once be ourselves.

I think it is high-time we do what the Americans did to the British during their eight years “War of Independence” we should revolt if need be and look inwards to develop localpolicy for the benefit of our economy because others did so in the past. The Chinese did it and they are better off today, we just have to do something more positive concerning our capital market/economic problems; if not, all the efforts on the capital market might be in vain.

The Indians thought the world a great lesson by spreading their citizens all over the globe in order to mobilise fund to develop “A Modern/Powerful Economy,” with ever y money (legitimate/otherwise) made by them abroad and going back to India for the development/benefit of their economy.

TARGET: Our focus should be on the Nigerians in Diaspora because retail investors held stocks for long term development

We should revolt if need be and look inwards to develop localpolicy for the benefit of our economy more than others, while the citizens were more reliable in business,e.g. Glo to others in the communication industry and we could begin with those in Britain, USA, Canada, Germany or which ever way we thought best, with a policy for the next two to five years for them to fill in the gap and acquire many stocks on our market so that what will be left for the “foreign-casinoplayer investors” will not be more than 15 percent of the total index.

FORMULA: SEC need the support/collaboration of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Central Bank of Nigeria, EFCC, External Affairs Ministry and other stakeholders on the policy and its execution.

Really, it could be done and should be seriously looked into because there are solutions and advantages in every challenges and we cannot continue to allow outsiders to toy and dictate the mood of our economy. It is a coup against some known fundamentals and must be executed as such for the benefit of our economy, most especially now that the capital market is down.

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY,

FEBRUARY 10, 2015

New Egbin 220MW offers no reprieve from power woes •As Lagosians groan over continued outage

By Sebastine Obasi

By Clara Nwachukwu & Sebastine Obasi

N

H

OPES for improved power supply in Lagos and its environs through the newly rehabilitated unit six, 220 megawatts Egbin Power Plant, have been dashed, as the plant may not be operational soon due to the non-availability of gas.

The inauguration of the thermal plant, which the management and the new owners, Sahara Group and Korea Electric Corporation, KEPCO, claimed was re-streamed a couple of weeks ago, has been put off twice already without explanations.

This comes as residents in Lagos complain of worsening power outage since the beginning of 2015, despite promises by government representatives, particularly from the ministries of Power and Petroleum Resources of improved supply due to increased gas availability.

No gas for power Vanguard learnt from dependable sources that the management of Egbin Power Plc has been deeply worried about the unavailability of gas, which may have necessitated the non-connection of the newly rehabilitated unit to the national grid.

Speaking to Vanguard in confidence, a source admitted, “There is no gas to power the plant. This is delaying the full take off of the rehabilitated ST-6 220 MW. You and I know that the issue of gas supply to the generating companies is still problematic. It is our wish that it will be solved sooner than later,” one of the sources said.

Another source added, “It is true that unit six has been rehabilitated, but it is yet to be connected to the national grid. We are being careful after spending billions of Naira on the project,” he said.

The Director General Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, did note that gas supply is crucial to electricity generation in Nigeria.

According to him, “The DISCOs are not to blame; it is the power they get that they distribute. The GENCOs too have constraint of lack of gas supply, and I want to also inform you that some of the NIPP plants that have been concluded cannot be

Electricity supply: FG accuses DISCOs of sabotage

Egbin Power plant tried because there is no gas supply. That is the major challenge.

If today we have sufficient gas to power 6000mw, Nigerians would see the fundamental difference between when these companies were not privatised and now.”

Investment headaches Apart from gas supply constraints, the Egbin management is equally worried about the N50 billion invested to bring the plant back to its installed capacity of 1,320MW. The investment was also expected to bolster power supply to the Lagos metropolis, thereby improving socio-economic activities in the region.

With the unit generating at full capacity, Egbin was supposed to be in the final stages of a bilateral agreement to supply the 220MW to Ikeja Electricity Distribution Plc and Eko Distribution Company, a development that is to yield about 16 per cent additional power supply to Lagos.

Upon takeover in 2013, KEPCO, the technical partners, had announced plans to expand Egbin generation capacity to about 2,670 MW by 2017, which its Managing Director, Mr. Gyoo Chull Yeom, said would be completed within three years.

According to him, the initial plan was to restore Egbin to its installed capacity of 1,320 MW last year, and then ramp up by additional 1,350 MW within the next three years.

KEPCO is operating under a Joint Venture between the Kore-

an Electric Power Corporation, and Energy Resource Limited, managers of the Egbin, and New Electricity Distribution Company, NEDC, managers of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, IKEDC, both members of the Sahara Group.

The Chief Executive Officer of Egbin, Mr. Mike Uzoigwe, had spoken of a six-pronged programme of major overhauling of the plant over the next two years with each phase costing N5 billion.

According to him, the overhauling of Unit 1 is scheduled for March 2015; Unit 2, October 2015; Unit 3, July 2015; Unit 4, October, 2015; Unit 5, January, 2016 and Unit 6, April, 2016, all of which will cost about N30 billion.

If today we have sufficient gas to power 6000mw, Nigerians would see the fundamental difference between when these companies were not privatised and now

At the first botched plan to inaugurate the plant on January 24th, Uzoigwe disclosed that a total of N50bn had been injected into Egbin since November 2013, when the company was privatised.

He said that part of the investment was used for the rehabilitation of the 220MW steam turbine generator, which had been abandoned for eight years.

The turbine was again rescheduled for inauguration by President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday, but did not hold.

Management claim Ahead of the planned inauguration, the management and owners of the plant had issued a statement that the rehabilitation of Egbin had brought the plant back to its installed capacity of 1,320MW. It read in part: “The rehabilitated and restored Unit ST-06 brings an additional 220MW to the Nigerian national electricity grid and will also bolster power supply to the Lagos metropolis, thereby improving socioeconomic activities in the region.”

It also recalled that the ST-06 unit, which was first inaugurated in November 1987, suffered a boiler explosion during operation in 2006 due to some water-tube phenomenon.

It stated, “With the unit now generating at full steam, Egbin is currently in the final stages of a bilateral agreement to supply the 220MW to the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Plc and Eko Distribution Company.”

IGERIANS may not have been told the whole truth behind the country’s inadequate power supply, as the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has accused distribution companies, DISCOs, of deliberately sabotaging Federal Government’s efforts to improve power supply in the country.

The Minister in a chat with journalists in Lagos, said that some of the DISCOs refuse to take all the power allocated to them for onward distribution to consumers, a development that has worsened the power supply situation in Nigeria.

He wondered why distribution companies would reject power when Nigerians did not have enough to meet their needs.

He disclosed: “Do you know that some distribution companies reject power given to them? I had to make a pronouncement that if a distribution company rejects power, it will be penalised. Yes, they reject power. If I name the company, you will be shocked. It is not that they have enough because Nigerians are starving.

Paying for power “For weeks, I was climbing the five-storey building because they starved me and other ministries.

At a time, they said that we were not paying and we turned out to be the only ministry paying for power because others are not paying and everything is lumped together. Even when there is power and all the payments made, we don’t have power. So, I had to invade the company and it was when I called and looked back, I saw that they had already been noted for rejecting power,” the minister said.

Emphasizing that some of the challenges militating against adequate supply of electricity in Nigeria were deliberate attempts by some people to punish Nigerians, Nebo warned that any company that rejected power allocated to it would be sanctioned by the federal government. He added, “Since that time till now, we have been getting more steady power supply.”

He also warned against any form of monopoly and unionisation by the DISCOs, adding that any investor that wants to build mini power plants could feed it into the grid but not necessarily the transmission grid.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 25

Price slump: Nigeria prone to uncompetitive investment — Report

By Michael Eboh

A

NALYSTS at ARM Research have projected that the slump in the prices of crude oil in the international market will make Nigeria uncompetitive for investments in 2015.

The analysts, in their report titled, “Oil Stains on Economic Growth Picture,” also projected further crisis regarding Nigeria’s fiscal savings, saying that state governments will resist any attempt to save some money in the Excess Crude Account, or Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Furthermore, they warned that the crude oil price decline will bring about a delay in reaching final investment decisions, FIDs, on exploration and production activities in the country, while also negatively affecting the production capacity of small and marginal oil fields operators.

They declared that the price slump will heighten the funding challenges of oil and gas companies, as banks will be wary of lending to the sector for fear that the oil companies might default.

The analysts said, “Aside delaying final project decisions on domestic E&P activities, current bear trend in prices should immediately impact production of small independent marginal field

operators, who accounts for 11 per cent of Nigeria’s oil production in 2013, by driving increased focus on profitable fields and limiting overall drilling activity.

“Over the medium term, recent warnings from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to banks on oil and gas credit exposures should result in a contraction in lending to upstream oil and gas projects as project feasibility weakens under subdued price assumptions.

“Farther out, the opportunity

costs of delayed PIB passage now appears manifest as the bearish oil price outlook should result in shelving of offshore E&P projects, in particular, which limit scope for volume driven gains in oil output. Overall, these developments suggest oil GDP growth will likely stay negative in 2015.”

They, however, warned that unless the Federal Government takes adequate steps to cushion the economy against the expected shocks,

the country may face long term risks.

They said, “On a less positive note, the depressed oil receipts and resulting contraction in FAAC allocations is likely to stoke further resistance towards institutionalisation of fiscal savings from the states, dimming scope for sizable inflows into the NSIA over 2015—and the FGN has to prepare accordingly or face longer-term risks.

•Petroleum products storage facilities

Falling oil price: Nigeria, others risk N5.1tn in pipelines projects

By Ediri Ejoh with agency reports

N

IGERIA among other countries may risk over N5.1 trillion ($30 billion) worth of oil and gas pipelines projects due to the persisting decline in crude oil price.

As it stands, some major infrastructure project pipelines are being threatened of being heavily curtailed, as falling oil prices force those governments reliant on oil revenues to make cuts, this is according to the Business Monitor International, BMI’s Infrastructure Key Projects Database.

The report studied major oil producing and dependent countries like; Iran, Iraq, Russia and Nigeria, as having at least $30billion of projects at risk.

The report said: “the current oil price environment will put a strain on infrastructure projects around the world. We

have already seen the cancellation of petrochemical projects in Saudi Arabia and Qatar and we expect that across most markets oil and gas pipelines and industrial construction projects in the refining sector will likely face similar prospects.

However, forecasts predict that over the coming years, the impact will have a much broader effect on some markets in particular, adding that these countries risk project completions because of the falling oil strides.

“With this in mind we highlight Iran, Iraq, Nigeria and Russia as markets with sizeable portions of their project pipelines ($30bn plus) in the planning stages which are vulnerable to cutbacks.

Continuing, it maintained that “also with the instability in the crude price, questions are raised over the country’s fiscal sustainability and ability to fund its infrastructure plan.

This is because the country

has one of Africa’s largest infrastructure project pipelines, with $65bn worth of projects across all sectors in the planning phase.

“Despite running a small budget deficit in recent years, fiscal pressures have been steadily rising. Faltering oil

With capital expenditure set to contract further on softer 2015 budget, continued underinvestment in socio-economic overheads would keep the domestic environment uncompetitive for investments

production and unbudgeted spending associated with elections scheduled this month have seen fiscal buffers eroded.

With oil - which accounted for an estimated 65 percent of government revenue in 2014 - set to stay within the $55-65 per barrel (/bbl) range over the coming years - these pressures will intensify.

“Although infrastructure has been a key goal of the President’s growth and transformation plan, we expect that current, rather than capital, spending will win over when spending retrenchments need to be made,” the report stated.

It noted that the country plans to privatise transport infrastructure over 2015 which could see projects protected from government cutbacks, however, with elevated risks owing the upcoming elections, private investors are likely to be cautious over the short-term.

Mart Resources records 573,633 barrels crude production

By Grace Udofia, with agency report

M

ART Resources recorded crude oil production of 573,633 barrels in December 2014 from its Umusadege field in Nigeria.

The company, in a statement to investors said in the month under review, it recorded total downtime of around 0.5 days, bringing its daily crude oil production to about 18,841 barrels, compared to 12,554bpd in November 2014.

The company stated that the combined net delivery of oil before estimated pipeline and export facilities losses totalled around 570,197 barrels in December last year, and approximately 491,148 barrels after the deductions.

The firm said the combined delivery of oil from the field through the Umugini pipeline and the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, NAOC export pipeline grossed about 24,000bpd, for several days in December and around 29,000bpd in late January 2015.

Oil export pipeline The company said its oil export has recorded significant increase as oil began to flow on December 3, through the 51- kilometre long Umugini pipeline and into Trans Forcados crude oil export pipeline that connects to the Forcados Export Terminal.

The company also added that in December, gross delivery of oil from the Umusadege field into the Umugini pipeline was as high as 17,300bpd.

The company added that the Umugini pipeline experienced some expected downtime in the first month as various equipment were tested and repaired.

The company stated that, the field’s average output on producing days was 12,544bpd in November, 2014.

26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

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By Ediri Ejoh

HE Federal Government is being forced to revalidate contracts entered into by the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, for the supply of electricity metres to Nigerians before the privatisation of the generation and distribution segments of the power sector.

The move became necessary following many litigation cases between the Federal Government and meter dealers that have trailed the country’s electricity metering programme more than one year after the companies were bought over by private investors.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Dr. Godknows Igali, said this in Lagos last week at the opening of the regional workshop on metering, billing and loss reduction for distribution utilities organised by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, NAPTIN. Aside the 750,000 meter supply contracts, which had been looked into by government already, Igali said there were other contracts that were being reassessed to ascertain their validity.

Before the privatisation of the power distribution arm, he confirmed that over three million meters were tied to existing meter supply contracts, of which a good number of the meters have been stocked within the country in anticipation of a

Contract based electricity trading kicks off

By Chris Ochayi

T

Electricity plant

Litigations force govt to renew pre-privatisation meter contracts favourable market condition that would warrant their release.

He said, “Before privatisation, we had over 750,000 contracts for metre supply. These are the contracts we have looked into. Since privatisation, there have been many cases of litigation between government and

dealers. The President had to come in, saying the cases should be taken out of court.”

On the value of the contracts, the Permanent Secretary said, “We are still working with the Ministry and the regulator on the details.”

Igali stated that the Transition Electricity Market pegged for January 1 this year had already

FG to enforce standardisation of electricity installations

By Sebastine Obasi

T

HE Minister of State for Power, Mr. Mohammed Wakil, said that the Federal Government is set to enforce quality control and standardisation of electricity materials installations.

Wakil gave the assurance during the official commissioning of the remodeled National Meter Test Station and opening of the Technical Inspectorate Service Field Office in Lagos.

The minister, who said that President Goodluck Jonathan has successfully reformed the generation, transmission and distribution sub-sectors, added that government is now focusing on the effective delivery of safe and reliable electricity supply to Nigerians.

According to him, “We have resolved to enhance consumers and investors’ confidence and certification through sustained inspection, testing and certification of electrical materials and equipment.

“Electricity materials should be of the high quality and specification, all categories of electrical installations, power systems and network must be properly planned, designed and exulted before use.

“Gone are the days of substandard equipment and installations which compromised safety of Nigerians. More pointedly manufacturers of fake power equipment are hereby put on notice.

“The long arm of law shall caught-up with those endangering lives of innocent citizens. Nigerians not only

Gone are the days of substandard equipment and installations which compromised safety of Nigerians

want adequate power supply but also safety and reliability,’’ he said.

Wakil said that the significance of safety and quality control informed the establishment of Electricity management Services Limited, EMSL, one of the successor companies established by law, adding that this agency has grown from nothing to an emerging giant.

“I am happy to note that EMSL has within this short period achieved remarkable successes, which included the remodelled meter test station and others in Kaduna and Port Harcourt.

“The technical inspectorate service field offices of EMSL have detected defective power equipment in many zones,’’ he added.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, EMSL, Mr. Peter Ewesor, said that the remodeled national meter testing station will be saddled with the roles and responsibilities of enforcement of technical and safety standard.

started, adding that some contracts have been entered by stakeholders to maximise the potential of the market.

He said the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission, NERC, was already operating a transition market, which allows government to watch the market from afar and not to interfere at any given opportunity.

Earlier, the Director-General, NAPTIN, Mr. Reuben Okeke, described the workshop as a Power Africa Initiative of President Barrack Obama of the United States of America.

He said the quest to find a solution to Africa’s search for reliable and effective power distribution has gone beyond not only geographical barriers, but also linguistic.

He said the greatest challenge that the present utilities face is huge aggregate technical, commercial and collection, ATC&C losses, adding that, “You cannot reduce any losses and increase revenue unless the distribution network is improved upon in all its ramifications.

“In the product electricity, if you do not have a neat network, efficient equipment like distribution transformers, loyal marketers in particular, credible metres and effective billing system, good customer service ATC&C losses will be a mirage.”

Okeke said if distribution companies succeed in reducing the losses by 10 per cent, they would have full return on all their investments, even with the present level of generation and wheeling capacity of the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

HE Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI, has commenced the much awaited Transition Electricity Market, TEM, whereby wholesale buying and selling of electricity is based on contractual and regulatory rules. This is sequel to directive by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, announcing the takeoff of the transitional market on February 1, 2015.

With this development, a greater degree of business and investment certainty has been introduced into the country’s electricity market, with the welcome result of setting an even firmer basis for increasing the amount of electricity available to Nigerians in short order. The Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, while commenting on the importance of this stage of the market, said, “This will ensure more discipline, corporate governance, guarantee recovery on investment as well as give certainty for a sustainable and growing electricity market that would serve the need of Nigerians.”

Application and enforcement NERC in its Order said, “Conditions precedent set out in the market rules and subsequently agreed to be necessary for effective TEM have been satisfactorily fulfilled.

“With effect from February 1, 2015, the amendments to the Market Rules and application and enforcement of the said Market Rules shall be in full force. With the effectiveness of the Market Rules, as amended, the Transitional Stage Electricity Market shall commence with effect from the same date.”

One of the implications of TEM is that the gas bottleneck which has constrained electricity supply would be reduced as gas will be supplied to electricity generation firms on a legally binding basis as regards delivery and payment.

Besides, the failure of electricity distributions companies to pay for energy bought from generation firms and for deliveries on their privatisation performance obligations will now attract sanctions in line with the Market Rules and contractual obligations.

The Order dated December 31, 2014, further directed all relevant market participants, service providers and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, NBET, to comply with effect from February 1, 2015.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 27

28 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Orchid Court, Ikeja GRA ready for commissioning this week

quality materials in the construction of its homes.

Mr. Onajide who noted that one of the selling points of his company is its knack for unique designs which suite the kind of clients the firm has in mind coupled with the concept of constructing small-sized residential estates that are of high quality, added that “We will continue with our vision to provide quality homes for the public because this is what we stand for. We are very careful and consistent with our projects. We give what we promise”.

Corroborating the chairman, the M a n a g i n g Director of the company, Sade Hughes, an architect, said, “Our quality is derived from the internal competence within Briscoe Properties. We have professionals and capacity to deliver. We are very responsible about the way we build. What we have set out to do is to make architectural statement that is contemporary in design and finishing”.

Commenting specifically on Orchid Court, she noted that the idea behind the estate is to create a community that works.

According to her, “Orchid

We won’t compromise quality in home delivery—Briscoe Properties boss Stories by Kingsley Adegboye

M

ESSRS Briscoe Properties Limited, a subsidiary of R. T. Briscoe and forefront real estate development firm which also specialises in project management, facility management, property development, real estate sales and leasing has said that it will

continue with its vision to provide high quality homes for the public.

To that effect, the firm has three residential estates of high quality to its credit.

Speaking at an interactive session last week with journalists at Orchid Court in G.R.A. Ikeja, the third residential estate constructed by the firm which is billed for commissioning this Thursday, the chairman of the company, Mr. Seyi Onajide said that the

company is more interested in the long term benefits of its property than short term benefits, hence the use of high

We will continue with our vision to provide quality homes for the public because this is what we stand for

Court is a promised made and delivered. We are changing the landscape of property development in Nigeria since the environment is dynamic and market competition has gone beyond the territorial configuration of Nigeria. To remain competitive, your offering must meet with global demands in terms of design, quality and architectural relevance to the needs of consumers".

She stated further that Orchid Court was developed to meet the changing consumer demands as gone are the days when properties are built for the taste of your immediate environment, pointing out that contemporary designs also consider other investors and buyers who have access to same information with just a click of mouse on their computer systems worldwide.

“You will recall that Orchid offers elegant Court apartments built to top architectural standards and well crafted with Europeanstandard finishing materials for the enjoyment of discerning investors now and in the future was first introduced to the public last year.

“It has seven different types of residential units which consist of spacious flats, terrace houses and detached houses, each with its unique view and serene spatial arrangement.

Facilities in this estate includes beautiful landscaped outdoors, swimming pool, gym, generous terraces as well as electric fence and video door phone for safety of the occupants and intercom to ease communication”, she stated.

Lagos steps up work to meet projects completion

D

ETERMINED to complete ongoing projects under its purview on schedules, Office of Works, Lagos state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has doubled activities to ensure completion of the projects.

Currently, schools, hospitals, courts and other public utilities are being rehabilitated while new ones are being constructed where necessary across the state.

Against this background, the Office of Works, being the repository of government’s technical competence in the area of public buildings, has the duty to ensure compliance with standards. The office is the consultant to all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government in the area of public buildings. Through this function, the office has helped the government save millions of naira on the cost of construction of public buildings.

Aside from construction works, the Office of Works is also responsible for the maintenance of a retinue of government facilities, which include, the Secretariat Complex, Staff Quarters and a number of equipment. These responsibilities Lagosians said, have been discharged creditably well.

Projects also being undertaken by the Office are Ministry of Science and Technology Complex, Multi-Agency Building, Alausa, Multi-Storey Building in Lagos Island, Magistrate Courts located in Ajegunle, Ogba, Epe, Ikeja, Badagry, ongoing one in Igando and Lagos Arbitration Centre. In the education sector, Works department has completed Senate Building, Student Union Arcade, Central Library, Faculty of Management Sciences, and 3-in-1 Lecture

Theatre, all at the Lagos State University (LASU) In addition, the Office has embarked on a 3-floor building extension, sited at Harvey road, Health Centre, College of Health Technology, Yaba and renovation of Ayinke House, Ikeja General Hospital.

Egan-Igando Housing is another ongoing project embarked upon by the office. To tackle the security situation across the metropolis, Office of Works has equally completed the Police Officers Wives Association’s (POWA) Secretariat in Lagos, including Police Model Area Command, Ilashe, Police Model Area Command, Elemoro in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area as well as Police Model Area Command, Idimu.

Not left behind by of Office of Works, are Oyingbo Market, Igando Relief Camp and Agege Stadium and Abesan Sport Centre. In the area of tourism, the office has embarked on the completion of ongoing projects such as a 48-bedroom hotel, Fire Service Station, Lekki and Tourism Development Centre, Badagry. These projects are excluded from the completed ones which spread across every sector of human life.

Speaking on the activities of the Office at the weekend, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, reiterated government’s determination to complete the 16 ongoing projects, noting that as much as the ministry is interested in early completion, issue of quality and sustainability of the projects will not be compromised.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 29

Eko Atlantic: Developers unveil mobile device for monitoring ongoing development of new city The mobile device

By Kingsley Adegboye

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essrs South Energyx Nigeria Limited, planners and developers of Eko Atlantic City, an emerging city being built on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean located beside the popular Bar Beach on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, have devised their first mobile application that can be used on all new generation smart phones and tablets (Android and iOS platforms).

The device which is also interactive with the new Eko

Atlantic City Milestones newsletter that is available at their sales office in Ahmadu Bello Way and online through their Eko Atlantic website, is an easy-to-use presentation, as the app features a graphic overview of the infrastructure networks progress as well as a gyroscope-enhanced virtual tour that enables users to navigate through the Eko Atlantic City development site just by moving their mobile device around.

The physical reality of Eko Atlantic is clear to see with the naked eye off the shore of Victoria Island. But now the virtual reality of the project is

being brought to life.

Without doubt, the smartest feature on the app is

The pre-launch app is a curtain raiser for what comes next.

What you can see with the app now takes the visibility of Eko Atlantic to an entirely new level

Augmented Reality (AR) – a cutting edge technology that displays a digitally enhanced view of objects or locations.

Using the camera and sensors in a smartphone or tablet, AR adds layers of digital information - videos, photos, sounds, graphics or GPS data – directly on top of items in the real world.

According to Brent Sadler, communication consultant to Eko Atlantic City, ‘The prelaunch app is a curtain raiser for what comes next. What you can see with the app now takes the visibility of Eko Atlantic to an entirely new level. But we are going to

make the app even better, smarter and more interactive”.

Sadler added that the first edition of Eko Atlantic’s Milestones newsletter which is also online, together with the new mobile app enable recipients to interact with selected pages of the journal through the Augmented Reality function, pointing out that the newsletter has 20pages of illustrated articles reporting on the construction of roads and bridges in Eko Atlantic as well as the first commercial and residential tower blocks under construction.

Town planners set up 7-man c’ttee on land use planning report

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By Kingsley Adegboye

he Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has inaugurated a seven-man committee on land use planning report with terms of reference to prepare a thorough land use analysis survey that will be followed by a map with identified land uses coded in the NITP approved professional colours.

The committee members include Badejo Hakeem Olatunji who is the chairman, Mrs. Claudius Akinyemi, secretary, Michael Simire, Bisi Adedire, Oyebanji Toba James, Hakeem Roy-Larindes and Dr. Adewale Alade.

Inaugurating the committee last week in Lagos, NITP president, Dr. Femi Olomola said the committee was being set up as part of the sevenpoint agenda of the new national executive council for the creation and evolution of an omnibus and multipurpose land use planning report which will address pressing national challenges such as security and fraud.

Describing the concept as novel which is an initiative of

the NITP exco, Olomola noted that the institute has plans to dialogue with the relevant authorities of agencies on the need to adopt the report for transactions. He therefore charged the members of the committee to take their job seriously According to Olomola, the proposed report is expected to be exclusively prepared by

registered town planners, thereby creating jobs for members of the profession, adding that “between us and the next generation, there is a contract.

It is our sacred duty to create the enabling environment to make the young and upcoming ones be convinced that the moment you genuinely work hard and get

certificate of registration with NITP and Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC), you can nod your head in fulfillment that it is not only a passport to good living, but also a fortune.

Explaining that the profession of town planning hinges on orderly arrangement of land use with regard to overriding public

interest, Olomola said the report having been approved by the NEC and council of the institute, will accompany building plan approvals/ permits, issuance of certificate of occupancy, opening of corporate accounts with banks and incorporation/registration of new companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

From left: Badejo Hakeem Olatunji, chairman, and other members of the committee on land use planning report.

30 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

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32 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Pupils study under trees in Cross River school

Women take over bricklaying, menial jobs in Delta PAGE 4

PAGE 3

VOL. 1: NO. 36

TUESD AY, FEBR U ARY 110, 0, 20 15 TUESDA FEBRU 201

Destruction wreaked on the community. INSET: The deceased, Pa Goodluck Uwumahongie.

MURDER OF EDO COMMUNITY LEADER ‘They beheaded my father, took his head away’

By Simon Ebegbulem

A

ROGBA—IT was with horror emblazoned all over his face that Henry Uwumahongie, son of 85-yearold Pa Goodluck Uwumahongie, narrated how assassins shot his father, beheaded him and took the head, dripping with blood, away in a sack.

Pa Uwumahongie is the deputy

C M Y K

Odionwere (second eldest man) of Arogba community, Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, assassinated, last month, over a land squabble.

Henry told Niger Delta Voice that his diabetic father of 17 children, who relocated to Irhiri, his wife’s home because of the trouble, sent him to buy drugs.

*We’ve arrested 2 suspects— POLICE *Arogba deserted He said when he returned, he met two of the killers (names withheld), who bolted with his decapitated head on sighting him.

His words: “The day was Monday,

January 26. At about 3pm, my father sent me out to buy drugs for him. I came back with the drugs he asked me to go and

Continues on Page 7

2—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Politicians bully electorate in Akwa Ibom—VILLAGERS

Participants from the three communities during the voter education in Ette comminity, Ikot Abasi.

AKWA IBOM...

LAND OF PROMISE

By Chioma Onuegbu

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KOT ABASI—RESIDENTS of Edemaya, Uta Ewa, and Ikpa Ibekwe in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa-Ibom State, have raised the alarm that desperate politicians and their thugs commonly intimidate them on election days to vote for their favourite candidates.

The villagers, who spoke at a Voter Education workshop, facilitated by a nongovernmental organization, Women United for Economic Empowerment, WUEE, in partnership with Actionaid Nigeria on “Strengthening Citizen’s Engagement on Electoral Processes” for rural communities, stressed that intimidation and thuggery have robbed them from voting candidates of their choice in the past eight years.

Fake uniformed officers/thugs Secretary of Uta Ewa community association, Mr. Utitofon Ebong, grumbled that the people have faced untold sufferings and neglect by those elected in government, appealing to the state Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to live up to expectations by ensuring that fake uniformed officers and thugs used by desperate politicians would be nowhere near the communities during the forthcoming polls. ”We have been forced over the years to vote candidates who do C M Y K

not think about the good and wellbeing of the common people in the communities.

“Ikot Abasi local government area being an industrial city in Akwa Ibom has been neglected over the years. We have not experienced any development in the past 8 years.”

In blackout for 6 years “Unfortunately, the only company that our people used to look unto, ALSCON had folded up and even our communities that depended on it for their power supply have been in total blackout since the last six years after they shut down their turbines.

“And you know where there is no electricity supply, every activity, in fact the whole environment is dead, that is what we are facing here, and those who are the representatives of the people are less concerned, nobody is doing anything about it.

“Another issue of concern in this area is that of the use of thugs and fake uniformed officers by politicians to intimidate voters on election days. It seriously creates voter apathy among our people, especially the women.

“We appreciate this voter education. I believe it will help our communities especially the eligible voters to know what they should do during elections to protect their votes.”

Cup of rice for vote Elder Usen from Edemaya community said: ”Gone are the days when electorates must be brainwashed and bought with one cup of rice for their vote.

“We want to be allowed to vote those that we believe can per-

form. But that cannot be achieved through intimidation and even threats. This is an issue of serious concern to us.

“Free, fair and credible elections are such that should be devoid of use of force and

harassment or threats.”

PVC for N5,000!

Niger Delta Voice gathered that apart from the aforementioned challenges, some politicians have been secretly

approaching voters in the communities brainwashing them to sell their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, for N5, 000 each.

Advisor, Policy and Governance Advisor Actionaid Nigeria Mr. Kenneth Okoineme, however, said, “We believe that when government functions well, poverty, and hardship is hardly felt by the rural people.

“But when you have to generate your own electricity, do your roads, health institutions on your own, it then means that you are your own government.

So these are the issues we really need to look into as a people, as a community.”

He asserted, “This project goes beyond the election day.

The whole idea is to make sure that the challenges, and problems facing the communities are documented.

“Also, it will look at issues of state budgets, constituency projects to see how much is budgeted for road construction, water scheme for a particular local government or community.

It will help to bring development and positive change to our communities.”

His words, “We cannot continue like this where a few people grab everything and get away with it and the rest of the people just continue to suffer and die.”

Jonathan breaks silence over alleged feud with Dickson BA YELS A ...

BAYELS YELSA THE GLORY OF ALL LANDS

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—“THOSE who do not like Governor Henry Seriake Dickson do not like me.

I am working with the governor of our state and you must know that.

“Those who do not like the governor cannot claim to like me, because the two of us are working together to reposition the state for more development.”

With the above words, President Goodluck Jonathan, penultimate weekend, at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, cleared the air on the purported frosty relationship between him and the governor of his home state.

He stunned critics the more when he added that whoever is working against the present administration in the state was working against his re-election bid.

It was the first time the President was opening up on the political intrigues rocking the state and the alleged cold war between the governor and

his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, a situation those opposed to the governor have been exploiting to bad mouth the former at every given opportunity.

His words: “I hear stories that some people are coming to spoil your mind. If you do not like the leadership that we put in place, then you do not like me.

“A few of you have been infiltrated by those who do not like us and I am telling you that you must work with the governor of this state.

“Do not allow anybody to deceive you. I am telling you as your father, uncle and elder brother, you must work with the government to make sure we develop this state.”

Jonathan said he was in the state not to campaign, but to thank the people for their support from 1999 till date and warned Bayelsans to be wary of infiltrators, who are bent on fanning the embers of disunity to achieve their selfish interests.

He described the reported animosity between the governor and his family as the handiwork of mischief makers.

The pronouncement is no doubt a political victory not for Dickson, but the state where the

alleged bitter relationship between the First Lady and the governor is seen by many as distraction to the government.

Genesis of rift

Unknown to many, the relationship between the First Lady and Governor Dickson of Bayelsa State had been tamperproof from the onset of the Restoration Movement, the group that eventually dislodged

Continues on Page 5

THE TEAM Emma Amaize, Editor Jimitota Onoyume Samuel Oyadongha Simon Ebegbulem Gabriel Enogholase Festus Ahon Egufe Yafugborhi Emmanuel Una Akpokona Omafuaire Godwin Oghre Tom Moses Chioma Onuegbu Ike Uche Davies Iheamnachor Emem Idio Brisibe Perez Barnabas Uzosike Nath Onajoke Chijioke Nwankpa

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—3

RAINSTORM DISASTER: Pupils study under trees in Cross River school CROSS RIVER… THE PEOPLE’S PARADISE

By Ikechukwu Uche

U

KWORTUNG—OVER 100 pupils of Saint John’s Primary School, Ukwortung community, Utugwang, Obudu Local Government Area, Cross River State, owned by the Roman Catholic Mission, RCM, have been compelled to learn under shades of trees in the school’s compound, following a devastating rainstorm that blew off the roof of their four-classroom block.

This is the third time in recent years that rainstorm was destroying the classrooms of the third generation school, built in 1953 by the colonial masters for the training of natives in the Western system of education to have a pool of qualified personnel, who would perform the clerical, teaching and other administrative duties, complementing the senior cadre, chiefly white men with few black men/natives.

The first building that was constructed after re-location to the present site was a fourclassroom block with a headmaster ’s office, while some pupils used to receive their lessons in a long halfwall thatched building constructed by the community.

Determined to provide a more befitting building where all the pupils will stay comfortably to receive their lessons, the people of Ukwortung community planned for many years and constructed a mud-cemented six-classroom building for the school through communal efforts.

Windstorms Unfortunately, the building only lasted for two years as a devastating windstorm destroyed the building, thereby bringing to naught the passionate efforts of the people of the community to provide a comfortable learning environment for their children and those imparting the knowledge to them.

In spite of the huge loss suffered by the people with the destruction of the sixclassroom cemented mudblock building, years later, the people struggled to put up a four-classroom concrete building even as the fourclassroom/headmaster ’s building constructed by the government was equally becoming dilapidated, with

Delta chairmen rally support for Okowa, PDP candidates

A

Top and above: The storm-ravaged school.

The Head Teacher, Chief Michael Ogban part of the roof blown off, thereby exposing more children to the vagaries of the weather.

Another rainstorm destroys roof To ameliorate the suffering of the pupils, the Senator Liyel Imoke led administration in the state constructed another fourclassroom concrete building for the school.

Regrettably, just as the members of the community, the teachers and pupils were about to heave a sigh of relief

over the four- classroom block constructed by government to ease the problem of insufficient classroom and offices, the deadly whirlwind, which accompanied the recent severed harmattan dealt a heavy blow by blowing-off the roof of the old four- classroom of the oldest building.

Monarch appeals for aid Speaking to Niger Delta Voice on the plight of the pupils and the community over the disaster, clan head of Ukwortung, HRH Uchi Moses Odikpo, passionately called on the Cross River Government and other government agencies saddled with the responsibility of providing relief materials to come to the aid of the school by providing zinc, woods and other building materials for the re-

roofing of the school.

His words: “We are using this medium to appeal to the authorities to urgently do something about the blown off school roof during this dry season because by the time the rainy season starts, it will be a horrible experience for the pupils to pass through.”

The monarch called on the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Vincent Acqua, to assist the school through the provision of roofing materials such as bundles of zinc, timber, bags of cement, nails and other vital materials for the building to be immediately renovated.

The head teacher, Chief Michael Ogban, said the authorities of the school had notified the Secretary of the Local Government Education Authority and other relevant authorities about the incident.

SABA—THE Forum of Chairmen of Nine Local Government Areas of Delta North Senatorial District, Delta State, has decided to mobilize all eligible voters in the district in support of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and other candidates of the party in the upcoming general elections.

In a five-point communique issued at the end of its meeting in Asaba, the chairmen also vowed to use their vantage position to woo the electorate to vote President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term on account of the numerous achievements of the present administration.

Executive Secretary of the forum and chairman, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwurah, told newsmen that the council helmsmen adopted a multidimensional campaign strategy to actualize the electoral victory of Senator Okowa, who they described as the most qualified candidate to pilot the affairs of the state.

The meeting was attended by the chairmen of the nine local government areas in the district, including Chief Isaac Anwuzia, Hon. Fred Ofume, Barrister Obusom Chuks Obusom, Hon. Louis Ndukwe, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwurah, Barrister Francis Eborka, Hon. Chuks Oseme, Barrister Benedicta Osakuni and Hon. Ifeanyi Osakwe.

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4—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Women take over bricklaying, menial jobs in Delta

Mixing mixing gravel, sand and cemet is Mrs. Lucy Efemena. With her are her female colleagues known as 'helpers.'

By Perez Brisibe

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GHELLI—THE general saying that “what a man can do, a woman can do and probably even better” best describes some communities in Delta State where women seem to have taken over from their male counterparts in bricklaying, as well as other building and construction jobs.

Though it is a common sight to see women mixing concrete around building sites in parts of the state, especially in the Delta Central senatorial district, for Mallam Abdul Hassan, an Internally Displaced Person, IDP, who recently relocated from Konduga in Borno State to Ughelli, as a result of the insurgency in that part of the country, it is an aberration for a woman to be involved in such jobs.

‘It’s Haram for women to be bricklayers” Lamenting what he describes as Haram (meaning forbidden) C M Y K

in a chat with Niger Delta Voice, Mallam Hassan said: “Woman is a weaker creature and her husband, who is blessed by Allah with financial resources and physical strength, is expected to provide for her, neither allowing them to indulge in such rigorous jobs.

“Any man that fails to leave up to expectation by providing and taking care of his wife and family could best be described as an infidel.”

Delta women are hardworking breed Describing the women, who embark on such jobs as hard working, an Ughelli resident, Chief Akpomiemie Oniovosa, said: “Farming, riding Okada (commercial motorcycle) and brick-laying jobs are the major forms of unskilled labour in this part of the state owing to the non-availability of jobs in the country.

“These women, who are mostly uneducated and skilled in concrete mixing, try as much

as possible to compliment the take home pay of their husbands through these menial jobs, rather than being involved in prostitution.

“This goes a long way in telling you that Delta women are a hard working breed and would do a lot if given the

opportunity to contribute their quota to the development of the country.”

‘I earn N1,800 or N2,000 depending on the contractor’ Speaking to Niger Delta Voice at a construction site in Ughelli, a female labourer, Mrs. Lucy

On her graduation, I would be able to beat my chest and say yes, I have used concrete mixing to produce a graduate, while the children of many rich people here in Ughelli are nothing to write home about

Efemene, said she earns a minimum N1,800 daily as a helper, who carries mixed concrete in head pans from the mixing point to the point of use, while as a mixer, she would earn N2,000.

She asserted: “I neither have the educational qualification to get company and other blue collar jobs nor the financial resources to go into business.

“But in the past five years that I have been a female labourer, I have been able to use my earnings to assist my husband, who is a taxi driver in the training of our children. One of them is an HND 1 student of the Department of Mass Communication at the Delta State Polytechnic, OgwashiUku. “On her graduation, I would be able to beat my chest and say yes, I have used concrete mixing to produce a graduate, while the children of many rich people here in Ughelli are nothing to write home about.”

'How I became a female bricklayer' “My husband was relatively okay, financially, when we got married. But he lost his job and things got very difficult for us as a family.

“Though he was not complaining, I thought it wise to look for other avenues to complement his income and that was when one of our neighbours asked me to accompany her to a building site to work.

“It was very tough, especially on my first day. But as I continued, I got used to it, particularly as the money kept coming in.

“My husband initially was not comfortable with it, but the challenges of the economy gave him no alternative.”

Health challenges Although there are no immediate health challenges for female labourers, according to Dr. Toyin Inniss Agaja of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, ABUTH, Zaria, women who indulge in bricklaying and other hard construction jobs are prone to irregular menstruation and abortion, which is as a result of the stress from the job.

Dr. Agaja said: “Most of these women take pain relief pills like Tramal, which can cause injury to the kidney. Apart from this, she is at risk of industrial accidents and unlike her male counterparts, her body is not built to withstand such accidents and might end up being deformed for life.

“Owing to poor nutrition due to the low income compared to the job, she has a low body mass index, BMI, which in turns results in low birth weight infants, leading to increase in infant mortality.”

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015—5

Jonathan breaks silence over alleged feud with Dickson Continues from Page 3 former Governor Timipre Sylva from Creek Haven, the state’s seat of power.

Informed sources told Niger Delta Voice that the cold war between them started in the course of finding a running mate for Dickson during the struggle to oust Sylva from office.

While the First Lady was said to be favourably disposed to her anointed candidate, Dr. Waripamowe Dudafa, a Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters to the President, Dickson, it was learnt, was not ready to settle for Dudafa.

He was said to have insisted that he should be allowed to select his choice and moreover, that he would not want to have anything to do with the nominee, who served in the Sylva administration.

Dudafa was a former Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development in the Sylva's administration and was alleged to be a member of his kitchen cabinet before he fell out with his principal.

According to a source close to the Restoration Movement, Dickson settled for a relatively unknown retired Naval officer, Rear Admiral John Gboribiogha Jonah.

The unwavering action of Dickson allegedly angered the First Lady and that was the genesis of the cold war between the two, which to an extent, polarized the PDP- led state into camps of loyalists of the contending interests.

Appointment

It was also learned that the appointment of the First Lady as a permanent secretary in the state, though without any assigned portfolio, was part of the strategy to placate and woo her to the governor’s side.

Dame Jonathan was sworn in alongside others at a colourful ceremony held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa by Governor Dickson.

He defended his administration’s action by saying that her appointment was based on merit, having risen through the ranks of the public service of the state and was last appointed into the directorate cadre as a level 15 officer in 2005.

This, according to observers of event in the state, improved relations between them until some hawks loyal to the First Lady started contriving damaging stories about the governor, and succeeded in driving a wedge between them, which led to her voluntary disengagement from the service.

2016 governorship race

The incumbent governor is no

doubt fighting the biggest battle of his political career and the fact that everything revolves around government in the predominantly riverine state has not helped matters given his strict monetary policies.

The last PDP primaries in the state may have further exacerbated the face-off, as the governor in a bid to build his own political structure, stopped most of the lawmakers in the state House of Assembly from returning to pave for his anointed candidates.

Many of those who lost out in the party primaries have since aligned themselves with the camp opposed to the governor ’s re-election bid.

Going by their permutation, a victory for Jonathan in the poll would spell doom for Dickson.

Though the governor has repeatedly declared that he was unfazed by the distractive action of his detractors, his loyalists are, nonetheless, disturbed due to the alleged overbearing influence of the First Lady in the politics of the state.

Dickson, who has left no one in doubt of his independent mindedness and desire to effect a change in the state, is seen as conceited by those opposed to his leadership style.

Dickson, TAN clatter

The pro-Jonathan group, the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, led by former state deputy governor, Mr. Werinipre Seibarugu, was accused of planning to destabilize the state and destroy the work of the state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the re-election of Jonathan.

This conflict cost some appointees of the governor, believed to be close to the First Lady, their appointments.

Governor Dickson at a time chided TAN: “It is important to state for the records, especially at this period of heightened political activities, that while politicians and groups are free to set up campaign structures to promote their personal, political aspirations and canvass for votes from the electorate, they must do so within the confines of the law.

“These should not in any way amount to destabilization of the state. Security agencies in the state must be alive to their constitutional roles and duties to protect the security and stability of the state.”

But the group in response to the accusation of plotting to unseat him as governor of the state, dismissed as false, claims by some politicians in the state that the wife of the president, Dame Jonathan, had concluded plans to use the organization as a tool to dethrone Dickson.

TAN, according to its Director Publicity, Chief Nathan Egba,

is a socio-political organization set up to inform and mobilize the people of Nigeria towards the re-election of the president, Dr Jonathan and, therefore, is not out to oust the state governor, Seriake Dickson.

He also said the appointment of the former state deputy governor, Werinipre Seibarugu as TAN coordinator in the state, was not to antagonize the present administration in the state, but to add more vigour to the mobilization of the people of the state and the region for the re-election of the president in 2015.

According to him, “TAN has nothing whatsoever to do with any plot to unseat the Bayelsa governor, Seriake Dickson. The group was established to publicize the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“There is no member of the Bayelsa TAN that is working against the administration of Governor Dickson in the state.”

Reactions to feud

Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, in the state, Chief Nengi James, said: “The issue is normal.

Even among husband and wife, brothers and sisters in the family there are bound to be

friction and feud.

“And in Bayelsa, it is not a new thing because we have seen it in the past administration.

“Alamieyeseigha had problems with the then President Obasanjo and during Governor Sylva’s era, he had problems with Mr. President.

“Presently, we are hearing from the rumour mill that the First Lady has some problems or issues with the governor and how supporters of the First Lady were relieved of their appointments.

“But the governor has come to say that there is no problem between him and the First Lady, that he has respect for the First Lady. If that is true, we will wait and see but those that had problems with the presidential villa from Bayelsa have never ended well.”

Implication for Bayelsa

James said: “As a civil society, we are concerned and we do not want the governor and First Lady to have such conflict because of the negative implications to the people and administration.

“Definitely, it will affect the state, both psychologically and developmentally. As it were, supporters are divided

between them and as such, it will also impact on the development and can influence other situations.

“In the past, when situation like this arise, it affects the second tenure of the governor.

“As First Lady, she has all the prerogatives of mercy to forgive others, but be that as it may, if you insult an elder and that elder may not forgive you, then you pray God for forgiveness.

“We do not want this kind of feud to continue in Bayelsa State and it is unfortunate because it is affecting the citizenry and development.”

Traditional ruler and chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Bayelsa state chapter, Chief Emmanuel Namatebe, said: “The issue is purely political, it is not too good to meddle into the affairs of politicians because they are like husband and wife.

“You see them fight today, the next day they are back together and you will be seen as an enemy or detractor. As a traditional ruler and unionist, I do not want to stick out my neck.

“However, I believe that as people who are in one party, they know where they meet, so they should go and settle their differences amicably.”

10 dead in Ughelli as cultists test strength DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—FEAR has gripped residents of Ughelli and environs in Delta State following series of cultassociated killings between Aye and Mafiate confraternities of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, which have left more than 10 persons dead in the last three weeks.

The cultists, armed with sophisticated weapons in a show of muscle, maim innocent citizens and carry out their dangerous activities, especially on Sunday evenings, under the guise of hunting for members of rival gang.

The flashpoints are Adonowen, Pipeline, Afisere road, Uloho Avenue, Upper Agbarho and of recent, Ekuigbo community, where an 18-year-old female resident at Osere Street, simply identified as Aina, from Ondo State, was seemingly strangled to death.

The victim, it was gathered, recently secured admission to the Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, and was looking forward to her resumption before her demise.

Though details surrounding her death were still sketchy at

Ughelli Vigilante vehicle, damaged during the pursuit of Dennis. PHOTO: Perez Brisibe. press time, a relative told Niger Delta Voice that the remains of the victim, who resided with the immediate family of her elder sister, was discovered by her brother in-law, Mr. Ayodele Daniel, when he returned home from work.

“On getting home, he realized that the back entrance to the apartment was open, upon entering the house, he met the lifeless remains of the victim who was dressed and ready to go out,” he disclosed.

While police are investigating the incident, three persons, including Maduku Mudiaga, in his early twenties, were confirmed dead the previous

Sunday, February 1, at a drinking spot, along Afiesere Road, Ughelli.

He was shot in the chest at about 6.40pm in the full glare of passers-by. His remains were abandoned at Emekpa Bridge.

An eyewitness, Monday, told our reporter, “The gunmen, numbering four, came into the bar and on sighting the victim, brought out a cut-to-size double barrel gun and shot him at close range.

“He was on the ground bleeding for more than 20 minutes before he was taken to a private hospital on a

Continues on Page 7 C M Y K

6—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

PODIUM… AGAIN: Oil firm exploration splits Ogoni

By Davies Iheamnachor

O

GONI—OGONI communities, comprising four local government areas in Rivers State, was thrown into confusion, last week, following the decision of some chiefs and elders in the tempestuous area to endorse an oil multinational company prospecting for oil in the locality.

Some chiefs in the community had sanctioned the oil exploration company to start another phase of oil extraction in Ogoni, but the action triggered a face-off between the chiefs, elders and youths in the area.

OCIA, KSWA, MOSOP fume

Different community organizations, including the Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority, OCIA, the selfacclaimed government of the Ogoni people, Ken SaroWiwa Associates and Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, are now protesting.

Each group reacted negatively to the decision and endorsement by the few chiefs calling it a kangaroo agreement.

The people are insisting that the said decision of the chiefs was not binding on the Ogoni people, saying the company would not be allowed to explore oil in Ogoni.

They said if the company must reach agreement, it should be with the generality of the people and not few greedy individuals, as the oil belongs to the people and not to the chiefs alone.

A polluted stream in Ogoni.

No proper consultation

Chairman of Ken Saro-Wiwa and Associates, Chief Gani Topba, bemoaned the antics of few elders and chiefs of Ogoni, who signed off oil that belongs to the people without due consultation.

Describing the authorization as deceptive and insulting, Chief Topba said: “The signing that allows the oil multinational company to explore oil in Ogoni is an insult to the people.

“That few people connived and signed for a company to start oil exploration in the area is not proper. We refute it in its entirety. If that singing is necessary, key Ogoni people must be involved.”

He, however, called on the people of Ogoni to remain calm and law abiding as the group, KSWA, continues with its consultations and investigations.

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Chief Gani Topba, National Coordinator of Saro-Wiwa group.

Allegation of greed

The Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority, OCIA, one of the highest bodies in the land, in its reaction, accused the chiefs that endorsed the oil company of rapaciousness.

Chairman of Ogoni Gover nors’ For um, Mr. Lawrence Lipnee, said: “OCIA is not in support of

that endorsement and we reject it in its entirety. The youths of Ogoni will not also accept it. The Ogoni indigenous government is not happy with that.

“The company was endorsed by long-throat chiefs, who are selfish. They do not have the interest of the Ogoni people at heart “There is nowhere on earth that somebody will act without

Chairman of Ogoni Indigenous Governors forum flanked by an Ogoni security official.

the consent of a sitting government.

“The chiefs cannot appropriate our oil. I am putting a stop to the company ’s intrusion into Ogoni until the OCIA and youths of Ogoni are reorganized.

“The Ogoni Assembly should be allowed to deliberate on the issue. The chiefs are on their own; we

will ensure that the company does not come in. If they insist on coming, I do not think anything good would happen to them.”

... discrimination

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, described the purported endorsement as unfair, adding that the group was not consulted.

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—7

MURDER OF EDO COMMUNITY LEADER: ‘They beheaded my father, took his head away’ Continues from Page 1 buy.

“What happened was that he went for check up on Sunday and some drugs were prescribed for him. But he forgot.

“He remembered on Monday, because he was not feeling too well so he told me to go and look for the drugs that day. He was a diabetes patient.”

‘I saw my father’s killers'

“Before I left the house, the doors were open, but when I came back, I found out that they were all locked. So I pushed the door and it opened, I now saw the suspects.

“When they saw me, they took off, I saw one with a sack. They jumped the fence when they saw me. I saw my father on the ground dead with his headless body. I pursued them to know where they were heading to; I saw them entering a grey Toyota car and zoomed off.

“Before I came back, they had killed him and taken away his head. I was shocked because this was a man that I left to go and get drugs for.

“In fact, when I was shouting and telling people that they have killed my father and removed his head, many of them did not believe until they rushed to the house.

“I was devastated because I never believed what I saw. We have not found the head since and that is strange.”

According to him, “later that day, I saw one of the suspects carrying a jerry can of fuel. I pursued him shouting, calling on people that this was the person that killed my father.

“I guessed the car they came with ran out of fuel, so he went to get fuel to refill the car.”

How police arrested one of the suspects

“After filling the car with fuel, he zoomed off. But I pursued the car and luckily for me, I saw policemen in their patrol car. I flagged them down and told them that the person in that car killed my father. That was how the police arrested him.”

Widow of the late octogenarian, Mrs. Julie Uwumahongie, aged 55, disclosed that she received the sad news about the gruesome murder of her husband at about 5:30am, Tuesday.

She confirmed that her husband’s death was connected with the crisis surrounding plots of land in community.

According to her, “some one had earlier threatened to kill my husband before the crisis.

After we ran away from the village during the crisis to seek refuge at my father’s village at

Pa Enabulele... begging for food.

Community deserted.

Irhirhi, the suspect saw him here and said he would still kill him.

“I was called that my husband was killed brutally.

“He was killed because of land tussle. They have been fighting over the community land. He said my husband joined the other faction against them. People said he was shot before they cut off his head and took it away.

“I hid my husband in my father’s house yet they went to kill him. Nobody was at home when it happened.”

Pa Uwumahongie was murdered at Irhiri where he fled to for refuge, but Arogba, his hometown has known no peace since he was brutally murdered.

When Niger Delta Voice visited the community, it was deserted.

Before Pa Uwumahongie’s killing, the youth chairman, Okoro Obaretin, was also murdered, early this year, in the bloody tussle between two groups for the leadership of the community ’s development association, CDA. It was gathered that both groups had been enmeshed in a supremacy battle since September 2014.

Graveyard

When Niger Delta Voice

visited the community, it was like a cemetery as the Odionwere and other villagers had fled the town.

Only some very aged parents abandoned by their children remained with goats, taking over the deserted homes.

Several houses and vehicles were also razed.

But there were policemen at strategic locations in the community. An octogenarian, Pa Joseph Enabulele, who was with his wife, pleaded with this reporter for food, saying his children have all fled the community.

He said: ”I have been in this village for many years; I have not been well. I saw the

destruction but I could not move.

“I am number four in the community in terms of hierarchy. The person they beheaded is the husband to my younger sister.

“The police should try and arrest the people who killed him. I need food. Food is my problem now.”

Background of crisis

Niger Delta Voice gathered that the crisis between two factions of CDA, one led by Wilfred Aiyemenkhue and the youth chairman of the community, Okoro Obaretin dated back to September 2011.

A Benin High Court presided

over by Justice Efe Ikpomwonba in a verdict, Community Terms of Settlement/ Consent Judgment on October 30, 2014, adopted as its judgment the terms of settlement entered by two parties in respect of executive committee of Arogba CDA. It held: “The first term of settlement, coordinated and supervised by the traditional head of Arogba community and elders is that the parties resolved to work together in the community’s interest.

“Another term is a consensus list of members of the executive committee of Arogba CDA, that shall deal with issues pertaining to the community’s development as well as land issues in the community.

“The parties agreed that the tenure of office of the CDA executive shall be four years commencing from the date of judgment, (October 30, 2014) after which their appointment may be reviewed by the Ohen and elders of the community amongst other terms of settlement.”

The court ruled in favour of Wilfred Aiyamekhue, who was installed as chairman of the CDA for a tenure of four years.

But as it seems, the decision did not go down well with the other group, which vowed to stop Aiyemekhue, who had

Continues on Page 8

10 dead in Ughelli as cultists test strength Continues from Page 5 commercial motorcycle, popularly known as Okada.”

The next day, Mr. Onajiyovwi Micheal, owner of a popular drinking spot, Chickenmat, was shot dead when suspected cultists stormed his drinking bar in search of his son, who was not around at the time of their unholy visit.

Confirming the killings, an executive of the Ughelli Vigilante outfit, widely referred

to as Bakassi, said the incident came on the heels of a similar attack on another man in his 50s, shot dead by suspected cultists that stormed his residence, around the Okorodafe area of Ughelli in search of his son, also not at home when they struck.

His words: “These cultists rob and shoot innocent persons randomly while carrying out attacks and escape immediately they strike, but we are working with the police and are hot on

their trail.”

Police, vigilance group kill suspected kingpin Meanwhile, a combined team of the Ughelli Bakassi and officers of the Ughelli Police Command, in a shootout, penultimate Tuesday, killed the vice chairman of a community in Ughelli North Local Government Area, alleged to be the brain behind some cult related killings in Ughelli and environs.

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8—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

A governor’s peace sacrifice

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By Emma Amaize

ISTENING to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, penultimate week, verbalize at his residence in Warri, Delta State, on why he let go his senatorial ambition for Ijaw-born Senator James Manager, who is gunning for the office for a record fourth time against the

power shift arrangement entered by leaders of Delta South senatorial district, I pondered how many Nigerian leaders have his kind of heart and how good the country would be if they displayed such maturity in handling matters.

Political pundits knew there was palpable tension over the plan of Governor Uduaghan to go the Senate.

CELEBRITY

But they believed he would eventually triumph. However, it was obvious that something might happen the way some Ijaw youths were acting at the time.

Shocking withdrawal

Uduaghan’s withdrawal took many by surprise. In fact, an Itsekiri leader, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, who could not

I have the strong belief that if I had gone for the PDP Senate primaries, by now there would have been curfew in Warri Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State.

fathom the reason more than a month after the governor’s action, said there was something Uduaghan and his friend, Senator Manager, had refused to tell their followers.

However, Uduaghan voiced it out at a breakfast meeting in his house.

He said: “On the Senate, there were several build-ups leading to the primaries. If I had contested the Senate, by now there would have been curfew in the streets of Warri.

“When I looked at the elections, there is heavy build-up most especially in Delta South Senatorial elections. I asked myself, what I am going to do in the Senate if the process leading to that election would lead to another crisis in Warri?

“I am sure you will have more to report as journalists, but you will also not feel comfortable if there is no freedom in the city. We are enjoying some freedom and there is no curfew.

“I have the strong belief that if I had gone for the PDP Senate primaries, by now there would have been curfew in Warri.

“I do not want to leave office in a crisis situation. That is the reason I had to drop my senatorial ambition. I believe we do not have to go to the extent we go sometimes to seek for power. We do not have to go to the extent of causing war or chaos.”

He explained that it was a similar intelligence report that President Goodluck Jonathan received, which made him to postpone the groundbreaking of the $16 billion Delta Gas city at Ogidigben, Warri South-West Local Government Area.

MURDER OF EDO COMMUNITY LEADER: ‘They beheaded my father, took his head away’ after him.

“They killed one youth leader early this year. But at the time they killed him, we had taken my dad out of the community. So my dad had nothing to do with it. He was 85 years old.

“Anything that has to do with land, my dad does not want to get involved anymore because he was somebody that hates lies and cheating.

“When he sees the truth, he will say it the way it is. And because of that people do not like him and that was why he was killed.”

Police working round the clock—PPRO

Late Pa Uwumahongie's widow and his son, Henry (right).

Continues from Page 7 spent over 10 years as chairman of the CDA. The refusal to accept Aiyemekhue’s leadership led to destruction of property in the community in November last year, following a fight between the two groups.

The tension in the community heightened when the youth chairman, Okoro Obaretin, was murdered early this year, by unknown gunmen.

Pa Uwumahongie connection

When the crisis erupted in the community last November, the children of Pa Uwumahongie relocated him to Irhiri, a neighbouring community so that

the old man would not be disturbed with the crisis rocking the community.

He was at Irhiri when Obaretin was shot dead.

Niger Delta Voice was informed that the problem between late Pa Uwumahongie and the faction of the community led by the deceased Okoro, was the octogenarian’s unshaken resolve to always say the truth on matters affecting the community, particularly when it had to do with ownership of land.

Niger Delta Voice learned from a source in the community that Pa Uwumahongie was killed because of his principled stand on a land a woman purchased in the community.

It was said that after selling the land

to the woman, one of the warring groups in the community reclaimed the land.

Elders of the community sat on the issue. While some failed to say the truth because of fear that some of the youths with vested interest in the matter might harm them, Pa Uwumahongie stood his grounds, declaring that the land rightfully belongs to the woman.

Henry corroborated the opinion, saying “the problem in Arogba community started sometime in November last year. We had to relocate my father because the problem was bothering my father.

“People were threatening him so we decided to take him to Irhihi. But we never knew that those people were still

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Edo State Police Command, Joseph Edogiawerie, said the assailants pumped bullets on the old man before chopping off his head.

He disclosed that operatives of the state homicide unit were working round the clock to unravel the mystery behind the man’s death.

Edogiawerie said two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while the police were on the trail of the killers who may be in possession of the late victim’s head.

However, Niger Delta Voice gathered that the family is not satisfied with the pace of investigation by the police as some of the key suspects are yet to be arrested, while the ones already arrested are yet to face prosecution.

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 33

34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

By Theodore Opara

All New Nissan X-Trail

The seven-seater Interior of the X-Trail

Nissan recharges with two trendy SUVs S

TALLION NMN, the ” Nissan sales company in Nigeria has unveiled the third generation (T32-series) Nissan X-Trail and second generation Nissan Qashqai at a media brief in Lagos, where local automobile media later put the vehicles to test from the Stallion NMN Gbagada showroom to Victoria Island Lagos. The two new models reflect Nissan’s pedigreeintheproductionofstate of the arts SUV. The arrival of the all new X-Trail is expected to change the perception of fond admirers of the predecessor model that over the years gained reputation for its practical, go-anywhere compact SUV slogan with generous load space and towing capability.

Towing capability Now completely transformed to a fashionable, safer and more family-oriented SUV with a new variant offering a seven-seat capacity, the new X-Trail is an epitome of innovation, incorporating new design dynamics and different marketing direction, 14 years after it made a debut.

Nissan says the new XTrail took its design clues from the Juke, Pathfinder and Murano crossovers, trading off the much desired boxy lines and upright stance for trendier and fashionable styling.

Notable contenders in this segment include Suzuki Grand Vitara, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Nissan has no doubt upped the ante for equipment levels in the new XTrail, donning 18" alloy

wheels, push button start, LED daytime running lights, cruise control, dual zone climate control, rear seat air conditioner vent with shut vent as well as intelligent key and panic alarm with Bluetooth phone connectivity and music streaming. These are class leading features for comfort.

The new X-Trail's cabin itself is a significant improvement over the utilitarian fitout in the old model, with plenty of soft touch surfaces and bruised metallic accents, and ergonomically layout.

Coupled with this is a height-adjustable driver’s seat and front armrest with airy and spacious cabin to deliver very comfortable space up front. The middle row seats can slide and recline in a 60/40 split with

plenty head and legroom for adults to lounge in comfort.

The overall effect is an interior that looks and feels decidedly more premium with a new steering wheel, instrument cluster and a liberal spread of piano black plastics that complete the makeover.

A crystal-clear five inch LCD screen located in the centre of the instrument cluster displays the vehicle power between the front and rear axles, helping to give the driver information on available traction and control that is needed. The Advanced Drive Assist Display provides information directly in front of the driver to minimize time looking away from the road.

The X-Trail’s safety shield features include Hill Start

Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and SRS Airbags System. This is in addition to the ‘zero-gravity’ inspired front seats that are superbly cushioned and wonderfully designed to make long stints behind the wheel a real pleasure.

There are modest dimensional gains too – 30mm of width, 10mm of height, and 5mm in length – but the result is a new X-Trail that looks as large as a Nissan Pathfinder.

Unlike the old model, the second row seats are now on rails that allow them to slide, as well as recline with a 40/20/40 split-fold layout.

The result is substantially more rear legroom and

easy access to the third row, where applicable.

Passengers in the second row can also sit elevatedin stadium style, while children in the third row enjoy improved visibility from correspondingly raised seats.

There’s also a new rear storage system, known as Divide-N-Hide, which Nissan claims can be configured 18 different ways.

Under the bonnet, the XTrail’s 2.5-litre petrol engine is essentially a carryover from its predecessor, with just an extra kilowatt of power added to increase output from 125kW to 126kW, but with 233Nm of torque.

Despite gaining an average of around 34kg in heft, the four-cylinder engine still delivers sufficient

punch off the line (without feeling sporty), and there’s decent mid-range pull for safe high-speed overtaking on country roads.

The new and improved CVT in the latest Nissan XTrail is more refined than mostcompetitors – at least under light to moderate loads. However, reduced friction and hydraulic losses mean improved fuel economy of 7.9Litres/100km.

While it wasn’t in the same league as some conventional automatic transmissions, the X-Trail’s CVT was one of the better examples of a kind, ‘changing up’ and occasionally even holding a higher ratio on the run down hills. hill Start Assist served to make the day-to-chore of driving the X-Trail less onerous.

Politicians woo students, groups with buses

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S politicians come to terms with the reality of the shift in the date of the general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC from February 14, 2015 to March 28, 2015 for the Presidential and National Assembly, and from February 28, 2015 to April 11, 2015 for Governors and State Houses of Assembly respectively, they are bound to go back to the drawing boards to restrategize.

Informed sources reveal that against this backdrop, one of the leading political parties with national spread, is planning to re-jig its campaign strategies aimed at appealing to specific spectrums of the society,

especially the youths who constitute a significant

Don’t forget that these schools, universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, among others, are in dire need of these vehicles, and those of them we have contacted are looking forward to this

voting strength.

One of such strategies being considered, it was learnt, is the plan to donate buses to all universities and institutions of higher learning across the country, as well as some Non-Governmental Organisations.

An official of the party who did not want to be mentioned explained thus: “there is no doubting the fact that we are popular with the youths and young Nigerians who are eager to vote, so we are not leaving anything to chance. We want to ensure that we win more young people to our side.

“Don’t forget that these schools, universities, polytechnics, colleges of

education, among others, are in dire need of these vehicles, and those of them we have contacted are looking forward to this”.

The NGOs, he added, “are not to be left out. We are looking at those ones that can add value to the electoral success chain.

We are going to touch quite a number of them”.

According to the politician, though his party was not comfortable with the shift in the election dates, it is already exploring all avenues to keep its messages alive in the minds of the electorates.

It would be recalled that the practice of donating buses by politicians to students and other bodies is

not new on the Nigerian political landscape.

Last year, the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu donated a 16-seater bus to the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, EDM, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife. Also, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Olajumoke Akinjide, had only last year, donated four luxury buses- one to the each of the students’ leadership of The Polytechnic, Ibadan; University of Ibadan; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso and Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—35

By Theodore Opara

Prestigious design award for new Kia Sorento K

IA Motors contin ues to reel in awards for its outstanding design. Now the Kia Sorento, the brand’s flagship SUV, has received the prestigious ‘iF Design Award’ for the first time.

The jury of the globally-recognized design awards program honored the third generation of the Sorento, which goes on sale globally in Q1 2015, with an award in the ‘Product’ category. As well as awarding the car for the overall quality of its design, the jury rated the car on criteria such as finish, degree of innovation, environmental impact and safety.

The all-new Kia Sorento is the seventh Kia model to secure an iF Design Award. In every year since 2010, at least one of the coveted awards has been scooped by Kia Motors, with previous winners from the brand including the Kia Venga, Sportage, Optima, Picanto, pro_cee’d and Soul. ”I am very proud of this award for the Kia Sorento because it is recognition of the great advance in quality we have succeeded in achieving in this model,” said Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company. ”The Kia Sorento unites the classic poise of an SUV with a premium look and feel that is

particularly tangible in the cabin. It offers the very highest design quality and excellent value for money. This is largely the achievement of our international design teams – which is also why I am so delighted with this award.”

The new Kia Sorento was developed by the Kia design team in Namyang, Korean, assisted by the Kia Design Centers in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California.

The new Kia Sorento is a stylish and practical SUV with exceptional versatility and practicality. The smoother, sweptback profile and deeply sculpted surfaces give the Kia Sorento a lithe, elegant appearance. The spacious interior follows the horizontal lines of the overall design concept and delivers a luxurious look and feel with top-quality materials throughout the cabin.

The new Kia Sorento,

2015 Kia Sorento winner of iF Award

The Interior of Kia Sorento

which is available with five or seven seats, has a longer wheelbase and provides more passenger

room than its predecessor. The luggage area is larger, and thanks to the sliding, 60:40-split seat

row it is even more versatile, holding up to 1,732 litres.

The Kia Sorento has a

powerful and efficient 200 ps (147 kW) 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, while four-wheel drive versions are fitted with Kia’s new Dynamax™ All-Wheel-Drive system with torque vectoring.

High-tech specifications and a range of premium features, including the 360-degree Around View Monitor and smart parking system make it easy to maneuver and park. Buyers can also choose from the latest safety assistance systems, from lane departure warning to rear cross traffic alert and traffic sign recognition, through to adaptive cruise control.

Nissan Qashqai with contemporary designs cues

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OMING eight years after the first generation model, Nissan says the new Qashqai builds on the strengths of the original model, offering ample style, space, equipment with better fuel economy and sharper handling.

The original Nissan Qashqai according to the Japanese automaker was one of the first

Nissan Qashqai 2015 model

crossover models on the market, combining unique characteristics of a hatchback and SUV. Stallion NMN, the local Nissan Sales Company and member of the Stallion Group shared these views when he acquainted local automobile media with the distinguishing characteristics of the second generation Qashqai at a product presentation fol-

lowed by a test drive last weekend.

Mr. Amit Sharma, Head, Sales and Marketing at Stallion NMN who spearheaded the product presentation of the new Qashqai described the vehicle as trendsetter in the crossover segment and one of the most practical midsize SUVs to imagine.

He said: Nissan purposefully swank the Qashqai to offer customers better and improved driving values with superior versatility of an SUV at low running cost and affordable price.

The new Qashqai has indeed excelled in almost every area, offering unassailable space and practicality best suited to family life – thanks to the vehicle’s huge boot and spacious cabin. The car is much more stylish with sharp lines enhanced by chrome trim and strips of LEDs in the headlights.

Economical and classy inside, the Qashqai boasts a refined, hi-tech and solidly built interior with decent amount of equipment that elevates the well-ordered and fashionable dashboard layout.

Couple with this is the ergonomically designed panoramic sunroof that stretches from the rear to the front end of the car giving the car a premi-

Coupled with this is the ergonomically designed panoramic sunroof that stretches from the rear to the front end of the car giving the car a premium feel from a distance

um feel from a distance.

Mr. Sharma said unlike the previous model, the new Qashqai is enjoyable and reassuring to drive with a Caller ID that allows drivers to check calls without necessarily keeping eyes off the road.

“You can also track your favourite artists and music while driving just as the various Advanced Drive Assist Display screens delivers infographics in real time,” the Stallion NMN marketing helmsman revealed.

Creating a car with good low-speed ride and the ability to handle rough surfaces usually involves a compromise in set-up. Not so with the new Qashqai. The second generation model is equipped with advanced double-piston shock absorbers that deliver faultless damping at both ends of the dynamic range.

36 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—37

David, 17, seeks N5m to treat cerebal palsy

By Chioma Obinna

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AVID Sopuruchi Chibuzo faces a bleak future. At the age of 17, David is still very much like a baby, unable to perform simple everyday functions.

Most of his young life, he has been down with Cerebral Palsy, and is presently in anguish from a fall sustained during one of the numerous seizure attacks that has left him with a dislocated hip and shattered bones.

Aside from his inability to help himself with anything, David’s case is worsened by recurring convulsions, a symptom associated with cerebral palsy. the disorder affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills. It is usually caused by brain damage that occurs before or during a child’s birth, or during the first three to five years of life.

Recounting the ordeal, David’s mother, Christy, recalled that he was born hale and hearty on August 7, 1998. At nine months, he had started to hold things to stand and move about the house, but in May 1999, his two elder siblings were admitted at Oredugba Specialist Hospital, Ikate, Surulere, Lagos on

diagnosis of cerebral malaria.

David who later went down with the same problem, had a more severe case. He was in coma for eight days after which he was resuscitated but at that point things had gone awry; he had lost every single memory and since then, living has been a struggle for him.

His dream of becoming a pastor, is slowly fading, but he refuses to give up the fight, as he is always with a Bible by his side.

When he was just a year old, David was registered at the Children Development Centre,

The brain surgery will work to completely eradicate the seizure attacks, leaving it with greater chance of correcting all the imbalances caused by the attacks

CDC, Surulere, Lagos. There he was taught motor skills and a host of other things but today, he is out of school as a result of dwindling resources of his parents.

David’s father, Chibuzo Onuegbe, a pastor with the Assemblies of God Church took up the story. he regrets being unable to sustain his son’s treatment on his meagre income.

“The journey has not been an easy one but God is gracious. We were told that one week physiotherapy in LUTH will not solve the problem. So we had to engage a physiotherapist thrice a week for seven years. With the help of the massage, David started learning to hold his neck.

“We started to teach him how to sit down by putting him in a carton and guarding it with clothes and pillows; we taught him sounds - how to open his hands. Today, his hands are good but a bit weak. He can grip a biro and spoon.”

To complicate his woes, David suffered a dislocated hip. He was referred to the National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi where a surgeon initially said he could carry out the surgery for

• David Chibuzo, down with cerebral palsy.

N1 million, with a 50/50 survival chance. But on the next appointment day, he chased them out “like dogs”, asking if

Shortage of medical personnel:

Tougher times ahead for Nigerians (3) zFor 3 years, no resident doctor recruited in Lagos — Tope Ojo, Chairman, NARD, Lagos branch

By Sola Ogundipe, Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

IN this final part of our series on shortage of medical personnel within the Nigerian health sector, seasoned medical doctors examine the problem while proferring feasible solutions that could be applicable shortterm and long-term.

Starting off Chairman of the Lagos State branch of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, Dr. Tope Ojo. Excerpts:

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OOKING at the issue of shortage of health workers I would like to put it in political perspective. There are two reasons I always advance in respect to this inability to be fulfilled individually and professionally.

We are in a country where a health worker cannot boast of

• Dr. Tope Ojo a living wage. You cannot boast of very good condition of service and this is not alien to Nigeria.

Shortly after independence in the 1970’s people were enjoying a robust package which were not only applicable to doctors. These included a car loan, house loan among others.

But this is not applicable again, we now experience a state of dead infrastructure.

We have not been able to get continuous power supply over the years. The roads are bad and access to health facilities even as a health provider, is restricted.

These are requirements that there are guarantees at all for.

Second, our people are unable to practise their profession to the fullest. There are a lot of things in terms of revolution that have occurred in medicine, and this is not available in our country. For instance when you are looking at surgical specialities, it has gone beyond opening people up a times, there are now facilities that can conduct the proper examination without tiring people.

Many years back Lagos State can boast of 20 Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI machines, but now in the whole of Lagos I don’t think we can boast of five. And when you are comparing this number with the population of Lagos State we all know what it means. Even practising the profession you

cannot help your patient maximally.

So how do will now juxtapose this with what I call a political decadence? It is the failure of leadership that is responsible for all of this, and the only people to be held responsible are our political leaders that have deceived Nigerians over the years.

When you look at it government still spend a lot of money to train our graduate but at the end you don’t have them staying back and this can be attributed to poor governance over the years.

This is a very serious problem and until we start to see it from political perspective, and be a vanguard of change and join the train of people that will say enough is enough, regardless of your political party, the situation will continue to get worse.

In the past three years in Lagos State, the government has refused to recruit resident doctors because of their rancour with doctors employed in the State and their Association.

Continues on page 38

they could not see that the leg was irredeemable.

However, a ray of light came their way when a church member who went to India for heartrelated surgery took David’s xray with him. A team of experts at Vikian Specialist Hospital, India, examined it and assured the problem could be corrected with David having a good chance of recovery.

The experts recommended series of surgical procedures on the brain and hip estimated to cost N5 million. The brain surgery will work to completely eradicate the seizure attacks, leaving it with greater chance of correcting all the imbalances caused by the attacks, while with the hip surgery, David might be able to walk again over time.

With respect to this hope, the Onuegbes are passionately appealing for finiancial assistance.

Charity tearfully remarked: “This issue has drained our resources and also put us in debt, yet we cannot afford to keep watching him groan in pains. He has been recommended for multiple surgeries abroad which is estimated at N5 million and my family cannot afford it. We are therefore, passionately pleading with all whose heart God support us with the surgical operations.”

Donations for David can be sent to Onuegbe Chibuzor N. 2018357079, First Bank of Nig. Plc. Further details are obtainable on 08033284171, 08035137845 and 08085853139.

38—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Tougher times ahead for Nigerians Insecurity, poor job satisfaction to blame — Dr. Osahon Enabulele, VP, Commonwealth Medical Association Continues from page 37

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EASONS for health worker shortage in health facilities in Nigeria are legion, in the view of the Vice President, WAR, Commonwealth Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele.

They include poor health human resource development plans; inadequate training infrastructure and health facilities to support the production of health human resource; migration of health workers (particularly medical/dental practitioners) due to insecurity and poor job satisfaction, particularly as a result of uninspiring workplace conditions, poor health infrastructure and equipment, inadequate remuneration and welfare conditions.

Enabulele who is the erstwhile

• Dr. Osahon Enabulele President of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, argues that the attractive remuneration, better security guarantee, better incentive packages, conditions of service and workplace conditions in developed countries, such as United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, etc.,

greatly encourages migration of health workers from developing countries, particularly countries in Africa, Nigeria inclusive.

“In terms of the appropriate numbers recommended by the World Health Organisation, a country is expected to have a minimum number of the various categories of health workers to cater for the population of the country. For instance, the recommended ideal doctor : patient ratio is 1:600, even though for developing countries the minimum is usually taken as 1:1000 (doctor-patient ratio).

In Nigeria, an average of 2, 500 medical doctors are produced annually.

However, this is grossly inadequate considering the average doctor- patient ratio of 1:6300 in Nigeria.

Training infrastructure “To address health worker shortage, there is need to address the identified factors responsible for Health worker shortage in health facilities in Nigeria, particularly by increasing the number of training infrastructure without compromising quality and standard; instituting a more efficient and effective health human resource development plan and Personnel Management System; improving the morale and job satisfaction of h e a l t h workers by constantly improving their incentive package, remuneration and welfare conditions to be in tune with their professional calling, job roles and economic realities; effective resolution of conflict areas, particularly with regard to role conflict through proper designation of job roles; improved security of health workers; and institution of a transparent performance reward system,” he asserted.

No common platform for medical personnel to thrive — Dr. Olurotimi Odunubi, MD, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos

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DDRESSING shortage of special bank to develop healthcare.

Government should also pursue idea of healthcare providers requires encouraging various specialists to come planning and projection. For instance if together and provide a platform because the country needs 12,000 doctors over the the days of unit specialist is fading away. next five years there will be need to create Gradually one man hospital which is what avenue for such in terms of training.

But after training them, how to retain and distribute them so that they can cover the Nigeria population is another issue because there is freedom of movement.

When you train people and they have better offer somewhere else, you can’t stop them.

In the face of this shortage, there are some states without a single specialist doctor and they are not even looking for a specialist. There are states in this country where the only specialist is at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC. There are so many Nigerian doctors outside the country, and one way of fast tracking development and quality healthcare is to attract them back to the country. Many of them want to come back but want • Dr. Olurotimi Odunubi. improved infrastructure in place first. Government can provide we have in a lot of private hospital in the incentive which was what India did, like country is going out of fashion. There is giving them land or tax relief maybe for need for collaboration to minimise risk. five years because they have the skills but In service delivery, time is of essence, if they are working in different environment somebody is ill, he wants to get back to his from what exists here. state of good health as early as possible, For a skilled surgeon to practice because for every minute he is ill, is a loss successfully, you need all those supportive of revenue to the family and larger society. services that ensure you are still providing When you don’t have the right personnel that high level care. to provide the specific care he needs, he wait his turn, there are some hospitals Special where people wait for elective surgery, and these are surgeries that are not emergency. bank They have to wait for upwards of six The diagnosis that will almost explain months or nine months.

The surgeon cannot do more than a what the patient problem is even before going into the surgery is required and to certain number per day and there are not acquire those equipment require a lot of enough surgeons so they need to wait for money, they don’t really need to bring that that special care. These are basic problems money out of their pocket, just like that happen when you have shortage of government did for agriculture and qualified medical personnel, and in the industry, providing special bank for them, course of waiting for service sometimes you can provide fund or special bank in other problems may develop, for instance, which the interest rate will be low, the anaemia.

Normally for most people is not operational rate now is about 26- 30 per cent if you make special concession like dangerous but while you are waiting, you maybe single digit interest rate that will can develop complication, obstruction encourage people to take loan from such which can be life threatening.

No hospital is exempted— Prof. David Oke, CMD, LASUTH, Ikeja, Lagos

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HE Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Prof David Oke, admits that there are shortages in all cadres of healthcare professionals in all health facilities in the state. “No one will deny that it does not have enough.

LASUTH is not exceptional in Lagos State. We are only hoping that the incoming government will look into it and we are now doing task sharing and task shifting with the little number that we have.

“The inadequate number is understandable because of the wage bill. And that is what we are saying that it has

to be factored in by any incoming government to judiciously use the money

In the face of this shortage, there are some states without a single specialist doctor and they are not even looking for a specialist

they have.

There is no hospital anywhere in the world that is having enough health workers and Nigeria is no different. As much as possible the government is aware of it and they have mentioned to us that they will tackle it.

“Shortage of health workers is one of the priorities of the new government coming into Lagos State. Right now we have consultants, resident doctors, pharmacists, nurses and others but I cannot give you the numbers because I am out of the hospital.”

In the view of Dr. Olufumilayo Bankole, who

is the Acting Medical Director, Isolo General Hospital, Lagos, the staff strength of the hospital dropped from 550 to 409 over the last two years, while patronage is on the increase.

• Prof. David Oke

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—39

Partners seek better management of post traumatic stress disorders

14 IDPs test positive to HIV in Yobe

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ARTICIPANTS at a national workshop to discuss the management of post traumatic stress disorders, PTSDs, in Nigeria, say strategic partnerships among stakeholders, coupled with improved capacity building and increased funding, are key to delivering efficient post traumatic response to victims of natural and man-made disasters in the country.

The workshop, organised by Murtala Muhammed Foundation, MMF, in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, lamented the existing Draft National Guidelines for the Management of PostTraumatic Stress Disorders in Nigeria is outdated and not robust enough to capture the needs of the victims of disasters in Nigeria.

In a communique, the participants called for cooperation among key stakeholders to provide medical and social support; rapid assessment using first responders and religious leaders; capacity building targeted at caregivers and task shifting; as well as subsidy/tax free laws to stimulate local production of needed medications, amongst others.

They also recommended that the National Assembly should pass bills that would allow a specific percentage of the federation account be allocated to agencies dedicated to the management of psychological distress after disaster, as well as that mandating corporate organisations to dedicate a percentage of their CSR budget to post traumatic stress care On developing an appropriate structure for post-traumatic care in Nigeria, the participants, made up of national and international players in the

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field of mental and community health, psychology, psychiatry, social work, and counseling, advocated for the incorporation of disaster response modules into the schools programme.

They called for special attention for women, children and the elderly in the draft structure.

Aisha Oyebode, the CEO, MMF, said the workshop was convened to provide a platform for the evolution of a robust framework for the management of psychological trauma in disaster situations in the country.

OURTEEN out of the 2,109 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, screened for HIV in Yobe State, have tested positive to the virus. Following the screening carried out by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, among those who tested positive were 10 in Nguru and four in Gashua, have been referred to Anti Retroviral Therapy, ART, at the Federal Medical Center, Nguru.

Project Coordinator, NACA, Dr Aminu Fikin, said the exercise which was designed to reduce and ultimately eliminate the risk of transmission of HIV

• From left: Medical Director, Lakeshore Cancer Centre, LCC, Dr. Chukwumere Nwogu, with representative of the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adesanya Ayinde; representative of the Lagos State First Lady, Mrs Abiodun Opeifa and Mr. Paul Onwuanibe during the official launch of the LCCin Lagos.

in the state, covered Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

So far, 759 people in Nguru, 850 in Jakusko, 400 in Gashua, 400 in Yusufari and, 250 in Jajimaji have been screened.

Fikin said the IDPs were from Baga, Malum Fatori and Askira in Borno state, Michika, Uba and Mubi in Adamawa state and, Buni Yadi, Damaturu and Giedam in Yobe state.“"The project was targeting 6,000 people, but, because there is no IDP camp in Yobe, most of the IDPs are staying with relations in individual houses in villages scattered across the state.

"We are also constrained by the difficult terrain to reach some of these villages" Aminu said.“ Rakiya Sherrif, a healthcare provider said intensive counselling was used to convince the IDPs to volunteer for screening.

"We had to provide some basic needs like treated mosquito nets, soap, detergents and other toiletries to woo them for the screening exercise, ” she noted, saying most of those screened complained of assistance for food, beddings and clothing as their immediate needs and, there is the need for government, NGOs and philantropic individuals to assist these displaced persons.

Ibrahim Dankanawa, spokesman of the IDPs, commended the screening exercise but appealed for government aid with food, clothing, bedding and, other healthcare needs.

Hauwa Usman, a widow and mother of six, urged other agencies to emulate the quick response demonstrated by NACA, saying such quick response with food, clothes and beddings would substantially address the problems.

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40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

By Samuel Oyadongha

T

HERE had been much anticipation in the days leading to the Presidential campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State given the alleged chasm between Governor Serikae Dickson and the wife of the president, Dame Patience Jonathan.

The First Lady had been alleged to be behind those scheming to be working to stop Governor Dickson from aspiring towards a second term in office.

For her alleged inclination, some stakeholders in the state had warned the first lady not to come along with the president for the rally. Her supporters on the other hand were alleged to have also conceived a plot to humiliate the governor by booing him at the campaign ground.

As if envisaging trouble, the organisers had banned the use of sachet water which they feared could be used by any of the warring sides to pelt their antagonists on the podium.

Even more, a day to the rally of last Friday that the police came out in full force in a show of force to intimidate the troublemakers.

As early as 8.00 a.m. thousands of residents of Yenagoa had trooped out of their homes early as 8am to line up the major roads to give the august visitors a rousing welcome. To bolster the crowd, the state government had closed all schools in the capital city for that day.

Massive crowd The massive crowd at the stadium, including large number of pro-Jonathan groups led by the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) and Women groups, defied the sweltering sun singing dancing as the event was turned into a huge carnival..

The situation was not different outside the campaign ground as the army of supporters who could not access the sport facility waited patiently for over six hours for the arrival of the president, his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan herself a great mobilise, and their entourage.

Some women and men who could not stand the scorching sun collapsed. Many were dehydrated as they were barred from entering the campaign ground with sachet or bottled water following alleged security reports of plan to use such objects as missiles.

It was as if God saw the

•Dickson and Dame: They were once jolly good friends

JONATHAN'S HOME TROUBLE

Dame and Dickson PUSHED into a corner by the alleged contention between his favourite governor, Serikae Dickson and his favourite woman, Patience, President Goodluck Jonathan finally came out last Friday to sort out misrepresentations and the mess in the local chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Bayelsa State. plight of the crowd, the heaven opened up and poured its showers of rain to cool the heat just as the President was about to give his speech at the event.

The fear of many security officials and non-partisan political observers was quickly brought to fore when Governor Dickson rose to welcome the president and his delegation.

Just as he commenced a section of the crowd as had

been feared booed him but this was countered by the singing and drumming of his supporters.

But the governor, a former policeman was hardly perturbed as he proceeded as if unbothered by the revolt of his political antagonists who had reportedly combined with those who have faulted his slow execution of stomach infrastructure.

The president, however, later came to his aid to rebut

the insinuations in some quarters that the First Family was agreed on the campaign to hound the governor out of office.

Clad in Ijaw traditional attire and amidst thunderous applause from supporters, the president expressed happiness to be back and appreciated the support he has received from the people of the state during his political journey which has seen him move from deputy governor to

president.

He was quick to address the issue of the alleged contention between his wife and Dickson as according to him, the relationship between him and the governor remained good and that anyone that quarrelled with the latter should consider it a fight against him.

President Jonathan, who described his coming to the state as a thank you visit and not a campaign, urged Bayelsans not to be deceived by the antics of his (Dickson) detractors but to work with the governor to develop the Continues on page 41

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—41

I’m on a rescue mission in Abia — Alex Otti Dr Alex Otti was the former Managing Director of Diamond Bank and presently the assumed governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) in Abia State.

In this interview, he shares his views on the forthcoming elections, his plans for Abia state and why he left his job at Diamond bank to join politics. Excerpts:

BY GBENGA OKE

W

HAT is your assessment of the race ahead?

Well, the stage is not set but the race has started and the elections are by the corner. We are treading on, it is not an easy process but we thank God that we have found favour in His sight.

In Abia State, it is very clear that people want change, it is clear people want development, they want people with impeccable character, skills, vision, people that can turn things around in Abia State. And all those are some of the things that are working for us, so we are highly accepted by the people.

What could have moved you to leave a juicy job at Diamond Bank to join politics?

If you don’t dare, you don’t win. There is a saying that if you don’t contest, you will not win. If you contest, you may win. I think the most important thing is to define things properly. At this stage in my life, the most important thing for me is to sit in my comfort zone and look at my state go down the drain and we eventually end up with a failed

state or to take up the challenge.

It is a difficult decision but it is tough people that take difficult decision. So the courage has a whole lot to do with my passion to serve the people and to turn the story of our state around.

Abia State is one of the most underdeveloped states in Nigeria, it is one of the few states left with both human and material resources. What is lacking is quality leadership and good governance and I have what it takes.

built Rome, if they did not start, Rome would not have been built.

In terms of resources, I believe I have the capacity, I have done it for other states, I have also done it for corporate organizations and doing it for my state is the least I can do.

So I know where to find the resources, I know where to deploy the resources and I know what to do to develop the state. So it will be done because I already have my blueprints.

Ufomba is still laying claims to the ownership of the governorship ticket of APGA in Abia State. How does that affect your at the polls?

Well, I think people are well

Financial expert So I took the decision and it’s a decision I will not regret by the grace of God. Given the fact that the state does not have enough industries and with dwindling oil prices, how do you intend fund youre projects?

Well, don’t also forget that you are speaking to a financial expert, so I know exactly where the money is and I know how to get it. A lot of money still exists but they are looking for quality leadership, we are still looking for people with pedigree. Rome was not built in a day but the people who

Abia State is one of the most underdeveloped states in Nigeria, it is one of the few states left with both human and material resources

•Otti: Abia State, it is very clear that people want change

educated and it is not about claim. Anybody can come out and claim anything. I think what is most important is what INEC says and INEC has since declared that the governorship candidate is Dr Alex Otti and not Ufomba. So I don’t want to dissipate energy with somebody making claims. For

you to be a candidate, you must have purchased form, indication of interest, you need to run the primaries and you need to win before you become a candidate. Ufomba did not participate in the primaries, so how can you be a candidate?

I don’t think it is an issue.

JONATHAN'S HOME TROUBLE: Dame and Dickson Continues from page 40 state.

“Let me use this opportunity to make it clear that for me to work hard and help my people I am working closely with the governor of the state and you must make sure that you support us.

“Those who don’t like the governor don’t like me. I am hearing stories of people who are coming to spoil your minds. If you don’t like the leadership we put in place, you don’t like me. Don’t allow people to spoil your minds you young people.

Jonathan’s comment was a soothing balm to Governor Dickson’s camp as it was seen

as an open endorsement of the governor’s second term bid given the insinuations that he has lost the support of the President in the wake of the alleged frosty relationship with the First Family.

According to the President, “I have noticed that you are being instigated by those who don’t like us and I am telling you that you must work with the governor of this state for you to benefit from us. We are together, we are working together to bring the dividends of democracy to this state and don’t allow anybody to deceive you. I am telling you as a father, uncle and elder brother that we must work with the governor

•President Jonathan

to develop the state”.

He thanked Bayelsans for

their support assuring that his administration would ensure that everybody enjoy the fruits of democracy.

Dame Patience in her own speech did not give the governor such dignity. She neither recognised him nor paid protocols to him as in her speech, she focussed on the re-election of her husband.

Rather, she called on the women of the state to intensify prayer for the re-election of her husband based on performance and the fulfilment of the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in the country.

Dame Jonathan also called on the Nigerian women to support President Jonathan

in order to be ahead in modern technology including the use of computer for study as against what she referred to as “Analog” way of life.

Other speakers at the rally included the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, the Chairman of the South-South Governors and the Cross Rivers State Governor, Senator Imoke and the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Mu'azu.

It was indeed a rally to remember and a victory for the Dickson’s camp following his open endorsement by the President.

42 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—43

2015 elections and the infrastructure of gullibility

By Erahodu Oseghale T will go down as one of the puzzling peculiarities of Nigerian politics that performance in terms of delivery of the dividends of democracy is not the determining factor in election success. It has been dubbed politics of “stomach infrastructure” by pundits, borrowing from Ayo Fayose’s imaginative reference to the effectiveness of dishing out food and clothing items instead of roads and hospitals in his marvellous defeat of Governor Fayemi.

An even more bizarre version of this freak democracy is now playing out at the presidential level as General Buhari leads the APC in a vigorous campaign against President Goodluck Jonathan, flaunting nothing more than his thirty year old notoriety as a tyrannical enforcer of draconian decrees! In this democratic con-game, even school certificates have no value but for the constitutional provision requiring them as proof of literacy.

To put it bluntly : General Buhari’s claim to a right of return to rule Nigeria is entirely premised on pontificating and promises since he has spent all his post-ouster decades battling polls and court verdicts that consistently confirm his “perpetual in-electability”, as Nasir ElRufai once diagnosed.

Yet he has emerged again for the 2015 polls, defying his own teary-eyed vows never to contest again and a fatigued frame depicting all the wear and tear of a 73 year old legionnaire.

I

Wiser counsel Any right thinking person would expect such a cashiered character to be praying for a blessed berth at the gates of heaven, not elbowing and roughtackling his way towards a fourth lameduck foray into presidential electioneering. Wiser counsel would have him engaged instead in grooming a much younger, generationally-correct, successor for his timed-out and obsoleted presidential ambition. But old habits, like the old soldier, never dies! The fact that he could still clinch the hotly-contested ticket of a party parading itself as It is “progressive”, edging out more youthful and amazing mentally alert how personalities like General Abubakar Atiku and Rabiu Kwankwaso, Buhari presented an even managed more preposterous poser to those who to get rightly believe swallowed progress means moving forward not into the retrogressing. company The only sane explanation for such of those he antics is that the APC once strategists actually find Buhari’s eclipsing swore he life-span very suitable would for the back-door keep at succession to the Presidency of Prof. arm’s Yemi Osinbajo, as a length surreptitious short-cut to power for the Yoruba, thereby

outwitting the Hausa-Fulani hegemonists with their own son, sorry grandfather. But that is all about the elitist political treachery that brought together such a mind-boggling mixture of strange bed-fellows united temporarily by their irreconcilable ambitions.

It is amazing how General Buhari managed to get swallowed into the company of those he once swore he would keep at arm’s length and still insist on his own incorrigibility. This is another credential he would prefer to keep in military vaults. The real tragedy, however, is that all the liabilities of perpetual in-electability, advance age, and rigid dictatorial tendencies, have fermented into a potent brew that seizes the sensibilities of the gullible fringe of northern masses with a bewildering binge of hero-worshipping anchored solely on their sadistic hatred for the rich and the privileged whom Buhari regularly projects as thieves and rogues responsible for mass poverty, unemployment and insecurity.

It never occurs to the misled mobs that wealth and opportunity are precisely the panacea for their own liberation from misery and hopelessness.

Indellible development President Goodluck Jonathan now has to contend with the awkward challenge of proving his indelible development transformation record currently changing the landscape and the economic fortunes of Nigeria positively amid the baseless, mischievous and misleading campaign of calumny orchestrated by a leading villain in the destruction of the nation’s potentials under rapacious military dictatorship.

Those who spread the deliberate disinformation about President Jonathan “doing nothing” about the Boko Haram insurgency, for example, were responsible for derailing the Nigerian armed forces from their professional calling in defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria by railroading them into political piracy and plundering of the public treasuries in the guise of “corrective crusade against corruption.”

The list of monumental achievements of the Goodluck Jonathan Administration in all spheres of human endeavour and economic significance in only four years should have been sufficient support to guarantee him a well-deserved second term, without the distraction and challenge of Nigeria’s most notorious enemies of democracy and economic progress, now maliciously masquerading as champions of democracy and promoters of progress and development. That is the tragedy of the infrastructure of gullibility propping up the presidential ambition of General Buhari and his APC collaborators. •Oseghale writes from Benin.

Buhari

Journalism as Tribulation

Y

OU may not have heard about an American journalist known as Brian Williams. If so, Wikipedia has this brief introduction: “Brian Douglas Williams is an American journalist who is the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News, the evening news programme of the NBC television network, a position he assumed on December 2, 2004.”

Brian Williams belongs to the contemporary crème de la crème of American journalism. To be the anchor and managing editor of NBC’s Nightly News might be likened to being a four-star general in the army; not an army with a history of always advancing backwards when rag-tag groups like Boko Haram or Al-Shabab are retreating forward and gaining territory in the process. Williams commands such respect in American journalism as perhaps Nigeria’s Dele Giwa commanded before “unknown soldiers” sent him a parcel bomb that snuffed life out of his ebullient body, or Norbert Zongo who was mysteriously eliminated by the henchmen of Blaise Compaore’s government in Burkina Faso.

Last week, Williams faced what must be the toughest challenge of his journalism career when news filtered out that he possibly falsified reports about his experience as a war reporter in Iraq in 2003. For several years, Williams has been telling the story about how a U.S. helicopter he was traveling in at the war zone was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade attack in a location at the deserts of Iraq. But, when Williams repeated the claim this time, the soldiers who were with him were offended by the inaccuracy that was being spun in the name of truth.

Eventually, the Stars and Stripes wrote a report that challenged Williams’ claim, and included the voice of several veterans, including the man who piloted the helicopter that flew Williams to the war zone. It all came down to the fact that it was another helicopter that was fired at, and Williams and crew were nowhere near where the incident took place.

Williams has since apologized for the inaccuracy and “misremembering” the true story about the incident. Beyond that, he stepped aside from his plum position as anchor with the following words in a memo to his staff: “In the midst of a career spent covering and consuming news, it has become painfully apparent to me that Trust is the I am presently too currency of much a part of the news, due to my journalism. actions.” He added Once it that “Upon my return, I will evaporates, continue my career- there is little long effort to be worthy of the trust of or nothing to those who place hold on to

their trust in us.”

His employers at the NBC network have launched an enquiry into the incident. But there are suggestions that even if Williams is cleared of any wrongdoing or is forgiven because of his past records, his insinuation that he might return to his position as the managing editor of the nightly news and anchor of the programme may not materialize. Trust is the currency of journalism. Once it evaporates, there is little or nothing to hold on to. The person in whom trust ceases to be an ennobling factor must fade into the doldrums and remain in the profession’s archives.

In his “I shall return” message, Williams recognized the primacy of trust in journalism. He asserted that journalists strive “to be worthy of the trust of those who place their trust in us.” True. Trust is one of the few qualities in journalism that transcend international boundaries.

Ideally, you are not allowed to get it wrong in journalism, let alone make a false claim.

When you do, a mea culpa will not get you off the hook. And, amnesty will never lead to amnesia in the minds of your audience. History becomes an unforgiving recorder of your misdeeds. Few people have the personal fortune and luxury of bouncing back after such an encounter.

Personally, I can’t recall any journalist who has gone to that hell called being untrustworthy and reemerged as a bonafide member of the profession.

Mental disorders As Williams’ false claim became public, a Republican Party presidential aspirant made a claim that was patently false and cast a shadow on his reasoning and judgment. He is U.S. Senator Rand Paul, a qualified ophthalmologist. Currently, some states in the U.S. are experiencing a resurgence of measles that was officially stamped out of the country in 2000.

Unfortunately, some parents, mostly conservatives and Republican Party supporters, are refusing to vaccinate their kids in the name of parental freedom of choice. Tapping into this popular sentiment

among the Republican Party base, Rand Paul supported this weird belief that vaccinations are dangerous when he said this: “I’ve heard of many tragic cases of walking, talking normal children who wound up with profound mental disorders after vaccines.” He has since recanted that claim.

While campaigning to be the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in 2008, candidate Hillary Clinton said this about her trip to Bosnia as first lady: “I remember landing under sniper fire (in Bosnia). There was supposed to be some kind of greeting ceremony at the airport, but instead we just ran with our heads down to get into the vehicles to get to our base.” That spectacular claim about dodging enemy firepower turned out to be a hoax.

But, sooner than later, Rand Paul and Chris Christie will be absolved of their sins and continue with their presidential campaign.

Hillary Clinton will likely win the presidency in 2016. Several U.S pastors who have fooled around with female members of their congregations and even prostitutes have been forgiven because to err is human, and forgiveness is said to be divine. How about Brian Williams? I can hear the sound of his requiem in journalism.

44 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015—45

Esele blames INEC for polls shift zSays the commission wasn't prepared

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—FORMER President of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr. Peter Esele, has blamed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the postponement of the general elections from February to March 2015, insisting that from every indication, the electoral body was not ready to conduct the elections.

Esele, who spoke with journalists in Benin, Edo State, yesterday, while reacting to the shifting of the polls, said citing security reasons to move the elections forward was simply a leeway to cover INEC’s inefficiency.

He said: “I think citing security reasons is just to find an excuse for INEC’s dereliction of duties. I believe that INEC, in the first place, knows that election takes place every four years. When I read comments by Nigerians about the postponement of the elections, sometimes I feel very disappointed because in

Pirates warned to keep off Bayelsa waterways during polls

By Emem Idio

Y

E N A G O A — BAYELSA State Police Command has read the riot act to criminals, saying it has adopted better strategies that will reduce the prevalence of sea piracy and other associated crimes within the inland waterways before, during and after the general elections.

Bayelsa State Police Commissioner, Mr. Valentine Ntomchukwu, in Yenagoa, while addressing members of the state branch of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and other stakeholders in the maritime industry on the Command's security preparations within the waterways ahead of next month's general elections, noted that the security measures become pertinent in view of the fact that some saboteurs may want to take advantage of the strategic importance of the state to cause a breach of the peace.

C M Y K

Nigeria, why should we keep having problem but choose to treat symptoms and not the causes. INEC had four years to prepare for the elections, what did they do in the past four years?

“All we need to do is to go back to the basics and find out what was the cause and why we cannot hold elections same day since 1999. The day we

held election in 1999 was different from that of 2003; 2007 was different from 2003 and 2011 different from 2007 and now 2015 is different still.

“We need to ask INEC why they were not prepared for the elections because they had four years to prepare and why they were ot ready.

“In 2011, the election was postponed for two weeks when

people were already being accredited. Now the election is being postponed for six weeks. Why do we keep having that problem? Does it mean we don’t have project managers to manage things like that? These are some of the questions we should ask INEC. What should we do to make sure that it does not reoccur?”

BRIEFING: From left: Mr. Charles Igbinidu, Managing Director, TPT International; Mr Olivier Thiry, Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited; Mr Andrew Enahoro, Head, Legal/Public Relations, Promasidor; and Mr. Festus Tettey, Head, Marketing, Promasidor, at the media briefing on the 2015 Promasidor Quill Awards, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Urhobo nation passes vote of confidence on UPU leadership

By Godwin Oghre

M

O S O G A R — A CONGRESS of the working organs of Urhobo nation, at home and in the Diaspora, consisting of the executive committees of its

apex body, the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, the Women (Eghweya) Wing, the Elders/Leaders (Ekpako Urhobo) Wing, the Youths (Ighele Urhobo) Wing and the 24 Presidents-General of the 24 kingdoms of Urhoboland,

Delta community, Shell agree on cause of oil spill

By Egufe Yafugborhi

Y

OKRI community in Delta State, Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, have resolved their differences over the crude oil spilled into the community’s fishing swamp due to the leakage on a Shell pipeline in Burutu Local Government Area of the state.

During the Joint Investigation Visit, JIV, after the discovery of the spillage mid-January, stakeholders agreed that the incident resulted from corrosion on the Yokri Well 114 Flowline, but the process was deadlocked when argument broke between the community and the company

over the volume of crude spilled.

Present at the JIV were Agbramu Friday, Shell Team Leader at the Yokri Flowstation, Ikechukwu Ibe of industry regulator, NOSDRA, as well as Samuel Powede, Chairman, Yokri and Gabriel Agbala for owner families of the affected fishing swamp among other community leaders.

It took parties an extended meeting in Warri to mutually agree that some 33 barrels of crude oil may have been discharged into the fishing swamps from the failed pipe before the leakage was discovered and further spread halted.

The amount of compensation due to the community and affected swamp owners is yet to be agreed upon.

has passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of UPU, which has Chief Joseph Omene as its President-General and Chief Albert Akpomuje, SAN, as Secretary General.

Other members of UPU executive mentioned in the vote of confidence include: Chief Austin Uloho, (Third Deputy President-General); Chief E. E. Okonoko (Assistant National Secretary); Chief Mike Ederewhevbe (National Treasurer); Chief Dafe Akpedeye, SAN, (National Legal Adviser); Chief R. Emecho (National Financial Secretary); Chief M. T. Okenini (National Publicity Secretary); Chief Grace Usirare (National Assistant Financial Secretary) and Chief Asa (Ex-Officio).

Motion for the vote of confidence, was moved by the Secretary General of Forum of Presidents-General of the 24 Kingdoms, Chief Kenneth Iwhewhe, seconded by the President of Urhobo Youths Council, Mr Ovie Anthony and was adopted by a unanimous ‘ yes’ vote.

APRIL POLL: Delta doctors back Okowa for gov

D

ELTA State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa’s professional colleagues under the aegis of Delta Doctors for Okowa Worldwide, DDOW, has drummed support for his election, stressing that if given the mandate, the state will experience overall turnaround in all sectors.

DDOW, in a statement by its Chairman, Dr Richard Koffi, said Okowa’s track record as a senator, former Secretary to Delta State Government, former Commissioner for Health, Agriculture and Water Resources, gives him an edge over others gunning for the governorship position.

Group accuses APC of planning blackmail documentary against Jonathan

T

HE Jonathan Youth Vanguard, JYV, has urged the electorate to be wary of alleged plans by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to sponsor a blackmail documentary against President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the March 28 presidential election.

JYV Director General, Ebis Orubebe, said in a statement that the APC documentary was a plan by the opposition party to divert the attention of Nigerians from weighty issues regarding APC's presidential candidate, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari’s certificate and other atrocities he allegedly committed when he was Head of State as well as chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, among others.

The APC documentary, Orubebe said, will focus on the missing Chibok girls, alleged missing $49 billion, armoured vehicles for former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, naira fall, subsidy removal, Immigration recruitment saga and activities of the dreadful sect, Boko Haram.

46—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Court hears suit seeking cancellation of Enugu PDP governorship primaries today

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—AN Abuja Federal High Court, presided over

by Justice Evoh Chukwu, will today commence hearing on the suit filed before it by the proprietor of Peace Mass Transit, Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Enugu State.

Onyishi is seeking the cancellation of the December 8 primaries for being in breach of Section 87(4) (b) (I) of the Electoral Act. His prayer is for the court to, not only direct PDP to conduct a fresh governorship primaries in Enugu State, but to also grant an injunction restraining Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from accepting/acting upon any name whatsoever forwarded to

Osanebi mobilizes constituents for PDP

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HE member representing Ndokwa East constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Friday Osanebi, has enjoined his constituents, Ward 4, comprising Utchi, Okpai and Beneku in Ndokwa East Local Government Area to vote en mass for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming elections.

Osanebi spoke at Beneku town hall, when he gave out 10 sewing machines, 10 hair driers, six power generating sets, 10 motorcycles and other gifts to the constituents.

it by PDP as the winner of the election purportedly held on December 8 or as the candidate of the party for the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Justice Chukwu had ordered PDP and INEC not to submit or accept anyone as the governorship candidate of the party till January 14, but the

industrial action by Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, stalled the hearing.

The judge had said: “I must warn that since this matter is already before this court, none of the parties should do anything capable of affecting the Res of the suit before me.

“This court will not hesitate to void any action taken by any

Reactions trail non-passage of Public Finance Mgt Bill

of the parties before the next adjourned date.”

However, now that courts have resumed, observers are waiting with bathed breath whether the decision of the party to submit names to INEC ahead of the coming general election has exposed it to contempt proceedings.

By Chidi Nkwopara

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W E R R I — REACTIONS have started trailing the non-passage of Public Finance Management Bill, PFMB, by members of Imo State House of Assembly.

Some citizens, who spoke to Vanguard yesterday on the issue, were of the view that if the Bill had been passed into law, the level of transparency and accountability in the management the state would have been enhanced.

Dr. Don Ekechukwu reasoned: “We all desire a people-centred government. This could have been enhanced if the PFMB had been passed into law.”

Contributing also, Deputy Clerk of Imo State House of Assembly, Barr.

Ngozi Osuigwe, lamented that some public office holders have refused to follow financial regulations and adherence to the provisions of the yearly budget, stressing that this lapse had continued to hinder development.

While advising accounting officers to be sincere in the management of public funds, he also suggested that a forum should be organized to take the message to the grassroots.

Anambra to get arbitration courts

By Enyim Enyim

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N I T S H A — A R B I T R AT I O N courts are to be established in Anambra State to ensure quick dispensation of justice, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Peter Umeadi, has said.

Umeadi dropped the hint when a group of certified arbitrators, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, also directed that specialized court halls for Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, be included in the ongoing construction of new judiciary headquarters at Agu-Awka in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The delegation, led by the state chairman, Mr. Damian

Okoli, were on a courtesy visit to discuss modalities of establishing arbitration courts and ADR panels to fast track the justice delivery system in the state.

Addressing the delegation,

Ndigbo Lagos back Jonathan's re-election

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HE umbrella body of Igbo in Lagos, Ndigbo Lagos, comprising professionals, artisans and businessmen and women, has resolved that it would be in the interest of Igbo to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election.

The group said it took the decision after reading parties’

God has chosen Jonathan to rule until...— NNOCHIRI

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Catholic faithful from St. Jude Catholic Church, Mafoluku, Donatus Nnochiri, has predicted victory for President Goodluck Jonathan of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the coming elections.

“I received a message from God that the President will rule Nigeria until He appoints a suitable leader that will deliver Nigeria from its socio-

Justice Umeadi charged the arbitrators to take advantage of increased volume of criminal and civil cases emanating from business transactions to take ADR practice to a higher level.

economic problems,” Nnochiri, a member of the Charismatic Society of the church, said.

He added: “I am not a politician and do not intend to go into politics. I am only delivering a message as directed by God. “God said He will hold on to power until He appoints His chosen one that will bring joy and relief to Nigerians.”

manifestos and listening to the campaign promises of presidential candidates.

A statement by the group’s President-General, Professor Anya O. Anya and SecretaryGeneral, Mr. David Nwachukwu, said: “The strategic future of Ndigbo, within the framework of a larger Nigeria, will be better served by a continuation of a Jonathan presidency.

“The the 2014 National Conference, set up by the President, produced a report that is beneficial to Ndigbo, and was unanimously adopted by delegates across all the geopolitical zones and nationalities.

“We, therefore, enjoin Ndigbo everywhere, and indeed all Nigerians, to come out en masse and vote for President Goodluck Jonathan.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On elections' postponement

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think the elections should have gone on as planned. Now, some parties nuisance value will increase and the FG can nolonger proceed unchallenged, undistracted and more focused in a renewed mandate to deliver good governance. — Miss Udeaku Nwazota, Graduate.

C M Y K

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am saddened that we have ignored the pertinent issues that should form the core of discourse in this period. We are focused on the mundane and very pedestrian locutions. The polls should not have been postponed.

They should have gone on as scheduled.—Mr. Ralph Nwoke, Lawyer.

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NEC should have ensured that 99 percent of eligible voters got their Permanent Voter's Card, PVC, before the February 14 election date. Since that was not achieved, then the ideal thing is for the elections to be postponed.—Mr. Okafor Christain, Businessman.

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think INEC should have gone ahead with the polls. Any person who registered during 2014 re-registration exercise must have had his PVC before the February 14 date for the presidential election. Nigerians should go and collect their PVCs.—Miss Sophia Osuji, Graduate.

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ISENFRANCHISING Nigerians will lead to voter apathy. This is not the time to leave people behind through no fault of theirs. Some politicians simply want to stampede their way to office without care for whose rights they trample on.—Mr. Uchenna Azuka, Self Employed.

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HOSE who called for postponement of the polls because eligible voters are yet to receive their PVCs, have made a good point, no doubt.

But let the elections should have gone on to shame those wishing that it won't hold at all.— Miss Akinyokun Comfort, Businesswoman.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 47

POLLS POSTPONEMENT: PDP

afraid of defeat

—KWARA SPEAKER I

By Demola Akinyemi

LORIN—THE Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly Mr Razak Atunwa has said that the President Goodluck Jonathanled administration came up with the postponement of the polls through the back door because the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was afraid of defeat.

Speaking in Alapa, while addressing farmers in OwodeOnire Constituency, Atunwa recalled that the National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki had earlier called for the postponement of the elections in London, stressing that INEC was just intimidated by what he described as the security operatives to postpone the elections.

He urged Nigerians to vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the general elections in spite of the antics of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to restore sanity in the country.

Atunwa who also urged Nigerians to be consistent and

steadfast in the face of intimidation and provocation to ensure the resolution of the numerous problems confronting the nation, praised farmers in the area for their sacrifice and tolerance, stressing that the rift between the farmers and the Fulani herdsmen would soon be totally resolved by the state

government.

He assured that he would continue to be committed to their well being, and praised the state government, the state House of Assembly and Asa Local Government Area for their prompt response in restoring peace in the area, saying that there was the need for peaceful coexistence between the farmers and the

Fulani herdsmen to pave way for more meaningful development of the area.

Chairman of Asa Local Government Area, Alhaji Salman Obalana explained the role played by his council in ensuring peaceful coexistence in the area, adding that it would continue to be committed to the well being of the people of the area.

RALLY: Igbo Youths Movement, IYM, President, Evangelist Elliot Uko leading members of the group in a rally in Enugu, seeking fiscal federalism and restructuring of the polity.

....As gov aspirant urges cooperation with INEC

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By Demola Akinyemi

LORIN—THE governorship candidate of Labour Party, LP, in Kwara State, Dr Mike Omotosho, has called on Nigerians to cooperate with INEC to deliver free, fair and credible elections even as he urged them not to allow the postponement of the elections affect their earlier desire to chose who would lead them in the next four years.

In a statement in Ilorin yesterday, Omotosho said: "Nigerians must see reasons for the postponement. It is too risky to conduct elections without the support of security agencies, if we must have a credible election so they must understand and cooperate with INEC.

“We must cooperate with INEC to deliver us free, fair and credible elections. If they cite security reasons I think it is enough to postpone the elections, especially taking into account the insecurity in some parts of the north. We must remain calm and not take laws into our hands at any time, because we don’t have any

L

By Godfrey Bivbere

AGOS—DR. Agbakoba,

Olisa Senior

Jonathan over booing of Dickson PRO Jonathan’s group in the Niger Delta, under the platform of Niger Delta United for Jonathan, has apologized to President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, over the alleged booing of the Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson by a crowd of party supporters during the last week's presidential campaign rally in the state.

They said though their action was not meant to embarrass the President or his wife, Dame Patience, but it was an avenue for them to express their alleged frustration in the administration of Governor Dickson.

In a statement by the National

use the six weeks extension to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, and vote for credible candidates.

He then called on Kwarans to use the extension to appraise all governorship candidates in the state, saying he was determined to end poverty in the state if elected.

NIMASA has become inefficient —AGBAKOBA

RALLY: Group apologises to

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other place we can call our country than Nigeria. The 2015 general elections must not separate this country, we must continue to exist after the elections.”

Omotosho, however, commended the zeal Nigerians have so far exhibited for the election, pointing out that it showed that democracy had come to stay in the country.

He also enjoined Nigerians to

Secretary of the group, Azibaayam Iborisi and the Public Relations, O f f i c e r, E b i m i z i e w e Angalapele, it informed the President that current administration in the state is the worst in terms of policy making, youths mobilization and empowerment and lacking respect for human rights.

According to the group; "The open and loud booing of the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson was not a plot sponsored by any one, but a spontaneous show of frustration by the angry people from all the local government areas of the state."

Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has described the nation’s apex maritime regulatory body, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, as a “behemoth” that has performed woefully in the execution of the numerous briefs it is saddled with and called for the “unbundling” of the agency.

Agbakoba, the Principal Partner of Olisa Agbakoba Legal, OAL, who briefed newsmen in Lagos on the need to reposition the maritime sector, which, according to him, could become Nigeria’s major revenue generator in the face of the prevailing free fall in oil prices, said NIMASA had become inefficient because it had taken on too many responsibilities in maritime administration.

The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association,

NBA, said: “I still hold the view that NIMASA should be unbundled. NIMASA was first the National Maritime Authority, NMA and, then, it swallowed the Government Inspector of Shipping. Even in that original NMA Law, there were too many things; there was cabotage, ship development, cargo allocations. Safety and security was the Government’s Inspector of Shipping, but NIMASA swallowed it.”

He also said that NIMASA took over the permanent representation of Nigeria at the International Seabed Authority, which was created by the United Nations, UN, for the common exploitation of the natural resources of the high seas.

UN names Edo monarch Peace Ambassador

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ENIN—IN recognition of his leading role in ensuring lasting peace in Nigeria and globally, the United Nations, UN-POLAC has appointed the Okumagbe of Weppa-Wanno kingdom, Edo State, HRM, Dr. George Egabor, as an Ambassador of Peace.

Dr. Egabor, who is the Pro– Chancellor of Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto is also the Chairman of Pharchem Industries Limited, Lagos.

Speaking on the UN honour, the monarch, said: “The UN award is a huge challenge given the rising cases of insurgency and insecurity in Nigeria which is threatening peace in the country.

“I will work more conscientiously with individuals and corporate organisations charged with the duties of ensuring enduring peace in Nigeria, which is necessary for unity and progress.”

In a statement by Mr. Michael Nkemakolam, the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Pharchem Industries Limited, Ilupeju who is also a senior aide to Dr. Egabor, said the appointment was made pursuant to the declaration of the United Nations Resolution 53/15 of November 20, 1997.

32 winners emerge in StarTimes Xmas promo

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BUJA—About 32 winners again, emerged weekend at the last draw of StarTimes Christmas promotion held in Abuja.

Two winners, Musa Usman from Lagos and Al Akeem from Ibadan won the two star prizes of family sofer bed mate, while 30 others won 32 inch StarTimes led digital television.

The draw was the second and last segment of the promo, which started in November, 2014, in which another four star winners and 30 other winners also emerged in the similar pattern.

Brand and Marketing head, StarTimes Ltd, Ego Ihedioha, said the promo was in line with StarTimes tradition of rewarding loyal customers who had kept faith with the company.

She said: “With this draw, a total of 66 StarTimes customers had been rewarded so far, which brought the 2014 edition of the exercise to an end.”

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

PRESENTATION: From left, Dr. Ejiro Nwakpovwe, EV/PS John and Debby Fair Internatioal delegate, and Bishop Chris Nwakpovwe, during the presentation of Our Daily Manna [International] World Anointing Nigth, entitled, 'This Nonsense Must Stop, My Door Must Open,' ministeree by Bishop Dr. Chris and Dr. Ejiro Nwakpovwe, at TBS Lagos. Photo: Shola Oyelese

VISIT: Ogun East senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Buruji Kashamu (left), and the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdulrasak Adenugba, during Kashamu's courtesy visit to the traditional ruler before his campaign in the area.

CONFERENCE: From left, British-born Nigerian actor, David Oyelowo; Founder/Senior Pastor, House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin; British actress/singer, Carmen Ejigo, and the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James F. Entwistle, during a world press conference on the premiere of SELMA, an American historical drama, in Lagos.

CONFERENCE: From left, Ehi Braimah,Managing Director Neo Media and Marketing; Professor Adewale Solarin, Director General National Mathematics Centre; Mr. Olivier Thiry, Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, and Mr. Festus Tettey, Head of Marketing Promasidor Nigeria Limited, during the 2015 Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition press conference, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

CLOSING: From left, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Mr. Oscar Onyema, DG, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE; Chief Kola Jamodu, Chairman, NB Plc; Mr. Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, and Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, NB, at the Nigerian Breweries Plc closing gong of the market on the floor of Nigerian Stock Exchange, in Lagos, Monday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

ANNIVERSARY: Mr. Ezekiel Ejidede, MD/CEO, Mordelt Nig/Chairman of occasion (right), cutting the tape to commission one of the laboratory rooms, Mrs. Clementina Abeke Doregos, Founder (centre); Mr. Wole Aderinkomi, Regional Director Skye Bank (left), and others, during the 25th anniversary, speech making & prize giving day of Doregos Private Academy with the theme, 'Learning for Sustainability,' at the school premises, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

PRESENTATION: From left, Executive Director of Heritage Bank, Gloria Okpoboma, presenting two Hilux patrol vans and other operational equiptment to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, at the command's headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos, weekend.

PRAYER: Chief Imam of Mushin, Alhaji Sulaimon Opeyemi Olanijo, (middle), flanked by Archibishop Magnus Atilade (left), Archbishop M.A. Fadeyi (2nd right) and other Christian leaders, during a special peace prayer programme, in Mushin, to pray for the nation, weekend.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 49

50 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

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52 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

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54 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

POLLS: MTN unveils Voter Education app

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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TN Nigeria, y e s t e r d a y, launched a voter education application called, 2015 BetterMe app in Abuja.

The is an innovative in voter education and engagement towards enhancing and deepening Nigeria’s electoral process.

The app, which is available to over 60 million MTN subscribers, has a vast and robust content offering including segments on the 2015 elections, among others. The new app enables subscribers to seamlessly access information relating to the elections, from the comfort of their mobile phones.

A subscriber can access information on candidates for the elections, their plans and manifestoes as well as the strategic thrust and policy direction of the various political parties, among others from the convenience of the mobile phone.

The segment on the 2015 election of the BetterMe app is a collaborative effort of the Independent National Electoral Commission, National Orientation Agency and MTN Nigeria.

Director, Voter Education, INEC, Mr. Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, while speaking at the event to unveil the BetterMe app to the media in Abuja, stated that the app is a major platform for voter engagement and a big step forward in Nigeria’s quest for participatory democracy.

“When the idea was mooted, we were quite excited because of the positive benefits that the app has in engaging the voter and enhancing their participation in the electoral process,” said Mr. Uzzi.

He said that INEC went into partnership with MTN because of the reach of its network. “We commend MTN and NE02 (developer of the app) because without being prompted, they have developed the app to help enhance access to information and voter education. ''For elections to be credible, voters must participate in the electoral process in an informed manner.

Without information, voters can’t take part in an informed manner.”

Why I want to go to senate — GOV ORJI

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—ABIA State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has said he was seeking a senate seat to fight for things denied the zone and the state before now.

Governor Orji, who spoke at Community Primary School, Obeaku in Ukwa East and Obehie Primary School in Ukwa West, during the PDP’s campaign flag off in the area,

pledged to work with other federal legislators from the state to attract more dividends of democracy to the state.

According to him, federal attention will be drawn to the state if all legislators from the state with one voice.

Orji, who is contesting Abia Central senatorial district seat, explained that as the leader of the party in the state, he had never and would never ask anyone from Ukwa to leave the

PDP for another party.

He urged the people to ignore whoever told them such a thing, stressing that the PDP remained the only party with national spread.

Orji also pointed out that it was only in the PDP that the Igbo will realize their political dreams.

He urged Ukwa people to vote for President Jonathan and other candidates of the party in the forthcoming elections, saying the party was parading

the best candidates.

In his remarks, the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, promised to serve Abia well if elected and pledged to reengineer the economy of the state.

He also promised to reconstruct Ndoki road if elected governor.

In their remarks, some stakeholders of the party in the two local government areas, including former Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara, Chief Emeka Stanley, Chief Sam Nwogu and Mr. Mezie Ubani, commended the governor for ceding the governorship seat of the state to Abia South.

They assured him of their support for the candidates of the party.

Vote for Jonathan, G2G tells youths

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FLAG-OFF: From left; Mrs Blessing Idehen, Edo State Manager, Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN); Dr. Rosemary Adu, Programme Leader, SURE-P/NACA; Hon. Osaro Obazee, Chairman of Oredo L.G.A, Edo State and Mrs A. Ebi, CEO, Newhorizon HIV/AIDS Initiative, at the flag-off of SURE-P sponsored free medical outreach and HCT compaign in Edo State, yesterday.

Kogi dep gov, wife empower 415 traders

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—KOGI State Deputy Governor Mr. Yomi Awoniyi and his wife, Dr. Tokunbo Awoniyi through their NGO, Human Development Outreach, HDO, on Sunday, empowered 415 persons to enable them engage in vocational trades.

The beneficiaries who were drawn from the seven local government areas that make up the Western Senatorial District of the state, received motorcycles, generators, refrigerators, hair dryers, wheel chairs and vulcanization pumps.

Other items distributed to the beneficiaries who are mostly women, and youths included grinding machines, sewing machines, clippers, insect sprays for farmers, cooking stoves, electronic tool boxes and undisclosed amount of cash to some women to help them boost their businesses and improve their living standards.

Speaking on the occasion, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Awoniyi said the gesture was geared towards making citizens of the area self sustaining, economically empowered, as well

as enhancing their livelihood to become employers of labour.

“Efforts to reach out to members of the society is to support them.

We are aware of your needs and assured that we will continue to do everything humanly possible to ensure that we provide for those in need in our individual and official capacities.

“We are hoping that by lighting a candle, one thousand others will be lit. By lifting up one additional member of our society, several

others will be helped to find the path of economic survival and in so doing; we can create a more prosperous and stable society we can all be proud of,” she said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Mr Awoniyi said, “government is trying within the limit of the resources available to it to improve the lives of the people. There are better days ahead for the people under a PDP led administration of President Goodluck Jonathan”.

NATIONAL youth group, GoodlucktoGoodluck, G2G, in a statement by Hon. Aniefok Akpan, has called on all Nigerian youths to vote for Jonathan en masse.

The statement also asked youths to resist being deceived by politicians who would like to use them for their selfish interests.

It said: “We cannot allow some dishonest and hypocritical leaders to destroy our future with our own hands.

“Change is inevitable, and it is already blowing in Nigeria as the true agent of change, President Goodluck Jonathan, is breaking his record of grand achievements.

Pointing to the country ’s economy as the largest in Africa, the statement said: “Jonathan gives maximum attention to all sectors – agriculture, education, security, environment, health, youth development, women emancipation, among others – with the train of transformation moving with accelerated speed, firing from all cylinders.

Plateau PDP gov candidate roots for state police

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

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OS—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Plateau State, Senator Gyang Pwajok has said the establishment of state police would ensure improved intelligence gathering, which would in turn assist in nipping in the bud the incessant security challenges in the country.

Speaking in Jos during the media forum organized by the

state Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, for candidates of all political parties in Plateau State, Senator Pwajok also lamented lack of internal democracy within political parties saying such cases undermine the strength of a party.

He further said the country was currently at a crossroads stressed that the it was the responsibility of every citizen to ensure that ‘’our diversity is a source of strength.’’

Pwajok said he would address issues of youths development and empowerment in order to curtail rising incidences of social ills associated with joblessness among the people.

He also promised to build youth training and empowerment centres in the 17 Local government areas, provide business advisory services, focus on agriculture, job creation, environment, tourism, health and workers’ welfare to meet the unrealized expectation of the Plateau people.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014 — 55

NLC DELEGATES CONFERENCE: Unemployment, insecurity, power supply dominate talks union rights for over a decade in Nigeria asked “How can labour better push for the enactment of anti-poor policies even with the challenges of globalization staring us in the face, join the fight against corruption and ensure that that good governance is promoted in the country”.

Concluding, she said, “These and more are some of the expectations of the common man on the street from the leadership that will emerge after this delegates’ conference.

It is our hope that, at this conference labour will uphold its long tradition of conducting free , fair and credible elections.

Winners we hope will be magnanimous while losers will respect the wishes of delegates”.

By Funmi Komolafe, Victor Ahiuma-Young & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—ISSUES of unemployment, insecurity, devaluation of the Naira and epileptic power supply among others, were the dominant issues raised yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 11th Quadrennial delegates conference of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, held in Abuja with labour taking politicians to task on these issues.

APC, PDP grandstand

This came as the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, used the occasion to woo workers to support their parties with each promising a better life for the working class.

President Goodluck Jonathan in a message to the conference, said his government had been addressing the issue of insecurity in the country, promising that “Very soon the issue of Boko Haram will be a thing of the past.”

Speaking earlier, the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) lamented that about $32.88 billions had been budgeted for defence in the last five years, yet security situation in the country was alarming.

According to him, what Nigeria needed was “a group of competent leaders that have the capacity to solve the problems and APC is the answer.”

On his part, out going NLC president, Comrade Abudulwaheed Omar, lamented that of over 20,000 victims of the insurgents, “60% are workers”.

He said this was apart from the growing number of widows and orphans that the insurgency had created.

In his message, a former president of the NLC and Governor of Edo State, Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole, warned of a bleak future for workers pension as a result of the devaluation of the Naira.

In his words, “you save in good currency and you are paid back in worthless currency”.

President Jonathan who spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, assured that “the 2015 general election will be better than the 2011 election” which he said was adjudged free, Fair and credible.

Governor Oshiomhole told the NLC to insist that the election held on March 28, saying “ As we approach the national elections NLC’s voice must be loud and clear on issues.”

He recalled that two weeks ago, the Service Chiefs told the nation that they were ready for election, but suddenly they said they were no longer ready.

Vibrant labour movement essential for responsive govt —AFLCIO NLC DELEGATE CONFERENCE: From left, All Progressives Congress, APC Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari; Outgoing NLC President, Abdulwaheed Umar and Secretary to the Government (SGF) of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim during the 11th Delegates Conference of the Labor Congress in Abuja yesterday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

According to him, “What did they see now that they did not see then. We cannot accept a situation where Service Chiefs will dictate when we are to have elections.”

On unemployment, the supervising minister for Labour, Mr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, said the federal government had created 1.8 million jobs annually.

In his words, “Even if you hate our government, the records are there”.

But Oshiomhole who recalled that in the past, government policies were designed to create job opportunities , said, “It if there is no power, we cannot create jobs in this economy.”

The Governor lamented that that Governments had failed to build new refineries and repair existing ones refineries that could create job opportunities.

General Buhari on his part, promised that APC government would create jobs, adding “An APC government will treat labour as a partner in moving the country forward. We will respect the right to Collective Bargaining, promote new skills but we need your support.”

NLC president, Abdulwaheed Omar noted that workers were the first victims of the devaluation of the Naira, “not just that the value wages went down, prices have gone up’.

He noted “Government is the major culprit when it comes to failure to implement agreements reached.”

Still on the economy, Governor Oshiomhole said “We cannot accept as organized labour that 16 years in a

democracy, we cannot build refineries and the existing ones are not working, who is benefiting from import of refined petroleum products. We must build new refineries, Nigeria must export refined products”.

The opening ceremony was attended by past officers of the NLC, diplomats and government officials among others

NECA commends, cautions NLC

The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA, a major partner of NIGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, in labour relations has commended NLC for its existence of over 45 years even as it cautioned on the conduct of some of the NLC’s state councils.

In his message to the conference, the Director-General of NECA, Mr. Olusegun Osinowo, said, “the fact must not be lost on all and sundry that the NLC has now become one of key national institutions whose views and actions are key to the promotion of National development”.

Mr. Osinowo said, “In fact, the NLC could proudly present itself as one of the oldest democratic institutions in contemporary Nigeria. We however hope that the movement would be wary of seeming discordant views by some affiliated unions and certain independent actions by its state councils on national policies and issues which often run counter to the position of the national body and fly in the face of basic principles of industrial relations.

This tendency, he continued

“has the potentials of casting the movement in bad light and potraying it as a promoter of lawlessness and illegality”.

He recalled that NLC and NECA have collaborated as partners on the Boards of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, and the National Pension Commission.

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung tasks Labour on Democracy

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation , an international Non Governmental Organization which has been supportive of Nigeria labour Congress, NLC, took the Labour Centre to task on its role in a democratic dispensation.

Its resident representative, Dr. Kalus – Peter Treydte asked “What is the role of labour in all these daunting challenges confronting the nation?

He asked “how can labour become more than ever before, a strong, articulate and effective voice for the downtrodden at the threshold of history. How can the Nigerian trade unions re-invent themselves to play very key and strategic roles at this defining moment in history?

The FES representative asked workers and their leaders, “How can we as a constituent ensure that elections are free, fair and non-violent? What can labour do also to ensure that credible politicians get elected to political offices and that such elected representatives are accountable to the people”.

The organization which has been engaged in workers education and promotion of trade

American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organisation, AFL-CIO, yesterday said that a vibrant labour movement is essential to ensure that government is responsive to the voices of working families.

President of AFL-CIO Richard Trumk who stated this yesterday in a goodwill message at the Nigeria Labour of Congress, NLC, Delegates Conference, 2015, in Abuja, said that workers will continue to fight irrespective of their background to exercise their fundamental labour rights.

He said, “A vibrant labour movement is essential to ensure that government is responsive to the voices of working families. We must continue to fight so that all workers, regardless of their background can exercise their fundamental labour rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining.

“We need to ensure that our youths have the same work and education opportunities as prior generations. Through solidarity and strong coordinated actions, Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the global community can help build a better tomorrow. Your work in the coming days is essential toward this goal.”

Elections not a do-or-die affair —TUC

Also delivering a goodwill message at the delegates conference, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, said “ It is only in the labour movement as this delegates conference will show, that elections are not a do or die affair. Yes we go to the polls with varied and variegated opinions on who should do what, but in the end , when the people have spoken , we become Comrades again without rancor”.

56 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

•Ambode’s damaged campaign banner

Campaign billboards: APC, FG taskforce at daggers drawn on Third Mainland Bridge •Agbaje’s defaced poster

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

I

N spite of the Abuja Peace Accord, the recurring wave of violence via defacing and mutilation of political posters by supporters of both the ruling All Progressives Party, APC, and its arch rival, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is still raging in Lagos State.

Leaders of both parties have been trading accusations and counter accusations in the race to out-wit one another in the forthcoming general elections, particularly, the governorship tussle. Lagos State Government had in the wake of creating the special traffic squad, called SURE-P Federal Task, raised an alarm over its activities, saying it was established to cause chaos in the state.

The recent face-off between the APC and PDP has led to the destruction of campaign posters and billboards across the state.

Last week, campaign billboards mounted on the Third Mainland Bridge from Oworo, Mainland to Adeniji end of the Island, belonging to both political parties were either vandalised or defaced.

The Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution makes advertising the exclusive preserve of local governments.

Section 1 (k) (I) of the constitution states inter Alia: The main functions of a local government council are as follows: control and regulation of outdoor advertising and hoarding.

Two weeks ago, the SURE-P

Federal Task Force allegedly, pasted notices on outdoor advertisement on the Third Mainland bridge and other roads built by the Federal Government in Lagos State directing their owners to remove them.

What followed the warning at the weekend was the destruction of the billboards and other outdoor adverts, including those displaying the messages and pictures of APC Governorship candidate Akinwunmi Ambode.

Also, faceless agents, at the weekend, defaced the billboards of PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, leaving only a few untouched.

APC is intolerant — Agbaje Agbaje, while reacting to the development condemned the act accusing the perpetrators and the state government of intolerance.

He wondered why a poster would pose any threat to a party that claims to be enjoying popular support. He therefore, warned perpetrators to desist from such act as it negates the spirit of sportsmanship.

legitimate basis for the action taken by the so-called task force.”

Mr. Tokunbo Afikuyomi, chairman of the support group for Ambode 2015, maintained that the fact that the Federal Government used the resources of the Nigerian people to build a road does not provide any basis for violating the spirit and letters of the Constitution as the construction of any road does not confer power to authorize hoarding or outdoor advertisement on such a road on whatever tier of the federation that built the road.

“The only tier permitted by law to cede such power as the case may be is the local government authority. It is becoming clear that the PDP has adopted terror as a strategy of intimidating voters in Lagos State in the hope that they can harass and coerce the peace

Last week, campaign billboards mounted on the Third FG taskforce are Mainland Bridge g a n g s t e r s — A m b o d e from Oworo, support group Mainland to Adeniji Similarly, the Ambode 2015 support group has condemned end of the Island, the destruction of billboards of belonging to both Ambode by those it called “gangsters” masquerading as political parties were Federal Task Force. either vandalised or “By virtue of Nigerian defaced Constitution there is no legal and

loving citizens of the state to surrender their right to elect the governor of their choice.

“The desperate politicians whose shenanigans in the electoral robbery that took place in Ekiti State have just been exposed should note that these dangerous and inhuman strategies will surely fail.”

Inhuman strategies The group viewed the creation of the task force, as “a gross exploitation of the unemployed by an insensitive and anti-people PDP-led Federal Government that seeks to set the poor against each other. It is sad that the same government that controls power at the centre is approaching the electoral contest in Lagos State with reckless impunity and irresponsibility.”

The group therefore, asked Agbaje to call on the Federal Task Force to abide by the rule of law by respecting the authority of the local governments of Lagos State and their agency, the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency, LASAA, to carry out the regulation and control of outdoor advertisements and hoarding.

Also worried by the development, APC Lagos chapter also, called on the State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti to act decisively to stop the act and bring the perpetrators to book. Publicity Secretary of the party, Joe Igbokwe, alleged that thugs sponsored by the PDP have continued to vandalise

posters, billboards and banners of APC candidates all over the state, even on roads built by the state. Igbokwe said the act has been on the increase after Lagos CP, Aderanti vowed to arrest officials of LASAA. The APC scribe said the party had made appropriate reports to the Lagos State Police Command over the trend, “but they have strangely refused to act. “On Saturday, thugs went on rampage through Gbagada, Third Mainland Bridge, Osborne, Ikorodu Road, pulling down APC posters, billboards and banners and replacing same with PDPs.

Road users in traffic “We had expected the police to at least, pretend to be unbiased and stop this brigandage, but alas, they have looked sideways and pretended as if nothing is amiss”.

Igbokwe also alleged that on Wednesday, February 4, the PDP mobilized it’s members and held road users in traffic on Ikorodu Road for eight hours on the pretext of having a rally and in the process targeted APC campaign materials for destruction.

“We are yet to see any police action against such act of recklessness and rascality yet this was the same police that threatened to arrest LASAA officials for regulating indiscriminate defacement of Lagos with posters and hand bills.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 57

Hey! Abuse that child and go to jail •Lagos prosecutes 81 offenders

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

B

ARELY eight years after the Lagos State Government passed the Child Rights’ Law, the number of child abuse cases have not reduced. And in the last 100 days, no fewer than 81 offenders have been prosecuted by the State Government.

This was contained in a document made available by the State Ministry of Information and Strategy, stating the government’s drive to ensure residents’ comply with the Lagos State Child Rights Law, CRL 2007.

The 81 offenders were among the 575 Child Abuse cases recorded in Lagos. And Vanguard gathered that the cases include rape, molestation and other forms of abuses perpetrated against children.

According to the CRL 2007, “offenders of the law could either be jailed, fined N200, 000 or both,” based on the judgment delivered at the court.

Sources said that the state through the Ministry of Justice and Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA is prosecuting the offenders.

According to the document, the state recorded “575 Child Abuse cases in the last 100 days. Of this number, 250 children were reconciled with their parents, while 230 are presently in the protective custody of the state government.”

Violence and tyranny The document added that “81 cases involving offenders of CRL were before the court of competent jurisdictions in the state.” The Chief Judge Lagos State, Justice Funmilayo Atilade recently urged the state government to intensify its enforcement of the CRL 2007 across the state.

She lamented that recent happenings showed that violence and tyranny were shifting to the children especially the girl-child.

Worried by the trend, the State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, last December, launched the sex offenders’ register to stem the number of cases recorded daily in the state.

Fashola noted that the country needed to pay more attention to certain categories of crime such as crime against women and children who traditionally are the most vulnerable members of any society.

*These children are supposed to be in school “Unfortunately, the challenges that we face as a nation appeared to have

relegated child abuse. So in a sense, it appears that the unspoken message is that if

you are raped and you are lucky to be alive you should thank God that you have not been bombed. But for us it must

be the other way and this is why the philosophy of the broken window theory of management of crime has been strong in our policy formulation.

“We think that big crimes would only thrive if you overlook small ones. So we will combat every small one with every energy that we have so that those small criminals would not mature to become very big criminals”, the Governor explained.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye recently acknowledged that the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos and its population density indicated that the government must be very attentive and firm in dealing with incidents of Child abuse, rape, defilement or sexual assault lest they spread more rapidly within the communities.

He explained that it is also imperative for the State Government to take action against the crimes so as to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.

Making our internal waterways safe

By Dotun Ibiwoye

B

EING a littoral state, the waterways have become one of the major means of movement in lagos. And this is not without its challenges.

The huge population and passengers on the inland waterways are enough to increase accidents if appropriate measures were not in place.

Recurring water disasters have been so bad that any government will be worried.

Litany of mishaps

In January last year, a boat capsized at Ogogoro village in Navy Town, Boulos in the Apapa area of Lagos state, killing about three people, while seven others were rescued.

Also in April 2, 2014, in Majidun River in Ikorodu, no fewer than eight people reportedly lost their lives, while about 12 others were rescued by local divers.

Last March, a canoe capsized on a canal at 4th Avenue, 42 Road, FESTAC Town, Lagos state, resulting in the death of about 18 passengers.

The Lagos Safety Commission (LSSC) recently took its safety campaign to

various jetties in the state to deliberate on operational challenges and way forward.

Speaking at the flagging off campaign at the *Onlookers at a recent Jetty mishap Tazan Boat jetty, Lekki, the Director General, of the cultural heritage of the Commission, Mrs. Lagosians.

She noted that the decision Dominga Odebunmi said that safety is a critical tool for to embark on safety advocacy development and protection of was necessitated by the unfortunate boat disaster in lives and property.

Odebunmi affirmed that Majidun area of Ikorodu in boating, which entails the use which no fewer than 18 people of canoes for fishing and lost their lives last year.

Odebunmi emphasised the transportation, has been part of need for operators to maintain their boats and jetties for safe operations.

She also called on boat operators and passengers alike to abide by She noted that the laws guiding boat operations in decision to embark the state and to avail themselves of boating courses and other on safety advocacy modern techniques in boat was necessitated by operation to ensure safety of lives the unfortunate boat and properties on Lagos waters.

Reiterating the State disaster in Majidun Government’s decision to reduce area of Ikorodu in accidents to the barest minimum, stressed that the which no fewer than Odebunmi Commission is empowered by 18 people lost their law to regulate safety activities through policy formulation, lives last year advocacy, research, standard

setting as well as quality assurance and monitoring, among others.

Also speaking, Dr. Mashileya of Gani Tazan Marine Enterprises noted that the number of boat mishaps have reduced as a result of the state government’s determination and cooperation with boat operators in the state.

While imploring government to provide ambulances on waterways, he urged operators to ensure that passengers wear their life jackets before embarking on boat ride.

Mr. Ajayi Michael, Deputy Director, Lagos State Fire Service spoke on the need to be safety conscious always, giving assurance that the state Fire Service will soon commence operations on the waterways as the state government recently commissioned 34 fire fighting vehicles as part of its resolve to combat fire incidence.

58 — VANGUARD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 , 2015

Democrats seek to link Jeb Bush with after Bush gave his first reformer who aims to close Romney major policy speech as a the gap between the rich

D

EMOCRATS are unwilling to let Bush define himself as a

EU puts off new Russia sanctions, awaits peace talks

“There is plenty of work left to do. There are a series of questions to answer,” he said, including where heavy weapons should be withdrawn and how to secure Ukraine’s borders.

The EU foreign ministers are backing fresh diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, many rejecting calls by some U.S. politicians to provide lethal defensive weapons to Kiev.

T

HE European Union decided yesteray to temporarily hold off slapping sanctions on more Ukrainian separatists and Russians pending the outcome of possible peace talks this week.

With the leaders of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine due to hold negotiations in Minsk, Belarus, on Wednesday, the EU has delayed placing asset freezes and travel bans on 19 more individuals, including five Russians, for their actions linked to eastern Ukraine. It said the situation would be reviewed Monday.

“The principle of the sanctions is maintained but the application will depend on what happens on the ground,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said.

Fabius said political advisers would meet Tuesday in Minsk to “hopefully” set up talks for the following day between German Chan-

and poor, so they are trying to link him with Romney.

The ex-Massachusetts governor struggled in 2012 against criticism related to his work in private equity and his portrayal by President Barack Obama’s allies as a cold-hearted plutocrat.

“We don’t need to try to show that Jeb is like Romney. He pretty much is Romney,” said Eddie Vale, vice president of American Bridge 21st Century, a liberal group set up to conduct opposition research on Republicans. “When it comes to any ideas or policies, he’s the same as Romney.”

That line of criticism was noticeable this past week

potential presidential candidate. His remarks to the Detroit Economic Club emphasized an upbeat economic message and touched on overhauling the nation’s immigration system and trying to improve the lives of children underserved by public schools.

Democrats countered by circulating the transcript of a 2012 interview in which Bush cited his opposition to the auto bailout. In the interview, Bush said the auto rescue, a key issue in Michigan, was “driven by politics” and he noted the Obama administration’s role in shuttering car dealerships and providing the United Auto Workers union with an equity stake in Chrysler.

US weapons arrives in Lebanon

T

Putin cellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Russian

President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

HE U.S. ambassa dor to Lebanon said Sunday that $25 million worth of weapons and ammunition have arrived in Beirut, the latest American assistance to Lebanon’s army as it fights Islamic extremists along the

Netanyahu modifies speech after criticism

I

SRAELI officials are considering amending the format of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned address to the U.S. Congress next month to try

to calm some of the partisan furore the Iran-focused speech has provoked.

Netanyahu is due to address a joint session of Congress about Iran’s nuclear

programme on March 3, just two weeks before Israeli elections, following an invitation from John Boehner, the Republican speaker of the house.

border with Syria.

Ambassador David Hale said the equipment includes more than 70 M198 howitzers and over 26 million rounds of ammunition and artillery “of all shapes and sizes, including heavy artillery.”

Islamic extremists have launched several attacks on Lebanese troops over the past months in areas near the Syrian border, killing and wounding scores of troops. The most serious attack occurred in August, when members of

the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and the Islamic State group captured two dozen Lebanese soldiers.

They have killed four of them and still hold the rest.

Lebanese and American officials attended a handover ceremony Sunday at Beirut’s port.

“We are very proud of this and this is top-ofthe-line equipment.

This is the best that there is in the marketplace. It’s what our soldiers use,” Hale said.

German drugmaker launches rapid test for Ebola

Gulf leaders reassure G Egypt’s Sisi after audio leak G

ULF leaders have reassured Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi about the strength of their ties, official media said Monday, after he allegedly made offensive remarks about their countries in a leaked recording.

The reassurances came in telephone conversations initiated by Sisi, after a satellite television station aired the audio recording in which he apparently suggests that Gulf monarchies have more money than they need and that Egypt should have some.

The official Saudi Press Agency said on Monday that King Salman assured Sisi that Riyadh’s support for Cairo was “unchangeable” and that nothing could harm the “strategic and exemplary” links between the two sides.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan told Sisi that “any attempts of hatred will not impact on relations between the two countries, which are strong and growing”.

Quoted by the official WAM news agency, Sheikh Mohammed said the United Arab Emirates stood alongside Egypt in its efforts to “strengthen security and its development”.

Sisi has already had similar telephone conversations with the rulers of Bahrain and Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait are the main financial backers of Sisi’s government, having pledged around $12 billion to it since he came to power.

Diplomatic relations

•Al-Sisi between Egypt and Qatar have thawed since the Egyptian army deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 and launched a crackdown on his Dohabacked Muslim Brotherhood movement.

The dispute triggered a crisis between Qatar and its Gulf neighbours of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in March.

It lasted until November, when the three nations reinstated their envoys to Doha

ERMAN drugmak er Stada will launch a test next month that can diagnose Ebola virus infections within minutes, it said yesterday, a move it hopes will help to slow the spread of the disease.

The test, which is being marketed by Stada, was developed and produced by unlisted German diagnostics firm Senova. It yields results based on pre-treated patient blood samples within about 10 minutes.

Stada said its main use would likely be to diagnose the deceased because their body fluids do not need to be pretreated before testing.

Contact by mourners with their dead relatives is a common way for the disease to be transmitted.

“The viral load in people who have died of Ebola is so high that a mere throat swab suffices to perform the rapid test,” Senova owner Hans Hermann Soeffing

said.

The number of new cases of Ebola rose in all three of West Africa’s worst-hit countries last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, ending previously encouraging declines across the region.

In all, 8,981 people have died of Ebola out of 22,495 known cases in nine countries since the outbreak began in December 2013, according to the WHO.

EU threatens sanctions against ‘spoilers’ of Libyan peace talks

E

UROPEAN Union foreign ministers threatened sanctions on Monday against “spoilers” who obstruct efforts by the United Nations to halt fighting in Libya.

Libya has been in chaos since a NATO backed revolt ousted Muammar Gaddafi nearly four years ago, with rival governments

allied to armed groups fighting for legitimacy in a conflict that threatens to split apart the oil-producing nation.

U.N. Special Envoy Bernadino Leon has been struggling to arrange talks between the main factions and EU foreign ministers said after a meeting in Brussels that the bloc was

ready to penalise anyone blamed for thwarting dialogue.

“Those responsible for violence and those who obstruct or undermine Libya’s democratic transition must face consequences for their actions,” they said in a statement. Ministers gave no details of what sort of sanctions might be imposed.

Vanguard, TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 10, 2015—59

Cer tif icat e saga, case closed Certif tificat icate Dear sir TO many compatriots, the attempt by the ruling PDP to sweep the very serious economic and security challenges confronting us as a people under their watch, by raising a non issue like the school certificate of APC Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari smacks of insensitivity and a total disconnect with the people. Or how else should one explain it, that whereas a large portion of Nigerian territory has been carved out by the Boko Haran sect, with over one million inhabitants of the North East region displaced as a result of the six years uprising, yet PDP and its leaders refuse to blink in sympathy.

Rather than use the power at its disposal to checkmate the raging inferno, it chose to play to the gallery, by raising issues not connected to our well being. Anyway, the presidential candidate of APC and former Head of State General Muhammadu

Buhari has in deference to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Nigeria people cleared the air and the case is closed.

It is understandable that sensing the ugly fate that awaits it at the February 14 Presidential poll, PDP like a sinking man is clinching to any available straw to stay afloat, but it is too late as the die is cast, and Nigeria will make PDP and its leaders give account of their over 15 years in the saddle.

Regrettably, their report card has been that of dismal failure, betrayal of Nigerians’ sacred trust, cluelessness in leadership, corruption and greed, and bequeathing on Nigerians a Brentwood economic system that has isolated the greater majority of Nigerians and pauperised them.

Therefore, as we hurriedly approach the D-Day, it would have served its purpose better if PDP had dwelt on addressing

Delta: The Case for Okowa Dear sir AS the general elections draw closer, the excitement in the air is expectedly strong. The parties are geared up and by all appearances this would be the most competitive elections in Nigeria for some time to come. Good for our democracy and the institutions managing the process.

But for me and many residents of Delta state, our excitement is because of the PDP candidate in Delta, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. His candidacy best represents what Delta State requires at this point: competence, integrity and levelheadedness. Too often our state has been controlled by a few people whose interests do not often align with that of the majority.

Now through a rigorous, free and fair process, we have a PDP candidate who holds his election as party candidate not to the whims and caprices of the few, but to the wishes of the majority.

I agree not every Deltan shares this optimism. In fact, when the PDP gubernatorial primary results were announced, there were skepticisms about the winner, especially from the Delta South and Delta Central senatorial zones. But being a unifier that he is, Okowa has worked very hard to heal the rifts caused by the primary. In fact, he started his campaign in the heartland of the Urhobo land, at Oghara and has been visiting major Urhobo kings, seeking their blessings and even more unveiling his blueprint for our people.

He has also worked hard to carry everyone along, selecting a competent running mate and lawyer, Kingsley Otuaro, from among the Ijaws, a major ethnic group in the state that has not held a top elective position before. This act portrays Okowa as a man sensitive to need for unity and balancing, and also shows him as someone who is willing to bend back to accommodate every group.

That’s the kind of man Deltans need at this time. A candidate who’s truly a democrat campaigning on the strength of his ideas; not uppity, thinking that his nomination by a major party is enough to guarantee him victory. I would have been surprised if Okowa had acted differently, considering his records and competences.

Okowa resigned to contest in the 2007 PDP primaries for Governor of Delta State, but did not succeed and in June of 2007,

was appointed Secretary to the Delta state Government. He was voted in as a Senator in the April 2011 elections to represent Delta North in the Nigerian Senate.

That’s the quality of the man who Godwilling will become the governor of our state. A man of great depth, who is working with other respected leaders from the state such as Chief Government Ekpemupolo to continue with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s vision of establishing a prosperous Delta beyond oil.

Tobore Omonisa,Warri, Delta State.

PDP’s flag bearer Dear sir BUT for the memo to His Excellency Governor Godswill Akpabio, by the Forum of Akwa Ibom State PDP Governorship aspirants and signed by the twenty two aggrieved governorship aspirants, Akwa Ibom people would never have known that Emmanuel Udom, the man who is to fly the PDP flag for the 2015 governorship elections, is the incumbent governor’s maternal cousin. The memo in question that revealed Akpabio-Udom relationship, appeared as an advertorial on page 71 of the The Nation On Sunday newspaper of` December 21, 2014. If Emmanuel Udom succeeds Governor Akpabio it would be the second instance that such a dynasty would occur in the South-south of Nigera: namely when Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan succeeded his cousin, former Governor James Ibori in Delta State.

It Barrister Godswill Akpabio at the height of the primaries, that produced him (Akpabio) as PDP’s flag bearer for the governorship election in 2007, accused then Governor Victor Attah, his mentor and benefactor, of scheming to install his (Attah’s) son-in-law, Dr. Bob Ekarika, as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. In the words of Godswill Akpabio, ‘that would amount to creating a dynasty in Akwa Ibom State’. By imposing his cousin, Emmanuel Udom, on the party and on the state, Akpabio is promoting the very ‘sin’ that he roundly accused his predecessor of in 2007.

Obong Akpan Koko, 192 Olusegun Obasanjo road,Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

OBJ’s endorsement of Buhari IT shows the irrelevance, nonsusceptibility and deceitful nature of a Nigerian senior citizen. Buhari shouldn’t assume he has won the election as a result of this.Nigerian youths shouldn’t be cajoled to believing both of them.It is only natural for two old men to flock together.

Otugo, B. O +2348067557715

Nigerian Police and the general elections The Police Force is being used to chase and deal with those opposed to the President . These is the same police we are entrusting our voting materials for 2015 Presidential election to and we expect a free and fair election. Is this possible?

Uduebor Osaro. +2348059826021

C of O and empowerment in Delta state A single instrument that the state Government can use to empower Deltans is issuance of C of O. Unfortunately, corrupt civil servants have introduced obstacles that now makes it almost impossible for Deltans to obtain it on time. In this era of dwindling oil money, it is a very cheap way of producing entrepreneurs since it can be used as collateral in the bank.

The processing of C of O should not take more than two months. I appeal to our amiable Governor to help fast track the processing so as to achieve the Governor ’s dream of Delta beyond oil and the Governor “finishing strong” Dedemo +2348074490347

NASS crisis

In as much as I support the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan, I also admire the incorruptible history of Gen. Muhammed Buhari of the APC. The NASS crisis just made it glaring to me that the personal and party interest of the ruling party is overriding our constitution, democracy and collective national interest. The President and Nigerians should act accordingly to investigate, try and punish the Inspector General of Police and some of the President’s aides for the threat to our democracy and national embarrassment. If we don’t act now, I am afraid the Chief of Army Staff or defence could just copy this act of impunity from the Inspector General of Police. And

when this happens, there will be no fence or gates for anyone of us to jump over. There will be jumping out instead of jumping in. We must protect our democracy.

U. Desmond+2347061933595

Still on NASS crisis

If after Tambuwal’s ADC was withdrawn and Mr President quickly reacted and ordered an immediate recall, I believe that would have been his best campaign for second term. The question now is what was the reaction of Mr President when he heard the news that Tambuwal’s ADC had been withdrawn by the Inspector General of Police and when did the IGP become a judge in Nigeria? Inspector General of Police is now a mini God and unquestionabe .

Osaro Uduebor. +2348059826021 NAFDAC D.G and staff strike I read in the national dailies that NAFDAC Director, Dr. Paul Orhii, plans to sue striking staff of NAFDAC. Permit me to advice Dr. Orhii to follow due process of settling labour disputes, as enshrined in the extant labour laws of the federation. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity is empowered by law to enforce the labour laws of the federation.

Dr. Orhii should avail himself of the services of the Ministry to deal with the on-going strike by staff of NAFDAC. Chukwuma Dioka. Imo State, 2348063286727

NASS impeachment threat The word impeachment is strange in Nigeria politics! May be western trained politicians just want to satisfy their yearning.

What are the offences of President Jonathan that warrants impeachment? Honourable senators should stop this joke.

Anonymous +2348137518785

Nigeria politics

Why is Nigeria politics not only a dirty game but full of blackmail and character assassination? This suggests that we have politicians who lack ideas. This portends danger for the development of our polity and Nigeria.

Romanus Idiroko+2349098049844

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deed and words return back to us sooner or later.

Be kind to get kindness back in return.

Simon Adewale08056180103, Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable.

Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

60 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Liverpool plan Enyeama swoop S

UPER Eagles first choice keeper, Vincent Enyeama is the latest goalkeeper to be linked with a move to Liverpool.

Kop boss Brendan Rodgers is understood to be in the market for a new No.1 after axing Simon Mignolet earlier in the season.

Atsu bags 2 Afcon awards

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HANAIAN attack er Christian Atsu won two prestigious awards during the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] in Equatorial Guinea.

The 23 year old Everton striker was according to cafonline named the Orange Man of the competition and the best player of the Orange Africa Cup. His goal against Guinea at the semis was also named

•Vincent Enyeama

the Nissan Goal of the Tournament.

His teammate Andre Ayew carried home the Pepsi Top Scorer award after topping the charts at the tournament. Ayew netted three goals and provided the highest number of assists. Yet another Ghanaian forward Kwesi Appiah was also named the Fair Player of the tournament while DR Congo who finished third won the Fair Play prize.

Mignolet was dropped for the 3-0 defeat at rivals Manchester United in December after a series of blunders.

He’s since returned to the starting XI following injury to his replacement Brad Jones.

The 32-year-old is cur-

rently at French side Lille, and has featured for his country at three World Cup finals.

Transfermarkt.de reports that Liverpool are scouting the goalkeeper, who is tied to Lille until June 2017. Enyeama is understood to be valued at around £3m.

Sultan charges Eaglets to win CAN Under-17 trophy

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IS Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar IV, the Sultan of Sokoto, has charged the Golden Eaglets to ‘ go and bring the African Under17 Championship trophy’ as he prayed for the team’s successful outing at Niger 2015 holding in Niger between February 15 and March 1. The national U-17 team who are in Sokoto to finalise their preparation for the tournament, paid a courtesy call on the titular ruler of Sokoto in his palace on Monday at the behest of Kogunan Sakwatto, Mallam Danladi Nasir Bako - the Sokoto’s state commissioner for information.

In the presence of some of his high-ranking palace chiefs, the Sultan who is a keen follower of soccer, advised the youngsters to be disciplined and focus on the assignment at hand in Niger in order to bring honour to the country.

“I’m very happy to receive on behalf of the hospitable people of Sokoto and I want to believe this is the first time some of you are coming to the palace,” the Sultan told his guest led by Coach Emmanuel Amuneke. “In fact, this is the first time we are hosting a national team here at the palace and I’m particularly delighted to formally welcome all of you to the palace

as this would afford you the opportunity to know that the Sultan is a human being like you.”

The Amirul Mumineen said he was thrilled that the team dimmed it fit to pay him a courtesy call and seek blessings before embarking on the trip to Niger and coun-

selled they remained good ambassadors of the country. He further counselled officials to continue to play fatherly roles to the players who he warned ‘to obey without question.’

He said further: “We want you to be good ambassadors of this coun-

try when you go to Niger and personally, I want you to go and bring the trophy again to Nigeria. But even as you do this, you must be disciplined and listen to your coaches because without discipline you cannot achieve much even as a footballer.”

•Atsu(7) in action for Ghana

Players’ registration: Clubs get Feb 20 deadline

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•Eaglets at the Sultan's palace in Sokoto.

Okocha, Kanu, Amodu, others off to London as Taleveras redeems pledge

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HE trip of the first batch of highly – qualified Nigerians for match reading and backroom analysis technique programme in the United Kingdom is assured, as sponsors Taleveras Foundation on Monday released the cheque for the amount of money to cover the trip and the programme. Chief Executive Officer of Taleveras Foundation, Mr. Igho Sanomi said on Monday

in Abuja that his organization was extremely proud to be involved in a process meant to facilitate the rapid development of Nigeria football.

“We are doing this based on our belief that the potential is there for Nigeria football to be much better than what it is now, and everyone who has something to offer should come forward and be counted.

“Taleveras Foundation

is excited to be involved in this programme that will see the likes of Nwankwo Kanu, Jay – Jay Okocha, Coach Amodu Shaibu, Garba Lawal and Florence Omagbemi improved themselves in order to be able to deliver positive impact on Nigeria football in the very near future.”

NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, just back from CAF duties at

the 30th Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, praised Taleveras Foundation for the organisation’s professionalism, integrity and keen interest in the development of football in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. “I was at the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, but I was not happy that the Super Eagles were not there to defend their title.

HE League Man agement Company (LMC) has announced a registration deadline of February 20 for clubs to submit their licensing documents for the 2014/ 15 Glo Premier League season which will commence on March 7. The documents include proof of no debts carried over, financial guarantee and medical passport of players.

Salihu Abubakar, the LMC Chief Operating Officer (COO) announced this and said the clubs have been put on notice that mid-week fixtures will hold to accommodate the sociopolitical developments in the country.

“As part of the registration process for the new season, Clubs are to mandatorily provide a quarterly Financial Performance Guarantee of N50m which is a condition for licensing to participate in the league.

Clubs that are in a position to provide a one-off Performance Guarantee of N200m is also encouraged to do so”, Abubakar stated. Clubs must provide the Financial Performance Guarantee on or before March 5, the LMC have stated.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 61

Pinnick Continues fromBP returned from the the Africa Cup Nations tournament in Equatorial Guinea where he commissioned some matches yesterday told journalists in Abuja that from what he saw at the championship, there is every need for younger players to be given the opportunity to represent the country.

According to him, most of the teams at the championship paraded young players that don’t have any big name in football and that was why they displayed their natural talent which brought out the beauty of the game.

“In Equatorial Guinea I saw young and talented players, I saw zeal, national morale and selflessness as well as the hunger to excel.

They were hungry, you could see that there was no Eto, no Drogba, no Muntari and no Michael Essien, may be apart from Yaya Toure

and Asamoah Gyan there was no such other big name.

“When you see these players on television you think they are very old but seeing them physically revealed that they are very young. As a match commissioner I went into their dressing rooms with their captains and referees and I asked one about his age and he told me he was 18 and truly he looked it. These are players that are hungry, people between the ages of 18 to 22 and that is what we possibly lack in the Super Eagles.

“Before we won the AFCON in 2013, there was hunger. One could see what Mba did, how he twisted his leg to score that goal, it was very daring, that could have ended his career but I don’t think he may want to do that again because possibly he would want to save his leg”.

The NFF boss further

NFF

•Keshi hinted that he used the opportunity of the championship to underscore the fact that Nigeria is a well respected member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a position he added that the CAF President, Isa Hayatou reaffirmed at the general meeting of the continental body.

Pinnick however appealed to all stakeholders in Nigerian football to give peace a chance by rallying behind his board to move the game forward because it is not about him but the country.

Continues fromBP the 2015 Afcon qualifiers on an interim basis. After a string of poor results, the NFF announced they were parting ways with the coach, on a day he led the team to a 3-1 victory over Sudan in Abuja. But NFF announced that they were parting ways with Keshi after the minister consulted with the players.

Tammy Danagogo wanted to find out from the players why they were having poor runs in the qualifiers. The players said that the coaches were their problems. It was after this that Danagogo asked the NFF to take any decision they felt was good for Nigeria. An emergency meeting was called in Abuja where they decided not to renew Keshi’s contract.

An intervention from higher quarters saw Keshi back in the saddle but he eventually led the team to a disastrous end as the Eagles failed to qualify for Afcon 2015. The team lost the crown they won in 2013 in South Africa without

reaching the finals in Equatorial Guinea.

Despite this, the Nigeria Football Federation Technical and Development Committee will meet in Abuja today to seal the reappointment of Stephen Keshi with a new contract as Super Eagles coach.

Vice Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh confirmed to Sports Vanguard that the committee would meet and it had a lot of issues to address, but top on the agenda is the case of the senior national team handler.

“We are having a meeting of the technical committee on Tuesday(today) and many far reaching decisions affecting Nigerian football will be taken. We will talk about the contract renewal for Stephen Keshi and that of his assistants among other things,” Fresh said.

Vanguard Sports scooped that Keshi will get a new contract.

Asked by Sports Vanguard if they were under pressure to reengage the 2013 Afcon winner.

“No, we are not under pressure from any quarters. Keshi has done well for the country, and any decision taken would be informed by what has transpired in the past.

Keshi would be judged on merit,” Fresh said.

Although the NFF board member would not admit the pressure from above, it is clear that the coach’s chances are made more certain because of higher influences. Analysts believe Keshi would be uncontrollable as he would become more powerful than his employers.

This was evident in his rejection of backroom staff appointed by the NFF before his temporary return to the team. The media officer of the team, Toyin Ibitoye and camp commandant, Garba Lawal were rejected by Keshi, and his preferred personnel for the job are still with the team to date.

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62 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Toure back to fire City Y

AYA Toure has warned his Manchester City team-mates they might have to win all their remaining matches in order to retain the title.

The Ivory Coast international midfielder helped his country win the African Cup of Nations on Sunday thanks to a penalty shoot-out win against Ghana in the final.

However, Toure has been sorely missed by City with Manuel Pellegrini’s reigning champions

failing to win in their last four Premier League games in his absence, while they were dumped out of the FA Cup against Championship Middlesbrough at the Etihad Stadium. The Citizens currently sit seven points adrift of leaders Chelsea and Toure feels in order to finish at the top of the table this season, they cannot afford to drop anymore points. “With my confidence, I know football is not about one game or

•Fabregas

two games, especially in the Premier League,” said Toure.

“We have 38 games and if we want to achieve it [retaining the title], we have to win all the games.

“I know it is difficult, but now I have to go back and do my duty again.”

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Fabregas set to face Everton

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OSE Mourinho has revealed Cesc Fabregas is likely to return in Chelsea’s

Di Maria: Create separate award for Ronaldo, Messi

home game with Everton tomorrow.

The midfielder has missed the last two matches with

a hamstring problem after limping off in the Capital One Cup semifinal second leg victory over Liverpool.

NGEL di Maria believes FIFA should create a separate award for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Having played with both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel di Maria believes the pair deserve to have their own award to fight over.

Since the inception of the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2010, the pair have picked up the award on every occasion, Messi clinching the title in its first three years before Ronaldo laid claim to it in 2013 and 2014.

“I always say the same thing: that they’re two completely different players,” he told FIFA.com.

“Leo features in every game, making short bursts and nonchalantly dribbling past one, two or three players with great ball control in tight spaces.

“Cristiano is more about power, long range shots… they’re different.

“If I were FIFA, I’d have two Ballon d’Or prizes, one for that pair to fight over, and another for everyone else.”

•Ronaldo

•Messis C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — 63

AFCON win ‘unbelievable’ — Toure M

IDFIELDER Yaya Toure described his country’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) win as “unbelievable” after Ivory Coast beat Ghana 9-8 on penalties to lift the trophy for the first time since 1992.

Goalkeeper Boubacar Barry scored the decisive spot-kick to seal the victory.

The match ended goalless after extra time.

“When you win with your club, it’s quite amazing.

With your country, it’s unbelievable,” he was quoted as saying by bbc.com Monday.

Ivory Coast’s coach Herve Renard became the first coach to win two Afcon titles with different countries, after guiding Zambia to glory in 2012.

“Without the manager we would have won nothing,” the Ivory Coast captain added. “He made things difficult for me. He told me if I didn’t run he’d kick me out.

He’s fantastic.”

CELEBRATION ... Ivory Coast players celebrating their AFCON 2015 victory

Grant proud in defeat G

HANA coach Avram Grant has lauded his team’s performance at the just ended 2015 Africa Cup of Nations despite failing to end their trophyless run.

The Black Stars lost to

•Grant

the Ivory Coast 9-8 in a dramatic penalty shootout of the 30th edition of the tournament hosted in Equatorial Guinea.

Grant says he has a side capable of competing now and in the future.

plea to delay the event was rejected , leading to its relocation.

And despite a riot and poor facilities, Hicham el Amrani rated it a success.

“Based on the time we had, and the circumstances, making it happen the

Barry: I worked for the team nental trophy.

The custodian watched on as team-mates Wilfried Bony and Gadji Tallo missed the target in Cote d’Ivoire’s first two spot-kicks.

But Barry saved Ghana’s third penalty - taken

by Afriyie Acquah - and when Frank Acheampong put Ghana’s fourth

a unit,” Grant told SuperSport TV. “I think we have a team not only for now but for the future.

“Nobody gave us a chance coming into this but we have shown that we can compete all the way.”

AFCON 2015: CAF hails ‘miraculous’ tournament The Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea has been described as “miraculous” by the Confederation of African Football general secretary.

Only in November original hosts Morocco’s

Goalkeeper Boubacar Barry feels he has proved his doubters wrong after helping the Ivory Coast defeat Ghana in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Barry was the centre of attention in the decisive penalty shootout in Bata, as Cote d’Ivoire claimed a 9-8 victory to down Ghana and lift the conti-

The former Chelsea manager is adamant that his youngish side showed remarkable improvement and are now a force to reckon with on the continent.

“We are a very young side but we have shown what we can achieve as

penalty wide, it allowed Cote d’Ivoire to draw level and send it to sudden death.

Barry added to the drama after appearing to pick up an injury on two separate occasions in the shootout, most noticeably before being required to take what turned out to be the decisive spot-kick.

•Barry

way it happened was miraculous - nothing short of that,” he said.

“We’re happy about the whole organisation, in general, with the time we had and the resources we had, and I think it was quite something to have been able to have a tournament that ended up well.”

However, the tournament, which ended on Sunday with Ivory Coast beating Ghana on penalties to lift the trophy , will be remembered as a controversial and troubled one.

Crowd violence marred the semi-final between the hosts and Ghana, when play was interrupted for 30 minutes as missiles were thrown from the stands, forcing Black Stars fans to gather on the

•Hayatou field behind a goal for their own safety.

And there was a hotlydisputed penalty decision in Equatorial Guinea’s quarter-final win over Tunisia, whose players needed to be restrained as they chased referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn off the pitch at the end of the match.

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

SURPRISE: NFF favours Keshi’s return

BY JACOB AJOM

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ESPITE the overwhelming rejection by Nigerians, the apparent foot dragging and prolonged suspense associated with

negotiations for the reengagement of coach Stephen Keshi as Super Eagles handler, the Nigeria Football Federation is heavily tilted towards giving the coach another chance.

22 die as Police, Zamalek fans clash

We need ‘hungry’ Eagles – Pinnick

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

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RESIDENT of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick says his

•Pinnick

Keshi’s contract with the NFF lapsed after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He was brought back the by the Minister of Sports to guide the Super Eagles through Continues on Page 61

board will work towards having young and talented players to play for the senior national team, the Super Eagles.

Pinnick who just Continues on Page 61

JUBILATION: Ivory Coast captain (Toure) with the cup.

Afcon win unbelievable — Toure, Pg.63 QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 4 Film (5) 7 Aid (6) 9 Break (3) 10 Snake (3) 12 Stalks (5) 13 Bunch (4) 15 Senior (5) 17 Dish (6) 19 Curves (4) 20 Speed (5) 22 Operate (3) 24 Coloured (7) 27 Container (3) 28 Direction (5) 31 Block (4) 33 Glove (6) 35 Follow (5) 37 Join (4) 38 Ridge (5) 39 Rug (3) 41 Tool (3) 42 Show (6) 43 Trick (5)

DOWN 1 Cur (6) 2 Bluffs (6) 3 Network (3) 4 Horse (4) 5 Musical (5) 6 Unseemly (8) 8 Nourishment (4) 11 Metal (9) 14 Children (4) 16 Priest (4) 18 Remaining (4) 21 Wealthy (8) 23 Home (4) 25 Intentions (4) 26 Executes (4) 29 Irregular (6) 30 Modest (6) 32 Started (5) 34 Rip (4) 36 Immediately (4) 40 Peg (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Joke 4, Tab 6, Sets 9, Mar 10, Machismo 11, Iron 14, Lea 16, Beast 19, Recharge 21, Waive 23, Elevates 24, Meets 27, Ere 31, Grab 33, Wedding 34, Orb 35, Army 36, Gay 37, Meek.

DOWN: 2, Opal 3, Echo 4, Tesserae 5, Boot 6, Smile 7, Ear 8, Trots 12, Broom 13, Scene 14, Law 15, Agile 17, Acute 18, Tryst 20, Everyday 22, Eve 25, Error 26, Tabby 28, Twig 29, Film 30, Ogre 32, Arm.

How to Play Sudoku

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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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